With planning, foresight and a little bit of hard work, you can go ahead and have that dream vacation the economical way.
Here's how:
1. Search the internet, call airline agencies and watch the news to keep yourself up to date on discounts. There are a lot of promotional fares offered by airline companies that are new in the industry.
2. When you do travel a lot, sign up for frequent flier miles.
3. Ask about student fares or senior citizen discounts.
4. Keep a flexible travel schedule. Go with the flow. If the promo states that they only give discounts every Tuesdays, then set your departure on Tuesday. Generally, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays are the days that have fewer reservations, so it in on these days that tickets are sold cheap. Monday is usually the busiest day of the week.
5. Do not go ahead and make reservations to the first airline company you see with promotions. Take the time to source out a variety of options. Take the time to find out if the promotion is indeed the cheapest in your area. Ask the clerk about other offers available. When checking through the internet, make sure you check at least five sites before you decide where to buy your tickets.
6. You can have the option of purchasing tickets trough consolidators. These are people who buy a whole block of tickets and resell them at certain discounts. This helps the airline fill up still available seats. The travel section of the newspaper is the place to check for ticket consolidators.
7. Try flying on off peak hour schedule. Usually if you take before seven in the morning flight or after seven in the evening flight, tickets are at their cheapest. This too, will be a wise decision since it is at these times that airlines are not overcrowded, thus getting more space for yourself and your luggage.
8. Be sure to inquire if the airline offers travel packages. Some airlines do offer packages such as car rental discount or a hotel room discount that comes with the travel ticket.
9. When you are flying off season, be very sure to ask about certain standby fares.
10. Have an early booking. Promotions are usually offered when one reserves a ticket three weeks beforehand. Remember that due to over crowding during the holidays, you may not use your frequent flier miles. So book in advance if you plan to travel during the holidays.
11. Staying with only one airline on your entire trip may too, give you discounts. Airlines offer special rates to round trip tickets or connecting flights.
Have a safe trip and enjoy!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Choosing Your Best Travel Destination
If you are planning to take a vacation, be sure to know what you really like to do, this will make your trip more meaningful. Mostly, travelers go for a trip that their friends recommend, but is it what they really want? It's never too early to plan and know what your heart desires.
It's nice to ask yourself these questions before starting to plan your vacation; do I want to relax? Do I want adventure or a learning experience? Do I want to get away from my job? Once you know the answers to these questions, then you are ready to plan your trip.
Vacations are needed for our emotional, physical and mental balance. Vacations give a person a chance to relax, renew his energy, and free him from his daily routine. Vacations could be far away or close to home. Wherever the vacation may be, it does the same thing. It is the satisfaction that is more important than the destination.
Generally, there are some different types of travel according to activities involved. Here are some of them:
1. Responsible Travel. Traveling doesn't always have to be self-serving. With responsible travel, one could have enjoyment as much as respecting the local environment and the people.
2. Rediscovering nature. Rediscovering travel is all about nature and everything in it. It revitalizes the soul while smelling and feeling nature.
3. Tribal cultures. In today's world of high technology, it is wise to experience the simpler life of the tribal people who live close to nature in the same way for the past thousands of years.
4. Responsible Diving. Diving not only let travelers appreciate what is down the sea but also making the traveler more aware of the conservation effort.
The country one is planning to travel to also leaves a great mark on the traveler's diary. Here are some of the most popular destinations today:
1. Thailand. It is an Asian country bounded by Burma, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. Behind the back draft of Thailand's jungles of bamboo, rubber trees and vines are the Five-star hotels of modern conveniences. In some parts of the country, elephants are still being use to lift timbers and buffalos are still being use in farming.
2. China. China is now the second largest country and fastest growing economy in the world. Most parts of China are still unexplored by tourist; however, the eastern portion is now popular to western tourist. First class hotels now offer highest class of amenities and dozens are still being built.
3. Italy. Italy is a boot-like shape country bounded by Switzerland, Austria, France, and Slovenia. The main attraction of Italy is St. Peter's Square where the Pope resides.
