by pankaj | Apr 8, 2022 | Travel Tips
Having anything stolen at any time is frustrating at best, but it can ruin a vacation altogether, often before it has even started.
Personal Security. Tips for a Female Travelling Alone
Sadly, females traveling alone often fall foul of undesirables. It seems unfair to distrust everyone, but unfortunately, it’s the world we live in. If you are a girl and going anyplace alone, whether national or international, a few things may help you avoid a good deal of heartache. When you arrive at airports, train stations, bus stations, and the like, you will almost certainly have been seen by the people who make their living stealing things from others.
They will pay special attention to you if you are alone; you will almost certainly generate additional awareness if you are female and alone. This attention will increase with loose baggage, handbags, being disorganized, not being able to find things, even wearing a tight skirt and high heels will attract attention; all these things make a spirited resistance unlikely, and you will be well on the way to becoming a target.
Luggage
Try and get rid of your luggage as early as possible; this is easier with airport travel.
Clothing
When traveling anywhere, comfortable clothing is the sensible choice. With this in mind, choose clothing that is both comfortable and practical; loose trousers and a sleeveless shooting jacket with lots of zipped pockets remove much of the risk. This type of clothing looks tidy, whether male or female, and keeps everything where you need it. Sturdy flat footwear such as trainers or approach shoes completes the ensemble.
What Fits Where?
Each pocket is reserved for a specific item; when you pull the item out, it cannot drag anything else out with it. So keep your wallet/purse in one of the inside fronts zipped pockets, and keep a small amount of money in another pocket to buy drinks, food, magazines, and the suchlike while you are waiting for your flight/train/bus.
Be Careful Who You Talk To
Be wary of people you do not know just coming up to you and making conversation; thieves often work in groups. Be on your guard for people requesting help or change, refuse point blank, and move away smartly. These places have all the help anyone could need.
Eating, Drinking, and Reading
If you can, always try to position yourself with your back against a wall if you are having a coffee, sandwich, or just reading; this will reduce the areas that need to be watched and give you peace of mind.
Toilets
These are, without doubt, potentially higher-risk areas but can be managed efficiently with little thought. Be wary of people standing near the toilets. Always use a cubicle with a lock and when you have finished, make sure you are completely dressed and ready before unlocking the door; unlock the door and move quickly out of the cubicle and out of the toilets. You should have a small bottle of antiseptic gel in one of your pockets (50ml) to remove the need to wash your hands in the bathrooms, an area of particular vulnerability. Sunglasses with reactive lenses are also a good idea, as spraying fluid into a victim’s face (often only soapy water) to frighten them seems to be on the rise again.
In the Unlikely Event of a Confrontation
If you have been successful in your assessments and preparations, the event of a confrontation will be improbable. However, several items may be used to great effect should things need to become physical; a rolled-up magazine, a ballpoint pen, an unimportant plastic ‘credit-card’ type card. Or a bunch of keys; these are only a few everyday items that you may use to control the situation. A ballpoint pen in your top pocket looks harmless enough, but when held in your hand with your thumb over the top, it becomes extremely adaptable, a groin, thigh, or back of hand application being very persuasive.
A rolled-up magazine used end-on is very strong indeed; use this to prod the small depression where the neck joins the chest (just below Adam’s apple). A sharp prod here will allow you to walk away unhurried, as will a similar blow to the eye socket or the underside of the nose. A key or plastic ‘credit-card’ type card across the face will also have the desired effect. If another female confronts you in the toilets, don’t get into a brawl; a finger or thumb to the eye will terminate the situation instantly. Providing these things are only used in self-defense, you will have no problems with the authorities whatsoever.
Help From Others
Don’t rely on help from other people; the vast majority will just walk away, not wanting to get involved with someone they don’t know. Instead, always try to be completely self-sufficient; this will help in many other areas throughout life-giving a glowing presence of confidence and control, the very thing thieves wish to avoid.
Exits
Always make sure you know where all the exits are and where they lead should you need to use them in an emergency.
