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.

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

Photo by Jace & Afsoon

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.

Tips on Packing Your Carry-On Bag

Photo by Sigmund

Packing the carry-on bag is perhaps one of the most difficult tasks a traveler faces. There is so much stuff to carry but so little room to put them in. But it’s important to master the art of packing the carry-on bag. It’s big enough only for your essentials, such as air tickets and select clothing and toiletries. You have to choose which items are important enough to bring to your trip, which means you can do away with the other bags that can cause you hassle at the airport. Here are some tips on how to do it:

• Contact your airline and find out their restrictions regarding carry-on bags

Airlines have different restrictions when it comes to carry-on bags. After booking your air tickets, ask them the maximum size of carry-on bags they allow for passengers. It is usually different for international and domestic flights. This way, you will have a general idea of what can fit inside your bag and how much you will be able to carry.

• Roll your clothes

Instead of folding your clothes, try rolling them instead. It takes less space so you can have more room for other stuff. Choose wrinkle-free clothes so you don’t have to worry about wrinkles. Or you can just make use of the iron in your hotel room for your clothing. If you like putting them in plastic bags, make sure to squeeze the air out of the bag before you stuff them into the bag.

• Buy travel-size versions of everything you need to pack

This applies to toiletries and gadgets such as blow dryers and curling irons. Or you can simply use the ones in your hotel room. Buy small bottles of shampoos and body washes. For medications, you can bring them in the smallest bottles available. Take as few cosmetics as possible.  

• Wear your bulkier clothing and shoes then pack the lighter ones

Wear your boots then pack the slippers and sandals. This goes for the jacket and coat as well, depending on the weather. Pack footwear that you can use for different purposes. This will allow you to pack as fewer shoes as possible.

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.

Tips on Finding Cheap Airline Tickets

Finding cheap air tickets is a priority for travelers, especially for frequent ones. It is essential if one must keep their vacation budget under control. There are several things you can do to find lesser airfare. Here are some of them:

• Be flexible when it comes to scheduling your date of travel

If you want to take your trip on a specific date, chances are you will be forced to take whatever’s available just to get seats on that period. This won’t leave you much room for getting cheap air tickets. Now if you are more flexible with your scheduling, you can always choose to leave when rates for air tickets online booking are at their lowest. This is true, especially for international flights. Also, make sure to book your flight ahead of time. Rates are almost always cheaper when you book in advance.

• Book your for the middle of the week

As expected, most vacation travelers choose to fly during weekends, which makes air ticket rates more expensive on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

• Always check the price of round-trip tickets

You’ll be surprised to find out that sometimes, one-way tickets are actually more expensive than round-trip tickets. In that case, it’s practical to check the price of round-trip tickets for your destination. Do this, especially for international flights. You may end up getting cheap air tickets for round-trip flights.

• Avoid booking for the holidays

Expect to shell out more for holidays, since a lot of people travel on those dates. For instance, try booking for Thanksgiving Day itself rather than the day before Thanksgiving.

• Choose the right website for airlines ticket booking

All of these websites provide the same service to travelers, but there are differences in their rates. There are websites that work best for those whose travel dates are flexible. Some websites specialize in giving cheap rates during last-minute bookings. This also depends if you plan to book for local or international flights. So make sure to explore all your options first; do not hesitate to compare prices before reserving seats. This way, you will be able to get cheap air tickets.