Cruise Travel

Stuart S. Travel asked:


The best time to travel is in the holidays, right? Not if you want to make big savings on your traveling costs it’s not. If you travel in off peak (or low season) periods, or even in the shoulder season, you’ll find traveling costs a lot less.

 

Where are you traveling? Do you know the peak travel times for this destination? Summer and spring, no matter where you are, are generally considered the peak seasons to travel, unless you are a winter sports enthusiast. In that case, ski resorts will be having their peak season in winter. And what hemisphere are you thinking of visiting? The seasons differ depending on whether you are north or south. For example, the North America summer months are June, July, August but in Australia the summer months are December, January and February. You will need to research your destination to find out the low season times to visit.

 

First of all, what type of savings can you expect to make if you travel in the off-peak season? 

1. Air fares are much cheaper. There are less people wanting to fly so air carriers drop their prices to attract customers. Take advantage of these great savings. If you are traveling in the high season, see if you can book a flight mid-week. These flights are generally cheaper too.

2. Accommodation is cheaper and more readily available. In high season it can be difficult to find a place to stay in popular tourist destinations and when you do find somewhere it can be up to twice as much as when traveling in the off peak.

3. Eating in restaurants can be cheaper too. Owners will be trying to attract patrons so see what sort of deals you can find when eating out.

 

There are some other positives to traveling in the off peak season, other than saving money. There are fewer tourists for one, so visiting any cultural sight will be much more enjoyable. You can get more of an idea of what a destination is really like without the thousands of extra people. Experiencing the true culture is a real bonus. Did you know that opera season is in full swing in Europe in winter? Or that winter in Australia is often the best time to visit places in the north when the humidity and heat are bearable. Or how about visiting the best holiday markets in Germany in December? Do some research to find out what your chosen destination can offer in off peak, ones that you won’t experience in high season travel times.

 

So what are the negatives of traveling in the off peak? Well there are a few, but if you plan well you can overcome most drawbacks. Off peak usually means traveling in colder weather and that also means less daylight hours. Pack wisely and remember to dress in layers for the cold weather. Some tourist places close earlier or do not open at all in the off peak, so check up before you go so you are not disappointed. You will also find that in some areas the public transport system does not run as often as in peak tourist season. Find out what options you have to get to places and don’t be caught out missing the last bus home in the middle of winter, in the middle of nowhere! Some hotels and museums close down for the winter to re-furbish and get ready for the next high season influx of tourists. You can gamble and bargain your way to a great accommodation deal once you get to your destination, but all your bartering skills will be of no use if the hotels are all closed. It’s best to check what’s open before you go.

 

If traveling in the off-peak doesn’t sound attractive to you, then you might like to try the shoulder season and still get some travel price reductions. The shoulder season is considered the period leading up to and away from the high season. Usually in this time you’ll get decent weather, less crowds and lower travel costs – not the great bargains you’ll get in off peak, but lower costs nonetheless.

 

This article is brought to you by: Stuart S. Travel – Your Online Travel Guru

www.stuartstravel.com



Emanuel

Stuart S. Travel asked:


Of course you could! There are plenty of opportunities for travelers who want to work overseas especially if you speak English or better yet, are bilingual. But to work abroad there are some things to consider before you go.

 

1. Find out if Americans can work in the country you intend to travel to. Not all countries allow foreigners to work there while they are visiting.

2. Get a work permit. This documentation is different from your passport or visa. You can organize a work permit before you leave home or once you arrive in the country you want to work in. This will depend on where you intend to work. 

3. If you are a traveling student, it may be easier to get work through a student work exchange plan. Or you may even be able to organize a transfer through your company to work abroad. If so, all the leg work will be done for you.

4. If you have a particular job in mind, in a particular country, then you will need to do some research and contact potential employers before you go. If you do find someone wishing to employ you before you leave on your travels, get them to send you a letter stating the employment offer with a copy to their respective government. You will then be issued with a work permit for that country.

5. Consider working as a volunteer on your travels. Volunteer organizations are looking for helpers to assist with programs all over the world. You will be paid by the organization (usually just transport, food and board expenses), not the country you are going to. You do not need a work visa to be a volunteer in these programs.

 

If you are going to work overseas while traveling, register with the nearest embassy in the country you are visiting. Make sure you find out about the country you will be working in. Know if there are any travel warnings, political unrest and cultural conditions you should be aware of before you go. What immunizations do you need? Find out about the local laws, including employment legislations. And don’t forget that while earning an income overseas, you will be subject to that country’s tax laws.

 

Will you need to drive for your job overseas? If so, you will have to arrange an international driver’s permit. You must also take with you your valid American driver’s permit. All countries handle driving a little differently so check out what rules you’ll need to abide by to drive in your country of choice. 

 

Working while traveling is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture of the country you are visiting. Be organized if you want to subsidize your travel budget dollar in this way. Don’t forget you can always offer to work in hostels in exchange for cheaper (or even free) board as a way to supplement your traveling costs.

