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Top 10 Best Travel Trailers

best travel trailers which features the black pearl galaxy upgrades, plus a rear living layout, triple slides, and a convenient kitchen island!

One of the most exciting ways to travel the highways in North America is in a Recreational Vehicle or RV. Travel trailers, one of the most popular types of RVs, are lightweight but sturdy vehicles that you pull behind your large SUV or powerful truck, and in some cases, your minivan. The great benefits of best travel trailers are that they are lightweight but comfortable on the road because you’re towing them behind a regular vehicle.

Traditional RVs can be clunky and awkward, especially due to many people’s unfamiliarity with driving them. With a travel trailer, on the other hand, you’re able to drive a vehicle you’re comfortable and familiar with. Most trailers on the market today also include the best conveniences you have in your own home, including beautiful interiors, slide-out beds, bunk beds, entertainment systems, built-in satellite TVs, generators, and showers. It’s almost like you never left home.

Quick Navigation
Travel Trailers
Buyers Guide for the Best Travel Trailers
Interior and Exterior
Inside Features
The Top 10 Best Travel Trailers on the Market
Airstream Classic 30
Imagine 2150RB
Sportsmen S330IK
I-Go Pro
Reflection 313RLTS
Revere 33BH
Prowler 29P RKS
Jay Flight 28BHBE
Surveyor 243RBS
Travel Star 324RLTS
Final Considerations

Travel Trailers

Another great thing about the best travel trailers is that you can park them at a campsite, then unhook your towing vehicle to go on other adventures. The best travel trailers can come in several different sizes, from miniature teardrop units that clock in about 12 feet in length, to gigantic 33 feet long trailers. They can also range in price anywhere from $8,000 to $50,000. It’s always important to make sure whatever vehicle you’re using to tow can safely pull your trailer and all your gear.

Buyers Guide for the Best Travel Trailers

Before we discuss the best trailers on the market, it’s important to go over some available features. When purchasing, you may want to have a list of items you need versus those that you want. As you keep these features in mind, you’re sure to choose the right trailer for you and your family.

Interior and Exterior

To determine whether a travel trailer is right for you and your family, you want to inspect the ways it looks and feels on the inside and the outside. Do you enjoy the way the interior looks? Does it have enough space for you, your family, and all your belongings? Would you enjoy spending lots of time on it? These questions are important to ask because the travel trailer is going to serve as a temporary home for long stretches of time. That’s too much time to spend looking at an interior you dislike or sitting on an uncomfortable couch.

Inside Features

Other than the main area and the interior design, it’s also important to analyze the different appliances and arrangements within the travel trailer. Here are some of the top ones to inspect:

  • Kitchen

Ensuring you are comfortable cooking in your kitchen and have plenty of countertop space is a must. Cooking meals and storing food is one of the most important aspects of your mobile travel trailer, and you want to have an experience you enjoy. Be sure to check that the cooking appliances, like ovens or microwaves, are ones you like and use, and that your sinks are deep enough to be usable.

  • Bathroom

Some people may argue this is the most important aspect of your trailer, as this is what separates standard camping from travel trailer life. There are several different types of RV toilets available, so make sure you like the kind that’s in your potential trailer buy. Some trailers even have showers, which is another bathroom feature you’ll need to inspect. Finally, make sure that the bathroom has enough room for everyone in your family. Some bathrooms and showers can be quite small, which is an issue for taller individuals.

  • Sitting Areas

These include any areas with tables, chairs, or couches. Almost all best travel trailers feature sitting areas in large living room areas. If you work on your computer, you may want to ensure you have a workspace at the table. Additionally, a larger family may require a bigger table as well. As always, you probably want to make sure the chairs are comfortable enough to sit in for long stretches of time.

  • Beds

Beds are complex in trailers, as they often fold out of tables or couches to form their sleeping state. Getting a good night’s sleep is important, so check out the quality of the beds to make sure they fit your preferences.

