Here are some tips that can help you find those fantastic cruise deals.

Book last minute

Many of the best deals are to be found on last-minute bookings; that is, cruises that are due to depart within the next month or two. If you are able to travel at relatively short notice, you’re far more likely to pick up a bargain. Check cruise specialist websites and tour operators when looking for last minute deals.

Deals can be found last minute because cruise companies do not want to sail without filling up their ships to capacity first. For this reason, if there are cabins going spare close to departure, the prices can drop dramatically, meaning you benefit from the reduced rate.

Talk to the experts

By calling or visiting a specialist cruise adviser, you can find out about deals that aren’t necessarily listed anywhere else. A cruise specialist will have completely up to date knowledge about what’s available, as well as a working relationship with the cruise providers, so they’re the best people to provide tailored advice and information about cruises that will meet your specifications and your budget.

You may also be able to find special deals to the specific destinations you want to visit. If you are unsure about where exactly you want to go on your cruise, they may be able to help advise you as to the best options available for your price range.

Focus on the benefits

Good cruise deals are not just about the price of the cruise. It’s worth considering the whole experience you’re getting for your money; cheap cruises should be cruises at a special price, not cruises that compromise on any of the luxury.

Cruises should be about your accommodation, the food, the entertainment, the destinations you visit and everything else that goes into creating the cruise holiday experience. Try to focus on these things more so than the price to ensure your cruise experience is going to include everything you want.

Travel Insurance

Sadly from time-to-time accidents and incidents do happen on holiday, and travelling without decent travel insurance could you see you out of pocket running into tens of thousands of pounds.  Therefore if you haven’t already done so, read more about travel insurance here.

Getting to the Airport

Unless you have someone kind enough to drive you to the airport you will need to consider how you will get there to catch your flights.

By Taxi

Taxis are the most convenient way considering you don’t have to cart your luggage to the train station and it will drive you right up to your terminal.  However most airports are situated on the outskirts of most cities making taxis fares expensive.  Having said that many companies will provide special rates if you call ahead of time and you can actually bargain with different taxi firms to get the best deal.

By Car

Another convenient way to travel to the airport is by car especially if you travel with your family.  But then you need to consider airport parking and how much is it going to cost.  Most large airports in the UK, including Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester Airports have more than one parking supplier to choose from.  By shopping online and paying upfront you can usually save money compared to paying on arrival.  Therefore if you are looking for Heathrow, Gatwick or Manchester Airport parking, look online at various suppliers to find the best deal.

Travelling Around

Okay, so you have arrived at your destination but how are you going to travel around and get from A to B.  Depending on whom you are travelling with and where you are going will most likely determine what method of getting around you will choose.  Here are some considerations to help you plan.

By Foot & Public Transport

You can’t beat getting a true feel of the place you visit by walking around and exploring the local area by foot.  You will truly get a feel for a place by seeing everything up close and personal and most importantly it is good of your health and it is free.  However if you travel to a big city, walking can be tiring and you might not get chance to see everything you desire.  For this reason you might want to search online to find out if there are any weekly travel passes for trains and buses.  In many cities you will find cheaper rates if you pay upfront for a weekly travel ticket.  Moreover if you are travelling with your family you can in some places pay for family passes.  These can save you a lot of money when

By Car

Car hire for many people is a great way to get around, you can stop when you please and go anywhere you want at a time and pace that is suiting for you.  Driving abroad will also give you freedom to explore a wider region and take in the sights of the local areas.  Having said that, if you are travelling as a couple or alone, car hire can be expensive and you might have to pay more for travel insurance that covers you for driving or take our a separate car hire insurance policy.  Moreover if you are travelling for the purpose to meet people and get to know the local area, car hire is probably not for you.

But if you are travelling with a group of people or with your family car hire is a great way for you to get around.  The cost can be divided by each person bring the cost right down.  Buying bus or train tickets each time you want to travel will soon add up if you have to buy for each member.

Overall these hints and tips on planning for your holiday travel extras are just a reminder of what you have to do and plan for, but the main thing to remember is planning is the key for saving money and getting the most from your holiday.

