Plan My Trip!

Let's get down to planning! Congratulations for selecting a few destination options for your next great adventure! When it comes to planning your trip remember their really isn't a WRONG way to do it. But if you'd like some insight as to how I do my personal travel planning, then here is a short tutorial. ​This is a lot of info and honestly, we're just scratching the surface. So come back to this page often. It can be found by directly at http://www.erikthetravelguy.com/plan.html  Let's do this!

General
Here are some helpful articles and videos of mine to get the logistical juices flowing!
Erik's Top 8 Reasons to Take A Cruise
Erik's Top 10 Tips to be a Happy Traveler
Global Entry Basics
Travelocity, A Quick Read

Airfare
If airfare is a consideration, then keep reading. If not, then skip this paragraph. There are essentially three ways to book airfare. First, is from the airline directly. Second is from an OTA (online travel agency) or finally from your travel agent or professional. If I'm booking a trip myself, then I'll check with an aggregate site such as Kayak to see pricing for flights. I try to book directly with the airline if at all possible. Again, here is some light reading and watching on the subject of air travel. 

Air Travel With the Kids
Low Cost Airlines
Hug A Commercial Airline Pilot

Hotels, All Inclusives, Air B&B's OH MY!
Usually, I have a pretty good idea of the type of accommodation I'm seeking on any given vacation based on circumstances. But remember, you've got options and a lot of them! An all inclusive might be an excellent choice, a standard pay-as-you-go hotel or motel, a vacation rental, campground, or an Air B&B are your general accommodation options. If I have not selected to purchase a package (or bundle) from an OTA, then I try to book direct with the hotel brand whenever possible. 

Here are a few articles on the subject of accommodations:
Air B&B - A Cautionary Tale
Cruises Vs. ​All Inclusive Resorts
Top 10 to Be A Happy Traveler

To Drive Or Be Driven
Renting a car in the US is pretty standard. But, remember, cars generally rent by the day on a 24-hour cycle. A car can be booked as part of a package through an OTA, by a travel agent or direct with the car rental agency. Most car rental companies are present at airports, in neighborhoods, or in some cases, they'll pick you up. Here is a helpful article on the subject. 

Erik's Top 10 Car Rental Tips

So these are obviously just the basics. You experienced folks may have additional tips and tricks, so please leave them in the comments below. Of course now it's time to plan the itinerary and that is the subject for another post. Hopefully, this information will help you plan a successful, rewarding and memorable vacation!

Happy Travels! 
​Erik  

Erik the Travel Guy is a respected travel industry expert and host of the nationally syndicated PBS travel television series Beyond Your Backyard. He spends, on average, 25 weeks traveling around the world, hosting his show(s), making short-form travel videos and speaking at events and conferences. He lives in New York City and most enjoys spending time with his two daughters. Read Erik's Bio here. ​