The Top 10 Best Travel Trailers on the Market

Here you’ll find the unique advantages of ten of the best travel trailers you can currently buy. These each have different strengths and may be made for different lifestyles and families, so always be sure to consider your own needs before reading through the list.

Airstream Classic 30

One of the most classic, timeless, and infamous RVs available, the Airstream Classic 30 is an iconic sight on any highway in North America. The classic silver bullet design has been refined to perfection over many years, to the point that serious RV fans consider it the ultimate RV of all time. Inside, the Airstream Classic 30 contains all the comforts of home, as it blends modern technology with classic style. These include a full kitchen and dining area, plenty of cabinet space, and a sleeping area fit for a king. By purchasing an Airstream RV, owners are also allowed to join various Airstream club private chapters in the US, Mexico, and Canada.

Imagine 2150RB

Crafted to deliver lightweight travel trailers without sacrificing solid construction and high-quality materials, the Imagine travel trailer line is one of the most popular on the market today. The 2150RB is the newest addition, offering a number of different floorplans all of which feature a spacious living area, complete with a table and entertainment system options.

These trailers begin under 6,000 pounds, which makes them the perfect choice for any buyer towing with a medium-duty truck or SUV. The manufacturer, Grand Design RV, focuses on offering more premium features and top-quality RVs than any other company in their class, and they are all made in America. In fact, the company manufactures their travel trailer models at their Middlebury, Indiana factory. The Imagine 2150RB RV is yet another testament to their American excellence.

Sportsmen S330IK

The Sportsmen line from KZ-RV provides some of the finest RVs on the market for the price. They’re famous for superior design, sturdy construction, and wonderfully lightweight tow-ability. This specific Sportsmen RV, the S330IK, offers an open layout with triple sides and an Island Kitchen.

Additionally, with a comfortable bedroom set up in the front, the dawn can gently wake you up from a night of sound sleep. KZ, Inc., the company that produces the Sportsmen, recently won its 15th annual RVDA Quality Circle Award and for every single product category possible, which hasn’t happened to any other RV company in the industry. For a top-quality RV, look no further than the Sportsmen S330IK.

I-Go Pro

A deluxe lightweight towable RV line from EverGreen RV, the I-Go Pro has all the bells and whistles you could want. The I-Go Pro has up to five different floor plans you can choose from, perfect for any buyer who wants a simple-to-use trailer with every premium feature available. These include a sleek, upgraded kitchen, top-of-the-line entertainment systems, and a molded fiberglass front cap for the ultimate design and protection.

I-Go Pros are structurally sound as well, complete with a DuraLite double welded aluminum structure, held up by six-sided double welded aluminum frames built into the roof, walls, and floors. Additionally, all windows, doors, and baggage doors are lined with header framing for a unique look and feel. A boat-load of features at an affordable price is what EverGreen is known for, and the company’s proven it once again with their I-Go Pro model.

Reflection 313RLTS

Another line from Grand Design RV, the Reflection models of best travel trailers are custom-built for high value and luxury, though they can still be towed. Whether it’s a fifth wheel or travel trailer, the Reflection models are lightweight and offer stellar interior floorplans. The Reflection 313RLTS is no exception.

Furthermore, with aluminum entry steps, a universal docking station, gourmet kitchen, hardwood trim moldings, floating island, and a deep kitchen sink, the 313RTLS is built for your every comfort. Plus, it offers a tri-fold bed for superior sleeping and couches for ultimate relaxation.

Revere 33BH

With fresh new exteriors and wide-track axles, Shasta’s updated Revere travel trailers are beasts on and off the road. The 33BH offers numerous upgrades, including recessed stoves in the kitchen, rounded interior walls throughout the living space, and deep, under-mounted sinks. Shasta’s Revere line has been specifically manufactured to have a residential feel, with all the materials that render your living area as comfortable and cozy as you’d find in any home.

Accordingly, the Revere 33BH is one of the roomiest models on this list, as it offers up to seven feet of interior headroom. When you use the extra deep slides available, you and your family can enjoy tons of free space on your vacation.

