Cruises are one of the most relaxing vacations replete with fun. And there is a range of things that cruise lines would rather not tell you? Since most cruise lines are sales-based, profit is one of their important motives. There are quite a few tricks up their sleeve devised to encourage you to spend more. To save you from these traps, here are four cruise secrets you should know before you book your next cruise. All-inclusive packages are not all-inclusive Most all-inclusive packages only include room stay and meals cost. Beverages, tips, shore excursions, internet, activities, and dining outside the dining area are chargeable. Some cruise lines also charge for room service. So, read all the terms to know hidden and additional charges. Cruises are not crime-free Big cruise lines keep a tight watch on crime, but sometimes bad things can happen. Cruise lines are not required to report thefts of less than $10,000, so not everyone knows much about the rate of petty crimes. However, you should always be careful of your surroundings. For safety, do not carry valuables items on vacation. Some cruise liners have a prison or a “brig” to lock up unruly passengers, later handed over to port authorities.

Cruise vacations are a delightful experience as today’s mega-ships offer the best comfort and entertainment on the high seas. It doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned traveler or just embarking on your first cruise. There are a few fun ways to save money and enjoy the best amenities with easy travel hacks. We have narrowed down the top four secrets that can make your cruising experience even more fun. Don’t go for advance booking We understand this goes against conventional travel logic. But cruise lines are desperately on the lookout for passengers in the last two or three months before departure. This is when they will try to book and sell all available accommodation at discounted prices—a neat little trick to get a better upgrade without spending more. Eat all you can You might not be aware that most cruise ships don’t have a restriction on entrées, mains, and desserts in the main dining area. You can enjoy multiple servings and even ask for bigger portion sizes. Some cruise lines also offer special discounts on alternative dining options for the first night apart from the main dining hall or buffet. Don’t overpay for single drinks Drinking is one of the most enjoyable activities apart from dining, especially on long-haul journeys.

Cruise ships are known for their mouth-watering array of dishes and all-you-can-eat buffets. And with the amount of time we spend on most cruises, it’s easy to try just about everything on the menu. However, as tasty as all of it sounds, some dishes are best steered clear from since they can give you an upset stomach. Here are four such foods that people must avoid eating on a cruise. 4 foods to stay away from on cruises Raw eggs Eggs are healthy for our overall health, but the way they are cooked can also make a difference. On a cruise, eating eggs sunny-side-up can upset the system. As they are runny and might be slightly undercooked, the protein may contain salmonella or listeria remnants unless it is cooked to at least 160 degrees. Oysters Everyone loves cracking open and eating fresh oysters on a cruise, especially with a drink. But fresh oysters that are not cleaned appropriately by the staff may put one at risk of contracting Vibrio bacteria. The bacteria may lead to vibriosis, a disease that leads to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills. Unpasteurized milk The milk served on a cruise is often pasteurized. But cruises may use unpasteurized milk too.

A cruise ship is like a world by itself. It is relaxing and has nearly everything you need to spend several days or even weeks away from home. As comforting as that may sound, boarding a cruise can be daunting for first-time travelers. So, if you’re leaving on your first cruise, here are some useful hacks and tips that can help you save money and make your cruising experience hassle-free. Avoid overpacking Cruise cabins are usually small and do not have much storage space. So, bringing a lot of different outfits and matching shoes isn’t a good idea. Instead, bring a capsule wardrobe and mix and match as much as possible. Bring your own alcohol   You don’t need to splurge on costly drinks on board, as many cruise lines allow travelers to bring their drinks. However, there’s usually a limit on how much alcohol you can carry, so make sure to check with your cruise line. Book shore excursions through private tours  If you’re planning on any shore excursion, don’t book directly through your cruise line. Though it’s convenient, cruise lines charge exorbitant excursion fees and still may fail to offer the kind of experience independent tour operators can provide.

When you go the extra mile to plan a budget vacation, why overpay for flying to your next destination? There are many ways to save money on airline bookings online. And yes, we’re not just talking about using discount codes and coupons that pop up as soon as you hit that search button. These tips and tricks to negotiate search to your advantage can ensure you get a cheap flight every time you plan a vacation. Have a look! Book in advance It is always a good idea to book your tickets in advance. But just how early? To get the lowest possible fare, book your tickets at least 50 days in advance. That is roughly around seven weeks prior to your travel dates. A data analysis done by the Airlines Reporting Corporation shows this consistent trend of booking for cheap tickets. It may not be a sure way of getting the best fare but nevertheless you can enjoy advance booking offers available with major airlines. Go incognito Long story short, incognito mode hides search information from airlines that employ algorithms to track results. You might have noticed some airline fares may show a different amount after you’ve searched for the same flight multiple times.

Booking a hotel room online before is a pretty straightforward and quick process. In fact, it’s so simple that many travelers overlook a few crucial aspects before booking, which ends up costing more time and money. What’s even worse is that a seemingly-minor misstep can spoil your entire vacation. If you want the best deals and make the most out of your trip, here are some common hotel booking mistakes you must absolutely avoid. Booking at an inopportune time When you book a hotel at the wrong time, you often end up paying a lot more. “Wrong” here means you’re booking too early or late. That being said, there’s no single best time to book, but you must consider the popularity and seasonality of your destination and monitor rates for a few days before booking. Assuming there’s no better deal Nearly every booking website claims to offer the best online hotel deals. But taking their word would be unwise. Compare prices across different sites and check if they’re offering promotions. Sometimes, the lowest prices are available on a hotel’s official website, so you might want to check that too. Not paying with a credit card Always use credit cards for hotel bookings.

There is nothing more thrilling than the idea of owning a recreational vehicle (RV). You can travel whenever you want and carry whatever you wish to. You also get numerous opportunities to explore national parks and other scenic settings. Let’s not forget that you get to become a part of the RV community. So if you have decided to invest in and buy an RV, here are some benefits you should look forward to. Money saver An RV is a major investment. But you get to save a lot of money in the long run. You can save on expenses like hotel and restaurant bills since you’ll have your own place to stay. Additionally, you can save more when you buy a used RV. However, always make sure to thoroughly inspect the vehicle before making the purchase. Look for signs of water damage, sun damage, tire condition, and other factors. A home-like feeling An RV can be customized so that you feel as comfy as possible. Stock it up with books, install a snack cabinet, or store board and video games. You can also bring your favorite mattress from home or your family pictures and hang them in the RV.

Whether it is for business or pleasure, traveling calls for meticulous planning and execution. Frequent travelers probably have their own set of tried and tested tricks to easily move through airports, avoid being stranded or stuck in a foreign place, and have an altogether safe and efficient trip. As most of us resume travel after a long break, it is important to revisit and avoid common traveling mistakes for a smooth journey. Overpacking This is a common issue for most people regardless of the number of trips they have taken in the past. The art of packing light doesn’t have to be complicated. It is okay to repeat a few outfits to make space for the essentials. Also, wouldn’t you want to set aside some space in case you decide to go shopping on your trip? To avoid paying an excess baggage fee, review your itinerary and pack accordingly. No cell phone plan One of the common traveling mistakes is completely relying on Wi-Fi. However, not every café, station, or hotel is likely to offer free or reasonably fast internet. So, when you have no access to the Wi-Fi, you wouldn’t want to be stranded and have no means of calling for help.