Mar 082010

The airline industry facilitates students to go on cheap air travels on many occasions. Student travel is one such avenue that can help students to get student travel discounts in the industry. All those student travelers who are still registered in school & under the age of 26 are entitled for student travel discounts. The cheap student airfare offers from some airlines always stand at a risk of being abused by travelers other than students who are on look out for alternative ways that will save them from paying the published airfares in the industry by showing off the false age proof & student identification. It has become more than a customary for student community to seek for cheap student airfare tickets as they can help them get discounts that can make their student travel 20%-30% cheaper. Since cheap student airfare tickets are not usually included in the CRS of airlines, you may often face difficulty in finding them out. However expert travel companies that deal in student airfare markets specifically can help you find cheap student airfare matching your budget.

When it comes to cheap student discount, students need to take a back stage & think about other viable options available in market just like consolidator airfares that are ideal for international travel & are often found cheaper than discount student airfares. Furthermore, consolidators buy out most of the flight tickets, leaving airlines with very limited occasions to come out with cheap student airfare offers incase some tickets are there which can’t be sold under consolidator fares category. Student travel discounts is a part of business promotion for airlines & also a way to make up for all those unsold tickets at the maximum possible price they could.

Criteria for Cheap Student Discount:-

Not all airlines offer student travel discount & they also have specific rules & requirements that used to vary from one to other. Age proof such as driving license or identity card constitute the most important document & a valid international student identity card (ISIC) holder can book cheap student airfare tickets & avail student travel discounts easily.

Student travel has its own timing & it usually takes place during high-demand periods like summer holidays or around the year round when the market for discounted student airfares seems flooded with cheap student airfare offers from airlines. According to group travel experts, some other techniques like charter flights, consolidator fares & bulk buying of tickets can lead the way to cheap student trips.

Counciltravel.com, sta.com & studentuniverse.com are some of the specialized student airfare sites that have automated youth & student fares booking & ticketing system. Students eager to go on reputed holiday places for the summer, or for a full semester, or for just spring break can find cheaper student trip options at such sites rather than directly through the airline or through a travel agent.

Feb 242010

In early 2007, on air will arrive. OnAir is a service that uses satellite technology to enable air travel passengers to use wireless devices such as mobile phones, Internet connections from computers and Blackberries during a flight. The debate over the use of wireless technology during flight has been going on for years, and now that it’s about to happen, the debate is likely to heat up.

First of all, you should know that the first wave of this will not be happening on US flights. Airbus, the plane manufacturer who is creating this technology, is selling it to AirFrance. AirFrance is expected to have the service available to passengers in early 2007. Whether passengers will have to pay for the service like they pay for headphones for a movie is not known yet. Two other airlines, the British airline bmi and TAP Air Portugal are both considering using OnAir, but nothing has been finalized, yet.

So what is the debate all about? Who wouldn’t want the convenience of using their cell phone during a long flight, getting important e-mails on their Blackberry or having the luxury of surfing the Internet to pass the time? Apparently, lots of people and for some very valid reasons.

The Safety Consideration

There has been an ongoing concern that the use of mobile phones (cell phones to us Americans) and other devices that use wireless technology could interfere with the plane’s navigational equipment. Recent technological advances in both navigational equipment and cell phone technology seem to negate this concern, but not everyone is convinced. There is concern that the navigational equipment on older planes may still be affected.

The Mobile Phone Debate

Okay, suppose the safety issue is taken care of and there is no concern that wireless communications technology will interfere with the plane’s navigational equipment. What objection is there to the use of mobile phone’s during a flight?

Surveys have shown that the majority of air travelers are against the use of mobile phones on an airplane because it would be downright annoying to sit next to someone who is receiving and making phone calls for hours on a flight. They imagine being stuck between two incessant talkers.

Common sense would seem to tell you that people wouldn’t really be so inconsiderate as to have hour’s long conversations on their mobile phone during a flight. But experience has shown us when it comes to mobile phones, most people loose their common sense. People will hold loud personal conversations in restaurants and grocery stores and on buses. They will drive using a handheld mobile phone even states where it has been made illegal. So does anyone really believe that people will use common sense and consideration during air travel? Not really.

