Traveling is one of the best feelings – yet booking a trip on your own can be one of the worst.
AAA Travel experts offer three tips to remember when booking travel:
• Flexibility is key. If you are able to be flexible with your travel dates and times, you will have a better chance of finding the best pricing on everything from airfare, to admission tickets and hotels.
• Book early – but revisit prices later. It is best to book your trip several months in advance to be sure you get exactly what you want. Once booked, most travelers never revisit the price. Always re-check the price of your trip before your final payment. If there’s a lower price advertised, the cruise or tour company may honor it.
• Bundle and save. You may save money when you book your air, hotel, car rental and activities together at the same time. Most travel sites offer packages, and they will be cheaper if you book together, instead of booking each service separately. Pre-booking activity bundles, on cruise ships or at destinations, will also save you money.
Everyone likes to try their hands at finding the best trip for them but travel agents can be your greatest ally when it comes to finding your next great adventure. Travel experts can help you make the most out of your trip in a number of ways:
• Added value. A travel agent will make sure you get the best experience, added amenities, like shipboard credit or priority check-in.
• Consolidated airfare. Travel agents will use a variety of resources to ensure you receive the best prices on airfare. Agents can access tickets directly from the airlines at specially negotiated rates, and then resell them to travel agents or consumers for prices lower than published fares.
• Last-minute deals. Itching to take a trip? Travel agents get early notification of great travel deals before they are available to the public. Nothing says relaxation like a two-for-one cruise. A travel agent can help you find a deal that is not being advertised online.
For more information, visit AAA.com/travel.
