CABIN
FEVER VIRTUAL TRAVEL AGENT
We
are in the midst of a harsh winter. Angst. Nerves. Bad news swirling
around like the cold arctic snow blasts. Even in bad times, people can
make some good decisions. Airfares are at rock bottom sale prices. The
tourism industry is dying to get people into their hotels, resorts,
theme parks and restaurants. Even though consumer spending crashed in
the fourth quarter of 2008, real income rose nearly 4.0 percent in 2008.
Material America is sitting on a growing nest egg of savings, waiting
for the other shoe to drop. Or not.
Whether
you have the need, or just want to kill a few hours of quality time,
planning a vacation in front of your PC is easy. Your browser is your
virtual travel agent.
First,
figure out where you'd like to go. Punch up your destination key words
into the search engine to determine what general information sites (as
well as paid hotel or resort pages) come to the forefront.
Second,
scan multiple sources to determine what are the various amenities at
or near your destination.
The
initial purpose of your vacation may change to add in local cultural
features. It is easier to subtract from a list of prospective things
to do than try to figure something out on the fly at your hotel.
A
local business or chamber of commerce web page may give you a calendar
of special local events which may help fill out your things to do list.
The features between hotels can vary greatly as well, including recreation
to Internet wi-fi facilities.
Third,
figure out your budget. What can you really afford to pay for your vacation.
You have to make allowances for transportation, air fare, lodging, food
and entertainment expenses. But there are hidden expenses as well. For
example, more airports are adding passenger fees or increasing parking
lot fees. You need to weigh these types of charges to determine if it
is cheaper to taxi to the airport than park your vehicle. It is also
important to determine whether you need to rent a car at your destination,
or whether it would be just as efficient to use taxis of shuttle buses
to your activity places.
Fourth,
search for the history of your destination. The local historical society
may have information on inexpensive or free walking tours of historic
areas. Museums, art galleries, or antique shops are a good way to wander
around a foreign place on a budget. This may give you insight on where
the locals go for their entertainment and their quality meals (the hidden
gems in the travel game.)
Fifth,
you should also search the local newspapers and broadcast media to see
what the current state of crime is in the area. The chambers of commerce
may down play the seedier side of the local community news. It is always
better to be on guard than being caught in a bad neighborhood.
Sixth,
the discount travel sites like travelosity are a good starting point
to find the range of prices for airline tickets, rental cars, or hotel
rates. But don't discount going to the airlines own web sites to check
airfares and flight schedules because those direct connections may save
your either time or money in the long run. Discount fares may incur
multiple flights, changing plans, or standby flight status (no boarding
pass). It may be worth the peace of mind to have a through ticket with
a boarding pass than waiting in line for the prospect of getting to
your connecting flight on time.
Seventh,
before booking your travel agenda, you should do a virtual run through.
If you have to meet a connecting flight, you should look at the map
of the airport to determine where you first flight lands and the gate
where your connecting flight departs. If the gates are in different
terminals, check to see if you have to go through extra security gates.
Time is the killer when you are trying to navigate through a crowded
airport. For example, if the time differential between arrival and departure
is less than an hour, you may be cutting it close to make the connection
because of weather, departure delays and distance between gates. It
is also important to note when the next flight will depart to your destination
if you miss your connecting flight. You could spend an entire day at
the airport instead of on the beach at your resort hotel.
Eighth,
if you are renting a car at your destination, compare all the rental
companies and their rates. But don't forget to check their hours of
operation. If you have an early return flight, you want to make sure
the rental car firm is open so you can clear your account without a
problem later on. Also, check to determine if your hotel charges parking
fees for its hotel guests. Sometimes, a nearly municipal parking garage
may be cheaper than a hotel lot.
Once
you have your Internet research done, you should lay out your printed
materials of interest and start a sort based upon the general factors
of any vacation: transportation, lodging, food and entertainment events.
Break down your results to the best two or three in each category (based
upon your budget and their amenities). Do not forget to circle the special
rates or discounts (and note specifically what the conditions are present
in order to qualify for those specials).
Once
you have decided your category winners, then go back on-line and book
your reservations. Make sure you make a copy of your order screens (even
pre-screen prior to submitting) and your on-screen confirmation or order
number. This is important proof if a vendor has overbooked or has a
computer system problem in confirming a reservation when you arrive.
This
same methodology works for booking business travel. No one really needs
a travel agent to book their travel when you have a computer and plan.
iToon
