Getting the Best Air-Land Packages

While I’m not a fan of starting an article with “the bad news is, the good news is”, the truth of the matter is that the days of waiting for last minute vacation packages are long gone (this would be the bad news). Especially if one has to fly to their vacation destination, airfares are continually on the rise.

The good news is that one should seek out a professional travel agent who monitors fares, promotional discounts and know where the best value/best kept secrets can be sought. If you know you’re going to vacation same time every year, why wait until only six months out, start planning your vacation as soon as airfares become available, which is generally 9-10 months out. In addition to nabbing the best possible lowest fares, likely you will be eligible for an early booking discount, if packaging your vacation.

In most instances, it pays to “bundle” or package ones vacation. Likely you will get some added extra bonuses, such as round-trip transfers.

While this writer is not suggesting that you can’t depend on the OTA (online travel agencies–ie Expedia, Travelocity, etc.), why would you want to book your vacation without being able to pick up the phone or email someone to answer questions regarding your vacation, once it is booked?

If you were in need of a doctor, lawyer, accountant, etc., wouldn’t you ask for referrals from friends/family and seek out someone who is reputable? Well why not do the same when “shopping” for a good travel consultant. Be sure to interview that person to insure that he or she is knowledgeable. If the consultant knows their stuff, they’ll be asking a lot of questions about your travel preferences.