It is not usually wise to be traveling during holidays as these are the times when almost every other person in the world is traveling. It is of course best to plan ahead or book ahead and go to your destination early to avoid all the hassle but if you’re one of those last minute people or probably one of those who can’t really avoid it, you should follow the next few tips for a better journey and maybe a cheaper stay.
- Holiday travel packages were never made with only one person in mind; no two people are alike, keep this in mind because the agencies that packed them have kept these in mind, use this fact to haggle your way into cheaper or sometimes better deals. Even if there are ready made packages, you can ask for extra perks especially if you’re staying for more than a week.
- Be careful of travel agents. Travel agents may give you the best deal for your package, which normally include airfare, lodgings and transportation, but a really good agent can be really flexible. One example would be if you want a rental car for the first half of your trip but you want to get rid of it by the second half, a good agent can arrange this for you, sometimes for a cheaper price.
- Be sure that the package you want is available, you don’t want to get pulled into something that ends up being sold out, some people give out too-good-to-be-true packages which end up being “sold out” in the end, so before you make a deal or transfer a morsel of cash, make sure that it is still available.
- Be sure to know exactly what airline and route your taking, you won’t want those unpleasant layovers which can be a real pain, not to mention delay your schedule.
- A good sign of a good package is one that is very flexible, as said before, no two people are alike, and a good package should reflect that, it should allow you to choose between destinations, as well as brands and lodgings without changing the price. A choice in which rental car to take is also a sign of a good package.
- Finally, it’s good to ask for discounts that you might get if you do certain stuff, like stay in the hotel for more than a week, or sign up on the internet instead of by phone. Research first before you cough up the money for down-payment; make sure you’ve exhausted all possible discount generating ways before you decide on a package.
Accidents do happen unexpectedly, but they can be avoided.
However, despite the fact that a lot of people are trying their best to avoid it, still, many are in danger in the road while traveling. They will never know when an accident will take place. In fact, it seems that the number of people who gets into accidents while traveling is continuously growing.
In 2003 alone, statistics show that over 6 million car accidents have been reported in the United States, and in those accidents about 2.9 million were injured and 42, 643 people were killed. That is, indeed, a very alarming figure considering the fact that the campaigns about driving safely and avoiding road accidents are in full force.
So, where does the problem lies? Is it on the driver, the car manufacturer, the government, or is it fate for most people who get into accidents? In reality, nobody can really tell who to blame. The only choice people have is to continue driving safely and avoid accidents.
However, in the event that accidents happen, the only way to solve the mishap is to deal with it. Here’s how:
1. Emergency numbers in one’s mobile phone are extremely important.
People just don’t realize this yet, but the emergency numbers stored in their mobile phones are vital to one’s life, especially when away from home or while traveling.
Surveys show that people who usually survive in accidents are those who were attended to immediately by health experts. This goes to show that immediate actions are important so as to save people who have met accidents.
2. Panic is the number one killer in an accident.
The reason why many people do not survive in an accident is because they tend to panic first. They get so panic-stricken that they can no longer clear their mind and think of ways how to deal with the dilemma. That is why it is extremely important to stay calm when accidents and happen and think of ways how to solve the problem.
3. Prevention is still the number one remedy.
Today, car accidents are currently the top most causes of death, usually within the age bracket of 1 to 37. Hence, the majority of the drivers, who are prone to accidents, are young. Usually the causes of accidents in young people are speeding, reckless driving, not wearing seatbelts, and drunk driving.
And so, it is important to observe traffic rules and regulations so as to prevent road accidents while traveling. As they say, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.
Hong Kong is a key destination for many travelers. It has a population of more than seven million, scattered all throughout its more than 200 islands.
It is located in Eastern Asia, near China and the South China Sea. Formerly, leased to Great Britain, Hong Kong was officially returned to China in 1997. Hong Kong offers diversity in: culture, religion, and lifestyles.
Chinese, (Cantonese) and English are both the official language here. So foreigners, who are planning to visit, should not have any problems exploring, and experiencing the culture of this vibrant place; since English is widely spoken here.
Hong Kong dollar is the currency in use here. One American dollar roughly equals around 7 Hong Kong dollars.
Hong Kong is known for: its unique energetic vibe, its wonderful food, and beautiful skylines. It's best to always bring a camera when roaming around in the city, so travelers can capture the essence of this place, and will always have a memento of their visit.
Hong Kong offers many great upscale shopping districts that rival the high end streets of: Shanghai, London and Paris. But the best places to shop here are the unique shops, and street markets that exhibit the charm and uniqueness of the locality.
