In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Keep in mind that the cheaper your ticket is, the more add-on charges will be available on the ship, and the more expensive the ticket is up front, the more all-inclusive it is. Give yourself a set amount of money for spending so you can better plan which activities and options to participate in. Cruises can usually be booked up to 18 months in advance, guaranteeing your first choice of cruise and cabin location. Booking ahead of time will give you more options and availability, particularly if you're traveling with a large group. Some cruise lines offer incentives to book early, such as prepaid gratuities or a free dinner in a specialty restaurant, so planning ahead could save you some money. Generally, you can book a cruise as little as a week before embarking. Booking short notice gives you fewer options, but a better chance to get a good deal. Cruise lines also sometimes offer special short-notice deals and incentives for cruises that haven't filled completely. You'll find a variety of good deals and special offers during "Wave Season," the name the cruise industry gives the time from January to March when most people buy their tickets. You can often find good deals when booking directly through the cruise line. Travel agents often offer special perks and discounts like on-ship credit and prepaid gratuities. If you have time to research and compare prices and you know what you want, buying online directly through the cruise line can be a great way to find the best deals. However, experienced travel agents can also help you find the cruise line that best fits your preferences as well as the best rooms on the ship. If you do choose to go with an agent, make sure they know what you want and your budget. Ask lots of questions and don't let them push you into anything you aren't completely happy with. Not all cabins are the same, so depending on your experience and budget, make sure to pick one that fits your needs. If this is your first cruise, choose a midship cabin located on a lower deck. If you find out that you do tend to get seasick, this will be the best place for you as it experiences the least amount of movement. If you're on a tighter budget, look into windowless rooms and "guarantees," which may let you upgrade to a better room for free if one is available. If you have a bit more freedom with your budget, consider booking a balcony room with amazing views of the scenery as you cruise by. If it's your first cruise or the area is particularly hard to navigate, signing up for the cruise line-guided shore excursions is a great option. These excursions range from snorkeling and hiking to shopping at outdoor markets and wine-tasting. Consider what kind of excursion you're drawn to--active or sightseeing activities, full or half-day tours, guided or free time, and highlights or in-depth. While casual restaurants are mostly first come, first served, you should make reservations for any sit-down restaurants. Although many accept walk-ins, it is recommended that you book your visits ahead of time to guarantee your spot, particularly for the more popular restaurants.
Summary: Set a budget. Book your ticket in advance for guaranteed availability. Book your ticket last-minute to catch a price break. Find a good deal. Book online or with an agent. Choose the best cabin to suit your needs. Book online excursions to match your interests. Find dining options ahead of time.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Before there were tablets and cell phones, road trippers passed the time by playing car games. Car games are a fun way to engage with your fellow passengers and your changing surroundings. Participants are required to react quickly, think creatively, and remain observant. Classic car ride games include: The License Plate Gameeach time you spot a license plate from a different state, check off the state on a map. Whoever spots the most license plates from different states at the end of the trip wins. The Alphabet Signs Gamescan signs, license plates, and billboards for the letters of the alphabet. Whoever spots all the letters, A through Z, in order first wins. Custom Scavenger Huntprior to leaving for the trip, come up with a list of items, people, and places. Give everyone a list so they can keep track of their discoveries and points. Whoever finds the most items, people, and/or places by the end of the trip wins. Create your own car game. Determine who can repeat the most lines from a song or movie. Count the number of advertisements you see for a specific product. Have a contest to see who can purchase the wackiest souvenirs. There are plenty of wireless games and activities that you can play in the car. Trade in your tablet for a magnetic board game. Set aside your cell phone and pick up a card game. Put away your computer and pick up pens and an activity book or drawing pad. Car friendly games include: Tic-Tac-Toe, magnetic checkers/chess, hangman, trivia card games, games that only require a deck of cards, such as solitaire or free cell. Car friendly activities include: drawing, journaling, crossword puzzles, word searches, sudoku puzzles, and fill-in-the-blank stories. Reading allows you to escape into another universe, time period, and/or life. Reading a captivating story (or even assigned reading) will help the miles fly by. Pick out a book or two from your local library or bookshop before you leave on your trip. If you're prone to car sickness, ask someone in the car to read out loud to everyone. Put your GPS in the glove box and pull out of good ol' fashioned map. Every passenger can take turns reading the map and guiding the drive towards the next destination. You can even turn navigating into a game. Print out maps and an itinerary of your trip for every passenger. Whenever someone asks "Where are we?" or "Are we there yet?" have them pull out their map and itinerary. They can use road signs and these resources to determine where they are and/or when they might arrive at their next destination. Road trips are excellent times to catch up with your loved ones, get to know new people, and create new memories. Spend time talking to the people in your car. You can share personal anecdotes, tell funny jokes, debate hot topics. If you didn't all participate in planning the trip, discuss the itinerary in the car.
Summary:
Play classic car ride games. Play car-friendly games and activities. Read a book. Take turns navigating. Talk to each other.