TransportationWhat is the best way to get really cheap air tickets?
The holy grail of travel how to buy airline seats at the lowest possible price. While there is no real definitive answer, there are several ways to ensure that you do not pay over the odds for your airline ticket.
Book Early
To begin, airline ticket prices vary more or less as tickets are sold, thus it is highly unlikely that you will ever pay the same price for an airline ticket as the same person next to you (unless you booked your tickets at the same time). Indeed, you may even be paying twice as much for the same seat depending upon when you purchase your ticket.
Each airline works on a yield management system which is used to calculate an airfare based on the season, local events, competition, time of the year and so on. The demand for a particular flight route at one of these times is then calculated into a percentage of airfares available. Using figures from previous similar circumstances, i.e. the same time last year, the airfare is calculated based upon the natural demand that should arise.
In short the earlier you book the better the price you are likely to get, though sometimes it is possible to get cheaper flights after the earliest possible time to book, simply because the metrics used to calculate the original price have changed, for example if England did not make the World Cup Finals - so now there will be a lower demand for England fans booking tickets to fly to the World Cup Finals.
Book Online
Many airlines offer web-only special offers as an online booking attracts lower overall administration costs.
There are number of major online travel consolidators such as Travelocity, Orbitz and Expedia which make it very easy to compare the prices of several airlines. If you want to get smart, then compare several travel consolidators best prices as they too will each have their own rates with the same airlines.
Go Local
If you’re travelling long haul, many foreign airlines promote their discounted tickets to foreign travel specialists in the relevant ethnic areas as they attract a high level of local travellers visiting home regularly. For example, if you’re planning to travel to Beijing, check out the travel agent in your local China town as they are likely to have a range of super flight deals to China.
Fly Business
Incredibly at peak travel periods such as Christmas and New Year, business tickets on major routes can actually work out cheaper than standard economy flights, plus you'll get some extra leg room to stretch.
Think Laterally
If you have the option of more than one airport to choose from for your departure and point of arrival always factor in the cost of airport transfers. The cheapest flight may end up costing more by the time you factor in bus, train, taxi fares.
Become a Student
Students can benefit from a range of special deals through student travel specialists such as STA Travel.
Become a Courier
Believe it or not, free flight courier services do exist. The catch is you have little control over where you going to fly, and you wont be able to check any luggage in as thats why they are using in the first place, namely to use your kilo allowance to safely carry their package overseas. Importantly, you rarely will get to see the package that your are couriering, which would certainly make me paranoid. A cheap way to travel, but we recommend against it.
Travel around the world
If you are planning several long haul flights, a multi-stop round the world ticket will tend to work out cheaper than two long haul flights. Most major airlines BA, Qantas offer a particularly competitive flight packages which allow six stops at most major international capitals for in the region of $1,250.00
Travel Safety
Do I really need a Travel Insurance?
In short, yes. A basic travel insurance policy for a week long holiday can be bought online for under $15, and in extreme circumstances can equate to long term savings in excess of $1M.
Most people purchase travel insurance to protect their possessions, however, the real value in travel insurance lies in its medical cover and legal cover, which will ensure that no matter what happens to you in the world, your medical and legal costs will be covered.
When purchasing travel insurance always ensure that they offer a comprehensive medical and legal cover. Baggage cover is important, but will rarely cover the full value of the possessions that you are travelling with. Ensure that they operate an international 24hr contact helpline in the event of an accident or emergency, and always ensure that you collect all relevant paperwork, i.e. police incident report or medical paperwork when making claims. Always fully read the insurance policy, and contact your insurer if anything goes wrong as soon as possible. .
I am planning to go backpacking by myself. Will I be safe?
Nowhere in the world is one hundred percent safe, and the risk of crime and illness always exists whether at home or on holiday. Travellers tend to be particularly prone to crime, however, as they are faced with an unfamiliar environment and naturally stand out from the crowd.
Travelling alone (especially if you are female) will inevitably put you at a marginally higher risk than people travelling in groups, though a bit of common sense will ensure that you stay safe. In particular, it is important to maintain good contact with friends and family when you’re on the road so that they have a reasonable idea of where you will be while you are away. A regular email charting your journey should suffice. Travelling alone can be a truly enlightening experience, and you may be surprised at how many new friends and companions you make along the way.
