Making a Vacation Trip Truly Worthwhile

Photo by Toa Heftiba 

Travel to the world’s most beautiful places is one of the best rewards you could ever give yourself. Backpacking, as how it is usually termed, is probably one of the most ideal ways to regain the vigor towards work and daily living. So to make the most out of a vacation trip, it is not enough to just avail the cheapest air ticket. There are lots of things to do to make backpacking truly memorable.

First and foremost, it is really advisable to settle for airline companies offering discount airfare. After all, there is a huge chance that you will be spending a fortune on your destination; so it is rather good to avail the cheapest offers.

Once you have already settled for the cheapest air ticket deals, it would be best to also avail of the cheapest hotel rate there is. But comfort should not be compromised. So it would be probably best to check on online air ticket booking sites which are tied up with air ticket booking companies for package deals.

After the bookings, the trip preparation begins. Other than the finances, you have to mentally get ready for the excitement of your trip. Spend a few days researching the best locations in the country you are visiting. This way, you will have your itinerary beforehand and you would no longer waste your precious time deciding where to go, on the spot.

It is also recommended that you do check on some reviews detailing the culture of the locals you will probably be mingling with. After all, you will be a foreigner to their country and it is given that you will be the one to adapt to their ways of living. Learning their language is also a plus point. You do not have to worry, anyway, because people are naturally friendly, and understanding the way they are will surely do you good as how a discount airfare did.

Lastly, to make your getaway truly memorable, it is best to bring a friend to share the happiness with you. After all, the cheapest airfare is available. Anybody would not say no to that.

Spectating Europe and the Beauty It Has

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Europe is the land of monarchs, fashion, and luxury. It is a place where romance coincides with everything, in a setting that is a perfect beauty. Undeniably a dream destination, travelers work hard to grab an air ticket to Europe each; because flaunting a lot of wonderful spots and impressive edifices, it is a place where fantasy meets reality.

But Europe is such a big continent; so for first-timers, the Lonely Planet has provided a brief and quick list of a few of the ideal destinations to stop by in touring this wonderful place:

1.       Paris. When Europe is mentioned, it is this lovely city in France that comes first to the minds of the majority. Giving home to the iconic Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Versailles, and Arc de Triomphe, Paris is sure to take anybody’s breath away.

2.       London. The country of Shakespeare and Harry Potter, this UK city gives home to different highlights like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the Tate Modern.

3.       Barcelona. In Spain, this colorful city is worth the price of an airline ticket. Home to organic Modernista architecture and Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia, Barcelona is a place where people can explore much of the aesthetic worth of Europe.

4.       Rome. Known as the Eternal City, Rome is a perfect destination to lay eyes on world-famous structures like the Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. In Rome, another country can also be found: the Vatican City.

5.       Vienna. Imperial and spectacular, the city of Vienna is famous for its laid-back atmosphere that appeals so much to people who are looking for cozy trips and tranquil adventures.

6.       Berlin. An air ticket to Europe can bring one to the beautiful city of Berlin in Germany. Filled with must-see galleries and museums, it makes everyone understand how it was during the war era, and how Berlin has completely transformed after liberation. It is a rapidly changing city so people will not regret to avail an airfare promo to Berlin again.

7.       Athens. The land of gods and goddesses, this paradise is sure to take every breath away. A perfect escape from the usual kinds of sleek architecture, Athens will provide travelers with impressive buildings which range from ancient ruins to houses in the hill-top Acropolis.

A European tour is definitely worth it. It may be pricey but there are travel companies that offer budget air tickets to bring anyone to Europe and to the abovementioned cities. After all, everyone deserves the bests.

Best Ways to Plan a Family Vacation

Photo by Natalya Zaritskaya 

Planning a vacation for the whole family is not easy. Each family member has an idea of what he or she wants to do during the vacation, and most of the time plans conflict and chaos ensue. The boys want to go fishing or hunting and the girls just want to relax by the pool and get a gorgeous tan. To make everybody happy during your vacation, you should plan things carefully before you buy your cheap air tickets. Here are some tips on how to go about it. 

• Vote for the activities that you want to do during the vacation

To be fair and to make sure everybody will enjoy the vacation, vote on the things you want to do and the places you want to visit. First, it is important that all of you agree on the dates of your trip before you make your air ticket online booking. Then make each family member suggest great destinations for your trip. Narrow down your choices (using factors such as time and budget) then have everyone vote on them. 

• Take turns in planning the vacation

It’s only fair that everyone will get the chance to plan a family vacation. But keep in mind that the one in charge will have to take care of everything – from planning the activities to managing the budget. 

• Find a destination that can please all members of the family

You have to do some compromising on this one. It’s pretty hard to decide when Grandpa wants to go to a hunting lodge while the women in the family want to go to the beach. Find a resort that can offer both and you will please everyone. If this is not possible and Grandpa has his way, promise the girls that they will get their beach vacation next time. 

• Create a reasonable budget and stick to it

You have to make everyone understand the importance of sticking to the budget. You don’t want to end up broke after the trip, or worse, during the vacation itself. Everything must be covered – food, accommodations, shopping, and fare money.

Tips for a Great Holiday Trip

Since you will be spending a lot of time and money on your holiday vacation, you have to make sure that every minute of your trip is worth all the trouble. Before you book air tickets for your trip. here are some tips to remember, which will make your trip a great one:

• Make sure to book accommodations that will suit your needs and budget

Never underestimate the importance of good hotel rooms. They can make or break your vacation. Spend time doing research on good accommodations in your preferred destination. If you are traveling with your family, look for accommodations that specialize in groups. Make sure that their rooms are big and comfortable enough for kids. If you’re going on a romantic trip, look for hotels that specialize in honeymoon accommodations.

• Always include the facilities and services in your choice of hotel

Aside from the rooms, a good accommodation should provide the facilities and services that you will need during your stay. If you are a businessman, you will need services such as fax machines and computer centers during your stay. Almost all types of travelers require a strong wifi connection that will let them surf the internet any time of the day. If you are bringing the kids, make sure that the hotel has daycare and babysitting services. If you are looking for outdoor activities, check if the hotel has the facilities for them. If you are looking for relaxation, check if the hotel has a spa and jacuzzi that you can use.

• Check the weather report

Nothing spoils a vacation more than bad weather. Before you buy your cheap air tickets from your trusted online seller, make sure to check the weather conditions in that area. You may end up in the middle of the monsoon season when you are expecting the perfect beach weather. You don’t want to spend your vacation indoors.

• Get to know the language and culture of your destination

We don’t expect you to learn Chinese overnight, but it would help if you know how to say “How much is this?” and “Thank you” in that dialect. Knowing the basic terms can prove invaluable when you deal with the locals. If you know the culture of the place, you will have lesser risks of doing the wrong thing and offending the people there.

Air Travel Deals on Holidays

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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

 

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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

 

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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.