We all look forward to vacations, but have you ever met someone who looks forward to packing? Neither have we.
But we all do it, and doing it well makes all the difference on your trip. These great tips might just get you excited to pack your next bag! (And don’t forget our tips on avoiding baggage fees!)
Got a great packing tip of your own? Share it in the comments!
photo credit: Christian Lambert Photography via photopin cc
Cruise package prices usually include accommodations, some activities, on-board entertainment, baggage handling, some food and the use of any public facilities on the ship. However, there are several other charges to be aware of when planning a cruise. Port fees and taxes are added, and these vary depending on the port location. Some local governments may also add a head tax, which is an extra fee per passenger to help cover the cost of maintaining a port’s infrastructure.
People who must fly to their port of call may also choose to add airfare to a package. It is helpful to check with the cruise line to see if this added charge includes or excludes baggage and handling costs. Some premium restaurants and special activities on a cruise may cost extra. While most food is free on a cruise, free beverages are limited. Fortunately, there are ways to save money in all of these areas.
This week, our Operations Manager, Carlos, shares the strange story of his accidental Hawaii Honeymoon… Enjoy!
It all started with a search for cheap flights to Hawaii while sitting on a couch in a friend’s living room. There happened to be a good deal for a round-trip flight from LA to Maui, and minutes later a group of 6 of us were weeks away from what would become my pre-wedding honeymoon trip.
Baggage Fees Explained
For those of us who travel on a regular basis, baggage fees are just a necessary evil. When these fees began approximately five years ago, it was in direct correlation to the rising costs of jet fuel. When the price per gallon for fuel jumped more than 40 percent in 2008, airlines knew that they could not sustain a profitable business without increasing their net gains.
Travelers dislike seeing higher ticket prices and comparison shop largely based on that metric, so instead of increasing the cost of buying a seat on the plane, airlines began adding extra fees. These fees include payment for increased legroom, making last-minute flight changes, fast-tracking through security lines, and purchasing upgraded in-flight meals. However, the most common, and possibly the most irritating, new fee was for baggage.
It is as American as apple pie and baseball to watch fireworks bursting into the air on July 4, and there are festivities scheduled that holiday in what seems like every city and town in the country. However, there are five cities that stand out.