 

This article is brought to you by: Stuart S. Travel – Your Online Travel Guru

www.stuartstravel.com



Brynn

Mary asked:


I like to travel but would like to find someone around my age and same interest to share the cabin.

Caroline

Stuart S. Travel asked:


Can you get a job over the summer while traveling? There are plenty around and many aimed at travelers specifically. Organize your work permit and check out the local paper for jobs for travelers. You’ll be amazed at what kind of work you can find to do.

 

1. You could become an au pair or nanny. There are many opportunities to look after people’s other kids while traveling. Try England, South Africa or Australia for starters.

2. You could teach English. In a number of countries there are opportunities for English teachers. If you are bilingual you’ll have a much better chance of scoring one of these jobs in places like Japan.

3. How about working in a pub? In England there are opportunities for free board in pubs where you are prepared to pull a beer. Hospitality jobs are relatively easy to come by in Australia.

4. Have you ever considered working at children’s holiday camps in the USA or Russia as a camp counselor?

5. You could become a fruit picker! Get to work in the fields all over the world.

6. What about a winter holiday job? Can you ski? You can get jobs as ski or snowboard instructors in many ski resorts all over the globe.

7. How about becoming a Jack or Jillaroo on an outback station in Australia? Immerse yourself in the culture of the outback.

8. Is there work available at the hostel you are staying at? It won’t hurt to ask. Sometimes you can exchange work for free food and board or at least a reduction in the price.

 

Apart from paid positions, you can also get volunteer work in many places. Volunteering your services can get you free food and board. How about volunteering on a farm? Or being a hike trail or tourist guide volunteer? You’ll get to see the sights for free.

 

For those of you who may be looking for a more serious work/travel experience there are other opportunities. For example, can you get a transfer with your current job to an overseas position? Or do you want to do something worthwhile in your gap year? Programs are available for students to travel in their gap year and get involved in some amazing projects all over the world. You could work in the publishing industry in India or teach children with special needs. There are many organizations set up to help place people who want to broaden their horizons by volunteering their services in foreign countries.

 

If you think working or volunteering while you are traveling would be a possibility for you, make sure you find out if you need work permits to do so. Using your skills while traveling is a great way to save money and meet people. You’ll be rewarded in many ways.

 

This article is brought to you by: Stuart S. Travel – Your Online Travel Guru

www.stuartstravel.com



Christopher

Tom M asked:


Can anyone advise of an Australian cruise and/or travel forum or bulletin board.
Looking to swap/gain information on cruise/travel experiences by mainly Australians on their overseas cruises, found a ‘local’ one recently but haven’t been able to find it again.
There are good overseas sites eg
Crusie Critic’ but it has a decided leaning to American wants, needs and outlooks and we all know us Aussies put a slightly different slant on almst everything.

Nicolas

George Wood asked:


Travelling on a cruise is a memorable experience which will preserve in your mind everyday. If you are ever been to Cruise will be one of the lifetime experiences as a boat adventure. It will make you feel uneasy if you are boarding alone. What ever if you have family or friends you will enjoy precious moment that ever you have.

You will keep in your mind that you are going for holiday trip for your relaxing. There will be many people on the board. Yes there are lot more facilitations that you never expect. You are no need to cook and wash your dishes on the duration of the cruise. Every thing will maintain by the cruise staff. Only when you are ready to embark on a relaxing holiday you will became one of the temporary communities of cruise ship. You should also include ship staff in that sailing community. Obviously, there are some common rules of decorum you need to apply in your exchanges your views on the ship.

You also have to maintain some decorum manners when you are on the ship. You have to provide courtesy tips to the wait staff at a restaurant or the maid at a hotel. You also found the same staff on the cruise ship, so do not be hesitate to avoid them and let the sea or ocean drown that habit. Although you have already paid for the cruise, you have to make up your mind that you are the staffs shoes for a moment. That is why it will be the best manner for you. So are going to giving a tip to the wait staff as a nice gesture and it will be appreciated by them very well. Yes it is true that you will enjoy cruise even more when wait staff served foods and clean rooms that deserves some thanks.

You can even have a lot more fun while you are in board. You will all types of amusement wit your companions on the board with out any hesitation. You will also able to get funny, romantic or even silly ones on the Cruise. It is no necessary to give tips to your fellow passengers. However, each cruiser can contribute independently and freely to the general pleasant atmosphere on the ship. You should avoid your conversation while you are in theatre room which will make disturbance to other fellow passengers.

Shipping on cruise will make your memory box full. You will get nice memory of your first dinner in cruise ship. So before you are in to the dinning hall you have to observe your dress code seriously, as you will not get any body in casual dress. Other wise you can choose the informal restaurant on the ship, or you can order room service. Make sure that no one would feel offended by your non-compliant apparel, in case of that you are the only one who can do something about that by your sweet manner.

