Between a couple of different upcoming events, I've been working with various family and friends to get trips booked. It is simply frustrating. Just in the past week, I've had two different people, on two different trips, argue with me that flight and hotel bundles through OTAs are the best way to overcome expensive airfare. While absolutely refusing to listen that both items separately, add up to the same price (amongst other things). That wasn't the first time that happened. Won't be the last. Some people just lose the ability to think critically when they hear words like "bundle" and "included".

Had another friend book a one-way flight for $350 of his points because "he had points". He ended up taking a flight way too early, with a layover, while depleting a good chunk of his points. Pretty much one of the worst flight options for this trip. He believed this was the best choice because his flight was "free." We took $85 direct flights, with perfect timing, and a direct route. He flies often too so this wasn't even close to his only chance of using these points.

I have 1 friend who has any sense with this kind of stuff. We have both shared a lot of great things with each other and have had some awesome travel as a result. Not that I expect everyone to dedicate serious time to this "hobby". However, it is very frustrating trying to book group trips. Just like anything else in life, everyone considers themselves an expert, when they are far from it.