The Cruise: With (slightly!) lower temperatures and smaller crowds, October is a great time to visit Cuba – and there’s no better way to experience this beautiful and historic destination than by with a cruise. If you’re intrigued, consider this five-night itinerary from Royal Caribbean on board Majesty of the Seas, which sails round trip from Fort Lauderdale.

The Details: Sails September 30, 2019; interior cabins from $349 per person, ocean-view from $412.

Forgo the pricey guided tours and excursions. Instead, explore Havana on your own. If you’re looking for additional savings, consider bringing along a filtered water bottle to use once you’re off the ship.

The Cruise: Sit back, relax, and take in the ocean views as you cruise on board the recently-reimagined Norwegian Joy, which sails from Vancouver to Los Angeles (and makes one stop in San Francisco). Though the weather will be slightly cool, you can still enjoy the newest onboard amenities, like the two-level race track. Norwegian is currently offering an array of promotions, which include free wifi, airfare, and more.

The Details: Sails October 6, 2019; interior cabins from $319 per person, ocean-view from $379, balconies from $399, mini-suites from $499.

Though San Francisco is known for being expensive, the city is also home to many parks and green spaces. Perhaps you’ll spend the afternoon picnicking in Golden Gate Park, exploring the street art (we love Clarion Alley in the Mission neighborhood), and hiking in Bernal Heights Park (where you can enjoy sweeping views of the city).

The Cruise: MSC Cruises’ value-packed, four-night Brazil itinerary sails from Santos to Rio de Janeiro and makes stops in Rio de Janeiro and Ilha Grande (a beautiful island with magnificent beaches and forests). Passengers will cruise on board the MSC Fantasia, which features a casino, piano bar, disco club, and more.  

The Details: Depart December 2, 2019; interior cabins from $409 per person; ocean-view from $469

The Details: Depart December 2, 2019; interior cabins from $409 per person; ocean-view from $469

 If you want to experience Brazilian culture (without spending a fortune), head to one of the many markets in Rio de Janeiro, where you’ll find everything from street food to antiques. If you’re more of an outdoor enthusiast, take a hike – we’re fans of the quick and (fairly) easy Dois Irmãos trail.

The Cruise: For a bucket-list-worthy summer getaway, consider this Alaska itinerary on board Holland America’s Noordam, which sails from Anchorage to Vancouver. Along the way, you’ll stop in Glacier Bay (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Haines (also known as Skagway), Juneau, and Ketchikan. The ship also cruises through the Inside Passage, where passengers can spot glacier-cut fjords and even rainforests.

The Details: Embark on June 2, 2019; interior cabins from $399 per person, ocean-view from $449.

First and foremost, bring along these essentials – that way, you don’t have to buy them upon arrival. In Anchorage, there are tons of budget-friendly sightseeing activities. We recommend renting a bike to explore the local surroundings; visiting the Alaska Native Heritage Center to learn more about the state’s indigenous history; and hopping aboard the Anchorage Trolley to spot wildlife.

The Cruise: Experience Australia and New Zealand like never before on this three-night itinerary from Princess Cruises. Passengers will cruise on board the Sea Princess, which sails from Auckland to Sydney and makes one stop in Bay of Islands (New Zealand). Since this is a springtime sailing, (remember, our fall is Australia’s spring) expect the temperature to be a balmy 60-70 degrees.

The Details: Depart on September 29, 2019; interior cabins from $418 per person.

In New Zealand, guided tours and excursions are often pricey. Instead, opt for a free walking tour; afterwards, head to a local bar for happy hour specials. In Sydney, there’s an array of free museums that are worth a visit. Some of our favorites include the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Australia National Maritime Museum, and the Nicholson Museum.