Cruises are often stereotyped as being a travel option for only those with a lot of money. The idea stems basically from old cinema, where luxurious cabins and picturesque decks formed the backdrop mostly for well-to-do characters. The narrative, however, has gradually changed with people prioritizing time over luxury. Therefore, cruises have been much more affordable despite significant improvement in their underlying design and facilities compared to some decades ago.

Celebrity Reflection

Built in 2012 and owned by the Royal Caribbean Cruises, the Reflection offers not just excellent all-round service but does so at an affordable price. The vessel is run by a 1000-strong crew and has a top-deck Lawn Club, 14 bars, three pools, and one casino.

It is highly recommended by passengers, who are especially fond of the Alcoves – a crowd-free cabana lounging. Among its other standout facilities include a Basketball court, a wide variety of suite cabins, and the Lawn Club Grill, where you can cook yourself or have a chef do it for you.

Nieuw Statendam

With worldwide cruises starting at a reasonable price, the Nieuw Statendam offers tremendous services, which include Live Music at Music Walk, Rolling Stone Rock Room, and Lincoln Center Stage. There is also a World Stage theatre, a two-tier Lido Deck with a movie screen, and a wine-making venue called Blend.

Given this Holland America Line cruise was launched less than two years ago, it has a lot of freshness in its cabins, hallway, and restaurants. The cruise has a blend of peace and vibrance that serves both youngsters and adults, while its prices are as affordable as possible.

Disney Fantasy

Operated by Disney Cruise Line, which is part of The Walt Disney Company who entered the business only in 2012, the Disney Fantasy is a dream for its fans. It features a Marvel Super Heroes Academy, a Star Wars-themed command post, and a Tiffany & Co. retail store.

Some of the other onboard activities are a live musical comedy based on Disney’s Aladdin, Star Wars Day at Sea, and a thrilling sky-high water ride called AquaDuck, among others. There are 10 themed dining venues, Goofy’s Sports Deck activity center, a virtual sports simulator, and Quiet Cove Pool. Despite such luxury, the Fantasy’s prices are not that high, making them more than worth it.

Symphony of the Seas

Another classic run by the Royal Caribbean International, the Symphony of the Seas, is one of the world’s largest passenger ships. It houses 6,680 passengers, a 2000-plus crew, and 18 decks filled with every activity you can imagine.

There is a surf simulator, an indoor ice skating rink, two 40-foot rock walls, a zip line, a 10-story slide, and 15 quick-service and sit-down eateries. The pretty reasonable fare includes meals at Windjammer Marketplace buffet, Park Cafe, El Loco Fresh, Solarium Bistro, Cafe Promenade, and Boardwalk Dog House.

Booking hotels online saves you both time and effort. As a part of your travel itinerary, you try to find cheap accommodation at the next destination. But often, despite your best efforts, the discount you tend to get is not really worth the booking. Your booking methods are not wrong, but there are simple ways to ensure that you get the best deal online.

Check out these pro tips you can try out on your next booking.

Book smartly

Hotels often give you the best prices for multiple days of stay. If you book only for one night, the room may be pricier. However, blocking the days for a longer duration can get you night and day packages cheaper than in comparison. It is also a good idea to plan your vacation so that the days coincide with your hotel booking mid-week. Room rates are cheaper during the weekdays, especially in popular tourist locations like Las Vegas or Atlantic City. People here usually book the weekend stay to gamble and go on a night out.

Check out the hotel website

Granted, it is easier to find cheap hotels on popular online websites like Expedia, Booking.com, and Trivago, among several others. But you can get a better deal by booking on the hotel website or contacting the concierge to ask for a special concession if any available. Many chain hotels offer memberships to customers who frequent the establishment with loyalty points and member discounts. Even if you don’t take the complete membership, several affordable reward point programs can save you a lot of money. Hotels have tie-ups with major banks and credit institutions that offer these rewards and cash backs for booking with their credit card.

