Dealing with Travel Websites for Air Fare Deals and More

Photo by JESHOOTS.COM

With the advent of technology, a lot has changed. What people usually do manually may now be done in just a few clicks on the computer. With a well-functioning computer and a reliable internet connection, what we leave the house for in the past may be accomplished in a matter of few minutes and in the comfort of our homes; and that includes buying cheap flight tickets and planning tours.

In pursuit of adapting to the now-highly technical market, many travel agencies had set up their official websites. Through these homepages, they can reach out to the traveling public easier than before. Since most people nowadays are endowed with knowledge of the internet, marketing has become significantly simpler for agencies.

But with all the hoaxes roaming around the World Wide Web, many people have gone doubtful about the credibility of travel websites, particularly when money is involved. However, one just needs to conduct proper background checking to realize that legitimate travel websites are actually helpful to the traveling public.

One thing that makes travel websites of great assistance to people is that – as said – it simplifies everything. Instead of leaving the house and dealing with traffic, everything can be settled online. A few clicks, a few strokes on the keyboard; and the task is completed. Necessary proofs of the transaction can be sent through email, and there is no need to pick things up from places.

Furthermore, online transactions with travel agencies would allow people to land good deals. Usually, airline companies offer different promotions on air tickets through their partner agencies. Most of the time, these promotions are hailed as exclusive only to online customers.

If lucky, people can also spot different budget package tours advertised on the website – basically allowing them to save money without sacrificing the fun. Many travel agencies arrange tours to different wonderful places, concentrating on divulging their history, culture, and attractions to the tourists.

Dealing with travel agencies through their websites provides flexible payment options too. Aside from bank deposits and debit cards, most companies honor major credit cards; thereby assuring flexible payment options and easy transactions. As for trust issues, credible agencies do not disclose confidential details and do not do hideous scamming.

All in all, relying on travel websites would certainly allow people to land on great flights promotion. It might be a little doubtful at first, but it surely does great for the people who wish to travel the world once proven legitimate. Finding a credible travel agency is somehow easy though. Most of the time, these are those who have been in the business for years – and during that span of time have developed good professional relationships with big airline companies around the world.

Yes to Safety Flights!

Photo by Daniel McCullough

Safety is the most important issue to press when flying. It is one of the major concerns of people who do flight bookings from time to time. However, the safety of a passenger does not just rely on the services of the airline company. The passenger, himself, has the obligation to do certain things that would assure his well-being while on board.

Here are some of the most typical things to remember:

1) Never leave things unattended

A bag left unattended can cause mayhem. It may be deemed suspicious as its unknown content could pose a threat to the people on the plane. Thus, it is important that people do not leave their things unguarded, or just anywhere. 

2) Do not bring deadly weapons or dangerous materials to the plane

Sometimes, security lapses can occur. Dangerous materials can be brought to the plane and it could cause pandemonium when found out. It is best not to bring these sorts of things on board as it would definitely frighten other passengers. 

3) Pay attention to the pre-flight orientation

Prevention is always better than cure; so it is best to listen to the rules and regulations implemented by the airline company which is to be discussed by the flight attendants prior to the flight. Safety precautions will also be explained; as well as the things to do in case of emergencies.

4) Store heavy baggage under the plane seat

Putting heavy things in the plane compartment can be risky. If the plane meets turbulence and the compartment is not locked, things could fall and eventually hurt the passengers. The best place to store these pieces of baggage is under the seat in front. 

5) Do not get drunk

Some airline companies allow their passengers to drink while on board but it is advisable not to get drunk to not make the other passengers uncomfortable. Sometimes, conflicts during flights are caused by too much intoxication. 

6) Buckle on!

Planes meet turbulences unexpectedly. No one can predict it, after all. That is why passengers must always remember to keep their seatbelts buckled. This will secure them on their seats and keep them safe in case the plane experience instability.

7) Listen to the flight attendants

Flight attendants are there not just to assist the pilots, but also to constantly remind the passengers of the different rules and regulations implemented by the company. For safety purposes, it is best to follow their orders. 

