Saving Money on a Cruise in 2024

For many, a cruise ship remains the ultimate budget travel destination. A cruise offers a comprehensive vacation experience at a single price, which includes not only the room but also meals and entertainment. In fact, the daily cost of a cruise can often be lower than the cost of a decent hotel room. When considering that a cruise price covers accommodation, food, and entertainment, it becomes clear why cruises are so popular with budget-minded travelers.

However, not everything is included in a cruise package. Most cruises do not include alcohol, which requires passengers to settle their bar tab upon departure. Additionally, shore excursions and local sightseeing tours are typically not included, so it is important to review a detailed list of excursions along with their prices.

Advertised cruise prices are based on double occupancy, making cruises less cost-effective for solo travelers due to single supplements. Solo travelers should inquire about special single rates to mitigate this additional cost.

The location of the cabin is another important consideration. Interior cabins on the lower parts of the ship are generally the least costly, while higher, larger cabins with ocean views are the most expensive. First-time cruisers should seek advice from experienced cruisers for valuable insights on balancing cost and comfort.

Securing the best deal on a cruise requires time, planning, perseverance, and plenty of shopping around. Booking early is advisable, especially for popular destinations like the Caribbean or Mexico during peak seasons. Traveling during the off-season can also be a great strategy for saving money. For instance, while it may be winter and cold at home, tropical cruise destinations could be warm and inviting. However, it is essential to check local weather conditions and avoid the rainy season to maximize your cruise experience.

Last-minute bookings can also yield spectacular discounts as cruise lines try to fill unsold cabins. There are many last-minute travel newsletters that provide details on such deals, which are particularly popular with retirees and others who have the flexibility to travel on short notice.

Best Cruising Options for Seniors

1. River Cruising

Pros:

• Intimate and Relaxing: River cruises offer a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere compared to ocean cruises. The smaller ships allow for personalized service and easy navigation through scenic waterways.
• Cultural Immersion: River cruises often dock in the heart of cities and towns, allowing for easy access to cultural sites, historical landmarks, and local attractions.
• All-Inclusive Packages: Many river cruises offer all-inclusive packages that cover meals, excursions, and sometimes even drinks, providing excellent value for money.

Cons:

• Limited Amenities: Due to their smaller size, river cruise ships have fewer amenities compared to larger ocean liners. This can include fewer dining options, entertainment, and recreational activities.
• Seasonal Limitations: River cruises are often limited by seasonal changes and water levels, which can affect itinerary and availability.

2. Cruises to Alaska

Pros:

• Stunning Scenery: Alaskan cruises offer breathtaking views of glaciers, fjords, and wildlife. The natural beauty and unique landscape make for an unforgettable experience.
• Varied Excursions: From whale watching to glacier hiking, Alaskan cruises offer a variety of excursions that cater to different interests and activity levels.
• Comfortable Climate: The cooler climate of Alaska can be more comfortable for seniors, especially during the summer months.

Cons:

• Short Season: The cruising season in Alaska is relatively short, typically from May to September. This limited timeframe can make it harder to find available cruises.
• Higher Costs: Alaskan cruises can be more expensive due to the remote location and the cost of excursions.

Repositioning Cruises as an Option

Repositioning cruises, where ships move from one region to another at the end of a season, can be a unique and cost-effective option. These cruises often offer longer itineraries at reduced rates, making them an attractive choice for seniors with flexible schedules. They also provide a mix of sea days and port visits, allowing passengers to enjoy the onboard amenities while exploring different destinations.

Pros:

• Cost-Effective: Repositioning cruises often have lower prices compared to standard cruises, offering great value for longer itineraries.
• Unique Itineraries: These cruises visit a variety of ports that are not typically included in regular cruise itineraries, providing a unique travel experience.

Cons:

• Longer Duration: Repositioning cruises tend to be longer, which might not be suitable for everyone.
• Limited Excursions: Since the focus is on moving the ship from one region to another, there may be fewer excursions and less time spent in each port.

