How to Plan a Trip the Wrong Way - My Experience with WorldWide Travel Center

Planning vacations and imagining all the fun things you'll do when you're away from the job, your home, your kids, or bringing your family along is exciting. But, it can also be a hassle if you don't plan correctly. Recently, I planned a trip to Miami, Florida for the National Miami Stompfest competition. Although I love anything dealing with stepping and enjoyed the performance, the rest of the trip left much to be desired. Here are a few tips on what I did wrong so you can do them right.

Tip 1: Even hotels with great reputations don't all have the same service. Going for the best deal can sometimes be a hindrance. Research these places before you go.

WorldWide Travel Center paid for my 2-day hotel stay at the Ramada and WWTC was also the organization that chose this location. I ended up at a Ramada with two broken elevators, only ten television stations, one working Internet accessible computer, a broken iron (that was replaced when I called guest services), and a lobby restaurant that had no vegetarian meals. Ironically, this same Ft. Lauderdale Ramada had a swimming pool, a tiki bar, a sports bar, a gift shop, a beauty shop, and an amazing view of the city, so I couldn't quite grasp where their economic responsibility was. By me being a vegetarian and wanting places close by that I could eat, I normally ask about the surrounding locations. But since the Ramada was WWTC's choice and not mine, I ended up stuck in a hotel with quite a few problems. Research the surrounding location and the hotel before you book a room.

Tip 2: Beware of sweepstakes offers and travel agencies. Read the policies carefully.