Researching your destination prior to travelling is essential to ensure a safe trip. The Travel.State.Gov (http://www.travel.state.gov/) and Foreign and Commonwealth Office for Travel (http://www.fco.gov.uk/travel) are excellent resources, offering objective assessment of the travel risks associated travelling to any country in the world. Both sites are regularly updated with the latest travel information covering any potential risks, terrorism, natural disasters, disease, crime etc. within the region.
Crime
Take extra caution with valuables never leave them unattended particularly in hotels, hostels, airports and restaurants. As far as possible, use hotel/hostel lockups and safes to protect important travel documents, and always travel with spare copies. Increasingly many travellers prefer to scan and email important travel documents to themselves, so that they can always access such details online.
Try to only carry small amounts of cash with you, carrying the rest of your travel budget on credit cards and as travellers cheques. A discrete travel belt is also a great way to protect money and credit cards when you are on the road. Likewise a small padlock on hand luggage is useful to perturb pickpockets.
Always be wary of strangers no matter how helpful and honest they may seem. It is safer to be rude and decline an offer of help, than endanger yourself. It is always a good idea to ask local hotel or hostel owner when you arrive in a new area if there are any areas that should be avoided. When out and about (particularly at night) try to avoid quiet areas and stick to well lit crowded areas as far as possible.
Under all circumstances avoid drugs. Different countries have different penalties for people supplying and possessing drugs.
Finally make sure that you have enough money for your travels, try to avoid pushing your budget to the absolute limit, otherwise you will not be able to accommodate any unexpected mishaps or misfortunes along the way.
Major Decisions: Planning
I am going backpacking. What should I take?
As little as possible. Many guide books suggest packing your bag then taking half of it out again. Generally speaking avoid taking anything that you absolutely do not need, otherwise you will usually be able to purchase it while you are on the road.
What you take will naturally depend upon where you are travelling, and it can often be difficult to decide what to pack when your trip starts in arctic Russia and ends on the Gold Coast of Australia, nevertheless the following should act as a useful checklist of essential items worth thinking about taking. If possible, always try to avoid backpacking with more expensive items such as MP3s, mobile telephones and laptops which can attract unnecessary attention and can break easily.
Passport Ensure that it is valid and in good condition
Insurance Ensure that it will be valid for the whole journey
Immunisation Booklet Official medical document listing all your jabs
Passport Photos Will invariably be needed for identification passes and certain overseas visas
List of emergency contact number insurance emergency number, debit/credit card cancellation numbers/friends/family with international dialling code.
Tickets and Itinerary
Photocopies of the above
Mixed form of currency covering debit/credit cards, local currency and travellers cheques.
Moneybelt Ensure that it is discrete and comfortable to wear
First Aid kit - Basic travel kit to cover basic mishaps which may occur along the way
Personal Medication any personal medication required complete with international doctors note to ensure easy passage of medication across international borders.
Sun Cream High UVA protection ideally
Sunglasses
Anti-malarial tablets and mosquito spray If entering a malarial zone
Condoms
Insect repellent Ensure prior to travelling that you do not have an allergy to the repellent
Long sleeve top and trousers Useful to protect against mosquitoes at dawn and dusk and the sun through the day
Sun hat
Up to date comprehensive Guide book
Sleeping Bag
Travel Pillow
Travel Towel International travel adaptor
Camera
Fleece For cooler nights
Flip Flops
Travel Sewing Kit and Duct tape Great for patching up clothes, sleeping bags etc.
Camera
Day Back
Waterproof inside for main back
Travel Alarm Clock
Security code pad lock
Major Decisions: Budget
How much should I budget for my trip?
This tend to be the first question asked by all backpackers, as budget defines not only the destinations you visit but also how long you will be able to travel for.
Naturally everyone has different comfort zones when they travel which will define their ultimate budget, nevertheless; there are several core costs that you should be able to research and predict prior to leaving which will enable you to provide a rough costing for your trip.
The most important thing to ensure is that you have sufficient leverage in your budget to accommodate unexpected expenses and any expenses that you may incur while you are away such as storage, mortgage payments or rent and utility bills.
