20 FREE Travel Booking Hints and Tips
Plan, Prepare and Pace yourself when making travel arrangements. Do it as far in advance as you can.
There are many advantages of booking through a licensed Travel Agent near you. Remember they live in your area and are keen to retain you as a repeat customer. Your word-of-mouth advertising is important. Some people may advise there's no need to book with one (some arrangements don't require a Travel Agent's expertise) but when things go wrong when they are overseas they are on their own. A good Travel Agent will give you their out-of-hours phone contact, and if you need to call them in the small hours of the morning they can be worth their weight in gold. If they have booked your entire itinerary they can re-schedule other arrangements and liaise with the airlines here. If you booked them all yourself independently you would need to call each one and that's when the true value of a Travel Agent is understood. Licensed Travel Agents are required by law to belong to the Travel Compensation Fund for your protection in the event of a business collapse. You will find a certificate on their wall for public viewing.
A Travel Agent will give you the best airfare of all airlines. An airline will only give you their best airfare. Chose a Travel Agent who has been in the business a long time rather than one that will make all the promises in the world that their airfare is the best one on the market. Sometimes the lowest airfare can turn out to be the most expensive trip. There are many other costs involved other than trying to save a few dollars on an airfare and one needs to take into account the total of the tape.
Obtain a new credit card for use overseas and cancel it upon your return, or lower your credit limit on your existing one incase it falls into the wrong hands. Many travelers have returned only to find their card has been used in places they didn't go to...sometimes by a staff member of a shop they made a purchase from. If you can note the name of the shop assistant who served you, or took your details at the hotel or accommodation property.
Ensure the address on your baggage tags cannot be read by people standing around you. Professional thieves join queues to harvest addresses, or engage you in friendly conversation to find out how long you'll be away.
Keep a second wallet with photocopies of money in it incase you are robbed. Always use a money belt in non-trustworthy countries and keep it under your clothing.
Beware of pickpocket's tactics...bumping into you, distracting you while their partner fleeces you are two common ploys.
If you intend to be away for a number of months check with that your insurance company will still cover your contents and general house.
Make at least two lists of credit card numbers and travelers cheque numbers.
Take an amount of cash in the currency of the country you are visiting to cover incidentals until you can get to an ATM, cash a travelers cheque etc.
Avoid cashing travelers cheques at hotel desks as their rates are not as favorable as banks.
Only use the telephone in your hotel room to make urgent calls as their rates are high. Invest in a phone card before you leave if your Travel Agent has not already suggested it.
If using an internet connection in a hotel room check first to see how the hotel charges. Is it by time or by megabytes used in/out? Some guests have been presented with huge bills when checking out.
If you are asked to sign a hotel restaurant bill to go on your tab ensure you get a copy and make a note of the amount, and the waiter's name. Items can often appear mysteriously on a bill after being signed.
Ask your Travel Agent if all the phone numbers they have given you are up to date.
Pack light and be ruthless about including it if you are doubtful. Ensure you pack comfortable walking shoes and dress for comfort when flying...if it's a non business trip a track suit is very comfortable. Take a good book.
When renting a vehicle ensure you specified if it is manual or automatic and ask what additional costs you may need to pay in the country of hire. Additional charges may occur for Collision Damage Waiver, Personal Accident Insurance, Accident Bond, Additional driver charge, one way rental, additional mileage charges etc. Some rental car companies may have restrictions on where the vehicle may be taken. When returning the vehicle ask what amount, if any, is to be charged to your credit card.
Set aside the departure tax amount (and transfer costs) when you first arrive in a country....before you start spending !
Some countries that charge a VAT, or GST may refund the amount paid upon presentation of receipts. Check with each country you are visiting as each has their own policy and claim procedure. Find out where you can obtain the forms.
Do as much independent research yourself. The internet is your best source of reference. If you ask your Travel Agent to do something for you that you could do yourself be prepared to be charged for their time. Above all, remember you are an ambassador for your country and others may judge your fellow countrymen by your behavior attitudes and actions. Obey the laws of each country and have a safe trip.
ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY
Meadow Travel Service