European Car Rental – Top Ten Tips For Europe Travel

More often than not, a person will base his or her entire decision on the price. This is especially true when one is on-line creating their own itinerary without the help of a travel agent or trained professional, something that within 5 years from now will be standard practice. While price is undoubtedly one of the most important things to consider when making a reservation, it is not the first priority. The first priority should be to determine what kind of car you will need, based on a few different factors.

To begin, you must know how many people will be accompanying you on this trip. Remember that the European equivalent of a rental category will be smaller than its US counterpart, so make sure that you take notice of the model that they are quoting you for, along with the supposed size. Once you know what the model is, look it up on the internet and make sure that it will work for you. Some companies will quote you for what they bill as an intermediate car when it is in reality a compact size. Usually for 1 or 2 people, an economy will suffice, provided you have one suitcase apiece. In the event that you have more luggage than this, you may opt to put it in the back seat or upgrade to a larger vehicle. Keep in mind that if you are planning on stopping at any places where your luggage will be visible from outside the car, it is best not to keep it in the back seat.

For 3 people, a compact should be suitable. Sometimes, if you do not mind being a bit cramped on shorter trips, this will also accommodate 4 people. You may have to put some luggage in between the people in the back though. A car this size should be roughly the equivalent of a Ford Focus or Toyota Corolla here stateside. If you can afford it, I would definitely recommend an intermediate 4-door vehicle for 4 people.

For anything above 4 people, it is best to get a van, or more than one car. Once again, if you don’t mind being cramped, then get an intermediate wagon. This will allow you to seat 5 people and have room for the luggage. However, luggage for 5 may not fit under the pull-shade most wagons are designed with to eliminate luggage visibility, therefore increasing your chances of a break-in if you leave the vehicle unattended. Vans are typically much more expensive and use a lot more gasoline, which is a commodity in and of itself in Europe (current average of about $4.00 USD per gallon, less for diesel) and sometimes even more expensive than two compact vehicles.

There’s nothing less embarassing than trying to squeeze too many bodies and suitcases into a car that’s not designed to take them. That is, unless you get a stickshift vehicle and don’t know how to drive one. Americans (myself included) have generally been spoiled with unlimited access to automatic transmission. Most of the rental cars in the States are automatic as well. The opposite is true in Europe. While most major locations do stock automatic vehicles, you will not get a very good selection to choose from and those that are there will cost anywhere from fifty to one hundred percent more than the manual version. On top of that, you will lose 5 to 10 miles per gallon in gas efficiency. However, if you are uncomfortable with a stick, it costs a lot less in the long run than taking a chance in getting in an accident, which costs you time, money and overall enjoyment of the experience. This is especially true in countries like England, Ireland and Cyprus, where the cars (and drivers) are on the opposite side.

In conclusion, remember that in most cases you are planning for a vacation. Sometimes in order to enjoy it, you have to be willing to spend a little bit more. Keep an eye out for my next installment, when we discuss the best way to get the car you really need for the price you really want.

Car Rental Safety

Vacations are traditionally a time when we let our hair down and have fun, and let all our humdrum daily worries stay at home to wait for our return. And while escaping the daily grind should be our primary vacation concern, we must not allow the holiday atmosphere deprive us of all good sense. Vacation safety is of paramount importance, and must remain foremost in our mind wherever our travels take us.

A car rental can be a fun way to get around on vacation, but we must always remember that driving in an unfamiliar location can be challenging and sometimes stressful. So before you book your hire car, ensure that driving is the right holiday transport for you – sometimes trying out the local public transport can be fun! But if driving is the choice for you, remember to put your safety first.

Always have insurance when hiring a car, so that you will have financial back up should an accident occur. Talk to your insurance dealer to ensure that you, and any other drivers, are covered.

Ensure that you have all appropriate documentation with you, including your driver’s licence. Make sure that you have an up-to-date map of all the areas that you intend to drive in, and make a note of local emergency numbers. It is useful to bring along a basic emergency kit of your own too, just in case, including basic medical supplies. It is a good idea too to have some food to hand as well – tempers will fray even more if hunger is a factor in a breakdown situation.

