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Whether you're doing it intentionally or it's just an unfortunate twist of circumstances, traveling at the last minute can be nerve-wracking. That is, if you come with an unprepared mindset. Since traveling unprepared can sometimes give you trouble regarding hotel bookings, here are tips on how you could land a place to stay even if you're making travel plans at the last minute:Look for hotels at local websites.Websites offering tips and last minute booking deals abound but not many of them can be very helpful if you're trying to actually get accommodated. Instead of using websites that cater to a national or even international crowd, consider using local websites. These sites oven offer better (read: better) listings of hotels if you're traveling last minute. Global sites are often simply too expansive to actually give you the good deals.Use multiple sites.It's rare to find last minute hotel bookings that offer reasonable prices in only one site. Use several different sites so you can compare. You might even come across really great deals – terrific if you're traveling on a budget.Look for a local travel agent.Don't rely too much on your trusty travel agent. Even they sometimes don't get to help in terms of last minute hotel bookings during your travels. Instead, look up travel agencies in the locality where you're traveling to. You could probably find them online, at tourism websites or online yellow pages.These local travel agencies have a better access on the actual availability of hotel rooms in their area. They should – they're located there. Call them up or send an e-mail to inquire.Ask the local tourism office.If you're traveling to a popular destination, they usually have local tourism offices that you can turn to for assistance. It's the local government's way to show hospitability in order to encourage tourists to come visit. If you need booking for last minute hotels for your travel, try checking those in charge of local tours. They could guide you in finding a nice, safe place to stay for the duration of your trip.An advantage here is that not many people do this often – they prefer the more beaten path of calling hotels, airlines and travel agencies. And since you'll be talking with the tourism office, you might want to get a few tips on finding the best hotels where you could experience the local flavors and offerings of your destination.Check offers from low cost airlines.Many low cost airlines have affiliated hotels. These range from 4 to 5 star hotels to more simple accommodations courtesy of inns and hostels. You might want to check their websites for availability in case you're traveling any time soon. Many of these affiliated hotels can accept last minute bookings. An advantage: if you use the low cost airline for travel, you get all the information you need including hotel bookings from only one website.Check out package tours.Sometimes, last minute hotel booking problems can be solved by simply checking out bundled tours. Some airlines, such as major carriers, might offer package tours that include not just hotel accommodations but also rental cars.If you book a flight with any of these airlines, you could take advantage of their offers, get an airplane ticket, book a last minute hotel room and even have a car pick you up from and to the airport.canadaIf you need to cut your trip to Canada short and return immediately to the US, here are a couple of travel tips to get you safely past the borders. Interview and InspectionWhen you get to the borders, a CBP officer may there to ask you a couple of questions. These are simple to answer such as your citizenship, the items you are taking back to the US, and the nature and duration of your trip.To expedite this procedure, it’s best to make a list of the dutiable items you have with you and place all of them together in a single bag or package. If you have a considerable number of dutiable items with you, the CPB officer may have you fill up a Declaration form.Your luggage and whatever else you have with you may be subject to inspection. This, however, will only take minutes to complete with your full cooperation.Passport Requirements for Traveling from CanadaEven if you’re a full-fledged American citizen, coming back to the US will still require you to show your passport and perhaps other similar documents for re-entry. Dos and Don’ts for Items You Can Take Back HomeThe greatest problems you could encounter when traveling from Canada and back to the US are ensuring that all items you’ve with you can cross the borders with the rest of your luggage. Last-minute travel plans usually involve whirlwind preparations but for the sake of expediency, it’s best that you take absolute care when you’re packing items.Be organized.Categorize items according to their source or method of purchase. Use separate packaging for items you intend to use in business, you’ve purchased for people back home, items you’ve had repaired or altered in Canada, items you’ve purchased in duty-free shops and similar establishments, and items or assets you’ve inherited or received as gifts.Keep documented proof.Always have the receipts with you. This is to prove that none of them have been stolen or acquired in any lawful means. Receipts could also be used to make you entitled to tax exemptions and other incentives.Register in advance.If you have items with you prior to leaving for Canada and you’re taking them back home with you, it’s important that you had them registered in advance or prior to leaving the US with the Customs and Border Protection.Without proper registration, you might have to pay duty for these items even if you’re not obliged to do so. Such items are usually valuable in nature like jewelry, equipment, laptops, and the likes.If you didn’t get to register them in the past, don’t worry because you have one more way of avoiding paying duties for them. If you can furnish any documented proof of ownership as well as proof that you had them with you prior to entering Canada, you may then pass the borders safely without having any duties levied on the specified items.MoneyThere’s nothing unlawful about having a lot of money with you when you travel from Canada, but if you have over $10,000 with you then you need to register the amount with the CPB and fill up their Currency Reporting form.PetsHas your last minute travel plans to Canada gifted you with a new furry friend? If so, make sure you get the CBP’s Pets and Wildlife brochure to know what requirements you have to comply with in order to return home with your new pet.summer travelSummer is getting away, but you’re determined not to let spring come without first enjoying yourself under the sun. No matter how last minute your travel plans are, the tips below can guarantee that you’ll have a summer vacation to remember!BudgetStart your travel plans by eliminating your most pressing worry and one that has the greatest impact on your plans. How much can you afford to spend for your last summer trip?Be aware that because you’re planning at the last minute, discounts and other incentives travelers are usually entitled to won’t be available to you. You may have to pay more and tolerate less than 5-star accommodations because you haven’t made any advanced reservations.To save on money, you should look for a destination that offers you lots of free attractions and activities to visit and do. If you are amenable to working with a travel agency, having them prepare all your travel plans could give you cheaper rates for a bundled package.Choosing a DestinationLet’s be realistic. If you pick on the usual summer favorites like Hawaii, Florida, or California, you need to be prepared to jostle with the crowds every second of the day. Accommodations would also be difficult to obtain and even finding a good and affordable place to eat could also be a challenge.Why not be adventurous for a change? Consider looking into secret or little-known summer getaways. Winter retreats like Colorado and Boston may seem like unlikely places to visit during the summer but with a little research, you’ll be surprised at the hidden gems of attractions they have to offer.Another thing you should consider is what you can do when you finally get to your destination. It’s best to look for a destination which can immediately offer you activities you’re interested in. If you’re a nature lover, for instance, you might be hard-pressed to find challenging nature walks in the city jungle of New York. Likewise, urban travelers might be intimidated by the rugged outdoors found in Montana or the swampy beauty of Louisiana.Choosing Your Mode of TransportationDetermining how you travel can also make a huge difference with your plans.If you’re greatly worried about time constraints and you’d like to make the most out of the last days of summer vacation, traveling by plane is the best option. It’s also one of the more expensive options but if you stay away from the business or first class section then you can probably save a bit more funds for additional pocket money.For those with adventurous spirits, traveling by car or using a rented RV is something you should consider. Traveling hours are longer, but you also get to enjoy beautiful scenery on the road, meet new friends pursuing a similar route, and discover new places of interest as you get nearer your destination. Make sure, however, you take all the safety precautions when traveling.For a more leisurely and luxurious way of traveling, consider traveling by train or by taking a cruise to reach your destination.PackingMake a list. Yes, you’re intelligent, you’ve a great memory, and you’re organized but if you want to be sure about packing everything you need, make a list. Making one won’t hurt. Find out weather conditions in your destination to ensure you bring appropriate clothing. Lastly, make sure you’ve got stuff for sun protection with you in your hand-carry bag.Enjoy the last days of summer!Hopefully, these quick tips can make your travel from Canada to US safe and hassle-free.Tips for Booking Hotels