8) Always keep calm

Most of the time, panic is inflicted by paranoia. That is why, it is important to keep calm all the time. In case of emergencies, always listen to the instructions of the flight attendants to avoid pandemonium. 

Upon buying flight tickets, people are also given the responsibility to keep themselves safe from harm. That issue of safety does not just come from the company. It is a two-way process and passengers are expected to keep up with it, for their own satisfaction.

Travel News: 2011, Busiest-ever year for Changi Airport

Image Source: SingaporePictures

Records showed that 2011 is the busiest-ever year for Singapore’s Changi Airport. It handled over 45 million passengers for the first time ever last year.

The airport registered 46.5 million passenger movements and 302,000 aircraft movements in 2011, an increase of 10.7 % and 14.5 % over the year before, respectively.

December 2011 was also recorded as the airport’s busiest ever month with 4.53 million passenger movements which is about 11.4 % more than its succeeding year and 27,700 aircraft movements, showing a 16.0 % increase from last year.

The substantial increase in the airport’s passenger and aircraft movements was attributed to the strong travel demand in Asia-Pacific. South-east Asia and North-east Asia were the two best-performing regions registering double-digit growth, while traffic to and from South Asia and South-west Pacific also enjoyed positive growth.

Jakarta, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Manila occupied the top five positions among Changi Airport’s top 10 routes. On the other hand Taipei, Manila, New Delhi, Melbourne and Hong Kong registered the strongest percentage growth with at least half a million passengers who travelled to Singapore last year.

 

It should also be noted that seven new carriers joined the airport’s portfolio of airlines in 2011. They are Air Macau, Hong Kong Airlines, Finnair, TransAsia Airways, IndiGo and Lao Airlines.

News Source:

TTG Asia

India Plans to Extend VOA Policy to 13 more Countries

Photo by Sylwia Bartyzel 

The Indian government is planning to extend visas on arrival (VOA) to citizens of 13 more countries including Malaysia and Thailand according to a source from India’s Ministry of Tourism.

Based on a report published in India’s “The Economic Times”, other countries which are being touted as potential beneficiaries of the VOA policy extension are Brunei, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Brazil, and South Africa.

The report also stated that the VOA facility would be extended within a year to airports in Hyderabad, Kochi, Bangalore, and Goa, adding to the four active airports such as Kolkata, New Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai.

Currently, there are 11 nations that are benefiting from the said policy, namely Luxembourg, Finland, New Zealand, Japan, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore. In 2011, records showed that only slightly more than 10,000 VOA applications from nationals of these countries were granted.

Anju Desai, vice president of Mumbai-based HMA Travel was quoted saying: "The countries earmarked for the VOA are major source markets and will open the floodgates of inbound tourism. We have received complaints about delays in the issuance of Indian visas from our missions abroad. Now, all that will end and seamless travel will begin."

In relevance to the issue, the Indian High Commission in Malaysia released a statement clarifying that the Indian Government had not yet taken any decision to extend VOAs to Malaysian nationals.

News Source:

TTG Asia

Getting Out of Trouble Before Boarding a Flight

Photo by Jerry Zhang 

Even after booking that cheap flight from a budget airline, it is not impossible for travelers not to experience some last-minute conflicts in traveling; and most often, these simple problems can result in bigger difficulties if not patched up early. That is why it is important for people traveling to always double-check things.

However, if the conflict cannot really be helped, below are some tips to easily fix everything in place:

1. WHERE ARE THE TICKETS?

Tickets, like passports, are the most important thing to get a person to board a plane. But in inevitable instances that it is forgotten or lost, people should calm down. Nowadays, electronic tickets are replacing traditional ones so it is easier to get another copy of it from the computer. Another option is to remember the flight number because airline companies always have a master list of reservations and booked flights. With a few proofs of identity, it is possible to obtain another ticket from them in an instant. However, it has to be understood that certain amounts may be paid by the passenger as compensation for the lost ticket.

2. WHERE IS THE PASSPORT?

A passport is definitely important and since its processing takes time, it is best to keep spare photocopies of the passport’s information page, as well as the page where the visa is stamped. This is just a precaution in case it gets lost. Upon discovering that it is gone, the passenger should contact the local embassy or the passport-issuing department to report its loss. In case of being just forgotten, the passenger should at least ask a colleague to get it.