Drive defensively in unfamiliar areas to avoid accidents, but should one occur, the situation should be approached the same way you would deal with an accident in your own car. Once you have ensured that everyone is safe, exchange insurance information.

It is always a good idea to inspect the rental car for damage before take it out, so that you will be aware of any pre-existing damage. Check that the gas tank is full too before you leave the rental depot.

Above all else is the safety of you and your passengers. Be careful when driving in unfamiliar areas – keep windows up and do not open the door if approached by a stranger. Rental cars are a common target for thieves, so ensure that rental company logos or information is not visible on the car. Thieves also pick on visitors to an area, exploiting their unfamiliarity, so keep your wits about you at all times.

Cheap Flights to England – How to Grab the Chance of Cheaper Airline Flights

Are you a jet-setter or are you simply thinking about traveling to England to spend some holiday away from the usual hustles and bustles of your toxic life? Well, it is certainly a good choice. There is nothing wrong in pondering about some chances to travel. England can be a perfect alternative for you, so to speak. There are so many places to visit and a lot of activities to enjoy. This country caters to a myriad of tourist destination spots so your intention of taking a rest will surely be fulfilled as you journey towards this place.

However, many people think that planning a vacation is such a tedious task to dwell into. First of all, you have to consider the total expenses that you would incur. Second, you must take a look at your available fund. You never know what you will buy and how much you will exactly spend so there should be some extra allowance that you are prepared to bring along. And most of all, you have to think about your means of travel or transportation as well as the hotel accommodations. Getting your feet on a foreign land needs the security of the place where you must stay.

Now when you are wishing for a cheap flight to England, there should be no worries on your part. Many aspiring travelers bound for England ask the same question-whether there is the probability of cheap flights to England. Actually, there is a cheap flight to there! Does that give you the big news? Are you happy to note that? You should be! You can enjoy your vacation more if you are able to grab the chance of cheaper airline tickets. Yes, airline tickets! In the past, the travelers often sought the services of the trains, buses, and even the shipping lines just so they can avail of cheaper travel tickets. But at this point in time, the airline companies offer their passengers cheaper flights. The competition among them has never ceased so they continuously give out promos and bargains.

You can look around for cheap flights to England. Why not check out the Internet for possible offers? Numerous airlines have their portals online so you can surely book your flight by means of using your credit card. It is basically cheaper if you book ahead of time and if you book in groups. Usually, there is the free ticket promo for one passenger if you have reached the quota as set by the airline company. Other travel agencies also have the same offer. Itineraries can be well discussed including the presence of tour guides so there are no more hassles on your part. There are numerous ticket outlets which you can visit to purchase your tickets for England.

Moreover, going to England can be very relaxing. There are really cool activities to take part in and destinations to pay a visit to. As soon as you have thought about going to this country, reserve your tickets at once. Avail of cheap flights to England and fly happily.

Searching for Cheap Holidays And Cheap Flights?

It can be really hard to find the funds for a holiday for a lot of people out there and it can add extra stress, especially when they cannot afford to go on anywhere.

The price of a holiday can accumulate quite steeply and a lot of families miss out because of their finances. By searching for a cheap holiday or a cheap flight, it helps to eliminate the stress and get a good holiday on a low budget. So if you are worried that you cannot have a good holiday on a budget then you are wrong. Many people think that cheap means trashy but if you look around on the internet you can find some great cheap holidays and cheap flights too.

Why should you choose a Cheap Holiday?

People think that because there are cheap holidays out there, that they will not be as good as a top price holiday but this is certainly not the case.

If you were to shop around, you could seriously get a great package holiday that you may not have ever noticed before. A cheap holiday allows families, friends or even businesses to enjoy their holidays or socialising without worrying about paying over the odds for the experience.

Where Can you Find Travel Discount on Flights and Holidays?

The great news for people looking for cheaper holidays is that there is such a wealth of information at their disposal that wasn’t there many years ago. With the internet it has made it a lot easier to compare the prices of various holidays and flights at just the click of a button. Also as well as this, you can even find advertisements for holidays and flights in magazines, newspapers or simply by going into the nearest travel agents. It has never been as simple to get a travel discount.

