Vacationing in the Fall

If you are one of the lucky people who are flexible in their vacation times, taking a fall vacation can mean a great bargain for you. There are often a number travel deals that you can take advantage for the best use of your vacation dollars. Many of the top summer destinations usually become great fall bargains. The weather is usually still pleasant (maybe even a little better without the really hot humidity) and the crowds have dissipated. Why not take a look at Cape Cod or Martha's Vineyard during this time of year. Or Hawaii is typically a bargain in September.

Europe may be a bargain during this time too. Many European cities are empty of the summer tourist crowds and are hungry for visitors. The weather can be great too. Look for special deals on packages that combine airfare, hotel and transfers along with a tour or two. Even colder European destinations can be a special bargain so look for great deals to Russia and Scandinavia around this time of year.

Another great idea for a wonderful fall vacation is to look for repositioning cruises. This is when cruises lines move their ships around from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean to follow the sun worshiping crowds. Most Alaska, Europe, Mediterranean and Bermuda cruises, for instance, are offered in the summer when the weather is the best in those regions. For cruises to South America, the preferred time is winter (our winter, when it's summertime in the southern hemisphere). The Caribbean is warm year-round, though since hurricane season stretches from June through November, the optimal time to cruise the islands is winter and spring, though many ships are there year-round. In Asia, since much of the cruising region is near or just north of the equator, temperatures are very warm year round, though the wintertime months are slightly more comfortable.

To be in all of these places at the right time, ships reposition from one region to another, typically between seasons, during the months of September and October and April and May. The repositioning ships’ cruises are often deeply discounted because most don't include a whole lot of port calls. Many are two to three weeks in length, with a long, lazy stretch at sea crossing the Atlantic, Pacific or Indian oceans—perfect for people who just want to relax.

If you are one of those lucky people who can take their vacation in the fall, you can certainly see that there are a lot of vacation options that can save you money big time. If you are short on vacation dollars, vacationing in the fall with one of the above options may give you the wonderful vacation experience you are looking for.

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Cruise Vacations Tips

Here are a few cruise tips for first time cruisers. You can have a wonderful cruise vacation if you apply these cruise tips to your cruise vacation. Avoid the headaches and ensure you have a fun, rewarding stress-free cruise vacation.

1. Packing Tips for First Time Cruise Vacationers

Include all your medications, a first aid kit, and sea sickness medications in your carry on bag to have on hand when you (or if) you need them. It is advisable to take only one credit card with you--you really only need one. Leave the rest at home. Pack with comfort in mind--casual clothes mostly (and don't forget your swimsuit). Your ship may also offer one or two formal nights so you should include at least one or two outfits for evening wear.

2. Essential Documents for Cruisers

You will need to take your passport so that you can visit the different ports your cruise itinaray includes. You may also need to have different visas, depending on the ports your ship stops at (check with your travel agent if you are not sure if a visa is needed). You also need your pre-boarding pass, which you should receive and complete to boarding the ship. A good tip for first time cruisers is to take along a photocopy of your passport and to leave copies of your passport, airline tickets, and credit card information with a friend or family member at home.

3. Choosing Your Shipboard Cabin

One of the best choices for cabins is always an outside cabin. Especially if you suffer from claustrophobia, it is wise to avoid an interior room as these have no windows and the room sizes are smaller. If you think you may get seasick easily then you should choose a lower cabin near the center of the ship because there is less rocking motion of the ship.

4. Airline Connections for Your Cruise

If at all possible, schedule your flight for a day earlier than your ship leaves. If that is not possible, you should schedule your flight to your embarking destination at least four hours before the ship leaves. You should arrive at your embarkation area at least two hours before the ship is due to depart. And when booking your return flight, avoid booking it before 2:00 p.m. to give yourself ample time to catch the plane home.

5. Cruising Embarkation Tips

NEVER place your documentation (Passport, visas, etc.) in your checked baggage. You will need it for check in. Your checked luggage will be transferred to the ship and placed outside your room. Remember that this sometimes takes a few hours. You can use the time to wander around and get to know the ship.

6. Essential Debarkation Tips

The night before your cruise ends, you will be supplied with custom forms left in your room for you to fill out, as well as color-coded tags. Pack your bags on the last night of your cruise and leave them outside your door. You will be called the next morning according to your color coded luggage tags. Remember to keep your carry-on luggage with you (with your medications and travel documents. You should also settle all your accounts before leaving the ship. This includes any expenses you put on your account (for liquor, drinks or other purchases).

The above are just a few tips for you to follow to make your cruise an enjoyable one. One last tip --> Most drinks on cruise ships are not included and you have to pay extra for them. These drinks are usually put on your tab and you must pay for them at the end of your cruise vacation. Remember when ordering that this tab can add up to quite a hefty bill if you are not careful. Be aware of this when you are drinking aboard ship.

Follow these tips and enjoy your cruise vacation!

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