Travel Tips : 5 Ways to Choose Your Hotel

You are planning a holiday abroad for your family, and want everyone
to have a good time. You surf the internet for hotel descriptions,
but from the pictures that you see and what you read, all hotels
project a perfect image of themselves. How can you tell which ones
are better? You have never been there and know no one at your
destination. At the same time, you don't want a hotel room that
will bust your budget. How do you choose?

Check Independent Hotel Ratings
Well, the first step you can take is to visit hotel search engines
for guest ratings for hotels represented by the search engines. In
addition to pre-negotiated rates with individual hotels, most agents
ask for ratings and comments from previous guests. Reading their
comments will give you a fair idea on what to expect from the hotels
located in your destination. Be sure to read a few comments in order
to get a fair overview. Certain incidences described may only be
rare occurrences that may already have been corrected.

Hotel Chains and Facilities
Are they part of an international hotel chain? Most international
chains have stringent standards that are adhered to as well as a
standard theme across all chains. They may have similar facilities
(health clubs, spas, business centers, etc) which are important to
maintain the hotel's high standards. Other things you can look
out for include concierge, shuttle services to the city, airport
transfers as well as good laundry services.

Location
Perhaps one of the most critical things when selecting a hotel is
its location. Hotels that are near to shopping areas, train stations
or the city center charge higher rates as compared to those located
elsewhere. Analyze a map of the area before you book to determine
the nearest shopping areas or access to trains which will give
you
much convenience in moving around. Also, check with the hotel if
they have any large tour groups coming in at the same time.

Hotels
charge higher rates during high occupancy periods and do not have
the flexibility of late check-outs. These are important aspects
which, if overlooked, may affect your tour schedule as well as
your impression of the hotel's level of hospitality.

Rates and Discounts
Hotel rates are a huge factor when it comes to choosing a hotel.
However, paying more does not necessarily mean that you will
receive
an equivalent level of service and standards. One of the ways to
maximize on prices would be check if they are part of an alliance
with flights or car rental companies, which offer discounts to
customers of their allies. Sometimes, credit card companies offer
their cardholders exclusive rates to special hotels which can be
pretty attractive. Additionally, if it's possible to use your
frequent flyer points to redeem hotel discounts, this could help
reduce hotel costs as well.


About The Author:
Both Erica Johnson & her husband David love to travel, ski and
meet people from different cultures. They have traveled all continents
to experience hospitality, adventure, sports, exotic foods, learn
new languages and understand history.
You may visit Hotels Search EU PTY LTD
http://www.hotels-search-engine.org to find the most trusted hotels at top destinations across the world.

Source : WORLD TRAVEL

Travel Tips : Tips For Getting Cheap Tickets!

Looking for cheap tickets for your airline trip this season?
No need to worry because there are all sorts of companies out there
looking to help you get the best bang for your buck. You’ll find
that there are hundreds of new and outstanding pricings
available to encourage people to fly. But, we need to take heed
because we can still be overcharged if we don’t watch out.
Instead of worrying about the cost of your tickets; check out
these ideas to get cheap tickets.

Tip one is that you need to book your ticket in advance. No
need to wait until the last minute and have to find the only
available seat on a jet. Instead, take the time to book in
advance. The worst thing that you can do is to walk up to the
counter at the airport and purchase a ticket. Unfortunately,
you will not be seeing cheap tickets there.

Be as flexible as you can be. Have you ever been lucky enough
to be asked to take a later flight and given a voucher for free
tickets next time? If not, you just might not be the lucky ones
here. While this is not the only way of getting a great deal, if
the opportunity arises, jump on it. Also, if you can choose the
times and days that you plan to fly, look mid week and
especially in the late nights. Flights during these times
aren’t just cheap; they are also less hectic and take a lot
less time to wait in line for.

Compare and contrast the different companies. If you have a
favorite that you always use, you might just be paying more
than you should be. Instead, grab a seat and look at the
different options that are available to you online. You can
save a lot of money this way!

Getting cheap tickets isn’t just a great feeling. It is also a
way to afford more trips later. If you take the opportunity to
get outstanding values on the tickets that you want now, you
will be pleased later as well. Cheap tickets are out there, you
just have to get them!

About The Author:
Find more information and tips about cheap
tickets by visiting http://www.dailycheapticketsnews.info

Source : WORLD TRAVEL

Travel Tips : Tips For Safer Flying

Flying can be an adventure, but like everything else in life,
there are small risks. Even though flying is the safest way to
travel in this modern age, here are some tips to minimize any
unfortunate, but unlikely event of an emergency situation.

• Try to only fly nonstop routings

Takeoff, climb, descent, and landing phases of flights have the
most occurrences of accidents. To reduce these risks reduce the
amount of exposure to these phases of flight by trying only to
fly nonstop.

