Posts filed under 'Travel'
What are some of the ways to check airline fares for those traveling on a budget or watching what they’re spending? You can check with each airline individually by either calling or checking their website. Remember that there is generally a fee when you book by calling the airlines that you can save when booking on line. However, some of the websites also have a booking fee. Keep in mind that travel agents are also a good source of budget fares, but some may charge for booking so ask before booking your ticket. Travel agents can also give many good suggestions if you are not traveling directly from point A to point B.
Check out the following websites as suggested by The Washington Post:
www.cheapflights.com
www.kayak.com
www.expedia.com
www.orbitz.com
www.travelocity.com
www.hotwire.com
www.priceline.com
www.smartertravel.com
www.independenttrtaveler.com
www.budgettravel.com
www.travelzoo.com
Some of the sites also offer fare alerts. Check expedia.com, kayak.com, orbitz.com and travelocity.com for this service. Also, for last minute specials try lastminute.com. Farecast.com will make predictions on airline fares. They also offer a Fare Guard that will lock in a price for one week. Farecompare.com and SideStep.com also will give you fare trends. I generally book my ticket on line directly with the airline I plan to fly. However, I have used the kayak.com site when looking for a fare to a destination that I do not travel often. I have found their website to be quick and easy to use.
April 22nd, 2008
For those of you who have not read the articles in the newspaper, there have been some changes in airline regulations. Notably, Delta Airlines has announced the following:
Carrying a pet in the cabin will cost $100 instead of $75.00.
Oversized bag fee (more than 62″ length plus height plus width) will be $150 instead of $100.
Unaccompanied minor fee will be $100 on all flights instead of $50 for non-stop flights and $100 for connecting flights.
There will be a $25.00 each way charge for a second bag on NorthWest, United Airlines and Delta.
These rules apply to coach, and were reported by the Seattle times travel writer and New York Newsday.
Check with your airline to avoid changes in regulations and to avoid these extra charges.
April 21st, 2008
The newest travel jacket is here! It’s a “hoodie” reversible jacket by UBU. This jacket never wrinkles, no matter how long you’re sitting on the airplane. Perfect for those 6 hour and longer flights. The new floral print goes with so many colors - and the jacket reverses to black. These jackets are surprising warm and very comfortable to wear when traveling. They also pack inside your luggage like a dream! You can even roll it in your pocket, and it will come out as good as new. While we carry these jackets in a huge array of colors, this is the only model with a hood. Super priced at $99.00 this jacket is already a winner! You’ll have to plan a trip just to have an excuse to take the jacket away with you!
April 19th, 2008
According to the N.Y. Times, Americans are still traveling! And the good news is the State Department predicts no delays this year. The N. Y. Times quotes David Donahue, a senior consular official, as saying “it’s a great time to apply for a passport.” He credits the new passport law, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative for a decision to hire hundreds of employees and add passport agencies in Detroit, Minneapolis and Dallas to handle special requests. There are 9,300 passport acceptance sites, including post offices and libraries. You can go to www.iafdb.travel.state.gov and type in your zip code for more information. Remember that passports are also needed to travel by air to or from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. Once you’ve obtained your passport , make a copy to be kept in a separate place or locked in your luggage when traveling. Money belts that can be worn under your clothing are a good idea in busy tourist areas. The money belt can be worn around your waist, your neck, your shoulder, or your leg. There are also many versions of passport cases in all different leathers and fabrics. There are small versions that are really a cover for the passport to protect it, and there are larger versions that will hold all of your travel papers and those of your entire family. Check out the style of case that is best for you and if you don’t have a passport, go ahead and apply for yours
April 17th, 2008
Travel wallets will keep you organized whether you are traveling in the U.S. or overseas. Remember a passport is required anytime you leave the U.S., and a photo I.D. is required inside the country. You also need your rent-a-car information, your baggage claim checks and your return flight information. These travel wallets keep everything important in one place. When going through security checks, it’s easier to know where your important papers are and not have to fumble or look all around. You also won’t hold up the long lines at the airport. If you are sightseeing in busy tourist areas, you may prefer to wear an under the clothing money belt for your passport and other valuables. However, most of the time, the travel wallet is the easiest way to carry everything of importance. They are available in fabrics and different leathers. They also come in many different colors and different sizes. The smaller models can fit in a back pocket, while the larger ones will fit in a jacket pocket, or in your carry on luggage or tote. The leather models can be monogrammed and make ideal gifts.
April 12th, 2008
It’s simple once you understand the difference between converters and adapters. Converters convert or change the electricity while adapters adapt to the foreign outlet. If your appliance is NOT dual voltage, the adapter will let you plug in your appliance, BUT your appliance will burn out! The United States (North America) typically is 110 - 120 VAC while the rest of the world is in the range of 220 - 240 VAC. We need to cut back (or convert) the voltage going to our appliance and then we need to adapt to the outlet with an adapter. Most travel hairdryers, steamers and irons are dual-voltage (110/120 VAC - 220/240 VAC). This means they can be used “around the world” and they will only require the adapter plug to get into the outlet. Some of these applicances that are dual voltage have a button or switch that has to be turned to the correct current. (Low for U.S. high for everywhere else.) Adjust the correct current on the travel appliance before plugging in! There are also different converters ! Single wattage models come in two power levels - high or low. Low wattage converters handle appliances ratged at 0 - 50 which includes electric shavers, curling irons, toothbrushes, and radios. High wattage converters are required for appliances rated over 50 watts, but below 1850 such as hair dryers, steamers and irons. There are also dual wattage converters - these will take low or high wattage appliances. Remember also that grounded appliances will need a grounded adapter plug. Now that you understand converters and adapters, you can pack all of your appliances in your luggage and travel anywhere!
