getaway tips

TRAVEL TIPS

Be honest about your budget. Tell a travel agent exactly what you're willing to spend on a trip so they can help you find the best deals.

Imagine a perfect vacation, and then tell your travel agent about it. The more you tell an agent about what you leisure activities you like and what you find relaxing, the better they'll be able to help you plan a vacation.

Know what dates you can travel or what dates are off limits. "Either come with the dates you can't go or the perfect set of dates for when you can go," said Carolyn Kempf of Elite Travel.

Know what kind of quality you're seeking in a vacation. Travel agents want to help you get the best value for your money but good value doesn't always mean choosing the cheapest rates, Kempf said.

When traveling, know that everything won't go as planned. Flights are late and hotel room water faucets leak so be sure that you're realistic about your trip. "Use your vacation as an adventure," Kempf said.