It’s easy to see the scenario. Business people who intend to be considerate will receive what they deem to be a very important business call and end up talking longer than they expected. Or, a mom who just wants to check on her children for a minute will end up having to chat with each one of them before she can hang up.

It’s no wonder that air travel passengers are concerned that the use of mobile phones will become an annoyance during flights. They already are an annoyance down on the ground. Another concern some air travelers have will be the tension that all of this annoyance will create, perhaps making already jittery flyers more frustrated and pushing them over the edge.

Some people are already nervous just about flying. Add a cramped, overcrowded plane to the mix, the constant threat of terrorism, the restrictions on what can be carried on, and now the addition of an inconsiderate mobile phone user sitting right next to that nervous flyer, and someone might just snap.

What about Internet connection?

Travelers aren’t as adamantly against the use of Internet connections for computers and pda’s such as Blackberrys. Those devices are quiet. Many passengers already use their laptop computers on a flight; it’s just not connected to the Internet when they use it. Being able to send and receive e-mail messages while on a flight could be convenient to most people, particularly business travelers. There doesn’t seem to be much of a debate over these devices as long as safety is not a concern.

What Can be Done?

When should you start being concerned with this issue? As of right now, US carriers don’t seem to be considering using OnAir or any service like it. A report on MSN Travel said that the airlines that they asked – AirTran, Spirit, and US Airways – all said that they have heard their passengers say they don’t want mobile phones used on planes and are against adding the services. However, the question is, if these services do catch on in Europe and prove to be a money maker for the carriers who use it, will the US carriers jump on board? In an era of shrinking profits, will they be able to resist?

So if the trial that AirFrance is giving OnAir proves to be successful and the US carriers jump on board, what can be done to make sure that mobile phone usage does not become a problem on board?

One solution is to have no cell phone usage times. Perhaps next to the little light above your seat that lets you know if you need to have your seat belt fastened or not, there could be another light that lets you know if it’s the proper time to use your cell phone or not. Cell phone time could be restricted on long flights and on flights that are overnight when most people would want to sleep.

Another solution is to give the crew the ability to disable the voice function on devices during restricted times. During those times text messaging and e-mailing would be allowed, but talking would be disabled.

Feb 222010

Business travel is mainly to connect with clients and partners to build up a relationship or to close an essential deal.Business travel is very important and it costs more. Traveling abroad helps to find and cultivate new customers, to improve good relationships with foreign representatives. International clients and customers prefer to conduct business meetings in person before concluding a transaction. Business travel is not like a usual travel, a successful business trip requires months of planning. It is necessary to make your business travel comfortable.

A successful business trip is possible only by staying healthy and alert. It helps to enjoy every moment of journey. It is important to take care of your health when you plan to go for business travel. It is easy to fall ill during a travel for various reasons, ranging from stress to poor nutrition. When we go for business travel, it is good to avoid overindulging and avoid eating anything that could make you sick. We can also surf on the internet to find restaurants, health food stores, supermarkets and other food places that can provide you with food you like eating usually. It is wise to take energy bars for long sessions which can be eaten quickly, without mess and without people noticing too much. Dress codes are very important during business trip. It usually varies from one place to another, so never assume anything, especially when u go for international travel. Hotels are the second home for business traveler. It is must to choose a good hotel which is good in safety. Make sure that you carry signed and valid passport .It is smart to take vaccinations in advance; Take care of your baggage and belonging in a public area. You should not accept a package from a person whom you do not know. If you only intend to be away for a couple of days, a normal charge for a cell phone and other electronic equipment may be enough but if the trip is longer you may need to take chargers with you. It is wise to have online storage for your important presentations.

Things will not always go as per your plan when you travel. , So plan the trip carefully, it is possible to reduce the stress of delayed and cancelled transport. These simple considerations can go long way to make the trip less stressful.

Feb 202010

Travel Venture International or TVI is headquartered in London, United Kingdom. They combine the three fastest-growing trends today into a powerful money-saving, and lucrative money making program, leveraging the power of Travel and Tourism, The Internet and The Explosive Home Based Business Phenomenon.