Third-party memberships

American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) members further enjoy discounts and cheap hotel bookings in partnership with the assistance programs. Note that AARP offers more than just senior benefits. Anyone can become a member and benefit from the program. AARP partners with several booking platforms and hotel chains to bring their members exclusive discounts on their next vacation. You can check these offers on the official website using the AARP Travel Center.

Pay for only the essentials

Hotel bookings may include a number of amenities that you might not use. You pay for them as part of the deal without realizing the extra cost can be avoided by simply using filters. Most booking websites employ these filters that you can use to your advantage to narrow down search results that are relevant. For example, if you won’t be spending a lot of time in the hotel premises, there is no need to pay for the gymnasium, spa, or pool facilities that may cost extra. By filtering out the unnecessary inclusions, you can get better rates for rooms at hotels that suit your travel itinerary.

Flying can be super expensive, and there’s no doubt about that. Even after using all your miles or various discounts, flight tickets can burn a hole in your pocket rather easily. So, how do you get affordable tickets without compromising on your in-flight comfort? Well, here’s a complete guide that will help you with just that:

Go incognito

A lot of online websites use cookies to inflate the prices of flight tickets. No, you did not make a mistake when you saw the prices the first time, it truly did change. Multiple sites use these cookies to check if the route has been searched before. With that information, they hike their prices and scare the customer into buying the tickets as soon as possible.

Book the tickets as early as possible

Booking the flight tickets at the last moment means high prices. Instead, plan your trips in advance and book the tickets at least three months before the trip. This will help you save a lot of money, and you will be able to choose better seats. If not three months, book the flight tickets at least 30 days before the trip. Ticket prices see a hike during the final three weeks before a flight.

Set a price alert

Yes, flights are cheaper if you book them in advance, but how will you know you’re getting the cheapest possible flights? To do this, set a price alert to get notified when the price increases or decreases. When the price hits the level you want, you can book the ticket. Even if the dip in costs of the flight ticket is small, you will have major savings if you’re booking tickets for a family.

Compare prices on different airline portals

Checking the prices of flight tickets on the carrier is good for research purposes. You can then use this information and check for flight prices on travel and planning websites to see if you can avail of major discounts. Do not just check one or two websites. More is always better. This way, you’ll know if you’re actually saving money by getting a discount on your ticket.

Take the connecting flight

If you’re in no hurry to get to your final destination, book a connecting flight. Connecting flights are always cheaper than non-stop flights. To top it off, if you can book the connecting flight yourself, you’re bound to save more than you can imagine. That being said, don’t forget to ensure that the two flights have enough time apart or may end up missing your flight.

Mix airlines and airports

While traveling, it is also important to remember that certain airports are more expensive than others. The same goes for airlines. This is why it is important to check nearby airports while booking a flight. You can end up saving around $30 by choosing the next airport instead of the first one. While searching for connecting flights, you may only receive results showing flights from the same carrier or its partners; you want to avoid this. Choose different websites and different airlines to get the best discounts.

Who would not like vacationing in the warm and sunny weather in Florida? Add fun water parks and a variety of attractions at Disney World to this mix, and you will have the top reason why Florida is considered one of the best vacation destinations. Here are five reasons to think about a vacation at Disney World for your next family trip:

• There is something for everybody
  While most people feel that Disney World vacations are curated only for children, the truth is that there is something for everyone here. You get to meet people from different cultures, races, and various backgrounds. The on-site resorts are another fun places for adults. Moreover, all of us should indulge the kids in ourselves from time to time.
• An unending theme park experience
  Disney World consists of four different theme parks, and it also has two water parks. There are multiple activities like safaris and different kinds of rides that will keep your itinerary full. There is so much to do here that you’re sure to feel tired before you feel bored.
• Fits every budget
  While a Disney World vacation may seem expensive, it is one of the best vacations that you can curate as per your budget. You don’t need to empty your bank balance for a vacation here. You can decide your budget, select an accommodation plan such as a villa or a log cabin, and go for activity packages that fit the interests of all family members.
• Accessibility
  As Florida is one of the most important cities in the world, you will not face a problem reaching the Disney World here. In fact, every Disneyland in the world has a well-charted out transportation system. So, while the kids may not worry about getting to their favorite destination, the parents can breathe a sigh of relief as they don’t have to concern themselves much about these practicalities.
• Disney characters and Downtown Disney District
  Apart from meeting the live versions of Disney characters, the entertainment zone, known as Disney Downtown, is a magical place too. It has 40 different shops and kid-friendly restaurants to keep your child completely happy.

