Currate.com Blog » airlines http://currate.com/blog Currency and Travel Related Stories Sat, 05 Nov 2011 19:16:42 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Flying Issues—How To Deal With Them http://currate.com/blog/index.php/2010/02/flying-issues-how-to-deal-with-them/ http://currate.com/blog/index.php/2010/02/flying-issues-how-to-deal-with-them/#comments Fri, 26 Feb 2010 03:31:19 +0000 admin http://currate.com/blog/?p=483 Stuck on a crowded airplane for a long trip? Kids around you screaming, an obese person next to you enveloping you and your seat, and with no way for you to get up to reach your “stuff” in the overhead compart­ment, let alone to make a trip to the restroom? Feeling trapped and claustrophobic because [...]]]> Stuck on a crowded airplane for a long trip? Kids around you screaming, an obese person next to you enveloping you and your seat, and with no way for you to get up to reach your “stuff” in the overhead compart­ment, let alone to make a trip to the restroom? Feeling trapped and claustrophobic because you are in a window or middle seat on a packed plane?

A Not Too Crowded Flight, Author, Charlie Brewer Courtesy, Wikimedia Commons

A Not Too Crowded Flight, Author, Charlie Brewer Courtesy, Wikimedia Commons

Let’s face it; this and many other things have happened to a lot of us. Lately, due to airline cutbacks, canceling flights, and cost-control measures, more flights are flying that are completely booked. This means we’re often traveling in what amounts to an almost cattle-car-like situation.  And to be honest, sometimes, we do get seats next to overweight passengers who overflow their own, taking up some of ours. I mention this specifically, because of the recent news media flap over Director Kevin Smith being refused a right to fly for being overweight. I have no real opinion on that incident, but I do understand that both sides have some valid points regarding this matter. But sometimes, sitting next to such a person can be worse than just uncomfortable. It can be downright painful.

Case in point; I flew from Tampa to San Diego, about a seven-hour flight, all told. I was in a three-row seat, in the middle (window seat on my right). A heavy-set gentleman had the aisle seat. Now, mind you, he was a friendly fellow, and I enjoyed his company, but he did overlap his seat into mine—a lot! He literally and completely enveloped the armrest between us with his body, and his large arm and thigh were well into “my territory” (meaning he was absorbing about a good third of my seat). And unfortunately, he wore only a tee-shirt and so did I, because it was hot on that plane! With so many people on the flight, no matter how high we put our air-conditioning, it was still hot! His flesh pressed against my entire side in such an intimate way for those seven hours as to make me wonder about the morality of it all. I think you get the picture.

Director Kevin Smith, Author, Nehrams2020 Courtesy, Wikimedia Commons

Director Kevin Smith, Author, Nehrams2020 Courtesy, Wikimedia Commons

For seven hours I had to endure leaning to the far right of my seat. My traveling companion pressed herself against the window to give me a little more space. We were, to use an old saying, “packed like sardines in a tin” and sideways at that, in this case. It wasn’t just uncomfortable—it was painful, at times almost unendurably so. Before the end of the trip, I had a stiff and sore neck, and this lasted another two days. I was much too hot the entire trip. I couldn’t get up to go to the bathroom, because, frankly, it was such an effort for the poor man to get out of his seat that I just didn’t wish to disturb him, although he was very good-natured about it when I absolutely had to do this. And eating meals was a nightmare! I couldn’t lower my tray to place my food on it. There was no room!

Now, am I attacking overweight people, not wanting them to be on planes? Absolutely not! He was a pleasant man, a good conversationalist, and I think he had every bit as much right to be on the plane just as much as anybody else did. I feel it is up to the airlines and/or the FAA to establish rules and/or procedures for this problem, but with the rights of all travelers being thoroughly protected in the process. How they resolve the issue is for all of them to decide and not me. I’m no expert on such matters.