For more information on river cruising options, you can visit Viking River Cruises. For Alaskan cruise options, you can check Holland America Line.

Budget Travel and Getting Around

One of the biggest parts of a travel and vacation budget is often the cost of getting from one place to another. It is important to budget for this important expense and to consider some unique options to make your travel dollars stretch as far as possible.

When choosing a rental car, it is important to choose the most economical and fuel-efficient car that meets your needs. Obviously, the size of your family will impact the choice of rental car, but compact and even subcompact cars can be great for motoring around cities, particularly when it comes time to park in those tight spots.

In addition, a smaller car will get better gas mileage, which is no small consideration, especially if you plan to do a lot of daily driving. And if you plan to travel far and wide, it may be important to choose a rental deal that provides unlimited miles, since charges for mileage overages can be quite costly.

When it comes to the decision of whether to accept or decline the optional collision coverage on a rental car, always be sure to see if you are already covered elsewhere. For instance, your auto insurance company may already provide insurance coverage for rental cars, as may your credit card company. If you are covered by these policies, there is no need to accept the costly collision insurance offered by the rental car company. And of course, you will always want to top off your rental car with gasoline before dropping it off, as refueling charges by rental car companies are generally quite high.

In addition to rental cars, there are many other options for budget travelers to get around once they arrive at their destination.

Ridesharing services like Uber (www.uber.com) and Lyft (www.lyft.com) are widely available in many cities and can be a convenient and cost-effective alternative to renting a car. These services often offer various types of vehicles to fit different needs and budgets, from economy cars to larger vehicles for groups.

For those looking for an even more budget-friendly option, consider car-sharing services such as Zipcar (www.zipcar.com) and Turo (www.turo.com). Zipcar allows you to rent cars by the hour or day, which can be perfect for short trips around the city. Turo, on the other hand, is a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform where you can rent vehicles directly from their owners, often at a lower cost than traditional rental car companies.

Public transportation can also be a far less costly and far more convenient alternative to paying to drive and park a rental car. Of course, public transportation does not make sense in every location. Many small towns and even some larger cities have public transportation systems that are infrequent, inefficient, inconvenient, or even nonexistent. In other locations, however, using public transportation makes a lot of sense. In New York City, for instance, visitors can buy a pass that is good on all subways, buses, and trains. The cost of a weekly pass can be less than what a visitor would pay to rent a car for a single day.

And public transportation provides an additional benefit as well; it frees the tourist from the hassles and expenses of parking the rental car. Many locations in New York, for instance, charge $20, $30, or even more for parking, and other major cities are almost as costly.

Getting around using public transportation is not as difficult as many people imagine either. Many public transportation companies, particularly those located in major tourist destinations, publish guides which give the route numbers to popular destinations, and bus drivers and train conductors in these locations are often quite adept at getting tourists where they need to go.

In addition to public transportation, bike-sharing programs like Citi Bike in New York City (www.citibikenyc.com) and Lime (www.li.me) in many cities worldwide provide a healthy, eco-friendly, and affordable way to explore a city. Scooters are another option, with companies like Bird (www.bird.co) and Lime offering app-based rentals in various cities.

Finally, for those who prefer walking, many cities offer walking tours that can be a great way to see the sights and learn about the local culture without spending a lot of money.

By considering these various transportation options, budget travelers can save money and make their travel dollars stretch further while enjoying the convenience and flexibility of getting around in different ways. Here are a few more to help: Via: www.ridewithvia.com, Citi Bike: www.citibikenyc.com, Divvy: www.divvybikes.com. Public transportation apps like Moovit or Transit can help you plan your route and track your journey.

By considering these budget-friendly options, you can save money and make your travel experience more enjoyable.

Staying on budget – package vs. independent travel

Disclaimer I have never travelled on a package tour, my wife has, and my brother and friends have travelled this way. I think I prefer being more independent, but when traveling on a budget, one of the most often questions is whether it is best to travel independently, making your own airfare, hotel and sightseeing reservations, or choose a package tour where everything is set up for you in advance.