Fixed travel expenses which you should be fairly easy to accurately calculate (assuming that you itinerary does not radically change) include flights, visas, immunisations and travel kit. Accommodation costs will vary between countries though you can roughly calculate such costs by browsing online for hostels at each of the main destinations that you plan to visit, as a general rule if you are staying in dorms it is unlikely that you will ever pay more than $35 per night in Western countries and $20 in non-Western countries, though it is possible find accommodation for far less. Other core costs include food, entertainment, visiting tourist attractions and overland local transportation which will be linked to personal preferences. Lonely Planet (http://www.lonelyplanet.com) is an excellent resource which outlines approximate backpacking living costs for all major countries in their costs and expenses section.
Travel Health
How can I beat a jet lag?
Without careful planning heavy jet lag can ruin a trip or holiday overseas.
Jet lag occurs when the natural body clock is temporarily disrupted. This commonly occurs on long haul flights when you fly across several time zones and causes the travellers internal clock to become out of sync with the external environment and the body begins to feel fatigue.
Most commonly jet lag occurs when you travel across several time zones, which disrupts your usual sleeping and eating patterns, as the body struggles to readjust itself to the new time zone.
The symptoms of jet lag very between individuals and some people may be fortunate enough to experience little or no jet lag following a long haul flight across several time zones. Common symptoms of jet lag include exhaustion, fatigue, inability to sleep, lack of appetite, head aches and a general feeling of disorientation.
OK, so knowing this information how can you beat the symptoms of jet lag? There are two core approaches which while may not entirely prevent jet lag can go a long way toward reducing the overall symptoms commonly associated with jet lag. The first is to ensure that your body is the optimum condition to fight against common features which contribute to jet lag, and the second is to try and trick the body into maintaining its natural circadian rhythms.
* Avoid alcohol: Alcohols effect on the body is multiplied at altitude, so that the consumption of even relatively small amounts can be significantly be multiplied at altitude.
* Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Air cabins are controlled environments which tend to rely on recycled air through air conditioning units which can lead to enhanced dehydration and its associated problems, namely sleepiness, headaches and so on.
* A long haul flight is a naturally tiring process, to ensure that you have the best chance of beating jet lag, it is important to ensure that you commence your flight relaxed and not-tired. While this may be difficult given the general stresses and strains of modern airports, a good nights sleep and a short brisk walk prior to flying will certainly put your body in a better condition to fly.
* Stay active throughout the flight. Regularly stretch your legs and move around the cabin as much as possible. Long periods of immobility will otherwise inevitably invoke tiredness.
* Use the time zones to your advantage. By planning your journey carefully it is possible to use the time zones to your advantage to work reduce the effects of jet lag.
As such, the best time to arrive at your destination is during daylight hours when the sunlight will naturally alert your body.
The simple secret is to maintain the normal pattern of living in line with the time at your destination as quickly as possible. Thus, if you arrive at 10pm, even if you have slept for the whole of the flight you should try and go to sleep when you arrive. This is inevitably harder if you arrive in the evening as it is more difficult to unnaturally force yourself to sleep than to keep yourself awake.
To counter jet lag, it is therefore essential to aim to arrive at your destination at a time when you feel that you will be able to continue the normal living pattern of the destination. As hard as it may be to stay awake, the sooner you can recourse to the regular pattern of living at your destination the smaller the likelihood of being effected by Jet Lag.
Accommodation
What makes a 5 star hotel worthy of 5 stars?
The problem with defining the difference between five star hotels and non-five star hotels is that each country uses their own criteria to rate hotels. While you know that a one star hotel is not going to be the greatest establishment, when you fork out hundreds of dollars for a five star hotel, you hope that there is some kind of reassurance that the hotel meets some quite exacting standards.
Five star hotels have always been considered at the top end of the luxury scale and in recent years some truly phenomenal hotels have been developed which could arguably put older five star hotels to shame.
In Britain, there a number of organisations which officially rate hotels. These organisations use a specific grading system whereby a hotel must meet a long list of set criteria in order to be awarded five star status. These include: guests greeted at the hotel entrance, at least one restaurant open to residents, uniformed porters and an evening turn down service. To quote their website, the hotel must provide:
Flawless guest services and professional, attentive staff are a must at this level. Accommodation throughout the hotel is spacious and luxurious, with impressive interior design and immaculate furnishings. En suite rooms offer exceptional quality and provide extras such as bath sheets and robes and an evening turn-down service. The restaurant produces dishes created with a high level of technical skill, complemented by superior wines.