Do not forget these guidelines while you are on the ship. While you are on a boat with several hundred other people you will your self uneasy. You should keep in your mind that you are the one of the other travellers, so you might account for their own uneasiness. Your kind words and gentle smiles will help everyone relax and enjoy the vacation.



Raul

firehd asked:


how fast does an average cruise liner travel? how many knots?

Sarah

Travel.mapsofworld asked:


Your Cruises to Italy will prove to be quite exciting during which you can experience optimum luxury. In your cruise to Italy you can either sail on a yacht or tour in a major cruise line. You can also take a cruise ride while spending your long awaited vacation in the mainland Italy.

The cruise ride will take you through the Western Mediterranean. The tour will be quite enchanting and you will be mesmerized by the gushing sound of the waves as the propellers make way through the sea. At night the temperature cools down and you can enjoy the breeze standing on the deck. This is indeed one of the most relaxing way to travel and explore the coastline of Italy.

You can go for a short sailing or go for long voyages as a part of your cruise rides in Italy. These rides are going to pamper the travelers with their friendly environment and warm hospitality. You can book your favorite cruise and visit your desired location.

For the sailing enthusiasts, they can go for big cruise lines in Italy. In fact there are quite a number of ways by which you can see various locations in Italy by ship. You can take Cruises to Italy and enhance your touring experience in Italy. Moreover traveling by sea is also pocket friendly. It is also not compulsory to exchange currency while on board although this depends on your tour operator.

No matter which cruise line you select you would definitely enjoy every bit of you ride. These cruise ships stops at all the major ports along the Mediterranean Sea. If you are traveling on a relatively smaller cruise line then you can also visit various other ports which include Portofino, Capri and Sardinia. Apart from stopping at the major ports the large ships will spend a major half of the tour in the sea. These ships provide plenty of entertainment and excellent dinning options. The restaurants serve various mouth watering delicacies which are prepared from fresh ingredients. On board you will be provided with optimum comfort to make your tour memorable.

You can also opt for other cruising options which include private yachts which is equipped with all the modern amenities. There are other typical Italian style cruises which will acclimatize you with the history and culture of the region.

You can explore Italy in a number of ways; Cruises to Italy would be one of the most cherished trips which you would treasure long after the tour is over.

If you want to get detailed information on Cruises to Italy keep browsing Travel.mapsofworld.com



Jack

Haley W asked:


I won a supposed “free” cruise from Security Travel USA and have had to pay a lot of fees. Clearly, it is somewhat of a scam and I have accepted. I know a lot of people have won this and realized it was a scam and not done it but i’m going in March and was wondering what the trip is like and what the ship is like if anyone has done it. Thank you.

Trinity

MIKE SELVON asked:


When you are in the midst of planning your cruise travel vacation, the last thing on your mind is thinking about the possibility that you might have to cancel your plans. People often completely overlook cruise travel insurance or they simply put it on the back burner and forget about it altogether. But, if you are spending thousands of dollars for your dream cruise, then you should take the time to know what vacation coverage options are available.

When you do go out to buy travel insurance, you need to be sure that you take the time to compare the different cruise insurance policies in order to be sure you get the coverage you are expecting. As with most things, you need to take the approach of “buyer beware” and be careful not to assume anything. In other words, ask plenty of questions and get things clarified before you buy.

This word of warning should not be construed as an implication that all travel insurance companies are only after your money, with the intent of not paying if a claim is filed. The fact is that any insurance company, cruise travel insurance companies included, are governed by state and federal regulations and most are on the up and up.

But the problems arise when people try to economize and cut corners when buying it. When it comes to cruise insurance, or any kind of indemnity coverage for that matter, you can be assured that you will only get what you paid for in the end. Buying the cheapest policy you can find will make you feel that you have been ripped off if it doesn’t give you the coverage you need, when it is needed.

It’s easy to get either overwhelmed or simply become complacent when looking at all of the options and variables that come up when trying to secure travel insurance. When you are scrambling to make your cruise travel vacation plans and then are busy getting ready for the voyage, it is often hard to focus and sort through the different policy options. This combined with trying to go for the cheapest coverage possible can contribute to dissatisfaction when it comes time to file a claim.

Before making a final decision and buying such a policy, be sure that you know exactly what is covered and what is not. Some travel insurance companies offer Comprehensive Coverage policies that will cover just about any contingency. These are usually the more expensive because they will pay benefits under the widest set of circumstances.

Other policies for it cover a very narrow set of conditions. Because they cover fewer circumstances, they are less likely to pay for a claim and so the premiums on these policies are considerably less. But the danger here is getting a policy that is essentially worthless because the terms and conditions are so narrowly defined that you are not likely to benefit from a claim, should the need arise.

When you have put your money, your hopes and your dreams into your cruise vacation, be sure that you protect that travel investment by getting good cruise travel insurance. Spend some focused, quality time in researching your options and always read the fine print before making a final decision about coverage. Travel agents can recommend good travel insurance companies, and online travel forums can provide candid reviews and honest experiences from other travelers.



Roberto