Smart Tips for the Budget Conscious Traveler

July 16th, 2008

Despite increasing fuel costs, the travel industry is actually still doing well. This is perhaps because many seasoned travelers have actually found ways to cut their travel expenses, allowing them to still enjoy their vacations.

If you are also interested in traveling to other destinations and spending your vacations, you should make sure that you check out these practical tips that could help you minimize your spending.

  • lan Smart: before you look for tickets, you should first choose which destination will fit your budget. Never go to destinations during its peak season if you do not want to spend more than you planned. It is always best that you check out destinations that are not as popular but will still provide you with one of the best vacation experience ever!
  • Book Smart: you should make an effort to look for cheap airline tickets when planning your travel. With the advent of the internet, this will certainly be easier. You will only need to compare prices and whatever incentives that goes with the deal. If you think you could save more with all-inclusive vacation deals, then you should probably check out these discounted fares as well
  • Pack Smart: airlines nowadays are charging more for extra luggage. So, whether you are traveling for a few days or weeks, you should try to travel lightly. You should only pack clothes and shoes which are practical and appropriate for the destination.
  • Travel Smart: during your vacation, you should make a conscious decision to save money by choosing to go local. This means that instead of choosing to go to fancy restaurants for meals, you can always go to local spots, buy food from the local grocery or even prepare your own meal. Also, you could opt to walk or ride public transport instead of getting a cab or renting a car.

Following these tips will surely allow you to reduce your spending while traveling. You and your family will certainly have fun without the worries of going over your budget.

5 Tips to Enjoy Group Summer Vacations

July 16th, 2008

Let us face it. Traveling or going on a vacation on a budget is necessary considering the rising cost of fuel and basic commodities. If you are really serious on cutting back on vacation expenses, you can always consider traveling with your entire family as a group. Although it may seem to be a bit challenging, you will be surprised at how fun it could be.

Traveling as a large group will allow you to enjoy additional incentives. You can enjoy discounted airfares, private tours as well as receive more complimentary items. Of course, you must keep in mind these travel tips to guarantee a fun vacation.

  1. Plan Ahead: since you will be traveling with many members of your family, you might feel overwhelmed with the many demands. You should try to discuss your travel plans before going to bed at night so that everyone will know what to do the following day. If possible, you can also suggest activities that will be enjoyed by the different members of your family. Although you are on the same vacation, it does not mean that you have to do everything together.
  2. Private Tours: you can ask the hotel manager or staff if it is possible for your family to take a private tour. This way, you will be able to experience something as a family without having to worry about the other people in the crowd.
  3. Camp: instead of staying at a hotel, you and your family can camp in a nearby destination or stay in a cabin where you can save more money by cooking your own meals.
  4. Take Own Food: if you are trying to cut food expenses, you should utilize the hotel refrigerator. If this is not available, you can always bring or buy non-perishable foods. Also, it would be wise to avoid touristy restaurants and other places of interest since foods here can be quite expensive.
  5. Buy Local Newspaper: you will be surprised at how much you can save if you check out the schedule of local events in the newspaper. Most of them are free and quite exciting!

Fewer delays are reported by the Airlines

July 15th, 2008

On time flight arrivals are actually improving according to a recently released government issued report.

According to the Department of Transportation, which tracks such things as flight delays, the average on-time effeciency for 19 major U.S. carriers in May was 79 percent. This, as compared to 77.9% in May of last year, and 77.7% for April 2008 is a marked improvement in an industry struggling to stay afloat as consumers demand cheap airline tickets and greater accountability.

As more and more consumers purchase last minute vacation, it has become imperative for the airline industry to have better tracking of not only their seat availability, but also to lower their flight delays in order to remain profitable.

Weather was the main culprit for late flights in May, as it was accountable for over 44% of all flight delays. This compares to a year earlier when only 39% of flights were late due to weather.

The best airline in terms of on time performance in May was Hawaiian Airlines. Their flights were 88.9% on time. Travelers booking a last minute vacation to Hawaii were cited as pleased with the lack of delays.

Pinnacle Airlines was the second best carrier at 85.9% on time, with AirTran Airways coming in third at 84.7%. Consumers having purchased cheap airline tickets to use in combination with car rental in order to save money in this weak economy found they were able to reach their destinations quicker and with fewer delays with these three carriers.

The worst carrier overall was American Airlines with a 67.3% on time rate. United Airlines and Continental Airlines, who rated 72.4 and 75.4 percent, respectively followed them.

While a traveler may get the best legroom and

Singapore Airline wants an access to the Australia-US skies

July 15th, 2008

According to Singapore Airlines the skies between the United States and Australia are not so friendly. Because of the policies of the Australian government, competition from outside airlines is not being allowed. As a result, tourism is suffering and airline industry growth is being stunted.

Continue Reading: Singapore Airline wants an access to the Australia-US skies

Two Nonstop Flights are offered by Delta Air Lines

July 15th, 2008

Delta Air Lines has changed its flight schedules in Ecuador. They now offer cheap airline tickets for nonstop flights between Atlanta and Quito. Discount airfare can also be obtained for non-stop flights from Atlanta to Guayaquil.

Continue Reading: Two Nonstop Flights are offered by Delta Air Lines

Chinese Historic -Taiwan Flights Take Off

July 11th, 2008

It has been estimated that 50 million Chinese wish to obtain cheap airline tickets to fly to Taiwan. They are now able to do so thanks to China Southern Airlines. This new airline is now offering plane tickets from Mainland China to Taiwan.

Continue Reading: Chinese Historic -Taiwan Flights Take Off

Airlines Cutting Back on Long Distance Flights

July 11th, 2008

The soaring fuel prices have occupied the minds of everyone, individuals and businesses. Today, it is all about how to save and cut travel costs. Consumers have become smarter. They are now adept in looking for cheap airplane tickets and other vacation deals. It does not even matter to them if they will be inconvenienced with certain limitations and restrictions. The important thing is to save money.

Continue Reading: Airlines Cutting Back on Long Distance Flights

8 Reasons to Spend Summer in the US

July 10th, 2008

According to travelandleisure.com, there are 50 great US destinations that families should check out if they are planning on spending the rest of their summer vacation visiting local sites. In addition to saving money, you and your family will enjoy learning about these scenic places.

Continue Reading: 8 Reasons to Spend Summer in the US

Amazing Rental Deals Become Even Better

July 9th, 2008

Coping with the rising cost of fuel and basic commodities have made families contemplate their summer vacation plans. Although most people would think that now is not the best time to go on a vacation, you will be surprised to know that you could actually save more.

Continue Reading: Amazing Rental Deals Become Even Better

10 Practical Travel Tips

July 8th, 2008

Now that you have found a way to save money by booking cheap airline tickets or availing of vacation deals, the next step is to ensure a relaxed vacation. Some people experience stress and worries because they failed to make their travel more comfortable.

Continue Reading: 10 Practical Travel Tips