My only concern was that I paid for a ticket for a seat, and I felt I should have gotten the entire seat, not one-half to two-thirds of it! I can barely afford my own flights, without subsidizing other people’s flights in such a way. And if you think I’m exaggerating this episode, let me just say this; when we landed in San Diego and went to collect our baggage, I was waiting a long time for my luggage to appear. So was an Asian gentleman. He asked me if I was on the flight from Tampa. I nodded. And he said; “Oh, that’s right. You were the one having to sit sideways next to that obese guy! We all felt so sorry for you.” See? It wasn’t just my imagination. So my feelings on this whole issue, just to mention them in passing, is that everyone who pays for a seat, should be entitled to the whole seat or seats for which they’ve paid. It’s that simple, and regardless of anyone’s size, all of our rights need to be respected.

But even though this issue is much in the news right now, it is just one possible problem we face when flying. Above, I’ve mentioned others. And all those, combined with the airport terminals themselves, finding parking, finding your correct terminal, locating our flight gates, etc., it can get very stressful to fly these days, indeed.

So here are some tips to make taking a flight a little better, a little easier:

Portland International Airport Security, Author, Aboutmovies Courtesy, Wikimedia Commons

Portland International Airport Security, Author, Aboutmovies Courtesy, Wikimedia Commons

First and we say this many times here, because it is so important; get to the airport well before your flight time. This way, if you make mistakes, take wrong turns, end up at the wrong terminal, or have trouble finding your parking location, you will have time to correct the situation without the chance of missing your flight. This helps relieve a lot of stress. And call the airline before leaving home to confirm you flight, that it is still flying at the same time. You don’t want to get to the airport to find your flight’s been moved up an hour and is now about to leave. That would be very stressful!

Secondly, when you arrive, check in as soon as possible. Remember, if you arrive late, your chances of getting bumped off your flight increases some, so get there early! And security is taking ever longer these days to pass through, so it helps to arrive early. To speed your ability to get through security, avoid wearing belts with metal, metal jewelry, or anything with metal (watches, etc.) for that matter. This will keep you from having to repeat trips through the detector. This can be nerve wracking and embarrassing for some, because inevitably, it starts to hold up the line behind you. Also, try to wear shoes without metal in them for the same reason. Slip-ons or loafers are a good way to go, because they do make you remove your shoes these days. It’s best to wear shoes that are easy-on, and easy-off. Again, watch out for metal bits.

Make sure your carry-on luggage has the right things in it. If you take medications and need to take them during the flight, you will need them with you. And, make sure you have those other things you know you will want. Whether pills, a book, or whatever, if you have them with you, rather than in the overhead compartment, it will save you having to hop up and down, blocking the aisles, and discom­moding other passengers in the process.

Baggage Check In, Author, Mattes Courtesy, Wikimedia Commons

Baggage Check In, Author, Mattes Courtesy, Wikimedia Commons

Finally, settle in and enjoy the flight. With headphones for music or a movie, and/or your own ear plugs, you can block out most sounds around you, including those of screaming kids. A sleep mask will do wonders, too. Virgin Atlantic, at this time, issues a small free gift bag on its international flights. This includes a pen (for signing those destination country’s passport info cards, slip-on socks (for strolling about the plane in—a great idea), a sleeping mask, and several other items. I heartily recommend you bringing something like this with you. It will make your trip that much more comfortable. As for the flight being crowded, or having obnoxious neighbors who won’t stop talking—well, some things we just have to live with in this world, unless, of course, we can afford to travel first class.

But remember, flying is only a relatively short part of your travel experience. So, calm down. Try to relax and do those things mentioned above that may help you to do so. I even take along a safe, over-the-counter, sleeping aid on overnight flights. These help me to get some rest. Truth is, I have a very hard time sleeping on planes even if I manage to have my entire seat to myself.

Finally, when traveling internationally, arriving at a foreign country without local currency can be very stressing. How do you pay for anything you might need? Well, do a little checking on the Internet before you leave. You will find most airport terminals now have ATM cash machines where you can get local currency. However, beware of something else they also have, Change Bureaus. Where withdrawing cash with your debit or credit card is a relatively cheap transaction, the “Bureaus de Change” are not! They charge a higher exchange rate; often it is a much higher one to exchange money.

