5 More Travel Tips for Summer Trips

Summer is flying by. We've got one month left to get in our family trips, couples only retreat, or stay-cations. Whether your travels include flying or driving, I believe you'll find these tips will be very useful.

Photo by Jason Briscoe - Unsplash

1. If you're checking airfares online and don't purchase after your search, make sure you clear your cookies and cache on your laptop or computer. If you don't, the chances are the rates will increase the next time you search airline websites for airfares. The information from previous searches is stored in your computer's cache as cookies.

2. If you book a hotel by phone don't use the 800 phone number. Use the local number. It will connect you directly to the hotel and you can be very specific about your accommodations. I find most hotels will quote you the exact amount that hotel and travel sites charge.

3. This one is simple, but we still forget. If you are flying overseas, make sure someone in your party has a pen. Remember, you have to fill out a customs declaration form, and the airlines don't supply pens anymore.

4. Downtown business hotels can be big bargains over the weekend ... sometimes up to half off. I have booked 5 star hotels for $110 in downtown San Francisco, and the Fairmont in San Jose for $89, with a corner room upgrade and a great view.

5. The first flights out in the morning are usually the cheapest. The savings can be significant. Also, you are less likely to experience departure delays due to arrival and runway ground traffic.

Hope you find these tips useful. My upcoming blog for next week will be on my top 5 European travel destinations. Check them out on geocheftreks.com.