When it comes to planning your 2011 vacation, timing is everything
All the tank tops and flip-flops are packed away, and probably the last thing you're thinking about is nextyear's vacation. But you should be. In fact, when you plan travel early, you get some distinct advantages. You may even save enough to pay for a few extra treatments at the spa and those poolside crab-cake-slider snacks you love so much. Here's how.
Destination unknown
Like the real estate agents say, it's all about location, location, location. It's never too early to price shop for next year's vacation, but the destination is the determining factor. "If it's a place that's recently taken a tourism blow, you can save a ton by booking a trip before the prices return to normal," says Brad Johnson, an award-winning food and travel writer and editor. "Also, pay attention to cities where new hotels are slated to come online, like Las Vegas. Whenever a major new casino opens, everyone else lowers their prices temporarily."
Fare play
Like winning at Vegas, navigating the wide world of airfare pricing is equal parts skill and luck. Though most airlines release their seats one year in advance, prices fluctuate quite a bit "depending on competition and trends," says Johnson, who uses airfarewatchdog.com for travel deals to favorite cities.
Season's greetings
When a certain time is called the high season, it's called that for a reason, so educate yourself on the pros and cons of booking a stay during off-peak times. "If it's high season simply because that's when everyone takes their family vacation, then the shoulder seasons are probably just as good or even better, with smaller crowds," Johnson says. "But if it's high season because of weather patterns, the disadvantage will be obvious. For example, visiting the Riviera Maya in September, the low season, is going to come with a high risk of thunderstorms and possibly hurricanes."
Net gains
Travel agents haven't quite gone the way of the dodo bird -- they're still a great way to finagle upgrades, and a secure backup if something goes wrong. But when it comes to true travel deals, sites like Orbitz, Expedia and Travelocity are the best avenues for savings. "For hotels, just comparison shop several different aggregator sites as well as the hotel's own site, then call the hotel directly and ask if they can give you an even better deal," Johnson says. "Often they'll say no, but sometimes they'll surprise you."
Rules of Thumb
1. Large hotel chains usually have deals with major corporations and organizations like AAA, so be sure to inquire about any and all available discounts.
2. The best advance-rate bargains and incentive deals are usually tied to cruises, which announce new itineraries a year prior.
3. Stuff happens. To avoid change or cancelation penalties, consider buying travel insurance and book with a premium credit card that offers extra protection.
Danny Bonvissuto writes about finance, health, real estate and people for magazines including Manhattan, Food & Wine, Thrivent Financial and New York
Destination unknown
Like the real estate agents say, it's all about location, location, location. It's never too early to price shop for next year's vacation, but the destination is the determining factor. "If it's a place that's recently taken a tourism blow, you can save a ton by booking a trip before the prices return to normal," says Brad Johnson, an award-winning food and travel writer and editor. "Also, pay attention to cities where new hotels are slated to come online, like Las Vegas. Whenever a major new casino opens, everyone else lowers their prices temporarily."
Fare play
Like winning at Vegas, navigating the wide world of airfare pricing is equal parts skill and luck. Though most airlines release their seats one year in advance, prices fluctuate quite a bit "depending on competition and trends," says Johnson, who uses airfarewatchdog.com for travel deals to favorite cities.
Season's greetings
When a certain time is called the high season, it's called that for a reason, so educate yourself on the pros and cons of booking a stay during off-peak times. "If it's high season simply because that's when everyone takes their family vacation, then the shoulder seasons are probably just as good or even better, with smaller crowds," Johnson says. "But if it's high season because of weather patterns, the disadvantage will be obvious. For example, visiting the Riviera Maya in September, the low season, is going to come with a high risk of thunderstorms and possibly hurricanes."
Net gains
Travel agents haven't quite gone the way of the dodo bird -- they're still a great way to finagle upgrades, and a secure backup if something goes wrong. But when it comes to true travel deals, sites like Orbitz, Expedia and Travelocity are the best avenues for savings. "For hotels, just comparison shop several different aggregator sites as well as the hotel's own site, then call the hotel directly and ask if they can give you an even better deal," Johnson says. "Often they'll say no, but sometimes they'll surprise you."
Rules of Thumb
1. Large hotel chains usually have deals with major corporations and organizations like AAA, so be sure to inquire about any and all available discounts.
2. The best advance-rate bargains and incentive deals are usually tied to cruises, which announce new itineraries a year prior.
3. Stuff happens. To avoid change or cancelation penalties, consider buying travel insurance and book with a premium credit card that offers extra protection.
Danny Bonvissuto writes about finance, health, real estate and people for magazines including Manhattan, Food & Wine, Thrivent Financial and New York
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