With Spring Break just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to plan your next trip. The best part is booking doesn’t have to be stressful or break the bank.
Here's what you should know before booking your trips for this year.
Tips for booking flights
First, Consumer Reports says beware of markdowns; they can be misleading because they can be based on prices that nobody ever pays.
Get top local stories in San Diego delivered to you every morning. Sign up for NBC San Diego's News Headlines newsletter.
You can track flight prices with tools like Google Flights or Kayak. You can adjust the dates or use nearby airports to save. For last-minute deals, try Cheap-O-Air.
Watch out for basic fares. They seem inexpensive but often exclude carry-ons, seat choices, or seating together, and the extras add up fast.
For a round-trip ticket, shop for two one-way flights, even if that means mixing airlines. Doing so can save money.
NBC 7 Responds
Try booking directly with the airline whenever possible. If there are any last-minute cancellations or changes, you can work directly with the airline instead of through a third-party site.
How to pick a hotel
When selecting hotels, CR recommends starting with ratings and reviews. Be cautious of discounts that seem too good to be true.
Ignore pressure tactics, such as ""50 people booked this hotel in the last hour." Instead, once you find a hotel you like, check its website for deals. If you don’t see any, call the hotel directly.
Vacation rentals through home-sharing sites like Airbnb or VRBO can be great for larger families, offering more space and sometimes discounts for longer stays. However, you might not get the amenities and perks that a hotel offers.
Cruise to travel deals
Plan your cruise early—ideally 6 to 12 months ahead. Tty CruiseCritic.com to compare options.
Need a car?
If you’re renting a car, even if you’re offered a discount, skip paying upfront because prices can drop closer to your travel date, and you’ll have the flexibility to change the reservation if needed.
Consider picking it up away from the airport, where rates are often lower—but double-check if it’s worth the extra travel cost.
Don’t forget to use membership discounts. If you’re a member of AAA, AARP, or the military—or even a healthcare worker—you could save 20 to 35%. That’s enough to help cover those pesky fees and taxes.
Happy travels!