The two key factors in determining the price of package holidays are timing and location.  In terms of location, the price you’ll pay is not solely determined by the distance you’ll have to travel.  Economies of scale are particularly relevant to the travel industry.  This means that the more popular the destination, the larger and therefore cheaper the bulk-buy for tour operators when putting together holiday deals. Established flight providers Monarch now offer a range of package holidays for example, which means that traditional operators are branching out to offer a more complete service.

If you are not fussy about the exact location of your holiday, as long as you see the sun, you may be able to find the best bargains through last minute bookings. Most people are now aware of the bargains that can be picked up through last minute bookings, with the general rule of thumb being that the later you leave the booking, the cheaper the package will be.  Basically, tour operators offer these deals to ensure that at least some revenue is extracted from any vacant airplane seats and accommodation already paid for in the aforementioned block bookings.  This means that the last minute deals available are determined by trends in mass consumption, and can therefore be fairly random.

If you have a firm idea of where you want to go, however, the opposite advice applies when it comes to making your booking – book as early as possible.  Bookings up to nine months in advance can secure better deals, as again, this helps the tour operators with the block booking process, helping match supply to demand.

Another timing issue that can have a huge influence on the cost of package holidays is when you will take your holiday.  Peak season is largely determined by the school summer holidays, and so holidays at this time will come at a premium.  For those with children, there may be little option but to take the family vacation during this time, so make sure that you book as early as possible.

1) Get to know your destination

Most of us have a rough idea what our holiday destination offers, after all something must have attracted you to go there in the first place.  However if it is the first time visiting your holiday destination it is a really good idea to take time and get to know what it offers.  Learn about the surrounding areas before you depart and you might discover there is much more besides the local pool, restaurant and bars.  You might discover a hidden gem tucked away in a nearby village or a deserted beach offering a little more peace and tranquillity than the local beach resort.  Moreover you often find resorts often cater to holidaymaker’s tastes and to taste the true authentic flavour of the local cuisine and culture you will have to travel further afield.

2) Prepare your holiday extras in advance

Now that you have planned what things you want to do and places you want to visit, now comes a time when you must consider how to get around and how to insure yourself against accidents.   You don’t really want to be rock climbing, swimming in unmanned waters, or driving a hire car without insurance.  The travel market is a competitive market so finding a cheap deal on travel essentials and extras such as insurance or car hire shouldn’t be difficult but make sure you get quotes on like for like packages to know that you are getting a fair price.  All that glitters is not gold, and this is the same for many prices offered by travel companies.   Most companies will bundle things together so if you get a quote on car hire with insurance from one company, make sure the other company include insurance costs in their quotation.

You must also ensure you get yourself vaccinated and have the correct visas if you are travelling outside of Europe.  You may want to contact your doctor and look at official tourist boards to seek medical advice on the destination you plan to visit.  Lastly, if you plan on driving to the airport you should pre-book parking in advance to get the best deals.  Some companies such as Airparks offer up to 60% cheaper prices for people who pre-book than those who pay on arrival. They offer East Midlands Airport parking in the UK starting from £2.50 per day. Which means your car can be securely parked for under £20 for one week.

3) Travel out of season

Okay, most of us would prefer to travel during the summer months when the weather is warmest but if you can delay your holiday until the busiest seasons end you will get more for your money.  If it is possible to travel outside of school term time and before or after the summer season you can expect prices on flights, hotels and even car hire to drop.  Though this isn’t feasible for people with families you should take full advantage of cheaper prices if your budget is tight and you don’t travel with family.

4) Read reviews

The most valuable information gained about your holiday location can be from reading online reviews.  What other way can be better than learning from someone else that has already has experience of the places you intend on visiting.  However you should take and use these reviews wisely, remember that a large number of tourists travel each year and only a small percentage of people write reviews. And of those who decide to write a review are often people who want to complain about something.  Therefore try a few different websites that host trusted reviews from real people.   You might want to buy a recommended guide book written by a trusted publisher such as Lonely Planet.  These books can warn you of dangers and recommend must things to do and see.  They can be a real life saver as well as helping you enjoy your holiday to the max.