The best way to not fall for this, and end up with that stressful feeling of having been “robbed” by such a transaction, is to know the current exchange rates for the countries that are your destination. Check out Currate.com to find the current exchange rates for any currencies, because they have regularly and so reliably updated exchange rates for over 180 of the world’s currencies, so it’s almost a sure bet you will find the rate for the money you need. And Currate.com has an online currency conversion calculator, so you can figure out what things will cost you in your own money. No stressful surprises there! And with its “point-and-click” earth map, all you have to do is click on your destination to see it. Don’t forget that Currate.com can also be used by mobile phones with Internet Browser capability. Just go to http://currate.com/m.php or http://currate.com/e.php, if your phone is capable of utilizing more features.

Take all this advice and you will help to reduce your travel stress when flying. And remember, short, tall, thin, or heavy, we are all fellow travelers embarking on adventures. So concentrate on this aspect of things, rather than any negatives, and you will have a much better, less stressful flight.

Rob Shelsky, Currate.com Contributing Editor
Robert Rademacher, Currate.com Editor-in-Chief

References:

Getting Through Security
http://www.magellans.com/store/article/451?Args=

Flight Delays—What You Need To Know
http://www.magellans.com/store/article/438?Args=

Fly Next To A Fat Person, Get $250
http://www.bigfatblog.com/fly-next-fat-person-get-250

Travel Tips For Making Airline Travel Less Stressful
http://www.travelpost.com/articles/airline-travel-tips.aspx

Kevin Smith “Too Fat” To Fly Southwest
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20344142,00.html

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]]> http://currate.com/blog/index.php/2010/02/flying-issues-how-to-deal-with-them/feed/ 2 If Your Air Flight Is Canceled — Rule 240 And/Or Do You Get Your Money Back? http://currate.com/blog/index.php/2010/02/if-your-air-flight-is-canceled-%e2%80%94-rule-240-andor-do-you-get-your-money-back/ http://currate.com/blog/index.php/2010/02/if-your-air-flight-is-canceled-%e2%80%94-rule-240-andor-do-you-get-your-money-back/#comments Wed, 03 Feb 2010 02:58:00 +0000 admin http://currate.com/blog/?p=439 NOTE: PLEASE BOOKMARK THIS PAGE AS WELL AS PRINT OUT THIS ARTICLE TO BE USED FOR YOUR FLIGHT TRIP PLANNING TO PROTECT YOUR FLIGHT RIGHTS.

I’ve said it before; flying can be a difficult business these days. Therefore, it is often with a sigh of satisfaction and relief that we board our flights, sit in our [...]]]> NOTE: PLEASE BOOKMARK THIS PAGE AS WELL AS PRINT OUT THIS ARTICLE TO BE USED FOR YOUR FLIGHT TRIP PLANNING TO PROTECT YOUR FLIGHT RIGHTS.

I’ve said it before; flying can be a difficult business these days. Therefore, it is often with a sigh of satisfaction and relief that we board our flights, sit in our assigned seats, knowing we finally “made it,” and are on our way.

Or are we? What about those canceled flights that happen every so often, sometimes to us? It does occur, and quite a bit, especially lately, because airlines are trying to save money. If a flight isn’t sufficiently booked, they just cancel them more often than not. Coming home to America from Europe, I had one canceled. I had to take another flight the following day. No warning, no communication to me to this effect—the flight was just canceled. If I hadn’t called to confirm my return flight, I wouldn’t have even known about it. And did the airline pay for my extra overnight stay, and rearrange my (out of necessity) new connecting flight for me? Not hardly! So you see, this sort of thing can and does happen. Somehow, it’s always us consumers-as-passengers who take it on the chin, who somehow pay for it in the end.

Canceled Flights

Canceled Flights

So what can we do about it? Do we have any rights, any recourse at all? Well, one can do some things. All of these may have varying degrees of success, so you may have to use more than one method to achieve your goals.

