AADen From United States of America, joined Jan 2006, 832 posts, RR: 0 Posted (7 months 1 week ago) and read 1127 times:
Hello all, I was looking to go somewhere in the time frame of Middle of Novmember -mid december for 3 or 4 days. Some place warm with a beach. I was curious as to what Anetters did when planning their vacations.
-does anyone have any opinons and or stories they would like to share regarding booking in advance vs just taking a chance and trying to find a last minute deal in terms of
-cost
-experience
-adventure
PI4EVER From United States of America, joined May 2009, 599 posts, RR: 2 Reply 1, posted (7 months 6 days 12 hours ago) and read 1066 times:
Xavi,
I generally book vacation/personal travel in advance, and with the exception of cruises, rarely wait and book anything "last minute." I generally want to firm up plans and arrangements in advance, to get the potential best deals, lowest fares and best availability. The exception noted may be a cruise, but because I live in FL, I am able to grab last minute cruise deals on special resident rates not available to everyone. I do plan specific vacation times because I have to "bid" for time off at my company and generally make long range plans.....or at least think ahead of when and where I want to go. I always plan vacation in May to celebrate my birthday, and avoid peak summer to give that time to employees with kids out of school. I also do volunteer work with a fund raising organization and plan on several events each year to participate.
I travel almost every week for business and know that for domestic US travel there is rarely really good fare deals for last minute travel. Granted I am dedicated to a couple particular airlines and their frequent flyer programs and know that may limit my selections. I am also of the opinion that if I am spending my money I should consider any additional benefit or "reward" for flying a particular airline, staying in a hotel brand or renting a particular car. I am all about maximizing my investment for benefits that pay dividends for future use.
I have enjoyed "cheap" trips the last 2 years to SYD, AKL, MUC, LHR, OSL, SFO and YVR using airline miles, hotel points and free car rentals, booked as far as 7 months in advance (SYD &AKL) to get the benefits. 14 free hotel nights in SYD and AKL, free Y seats to MUC, LHR, SYD and OSL and use of upgrade certificates at coach prices for F flights to SFO, YVR and PDX are my rewards for being on the road 90+ nights a year and flying 100K+ miles per year.
My next trip? The possibility of a short 4 day cruise in November. Waiting for a closeout sale posted every Tuesday to grab a good cabin deal. Next personal air trip? Home for the holidays, traveling on 12/22 booked on a "buy one get one free companion" certificate from my credit card I booked 3 months ago even though we fly back to our home on Christmas Day. That's OK, after 3 days, its time to go home to the dog and get away for housefuls of relatives you see once a year!
My company "rewards" me by letting me keep all frequent flyer miles, hotel points, credit card rewards and car rental points for personal use and obviously I work hard in planning to use those "resources" that benefit me and my family. I "work hard for the money" and enjoy these "perks" for my downtime.
And half the fun is the planning.
Good Luck with your plans for your sunny getaway. Hint. Beautiful beaches and great weather in Florida right now! Come see us.
Thomas
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From United States of America, joined Jan 2006, 832 posts, 
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