3. LATE FOR THE DEPARTURE TIME?

There are instances when people just cannot help but be late. There is a variety of possible reasons for this. In case this happens, the passenger should keep calm. Usually, departure schedules are earlier than the actual flight so it will most likely be okay. However, the passenger should hurry to the airport.

The errors could be due to different instances. It could be due to the times or to personal errors. However, a passenger should not let any of these possibilities ruin the flight. So cautiousness and preparation are necessary. To make things easier, it is best to get air tickets from online air ticket booking websites.

Spend Less and Travel More With These Cost-Saving Tips

Photo by Diane Pascual 

Value for money is one of the main concerns when planning a holiday trip. It’s just common to look for the cheapest airfare and take advantage of promotional rates offered during the off-peak season. With the rising cost of living and economic instability all over the world, everyone looks for every possible way to lower the costs while maximizing the travel experience.

Check out the following tips to save costs while having your well-deserved break:

Traveling light can be a wise decision. Choose clothes that are light and can be worn in different ways so that you won’t end up spending the money you have saved from getting air tickets promo.

Going for a holiday with friends does not only guarantee that your trip will be full of fun and excitement, it can also be a cost-saving option as most travel packages become cheaper when you travel in a group. Accommodation will definitely be cheaper if you’ll share the room with your friends.

Plan your trip ahead and avoid the peak-season period during festivals, conventions, or major sports events. You can hardly find affordable accommodation and cheap air tickets during these periods.

After you have booked the available cheapest airfare, do your research and equip yourself with useful information about the place you are going to visit. Take note of the areas where you can buy the cheapest souvenir items or affordable places to try authentic cuisine and sample local delicacies.

Read about places you are planning to visit once you have settled your air ticket. Know the available modes of transportation you can use to reach the different tourist destinations. Taking trains and buses save costs however be sure to have the correct information or better yet secure a map to avoid wasting your time if you got lost. You may also consider walking instead to explore the area and discover new things along your way.

As you list down the places you are planning to cover for the day, do not forget to put snacks into your bag with your water bottle. This will save you the hassle of searching for a place to buy food or drink when you get hungry and at the same time save you money.

It is also important to know the exchange rate of your money to the currency of your destination. It will help you to determine how much you need to bring along for your trip. If you are planning to use credit cards, keep track of your expenses so that you won’t end up spending beyond what you have allotted for the trip.

Keep track of your travel documents. Always put them in a secure and safe place. Getting a replacement while you are abroad will surely cost you a huge sum of money.

You can start saving by choosing the best available promo for air tickets. Remember that traveling abroad is one of the best ways to reward yourself for working hard all year round. Nevertheless, you don’t need to consume all your savings for the entire year if you only make a conscious effort to cut down costs in every possible way.

The Truth about Philippines

Photo by Yannes Kiefer

It is not a secret that the Philippines is viewed by many in a negative light. Being a third-world country, many people pessimistically think that this Southeast Asian nation is dangerous, poor, and a bad idea – making it difficult to sell an air ticket to the Philippines.

But what these people do not know about the Philippines is that it is much more than the news would report about it. Though there are isolated cases of terrorism attacks, the Philippines is still worth it to book tickets online.

Factors are the beautiful places in the country, particularly the beach. As the Philippines is an archipelago with more than 7000 islands, it somehow follows that the country flaunts pristine and spectacular beaches. A few of the most acclaimed islands give a home to the most beautiful summer destinations like Boracay, Potipot, La Union, Batangas, and more. Among these, it is Boracay which is deemed the place for which most people book an air ticket to the Philippines. 

Photo by Bambi Corro 

Aside from the beaches, the Philippines is also made spectacular by the different festivals celebrated in the country. The festivals reflect the long-standing and blissful heritage of the Filipino people. Totally colorful and attractive, these festivals are ways of putting the Philippines back to where it really should be, and these act as convincing factors o make one book an air ticket to the Philippines online immediately.