The Whole Thing
All these things together will protect you better than you think; Thefts know what to look for and avoid; everything you have done, from the clothes you wear and your confident manner to the things you carry, all tell the thieves that you are a really bad risk. They will look for an easier target. Remember, good security is all about avoiding confrontation; if a bodyguard has to physically protect a client, he has failed in his primary objective of risk assessment, placing the client in direct physical danger. Unfortunately, good security often goes completely unnoticed. The consciousness of what is going on around you will always serve you well, and although this has only scratched the surface of a constantly changing subject, hopefully, it may just help things along a bit.
Safe traveling to all you female adventurers.
by pankaj | Apr 8, 2022 | Travel Tips
We talk of a need for authentic travel more and more these days, but with bursting pipes and dark days ahead, is that what we want?
Authenticity and Travel: What We Want
We aren’t used to snow in the UK. So the idea that we might be sitting near the top of the Winter Olympics medal tables, competing in cross-country skiing with the Norwegians and Swiss, seems an anathema. An aversion also appears that the authorities, both local and national, might be adequately prepared. Yet while not wanting to get too much into those issues, the slush, flooding, and dampness bring forth other visions not too far removed from images of the Russian spring in some Turgenev novels. The long winter without Christmas is before us; we dream of warmer climes, and the language of travel fills our minds.
The language of travel
On BBC Radio 4’s Word of Mouth, the Independent’s travel critic Simon Calder waxed lyrically, if not a tad sardonically, at the lexical fulminations of the holiday industry promoting itself through seemingly banal and empty adjectives, of which sunny, relaxed, cultural, and diverse are but a few. Such epithets appear helpful whether you’re promoting the nether regions of the United States, Serbia, Brazil, or Iceland, for as Calder notes, we, the paying tourist, seem, in the central, happy to play along.
While there are notorious examples of holiday experiences that sit mightily near to the base and far end of Richard Butler’s classic resort model, whereby the height of any pleasurable experience to be had at any given resort, for example, Coney Island or Blackpool has long given over to what Tim Edensor saw as holidaying in the ‘monotone enclave,’ there are still the Cancun’s and French Rivieras to fall back on.
Holidays are central to our aspirations.
As is entirely understandable in our hectic lives and relatively monotonous working conditions, most of us want to lie back and unwind either with or without the children in tow. As long as the airports, connections, and tour buses are efficient, synchronized, and staffed by friendly and helpful people, our holidays, often the simpler, the better, remain central to our yearly dreams and aspirations. Indeed, it is interesting when reading or hearing accounts of daily life behind the old Iron Curtain to note that of all the daily restrictions that bothered people, the restriction on foreign travel was one of the most annoying.
The historical and cultural playgrounds of ‘the old country, in Italy, for example, might not seem at first sight a caricature of the mass holiday destination as parodied on ITV’s Benidorm. Yet beyond the inferred sophistication of the former over the latter, there is no reason to suppose that concrete apartments and English pubs are any less ‘authentic’ in the south of Spain than a tour through the film set of our collective imaginings, a la Roman Holiday, La Dolce Vita or The Tourist.
Authenticity in travel
Yet again, the notion of authenticity, which is so debated within tourism studies, is highly subjective, that getting and experiencing the ‘real’ experience of life in any chosen destination. Dean MacCannell coined the phrase back and front tourist region, and you can’t get much more about it than taking a trip to see the Auschwitz concentration camp or the Chernobyl nuclear reactor. Visits to such places are littered with moral questions, like: are the masses of tourists cheapening the memory or significance of these sites by merely putting such an excursion into their itineraries? Simon Calder again thinks not. Such processes, he suggests, are just natural curiosities and part of the human make-up, just like some other activities that are not necessarily easy to explain, especially to your insurance company, like bungee jumping or parachute jumping.
