» international travel

Top Six Tips for Booking Trips

warren707 — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 08:29:50 +0000

Although vacation travel is fun, it requires good planning. For people who travel on business, the trip may not be as fun but good planning is still important. In either case, you can make the process of booking your trip much easier by following a few guidelines. To help, we have provided you with helpful information to make your next trip planning more successful. Remember, good planning often saves money and hassle!

1. Online Booking – Whenever possible, take advantage of online booking. Today, airlines and travel agencies have created websites that allow you to look at options and then book. In addition, most sites are easy to navigate. The benefit of booking trips online is that you can take the guesswork out of the equation. For instance, you will know exact travel dates, times, restrictions, accepted reward programs, discounts, and more. By booking your next trip online, you can make all the appropriate requests for air travel, car rental, and accommodations day or night, making this a highly convenient option.

2. Use your Air Miles – If you do not belong to any of the major airline programs, you can sign up free. As you travel, you begin to accumulate miles, which over time, will be cashed in for free air travel. Keep in mind that some airlines now offer the option of using air miles when booking online but some still require a phone call. In either case, building up miles is a great way to enjoy free trips. Additionally, most programs will also provide discounts on air, as well as hotel accommodations and car rentals.

3. Early Booking – Booking trips as early as possible is a great way to save money, while also ensuring you have a seat on the plane when you arrive at the airport. First, booking in advance can save you hundreds of dollars over waiting to book within the week before travel. Second, all airlines overbook flights, knowing that not everyone will show up. However, if people do show up and the flight is overbooked, someone is going to be bumped. To reduce the risk of this happening, book early. In most cases, airlines will allow you to book in advance by as much as 330 days.

4. Follow Up – It would seem that once you book your trip, it is a done deal but in reality, you should always follow up before showing up at the airport. Booking trips is just one part of the process – follow-up is another, making sure that you have a confirmed seat and that the flight is still on schedule.

5. Flexibility – Another great way to save money when booking trips is to be flexible. If you have a schedule that can bend, take advantage of early morning or late night flights. In return, you can save significant money over booking during the busiest hours. Additionally, choosing an off-peak flight will usually ensure that you are not bumped from an overbooked flight.

6. Travel Agencies – If you plan booking trips through a travel agency, make sure you work with one that is qualified and reputable. You want an agency that has your best interest in mind, finding you the best bargains, and travel options.

Travel within Europe

warren707 — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 22:44:27 +0000

Europe spans an area of 10,400,000 km2 (or 4,000,000 square miles), from Asia to the Atlantic Ocean and from Africa to the Arctic. The longest river in Europe is the Volga (3.530km), in Russia. It flows into the Caspian Sea. Europe’s highest mountain is Mount Everest, with a height of 5,642m above the sea level. Near the Mediterranean Sea, Europe’s climate is subtropical, while near the Barents Sea and the Arctic Ocean, the climate is subarctic. For tourists, Europe offers a vast diversity of cultures, many beautiful cosmopolitan cities, and lots of attractions. Europe is divided into 5 zones: Western Europe, Northern Europe, Central Europe, Eastern Europe, and Mediterranean Europe. Europe is a collection of different countries, currently in the process of coming together as the European Union. The European Union’s currency is the euro, but not all countries adopted it. However, some countries outside the EU use euro as single currency.

To enter Europe, you must be aware of the rules, depending on where you wish to go. If you want to visit a Schengen country (Schengen countries have abolished border controls between them) and want to visit only Schengen countries, you need only one Schengen Visa. Some citizens, like Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States of America citizens, don’t need Schengen visas if they enter as tourists and stay for no longer than 90 days inside the Schengen area. This means 90 days for the whole Schengen area, not 90 days for a single country.
For Non-Schengen countries, you must consult that country’s immigration policies. If you wish to enter a non-schengen country and return to the Schengen zone, you will need a multiple-entry visa.

You can enter in Europe by plane, by train, or by ship. The largest air travel hubs are London (LON: LCY, LHR, LGW, STN, LTN), Frankfurt (FRA, HHN), Paris (CDG), and Amsterdam (AMS). These hubs have connections to all of Europe’s countries, so you can travel anywhere in Europe. The Trans-Siberian Railway is the most used railway. One can get into Europe either by passenger ships or freight ships.

You must be aware that there are no border controls between countries that are in the Schengen area and that a Schengen visa is available for any Schengen country. Traveling between a Schengen and a non-Schengen country will result in border controls being applied at the entry point. Be aware that wherever you travel, at some airports, airlines will demand to see your ID card or passport.

If you plan to take a plane to Europe, you must know that all flights within and from the European Union limit liquids, gels, and creams to 100mL per container. These must be carried in a transparent zip-lock bag of 1L or less and presented during security checks. Also, only one bag per passenger is allowed. Many airlines provide a very cheap travel inside Europe, much cheaper than by train or bus. Some of the cheapest air companies are airBerlin, Centralwings, easyJet, HLX, Ryanair, SkyEurope Airlines and WizzAir. These airlines have the lowest fees on routes from and to cities in the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, Ireland, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia and Hungary.

Through Europe, you can find a wide variety of ATMs, from many different banks around the world. Note that these ATMs don’t usually have letters on their keypad, and also may not accept PINs of over four digits. As for the credit cards, in some countries, many shops will insist to see your ID for any credit card transaction. Stores displaying Mastercard, Amex, etc logos are required to accept sign-and-swipe. However, many will initially refuse, so be persistent to obtain this.

In terms of leisure activities in Europe one of the most enjoyed pursuits by many tourists are golf vacations in Spain these can be organized online through one of the many booking specialist or tourists can organize play on each of the courses themselves though in this case they would need to book well in advance.

Among the biggest risks in Europe are pick-pockets and muggings. Many European countries have a very low level of violence. You must not concern yourself with your health, as most restaurants have very high standards in hygiene. The vast majority of European countries have clean tap water, posing no risks to health. If you are a tourist and want to travel to many beautiful countries, see many cultures, and have unique moments, you must consider traveling within Europe.

Don’t make these international travel mistakes

warren707 — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 20:41:59 +0000

by Erin Richards

Make a good first impression

“In some cultures you hug, in others you shake hands, and in others you kiss,” says Cindy Post Senning, a director at the Emily Post Institute. “It’s easy to disrespect locals if you aren’t familiar with how to greet them, both formally and casually.”

Avoid careless judgments

Travelers love to talk about how places are different from home. Unfortunately, says Senning, innocent observations can come across as superior and judgmental, as in: “Your cars are so small here!” or “I can’t believe this restaurant doesn’t have ice cubes.”

Watch your gestures

The wrong move with your head, hand, or foot can be a surefire way to get on a local’s nerves, or even pick a fight. “We also fail to do our homework about space relationships,” says Roger E. Axtell, author of eight international etiquette guides, including Do’s and Taboos Around the World.

“Latin America and the Middle East have smaller personal ‘bubbles,’ so you must refrain from stepping away when they move close.”