| The world has changed a lot in the past century. | | | | as you compare rates with other sites and with |
| Thanks to the invention of airplanes and high-speed | | | | direct booking. Another downfall is that you can't |
| trains, today's world is wide open to travel. In a day's | | | | always find availability at these lower rates, but it is |
| time, we can travel to the other side of the world | | | | nice to plan right at home.3. Guidebooks. Tried and |
| without using our entire life's savings. We also have a | | | | true, travel guidebooks are a traveler's best friend. |
| number of options open to us to help us plan our | | | | Seasoned travel writers research and compile |
| travels, and choosing wisely can help save time and | | | | guidebooks based on their own experiences, and |
| money.1. Travel Agents. Many people have the | | | | who better to give advice than someone who's been |
| misconception that using a travel agent entails paying | | | | there, done that? Depending on your preferred level |
| a fee. Nonsense. In actuality, most travel agents | | | | of luxury, you are sure to find a guidebook to meet |
| receive commissions from the vendors (airlines, | | | | your needs. Best of all, travel guidebooks are often |
| hotels, tour agencies); they are the ones paying the | | | | available at your local library-for free!4. Booking Direct. |
| fee, not you. A travel agent has access to deals that | | | | Sometimes travel companies will offer special deals to |
| often are not available anywhere else. He or she can | | | | customers who book directly. This is especially true |
| help take the headache out of planning, allowing you | | | | with tour and cruise companies who advertise travel |
| to sit back and relax while the logistics are plotted | | | | deals to repeat customers. You can often find rates |
| out. Another bonus is that travel agents often include | | | | as low as half-price (or lower) if you book at the last |
| travel insurance in their packages, to ensure that you | | | | minute. If you have the flexibility and the |
| are getting what you paid for.2. Internet. With the | | | | determination, this may be the way to go.In any |
| widespread use of the world wide web, travel prices | | | | case, travel opens up our eyes to worlds our |
| have gone down considerably. Using travel sites like | | | | forefathers never could have dreamed of visiting. |
| Orbitz, Expedia, and Travelocity, buyers can find | | | | Whether you travel around the globe or just a city |
| lower rates than ever before for airfares, hotels, and | | | | away, a little careful planning and an open mind can |
| package deals. The downside? Truly finding the best | | | | allow for an experience of a lifetime. Happy travels! |
| travel deals often requires a lot of time and patience | | | | |