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The chronicle was on the hunt for a cheap flight home from Europe for two travellers.

Original pricing started at $1700 and ended at just over $200 per person. Are there secrets to finding cheap flights online? You bet there are!

Check out this page for more information, add it to your favorites, and the next time you need a cheap plane ticket you’ll know precisely where to go and the travel secrets to find the best deal.

Have you been dreaming of a cruise vacation - alone or with the family?

We’ve just recently returned from a TransAtlantic cruise ourselves and it was glorious. In fact we met many people who said it was the only way they travel now.

Heading off to travel to exotic locations aboard a luxury cruise ship, breathing in the salty air, sometimes having dolphins swim by and alongside your boat, playing in the day and getting full night’s sleep in the evening will re-energize anyone.

However, you will want to pre-plan your cruise vacation to make it the best it can possibly be. Below you’ll find a few tips I picked up from ‘expert’ cruisers…

First and foremost - plan your daily budget. Start out with off season rates and dates. Cruise lines actually change prices a number of times throughout the year. Also keep your plans flexible so that you can change ships at the last minute if need be. Sometimes a ship is not filled to capacity, so the cruise line will sell the last few tickets at a bargain of a deal. Sometimes it is better to cruise on standby or register just days before sail date, to get the lowest rates.

Your cruise destinations will impact your budget as well. If you will be landing at tourist stops (most of the Caribbean cruises) you’ll need a little more money for excursions should you choose to take them. On the other hand, if you’re just cruising to rest and relax, you can always avoid the tourist traps and stay onboard. It’s actually quite wonderful to stay behind on a quiet ship with staff and services all to yourself. You can also book a cruise that doesn’t stop anywhere.

Another tip? Stay safe by leaving your expensive digital equipment and jewelry at home. Watch your passport like a hawk, as well as your health insurance paperwork.

Travel light! You want to investigate a little before you pack for your cruise vacation. Some cruise lines provide clothing irons, hair dryers, and other personal items that you won’t need to bring from home. You will find laundry services on board so keep most of your clothing at home as well, remembering to bring a few nice suits or dresses for formal dining. Pack all your linens, cottons and other wrinkle-proof clothing (2-3 days worth) in co-ordinating colors to give yourself plenty of fresh ‘looks’.

Above all else, enjoy yourself. Make the most of your cruise. Nap on the deck. Don’t hide away in your cabin. Soak up the wonderful sea air - even just on short cruises - and you’ll return refreshed and energized.

Once you’ve been to Rome, Italy, you never need to go back. There are just so many other places in Italy that are so much more enjoyable, peaceful, fashionable - and, well, delectably edible! We would always suggest travelling to an Italian town like Lucca for a truer, richer, better tasting, Italian experience.

Rome is a dirty city, ripe with the poor, the desperate, and theives. Even young children have been taught to steal. Just ask any Roman about the ‘gypsy children’ for a straight answer on the filth and dangers that abound.

With that said, Rome is an excellent start and end point for any lengthly stay in Italy. When travelling from overseas, there is no cheaper or more functional airport in Europe. The train is accessible within the terminal which will take you right into the main train station of Rome - Termini.

From Termini you can travel cheaply all over Italy by train, right along the coast if it fits your itinerary!

Before you leave however, do your due diligence and set yourself up with an apartment during your time in Rome. There you’ll be able to take day trips, cook your own meals, do your own laundry, and have a safe, somewhat peaceful haven to retreat to after seeing the sights of nearby towns.

Here are a few sites to visit to get you started in your research.

Cross-Pollinate: www.cross-pollinate.com
Roman Reference: www.romanreference.com
Roman Homes: www.romanhomes.com
Sleeping in Rome: www.sleepingrome.com

We can only personally ‘vouch’ for Cross Pollinate’s service and selection and their back up dorm accommodation at the Beehive. Ask for Linda, tell her Laura from Canada sent you and see if she doesn’t give you a great deal!

Purple Princess asked about: Where can I find information on the train travel ticket in Europe?

Eurail Select Pass

Cheap flights to Europe

taduska asked about:

After our cruise we’re going to visit family in london This isn’t my first cruise so I know what to expect on the ship.. My concern is all of the trouble they’ve had there lately. We will be flying home from there. As I’m sure alot of you know about all the troubles with the airlines. Here in the U.S. as well as in europe. Has anyone been on a cruise there? And how were the airports?

Cheap Tickets to Europe

BubbleLo asked: I am going to Travel Europe for a month, is buying a Eurorail ticket a good idea and how does it work?

Sarah asked about:

I am planning a European cruise. I was wondering if anyone knows the best month and why? I just don’t want to find myself visiting Europe when everyone travels there.

I just want to avoid the crowds. Also I have a 3 year old, I am just not sure if I should take him. If I do the Euro cruise and decide not to take him, I have my mother who can stay with him.

If anyone can give me an advice on that too, I’d sure appreciate it.

Cheap flights to Europe