TRAVEL
TIPS
FINDING THE LOWEST FARES
Plan
as far in advance as possible.
Generally, the
further in advance you plan, the better your chances for a lower fare.
However, there are some exceptions. For example, a sale fare may
be put on the market a month before you want to travel and if you book
to far out in advance you would miss the sale fare. In
general, however, the best fares exist more than 21 days before your travel date since
many fares have advance purchase requirements,
usually 21 days, 14 days and 7 days.
Try
different days and times. Fares
are generally lower on low-demand days and times. The lowest-demand travel
days are usually Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday. The highest-demand days are
usually Friday and Sunday. Low-demand
times are often on late-evening flights.
Search
nearby area airports. When
lower fares are sold out at one airport, they may be available at another
nearby airport.
Consider
flying round-trip. Sometimes
a round-trip itinerary is priced less than two one-way trips.
Stay
over a Saturday night. Sometimes
a lower fare is available if you stay over a Saturday night.
Make
holiday plans early. Holidays and school vacations are generally the
highest-demand travel times. The earlier you plan, the better your chance of
finding the lowest fare. Some people plan six months in advance.
Watch
for codeshare flights and Alliances. Airlines
now have codesharing partners which allow you to get to more destinations at a
lower fare, but they can be very confusing.
Avoid
stopovers if possible. They usually cost
more.
Use
coupons in Europe, Asia, Latin America. As a citizen of
the United States, you can purchase discounted travel coupons. We
can arrange these for you.
Know
the difference between One Way, Round Trip, Open Jaw, and Circle Trips.
Knowing the difference can save you a considerable
amount in fares.
Know
when to use "Internet Fares" or “Published Fares” and when to use “Consolidated” Fares.
Your “Wide World of Travel” travel agent knows
which is best for your situation.
Understand
how BRIGADA works.
Avoid
“Double Booking.” If you contact numerous travel agencies and
they all begin to try to hold something for you. Before long you will
have multiple bookings and then the airlines will cancel all of the
space...leaving you with nothing.
Avoid
ticketing using “Hidden City”, “Back to Back”, “Churning”.
They are illegal and could cause you to be bumped.
This could cost you considerably if you have to re-ticket.
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GET
YOUR TRAVEL
DOCUMENTS IN
ORDER
1. Passports.
Make sure your passport is current - keeping in mind that some
countries now require that your passport must be valid for six months after
your return to the United States. If
you don't have a passport, get one as soon as possible.
You'll need proof of U.S. citizenship (a birth certificate, for
example), proof of identity (a driver's license will do), two recent two-inch
by two-inch color photographs, and a completed official passport form.
You may obtain a passport from the State Department Passport Agency,
federal or state courthouse, U.S. post office, or contact us at A Wide World of
Travel and we will help you with an application. The fee for obtaining a passport will be listed on your
application. Passports are valid
for ten years from date of issue. We
recommend applying at least three months before you plan to travel.
For more information go to
www.travel.state.gov.
2. Guard
your passport. Don't hand
your passport over to unauthorized
persons or pack it in your luggage. It's
valuable! Keep a record of your
passport number and the date and place of its issue.
A photocopy of the first page of your passport, plus 2 extra
passport-sized photos packed separate from your passport, is a good idea.
If lost or stolen, immediately notify local police and the nearest American embassy or
consulate. You'll be issued a
three-month temporary passport, but you'll have to fill out a detailed report
and follow the same procedure required to obtain your original passport.
3. Visas.
Some countries require visas. A
visa is an endorsement made in and on a passport allowing entry into the
country you're visiting, testifying that your passport has been examined and
found in order. It permits you to
visit that country for a specified purpose and usually for a limited time.
Apply directly to the embassies or consulates of the countries you plan
to visit (the Congressional Directory, available
in most libraries, has addresses).
For the website for most of the embassies check out
www.embassy.org.
If
you are traveling with a group, some countries accept group as opposed to
individual visas. Your travel
company can arrange this (and can sometimes arrange individual visas as
well-find out in advance). We can help you with obtaining
these visas as well. For more information regarding visas, customs,
locations of embassies and such visit the State Departments web site at
www.travel.state.gov.
