Holiday Travel That Won't Break the Bank

We're just around the corner from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, and rather than staying at home, why not take a dream vacation? Drop your oven mitts and spatulas this holiday season and get pampered every meal with amazing cuisine while bonding with the family during an exciting holiday cruise vacation. Cruise lines go above and beyond for the holidays and cruisers can enjoy unique amenities such as holiday parties, special holiday drinks, holiday menus with seasonal favorites and even special late-night buffets. While traveling during the holidays might seem expensive, travel expert, Charisse Osnato has shared her tips for holiday travelers and favorite holiday destinations that won't break the bank.

The Caribbean
Why not exchange the blustery winter winds for the warm beaches of the Caribbean? Spend the holidays with the sun on your face and the sand between your toes. With over 28 island nations to choose from, the Caribbean offers endless opportunities for a winter getaway, and often at very reasonable prices. Thanksgiving falls just before the peak season, so by choosing to have your turkey in the islands, you can still lock-in low-season rates. Many cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Disney, Carnival, Celebrity, Silversea, and Azamara Cruises offer holiday specials to and from the Caribbean. Not only will you get a great last-minute deal, you will have the benefit of visiting multiple islands while enjoying delicious meals and exciting and unique on-board activities. Using a travel agent can also help alleviate costs and get freebies thrown in such as on-board credits at no extra cost.

The Caribbean is notorious for exciting holiday celebrations that can make a trip truly memorable. St. Kitts is a great example for a holiday getaway. The island's national carnival runs from December 15 through January 2 - activities change every year, but vacationers can expect lively parades, revelry and folkloric performances.

Europe
November and December are great months to visit Europe. You can experience the romance of Prague, the history of Berlin, and the artistic flair of Salzburg all without the summer tourist crowds. A river cruise is one of the best and most affordable ways to get the most bang for your buck when traveling in Europe. With river travel, you see all the sights of such major European cities as Munich, Paris, and Amsterdam, and you don't have to worry about hotel charges or confusing train schedules. To get in the holiday spirit, consider taking a Christmas Market Cruise. Europe is known for its charming Christmas markets, with the most famous being in Cologne, Vienna, and Nuremburg. You can munch on freshly roasted chestnuts while perusing the home-made goodies.

If ancient history is more your style, Greece offers highly-affordable deals during their off-season of November - March. Discover the mysteries of the Acropolis in Athens or climb the legendary Mount Olympus before exploring the romantic Greek isles. The fact that many big-name resorts are closed during the off season allows visitors to experience the more intimate, local side of Greek life. Stay in a picturesque bed and breakfast while wandering the whitewashed alleyways of Santorini. Then take an island-hopping cruise to explore the neighboring communities of Mykonos, Crete, and Rhodes.

Additional tips for holiday travelers:

• Splurge on a balcony - more room in your cabin for presents and decorations

• Book adjoining cabins or consider family suites that sleep multiple people comfortably

• Ask yourself - do you prefer to spend the holidays in port or at sea? You don't want to end up in a port on Christmas Day where everything is closed but the beach and the churches

• What is your preferred balance of sea days and ports days? Certain lines such as Oceania and Windstar focus on port-intensive itineraries while cruises that last longer than a week integrate more at-sea time into the itineraries

• What to pack? Make sure to bring special holiday outfits for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Eve. Consider accessories like Santa hats, colorful beads, New Year's Eve accessories or other festive items

• Religious services led by priests, ministers or rabbis are available on most cruise lines during the holidays

• During the holidays children can enjoy visits from Santa, seasonal movies, caroling, holiday snacks, craft-making and storytelling on board


For more information and for help booking your affordable holiday vacation, contact Charisse Osnato of CruiseOne at (800) 945-0383 or visit us at www.CruiseTheEasyWay.com.

Top 5 Packing Tips for the Perfect Summer Escape

As airline baggage fees continue to rise with no end in sight, creative packing strategies have become the budget-savvy traveler's best friend. With airlines charging upwards of $75 dollars for a second bag and some even charging for the first, packing lightly is now a must.

