Booking a hotel room online before is a pretty straightforward and quick process. In fact, it’s so simple that many travelers overlook a few crucial aspects before booking, which ends up costing more time and money. What’s even worse is that a seemingly-minor misstep can spoil your entire vacation. If you want the best deals and make the most out of your trip, here are some common hotel booking mistakes you must absolutely avoid. Booking at an inopportune time When you book a hotel at the wrong time, you often end up paying a lot more. “Wrong” here means you’re booking too early or late. That being said, there’s no single best time to book, but you must consider the popularity and seasonality of your destination and monitor rates for a few days before booking. Assuming there’s no better deal Nearly every booking website claims to offer the best online hotel deals. But taking their word would be unwise. Compare prices across different sites and check if they’re offering promotions. Sometimes, the lowest prices are available on a hotel’s official website, so you might want to check that too. Not paying with a credit card Always use credit cards for hotel bookings.

There is nothing more thrilling than the idea of owning a recreational vehicle (RV). You can travel whenever you want and carry whatever you wish to. You also get numerous opportunities to explore national parks and other scenic settings. Let’s not forget that you get to become a part of the RV community. So if you have decided to invest in and buy an RV, here are some benefits you should look forward to. Money saver An RV is a major investment. But you get to save a lot of money in the long run. You can save on expenses like hotel and restaurant bills since you’ll have your own place to stay. Additionally, you can save more when you buy a used RV. However, always make sure to thoroughly inspect the vehicle before making the purchase. Look for signs of water damage, sun damage, tire condition, and other factors. A home-like feeling An RV can be customized so that you feel as comfy as possible. Stock it up with books, install a snack cabinet, or store board and video games. You can also bring your favorite mattress from home or your family pictures and hang them in the RV.

Whether it is for business or pleasure, traveling calls for meticulous planning and execution. Frequent travelers probably have their own set of tried and tested tricks to easily move through airports, avoid being stranded or stuck in a foreign place, and have an altogether safe and efficient trip. As most of us resume travel after a long break, it is important to revisit and avoid common traveling mistakes for a smooth journey. Overpacking This is a common issue for most people regardless of the number of trips they have taken in the past. The art of packing light doesn’t have to be complicated. It is okay to repeat a few outfits to make space for the essentials. Also, wouldn’t you want to set aside some space in case you decide to go shopping on your trip? To avoid paying an excess baggage fee, review your itinerary and pack accordingly. No cell phone plan One of the common traveling mistakes is completely relying on Wi-Fi. However, not every café, station, or hotel is likely to offer free or reasonably fast internet. So, when you have no access to the Wi-Fi, you wouldn’t want to be stranded and have no means of calling for help.

Cruising is the best way to travel from one destination to another. It is far more relaxed and fun compared to other modes of travel. But there are some rules that one needs to keep in mind while on a cruise. Like any other societal norm, there are some unsaid rules to follow, and if this is your first cruise experience, you should check them. Following are five things to avoid doing on a cruise vacation. Don’t overload the luggage With travel comes the shopping spree. That said, one needs to be mindful while packing. Always remember to pack light and carry clothes that can be reused. Don’t forget to pack according to the climatic conditions of the destination. There might not be any weight limitations on the luggage per se, but the cabin storage can be limited. The only thing one needs to pack liberally is sunscreen. Don’t reserve places Cruise ships are made for a luxurious vacation experience. One can enjoy multiple activities like swimming, surfing, snorkeling, spas, and ziplines, among others. Make sure you do not reserve those suntan tables, rides, or a seat at the bar. Manage your time accordingly. Understand that people on board have also come to experience the same amenities.

As your long-awaited trip approaches, you should start preparing and packing so that you are all set well in advance. You have probably made a mental to-do list; however, you should account for uncertainties and anything that could be a hindrance. Forgetting something important or booking the wrong tour are common mistakes that could ruin the trip. So, here are a few other errors to avoid for an ideal experience.  Booking back-to-back flights Avoid booking long flights with a short layover or inadequate buffer period. Delays are inevitable when flying; you may also need time to make it to the next connecting flight. If you are planning a trip that involves consecutive long-haul flights, make sure you account for a suitable buffer period to rest and recoup.  Overpacking Even if you are planning a long vacation, avoid stuffing every piece of clothing and accessory into your luggage. When you have multiple layovers and transfers, lugging heavy suitcases is something you want to avoid. Also, you can find basic amenities and essentials at your destination. Traveling light is the best solution to save space for things (like souvenirs) you buy on vacation. Improper planning Am overambitious itinerary can be a nightmare to follow, especially if you are traveling with family.