4. Carry
extra copies of everything.
Take at least two copies of all your important documents and travel
aids. These include your
passport, tickets, traveler's checks, birth certificate, credit cards, and
visas. Keep one with you, and
deposit the other in a safe place.
NOTE:
For a detailed copy of your itinerary (if it is booked through Worldspan with
A Wide World of Travel) go to
www.mytripandmore.com
and put in your last name and the record locator number (PNR number).
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TRAVEL HEALTHY!
5. Prescription
duplicates. Since foreign
trade names are different from those used in the States, ask your doctor or
pharmacist for the generic drug name rather than a brand name.
Also, carry a prescription for your eyeglasses.
In addition, your basic traveling medicine kit should include:
-
aspirin or aspirin substitute
-
cold tablets
- vitamins
-
antacids
-
bowel regulators
-
sunscreen -
spray anesthetic -
bandage strips -
antiseptic spray and wipes -
your usual antibiotic - insect repellent
-
an elastic bandage.
6.
Medical
documents. Get a medical report. If you have any special health problems, have your doctor
prepare your medical history for a foreign doctor.
It should include:
-
your name and address
-
social security number
-insurance company name and address
-
name and address of person to
notify in case of emergency
-
blood type
-
medical history
-
current medications and dosages (generic names)
-
list of drug allergies
-
reasons for prior hospitalizations
-
list of immunizations and dates.
Similarly,
you might carry a medical alert card in your wallet or purse.
This is a compact card, available at most pharmacies, stating any
special medical conditions, allergies, and your blood type.
Medic-Alert, a nonprofit foundation, will maintain whatever medical
data you entrust to them on their computers.
The information can be retrieved via an emergency phone call
from
anywhere in the world. They'll
also supply you with an identification bracelet.
The fee for their service is a $35 enrollment fee and $15 annually. (Medic-Alert, Box 1009,
Turlock, CA 95381, or call 1-800-432-5378, or visit their website at:
www.medicalert.org. )
7. Get
your shots before you leave. Ask
your doctor what shots and /or vaccinations you need for a specific area, or
check with the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia. Telephone: 888-232-3228.
You can also find information at www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm
.
Also, because there could be a reaction, get your shots well in advance.
8.
If you're on a special diet,
notify your tour operator or cruise
line in advance.
Some can accommodate you with special meals.
Also remember to notify the airline of your need for kosher,
vegetarian, or low-salt meals.
9.
If you're diabetic, plan ahead
and be prepared. See your
physician or a diabetes professional before you travel, especially if you are
recently diagnosed or if you are an infrequent traveler. You may want to subscribe to The
Diabetic Traveler, a quarterly newsletter devoted to this topic.
Write to The Diabetic Traveler,
P.O. Box 8223 RW, Stamford, CT 06905
for subscription information.
10. If
you have a handicap or disability, there's
an information service to help you plan
trips in the U.S. and abroad.
Contact: Travel Information Service, Moss Rehab M.R. Telephone
service only: 215-456-9600. Or
request an information package from: Society for the Advancements of Travel
for the Handicapped 347 5th Ave., Suite 610 New York, NY 10016.
11. Take
two of everything "medical" prescription glasses, contact lenses,
dentures, and other health-related
items.
12. How
to find medical help abroad. ,While planning your trip, ask your own
doctor and dentist for lists of reliable practitioners in the area you are
traveling to. If you have no such
list, find the nearest university teaching-hospital emergency room, or call
the U.S. embassy or consulate for a recommendation.
A nonprofit organization called the International Association for
Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT) can provide valuable services in the
event you become ill while traveling-from medical charts to lists of North
American-trained, English-speaking doctors practicing abroad (who all accept
standard fees). Membership is
free, but the group relies on donations.
Apply at least 8 weeks in advance.
For information, contact IAMAT, 1623 Military Rd # 279, Niagra Falls,
NY, 14304-1745.
Telephone: 716-754-4883 or
www.iamat.org.
13.
