Today, the internet makes it convenient for families to plan and book their own vacations. While some of your past online vacation plans may go smoothly, if you keep making some of the biggest mistakes we see families make, you may be borrowing time.
Do-it-yourself vacation planning families may not even realize that they are guilty of making these travel planning mistakes! Here are the top 8 mistakes families make when planning their vacation:
1. Booking through a third-party supplier
When you are researching resorts, third-party vendors like Expedia and Booking.com will often appear at the top of the list. These sites like to attract travelers with attractive deals and lower prices.
When you book with a third-party vendor, you will be at great risk if there is a problem with your holiday.
Just like airlines, hotels will overbook rooms, and the first thing they need to book is often made through third-party suppliers.
When traveling with children, arriving at a hotel with bookings, but not having available rooms can put a lot of stress. Also, if you have to make any changes to your reservation, you have to go through a third-party vendor who may not have a strong relationship with the hotel and cannot even accommodate your power.
2. Infrequently checking travel requirements and restrictions
If we have learned anything in the last few years, it is that Covid-19 is totally unpredictable. Travel requirements and restrictions are constantly changing and they vary by destination.
If you don’t pay close attention, you may be disappointed to find that entry regulations have changed since your booking trip.
This can result in your trip or worst refunds without proper documentation or co-testing requirements being denied access to your destination.
3. Don’t monitor promotions
Did you know that many suppliers will allow you to modify your reservation if you make a better offer later?
Often, a new promotion will allow you to reconsider your trip at a lower price or you can upgrade without paying extra.
Travel providers will not notify you of this, so it is important to be aware of each vendor’s promotions and understand their policies to make such changes.
4. Choose the wrong travel protection plan
Unless you are in the business of selling travel protection, insurance can be confusing.
Not only do you need to cover unforeseen travel changes and cancellations, but many travelers don’t know that travel protection can also provide coverage for unexpected medical issues while traveling.
You need to contact your health insurance company, but most health insurance plans do not cover health expenses incurred outside of the U.S. Travel Protection Program, and also have certain terms and conditions regarding what type of insurance you can buy and when you can buy them – so it is important to know all the rules and requirements.
5. Listen to their friends’ advice
Of course, you trust your friends, and while it seems that you have similar interests and children in the same age group, you need to remember that every family is different and every family has a different vacation.
It is important to recognize this and make the travel decision that best suits your family.
You can visit your destination and it is completely different from what other families expect or experience. Also, if your friend hasn’t visited the destination for a while, your friend may not be aware of any recent updates.
6. Incorrect reading of booking policy
It is important to read all terms and conditions of each travel provider’s booking policy.
Whether it is for flights, hotels, tours or events, each booking you make will have its own set of policies.
Many cheap prices are non-refundable and/or have rigid modification strategies. It is important to choose an interest rate and travel provider, which will give you the flexibility you need.
7. No pre-arranged transport, activities and other travel elements
It is important to arrange as many travel elements as possible before leaving your trip… as early as possible.
Over the years, we have seen no car rental available and no private ground transportation.
Plus, many popular tours, restaurant reservations and events can be sold out a few months in advance.
Save yourself the headache of trying these arrangements during your holidays and booking as early as possible. This may be the only chance you can visit your destination and you don’t want to miss any necessary attractions or experiences.
8. Don’t use a travel consultant
Of course, we have to make the last mistake!
Yes, you can research and book vacations alone.
Why do you risk not using professionals to help you when you invest a lot of time, energy, hard-won dollars and well-deserved holidays?
Travel consultants are more than just an online “click” booking engine.
Travel consultants keep up to date on travel requirements, events, hotels and help travelers create customized itineraries that suit their families.
Most importantly, a travel consultant will stop you from making mistakes when many travelers commit crimes when trying to plan that perfect vacation themselves.
Lissa Ryan is a senior travel consultant for Kingdom Destinations, specializing in luxury family vacations. Lissa helps busy parents want to create travel memories with their family through a luxury travel experience, but feel busy or overwhelmed by all the energy and research required to plan a perfect vacation.