Booking an air ticket to the Philippines online also allows travelers to immerse themselves in the one-of-a-kind culture of the people. Aside from the festivals, Filipinos’ way of living is definitely worth discovering. Doing so will permit foreigners to answer all questions they have in their minds about the Philippines. Further, it will make them experience the hospitability and cheerfulness of the Filipinos. After all, the locals are very sociable.

The Philippines is not a first-world country. It may not have commercial districts, shopping malls, or entertainment centers that are comparable to other countries but it has its own unique charm that comes from the pristine nature and vibrant culture it gives home to.

So foreigners need not hesitate to book an air ticket to the Philippines online. For cheap air tickets, one can obtain an experience that is worth a lifetime.

What We All Have to Learn About Carry-On Luggage

Photo by Gabrielle Henderson 

In traveling on planes, it is essential to know and understand the different rules and restrictions that are implemented towards carry-on luggage. It is as important as getting informed about the terms and conditions of air ticket booking.

So for first-timers, here are a few reminders about packing your carry-on luggage. Learning these things by heart will surely do you all good and will certainly save you from being questioned by airport officials:

1. There is a definite size for carry-on luggage prescribed by the airlines. Measured by inches, some travelers fail to take into consideration the handle or external pockets of the bags they carry. It has to be understood that these things could also affect the size of the bag and could also be checked.

2. Personal gadgets like cellphones, cameras, music players, laptops and other small items can be put on the carry-on luggage. Purses and reading materials can also be put there.

3. The carry-on luggage should not be bulky. Plane rides are supposed to be comfortable. If you will have a carry-on luggage that is heavy and bulky, it could be an annoyance to you. Much more, it could even be a disturbance to your co-passengers.

4. Liquids and gels inside the carry-on luggage should be declared. Otherwise, it will be confiscated before boarding the plane. However, pledging it does not assure that it would get through. Most airlines only allow 3 ounces of liquid or gel in one carry-on luggage, and this is strictly observed. To avoid this, you must use hygiene items and cosmetics in solid form.

5. Medicines should be added to your carry-on luggage. If it is in liquid or gel form, it should be declared to airport officials for visual inspections. Restrictions on the amount to be brought do not apply in this case though. 

6. Sharp objects like knives should be included in the checked luggage. Otherwise, it shall be confiscated. The same condition applies to sports items.

7. There is no way that flammable items and dangerous chemicals can be brought to boarding.

8. It is important to put these basic essentials on your carry-on luggage, on a part where it is safe and can be easily reached. These tickets, along with passports, are the most important things on the flight so better keep them close to you.

9. It should be understood before settling for an air ticket booking that international flights are definitely stricter when it comes to carry-on luggage. Domestic flights, most of the time, do not have a limit on the size of the hand-carry, but the other conditions apply.

10. Food is not a restricted item so if you think that you cannot eat what will be served to you during the flight, it is ideal to bring your own meal. However, stinky and messy delicacies should be avoided.

Travelling is not just about air ticket booking. There are other things to consider as well. So learn the things mentioned above by heart for a very safe and unforgettable flight!

Conquer Your Fear of Flights

Photo by Erik Odiin 

If you have a fear of flying, don’t get too self-conscious about it. You are not alone. Lots of people, regardless of age, sex, and social status, get sweaty palms and get all jittery when the plane is skidding down the runway. It doesn’t matter how many times the pilot will tell you how safe the plane is; you just keep getting visions of the plane crashing in the middle of the open sea. Fear of flying is definitely a hassle for those who want or have to travel, but there are various ways to overcome this phobia. 

First, you have to remember that plane travel is actually safer than land travel. When you compare the number of automobile accidents to the number of plane crashes that happen every year, you will notice that the figures are in favor of plane travel. Keep in mind that there are hundreds of people working to make sure that your plane is in good shape, so don’t be afraid to buy those air tickets.

Second, you have a solid ally with the internet. Not only can you book online plane tickets, but you can also do research and read up on plane safety. You will find out how a plane works, from the mechanics and technical parts to the safety measures practiced by the pilot and flight crew when aboard the plane.  You will find out how important it is to follow the rules set by the pilot and flight attendants for passengers. You will know how vital the seat belt is to your safety and how to deal with turbulence during flight. 

