I’ve been on the road and in planes a lot this last year. For TechEds I’ve been assigned as some sort of travel guide for colleagues. Specifically, Chris mentioned it would be nice to share my tips and tricks for enjoyable trips. This blogpost series mentions my tips and how you could benefit. Just in time for the November 2013 MVP Summit, too.

In this first post, I’ll start with tips for preparing your trip(s). I’ll share my tips to book good flights, book the right hotel and other preparation tips:

Tips for booking flights

Book the same airline, switch loyalty programs

All major airlines offer loyalty programs. Some airline companies compete with other airline companies through these loyalty programs. Other airline companies have joined forces to offer you a wide range of destinations. Loyalty programs will offer you benefits like free baggage, free upgrades and even free flights (eventually).

I recommend you choose the (team of) airline companies that best suit the airport closest to you and align with your travel plans. For US residents United’s MileagePlus program might benefit you most. For me, located in the Netherlands, the FlyingBlue/SkyMiles program benefits me most.

One thing you should really know is that within SkyTeam, different benefits apply to different airline companies operating your flight. When you fly KLM or AirFrance a lot, FlyingBlue offers the most benefits. If your travels take you west, Delta’s SkyMiles program might be a better program to be enrolled in. You can switch between programs when your needs change, mostly while retaining your levels and miles.

Book at the website of the carrier to avoid transaction costs

Many websites on the Internet offer you discounts when you book flights, rental cars and hotel rooms. For TechEd, however, hotels can be booked at far cheaper rates and you don’t need a rental car, unless you intend to stay a few more days to explore the surroundings.

When you intend to merely book a flight, you can find the cheapest rates on the website of your favorite carrier. If you book at the website of your carrier and pay with the credit card from the loyalty program you earn extra miles as a bonus.

Book at the right time for the right time

When you book on the website of your favorite carrier, tickets are cheapest around 3 months in advance. If you need assistance, SkyScanners price alerts are really handy.

Also, plan to include a Saturday night in your travel plan. Including a Saturday night makes you eligible for the lower tourist airline rates, although you don’t have to book a seat in Economy.

Sometimes, Around the World tickets are cheaper

When you need to fly far, sometimes, Around the World (AtW) tickets are cheaper. Most airlines will have you fly a specific route visa versa, since this is how they operate: If you fly West, you’ll fly back Eastbound. However, you can also continue to fly West and fly around the world. Sometimes, these tickets are cheaper.

Check the carry-on luggage rules

Every airline company has their own rules for carry-on luggage. Airlines change these rules, often. Check the maximum size and weight you’re allowed to bring with you on-board. Although I’ve only been checked once on carry-on luggage size and weight in the past five years, you don’t want to be stuck without your on-board necessities, because of stringent ground personnel.

Also, when you book a ticket through the website of an airline, pay close attention to the actual airline operating your flight. Their rules apply to their piece of your journey.

Avoid old planes like 757s

When picking a flight from the available flights, try to avoid old planes like the Boeing 757. These older planes don’t offer reclinable seats and don’t offer on-board entertainment. This lack of comfort can really ruin a 6-hour flight.

Find a good seat with Seatguru.com

When you’ve selected your flights, pick a good seat. Seatguru.com offers seat plans for most of the flights and offers you the ability to pick the best seats for your price plan. As an example, only the first 21 rows of an airbus A330-300 offer power outlets…

Concluding

The better prepared you are, the more successful you’ll be.