TVI’s goal is to deliver huge price reductions from travel and hospitality products, through their network of companies involved with them. Think Costco or Sam’s Club for the travel industry.

Once you’re a member, you’re automatically enrolled as an independent distributor and are automatically placed in a unique “revolving matrix” where by inviting just 2 people into the company, and helping them invite their two, you can have the opportunity to earn $15,000 dollars ($10,000 in cash and $5,000 in travel vouchers).

To enroll, you’ll need $250.00 which entitles you to a lifetime membership into TVI, and placed in their matrix. Once in the matrix, you’ll want to invite 2 people fast, and help them get their 2.

In the first matrix, called the Travelers Board, consists of a 2×4 matrix board. Once you qualify and cycle, TVI will give you $250 cash (which you now made your money back), and a $250 travel voucher.

After getting pushed out of The Travelers Board, you’ll be entered into The Express Board. As soon as you cycle out of the Express Board, TVI will pay you $10,000 cash and $5,000 in travel vouchers (which you can sell to other people, give them away as gifts or use them to re-enter into the program with more positions).

The thing that I love best from TVI, is that they reward those who work hard. For example, if you get your 2 people, and someone above you (in the matrix) has none, you’ll “jump over” them. That’s great because you won’t have to worry about the tire-kickers in the program.

Since TVI just entered the United States, there’s a tremendous amount of growth happening for the company right now. Hundreds of people are signing up daily into TVI. Right now is the best time to get involved.

Also, before joining TVI, it’s your best intention to try and sign up under a top producer in the company. Someone that can help you market this opportunity to others, and is experienced in generating highly targeted traffic to websites.

If you hop over to www.tvimarketingsecrets.com you’ll discover how a top producer in TVI is taking newbies into the company and helping them cycle through The Express Board in under 4 weeks.

Currently this top producer is building a team where he’ll be sharing all his knowledge and marketing skills, to help you generate leads for your TVI business.

Feb 182010

Africa has outstanding natural beauty and it is exceptionally different. It is vital to be equipped for your tour in Africa long prior to your travel. Planning a safari to Africa is hard and it is impossible not to overlook important issues however thorough you are. This human nature should not stop you from making sure every detail has been taken care of. Find complete Travel tips applicable by everyday Africa Safari traveler. Add this to the holiday-check-list that you already have. Africa is mostly warm, but nights can be chilly. There are areas with seasonal sub-zero degrees especially mountain tops.

Public transport is unreliable in terms of time keeping however some run scheduled trips. Traffic rule enforcement can be lax, drive as if you are the only sane person on the road. It false that people are savages who don’t value human life-just because you watch violent clashes on TV. The continent has its own share of thugs and zealots.

It is not true that those women selling handicraft through the windows of the safari van are vagabonds that is the propaganda from the van drivers who receive commission for directing you to more established handicraft dealers. You will be doing them a great favour to purchase from them rather than buy from the rich vendors owners strategically placed in convenient locations.

Always keep your valuables like jewelry out of sight. Some street criminals snatch these items for sale. Travel light and keep your bags close at hand if possible. Keep contact numbers for the Africa tour operator of Safari Company i.e. your family, your safari hotel or lodge accommodation, your tour agent, the foreign office and the local police. On buses and trains, try sitting near other people in a busy carriage.

Keep within the Central Business District of all major cities such as Nairobi and Kenya. Rural villages and towns are very safe because everybody is known to each other. If you lose something, the local leaders will apprehend the culprit. Telephones are costly and rare; it might wise to carry your mobile phone and buy a local network the moment you arrive as it’s .Once you acquire a local network text your family informing them you new number.

Your travel agent or safari operator will advice in cases was certain areas have any travel advisories. Your Foreign Office may issue travel advisories that don’t indicate the actual position, e.g. Safari operators and hotels might be doing their normal even when there is a political issue like the recent election outcome and the Foreign Office will only lift the advisory only after the whole scenario has been sorted in the street and in parliament.