Whether you are a boating novice or an expert, it is common to face hurdles due to marine and weather conditions. However, some mistakes can be dangerous, and this is why it is important to learn how to avoid them. Double checking the vessel and following a checklist before you set sail can be crucial in ensuring a safe journey. So here are a few common boating mistakes and how to avoid them. Not checking the weather forecast One of the most common boating mistakes that people make is not checking the marine weather forecast. Keeping track of the lake/sea conditions can help you avoid extremities like rains, storms, or even too much wind while out on the water. You can avoid this error by downloading a marine weather app on your phone and checking it before setting sail. Forgetting to install drain plugs Putting in the drain plug is one of the most basic tasks on a boat, missing which can lead to water filling up inside the vessel. Reasons for the lapse include boats having multiple drain plugs and the plugs being removed between uses. The only way to tackle this is to double-check the plugs beforehand. Overloading Adding more weight than the boat can hold can cause the boat to capsize, swamp, and sink.

Traveling to Europe is on everyone’s bucket list! And why not? The rich history, culture, and cuisine scattered throughout the continent make it a great place to explore and indulge in adventures. However, if you are traveling to Europe for the first time, you may want to avoid making some common rookie mistakes. These easy pointers will make your trip even more memorable. Here are some things to keep in mind: Too many places in little time There are so many things to do in Europe and several places to visit. But it’s unrealistic to check all sites and activities in such little time. Prioritize and plan an itinerary that is not too overwhelming. There will always be something that you might miss, so you must plan a trip where you can enjoy the cities at your own pace and revel in the pleasant journey. Overtipping Just because you are a tourist, do not feel obligated to overtip. You can ask the locals around to understand what is a considerable tipping amount. This information will help you save some money, which you can choose to spend on some other experiences or souvenirs. Also, be mindful of your cash, and don’t overspend without having a budget in mind.

Cruises are popular these days. They allow you to sit back and relax while exploring the oceans and visiting new destinations. But, most cruise trips turn out to be very expensive. These high costs can be attributed to high cruise fares, onboard and port spending, and even travel. But, what if we tell you that there are affordable cruise lines that do not break the bank? Read on to find out more. Carnival Cruise Line If you’re looking for a budget-friendly affordable cruise line, this one fits the bill. The Carnival Cruise Line was founded in 1971. The popular cruise line offers cruises to almost 425 locations, including the Caribbean, The Bahamas, Europe, Canada, Hawaii, Australia, and even the Panama Canal. The best part about the Carnival Cruise Line is its offerings. Living on one of their ships is like attending a huge Carnival out at sea. What sweetens this deal is the fact that the 24 ships of this cruise line are as affordable as $229 per night for one person. Carnival Cruises are more family-oriented, and they ensure that they provide the best entertainment for all age groups. Princess Cruises And much like its parent company Carnival, Princess Cruises provides the best cruise experience at minimal costs.

A luxury cruise is your best escape strategy for a much-needed break from life on land. Besides the obvious “breath of fresh air,” the curated spa treatments, impeccable hospitality, varied interactions, and sightseeing can do wonders for your mental health. But choosing the right luxury cruise is crucial for a safe, fun-filled holiday with your loved ones. Here are some all-inclusive luxury cruises to consider for your next sea retreat. Seabourn This classy all-inclusive cruise offers world-class luxury amenities, from ocean-view suites and specialty restaurants to spa treatments, salons, and incredibly fancy open bars. The impactful mindfulness training sessions in collaboration with Dr. Andrew Weil, a renowned expert, only add to its splendor. Viking Viking is your answer to a fulfilling sea expedition with a host of amenities on board, including 24×7 room service, a thermal suite spa, elaborate meals, supremely luxurious cabins, and complimentary ground transfers upon purchase of airfare through Viking, to name a few. Silversea Want to travel the world in relatively small but highly vibrant ships? Silversea Cruises has you covered. Gratuities, open bars, in-cabin bar setups, specialty restaurants, fitness sessions, and shuttle service on land are just some benefits. Passengers may opt for port-to-port or door-to-door travel, the only difference being that the latter offers international economy airfare and airport transfers facilitated by private executive car services.

It is the time of the year when many in the country plan a vacation, and one of the most popular getaways is cruise trips. Once aboard, people get to experience a suite of activities, events, and delicacies. However, at the cruise buffets, most people choose foods that can lead to an upset stomach, making them unable to enjoy the rest of the trip. So, here are foods to avoid on a cruise: Scrambled eggs Scrambled eggs, if not part of a made-to-order breakfast, can get dry and soggy in a few hours on the breakfast station, making them unpleasant to eat. Many cruise liners may also serve scrambled eggs using powdered or liquid mixes. So, the eggs can be unhealthy for passengers on a cruise ship. Sushi While cruise ships take food hygiene seriously, there is always room for error. So when you see sushi at the buffet, it is possible that the dish is not entirely fresh and has been left on the serving station for a long time. In either case, it can cause an upset stomach that lasts for days. Communal condiments During one’s time on the ship, passengers can find huge bottles of tomato sauce, mustard sauce, and other condiments during meal times.