But are any of these examples’ authentic’? Perhaps, but only in the same way that the Queen Victoria Pub in EastEnders is representative of a few other pubs in the country where everyone knows each other’s business; most pubs aren’t like Queen Vic. Most people don’t live in Assisi, Geneva, New York, or Dubai. The reality for most people isn’t the reality they go looking for when they want the truth of the other.
The real heartbeat of the United States, the middle and most representative of people, culture, and class, is somewhere in the Buckeye state of Ohio. Yet it seems unlikely that the British tourist would give up Manhattan or Florida for such a destination. Likewise, it would seem unlikely that your average American tourist would exchange Windsor, Bath, and Oxford for Swindon, Stoke, and Birmingham. Authentic isn’t really what we want, in the bleak mid-winter or not.
by pankaj | Mar 26, 2022 | Travel Tips
Not all air tickets require payment immediately. The due date for payment varies by booking method, type of airfare, and seat demand.
Many factors determine when an airfare has to be paid. All airfares have an in-built ticketing time limit. The ticketing time limit specifies how soon after a reservation is made, that payment is required. It can vary depending on booking online or with a travel agent. The cheapest flights usually require payment sooner than more flexible fares. And during busy periods, the airline may bring the ticketing time limit forward so that unwanted seats are released more shortly.
This information is based on airfares sold from New Zealand but is likely to apply elsewhere.
Online Versus Travel Agent Payment Deadlines for Air Tickets
Payment dates for the same air ticket can vary depending on how you have booked the flight. Most online flight booking engines require you to pay for the visa as soon as you have made the reservation. However, with some airfares, especially long-haul airfares, a travel agent can hold the same seats for a more extended period before paying for them.
For example, if you book a London to Singapore flight on the Singapore Airlines website, you will be required to pay for the airfare straight away. However, if you book it through a travel agent, you may not have to pay for the air ticket two weeks before departure. So it is handy if you are booking in March, but your flight is not until July.
Similarly, if you ring Singapore airlines and book with them directly over the phone, they may also be able to hold the seats without payment until a later date.
Airfare Type Determines Payment Deadline for Airline Tickets
Cheap airfares have more restrictive rules. It usually includes having to pay for the airfare sooner rather than later. For example, airfare specials often require payment within 24, 48, or 72 hours, even when travel is not for several months.
If you purchase flights for travel in another country, then payment is usually required the same day. If you purchase a ticket in Australia to travel between Brazil and Argentina, the airfare is likely to be an ‘instant purchase’ airfare. It means that it needs payment straight away to secure the airfare quoted.
The payment and ticketing date for business class flights tends to be much closer to the departure date than economy flights. There is greater competition for economy flights than business class flights. In addition, business class flights are a lot more expensive, so you get to book now and pay later.
Airlines can Bring Air Ticket Payment Dates Forward.
Most people who travel at Christmas, New Year, school holidays, or other traditionally busy times will understand the importance of booking early. One book early to avoid disappointment later when they cannot get a seat. However, booking does not necessarily mean having to pay straight away.
If seats fill way in advance of travel, the airline can bring the ticketing time limit forward. This forces people holding seats to either purchase them or release them.
The airlines can also bring the ticketing date forward if they plan to increase airfare. If you have a seat held through a travel agent or with the airline directly, the agent or airline will contact you to allow you to purchase the airfare and avoid the increase, or keep the seat but pay for the new higher airfare later.
When do Airfares Require Payment?
If you are booking online, then airfares require payment straight away. The advantage of this is avoiding any potential airfare increases. However, if you are uncertain about whether you will travel but are anxious to hold a seat, then booking through the airline over the phone or with a travel agent may buy you more time before paying.
by pankaj | Mar 12, 2022 | Travel Tips
Ever wonder why the flight or series of flights you want are wildly expensive? It could be because no single airfare exists for it.
Not every route that can be flown has affordable airfare. For example, a complicated itinerary may produce completely unreasonable airfare. This is because, behind the scenes, that total may be made up of two or more individual airfares. As illogical as it seems, it may work out cheaper to do the same itinerary but include a few more stopovers, fly an alternative airline and purchase a return ticket when you only need a one-way airfare.