A traveler could take advantage to travel as hotel occupancy is low and there fore discounts. Foreign Offices are slow to list travel advisories as they fear repercussion if something happened. African Safaris and Adventures website offers current news, exchange rate, language, types of food. The Website will assist you to locate the best price deals on safari, lodge hotel accommodation or a complete safari holidays package. Instead of spending time searching for an Africa holiday, users can use the web to get the perfect safari holiday deal sent to them.

Most banks and tour travel agents in Africa offer currency services and you can expect to pay around five percent of the total amount. When choosing a safari travel destination, think about whether you want hot or cold weather, something relaxed or active. If you are web savvy, keep a diary or a travel safari blog of your holiday travels. Keep the family informed where you are.

Lastly, always check your overseas medical insurance coverage and ensure it is adequate. If you have money, there are world-class medical facilities available including the flying doctor. I am not proud of this but I must say that, contrary to myths, these facilities do exist although poor locals can not afford them

Feb 182010

If you are among such travelers who do lot’s of traveling, then looking out for a cheap air travel is a must. In compare to any other modes of transportation it is the air travel, which allows the passenger to reach their desired destination in a very short time span. Finding information about cheap air travel or any such articles that could help in saving some amount requires lot of researching and consulting. There are numerous travelers looking out for discount air deals but have no clue as to where to look for, No doubt, when we talk about cheap airfare, travelers like to go for a good deal on airline tickets. Travelers tend to look out for cheaper tickets, special offers, discount rates and refundable options. Getting a cheap travel bargain is not about working hard but about working smart and planning smart. A business travelers does not mind on spending some extra cash while buying an air flight tickets, but for an average traveler it does and this is the reason why one should plan smart before undertaking air travel in order to prevent getting hole in your wallet.

One way of finding cheap and affordable air flight tickets is via air flight consolidators. A flight ticket consolidator in an individual or an organization that buys air flight tickets in bulk or in large blocks and then resells them at a comparatively lower price. There is only one major disadvantage on buying such tickets, the flexibility for exchanges decreases and the customer service will also not be so up to expectations. But one should not forget the flight consolidators are considered one of the best when it comes to getting air travel . You can look up for online consolidator offering flight ticket quotes. Travelers need to visit such online consolidator sites to get comprehensive information about cheap or discount flight rates. So do not waste any more time and start comparing the various flight rates from different consolidators and get the best rates on cheap ticket air travel . Also there are some reliable travel agents who can help you to gather information from the Internet. One rule of the thumb is doing your research properly and refers to all possible websites before you reach a conclusion.

Comparing and browsing the Internet is a good option to buy some great airfare deals. Check out whether the air ticket is actually discounted by comparing different air travel ticker rates online. Generally comparing and browsing is a tedious process for a few and for them the best thing to do would be to refer a travel agent. Go to very reliable travel agents having all information about various cheap airfares, discounted tickets, special offers. A good travel agent has access to various airlines and hence has knowledge of the special rates they offer. Travelers are advised to check out the required advice and travel information from the travel agents.

Sometimes various airline companies features different strategies in offering cheap air travel. One way of doing this is to implement a simple fare scheme. Generally airfares become higher as the plane gets filled up and the departure date nears, therefore travelers need to book their flight tickets well in advance so as to ensure seat availability. For a passenger who wants to take a cheap air travel, the best thing is to book 20 to 25 days prior to the departure dates. There are many travelers who miss out on great air travel bargains just because they do not plan their trip properly or find out how to travel on a low cost airfare. In order to get the maximum benefits all one needs to do is plan his air travel on weekdays between Tuesday and Thursday as these days see the least business travel. It’s always better to avoid weekends, which includes Saturday and Sunday

Feb 172010

A Travel Planner will contain permanent information that should be taken with you on each trip. It will also help you get ready for a current trip. Everything is kept in one place – a three ring notebook. No hunting through stacks of papers for the hotel reservation, airline tickets, lists of clothes and other items to pack, etc.

As soon as you know you are going on a trip you can grab your Travel Planner and begin writing your preparation lists. It will save you time and frustration in the long run.

Here are the things you will need to set up your planner.

1. One inch 3-ring notebook.
2. Notebook paper for writing out current lists.
3. One or two 3-ring binder pockets to hold loose papers.
4. Several clear sheet protectors.