A
dental checklist. No one wants to be saddled with a toothache while on
vacation
especially
in a plane, where cabin pressure can cause severe pain. Have a dental checkup
before you leave, and pack:
-
aspirin or aspirin substitute
-
bicarbonate of soda
- Orabase with benzocaine
-
medicated pads (Polaris)
-
cotton swabs
-
tea bags
-
floss
-
an ice bag
-
sterile cotton pellets.
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MAKE SURE YOU’RE COVERED!
14. Insurance.
Are you covered? Your
regular insurance policy may have a travel clause covering you for personal
injury and loss of baggage, but may have certain restrictions in cases of
other medical emergency. If so,
it is highly advisable to add special low-cost travel insurance for medical
expenses while traveling. Medicare
is not valid outside the United
States. You may go to our home page and under Travel
Guard Insurance, you will be linked to an insurance company that can provide
you with insurance.
15. Trip
cancellation insurance is highly recommended,
and available from travel agents
and tour operators. It costs
very little and protects you in case you must postpone your trip--or must
return home suddenly. Be sure
that the cost of a full one-way economy fare home, and not just the package
price, is covered. Bad weather
insurance may also be purchased. (Check your policy carefully.
Most include a clause that limits or denies protection if your
cancellation or early return is due to illness that springs from a"
pre-existing condition."*)
Note: Through A Wide World of Travel, you can obtain one of the
most comprehensive insurance policies offered by the travel industry at a low
group rate. A Wide
World of Travel can provide its travelers with $100,000 of coverage of travel
accident insurance for a nominal fee.
* A
Wide
World
of Travel offers insurance that waives the preexisting condition if you
purchase the insurance when the booking
is made.
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MAKE THE MOST OF
YOUR MONEY
16.
Know the currency of your chosen
destination, including lesser denominations.
The list below shows the monetary units of various foreign countries.
To estimate how much money you'll need, check the exchange rates listed
in the financial section of your local newspaper.
Then, just before you leave you can ask your bank for the latest rates.
You can find the present exchange rate by going to
www.oanda.com.
SOME INTERNATIONAL MONETARY UNITS
Country
…… Currency Country……Currency
Australia.............Dollar
Hong Kong..........Dollar
Austria................Euro Israel...................Shekal
Brazil...................Real
Italy......................Euro Canada..............Dollar
Mexico................New Peso China.................Yuan
Japan..................Yen Egypt..................Pound New
Zealand.....Dollar Finland...............Euro Portugal.............Euro
France...............Euro Spain..................Euro
Germany...........Euro
Switzerland........Franc
Greece.............Euro
Turkey.................Lira United Kingdom...
In early 2002, 12 of the 15 European Union countries
converted to euro banknotes and coins. Over the next 17 months, the dollar
dropped from a high of 1.13 euros to a low of 0.84 euros in May 2003.
That was just a eurocent below what the dollar was buying when the Single
Currency was actually inaugurated in 1999 for banking, credit card and other
electronic transactions.* (Click
for today's exchange rates.)
The euro zone comprises Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
Netherlands, Portugal, Poland, Spain, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, and the
United Kingdom, whose old national currencies (marks, lire, guilder, etc.) are
no longer legal tender.
All those nations outside the EU, including Switzerland, Norway and
Iceland; and the Eastern European countries, continue to maintain their own
currencies.
17.
Exchange the bulk of your funds overseas.
The
exchange rate is invariably better
overseas than at home. If you
need cash immediately upon arrival in your host country (say, for a taxi to
the hotel), most international airports have exchange counters open at all
hours. If you are arriving at a local airport, or want to be sure
you have cash on hand, change a small amount of money (say, $50) before you
leave.
Once
abroad, banks usually offer the best exchange rate, much better than hotels,
or exchange shops (identified by signs that say "Cambio, Wechsel,
Change"). To get the most
for your money, you need to compare service fees and surcharges in
addition to the straight rate. And
be aware that the rates for converting from cash differ from those for
traveler's checks. It's best to
change money as needed, because many nations will not re-exchange leftover
currency upon your departure. Finally,
never change money on the black market.
18. Credit
cards. Leave all of your U.S.
store credit cards at home, but do take a few
major credit cards with you (Visa and MasterCard).