Prowler 29P RKS

Heartland RV’s Prowler 29P RKS is one of their “travel class” trailers. These unique best travel trailers are built with the intention of enduring years of traveling. With lots of room for people within, the Prowler 29P is a towable travel trailer that weighs around 6,000 pounds. Most full-size SUV’s and three-quarter-ton pickups can handle travel trailers at this size without any issue.

Moreover, owners are consistently impressed with the amount of space the Prowler 29P is able to pack into its interior floorplan. This Heartland trailer is perfect for any family who likes to travel a lot.

Jay Flight 28BHBE

Jayco’s Jay Flight models have become one of the top-selling best travel trailers in America. The 28BHBE model offers a number of standard features that any RV enthusiast wants to have, including durable floors, two standard beds, fully usable kitchen, large (and convertible) dining room table, and comfortable living area. Plus, you can even upgrade your Jay Flight 28BHBE model to the Elite Package.

Additionally, this supersized upgrade offers some convenient creature comforts, including trailers with super slides for expandable living room area, bunkhouse floorplans loved by kids all over, and an exterior kitchen option, taking your tailgating abilities to the next level. Every Jayco RV comes complete with a Sway Command Tow Control Technology that can keep the RV’s inhabitants safe at all times.

Surveyor 243RBS

This Forest River Inc. manufactured travel trailer offers owners an affordable but luxurious experience on the road. The Surveyor 243RBS is both lightweight and easy to tow, and its efficient design means everybody is comfortable from the driver to the inhabitants. Plus, it offers some opulent features, including 22-inch ovens and shiny galley countertops.

It also has a recessed glass stove cover that allows you to expand your kitchen’s counter space to accommodate more people or food. What’s more, the Surveyor 243RBS provides some residential-style appliances, including roomy pantries and large cabinets.

Finally, the living area features an entertainment center that the whole family can enjoy, too.

Travel Star 324RLTS

Starcraft RV’s Travel Star line is a luxurious way to enjoy the life on the road. With several different floor plans available, the Travel Star 324RLTS can accommodate up to ten different adults sleeping inside its walls.

Plus, with a rear lounge triple slide, buyers receive a number of interior materials and appliances. The 324RLTS is built with TuffShell vacuum-bonded lamination, a sturdy and durable material that keeps the travel trailer around for years to come. In addition, with fiberglass sidewalls, welded aluminum framing, and metal backers, the Travel Star trailer can withstand the harshest inclement weather while the inhabitants stay warm and dry.

Furthermore, if you want a bit more in the way of luxury, there’s always the option to upgrade to the Galaxy Black Pearl Edition. But if these luxurious offerings sound like a deal, look no further than the Travel Star 324RLTS.

Final Considerations

In summary, always consider your needs and the needs of your family when picking out a travel trailer. As this list shows, best travel trailers come in all varieties and all levels of comfort and luxury. Older individuals traveling with just a spouse may like a smaller and nicer trailer, while growing families may prefer something with lots of space that’s reliable.

Moreover, whatever the reason for your journey, ensure you find a travel trailer that fits your needs and your budget.



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9 Reasons to Travel by Train

reasons-to-travel-by-train

The experience of traveling by train really has a charm of its own. As opposed to airplane travel, the means of transportation preferred by Americans, train travel presents quite a few advantages, from financial, ecological and recreational points of view. Choosing trains to reach your destinations will offer you a memorable experience every time, while turning you into an authentic traveler instead of just a mere tourist. This is why we have decided to stack up our favorite 9 reasons to travel by train. Discover them all below and think twice before wasting time and money by purchasing airplane tickets. Bon voyage!

luggage-space

1. Enjoy Luggage Space

We have all faced the financial burden of traveling by plane with luggage. All travelers must pay a baggage fee according to the weight of their bags. Some airlines can charge as much as $65 for just one 34-pound piece of luggage. The great feature about train travel is that you do not face any weight limit whatsoever and you can carry your entire luggage completely free of charge. This will not only save you money, but you also won’t have to wait forever in order to pick up your bags after your trip.

