As the US dollar falls and gas prices rise, cruising is the affordable choice. Get the most from your US dollars when you travel. As the dollar continues to fall dramatically and gas prices continue to rise, traditional hotel and resort travel is becoming prohibitively expensive. Today, cruising represents the greatest value for your money when compared to what it will buy elsewhere. Remember, included in the fare for virtually all cruises are your accommodations, meals, activities and entertainment. Some even include your wine and liquor. Purchased separately on a European vacation, for example, you'll pay for hotels or resorts, meals in restaurants, nightly entertainment, transportation as well as your daytime activities, Taken in total, these expenses will likely come to much more than you'd pay on most cruises...even on the luxury cruise lines. Plus, cruising can take you to parts of the world you've always wanted to see and you'll unpack your luggage only once! So look into cruising as the fun, relaxing, luxurious and affordable alternative to expensive world travel. Cary on Travel, we'll help you make it happen. Contact us today. Another money-saving tip: Don't be afraid to venture out on your own while on shore Shore excursions offered by the cruise lines include a lot of quality tours and activities. But, they can be pretty pricey. If you feel more comfortable sticking with your cruise line's excursions, this advice is not for you. If, on the other hand, you have a more an adventurous spirit, don't be afraid to venture out on your own. Virtually every port of call is filled with independent drivers and tour guides who can duplicate the cruise line's excursions, at a fraction of the cost. They know when your ship departs, and will make sure to get you back on time. Also, don't be afraid to explore a port city or town on your own.You'll have the freedom and independence to see what you want to see, shop where you want to shop, eat where you want to eat...all without having to rush back to a bus. The choice, of course, is yours, but don't feel obligated to pay more for what you can do on your own.

Do you think Travel Insurance is a waste of money? Think again! I recently led a group on a cruise through the Panama Canal and virtually all of the 27 people had purchased travel protection. Wouldn't you know, one of the few who needed it had decided to gamble and go without it. While in Panama, she came down with a serious infection and was rushed to a hospital shoreside. She was unable to continue the cruise, and was eventually flown back home to California. Including her hospital bill on the ship, the ambulance to the hospital, her hospital stay and her last minute flight home, her bills came to well over $10,000. Had she had the foresight to purchase travel protection for only $225, all of those expenses would have been covered. So, if you think travel insurance is only for sick and old people, think again. There's never been a greater example for the expression, "penny wise and pound foolish."  Book Online Feature Coming to Cary on Travel Soon you'll be able to book your travel online at Cary on Travel. If you know the flights, hotels or cruises you want, Our new system will provide an extensive data base from airlines, hotels, cruise lines and car rental companies. Online fares will be competitive with the internet mega-sites, but you'll have one major benefit: We are always here to answer your travel related questions. Our personal service will remain second to none and we urge you to contact us by phone or e-mail with any inquiries. Look for the new online booking service to be available soon. Submit your travel items, notes, stories, tips, photos. We'll publish the best of them here.