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.

What an air ticket to Malaysia is worth?

  

Photo by Azlan Baharudin 

The beauty of Malaysia is unquestionable. Being one of the most visited countries in Asia, it gives home to a lot of attractions, pristine nature reserves, and vibrant cultures that are unfathomably unique and beautiful. These are reasons why people keep on availing of those air tickets to Malaysia.

But ‘attractions’, ‘pristine nature reserves’, and ‘vibrant cultures’ are too general to truly determine what an air ticket to Malaysia is worth. So below are some of the most popular tourist destinations in the country which define the significance of Malaysia-bound air tickets.

1. Kuala Lumpur. The capital city of Malaysia, it is the center of the country’s economy. It gives shelter to different aspects of a dynamic community; like business & government offices, shopping malls, high-rise residential areas, and a lot more which serve as proof of being upscale.

2. Langkawi. The beauty of Malaysian nature is blatant in Langkawi. Aside from the famous beaches, it also boasts of different mountains, forests, lakes, rice fields, and rivers that are definitely breathtaking; which definitely makes a tour package to Langkawi worthwhile.

3. Penang. Another Malaysian city, Penang is the place to be if you want to explore the colorful heritage of the country. The whole place is like a quintessence of the hybrid of the different cultures which molded present Malaysia.

4. Kota Kinabalu. Your tours to Malaysia will never be put to complete use without visiting Kota Kinabalu. The capital of Sabah, tropical luxury is best revealed in this place. With its areas dominated by lavish beach resorts which define opulence and total comfort, Kota Kinabalu is a nice destination to discover just what your air tickets are worth.

5. Batu Ferringhi. One thing not all people would believe is that an air ticket to Malaysia is a key to paradise, and that paradise is Batu Ferringhi. An island in Malaysia, it gives home to the most pristine and spectacular beaches in the area. From there, you can enjoy white sand beaches and azure ocean water that are at par with the world’s bests.

The abovementioned are just some of the places to help you determine the worth of your air ticket to Malaysia. So explore paradise. Online air ticket booking sites will help you with settling your air tickets.

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!

10 Travellers’ Trivia

Most often, it is curiosity that leads us to travel to other countries. We hear stories about a certain place and the determination to prove the reality of the bits of information shared with us becomes our constant driving force to purchase air tickets that would bring us there.

So for those who are low-spirited about traveling and are just contented with a trip to the bars during the weekend, here are a few trivia to ponder. Maybe, this will lead all of you to find interest in backpacking and traveling:

1.     Mount Everest in Nepal continuously grows. Growing an additional 4mm every year, it seems like it is constantly assuring its title as the tallest peak in the world. At the moment, it measures around 8500 meters tall and it is a very challenging hiking destination for many. 

Photo by Kalle Kortelainen 

2.     If an air ticket to Venice, Italy is unaffordable to you, then perhaps, a trip to Macau will somehow compensate. There is this one famous hotel called The Venetian Macao which allows its guests to enjoy gondola rides like how it is in Venice. It also has a fake ceiling that looks like the real sky and is equipped with lighting facilities to adapt to the time of the day.

Photo by Elina Sitnikova

 

3.     There is this phenomenon called the Midnight Sun, wherein for 24 hours, there will be no darkness as the sun will be visible during the whole time.  It is visible in some part of countries crossed by the Arctic Circle. It is best seen in Norway.

Photo by Nicola Gambetti 

4.     Many people say that seeing Aurora Borealis is one of the must-do before they die. And indeed, it should be because nothing could ever beat the glorious beauty of dancing colors in the night sky. It is best seen in countries in the Arctic region like Alaska and Norway.

Photo by Lightscape

 

5.     Shoppers who can’t get enough of their favorite activity will love Seoul. In this South Korean city, there are over 25,000 shops that are open 24 hours a day.

Photo by Mike Swigunski 

6.     Backpackers who wouldn’t want to pay high rates of accommodation in Japan can enjoy the ‘Capsule Hotel’. It is definitely cheap and was started to cater to the needs of Japanese office workers who missed the train due to overtime.

Photo by Alec Favale 

 

7.     The official name of Bangkok is "Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit".

Photo by Evan Krause 

 

8.     The world’s highest man-made waterfall is located in Jurong Bird Park in Singapore. It stands 30 meters tall.

Image from Google Search

9.     The Philippines has a great educational system which is relatively cheap compared to other countries so students may now settle their enrolment in Philippine universities.