It pays to make major purchases via credit card-you get a good exchange
rate, the protection of the card's charge-back provisions, and often an extra
guarantee on your purchase. You can also use your card to get cash
from ATM machines, but you must know your pin number.
19. Conversion
Charts. If you don't have a
currency converter or calculator, make your own conversion chart and carry it
in your purse or wallet for handy reference while shopping, dining, etc.
(NOTE:
Any figures mentioned above (if
printed) are for illustrative purposes only and are based on international
currency values at time of publication.)
20. ATM
cards. If your ATM card is
part of the Cirrus or Plus network here at home, it may also work overseas,
where foreign ATMs also belong to that network.
You use the machines the same as at home, by punching in your personal
identification number (PIN), and the amount of cash you want (in local
currency). You'll benefit from
the wholesale exchange rate banks use for large-scale transactions (sometimes
up to 7% more favorable than at the bank counter!).
A
few caveats: Find out if the Cirrus or Plus network is available in the land
you're visiting. You can
determine this by asking your bank for the worldwide directories.
Make sure your PIN number will be accepted abroad.
Your bank can confirm this, or change your number if necessary.
Also ask your U.S. bank if any charges will be applied for using a
foreign ATM. Finally, the strip
on the back of ATM cards can become demagnetized, and therefore ineffectual,
when passing through airport security checks and x-rays.
Ask the security guard to hand-carry your card through the gate.
A NOTE FROM VISITEUROPE.COM in regards to ATMs:
ATMs accepting U.S. bank debit and credit cards are
available in many cities in most countries, usually with English-language
instructions. For MasterCard, look for machines with the Cirrus logo; they are
widespread. Withdrawals from a checking or savings account, or cash advances
against a credit card are dispensed in local currency.
You can save in two ways: the wholesale exchange rate
(up to 5 percent better) applies; and you avoid transaction fees charged by
exchange bureaus and banks. (Your home bank's ATM fee does apply, as will
credit-card cash-advance fees. A local ATM usage fee may also apply.) A
four-digit numeric PIN is standard for most European ATMs. Check with your
issuing bank to make sure your PIN will work in Europe.
21.
Cash advances.
Since some countries are now imposing surcharges for cashing
traveler's checks, travelers are finding that it often pays to take cash
advances against their credit card accounts.
Alternately, you may wish to carry larger denomination traveler's
checks (to limit the number of transactions).
22. Traveler's
checks. Buy them in U.S.
dollar denominations from a company that doesn't charge a commission.
Don't exchange a traveler's check for more cash than you'll need for a
short time. That way, you'll lose
less in case of theft and won't get stuck with extra currency when you enter
another country.
23. Personal
checks. Personal checks are
not accepted everywhere, but some stores do take them and occasionally give
you a better price than for credit card purchases.
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DO YOUR HOMEWORK FOR YOUR
TRIP
24. Find
out if there's a tour director on your
tour. If so, does he or she
stay with you from start to finish? It's
always best if your tour director is employed directly by your travel company.
That means he or she will have your interests at heart and will try to
please you. Many companies
contract local overseas operators, who in turn subcontract local guides to
handle their clients abroad. These
guides may have several different groups to oversee, and consequently may not
provide the direct, personal. attention you want.
In addition, if your guide combines groups for excursions or briefings,
find out if they're English-speaking groups - otherwise, you may have to sit
through endless translations!
25. Study
all the material contained in travel brochures.
It's fun to read trip itineraries and enjoy all the photographs, but
it's also important to know exactly what you're getting.
If you're taking a package tour, check the cancellation and refund
policy. Know exactly what happens
if you change your mind. Cancellation
penalties vary; some are more severe than others.
26. Find
out if the tour has been "checked out."
How much does the tour operator really know about your accommodations?
Has someone from the company been there recently?
Things can change drastically, and touted comforts may be promises, not
facts. (A Wide World of Travel uses only tour operators who create and operate
their own tours, so every tour is thoroughly checked before it's offered.)
Most of the tours are operated by USTOA
affiliates which means that they are backed by a consumer protection
program.
27. Ask
the right questions about your hotel.
Are they close to major attractions?
What class rating are they? Do
rooms have individually controlled thermostats?