sight-seeing

2. Sight-seeing in Movement

Another fantastic advantage you enjoy if you travel by train is that you have the chance to see breath-taking landscapes from the comfort of your seat. Although airplane travel also offers an exceptional view, you usually only get to see the clouds. By train, you can enjoy the sheer beauty of nature and gorgeous scenery right in front of your eyes. Trust me, you won’t be planning on taking a nap while on a train trip: the view will be too spectacular for you to resist.

save-money

3. Save Money

Remember what we said about saving money on luggage? Well you should know that by traveling via train you will also be saving money on your tickets. A LOT of money. Train ticket fares can be up to 50% cheaper than plane tickets, and with a lot less stress and hassle. Even more so, many train operators offer a wide range of deals and discounts for military workers, children, students and seniors. If you are in one of the demographic categories, you should really try taking the train more.

get-social

4. Get Social

What can be better than making friends while you travel? As getting around by train is a more intimate experience than its airborne counterpart, you benefit from great conversation with your fellow compartment-mates. Most trains have rows of seats facing each other, so you will be able to discuss freely with other passengers. If you’re traveling abroad, trains offer the chance of getting to know the locals and discovering hidden gems and elements of their culture just by having a casual conversation.

eco-friendly

5. Travel Eco-friendly

Who says that you can’t be friendly to the environment by traveling? Even though walking or bike-riding as the best eco-friendly solutions for travel, you should know that trains are a lot less harmful than other popular means of transport, like airplanes or automobiles. Studies show that the carbon emitted by trains is less like to damage our surroundings than the carbon emitted by airplanes. This is due to the fact that carbon from trains does not directly emit in the upper atmosphere. If you’re traveling a long distance and can’t walk or bike, you really should consider taking the train to do your part in protecting the environment.

save-time

6. Save Time

If you tend to travel by plane, you already know how much time you lose with the entire process. From traveling to the outskirts of a city and spending a fortune on a taxi, to arriving at the airport at least 2 hours beforehand, to waiting ages to check in and go through security… all of these will cost your whole hours of your precious time. If you travel by train, you usually can enter the station just half an hour before and stroll to your designated platform and hop on.

go-underground

7. Go Underground

Who ever said that trains can only take you from city to city or country to country? One of the most efficient means of local transport is definitely the underground metro or subway. Whether you’re in a big city in your own country or visiting capitals abroad, the subway is the best solution for getting around. It’s the fastest way to travel inside a city and it’s really affordable. If you’re staying for just a day, you have the chance to buy a 1-day pass and ride around as much as you like. Also, many metro stations around the world still have awesome trains decorated with graffiti and street art, which will make you appreciate the system from a different point of view.

enjoy-comfort

8. Enjoy Comfort

We all know that traveling by airplane or car can get quite uncomfortable at one point. If you’re on  a plane, the only way you can stretch and move around is by walking the small isle to the bathroom, whereas traveling by car involves frequent stops for moving around a bit in order to avoid numbness. Trains, on the other hand, allow passengers to get up and walk around freely throughout their entire trip. If you’re traveling to a different country by train, you probably will enjoy a great restaurant where you can get a bite to eat while admiring the scenery from the window.

travel-interrail

9. Travel Interrail

Interrail is probably one of the most awesome features about traveling in Europe. For those of you who do not know, interrail is based on hopping on and hopping off as you please, with 1-country, regional and even global passes. Eurail is a great option for traveling this magnificent continent by train, and the options really are limitless. You can really get spontaneous with this form of travel and end up visiting multiple countries for great prices and conditions. Choose to create irreplaceable memories and really consider taking the train the next time you are planning to travel.

Photo credits: Oldblog.luxetravel.com, Boards.cruisecritic.com, Walls4joy.com, Dailymail.co.uk, Atulmaharaj.wordpress.com, Theguardian.com, Travelwithagingparents.com, Fatcap.org, Topholidays.net, Slo-zeleznice.si.

