Thanks to millions of dollars in technology, marketing, and consumer hunger to explore the world, booking travel online can be a very simple process.  If this is your first time, or you are an online booking WHIZ, then the following tips may help make the process as smooth as possible. Of course these are just suggestions and idea-starters. The specific requirements of a travel itinerary are about as diverse as the tourists on the TKTS line in Times Square so glean what’s helpful.

I would be remiss if I didn’t start by saying I would love for you to do some destination shopping on Erik Hastings.com.  As you may know we organize our information by destination videos, travelogues, stills, travel tips, and interviews with tourism officials - proven very helpful over the years.   

When starting your initial trip planning - don’t book too early.  There is a whole science behind why airfares, hotel rates, gas prices, and car rental rates fluctuate so be mindful of that and use common sense.  To learn about airfares checkout www.farecast.com and www.farecompare.com

If you are booking for a specific event, BOOK EARLY and do not change your plans.  A major sporting event, competition, or pageant can have a HUGE impact on a destinations ability to accommodate you. 

If you know WHERE you want to go then find out who else will be there too.  Call the CVB (Convention and Visitors Bureau) and ask them when their peak season is (and their shoulder season) because this will dictate hotel rates.  Better deals can be found in the off season and the shoulder seasons.

Look at the big online travel agencies (OTAs).  Expedia is the biggest.  Followed by (in no particular order), Priceline, Orbitz and Travelocity.  Look for packages, deals, and sign up to receive these announcements via email.  This booking technology is wildly sophisticated.  The rates and fares are all pretty competitive and some days rates will be better than on others.  The benefit of the OTA is their negotiated rates, packages, and deals.  Plus you can do  one-stop shopping for all your needs.  Air, hotel, car rental, and attraction tickets can all be booked at the same time. 

A lot of people like travel aggregators. There are a number of them out there, but arguably one of the biggest is: www.kayak.com.  An aggregator will show you fares from a lot of travel product providers (not the OTA).  If you find a fare you like - Kayak (and the others) will link you directly to that particular provider and you can book directly with them. 

You can shop and book directly on the product providers site. www.aa.com,  www.marriott.comand a whole host of others are working overtime to keep your mouse away from the OTAs and anyone else.  It can be tedious comparing site-by-site, but if you have an affinity for a particular brand, then booking direct is an option.

When booking online, be aware of whom you are purchasing your product from.  If you trust the source then make the purchase.  Use your credit card (not your debit card) and proceed to the online checkout counter.

Be sure to DOUBLE CHECK YOUR INFORMATION!  Check your name and make sure it is printed exactly as it appears on the photo ID you’ll be using at the airport.  Check the airport codes and make sure you have booked airfare to the city you want.  Make sure the credit card address matches the one you have entered.  In addition, check the dates you have selected and make sure they all match.

Your next trip is just a click away!  Have fun!