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With the stresses of work, family schedules, finances and kids, most couples need the occasional break - a romantic retreat to rekindle their romance, invigorate their relationship and give them time to simply relax.

If you’re looking for the perfect romantic getaway that combines worry-free planning, all-inclusive budgeting and romantic sparkle, cruise travel is a great option.

To learn about how to book the best romantic cruise for you and your loved one - regardless of your cruise destination - keep reading for great tips on everything from what to look for in a cruise ship to how to get the best deals for your spouse.

Opt For a Cruise with an Age Limit

The last thing you want on your romantic getaway is to be surrounded by toddlers on their way to a puppet show at the children’s pool. So, book a cruise with an enforced age limit.

Most cruise lines offer cruises that restrict boarding to both individuals 25 and older or married individuals 21 and older. The bulk of these cruises are specifically targeted toward couples and will offer amenities like increased room service, couples’ massages, formal dining and couples’ activities.

If you’re unable to find a cruise with an age limit that’s right for you, most ships offer areas, including pools that are adults-only.

Stay Away From “Singles” Cruises

In contrast to couples’ cruises, some cruise lines offer cruise vacations that are specifically for single travelers or the ’spring break’ party crowd. Unless you want to spend your romantic getaway immersed in loud dance music and terrible pick up lines, you’re going to want to stay away from these options.

Pick a Boat Size That Works For You

A larger boat may have more passengers and a less intimate “feel,” but it also allows for greater anonymity while on-board ship and a larger range of facilities. When choosing a ship, think about what’s important for you in terms of privacy and boat size.

Get the Balcony

As tempting as it may be to book an inside cabin for a discount, know that the space is small and often windowless. If this cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime romantic treat, it’s time to splurge and opt for a cabin with a romantic balcony. When you’re watching the stars go by from bed, you’ll be thankful.

How to Get Great Couples’ Deals

Booking as a couple gives you an advantage. You can often look for “companion” rates that apply to either cabin bookings or air fare to your port. Many cruise lines and some air carriers offer a companion discount for couples traveling together.

Many people get the idea that honeymoon vacation spots should be spent in an exotic location where it’s located half way around the world. However, you have to consider that this kind of thinking will mean spending a lot more money for your wedding. If you’re wedding exhausted all your resources, you should opt for a honeymoon destination that is cheaper.
Let’s admit it, wedding costs are no joke. There’s the whole wedding hullabaloo, not to mention the honeymoon. And of course, you definitely want to enjoy the honeymoon where it’s just the two of you together. And more than just being a time spent with your loved one, your honeymoon vacation destination is the perfect place to relax yourselves after a busy wedding ceremony, and be treated like royalties and enjoy all the amenities of luxury. Although it is always good to be frugal, settle for anything less than what you and your loved one deserve. While some may have the money to enjoy an all-expense luxurious honeymoon get-away, it’s also easy to create the romantic ambience and enjoy the perfect honeymoon vacation without busting your pockets
Of course, you still have to go on a honeymoon in a romantic location. First of all, try and think of a honeymoon vacation destination that is nearer. This can cut the cost and will be as romantic as any kind of honeymoon. If you live in California and you had your wedding there, you can try and consider Hawaii as your honeymoon location rather than go to the Caribbean which is much farther and will cost much more expensive.

When you need to fly to go to your destination, you should consider getting an economy seat in the flight. Besides, when you reach your destination, you can relax all you want and with the economy seat in the plane instead of the first class seat, you can be sure that you will save hundreds of dollars for you and your new spouse’s plane tickets.
Las Vegas. The ultimate gaming experience, not to mention the color lights and sounds make Vegas the whirlwind wedding and honeymoon setting. There are many cheap vacation packages offered by many hotels and resorts, with discount rates from lodging, meals and entertainment.

And because the honeymoon is all about just being the two of you together, you need not even go out of town or out of the country. Scout your local area for some place you can explore. Or with just candles and champagne and the two of you together, your honeymoon can be perfect – and cheap – in just the comforts of your new house.

It’s great to take an opportunity for a family vacation. However, what might be a fun trip for some may not serve as enjoyable travel for others. Consider teens or college students on break who want some adventure for a reasonable price.

