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Great Travel Accessories for Your Vacation and Business Travel

Sunday, September 5th, 2010
Travel
by wenzday01

Great Travel Accessories for Your Vacation and Business Travel

If you’d like to know what travel accessories are available to make your trip easier, safer, and more comfortable, here are some great products.  These items should be available at most luggage and travel accessories oriented stores.  

 What are compression bags and can they save a lot of space when you pack your luggage?

If you use space saving clear plastic compression bags when packing your clothes, you can save up to a whopping 80% more space in your luggage.  They can be used over and over again for many years of very easy packing.

What is a non-slip security wallet and how does it work?

One accessory you should consider buying is the non-slip security travel wallet.  It is about the same size as a regular wallet but it has non-slip rubber on one side which will rub against and catch on the inside of your pocket if it accidentally slips out of your pocket, or if someone tries to pick your pocket.  Always put your wallet in your front pocket.  Under no circumstances should you ever carry your wallet in your back pocket.  Professional thieves the world over call it “the sucker pocket”. 

Here’s a neat trick!  You can convert your wallet into a non-slip one by putting a few wide rubber bands around it.  Another solution that will help with the pickpocket problem is a chain-equipped travel wallet which you can attach to your belt. 

The secret waist wallet is a wallet that compliments the non-slip travel wallet.  It fits nicely under your shirt or blouse, but is still easily accessible.  It is not a good idea to lift your shirt or blouse up and open this wallet in public as you never know who is watching, like a would be pickpocket, or robber.   It is best to open it discretely where no one can see you doing it, such as in a public washroom stall.

A leather money belt that has a zippered, concealed pocket on the inner side of it, is a great security travel product.  You can hide a key, paper money, or small foldable documents in the secure, zippered pocket.

There are stay-up, elastic security socks that have a concealed, zippered pocket on the inside of each one of a pair of these socks.   These socks would be extremely difficult for a pickpocket to get at.

Another unique accessory is the RFID blocking passport document holder.  This radio frequency identification holder helps to protect your passport and other documents that can be electronically compromised from snooping data-stealing hackers.

A combination and key accessible combo luggage lock makes it possible for the custom’s officials to unlock your checked luggage for inspection with a special skeleton key, then lock your luggage up again.  You can then dial the combination and you can open your luggage.  This can save you a lot of time and money replacing regular locks that custom’s agents would normally have to break to gain entry to inspect your luggage.  Another real plus with these combo locks is that you do not have any keys to worry about losing or replacing.

You can carry a personal, battery-operated security alarm that emits a loud, piercing sound that may help ward off a robber or mugger.  Another product that is inexpensive and that will produce the same effect is a referee’s whistle, which you can hide under your shirt or blouse, attached to a string and hung around your neck.

A battery-operated hotel room intruder alarm is a great hotel room safety device.  There are two types of these alarms.  One alarm hangs on the room’s door knob.  Any slight movement of the door knob or door will trigger the alarm.  Another alarm is the doorstop kind which you can push under the door’s bottom edge.  If someone tries to open the door, the alarm will go off.

Women travelers can buy an innovative security purse that has a steel cable sewn in the strap.  This will foil a thief who makes an attempt to cut through the strap and run away with their purse.

Easy to inflate, easy to carry, the pocket pillow measures approximately 6″ x 4″ x 1″.  It inflates to about 19″ x 15″, and makes a comfortable pillow when you need to rest your head or sleep.

Make sure that you protect your eyes when traveling in sunny climates by wearing sunglasses that carry both a UVA as well as a UVB certified protection label.

A handy little book light that clamps on to the edge of your book enables you to conveniently read in dim light or total darkness.  It also allows you to read in the dark without disturbing your sleeping travel companion. 

If you are backpacking you should consider wearing a steel-mesh equipped backpack.  These great backpacks have a security steel mesh sewn into the bottom and sides, the most vulnerable places where a thief could slash it with a knife.  When this happens, everything tumbles out, and the thief and his accomplices grab anything of valuable and run away in different directions.  

You should keep in mind that you will probably need adaptor plugs and converters if you are traveling to certain countries.

One large travel accessories store, Magellan’s, has an award-winning catalogue that has everything for travelers from adaptor and connector plugs to secret security wallets.  You can order a catalogue online, at Magellans.com

Tilley Endurables, a legendary manufacturer of sun-protective travel clothing and accessories,created the world-famous Tilley Hat.  They specialize in making stylish, comfortable, and practical outdoor hats and travel clothing.  Most fabrics they use in manufacturing their hats and clothing carry a certified UPF 50  rated label, which is the highest rating for sun protection available.  You can get their sun-protective clothing and accessories catalogue by going to their website, at Tilleys.com.

