FAQs

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When you’re ready to jet at the last second, time is of the essence. You won’t have much of it to make plans, but it’s certainly possible to pull together a quick trip. Look for last-minute fares, which many airlines release on Mondays and Tuesdays for the coming weekend. Also, consider booking an air-and-hotel package, which will save you time — and money — by consolidating your two big-ticket items into one transaction and itinerary. Most OTAs like Expedia or Travelocity will pair air and hotel options for you, allowing you to lock in a trip within minutes. Also, don’t overlook the world of mobile apps. One of my favorites is HotelTonight, which releases available hotel rooms at a discount at noon the day of your stay.

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Everyone wants to vault to the front of the cabin or to that penthouse suite, but most of us feel that an upgrade is out reach. Not necessarily so. The best way to get upgraded is to join loyalty programs. While it’s hard for many leisure travelers to accrue enough miles for a free first- or biz-class ticket, basic upgrades usually require fewer miles. For hotels and rental cars, points generally add up more quickly and you can get additional free perks just for being a member.

Alternatively for air travel, you can try bidding for upgrades or simply buying your way to more legroom and better service. While it will cost extra, it’ll be much cheaper than purchasing a first- or business-class ticket. Also look for deals; some airlines will launch short-term sales on premium seats.

With hotels, arriving late in the day can increase your chances of a better room, since the hotel might have vacant rooms to fill (and can subsequently open up a cheaper room for another paying customer). Also, at check-in, mention if you are celebrating a special occasion like a honeymoon or an anniversary. At the rental-car desk, asking for an upgrade might work, but make sure you’ve weighed your options: A higher-class car could mean higher gas costs, which can quickly negate any benefit. In any situation, even with the airlines, it never hurts to ask; when you do, dress nicely, be specific with your request, and above all, be polite.

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Sadly, not all deals are created equal. And while some are bona fide, others are nothing more than gimmicks, if not downright scams. Your best defense is to take the time to fully research a deal before handing over your credit card number. First, make sure you’re dealing with a reputable supplier, especially when it comes to tour operators and promoters. If you haven’t heard of the company, check with the Better Business Bureau or United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) to make sure they are sound. Also, always compare prices across multiple suppliers. A deal might look good at first glance, but you may be able to beat the price elsewhere. When it comes to packages, always price out inclusions like gift baskets or spa services separately to determine whether it’s cheaper to go a la carte. For example, many hotels offer individual room rates that are way cheaper than what you’d pay for the room plus the extras in a package. I always say that you can bring your own Champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries (likely higher-quality ones, too).

Lastly, always read the fine print. I know this sounds like wallpaper advice, but I can’t stress how imperative it is. Look for things like blackout dates and other restrictions. You don’t want to get a deal that you can’t even use.

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There is one truth when it comes to travel, even in a bad economy: There will always be deals. While airfare prices continue to rise as airlines cut capacity and have to keep up with increasing fuel costs, consumers can still find ways to beat the system. The first thing I’d recommend is to sign up for fare alerts. Sites like Kayak, as well as some of the airlines, including Southwest, allow you to plug in fare details and receive messages telling you when the price drops. This saves you the pain of having to check every day. When you do see a good fare, always compare prices across multiple sources, including online travel agencies (OTAs), metasearch engines like Kayak and TripAdvisor Flights, and comparison tools like SmarterTravel’s sister site BookingBuddy. Keep this in mind, though: The more flexible you are, the better the deals will be. Sites like Orbitz offer a matrix display that allows you to pinpoint the best fare in a given timeframe.

Another suggestion is to go against the grain. In other words, travel during the off-season; the prices will be lower and the crowds smaller. Also, head out midweek when most would-be leisure travelers are at work; the cheapest days to fly are usually Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Plus, many hotels, inns, and B&Bs will offer discounted midweek rates and packages.

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To buy or not to buy: that is the question, when it comes to trip-cancellation insurance (TCI). It all depends on risk. In my experience, if you’re taking a relatively short trip and haven’t paid a fortune for it, you don’t need it. Plus, most airlines — and hotels for that matter — will give you a refund or allow you to rebook when there’s a widespread storm or incident. However, if you’ve made a considerable vacation investment and face a high risk of cancellation, such as traveling during hurricane season or if you have a potential medical condition, insurance could be a good idea. If you do opt for TCI, make sure you know what’s included in your policy; most are very specific and won’t allow coverage to kick in once a storm is predicted or if you have a preexisting medical condition. You can also buy a policy that will allow you to cancel for any reason, but they usually come with a higher premium.

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When you find yourself faced with a flight delay or cancellation, know that your rights vary depending on whether the situation is the airline’s fault (such as a mechanical delay) or due to some uncontrollable outside force (like a hurricane or nor’easter). Every airline’s policy varies, but most state that for delays or cancellations within the airlines’ control, passengers are entitled to be rebooked on the next available flight, possibly transferred to another carrier, or to receive a refund for the unused portion of the trip. Plus, some lines will provide meal vouchers, hotel stays, and ground transportation at their discretion. When the situation is beyond the airline’s control, a refund is all that most airlines promise. However, for major storms, airlines have set a precedent to preemptively cancel flights in advance so you’re not stranded at the airport, and they will allow you to rebook within a specific time frame without penalty.

For specifics of about these and other policies, download SmarterTravel’s guide to airline contracts of carriage.

