RSSJun|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 scientist to figure this out. The US dollar has been going down for a long time now and it does not seem to be getting any stronger. I am …
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 flight only to find that you’re flying on a completely different airline than the one you booked.
If you are not particular about the plane you will be taking, this should …
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 it should be.
Then again, I am not part of the airline industry. They must have their reasons, no? According to Charles Leocha of MSNBC:
The airlines have long …
May|27|2008
Take A Closer Look At Travel Costs
Posted by Noemi as Air Travel, Tips, Transport
Summer time is almost here and I bet that you are planning to go on a vacation sometime soon, that is, if you have not made your plans yet. Have you taken a closer look at how much your vacation will cost you? You probably know in the back of your mind that there could be hidden costs to everything but you might not have taken the time to plan on how to deal with them as of yet. If so, I suggest doing so. With prices going up all over the place, it is but prudent to look for ways on how to slash a bit of your travel costs.
Have you booked your airplane tickets yet? If you have not, then I suggest looking at budget airlines first. More than considering budget airlines, be on the constant …
May|25|2008
Wake Up In A Different European City Everyday…
Posted by Noemi as Around The World, Cruises, Europe, Transport
Doesn’t that sound like a dream? I would surely want to have this experience at least once in my life. Well, alright, maybe more than once. Yet is it even possible? You bet! The only thing that I see that is hindering me (and many others, perhaps) from living this dream is the cost. Then again, that’s what savings are for. We just have to set this goal and start saving our way to a European cruise.
I actually saw this ad in Yahoo Travel for Norwegian Cruise Line and what they call “freestyle cruising.” So what is this all about?
The idea of freestyle cruising is to let you do whatever you want to do while on board. You know how, in some cruise ships, you have a schedule to follow while …
May|20|2008
Can I Drive?
Posted by Noemi as Family, Tips, Transport
I can’t remember how many times I asked my dad this question when I was a teenager. Somehow, driving holds a certain allure for teens. When – and I say when, not if – your teenager asks you if he or she can drive on your road trip, what should your response be?
Teresa Plowright from About.com thinks that this should be taken as an opportunity to allow your child to practice his or her driving skills – and I couldn’t agree more, provided that some conditions are met. Indeed, what better way to teach your child how to drive responsibly than when you are in the car with him or her, on a real trip?
In her article, Teresa presents some tips on how to encourage your child to be a responsible driver. One of …
Mar|16|2008
Travel Tips For The Beijing Olympics
Posted by Noemi as Around The World, Asia, Cities, Destinations, Transport
Just a few more months and the Olympics will be here! I have been planning to visit China for the Olympics since it was officially announced that it was going to be held in Beijing. I have never been to mainland China and I thought, what better time to do it than when they hold the Olympics, right? Knowing how difficult and expensive it would be to set up a trip at this time, I did tons of research. I’d like to share some of the tips I have come across with you.
It is not necessary to go straight to Beijing.
Of course, it would be the most convenient thing to do – just hop on a plane that goes straight to the city of your destination, right? Then again, there are so many other places that you …
Mar|06|2008
Easter Holidays in the UK
Posted by Noemi as Cities, Cruises, Destinations, Europe, Family, Festivals, Getaways, Hotels, Transport
In the last post, I wrote about some Easter vacation ideas for families in the US. Of course, the US isn’t the only country that celebrates this holiday – our cousins across the ocean do so as well! Here are some great holiday ideas in the UK. Whether you live in Britain or not, it is always worth traveling to that part of the world for a break.
Tour the countryside in a camper van
You do not need to own one in order to do this – there are plenty of camper van rentals all throughout the UK. The best thing about renting a camper van is that you get to explore the land without having to pay extra for the lodging! I think one of the best places to roam around in a …
Dec|14|2007
The 411 On 3-1-1
Posted by Camica as Air Travel, Around The World, Tips, Transport, Travelogger
Ever since 9-11, aviation security have alerted to the threat liquid explosives can present. All of a sudden, drinks, food and toiletries were being banned from the airports worldwide. Nowadays, security has eased up a little, but the rules to keep all liquids, aerosols and gels in check are still being enforced. If you have plans to fly in the near future, it pays to be in the know about 3-1-1.
3-1-1 is the aviation industry’s catchphrase to help you remember easier how to pack liquids. If you’re going to keep your liquids in your checked bag, there’s should be no problem, but if you’re planning to take the liquids through the checkpoint and onto the plane, then you’ll need to follow the rules for packing liquids. The rules are actually simple:
3 - only 3 ounce or smaller containers of liquid …
Dec|13|2007
Flying Tips: How To Fly Through Security, Part 2
Posted by Camica as Air Travel, Around The World, Tips, Transport
So you’re all ready for your trip. You’ve got your tickets, all your necessary travel documents and your proofs of identification (at least two). You’ve packed your bags, the ones for check-in and carry-on, and made sure they’re correctly and visibly tagged with your name and address. With everyone heading home for the holidays, you want to make sure get on your flight in time. Here’s some tips to help you breeze through the checkpoint:
Arrive on time – the general rule is to get to the airport at least 3 hours before your flight if it’s international, and 1 ½ hours if your flight’s domestic. Also be sure to give yourself enough time to check your baggage and get through security.
Have all your necessary documents ready – make sure you have your boarding pass and valid government IDs (at least two) ready when you get …