Well if you are planning a backpacking voyage and looking for some great global student travel deals, then keep reading to learn the three best ways to save money on your next big trip.

Get an ISIC

ISIC stands for an International Student Identity Card. This card is available from most STA Travel offices, Travelcuts locations and other student-affiliated travel agencies around the world. Essentially, an ISIC is your proof that you’re a student, and the card is recognized by thousands of dealers, sellers and travel providers around the world.

Want to get a student rate on your Eurorail pass? You need an ISIC. Want to save on your admission to the national parks of Kenya? You need an ISIC. Want to get a discounted rate at that Australian hostel? You need an ISIC. It’s an internationally recognized card that can save you hundreds on a backpacking trip. If you have an ISIC, keep an eye out for the ISIC logo, you could access big savings wherever you see it.

Student Airfare Rates

Most airlines no longer offer student rates directly. However, some continue to provide youth fares that are only available through youth-focused or student-focused travel agencies. Check with your on-campus travel agency to see if they have any student specials before you book.

Before you book a student fare, be sure of your travel dates. Student fares are often cheaper because they’re restricted, meaning you either can’t make changes to the flight or you can do so, but only after paying a hefty flight change fee. So, before you book, make sure you won’t have to make schedule changes prior to the date of your departure.

Get a Hostelling International Membership

Hostelling International is a network of hostels all around the world. You can buy a membership to this network, and in return you’ll get savings at all their member hostels along with preferred booking status. Not only can you access HI-member hostels at a cheaper rate, but you also get basic travel insurance for a year and commission free money exchange.

but you will save money. For example, the cost of a membership in the United States is $28 per year for an adult between the ages of 18 and 54. However, you’ll typically hold onto between 10 and 25% per night on each of your stays, meaning you’ll often make back the cost of the membership after 6-10 nights in an HI hostel.

Remember, you’re not going to automatically get student travel deals. You have to look for and ask for them. So, always keep your eye out for special student prices, and keep your ISIC or student identity card on you at all times to take advantage of savings opportunities.

The state of Arizona has so much to offer and now with Tucson Airfare being affordable in the shoulder and off-peak seasons we really should come and explore the state. You may want to visit the Grand Canyon with the glory of nature showing you just how persistence and time can erode something into a true thing of wonder. Or you could want to visit some of the outstanding galleries the state has to offer with the rich heritage of the Native Americans, Hispanic culture and western culture all available in different locations.

This is a great way to discover your Phoenix travel guide. The Heard Museum in Central Arizona is a must see for anyone interested in the heritage of the area. Here you will be exposed to some of the best in traditional and modern American Indian art. There are 10 exhibition galleries that include five long-term and five changing exhibitions with two different locations for you to visit.

While you are staying the Central Arizona area you may want to visit Pueblo Grande Museum which is an archaeological site museum and repository. The goal of the museum is supporting the knowledge of prehistory, history, and ethnology of inhabitants of the Southwest. The museum is located at a 1,500 year-old Hohokam village ruins. You can study reproductions of the prehistoric Hohokam homes when exploring the ruin trail. At the site is also one of the last surviving intact Hohokam irrigation canals. This is a fantastic piece of Hohokam history.

A few hours to the southeast, you will find wonderful Tucson vacation. Head on over to Tombstone where you can experience the Old West. Tombstone is known as “The Town Too Tough To Die,” and is the most famous of Arizona’s historic mining camps. This area produced millions of dollars of gold and silver during a 7 year run. While you are visiting Tombstone you will have the chance to visit Boothill Graveyard, the old Tombstone Courthouse and watch many of the residents dressed in period clothing.

Outside of Tucson you may want to visit the Titan Missile Museum which was home to one of the Titan II Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles. There were 18 Titan II missile sites located at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson. The Titan Missile Museum is the only Titan Missile site that remains intact; all the others were destroyed. You can take a guided tour that includes the launch control room with a simulated launch and then go on through the 200 ft tunnel for inspection at the Titan II missile. It’s an awesome tour, be sure to make time to stop here.

