Sorry, just had a moment there...

Unfortunately, it's not just as simple as showing up to the airport, beach bag in hand and asking for the next ticket outta Dodge. There is some pre-planning required and we're here to give you a few tips:

1. Flights & Deals

We are working overtime to load up our Deals section with any travel discount we can scrounge up. These deals crop up as quickly as they expire, so be sure to check back often.



Some special deals of note:

Go to Bermuda for $300-$400 less
Vancouverites, get to Honolulu for $388 return! Torontonians pay $510 return
Or, heck, just go to Florida and drive the Keys on the weekend for super cheap (we're not picky)

2. Hotels

Yes, you may think that when a travel site says a certain hotel is 4-star, it really is. Since that's not always true, make sure you make your reservations with a more trustworthy source. We love TripAdvisor (and no, we are not affiliated with them ;).

Another great money-saving, yet reliable source is Hotwire.com. They specialize in filling up those last few rooms at hotels everywhere and can offer them at prices you won't find anywhere else. You can select the level of service (i.e. how many stars it's rated) and the neighborhood, but they won't tell you where you're staying until you've booked. Not to worry; MissChickie and hubby have actually tried this and lived to tell the tale.

3. Food

After a late evening arrival and the subsequent well deserved sleeping-in, you and your BFFs come down for a sumptuous brunch at the hotel restaurant. Your mouth is watering at the sight of a ginormous arrangement of fresh tropical fruits next to the chocolate fountain-- but wait.

It's not the chocolate you should be worrying about. After all, you're here with your friends and now would be the time to indulge a little. It's the fruit. Get information about food safety in your destination country. Fruits and veggies rinsed in contaminated water will have you running for the ladies' room à la Charlotte York in Sex in the City. A better choice is to stick with DIY peeled fruits and veggies or opt for the cooked version.

4. Drinks

The first deal-sealer for many travelers is the little part about "beverages included", but the same water considerations apply. If you are unsure about the cleanliness of the water, take a pass on crushed-ice cocktails or ice cubes in your rum & coke. I'm partial to champagne on vaca anyway,  but if water quality isn't an issue, may I suggest the sangría?

5. Medical Insurance

Since you're being so careful about what you eat and drink, you may as well follow this to the logical conclusion and make sure you're covered with medical insurance. Your regular carrier, AAA/CAA, credit card company (if you booked with plastic), or a separate insurance are all good places to start, but read the fine print. Some countries and some ailments might be excluded. Depending on the credit card you carry you may be fully covered and not need additional insurance, but you should confirm this before you go. Also make sure that wherever you're headed, quality medical services are available.

6. Le Passeport

Avez-vous un passeport? It seems like a no-brainer, but if you've ever been caught scrambling for a new passport 48 hours before your flight because you forgot to check the expiry, you know this is a vital first step.  Wherever you're headed, if you're traveling internationally by air you will need a valid passport. Some borders can still be passed using a birth certificate if you are driving; for example: the US/Canadian border - but only if you are American or Canadian. Double-check with the Borders/Immigration bureau of the country in question.

7. Your Safety

No travel list would be complete without the obligatory reminder to stay safe when you're in an unfamiliar place. Never take a moonlit walk on the beach by yourself and consider carrying a small canister of Mace on your keychain. We hate to make these considerations, but the world can be a dangerous place.

by Claire Rahn