Dorothy Yamich has a passion for travel. She has lived and traveled extensively throughout Europe as well as traveled in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. She is a travel consultant and specializes in luxury cruises as well as vacation packages. To quickly locate and book cheap holidays, at the best price possible, whenever you feel like traveling, go to Travel Tips Guide, for more information.

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Cheap Travel Europe: the Best Way to Rejoice a Vacation

Saturday, September 4th, 2010
Travel
by nixter

Cheap Travel Europe: the Best Way to Rejoice a Vacation

Why do people travel? Relaxation and rejuvenation are two of the most important reasons that people take to travelling and exploring new places. For this purpose, one destination seems to be the best. Europe has the best of everything and the tourists can have the best time of their life. With cheap travel Europe, the travellers can now have a great vacation which will leave them spellbound for a very long time.

People take to cheap travel Europe to have the best of vacations for their holidays. With such packages and travel tours available for the travellers, they have the liberty to choose the best itinerary that they wish to enjoy. Cheap travel Europe is one of the best ways one can take up a journey to the continent. There are numerous destinations that one can think of visiting. It is through the travel packages that travellers can decide the best ones of them which lie in the way or make a very good itinerary.

All bookings and reservations for the travellers are made beforehand and this eases out the problem of trouble and inconvenience for the travellers. This is the best way to travel since a low cost booking way is also obtained easily. Prior or advance booking of flights, taxis, sight seeing, etc is also a way to save money since it costs less when done with a notice. Cheap travel Europe helps the travellers in finding out the best means to travel according to their budget as well as the time frame which suits them.

Travellers can take advantage of cheap travel Europe and make the best of their trip to this beautiful land. All the destinations can be visited at a very low cost and without any trouble caused to the travellers.

Jason Born is offering advice for quite some time. Having completed his Bachelor of Science in Travel and Tourism Business Management from Institute For Tourism Studies(IFT). He provide useful advice through his articles that have been found very useful. To find Cheap travel europe, Europe Travel, Europe travel deals, Europe travel tips, Europe travel tours visit http://www.cheaptraveltoeurope.net/

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How Travel Insurance Can Save Your Vacation

Saturday, August 28th, 2010
Travel
by AMERICANVIRUS

How Travel Insurance Can Save Your Vacation

Not every vacation goes as planned. Most people can recover easily from sunburn or a missed connection flight, but what happens when something major goes wrong. What if your flight is cancelled and you have to spend thousands of additional dollars to fly home the next day instead? What if you break your leg while skiing? What if your luggage, including your passport, is stolen?

When something significant goes wrong when on vacation, you may find yourself suddenly in thousands of dollars of debt or relying on the kindness of strangers to help you. Both cases can be bad news. You can protect yourself, though, if you purchase travel insurance before you leave.

Travel insurance policies give you a way to protect yourself medically and financially when traveling so that you can have peace of mind while on vacation. The more relaxed you are, the more you will enjoy your vacation. This type of insurance is good whether you are traveling domestically or internationally, and it can be purchased through the travel agency you used to book your trip, from the cruise line or tour operating company if you have one, or from a third-party company that sells all kinds of insurance.

What does travel insurance cover? The type of policy you purchase determines what your insurance policy covers. Sometimes, the policies offered by travel agents are actually not very inclusive, giving you just a little bit of coverage in case the trip is canceled. However, if you go with a third-party policy, you might find that quite a few problems can be solved by your policy. Some of the things covered include the following:

¨ Emergency medical expenses

¨ Accidental death or injury

¨ Funeral expenses while overseas

¨ Delayed luggage item replacement

¨ Lost, damaged, or stolen possessions

¨ Legal costs

¨ Personal liability damages

¨ Trip cancellation

¨ Flight delay

¨ Curtailment

¨ Emergency evacuation

¨ Rental car damages

Keep in mind, though, that travel insurance policies do not automatically cover the things listed above. In fact, basic policies rarely cover anything more than emergency medical expenses, luggage problems, and trip cancellation. Even those things may not be covered under all circumstances. Things that are commonly excluded from even the most thorough policies include the following:

¨ Pregnancy-related medical care

¨ Terrorism

¨ Injuries due to high-risk sports

¨ War-related injuries

¨ Medical expenses relating to alcohol or drugs

¨ Pre-existing medical conditions

Some of the above-mentioned situations can be added to your policy, but this is not always the case. Ask really specific questions to find out exactly how you are covered with your policy.

