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Planning your vacation and purchasing the necessary transportation, lodging and food on an “ala carte” basis is the most common way to travel. However, if you are planning on traveling to and staying at your destination for a period of time, or maybe touring a certain area, vacation packages may be an easier way to plan your travel and, perhaps, save a significant amount of money. The types of vacation packages and the destinations available are quite varied, as is the pricing. Special deals on all sorts of vacation packages are generally available. And, sometimes, adding extra nights to the package is very inexpensive. For this type of travel your local travel agent can be of great assistance in helping find the right vacation package for you.
1. Try to get a general idea of what you would like to do, how long a trip you would like and your approximate budget. Some packages will include almost everything you will need: all transportation, accommodations, food and drink, entrance fees, etc. Other packages will be less inclusive, which will leave your overall cost less defined, but perhaps provide more flexibility.
2. If you are relatively unfamiliar with travel and vacation packages, visit a few local travel agents to discuss your thoughts with them, and to see what packages they have available. You will probably find that there will be a lot of duplication between travel agents with what they have to offer, but they will each have some packages not found elsewhere, and prices will vary somewhat. When getting pricing from the travel agent, make sure all fees and costs are included for the packages you are considering.
3. Once you know what the travel agents have to offer in the way of packages, you may want to check other sources. Often, credit card companies, associations and travel clubs like Costco Travel Club will offer attractive packages. Airlines, and hotels/resorts also offer packages. And, of course, most of the major travel web sites (like Expedia.com, etc.) offer packages. There are also numerous other web sites that offer about any type of package you could want. Travel industry shows that often come to larger towns also will generally offer some exceptional travel packages. It is just a matter of looking until you find the package that is right for you.
4. Once you have found that perfect vacation package, make sure to check back with the travel agent (if you found it elsewhere) and see if they have a comparable package, and if they can match or beat the pricing. Not only does this potentially help reward the travel agent for their time assisting you, but they may have access to some special pricing/packages that you will find attractive.
5. If you are dealing with a local travel agent, or an established travel web site like Travelocity.com, or a major airline or hotel chain, booking the package is easy to do, and chances are the vacation package will at least be decent. If you find that perfect package and price from a less well known source, make sure you do enough checking to ensure that everything is legitimate, and the package offered provides what it says.
6. Sometimes, if you are traveling with a group, sellers of vacation packages
will provide a free or reduced-
7. Like air fares, rental cars and hotels, travel packages can often be purchased
at the last minute for exceptionally low prices. So, if you are flexible on destination
and/or timing, tell your travel agent to let you know when exceptional last-
VACATION PACKAGES
