Archive for May, 2008

Packing Light to Avoid Lost Checked Baggage and New Fees

Thursday, May 29th, 2008

With many airlines enacting new baggage restrictions this summer and baggage handling becoming one of the major areas of customer complaints at airports nationwide, it’s time for the average traveler to start considering their luggage a little bit more. Even if you find cheap airline tickets, the new surcharge could effect you. American Airlines recently announced that every bag that is checked on their flights will now be subject to a small fee, and many other airlines are expected to follow up by doing the same thing on their flights. This is in large part a response from the airlines to rising fuel prices and other costs that are hurting profits. So how can you find ways to beat this extra cost? A few simple tips can help you conserve space and save money on these annoying surcharges.

Lost Checked Baggage

One of the best ways travel experts advise is to pick the right carry on bag. Making an investment in one good piece of luggage that conforms to carry on size bag standards but also leaves enough room to compartmentalize and fit everything you’d need is the best way to beat the charge, since carry on bags don’t cost a dime on flights. Typically a business traveler who needs their clothes to be in good condition is going to want to buy a standard rectangular suitcase with wheels. But if you’re going on a recreational trip, taking a soft dufflebag can be a better way to fit more stuff in a carry on bag. Also, rolling clothes into tight tubes instead of folding them can be an excellent way for many travelers to conserve space.

And instead of buying complex bags with lots of compartments, experts suggest getting a simple style piece of luggage and compartmentalizing yourself using plastic bags. Extra compartments, flaps and zippers actually only end up taking up more space, and also add extra weight. Going simply means maximizing your space for vacation airline travel.

Packing the right clothes is also key. For example, packing a different outfit for every day is a terrible idea, because it’s going to mean that for a week long trip, you’ll have seven pairs of each type of necessary clothing. Instead, bring neutral, blendable colors that you can mix and match to make many different outfits out of several pieces of clothing. Rely on standard favorites, such as black pants or khakis, because they tend to be staples of outfits people don’t notice. Also, try to avoid bringing too many toiletries and instead buy trial sizes once you get to you destination. Conserve space, and you’ll conserve money!

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Cheap Ticket Deals and Getting Bump

Thursday, May 22nd, 2008

Trying to purchase cheap airline tickets is certainly hard enough without having to worry about getting bumped off the flight. In order to understand this situation, you should probably learn about the system being implemented by airlines.

Most airlines assume that the people who made reservations will not show up and so, to ensure that all the flight seats will be taken, they tend to overbook. If you do not believe this, then you should know that the no-show rate in the industry is a considerable 15 percent.

The good news is that travelers who are bumped involuntarily are actually protected by certain regulations of the Federal Aviation Administration. This means that they are entitled to certain compensations. If you are traveling for business, getting bumped is certainly inconvenient. However, those with flexible travel plans might be able to benefit from getting bumped. Some airlines give out free tickets but keep in mind that they come with certain restrictions.

If you have a flexible travel plan, you could also volunteer to get bumped. But you must remember to make a deal with the airline before volunteering. It will certainly work to your advantage if you are nice about the whole thing. If you have already checked your luggage, then make sure you get them back before the plane leaves. Also, it will be wise to ask the airline for a guaranteed seat on the next flight before agreeing to a voluntary bump.

In case the next flight will not be available soon and you believe that you will be waiting for the entire night, then you should ask the airline for hotel vouchers. It is very important that you ask them for information before booking your own hotel room.

Availing cheap airfare certainly comes with some inconvenient situations such as this. It is probably because these discounted tickets are just too good to pass up.

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Summer is Almost Here! Check Out CA Discounted Ticket Offers!

Tuesday, May 20th, 2008

One of the beautiful places you should consider when planning your summer vacation is Costa Rica. The country exudes natural beauty and unbelievable charisma. You and your family will surely love the fabulous weather, amazing beaches and friendly locals.

Continental Airlines is actually offering really cheap airline tickets for travel to this heavenly place. Check some of their offers below:

  1. Paradisus Playa Conchal (All Inclusive) - a beach and golf resort that promises its guests a truly magnificent time. If you book early, you get to enjoy $245 for a 7-night stay. You must book before May 19 and travel between June 1 and August 31 to enjoy an additional 12% discount on published room rates.
  2. Occidental Grand Papayago (All Inclusive) – a first-class establishment that will provide you and your family a luxurious time. If you book by May 30 and travel by June 28 to August 31, you will be able to enjoy 15% discount on room rates aside from the 10-20 % discount from the contracted rates.
  3. Allegro Papagayo (All Inclusive) – resting in front of the breathtaking Manzanillo beach, this resort offers an unforgettable vacation experience. Hurry and book by May 30 in order to enjoy 20% discount on room rates. Travel should be completed between June 28 and August 31.

Keep in mind that all inclusive deals mean that you will not only enjoy cheap airfares but also discounted hotel rooms and other services provided by partner institutions. Because of these, many families take advantage of such package deals. Bur before you book your summer vacation, it is crucial that you read and understood all terms and conditions as well as restrictions. If you are not too careful, you might find yourself inconvenienced.

Check the website of Continental Airlines for more promo details and information!

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Green Travel

Monday, May 19th, 2008

If you are concerned about the environment, as we all should be, and have adopted a green lifestyle at home and want to continue the trend in your travels, you are in luck as the top 10 eco-friendly hotels have been announced by Travel and Leisure Magazine and Conservation International. Coupled with the travel [...]

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Tips for Cheap Travel

Thursday, May 15th, 2008

Many destinations offer deals online. Take some time to surf the net and find the perfect package or deal of the hundreds if not thousands that are available. Try searching by destination or date. You are sure to find coupons, free tickets to local attractions, 2 for 1’s, a great way to experience it all, [...]

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Visit Disappearing Places

Thursday, May 15th, 2008

Unfortunately not everywhere will be available forever to visit, here are a few places that should move up on your calendar to visit before its too late.
Endangered Destinations

Alaska, U.S.
Due to its northern location, Alaska is warming five times faster than the rest of the planet. Glaciers are disappearing and remote villages are threatened as the [...]

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Airlines Slow Down Planes to Save on Fuel cost

Wednesday, May 14th, 2008

With the cost of oil rising, the airline industry has taken steps to try to cutback on their fuel consumption in order to save money, and the newest step in this strategy is to slow down the speed at which planes travel. Just like as it is with cars, the faster a plane goes, the [...]

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Special Deals for the Spring, Summer and Fall Seasons, Only from Air Tran!

Tuesday, May 13th, 2008

If you are planning on traveling almost non-stop until the fall months, you will be delighted with the discounted airfare offered by Air Tran. Now, you will be able to rest easy knowing that your next travels will be stress-free and you will even be savings big bucks! In order to grab these fantastic deals, [...]

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Amazing Weekend Deals from Delta

Tuesday, May 13th, 2008

Sometimes, stress from managing your work and family obligations can be overwhelming. A very good way to de-stress and get rejuvenated is by going away even for just the weekend. Budget concerns? You should not fret especially with these cheap tickets from Delta Airlines.
If you are interested, you should know that you need to [...]

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Fantastic China Deals from United Airlines

Monday, May 12th, 2008

One of the reasons for traveling is learning about the many different cultures in this world. it will give you a heightened sense of awareness of other races as well as respect for their colorful traditions. Experiencing these things first hand is probably the best way to learn about them.

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