April 11th, 2008
Get ready to pack your lightweight luggage! The open skies agreement deregulates flying between the United States and the 27 European Union countries. It also allows European carriers to fly between any point in Europe and the United States, rather than just between their home country and the U.S. Even with the rising fuel costs, this is probably as good as it gets flying trans-Atlantic. Be aware of any extra charges, and stay within the luggage size and weight restrictions. For the latest travel planning information, you can check out www.visiteurope.com which has quick links to each of the member countries of the European Travel Commission. Below is a listing of additional websites:
www.Austria.info
www.VisitBelgium.com
www.VisitFlanders.us
www.VisitBritain.us
www.BulgariaTravel.org
www.Croatia.hr
www.CzechTourism.com
www.VisitDenmark.com
www.VisitEstonia.com
www.VisitFinland.com
www.US.FranceGuide.com
www.Tourism.Gov.ge (Resorts of Georgia)
www.CometoGermany.com
www.VisitGreece.gr
www.GotoHungary.com
www.IcelandTouristBoard.com
www.DiscoverIreland.com
www.LatviaTourism.Iv
www.Travel.lt (Lithuanian State)
www.VisitLuxembourg.com
www.VisitMalta.com
www.VisitMonaco.com
www.Visit-Montenegro.org
www.Holland.com
www.PolandTour.org
www.VisitPortugal.com
www.RomaniaTourism.com
www.VisitSanMarino.com
www.Serbia-Tourism.org
www.CometoSlovakia.com
www.okSpain.org
www.MySwitzerland.com
www.TourismTurkey.org
www.mfa.gov.us/usa/
April 8th, 2008
What is digital pickpocketing? Should you be concerned? The newer passports contain chips that emit information that can be read by a scanner. The State Department and the Department of Homeland Security say that even when passport books are open, the digital information can be read by a scanner no more than a few inches away. But passports and some of the new credit cards, such as Mastercard’s PayPass and other debit cards can be read with any scanner. Those that want to protect their identity are purchasing these new RFID blocking passport cases. These cases block RFID chips from being read by unauthorized persons. They are lightweight, and hold up to five credit cards in addition to your passport. If nothing else, it gives you piece of mind and keeps your information encrypted and safe from hackers. Remember to carry your passport on your person, and a copy in your luggage.
April 7th, 2008
Beware the extra charges you’ll encounter when flying. Besides the cost of snacks on the plane, and the headphones, you may now be charged for “extra leg room.” Jet Blue Airways has announced that they will begin selling optional seats with 38″ inches of pitch on April 1. This is four more inches than its standard seats. This was reported in the New York Times on April 6, 2008. The new seats are in rows 2 through 5 and in the emergency exit rows on the 150 seat A320’s. There will be a total of 36 on each of these planes. The airline’s 100 seat Embraer 190’s will have only four seats per plane. The additional cost to the passenger will be $10.00 on flights under 600 miles, $15.00 on flights up to 1,500 miles, and $20.00 on longer flights. For more information, you can check out www.jetblue.com. Remember to be cautious when packing. Your luggage must meet the airline requirements and be no larger than 62” linear inches, and must also meet their weight requirements, if you do not want to be charged extra. The airlines have different requirements, so be sure to check with your airline before packing. All of the luggage brands have introduced smaller sized Pullmans and lightweight luggage. Additionally, some of the airlines have changed their carry on luggage requirements, so be sure to check with the airline if you wish to use carry on luggage.
April 7th, 2008
A lot of luggage is seemingly lost by the airlines. Some of it can be avoided by following some simple rules:
Do not travel with luggage in need of repair. It can be caught in the conveyer belt and delayed because it is in disrepair. Look your luggage over before packing, and bring it in for repair if necessary.
Remove ALL old labels, bar codes and information. Your case can be misdirected by simply reading the wrong bar code left on your luggage.
Be sure to have luggage tags on your luggage. Two tags are best, one for the top handle and one for the side handle. Use TSA locks only, as these can be opened by TSA security and relocked. Do not use old locks or tie the zipper together in anyway.
Have your travel information inside the bag, with your home address and phone number and your destination name and phone number. Include cell phone if you’re carrying one.
If using curbside check-in, wait and be sure the bar code is placed securely on the handle of your luggage.
Identify your bag. Many bags look alike and your luggage can be picked up in error. Two tags, one on each handle, and in a bright color is a great idea. Laminated business card tags are another good idea, again one on each handle. If you’re using handle wraps to attract attention, use two, one on each handle. You never know which end your luggage will come down on the carousel. Monogramming is a very secure way to identify your luggage. It’s permanent, and is easily recognizable.
April 5th, 2008
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