Are there working elevators or safety ramps? (A Wide World of Travel
inspectors use a checklist of more than 50 questions to evaluate hotels and
ensure your comfort and enjoyment when they make site inspections of
properties.)
28. Read
between the lines. Know
exactly what those descriptive brochures are really saying.
Phrases like "You may want to cruise this glorious isle" may
mean these treats are not included in your trip cost.
Does the itinerary clearly state what sightseeing is included or merely
available, whether the sight is "viewed" or 'visited"?
If in doubt, ask your travel company to clarify, or ask to speak to a
traveler who's taken the tour.
29. The
brochure should spell out
what is and isn't included. Refer
to the Terms & Conditions - usually the fine print in the back that spells
out all you need to know. Once
you've decided on the trip you want and you've read the brochure, dig deeper.
What about the climate? Off-season
dates may be a bargain, but the weather may not be good.
On the other hand, crowds will be at a minimum.
Decide which you prefer most. If
you're going to mountainous country, ask about the altitude. It can affect your health.
Don't be afraid to ask questions.
30. Research
your destination. Go to the
library and take out some books on the area you plan to visit. Learn something about its history, culture, government, and
people. If possible, learn at
least a few common phrases of the language.
Some
excellent book sources are:
Insight Guides, www.insightguides.com
Lonely Planet Travel Guides,
www.lonelyplanet.com
Frommer's, www.frommers.com
Foder's, www.fodors.com
Let's Go Guides, www.letsgo.com
Rick Steve's, www.ricksteves.com
Rand McNally, www.randmcnally.com
Distant
Lands, www.distantlands.com
The
Globe Corner Bookstore, www.globecorner.com
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HOW TO PACK PROPERLY
IMPORTANT
! Keep in mind that most airlines have the following baggage
requirements. However, these are constantly changing.
Now most airlines are changing to 50 pounds domestically with an additional
surcharge up to 70 pounds. If you are traveling internationally you can normally have two bags that can be
checked in and they have to be no more than 70 pounds each and be no larger
than 62 inches, which is determined by length + height + width. You may
also take on one "carry on" bag that should not weigh any more than
40 pounds and not exceed 45". Domestically, many airlines have
reduced the weight limit to 50 lbs for the checked baggage. Also, in light of 9-11, changes
are being made. Be sure to double-check with us or the airlines for the
requirements of the airline you are traveling on. Be aware
that security is much tighter since 9- 11 and there are a number of things that can no longer be carried on
board For a complete list go to the website of the
Transportation Security Administration at www.tsa.gov .
31. Don't
pack too much! The veteran
traveler's trick is to lay out everything you'll need, then take just half and
return the balance to your closet. Then,
walk around with your packed bags for a few minutes.
Do they feel too heavy? Remember,
it's often difficult finding porters, particularly inside customs areas.
Though heavy designer leather bags have a certain cachet, lightweight
(canvas or nylon) ones are more practical-especially if you have to carry them
yourself!
On
the other hand, if you're taking a cruise, you can be a little more liberal in
your packing. Your cruise will
require more formal dress for certain special evenings.
You'll only unpack once, and the ship's porters will carry your bags to
your cabin.
32. Pack
and repack articles in the same order each time.
During short stays, you'll then be able to reach into your bags and
find what you want without unpacking completely.
33. Coordinate
your wardrobe around a single color.
This will automatically eliminate many items of clothing.
Separates (sports coats and trousers for men; skirts, slacks, and
blouses for women) are best because they can be mixed and matched.
34. Be prepared for the weather. Check
your newspaper's temperature listings for the area(s) you'll visit for one
week prior to departure as well as going to
www.weather.com for the
latest weather. To
prepare for a July cold spell or a winter heat wave, use "layering"-
a sweater on top of a shirt on top of a turtleneck, and so on-as layers can be
added or removed according to the local temperature.
35. Use
every square inch of luggage space. Stuff
hosiery into the toes of your shoes. Roll
up sweaters and underwear on the bottom, followed by layers of clothing that
wrinkle more easily. And packing
the bag very full helps keep the contents from sliding around.
