FLN Top 20 Part IV continued...

#9 Travel in the Shoulder or Off-Season
Are you kidding me? How could this be only the #9 travel tip? This is probably the most economical advice I could give and definitely the best way to avoid crowds. Why would you want to stand in line on vacation? And is there really a bad time to visit Barcelona? Seriously? I make it a practice to utilize this travel-saving technique before any other. Why skimp on your dreams when all you have to do is pick another month and then live your dreams? What's really amazing about this tip is usually you only have to move your dates back or forward less than a week to score huge savings. It does take a little effort, but that's why I'm here.

Honestly, there are drawbacks to off-season. My wife and I cruised through and around two hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico a few years ago. I have never seen a cruise ship so empty in my life; there were only about forty diners at dinner one evening. The ship even cancelled their nightly stage shows because the actors were falling off the stage during performances. I'm not kidding. Talk about a memorable trip....

There are pros and cons to way,but why not take a long look at your options before purchasing those premium priced rack rates.

#8 Mail your Luggage in Advance
This is becoming the new trend. Even though it sounds as if this tip is too bothersome, consider the predicament of lost luggage. The FAA reported that lost luggage reports have risen by 30%
since 2005 and a passenger has a 1/100th chance of losing their luggage on their next trip. Also, since the new carry-on laws and checked luggage charges have stymied the best of us, why worry about confiscations or outrageous charges. Just Fedex 'em to your destination, guaranteed and insured.

#7 Sanitize Your Hotel Room
Bed bugs are making a grand encore. As a matter of fact, incidents of bed bugs in American hotel rooms is above that of the WWII era. Jeez, talk about disgusting. Imagine the nastiest thing that the people before you could have done in your room before you arrived...It's worse that that. We've all seen local news media using blacklights in bedspreads in hotel rooms. This is not a joke. It is creepy. Bring some sani-wipes and some Lysol and clean the remote, door handles, phone, etc.... And that comforter, throw it in the corner or jam it in the closet and leave it there for the duration of your stay. Why take ill on vacation?

#6 Booking a Room in a Sold-out Hotel
It can be done. If you really wanted to stay in the Irish castle, but you can't get a reservation. I understand that sometimes part of the trip is the hotel or inn. I have found a way to do it and rapport is everything. Let me help you get in.

#5 Getting the Best Seat on the Flight
At the moment of book, ask about seats. Try and choose your seat immediately. If you can't choose at that time, try back later and often. The last thing you want to do is wait to ask. It never hurts to ask. Even if you are not one of their premiere travelers, maybe they don't have one on that particular flight. Ask, Ask, and ask again.

Pick of the Day(9-3-0)...Lakers ML