Rule 240: If your flight is canceled, try using Rule 240. This is that famous and rather “storybook” rule we all hear about, but somehow never really see in action. Rule 240 is the paragraph in the airline contract that specifies what the airline legally has to do if they cancel your flight. Usually, this states what efforts they will make to get you to your destination some other way, and in a timely manner, including paying for a flight on another airline. However, this rule applies only to domestic flights. Even so, many airlines do have rules governing cancellation of their international flights, as well, and they are often similar in nature to Rule 240, although these may be called something different. Delta Airlines, for example, refers to it in their rules 80, 87, and rule 95. But together, they are pretty much Rule 240.

It is important to note that Rule 240 only applies to certain airlines, and that each of these may have their own version of it. So check to see before purchasing your ticket if your airline is subject to the rule at all. One source I located, says that it is a good idea to have a copy of Rule 240 (this article) with you when you go to the airport. By being able to produce it, you actually may not have to use it, since “they” (the airline officials) may rightly assume you know what you are talking about, and so they are more likely to give in under such pressure. It is advisable only to use Rule 240 as a final measure. As many advisers will tell you, it is better simply to refer to your carrier’s own ticket conditions, in their ticket contract with you, rather than to hysterically wave a piece of paper concerning Rule 240 around in the air at them.

Even so, I advise you to have a copy of this article with you. If they think you know your rights, you may just get farther with them. However, remember, even though an airline might still use Rule 240, it may or may not adhere to all its original criteria, so you should check out your ticket’s rules and conditions before you purchase it. This is important. There’s no point in waving around a copy of the rule if they don’t abide by it.

Ask for a refund: If Rule 240 is of no avail to you, the airline can’t help you, and you booked directly through the airline by credit card, ask the airline for a refund, and just try to find another flight yourself. Usually, in this case, they will refund the full amount to the credit card you used. However, if you can’t have this done for some reason, such as the card is expired and/or no longer active, then it may get a little more difficult. It seems that airlines, like so many businesses these days, are quick to take your money, but aren’t so quick to refund it if it isn’t via their usual method, the one they are familiar with and know well. Still, if you booked directly through them, they are responsible for refunding your money to you, one way, or the other. If you paid cash, that refund should be right away. If you paid by check, of course, you will have to wait until that check has cleared before they will refund your money.

Booking through an agency: This can actually be to your advantage. If you booked your flight through some agency, such as Travelocity, Orbitz, Expedia.com, or some other one, then you are entitled to a refund from them if the flight is canceled and the airline can’t obtain you another one in a timely manner. The travel agency accepted your money, so whether the airlines are willing to refund it immediately to them, or not, they should still refund it immediately to you. He/she, who takes the money, is the one who should pay it back if the flight is canceled. This is according to a source listed below.

Passenger Rights: Passengers have acquired more rights under the new law passed late last year, but these are more about how long one can be forced to sit in a plane waiting on a tarmac, the constant scheduling of consistently late flights, etc. About canceled flights, sadly, it doesn’t provide much help. However, for passengers flying to Europe, the European Union has strict rules governing how flight-delays and canceled flights are to be handled, and these rules are generous to the passengers. They include such things as reimbursement, compensation, finding the passenger another flight, etc. They apply to any airline, whether European or not, that flies to or from Europe. Would that we had such rules here in America!

Airplane Taking Off From Airport

Airplane Taking Off From Airport

However, even here, there are caveats with regard to emergency conditions, weather, as well as other unforeseen problems. Under such conditions, airlines are not held responsible for cancellations. Even so, these rules are of great benefit for those lucky enough to be traveling to Europe. Here’s what the Aviation Consumer Protection and Enforcement, Department of Transportation, has to say on canceled flights in general:

“If your flight is canceled, most airlines will rebook you on their first flight to your destination on which space is available, at no additional charge. If this involves a significant delay, find out if another carrier has space and ask the first airline if they will endorse your ticket to the other carrier. Finding extra seats may be difficult, however, especially over holidays and other peak travel times.

