| European discount cruises have always been | | | | ask what time of year is best for finding such |
| popular for cruise enthusiasts. Whether you are a | | | | discounts. |
| seasoned traveler or planning your first trip on a | | | | 3. What is the Political Climate: While most |
| ship, there are several important things to keep in | | | | countries that rely on tourism make every effort |
| mind before calling your travel agent. | | | | to ensure the safety of tourists, these days it is |
| Here are a few tips in planning your European | | | | always a good idea to keep up on the current |
| discount cruise: | | | | political climate of the countries you are planning |
| 1. The time of year: While "Paris in the springtime" | | | | to visit during your European discount cruise. |
| does sound very romantic, the truth is that you | | | | Especially if the particular country being visited, |
| are quite likely to spend many days in your cabin, | | | | has had a problem in the past. |
| because the weather can be cold and rainy. | | | | 4. Try to pack lightly: Most travelers take far too |
| However, the French Riviera in the springtime | | | | much on vacation, and thus, they end up lugging |
| boasts warm temperatures, sunshine and beautiful | | | | heavy suitcases and bags along that are filled with |
| locations to visit. If you are not sure of the | | | | items that they either don't use or need. |
| particular weather patterns of the places you plan | | | | Therefore, when planning for European discount |
| to visit, it is a good idea to check with your travel | | | | cruises have a look at your current wardrobe and |
| agent. They can advise you on rainy seasons or | | | | try to pack as lightly as possible. Just take only |
| other weather-related issues for traveling to a | | | | what you will need. If you find that you need |
| specific holiday location. | | | | something, the chances are that you can get it |
| 2. Your Budget for the trip: Decide how much you | | | | once you reach your destination. |
| have to spend, and do not forget to include all the | | | | 5. Most importantly, just have fun! Make sure that |
| extras like tourist attractions, transportation, | | | | you are organized, make your plans and expect |
| souvenirs and meals, which are typically more | | | | the best from your European discount cruises. |
| expensive in Europe than in the states. A typical | | | | Once you are on your vacation you will be able to |
| dinner can cost upwards of 50 Euros per person, | | | | relax and enjoy yourself if everything is planned |
| especially in the cities. Look at the current | | | | and organized properly. However, there are few |
| exchange rate between your currency and the | | | | "perfect" vacations, so if something does go |
| country you will be visiting, so you have a much | | | | wrong, try to relax and "go with the flow" as |
| better idea of what the cost of your vacation is | | | | much as you possibly can. Experienced travelers |
| actually going to be. Consult your travel agent on | | | | say that sometimes their best cruises have been |
| the availability of European discount cruises and | | | | the ones where the unexpected happens. |