If you have a fear of flying, you must choose your seat with care. When booking for air tickets, make sure to get seats near the aisle. Some people get freaked out when they sit by the window and see how high they really are from the ground. When you are seated near the aisle, you can pretend that you are just inside a big bus with lots of passengers.  Bring stuff that can distract you from your fear of flying; your laptop, iPad, Playstation, or books and magazines can keep you occupied during the flight.

Best Asian Cities for Food

Photo by Markus Winkler 

There are lots of reasons why travelers from all over the world flock to Asia, and one of them is to taste the unique, mouth-watering cuisine that the continent has to offer. Foodies from the West couldn’t get enough of the various Asian dishes that they sample during their travels, so much so that they look for the same dishes back home or learn how to make the dishes themselves. If you are on a big gastronomic adventure in Asia, here are some of the top cities that you should visit for an eat-all-you-can adventure. 

• Bangkok, Thailand

When traveling in Bangkok, food is everywhere. Not just in restaurants but on food courts and food stalls that crowd the streets. For those who are on a budget and looking for something exotic, try the stalls that serve delicacies such as insects. Clearly, this is not for the squeamish traveler with regular Western tastes. Must-try food items include som tam (papaya salad), curry, and different types of rice. The city also has lots of restaurants for other cuisines, and you can have your fill of Lebanese and Indian food here as well.

 

• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

If you still don’t know your way around KL, try the dishes at the food court inside the KLCC mall, which is underneath the Petronas Towers. Lots of international dishes are here under one roof, so you can feast on Malay, Indian, Chinese, and Western food here without having to venture elsewhere. Of course, when you set out to explore the city, make sure to head to Chinatown, where you can sample the best Chinese food around the area.

 

• Beijing, China

The list wouldn’t be complete without Beijing, where naturally, Chinese food is at its best. There are thousands of dim sum restaurants where you can feast on every Chinese food imaginable. Make sure to drink lots of tea to make room for more of the dishes. It is too easy to get stuffed when eating Chinese food. Never leave Beijing without tasting the Peking duck, which is regarded as one of the best poultry dishes in the world.

The World’s Best Airports

People often think of airports as huge places crammed with people and luggage, with endless queues and counters. As much as people want to travel, going to the airport is usually a stressful affair, what with all the security checks and the never-ending rush of faces. But there are certain airports in the world where things can get easier for passengers. Believe it or not, some airports provide a great experience for passengers while they are waiting to board their respective flights. 

These airports come with certain perks apart from first-class restaurants. Some even have golf courses and spas. You can even find an airport where you can see giant slides. These airports very much exist and of course, you’re wondering where you can find them.

Here are some of the world’s best airports according to the survey compiled by Skytrax, the world’s largest airline and airport review site. These airports were voted by more than 9 million travelers who answered the questionnaires.

• Auckland International Airport, New Zealand

Photo by Auckland Airport

Auckland is considered the second largest cargo port in New Zealand, and this airport houses more than 20 international airlines. The airport has garnered the Airport Staff Excellence Award for Australia/Pacific. Over 13 million passengers are served by the airport a year.

• Amsterdam Schipol, The Netherlands

The Amsterdam Schipol used to be a military airfield. Now it is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving more than 43 million passengers yearly. Travelers can play games at the casino or get a massage while waiting for their flights. It was given the #2 Best Airport Shopping award.

• Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia

For those looking for a “green” airport, check out the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, which keeps a section of the rainforest inside the main terminal. The airport was given the Best Airport Immigration Service (#1) and Airport Staff Excellence South East Asia (#1).

• Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore

This ultra-modern airport houses a fitness center, nature trail, and swimming pool. The tallest slide in the country can also be found here. These, in addition to the excellent service, make Changi Airport the first on the list.

