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For those Galveston cruise ship passengers looking for a unique beginning or end to their cruise, I’ve just completed a complete rebuild of our short term vacation rental property “Sunset Bungalow.”
This property is completely new inside and out with deluxe resort style accommodations. Located on the fringe of Jubilee Bay on Galveston’s West End, you’ll enjoy an unparalleled view of prime Galveston Bay wetlands with magnificent Sunsets 337 day a year… the kind you see in Key West. With room for 8-10 guests, Sunset Bungalow includes amenities you can’t find in a local hotel. Things like fishing from a private boat dock, plenty of room for everyone to stretch out, completely stocked video and reading library and kayaks to name just a few. We’ve also included two huge front and rear decks to enjoy those awesome one of a kind sunsets.
A major benefit to renting a vacation home like ours is you are able to save a lot of money by not eating out. Prepare all your meals in our fully equipped gourmet kitchen or fire up the barbie and create your own delicacy.
Sunset Bungalow is located in Jamaica Beach, a quick drive to or from the Galveston Cruise terminal. Seven Seas grocery is less than a five minute drive for easy shopping. The Village of Jamaica Beach has it’s own restaurants, convenience stores, post office, and police - fire departments for any type of emergency.
But, lets don’t forget the beach. Jamaica Beach has it’s own stretch of beautiful sandy beach. And one of the best things about it is that it’s away from all the crowds of Galveston beaches. Enjoy a nice nice walk or take a quick 3 minute drive. Note: Jamaica beach is known to be a prime sharks teeth hunting ground.
Galveston cruise ship passengers now have a fantastic option to begin or end their cruise. Sunset Bungalow can accommodate 8 easily. The lower unit (the bunkhouse) has a full trundle bed and will sleep an additional 2 people. 4 BR/ 3 Bath in all.
For rates and rental info click this link: Sunset Bungalow
Take a few minutes and copy these great tips for saving money on your next Cruise from Galveston…
1- Book early or very last minute.
2- Have more taken out of checks
3- Take advantage of banks debit/credit card policies. Some will round up purchases and place the change in savings. Other may match the amount.
4- Have $25 every paycheck sent straight to a savings account.
5- Use the Internet to your advantage. Search a trip to death. Use forums, boards and other sites to find the best deal on hotels and car rentals.
6- Take a plastic 5 gallon water jug and have everyone drop their change there. Savings could equal several nice shore excursions.
7- Request overtime around Thanksgiving and Christmas.
8- Use a portion of your Tax refund after paying other bills.
9- Buy a little at a time, i.e., one month pay down the deposit the next buy equipment like snorkel gear. Later buy clothes when on sale. Another month pay for excursions. Another month renew passport and so on.
10- Pay with paper bills, and drop the balance into your “cruise jar.” If you pay for milk at a convenience store at $3.48, when you get home drop the balance into you cruise jar.
11- Pre-buy drink coupons.
12- When shopping at your grocery outlets use coupons. Put the saving into your cruise account.
13- Use a cruise line credit card and then build up points use them for your next cruise. Be sure to pay off c/ceach statement to avoid costly interest penalties.
14- If you have work related travel, use miles and hotel points to offset travel expenses to and from a port. Pay the bill in full each month and bank what you’ve earned both on the credit cards and the “frequent”
mileage/points. It’s like getting a double payback!
15- Kick your ‘Bucks’ habit. Instead brew your own specialty coffees and teas and take them to work.
16- Use a credit Union or Bank ‘CoinStar’ machine. Usually they’re set to give you 100% back vs. keeping 8% at most grocery stores.
17- Bring drink mixes and mix with water to save on sodas, coffee or tea purchases
18- Booking tips: Book well in advance. Book during an online sale. Book off season. Go Moderate! Don’t think your trip will be more fun if you book a suite or eat at specialty restaurants, etc.
19- Clean out your closets and garages once a year and have a sale.