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"We as travel agents get paid a small percentage from the vendors that we work with. Many travel agents also charge a small fee to put the trip together… Yet, as travel consultants we have some great resources that could possibly save you money! We have discounted air; we have over 800 hotels where we throw in breakfast and a $100 resort credit; we have cruises where we can get you upgrades, cruise credits and, many times, a better price."

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"My services could be valuable for travelers not with a big budget. The best way to assess that is to be upfront with your budget with the agent and give them a general idea of what you are looking for. The agent will then tell you if it would be worth their time to help you out on the trip."

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"Low-cost travel websites [have been] a godsend! Why? Because I now don't have to handle all of the little cheapie trips and can focus on trips that need some TLC! I have trained my clients not to call me for the little weekend getaways."

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"So let's say Expedia charges you five bucks, and last minute you can't go... Or, there is a natural disaster in the destination city, and you are on hold for 50 minutes to find out that they can't help you because the airline has not made an announcement yet. Working with a travel agent who might charge you 25 bucks — maybe they can get you a one-way upgrade to premium economy at no extra charge; get your seats on the airplane at no cost; help you out 24/7 if there was a natural disaster; let you know when there is a schedule change and, if it's something ridiculous, get your money back and put you on a different carrier."

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Consider loosening up your first day’s itinerary or factor in time to rest at your hotel rather than forging ahead. Determine whether you’re well enough to keep reservations as far in advance as possible to avoid cancellation fees.

In an interview in Las Vegas Sun, Dr. Jeff Murawsky, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center gave the following advice to travelers:

"Traveler’s diarrhea is most likely to affect international travelers and is typically caused by bacteria in food and water. Usually, the bacteria that cause traveler’s diarrhea are not harmful on their own, but they can upset your stomach if you have not developed an immunity to them. “If you’re in an area where traveler’s diarrhea or food-borne illness is common, be sure that all the food you eat is thoroughly cooked and served hot. Drink bottled water and avoid tap water, well water or any unwashed fruit or vegetables."

What to do if you end up getting sick

1. Be prepared and pack a few treatment must-haves. You don’t need to bring your entire first-aid kit, but having basic essentials can be helpful.

2. Seek medical treatment. Deciding if you need to go to a doctor is a personal decision depending on age, existing medical conditions and the severity of symptoms. If you’re bedridden for multiple days, have a persistent fever, or simply feel like something is wrong, you should likely see a doctor. Dr. Murawsky also recommends listening to your family or friends who know you best when deciding whether to seek treatment.

3. Call/email your doctor at home or consult a physician online. They should be able to offer guidance about the type of treatment you need and may even be able to diagnose you remotely.

4. Ask your hotel about local doctors, clinics or hospitals. They should be able to give you a recommendation and help you receive immediate care. Some hotels may even offer first-aid services.

5. When traveling domestically, urgent-care centers and emergency rooms are great options. Go to an urgent-care center for mild or moderate symptoms and an emergency room for serious illness or injury.

6. Check your insurance coverage prior to leaving for your trip so you know which clinics/hospitals are covered under your plan. Nearly all health insurance policies cover emergency care, even when out of network.

7. When traveling internationally, urgent care and emergency rooms are options, but they can be more difficult to find and may not accept your health insurance. Dr. Murawsky recommends getting travel insurance when traveling internationally. “If you have travel insurance, they should be able to direct you to an appropriate treatment location. If you do not have travel insurance and it’s an emergency, you should go to the nearest emergency department but call your plan at home for advice,” Dr. Murawsky said.

Travel with these items

Antihistamine

Pain/fever reducers (such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen or aspirin)

Antacid

Diarrhea medication (such as Imodium or Pepto-Bismol)

Motion-sickness medication (if applicable)

Dr. Murawsky also recommends bringing a pair of spare glasses/contacts, enough doses of any prescription medications you take and your health insurance card.

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If your plans are firm — meaning you have to travel on a certain date to a specific destination — book one to two months out for domestic travel and two to three months out for international travel. Add an extra month for peak travel times like holidays or major events. Some destinations, such as Disney World during spring break or popular beach spots in August, require even more advanced planning, so do your homework.

If your plans are flexible — meaning you’re able to travel on multiple dates and/or have an open mind as to where you land — you can hold out and find some of the best deals around. Like retailers, most airlines and hotels will slash prices at the last moment to sell off “distressed inventory” — airplane seats or hotel rooms that aren’t selling — to avert a loss. Sign up for last-minute fare alerts directly with the airlines, and look out for flash sales from hotels.

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Yes, travel fees are pervasive and have wormed their way into every facet of travel, including flights, hotels, and rental cars. The good news is that many can be avoided. When it comes to flying, look for airlines that don’t charge fees for common services like baggage: For example, Southwest allows two checked bags for free and JetBlue one; some airlines will waive bag fees for frequent flyers or members of its credit-card program (such as Delta’s AmEx card). Ultimately, it pays to know what the fees are before booking so you can make an informed decision. SmarterTravel’s downloadable chart is a good place to start.

Many hotel fees can be avoided if you simply say no to the services. In other words, don’t touch the minibar or make in-room calls (buy your own snacks and use your cell phone instead). Other charges, such as resort fees, are trickier. It’s best to find out about the charge in advance and book with another hotel, or ask the hotel manager to remove it — he or she might say no, but it never hurts to ask. When renting a car, read the fine print. Look for easily avoidable fees like early-return and fuel charges. Also, most agents will pressure you into buying a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), but you might already have collision coverage through your credit card. Always check with your credit-card company in advance.