Our Travel Blog

Should I Book a Flight or Hotel First?

Booking flights and accommodations are critical procedures in planning trips. However, a majority of people are never sure of whether to book a flight or hotel first. Generally, most travel experts recommend that you should book flights before hotels. But, certain factors may affect the decision including timing, travel regulations and funding for the trip. The following are some of the key elements that will determine whether you should book a flight or hotel first. 

Timing of the Trip 

The cost of air tickets and hotel accommodations often fluctuate depending on the travel destinations and seasons. That means you should know the best times to book flights and hotels. According to the latest travel reports, the best time to book flights should be about 70 days before the travel date. 

You can either book earlier or a little later but, just do not wait until three weeks of departure since airfares often skyrocket at such times. Although airfares can be costly during those periods, hotels usually offer relatively cheaper deals. Thus, it is important to plan your trips around the times for booking flights. 

For hotels, the best time to book is one month before departure. Based on the above guidelines, it means you should first book flights then; wait for a little more time to book hotels. However, there are a few things to consider. For instance, if you are planning for a vacation, it is advisable to book hotels much earlier to avoid the last-minute rush. 

On the other hand, you should also book accommodations as soon as possible in case there is a major event or gatherings scheduled to take place near the hotel during your visit. Besides, some hotels provide standard rates for customers that book months in advance. If that is the case, you should never wait to book one month to departure. Other hotels also offer last-minute deals but, those are only recommended if you are sure that the accommodation will not be sold out before your trip. 

It is advisable to book flights first because they have readily available deals and can also be easily modified if the airfares are non-refundable. However, you should consider booking a hotel first if the fees are refundable. 

Questions to Ask Before Traveling with a Friend

Going on adventures with a friend offers both of you the best moments to get to know each other better and create memories. However, there are a few things that you should know about your travel companion to ensure a remarkable trip that will be enjoyable for both of you. The following are the main questions to ask before traveling with a friend. 

How do you like to Travel?

People have different preferences when it comes to traveling. For instance, some people fear flying and would only feel more comfortable traveling by road. Besides, some people may not love cruises. As such, knowing how your friend prefers to travel beforehand will enable you to determine the particular type of trip to plan for. 

What Kinds of Activities Interest You While Traveling?

Although the things to do while traveling will depend on the destination and type of adventure, you must always know the activities that your friend loves to take part in before the trip. Remember that some love to do as much as possible while on the road and, others that would rather simply relax at the beaches or hotels. Knowing your travel companion’s favorite activities will enable you to put together an itinerary that everyone will enjoy. 

How Long Would you Want to spend on a Trip?

The duration of your trip will depend on the goals of the adventure, your budget and the schedules of the people that you travel with. Nevertheless, it is still important that you agree on the exact duration of the trip to budget well for the entire adventure. 

How Do You Prefer to Stay When on the Road?

Some people opt to stay in hotels, resorts or Airbnb while others prefer cheaper accommodation options like hostels. Knowing your preferred accommodation alternatives will make it easier to narrow down the search when booking for the trip.  

There is more that you may still want to ask your friend before taking a trip together. Nevertheless, plan the trip with their interests and desires in mind. 

What Makes Traveling So Interesting?

If you have never taken a trip even locally, you are missing out on some great life-changing opportunities. Traveling is one of the most exciting experiences with endless sights, sounds and activities to enrich your life. The following are some of the key perks of traveling that make it very hard to drop. 

Unique Things to See and Do 

Spending all your life in just one location is no doubt very boring. Besides, it also limits your imaginations, which only keeps your mind confined to the ordinary. Traveling enables you to experience new environments, cultures, and activities outside your comfort zone. During your trips, you can visit historical sites, museums, natural sceneries, wildlife parks, and other attractions. 

Besides, you can also take part in various activities that interest you including hiking, water sports, shopping, wine-tasting, dining, and others. The experience that you get from those unique attractions and activities will not only bring you joy but, also so much enlightenment. 

Endless Learning Opportunities 

The main reason why most people travel is to learn new things and ideas. As they say, the world has something for everyone and, it is up to you to discover it. Traveling the world offers you incredible opportunities for gaining new knowledge and skills to develop your life in various ways. Immersing yourself in completely different environments is the best way to discovering the unique offers of the world. 

There are many things that you can learn when traveling including new languages, different aspects of various cultures, new cuisines, new leisure activities and appreciation of beliefs. Apart from the fun of engaging in these activities, the knowledge and skills acquired during the trips could also prove quite valuable in your career and life. 

Relaxes and Rejuvenates the Body 

Traveling gives you a temporary disconnect from the usual pressure of your day-to-day schedule. Whether you are out wandering in the parks, enjoying the sun on the sandy beaches, shopping, hiking or just taking some alone time in the hotel, the shift from normal routines allows the body to relax and re-energize. 

Generally, there are lots of other things that also make traveling so exciting. But, the ones discussed above are a sure bet for anyone that dares to take a trip.  Plan your trip using the tools available at https://www.travelocity.com/

5 Reasons to Visit San Francisco Now

San Francisco is one of the American cities that have been changing so fast in the recent years. Well, there’s nothing to worry about since the touristy classics in this beautiful city aren’t going anywhere. Travelers who have been here agree that there’s way too more to the city than the antique cable cars and expensive apartments. San Francisco is home to some of the most beautiful and spectacular urban landscapes in the country. Exploring this incredible city by the Bay reveals great shopping areas, cultural diversity, and diverse neighborhoods. Here’s why you must start planning for a San Francisco trip or vacation this year. 

The Culinary Scene

The city’s diversity clearly shows in its food. If you’re looking to discover new dishes, San Francisco has got you covered. The city is home to a wide range of restaurants with cuisine from all around the world. Burmese restaurants abound in San Francisco so you want to make sure Burmese food is on your itinerary of the eateries here. Restaurants serve fresh authentic meals as they are able source fresh farm produces and seafood from the surrounding areas in California. Don’t be afraid to venture outside the city limits for more delicious dishes. 

Oysters

The murky waters that surround the city are a great source of halibut, mussels, and the crab which have since become inseparable with San Francisco’s identity. Everyone here seems to treasure oysters more than anything else. You wouldn’t want to leave San Francisco before trying the local staple at the San Oyster Depot of Polk. And remember to order fresh oysters. It might just turn out to be the highlight of your vacation in San Francisco. 

Chinatown

It looks like efforts to dislodge and relocate the Chinese community from San Francisco’s Chinatown over the years have never come to fruition. Chinese migrants arrived to the areas during the 1849 Gold Rush and took advantage of the opportunities they found. The vibrant cultural enclave in the middle of the city is packed with culture and art waiting to be explored and experienced. Chinatown is also home to sundry stores, laundries, Chinese-owned restaurants, and much more. This is a must visit destination for anyone coming to San Francisco. 

Sports

If you’re a sports enthusiast, you wouldn’t want to miss the baseball season at AT&T Park from April to October. The park’s central location allows for easy access using public transport. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the park and take in spectacular views of the Bay area when you’re not watching San Francisco’s Giants play. The basketball season runs from October to April so you don’t want to miss that as well. Sports teams that call the Bay area home include the San Francisco 49ers football team, San Jose Sharks hockey team, and the San Jose Earthquakes major league soccer team. 

Themed Bars

The Tiki culture almost became extinct in the ‘90s but San Francisco seems to have gotten it back with over a dozen Tiki bars opening across the city in the last decade. Why not experience the culture at one of the Tiki bars? The fact that San Francisco is located in one of the world’s largest wine production regions means you can’t leave before sampling the local liquids here.