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BBB Tip: Expert advice for planning your perfect getaway

Ready to plan your next vacation but don't know where to start? BBB has tips to help you plan ahead, save money, avoid scams, and travel safely.

More travel tips before your trip

When planning a family vacation or weekend getaway, BBB encourages people to use BBB Accredited travel businesses, professionals, and services to save money and travel safely.

BBB offers the following tips to help ensure an enjoyable vacation:

booking online concept, travel planning
1. Plan ahead.

Allow plenty of time to research hotels, flights, and your destination. Typically, the earlier reservations are made, the better the deals and the lower the risk of the destination being booked solid.

Making reservations in advance also locks in rates and prevents higher prices later during prime spring break, peak summer, or holiday travel seasons.

A search for a budget Hotel
2. Avoid broad searches.

Entering phrases like “best deals” into whichever search engine is used can sometimes bring up websites that look official but are designed solely to rip people off.

Instead, focus on the task at hand. If you’re looking for a hotel, a search of a reputable brand’s website and inputting your dates may be more helpful – or use BBB.org to find a reputable, BBB Accredited travel agent.  

Smiling mature female traveler with backpack holding credit card and pointing at copy space, ready for summer vacation, journey trip.
3. Be alert for travel scams.

Watch out for phone calls or letters claiming a 'free trip' or websites offering prices that appear too good to be true. It’s easy to extend questionable offers like these, but most leave hopeful travelers in limbo – and out of money. 

Learn more about travel scams. Check out our ScamTracker results for reported “free travel” offers.  Read the FTC's tips for avoiding travel website scams.

Man uses digital tablet to make hotel reservation in the comfort of his home. His wife is in the background using a laptop.
4. Do your homework.

Ask family and friends to recommend a travel agent or travel website, and visit BBB.org’s business profiles.

Research the business and read customer reviews about any rentals under consideration. Be alert for any pattern of complaints.

Social media, connection and woman typing on a phone for communication, app and chat. Web, search and corporate employee reading a conversation on a mobile, networking and texting on a mobile app
5. Get details in writing.

Before making a final payment, get all the trip details in writing. This should include the total cost, restrictions, cancellation penalties, and names of the airlines and hotels.

Also, review and keep a copy of the airline’s and hotel’s cancellation and refund policies, as well as the cancellation policies of the travel agency or booking site used. 

Travel insurance policy document with paperwork and technology. There is an image of a tourist resort with cocktails and a swimming pool which adds to the peace of mind concept. There is also a mobile phone, map, digital tablet and calculator. Image featured on the brochure can be found in my portfolio 20943516
6. Consider travel insurance.

Travel insurance covers things like trip cancellations or medical emergencies. Depending on the plan purchased, there are different levels of coverage.

Ask many questions, and always read the fine print to see what’s covered and what’s not. 

female hands holding phone with app hotel booking screen and credit card in office
7. Pay with a credit card.

Credit card payments provide additional protection if something should go wrong with the travel reservation.

Cheerful mature couple of passengers with luggage at the train station
8. Planning to travel internationally?

Check travel advisories for Canada and the U.S. to see if any issues may impact the trip. It's also good practice to check the U.S. State Department for updates and alerts.

Research your destination and check for any specific health risks and vaccine requirements.
U.S. travelers
Canadian travelers

    

No matter when or where you are traveling, take extra precautions:

Wait to post on social media.

It's fun to post adventures with friends and family, but wait until getting back from the trip. Photos and social media posts of the family having a great time also let people know the house is empty.

Check your home insurance.

If your home will be unattended while you are away, make sure you know your responsibilities under your policy. Some policies do not cover damage if nobody checks on your home for a while. 

Share a copy of the itinerary with a family member or close friend.

Include your contact information and that of anyone joining you on your trip, in case you can’t be reached. 

Take a map.

Although people obviously rely heavily on smartphones and GPS, consider having a hard copy map just in case of technical difficulties. See our page of resources for when things go wrong.

Check the weather conditions.

Checking the weather conditions where you will be traveling will help you prepare and pack appropriate supplies and clothing.

For safety, consider not traveling alone.

Use the buddy system and stick with the group. If you do decide to travel alone, do your research on tips for traveling solo, like these tips for traveling alone from AAA.com.

Use a hotel safe.

Experts recommend using them to store extra cash and keep valuables under lock and key (or user-set PIN).

Report suspicious activity.

Report any suspicious activities or scams to BBB Scam Tracker or the local authorities if you fear that you are in danger.

For more information

Couple Planning A Vacation Together Using Laptop
What to know before booking your next trip

Before your trip, check out BBB's tips on booking websites, cruises, air travel, and finding a good travel agent. Get advice on travel insurance, pet boarding, and RV rentals.

Before booking the trip
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Travel tips during the trip

During your trip, BBB has tips for making your stay smooth. Learn about choosing best practices for navigating your accommodations and getting around with car rentals or car-sharing apps.

Tips during the trip
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Stay safe while you travel

Stay safe while traveling with BBB's tips by avoiding scams and keeping your devices secure.

Travel safety tips
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Travel agent HQ

If you're looking to hire a travel agent, BBB helps you find one you can trust, or if you own a travel agency, BBB has resources to help you be a Better Business.

Travel agent HQ