This would seem to act as a fair guide, however, of course this criteria is largely subjective. Indeed, of late there has been a spate of new hotel developers announcing the opening of six and seven star hotels which provide truly exceptional service, though one must be wary of such proclamations, as I feel that they tend to me superlative marketing ploys. In short there remains no international standard to define a five star hotel, though it is fair to say that it is possible to judge different starred hotels in relation to one another within the same country as at least they are subject to the same criteria.
Book Online
Many airlines offer web-only special offers as an online booking attracts lower overall administration costs.
There are number of major online travel consolidators such as Travelocity, Orbitz and Expedia which make it very easy to compare the prices of several airlines. If you want to get smart, then compare several travel consolidators best prices as they too will each have their own rates with the same airlines.
Go Local
If you’re travelling long haul, many foreign airlines promote their discounted tickets to foreign travel specialists in the relevant ethnic areas as they attract a high level of local travellers visiting home regularly. For example, if you’re planning to travel to Beijing, check out the travel agent in your local China town as they are likely to have a range of super flight deals to China.
Fly Business
Incredibly at peak travel periods such as Christmas and New Year, business tickets on major routes can actually work out cheaper than standard economy flights, plus you'll get some extra leg room to stretch.
Think Laterally
If you have the option of more than one airport to choose from for your departure and point of arrival always factor in the cost of airport transfers. The cheapest flight may end up costing more by the time you factor in bus, train, taxi fares.
Become a Student
Students can benefit from a range of special deals through student travel specialists such as STA Travel.
Become a Courier
Believe it or not, free flight courier services do exist. The catch is you have little control over where you going to fly, and you wont be able to check any luggage in as thats why they are using in the first place, namely to use your kilo allowance to safely carry their package overseas. Importantly, you rarely will get to see the package that your are couriering, which would certainly make me paranoid. A cheap way to travel, but we recommend against it.
Travel around the world
If you are planning several long haul flights, a multi-stop round the world ticket will tend to work out cheaper than two long haul flights. Most major airlines BA, Qantas offer a particularly competitive flight packages which allow six stops at most major international capitals for in the region of $1,250.00
Travel Safety
Do I really need a Travel Insurance?
In short, yes. A basic travel insurance policy for a week long holiday can be bought online for under $15, and in extreme circumstances can equate to long term savings in excess of $1M.
Most people purchase travel insurance to protect their possessions, however, the real value in travel insurance lies in its medical cover and legal cover, which will ensure that no matter what happens to you in the world, your medical and legal costs will be covered.
When purchasing travel insurance always ensure that they offer a comprehensive medical and legal cover. Baggage cover is important, but will rarely cover the full value of the possessions that you are travelling with. Ensure that they operate an international 24hr contact helpline in the event of an accident or emergency, and always ensure that you collect all relevant paperwork, i.e. police incident report or medical paperwork when making claims. Always fully read the insurance policy, and contact your insurer if anything goes wrong as soon as possible. .
I am planning to go backpacking by myself. Will I be safe?
Nowhere in the world is one hundred percent safe, and the risk of crime and illness always exists whether at home or on holiday. Travellers tend to be particularly prone to crime, however, as they are faced with an unfamiliar environment and naturally stand out from the crowd.
Travelling alone (especially if you are female) will inevitably put you at a marginally higher risk than people travelling in groups, though a bit of common sense will ensure that you stay safe. In particular, it is important to maintain good contact with friends and family when you’re on the road so that they have a reasonable idea of where you will be while you are away. A regular email charting your journey should suffice. Travelling alone can be a truly enlightening experience, and you may be surprised at how many new friends and companions you make along the way.
Researching your destination prior to travelling is essential to ensure a safe trip. The Travel.State.Gov (http://www.travel.state.gov/) and Foreign and Commonwealth Office for Travel (http://www.fco.gov.uk/travel) are excellent resources, offering objective assessment of the travel risks associated travelling to any country in the world. Both sites are regularly updated with the latest travel information covering any potential risks, terrorism, natural disasters, disease, crime etc. within the region.