The Safest Way to Travel

Traveling is a very unpredictable activity and whether you like it or not, accidents can happen while you are aboard a plane, ship, or land transportation. Some people develop a phobia if they experience travel-related accidents, especially if the said accidents involve losing loved ones. It is true that traveling can be scary to some people, especially those who are new to it, but it doesn’t help thinking about it every time you go on a trip. It doesn’t matter whether you travel by air, water, or land – accidents can happen whenever you happen to be.

There are several measures you can do to decrease the possibility of getting involved in travel-related accidents.

    • Choose a reputable airline before reserving air tickets. This is important especially if you are looking for long, international flights. Sadly, there are airlines with a high number of flight-related incidents, so it’s better to steer clear of those. Do not think of the price of air ticket booking when it comes to safety; what’s a hundred dollars more for a reputable airline that can take you safely to your destination?

    • Follow airline policies at all times. Believe it or not, there are still people who do not understand the importance of turning off mobile phones during flight. Remember that those rules are made for the safety of passengers and crew. Bending the rules might endanger not only yourself but other people on the plane as well.

    • The same applies to traveling by ship. Although it is considered less risky than air travel, you should keep in mind that ships or boats can sink and leave you swimming in open water. There are rules that ship passengers have to follow, so don’t even think about leaning too far in the railing or going to the part of the ship that is off-limits for passengers.

    • If you are planning to travel by land, do not, by any means, drink before or during driving. Remember the number of drunk-driving accidents that happen within a year. Even if you think you have a high tolerance for alcohol, don’t do it. Long-distance driving is tiring enough and alcohol can add to your lack of concentration on the road, which can lead to accidents.

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How to Get Low Price Airline Tickets?

Anyone who wants to go on a vacation or business trip wants to buy cheap tickets. Discounts on air tickets will considerably lower one’s vacation expenses, especially if you plan to take an international flight. However, not everyone has the knowledge of how to score discounts on airline tickets. They end up paying more for something that they can get for a lower price. If you are looking for inexpensive airline tickets, keep the following tips in mind:

·         Book your flights in advance. This allows you to reserve great seats at moderate prices. Do this especially if your flight is scheduled on a peak season. People who reserve seats at the last minute end up paying more for their tickets. Airlines usually sell the most expensive tickets last, so you will end up buying those if you don’t reserve seats in advance.

·         Learn to shop around. Airlines offer different rates so it is best to compare prices before reserving seats. Find out if one airline is offering a lower price for the same destination. You might end up getting huge savings just by taking the effort to compare prices.

·         Try to be more flexible when it comes to scheduling flights. This may not be busy if you have a very limited and specific time for vacation trips, but it is worth making the effort. A lot of savvy travelers schedule their vacation during off-season periods when you can easily buy low-price airline tickets. This allows you to go to your dream destination at lower rates. Aside from savings, there are other benefits to traveling during the off-season. You get to tour around the city/country without the usual crowds.

·         Avail of packages that combine airfare and hotel accommodations. These packages offer great discounts for travelers. Agencies offer these packages in partnership with hotels and airlines so they can promote them to visitors. This is perfect for travelers who are not really looking for luxury accommodations, and who rarely offer discounts. Just make sure that you transact with a reputable agency in order for you to get quality accommodations even at discounted prices.

Book Online for Cheap Air Tickets

Photo by bruce mars on Unsplash

Air ticket booking on websites is now the most preferred way of booking flights because of the special deals and promo tours that boil down to discounts and cheap air tickets.  The trick is to visit as many online ticketing agents as you can and then compare their offerings until you zero in on the most irresistible deals.  

One of the best ways to get the most benefit from online air ticket booking is for travelers to set a flexible schedule for their travel date and time. This means that you adjust the time and day of your travel to slower periods for passenger demand.  When passenger demand is slow, airlines are forced to reduce rates in order to fill up their flights. This is the best time to book your airline ticket.

There are many other times and situations that compel airlines to offer discounted airfares, such as flights in the course of the night and those during noontime.  Flights that run into high noon are found inconvenient by many travelers who want to have a full lunch on trips, while overnight flights are commonly avoided by passengers who need a quiet, restful sleep.      

Online booking websites are alert and ever on the lookout for these times when airlines are offering discounted airfares, which information they then convey to travelers post-haste.  