Routing Restrictions on Airfares
It’s not always clear why you can’t travel straight between A and B. This is because airlines need to maximize profitability, and even though it may seem illogical, this is achieved by traveling out of the way to collect more passengers.
For example, a flight between Auckland and London that flies via Seoul, Korea, and which involves an overnight stay is often cheaper than a direct flight. Direct flights commonly attract a premium even though they probably cost less technically. This is because demand for direct flights is greater. No one wants to stop over unless they have to. If there is a choice, most people will pay more to get between A and B as quickly as possible.
Flight Number Restrictions on Airfares
Ever wonder why you can’t just fly any flight number you choose? Sometimes specific flight numbers are restricted based on where the ticket is purchased, the combination of flights being purchased, and whether the airline is the operating carrier or a codeshare flight.
Airlines usually work within alliances to reach destinations that they don’t fly to themselves. It is how an airline can cater to the most significant number of passengers, even if it does not serve the destinations themselves.
For example, any domestic Australian travel must use Virgin Blue when flying between Sydney and Buenos Aires on Aerolineas Argentinas. Likewise, any domestic travel in Argentina must use only Aerolineas or Austral Lineas Aereas.
Airfare Rules and Cost Vary by Place of Purchase
Not all airfares are created equally. For example, an airfare that governs a domestic route can vary from an airfare sold from overseas in the same way. For example, a London to Auckland airfare on Singapore airlines is twice the cost when purchased from New Zealand as it is when bought from the U.K. Airlines decide where they want to sell seats from when setting their airfares.
Return flights may be cheaper than one-way flights. For instance, purchasing a one-way Lufthansa airline ticket between Frankfurt and Manchester might cost up to five times as much as purchasing a round-trip ticket. So it can work out to accept the return airfare and only use the first coupon.
How to Avoid Expensive Airfares
Airfares are not calculated in the way that an average person would expect. The most direct route is rarely the cheapest, even though it might be the shortest. A return ticket can be more affordable than a one-way airfare, and some seats on an aircraft are likely to be sold by other airlines.
by pankaj | Mar 12, 2022 | Travel Tips
Epic Adventures, Modest Budget: Your Ultimate Travel Savings Guide
Are you thinking of traveling on a budget? Well, no worries! This article is all about how we can manage that. Nowadays, people love to travel, whether it’s to hill stations or desert areas, for fun, scenic views, adventures, and an environment where one can relax and de-stress.
Travel used to be something only a few considered, but now most of us research and plan well for trips around the globe. We have better ways to get there, many places to explore, and loads of tips on how to do it without burning a hole in your pocket.
For those seeking budget-friendly destinations, exploring state and national parks within a reasonable driving distance can provide a change of landscape without breaking the bank. Additionally, house exchanges with friends or relatives offer cost-free accommodations, enabling the exploration of new regions at a minimal expense. Vacations don’t have to be expensive with low-cost lodging options like rental cabins in state parks or last-minute discounts on unsold cruise cabins. The key lies in making the most of available resources and seeking out discounted alternatives. Moreover, we will brief all the tips on exploring travel destinations on a budget and how to plan a low-cost vacation trip.
The possibilities for affordable and enjoyable holidays are abundant, offering alternatives beyond extravagant expenses and distant travels. Fun can be found in a change of scenery within 100 miles of home or a simple change of pace in the comfort of one’s residence. So, whether you’re planning a quick break, a relaxed getaway, or a big backpacking adventure, you can make it awesome without going broke.
Some fantastic tips to elevate your vacation experience are
- Think Ahead and Plan Wisely
- Choose Budget-Friendly Places to Stay
- Pack Wisely
- Avoid the Busy Times
- Secure Savings with Early Booking
- Choose Your Meals Wisely
- Save with Budget Airlines
- Combine Travel with Work
- Use Public Transport
- Make Memories Without Overspending
Let’s delve into these valuable insights!