Deciding between package tours and independent travel is a common dilemma for budget-conscious travelers, including older adults. Whether you prefer the convenience of pre-arranged tours or the freedom of making your own arrangements, there are pros and cons to each approach. With advancements in technology and the proliferation of travel apps, independent travel has become more accessible and appealing. Here’s an updated guide to help you choose the best option for your next adventure.

Package Tours: Pros and Cons

Advantages:

• Cost Savings: Package deals often provide significant savings, particularly for exotic destinations like Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, South Africa, Thailand, and India. Tour operators negotiate special rates with airlines and hotels, which can lead to lower overall costs. Visit: Booking.com: https://www.booking.com
• Convenience: Everything is arranged for you, from flights and accommodations to sightseeing tours. This can be particularly beneficial for travelers who prefer a hassle-free experience.
• Safety and Support: Traveling with a group and having local guides can offer a sense of security, especially in unfamiliar locations.

Disadvantages:

• Lack of Flexibility: Package tours follow a fixed itinerary, which may not allow for spontaneous changes or extended stays in places you enjoy.
• Additional Costs: Optional excursions and activities can add up, so it’s essential to understand what’s included in the package price and what’s not.

Independent Travel: Pros and Cons

Advantages:

• Flexibility: You can tailor your trip to your interests and pace, making changes as you go. This freedom is particularly appealing for solo travelers or those with specific preferences.
• Potential Savings: By booking flights, hotels, and activities independently, you can take advantage of last-minute deals and off-season discounts. Apps like Skyscanner, Hopper, and Booking.com make it easier to find the best rates.

Disadvantages:

• Time-Consuming: Planning a trip requires time and effort to research and book each component. This can be challenging for those who prefer a more streamlined process.
• Less Support: Without the backing of a tour operator, you’ll need to handle any issues or changes that arise during your trip.

Tools and Tips for Independent Travelers

In 2024, numerous apps and websites can enhance your independent travel experience:

• TripIt: Organize your travel plans in one place, with real-time updates and itinerary management. Visit TripIt: https://www.tripit.com
• Airbnb and Vrbo: Find unique accommodations that suit your budget and preferences. Visit Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com
• Vrbo: https://www.vrbo.com
• Google Maps and Rome2Rio: Navigate unfamiliar places and plan routes easily. Visit: Google Maps: https://maps.google.com
• Rome2Rio: https://www.rome2rio.com
• Travelspend: Track your travel expenses and stay on budget. Visit: Travelspend: https://www.travelspend.com
• Couchsurfing: Connect with locals and find free or low-cost places to stay. Visit Couchsurfing: https://www.couchsurfing.com

Practical Tips for Budget Travel

1.   Start Early: Book flights and accommodations as early as possible to secure the best deals. Use price alert features on apps like Skyscanner and Hopper to monitor fare changes. Visit: Skyscanner: https://www.skyscanner.com and Hopper: https://www.hopper.com

2.   Compare Prices: Always compare package deals with the cost of booking independently. Factor in all expenses, including optional excursions and meals.

3.   Travel Off-Season: Traveling during the off-season can lead to substantial savings on flights and accommodations.

4.   Be Flexible: If your travel dates are flexible, you can often find better deals. Mid-week flights are typically cheaper than weekend departures.

5.   Use Loyalty Programs: Sign up for airline and hotel loyalty programs to earn points and access exclusive discounts.

Ultimately, the choice between a package tour and independent travel depends on your personal preferences and travel style. For those who enjoy the convenience and structure of a pre-arranged tour, package deals can offer great value and peace of mind. However, if you relish the freedom to explore at your own pace and tailor your journey to your interests, independent travel—with the help of modern technology—can be both rewarding and cost-effective. Whichever option you choose, thorough research and careful planning are key to a successful and enjoyable trip.

Budget Travel: Is Hostelling Right for You?