Air Travel Deals on Holidays

Photo by Denisse Leon on Unsplash

When people get into the holiday mood, their attention usually turns to travel to go on a holiday escapade and have more time for fun and adventure.  Aware of this universal yearning for travel during holidays, airlines and travel agents unveil a list of special holiday air travel deals.      

For example, holiday revellers can go to Florida from different parts of the US on airfare that starts at $39 each way.  Going to the festive city of Las Vegas?  Air Canada has a low-cost carrier that sets bargain prices for travel across Canada and to Las Vegas.

Travellers can save up to 15 percent instantly if they fly from over 60 US cities on preferred airlines that offer air travel deals on holidays.  You can go as a group of eight on the same reservation and receive the instant 15 percent discount for all travellers.  This offer is valid starting January 25, 2011 onwards.

On December 31, or New Year’s Eve, Lufthansa will fly travellers from the US to Europe on web fares starting at $316.  On the same route, Qantas provides frequent flyer points of up to 1 million to those who book their tickets online. 

Holiday travel deals are also available at 5 percent discount on low-cost airlines to Hawaii.   But this is valid only if the starting points are Los Angeles, Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, New York City, Phoenix, San Francisco and Washington. It has already started and will be available until June 18, 2011.

If these discounted air ticket rates fail to impress you, then you should hear about the last-minute getaways that cut costs by up to $100 from normal fares.  All you need to do is purchase a package of air plus hotel, or air plus a car, or air plus a car and hotel. You can purchase a package as a single traveller, a couple or as a family.

If your total package price, including all taxes, is $500 to $699 you receive an additional $50 off instantly. If your total purchase price is $700 to $899 you will receive $75 off your package instantly, or if your package price is $900 or more you will receive $100 off instantly.  However, additional fuel surcharges and international taxes are excluded from the discount.

For Europe-bound holiday travellers from any part of the world, there are air travel deals with the come-on slogan: See More of Europe for Less.  These provide free stopovers in London and Paris, which strikes a chord because travellers love stopovers anywhere in Europe free of charge.  The stopovers give travellers more opportunities to see more of Europe at less cost.    

Top Reasons for Booking Air Tickets on Christmas

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The approach of Christmas is known as among the busiest periods for travel.  At this time of year, airlines and their ticketing offices are besieged by people seeking to spend the holiday season in fun places outside their home countries.   

There are many reasons why people book air tickets for Christmas travel, the chief of which is the need to visit relatives and family friends based in other countries.  Thus, many poor countries that need tourist revenues provide enticements to citizens who work and live in richer nations to return home for the Christmas holidays. They could bring home any goods they want tax-free.   

 

For the same purpose, some air ticket bookings are made by people who could not travel at Christmas time but for the benefit of relatives in other places that they want to spend the holidays with. The tickets are simply sent to the relatives who then take the flight to visit and stay with the purchaser of the tickets for the duration of the Christmas season.

The search for a new and different experience is another major reason why air ticket booking on Christmas goes overdrive.  For example, people in landlocked countries book air tickets to spend the Christmas holidays in beach resorts. Conversely, those who are used to beaches and the sea book air tickets for metropolitan areas known for their skyscrapers and other urban delights.        

Then there are the shopping meccas that draw people from all over the world.  Paris attracts shoppers keen on the latest fashions, while those who want expensive jewelry for their Christmas shopping will fly to Switzerland.

For some heartbroken people, Christmas may also be a good time for escape.  Let’s say a family tragedy struck while you were celebrating Christmas in the not-too-distant past. As a result, the people involved come away from the experience hating to be reminded of anything Christmassy.  So they book air tickets for places that don’t make so much fuss about Christmas perhaps because of non-Christian beliefs. 

Natives of tropical countries dream of a white Christmas and the holidays afford them a chance to make this dream come true.  So they book travel to Europe and North America to celebrate Christmas with snowmen around.  The United States is a popular destination for Christmas not only because of the snow but also because of the famous New Year’s Eve celebration on Times Square.

Not all tickets purchased at Christmas time are used for the holidays, however.  Many people actually book their tickets during the holidays for use next summer to take advantage of cheap air tickets.      