While travel insurance is offered to most people, you may not be able to get a policy if you are traveling to a high-risk area of the world. For example, if you are on a missionary or relief trip to a country in the middle of a war, most insurance companies will not cover you. You may also be unable to get travel insurance if you are traveling to a country where a natural disaster is likely during that time of year. Sometimes, if you are visiting a high-risk country, you can get very basic coverage that at least allows you to make sure that you are covered in the event of an accident or lost luggage.

The best part about travel insurance, though, is that you can find a company with concierge services and emergency travel assistance. In other words, they do not just make you collect receipts and foot the bill when you get home. If you are sick and in a country where few doctors speak your language, the travel insurance company can arrange for someone from the embassy in that country to help you get the care you need. They usually have 24 hours a day, 7 days a week assistance so that you never have to worry about being alone and in a panic because something has gone wrong. Make sure that you take your policy documentation with you when you travel so that you can call your insurance company with your policy number if something goes wrong.

Travel insurance can be a bit pricey though, costing 5% to 7% of your total vacation cost or more. However, when you think about the expenses you could incur without the insurance, the choice is simple; travel insurance is extremely valuable. That way, if something bad happens, you can take care of the problem as quickly and easily as possible and enjoy the rest of your time away from home. As with any kind of insurance, if you shop around, you can usually find a good deal, and the policy will ensure that one setback does not have to ruin an entire trip for you and your fellow travelers.

Suzanne Bradley is a writer and blogger who discusses various aspects of the travel industry such as travel insurance.

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Enjoy Your Vacation at a Cheaper Price with a Cheap Travel Package

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010
Travel
by lorenzo cuppini verducci

Enjoy Your Vacation at a Cheaper Price with a Cheap Travel Package

Want to go in for a dream vacation with your family, and the problem is shortage of funds? Well, now there is a solution to your problem, thanks to the availability of a cheap travel package, designed specially according to your needs, that is available with almost every travel agency or tour planning company. A cheap travel package ensures that you get the same amount of enjoyment that you would get at regular prices.

Travel agencies all around the world give offers for both group tours organised by them, or personal and private family tours or honeymoon etc. Besides, if you do not want to go in for a group tour by the travel agency, and just need help in booking of tickets, accommodations etc., then they also help you to avail discount air travel, as most travel agencies have tie-ups with various airlines. Basically, the earlier you book your tickets, the better are your chances of getting a bigger benefit of cheap air travel.

If you like to do things yourself, and do not want to be dependent on travel agencies for this work, then you could yourself check out the websites of various airlines, in order to gain information on cheap travel tickets or discount air travel. In case you are a regular customer or user of some airline, then after the completion of a certain number of kilometers traveled with that airlines, you may also get Cheap Travel Tickets for your next trip. This type of customer benefit is followed in most airline companies.

Expenditure on air travel eats up a big portion of your planned budget for your vacation, and that is the reason why you should always go in for a cheap travel package, as it ensures that you get a Cheap Air Travel facility. Besides, you also get other benefits of cheaper accommodations etc.

It is always better to plan off-season trips as there are more chances of a cheap travel package being available at that point of time, because airlines, hotels ,travel agencies etc. all want to attract the customers in order to gain business and make profit at that time. So obviously the benefits in a cheap travel package taken up in off season would be definitely more than the one taken up in the regular or peak season.

Michael is a very well known author who writes on topics like Discount air travel,Family Travel Deals and Discount global travel.

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Travel Agent Tips for Planning a Family Vacation

Monday, August 23rd, 2010
Travel
by ChernobylBob

Travel Agent Tips for Planning a Family Vacation

 

Working with a travel agency can be difficult if you are planning a family vacation. Typically, couples without children are much more flexible, so if you have kids, make sure your travel agency can accommodate your special travel needs. Here are some tips for planning a family vacation with a travel agency:

Tip #1: Let your agent know the ages your children will be during the vacation.

