Lifetime Deals

One of the best investments I made was a lifetime subscription to International Travel News magazine (ITN). I bought it about 20 years ago and already consider it a great deal; hopefully, I will continue receiving ITN for at least twice that in the future (that is, hopefully I AND ITN will be around for another 40 years). By the way, its current lifetime subscription rate is $244.

ITN, to me, is the best available travel magazine. Many of its articles are written by the subscribers. It is very valuable to read about world destinations and travel skills written by actual persons travelling on their own dime, rather than paid journalists. ITN is a no-frills, informative, inspiring newsprint publication (often 200 pages) that I look forward to receiving every month. Besides, is there another travel magazine that offers a lifetime subscription? Will there even be any travel magazines in another few years?

National Geographic offers a lifetime society membership, entitling the buyer to the magazine. That runs a mere $850. Mensa once (and may still) offered lifetime memberships. Travel companies used to offer lifetime travel passes. The National Park Service sells a lifetime pass to seniors for only $10. I do not think that Disney has a lifetime program, in spite of rumors.

My third principle of better travel (#1 = flexible, #2 = resourceful) is to be assertive. Ask for travel deals. Stand up for your rights when something goes wrong. Regarding lifetime deals (passes, subscriptions, admission, etc.) it would not hurt at all to ask. It shows that you intend to be a loyal customer and that makes the company happy.

What are your experiences with lifetime deals?

Thank you.

© 2009, Charles McCool

Save Money on Disney Cruises

Would you like $600?

Next time you book a cruise, on any cruise line, find a travel agency that is a preferred provider for that cruise line. There will be at least one travel agency specializing in making arrangements for your desired cruise line. It is important for you to find this travel agency because they provide lower rates than the cruise line or other travel agencies. If that important to you then read on.

Let's say you want to take a Disney Cruise vacation. Do your research on DisneyCruise.com; find the right dates, itineraries, and rates. You can shop around. In fact, I usually do, but, I end up booking with one travel agency because they have the lowest rates AND best service.

All Seasons Travel consistently sells Disney Cruises for much less than Disney. Looking at a sample cruise (7 night cruise, departing May 2, 2009, 4 persons), every All Seasons price was over $600 less than from Disney. Percentage discounts vary between 7% to 14%, depending on the Category.

Sound good? The wonderful thing for consumers is that this process works for any cruise line. not just Disney. I am not going to list the preferred travel agency for every cruise line but I will do independent travel research for you. It should not be too difficult to figure it out. Just check out the websites where people talk about your desired cruise line.

Please remember, if you buy something from Amazon.com, please use my affiliate link at http://www.lowerairfares.com
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© 2008, Charles McCool