I just thought I would share a little piece of our cruise we took back in December to the Caribbean. It was a fabulous trip that I really wasn't sure we should take because it was over Christmas. Looking back it was perfect, the only downfall being my youngest daughter changed her mind and didn't go.

So many times I am asked: Which is a better value, Cruising or an All Inclusive? Truthfully, it is different for everyone. Some people prefer one over the other for whatever reason but the value in both options is definitely there.

With cruising, most activities are involved along with food (there are always options to upgrade for an additional fee). The biggest costs associated with cruising come from shore excursions and bar bills. Since there are so many options for things to do in ports this can fluctuate greatly in price. Some things are worth the price tag, others are not. (Again, personal preference) The other cost with cruising is the bar bill. Most people enjoy going on vacation and having a drink or two. If you are the type of person who wants to order 10-20 drinks per day of all different kinds, cruising would definitely not be the best value for your vacation dollar. But if you like the idea of seeing a different port everyday and can keep your bar tab in check, cruising is an excellent value.

All Inclusive vacations offer unlimited drinks and food along with most non-motorized activities. Most of the time it is a bit higher in price per day to go to an all inclusive than to go on a cruise once you factor in airfare but not always. Also with an all inclusive, as with any land vacation, you arrive at one destination and stay there for the duration of your trip. This is not always a bad thing, just depends on what you are looking for in a vacation.

Basically, there is no easy answer. Every situation is different and pricing is always fluctuating. Once you choose between the two, find a price you are c

There are so many options to paying for that vacation that you are planning to book. You can pay for it on your credit card and then pay it off over time. (This tends to be the majority vote for how to pay for a trip) There is the option of saving until you have enough to pay it in full. There are also payment plans. Any one of theses are completely effective ways to budget for your cruise. It's all a matter of what your personal budget allows for and knowing how to work with it. I personally, am a big fan of a combination of payments. I budget initially to come up with a bigger deposit, then make monthly payments from then until I have to make the final payment. After final payment, I make monthly payments to my vacation fund for spending money and use my credit card if I need it. After my trip :-( I continue making the monthly payments until my card is paid off. Then repeat!!!

Everyone is different. Find what works for you and go for it!!