When to Go After Last Minute Cruise Deals

I have been asked several times on how to decide whether to book in advance or wait for a deal in the last minute. The answer mostly depends on how flexible you are, how often the particular cruise you want takes place, and how popular it is. Here are some tips on deciding when to go after a last minute deal

Do you need your cabin to be in a specific location?

The longer you wait to book your cruise, the less control you will have on deciding where your cabin is located. Usually, most of the cabins available when booking a last minute cruise are guaranteed cabins. This means, they guarantee the type of room you request or better but you cannot choose the specific room or location, they pick it. So if you tend to get seasick and need a centrally located cabin, then book in advance when you still have a good selection on rooms to choose from. But if you don't mind where your room is, you will have a much better chance in getting a good last minute deal.

Do you need a specific type of room?

When you book a guaranteed room, you may end up with a different type that you requested. For example, you book a guaranteed inside cabin. When the rooms are assigned and there isn't an inside room available, they will put you in an oceanview or, if you're lucky, in a cabin with a balcony. This may be a good thing since they always do the same or better than you booked, never worse. But if you're set on a type, this may not be good for you. Also, keep in mind that some types of cabins sell better on some cruises than others. For example, it is not difficult to grab a good last minute deal on an Alaskan cruise unless you want a balcony or a suite. Balconies are very popular due to the spectacular views and abundance of wildlife sightings you experience on an Alaskan cruise. These sell out first and have the least of being drastically cut in price.

Is the cruise you want common?

If you find that the cruise you want is offered on several other dates you will have a better chance of getting a good last minute cruise deal. You will also have a better chance if other cruise lines are offering a similar cruise at similar dates. Good cruises to try for a last minute deal are the ones in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Alaska. Exceptions to these are cruises that take place during a holiday since less people have to work or go to school during these days.

How flexible are you?

If you can easily change your plans to go in a later week, you will have a better chance at getting a deal. Of course, this is easier if you are not restricted by work and if you live close to where the cruise is leaving from so you don't have to look for a last minute flight. If you live too far to drive to port or take a train, sometimes the cost of a last minute flight outweighs the savings of a last minute cruise. So being able to change your date to be able to get a good price on your cruise and your flight is a big help.

Lizette Bartell

For more cruise planning advice: [http://www.longingforacruise.com]

For my free report on how to plan your best cruise go to: [http://www.planyourbestcruise.com]

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The Long Haul Survival

Traveling is one of the greatest things a person can do, there's nothing like meeting people in far off lands with different cultural backgrounds, taking in epic sights and trekking though majestic landscapes on foreign soil and eating exotic dishes. It's no wonder people spend a lot on vacations, however there is one part which can be less exciting than the rest. Frankly it can be downright tiring. That part is the long flight to your destination, while some may be used to the 15 or so hours spent in the cold and dry airplane cabin with barely enough space to move, some find it unpleasant. Here are a few tips on how to get through these flights as comfortably as possible.

Getting the right seat: Since you'll be spending the entirety of the flight on it, it's a pretty important part of your journey. And picking the right seat goes a long, long way in determining if your flight will be comfortable or will it be agony. So book a seat early using the airline's online booking feature or if that's not available, get to the airport earlier and ask for your desired seat during check in. Avoid seats in the middle of the row, and those near the lavatory. Usually window seats are the best or if you prefer a little more leg room, those in the exit row. And even if you have booked your desired seat online, get to the airport early so that it's not given to someone else.

Dressing for the part: Try to dress in loose fitting casual clothes instead of those fancy designer attire. You're trying to get as comfortable as possible and that will only happen with the right clothes. A pair of sweatpants and a loose shirt will do. You can bring a change of clothing in your carry on and then change upon arrival. Be sure to take something warm with your for the flight, as the cabin gets really cold. A hood or a warm blanket will do.

The inflight nap: This is a good way to both kill time and feel a little more energetic upon arrival. And it will also prevent you from sleeping the moment you arrive at the hotel hence helping to eliminate jetlag earlier. To ensure you sleep a little on the plane, sleep a little less before the flight.

Hydration and proper moisture: As mentioned before, the air in the cabin can get pretty dry during the flight. This will lead to dehydration pretty quickly and will elevate jetlag on your arrival. You can avoid this by drinking plenty of water. Bring your own bottle if you can and if you cannot, then don't be shy in asking the flight attendant to bring you water regularly. It will help immensely. Stay away from alcohol -even if you're tempted by the complimentary drinks - as it dehydrates you far quicker. Similarly the dry air can irritate your skin, so a moisturizing cream in your carry on wouldn't go amiss.

Travel healthy by following these tips and you're sure to arrive far more refreshed than you would have usually.

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