Holidays a Great Time for Air Travel Deals

 

Photo by Chen Mizrach on Unsplash

The travel itch gets stronger during the holiday seasons when the opportunity to bond with family and friends presents itself.  Everyone is free from work and the kids are out of school.  What better way to do it than to travel together to exciting and romantic places? 

Holidays are also a great time for air travel deals when airlines outdo one another to get the most number of flyers and travelers.  Consequently, holidays become a time for air travel discounts and special rates.  These are called holiday airfare deals by many airlines.

Supply-and-demand economics tells us that slower days are probably the best days for snagging bargains, not to mention the convenience of less crowded conditions. But air travel is not always predictable.  Sometimes, the very slow days are excluded from airfare deals and discounted hotel rates which are instead reserved for holidays.

The most popular routes and destinations during the holiday season can be booked solid for six months or more in advance. Many others are available in the golden days of autumn, but the standard rule here is if you find an acceptable rate, book it. Waiting for a last-minute deal on a specific route is usually a bad idea because rates often rise steadily in November for December travel.

Online air ticket booking makes it easier to find and book travel packages at great prices.  With the right travel website, you can save even more by booking your flight, hotel, and car rental together.  This is because some travel websites work closely with top travel brands to ensure that you get the best vacation deals possible.  

The more popular travel websites offer discount vacation packages to the most sought-after destinations around the globe.  You may go on an all-inclusive vacation to kid-friendly destinations, romantic and leisure travel.  Choosing the right vacation package has never been easier or more affordable.  Check out some suggestions in the "Deals by Destination" or "Deals by Interest" sections. Whichever selection you choose, you can be sure that you will get where you want to go at a price that’s easy on the pocketbook. 

So when you get the urge to travel, do it in time for the holidays.

Where Christmas Travel is Fun and Enjoyable

 

Photo by Denise Johnson on Unsplash

The holiday season is on for travelers to fly to places where they can partake of Christmas fairs, buy traditional souvenirs, taste the national Christmas dishes of different countries, and listen to festive music that celebrates the birth of Christ.  In Europe and neighboring countries, the centers of holiday travel are Finland, the Czech Republic, London, Maldives, Hungary, and Germany.  Come New Year Brazil will be the focus of holiday celebrations.    

Finland tops the list of holiday travelers because this is where the real Santa Claus supposedly lives.   So visitors there will be treated at Santa’s house where they are taken for a ride on a reindeer-pulled carriage.  You can also go dog sledding, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and skiing.

Accommodation may be a cozy cottage in Lapland or a hotel in Helsinki.  Christmas in nearby Kemi features an ice festival, during which the enthusiasts build lifesize snow hotels in which tourists can spend the night. There are countless winter activities such as the “games of the first snow” and “Rally in the Hills,” Winter Games in Ounasvaara, “Polar Trails,” and “Arctic Golf Santa Claus.”

For visitors who prefer skiing, the ski resorts of the Czech Republic are an excellent choice.  This country is also noted for Carlsbad, where people bathe in outdoor thermal springs during winter.   From December 5 to 24, the capital Prague turns into a huge Christmas fair. 

The music-minded travelers usually head for London at this time of year when Christmas music festivals are held at the Royal Festival Hall. 

But for those who yearn for Gypsy music, Hungary is the place where a Hungarian music and wine festival is held in Budapest with the participation of the world-famous Gypsy Orchestra.  After the celebrations, everyone will be able to plunge into the hot mineral springs, which are so many throughout Hungary.

Daily shows also await Christmas travelers in Germany, specifically in Nuremberg where the Christmas market called Kriskindlesmarkt is held along with daily shows.  The Largest Christmas beer festival will present 75 beer brands for beer lovers in the Belgian city of Essen.  

Christmas celebrations are also worth experiencing in Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Vietnam, and Maldives.  For those who want a warmer Christmas, they may go to Brazil, where New Year’s Eve becomes a fiery carnival centering on the beaches of Copacabana.  The only thing to remember is that the organizers expect more than 2 million participants in the night festivities, which means that even a ticket to the beach on the subway should be bought in advance.