RSSJun|28|2008
Making The Most Out Of Your Dollars In Europe (Part 2)
Posted by Noemi as Europe, Tips, Transport
Here are more tips from Charles Leocha.
Check into transportation passes for the city bus and subway systems.
Tourist passes are almost always a bargain. Take the train from the airport into the city if possible to save even more — these transfers are often included in the transportation pass. Some online travel sites sell these as an add-on to your package.
I think this is one thing that we should focus on. Many Americans are used to driving their own cars and thus go for rental cars when on vacation. European cities, though, normally have extensive public transportation systems. Not only would you save considerably on …
Jun|28|2008
Making The Most Out Of Your Dollars In Europe
Posted by Noemi as Europe, Tips
This one is for those who are planning to go to Europe this summer. It used to be that people who had dollars never really worried about exchange rates when travelling. The dollar was a good currency to have on hand. Today, though, it is sad that this is no longer the case. We all know the value of the dollar is dipping while the euro continues to become stronger. Though this may be alarming to those who are traveling to Europe, do not despair. There are still many ways by which you can make the most out of your dollars while on vacation. …
Jun|22|2008
Tourist Stereotypes: The Ugly American (Part 2)
Posted by Noemi as Around The World, Tips
Here are more things that you can do to avoid being labeled with the “Ugly American” tag.
Be sensitive to the differences between cultures
Just because you are used to one thing and you observe differences in the country of your destination does not mean that the differences are wrong. When you plan to visit another country, ready your mindset so that you will be more open to new things. This is especially true if you are visiting countries in the East. Put yourself in the shoes of a different person. From religious beliefs to eating practices – you should be ready to deal with these and not make a big deal out of them.
Do your share of …
Jun|21|2008
Tourist Stereotypes: The Ugly American
Posted by Noemi as Around The World, Tips
We have to admit, not everyone in the whole world loves Americans. It’s either because they have reason not to or that they have stereotypes in mind. I tend to believe that a lot of it is due to stereotypes. Naturally, when we visit a foreign country, we want to have as much fun as we can, without the stereotype of the “ugly American” getting in the way. Here are some tips to help you do just that.
Learn the basics of the language
Contrary to popular belief, not everyone knows how to speak English. Even in major cities in other countries, there are a lot of locals …
Jun|19|2008
Weirdest Causes Of Plane Delays
Posted by Noemi as Transport, Trivia
With all that talk about problems to expect when it comes to air travel, it’s about time that we talked about something on the lighter side, don’t you think? James Wysong recently wrote about 12 bizarre reasons for flight delays and I got a real kick out of it. Here are some of the funniest ones.
Lawnchair Larry
In 1982, a man attached helium filled balloons to a lawn chair and accidentally floated over LAX airspace at 16,000 feet. A Pan Am pilot preparing to land was the first to call about the spectacle. All flights and traffic ground to a halt while authorities dealt with the …
Jun|14|2008
Fearless Forecast: What To Expect From Airlines This Summer (Part 2)
Posted by Noemi as Air Travel, Tips, Transport
We took a look at two of the “fearless forecasts” that MSNBC has for this summer regarding airlines. Here is the continuation of that post.
Delays
Oops – so what’s new? I do not fly as frequently as other people but most every time I fly, I encounter delays. The worst I had was with a budget airline in Asia – 4 hours of waiting at a crappy budget airport! So anyway, MSNBC predicts MORE delays. I suggest that you make sure that you have ample time in between connecting flights if you are going to have to do it.
The weak dollar
Well it doesn’t really take a rocket …
Jun|11|2008
Fearless Forecast: What To Expect From Airlines This Summer
Posted by Noemi as Air Travel, Tips, Transport
I bet that you are already counting the days till you get break loose from your office and head off to some remote island for your summer break! I don’t want to burst your bubble but I thought I’d share this article I read on MSNBC about how airlines are going to change this summer. It’s not really negative thinking. Let’s put it this way – it’s better to know and be prepared rather than live in blissful ignorance UNTIL the stark facts scream at you in the face. So here goes.
That’s not my carrier. With airline alliances becoming more common, you might show up to your …
Jun|08|2008
Have You Got Packing Smarts? (Part 2)
Posted by Noemi as Tips
In the last post, we took a look at one of the most important things when it comes to packing – the bag. Now let’s take a look at two other important aspect – what to pack and what to leave behind. Ready?
What to pack
Of course, the first consideration would be where you are going. Are you going to the beach? Then you should need no more than 2 swim suits, several shorts, and shirts. If you are planning on going somewhere fancy at least once, then one set of smart casual clothing would do.
On the other hand, if you are going to a city, you might …
Jun|05|2008
Have You Got Packing Smarts?
Posted by Noemi as Tips
The word’s out – American Airlines is now charging travelers $15 for the first piece of luggage that they check in. I can only imagine how the rest of the airline industry will follow their example. As early as now, ask yourself: “Have you got packing smarts?”
In this day and age, if you do not take extra effort to save money, you will probably find yourself spending more than you want to or what you can actually afford. When it comes to traveling, why not take a quick look at how you pack and see if you can avoid those dreaded luggage fees?
The first thing that you have to …
Jun|04|2008
Airline Luggage No Longer A Free Thing
Posted by Noemi as Air Travel, Announcements, Transport
You’ve probably heard all about it by now. American Airlines is the first major American carrier that is charging their clients for the first piece of checked luggage. It does not come as a surprise for some people. They have actually seen this coming. Why haven’t I?
It is understandable that airline carriers would charge for the second, third, even fourth, piece of luggage. But a charge for the first one? This is utterly ridiculous! Every traveler feels – and knows – that it is his right to have one piece of luggage free when he flies. It has always been this way and I believe that …
