| The world has changed a lot in the past century. | | | | compare rates with other sites and with direct |
| Thanks to the invention of airplanes and high-speed | | | | booking. Another downfall is that you can't always |
| trains, today's world is wide open to travel. In a day's | | | | find availability at these lower rates, but it is nice to |
| time, we can travel to the other side of the world | | | | plan right at home. |
| without using our entire life's savings. We also have a | | | | 3. Guidebooks. Tried and true, travel guidebooks are |
| number of options open to us to help us plan our | | | | a traveler's best friend. Seasoned travel writers |
| travels, and choosing wisely can help save time and | | | | research and compile guidebooks based on their own |
| money. | | | | experiences, and who better to give advice than |
| 1. Travel Agents. Many people have the | | | | someone who's been there, done that? Depending on |
| misconception that using a travel agent entails paying | | | | your preferred level of luxury, you are sure to find a |
| a fee. Nonsense. In actuality, most travel agents | | | | guidebook to meet your needs. Best of all, travel |
| receive commissions from the vendors (airlines, | | | | guidebooks are often available at your local library-for |
| hotels, tour agencies); they are the ones paying the | | | | free! |
| fee, not you. A travel agent has access to deals that | | | | 4. Booking Direct. Sometimes travel companies will |
| often are not available anywhere else. He or she can | | | | offer special deals to customers who book directly. |
| help take the headache out of planning, allowing you | | | | This is especially true with tour and cruise companies |
| to sit back and relax while the logistics are plotted | | | | who advertise travel deals to repeat customers. You |
| out. Another bonus is that travel agents often include | | | | can often find rates as low as half-price (or lower) if |
| travel insurance in their packages, to ensure that you | | | | you book at the last minute. If you have the |
| are getting what you paid for. | | | | flexibility and the determination, this may be the way |
| 2. Internet. With the widespread use of the world | | | | to go. |
| wide web, travel prices have gone down | | | | In any case, travel opens up our eyes to worlds our |
| considerably. Using travel sites like Orbitz, Expedia, | | | | forefathers never could have dreamed of visiting. |
| and Travelocity, buyers can find lower rates than | | | | Whether you travel around the globe or just a city |
| ever before for airfares, hotels, and package deals. | | | | away, a little careful planning and an open mind can |
| The downside? Truly finding the best travel deals | | | | allow for an experience of a lifetime. Happy travels! |
| often requires a lot of time and patience as you | | | | |