Travel Sites

So I'm asked all the time how do I get the best deals on travel? Well, I shop around & do research. So here a few of the sites I use.

For booking flights in USA

1. My "Go to site" for everything is Hotwire

2. Then Actual airline home page.

3. Then Hotwire again! Because they will let you check up to 6 sites at a go. Also prices can change quickly. Update that screen & watch the fair go up. Have Hotwire email you when prices change (before you book) it's free: just make an account. Also I have tried many other sites. For instance, there is 1 that emails you great deals, but every time I follow link the fare is never correct, that just wastes my time. Hotwire is the best, (I have found.) If you know of a better one email me.

 Now miles & me..

It's the same thing everyone says, but it is true. If you know you want to fly then sign up for miles. Get everything your already buy adding to your miles. I think 1800flowers (or is it the other one?) Will offer miles for $ spent, as do a lot of other merchants you may already be shopping with. Also watch when airlines offer miles on special. This is when you can transfer or purchase miles for little or no service charge. But also realize if you want to get miles for say 2 tickets to Hawaii from Denver - it's going to take a while; like maybe years to accumulate that many miles. (Especially if you’re buying just Starbucks and flowers. LOL) So as I said get other things adding to your miles, but also don't go crazy, because if you get a new credit card & max it to get miles & have trouble paying it down- then it's not a savings. Savvy?

I also think that frequent flier miles can be over rated. If you compare flights & your saving $50 each way or more going with another airlines then, (depending on your situation) which is the better deal? Say 300 miles or $100 more in your pocket, right? If you or loved one is racking up the miles through work or what have you, great use them. But if not don't expect to fly 2 times & pick up a free ticket.

So anyway, I use Hotwire, check to see if where I want to go is even possible. (Yes, really) and then find the best deal. I then go to airline website & check them. Usually Hotwire is cheaper. It may only be $5 but that $5 I put in my pocket.

I have never had a problem from a flight booking on Hotwire & that's saying a lot. Now I've had a hiccup or 2 on hotels, but it's been the hotels fault not Hotwire. Usually all you have to do is say, "lets call them" & the hotel staff will straighten up. But once again follow the procedure - have picture id, make sure person who is listed as reserving room is with you, & have a cc for the hotel to put tax or incidentals on. Hotwire tells you all this when you book, but ppl forget. Also they (Hotwire) purchase/pay for room with their card & it shows their SF address, hotel system becomes confused (for whatever reason) & clerk makes frown face & reports, ”Your card failed.” Meaning hotwire is not paying for your incidentals. You need new (personal card) for this. Easy peasy fixed. (Translate= Room paid in advance via you to Hotwire. New charges your own your own mate!)

Most often the hotel has given me wrong bed type or something similar. Nothing big. But if I pay for a twin, I want a twin. Right? So also keep in mind hotwire may NOT be the cheapest site for hotels. (We are talking FLYING right now, sorry I got off track.)

But keep in mind when booking FLIGHTS:

•                If you are booking far in advance buy the insurance. Really. Also know what changes can be made & the cost. Now. Before. You. Need. To Make Them.

•                Check fares on Wednesday

•                Refresh screen & jump on the good deals fast. They do change in a matter of minutes.

 

Good luck & happy flying. I'll talk about overseas booking next if anyone is interested?