When you book a trip, you typically are working at least a few months in advance. While this may not seem like a big deal for you, in that time, your child’s age may change. Your travel agent needs to know this information. Sometimes, prices only apply to children in a certain age group, so if your child goes from being 12 to 13, a new fee structure may apply. In addition, if your child turns 18 before the trip, doors for new activities may open. The same is true for other ages. For example, a swim with the dolphins activity may specify that a child under the age of 14 needs to be accompanied by a guardian. If your child has a birthday before the vacation, you may be able to do that activity because he or she now meets the requirements. Be mindful of the documents your child needs to travel too, as they may change at different ages.

Tip #2: Talk about specific scheduling concerns.

Some children are very set in their schedules. If this is the case, you need to let your travel agency know the best time for flights and other travel. You want this to be a good experience for everyone. While you may have to make some adjustments, if it is just as easy for you to book an afternoon flight as it is to book an evening flight, you may want to specify your preference based on when your child normally eats and sleeps.

Tip #3: Be age appropriate.

Sometimes, travel agents try to talk you into purchasing tickets with neat entertainment options. That’s great…but can your kids go? Make sure that anything you plan before you leave is age appropriate. You can’t very well call a babysitter when you are on vacation! Also consider the hotel in which you stay. With a few children under the age of ten, a five-star hotel might not make as much sense as a family-friendly resort.

Tip #4: Book your flight early.

The sooner you book you flight, the more options you will have. This doesn’t just have to do with scheduling. If you get your tickets early enough, you may also be able to request seating together or near the airplane’s bathroom. Booking early also helps prevent problems should the flight be overbooked. When that happens, the last people to book their flights get bumped to a different flight, and you don’t want your group to be split up if you’re traveling with kids.

Tip #5: Look for Disney alternatives.

Disney World is the quintessential family vacation. This is not your only option, though. Disney vacations can be expensive when you consider all the money you’ll spend on merchandise and “extras” for the kids. That place is built to get parents to spend money. Other alternatives can still be fun for your kids without being quite as expensive. Make it clear from the start that you want something as fun as Disney, but without going to that theme park. If Disney is the only child-friendly package they have available, you might want to work with a different travel agency.

Tip #6: Sign a flexible agreement.

If you’re traveling with young children, it is usually a good idea to sign as flexible of an agreement as possible. Kids get sick, break bones, and otherwise cause travel problems fairly regularly, and if you have to cancel your vacation, you don’t want to end up paying for it in full. Most travel agencies will require a deposit, but look for one that will transfer that money to a different travel date if you have to change your plans. That way, if junior comes down with the flu you can switch your vacation to another month without losing any money.

Tip #7: Work with a child-friendly agency.

Bbefore you start working with a travel agency, ask them about their experience working with families. A company that offers a number of amusement park packages is probably a better company for you than one who primarily books spring break trips. Most agencies have experience with families to some extent, but the best travel agency for you will have booked many family trips in the past. Their extra experience will give you tons of perks when you travel as a family.

Shawn Thomas is a freelance writer who writes about the travel industry and vacation tips, often discussing a particular aspect of the travel industry such as working with travel agents.

Rick shares his expertise on how to travel smoothly and affordably through Europe. You’ll learn practical tips for planning your trip, getting around, finding accommodations, staying safe, packing right, and more. For more information on Rick Steves’ Europe Through the Back Door, visit www.ricksteves.com.
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Top 10 Benefits of Booking a Vacation With a Travel Agency

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010
Travel
by m-c

Top 10 Benefits of Booking a Vacation With a Travel Agency

If you’re still wondering whether or not you’d like to book your dream vacation through a travel agency; stop wondering. Yes, you do want to book your vacation through an agency!

A travel agency provides convenience, and great deals on airfare and reservations. There really isn’t any reason not to use a travel agency. However, if you still need a little convincing, below we’ll list ten of the top benefits of booking a vacation through a travel agency…

#1 – One Stop Shopping

Simply put, being able to grab your airline tickets, your hotel reservation, your rental car, and anything else you’d need all in one place, you save yourself the tedium of having to make dozens of phone calls and book every single component of your vacation one piece at a time. In addition to the above, one vacation may require transportation to and from the airport, more than one hotel if you will be visiting different cities or countries, ground transportation such as trains, buses, and taxis, and multiple reservations for dinner, entertainment, and sightseeing.

#2 – Insider Experience

More than just “somebody who buys tickets for you”, a good travel agent is also something of a travel expert. This is because, if a traveler sends a negative review of a hotel in to a magazine, that magazine might not print it if that hotel advertises in the magazine. But if a travel agent meets a new client who complains of a bad trip they had, the travel agent doesn’t have any reason not share that with you. A travel agent can warn you of sites that aren’t all they’re cracked up to be, or recommend lesser known getaways.