It is wise to look around at the various stores to compare prices before buying anything. The best part of all is that sales tax is exempted on everything in Hong Kong.
The best way to get around Hong Kong is to purchase an Octopus payment card. This card takes you everywhere. It can also be used on any public transportation system, except taxis. It can even be used in vending machines, restaurants, and convenient stores, fast food places, etc.
Some of the key places in Hong Kong are:
• Hong Kong Island is the most urbanized district. It's the heart and soul of the city.
• Kowloon is one of, if not, the most populated cities in the world. It also offers the best view of the skyline.
• Disney Land Hong Kong which is located in Lantau Island. This is only the third International sight for a main Disney them park. It is best to make reservations ahead of time for lodging. It tends to be packed, especially during the holidays.
Hong Kong also has a great natural landscape that can be seen by riding a train that goes all the way up to the higher part of Hong Kong Island. With so many things to do and sights to be seen Hong Kong is truly a must see for any traveler.
For people who are fond of traveling to different places, visiting marvelous beaches, and taking a trip to the most exotic island paradise, the job of a travel agent seems to be a far better job than anything else.
However, some people contend that the viability of a travel agent being a lucrative work has lessened due to the emergence of the Internet.
Nowadays, people can easily plan their vacation trips, acquire their tickets, and make their own plans and reservation through the Internet.
That is why some financial analysts have concluded that as the need for travel agents fall off, their wages deteriorates as well, considering the fact that it is already low. The median yearly salary of travel agents amount to $26,630, that was in 2002.
The top 10% of the travel agents in the US were reported to have a salary of $41,660 or more. While the remaining half of the travel agents is currently earning between $20,800 and $33,580. All of these were bases on the U.S. Department Labor reports.
The bottom line is that travel agents are really not earning much. The only benefits they get are the discounts and special privileges on travel. Funny thing is, with their present salaries, travel agents may not even use these benefits because they cannot even afford to travel.
However, there are still those who want to become a travel agent in spite of everything. So, for those who really insist on becoming a travel agent, here’s how to do it.
1. A second language is a must for those who want to become a travel agent. Travel agents deal with different nationalities and a second language may just be handy in the future.
2. It is a must for every would-be travel agent to undergo 6-12 week training on how to become a travel agent. This includes all the basics of the job.
3. Computer literacy is also important because all of the transaction, invoices, and reports are done through computer utilization.
4. Knowledge on up-to-date information about the trends in the business. Also, it is a must for every travel agent to know the best places to go.
5. It would be better for those who want to become a travel agent to have their certification as a Certified Travel Counselor. This is an added value to their work.
Becoming a travel agent is entirely dependent on the person’s interest. So, whether the salary is low or high, as long as the person is happy with the job, then, there wouldn’t be any qualms for it.
Generally, when people travel abroad, the incidence of violence, crimes, and risks do happen. In fact, it happens everywhere especially when the person is not aware of it. That is why it is extremely important to consider some of the factors that need to be taken into consideration so as to obtain a worry-free travel in Canada.
Here are some of the tips that must be kept in mind for those who wish to travel to Canada.
1. Safety begins with the person’s pack.
In order to avoid any imminent dangers in Canada, it is best for a person to carry things that are not too appealing. This means that people should wear clothes that are not too flashy or those that attract attention most.
2. Rule of thumb: Always have a copy of the Consular Information Sheet
It is extremely important for every traveler to obtain the Consular Information Sheet. It is stated therein the things about the country, its basic and general rules and regulations, health conditions, security, and other special and pertinent information that travelers need when visiting Canada.
3. Visas and travel documents
Countries like Canada are strict when it comes to visas and other travel documents. So, it is best to bring authentic travel documents only so as to avoid any problems.
The only available and acceptable documents in Canada are U.S. passport, FAST or Nexus card. These are especially applicable to Americans who will visit Canada for some personal reasons like vacation.
For people who are alien permanent residents in the U.S., it is a must that they present their Alien Registration Card so as to be able to enter Canada.
4. People who will travel to Canada should remember to have their health insurance policies cover them while they are in Canada. This is to make things easier in case something gets out of hand and involves hospitalization or whatsoever.
5. Anything and everything that is being brought inside the jurisdiction of Canada should meet the country’s standard policies and should have pertinent documents with them. This is to assure that the items, products, or species, have been subjected to quarantine, tests, or any exclusive evaluation that will not pose any danger to the said place.
Indeed, having a grand vacation in Canada is not that difficult. Knows how to abide with the rules and regulations of Canada, then, there wouldn’t be any problem at all.
