Last minute traveler, specialty websites are able to secure good deals on last minute flights because airlines are often desperate to fill their planes to capacity. An empty seat means lost revenue. And with many airlines struggling to stay afloat, any lost revenue quickly becomes a problem.

If you find that you need to arrange last minute travel due to a death in the family, you may be able to receive a special discounted price from the airlines. To see if you qualify, simply call the airlines directly. You will need to be able to provide some sort of proof, so make sure to find out what documentation you will need in order to receive a death-related, price break.

You can go about checking the availability of last minute flights by calling airlines individually, right before you need to leave or you can visit an airline search engine that specializes in finding last minute deals for you. They will undoubtedly have connections and will be able to make deals that you won’t be able to secure for yourself. Below is a list of sites that will have special last minute flight deals available.

Sometimes making last minute travel arrangements is necessary. Some people prefer to travel this way, deciding at the last minute that they want to visit another country or city. These people are typically more adventurous and love the freedom of travel on a whim.  For these individuals, price may not be much of a factor. There are other individuals who find that they need to travel due to some sort of emergency or death. Still, there are others that will take advantage of special deals that airline or travel companies make available to last minute travelers.

Before you go.

Pack as light as possible.  You should have no more than two suitcases and one carry-on.  If you are going to a tropical climate it will be even easier packing shorts and T-shirts.  And, you can always pick up some new clothes at your destination.

Ensure that you have all of your medications and copies of your prescriptions.  Check on the latest rules for carrying liquids in your carry-on.  The rules and regulations change with the weather – so keep current.

Re-confirm your flight.  My last trip was almost delayed by a day or two as a typhoon hit Taiwan and my flight from Hawaii was going through Taipei.  I scrambled and got my flight changed to one that went through Tokyo, Japan and managed to get to Thailand as scheduled.  I didn’t check ahead of time and fortunately was able to get on a different flight.  I learned my lesson.  While re-confirming, get your seat assignment.  I prefer exit rows for more legroom.

Double check that you have everything.  I use a checklist and check it 2 or 3 times before I go.  Really make sure that you have your passport, tickets and some way to pay – cash, ATM card, credit card or traveler’s checks.  A combination is a good way to make sure that you have alternative means of paying.  If you are going to a country that has its own currency, plan to exchange a day or two’s worth at the destination airport.  Don’t change money in your home country – you will get a terrible rate.

At your home airport

Plan to get to your airport about 3 hours ahead of your flight departure.  Check-in and security lines can be long and slow.  Have your travel documents ready to show wherever you go.  Again, check on the rules for what you can bring with your on the flight – especially in your carry-on.

I always eat at the airport before I fly.  Things have gotten better and cheaper at airports and I prefer to have a meal in me and not rely on the airline food.  I also bring some trail mix with me to munch on during the flight.

Take advantage of the duty free shops.  Get your booze, cigarettes and other goodies for tax-free prices.  Check the limitations at your destination country before you buy 6 bottles of whiskey and find out you are only allowed to bring in one.  Also check to see if you can carry liquids on flights that have a layover or two.  You may have to make your purchase at the layover before your last leg.

You can kill time playing with any electronic toys you own.  Wireless access is usually available in the airports so you can check email and surf.  You can also listen to some music if you have an Ipod of something similar.  Wireless can be found in most airports right outside the Airline lounges.  You don’t have to be a member to sit outside and tap into their unsecured network.

On the flight

Try to relax and sleep as much as possible.  The time zone changes and jet lag will be lessened.  Avoid alcohol and drink plenty of water, especially on longer flights.  Dehydration comes easily on long flights in dry cabin air.  You can drink booze when you arrive.

Read and watch a movie to kill time.  Do some of the puzzles in the on-board magazines.  Keep busy as much as possible.  Have some mints and gum to alleviate the air pressure during take-off and landing.

