It’s time to book a cruise if cool ocean breezes are calling your name and you’re dreaming of lounging poolside, 24-hour buffets and enchanting ports of call.

More than 20 million people worldwide are expected to embark on cruises this year, according to Cruise Market Watch. The Caribbean tops the list of the five most popular destinations, followed by Europe, Alaska, Bermuda and Hawaii.

However, Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona advises that planning a cruise is usually not something to do last minute. Most vacationers book a minimum of six to nine months out and it’s not uncommon to put a deposit down one or two years out. However, because cruise liners like full ships, it’s sometimes possible to find good deals at the last minute.

BBB recommends keeping the following tips in mind when booking your next cruise:

• If you’re new to cruising, consider working with a trustworthy travel agent who is knowledgeable about different cruise lines, ships and destinations. You can find reliable travel agents and check their BBB Business Reviews at www.tucson.bbb.org.

• Know your budget and stick to it. Base prices may appear affordable, but the total swells when airfare, excursions, shopping, spa treatments, entertainment, gambling, upgraded dining, tips, etc., are factored in.

• Consider the time of year. Check out what the weather is typically like at that time of year you want to book your cruise. Temperature, hurricanes and rainy seasons can make a particular destination less appealing.

• Know where you’re willing to compromise. You may be dreaming of a stateroom with a balcony, but an interior stateroom might be more in line with your budget. If you take advantage of the ship’s offerings and amenities, you won’t be spending much time in your room anyway.

• Shoulder season – when most folks stay home – often comes with modest savings, such as 10 percent off typical high-season rates. If you’re looking at a Caribbean cruise, for example, shoulder season is September and October, the non-holiday weeks in December, and early January to Presidents Day.

• Ask for a discount. If you’re a return customer, mention this when booking and ask if you are eligible for a discount. A third or fourth person in your group could get a 30 to 60 percent discount. And those 55 or older and active and retired service members should always inquire about discounts.

Every year, holiday travelers take to the skies and ride the rails, but most hit the highways. This year, AAA projects 43.6 million people will travel at least 50 miles from their home – approximately 90 percent of whom are expected to drive – over the Thanksgiving holiday. Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona has some tips to help you stay safe on the road this holiday season.

• Create a car safety kit: Holiday driving may include the threat of dangerous winter weather. Snow and ice can lead to accidents, especially for Florida residents who may not be used to driving in such conditions. Prepare for bad weather by creating a safety kit that includes blankets, flashlights with extra batteries, a radio, a first aid kit, jumper cables, non-perishable foods like granola bars and nuts, bottled water, an ice scraper and warm gloves.
• Take the car in for a checkup: Breaking down can definitely put a damper on the holiday spirit! Take your car in for a checkup before making the trip. At the very least, check the car’s fluid levels, wipers and tires. If you plan on driving through serious winter weather, consider getting snow tires.
• Start early and slow down: You will be one of millions traveling for the holidays. Give yourself extra time to make the trip. Don’t speed: speeding leads to accidents and traffic tickets, both of which delay your trip even more. Anticipate delays and schedule appropriately.
• Take your BBB with you: When you’re away from home and in the midst of an emergency, it’s hard to know which businesses – such as tow trucks and locksmiths – are trustworthy. BBB’s free iPhone app and mobile website can help you find businesses you can trust when you can’t get to a computer.
• Drop the distractions: Make sure you’re not driving when turning to BBB! According to the National Safety Council, nearly 25 percent of accidents happen when people are distracted by talking on their cell phones or sending text messages. When you’re behind the wheel, don’t send or read text messages or surf the web. If you think you’ll be tempted to talk on the phone, turn it off, put it on silent or hand over control of the phone to another passenger. And nominate someone else to fumble with the GPS.

For additional information and advice you can trust, start with www.tucson.bbb.org.

From bed bugs to billing blunders, unanswered and unresolved complaints reveal industry-wide patterns for hotels across the country.

According to Better Business Bureau records, the majority of hotel complaints deal with billing and refund issues. In many cases, consumers report unexpected or unreasonable fees for cancellations, package upgrades or room amenities.

The next most common complaints involve room quality. Reports indicate issues ranging from broken electrical fixtures to unclean sheets to moldy bathtubs.

Those who report complaints maintain that, when issues arise, staff often become curt and refer complaints to their managers—who are usually unavailable in-person and won’t return calls or respond to emails. Dissatisfied customers seeking refunds, discounts or other remedies find that the time limit for resolution has passed by the time they finally speak to the right person.

Americans are expected to spend $725 billion on travel expenses this year, and many problems can be avoided simply by doing a little homework.

With most hotels collecting payment information upfront to secure reservations, BBB serving Alaska Oregon and Western Washington suggests that consumers consider all the amenities when staying overnight:

Turndown Service: Do research to find the right place to stay. Check hotels on www.tucson.bbb.org and other review sites to learn which ones to avoid.
Complimentary Internet: If booking through third-party deal websites, call hotel personnel directly to ensure that reservations were received.
Mini-Bar: Check the fine print, including additional fees or deadlines that apply to cancellations and room transfers. Understand check-in and check-out times. Keep all reservation confirmation numbers for future reference; if cancelling, request confirmation notices in writing.
Room Service: Upon arrival, ask to inspect the room before checking in. This will allow for some leverage if there are any upfront problems with quality.

Report serious problems to BBB or the Federal Trade Commission.