One aspect that can be quite damaging to the financial situation is the air fares, so by looking around it can help to get you the best deal possible. Why should you pay over the odds when with a bit of research could save you a lot of money which could free up extra funds for the holiday?

So, if you would like to go on holiday with your family but you have a budget to keep, try looking around for some good deals. Cheap holidays and cheap flights will be just round the corner and you will have a great holiday that you can afford and that you will all enjoy. Do not feel that you have to settle for something which is not that good as cheaper vacations do not have to be complete and utter rubbish!

Colombo Dhaka flights to open new vistas

The launch of direct flights between Colombo and Bangladesh will open new vistas of business said High Commissioner for Bangladesh in Sri Lanka, Shahdat Hossani.

Speaking to us after the arrival of the inaugural Best Air flight from Bangladesh at the Colombo airport last morning he said that both countries have tremendous unused potential and this airline will unlock most of them.

He said both governments have been striving to have direct airline services and thanked Best Air for taking the initiative.

He also said to date passengers have to fly out of the region (Bangkok) to get connected to Dhaka and Best Air have provided a route within the region.

Best Aviation Limited, Chairman, M. Haider Uzzaman said that the route would be through Male and they are planning to connect an Indian destination for this route. “There are over 30, 000 Bangladeshi’s in the Maldives, 5,000 Sri Lankans in Bangladesh and we see this route to have tremendous potential,” he said.

Best Air frequency would be every Friday and Monday with a stop over in the Maldives.

This is obviously great for people both of the countries.

Emirates’ Travel Agent Workshop 2008 showcases airline’s thrust on technology

Emirates, the airline of choice for Bangladeshis, announced its plans to invest in cutting-edge technology at the recently-concluded Emirates Travel Agent Workshop 2008.

At the workshop held every year to update the travel trade about the award-winning airline’s latest products and services, Emirates’ Area Manager for Bangladesh shared details of the airline’s recent investment in technologically-advanced fleet and in the new, world-class terminal at Dubai International Airport.

Emirates took delivery of its first new-generation Airbus A380 aircraft on 29th July 2008 at the planemaker’s Jürgen Thomas A380 Delivery Centre in Hamburg, Germany. Emirates is due to receive five superjumbos in the current financial year, which ends 31 March, 2009, and receive the remaining 53 by June 2013. Emirates inaugurated its first A380 commercial flight on 1st August 2008 when the superjumbo departed for John F. Kennedy Airport, New York. The technologically-advanced aircraft was also showcased to travel trade and media in San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Besides the Dubai-based airline’s state-of-the-art fleet, the Bangladeshi travel agents were also briefed on Terminal 3, Dubai International Airport. Boasting an annual capacity of 60 million passengers, the new terminal, dedicated exclusively for Emirates’ flight operations will help meet Dubai and Emirates’ robust growth projections.

In 2007-08, Emirates carried 21.2 million passengers. By 2012, the airline will have more than 200 aircraft in its fleet and is expected to carry in excess of 30 million passengers.

Terminal 3 will have 27 gates, including five dedicated for Emirates A380s, 180 check-in counters, a new light rail system allowing convenient transport around the airport and many other facilities.

The workshop also offered Emirates management an opportunity to brief agents on Emirates Holidays’ TradeNet system which helps agent search for pre-built packages, create tailor-made quotations, check availability of flights and hotels and has the facility to communicate with Emirates Holidays via messaging system. The travel agents can also view the latest Emirates Holidays Newsletter on TradeNet.

The travel agents were also introduced to Farelogix, an internet-based system which allows authorised agents to access Emirates’ reservations systems directly to check seat availability, make bookings, and issue tickets for their customers.

Mr. Zakaria noted: “Emirates’ strategy has always been to invest in new technologies and methods to ensure a world-class product as well as to make our products more easily accessible to our customers and travel partners. We are delighted to share these new developments with our partners in the Bangladesh travel industry.”

