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.

Booking

Shop After Purchase

By Brad Tuttle and Erik TorkellsTuesday, July 28, 2009
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Solus-Veer / Corbis

Hotels and car-rental companies will discount drastically to use up inventory, so keep shopping — even after you buy. That $60-a-day rental car you reserved might end up being $30 the week before your rental date, or you may get an ocean-view hotel room for the price of the garden-view you reserved. Always review the cancellation policy first, of course.

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