Seven Questions To Ask When Planning a Vacation Package:

Vacation packages usually offer significant savings, but only if you go about booking them the right way. Here are six questions for planning a vacation package. Vacation packages require some pretty specific planning, and planning is a whole lot easier when you know the right questions to ask. The details, if you can figure them out before you book, can make the difference between a memorable vacation and a disaster.

  1. Do I need insurance – trip and medical? Trip insurance, always. If you were on vacation with XL when it crashed and went out of business you would have been in hog heaven. Never leave home without it. Medical? Well, maybe. It depends upon your personal coverage and provider. A quick phone call to your agent will set you mind at rest, and you can, or not, make the necessary arrangements.
  2. Why use an agent when you can do it yourself? Most agencies have been in business for many years and have developed relationships with the hotels and resorts. This gives them negotiating power. For instance, they can ask for and receive the best values and discounts. Many agencies have Vacation Planners who know the industry inside and out. They can find destinations and resorts that will fit your budget, which can save you hundreds of dollars.
  3. What’s the cancellation policy - for lodging or side-trips? Hey, the worst can always happen, and if it does you need to know what will happen to you financially. Ask the booking agent what happens when you cancel. Many agents need a couple of weeks notice.
  4. When will your credit card be charged? Silly question, and what does it matter? Well, some individuals run their cards close to the max and it’s important there’s a large enough balance to cover the cost of your vacation package, AND a request from the front desk to cover incidentals while you’re at the resort. Also, you will probably required to give a deposit when you book the package, and that could be as much as %100. Deposit will are usually charged immediately. The deposit may be as great as 100%. Full payment usually becomes due 30 days before you travel. Make sure you understand ALL the details about the deposit, payment in full, and any potential cancellation charges.
  5. How are upgrades, changes or cancellations processed? Always treat your booking agency as your travel provider. They will provide you with information and pricing on upgrades, and they will handle any required changes or cancellations to your reservation.
  6. Can you change a specific itinerary for a "special" vacation package? Special packages usually have specific itineraries: number of nights, meals, side-trips, etc, but you may want to add to the package – an extra night or activity (scuba diving or snorkeling), perhaps. This should never be a problem, but don’t wait until you arrive at the resort to make the changes. Your agent can make adjustments and still provide you with substantial saving
  7. Exactly what is included in my All-Inclusive vacation package? If you're considering an All-Inclusive vacation, this is an important question, and you should know the answer BEFORE you book. The whole point of an all-inclusive is that, once you leave home, it should cost you nothing. If you like a drink, make sure there are no restrictions on how much you are allowed to consume. How about those water-related activities: scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing, water skiing, outings and so on and so on? I’ve been on all-inclusives where I was expected to pay for ice creams, soft drinks, even lunch; on one I was even expected to pay airport transfers. You need to know to know these things, for a couple of reasons, the most important of which is budgeting. The second is pure embarrassment – how awful would it be if you were suddenly asked to pay for something and didn’t have readies available? Take a pen and paper along to the booking agent, ask questions and make notes.

Ok, those are what I consider to be the six important questions you should ask when planning a vacation package; you will probably think of more – don’t be afraid to ask. There is no silly question, especially when the answer can, and probably will, save you money.

Know Before You Go!