Charisse Osnato, a local CruiseOne independent vacation specialist, frequently consults with his/her clients on the best way to pack for their travels. According to Osnato, the Top 5 tips to save space and money include:

1. Make a list. Before packing anything, create a list with each day of your vacation and what you will need. Having a list saves time, creates less hassle and even more excitement about your upcoming trip. Plus, having a list can save you from realizing you've included ten pairs of underwear for your 3-night cruise!

2. Always pack full outfits. It is easy to throw items randomly into a suitcase that you `might need, but it is more efficient to include outfits for your respective days on the road or at sea. Remember your accessories, shoes, hats and more.

3. Keep it simple! If your vacation includes sun and sand, don¿t overpack sweaters and pants. Most likely, you will end up in a bathing suit and flip flops with a suitcase of heavy (and costly, remember the airline fees!) clothes you never use.

4. Don't overdo toiletries. Sure, you may love your uber-concentrated overnight moisturizer, but if it's not a must, leave it at home. Packing only the essentials will save space. And remember, most resorts and cruise ships today offer blow dryers and complimentary amenities (even some created just for them by your favorite cosmetic companies). Don't forget airport security policies limit your carry-on liquids (this includes lotions, creams and sprays) to 3 oz. If you don't want it confiscated, don't bring it.

5. Finally, don't stress. Preparing for a trip can be overwhelming, needing to pack for your entire family, clean the house, remember your important documents, find a pet-sitter and more. The ultimate goal is to relax and unwind with your kids, significant other and friends. If you're organized about your packing, you can save time and money.

Travel agents are trained experts in every aspect of travel from packing to specific airline or cruise line rules/regulations and more, so don't feel like you're alone in the vacation planning process. For help with your next trip, contact Charisse Osnato at (800) 945-0383 or visit http://www.cruisetheeasyway.com/.

Spring is in the Air...and so is European Travel

With airfare to Europe decreasing slightly, this Spring and Summer could be the perfect opportunity for travelers to take advantage of incredible cruise line offers currently on the market, escaping to some of the world's most unforgettable destinations. Numerous ships are redeployed across the pond each April, so there is no time like the present to begin planning that once-in-a-lifetime European vacation.

Cruising in Europe can be efficient, comfortable and economical. Travelers can explore the history, art, and natural beauty of their must-see spots without having to navigate tricky roads, unfamiliar driving customs or train-hopping between sometimes crowded stations. Another benefit to cruising in Europe is the fact that by experiencing the continent this way, your time is freed up to actually enjoy the highlights of each destination, rather than trying to determine the best spots to sleep and dine.
European cruises through the Baltic Sea to Southampton will give travelers the unique chance to explore London at its finest hour, as the city plays host to the 2012 Summer Olympics. Seeing Piccadilly Circus, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and other landmarks will create lifelong memories on their own.

Another popular port of call is Dover, which is considered England's gateway to the rest of Europe. Best known for its breathtaking white cliffs overlooking the English Channel, this timeless treasure boasts a variety of things to do that many travelers don't typically consider. Even though Dover is just over an hour from London, its proximity to renowned southeast England towns and villages means there are alternatives to big city touring, as well. Rye, a 1 1/4-hour drive south, is a charming medieval village and the city of Canterbury is noted for its breathtaking cathedral. For day trips, Sissinghurst, Vita Sackville-West's famous gardens, are near enough to squeeze into an "on-the-way-to-the-port" sightseeing jaunt, as is Leeds Castle (be sure to allow extra time there for touring).

Other hotspots on European and Mediterranean cruise itineraries this year are Barcelona, Athens and Venice. As prices are more affordable than ever and with perks like reduced deposits, onboard credits, and free shore excursions.  Europe cruising is truly the way to go for a dream vacation this Spring or Summer. For more information, contact Charisse Osntao at (800) 945-0383 or Click Here to view some of the offers.  Hurry time is limited.