What's your budget?

You've decided a trip is overdue, and have contacted It's a Snap Travel - thank you!    If you've worked with me in the past, you know I'll ask some general questions including the sometimes hard-to-know budget for the trip.   

But, knowing exactly what you can and cannot spend will save hours of searching or sadly looking at an unrealistic vacation.  My goal is to help you find a resort or cruise ship I am comfortable recommending, matches your needs, checks off many of your "wish-list" items,  and gets the best value for a vacation dollars.   Sure, some concessions may need to be made, but we can work together to find the best option! 

Budget FAQs

When is the cheapest time to travel? 
That can depend on many things, but general rule of thumb is if the kids are in school you'll find the best prices.  Even if you are not traveling with kids. 

When is the most expensive time to travel? 
Holidays, when schools are on break, and when the weather is ideal and temperatures not too extreme. 
Most expensive are the three weeks encompassing Christmas and New Years, followed by March/April.  And, here in Minnesota - you'll see airfare prices jump over October's MEA break.  

So, what do most people spend? 
Costs for vacations have risen over the last few years.  Gone are the days of $99 roundtrip flights to Cancun.   Nowadays, peak travel airfare can be almost half the cost of the trip! 
A recent study found on average Americans spend $1500-$2500 per person on a 7-day vacation to an all-inclusive resort or cruise with airfare.   Of course, this is an estimate but it does match what I have been seeing as well.    

What can affect the cost of the resort or cruise ship?
All cruise ships and all-inclusive resorts are not created equal.   Sure the ships float, and the resorts all have a pool - but the experience can be drastically different from one to the next.   Only you can determine how each of these items below will impact your overall vacation happiness.   
Some of the most common things that can affect price are:

• Age of the resort or cruise ship
• Activities available at the resort or on the ship
• Quality of amenities - basic to luxury 
• Level of service
• Entertainment at the resort or on the ship
• Types of dining options and food quality - buffets vs ala carte and gourmet 
• Types and quality of alcohol offered
• Room or cabin type, size, view and location
• Quality of beach (resort)
• Ports visited (cruise)
• Target client of resort or cruise ship - party scene vs luxury

Vacation deal pitfalls? 
It goes without saying that quality and service increase as price does. The first question I ask when I see an amazing deal is "what is wrong with this resort?"  

My agency isn't a last minute find a dirt cheap deal kind of agency.    I won't offer a vacation I wouldn't take myself.  But this doesn't mean I won't have vacation discounts or offers at great resorts.  Often times I will find one my favorite resorts or ships with amazing pricing, or some of my favorite vacation suppliers with added perks.  
Keep in mind, that hotel room or cruise cabin that you swore you won't spend much time in can quickly become your only retreat during bad weather, a sun burn needing relief or a sleepy child.  

What else will I have to pay? 
The budget you share with me will be my guideline for the vacation bundle of air/hotel or cruise.   But, keep in mind, there may  be other vacation spend such as:

• Travel Insurance
• Drink / Dining packages on cruise ship
• Souvenirs
• Tours/excursions
• Tips / Gratuities 

No two vacations are exactly the same and prices can fluctuate, but it's important to start with a practical budget goal in mind to stay focused and make the right choices that fit your price range.