Each airline has its own policies about what it will do for delayed passengers waiting at the airport; there are no federal requirements. If you are delayed, ask the airline staff if it will pay for meals or a phone call. Some airlines, often those charging very low fares, do not provide any amenities to stranded passengers. Others may not offer amenities if the delay is caused by bad weather or something else beyond the airline’s control. Contrary to popular belief, airlines are not required to compensate passengers whose flights are delayed or canceled. As discussed in the chapter on overbooking, compensation is required by law only when you are “bumped” from a flight that is oversold. Airlines almost always refuse to pay passengers for financial losses resulting from a delayed flight. If the purpose of your trip is to close a potentially lucrative business deal, give a speech or lecture, attend a family function, or connect to a cruise, you might want to allow a little extra leeway and take an earlier flight.”

Passengers Waiting, Author, Rudi Riet, Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Passengers Waiting, Author, Rudi Riet, Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

What’s the upshot of all this? Well, although we do have recourse when our flights are canceled, and we have some new protections under the law, airlines differ greatly in whether they use Rule 240, to what degree they use it, and how they use it. However, if the airline cancels your flight, and cannot offer a reasonable substitute, you are usually entitled to your money back under such circumstances. So at the very least, if your flight is canceled, you can purchase a ticket from another airline, knowing that you should be reimbursed from the old one for the canceled flight. Do remember; it isn’t always the airline’s fault. Blizzards and/or other weather conditions are beyond their control. The same holds true for changing political situations in destination countries. So if you have a problem with a canceled flight, approach the matter politely, but do carry a copy of your airline’s rules and conditions regarding your flight, and/or a copy of Rule 240 as it applies to that airline. It all helps!

One last word of advice; if you are in another country when your flight is canceled, and they want cash to purchase that ticket on another airline, you’d better have some of the local currency to hand. More importantly, you’d better know what its current exchange rate is with your money, or costly mistakes could be made. Just go to Currate.com to find regularly updated currency exchange rates, a great (easy-to-use) currency exchange calculator, and features that can be used on mobile phones with Internet browser capability. To do this at Currate.com, just go to http://currate.com/m.php. For phones capable of more advanced features, you can use http://currate.com/e.php. As if that weren’t enough, they also have actual images of all the world’s major currencies, and a point-and-click Earth map. Just point and click to your destination! This way, the traveler has instant access to everything they need with regard to matters of currency conversion.

Rob Shelsky, Currate.com Contributing Editor
Robert Rademacher, Currate.com Editor-in-Chief

References:

Currate Currency Exchange Rates Tools:
http://currate.com/

A canceled flight … so where’s my refund?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35063110/ns/travel-tips/

Airline Flights Canceled, Delayed and Rule 240, or Possible Compensation
http://airtravel.about.com/od/travelindustrynews/tp/rule240.htm

Airlines’ Rule 240: Myth or magic bullet?
http://www.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/traveltips/03/12/rule.240/index.html

Aviation Consumer Protection and Enforcement, Department of Transportation
http://airconsumer.dot.gov/publications/flyrights.htm#delayed

Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)

]]> http://currate.com/blog/index.php/2010/02/if-your-air-flight-is-canceled-%e2%80%94-rule-240-andor-do-you-get-your-money-back/feed/ 3 The Age of Hidden Fees – How To Save More Money When Traveling http://currate.com/blog/index.php/2010/01/the-age-of-hidden-fees-how-to-save-more-money-when-traveling/ http://currate.com/blog/index.php/2010/01/the-age-of-hidden-fees-how-to-save-more-money-when-traveling/#comments Fri, 22 Jan 2010 03:45:34 +0000 admin http://currate.com/blog/?p=422 Let’s face it; it’s the age of hidden fees. Airlines, hotels, banks, credit card companies — all have discovered the fine art of charging hidden fees. It has become a major trend. Everybody seems to be in on the act. They quote one price, but when you finally get that bill, there are all those [...]]]> Let’s face it; it’s the age of hidden fees. Airlines, hotels, banks, credit card companies — all have discovered the fine art of charging hidden fees. It has become a major trend. Everybody seems to be in on the act. They quote one price, but when you finally get that bill, there are all those “extra” charges on it, as well. Some of those charges are quite creative and one almost has to admire the imagination that went into coming up with them. But imaginative or not, one thing is certain and that is that they will all cost you more money! For the unprepared, these hidden fees are not only an unpleasant surprise, but definitely an unpleasant added expense, as well. And those expenses add up!

