When I am going to book a vacation, I want it easy.
I want to book flights, hotels and tours in as few stops as possible.
When I search for airline tickets I want to search all flights with one click and I want immediate results.
I want to book a flight now! Of course, that is for the travel.
When I arrive, I want to know what I am going to do.
Therefore, when I search for a hotel I want to book my destination tour also.
Only a top city tour from a top of the line tour provider will do.
It was not always that way though.
Upon arrival at my chosen destination, once was the time when the wife and I would go directly to the nightstand by the bed and get out the phone book.
We would wonder, "What are we going to do? Where are we going for dinner? What is the best tour to enjoy?" Things are different today.
Now when we travel we travel informed.
When we arrive, we know what we are doing, when we are doing it, and where it is that, we are going.
However, it does not happen by accident.
It all starts at the beginning.
When we search for airline tickets, we also search for a hotel.
We check reviews of our hotel options in preparation of a decision.
Budget considerations along with this information and we book with knowledge, accomplishing an informed decision.
Then we research tours and eating establishments.
Understanding that we are going to eat fast most of the time, just a couple nice restaurants are all we need for those couple special dinners with which I like to spoil her.
Tours, now that is another project all together.
See, my wife likes to really experience all that she can in the time allotted at every destination we travel.
She wears me out, most of the time.
That is why I learned about the necessity of a quality destination itinerary with each journey.
When we went to New York City there was so much to see and do that I had to book three days of top city tours to please her.
The thing is, we saw it all in those three days.
History, culture, and breathtaking views out of the way, I was able to actually relax the last two days we were there.
See that is just it, efficiency optimization comes from my fine planning and I actually get a little rest on vacation now! I am sure you see my point.
Some time must be set aside to just do nothing.
Now I get the best of both worlds.
She is completely happy seeing the sights, I have the opportunity to rest completely, and we both enjoy the vacation.
Ironic actually, I want it all done fast so I can do nothing when I get there.
She drags her feet in preparation and hurries me on the entire trip until I satisfy her curiosity of our destination.
So now, it is simply a routine.
I book travel, flights and hotel in one stop.
When I search for airline tickets, I search all flights.
I check all reviews of hotels and choose the right tours, with my wife's permission.
Vacation package, flight, hotel and destination tour taken care of, when I arrive I know what I am going to do.
I am taking the wife on a top city tour as many times as it takes to please her.
Finally, it is time to nap poolside, the part of the trip I love.