You can go through various packages that can help you decide upon the ideal budget and activities to pick during your Disney World vacation. Once you’ve made the arrangements, you can give your kids the good news and take them on a trip that they will never forget.

Many people dream about traveling as much as possible after their retirement. With various responsibilities in life, some people cannot find the time to pursue this passion. But once you’ve become financially stable, you can use your savings to explore some enchanting corners of the world. Here are the top five bus tours for seniors that you can consider:

• All-day New York bus tour
  With prices starting from around $84 per person, this tour is ideal for people who do not want to spend too much time traveling. It takes you through the best of attractions of New York including the downtown, treasures of uptown, Harlem as well as Brooklyn. If you opt for this bus tour, you will also get a chance to go for a 75-minute harbor cruise.
• Eight-day Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore tour
  One of the ideal bus tours for seniors, this option is excellent for people who like to explore nature at its finest. It costs around $778 per person and takes you through the Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Mt. Rushmore, Salt Lake City, as well as Jackson Hole along with many more attractions.
• Three-day East Coast bus tour
  Large groups of seniors can choose this bus tour because they can avail of a 5% group discount. Prices start at $270 approximately, and the tour covers a lot of highlights. Apart from exploring New York, West Point Academy, and Woodbury Outlets, you can also explore lower Manhattan and three major airports in New York City.
• Ten-day East Coast tour from NYC
  With prices starting at around $945 per person, this particular bus tour provides you with five different variants, where one choice allows you to take a walking tour as well. Alternatively, you can opt for a shopping tour or have a shooting experience tour. In the main itinerary, a six-night stay, a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art as well as Old Fort Niagara, and many other attractions are included.
• Seven-day East Coast tour from NYC
  Starting from $650 per person approximately, the seven-day East Coast tour from New York City includes various cities and covers most of the main ones situated on the East Coast. This plan includes special meals and seniors with health issues can choose any suitable variant.

Please note that all the bus tours for seniors mentioned in this article are provided by Tours 4 Fun, which is a trusted site that organizes tours within the country.

Visa requirements for people from our country are close to negligible which allows us to visit several international destinations. However, to travel overseas, you require a passport regardless of your age. If you already have a passport which is nearing its expiry, you should gear up for passport renewal. Following are some pointers to remember when you try to renew your passport.

Eligibility criteria
Firstly, you do not need to worry about the eligibility if you already possess a passport. However, when it comes to passport renewal, you need to submit proof of citizenship. This condition applies to people who have gained citizenship through naturalization as well as people who are citizens by birth.

Criteria that prevent the renewal of your passport
To apply for passport renewal, it is sufficient to have a passport that has expired recently or one that will expire in the near future. However, under the following circumstances, you will need to apply for a fresh passport:

• The passport was issued before you turned 16 years old.
• The passport issuance date was 15 or more years ago.
• Your passport was lost, stolen, or damaged.
• If a name change has occurred and there is no legal proof of it. This legal proof could be anything like a marriage license.

Under these circumstances, you can apply for a new passport with the DS-11 form on the official passport portal.

The renewal procedure

• In case you need to get your passport earlier than usual, you can get it renewed through the expedition procedure. However, you will have to pay some additional fees.
• You can then take an appointment with any of the authorized Regional Passport Agencies. Call them on 1-877-487-2778; TDD/TTY: 1-888-874-7793. Alternatively, use an online appointment system for passport renewal.
• For your appointment, you will need to provide additional documents apart from proof of recent travels and an expedited fee. These documents include the application form (Form DS-82), a passport-sized photo, the most recent passport, and proof of name change (if required). If you have to travel after three weeks, you can apply for the renewal through the mail as well.