#3 – Customized Service

Going through a travel agent who listens to your needs, you can expect to rely on their advice and know how to get you exactly what you need. You might not know exactly what that is right off the bat, and a travel agent can recommend specific vacation spots, hotels, and airlines to suit your specific vacation goals. You can describe to the agent all the requirements you are looking for (within one block from the beach, ocean view, on-site babysitting, etc.) and they can often suggest a better alternative than perhaps the first destination you had in mind.

#4 – Consumer Advocacy

When you hear that travel agents make their money by commission, you might think “Oh then they’re probably going to try to sell me the most expensive thing available!” But that practice is actually frowned upon in the industry, and, think about it, are they going to get a lot of return business if they keep ripping people off? A good travel agent is going to work on your behalf to try and get you the best possible vacation you’re willing to buy, simply because it’s your business that keeps them in business.

#5 – Best Value

Because travel agencies receive tickets at whopping discounts, and because they collect commission rather than a fee, you can expect the absolute lowest prices around through travel agents.

#6 – New Discoveries

If you’re planning a tropical getaway, you’ve no doubt heard of the Bahamas and Bermuda, but you know what that means… so has everyone else. A travel agent should be able to help you find lesser known, truly private and special vacation spots.

#7 – Safety and Security

Travel agents can inform you of the necessary visa, passport and health requirements for international travel and provide application forms or assistance as needed. They can also keep you up to date on any travel warnings or advisories such as natural catastrophe or political unrest. Even if it’s just a little thing like “always shake with your left hand when visiting the Middle East”, the expert knowledge a travel agent can provide can make it a lot easier to get along with the locals, wherever you’re headed.

#8 – Reliability

If you’re just flying off to Mexico on a half-cocked whim, there’s no guarantee you’re going to be able to find a rental car and a hotel. Using a travel agency’s all inclusive vacation packages; you can expect your rental car to be sitting there at the airport waiting for you.

#9 – Personal Contact

Basically, using a travel agency, even online, you get real live people you can talk to. You won’t get this with simple ticket comparison sites. And if something happens on your trip — unexpected illness or document theft — your travel agent can get you the help you need when you need it.

#10 – Convenience

This one is simple, do you or don’t you want to spend all day making long distance calls to hotels thousands of miles away and trying to find out if they have a twin bed room open on August twenty first? Even 800 lines can have you holding all day or navigating endless automated menus. Using a travel agent is kind of like having a shock absorber for hassles and headaches.

Lisa Parker is a freelance writer who covers the travel industry, often writing about specific topics such as vacation destinations and travel deals offered by a travel agency.

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Examples of Vacation Deals Only Available Through a Travel Agency

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010
Travel
by Okinawa Soba

Examples of Vacation Deals Only Available Through a Travel Agency

Let’s say you have all the time in the world, you don’t mind a couple headaches, and you want to plan a full vacation yourself without any help from a travel agent. Sometimes, you actually don’t need a travel agent. If you need a ticket on short notice, if you’re making a very short trip and you don’t really need to make a big production out of it, etc…

However, there are a number of things that a travel agency can offer you that you won’t be able to get anywhere else. The reason for this is simple: travel agencies are offered a lot of great deals.

The reason for travel providers to offer great deals through travel agents is that it is simply in their best interests to keep these agencies in business. When the travel agencies are offering great deals, they stay in business, when the travel agencies stay in business, the travel companies’ stay in business. It’s really as simple as that.

A travel agency collects commission out of the actual cost of the tickets and reservations and so on, and does not charge an additional fee for their services. And so, you can expect a fair deal with nothing tacked on.

What you will find almost exclusively through travel agencies would be…

Customized Vacation Packages

This is the main draw, to be honest. A good travel agency will provide you with hotel, dinner reservations, a rental car and even some live entertainment in an all-inclusive package. And of course, this is all offered at a hefty discount (again, it’s the discounts that keep travellers coming back to their favorite travel agencies).

Even if you’re only saving, say, five percent here, ten percent there, twenty percent in the other place… it adds up. Say a general package would normally have you paying two hundred for a hotel, five hundred for airfare, and three hundred for a rental car. Well, twenty or so percent off of a thousand dollars is a couple hundred bucks, and that’s something of a conservative estimate. By knowing when to book and how to get great discounts, you might be surprised just how much you can save by booking a full package with a travel agency.

