With the cost of everything continuously increasing, it will become more difficult to budget for a vacation. Studies show that people still expect to vacation and don’t put that on the top of their lists as a way to save money. But to keep a vacation on the yearly schedule, it may be necessary to cut corners somewhere. The strength of your desire to cruise definitely affects your motivation to save.
Here are a few ideas(some simple and others drastic) to keep the cruising option on the list.
Cut back on the number of days that you eat out or your visits to the fancy coffee places.
Cut back on the amount of food you eat. Just think of the weight you will lose and how good you will look on the cruise and how healthy you will feel.
Desperate tactic – fast or eat ramen noodles.
Walk, ride your bicycle or motorcycle or carpool to work.
Plan your errands so that you drive the shortest distance. Do all of your errands at once.
Do your grocery shopping weekly or even less frequently if possible. Use coupons. Buy the store brands if cheaper.
Turn your thermostat down a few degrees in the winter and up a few degrees in the summer.
Turn off lights when you are not using them.
Run your washer or dishwasher only when you have a full load.
Hang your clothes to dry.
Have a garage sale.
Barter jobs with your friends.
Take a temporary job.
Look for cruise specials.
Take a shorter cruise.
Book a less expensive category of cabin.
Add a 3rd or 4th passenger to your cabin.
Cut back on shore excursions or organize your own
Leave from a port that is within driving distance of your home.
There are plenty of other ways to help you save on a cruise. This list is just a start to get you thinking. Making just a few changes will keep a cruise in your vacation plans.
Recently, I was seated with somebody who thought that removing the tips from her onboard account was a clever way to save money. Please do not resort to such lowly tactics. The people who serve you on the ship work very hard for their money.
Sail Away