Hostelling was once thought of as the exclusive province of college kids traveling through Europe for the first time. However, hostelling has grown to include all ages and all types of people. When traveling on a budget, staying at a hostel can be a great experience for the traveler with a sense of adventure.

Of course, hostel travel is not for everyone, and some travelers would rather spend extra money for solo accommodations. In general, hostel traveling is best suited to solo travelers or groups of young people traveling together. Hostel stays are generally not recommended for families traveling with young children, and many hostels do not accept children under a certain age.

Most hostels are set up as dormitory-style rooms, with a number of bunk beds arranged throughout the room. The number of bunk beds in a single room varies, with the average being from four to ten bunks per room. Each traveler is assigned a specific bunk upon check-in.

Almost all hostels in the United States divide their accommodations according to gender, with female guests in one block of rooms and male guests in another. In multi-floor hostels, each gender is often assigned a specific floor or group of floors.

In many European locations and elsewhere around the world, however, many hostel rooms have mixed genders sharing a room. If this is a concern, be sure to ask about it. As a woman traveling alone, I have personally never encountered a problem with these arrangements, and I have stayed in hostels throughout Europe, including Rome, London, and Amsterdam. Some visitors, however, are surprised at these arrangements.

The bathroom accommodations at hostels vary as well, with some rooms containing a shared bathroom and shower, while other hostels have shower and bathroom facilities located in the hallway. If this is an important consideration, you should make sure to ask about bathroom facilities when making the reservation.

Reservations are becoming increasingly important at hostels, especially during the summer months in popular locations. Where once it was common for travelers simply to drop by the hostel and get a bed, it is now not at all unusual for hostels in popular tourist destinations to be booked solid for months.

The main appeal of staying at hostels, of course, is the price. The nightly rate for a hostel rarely rises above $25 or $30 per night, with most hostel accommodations costing far less. With the average hotel room hovering around $100 to $150 in many locations, it is easy to see why hostels are becoming so popular.

In addition, the staff at most hostels are extremely accommodating and knowledgeable about the local area. Unlike many staff members of some luxury hotels, who travel in from the suburbs and rarely see the city in which they live, hostel staff tend to live in their city and have an intimate knowledge of the local attractions, including which attractions are can’t miss and which ones are a waste of money.

Hostels often have access to discounts and coupons for local area attractions and restaurants, and they can provide valuable information on the best, lowest-priced restaurants in the area.

While staying at a hostel is not for everyone, and the local hostel will never be mistaken for a Ritz Carlton, hostels can be wonderful budget accommodations for the budget-minded traveler. After all, the goal of travel is to get out and see the world, and hostel travel lets you spend your limited travel dollars doing just that.

Current Apps and Programs for Hostelling

Whether you're a young traveler or a senior, there are numerous apps and programs available to help you find and book hostels.

1. Hostelworld: One of the most popular apps for booking hostels around the world. It provides detailed descriptions, reviews, and ratings of hostels, making it easier to choose the right one for your needs. You can download it from Hostelworld's website.
2. Booking.com: While known for hotels, Booking.com also lists hostels and other budget accommodations. It offers a wide range of options and often has special deals. Visit Booking.com for more information.
3. HI Hostels: Hostelling International (HI) is a network of hostels in over 80 countries. Their app and website offer detailed information about their hostels, along with membership benefits that can save you money. Check out
4. HI Hostels.
5. Couchsurfing: While not a hostel app per se, Couchsurfing is a community that connects travelers with locals who offer free accommodation. It's a great way to meet people and experience local culture. Learn more at Couchsurfing.
6. Hostelz.com: This is a comprehensive hostel search engine that compares prices from multiple booking websites. It can help you find the best deal on your hostel stay. Visit Hostelz.com.
7. Hostelling International App: Available for both iOS and Android, this app allows you to search for and book hostels within the Hostelling International network. It also provides information on hostel amenities and local attractions. Visit https://www.hiusa.org/ 

With these resources, both young travelers and seniors can easily find and book budget-friendly accommodations that suit their travel needs and preferences. Happy travels!