For corporate accounts, many travel agents will maintain a customer profile for individual travelers that are customized to the company’s travel policy to manage compliance with the corporate rules and to streamline expense reporting. The individual also benefits because they can save to their profile a preference for seats, hotel and car rental, corporate discount numbers, airline frequent flyer numbers and other pertinent information to assist with the booking process.

A Well Advised, Well Planned Trip

A good travel doesn’t just hold your tickets til you need them. A good travel agent will recommend a number of vacation options to you advising you on which hotels come recommended, places to avoid (because of crowding or crime, etc.), and even, on certain occasions local customs. The best travel agents aren’t just travel agents, they’re also travel experts, and can help you get the best trip, and get the most out of that trip.

Many traditional bricks-and-mortar travel agencies now have full-service web sites so that you can get the best of both worlds: convenience of self-serve online booking with the benefit of walking into the office or talking to a real person on the phone when you need it. Each trip is unique and there are times when you may want to sit face to face with a knowledgeable travel consultant (like when you are planning you’re once-in-a-lifetime dream vacation). For the standard weekend or business overnight, you may want the ease of online ordering.

Exclusive Reservations

Not always, but sometimes, a travel agent can actually score you discount tickets for sold out live shows, famous restaurants, and exclusive resorts, which may have been all but impenetrable were you to just show up with a suit and tie and ask to be let in. It sounds snooty, but some resorts don’t even accept unsolicited telephone calls. A travel agent may serve as your foot in the door for the most exclusive of exclusive destinations. Plus, getting tickets or reservations at an exclusive spot at a discounted price; that’s nothing to complain about, either.

The main thing about going through a travel agency is that they make everything a lot easier, and sometimes, they make things that seemed impossible into something that becomes completely accessible and well within your means. The very best travel agencies should dazzle you with their near magical ability to produce great deals seemingly from thin air. Of course, more realistically, you can expect them to save you a lot of money and get you where you want to go!

Mike Cole is a freelance writer who writes about vacation deals and the travel industry in general, often discussing specific aspects of the travel industry such as a travel agency.

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How to Save Money When Booking a Vacation Through Your Travel Agency

Thursday, August 5th, 2010
Travel
by Arturo de Albornoz

How to Save Money When Booking a Vacation Through Your Travel Agency

With an uncertain economy and, for many, an uncertain future, some people are opting to put off vacations. Despite the potential problems on the horizon, that does not have to be the case. When you work with a travel agency, you can save a lot of money. Almost anyone can afford to travel if they follow these six tips when booking a vacation through a travel agency:

Tip #1: Be clear that you’re on a very tight budget.

If you want to save money when you vacation, your best bet is to tell your travel agent that from the start. There is little to be gained by hiding the fact that you want to travel on a shoestring budget. Furthermore, be really clear about what that budget is, since “inexpensive” to one person is not cheap to another. The clearer you are about your price range, the better. That way, your travel agent can put together a vacation package that you can afford, not work for a long time on something that doesn’t even come close to your budget.

Tip #2: Have flexible travel dates and times.

The more options you give your travel agent when it comes to your vacation dates, the better. Flights tend to change prices drastically over the weekend, so moving your vacation just two or three days could save you hundreds of dollars. Avoiding holidays is also good. When you’re flexible, your travel agent can also barter for hotel rooms, show tickets, and so forth with other companies in the travel industry. For example, if your travel agent knows that another agent is trying to fill rooms he or she bought in a chunk for a discounted price, you can get a better deal on one of those rooms. Give your travel agent a bit of wiggle room to negotiate. Likewise, if you are willing to travel at undesirable times, like in the early morning hours or overnight, you may be able to get a cheaper deal, at least on the transportation costs.

Tip #3: Ask for a cheaper version of your dream vacation.

During your initial meeting with your travel agent, have an open mind when it comes to destination. Talk about your dream vacation spot, but then hear out your agent on places that are similar but not as expensive. For example, say you want to visit Aspen for a gorgeous ski vacation. It might be less expensive (but just as fun) to go skiing at one of the resorts in Vermont. You might feel like your compromising too much, but think about your destination choices long and hard. If it is just the name holding you back, you might want to just let go and take a risk on the less expensive location. You might have just as much fun if you stay open-minded

Tip #4: Stay in the United States.

