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Travel Tips

How to Get a Good Travel Deal on Hotel, Car, and Airfare

February 6, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

When looking for the best travel deal possible, don’t risk it.  Never cross your fingers and hope for the best – research your options and get the vacation you deserve when you’re spending your hard-earned money.

The more time you book in advance, the more time you have to keep a close eye on hotel prices and airfare and make exchanges wherever applicable. If you’ve been searching for a long time now, and you see something that looks like a good deal – it probably is!

Try to look online for various travel deals.  Booking online is probably one of the most cost-cutting and valuable methods of making reservations somewhere.  Simply checking websites that claim the lowest prices isn’t enough anymore. Compare prices everywhere in order to get a good travel deal. Orange County Truck Accident Attorney helps you in the truck accident attorney.

If you’re a generally a spur-of-the-moment type person, always be sure to check for last minute deals on flights that still have empty seats a few hours before boarding.  This could cut costs by a lot since airlines want your business. Atlanta working on a popular Personal injury lawyer notes at Angell Law Firm.

When searching for a good travel deal, make sure to look and see if the price of the ticket includes taxes and all applicable fees. If not, you may be tacking an additional hundred dollars onto your price.

When searching for hotels, similar to airfare, try not to settle for the first rate you’re offered.  Ask about military, corporate, senior, or any other special rates you might qualify for.  Selecting a hotel just outside the major city you’re visiting tends to be cheaper as well – which allows for a better travel deal. Ask for an upgrade to a suite because many companies will do it for free if the room is empty.

Getting a great travel deal on a rental car is easy if you ask for upgrades.  Generally, it’s less expensive to rent using the online service rather than walking in and renting a full week is often cheaper than a daily rate.  Don’t forget to add taxes to whatever rate you’re being offered.

Check with your auto-insurance agent from truckinsurancecomparison.co.uk to make sure that you’re covered in case an accident occurs while in a rental car.  Before leaving the lot, be sure to make note of any dents, scratches, stains, or other damages in order to avoid taking the bill for someone else’s carelessness.

A final good travel deal tip is to try walking from your hotel or hostel to a local restaurant. This will eliminate cab costs and will make you feel better gaining some fresh air and being able to take in all of the local scenery.

Filed Under: Travel Tips

Finding a Reputable Travel Agency

February 5, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

Hiring a travel agency to take care of all your travel planning needs can take all the headaches and time consuming work out of it for you, but how do you really know the travel agency you want to hire is a reputable one? Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a travel agency for your upcoming vacation

Make sure they’re associated with ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) organization. This means that the traveling agency has strict rules and regulations they have to adhere to. It makes it easier for you to file a complaint against an agency in case you need to.

Be sure they don’t over exaggerate their deals. Every travel agency would like to get your business, but some will try to get you the best deal and won’t tell you everything you need to hear.

Make sure you have their contact information. If you go through an online travel agency, be sure they have their contact information clearly visible. There should be a phone number, address and an email address.

If all you’re presented with is an email address, move on to another agency. A reputable agency will have no problem showing their contact information. It also doesn’t hurt to try calling their phone number to talk to a live person and see if the number is for real.

Watch for hidden fees. Reputable agencies will lay out the deals exactly as they are. The ones that aren’t legit tend to promise low rates and then charge you for extra fees once they’ve reeled you into their trap. Get every fee in writing.

Reputable agencies will go out of their way to make your trip as pleasant as possible. If you need handicap-accessible items, they’ll go out of their way to make sure you’re well taken care of. The ones that aren’t good are only interested in getting your money and not your return business.

Reputable agencies are there for you even when you’re on your trip and come across a problem. They work with you before, during and even after your trip to ensure everything goes smoothly. Bad ones tend to disappear after you’ve paid them for their services.

A reputable agency will offer some tips for your travel plans and let you know about a country’s culture so you can play it safe while on your vacation. They’re always on the lookout for any dangers that may occur in the country you want to visit and will alert you if there’s a problem.

Some sell you their package and disappear after that, leaving you on your own. Travel agencies do all of the work for you so that all you have to worry about is having fun on your vacation.

Filed Under: Travel Tips

Educate Your Kids, Have Fun and Save Money Too

February 5, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

Nobody ever said that having fun couldn’t be a learning experience as well. There are so many inexpensive ways to have fun with your kids and educate them at the same time. Learning together makes for smart kids and fond memories.

Your local library is the obvious place to start. Books provide unlimited knowledge and avenues to unknown destinations. Libraries offer lectures, movies, and storytellers for all ages usually for free or a modest admission charge. Be sure and ask about the annual library book sale. You and your children can amass countless books for almost nothing.