Here is a list of information you want to keep permanently in this planner. This information will go with you on every trip. Put it in the sheet protectors.

1. Write out a list of contact numbers for all the doctors/dentists each family member uses. If you have business cards from each doctor you can make a copy of them instead. You can copy 8 cards per page. If any health issues come up on your trip it will be easy to contact your own doctor if you need to.

2. Make a list of names and phone numbers of places and/or people you might need to contact in case of an emergency at your travel destination or at your home. This may include your home security company phone number and/or a neighbor who is keeping an eye on your home while you are gone. If you board your pets don’t forget to list these phone numbers. You’ll also want to include close relatives or someone to be contacted in case something happens to you or your family while on the trip. These phone numbers may be valuable if you are delayed returning home. This list can be put in a separate sleeve protector or on the back side of the one above if there is room.

Each trip will require different itineraries, clothes, etc. Write out everything you need to do on the notebook paper. Here are some tips on what to write.

1. List of things to do several weeks ahead of time.
– make airline or other transportation reservations (put copy of confirmation in binder pocket)
– make hotel reservations (put copy of confirmation in binder pocket)
– set up boarding for pets

2. List of things to do about a week or two ahead.
– arrange for mail delivery to be stopped (can be done online a few days ahead)
– list clothes, toiletries, etc. needed for trip. Leave time to shop if needed.
– stop newspaper delivery or arrange for neighbor to pick it up
– get phone numbers and addresses of contacts (friends, family) in travel destination
– refill any prescription medicines if needed.

3. List of things to do 1-2 days ahead and last minute.
– make sure all clothes are clean and ready to pack
– put liquid toiletries in travel size containers if needed
– set timers for lights
– water plants
– adjust A/C or furnace to save energy while gone
– unplug any unnecessary electrical equipment or appliances to save energy
– turn off computers

The Travel Planner is small enough to put in a briefcase or suitcase. If you want to travel even lighter then take only the sheet protectors with the phone numbers and the binder pockets with hotel, airline, etc. information. These sheets can easily fit in a carry-on tote. A travel planner provide you all the information about tour, special safaris, fort palaces etc. Rajasthan safaris and rajasthan fort palaces are the famous safaris in India.

Plan ahead and your trip should go a smoother and be a lot more fun. There’s also less chance you will forget something.

Feb 152010

Be Careful when Purchasing a Jet Travel Card – Gas Prices are Down, but Your Charges May Not Be Lower

Private jet charter travel programs have revolutionized access to jet charters and made this previously exclusive method of travel more widely available to a larger number of travelers. Some travel programs, however, are still passing on the higher charges for gas they experienced in the past year to their customers even though jet fuel costs are down.

Each week, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) updates its jet fuel price index to provide the latest price data. Their weekly index and price data indicates the global average price paid for aviation jet fuel is down 47.2% from 1 year (see http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/economics/fuel_monitor/index.htm for information).

Airstream Jets’ CEO/President Peter Maestrales recently remarked, “Prospective jet card customers should beware that if the company offering them a card has not adjusted their rates within the last month or two, then they are most certainly paying too much.”

Airstream Jets has recently introduced a new Distance Card that presents a much simpler solution to pre-paid jet charter travel plans by charging set prices based on miles flown. In addition to simplifying the pricing, this Distance Card also eliminates common surcharges, additional fees, and minimums required with other private jet charter travel programs. Each trip is billed simply according to the distance flown, taxes and overnights.

Founded by former corporate jet executives, private and commercial airline pilots, and private investors, Airstream Jets is a company that distinguishes itself by providing innovative solutions to private jet travel. All carriers are fully certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation. All aircraft operators providing service for Airstream Jets clients are required to hold ARG/US or Wyvern safety ratings.

Feb 142010

One of the largest and the most enjoyable career industries is the travel industry. Travel includes many forms of business operations that include hotels to airlines, campgrounds to theme parks, restaurants and cruise lines. The field of travel has the great potential to become a rewarding and exciting experience.

