Travel tips for South Africa and Europe

How to keep travel costs low?

2008-10-21T14:21:00.001+02:00

With today's economy going down, essential things getting more expensive and salaries not increasing accordingly one can't afford holidays unless finding clever ways of saving. You have to be on the outlook to make your Rand, Euro, Pound or Dollar go further to be able to travel and still enjoy your holiday. Here are a few ideas which may just be the solution to your dream holiday

Ideally book on a Sunday, 3 months prior (or as far in advance as possible) and for off-season in your place of departure and destination
Look at online comparing sites to get the best rates for your needs and always check for 2 or 3 different start and end dates. There can be upto 50% difference in price for the same service. Travel-window.com offers you to compare flights, hotels and more all conveniently in one place
Have your return flight after having stayed at least one Saturday night, ideally there should be 7 to 21 days between your outbound and return flight
Book flights with multiple stopovers as it is sometimes cheaper than direct flights and can be a cost-effective way to see many cities
Mention your voyager miles to get better pricing options in some cases or use your credit card if linked to your frequent miles.
Paying with your credit card often avoids you having to take out a travel insurance.
Choose a big airport as destination as often flights are cheaper and more frequent
Read thoroughly terms and conditions of your booking. Some fares are ONLY valid in conjunction with hotels and car rentals. You also want to know about cancellation fees and stopover regulations.
Inform yourself about the time-zone for the arrival city, the rules about foreign currency, baggage allowances (weight and regulations of what is allowed or not on board) and policies regarding passports and visas. This will avoid you having to pay unnecessary additional charges or having to leave things behind
If in remote areas take all necessary medication with you
Ensure you know rules about traveller cheques for your travel destination. However often it may be cheaper to rather use ATMs to get your money.
Avoid surprises on your return and alert neighbours to keep an eye on your place
Investing in a good travel guidebook can save you a lot. Rick Steves series, Globetrotter and Lonely Planets are a good starting point to find great places at cheap rates
In places like Europe, the public transports and train system are well developed, in general safe (avoid travelling at night in remote areas) and often cheaper than inter City flights, car rentals and especially taxis. Additional you learn more about locals, see more of beautiful sceneries and make new friends
Eurail or similar passes are usually cheaper if travelling to several places in Europe
Have a self catered meal a day from the market or super market with fresh bread, a slice of local cheese or sausages, a fresh fruit and some bottled water or local wine. Enjoy your pick-nick in the park or on the beach
Tourist discount cards or city passes usually offer great value and include lots of extra savings such as free public transport, meal vouchers etc. Just ensure to take the right one for your needs and duration. Booking in advance or taking it in a less frequented place makes it cheaper and quicker to get
Some museums, theme parks or other tourism attractions have discounted rates at certain times of the day or week. Good planning can save you enough to pay for your meals. Local tourist centres and websites can tell you more. Also consider seeing free attractions. Churches, cathedrals, a small local museum or a park are a great start and often provide a cool place during hot summer months
B&B's, self-catering houses or apartments, holiday homes, semi-private cottages or a room in a hostel can bring down your accommodation cost by a lot if you do not need the usual hotel amendments.

Enjoy the wonderfulness of being able to travel in style but spending less than most.

Have a great trip
Andrea Gastaud
www.travel-window.com

Top Car Rental Tips - Save Money and be Safe

2008-06-25T15:32:00.001+02:00

Need to hire a car for your next trip? Renting a car can give you freedom and flexibility but also cost a lot or mean more trouble than pleasure if certain factors are not followed. For a hassle-free trip, read practical tips on saving money, understanding your rental agreement and avoiding problems with your car rental.
Read more...

2008-06-03T21:08:00.000+02:00

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Create your own travel map or travel blog

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Intro

2008-05-30T13:14:00.001+02:00

Hi there, Hallo, Salut, Jambo, How'z it.....

I have been traveling my whole adult life, working 5 years for Club Med where I lived in different countries throughout the world, then moved to Kenya for 7 years and now I live in South Africa for the past 8 years. I admit, my feet start to itch and a new horizon may be on the plate soon.

I have been working in and around the travel and tourism industry more than I thought, in fact all in all more than 15 years. To that I have been in Sales and Marketing, General Management, Recruitment, ITC and I even was in charge of an Ice Cream factory at one stage.....

All this combined and a few happenings earlier this year made me realise recently that I should perhaps rather do something with my experience....

So here I am developing a Blog around 2 themes:

Travel Tips for South Africa

Travel Tips for Europe (for South African residents)

I will be linking these to my social networks to give and get tips and comments from around the world. Having traveled so much, many of my contacts live anywhere in the world and have lots of experience....

I am also putting together a portfolio of the best offers and products I came across. I have done a lot of research and found products and services useful for the traveler. I will group all of them in one place. They are all having the following in common:

Quality Services
Best rates, in some instances even guaranteed
Take-what-you-need - I will provide the Puzzle pieces, your choice if you take one or build your own (Dream-Holiday) Puzzle
Real time-availability search and secure instant online booking facility directly with the providers

And as an added bonus I am available to give you advice or research on your behalf the best match based on your specifications - This service is available by email, phone, Skype or chat.

Just give it a try the next time you need:
If you live in Southern Africa

Car rental - Worldwide
Peugeot Open Europe car leasing - Europe
Holiday homes - Worldwide
Safari Lodges - South Africa
Transfers - various countries
Motor homes - various countries
Luxury cars - various countries

Soon to come:

Hotel accommodation - Worldwide
Boats and Barges - Europe
Trains - Europe
Buses - Europe
Planes - Worldwide

So that's all for a starter, I will give you separately more ideas on who I am and what I do, and of course come up with some tips for your travel needs.

You are most welcome to post your suggestions, comments and travel tips. Just be aware, I may publish them on one of my other sites....*

Look forward hearing from you

Yours in traveling

Andrea Gastaud
http://www.autointernational.co.za/

*By posting on one of my sites I understand your acceptance of me publishing your comment on any of my sites.