Crime
Take extra caution with valuables never leave them unattended particularly in hotels, hostels, airports and restaurants. As far as possible, use hotel/hostel lockups and safes to protect important travel documents, and always travel with spare copies. Increasingly many travellers prefer to scan and email important travel documents to themselves, so that they can always access such details online.
Try to only carry small amounts of cash with you, carrying the rest of your travel budget on credit cards and as travellers cheques. A discrete travel belt is also a great way to protect money and credit cards when you are on the road. Likewise a small padlock on hand luggage is useful to perturb pickpockets.
Always be wary of strangers no matter how helpful and honest they may seem. It is safer to be rude and decline an offer of help, than endanger yourself. It is always a good idea to ask local hotel or hostel owner when you arrive in a new area if there are any areas that should be avoided. When out and about (particularly at night) try to avoid quiet areas and stick to well lit crowded areas as far as possible.
Under all circumstances avoid drugs. Different countries have different penalties for people supplying and possessing drugs.
Finally make sure that you have enough money for your travels, try to avoid pushing your budget to the absolute limit, otherwise you will not be able to accommodate any unexpected mishaps or misfortunes along the way.
Major Decisions: Planning
I am going backpacking. What should I take?
As little as possible. Many guide books suggest packing your bag then taking half of it out again. Generally speaking avoid taking anything that you absolutely do not need, otherwise you will usually be able to purchase it while you are on the road.
What you take will naturally depend upon where you are travelling, and it can often be difficult to decide what to pack when your trip starts in arctic Russia and ends on the Gold Coast of Australia, nevertheless the following should act as a useful checklist of essential items worth thinking about taking. If possible, always try to avoid backpacking with more expensive items such as MP3s, mobile telephones and laptops which can attract unnecessary attention and can break easily.
Passport Ensure that it is valid and in good condition
Insurance Ensure that it will be valid for the whole journey
Immunisation Booklet Official medical document listing all your jabs
Passport Photos Will invariably be needed for identification passes and certain overseas visas
List of emergency contact number insurance emergency number, debit/credit card cancellation numbers/friends/family with international dialling code.
Tickets and Itinerary
Photocopies of the above
Mixed form of currency covering debit/credit cards, local currency and travellers cheques.
Moneybelt Ensure that it is discrete and comfortable to wear
First Aid kit - Basic travel kit to cover basic mishaps which may occur along the way
Personal Medication any personal medication required complete with international doctors note to ensure easy passage of medication across international borders.
Sun Cream High UVA protection ideally
Sunglasses
Anti-malarial tablets and mosquito spray If entering a malarial zone
Condoms
Insect repellent Ensure prior to travelling that you do not have an allergy to the repellent
Long sleeve top and trousers Useful to protect against mosquitoes at dawn and dusk and the sun through the day
Sun hat
Up to date comprehensive Guide book
Sleeping Bag
Travel Pillow
Travel Towel International travel adaptor
Camera
Fleece For cooler nights
Flip Flops
Travel Sewing Kit and Duct tape Great for patching up clothes, sleeping bags etc.
Camera
Day Back
Waterproof inside for main back
Travel Alarm Clock
Security code pad lock
Major Decisions: Budget
How much should I budget for my trip?
This tend to be the first question asked by all backpackers, as budget defines not only the destinations you visit but also how long you will be able to travel for.
Naturally everyone has different comfort zones when they travel which will define their ultimate budget, nevertheless; there are several core costs that you should be able to research and predict prior to leaving which will enable you to provide a rough costing for your trip.
The most important thing to ensure is that you have sufficient leverage in your budget to accommodate unexpected expenses and any expenses that you may incur while you are away such as storage, mortgage payments or rent and utility bills.
Fixed travel expenses which you should be fairly easy to accurately calculate (assuming that you itinerary does not radically change) include flights, visas, immunisations and travel kit. Accommodation costs will vary between countries though you can roughly calculate such costs by browsing online for hostels at each of the main destinations that you plan to visit, as a general rule if you are staying in dorms it is unlikely that you will ever pay more than $35 per night in Western countries and $20 in non-Western countries, though it is possible find accommodation for far less. Other core costs include food, entertainment, visiting tourist attractions and overland local transportation which will be linked to personal preferences. Lonely Planet (http://www.lonelyplanet.com) is an excellent resource which outlines approximate backpacking living costs for all major countries in their costs and expenses section.