Photo by Avel Chuklanov

10.   There is a huge diversity in the language in the Philippines. Aside from the widely spoken Tagalog, there are more than 170 dialects used in the country.

Image from Google Search

There are lots of mysteries to unearth and trivia to discover about this world we are living in. So make life more interesting! Book tickets online now and see for yourself the wonders of this planet.

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.

Ways to Avoid Getting Sick During Long Flights

Photo by William Bayreuther

It’s natural for some people to experience sickness during long flights. Dizziness, nausea, sweating, and vomiting are only some of the sicknesses that one can have while staying in an airplane for long hours. There are lots of ways to avoid or cure airplane sickness. Here are some of them:

• When you buy air tickets, make sure to choose a seat over the wing part of the plane. This part of the plane has less movement compared to the others, so staying here will minimize the chances of you getting nauseous. It will also depend on other factors, such as the size of the plane. You will most likely feel dizzier in small planes since turbulence and movement are more noticeable.

• Choose a window seat. When you buy air tickets, make sure to select a window seat, which can help ease your dizziness during the flight. During the nighttime, try to take a nap since you can’t see anything from the window.

• Avoid eating heavy meals before boarding the plane. Heavy food can make your stomach feel queasy during flight and can make you throw up. Just take a small meal before the flight, preferably one that does not contain spicy or greasy foods.

• Take anti-nausea medications before the flight. This will help control the dizziness and will make you feel more rested during the trip. Most medications require you to take them an hour before boarding the plane.

• Stay hydrated during the flight. Dehydration can cause dizziness and queasiness, so make sure to drink lots of water and juice while on board. Limit your alcohol and caffeine intake because this can make your skin dry.

• Put candy or crackers in your hand carry. When you start feeling sick, you just eat these and you will feel better. Gums and ginger candy are recommended for those who have motion sickness.

• If you are suffering from diseases such as epilepsy or diabetes, always carry the name and contact number of your doctor in your bag. This can save your life just in case you fall ill during a 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.

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.

Finding the Right Travel Agent

Photo by Sylwia Bartyzel 

Some travelers prefer not to seek the services of travel agents. They already had bad experiences with agents who try to take advantage of customers and cost them more than what they should pay for their trips. But you should not discount the advantages of having the right travel agent. The right agent can give you great savings not just on air tickets and hotel rooms, but on meals and car rentals as well.

The trick is to find one that is not only honest but is capable of giving you the service that is right for your needs and preferences. This is advisable especially if you are not so knowledgeable about finding cheap offers on airfare and hotel rooms online. 

Here are some things to keep in mind when finding the right travel agent:

• The right travel agent will ask you many questions.

 This is the only way that she can find out what exactly it is that you need for your trip. She will ask for details about your itinerary, travel experiences, and budget. She needs the following information to get you the right deals you can choose from.

• The right travel agent has many contacts.

The more vendors your agent is working with, the better. This means she can present you with more choices that you can select from. Avoid agents that refer only to one or two vendors consistently. You won’t get much choice that way and she is only interested in the commission from the said vendors. Look for an agent that will make the effort to shop around for deals that will suit your budget and preferences.

• The right travel agent should be able to give you prices that are close or lower to the going rates online.

 Do a little research first before asking the agent the prices of the deals she can offer. This way, you will know if she’s giving you the best deal or just trying to rip you off. Better yet, list down the low prices that you see online and ask the agent if she can get the same deal for you at lower rates.

Air Travel with Babies

Photo by Octav Cado 

Most people avoid taking their babies during vacation, especially if it involves putting the infant on an airplane. But some parents cannot avoid this and will have to bear the thought of strapping their little one to an airplane seat. The good news is that it is generally safe to let infants travel as long as they are four to six weeks old.

But you can already buy air tickets for babies two or three weeks old if you have no choice but to take your baby with you on your trip. Airlines have strict guidelines regarding infants in airplanes. Here are some tips to help you plan your baby’s trip:

• Book your air tickets in advance

This is important because you have to choose the best seat for your baby. Avoid seats at the rear end of the airplane, which is closer to the engines. Your baby might be disturbed by the noise. Take seats at the front of the plane if possible, you will appreciate the extra legroom.

