Making your next vacation go smoothly doesn’t happen by accident. It takes planning, research, and a few phone calls to the right people (and maybe a little help from your friends). Make sure you book your accommodations in advance to avoid overpaying for hotels and flights. If you’re going out of the country, do your research on where you’ll go beforehand so that you can avoid tourist traps. Here are some services to book to make your next vacation go smoothly.
Accommodations
Book your accommodations in advance. If you don’t, you will most likely pay an overpriced room rate. Accommodations for the next few days can help prevent overpaying for the hotel or hostel you rent. Instead of paying only for one night, you can book three or four nights. Also, booking in advance will make it easier for you to find a place to stay that you like the look of. If you wait until the last minute, then more than likely, your chosen location will be booked. It’s best to book your hotel or rental a few months in advance for the best options and rates.
Flight
Booking your flight in advance can save you a lot of money. The best way to book your flight is to use the airline’s booking engine. This way, you’ll have all the necessary information, such as prices, availability, and easy-to-use search options. If you’re unsure how much it will cost to book a flight, search for the cheapest one and cancel your original reservation until you receive the confirmation email. Also, ensure you book an airport shuttle to and from the airport if the airport is located far from your hotel. This is often cheaper than taking a taxi.
Car Rental
If you’re planning on renting a car, book that in advance too. This will prevent you from paying over-inflated prices when you arrive at the car rental counter. While booking your rental, also book the airport shuttle and hotel shuttle services they offer (if they have any). This will help you save money. If you aren’t going to rent a car during your trip, make sure you budget ahead of time for a cab or Uber. The cost for these can add up, so be prepared ahead of time.
Reservations
Book your reservations in advance with tour operators to ensure you don’t get stuck waiting for a tour to start. If you wait until the last minute, then more than likely, you’ll be left standing on the sidelines wondering when your tour will begin. Also, book your tickets at least three weeks before departure to avoid overpaying for flights and accommodations if they are sold out.
Food
Booking your meals in advance can help save you a lot of money and time. Many restaurants will charge a lot more than their dinner prices during the dinner rush hour. If you’re not picky about where you eat and know what you want, pre-plan what restaurants you will eat at before leaving on your trip to reduce the amount of money spent on food. Also, some tour operators offer meal plans with their tours, so check into that when booking your trip.
There are five simple things that you can do to make sure your next vacation is smooth and enjoyable. Accommodations, flights, car rentals, food, and reservations should be booked before your trip to avoid overpaying for accommodations and flights. Also, don’t expect to be the first on the tour bus if the tour operator has already booked a trip because they will most likely start the tour early.
