Top ten travel tips is not my favorite subject because as far as I can tell, it matters to WHOM the top ten list is intended. 

Travel is an odds game with so many factors working (or not working) at the same time, it’s impossible to have an end-all list. The ideas here are not hard and fast RULES, just my top ten suggestions that I follow when planning and taking a trip. 

Go someplace you want to go

I love to explore new places, but don’t plan a trip (or agree to go on one with someone else) just because you find a cheap fare or a great hotel. Be sure to travel to places you personally think you would find interesting, stimulating or fulfilling. At the same time, manage your expectations and the expectations of others on your trip. Destinations always look better in print or online. No matter what, the place you’re traveling to will, in fact, be a little rough around the edges.

Plan Ahead

An ounce of planning goes a long way. That means, when you’re shopping for travel, look at travel websites, ask your friends, read the newspaper and listen to The Travel Show (of course). But, to the best of your ability, get educated about your destination selections and then narrow them down.  

Make a “Leaving Home” checklist

On a recent trip overseas, I packed all my broadcast equipment and no microphone. This could have been avoided if I had made a list. Now, I have a packing list and an “on the ranch” checklist. Items like “stop newspaper delivery” are on the list.

Pack light

As a general rule, it’s a good idea to only pack only what you can carry by yourself. Also, be aware of weight restrictions of the airline in which you are flying. Also, you may want to bring home souvenirs, so leave room in your checked luggage. I never pack valuables in my checked luggage and I always have bag tags on the outside and business cards with the phrase written on the back: “if this bag is found, please call the number on this business card”.  

Arrive at the airport EARLY

I follow the general rule of arriving at least 90 minutes for domestic flights 2 and ½ hours for international departures. I know it seems excessive, but missing your flight or stressing through the entire airport process can really do a number on your mood. Al so be sure to have all of your documents…passport, frequent flier number etc. Also, use the automated kiosks (if possible). Once you’re all checked in, you can wade through the security procedure with ease.

At the gate, ask for your preferred seats

If you are not happy with your seat or think you have a better chance of getting a different one (window…isle…exit row etc) then ask when you arrive at the gate.

Buy a bottle of water after security-trail mix-mints or gum

Staying hydrated is very important on airplanes. I always buy a small bottle of water (in the terminal (after security), some almonds and some gum. This way, I am prepared for whatever PANG hits me while confined to my cramped coach seat.

Plan to have something go wrong and set your positive mind set in advance

With more planes in the sky, antiquated air traffic control equipments, more people flying, the high cost of fuel and the weather, something is bound to get all fouled up on your next airport experience. 

Don’t plan a set schedule on your air travel days

Because there are so many things that can go wrong, it’s a good idea to not schedule appointments on your travel days. Always try for the earliest flight of the day and then leave it nice and (fluid) upon your arrival.

Splurge

Vacation is a time to spend an extra couple of dollars guilt-free. I’m not suggesting you go into bankruptcy, but you’ve earned the privilege of ordering the steak instead of the chopped steak. One caution, don’t “charge” your vacation. Any good financial analyst will tell you no vacation is worth digging yourself into a larger hole. Be sure you can afford the trip and then, have a great time!

Okay, people, listen up cause this message is important. When it comes to the economy, things are looking a little bleak. We are being bombarded with stories on how the US economy is tanking, big corporations are trying to stave off bankruptcy by asking for govt.  bailouts and the US population in general is fearful of the future…I hear it loud and clear. And yet, it’s time to get serious about helping the situation instead of sitting on the sidelines wringing our hands

Travel. That’s right, travel. It is not a new concept, and for most, the experience is a pretty universal. But, in my opinion, taking a trip will help get us through these tough times. You might think I’m crazy, but look, you’ve already moved your dollars from your bank account to under your mattress, why not take a stack of hundred dollar bills and get a new perspective by taking a much-deserved break. I’m not suggesting you sell everything and move to a foreign land, I’m merely drawing the conclusion, that you can help the US economy by putting some of your hard-earned dollars into the pockets of the merchants that are being hit hard by these troubled times. At the same time, I’m also not really concerned about the particulars of your trip. A week, a weekend, two weeks or just an overnight in a new place (or one you’ve been to before) will help.

