Travelogger

Getting Bumped From a Flight Is Not that Bad


080205_bumped_flightThese days, not too many people are flying – at least not as much in the old days. This means that airlines are offering fewer and fewer flights, even in the peak of summer. As such, it is still possible that you get bumped off your flight. Alternatively, you can also have your flight canceled. Either way, you might find yourself grounded at the airport.

Some people do not mind being bumped from their flight or having their flight cancelled. This is especially true for those who are in no particular hurry. And why not? More often than not, people in this position find themselves getting a lot of freebies. But this is not always the case. And if ever you do find yourself out of a flight or your flight gets cancelled, …



Car Rental Tips


Not too many people have great stories to tell when it comes to car rentals. With the way gas prices are today, it might not really be a good idea to drive around on your vacation. Still, if you must have a car then you might as well rent one. Here are some tips to help you save when renting a car.

Book as early as you can.
Just like with plane fares and hotel accommodations, the earlier you book, the better chances of getting a good deal. This is especially true if you are planning on traveling during peak season. The nearer your date of travel is, the higher the demand will be, and the prices will probably shoot up.

Try booking for more than a day.
Car rental companies normally give better rates for extended rental …



Travelling With Low-Cost Airlines: Infographic


Today’s economic slump plus the high fuel prices have made low cost (or ‘no frills’ as they are sometimes called) airlines increasingly popular. Below is an Infographic of the major players in the USA and Japan.

Another great Infographic from Infographiclabs



Dealing with Jetlag and Climate Changes


Jetlag Bug

People who love to travel are already used to the different time zones that most countries have. Sudden changes in the time and weather may prove to be a problem on adjusting to such if a person is not used to such fast paced evolution and lifestyle.

For people, traveling to any part of the world such as the United States, Europe and Asian continents would need body clock adjustments as well. The cultural practices and traditions are not the only immediate things that globetrotters should worry about but rather their ability to cope up with change.

Climate also entails being ready for the level of health a person is able to sustain. Sudden changes like cold and hot temperatures would need standby requirements of medicine or clothing just in case to ensure that the human body does not …



Wheelchair Travel Tips


If you or somebody you know is travelling for the holidays and uses a wheelchair, a quick whiz through these tips below should make the trip a lot more comfortable.

1. If you are able to fly first class, go for it — more room and lot more enjoyable. If not, try to get the first bulkhead seats; they are closer to the front of the aircraft and they give you more room if you should have spasms.

2. If possible, book a nonstop flight. You’ll have fewer problems with a wheelchair. If you can’t, always allow at least 45 minutes for connecting flights. Some wheelchair travelers prefer to have a change of aircraft for an hour or so. It gives them time to relax, get something to eat, stretch or use airport restrooms.

3. If possible, travel with an attendant …



Aviation Safety and the Power Distance Index (PDI)


People often choose airlines based on ticket prices, service, perks and safety. When it comes to the first three factors people often base their decisions on research and actual experience. You can after all easily compare fares just by surfing online or asking your travel agency for quotations. Service and perks are also really easy to judge once you’ve flown in different airlines. What is harder to research though is safety records. Sure airlines have safety records that can be accessed publicly. Those with good safety records even advertise their record to encourage passengers to choose their airlines. However, what people don’t usually consider when choosing a flight is a factor called Power Distance Index (PDI).

Power Distance Index and its effect on aviation safety was discussed by Malcolm Gladwell in his book “Outliers“. There he explained why a plane manned by a …



Make Airport Security Checks Less Painful


airport-security-lineFlying is not always everyone’s number one choice when it comes to traveling. We have to admit, though, that in many cases, it is the most efficient way of traveling – that is, if you don’t get high blood pressure during the security check. In order to avoid this headache, prepare yourself (in all aspects!) before you fly.

Prepare yourself mentally. Tight security means longer waits. It also means you having to put up with pat downs, open bags, taking your shoes off, and more. Even before you leave for the airport, get yourself mentally ready for this. Your attitude will make a whole lot of difference!

Prepare your bags in such a way that you’ll find it easy to open and close them. As much as possible, bring one bag. If you …



Sitting Atop Someone’s Shoulders: A Caramoan Experience


It’s my second day in Caramoan, and I have to say that I am feeling a varied mix of emotions. The trip didn’t start off so well, thanks to my not getting any sleep the night before. It didn’t help that the plane we took was smaller than I am used to. The flight was uneventful, though, and I slept through it.

Getting to La Playa Resort is not an easy task, I am telling you now. From the airport, you have to get to the Filcab terminal in Naga City. Airport cabs will charge you 200-300 PHP. If you want them to take you directly to Sabang Port, you’d have to shell out 1000-1500PHP. Naturally, we took the Filcab alternative. That cost us 200PHP for the cab and then 90PHP for the public van to the port.

At the port, everything was chaotic. …



Last Minute Thanksgiving Travel MUSTS


11142007turkeyOne more week and the turkey holiday will be here. I know that many of you have already made plans, and some may already have had a head start. If you belong to the other group – those who are more “flexible” and who like winging it – try taking a look at these MUSTS. They might just help you have a more pleasant Thanksgiving travel experience.

Lots of luggage? Why not use a courier service? Not many people go this route when traveling, but if you think about how much the airlines charge for baggage these days, it might be cheaper to just send your bags to your destination ahead of time. This is even more appropriate for big families who have LOTS of things to lug along. Send your bags three days ahead …



Book Your Holiday Travel Tickets NOW


thanksgivingThe holidays are just around the corner and I am pretty sure that a lot of you haven’t bought your tickets yet – if you’re traveling, that is. If you have travel plans for Thanksgiving and/or Christmas, then you really shouldn’t wait any longer to purchase your tickets. Why?

Here’s another bulletin from travel experts – after this weekend, you will be hard pressed to find fares that are reasonable and your chances of getting seats on the flight that you want will be very very low. This, obviously, is about Thanksgiving travel.

How about Christmas travel? You have about until November 10 or 15 to book your tickets for that holiday. After that, the same thing applies.

You may be thinking that you might be able to get your hands on some cheap tickets at the last minute. …