5) Keep all important documents together

Desperate to get on the beach to bask under the sun and sip sangria can leave you easily forgetting about the importance of storing your important documents away securely.  Spend a little extra and pay for a room with a safe or take a secure padlock with you to secure things such as your passport, travel insurance and cash cards safely. You should also make copies of such documents to leave with some people back home and also keep with you in case you lose them.   This can save you a big headache trying to retrieve anything that gets lost or stolen. Your holiday should be relaxing!

Avoid car hire shortages this summer

Each week there seems to be news coming from car hire suppliers warning tourists of possible car hire shortages this summer.  Last year car hire in Portugal and car hire in Spain saw shortages which left tourists disappointed and without transport for their long awaited holidays.  Shortages are even more likely this year due to economic pressures forcing some suppliers to reduce the size of their fleets during the quieter winter season.

Therefore the obvious advice for tourists is to check availability at the same time when searching for flights, change your dates if necessary and book online as early as you can.  If you search online using a car hire broker you will be able to search for availability across suppliers quickly and check prices to find the best deal at the same time.

Also check the local legislation, if you are travelling with kids, they might be required by law to travel using an approved child seat.  Again in the high season child seats might be in high demand and if you don’t plan to travel with a child seat in your suitcase, you better request them at the same time you hire your car.  Without a seat you might have a car but will not be permitted to drive.

Lastly, don’t plan your entire holiday around being able to drive.  There are still many alternatives to car hire to travel around. Albeit can be more restrictive and less convenient, trains, buses and taxis are always an option if car hire is unavailable.  Don’t let any shortages spoil your summer vacation.

Does the opportunity cost outweigh money saved on cheap packages?

Travelling these days is easy with a host of companies offering their travel services and many comparison sites finding you the cheapest deals on hotels, car rental, travel insurance and flights. The travel industry is a competitive arena and picking up a cheap deal isn’t too difficult with companies competing for your business. However if you wish to enjoy yourself and relax, travelling should not be about finding the cheapest deals. It should be about finding the best quality for a decent price.

Don’t just consider the price of doing things but consider the opportunity cost. In other words what are the benefits of upgrading your package? Does paying more on your hotel room mean the added benefits of space, comfort and cleanliness outweigh the extra $25 per night it takes to pay for this privilege?

Long Haul Flights

If you are jetting off half way around the world to get where you are going you need to endure a long haul flight, then make sure you choose your connecting flights carefully. Often cheap connecting flights have a long wait between flights and you will be left to entertain yourself for hours in a cold airport with very few seats providing comfort. Waiting around can make an enduring journey even more testing, therefore check to see how long you have to wait for your onward flight and establish the opportunity cost for taking a more expensive flight

Inclusive Hotel Packages

Going for the all inclusive bed, breakfast and evening meal hotel package may be appealing because of the convenience it provides and the money it saves on eating out, however the value it delivers may not outweigh the opportunity cost. The food might not be up to the standard you wish to eat and your individual tastes aren’t catered for, usually inclusive meals are mass produced for all hotel guests that are expected to eat the same thing at the same time each day. Which if you are late, means you will be left to eat the leftover food marauded by the people there before you. Therefore the opportunity cost might be that it is worth paying extra for eating out rather than going for that inclusive deal and getting more enjoyment and better value for money.

Car Hire

If you are trying to do things on a budget and opt for the cheapest car hire deal you might find yourself regretting your choices. Usually the cheapest car hire deal available will be a small economic car; good for two people but more than two you will be struggling to pack you and your luggage inside, making an uncomfortable journey for everyone. It is best to consider how many people you will travel with, what luggage you will be carting around and how long you will be driving. Perhaps the cheapest car doesn’t seem too appealing once you take these into consideration. Read more car hire advice and car hire tips help you choose which company to book with.

