Travel the World..save some bucks!

Travel tips: Planning

Know the difference between “direct” and “nonstop” flights, and always opt for the latter.

Unlike nonstops, direct flights can touch down at other airports on the way to their ultimate destinations. And while stops are built in to the total travel time, the potential delays they can cause aren’t. Whenever possible, fly nonstop.

Make sure you purchase your ticket under the exact name that appears on your ID.

It might seem obvious to you that Betsy is a nickname for Elizabeth, but it may not to a desk agent or a security officer — any one of whom could ask you to show identification with that name before boarding.

Select your seats as soon as possible

If you have a disability and need a premium seat in the bulkhead, tell the agent when you make your reservation rather than at the airport. Other passengers might be able to get those seats 24 hours before the flight, when they’re made available to everyone through the airline’s website.

Get to your gateway city as early as you can

Since delays stack up as the day progresses, it’s smart to book the first flight you can into a hub if you have a connecting flight. Spending a few extra hours at the airport is better than missing your connection because your first flight was late.

Double-check foreign document requirements.

Some countries — like Chile, Kenya, and India — require a visa for entry; others, like South Africa, won’t allow entrance unless a traveler’s passport contains at least two blank, unstamped pages. You need to be aware of those requirements before you make your flight reservations or you could get stuck Stateside. For a complete list of entrance regulations, visit www.travel.state.gov/travel.

Restrictions on checked and carry-on luggage

There are many discounuted airlines out there now and their ticket prices look like a great deal but beware of the hidden costs that may be associated with them. Many of these airlines charge a fee for every bag that is checked while others are lowering their maximum permitted weight limits for checked bags.

Most airlines allow passengers one carry-on bag and one personal item, travelers headed to or passing through the U.K. may only bring one small bag through airport security checkpoints and the size restrictions are rigidly enforced. Your best bet is to check your airline’s web site as well as the TSA web site before every trip to be sure your bags are compliant with the latest rules and regulations.

Going to the lake? Remember these items

If you are going to the lake then you would need some additional items like swimsuit, coverup, sunscreen, umbrella to keep the sun off of you, beach chairs, beach towels, mesh beach bag, frisbee or something else for entertainment, and a life preserver. You’ll also want to think about a fishing pole if you want to go swimming.

Tips on Travelling

Here are some quick things to know when travelling.

  • Be prepared by knowing and following the rules. Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line.
  • If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.
  • Come early and be patient. The enhanced security process may mean longer lines at security checkpoints, especially at times of higher traffic volume.
  • Speak to your children about the screening process so that they will not be frightened or surprised. Remind them not to joke about threats such as bombs or explosives.
  • When travelling with large amounts of currency or other valuables, you may request to be screened privately.
  • Always check the weather at your destination, and prepare accordingly.
  • Dress comfortably.
  • Bring a neck pillow for the flight.
  • Make sure airplane personnel are aware of any disabilities or medical conditions that may require their assistance at some point during the flight.
  • Do not wrap gifts before getting on the plane. You may have to unwrap them for inspection.
  • Don’t overpack bags. They may need to be screened, causing delays and making it harder to close them back up.
  • Book flights early in the day whenever possible. Early flights are less likely to be delayed.
  • Always allow airport personnel and airplane crew members to do their job. Interfering with the duties of a crewmember violates federal law.
  • Avoid wearing clothing, jewelry or other accessories that contain metal whenever possible.
  • Remember that you will be asked to remove your shoes while going through the security checkpoint.
  • Always make sure each piece of luggage, whether checked or carry-on, is clearly labeled and secured with an airline-approved lock.
  • Keep valuables on you at all times, not in checked baggage.
  • Do not put fragile or critical items (keys, medicines, etc.) in checked baggage.
  • Always carry a photo I.D.

How to have a great vacation on a smaller budget

If you want to book a flight for cheap then here are some tips. The first thing is to be flexible. Typically if you fly on a Tuesday or Wednesday and early in the morning or late at night you will find good fares. Be flexible about where you are flying into or out of such as flying into a smaller airport may save you more money than flying into the major city.When you are driving to your destinations remember to get your car tuned up, keep your tires filled, empty out your trunk, and slow down. If you are able to do these things then you can get better gas mileage on your trip.

There are free concerts, movies, and art shows in many of the cities you may visit or maybe in your own hometown. Take a look at what all is free and take advantage of it. Some of the amusement parks, zoos and museums  may have a day in the middle of the week that they give free admission to attract customers in the middle of the week.

Next Page »