It's summer, which means all my friends and family who haven't traveled all year come out of the woodwork to ask my vacation-travel advice. They ask me about hotels, but also about airports, prices, what to buy and the classic: Why is everything so expensive?
So I'm going to share a couple of the common questions I get, but what I really want is to hear from you: What do you wish summer vacation travelers knew more about before walking into your hotel? Email me or find me on Twitter or LinkedIn.
I'll be sure to pass the information along. Enjoy the season.
Why does the hotel where we always stay now charge $1,000 per night? I don't make the rules. Actually, you (the traveling consumer) make them! Enough of you are willing to pay that much, which establishes the value for the stay at any given time, especially during peak times like summer. If you love that hotel and really want to stay there, try for a less-popular season. Or stay nearby, and visit for lunch or dinner.
I booked my hotel on a travel site and something got canceled or changed and they acted at the hotel like they had no idea about any of it. Why can't they just figure it out? Book directly with the hotel. Yes, you'll usually get the best rate, but most importantly, they'll be able to fix problems a lot more quickly and directly.
I'm planning my entire vacation on ChatGPT. That's great, right? It can work and it can give you ideas, just check first that any hotel or attraction recommended actually exists, is open, and is where ChatGPT says it is, not four countries away. But here's a great tip that I love: Use ChatGPT to plan your packing list. Genius!
Should we just book a vacation rental instead of a hotel? Sometimes, yes. Sorry hoteliers, that's just the truth of it.
I definitely should book the 6 a.m. flight, right? No way. Everyone thinks that, so the airport is a mess starting at 5 a.m. Plus, more than likely your hotel room won't be ready yet when you get there, and you'll complain to me (and the hotel) about that too. Take anything that departs between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Why is the hotel room never ready? Now they don't give me the room until 4 and I have to be out by 11? See above about me not making the rules. But always ask for late check-out, and plan ahead.
Why isn't breakfast free? I thought it was free at every hotel. Read the website next time. It's all right there. Pack granola bars if you're that concerned.
I'm going to Puerto Rico. Do I need a visa? No. Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory (yes, a friend this year actually asked me this).
What's the best travel pillow to buy? None.
What's your favorite hotel brand? Hahaha, of course I won't write that here! Do I have favorites? Of course I do. Will I tell you in this column? No.
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