Spring and summer are just around the corner. This means plenty of time to soak up the sun on a memorable trip! But great vacations often come down to great planning. We’ve compiled a list of travel tips for you to take the guesswork out of plotting out your time off! That way, your travel experience will be the best that it can be!

Top 10 Travel Tips for 2022

1. Plan 2-3 Months in Advance

Although it’s possible to score cheap last-minute deals, most of your travel arrangements should be made in advance. Flights tend to increase in price as dates get closer. In addition, some hotels or vacation rentals can book out fast.

2. Do Your Hotel Research Early

Nothing makes travel easier than having a wide range of accommodations right at your fingertips. With Marriott, you have the option to stay at one 8,000 different properties from 30 different well-known hotel brands. Whether you want the glitz of the Ritz-Carlton or the comfort of the St. Regis, booking with Marriott will ensure your stay is comfortable and luxurious. If you want to go the extra mile in making travel easy, sign up for the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program! Members earn points, which they can then use to get free nights, room upgrades, and more. Stay with Marriott to make your next vacation your very best one!

3. Look for Flexible Booking Options

Unless you have a crystal ball, you can’t see the future. Your plans might sound exciting and feasible now, but no one knows what kinds of unexpected surprises life might throw at you! For this reason, you should book flights and hotels that have a flexible booking option. So, you’ll have options in case you need to cancel or reschedule.

In addition to seeking flexible booking options, consider the convenience of Extended Stay America. With well-equipped kitchens and spacious living areas, it offers a home-away-from-home experience. This tip aligns seamlessly with your travel aspirations for comfort and ease.

4. Travel During Off-Season

Not only does traveling during the off-season save you big bucks. It also allows you to see a city without crowds of tourists. If your schedule allows for it, we recommend avoiding traveling during popular times like summer. These include holidays like Christmas and New Year’s, or Spring Break.

5. Work Towards Upgrade Status

One of the best tips for flying domestically or internationally is to save up those mileage points. Some airlines, like Qatar Airways, have reward programs where you can score free flights for future vacations. Why pay for expensive flights when you can travel for free?

6. Take Only What You Need

Unless you’re willing to pay for expensive airline baggage fees, it’s always a good idea to travel with as little as possible. Some of the best tips for packing light are to bring neutral clothing, versatile footwear, and mini-sized toiletries. Keep in mind that bringing only a small carry-on or backpack also allows you to navigate easier.

Don’t forget to pack and wear sunscreen, especially if you’re going to a sunny spot! Just remember you can’t carry more than a 3-ounce bottle of liquid onto a plane if you’re going carry-on only.

7. Make Sure You Pack the Right Electronics

You may have already packed your phone charger and camera, but what about those smaller electronics you might need on your trip? It’s worth bringing a power bank to charge your gear. So, you won’t get stranded with a dead battery or a pair of headphones to keep you entertained on the plane. And if you’re traveling internationally, don’t forget a power converter and outlet so that you can actually charge all those items as well!

8. Consider Booking Vacation Packages

Buying a vacation package is a great way to save money on your trip. Sites like Hotwire allow you to book bundled flights, hotels, and car rentals together. These packages are generally far cheaper than if you were to book them all separately.

9. Sign up for TSA Precheck

If you’re the type of person that hates waiting in long security lines at the airport (actually – isn’t that all of us?), then it’s worth signing up for TSA Precheck. After completing a background check, you’ll be able to enter a shorter security line where you won’t have to remove your shoes, liquids, or electronics.

10. Do Research – But Not Too Much!

It’s okay if you want to look up the top sights and attractions of where you’re going, but it’s also good to get off the beaten path every once in a while. You’ll never know what restaurant, café, or museum you might stumble upon!

11. Have an Open Mind

Out of all the travel tips we can give you, this is probably the most important. Wherever you go, have an open mind. Be patient with the airport, hospitality, and tourism staff.

Learn more about the culture or country you’re traveling to. You may even want to consider learning the local language if you’re going to a place where your native one isn’t spoken!

Don’t be afraid to talk to locals, either, no matter how good or bad your language skills are. Meeting new people and interacting with the locals serves as one of the most rewarding parts of taking a trip. Traveling is one of life’s greatest experiences – so get out there and enjoy the

More Travel Tips

With these travel tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to a fun, relaxing vacation in no time! If you’re staying close to home, you can also check out our guide on how to have an awesome road trip. And if you’re still putting away extra cash for that once-in-a-lifetime trip, read our top tips for saving money this year.