Have a budget

You need to have a range of how much you want to spend.  Be realistic, you probably won’t find a 5 star all-inclusive resort for 7 nights for only $1000.

Avoid peak season.

All destinations have a peak season, find out when that is. Holiday weeks are always busy. Try to avoid booking during that week, or be prepared to pay for it.

All –inclusive

All-inclusive hotels charge on average $125 per person per day for food and drinks. If your budget is tight reconsider; do you really want to pay $250 per day for food and drinks? Instead find a hotel with a free breakfast; then use your “money dance” to pay.

Be open and explore different options

Don’t limit your self to only one area. If you want something beachy try, west coast instead of the Caribbean. If you wanted to go skiing consider Canada. If you limit your destinations, you are limiting the amount of specials you may be able to find

Cheaper doesn’t mean better

You don’t want to get stuck in room with only bunk beds or an air schedule that leaves you wondering the airport for 2 days. Just because it is “cheaper” doesn’t make it the better deal

Use a professional

Don’t be afraid to use a travel agent. Most don’t charge a fee. There are honeymoon specialist and they have access to specials that you may not be able to find yourself. (Plus you let them do all the work, you just enjoy)

Book early

Avoid last minute planning. When booking early (especially during peak seasons) you have a better chance of getting a lower rate. If the land or sea portion of your package goes down in price you can usually negotiate your rate.

Be flexible

Are you able to adjust your dates? Sometimes by moving up or back one day you may be able to qualify for a special.

Buy insurance

Protect your investment, the unexpected can always happen. Purchase travel insurance to cover you in case of an emergency.

Always compare apples to apples

If you are booking online it is real easy to miss something. If you find something drastically different on one site than from elsewhere, call and talk to somebody make sure you aren’t missing something major like the air, airport transfers, or taxes.

Go with your gut

Only you know if you will be happy with your choice, so be willing to compromise, but remember this is your vacation and you want to enjoy it.

Now that hurricane season is here many of us have started preparing, by stocking up on food, water, generators, and the other usual hurricane supplies. Many of us even double check our insurance policies, but have you thought about your travel plans. Most travel agencies sell some type of third party travel insurance, and this time a year I can not recommend it enough. Even if you purchased your travel online you can still get your travel insurance through your local travel agency. Here are some of the benefits of purchasing third party insurance…

You are covered if you have a tree fall on your house.

You are covered if you lose your job.

You are covered if you or a love one becomes ill.

If your tour provider goes out of business, you are covered.

And that is just the beginning.

During hurricane season there are many delays, interruptions, and cancelations. Having a travel policy will help you in any of those situations by helping you quickly book alternative flights, reimburse you for missed days or a refund if you had to miss your trip entirely due to a hurricane or hurricane damage.

Purchasing a third party insurance is better than purchasing the tour provider (or cruise provider) insurance because in the event that you do have to cancel you are refunded the money not given a credit with the vendor to be used at a later time.

So when you get ready for this hurricane season don’t forget to go see your local travel agent to make sure you have coverage on your vacation.