What do you book first – flight or lodging?

S.W. — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 21:21:06 +0000

Unless, you’re booking a package that includes both flight and lodging, what do you book first – flight or lodging? It’s a really tough call which depends a lot on where you are going and when you are going.

If you will be traveling within 3 months or so, my vote is to research both simultaneously but to book the flight first then the lodging … unless you simply must stay at a specific place where their rooms are hard to come by. In my experience, with most destinations, you have more varied lodging choices than ways to get there. For example, in Jamaica you have a choice between hotels, villas, and guest houses in all price ranges – from budget to ultra-luxury. In terms of getting there, however, you have to fly in. If you’re the super rich or not price conscious at all, then the airfare costs won’t matter. But for most of us, airfare costs have a major impact on our travel budget. Suppose you can’t get a flight? Suppose the airfares are ridiculously expensive? Suppose the only way to get there on those dates requires two layovers?

If you have more than 3 months lead time, I think you will be fine either way because that will give you enough time to scout around for good airfares – which seem to vary almost daily and change without notice. This advice is not necessarily true for Christmas and New Years and the other major holidays because both flights and hotels book up fast!

When you are booking flights and hotels, make sure you find out the change and or cancellation policies. Some tickets cannot be changed without a fee of some sort.

Think and dream Jamaica.

Sherry

My spa vacation at The Oaks at Ojai

S.W. — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 12:59:49 +0000

Last November I had to be in the LA area so I checked out a spa called the Oaks at Ojai. It isn’t a fancy place; but I felt so comfortabe, relaxed, and welcomed, that I have no problem recommending it. This is not the same as Ojai Valley Inn and Spa which is a fancy and expensive spa in the same general area. As with anything, you have to know what you are looking for. If it is pampering 24/7 – then no, this wouldn’t be quite what you would be looking for. If you are tired of going to spas that are so high brow that you feel uncomfortable spending your own money, then check this place out. It is also perhaps the most affordable spa in the US – and they have received awards for that actually. A few celebs do visit. Remember Falcon Crest TV series from the 1980s? Well, a top actress from that series left shortly before I came. And, my dear, I hear she is not an infrequent visitor. They do restrict calories but it isn’t as though they stand over you with a stick and wack you if you try to take more. The meals were not bad at all. I didn’t care for breakfast. Way too “organic” and natural for me. There wasn’t a wiff of bacon on the grounds. There is no added salt or sugar to the meals; but, yet, I didn’t miss either of those things at all. You must realize that traditionally I put loads of sugar in my tea – even though I know better … but as they say, we all have our vices in life. I thought I would go into sugar withdrawal but I didn’t! I actually felt good – no, great! I even went to several exercise classes and enjoyed them. The common areas were cell-free zones – which was also great! Aren’t you tired of people discussing their person business in public areas? If you are addicted to the internet, know that wifi was only available in certain areas and not in the bedrooms. Maybe that will be something they will add as they continue to upgrade. Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the the visit, was that the owner, Sheila Cluff, was there. She is an absolutely amazing woman. She is 71 years old yet is as fit and trim as any 20 year old. She is now competing in ice-skating competitions – and, get this, she is winning! She still teaches a few of the fitness classes and leads one of the morning walks sometimes – and you have to try to keep up with her. She is fast! She is also very hands on and personable. She took the time to chat with each table and seemed genuinely interested in each person. I can’t say enough about her. Another interesting point was that so many people there, had been there multiple times. Some as many as 10 or 15 times! Some people were staying 3 months at a time. I wanted to ask what they did for a living but , that would be so crude…. Ha ha! I can barely swing 2 weeks away from the office … and even then I still end up working at least for a few days. So, anyway, that was what I did for myself for a few days in November and I loved it!

A spa vacation can really do wonders for your psyche. It is so worth it.

Come visit us soon,

Think and dream Jamaica!

Sherry

The Savvy Villa Traveller

What do you book first – flight or lodging?

My spa vacation at The Oaks at Ojai