Travel Suitcase - Author, Producer, Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Travel Suitcase - Author, Producer, Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

How do you avoid this growing problem? Well, one way, obviously, is not to travel unless you have to for some particular reason. As our last article stated, times are tough all over, and traveling is an expense many people are foregoing, for now, at least. However, some people just can’t do this, such as students, businesspersons, those with jobs that require travel, and those needing to visit friends or relatives. For these people, and for others who still want to travel, but need to do it as cheaply as possible, here are some more cost-cutting methods to use. Follow them, and they will save you money. These are designed for all cost-conscious travelers, and not just those going on vacation. If you combine these measures with those mentioned in our previous article, you can further, and considerably, defray the costs of travel.

FLYING: We’ve talked about researching airlines. However, no matter which one you end up with, as the saying goes, “it ain’t cheap” these days. Airlines are getting very good at tacking on hidden fees any which way they can. They do this by taking away free services, cutting employee staff, and generally charging more for existing services, as well as inventing new fees. These include fuel surcharge taxes, charges for reserving flights over the phone instead of the Internet, and added costs for checking baggage, among other things. Weight limits for luggage are being strictly observed by airlines these days. Why? Well, one reason is that if you slip up on this, “they” make more money. Go even slightly over that weight limit and it can really cost you! Checking extra bags will cost you. And for some airlines, even that first checked bag will have a charge coming with it.

Airline Travel Services - Take Off -Author MarekV, Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Airline Travel Services - Take Off -Author MarekV, Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Also, some are charging for the use of headphones, even onboard food, and standard, non-alcoholic beverages. One friend of mine flew from Jamaica home to Raleigh. When he found out that he had to pay seven dollars for a measly cheese and tomato sandwich, and extra besides that for a beverage to go with it, he was so furious that he refused. Result? He arrived home thirsty and very hungry, after not having eaten anything of consequence for an entire day.

Yes, I know that most people don’t think seven dollars is very much. But add on drinks, add it coming and going, and add the costs of any other family members you are paying for, and believe me, that then becomes a substantial cost. What’s that old saying; “watch your pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves?” The airlines, hotels, and everyone else are sure doing it, so you had better think about doing it, too, if only as a defensive measure. You don’t want to become the proverbial “plucked pigeon,” monetarily speaking, just because you want to travel abroad.

So Rule Number 1: Call or go online and find out what all air flight charges are going to be. I mean the TOTAL charges for that flight, including the return trip; from fuel surcharges, taxes, and costs for extra baggage,to prices for headphones, food, and anything else for which they may want extra money from you. That “low” advertised price for a ticket will have expenses added to it; believe me, and sometimes, a lot! To know the total price, you must take the time to inquire up front. Otherwise, you could be very unhappily surprised and only after you’ve purchased your ticket.

Author, Sfllaw, Hong Kong International Airport Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Author, Sfllaw, Hong Kong International Airport Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Check to make sure that things you assume are free are in fact, still without a charge. And, try to think BYOB, if you want to save costs and cut corners. That is, bring along with you whatever you can legally do so to defray costs. If they charge you for food, this can include some easy-to-eat food or prepackaged snacks. Beverages are a problem because of liquid prohibitions on planes, but you can supply your own headphones and such, at least. And remember to do this for both legs of the trip, coming and going. If they are charging for that little pack of peanuts, bring a package of your own for you, and for your family members. Again, these so-called “nickel and dime” costs can really add up, if you aren’t careful. The airlines know this, and so play this game. If it wasn’t worth their while to “nickel and dime” you, they wouldn’t bother – trust me!

Rule Number 2: After you have purchased your ticket, pay particular attention to your baggage. Again, airlines now often charge for extra baggage, and many charge even for that first piece of checked luggage. Go over the weight limits (or even the size limits), and you could be paying a hefty extra fee.

