Spring, summer travel tips for SWFL vacationers

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Spring break is right around the corner, and summer after that. If you haven’t booked a vacation, now is the time to do it. Remember these tips and tricks to keep costs low for your upcoming getaways.

Whether you’re planning your summer escape by plane, train, boat or car, Bob Cook, Go Travel’s director of sales, believes planning is key.

“If you do not have things set up in advance, you will be sorely disappointed,” Cook said.

Timing matters: Don’t book too early or too late. Travel experts say to book your domestic flights two months before you plan to travel. For international, six to eight months before.

The old rule of thumb that the best deals are on Tuesday no longer applies; fluctuating fuel costs are what counts now. And if you are traveling by plane, only pack carry-ons.

“Last year in ’22, if you check your luggage, the chances of seeing it when you got to your destination were probably 50 to 60%,” Cook said.

When booking a hotel, visit websites like Expedia or Kayak for the lowest prices and then call the hotel directly. Many hotels are offering special rate discounts of up to 20%.

“People can save money by traveling, by realizing they don’t have to take the top tier,” Cook said. “If you’re the type of person who gets up at 7 in the morning and doesn’t get home till 8 o’clock, you don’t need a suite.”

If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck this year, Turkey, Argentina, Japan, the UK and Thailand top the list for the best currency exchange rate. Remember, though, it’s not all about money. Save when you can, but don’t be afraid to splurge on the important things.

Always clear your cookies and search history or use a different computer before booking. Once you start looking into flights, you’ll be flagged for showing interest and prices will go up.

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