Parenting Pointers: Winter Travel Tips

I have the chance to share some winter travel tips from Bob Diener, co-founder of Hotels.com and Getaroom.com, for advice on how you can make the most of this winter’s travel. Bob is an industry expert with over 25 years of experience and with the winter season upon us, he can offer insight into all aspects of travel. Winter travel doesn't need to be a nightmare. Through proper planning and a little bit of luck, savvy travelers can have a great trip, whether it's a ski trip or a beach trip to Florida or the Caribbean. 

·         Ski off the beaten track. Consider smaller and less crowded ski destinations in Colorado or New England instead of Aspen or Killington. Many lesser-known resorts offer considerably lower rates to attract ski season travelers.

·         Bring a jacket to Sin City. Vegas is cold during the winter, but all of the gaming and entertainment options are still hot. Travelers visiting Las Vegas from Sunday to Thursday can enjoy the lowest rates of the year at five-star hotels.

 

·         Pick smart flights. If you are headed to warmth such as Miami or Phoenix, then route your flight through southern layovers. The flight with the stop in Detroit might be $20 cheaper, but is it worth the risk of bad winter weather?

·         Find the right hotel. Getaroom.com offers a call center staffed by travel experts who help winter explorers find the optimal hotel room for their needs and budget. Ask for Getaroom.com’s unpublished rate which is typically 10-20% less than the lowest rate online.

·         Check in on Sunday. Traditionally a "check-out" day, Sunday is an ideal day to start your trip because rates are often lower than the typical Friday or Saturday check-in rates.

 

·         Stay informed. Use your phone to check flight statuses and weather alerts. If your flight is canceled you are often better off using the phone to make new arrangements instead of waiting in a long service desk line.

 

·         Be polite. Winter travel can be unpredictable. It's not the airline's fault that it's snowing or there is freezing rain. They canceled flights for your safety, not to ruin your vacation. Be as polite as you can to encourage airline and hotel staff to take the extra step to help you out.

 

·         Consider nontraditional destinations. NYC can be magical in winter time, with carriage rides and the city lights reflecting in the snow. Getaroom has many first class hotels in the $100 a night range this winter. Go towards the cold to experience a destination in a new way, and avoid big summer crowds.

 

·         Prepare your car. Be very careful when planning a northern car trip during the winter. Pack extra clothes, blankets, and food in order to ensure you are ready for the unexpected. Grab a car cell phone charger or a portable battery charging device for that extra piece of mind.