So remember that old adage; “he who travels light, travels quickly.” And remember, in this case, “he,” or “she,” will also travel more cheaply. So take stock of what you are taking. Consider the items carefully. When traveling to Europe, I pack layered clothing. By this, I mean I pack undershirts, shirts, sweaters, and a light jacket. Combined, all these can come to less than the weight of a single full coat, and yet offer the same warmth, if necessary. Also, this method is flexible. It allows me more choice in what I choose to wear, how much I wear, and when.

Combination Suitcase And Chair Public Domain, Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Combination Suitcase And Chair Public Domain, Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Think about what you really don’t need to take. Travel irons for pressing wrinkled clothes, hair dryers, even such sundry items as toothbrushes, razors, shampoo, soaps, and such, can usually be had at the destination hotel, most of the time for free. Almost all hotels I stay at (and these aren’t expensive ones, by any means), supply irons, hair dryers, shampoo, and soap. And if these aren’t to your liking, then local shops will supply them cheaply. Buy small quantities, enough to last your stay, so you aren’t wasting money in this respect. Better to do this than pay as much as $50.00 extra because you are just a pound or so over your weight limit. That would equal one very expensive bottle of shampoo! Even if there are two of you, airlines don’t average the weight of bags. If one is over a pound, and the other is still under by several pounds, it doesn’t matter. You will still pay extra!

Rule Number 3: Have a meal, if necessary, before going to the airport. Or, bring along a snack, even a beverage. You may not be able to take liquids on the flight, but if you haven’t passed through security yet, you usually can have beverages in the main terminal. Food and drink in airports can be enormously expensive, depending on the airport. And if you get hungry while waiting for your flight, or you are just in between flights, airline food can add on costs to your trip and in a hurry! For two adults, a simple meal with a beer, for instance, at some airports, can run you $60.00 or more. So try not to give in to temptation while at the air terminal. It can cost you. The simple expedience of bringing along a bag of trail mix, or a candy bar or two, could save you big bucks – coming and going!

GROUND TRANSPORTATION: When traveling to other countries, check ahead of time as to what ground transportation is available, where it is located (with regard to airports, points of interest, and hotels). Find out the different methods and ascertain which are the cheapest and most expedient.

Subways: Although subways are usually a great bargain just about anywhere, if you are lugging heavy baggage along, climbing and descending numerous flights of stairs, struggling to get suitcases onto trains, pushing through rush-hour crowds, then subways may not be a good idea. (This is another reason to travel light, baggage-wise.) However, subways are usually very cheap and I use them. If you are planning to stay in one city for a while, you can usually get multiple-day passes, which are a real bargain. Do it.

Buses: I also use bus lines. These, too, often have multiple-day passes. In London, I buy a pass that allows me to use either the “tube” or the bus service for several days. It’s absolutely the cheapest way to get to just about anywhere in that city, and even some points beyond it. Again, lots of luggage can be a problem for this method, struggling on and off buses with heavy bags, but it’s still a very good and cheap way to go.

Taxies: Taxies in Europe or the United Kingdom, as well as other places, are usually the most expensive way to travel, and sometimes the drivers can be a bit shady, although I’m sure most are not. However, as an example, I came out of the “tube” (subway) at Notting Hill Gate in London. I hailed a taxi to take me to my hotel, which was nearby (where exactly, I didn’t know). He didn’t recognize the name of the hotel and so couldn’t find it. I told him it had to be within a few streets of the station at most, according to the description the hotel manager had given me over the phone. Nine British Pounds Sterling later, we arrived at the hotel. It was around the corner from the subway station, not more than 75 feet away. Was the driver being honest in not knowing the location of the place? I just don’t know. But in American money at the time, that cost me $20.00 to find out my hotel was less than a hundred feet from where I had hailed the taxi. Why did I hail a taxi? Because I had lots of luggage on that trip, that’s why. See what I mean about traveling light? Yes…I learned the hard way.

eurostar european high speed train Author, Leon Brocard, Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

eurostar european high speed train Author, Leon Brocard, Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Trains: Trains in Europe are generally a good bargain, and although not so much in the United Kingdom, they still are much better than here in the United States. Also, both mainland Europe and the United Kingdom have very good train systems. Although the British system over the last ten years has worsened some, in my opinion, they still travel to many places. Trains are often, and the rides are comfortable. You can “get there from here,” on them in mainland Europe, and the United Kingdom. However, as mentioned in the prior article, you might want to consider renting a car if you plan many long-distance trips, because train fares can really add up over time, especially if more than one person is traveling.