New procedures for visas at Dhaka’s international airport, latest online fares of Emirates and its new routes for 2008 were also discussed.

China’s Ctrip Q2 rises, travel drops for Olympics

Ctrip.com, China’s top online travel agent, posted on Wednesday a 35 percent rise in second-quarter net profit but said revenue growth would slow this quarter because of a drop in domestic travel during the Olympics.

Ctrip.com said a drop in air traffic caused by May’s devastating earthquake in Sichuan would continue into the third quarter due to a slowdown in business and individual travel during the Aug. 8-24 Olympics.

 

The Shanghai-based firm said it expected its revenue to grow in the range of 15-20 percent in the third quarter and slightly lowered its whole-year revenue growth rate guidance to 30-35 percent from 35 percent.

 

Jane Sun, chief financial officer of the company, said many leisure and business travellers were delaying trips until after the Games.

 

“So we’ve seen the market has slowed down during the Olympics,” she said. “But our expectation is in the fourth quarter all the business and travel volume will be back to normal,” Sun told an analysts’ telephone conference.

 

Ctrip.com International Ltd said second-quarter earnings rose to $17 million from $12 million a year earlier.

 

The figure represented 25 cents per American Depositary Share, slightly lower than the $0.27 forecast by analysts polled by Reuters Estimates.

 

The company’s second-quarter revenues were $55 million, up 30 percent from a year earlier and higher than analysts’ estimates of $53.56 million.

The firm’s Nasdaq-listed shares closed down 5.66 percent at $45.79 prior to the results and fell as low as $39.50, a loss of 9.6 percent on the day, in after-hours trade.

Cost controls contributed to the rise in second-quarter earnings as the company tightened its belt following the Sichuan earthquake, which dampened sentiment in the tourism market.

ITB Asia sets sights to make its mark on the Asian travel trade

The inaugural B2B travel trade show, ITB Asia, to be held in Singapore in October is expected to compliment its existing German-based, ITB Berlin and to provide Asia-Pacific partners with a more regionally focussed expo.

The event has been strategically planned between 22-24 October, in conjunction with other Singapore-based trade events such as Web in Travel which concludes just as ITB Asia commences.

According to Dr Martin Buck, the Director of Messe Berlin Singapore and organizer of ITB Asia, the timing of the event is expected to boost attendance as “many will use the opportunity to come to our show as well”.

Speaking exclusively to e-Travel Blackboard, Dr Buck said ITB Asia grew out of a necessity following the success of ITB Berlin, but the distance was becoming a drawback for many partners.

“We think the Asian travel market has been driving and growing for over 5-10 years much faster than the European travel market, especially Germany and the UK,” Dr Buck said.

“The new tradeshow will take place where the business is, and historically Asian-business visitors for ITB Berlin were very small.

“To combine these two things becomes obvious to export this to where the business is.”

The ITB Asia show is expected to house a different format from its European counterpart, combining leisure, corporate and MICE business.

“ITB Berlin is centred on the leisure market and European demand, so ITB Asia will compliment the show in times of globalisation and become an outlet, or second base,” Dr Buck said.

Some 500 exhibiting companies ranging from destinations, airlines, hotels & resorts, inbound tour operators, inbound DMCs, cruise lines and meeting facilities, from the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, the Americas, Africa and the Middle East are expected to participate.  The event will also feature exhibition pavilions and tabletop presence for small and medium-sized enterprises. 

A special study on SMEs will be published at ITB Asia in a bid to highlight the importance of this market, according to Dr Buck.

Some 1000 hosted buyers have been approved for attendance, with most, as expected, originating from the Asian region.

“We are open to the whole trade, so you don’t have to be a member of any organisation or come from a particular region.”

Dr Buck said ITB Asia has partnered with existing associations from across different fields to ensure the show’s success.

“We don’t want to re-invent the wheel, partnering with established organisations makes sense to co-operate from the start,” he said.

Dr Buck said the show, which has been earmarked to be hosted in Singapore in 2008 and 2009, may move to other Asian-cities depending on future developments.