Travel on over to Yuma and visit the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park. Here you will be able to visit the prison that housed 3,069 prisoners, 29 of whom were female. The prison was last used in 1909 before the prisoners were moved to a new facility. Now you can visit the prison and look at the front gate that is so familiar to anyone that has watched western movies.

The words “Schools Out For Summer” strike joy into the hearts of children and often a sigh of relief for parents who are just as eager to take a break from homework as their progeny. However taking a complete break from the books for the entire summer can be problematic.

Studies have shown that children forget between 1 and 3 months of school during the vacation spots. While reading is the least effected, the most impacted subjects are spelling and math. Obviously it is important for children to have time to play and relax — to just enjoy being kids during the summer. Children should not be pushed into a high-pressure study schedule over summer vacation. But parents can take steps to slow down that loss of knowledge and erosion of skills.

First and foremost, keep children reading over the vacation spots but try to work in some nonfiction as well as fiction onto the reading list. Take a lesson from many experienced teachers and pick a few spelling words from the books children are reading. Perhaps tie test results into some special summer reward and you will have eagerly awaited spelling bees.

Writing is one skill that often erodes during vacation spots, but you can give children a writing journal and a weekly goal. They can write about whatever you think will interest your child. They can report on their baseball games, make up elaborate games, or simply report on the books they are reading. There are lots of great writing prompts out there for kids if you run dry of ideas. It does not matter so much what your child writes so long as they spend time writing so they can work on handwriting skills as well as keep in the groove of putting words on paper. One easy writing prompt is to have the child describe people, places, objects, pets and other animals, insects, and games. Lists are another easy writing prompt — favorite things, worst things, etc. Then on another day you can use those descriptions and lists to generate another writing prompt.

Math skills might seem the hardest thing to work on during summer but in fact these can be the easiest. Math does not have to come out of a book and you can easily work a lot of math lessons into those long car rides or plane trips as you go on a family vacation. Try counting car headlights (counting by 2s) as you drive or fingers in a restaurant or plane (counting by 5s). Find various shapes around the house and then trace them to create yet more complex forms. Get the kids involved in cooking and learning about measurements. Give the kids a ruler and notebook and tell them to measure various objects around the house. Empty out your pocket change and have the kids sort it and create word problems with the coins.

There are lots of activities you can do at home without the expense of special tools, workbooks or programs that will actively engage your child in learning and help keep their school skills sharp. They will not even notice they are learning because they will enjoy these projects so much.

Vacations are created to make sure that we get lots of new experience, emotions, change the atmosphere around, get new impressions and - who knows - maybe even broaden the horizons of how we see the world.

Cruises are a perfect match for these goals. This is the type of vacation that is really different from what you have got used to. This is something which is very popular, but needs special skills and knowledge to make a wise choice.

Don’t forget that in a cruise you are on board of a ship, and this is the place where you will spend most of the time.

So, let’s get down to the practical and useful tips and information about how to make a wise cruise vacation choice.

Helpful hints from others who have cruised before you, will guide you through the process of creating your perfect Caribbean cruise.

Planning for your cruise can be overwhelming, there is a lot of things to do and that you need to buy, but in the end you will have a relaxing vacation and a great time. Once you have experienced a couple Caribbean cruises you will be prepared to enjoy the sun and sand in style.

Planning an Itinerary

Choosing a Caribbean cruise line and itinerary are the first steps necessary in planning your Caribbean cruise. Your next step is to plan for what you will need to pack. There are often special activities planned on the island for people taking a Caribbean cruise. If you plan on leaving the ship when it makes port, be sure to book those excursions in advance. It is best to plan ahead in order to properly schedule and stay within financial constraints.

Packing the right clothes is a trickier part of planning a Caribbean cruise than you might imagine. Planning for resort wear, beach wear, and special excursions can create more forethought and planning than the Caribbean cruise traveler planned for. But packing wisely will have a very positive effect in terms of stress-free traveling and making the most efficient use of the limited space in your stateroom.