It is always better to renew your passport before it expires so that you do not have to worry about any extra hassles. With the help of the information mentioned above, you should face no problems with the passport renewal procedures.

Cancun, a city on the southeastern side of Mexico, is one of the most popular destinations for tourism. With the lovely Caribbean Sea in its vicinity, it is breathtakingly beautiful. When you are considering a vacation in Cancun, choose an all-inclusive resort as it ensures that you stay safe in this destination and also get the best deals with no hidden prices. Here is a list of the top all-inclusive resorts in Cancun:

• Grand Oasis Cancun
  Costing around $188 per person for a single room or nearly $239 for two people, this is one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun. Apart from the essential amenities, this resort has 18 bars in total. This property also gives you a wide range of options to explore. They arrange for free transfers to the airport, which can help you save some money.
• Hard Rock Hotel Cancun
  The all-inclusive deal at the Hard Rock Hotel amounts to approximately $432 for two people, and it has a lot to offer. Apart from the spunkiness of the Hard Rock Chain, it has a lovely spa and wellness center as well as a great swimming pool. Thus, you’re sure to enjoy yourself while you are vacationing at this all-inclusive resort in Cancun. The airport shuttle makes it even more convenient for you to reach this resort.
• Moon Palace Cancun
  Priced at around $490, you will get a stunning, panoramic view of the sea at this all-inclusive resort. The breakfast here is sumptuous, and the bar promises quite a lot of fun as well. Additionally, you get to enjoy yourself fully as you explore their 15 different restaurants and 12 different bars. The swimming pool promises you a relaxing time as well. You can get the best deal for your money at this hotel.
• Crown Paradise Club Cancun
  If you are looking at budget options of all-inclusive resorts in Cancun, this could be your top choice. A package deal will cost around $248, and you will be spoiled for choice at their seven different restaurants as well as six bars. Additionally, the beachfront view and the swimming pool makes the entire experience even better.
• Hyatt Zilara Cancun
  Costing around $482, the Zilara Cancun is one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun. Offered by Hyatt, this resort has six specialty restaurants along with five specialty bars that make it quite a hit among locals as well as tourists. Make sure you catch at least one of the cultural shows. Do not miss out on the breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea when you choose a room at this property.

Train travel on your mind? Don’t want to endure long hours of driving or road travel? Do you want to save money by not spending on flight tickets? Then, check the Amtrak schedules and fares to find a solution to all your travel requirements. Here are some reasons why you should opt for the Amtrak experience:

Amazingly affordable train ticket prices
The ticket prices of Amtrak trains are what makes it one of the biggest train operating brands in the whole country. As flights are getting cheaper, people are slowly losing touch with the idea of train travels and the experiences associated with it. But why wouldn’t you opt for trains if you can avail of a comfortable journey at lower prices than flights? All you need to do is pick your route, check the schedule and fares of the Amtrak trains, and book your tickets at a good time to get the best deals.

City to city connectivity
Amtrak operates numerous rail routes. For instance, if you are looking for a quick way to get from Washington DC to New York or from Richmond to DC, check the respective Amtrak schedules and fares before booking the most suitable option. Some of the other popular route options are New York City to Providence, and Seattle to Portland.

Reliable brand
This brand was founded in 1971 and has stuck around since then. It has grown in reliability over the years and has also expanded its base of loyal consumers. The National Railroad Passenger Corporation still runs as Amtrak and serves more than 500 destinations. Amtrak trains are one of the most popular modes of transport in our country as well as in Canada.

No hidden charges
Unlike flights and some bus tickets, Amtrak does not have any hidden charges or fees that are misleading. The sum that you see while booking the tickets is the total amount that you need to pay. Plus, Amtrak train ticket prices are so affordable that you would never end up overspending.

