TIPS AND TRICKS

1. Peak Season vs Non Peak Season

When choosing travel dates, often we book because of something we’ve seen that inspires us to visit. More times than not those eye catching inspo video’s or pictures are from the peak season for that area. Of course, peak season means it typically cost more money. And of course, non peak season would cost less. But, sometimes you can review the “typical” weather for the off season of that area to validate if going when it is less crowded warrants saving money.

2. Booking Time Frame

For International travel, its best to book ahead of time 8-10 months to obtain best rates and best excursion options. Airline tickets are typically best to purchase 4-6 months prior to flight for best rate. For domestic US travel, 3-6 months ahead of time is a good time frame to book. If you are traveling during peak tourist season, you may want to consider booking closer to the 6 month time frame to avoid paying higher rates. Domestic airline tickets can fluctuate but I would tend to purchase 4-5 months prior if traveling during the high tourist seasons.

3. Flights

There are a few ways I like to track flight prices. I use GOOGLEFLIGHTS and SKYSCANNER for review of flights and airlines with best connections, times, and price. I monitor these flights on these websites until I feel pretty comfortable about booking, then I always go to the airline and book direct. With airlines, if booking thru a 3rd party website, you have to go back thru the 3rd party for any changes, cancellations, missed flights, etc. (This would include booking thru travel agent, only they can make the change) It can create an extra level of aggravation if something goes wrong and you need immediate assistance. If booking direct, you go thru your airline you booked thru for any of these changes and its immediate.

4. Accommodations

There are a several different ways to secure accommodations. The main 3 are booking direct with hotel, using 3rd party site, or thru a travel agent. I like using good reliable 3rd party sites. My favorite I go to for most of my travels are BOOKING.COM and VRBO. I’ve been using BOOKING.COM for about 18 years for Hotel or Villa type of accommodation. Lots of options, I typically choose an option w no prepayment (pay upon check in) or no cancel fee, which makes booking easy. In all these years I haven’t experienced any inconveniences or mistakes with my bookings. VRBO is more for home away from home style of accommodation. Lots to choose from. I’ve been using them for 15 years without any inconveniences or mistakes. Typically, the rating is pretty accurate when making the selection on which place is right for me. You do have to make a deposit to reserve, balance usually due week of stay. If its not too expensive I would purchase the insurance to not have the worry about if the management company finds something damaged after your stay (whether you did it or not). Another good tip is take pictures that are time stamped of when you arrive and when you leave to ensure you have proof of your conditions while you occupied residence.

5. Excursions

It takes a bit of time to decide what to do in any given city. My thought is I want to experience the area in ways that are above and beyond the typical tourist. I find many of my excursions on Viator. Although, I do read thru many blogs and social media posts to capture the things that are unique that add a little extra to my trips experience.

6. Space in Between

Putting an itinerary together takes time and thought. A piece of advice when planning, try to allow an activity for the day that gives you the opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere for a moment. Whether its during or after your excursion, walking the streets or shops of the city, having a local meal, or taking a bit of time at the end of the day to soak it all in… makes packing everything into the trip and the go go go not seem so rushed.

7. Travel Insurance

It is always a good idea to secure Travel Insurance when paying a sizable amount towards a vacation that otherwise would not be refunded in the event of a cancellation. Allianz Travel Insurance is a trusted resource and typically inexpensive travel insurance.

8. Transportation

Decide how you will get around once you arrive at your destination. I find in the US some places it is easier to Uber or Lyft from place to place, while other areas require you to secure a rental car. In Europe, I have found it is easier to depend on local trains and public transit to get around.

9. Create Packing List

It is a good idea to start a packing list for your travels. This will keep all your thoughts, needs, and required items in one place. I find when I have a list, there are often times I see I forgot to add something I know I’ll need or want!

10. Packing clothes

I am not one of those last minute packers. I like to check weather and go thru my wardrobe about 2-3 weeks out to see if I need to do any last minute shopping for my trips outfits. It also gives you a chance to pack things that you’ll like looking back on the memories captured in pictures!

11. Print Itinerary

So many of us these days use an app or several apps for all of our bookings. Having it all in one place, phone or tablet, is a great place to start. I always print every booking, reservation, and travel documents to ensure if I can not obtain cellular reception I have a hard copy of everything. (this has come in handy a time or two when phone wifi wasn’t really good)

12. Confirm Bookings

It is a nice routine to go thru all of your bookings to secure your reservation did not cancel for any strange reason. It’s not fun to show up to a reservation for them only to tell you that you do not have a reservation in their system. Takes a couple minutes to have peace of mind.

13. Airport Transportation

About a week or so before travel secure your transportation to and from the airport. Ensure the travel time to make it to your airport with the estimated time to check in and get to your gate.

14. Travel Documents

Make sure your photo ID or passport are valid during the required time of your travels. (passports need expiration date of longer than 6 months when doing international travel) Europe just activated a foreign travel document to enter any country in the European region.

15. Download Travel APPS

Yes, I did recommend printing all of your travel documents and Itinerary. But, it is convenient to have your apps when you travel. APPS I include are Airline, BOOKING.COM/VRBO, Viator, Google Maps. (If traveling International, you will want to pay for international travel pass with your cell phone carrier. This will allow you to use apps off wifi while traveling without a high charge for service.)

16. Alert Bank of Travel

Always check with your bank or credit card company if they require you to notify them of travel. With so much fraud nowadays, you do not want to be on vacation and have your source of payment locked due to bank thinks its fraud.

17. Check in Flight

Check into your flight as soon as it becomes available to check in. This secures your flight as well as your seat.

18. Pack Important Items in Carry on

Items like medications, your electronics or earphones, and 1 quick change outfit should always be packed in carry on bag. You can replace most items if your luggage is lost for a day or two, but some items you want to have available if this happens.

19. Additional in Flight Items for Carry on

Pack a snack, hand sanitizer, a travel pillow, gum and maybe a book. Download music, show or movie on your entertainment apps you can use while in flight (don’t forget your earphones or wireless ear buds). Bring water bottle too. You’ll have to empty at security check point, but can fill it once in gate area for your flight. It’s a nice convenience having water available without waiting on in flight service.

20. Have a Good Time

Remember, you chose this vacation and you paid for it! You’re traveling to a place where the people you encounter are working their daily lives. Respect, kindness and joy will give the locals a reason to treat you well. Choose to have patience while on vacation. There is bound for something to not go as planned. Embrace it! The “No Worries” mental attitude will make for an all around better trip experience!