The Ultimate Planning Guide
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Part I: PLANNING
Chapter 1: Researching Your Destination
Sources of inspiration: A week off and no idea where to go
Choosing a guidebook: Which series fits your style—and budget
Online travel forums: Advice from fellow travelers
Visitor and tourist offices: On the Web, a .com for every destination
The local perspective: When going to Rome, ask a Roman
When to go: Avoiding hurricanes, honeymooners, and holidays—or not
Government travel advisories: Reading between the lines
Chapter 2: Organized Trips
Going with a group: Tours aren’t necessarily just for tourists
Get outdoors: Hiking, biking, and other active travels
Relax, already: Spa vacations and yoga retreats
Culinary adventures: When food is the focus
Volunteer vacations: Trips that make a difference
Options for solo travelers: Resources, trips, and travel companions
Part II: BOOKING
Chapter 3: General Advice
The travel marketplace: Everybody wants your business, but where should you buy?
Evaluating vacation packages: When they’re a bargain and when they’re not
Member benefits: When a discount isn’t a deal
Travel insurance: What it does and doesn’t cover
Bidding and booking blind: How you can save with Priceline or Hotwire
Help for last-minute planners: Options at the eleventh hour
Using a travel agent: When an agent can do for you—and where to find one
Chapter 4: Plane Tickets
Where to research fares: No one Web site displays them all
Search tips for plane tickets: It’s not just where you look, but how
Choosing a fight: Why price shouldn’t be your only concern
Where to buy: Agencies versus airlines; the Web versus the phone
Understanding ticket rules: Change fees, cancellation policies, and refunds
International flights: Where to shop for fares when traveling abroad
One-way or multi-city tickets: Tricks to keep costs down
Frequent flier awards: What it takes to get the flights you want
Unraveling airline alliances: What’s in it for you when airlines partner up
Foreign carrier air passes: One pass, several flights, sometimes a bargain
Chapter 5: Lodging
Finding a place to stay: Where to research your options
How to get the best rate: Online agencies, hotel Web sites, the phone
Hotel cancellation policies: Rules vary, depending on where you book
Understanding hotel ratings: One rater says three stars, another says four
Finding a B&B or inn: Places for travelers who like to feel at home
Renting a house or condo: Finding and evaluating rental options
Doing a home exchange: With the Web, house swaps catch on
Browser beware: Photos and descriptions may be much nicer than reality
Chapter 6: Cruises
Cruise lines 101: An overview of your options
Narrowing the fleet: Choosing an itinerary, ship, and sailing date
Selecting a cabin: Inside, outside, high deck, or low
How cruise pricing works: When to get the best deals, and where
Airfare, shore excursions and land tours: Buying from the cruise line or going it alone
Deposits, cancellation policies, and refunds: What to know before you book
Where to find cruising advice: Ship reviews, itineraries, and message boards
Chapter 7: Rental Cars, Trains, and Buses
Reserving a rental car: How to get the best rate
Renting a car abroad: Where to book, potential potholes
Supplemental insurance: When you need it, when you don’t
Express pick-up programs: Skip the line, at least some of the time
Riding the rails: Timetables, reservations, and tickets
Trains, planes, cars, and buses: How to decide which way to travel
Part III: NAVIGATING
Chapter 8: Pretrip Preparations
Passports and visas: New rules—and fees—when you’re crossing borders
Immunizations and health: Does your insurance cover travel abroad?
Maps and driving directions: When not to trust a computer for help
Money matters: Why your bank should know your itinerary
Making reservations: What to book before you arrive
Technology and travel: Getting your gadgets ready to go
Getting to and from the airport: Know your options, avoid being overcharged
Preflight checklist: Checking in, flight-status alerts, security lines
Chapter 9: At the Airport
Checking bags: Avoiding extra fees—and theft from your luggage
Navigating airport security: Keeping up with the rules
Upgrading your ticket: What it takes to move up front
Flying standby: When it’s free, when it’s not, and when it’s worth a try
Getting bumped: What to know about those “free ticket” coupons
Surviving flight delays and cancellations: Know the rules—and your rights
Chapter 10: What to Do If ...
You need a doctor: How to find medical help far from home
The airline loses your luggage: How to track your bag—and file a claim
Your travel company goes out of business: What happens when a company folds
You lose your passport or wallet: Coping with no ID and no money
There’s a problem with your rental car: What to do, who’s responsible
You have a complaint: Dealing with problems—on the road and once you’re home