In light of the above it is always better to think carefully of what your holiday means to you and how much you are willing to pay for it. Don’t just go for the cheapest deal as this might not deliver the comfort and enjoyment you are hoping for and paying a little extra might well be worth it in the long run. After all, a holiday is usually for relaxation and enjoyment.

When booking car hire for any type of holiday, travelers are bound to encounter a number of extra options upon finalising the agreement. From specifying various add-ons such as navigation systems to picking the number of seats or amount of trunk storage, arranging for the ideal car hire situation is worth a bit of time and patience.  Some car hire companies offer people to purchase their damage excess refund policy often referred to as DER.   This article will discuss DER policies and you should learn what a DER policy is, what it covers and why you should consider this option.

Avoiding paying excess costs with DER puts your mind at ease

Car Hire Insurance

Of special importance is the process of selecting insurance options for the car. Even in the best conditions with experienced drivers, accidents can occur, and it’s essential to step into a rented vehicle with the protection of an insurance policy. Travelers investigating car hire and insurance options may have the choice to purchase a damage excess refund, which can significantly cut costs in the event of a crash. Understanding this component of insurance can lead to a more secure and confident car hire experience.

Though car hire insurance is normally covered in the price of your rental agreement, it is important you ask what exactly you are covered for.  More often than not insurance policies that are included in your agreement are very basic leaving you to pay excess fees on costs that aren’t covered.  This could leave you faced with a bill for a large sum of money. This is where DER policies prove to be useful.

What is Damage Excess Refund

Damage excess describes the amount for which travelers are liable in case of accident. This means that while the insurance policy will pay for some damages to the car, an initial amount will be incurred by the policy holder. The specific amount varies depending on the car hire company and insurance carrier used, and different countries tend to allot different damage excess figures. In most cases, however, the amount is significant, and drivers can find themselves at a considerable financial disadvantage if something goes wrong during the rental period. Just as health insurance costs cover various visits and procedures after a certain sum has been paid out of pocket by the patient, car hire insurance comes with a figure for which the driver is responsible, and minimising this figure is a sound way to avoid extra costs.

Purchasing a damage excess refund waives this amount, allowing for little to no monetary burden should the unexpected occur. Though it can be tempting to consider the damage excess refund as an unnecessary expense, those drivers who decide to opt for this policy can relax in the knowledge that they won’t be held accountable for large sums of money.  Car hire brokers such as car hire 3000 offer good deals on DER, always ask whoever you book with about their DER.

How Does Damage Excess Refund Policies Work?

By accepting to pay extra for DER at the time of rental will mean that any excess costs will be refunded but the holder of the DER policy will be required to initially cover the costs of excess damage.  This cost will then be refunded to the policy holder after producing the receipt of excess costs.  Some types of damages, of course, and crashes that occur in certain situations such as during illegal drinking and driving episodes are typically not covered by damage excess refunds.   Other things often not covered with such policies include, damages to windscreens, tyres, the cars undercarriage and in some cases personal injury.  Asking car hire company representatives about the limitations of their refund policy will provide peace of mind for concerned motorists.

Summary

Planning for the worst-case scenario might not be the easiest or most popular way to prepare for a trip, but when working with car hire, purchasing a damage excess refund is a step that costs little and can result in major savings. Car hire clients who take advantage of a refund offer can typically expect to provide a package of report documents should they need to claim the refund, and should be able to obtain a prompt reimbursement for the funds charged. With the security of this refund as part of a trip’s safety net, travelers can focus on enjoying themselves and leaving anxiety behind.

Find more advice on travel insurance

Since publishing the long-haul flights travel tips article a large number of people have asked ‘what is the best footwear for long-haul flights?’  There is no fast and hard answer for this question as it is really down to taste and comfort. However here are some following points to consider.

1. The cabin temperature – Are your shoes warm enough?
2. Comfort – Are your shoes too tight?
3. Breathability – Will your feet sweat?

Cabin Temperature – Are your shoes warm enough?

The cabin temperature on long-haul flights can tend to get cold at times and by keeping your feet warm you will feel warmer all over.  Though most airlines provide free socks on most longhaul flights, it is a good idea to avoid open toe shoes and wear your own socks.