Online Travel and Tourism Schools teach students to assess a client’s travel goals: Will it be a business trip or pleasure? What are the client’s interests? How much is the client willing to spend? Online Travel and Tourism Schools show students how to select a destination, make reservations for hotels and car rentals, purchase airline tickets, and arrange tours and recreational activities.

Travel Career Development

If you are already working in the travel industry, you know how vital it is to keep tourists coming. Happy tourists mean a steady flow of income and jobs. This is why company managers look for prospective staff that shows great interest in travel career development classes and conferences. Because a customer’s comfort and safety is of great importance, a travel career development class also covers customer service and hotel, motel and resort sales. The travel industry continues to grow at a significant rate bringing more tourists and job opportunities.

Travel Career Development Courses

Travel embraces various types of industries from restaurants and cruise lines, airlines to hotels, theme parks to campgrounds. Thus, the travel industry is deemed one of the biggest businesses in the world. This field promises a lot of worthwhile and challenging experiences.

Happy and satisfied holiday-makers stand for a steady stream of income and jobs. Those already experienced in the travel industry know how to meet tourists? expectations. This is the reason employers are in search for applicants who demonstrate curiosity in travel career development conferences and courses. There are many educational courses available, through conferences and as well as college courses available in many technical schools. There are also great online programs that offer many certificates for travel agents. Many of the courses teach about typical business practices and how to properly run a business.

Technology and specific computer programs relating to the industry are all explained in these courses as well. There are courses that teach an agent about reservation programs, as well as how to work with clients, how to create profitable packages for clients and about the laws and regulations that must be taken into consideration when traveling.

Travel and Tourism degrees are available through an online college or university distance learning course. A Travel and Tourism degree qualifies future travel agents for an exciting career planning trips, escorting clients to exotic locales, and enjoying industry discounts on airfare and services.

Feb 142010

I’m sure that most travelers have at one time or another bought inexpensive travel luggage that literally fell apart after only a few years of traveling on holidays. It seems that most times in life you get what you pay for, so it may make a lot of sense to invest in a more expensive, but very durable set of luggage. Quality counts. And, in the long run you can save a lot of money by not continually buying cheaply made luggage.

Always buy wheel-equipped luggage, including your carry-on. You should make sure that the telescopic handles will lock in both the low and high positions. If you are a tall person, you don’t want to have to stoop over just to pull your luggage along.

One of the top-of-the-line, wheeled, nineteen inch roller board carry-ons is TravelPro’s FlightPro4. Another excellent top brand is Tumi.

Carry a set of luggage bungee cords with you so you can tie down any piggybacked luggage if you have to.

What important features should you be looking for when purchasing larger-sized luggage?

Soft-sided luggage is superior to hard-sided suitcases as the locks on the latter can easily break open when your luggage is thrown around. Luggage handlers are not noted for being gentle when it comes to transferring luggage from place to place. The luggage should be made of strong, durable, 1,000 denier cordura nylon or polyester, and have double or triple stitching as well as extra reinforcing at all stress points. Each piece of luggage should have a padded, expandable handle that locks into both short and long handle positions. The luggage should also be light-weight, expandable, and have outside pockets. Brightly colored luggage is easier to pick out as it circles around the carousel. Lastly, your luggage should have large zippers and wide, rubber, recessed wheels.

Please note that if you purchase luggage that has detachable handles or straps, it is advisable to take them off before you check them in at the airport as they can easily get hung up on the airport conveyer belts.

What are the features that you should you look for when you buy a backpack?

A backpack should be lightweight and feel comfortable while wearing it when it is full. A gender-specific design and a built-in lumbar support will greatly increase your comfort. It should have a weather resistant polyurethane coating, a zip-off day pack, outside and inside pockets as well as a hip belt with pockets, and adjustable, padded, wide straps. The carrying capacity of a backpack should be approximately 4,000 to 5,000 cubic inches.

Some backpacks have a light-weight steel mesh grid sewn inside of them to prevent your valuable personal items from falling out if it is slashed by a robber while it is being worn.

A few of the best backpack brand names are ArcTeryx, REI, and of course, GoLite.

A number of informative luggage reviews can be researched on the web at LuggageOnLine.com.