Be wary of bargains that require advance booking. The discounts are usually decent 20% off or more but you must prepay for your entire stay, and cancellations and date changes are usually not allowed. If there's any chance you'll need to shift dates, reserve a room at a higher rate at a place that allows you to make changes at no fee within 24 hours of check-in.
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.