Don’t wait. You’ll find great deals for travel in January and February. While you’re at it, perhaps, give the gift of travel to a loved one. They will appreciate it more than just another fruit basket, tie or diamond bracelet.

Maybe the world is going to hell in a hand basket (I don’t think it is) but if it is, wouldn’t you rather go down on a beach with the sun warming your face, the warm sea breezes cooling you and a large fruity drink in your hand? I would!

We will get through this, people, make no mistake about that. But do your part, take a trip and perhaps the life you change will be your own.

It’s true what has been said “nothing in life is free”.  However, there are a few things to consider if your budget is tight but you still want to include travel in 2009.  If you have decided to not “stay local”, then here are the biggest expenditures: airfare, hotel, car rental, and food.  That being said, if you are open to new ideas and destinations, plan a trip based on where you can get the biggest discount.

Figure out and round up all of your frequent flyer or reward programs information.  Find out if you are eligible for airline tickets, hotel rooms, car rentals, etc.  What are you saving them for?  You can't line your casket with them!

Look into deals-especially package deals.  A lot of reputable companies put together travel packages to save you time and money.  They buy the product in bulk (just like buying ten gallons of chicken stock at Costco) and then they pass the savings on to you.  Due to the slumping economy, A LOT of hoteliers are offering deep discounts.

Airlines have a myriad of financial issues, so they too are offering great deals to destinations.  My particular favorite is the companion ticket - a family of four can save big money if you shop around for them.

Every place in America (and most in the world) have an official tourism bureau.  Once you have selected a destination, call the official Convention & Visitors Bureau and ask them “what’s free”. You’d be surprised at the number of activities you and your travel mates can take part in that doesn’t cost one red penny.

Keep an eye on the souvenir purchases.  For parents, I always recommend buying their children little notepads and call it their birthday wish list.  While on vacation, tell the children to pick out things they would like for their birthday.  This is especially helpful at theme parks.

Eat a huge breakfast.  Breakfast food is very cheap (for the most part) and it helps cut down on all the snack-food purchases throughout the day.  Skip the booze.  I love to tip ‘um back just as much as the next guy.  But if you are trying to cut down on expenses, then cut out or limit the restaurant alcohol purchases.

I am not suggesting you pitch a tent in the driveway and call it travel, but I do want you to understand that even if you are trying to save a couple of bucks, you can still explore new places (to you) in this world without missing a mortgage payment.

Honestly, answering that question is not as simple as you might think. Generally speaking, booking your travel through a qualified travel consultant is a good idea if you are booking a somewhat longer trip with a number of different elements that all have to work together.

According to www.hometravelagency.com, a travel consultant is:  1. An alternative term for travel agent. 2. A person with specific knowledge of the travel industry hired on a contract basis to provide advice, guidance, or services to a company.

In my opinion a travel consultant  is a better-qualified travel agent. They have areas of expertise and they are happy to share them with you.  A travel consultant is a friend who will take care of every detail from the time you lock your front door to the time you get home again.  They work on commission and they can be a HUGE asset.  They don’t travel WITH you (although they might if you make an offer to pay them enough) but they do handle the details on your behalf based on your requirements.

A travel consultant will usually require you to provide a cash deposit good to use towards your trip.  They do this to weed out people who are wasting their time on the phone asking a bunch of questions and then not ACTUALLY booking a trip.  If you are considering using a consultant, call them and ask about their credentials (not tips on how to book the trip).

Over the years we have built a great relationship with Lucy Hirleman at Berkshire Travel.  Her office is in New Jersey and she is not afraid to tell it like it is. Her clients consistently book with her (some every year) because of her outstanding attention to detail and avoiding pitfalls that can ruin a trip.  Read more about Berkshire Travel and their support of Erik's mission.

Do you need a travel consultant to book the airfare for your business trip to Chicago for an extended weekend?  No, probably not.  But for cruises, personalized itineraries, exclusive activities, and decades of experience THE RIGHT qualified travel consultant is just the person to take good care of you and your family.