Archive for June, 2008

Cheap airline tickets to rescue Caribbean Tourism

Monday, June 30th, 2008

The ever increasing cost of jet fuel and the softness of American Economy together are posing a major threat to Caribbean tourism. Many of the tiny islands on the Caribbean depend almost entirely on tourism for their sustenance. Airline fares are soaring and the number of flights declining sharply and the flow of vacationers into this island nation is getting choked. Are cheap airline tickets a remedy for the Caribbeans?

Caribbean Tourism

The carefree beaches and the colonial cities of the Caribbean together attracted over 15 million visitors over the last year. The vulnerability of the Caribbean is even more pronounced because of the near monopoly enjoyed by one airline, the American. Of all the passengers who travelled through Puerto Rico in the last year, American carried over 60% of them. The Caribbeans have invested large sums of money into tourism and they need more inflow of tourists – vacationers, certainly not less, because less would not only hit the bottom-line, but also potentially threaten even their very existence. Cheap airline tickets offer a huge relief to this agonising scenario.

The Caribbean cruise is equally famous and lesser flights into Puerto Rico can mean lesser people seeking cruise holidays. The Cruise ship industry would also take a beating for no fault of theirs. Every action has a reaction! Nobody has ever told the world so far, as to why the oil prices are galloping like the horses on the race course. Economists, forecasters, and all that ‘informed’ lot of people busy themselves preparing velocity charts and all those exhibition pieces.

If all these are bad news for the Caribbeans, there is some good news too. Working against the trend JetBlue Airways Corporation and Virgin Atlantic are planning to add more flights to Puerto Rico ex.New York, Boston and Orlando. Some of these Airlines hold the view that their younger fleet would to some extent offset the increase in oil price due to enhanced fuel efficiency.

In the middle of all these the silver lining in the cloud for the Carribeans is the strengthening Euro against the dollar making European Vacation packages to the Caribbean more attractive. The developed world should still take the responsibility to reign in the oil prices, for the world to prosper.

Boarding your plane without gymnastics

Monday, June 30th, 2008

How often have your faculties been tested in the process of boarding a plane? May be, almost every time, if you are holding cheap airline tickets, or never – if you belong to the elite class of passengers. Airline industry works overtime to ensure that passengers board their flights comfortably. How about us, the passengers?

Boarding your plane without gymnastics

Aren’t there some ways to board our flights more comfortably than expect more from the airline personnel? With Plane tickets becoming more and more expensive and airlines charging extra for an additional checked bag, there is a tendency to stuff your carry-ons to the seams. The perils attached to this tendency are many and when you keep your load light, your boarding will be faster too. You will help passengers behind you to board fast as well.

Being first in the line is a good trait whenever we need to be in a queue. That is not all when boarding a plane is the reason. Early boarders enjoy the benefit of a comfortable space in the overhead compartment, as well as access to pillows and blankets. Not to forget your stake on the armrest space. You can be on last minute tickets or cheap tickets, that is not going to make a difference.

Once inside the plane, if you stow your bag quickly and move away from the aisle immediately, that would help other passengers to pass you. Most cabin wars are sparked when you stuff your luggage above others’ seats. We need a comfortable trip, not the altercations, even if we are on a cheap flight.

Try travelling luggage- free, a step ahead of travelling light. Remember the liquid scare sometime ago. The liquid scare period they say, literally halved the boarding time! Downsizing the carry ons will contribute to a smoother boarding.

Boarding a plane need not be an ordeal, even if you are using cheap airline tickets. The airlines of course are responsible for designing an efficient boarding system and make it work. But, we as passengers can contribute a bit to make our own journeys more comfortable and enjoyable. The airlines have a responsibility to respond if we show such small gestures.

All-inclusive Vacation Packages and Saving Money

Friday, June 27th, 2008

With the uncertain economic conditions, it is only understandable that you would look for ways to save money especially on vacations. In addition to getting cheap airline tickets, there is also another popular trend among the budget conscious – booking all-inclusive vacation packages.

All-inclusive Vacation Packages

When you come across these all-inclusive vacation packages, you will discover that you are basically paying cheap rates for airfare, meals, hotel accommodation and even entertainment.

The key to the popularity of all-inclusive vacation packages is booking in advance. Because you are locking in the rates at the time of the booking, you and your family will no longer need to worry about going over the budget set aside for the vacation. Sometimes, there are last minute deals but they are very hard to come by. Keep in mind that the cheapest all-inclusive vacation packages are offered during off-peak seasons.

Before booking one of these all-inclusive vacation packages, you should check what the deals include. Sometimes, there are activities that you might not be interested in availing. In this case, there is no harm in trying to negotiate with the travel agency to remove these activities from your package and replace it with other activities that you would like to enjoy. Or, you could ask for a discount or an upgrade instead of these activities.

Also, it is important that you understand completely the terms and conditions that come with the all-inclusive vacation packages. Most of these deals will involve having to fly out during weekdays. You might even have to travel early in the morning or late at night. Being prepared for such conditions will surely save you a lot of trouble.

All-inclusive vacation packages are really among the best deals you can enjoy today considering the high cost of food and fuel prices. Do not forget to check out online deals for the best rates!

Tips To Save on Air Travel

Thursday, June 26th, 2008

The rising cost of fuel has certainly made airlines think of ways to compensate for such increases. Instead of increasing ticket prices, airlines including United, American and US Airways have started charging travelers for every bag they check in. Other airlines, on the other hand, simply imposed an additional fee if the flier is checking in too much luggage.

Continue Reading: Tips To Save on Air Travel

Key to Travel Savings: Flexibility

Wednesday, June 25th, 2008

Summer vacations are important for many families since this is the time when they can relax, recharge and enjoy each other’s company without the encumbrances of daily life. Sadly, the increase in fuel and food prices will make many families hesitate about traveling this summer.

Continue Reading: Key to Travel Savings: Flexibility

Grabbing Hot Honeymoon Packages

Wednesday, June 25th, 2008

Since honeymoons should be memorable, skipping it altogether because of high travel costs is not a good idea. But before you drain your account of all your savings, you should know that there are actually plenty of honeymoon packages that are affordable and yet romantic.

Continue Reading: Grabbing Hot Honeymoon Packages

Discovering Great Deals on Vacation Rentals

Tuesday, June 24th, 2008

seriously consider vacation rentals. These rentals are relatively cheaper that staying in a hotel plus you can also save on food since they are equipped with a kitchen where you can prepare your own meals.

Continue Reading: Discovering Great Deals on Vacation Rentals

Fuel Prices Go Up, Vacation Deals Get Better!

Monday, June 23rd, 2008

With summer vacation almost in full swing, many families have opted to stay at home and save their money instead of going on a vacation. Most of them are worried how travel expenses could skyrocket because of the high cost of fuel.

Continue Reading: Fuel Prices Go Up, Vacation Deals Get Better!

10 Rules to Finding Cheap Airplane Tickets

Friday, June 20th, 2008

Looking for bargain prices is probably normal for frequent travelers. It is not surprising therefore, that cutting back on travel costs has become more creative. For instance, you should check out these rules that should be followed by every serious traveler.

Continue Reading: 10 Rules to Finding Cheap Airplane Tickets

Great Money-Saving Tips for Travelers!

Wednesday, June 18th, 2008

For many people, the rising costs of travel have certainly made traveling unappealing. But for some, it only provided them with a way to become more creative when it comes to saving money during trips and vacations.

Continue Reading: Great Money-Saving Tips for Travelers!