4. Caribbean. Caribbean is an archipelago of islands, 2000 square miles across. Most of the islands are plateaus and eruptions of underlying mountain systems. It has nice beaches of crushed coral and white or pink sand and the water at the shore is a deep blue.
The success of any vacation will not depend by how much the traveler spent or its destination. It is how the traveler enjoyed it and how he was able to achieve his primary goal of "getting away from it all."
It's nice to ask yourself these questions before starting to plan your vacation; do I want to relax? Do I want adventure or a learning experience? Do I want to get away from my job? Once you know the answers to these questions, then you are ready to plan your trip.
Vacations are needed for our emotional, physical and mental balance. Vacations give a person a chance to relax, renew his energy, and free him from his daily routine. Vacations could be far away or close to home. Wherever the vacation may be, it does the same thing. It is the satisfaction that is more important than the destination.
Generally, there are some different types of travel according to activities involved. Here are some of them:
1. Responsible Travel. Traveling doesn't always have to be self-serving. With responsible travel, one could have enjoyment as much as respecting the local environment and the people.
2. Rediscovering nature. Rediscovering travel is all about nature and everything in it. It revitalizes the soul while smelling and feeling nature.
3. Tribal cultures. In today's world of high technology, it is wise to experience the simpler life of the tribal people who live close to nature in the same way for the past thousands of years.
4. Responsible Diving. Diving not only let travelers appreciate what is down the sea but also making the traveler more aware of the conservation effort.
The country one is planning to travel to also leaves a great mark on the traveler's diary. Here are some of the most popular destinations today:
1. Thailand. It is an Asian country bounded by Burma, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. Behind the back draft of Thailand's jungles of bamboo, rubber trees and vines are the Five-star hotels of modern conveniences. In some parts of the country, elephants are still being use to lift timbers and buffalos are still being use in farming.
2. China. China is now the second largest country and fastest growing economy in the world. Most parts of China are still unexplored by tourist; however, the eastern portion is now popular to western tourist. First class hotels now offer highest class of amenities and dozens are still being built.
3. Italy. Italy is a boot-like shape country bounded by Switzerland, Austria, France, and Slovenia. The main attraction of Italy is St. Peter's Square where the Pope resides.
4. Caribbean. Caribbean is an archipelago of islands, 2000 square miles across. Most of the islands are plateaus and eruptions of underlying mountain systems. It has nice beaches of crushed coral and white or pink sand and the water at the shore is a deep blue.
The success of any vacation will not depend by how much the traveler spent or its destination. It is how the traveler enjoyed it and how he was able to achieve his primary goal of "getting away from it all."
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Things You Can't Do Without When Travelling
When you go on a trip either for business or for pleasure, you want it to be a memorable and enjoyable experience. To help travelers enjoy the trip, here are a few tips you must always keep in mind, travel “must haves” that one must never leave home without.
1. Itinerary
Prepare and plan on paper the places one will visit and then make the make the necessary arrangements in advance to make the trip a memorable one.
2. Essentials.
Prepare your personal things such as the ticket, passport, toothbrush, clean underwear and money.
3. Clothes
By checking the weather forecast for the trip, one will be able to bring the right clothes for the trip. Choose clothes that can be used for various occasions and that do not run and can be easily washed.
4. Shoes
Given that traveling will require a lot of walking seeing the various places, one should wear a good pair of comfortable shoes that wont strain the feet.
5. Medication
One should always bring insect repellant. If one is under medication, one should bring enough medicine for the entire trip.
6. Locks and keys.
For personal protection, one must make sure the luggages one will be using for the trip have locks and keys and spares hidden in case it gets lost.
7. Extra Bag
Bring an extra bag which can be used as a day bag while going around and the same time, one will be able to use it in bringing home some of those souvenirs.
8. Map
Obtain a map to be familiar of the destination where one is traveling and so that one will not get lost.
9. Insurance
If one would prefer to drive instead of taking the public transportation, it is advisable to get insurance for the rental vehicle one would use for the entire trip.