- Think Ahead and Plan Wisely:
When traveling on a budget, meticulous planning is your best friend. While spontaneity has its charm, a well-thought-out plan can help you avoid unnecessary expenses. Think about how long you’ll be staying in each place and draw a general route for your journey. Planning prevents last-minute expensive decisions on flights and accommodations, as they are more costly when booked in haste.
- Choose Budget-Friendly Places to Stay:
Replace expensive hotel rooms with budget-friendly alternatives like hostel dormitories or accommodations on platforms like Airbnb and Agoda. Sharing expenses in communal areas not only extends your budget but also gives you the chance to connect with fellow travelers. Staying with family, friends, or acquaintances can provide a unique and cost-effective lodging option, while also providing personalized insights into the local scene.
- Pack Wisely:
Pack smartly to avoid unnecessary expenses during your journey. Having everything you need means there’s no need for last-minute shopping. When traveling to warm or chilly destinations, make sure to bring versatile items like long jeans, a warm hoodie, and a waterproof jacket. Plan and pack accordingly to avoid overspending on souvenirs.
- Avoid the Busy Times:
Avoid peak travel times, particularly during school holidays when prices spike. Take benefit of the “shoulder season” by planning your trip just before or after the busiest travel dates. During this period, you can still have a fantastic trip for less money, even if the sun doesn’t shine as brightly. Airlines and hotels frequently decrease their prices during these off-peak periods to attract budget-conscious travelers.
- Secure Savings with Early Booking:
Ensure you have your flights booked well ahead of time, particularly your return tickets. Airlines commonly offer seats up to a year prior, and the cost tends to increase as the departure date nears. Choosing flights during the middle of the week, especially on Tuesdays, can also help you save money. Alternatively, think about flying economy to allocate your budget towards experiences at your destination, instead of spending it on the flight.
- Choose Your Meals Wisely:
While choosing affordable lunches from supermarkets or local markets, you can save money on meals. Make sure to explore dining options before choosing a restaurant, as it prevents overspending. If your hotel has a kitchen, consider cooking for yourself to save money and be healthier.
- Save with Budget Airlines:
Be flexible with your travel dates and consider flying during off-peak hours or weekdays. Pack light to avoid baggage fees, and subscribe to airline newsletters for exclusive discounts. Check nearby airports and use online comparison sites to find the most affordable options. Sometimes booking one-way tickets can be cheaper than round-trip fares. Watch out for extra fees, like seat selection or in-flight meals, and only pay for what you need. Understanding baggage policies is crucial to avoiding unexpected costs.
- Combine Travel with Work:
While working during your explorations, you can transform your travel dreams into reality. Seasonal jobs, social media marketing, blog writing, video making, web developing, or freelancing on the go are all ways to earn money while immersing yourself in different cultures. There are many ways to earn money while traveling, like remote freelancing.
- Use Public Transport:
Choosing public transport on a budget trip is a smart move. It’s wallet-friendly, saving on fuel and parking hassles. In cities, buses and trains offer stress-free navigation, letting you soak in the local scene. Plus, it’s eco-friendly, reducing your carbon footprint. Engaging with locals becomes easier, adding a cultural touch. Forget about vehicle maintenance costs and insurance fees that come with renting a car. Public transport systems often have flexible ticket options, and they help you avoid traffic delays, ensuring a smooth journey. It’s a budget-savvy, convenient, and authentic way to explore, making your trip memorable.
- Make Memories Without Overspending:
When you’re exploring a new place, really soak in the local vibes by getting to know the culture and making friends. Look for free walking or bike tours in cities, it’s a super cool way to see the sights and meet new people, especially if you’re traveling solo. Some hostels even offer free stuff like cooking classes or pub crawls. And don’t forget to chat with locals and do a bit of digging – you might find out about free museum days or discover cool spots like parks and street markets that aren’t just for tourists.
