I'm a hard worker and in need of a vacation. Truth of the matter is that I just can't afford to go where I want to go. I'd love to take off for the Bahamas or a cruise, but there is no possible way I can afford that. Are there any cheap ways to go?

i would sugest a cruise. wait to the low season and book really early. some cruises have earlybird specials as much as 30%! i would also say cruise because it is your accommodation, transport and food. and usually flights by themselves are the cost of a cruise.

or you could go the other way and get a job on a cruise ship...

First, go in the off-season. Prices are always down since business is slow. I don't know where you live, but sometimes even a short 2hr drive can take you to a new small town with a resort, or a small hotel. Depends if you want to be pampered or just want to get away. You don't need to go 5000 miles and endure the flights, etc. Just look around, go to a local travel information centre, and find places near home. Enjoy yourself, save lots of money, see new areas, meet new people, and come back relaxed.

If you're deadset on the bahamas, last minute fares are usually cheap. If you live near a cruise ship terminal keep a bag packed and watch for the late tickets. If you don't, it gets more complicated. You can snap up a cheap cruise but a late flight may be expensive, offsetting the savings. Check out travel sites for sales, etc. Keep your options open (don't say "I want to go from September 5 to 10 ONLY" - that will limit your options) so that if a cheap fare comes up you can adjust your schedule to it. There's lots of ways to do it, you just need to be savvy and knowledgeable. And keep a bag packed!

Check out costa rica.
we had a greattime at a reasonable expense.

There are a couple of options - you can take a working holiday - take a part time job in paradise, or sometimes you can deliver a car! When people move across country, they often fly and leave their car - you should be able to find info on line about driving someone's car across country for them (my aunt and uncle used to do this every year - they would usually manage to get a car to drive there and then a car to drive back) Otherwise you can stay at Youth Hostels or YMCA's.

As a stowaway on the boat?

The cheapest way to go of course is free. There are a few ways to land yourself a free trip... the odds are probably all about the same. It's just a matter of picking the right place to go. I always sign up with sites I trust. Pampered Passions is offering a free trip right now. http://www.pamperedpassions.com/sweepstakes.htm Sometimes you just have to hope luck is on your side. You could get lucky and maybe a lot of people haven't signed up.

See you in the Bahamas!

My advice is to try and travel anytime except the summer. Prices EVERYWHERE all more expensive in the summertime. Prices start to go down again mid to end September.

Well...for her honeymoon, my sister went to Cuba. I don't really know what the price is, but I know we didn't have a whole lot of money then.