20- Become a great shopper. Learn to coupon buy, shop late evenings when things get marked down, buy sale only stuff, etc. Learn to save and budget.
I’ve put together a great book on budgeting for vacations. It’s chocked full of money and time saving tips that will have you vacationing ‘debt free.’ For a limited time, you’ll also receive a FREE copy of another 10 page report on money saving travel tips. In this economy, who can’t afford every money saving tactic for their next vacation. www.VacationBudgeting.com
…on entertainment value. Yes! Galveston, TX is fast becoming the cruise mecca for honeymooners, families on a budget and women looking for a fantastic girlfriend getaway vacation. Centrally located and an easy drive from just about anywhere, the three main cruise ships leaving the Port of Galveston offer one of the best vacation values found anywhere. Cruises from Galveston are priced from the mid $200’s to a little over $1000 depending on which ship you book.
Cruising is a great way to relax and enjoy the awesome ambiance the huge vessels offer up. There is something for everyone in your group including passengers needing special assistance. Galveston cruise ship itineraries include the Bahamas, Key West, Mexico, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras and Belize.
Depending on your travel budget and the level of luxury you want , I’m listing the ships in order of expected cost.
Economy minded travelers may find Cruise Ship_Carnival Cruise Lines_Carnival Ecstasy to be in line with their budget.
In the middle of cruise prices from Galveston, you might consider the Cruise Ship_Carnival Cruise Lines_Carnival Conquest
And finally, consider Cruise Ship_Royal Caribbean Int._Voyager of the Seas for a luxury cruise out of Galveston
You can’t go wrong with any ship you decide to book going out of Galveston as they all fill a specific need for their cruise customers. I recommend getting your family and friends together for a planning party this weekend. Consider everyone’s input and decide on one of these wonderful cruise vacations. The ships are available all the time and in my opinion offer you an unforgettable vacation deal. What are you waiting for? Get those emails out now.
Key West is a hidden gem at the very Southern most tip of the USA. To get there by car, just keep driving south from Miami through the Florida Keys. Another option is arriving by plane, but part of the fun of your Key West vacation is driving there. There are so many fun side trips, you should plan on a full day of travel for the 165 mile drive. One of my favorite stops is the Dolphin Research Center in Marathon, where you can swim with the Dolphins. It’s amazing to be up close and actually touch these beautiful creatures.
If sailing is a pastime you enjoy, you can charter a sailboat in Marathon and actually sail into Key West. Spending a few days on a boat in the Harbor puts you in walking distance to everything Key West has to offer. I did this about 10 years ago and it’s still ranks as one of my top vacations.
Key West caters to all types of tourists and believe me, if you’re looking to let your hair down, you won’t have to look hard for entertainment. On the other side, Key West is a great place for a short family vacation. And for anyone that loves to people watch, you must head over to Mallory Square where every evening is a sunset watcher’s paradise. People are there to watch the sunset, but the entertainment value offered by the street performers is second to none. And if things are just right and you watch closely, you may even see a rare green flash when the sun finally disappears under the horizon. I’ve seen 2 there… and they are forever etched in my mind.
While there, take a few of the tours offered; the ghost tour, the Hemingway Home and Mansion, the Dry Tortugas National Park or one of a dozen evening cruises.
For my wifes 50th birthday, 20+ friends joined us on a catamaran for an unforgettable and very fun filled sunset cruise.
You can create your own fun filled self-guided tour by just wandering up and down Duval street. There are so many stores offering so many unique merchandise options, you’ll think you’re in the shopper’s promised land. There is actually something for every whim and fancy.
Another great way to enjoy Key West is to stay in a private residence, or vacation rental. Key West is jam packed with interesting homes… some with unique history. If you traditionally stay at a resort, you’ll find many benefits in trying out a vacation rental. Your family will enjoy additional privacy, you can cook meals to save a little money, and many are pet friendly. Check out your Key West vacation rental options here.
Key West is packed with entertainment options and is a great destination for a short family vacation. Plan your trip there now.
