Book Early to Save Big

One of the best ways to save money on your vacation or cruise is to plan well in advance of your travel date.  And by "well in advance", I mean at least 6 months out from your travel date.

Many resorts offer Early Booking Rates for those willing to commit (and deposit) for their vacation stay.  The benefit to the resort is that they can better control occupancy rates by planning ahead.  As the date draws closer, the early booking discount may decrease or disappear all together. This is because the hotel is approaching full capacity and doesn't need to fill the remaining rooms at a discount.  The benefit to you is that you save (sometimes more than 50%!) by planning ahead.

In some unusual circumstances, a resort may have more rooms than they anticipated available at the last minute and may drop their rates.  Some travel protection plans, such as the AV-OK plus option offered by Apple Vacations, will allow you to re-book at the lower rate.

Cruise lines offer their best rates early (or last minute) as well.  Many cruise itineraries book more than 1 year in advance of the sailing. Book as far out as possible to get the best rate.  If the rate drops prior to your final payment being made, travel agents can, in most instances, re-book you at the lower rate with no penalty.  Remember, with a cruise, your deposit is fully refundable up until 75 or 90 days prior to departure (rules vary, check with your cruise line), so go ahead and put the deposit on while the rate is low.

If you wait until the last minute hoping to get the best deal you may be disappointed.  The sailing may be full, staterooms may be selling at a premium, or the cabin type you wanted (i.e. a balcony) may be sold out.  If you know that you want a particular ship, itinerary or stateroom type, booking early will ensure that you aren't disappointed.

When you book at an early booking rate, airfare for your trip may not yet be available. Airlines book up to 330 days in advance.  If you find a good rate on the resort or the cruise, book that piece - you can add your airfare later.

Now sit back and relax, knowing that you purchased wisely.  Bonus: the "been there, done that" smug feeling that comes from being organized and checking those items off your To Do list.  Cheers!

Avoiding Post-Vacation Sticker Shock

Many people set aside a certain amount for their vacation, only to be surprised at how much they ended up spending.  The credit card bill comes in, and the reality hits home.  "Whoa, that vacation cost a whole lot more than I thought it would!" Never fear, there are ways to predict - and plan for - these "hidden costs":

1) Unforeseen Airline Expenses (my pet peeve....)

• Baggage fees (these can really add up when you travel with a family)
• Food & drinks
• Premium seating (If you want extra leg room, plan on paying for it)
• "Express" seating (the first few rows of coach on some airlines)
• Pillows, blankets, headphones

2) Excursions/Extras

• For cruise passengers, plan ahead for each port to determine how much additional spending can be anticipated.
• For resort guests, be sure to factor in your expected costs for snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, zip-lining, golfing etc.  Some resorts include many of these activities (yes, even scuba diving!). Most do not.  Be sure to evaluate exactly what is included.
• Spa services can be a wonderfully relaxing part of your vacation or cruise. Ask ahead for the spa menu, so that you know what each service will cost.
• Souvenirs (need I say more?)

3) Alcohol

• Cruise ships make lots of money from bar bills.  If you like to party every night, this can add up to hundreds of dollars over a week-long cruise.
• Hotels that are not all-inclusive, are going to charge you for each and every drink (see cruise ships, above)
• Resorts that are all-inclusive often include beer & liquor, but not bottled wine. If you like wine with dinner every night, plan on paying extra for it.

4) Transportation

• From the airport to your resort or ship (aka transfers)
• At your Destination (Dining out, shopping, sightseeing)

5) Tips

• Some "Super Inclusive" resorts prohibit tipping and include it in their pricing.  This is not the norm - most resort staff members, cruise ship workers, tour guides, bus drivers, etc. appreciate and/or expect a gratuity.
• Many cruise lines are now adding gratuities onto your room charges, often at a rate of $10 or $11 per person, per day.

6) Foreign Currency Exchanges

• Every time you exchange currency you will lose a little bit of value.  Pay attention to the posted rates to make sure you are exchanging at a fair rate.
• Credit Card fees can add up, especially if you make some big purchases.  Your credit card statement will reflect a foreign exchange fee for every time you use your card in a foreign country. Check with your card issuer before you leave to determine what the rate will be.

7) Car Rental Extras

• Even though you may have paid for and reserved your car in advance, taxes are often due at pick up.
• Your credit card may cover insurance in the US, but not in a foreign country.  Be sure to verify with the card issuer before you leave.
• Additional charges will apply for child seats, GPS, additional drivers. etc.
• Gas. Be sure you ask the rental car company how you will be charged for gas. Return the car with less than a full tank and you may be charged a premium for the missing fuel.

Plan ahead for these expenses.  They can add significantly to the total cost of your vacation (and your post-vacation blues).

Successful Vacation Planning

Congratulations! You've decided to splurge and take the vacation that you've been dreaming of. But where do you begin? The options and the choices are so overwhelming, and the travel websites sites are no help at all. There are so many choices, the reviews vary greatly from one traveler to the next, and there's a lot riding on this decision. So, what's the best way to begin sifting through all of this information?

The very first step - one that is oh-so-important but frequently overlooked - is to sit down, preferably with your fellow traveler(s) and define what it is that you are looking for. Start by identifying what you want to do and what is important to you. Think about your previous vacations: Where did you go? What did you like about it? What was missing? What activities do you enjoy? These questions will allow you to avoid repeating your past mistakes and build on your prior successes.

Now, think about your ideal experience and what you expect to get from your next trip. Are you looking for a destination with many available activities and excursions? Or, is a vision of private thatched cabanas on a secluded beach dancing in your head? Be forewarned, you may have to compromise! If you want a primitive adventure filled with action and variety but your partner wants pampering and spa treatments, there is going to be some serious negotiating. Get agreement from everyone who is traveling and write it down. Your list may look like this:

• All-Inclusive
• Must have swim-up bar
• Needs white powdery beach
• Adults only!
• Excellent food and variety of restaurants
• Must be serviced by non-stop flights
• Pre-arrange couples massage
• Budget $abc
  

Or like this:

• Want to see live volcano
• Zip-lining is a must
• White water rafting
• Sport fishing
• Move around and stay at different places
• Food not important
• 2 or 3 star accommodations are fine
• Budget $xyz
  

This list you just made will make it so much easier for you (and your travel planner) to find the perfect match. This magical list of agreed upon criteria will virtually guarantee that you will not arrive at your destination in a state of bliss only to find a black cloud descending on your travel partner. It will also serve to narrow down your options so that the choices don't seem so overwhelming. It is your first step toward taking control of your next vacation experience.

There, now that you've made your list, don't you feel better?