Planning Ahead Vs. Last-Minute Deals: A Summer Vacation Primer

Consumers now have more choices than ever before about when to start planning their summer vacations, thanks to the Internet and increased competition from travel providers eager to sell every last available booking. But with the travel industry's recovery in recent years, summer travelers may find last-minute bargains could be harder to find this year.

The following tips are offered for both plan-ahead and last-minute travelers:

1. Do your research -- or have someone do it for you. Those who want to pick up last-minute bargains should probably get in the habit of looking for them on a regular basis. Web sites like www.aaa-texas.com have sections devoted to last-minute bargains, or you can ask your travel agent to alert you to your preferred deals. Travel agents are also great resources for plan-ahead travelers because they can advise clients of a good deal when it comes up. In most cases, travel agents don't charge for their services, and using them can save you money and time.


2. Take advantage of special promotions. Rebates, upgrades and credits abound in the travel industry. Travel providers want you to book early, so incentives are more plentiful for "early birds." The key to getting an upgrade or rebate is to know about it, and a reliable travel agent or travel Web site can be an excellent resource..


3. The lowest price isn't always the best deal. Make sure before you book your trip that your travel providers have a good reputation. Take advantage of AAA's lodging ratings, available to members in complimentary TourBooks(R) and on www.aaa-texas.com, to make sure your accommodations are in a quality hotel, motel or inn..


4. Plan-ahead travelers should consider trip insurance for big-ticket vacations. An unexpected illness or tragedy can force you to postpone or cancel travel. Trip insurance protects you financially in many of those instances, since most tours and cruises are non-refundable..

"Booking your trip well in advance gives you the most flexibility in your itinerary and your hotel or ship cabin choices," said Diana Meinhold, AAA Texas vice president for travel. "Advance planning also helps ensure that you stay within your budget because the lower-cost airfares, cruises, hotel and car rental rates are the ones that get taken by early travel planners.".

In some cases, last-minute travel can still be less costly than trips planned in advance. But the available deals may not get you to the destination you want at the time you want to travel, especially during the height of summer vacation season, Meinhold said. "For those who have a lot of flexibility with their own schedules and who just want to get away anywhere for a long weekend, last-minute deals can be a great way to go," she said..

The plan-ahead vacationer still has plenty of choices in booking trips this summer, Meinhold said, but popular vacations such as European cruises, Hawaii and national parks are seeing their accommodations fill up quickly..