Don’t wear sandals, keep your feet covered and keep warm.

Comfort – Are your shoes too tight?

Sitting for long periods of time and flying at high altitude increases chances of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) due to restricting the blood flow through your body.  Don’t wear shoes that are too tight and shoes that come high up on your leg, also avoid shoes with thin straps that when fastened could restrict your blood flow even more.  Slip on shoes and comfortable loafers are ideal a they are easy to remove when sitting and slip on when you need to get up and stretch your legs.

Read more on  Deep Vein Thrombosis

Breathability – Will your feet sweat?

Do your shoes allow your feet to breath? Not only can it be embarrassing to remove shoes unleashing an odour so powerful penetrating every corner and every orifice of the cabin, making people talk and heads turn, but shoes that aren’t able to let your feet breathe are more likely to make your feet swell causing some discomfort and possibly reducing the flow of blood.  Therefore avoid shoes made from plastic and cheap synthetic materials and buy yourself a nice pair of shoes that let your feet breathe.

These are just a few tips and points of advice for you to think about before you fly, if you have any other tips please feel free to leave a comment and let our readers know.

Read our review on the Kamati GTX Boots to find out what we think of them as a travel shoe.

1. Do I need to take anti-malaria drugs?
2. Do I need Mosquito Repellent?
3. What type of repellent is best?
4. When is the best time to apply mosquito repellent?
5. What clothes should I wear?
6. Shoul I Keep Cool

Do I need to take anti-malaria drugs?

Mosquitoes that transmit malaria can sometimes lay dormant depending on the time of year and they reside only in rural areas.  So if you plan on staying in the city or your vacation is planned during the dormant season, then the need for anti-malaria drugs is less.

There are different types of drugs on the market that each come with a different price tag and each with different side effects, if you are going to take them it is advisable to check which drugs have fewest side effects.  Do online research about your destination and always ask your doctors advice, especially if you are pregnant.

Do I need Mosquito Repellent?

A simple answer is yes!  Even if you don’t think you get bitten much, you most likely do but don’t show signs of bites.  Some people react differently to the anti coagulant found in mosquito’s saliva which prevents blood from clotting and causes irritable red inflammations.  Just because you don’t have an allergic reaction like some people, doesn’t mean you are safe.  A top tip is to take with you some antihistamine medicine to help reduce the itchiness and risk of infection caused by too much scratching which breaks the skin and can leave you scarred.

“Remember, prevention is better than cure”

What type of repellent is best?

Applying a repellant that contains 25-50% DEET usually works best for keeping the blood suckers and other nasties at bay. The downside to using this is that it can be bad for your skin and contains chemicals which can be toxic.  Avoid these types especially if you are pregnant and don’t use on young children, so check out the natural repellents that are on the market.

When is the best time to apply mosquito repellent?

Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn, so apply your repellent before it gets dark and apply it if you wake up early.  Where Dengue fever is present, use the repellent sparingly throughout the day because the mosquitoes that transmit dengue fever are active during the day.  Sadly these mosquitoes also populate urban areas and being in the city doesn’t mean you are safe.  If you choose to use natural repellents you will most likely have to apply these more often, but always read the instructions before use.

What clothes should I wear?

Avoid dark colours, believe it or not but mosquitoes are attracted by dark colours, for this reason try and avoid wearing black at times of high mosquito activity.  Instead wear Khaki coloured clothing, light brown and light green and cream coloured loose clothing, with long trousers and sleeves to cover yourself properly.  Don’t wear open toe sandals, wear socks and avoid tight clothing.

Should I Keep Cool?

According to research carbon dioxide and lactic acid help mosquitoes hone in on their victims.  Therefore try to keep cool and avoid unnecessary exercise around the times mosquitoes are most active. Good excuse for some of you not to rush about!

For further reading on mosquitorepellents and advice visit:

• http://chemistry.about.com/cs/howthingswork/a/aa050503a.htm
• http://www.webmd.com/allergies/features/avoid-mosquito-bites