| Sailing the deep, blue waters of an ocean on holiday | | | | passengers. Some sailing charters, for example, |
| is a dream come true for many. But, some prefer to | | | | actually rely on passengers to help with the process |
| do so on a much smaller scale than most cruise ships | | | | of sailing. If working doesn't sound fun to you, it's a |
| allow. More rugged and especially private, yacht | | | | good idea to know the expectations in advance. |
| charter trips are a great alternative for vacationers. | | | | Before booking a charter trip, check the following |
| The key to finding a great yacht charter trip, | | | | things: |
| however, is doing some homework. The following are | | | | * Prices. Shop them. |
| some steps to consider before booking a trip or | | | | * Inclusions. Will you have to pay extra for food? |
| planning a vacation: | | | | Port of call trips? Fishing gear and lures? Make sure |
| * Destination. This is paramount. If you don't know | | | | you understand everything that's included in the price |
| where you want to go, it will be hard to find a | | | | and what is not. |
| charter. Locations where you can find yacht charter | | | | * What to pack or bring. A charter is not a huge |
| trips include Alaska, the Caribbean, Florida, California, | | | | cruise line. The trip may require you to actively get |
| Europe. Pretty much anywhere there's water, you'll | | | | involved in the sailing process. If so, you may want |
| find a charter company available. | | | | to pack accordingly. Captain's attire for a working trip |
| * Purpose of the trip. Do you simply want to sail | | | | just won't do. |
| away your vacation in a relaxing setting or do some | | | | * Amenities on the boat. If it's a basic boat, stripped |
| serious sight-seeing and fishing, too? The purpose of | | | | down of all life's little luxuries, you will want to know |
| the trip will help make it easier for you to find the | | | | this. It may not be the trip for you if a family will be |
| right charter. | | | | coming along. |
| * Overnight stay or not? Are you looking for a | | | | * Safety record, years of experience. You want to |
| two-week charter or a single day out on a fishing | | | | go on a charter with a captain who knows his or her |
| boat. This is vital information to have in advance. | | | | stuff and the area in which you'll be sailing. This is |
| * Number of people. A charter boat captain will have | | | | especially so in areas with treacherous waters, but |
| a set number of people he or she can allow on board. | | | | applies anywhere as things can and do happen. |
| The number will determine availability of the ship and | | | | A yacht charter cruise is a great idea for a vacation |
| is vital for booking a trip. | | | | that's a little different than an ordinary cruise. Keep in |
| Once you know where you want to go, who you | | | | mind, however, the little extras on a regular cruise |
| want to bring and what you hope to do, the search | | | | are not likely to be present and you may, in fact, find |
| for a good charter will become much easier. Look for | | | | yourself doing a little sailing, too. These are perfect |
| charter companies in the areas you'd like to visit and | | | | vacations for those who want to get away from it |
| do shop prices and features. It's important to know | | | | all without doing it with 1,000 other people. |
| what's included in a package and what's expected of | | | | |