Trip planning question poll

[Magical2017]

I try to have multiple windows open to check availability at the same time, or have DH next to me on his laptop helping to book.
Still, I think it depends on the destination. It also depends on whether I am using points and miles or booking an Air B and B and paying cash.

 

[tvguy]

Flight first. Although when we went to St. Louis for the Great North American Eclipse in April of last year, we thought we were smart for booking six months in advance only to discover many of the hotels were already sold out. Day after the eclipse, our hotel was a ghost town.

 

[easyas123]

Other for me, it depends on my destination.
If I'm traveling for work or going to a destination I'm unfamiliar with and want to make sure I am settled in exactly the area I want to me I'll book hotel first.

We are going to the UK in Sept. for 2 weeks. I've book one week at a house, and need to book either a flat or hotel for the rest. Haven't even begun to look at flights yet, to many things up in the air.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

GENERALLY, hotel first then flight, but not always.

 

[MsChristy12]

Hotel first for me always because I have access to special rates and I never have to pay anything up front, not even deposit. Cancellation policy is also very generous so if the dates I want are available, book them first because availability fluctuates a lot.

Flights, I always watch them and sometimes set trackers. I travel enough to know what's reasonable for my destinations. If I'm not sure I'll do some research or ask family/friends that have been to those destinations. Once I see the price drop and I'm okay with, buy! I've also done this, cancelled and re-purchased the same exact itinerary because the price dropped significantly. I fly the same airline pretty much exclusively, so getting credit back instead of refund is not an issue to me at all.

 

[wabbott]

Hotel first. I always build my itineraries in reverse order. The last place to visit is planned/booked first. That way I will have all the locations firmed up before I make the decisions on transportation. In Europe, ALL our travel is by rail, if available.

I hate air travel. It's uncomfortable, the airport personnel are rude and sullen, there are endless checkpoints and inspection, and on and on.

If there were train tracks in a tunnel under the Atlantic, I would use it instead of an airplane.

 

[Mle8308]

Hotel since its easy to change or cancel without a fee.

This!

 

[jimmymc]

Usually flight, unless it's Disney or a cruise, since I'm usually booking those far out.

 

[leebee]

I voted other. It depends on the trip. Sometimes I do the hotel first, sometimes the flight.

 

[mikehn]

If its just between flight and accommodations, I let flight drive the plan. It's never that simple, but Im gonna leave it simple.

 

[Kathryn Merteuil]

Usually flight first, then hotel.