• Choose a larger aircraft

Aircraft under 30 passengers are not required to be designed
and certified under strictest regulations. Also statistically,
in a larger aircraft, you have a better chance of survival in
an unlikely event of a serious accident.

• Pay Attention to the locations of the emergency exits

Preflight instructions have become very repetitious. But the
information given regarding the exits are very important to
your safety. Pay attention, the locations of the closest
emergency exits may be different depending on the aircraft and
seat you are in.

• Overhead Storage Bins should be free of heavy articles

Overhead storage bins and their doors are not made to hold very
heavy objects during turbulence, so ask if you or another
passenger have heavy articles to be stored elsewhere.

• Keep your seat belt fastened while the plane is in the air.

Incase of unexpected turbulence, extra protection is provided
by keeping your seat belt fastened.

• Listen to the Flight Attendants

Even though you have flown many times, flight attendants are
aware of things that you may not be aware of. If an attendant
ask you to do something don’t argue just comply. Laws are
changing because of the 911 and not complying might end you
arrested.

• Don't bring any unauthorized material

Unauthorized materials that are not allowed are a list that
seems to grow daily. Common sense should tell you that you
shouldn't bring hazardous materials on the aircraft unless they
were allowed by the airline and shipped in a proper container.
Other items such as sharp objects like knives and other
seemingly benign objects have been targeted. Use common sense.

• Don't Drink Too Much

The atmosphere in the cabin is pressurized to about the same as
Denver altitude. The alcohol you consume will have a more
strongly effect than at lower level. Air Rage

• Keep Your Wits About You

An emergency situation is very unlikely, but incases of an
emergency evacuation, follow the flight attendants directions.
The reason the attendants are there is not just to serve
peanuts and beverages. They are required by law with your
safety in mind.

About The Author:
Seth B http://www.topgun-flightschools.com

Source : WORLD TRAVEL

Travel Tips : Ten Tips Before You Travel

1. Read up about your destination.You can do this from a guide
book or using the internet. It's worth reading up about the
place you are due to stay, even if you're going there on
business. You can find out about leisure activities while
you're there, a list of 'must do' or 'must see' items. If you
are traveling outside America or Europe, it is also worth
checking out any local customs so that you make sure you don't
accidentally offend anyone in your destination country.

2. If you are traveling abroad, check whether or not the
country you are visiting needs you to get a travel visa before
you can enter the country.

3. Take two photocopies of the page of your passport that has
your photo and other personal details. Leave one copy with a
trusted person at home and carry the other one separately from
your passport so that if you lose your passport you can quickly
get the necessary information.

4. Keep details of all your credit and debit cards together
with their contact phone numbers (if you are going abroad, make
sure that you can actually dial the number from abroad as some
phone numbers only work in your home country).

5. If at all possible, take more than one credit card on your
trip. Credit card companies are getting increasingly worried
about fraud and if they see an unusual pattern of purchases on
your card they may 'stop' it just to be on the safe side. If
you expect to be making an unusual pattern of purchases it may
be worth calling your credit card company so that they are
aware of the situation.

6. Don't leave your luggage unattended. If you are flying,
don't make jokes with the check-in staff about drugs, bombs or
any other security issue. They have to take all such comments
seriously, which could delay your flight or even prevent you
from traveling.

7. Some US states and some countries have strict rules about
carrying fruit and vegetables in. Make sure that you are aware
of these rules - even a seemingly innocent apple or banana in
your lunch box could break these rules!

8. Double check your packing! Whilst you'll almost certainly be
able to buy replacement items such as toothpaste or a
toothbrush, it's not the best thing to be doing when you arrive
at your destination. Some people find it handy to type up a list
on their computer and use this as an extra memory aid.

9. If you use any prescription medicines that you must take,
bring two sets and pack them in different locations in case one
bag gets lost. Also bring a copy of your written prescriptions,
including those for glasses and contact lenses.

10. Bring a small carry-on bag with an extra set of clothes. If
the worst should happen and your bag is lost, you will have a
change of clothes until your bag finally arrives. If you must
take daily medication, bring a two-day supply with you in the
carry-on bag.

About The Author

Smooth Hound http://www.s-h-systems.co.uk offers affordable hotel and guest house accommodation throughout the world.

Source : WORLD TRAVEL

Travel Tips : 16 Tips For Preventing Passport Problems

Carelessness is the number one reason for a passport application being rejected or delayed or for a passport being lost, stolen, or damaged.

What steps are necessary to prevent these things from happening? How can you take care of your passport? Below are 16 practical tips you can follow to acquire your passport, keep it in your possession, and preserve it in good condition.

