Planning questions

February 24, 2008

What should I do first -- book my airfare or my hotel? Don't book either until you check out both or have a travel agent check them for you. If you're planning to attend a major event, such as the Kentucky Derby in Louisville or Mardi Gras in New Orleans, finding a suitable hotel room at a price you can afford is usually the more difficult task. Even if your journey isn't connected to a celebration or popular season, do some homework before you buy. You never can tell when a giant convention might suck up all the hotel rooms in town.

Where can I get good sources of free information? Tourist boards and bureaus are the most reliable sources of free information. They'll send you a brochure, or you can go online to check out places to go, things to do and where to stay. Look for wording that indicates you've accessed the official state or national tourist board, though. Some Web sites are nothing more than paid advertisements that hype merchants who have paid for a listing. Another good place to find reliable information is The Sun: There is an online list of names and phone numbers of hotel groups, cruise lines, railway companies and other free sources of information. Go to baltimoresun.com/sourcebook.

What about tour books or guides? Guidebooks are an easily transportable way to keep a lot of information close at hand. Browse your nearest bookstore and find a guidebook that works for you. Don't load yourself down with too many books. That's weight you don't need in your suitcase or carry-on bag.

Speaking of organization, how do I sort out my travel information? Label a file folder for the planned trip (such as "Yosemite Vacation"), then stash information in it as you compile it. Everything will be in the same place. Fill it with maps, tourist information, airline, hotel and car rental information. Or you can use one of the new programs for smart phones, downloadable from pock etexpress.com or worldmatelive. com, to keep your contact info, confirmation numbers and flight schedules for you.

What about a road trip? Any tips? Unless you're a spur-of-the-moment traveler, you'll probably want to map out your route in advance. This is particularly important during summer, Christmas and spring break, when hotel rooms might be at a premium. Members of AAA can request a TripTik that maps out the best routes and warns of construction and detours. Mapquest.com is a helpful Web site for mapping out your route and estimating travel time under normal driving conditions.

Rosemary McClure writes for the Los Angeles Times.