Your Last Minute Vacation To Fun

The term "last minute travel vacation" probably brings to mind finding your swimsuit and sandals. But there are a few key things you can take care of before your last minute travel vacation that can really boost your enjoyment. First ensure that you have obtained a valid passport when traveling outside the US. Next book your spa and shore excursions online. Lastly assess your credit and cash situation to make sure you aren't caught off guard during your dream cruise. These may seem like small steps but they can add up to a last minute travel vacation disaster if you don't take care of them.

Depending on where your last minute travel vacation takes you it is a good idea to get or renew your passport. Recent changes in US law mean that a passport is required to reenter the States from Mexico and the Caribbean. If you already have a passport check the expiration date and make sure it has blank pages. You don't want to be on the high seas when you realize that it expired a month before or worse during your trip.

For some who don't yet have a passport it's worth the money to get it processed quicker so it arrives in time for your trip. It's a great idea to make a few copies of it before leaving. If your passport is lost or stolen while you are gone these copies will come in handy. Make sure to give copies to your emergency contact in the states and put one in your suitcase.

Your company will send your documents for your last minute travel vacation a month or so before embarkation. They contain important information about ship activities and amenities as well as shore excursions. Many cruise lines allow you to make reservations online via their websites. While you could wait until you board your cruise ship to make these arrangements you'll likely find a long line and inconvenient times available. Booking ahead allows you to begin enjoying yourself the minute you step on board knowing that you've got it all taken care of.

You may have booked your last minute travel vacation to celebrate a birthday anniversary honeymoon or other milestone. Most cruise lines have special packages to enhance your festivities. It is a great idea to give the staff plenty of time to make arrangements such as having hors d'eouvres in your room. Waiting until you are at sea to request twelve dozen orange roses is likely to result in disappointment.

A few months before your last minute travel vacation take a look at your amount of available credit. You'll want to know as soon as possible if you must open another card pay down your balance or move money around. Upon check in you can expect a hold on your credit card for incidentals during your trip. Liners could set holds ranging $50-200 per day on your card.

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It is a great idea to call ahead and find out your cruise line's policy. This is especially important if you plan to stay in a hotel or rent a car since there will be multiple holds on your credit card. Even though your charges are adjusted to reflect the money you actually spent it can take several days for it all to catch up. You don't want to find out that your card is declined during your trip because of holds.

It is also a good idea to bring enough cash for your trip. While you'll use your credit card a lot there are times when cash is important. Because of the high rate of fraud many merchants will not take traveler's checks. ATMs are usually available on ship but sometimes they run empty and you can count on a high fee. On shore some smaller merchants and street vendors will not take credit cards. Bring smaller bills for cash tips to your cruise line staff. Bringing cash means you can enjoy your dream vacation and avoid inconvenience.

Getting organized for your last minute travel vacation isn't that difficult. A little advanced preparation will ensure that you enjoy your last minute travel vacation from the moment you step on board. Get a valid passport make your reservations in advance secure plenty of credit and cash. These small steps will pay off in maximum last minute travel vacation enjoyment. Oh and don't forget to pack your swimsuit.