Before You Leave On Your Trip

1. Check to see if you even need a passport.

Countries can, and often do, change foreign entry requirements. If you arrive at the airport without the required documents, you'll be denied boarding privileges. And, of course, this isn't covered by travel insurance.

Currently, more than 80% of the world's countries require a valid passport for entrance. It's important to verify the foreign entry requirements for the country you plan to visit as early as possible.

2. Apply for your passport early.

You should apply for a new passport at least 90 days before your departure date. For a renewal, begin the process 8 to 11 months before your passport expires. Why so early? Many countries require that your passport have six to eight months of validity remaining before they will issue a visa.

3. Fill out the correct form correctly.

Each type of passport service has specific criteria that must be met. Make sure you get the right application form, and then fill it in carefully. Double-check each entry. Ask a friend or relative to verify it as well. Errors made on the application form can lead to delays or, even, rejection of your passport request.

4. Follow the specifications for the required documents exactly.

When applying for a new passport, the most frequently used documents are a certified birth certificate for proof of citizenship along with a valid driver's license for proof of identity.

Your birth certificate must be a certified copy with a registrar's raised, embossed, impressed, or multicolored seal, registrar's signature, and the date the certificate was filed with the registrar's office, which must be within 1 year of your birth. No photocopies are accepted. Your driver's license must be more than six months old.

For a passport renewal, your previous passport serves as both proof of citizenship and proof of identity. To be valid, it cannot be mutilated, altered, or damaged in any way.

You must send two identical passport photos taken within the last 6 months. These passport photos must be 2"x2" with a plain white or off-white background. They have to be a full-face view with the head being from 1 to 1 3/8 inches from the chin to the top of the head. The photos can be either color or black and white.

5. Sign both the passport application form and your check.

Surprisingly, many people forget to sign either the passport application form or their check to Passport Services. Once again, check everything twice, or even three times.

6. Request additional pages.

Are you a frequent flyer? Request a 48-page passport (at no additional cost). It will allow you to travel more before having to replace it.

7. Sign your passport and fill out the emergency information.

When your passport arrives, check to see that all the information contained in it is correct. If it is, sign it and fill in your current address and the name of a person to contact in case of emergency. If not, return it to the State Department for correction.

8. Make two copies of your passport and photos.

Give one copy of your passport to a friend or relative who can be easily contacted in case of an emergency. Take the other copy and the extra photos with you on your trip. If you use an online document storage service, you can scan your passport and upload a copy. That way, you can access it from almost anywhere in the world.

While You're Away

9. Always keep your passport in a safe place!

Never leave your passport in your baggage, backpack, purse, car, hotel room, or anywhere else! When you must carry your passport, keep it in a money belt or inside coat pocket. Upon arrival at the hotel, put your passport in the hotel safe.

10. Never lay your passport down anywhere.

Passports placed on a counter, phone booth or table can be easily forgotten or stolen. Practice the habit of immediately putting your passport away after using it.

11. If you travel as a family or as part of a group, don't let one person carry all the passports.

The odds are much greater for one person carrying all the passports to lose them or have them stolen than for all the passports to be stolen or lost if each individual owner carries his or her own.

12. Never let anyone leave your presence with your passport.

When checking in at the airport, passing through customs, exchanging currency, or doing anything else that requires you to show your passport, never allow the person examining your passport to leave your presence. If the person starts to leave, call their attention and request to accompany them.

Law enforcement records show that U.S. passports are sometimes used for unlawful entry into the United States or by criminals abroad seeking to establish another identity. You would be pretty embarrassed if your name were associated with illegal activities.

13. Immediately report the loss of your passport.

If you are careful and follow the tips above, you shouldn't have any problem with the loss of your passport. If it does occur though, immediately notify the local police and then proceed to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Take the copy of your passport and extra photos with you. You will be issued a temporary passport that you can replace upon returning to the United States.

After You Return

14. Schedule your passport renewal.

Check the expiration date and make a reminder to renew your passport at the proper time. Remember, you should begin the process 8 to 11 months prior to the expiration date. Put the reminder somewhere where it won't be forgotten.

15. Check the number of blank pages remaining.

Some countries require a blank page for their visa. If you plan a future trip on which you will visit various countries, you might need the same number of pages as countries to be visited.

If you do not have an adequate number of pages but your passport is not due for renewal, you can request additional pages.

16. Store your passport in a safe place.

If you have a safe in your home, keep your passport there. If not, consider a safety deposit box at your local bank.

Follow the practical tips above and you can easily avoid passport problems and more fully enjoy your international travels.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

William Manor is the owner of U.S. Passport Service Guide, a very useful and comprehensive resource for U.S. citizens who travel internationally.

http://www.us-passport-service-guide.com

Source : WORLD TRAVEL