• Make sure that the airplane has adequate facilities for infants

Call your travel agent when you book your air tickets or contact them online and let them know you are traveling with an infant. This way, you’ll know what facilities and services they have for passengers traveling with babies. They can note on your record that you will need extra help for your little one.

• Make sure you have all the baby stuff in your hand carry

Stock up on diapers, milk bottles, baby food, baby wipes, and other baby stuff to make your trip as comfortable and hassle-free as possible. If you need help with wiping the mess that your baby made, you can always ask assistance from the flight attendant.

• Let your baby wear comfortable clothes

Babies get irritated easily with uncomfortable clothing, and the last thing you want to happen is your infant screaming loudly inside the plane for all passengers to hear. Dress him up in light clothes that are easy on the skin. Always have a blanket ready in case he gets too cold. 

What to Expect in Hong Kong Travel

A fair lot of tourists think of Hong Kong as one small, dynamic country where you can already explore everything in a week. But those who have stayed longer in Hong Kong to fully enjoy the worth of their air tickets know that there is more to Hong Kong than meets the eye. The cluster of tourists usually just stays within Tsim Sha Tsui and the Causeway Bay area, but if you make the effort to explore the innermost parts of the country, you will find inexhaustible delights that any type of tourist will surely appreciate.

Forty percent of Hong Kong’s open land is allotted for tourism, recreation, and conservation. You will find marine parks, beautiful coasts, and country parks all over Hong Kong. Nature lovers will surely enjoy spending time at the Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve, which houses various types of woodland creatures. Another place for nature-tripping is the Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, which serves as a great sanctuary for plants and people who are dedicated to agriculture.

No vacation in Hong Kong will be complete without enjoying the country’s shopping sites. If you manage to save a lot in getting an air ticket to Hong Kong, then you can spend it when you shop for both luxury and cheap items. There are lots of designer stores for those who can afford it, and there are lots of night markets for those who are on a budget.

Hong Kong is made for those who love water activities. Those looking for great surfing will surely enjoy testing the waves at Tai Long Wan or Big Wave Bay. Surf in waves as high as fourteen feet or simply enjoy the buff bodies walking around the area.

Dolphin lovers will find their place here in Lantau Island, where you can join their exciting dolphin tour. Watch out for those cute pink dolphins and the white dolphins, which are considered as one of the endangered species.

Those who are into mountain biking must explore Hong Kong’s trails, such as the Dragon’s Back, Wan Tsai Peninsula, and Chi Ma Wan. Make sure to go only to designated trails to avoid accidents.

Tips While Traveling with Kids

Traveling, by itself, is already filled with expected hassles, especially for those who are not used to it. Traveling with kids is another thing. If you are traveling with a child or children in tow, expect to deal with tantrums, restlessness, and unexpected emergencies.  Before you buy those air tickets for your vacation, keep in mind the following tips on traveling with kids.

• Pack the essentials

Packing for another person can be quite tricky, especially if you are doing it for a child. You have to decide which of his stuff is important enough to be included in the luggage. The best way to deal with it is to keep at least two separate bags for your kid. One should contain all the essentials, such as clothes, shoes, and medicines. The other bag (a backpack is ideal) is for your child to carry. It should contain stuff that will keep him from getting bored while you are on the plane. Put stuff in there that he really likes, such as toys, his Playstation, or his iPod.

• Book a separate seat for your child

Your child may be small enough to be allowed to seat on your lap during the flight, but this can present more hassle than convenience. Reserving a separate seat while buying your air tickets will bring more comfort to you and your kid. To make things more convenient for you, try to book a seat near the bathroom, so your child can go in there fast when he needs to. Also, try not to get him a seat near the aisle. Kids can get unruly during the flight and might end up grabbing or hitting people walking down the aisle. You want to avoid the possibility of your kid tripping the flight attendant while she is serving meals.

• Dress your kid in proper clothes

Depending on your destination, you should dress your kid in clothes suitable to the weather condition. So it should be light clothes for the summer and heavy ones for colder climates. Kids tend to throw tantrums when they feel uncomfortable with what they are wearing. Avoid the hassle of having to change his clothes during the flight.

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.