36. Minimize wrinkling by
packing shirts and dresses with buttons buttoned. Fold clothes as little as possible, and fold them as close to
the waist and seams as you can. Plastic
cleaner's bags between layers minimize wrinkling, and you should keep each
layer as flat and even as possible. Unpack
as soon as possible after you arrive at your hotel. Instead of bringing a heavy travel iron, try this: Hang your
clothes in the bathroom when taking a shower.
Often, the humidity is enough to de-wrinkle them.
37. Pack
only as many toiletry articles as you’ll use. Small sample sizes are
excellent.
Otherwise,
transfer small amounts of shampoo, perfume, etc., to smaller vials or bottles.
Liquids travel best in plastic containers, but don’t fill them to the
top. Seal them with tape, and
pack tape to reseal them later. Place liquid and cream containers in plastic bags.
38. Be
sure your baggage is clearly
labeled.
Remove old destination labels and paste your name, address, and
tour group in a prominent place on the outside and inside of each piece of
luggage. The outside tag should
show only your name and tour group; print your address on the reverse
(concealed) side. Enclose a copy
of your itinerary in each bag.
Also, put a piece of bright-colored tape or ribbon near the handle of your
luggage to help pick out your bag from similar models.
39. Don't
pack anything fragile, valuable, or
perishable. Money, jewelry,
valuables, important documents, such as your passport, prescription drugs,
matches, or cigarette lighters should be carried with you.
Leave all your expensive jewelry and furs at home or in safe storage.
40. Pack
some old clothes. You can lighten your load as you go by taking along
old
clothing
and then discarding it as you use it-pajamas, socks, a worn robe, etc. (It's a
great way to compensate for the new souvenirs you're likely to pick up!)
41. Pack
some of your traveling companion's clothes in
your
bag, and vice versa. Both of
you will then have a change of clothing if one bag is lost. Pack toiletries and a
change of clothes in your carry-on bag.
42. Make
an inventory list for quick checkups.
A PACKING
CHECKLIST
-
Tickets, Itinerary, Passport / Photo ID, Reservations.
-
Phone numbers, Phone card.
-
Travelers checks, Credit Card or Debit Card (with pin number), Wallet.
-
Currency of the country you're visiting.
Enough for initial expenses, until you
have a chance to change more money.
-
Vaccination Certificate.
-
Address book for home and new addresses. Diary or logbook to record your trip.
Pen and Paper Pad.
-
Language dictionary and phrase book.
-
Business/Calling cards.
-
Camera and plenty of film. (It's much cheaper at home.) Pack in carry-on bag.
-
Electrical (with converter-adapter) or battery-operated appliances.
-
Bottle opener, corkscrew, paring knife, etc. (or good Swiss Army knife) for
room snacks and picnicking. (Pack
in checked luggage, not in carry-on.)
-
Face cloth and soap (not all hotels supply them).
-
Extra set of luggage keys (not kept with your regular keys).
-
Travel alarm clock.
-
Glasses / Sunglasses (if you use them).
-
Sewing kit / Safety pins.
-
Clothesline and clips
-
Toiletries: Comb / hairbrush, mirror, hairdryer, shower cap, deodorant, soap,
toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, shaving supplies,
lotion, cosmetics moist towelettes in packages,
nail polish remover pads, similar to towelettes, rather than bottled remover.
-
Small plastic bag for dirty clothes.
-
Small container of laundry soap for hand wash.
-
Apparel / Accessories: Slacks, skirts, shirts, blouses, sweaters,
dresses, suits, pajamas / nightgown, robe, slippers, walking shoes
(a
pair of comfortable
walking' shoes with nonskid soles is a must), running
shoes, dress shoes, socks, hose, underwear, lingerie, ties, belts, scarves,
handkerchiefs, handbags.
-
Warm / Sunny Weather List:
Sunscreen lotion, insect repellent, sun hat, scarf, bathing suit
/ trunks, beach coat / jacket, shorts, thongs.
-
Wet / Cold Weather List:
Lightweight raincoat
/ rain hat, fold-up umbrella, boots, muffler, boots, gloves / mittens, parka /
down jacket .
-
Jewelry, cuff links, tie clasp.
-
Medical supplies. First Aid
Kit. Pain Relievers. Prescription Medicines
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