Before leaving the rental company, one should check the car for any damage before accepting the unit and if there is damage; one must insist that the rental company take note of it before leaving the lot.
10. Label
Given the many instances of passengers inadvertently taking the luggage of another passenger, label the inside and outside of the luggage. It is advisable to only write the name and not the address. In any case if the luggage is lost, one should leave the address only to the carrier one is flying on.
1. Itinerary
Prepare and plan on paper the places one will visit and then make the make the necessary arrangements in advance to make the trip a memorable one.
2. Essentials.
Prepare your personal things such as the ticket, passport, toothbrush, clean underwear and money.
3. Clothes
By checking the weather forecast for the trip, one will be able to bring the right clothes for the trip. Choose clothes that can be used for various occasions and that do not run and can be easily washed.
4. Shoes
Given that traveling will require a lot of walking seeing the various places, one should wear a good pair of comfortable shoes that wont strain the feet.
5. Medication
One should always bring insect repellant. If one is under medication, one should bring enough medicine for the entire trip.
6. Locks and keys.
For personal protection, one must make sure the luggages one will be using for the trip have locks and keys and spares hidden in case it gets lost.
7. Extra Bag
Bring an extra bag which can be used as a day bag while going around and the same time, one will be able to use it in bringing home some of those souvenirs.
8. Map
Obtain a map to be familiar of the destination where one is traveling and so that one will not get lost.
9. Insurance
If one would prefer to drive instead of taking the public transportation, it is advisable to get insurance for the rental vehicle one would use for the entire trip.
Before leaving the rental company, one should check the car for any damage before accepting the unit and if there is damage; one must insist that the rental company take note of it before leaving the lot.
10. Label
Given the many instances of passengers inadvertently taking the luggage of another passenger, label the inside and outside of the luggage. It is advisable to only write the name and not the address. In any case if the luggage is lost, one should leave the address only to the carrier one is flying on.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
How to Get Travel Airline Tickets Cheaper
Buy tickets 3-5 months before your departure date
Some airlines offer discounts for early buyers. It’s also best to buy your tickets at least 20 days in advance to ensure the best seating possible, most discounted tickets sell out fast. You should also know that Airline Tickets are subject to price increase, especially during Christmas season, buying early avoids further ticket increase.
Never fly on weekends
If you’re planning a trip, plan to leave on weekdays, preferable Monday to Wednesday. Weekends are high traffic times, for travelers and would probably cost you an additional $25-$40 increase.
Don’t travel During Peak season
Airlines tend to increase ticket prices during Peak travel season due to the increase in demand. Traveling during low season is also advantageous if you want to avoid airport and tourist spot crowds. If you really have to travel during peak season, consider leaving home early and going home late to avoid the rush.
How long to Stay
Your travel stay also affects airline ticket prices. Airlines give discounts if you stay at least a week at your destination and return within 90 days.
Consider a Connecting Flight
Contrary to popular belief, direct flights aren’t always the cheapest. Some people have saved up to $1000 dollars on booking connecting instead of Direct flights. If you don’t have a lot of luggage, and aren’t very particular with time, it is best, and a lot cheaper to book a connecting flight instead of direct.
Use the senior citizen discount
Some Airlines offer the same senior Citizen discount for the companions of the Senior Citizen. Ask if it’s available.
The Early Bird gets the Airline Ticket
Call Airlines at 12:01 am on Wednesday mornings. This is when airlines release all the new fares and seat plans. You can be first and choose the best and cheapest tickets at this time.
Shop in the Internet
The best feature of the internet is that you see all available Prices at a very convenient place, your home. You won’t have to canvass travel agencies. Some internet sites even offer internet only discounts that you can benefit from if you avail of their services.
When you do shop on the internet
Check first with travel agents regarding prices, Internet prices aren’t always cheap, it’s best to ask a good old travel agent. It won’t hurt to look at news papers too, as some airlines publish discounts on print. If you’re planning to buy more than 6 months in advance, it’s probably best to ask a travel guide as internet sites don’t usually have schedules for longer than six months.