Work with a travel agent who books domestic trips so that you can stay in the United States. In most cases, you should save money on transportation since you will not have to travel as far. You may also be able to travel without documentation, as long as you have a picture ID. When you travel out of the country, you need a passport at the very least, and you may need a visa, certain vaccinations, or other travel documents as well. When you stay in the United States, you should also not have to worry about added cell phone expenses to make calls, losing money on the exchange rate, or paying top dollar to take your luggage with you.

Tip #5: Be willing to do some of the planning yourself.

The whole reason you use a travel agent is to avoid having to do the planning work yourself, but if you compromise on that a bit, you may be able to save money. Instead of working with a travel agent who plans every last detail, get someone that is a little less expensive and just book your flight and hotel through the agent. When it comes to the other stuff, like getting tickets to an event or making restaurant reservations, you can do the work yourself.

Tip #6: Organize a group tour.

A great way to save money on your vacation is to organize a tour through your travel agency. Group rates will apply, but more importantly, the person who organized the vacation typically gets to travel for free. The down side of that is that you have to commit to finding a certain number of people who will go on vacation with you, which can be hard. You are also responsible for them if they do not pay, and you have to, essentially, share you vacation. However, this is a great way to save money and make sure that you can still travel, even if you are on a budget.

Suzanne Bradley is a writer and blogger who discusses various aspects of the travel industry such as working with a travel agency.

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When to Choose a Travel Agency for Your Vacation

Thursday, August 5th, 2010
Travel
by LucaDeravignone.com

When to Choose a Travel Agency for Your Vacation

Travel agencies go beyond just finding plane tickets or booking a cruise. They often serve as the middle person between a traveler and the various services and destinations. It is a myth that booking through an agent will cost more. Travel agencies get their commissions from the various cruise lines, vacation packages, and airlines, not from the customer. This fact can actually save you money.

While it is true that if you simply need a flight from point A to point B, and back, you can probably get that on your own at a reasonable rate. Even if you need a hotel at point B for a few nights, you can negotiate that on your own and get a great rate. But, what if you need more than that? What if you don’t have the time to shop the rates, negotiate, and then compare all the rates? That is where a travel agency can come in and help.

When preparing for a trip, the packing, planning at home and the destination, arranging for coverage at work, and all of the other little details can be daunting. So, if you can get a little help with the travel details, it can be a big help. A travel agency can handle all of these particulars for you.

A travel agency can often pull together the airfare, hotel accommodations, rental car, and maybe even a few meals and event tickets, and put them into a package deal that makes the entire trip much less stressful. Their immense network of connections in various locations and with various services can help make each transition in the trip easier. When it’s done right you should not notice a bump anywhere, just a smooth ride from point A to point B.

The network of resources a travel agent has at their disposal pays off for you in price as well. Because a travel agency has connections with many different services they can find you the best flight, hotel, rental car, etc. for the right price. They spend the time researching all the options so you don’t have to. When they are done, they can put together a package with the best price for each component of the trip. They have leeway in the pricing also, because their commission comes from the companies they sell for, so they can offer a lower cost by cutting their commission slightly. You win with a great price, the airlines and hotels win with people in their beds and seats, and the agency wins with a multi-part sale.

A travel agency can also answer many of the questions that arise before a trip. They can help with travel insurance, inoculation procedures, passport and visa applications, connections at the destination, and even transport from the airport to hotel. They can often answer destination specific questions to help you prepare for the trip, as well, such as climate conditions, crime rate, availability of certain amenities, etc.

Any time you are planning a long, multi-destination trip or specialized trip, a travel agency should be involved. The multi-destination trip can become very confusing, especially if the destinations are international. The various countries are all likely to have their own laws governing travel and a travel agent can help you navigate those laws. They can also help you book the best, most reliable flights to and from the various points.

A traveler going to a difficult country or one where Americans are unpopular should also use a travel agent. Whether the issue is obtaining a Visa or slipping into the country via a small charter service from a friendly country, a knowledgeable agent will be able to help with that. Sometimes flying to a country like Switzerland and then taking a small connecting flight on a European airline will reduce the tension upon entering some countries.

Travelers with special needs or special requests will find more success using an agency, also. If you want to get special rates for age, affiliation, or occupation, you might find it easier with a travel agent. If you need a specific room number in a particular hotel in the city of destination then you might need a travel agent to arrange that for you. If you must follow a specific diet while traveling, a travel agent might be able to recommend eating establishments or the location of specialty food stores. They can also arrange for accommodations on flights.