By embracing the concept of a vacation day or evening each week, individuals and families can engage in local activities, from hiking and picnicking to exploring nearby landmarks. Quality time spent with loved ones often transcends monetary considerations and memorable moments can be created through new experiences, such as paddling a canoe, going fishing, hiking a mountain, climbing a rope, eating with friends or family, dancing in groups, sunbathing near the beach, exploring an island full of adventure, enjoying natural and eye-catching views, and much more.
Taking off on a low-cost vacation involves strategic planning and a willingness to explore the wealth of affordable options available. Whether opting for a staycation, day trips to nearby destinations, or embracing cost-effective lodging choices like camping or house swapping, there are numerous ways to enjoy a fulfilling getaway without straining your budget. Choosing off-peak travel times, leveraging discounts on activities, and utilizing public transportation can further contribute to cost savings. By prioritizing experiences over extravagant expenses and remaining open to creative alternatives, travelers can create lasting memories without the financial burden. With careful consideration and a sense of adventure, a budget-friendly vacation can be just as enriching and enjoyable as a more costly one.
Ultimately, the true essence of a vacation lies in the quality of shared experiences and laughter with loved ones. Lasting memories are not determined by the amount of money spent or the distance traveled but by the depth of connection and joy experienced during the time spent together. Whether it’s a simple day trip, a local adventure, or an unconventional vacation choice, the heart of a fulfilling holiday is in the moments created and shared with those we cherish.
by pankaj | Mar 12, 2022 | Travel Tips
Qantas is not the most popular choice of airline to fly between New Zealand and Australia. However, despite its shortcomings, Qantas does have its virtues.
In the eternal race for passenger dollars, Qantas falls miserably in their trans-Tasman route, i.e., the route between New Zealand and Australia. While Qantas often has cheaper fares than many of the other more popular carriers, the difference is not so much that it can always convince travelers to sit through three to four hours with no entertainment on demand.
However, on my early morning June 2019 flight between Auckland and Melbourne, I found the Qantas offering to be spacious because the flight was not complete, the staff to be friendly, and the lack of seatback entertainment was especially conducive to sleep.
Spare Seats on Qantas
Having a spare seat next to one on a flight is like finding gold. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, the sheer good luck makes one want to buy a lottery ticket immediately. Flying off-peak increases your chances of discovering airline gold.
I can recommend the 6:30 a.m. flight on a Saturday morning. If the flight is not complete, you may find the seat next to you has been blocked out for your comfort. Also, having a spare seat next to you makes it more convenient for stashing belongings and empty meal trays.
If you are a tall person, a spare seat next to you may not immediately alleviate the problem of knocking your knees on the seat in front, but it will at least let you splay your knees out wider.
Friendly Staff on Qantas
Qantas has not always had the best reputation for friendly staff. But not on the trans-Tasman route. The Qantas flights are serviced by their subsidiary, Jetconnect, which has a well-earned reputation for attracting quality cabin crew.
Even first thing in the morning, the crew are impeccably groomed and looking genuinely happy to be there. They hit the right note of friendliness and subordination, and of course, their New Zealand accents make kiwis feel right at home.
Entertainment on Qantas
For an airline that services the trans-Tasman route as frequently as Qantas, it seems bizarre that they would be so behind in updating their economy product regarding entertainment. Currently, there is no individual seatback entertainment, although that may change before the end of 2019.
However, for those not keen on watching movies at 6 a.m., the lack of seatback entertainment has several advantages:
- there are no distractions, which is conducive to catching up on sleep missed from having to get up early
- Some people find the individual screens too close to view comfortably, so the lack of screens eases pressure on the eyes; just for fun, try watching the movie which will show on various screens suspended from the ceiling, without the sound. You will be amazed at how much you can still follow the storyline.
Fly Qantas Between New Zealand and Australia
If you don’t mind flying off-peak and would rather play sudoku or sleep than watch movies, consider Qantas for your next flight between New Zealand and Australia. You may find yourself lucky enough to have a spare seat next to you, a friendlier cabin crew than you might be accustomed to, and more time to sleep or read instead of individual seatback entertainment.