Some airlines offer discounts for early buyers. It’s also best to buy your tickets at least 20 days in advance to ensure the best seating possible, most discounted tickets sell out fast. You should also know that Airline Tickets are subject to price increase, especially during Christmas season, buying early avoids further ticket increase.
Never fly on weekends
If you’re planning a trip, plan to leave on weekdays, preferable Monday to Wednesday. Weekends are high traffic times, for travelers and would probably cost you an additional $25-$40 increase.
Don’t travel During Peak season
Airlines tend to increase ticket prices during Peak travel season due to the increase in demand. Traveling during low season is also advantageous if you want to avoid airport and tourist spot crowds. If you really have to travel during peak season, consider leaving home early and going home late to avoid the rush.
How long to Stay
Your travel stay also affects airline ticket prices. Airlines give discounts if you stay at least a week at your destination and return within 90 days.
Consider a Connecting Flight
Contrary to popular belief, direct flights aren’t always the cheapest. Some people have saved up to $1000 dollars on booking connecting instead of Direct flights. If you don’t have a lot of luggage, and aren’t very particular with time, it is best, and a lot cheaper to book a connecting flight instead of direct.
Use the senior citizen discount
Some Airlines offer the same senior Citizen discount for the companions of the Senior Citizen. Ask if it’s available.
The Early Bird gets the Airline Ticket
Call Airlines at 12:01 am on Wednesday mornings. This is when airlines release all the new fares and seat plans. You can be first and choose the best and cheapest tickets at this time.
Shop in the Internet
The best feature of the internet is that you see all available Prices at a very convenient place, your home. You won’t have to canvass travel agencies. Some internet sites even offer internet only discounts that you can benefit from if you avail of their services.
When you do shop on the internet
Check first with travel agents regarding prices, Internet prices aren’t always cheap, it’s best to ask a good old travel agent. It won’t hurt to look at news papers too, as some airlines publish discounts on print. If you’re planning to buy more than 6 months in advance, it’s probably best to ask a travel guide as internet sites don’t usually have schedules for longer than six months.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Maintaining Good Health While Travelling
Imagine planning a trip weeks or maybe months in advance and when the time comes that one gets to actually travel, for some reason, one gets sick along the way and instead of enjoying the trip seeing the sites, one has nothing to do but just rest in the hotel room instead of having fun. Surely, that is something no one wants to experience and here are a few tips one can keep in mind to avoid it.
The best medicine before going on any trip is being in the best possible shape. By doing some biking, aerobics or long walks, one is able to condition the muscles for those long tours. Doing some research about the place one is visiting and reading up on the destination, the culture and the places one wants to visit, makes planning the itinerary less stressful.
By obtaining information on the weather or climate so as to pack the right clothes for the trip and the condition of the drinking water are just some examples one can also work on. By purchasing water purification tablets before going to a place with suspect water sources, one is able to avoid getting any sickness from the water.
Each of one of us has dietary preferences, and by giving advice to the travel agent the type of food to be served during the flight, it can surely avoid any indigestion problems. If one is taking medication, it is best to pack sufficient stock for the trip and must also check if the medication one is carrying is allowed in the place where one is going to avoid any problems with customs.
Now all the preparations have been made, it is onward with the trip. It is best to have a good meal before going on a long trip. Check-ins in airports is long and it will take some time before the airline gives the meals to its passengers.
On a long trip that could take hours by any mode of transportation, it is best from time to time to stretch or walk around to circulate the blood in the body. If one suffers motion sickness while traveling, it is also advisable to take the proper medicine at least an hour before the trip for the medicine to take effect.
Water is important and if one is unsure of the tap water, it is best to order bottled water from the establishment. One should just be sure that the bottle is still enclosed before opening to make sure the bottle is safe for drinking.
After taking all the necessary measures, there is no doubt that the trip will be a memorable experience.