Choosing a single color scheme for your travel clothing that can be mixed with a few other pieces during your Caribbean cruise vacations is the best packing trip. Luggage space can be saved by renting tuxedos on the ship or by packing a simple dress that can be altered for different occasions by the addition of accessories. When going on a Caribbean cruise, coordinate shorts and tops that can be worn with each other. This will cut down on the amount of space you need when packing.

There are a few things you should never forget on a Caribbean cruise, including sunglasses, sunscreen, and of course a camera so you can remember all those great memories. You will be able to have a worry-free vacation if you plan ahead and pack well.

For the vacation packing checklist tips please read this blog post.

Opportunities to take a family vacation with all family members can be difficult to coordinate. You need to think through a number of creative ideas to come up with a location and activities that all find to be a fun vacation. But what if you’re going alone and love to golf? Then Myrtle Beach should be one of your considerations.

Myrtle Beach resorts offer travelers some of the most challenging and rewarding golf in the world. Many of the courses run right alongside the Atlantic coastline and are world-famous thanks to their roles hosting the Ryder Cup and other PGA Tour events.

Fortunately, many of the courses in and around Myrtle Beach are open to the public all year, including those connected to resorts. That’s why more than a million golfers annually trek to the Palmetto State to play in Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island and Charleston.

From designers Tom Fazio, Pete Dye, Robert Trent Jones, Rees Jones…they all have done some of their finest work here. So have top player-designers that include Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, Davis Love III and Tom Weiskopf.

To find more about a few of the best Myrtle Beach resorts that offer incredible golfing opportunities, read on.

Harbor Town

Any list of South Carolina courses has to begin with this classic Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus collaboration. Bring plenty of golf balls and even more money for the near $200 green fee.

Harbor Town is tight and tree-lined with water hazards guarding several of the fairways and tiny, bentgrass greens. Ocean breezes are always a factor too. Most of the resorts in the surrounding Hilton Head area offer golf packages that include this fantastic course.

Kiawah Island Resort and Golf Course

Pete Dye was given prime oceanfront land and told to build the toughest, most spectacular course he could to test the world’s finest players at the 1991 Ryder Cup. He did exactly that. Half of the Ocean Course’s holes butt up against the beach. The wind can be brutal and peril awaits every shot. But somehow, the course is great fun.

The course is part of the luxury Kiawah Island Resort, and though the course is a bit pricey, it’s well worth it for a once-in-a-lifetime golf experience. It’s also located closer to Charleston than Myrtle Beach, but worth the drive.

Pawleys Plantation

Built along wetlands in lightly populated Pawleys Island south of Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Plantation is far different than most resort courses. Originally a country club, Pawleys Plantation is somewhat secluded in a tranquil location dissected by a huge wetlands area that’s part of a wildlife preserve.

Out of all the most popular Myrtle Beach resorts, Pawleys offers the most authentic South Carolina experience alongside some of the best golf. If you’re looking for a slower pace away from the crowds of Myrtle Beach and more in tune with the state’s strong heritage, you’ll find it here.

Molokai have been dubbed as “the Most Hawaiian Island” and “the Friendly Island” because this is where the “aloha” spirit is found the most. If you are looking for breathtaking natural beauty, rainforests and deserted beaches, then this is the perfect destination.

In Molokai, no building is taller than a palm tree; traffic is almost nil that their government no longer bothered to put up traffic lights. The area is in a rural setting and so peaceful that a visit to Molokai is like stepping 50 years back in time. If you want respite from malls, elevators, neon lights and burger wars, go to Malakai, Hawaii.

Molokai may be rural, but it isn’t a boring place. There are hundreds of things you can do here for little to no cost. Here are some of them:

1. For tourist, a Molokai Mule Ride to the leper colony is a must-do. It’s like smelling the flowers in the park, only this time you’re on horseback. Take this time to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
2. Ever tried lei making? At Molokai Plumeria you can handpick the Plumeria blossoms in the orchards. Here, tourists can attend a short lesson on picking the best blossoms and lei making, so you can create leis for yourself and your loved one!
3. A visit to the Kalaupapa National Historical Park is a place with unique geology and history, there is no other place in the world like it. Make sure to visit it when you go to Molokai.
4. Another thing you can do in Molokai is camping. Indulge with the beauty of untouched beauty of nature while you sit by the campfire at night. In Molokai, there are two county campgrounds and two state campgrounds, where you can sleep peacefully.
5. What is a Hawaiian visit without a trip to the beach? While you’re there, go kayaking or perhaps snorkeling. Make sure you choose vacation homes near the beach – this is probably the only way you can enjoy the endless waters to the fullest!

