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
Swiss Werks 3.0 - There’s going to be a lot of color at airport carousels this year! Victorinox Swiss Army has introduced their new collection of lightweight luggage. It’s been fully re-engineered to offer greater packing space while maintaining the ultra-durable, ultra-lightweight construction that has made this collection a favorite. The newest color is a bright coral, which will definitely stand out in the crowd. The collection has the new Simple Strap Bag System. It also has inline skate wheels, rugged 1680D ballistic nylon fabric and the monopole handle. This handle reduces the weight in your hand so it feels even lighter. It also locks into a “palm facing the body position” which reduces stress on the arm and wrist. The collection is 30% lighter than typical wheeled bags. Plus, the Swiss Werks 3.0 is also 30% bigger offering more packing space than other uprights in their class. It is also backed by the Carry With Confidence Guarantee. From the handy tote on wheels to the 27″ Pullman, you’ll love this luggage and enjoy it for many years while traveling.
April 16th, 2008
Jansport has done it again. They have introduced the latest and greatest fusion color. Coming on or about May 1st, the chocolate chip daiquiri squares is sure to be the must have fashion color for the girls in the know! It’s also available in the best sizes! The 24″ upright will stand out proudly on any luggage carousel. The 22″ upright is the perfect carry on luggage. You can team this piece with the attachable 16″ tote and wheel them both on to the airplane. One will go in the overhead compartment and the tote will go under your seat. The tote can also be carried with the handy shoulder strap. The 24″ will conveniently attaché he 22″ carry on via the add-a-bag strap and the tote will slide over the handle of the 24″. With one hand, you can take luggage with the in-line skate wheels anywhere! And you’ll do it with flair! The cases are monogrammed free of charge too.
April 15th, 2008
The Dilana Signature collection is here! This collection of premium nappa leather is buttery soft to the touch. It’s also surprisingly strong! The trapunto edging and recessed “Dilana” logo sets it apart from other cases. The laptop bags will coddle your computer in fully padded comfort! Exterior pockets have magnetic hidden closures for that sleek, uncluttered look. They also have a fully padded removable shoulder strap. You’ll love the inside organizer pockets to hold all of your accessories. The matching pad holder fits easily inside and can also be carried alone. It comes with a zippered closure, or plain. Inside the pad cover are organizer pockets, a thumb-slide I.D. and a penholder. There’s also a wheeled briefcase for those days when you simple prefer to glide along. This leather is delicious to smell and wonderful to feel. It’s currently on sale at introductory prices. And we’ll add your initials at no charge for a truly personal touch.
April 14th, 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
The rumors are true! Vera Bradley is introducing a new color to their luggage collection. The expected arrival is around the second week in May. It’s perfect for Mother’s Day and graduations. The new color will join the Java Blue, Mesa Red and Signature Black colors that are currently available. Yellowbird is a sunny yellow color with black trim. It will make you smile even when your plane is delayed! The new Vera Bradley luggage will have everything you’ve come to expect in their durable rolling pieces. Telescoping handles of aluminum, in-line skate ball-bearing wheels, micro- PolyCord fabric which is abrasion tested, and a lifetime limted warranty. The interior of the luggage is 100% quilted cotton in Vera Bradley patterns that complement the exterior color. The Pullman cases have a removable matching shoe cover to insure your clothing stays clean. They also have a hidden add-a-bag strap to hook another piece to the front of the luggage so you wheel them both. All of the pieces have a matching luggage tag. Whether you choose the Pullman cases, the convenient 17″ rolling tote or the new 22″ rolling carry on travel duffel you’ll be pleased with your purchase. And you won’t want to wait to make travel plans!
April 10th, 2008
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