Modern-Day Travel Planning Headaches

Unless you have prepared well in advance of your summer vacation, you may run into these modern-day nightmares of travel planning. Some are to be expected in this modern day and age, but it helps to be aware in advance. Here are my top five picks of potential travel preparation problems.

1. Reservations for camping

State campgrounds require you to not only book your camping site in advance but to pay for in upfront as well. They are even charging fees to book your reservation and believe me the campsites go fast and months in advance. More people are camping than ever before so your favorite spots may not be available during the busy summer season. If you have pets, a boat, an over-sized RV or need ADA disability access prepare for an extended search past campsites with restrictions. Some places may require you to reserve marina slips and also may ask you to clean your boat thoroughly upon removal from the water due to certain types of seaweed, fungi and other noxious weeds and toxins in the water. The good news is that many Parks websites do have online photos of what the campsite will look like and even give you a heads up as to whether it sits in the shade or full sun, near the water or noisy bathroom area.

2. Credit card holds and security

Big brother is now watching your purchases when it comes to credit cards and travel. It is best to call your credit card company well in advance of your trip to release any restrictions on purchases made outside your local area or which restrict the number of purchases you can make in one day (this according to Mastercard and Visa). If you pay down or pay off your credit cards with a large transfer of funds, realize that the funds may not be available on the credit card right away. New cards need to be activated. Debit and ATM cards may not be accessible overseas and out of state depending upon your bank. Check with your credit cards to see what kind of additional insurance they offer on flights and rental cars.

3. Rental cars and hotels

Ask in advance about what the rental car companies are requiring. You may be surprised by not only the amount of personal information they may need from you, but also the amount of the deposit. If you are going to use a travel Membership card for discounts, make sure they are current, that you have the number ready to give them at the time of booking the reservation and be sure and write down your confirmation information.

4. Travel Club Cards

You might be entitled to discounts under any number of programs from AARP and KOA to Hilton Honors. Most of these cards are free to join, but it does take several weeks to receive your package materials in the mail. Write down your member number as soon as you have joined and ask if it is available for booking right away. Ask if there are any current promotions or extra bonus points for signing up, many companies offer gifts and premiums. If nothing else, you should be entitled to a road map or travel safety kit for buying into Auto Clubs.

5. Airline Restrictions and Federal Guidelines

Check in advance about what is paid for and what is not since food and beverages are not always free these days and extra heavy and large baggage can get expensive. Make sure you have the appropriate locks and ID on your baggage. The laws have changed about travel to Canada and out of the United States, so you may want to consider an enhanced Drivers License or renewal of your passport. Be sure to make arrangements in advance for any special health or disability needs. Now that the internet has taken over, you may be charged more for not going "paperless" with your tickets and reservations.