Most airlines and booking engines sell packages that lump together airfare, hotel and sometimes meals, airport transfers and activities into one price. The vagueness of the combo approach favors airlines and hotels because it allows them to quickly fill up planes and rooms without announcing how low they're willing to go. Certainly, packages can be incredible deals, but occasionally they're not. To be sure, check DealBase.com, which will break down most packages and tally up the bill for each individual component of the "deal."
Travel is full of pitfalls. One wrong step and your vacation could be ruined by a seedy hotel room, an overpriced restaurant, a wasted afternoon at a tourist-trap attraction or an overnight flight crammed in the middle seat. So, guarantee a smooth trip by planning thoroughly. Here's how to make all the right moves.