Our Travel Tips These tips are based on our travel experiences and are not meant to be taken as definitive statements. Research, gather the facts and consider all, then go to it and travel the world. If you wish to add a tip or two send us an email.   Slow down. Do you really want to see 35 countries in 21 days? A few days after you get back home your whole trip turns into a blur. You look at your photos (all taken through the window of a bus at 120km) and you just cannot remember where that place was. Do a little research. The internet is a great starting point. Maps, photographs, street views, travel websites, tours and the opinions of millions of travellers are available for you to tap into. Remember opinions are just that, opinions. Each traveller has their own unique spin on what they have experienced.
Arrangements: Take nothing for granted. Even if you check and re check things can wrong. You welfare and convenience is not everyone's else priority. I am not saying people will not help you but be prepared to help yourself. Check all your travel details. If you are spending a long period in one location check where you nearest consulate or embassy is. You can register your travel arrangements before you travel. In Australia the link is https://www.orao.dfat.gov.au. Government travel websites often provide information and warnings about travel to dangerous locations. It is well worth the read even if you chose to ignore the advice given.
Travel Insurance. Make sure you have enough travel insurance to cover basic situations. Take out the insurance as soon as you make your first travel arrangements. Air travel. Airlines can change flights at a moment’s notice. There are no guarantees. If your aircraft is in need of repairs or there is some other issue your flight might be delayed or cancelled. In either case it is often very hard to get an answer as to what is happening from airline counter staff. In many cases they have been told not to say anything or they are unable to locate senior airline staff willing to inform them of the problem. Stay calm and reasonable even if you feel airline staff are not. Document any expense you encounter as a result of the delay. Make sure you have insurance before you travel. If you feel the airline has been unreasonable, on returning home, make sure you indicate to all involved in your travel arrangements your concerns.
Air terminals: Air terminals are huge places. Most have not been well designed so make sure you leave enough time to get from gate to gate if you are changing planes. Leave enough time to get through customs and immigration. Go online and get a map so you have some idea of the terminal layout. Bad weather and poor planning means that flights are often late, your plane might park out on the terminal tarmac and you might be bussed into the terminal. Aircraft: Where do you sit? You want to sit away from any drafts or cold spots. On the larger aircrafts you will need to consider if you want an aisle or window seat. Check to see when you can book the actual seat position on the aircraft as you might be able to print your boarding pass at the same time. At the airport you might not have to line up and acquire a boading pass if you only have carry on luggage. Make sure you check the conditions regarding luggage. Hand held only, maximum weight and size and items allowed to be carry in bags. Remember items that might be legal in one country might not be legal in another. Check before you fill out customs forms. Mark your luggage so that you can identify it from the 500 other bags placed on the luggage carousels. Mark your luggage clearly so if it gets lost the airline can return it to you. Make sure you notify the airline as soon as you are aware any items go missing. Always insure your travel.
Strikes: Well what can you do, check the news reports and try and make other arrangements. If there is a snap strike you will be at the airport when you find out and all you can do is sit it out.
Flight delays: All you can do is sit it out and after you get to your destination claim any damages as a result of the delays. Keep cool at all times even when you are provoked by bad service. If you miss a connecting flight because of the airlines mismanagement then make sure the airline is aware of the situation.

HOME     CONTACT      LEGAL     AUSTRALIA      BERLIN     NEW ZEALAND     PARIS     ROME     UK      USA     POTD      STARWARSFANS     ZONEIN     ZANITY

© ukpictures 2010