Articles by: jescapes

Wondering where to find the cheapest cruises around the globe? Here is one you may want to take advantage of.

You can get a free airfare and $200 to $1,000 in savings on three cruise/hotel trips from Smithsonian Journeys based on double occupancy. In addition, solo travelers who book cabin categories C through N will not have to pay the single supplement, a savings of at least $500. Note that for these savings are based on cabin and tour.

For example, after a $200 per-couple discount, an inside cabin on the Splendors of Italy and the Dalmatian Coast (which sails from May 31 to June 15) costs $3,750 per person double. With the $1,500 discount, the owner’s suite is $9,500 per person double.

The above discounted cruises include a two-night stay in beautiful Rome and a 12-night cruise aboard the 350-passenger Aegean Odyssey. The Wonders of Turkey and the Greek Isles (which sails June 23 to July 6) and the Glories of Greece and Turkey (July 1-14) discounted tours start at $3,195 per person double after a $200 per couple discount.

These cheap vacations packages include a three-night hotel stay in Istanbul, two nights’ lodging in historic Athens and a seven-night Mediterranean cruise aboard the Aegean Odyssey. All three cheapest vacation package also include airfare from Washington Dulles or BWI Marshall, guided tours and shore excursions as well as most meals, transfers and port charges. Air taxes and fuel surcharges however are an extra $450-$480 per person. If you want to avail of the above cheap vacations packages, you need to book by March 31, 2011.

Azamara Club Cruises has an ongoing special promotions that will save you money when you book early on European cruises. If you are looking for the cheapest cruises to Europe that is available in the market, this maybe it.

Azamara Club Cruises offers early booking savings of $2,000 per stateroom and up to $2,000 in air credits per couple on its 2011 European cruises. This discounts apply to 11 sailings in April, May and June aboard the Azamara Quest and the Azamara Journey. To avail of this offer, you need to book by March 31. Price varies by cabin category and sailing. For example, an inside cabin on the seven-night Adriatic Sea Voyage, which sails from Rome to Venice on April 17, starts at $1,699 per person double, plus a $92 tax, a savings of $2,000 per couple.

For all 11 sailings, book an ocean view, veranda or Club Continent Suite stateroom and you will receive a $500 per person air credit or book a Club World Owner or Club Ocean Suite and you will receive a $1,000 per person credit. Note however that these are not redeemable for cash.

Gratuities are included for housekeeping, dining and bar staff.

Cruisers are typically eager to sail because of the value. In cruises, usually expenses that are covered are entertainment, educational programs, hotel services and meals with suitcases unpacked and packed as you explore the beaches and mountains of new sightseeing places.

There are cruises aimed at singles, families, seniors, and gays and lesbians. But cruising is no fun without watching your budget. You have to make sure you understand your expenses before diving into debt. Remember that, on top of the fare, you have to take care of other expenses, such as out of pocket mixed drinks, wine, laundry, casino gambling, spa services and whatever fun thing you can find when sailing. If you are tagging along your baby, babysitting services are extra too, and, if you have to use the Internet, that’s another extra.

To get the best buck of your cruise price, strategies have to be considered, such as the ones below:

Book early

Locking in a rate six or nine months earlier before the sailing date can save you big bucks if prices go up, which usually is the case. Usually, when rates go down, most cruise lines honor the lower rate for those who have locked in or better still offer onboard credits for the difference.

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One of the sightseeing places in Orlando, Florida is EPCOT, one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort. It is a huge theme park sprawling 300 acres twice the size of Magic Kingdom.

Visitors would normally spend a day here just to see what there is to see inside EPCOT. Shows and entertainment are superb that kids would surely enjoy. The elderly should have a wheelchair handy as it takes a whole lot of walking around. Strollers for kids are also recommended. There are rentals available near the Main Entrance and at the International Gateway should you need one.

Make sure you have your video and camera ready and bring in extra batteries and films. It is super expensive to buy films inside.

Parking will not be a problem. Epcot has a huge parking space divided in alphabetical order making it easy to find cars.

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Sightseeing in Miami should not be all about enjoying the beautiful sunshine in Miami beach as this place has more than that to offer. The attractions in Miami are varied sure to fit everyone’s appetite whether it be shopping, dining and entertainment.

There are numerous attractions in Miami, but don’t get too overwhelmed. Pick the right ones for you and your kids, enjoy and have lots of fun.

1. Ancient Spanish Monastery. Built in Spain in 1133 and completed in 1141, it was moved to Miami in 1952. It is now one of Miami’s favored tourist destination. It is available to host weddings and receptions both indoor and outdoor. For more info, visit www.spanishmonastery.com.

2. Art Deco District Tour. The Art Deco District Tour is a 90-minute walking tour that will introduce to Miami Beach’s architectural history. The tour starts or departs from the Art Deco Gift Shop located at 1200 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. No reservation is necessary. They also have a self-guided audio tour wherein you can hear about Miami’s architectural history in English, Spanish, German or French. Audio tours are available at the Art Deco Gift Shop located on 12 Street between Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue.

3. Coral Castle. This 1,100 tons of coral rock carved using only homade tools by a man only 5-feet tall and 100 pounds called Ed Leedskalnin exist today through 20 years of pure labor. The coral castle offers a 30-minute state-of-the-art audio tour, which is available in several languages. You’ll find the castle at 28655  South Dixie Highway in Homestead, Florida. For more information, visit www.coralcastle.com.

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