To get the best Amtrak fares, you only need to see the schedule mentioned on their portal and book your tickets accordingly. An Amtrak journey is not just a one-of-a-kind experience for travelers, but it is also one of the most eco-friendly options out there.

While all-inclusive vacation packages are famous in the Caribbean and Mexico, they are catching up in our country as well. Many resorts out there are vying for your attention. With attractive locales and pricing, we have narrowed down some of the best resorts that you can visit. Listed below are some destinations that offer all-inclusive vacation packages.

• Travassa Hana, Maui
  The Travassa Hana, tucked away in the remote east coast, is perfect for travelers who want to get away from the monotony and bustle of everyday life. The resort overlooks Hana Bay, and it has stylish rooms that are large and airy. The all-inclusive vacation package offers three meals a day with snacks and beverages. The resort also has acres and acres of space along with great food and a heavenly spa. All guests are given a $175 credit every day, which can be used to get spa treatments or attend other private classes.
• Woodloch Pines Resort, Poconos, PA
  The Woodloch Pines is known for its fabulous outdoor activities and all-inclusive vacation packages. While other similar resorts in the Poconos only allow adults, this property is open to the entire family. You can take your kids out for hiking, go-karting, sledding, and even sailing. This family-owned resort has sprawling houses opposite a lake as well as motel sized rooms. So, everyone is sure to find something they’ll like. The meals are a part of the package deal, and the dinners in the dining room will make you and your family feel at home.
• Blackberry Farm, Walland, Tennessee
  This luxury estate in the Great Smoky Mountains leaves all its guests spellbound, and it features on many lists of the top 10 vacation packages. The 4200 acres of land is a paradise for you if you enjoy the serenity of nature. There are cottages as well as rooms, and both choices are quite luxurious. The outdoor activities and food straight from the farm enhance your overall experience at this resort. Though it is slightly expensive, you’re sure to make some incredible memories here with your loved ones.
• White Stallion Ranch, Tucson, Arizona
  The western-themed rooms and décor at this place will take you back to the old days where gun-toting cowboys rode horses in the wild, wild west. This resort has some outdoor activities like rock climbing, rodeo, and horseback riding. You will have an experience of a lifetime with your loved ones at this destination.

Greyhound is the biggest name in the bus travel industry across the whole country. With free Wi-Fi, extra legroom, and individual power outlets, a ride with Greyhound is all you need to get to your destination comfortably. You can also check out group booking options as well as bus charters to get great deals. However, if you are looking for individual Greyhound bus tickets, following are the top options available to you.

Buy the tickets online
Buying Greyhound tickets online is the most convenient option. You can choose from three different fares on their website, which are Economy, Economy Extra, and Flexible fares. Flexible fares are refundable, and you do not need to pay an extra charge to change your date of travel. However, with Economy and Economy Extra, you would have to pay a certain amount for changing your travel schedule. Different Greyhound bus tickets give you different options for luggage allowances. So, book your tickets well in advance to get great deals.

Choose terminal fares
If you cannot buy Greyhound bus tickets online, do not worry. There is an offline option as well. You can go to the Greyhound stations or any authorized location to get yourself a ticket. However, the prices may vary as compared to the online deals. For instance, for the Flexible pass, you would need to pay around $15 extra for a second bag. In the online payment option, you get the choice to carry two bags at no extra charge. Therefore, think carefully before making your choice.

QuickLink commuter passes
For frequent travelers, there are different Greyhound bus tickets available. These are known as QuickLink commuter passes. You can choose this particular pass for two different routes, which are New Orleans, LA to Baton Rouge, LA, and from Mt. Laurel, New Jersey to New York City. You can buy them on the official website of Greyhound.

Consider your payment options
You can choose to make a payment online, via phone, or at any of the authorized dealers and outlets when buying a ticket at the bus station.

Verdict
To get the cheapest Greyhound bus tickets, we strongly recommend choosing the online option. With this option, you can save some money with the Flexible tickets and get better deals as compared to the fares as the bus terminals. Therefore, it is always better to buy tickets online instead of opting to buy them at the Greyhound station.