If you find yourself stranded your agent may be able to redirect you and get you moving again. If a snowstorm in Maine strands you at the airport, they can help to find you accommodations. If your flight out of Cleveland is mysteriously cancelled they can help you get on another plane. If the hotel you were supposed to stay at in Bangkok burned to the ground just before you got there, they can find alternate lodging. Such disasters are rare, but they do happen – and working with a travel agent means that you have an advocate and a helping hand while you are away from home.

Jeremy Foster is a blogger and freelance writer who focuses on the travel industry and vacation tips, often discussing a particular aspect of the travel industry such as working with travel agents.

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Reasons to Utilize a Travel Agent when Planning a Vacation

Monday, August 2nd, 2010
Travel
by retro traveler

Reasons to Utilize a Travel Agent when Planning a Vacation

Utilizing the services of a travel agent to plan your next vacation is something that you might want to consider. It is usually a good idea to proceed with caution when dealing with money. However, when planning out a vacation, which has many different variables which can impact the amount you spend, you do not want to leave anything to chance. Here are some reasons why working with a travel agent to plan your vacation is a good idea.

Reason #1: Your travel agent has extensive knowledge about trip planning

When you’re planning a vacation, the process can become pretty stressful. In many cases, you are not sure what the weather conditions will be like when you arrive at your destination, and it can be difficult to find your way around if you are not familiar with your surroundings. Also, in many cases, once you have finally settled, you are not sure which activities and sights to experience! A travel agent can help you navigate through all of these obstacles.

If you’re the type of person who enjoys simply choosing a destination, getting there, and letting the rest take care of itself, then planning your trip isn’t necessarily difficult. But if you prefer to have your itinerary carefully laid out before you head off, then a good travel agent can really save you some time and unnecessary frustration.

Your travel agent can help you choose when to fly, find a comfortable hotel within your budget, plan your itinerary for you, and provide you with up-to-date information about travel documents, vaccinations, and anything else you might need to travel to your chosen destination. With the help of your travel agent, planning your trip should be much easier and less stressful, leaving you free to enjoy yourself that much more.

Reason #2: Your travel agent can help you save money

Typically, working with a travel agent won’t cost you any more than if you had planned the trip yourself. In fact, you are more likely to save money than to spend more money. Typically, travel agents have access to cheaper flights, lower hotel prices, and more, because they deal in bulk, rather than just booking one trip (as you would do if you booked the trip yourself). They have access to bulk discounts, which means that even with their commission added on you will rarely pay any more than if you had booked the trip yourself. You will also save yourself the hassle of planning and booking the trip alone.

A good travel agent can help you save money. They know when the cheapest times to fly are, when hotel off-peak seasons start, how to get bulk flight deals, and other tricks of the trade that can help you get more for your money.

Reason #3: Your travel agent is familiar with your destination

If you are traveling to an exotic or obscure location which you have never visited before, then working with a knowledgeable and experienced travel agent is a must. Your travel agent can help you find accommodations, events and activities, and provide you with tips on traveling safely. If you manage to hit the jackpot and find a travel agent who has actually visited your destination, they might also be able to tell you about those little bonuses that most people won’t know about. Places such as the weekend markets, where to find authentic souvenirs, and the best restaurants, all the things that will make your trip even more enjoyable.

Reason #4: Your travel agent can help you get the vacation you really want

From rock-climbing in the Swiss Alps to a relaxing beach vacation in Spain, there are vacations to suit every requirement and personality type. With so many choices available in terms of destinations and activities, it’s not always easy to know what you want.

What do you want out of your vacation, and do you know how to achieve it? Your travel agent definitely does, and can use his or her experience and knowledge to make sure you get the trip you really want. A good travel agent will quickly find out exactly what you want out of your trip, and will go the extra mile to make sure everything, from flights, hotels, and activities, meets your needs.

Reason #5: It just makes sense

Working with a travel agent won’t cost you any more than booking the trip yourself, and you may even save money. Also, a travel agent can save you a lot of time and headaches, and you may even find that a knowledgeable agent will be able to help you access some of the best and most exclusive events and activities at your destination, which you might not have known about without the help of your travel agent.

Really, it just makes good sense to plan your vacation with the help of a travel agent. With all of these important factors coming into play when you book your next trip, there’s definitely no good reason not to use a travel agent!

Ryan Anderson is a blogger and freelance writer who focuses on the travel industry and vacation tips, often discussing a particular aspect of the travel industry such as working with travel agents.

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