I usually avoid the main course of the airline food.  I do eat the salad, bread and dessert.  The main meal is rarely edible. This is why I eat before I go and eat my own snacks.

You will have to fill out a customs declaration form on the plane to turn in to the Custom’s officer.  Do this on the plane and stick it with your passport.

Arrival

Head out of the plane as quickly as possible.  You and everyone else will have to go through Immigration/Customs – so the race is on.  Hopefully, you were given instructions before deplaning.  If not, just follow the signs.  Don’t stop to smoke or use the bathroom.  Get in the shortest line and have your passport ready.  Keep a copy of your boarding pass with you, just in case.

Be pleasant and polite to the Custom’s officer, get your passport stamped, turn in your customs declaration, and head for the luggage carousels.  Make sure you have your own luggage and find the currency exchange.

Change enough money to last you a day or two.  ATMs are conveniently located around the world, so a debit card is the easiest way to get local currency.  It can be a little more risky using a credit card.  Get your money and head for the exit.

Find the taxi or bus line and head to your hotel.  You made it!  Now, enjoy your vacation.

When many people think about a budget vacation, they picture an intrepid traveler in a roach infested hotel room eating stale sandwiches and riding around on the city bus.  However, one of the best ways to save money on a vacation is also one of the most luxurious and most thrilling – the cruise vacation.

Cheap Accommodation
In addition to a cheap place to stay, a cruise also offers unlimited food, including many amazing buffets that are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  In addition, the food on cruise vacation ships are often better-quality to those in all but the best land locked restaurants, and once again, the food is included in the price.

Traveling Off-season
Of course, it is possible to save money by traveling in the off-season, and this can often be a great plan. For instance, even though it is the middle of the winter and most people are not thinking about vacations where you are, it may be warm and tempting in many tropical cruise ship destinations.

It is important, however to check out the local weather, and to avoid the rainy season in the destinations you are considering. Steering clear of hurricanes, tropical downpours and other weather problems can help you get the most out of your cruise ship.

Cabins
If you have never taken a cruise ship before, it is a good idea to get advice from those who have experienced cruising. These people can give valuable insight on the best balance of cost and comfort for your first cruise ship experience.

The location of the cabin is another important consideration when booking a cruise ship. The interior cabins on the lower parts of the ship are generally the least costly, while the higher, larger cabins with ocean views are the most expensive.

Discounts and Cheap Cruise ship Deals
It is not always necessary to shop early, of course. Cruise ship lines have been known to offer some fantastic discounts at the last minute in order to move unsold cabins or avoid leaving with a less than full passenger load.

There are many last minute travel newsletters that provide details on these types of cruise ship deals, and these last minute travel deals are a big hit with retirees and others with the time to see the world.

Food and Gym
After eating all that food, you will probably feel the need to work out, and the cost of the cruise vacation also typically includes unlimited use of the gym, the weight room and the sports locations. While many hotels tack on a surcharge for the use of the hotel gym, with a cruise vacation it is generally included.

Shipboard Entertainment
The cost of a cruise vacation also includes all shipboard entertainment and classes. The entertainment options of a cruise vacation are often one of the best parts of the experience, and many cruises offer such things as movie nights, theatres, spas, nightclubs, discos, and even casinos.

There are also some great classes offered by cruise lines, in everything from origami to bridge to ballroom dancing. And again, these classes and entertainment options are included in the price you pay for the cruise.

Among the only things that are not included in the typical cruise vacation are alcoholic beverages and shore excursions. Many of the higher priced cruises even include these extras. If the shore excursions and drinks are not included, be sure to get a price list for shore excursions and drinks.

It is often possible to save money on shore excursions while on a cruise vacation by booking the tours locally at portside instead of going with the cruise line. Just be sure, however that the book it yourself excursion will get you back to the ship on time.

For all these reasons, cruise vacation can be among the best, and most economical, of all vacation opportunities. The ability to enjoy a week or two week cruise vacation at one low price is one more reason to love cruising.