We continue to see a large number of individuals, couples and families wishing to take the ever popular summer vacation. We also see the same trends, ranging from some people wishing to return to their favorite resort to travelers who wish to try something exciting and new (to them).
Another perhaps obvious trend is the increase in accessing the internet. Again, this varies from searching for more information on a summer vacation destination to using online travel and vacation services to make actual vacation bookings. Certainly, for some types of summer vacation this can be beneficial due to the online discounts that can be available.
So, when it comes to booking a summer vacation, what are the booking options to consider?
I know this is going to sound 'stupid' but before making summer vacation reservations, you will have to select the actual summer vacation destination. Without a destination in mind, it is impossible to make any bookings. When selecting a summer vacation, however, what are the important factors we need to keep in mind?
Whenever possible, I like to encourage people to think of their summer vacation as starting from the minute they leave their home to the minute they return and, in doing so, consider…
- traveling with children
- the age of the children
- traveling with senior citizens
- traveling with disabled family members
- likes and dislikes
- absolute needs and 'nice to haves'
- total cost of travel
- the 7 out of 10 principle
The 7 out of 10 principle simply means that if we cannot match 100% of our needs to a summer vacation choice, the more 'boxes' we tick, the greater the chance that we can select the summer vacation destination that will best fit your needs, thus ensuring we can have the best summer vacation possible.
Now, we can think about actual bookings and reservations.
I suppose the one option is to not to book anything at all. Exciting and fun – maybe. Yes, there are parks, motels, hotels, camping sites where it is not always necessary to book in advance. Despite the fact that reservations may not be required, I would always encourage travelers to make their reservations. Highly popular summer vacation destinations fill up fast. Apart from that, whereas it may be fun dealing with the uncertainty when we are on our own or a couple, imagine looking after three young children or elderly family members and not finding a place to stay.
At the other end of the booking option choices, some people prefer to use professional services such as travel agents especially if they are known to cater for certain summer vacation destinations or specialize in catering for certain groups. Others will use them purely from the viewpoint of convenience – make a decision, book the vacation, now let’s get back to work!
The downside of this option is that these services can come at a price. So, for the budget conscious or for those looking for that something a bit different, this may not be the best option to take. If you have time, read some of the other 'summer vacation' articles which may help in deciding the best option for you.
With the availability of information online and the summer vacation booking facilities also available for anything from car hire and flights to bed and breakfast and five star hotels, more people are making their own reservations. For many it is a lot of fun doing the research, finding the best deals and developing their own unique summer vacation.
As mentioned earlier, as long as most of the boxes are ticked, it can then take no more than a few minutes to have the whole vacation from flights to accommodation booked within a few minutes.
Let's have a recap…
With overnight stays, most families may prefer the convenience and services provided by hotels and motels. Others prefer the outdoors staying in parks, camping sites. Although reservations may not be required, booking your preferred accommodation in advance, ensures that you are guaranteed a place to rest your family or set up your tent.
Researching online provides the opportunity to either develop your own unique summer vacation or to book a popular vacation destination at a discounted price. (You may want to weigh up this option against package deals where 'extras' may be included as part of the deal. These 'extras' may only be available to you at a price if organizing the vacation yourself). It’s always worth checking these things first before making a booking commitment.
So, whether you choose to use the services of a discount travel company online, a professional travel agent, or you intend you make your own vacation reservations, you are encouraged to take the necessary and appropriate steps. Please don’t assume that everything will just work out and run the risk of ruining your much deserved summer vacation. Book it!