5 Tips To Plan Your Next Vacation

Can’t wait to escape winter? It’s never too early to prepare for your summer getaway.

Already tired of frozen fingers and slippery sidewalks? If you’re like us, winter woes have you dreaming about an escape to a tropical resort or a cruise along crystal-clear seas. That said, there’s no better time than the present to start thinking about your next trip, as airlines, cruise ships and hotels typically offer deep discounts in the middle of winter. After all, the U.S. Travel Association has deemed Jan. 30, 2024, National Plan For Vacation Day.

BERGEN spoke with Sal Kesedar of Prime Travel in Waldwick, who offered Bergenites a few tips when planning their next vacation:

• Book early. Solidifying your trip months in advance can do wonders for both the getaway and your wallet. Kesedar says the sooner you book, the better your selection of hotels, room types and destinations. Besides enjoying January promotions, you can sometimes pay in increments rather than all at once if you need to.
• Go somewhere exotic. Tropical locations usually have the best promotions to offer because bundled-up deals (hotel, airfare and transportation booked together) offer the best savings, says Kesedar. He adds destinations like Costa Rica and Puerto Rico will remain popular spots in 2024 as well as cities in Europe and Egypt, especially Cairo.
• Read the fine print. Many travel suppliers advertise web specials, coupons and bundled deals in January, but make sure you’re aware of the caveats. Look out for details like nonstop flights, standard economy vs. basic seats and nonrefundable rates, for example.
• Insure your trip. Many airlines have loosened cancellation and refund policies in recent years. In fact, many wholesalers have eliminated change fees, cancellation fees and offer flexible terms. Still Kesedar recommends purchasing travel insurance in case unexpected issues arise, such as inclement weather, illness or a family emergency that prevents you from taking the trip.
• Consider using a travel agent. There are more “pros” to using a travel agent than simply having direct contact with another human instead of a web-based bot. For instance, many travel agents don’t charge a fee for their services; they get paid by the hotels and airlines they book. In addition, most agencies have longstanding relationships with select resorts and carriers and can book these places for their clients at a better-than-average price, Kesedar says.