Spring Break has always been one of those special times to travel, particularly for Midwesterners who have endured a long, cold winter by the time spring rolls around.
Although Spring Break may seem months away, many regular Spring Break travelers have already confirmed their plans and for good reason. Air reservations can become booked more than 10 months in advance. Most tours and cruises can be reserved even farther in advance.When it comes to holiday travel, the experienced agent is confirming reservations the day it becomes available. Packages are going fast and in some cases already sold out for Spring Break. For the most part, you can still book a trip, but better act quickly!
Tips for Spring Trips
If you are planning to travel soon, there are a few things you need to know and consider, such as:
- Acquiring identification: For most warm weather destinations, with the exception of the United States, a U.S. Passport is now required. If you stay in the United States, the Transportation Security Authority is now in the process of implementing a new security procedure. The first part of this procedure requires the name on travel documents match the name on identification shown at check in. The second part of this procedure requires that the date of birth and gender of each traveler be documented in the travel record. Most airlines have already implemented part one of this procedure and many airlines are already beginning to implement part two.
- Landing a Good Agent: Another important part of your travel plans should be to find a good travel agent. A good travel agent can make all the difference. Although the Internet has opened the world of travel to everyone, it is still wise to use the services of a professional when investing your hard earned dollars and dreams. The fact is, there is no reason not to use a travel agent. Most often, your travel agent can offer you the same or better price that you have seen online, and he or she offers their professional services with no fees for tours and cruises. Furthermore, not all tour packages are created equal and a good travel agent will be sure to offer you the best company at the best price. The agent will also go over details of your travel plans that you may have overlooked or been unaware of.
- Booking Early: As mentioned earlier, it is wise to make your reservations as early as possible. Typically, to confirm your plans a small deposit will hold your reservations, with your balance not due till 60 days or less prior to your departure date. You should also consider travel insurance for a number of reasons. Besides the standard travel insurance and cancellation protection, many companies offer price protection, as well as protection against job loss, and hurricanes. Insurance protection can be a confusing, and that’s why working with a reputable agent can be a great benefit.
- Determining Your Budget: You should first determine a budget for your vacation. The all-inclusive resorts are a great choice, as the majority of your cost is prepaid, including air fare, hotel, meals, drinks and more. Cruises can also include most components of your vacation. This is a great way to estimate your true total cost.
The Right Destination
Now for the fun part: planning your destination(s). Cancun or Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, are always a good choices, combining a water wonderland where you can swim with the dolphins and snorkel with schools of fish while surrounded by ancient history among the Mayan ruins.
Mexico is always a good value and a proven great choice for families and school sets.
Want to stay within our borders? Florida travel requires no passport and is family friendly. Fort Myers and nearby beaches are a little quieter than most of Florida during Spring Break, with lots of beaches to go shelling, swimming and exploring. During Spring Break, the school groups tend to visit the east coast with the excitement of Fort Lauderdale and Daytona Beach.
Other popular adventures right here in the United States include river raft trips or a week on a dude ranch.
Can’t settle on just one destination? Cruises have also become more popular in past years. A cruise offers everyone the diversity of several destinations in a short time without the hassle of packing.
If history and culture are part of your plan, consider London. This capital city is easy to get to and lots to see and do.
If you want to add beach to the mix, consider Spain, Greece or Canary Islands. For those looking for adventure, consider Costa Rica or Belize, which offer eco-culture and lots of fun in the surf and sun.
The choices are endless and a good travel agent can help you sort it all out.
>> For more, call 847-462-0056 or visit http://bookmytravel.com. Valerie Kearns is a travel agent at SW Travel (3909 Three Oaks Rd. in Cary, inside the Sage Products Building). Kearns and SW Travel owner Sandi Waryck are world travelers who each have more than 35 years of experience in the travel industry.
