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Travel expert Megan duBois has spent more than 15 years sailing the seas on different cruise lines – and she says there are some things she will ‘never buy’ as they aren’t worth the price

A seasoned cruiser who has embarked on more than 50 voyages has revealed the items she would “never buy” whilst aboard a ship. Travel guru Megan duBois has clocked up over 15 years exploring the oceans on various cruise lines.

However, Megan insists there are certain “experiences and extras” she simply refuses to pay for, as she believes they “aren’t worth the price”. From lavish spa treatments to basic keepsakes, Megan reckons there are numerous ways to pocket some savings during your getaway.

One expense Megan says she won’t fork out for is a drinks package. Most leading cruise operators provide drinks packages with costs typically ranging from approximately £50 to £75 per person daily.

Additionally, many cruise companies mandate that all passengers sharing a cabin must purchase the same package, according to Megan. As somebody who rarely drinks alcohol, Megan maintains the package simply doesn’t justify the expense.

Writing in BusinessInsider, she explained: “I stick to ordering my beverages à la carte. It saves me money and makes me really think about what I’m ordering.”

Whilst numerous cruise-goers might be tempted to indulge in pampering aboard their vessel, Megan reveals she bypasses the salon and arranges her preferred beauty treatments before boarding day. She notes that ships frequently charge “premium, much higher” rates compared to those on land.

She also relishes the sensation of stepping onto the ship “looking and feeling great”. The experienced voyager now steers clear of room service as well, unless it comes complimentary, naturally.

In recent times, she’s observed a surge in the number of trips that charge for food delivery. As a result, Megan now prefers to venture out to the buffet or dining halls.

She elaborates: “If I really want to eat in my cabin because I need some downtime or want to watch a movie, I ask the staff if there are any take-out options available.”

Another money-saving trick Megan employs is bypassing the souvenir lanyard. Many cruisers often find themselves shelling out for a lanyard to keep their crucial room key within easy reach.

These typically also serve as your ID and payment card on board the ship. However, instead of buying one, Megan has taken to storing her key card in her phone case so it’s always at hand.

Lastly, Megan reveals she steers clear of booking excursions through her cruise line. She does concede that booking via the cruise line ensures the ship will usually wait if you’re running behind schedule.

This implies that if you’re considering booking your excursions through a third-party, then you need to ensure you return with ample time to spare.

Megan said: “I like to explore the ports on my own or with a third-party excursion company. These excursions are typically more affordable and offer comparable experiences, and I always read a lot of reviews before booking.

EVERYONE deserves a luxury holiday, but few of us have the wallet to fund it.

Unless, that is, you opt for one particular country that takes just three hours to fly to from the UK, with year-round t-shirt temperatures and some VERY cheap all-inclusive hotels.

If you want to get away from the obvious – and the crowds – without sacrificing any indulgence, Tunisia hits the right note. 

This North African country welcomed a far smaller number of Brits in 2024 – 326,874 according to Bradt Travel Guide to Tunisia. 

And when you compare it to Spain, the top holiday destination for British tourists, welcoming 17.8 million of us in 2024, Tunisia has far fewer.

It may be a lesser-visited country, but it has big bargains for holidaymakers.

According to TravelSupermarket, Tunisia offers some of the very cheapest 5-star holidays on the market, averaging at £614pp.

Seven nights’ all-inclusive stay at the 5-star Hotel Tour Khalef costs as little as £553 with TUI, including return flights from London Gatwick.

In sunny Sousse, seven nights’ B&B at the 5-star Movenpick Resort & Marine Spa Sousse is available from just £233 pp with Thomas Cook. Price includes return flights from Southend.

If you settle for four stars, you can make it even cheaper. Seven nights’ B&B at the 4-star Iberostar Waves Averroes in Hammamet is bookable from £173 pp with Holiday Best, including return flights from London Luton.

Meanwhile, seven nights’ half board at the 5-star Iberostar Selection Kuriat Palace in Monastir is bookable from £239 pp with Loveholidays, including return flights from London Southend.

Here you have the wide sands of Monastir Beach and a wide range of activities on offer, from jet skiing to parasailing. 

If you’re looking for something off the beaten track, you could stretch your legs in the landscaped gardens of Falaise Park, set on the cliffside.

Or head 34 miles down the road to Moknine to see local artisans making traditional earthenware jars and jugs.

Despite its relatively small size (roughly the same as Greece), Tunisia packs a punch. 

With the blue of the Med meeting the heat of North Africa, it’s perfect for a sun-kissed break.

Its most famous beaches include Hammamet, Sousse, Monastir and Mahdia, which have long stretches of golden sand backed by palm trees and all-inclusive resorts.

There’s also Djerba, an island just off the south coast of Tunisia that is still relatively undiscovered by Brits.

It has a Mediterranean feel, with cobbled streets lined with white-washed buildings, blue window shutters and vibrant pink bougainvillea.

And despite its resemblance to trendy Greek islands, it’s also a great-value option, with a cup of strong coffee setting you back just 25p.

If you venture away from the coast, you’ll find a photographer’s dream – Pink Flamingo Lake.

Ignored by most tourists, it turns pink at sunset as flamingos feed in the shallows.

Back on the mainland, further north, the hilltop village of Sidi Bou Said would also be right at home on a Greek isle.

The town is picture postcard pretty with its blue-and-white painted houses and panoramic sea views.

Grab a mint tea on the terrace at Café des Nattes (£2) or queue at the doughnut stand for the freshly made Tunisian treats, which cost just 40p.

The capital, Tunis, is found on the northeastern coast.

It’s home to an ancient Medina, Roman Mosaics and plenty of bars and restaurants.

While most tourists wander the main souks of the Medina, the historic Jewish quarter, Hara is often overlooked. 

Visit the last surviving synagogue, explore the tailoring shops and try Jewish-Tunisian pastries made with dates and semolina. 

Other alternative takes on the capital include watching an independent film at the art-deco Cinema Le Rio, which is barely visited by tourists, or visiting Mornag, a major wine-producing region.

You can’t leave Tunisia without discovering more about its ancient civilisations. 

It’s a fascinating melting pot of Berber, Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine, Arab and French influences – with nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The country has some of the best Roman sites outside Italy, including Dougga, a Roman city on a hilltop surrounded by olive groves.

There’s also El Djem Amphitheatre, the largest colosseum in North Africa, where Ridley Scott shot parts of his Oscar-winning movie Gladiator.

It is better preserved – and far less crowded – than its more famous cousin in Rome.

Nearby, the small theatre ruins and restored underground villas are even quieter, yet still beautifully conserved. 

Most tourists dip into Berber culture with a quick stop in Matmata’s cave houses, used as a filming location for Star Wars.

But you can take a deeper dive by trekking the Dahar Trails and exploring the hidden granary forts around Tataouine.

Tunisia’s long wellness tradition means you’re perfectly placed for a spot of pampering.

Try swapping lounging on the beach for some natural hot springs relaxation.

On the northern cliffs of Cap Bon, Korbous Hot Springs flow straight into the sea – join locals who come for therapeutic dips.

Benefits of soaking in the mineral-rich waters include improved circulation, pain and stress reduction and better skin health.

Prices correct at the time of publication.