Travel Tips
FLIGHT TIPS
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Are you flexible on your flying dates? If you are this can give you more options on your airline tickets fares. Travelling on weekdays is usually cheaper than flying on weekends. Additionally early morning, late night or red eye flights are usually cheaper than flying during the day.
The time of year when travelling can make a difference. Prices are usually cheaper in the low seasons when most people are not travelling. The high seasons are usually holidays periods, like Christmas, Easter, US Thanksgiving, Spring Break and the summer when kids are on holiday. These periods tend to incur higher prices and are best booked well in advance.
For instance travelling to Europe in the spring or the fall, is usually much cheaper than during the summer when many people head that way.
There are many flight search options online, but a Travel Agent has the resources that are not necessarily available to the public and can save you a lot of time looking for the best fare when they have this readily available at their fingertips.
If you plan on travelling regularly it is advantageous to enroll in a flight program that offers you points for every mile travelled. These can be useful for upgrades and for free flights once you have enough collected points. Depending on the program many offer points for other services as well as flights and these can add up nicely to give you free flights or gifts down the road.
If you have to travel in the high season it is best to book as far as possible in advance. This way you will get the best possible price and in most cases the best possible seating options. The closer it gets to flying time the price usually gets higher as there are fewer and fewer seats available.
All in all when booking flights, book through an agent, if possible be flexible with your times, book early if flying in the high season, and enroll in a flight mileage program to collect miles for future free flights.
TIPS ON CRUISING
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Cruising is today one of the most popular vacations. When taking a cruise there are several things to consider.
- Your chosen destination - Where does the ship go? What is the itinerary? Does it give you sufficient time at the destinations to enjoy time ashore to explore?
- Is the ship itself what you are expecting? Check the ship online or with your Travel Agent. Your Travel Agent will have brochures showing the layout and details of the ship, and will either know or can check the type of clientele that particular cruise line attracts.
- What is the reason you have chosen to Cruise? Are you looking to party? Do you like the idea of unpacking and sleeping in one place while getting to see different destinations? Do you like the idea of having all the meals and numerous activities catered to? Do you want a program where tipping is included? These kind of questions will help determine which Cruise to choose, and again your Travel Agent can assist you with determining the best Cruise ship for you.
- There are various types of cabins on most ships. The type of cabin you choose will determine the price. Inside cabins are always cheaper than ocean view, and there are usually various option in between, with partial sea views etc. At the top of the price scale are the upper deck cabins, and Suites.
- Check to see where the cabin you choose is located. If you are noise sensitive make sure to book a cabin away from the engines, elevators and the disco if they have one. It sometimes pays to pay the little extra to get a better cabin. If you don't plan to spend a lot of time in your cabin other than sleeping then an inside cabin might well suit you.
- It is important to note that many ship cabins are smaller than the usual Hotel rooms we are used to. The bathrooms in particular can be quite small. If booking a triple check the cabin size and make sure you will be comfortable sharing a tight space.
- Are you travelling with children? Make sure the chosen Cruise offers children's programs and activities. Some will also have baby sitting services so you can enjoy the evening activities while your children sleep. When travelling with kids it is important to schedule time with them, including mealtimes and activities that you can all share, like pool time.
- Are you looking for beaches or cultural activities during the shore excursions? It is important to check out what destinations you will be stopping at and what those destinations have to offer. Shore excursions are usually options offered by the ship and can be quite expensive.
- It is possible to book your own small group trip through other sources that give you more flexibility in what you want to do. You can also usually get a cab at dockside to take you where you wish to go. Talk with your Travel Agent for your options.
- Normally when you board the ship it becomes a cashless society, each Cruise has a different way of doing this, some use cards others use bands, there are many different ways. The idea is when you order a drink, photos, spa services or shop at the onboard stores you use the card and at the end of the Cruise you are presented with the bill usually charged to your credit card. It is very easy to overspend so be aware of your charges.
- Plan your trip and book early if you can many Cruises offer early bird specials, such as two for one, or free air. Check with your Travel Agent as they get regular daily specials from suppliers and will have the latest information for you.
TITLE - PACKING FOR CRUISES
When cruising, packing for your cruise becomes an integral part of your travel. The length of cruise, the destination and the category/style of cruise ship will all determine what you need to pack.
Take into consideration that on most cruises there is at least one formal night depending on the length of the cruise. Of course you can opt out that night and eat in one of the other restaurants if you don't wish to dress up, but for many this is the highlight of the cruise. You can usually rent formal wear on the cruise ship itself if you don't wish to take formal wear with you. These formal nights are usually preceded by a Captains cocktail party and a chance to meet the Captain and his crew. Some lucky passengers may even be invited to eat at the Captains table that evening.
Dress codes are enforced so if you do not wish to dress up then just find yourself one of the other restaurants onboard to eat at that evening.
In general casual wear including shorts, jeans and tee shirts are acceptable on most of the regular cruise lines. If you are travelling on one of the more expensive cruises casual is more likely to be slacks and collared tee shirts.
On booking, your cruise information package will advise you of the type of clothing expected on that particular cruise line. In addition once onboard most ships will provide information on suggested clothing in the daily itinerary/newsletter distributed to your cabin.
TRAVEL OPTIONS
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There are many options for vacations these days. When considering a vacation there are many things to consider - here are some suggestions.
- Your dates of travel will help to determine the destination and weather should be considered for the time of year of your travel.
- Are you travelling with kids? If so you need to take in the schedules of the kids, activities that they can enjoy either with you or as part of a kids program.
- If this is a driving trip, you need to know your distances, ensure your vehicle is serviced and that you have an outline of an itinerary that works within your time frame.
- Are you looking for a beach vacation? Destinations such as Mexico, the Caribbean, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Hawaii, Aruba and warm islands are some of the places to consider. In addition you will need to decide whether you want an all inclusive resort, or just a Hotel and find your own meals etc.
- All inclusive resorts are great if you are looking for a relaxing holiday where you do little other than lie on the beach, eat drink and enjoy the night life all in one place. Everything including in most cases alcoholic drinks are included in the price.
- If you are looking for sightseeing and a cultural vacation then the all inclusive is not such a good idea, as you will waste many of the options included in your package. The natural response then is to feel you overpaid for your vacation.
- Do you like to unpack and stay put and go out sightseeing? Then Cruising might be a good option for you. As you have the benefit of the all inclusive in part as all the meals are included as is the entertainment and activities whilst at the same time the ship stops in various ports where you can leave the ship and visit local cities. Cruising is becoming a very popular choice with many travelers.
- When considering vacations during peak periods like Spring Break, Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving and the Summer School Holidays, consider that these periods incur holiday supplements. If you need to book for these periods try to book way in advance. This will minimize flight expenses and will reduce some of the supplements.
- Work with your Travel Agent especially if you are flexible on dates. Travel Agents get daily specials that are not available to the public and can notify you of vacations or cruises that could be of interest to you at reduced prices.
We hope these suggestions help. Planning a vacation can be a lot of fun, but make sure you have all the details covered, and be sure to take out travel insurance as there is nothing worse than getting sick in a foreign country.
Action Travel
604-278-8286
1-800-457-3363
Visit our web-site ~ www.actiontravel.ca
Mailing
Address - 203 11951 Hammersmith Way,
Richmond, BC, V7A 5H9
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