Travel Health
How can I beat a jet lag?
Without careful planning heavy jet lag can ruin a trip or holiday overseas.
Jet lag occurs when the natural body clock is temporarily disrupted. This commonly occurs on long haul flights when you fly across several time zones and causes the travellers internal clock to become out of sync with the external environment and the body begins to feel fatigue.
Most commonly jet lag occurs when you travel across several time zones, which disrupts your usual sleeping and eating patterns, as the body struggles to readjust itself to the new time zone.
The symptoms of jet lag very between individuals and some people may be fortunate enough to experience little or no jet lag following a long haul flight across several time zones. Common symptoms of jet lag include exhaustion, fatigue, inability to sleep, lack of appetite, head aches and a general feeling of disorientation.
OK, so knowing this information how can you beat the symptoms of jet lag? There are two core approaches which while may not entirely prevent jet lag can go a long way toward reducing the overall symptoms commonly associated with jet lag. The first is to ensure that your body is the optimum condition to fight against common features which contribute to jet lag, and the second is to try and trick the body into maintaining its natural circadian rhythms.
* Avoid alcohol: Alcohols effect on the body is multiplied at altitude, so that the consumption of even relatively small amounts can be significantly be multiplied at altitude.
* Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Air cabins are controlled environments which tend to rely on recycled air through air conditioning units which can lead to enhanced dehydration and its associated problems, namely sleepiness, headaches and so on.
* A long haul flight is a naturally tiring process, to ensure that you have the best chance of beating jet lag, it is important to ensure that you commence your flight relaxed and not-tired. While this may be difficult given the general stresses and strains of modern airports, a good nights sleep and a short brisk walk prior to flying will certainly put your body in a better condition to fly.
* Stay active throughout the flight. Regularly stretch your legs and move around the cabin as much as possible. Long periods of immobility will otherwise inevitably invoke tiredness.
* Use the time zones to your advantage. By planning your journey carefully it is possible to use the time zones to your advantage to work reduce the effects of jet lag.
As such, the best time to arrive at your destination is during daylight hours when the sunlight will naturally alert your body.
The simple secret is to maintain the normal pattern of living in line with the time at your destination as quickly as possible. Thus, if you arrive at 10pm, even if you have slept for the whole of the flight you should try and go to sleep when you arrive. This is inevitably harder if you arrive in the evening as it is more difficult to unnaturally force yourself to sleep than to keep yourself awake.
To counter jet lag, it is therefore essential to aim to arrive at your destination at a time when you feel that you will be able to continue the normal living pattern of the destination. As hard as it may be to stay awake, the sooner you can recourse to the regular pattern of living at your destination the smaller the likelihood of being effected by Jet Lag.
Accommodation
What makes a 5 star hotel worthy of 5 stars?
The problem with defining the difference between five star hotels and non-five star hotels is that each country uses their own criteria to rate hotels. While you know that a one star hotel is not going to be the greatest establishment, when you fork out hundreds of dollars for a five star hotel, you hope that there is some kind of reassurance that the hotel meets some quite exacting standards.
Five star hotels have always been considered at the top end of the luxury scale and in recent years some truly phenomenal hotels have been developed which could arguably put older five star hotels to shame.
In Britain, there a number of organisations which officially rate hotels. These organisations use a specific grading system whereby a hotel must meet a long list of set criteria in order to be awarded five star status. These include: guests greeted at the hotel entrance, at least one restaurant open to residents, uniformed porters and an evening turn down service. To quote their website, the hotel must provide:
Flawless guest services and professional, attentive staff are a must at this level. Accommodation throughout the hotel is spacious and luxurious, with impressive interior design and immaculate furnishings. En suite rooms offer exceptional quality and provide extras such as bath sheets and robes and an evening turn-down service. The restaurant produces dishes created with a high level of technical skill, complemented by superior wines.
This would seem to act as a fair guide, however, of course this criteria is largely subjective. Indeed, of late there has been a spate of new hotel developers announcing the opening of six and seven star hotels which provide truly exceptional service, though one must be wary of such proclamations, as I feel that they tend to me superlative marketing ploys. In short there remains no international standard to define a five star hotel, though it is fair to say that it is possible to judge different starred hotels in relation to one another within the same country as at least they are subject to the same criteria.