The best medicine before going on any trip is being in the best possible shape. By doing some biking, aerobics or long walks, one is able to condition the muscles for those long tours. Doing some research about the place one is visiting and reading up on the destination, the culture and the places one wants to visit, makes planning the itinerary less stressful.
By obtaining information on the weather or climate so as to pack the right clothes for the trip and the condition of the drinking water are just some examples one can also work on. By purchasing water purification tablets before going to a place with suspect water sources, one is able to avoid getting any sickness from the water.
Each of one of us has dietary preferences, and by giving advice to the travel agent the type of food to be served during the flight, it can surely avoid any indigestion problems. If one is taking medication, it is best to pack sufficient stock for the trip and must also check if the medication one is carrying is allowed in the place where one is going to avoid any problems with customs.
Now all the preparations have been made, it is onward with the trip. It is best to have a good meal before going on a long trip. Check-ins in airports is long and it will take some time before the airline gives the meals to its passengers.
On a long trip that could take hours by any mode of transportation, it is best from time to time to stretch or walk around to circulate the blood in the body. If one suffers motion sickness while traveling, it is also advisable to take the proper medicine at least an hour before the trip for the medicine to take effect.
Water is important and if one is unsure of the tap water, it is best to order bottled water from the establishment. One should just be sure that the bottle is still enclosed before opening to make sure the bottle is safe for drinking.
After taking all the necessary measures, there is no doubt that the trip will be a memorable experience.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Travelling With The Family (2)
Secure your house
Since all of your family members are with you on the trip, you can opt to hire a house sitter. If not, have a neighbor look out for the house for you. Unplug all electrical appliances and be sure to secure all door and windows.
Be safe
Always carry with you a medicine kit for emergencies. This should include aspirins, laxative, insect repellant, bandages, ointments and alcohol. More importantly, bring enough prescription drugs if any of the family members is on medication. Bring enough to last for the entire duration of the trip.
Bring in the fun
Take pictures and videos to document your trip. Take turns in using the camera, this way everyone will get a memorable shot taken. You can take the pictures and put them in a nice travel journal when you get home. This way you can enjoy the fun memories as often as you want.
Remember that the entire objective of a family trip is to have fun. Follow the quick tips above and you can head your way to an enjoyable travel.
Since all of your family members are with you on the trip, you can opt to hire a house sitter. If not, have a neighbor look out for the house for you. Unplug all electrical appliances and be sure to secure all door and windows.
Be safe
Always carry with you a medicine kit for emergencies. This should include aspirins, laxative, insect repellant, bandages, ointments and alcohol. More importantly, bring enough prescription drugs if any of the family members is on medication. Bring enough to last for the entire duration of the trip.
Bring in the fun
Take pictures and videos to document your trip. Take turns in using the camera, this way everyone will get a memorable shot taken. You can take the pictures and put them in a nice travel journal when you get home. This way you can enjoy the fun memories as often as you want.
Remember that the entire objective of a family trip is to have fun. Follow the quick tips above and you can head your way to an enjoyable travel.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Travelling With The Family (1)
When traveling, most would not agree with ‘the more, the merrier’. But it can be! Well, it should be. Traveling with the family can be hassle- free and loaded with fun. There is no reason you shouldn’t bring the kids and the entire family with you. Here are a few tips you can use for an easy, stress- free travel.
Plan with the entire family
Get each family member’s opinion on which places to go. Kids love it when they get involved. Make a short list of the places they want to visit and get the majority’s preference. Plan simple yet fun activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Distribute tasks
Help each other especially when packing. Give each one a responsibility. You can have your kids check on the first- aid kit, your husband to bring all bulky equipments and you take charge preparing the food. This way, your load can be lessened and everyone would feel the importance of each one’s contribution.
Travel light
Since most of the space of your car would be for people, pack only the essential things you need. If possible you can hire strollers for the kids instead of carrying one. Transfer shampoos, mouthwash and the like in small plastic containers instead of bringing the entire thing. Remember that traveling light doesn’t mean traveling incomplete. Carry all important stuff you need to bring.
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