Car Rentals: First, please understand this; car rentals always cost more than the advertised price, almost without exception! This is true whether we’re talking about here in the United States, or abroad. Fees always are tacked on. These can include insurance fees, road use fees, surcharges of various sorts, extra charges for that “extra” driver, taxes, and fees for any type of navigational devices, among others.

So, here’s that BYOB rule again; if you have a navigational device, pay for a map of your destination before leaving home. Download it, and use it when you get there. Even though maps for such devices aren’t cheap, as I’ve found out, they are far cheaper than renting that navigational device from a car rental agency. On my trip last year, I was charged the equivalent of almost $32.00 USD a day for the device! And you know, it was still worth it. I saved countless hours of time in not getting lost and in gas savings. Europeans just are not great on posting street signs, or at least not where one can see them in time to be of any use. All that extra saved time went to see more things. But do check out car rental costs carefully. Know the total amount. It can be high. Still, for a family, as mentioned in the prior article, a car rental could very well be the way for you to go.

KNOW THE CURRENCIES: This is essential. Whether you are flying to locations that use different currencies, or your trip just involves one different one – know the currency! You need to know it by sight, so you don’t use the wrong bills for tips and such (as I did in Austria), and you need to know its current rate of exchange. If you don’t know that, then you don’t know what those meals, tourist sites, gasoline prices, hotel fees, souvenirs, and all are really costing you. And if you are using a credit card, well, upon your arrival home, and when that bill arrives, it can be an awful surprise. So again, know the currency, know its current rate of exchange, and be able to calculate costs so that you can translate them into your own money. This will save you money!

Currate.com: To be able to do all of this, I recommend Currate.com. It has images of almost all the world’s currencies; you can familiarize yourself with your destination ones. It has regularly updated conversion rates, so you will have timely information on what the exchange rate is. It has a Google Earth style map where you can point and click to your destination. Also, it has a currency converter calculator. Want to know what that souvenir is really costing you? Just use the currency converter calculator to find out. And with regard to that, if you are traveling and have a mobile phone with Internet browser capability, just go to http://currate.com/mbasic.php. For phones with more advanced features, use http://currate.com/menhanced.php. This way, you will have instant access to everything you need with regard to matters of currency conversion. Believe me, knowing this will save you money! And in the current worldwide economic situation, this is always a good idea.

We live in an age where corporate greed has turned craftier than ever. Again, it is the age of hidden fees, of having airlines, banks, credit card companies, hotels, and others  trying to “nickel and dime you to death.” So take my advice and fight back. And one of the best ways to do this is to know what all the costs are going to be up front. Then, you can at least try to defray them in some way. Otherwise, you are just a helpless victim. And really consider this approach, because these fees not only aren’t going away in the near future, they are going to get worse! Trust me. It will happen. And you don’t have to look into a crystal ball to know this. The future, in this regard, is sadly all too obvious.

Rob Shelsky, Currate.com Contributing Editor
Robert Rademacher, Currate.com Editor-in-Chief

References:

Ten Money-Saving Travel And Vacation Tips
http://goflorida.about.com/od/couponsdiscounts/a/moneysavingtips.htm

CNN 9 Money-Saving Travel Tips
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TRAVEL/traveltips/01/20/money.saving.tips/index.html

Money-Saving Travel Tips
http://www.parents.com/fun/vacation/planning/money-saving-travel-tips/

Money Saving Tips the Travel Industry Doesn’t Want You to Know
http://www.deliciousbaby.com/journal/2008/jun/19/money-saving-tips-travel-industry-doesnt-want-you-/

The Wend Perrin Report
http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/traveltips/11316

Amazing Money-Saving Tips
http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2009/feb/07/budget-travel-guide-credit-crunch

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