Those with poor planning skills, or a severe shortage of time, often find that a travel vacation is something that works out very well for them. These are often very easy to find, a bit cheaper than putting everything together separately, and make travel much easier. Those with families often love these because there are a lot of family-orientated packages geared towards the whole family. Finding these is easy, but deciding on the right one is a little harder.

Most of the time, a good travel vacation package spells everything out up front for the person buying the trip. That means you will know exactly what you are getting, and how much it is going to cost you. Families should be careful with all-inclusive packages that do not spell things out. Some find that this means that their travel vacation package includes a few meals, but they are on their own for others. It might not cover most taxes either. This is important to find out.

A travel vacation package does not have to be for families though. There are many out there for couples, and some that are just for honeymoons. Before you take one of these, think about what you are getting for the money. My husband and I took one of these for our honeymoon, and chose one due to the price. This was a mistake. Our honeymoon was a nightmare because of it. You will always find a great travel vacation package, but look into it before you commit your money and your time.

There are always extra expenses attached to any travel vacation package, but some deals are better than others. As long as you understand the cost of your vacation package, plus taxes, and what expenses might still be added once you arrive, you aren’t going to be caught unaware and under prepared.

There is nothing saying that you can’t ask questions before you accept a travel vacation package. If you don’t have the time to do this, you might want to hire a travel agent to find the best deal for you and to fill you in on the details. You can tell them what you need and what you hope to spend, and they will find the best deal they can. It is also a great idea to check up on any location by looking online for reviews from other travelers. Had I done this, I could have avoided a rather rotten honeymoon.

Choose The Maldives for your Honeymoon

The beautiful holiday destination of The Maldives is an extremely popular honeymoon destination.

There are 1200 islands in total, with 80 of those containing resorts and tourist facilities.

For this reason it is often booked out year round so it would be a good idea to book early regardless of the time of year you are traveling. Being in the tropics, it never truly gets cold there so you can even travel in the traditional winter months and still enjoy your time there. It should be noted that the Maldives is a very expensive place to holiday at. Resorts have a monopoly over accommodation and there is not really any budget accommodation there. It is a place for the cashed up tourist and luxury seeker.

Some of the best and most exotic honeymoon resorts in the Maldives are:

- Banyan Tree Maldives Vabbinfaru

- Four Seasons Resort Maldives

- Laguna Maldives

- Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort

- Soneva Gili Resort & Spa

- Vakarufalhi Island Resort

- Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort

- Mirihi

Whichever you choose, you will definitely be pampered and most people find it difficult to leave!

If you love diving, then you will find that the Maldives a great choice for your honeymoon. The best diving attractions in the Maldives are the colorful schools of fish such as Black and White Snappers, Humpback Snappers, Barracuda, Unicornfish, Yellowback Fusiliers, Trevally Jacks and more. The sheer number and range of fish here is astounding and divers will never experience a boring dive, nor will they ever see the same dive twice!

The fact there are no cars (only boats) make The Maldives a very secluded destination for your honeymoon. There can be nothing more romantic than an afternoon boat trip on crystal blue water with colorful fish and coral beneath your boat.

Other honeymoon options in the Maldives are private bungalows.

Some of the best places to visit whilst on a Maldives honeymoon are:

- Male - This is the capital of the Maldives and is the most commercial of all areas. It is only here that you will find a few stores and small restaurants outside of the resorts.

- Makunudu Island - This is an amazingly romantic place, with golden beaches and walkways which are lined with palm trees. This is a place where you will feel at one with nature and your partner.

The Maldives are possibly the single most romantic honeymoon location in the world. I hope you will consider visiting here for your honeymoon! Or at least make it known to your fellow bachelor friends who would appreciate your valued recommendation.

Read more about Maldives Hotels Guide and vacation packing checklist.