Take your children to a museum and you take them to discovery. Most towns have numerous museums exhibiting a wide range of subjects including natural history and art. Some of the more modern museums offer hands on or interactive exhibits. You can visit these museums often and see something different each time. Of course, don’t miss aquariums to teach your youngsters about creatures of the sea.

County or State Fairs are also filled with fun and learning. A visit can be very inexpensive if you avoid the rides and midway. Many free shows are presented each day ranging from swooping birds, dogs chasing a Frisbee to military bands. The various exhibits can be quite educational and include new cars and energy of the future. Check the fair’s website for special days when kids get in free.

Make a worm farm. This is a learning experience that could turn into a business. Worms can thrive in a properly made container and multiply quickly. They eat waste from the garden and table scraps. (Not meat or dairy.) Worms are easy to care for but you do have to keep the soil moist and provide good drainage. Your crop is excellent for fishermen and gardeners.

Children can learn a lot about life by visiting a nursing home. They don’t have to know anyone there. Most homes are asking for volunteers to come and visit with residents who are lonesome and have no family. It would be nice for visitors to bring greeting cards or some other small token to be given. Your visits would be appreciated.

Enroll your child in special classes such as art, dance, music or learning a new language.
Let the child’s obvious talent be your guide or encourage the youngster to step out of his comfort zone and learn a new skill. Many of these classes are held at community colleges or libraries and are free or reasonably priced.

Teach your children some of the games of your day such as throwing horseshoes or washers. These games can still be family favorites and cost nothing to play. Invite the neighbors over for family contests.

Become your kids’ favorite storyteller by relating tales of your childhood and theirs before they can remember. Tell them for instance what happened on the day they were born. Sharing is teaching; and families that learn together enjoy being together.

Filed Under: Travel Tips

Luxury Travel on a Shoestring Budget

February 4, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

Love to travel but don’t have the thousands of dollars to do it? You can get luxury travel on a shoestring budget just by planning a little more carefully. Read these tips that will allow you to go on your well-deserved getaway without burning a hole in your pocket.

Always remember when planning your trip that timing is key.  School vacation weeks are the worst – always crowded with children and the airfare is sky high – no pun intended.

Sometimes a coach seat during a school vacation week could cost more than a first class ticket during the off-season.  So remember, unless you want a screaming child kicking the back of your seat throughout the entire flight, avoid winter and spring breaks at all costs.

Regardless of where you decide to book your luxury travel arrangements – with an agent or on the Internet – make sure that you know exactly who you are working with.  Make sure you choose the right specialist for what you’re looking for. 

Consider all aspects of your deal – not just the price tag.  Quality wins over quantity in some cases.  This way, you’ll have the luxury you want on a shoestring budget. This also makes sure that you build a solid relationship with the company you’re dealing with.  If you are loyal to them, they will be loyal to you.  Always remember, they want your business.

Think about how frequent flyer programs work: if you choose their airline consistently, they’ll reward you by giving you a free flight.  When booking online or with an agent, make sure you always ask questions.  You will never get anywhere from being silent, so see if they could possibly upgrade an aspect of your trip. 

Your coach tickets could turn into first class – or maybe your suite could turn into a deluxe version. Don’t be scared to ask for things – if they say no, then you’re no worse off than before.

If for some reason the company you’re working with makes an error, be sure to take advantage of it.  Most companies want to keep up a high level of customer satisfaction and rely on their guests to provide them with information on how to achieve that. 

Your criticism will ensure that yourself (and other travelers) will have a satisfactory luxury vacation. Be sure to find someone who is willing to work with unhappy customers.  Many times, people get aggravated with customers who complain, so check review sites ahead of time. Once you get the trip planned out, relax and have fun while you enjoy your luxury travel on a shoestring budget.

Filed Under: Travel Tips

Is Travel Insurance a Necessity to Protect My Investment? 

February 4, 2010 by admin Leave a Comment

Everyone always talks about worries that certain insurance will be a scam – car, home, renters, and even travel.  Well, travel insurance may be required in order to protect your investment in your trip.

Many travel agents suggest travel insurance if you’re planning on spending a lot of money with the airfare, food, rental cars, and hotel or resort reservations on the line.  If you plan to travel overseas, check with your normal insurance plan to make sure that it applies even when you’re traveling abroad.

If for some unforeseen reason they don’t cover your medical expenses, travel insurance would.  Travelers insurance will guarantee coverage for wherever you are while on vacation. [Read more…] about Is Travel Insurance a Necessity to Protect My Investment? 

Filed Under: Travel Tips

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