KNOW Before You GO!

You save up all year for your vacation. It is important that you stay in an area and at a motel that both meets both your needs and your expectations. In today’s world, there are hundreds if not thousands of resources you can review to learn more about travel destinations. It’s a great idea to take some time to pick several and look them over before you make the decision on where you’d like to go.

Take the following into consideration:

1.       If you have actually been to the area, driving by or driving near but didn’t stay, and you’d like to spend a bit more time there, you have a point of reference. In this case, you know a bit about the area and have at least a little first-hand experience of what it looks like and what’s available. You may have gotten a feel for the “vibe” of the area. You would probably know if it’s the right place for you and your family.

2.       Talk to friends who have been to the area and possibly stayed where you want to stay. They will be open and honest with you. You can ask questions and get feedback. Ask them what they enjoyed and what fell short of their expectations. If it all matches, you’ve likely found a good vacation spot for you.

3.       Look at the motel’s website and then speak to the innkeepers personally with your observations and questions. Here at the Cape Hatteras Motel we enjoy these conversations, getting to know potential guests and what they are looking for in a vacation destination. We try to be open and honest as we don’t want disappointed visitors to our motel or to the Outer Banks in general.

4.       Review travel sites. Look for the average in responses and try not to be swayed by the overly negative. Everyone encounters a bad experience from time to time. Sometimes it is because the guest didn’t do the homework and expectations fell short. Sometimes it is because the accommodation had a bad day as well. It happens at the very best of resorts. By looking at a wide variety of comments on a few review sites you will get a more well-rounded picture.

5.       Also look at maps, GPS, or other locators to avoid surprises while traveling. For example, many people who visit Cape Hatteras are surprised by the distance from Whalebone Junction to the Buxton/Frisco/Hatteras area. Google Earth is a great way to really see beforehand what you will see when you’re on the road.

Adventure is all part of the vacation experience, and things will not always go 100% according to plan. But with a little preparation and a relaxed “I’m on vacation now” mindset, you can enjoy your holidays immensely and make sure your money is well-spent.  We look forward to seeing you soon at Cape Hatteras Motel!

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