How far ahead to reserve a rental car
The Washington Post’s Travel section writers and editors recently discussed stories, questions, gripes and more. Here are edited excerpts:
Q: Do car rental prices go up and down like airline tickets do? Is there a best time to reserve? I’m going to Vancouver at the end of July. Should I reserve a car now, because prices will probably go up? Or wait in case they go down? Or does it not matter?
A: Yes, they do. Fortunately, you can lock in a rate now—and I would recommend doing so—without any obligation. If you find a better price before your trip, just cancel your first reservation.—Christopher Elliott
Q: I’m traveling to Canada, and I’m not really sure what to do for cash. Do I take U.S. dollars and exchange for Canadian? Do I use my credit card for everything?
A: Some establishments in border towns and larger cities might accept U.S. dollars, but to be safe, I would convert some money or use the ATM once you are settled at your hotel. You don’t want your server or bellhop to have to go to the bank to their convert their tip. If you rely on a credit card, tell your credit card company about your upcoming trip and also make sure you don’t pay a currency conversion fee. Those little amounts can really add up.—Andrea Sachs
Q: I saw a segment on the morning news about airlines trying to reduce “their” costs by using lighter materials in seats, lighter drink cart materials. I thought we were already paying extra to cover fuel charges, and now they’re jamming even more rows of seats in by shrinking lavatories. No one will be able to fit in them soon! Maybe that’s the idea? Is seat safety the same with these lighter materials? What’s next?
A: I saw a similar story recently about Emirates’ plans to build a plane without windows, which reportedly made the aircraft more fuel-efficient. I wonder if the airlines will pass those cost savings along to us … nah!—C.E.
Q: We are considering a two-week trip to London and Paris with our two boys (12 and 14), next summer. The last time I was in Europe was 15 years ago. When should I start looking for airline tickets? What is the best strategy for getting cheap ones? What is a reasonable price? What is the Airbnb market like there?
Is there another way to get a centrally located apartment in each city? I would appreciate any guidance you can provide!
A: You should start looking at airfares as soon as they are published (typically about 331 days before travel). This way you’ll get familiar with the going rate and you can book when a sale hits. Make sure the fare you book includes the services you need - many airlines are now charging extra for checked bags, meals, advance seat assignments, etc. For a traditional economy ticket on a legacy carrier going to London and departing home from Paris, expect to pay $1,000-$1,200 per person. It will be cheaper to go with a discount carrier, arriving and departing from same city. I haven’t done Airbnb in London.— Carol Sottili
Q: I have enough airline miles to finally book a flight for a five-day safari, and am considering either Tanzania or South Africa. Do you have any recommendations for safari operators in either country? I’d like to avoid large groups in favor of a private guide if possible, and can spend up to $2,500.
A: I have had very good experiences with Audley Travel. I used the company for trips to Egypt and Madagascar.—A.S.
Q: My wife talked me into a tour group vacation, for which we leave this week. I much prefer to make all arrangements myself and not be part of a group, but since that is not happening this time, is there anything I might not anticipate by being part of a group? I have already been made aware of the expectation to tip the tour director and drivers, and have been warned (by my wife) that we have to adhere to tour schedules; what else is different? (I concede that having transfers, in-country travel and some excursions reserved and scheduled
by the tour group is probably a good thing, but I like doing those things.)
A: Having been on several escorted tours, I would say the most important advice I can give is to keep an open mind. Yes, tours are more rigid in terms of scheduling, and there are other people who will be along for the ride, but you also may get to cut lines, have dedicated sightseeing guides, get insider looks, etc. And you may get to know some interesting people in the group.—Carol Sottili