Transportation Tips For Travelers

AIR TRAVEL TIPS:week ahead. After you buy a railpass, you have six
Book at least a week in advance. For the bestmonths to validate it in Europe. You can validate your
discount airfares make a reservation one, two orrailpass at any European train station by presenting
three weeks before the departure date.your railpass and passport to a railway official at a
Keep in mind that Tuesday, Wednesday andticket window, who will write in the first and last
Thursday flights are usually less expensive.dates of your travel period.
Night time departure flights are usually cheaper.CRUISE TIPS:
Try to choose the same airline for the entire trip.We recommend you to book a cruise early, at least
Do not forget to reconfirm your flight times a daya month prior to the sail date.
before your departure. Inquire about the check-inTry to be flexible about your travel plans, off-season
procedure and the luggage allowance.cruises are almost always cheaper.
Consider packing into transparent plastic zipperedBy getting a four-day cruise in the middle of the
bags for easy inspection. Plan to arrive to an airportweek instead of the popular three-day weekend
at least two hours prior to flight time. Do not leavecruise you might get that extra day at a good rate.
your baggage alone at any time. You may be askedChoosing the right cruise. It is totally up to your
to turn on all of your electric and electronictaste. The most populat destinations among first-time
appliances.cruisers are the Caribbean or Mexican Riviera, where
Save up to 65% when purchasing air tickets onlineyou float from one island paradise to the next. More
through TravelMake, check out our airfare searchexperienced travelers choose Alaska or Canada
form.where you'll experience calving glaciers and
BUDGET FLIGHTS EXPLAINED:magnificent whales. Cruises to Europe with a few
Budget airlines offer cheap fares around the world.days of trans-Atlantic voyage, culture shock and
Reserve your flight on the web or by phone, usinginformation-rich shore excursions are recommended
your credit card to pay.for the most experienced cruisers.
Most discount airlines' tickets are unchangeable andCruise length. Three-day weekend, four-day
nonrefundable, some offer changes on the returnmidweek, week and two-week cruises are the most
dates for an extra fee. In the latter case you needpopular.
to make changes at least 24 hours before yourCabins are listed as inside (no windows) or outside
departure.(with windows, higher priced). If you plan to spend
Most budget airlines offer one-way flights without amost of the time in your cabin, choose the biggest
cost increase or penalty which provides an excellentroom you can afford. Standard cabins have twin
way to connect cheap flights, to link flights withbeds, which can usually be converted into a
ground transportation. Plan to leave some extra timequeen-sized bed, while bunk beds in other rooms
for the connection, the delay of one flight will causecannot be converted.
you to miss another linked flight.RENTAL CAR TIPS:
Every budget airline has its own luggage restrictions,There are four types of car rental rates: a daily rate
make sure you learn them before booking. Many ofwith a mileage charge; a daily rate with a limited
them allow very limited check-in luggage for free,number of free miles per day; a daily rate with
sometimes only 15 or 20 kg (33 or 44 lbs) chargingunlimited mileage; and a rate that has free mileage
up to $15 per kg (2.2 lbs) of extra weight.over an extended period. Vehicles are economical
Discount airlines quite often use obscure airportswhen rented by the week with unlimited mileage.
located far away from from the city center. It canDaily rates are usually quite high, but there are some
cost you extra money and transfer time.good 3-day deals. Rates vary from company to
TRAIN TRAVEL TIPS:company, month to month, and country to country.
Make sure you catch the right train at the right place.Your age may affect the rate. Younger renters
Cities often have more than one train station, so pay(below 25 years of age) can get charged extra
attention. If confused, ask for help.money, like being required to buymore expensive
Each car in a train is labeled separately, cars areinsurance. Some companies will not rent a car to a
usually added and dropped here and there along theperson under 21. There are also maximum age limits
journey. Be sure that the city on your car's label iswhich vary from company to company. If you are
your destination.beyond the lower and upper age limits, look into
Theft is quite common on trains, so stay alert andleasing a vehicle, which has less age restrictions.
observant. Clip your backpack to the overhead rackLeasing a car gets around many tax and insurance
for safety.costs and is a great deal for people needing a car for
For overnight trips get a couchette -- a sleepingthree weeks or more. The Netherlands, Belgium,
berth in a compartment. Reserve it at least a day inFrance, Germany, Spain, and Italy are popular places
advance from. Sheets, pillowa and blankets will costto lease cars.
you extra money.All car rental companies require a valid drivers license.
For an average independent traveler planning to seeSome car rental companies check the driver's record
lots of Europe, the best way to go is Eurailpass.and will deny a car to a customer with a poor driving
Eurailpasses offer you unlimited first-class travel on allrecord. In some foreign countries, an international
public railways in 17 European countries. Most passesdrivers license may be required.
can be purchased from six months in advance to oneWe wish you a successful and safe trip!