Travel Tips For Women Over 50 Years Traveling Alone

travel-tips

You have to have patience. Even if you are an experienced solo traveler, every time you go on a new trip it is normal to take your time to adjust to the solo travel and get rid of those initial nerves, that you are out in the world alone and you have to handle everything by yourself. This is why, information is primordial. Read the following travel tips for women over 50 years traveling alone.

Safety Measures

safety

Plan everything ahead before you travel and choose your destination based on solid information.

Moving from one place to another and arriving in a place with a foreign language and culture can be stressful. This is why you have to plan everything ahead. You have to know what train/bus to take, how much it costs, where you have to arrive, and even buy the ticket in advance if possible.

If you want to travel to more cities and are not planning to stay in the same place, book in advance at least your first night of accommodation and try arriving there at noon. This way you will have time to check out the place and surroundings, and if you don’t like it, you have time to leave. Remember, everything looks better in daylight.

Prepare a first aid kit into categories. Make sure you carry with you all the medication you might need, from tummy troubles, pain creams and pills, bandaids, antibiotic ointments and so on, You know best what you might need, so prepare that carefully.

Safety Measures

When arriving in the new city, take your time to settle in, to get to know the city and see what’s safe and what’s not. This will give you more confidence and also it makes you to be less a target for potential trouble.

Try to stay in public, as it is much safer than private. Never, go into private cars or homes with people you have recently met.

Show confidence. If you have the feeling that you might have gotten lost, look around and choose someone to ask for help. Just follow your instinct, and you will find the right person, However, if you are just standing and appear vulnerable, the wrong person might choose you.

Don’t be afraid to make your point. If a stranger tries to rush you to make a decision, refuse to be rushed. No matter if it’s a vendor, a cab driver, or whoever, take your minutes to think, so you can make the correct decision.

Use your common sense but be rude if necessary. Traveling to a different country with a different culture, might be challenging, but there are some basic safety measures from home that apply anywhere. Find out if the area where your hotel is located, is safe. Avoid taking shortcuts trough empty parks or dark streets. When you are traveling alone, leave a note about where you are, in your hotel room or at the front desk person. Don’t go helping someone alone, always ask someone to go with you. If necessary, be rude and trust your instinct.

A woman travelling by herself should always take extra safety measures, no matter what her age is. Here is a tip that will make you feel extra safe. Always carry a rubber door stop with you when you travel. You can find it at most of the supermarkets and they are portable, small, and it takes just a few minutes to put it under your hotel and sleep without worries. Just keep in mind, that there are certain hotels or Bed&Breakfast, that don’t have a chain on the doors and you never know who has the keys to your room. Better safe than sorry.

It doesn’t matter that you are not in your 20s anymore, this rule applies for every woman. Dress conservatively in order to avoid attention. This applies  no matter if you are in America or Europe.

You should keep in mind, that other women are not necessarily safe. Even though women feel safer when around women, the world is full of dangerous women as well, who would lure you into dangerous situations. So, be careful.

Choosing the right purse is critical. Go for a purse that you can wear across your shoulders, but the ideal choice would be a pack designed with security features.

Packing

Don’t overdo it with packing, pack as light as you can. It will require more thinking, to prepare your travel wardrobe, but you will be more at ease with a lighter luggage.

Pick a base colour, like, brown, beige, black, navy and a contrast colour like white or beige, and maybe another colour or tow to accessorise all together. On the internet there are plenty of videos on how to pack light.

Always pack a pair of comfortable shoes, as nothing will ruin your trip, faster than sore feet.

Here is a bonus tip for traveling. Make sure you always have a small bag of almonds with you. If you get hungry and there are still many hours until lunch or dinner, snack on some almonds. They will give you energy and will stop your hunger. Buy your supplies before you leave.

Getting lonely

It is always difficult to start traveling by yourself, as there are times when you start thinking about many factors, especially when you are doing it for the first time. Wont it be acquired to walk around by yourself no one to talk to, eat by yourself?  If you feel you cant handle all of these things, try subscribing to a group of your age. Don worry if there are mostly couples, as people traveling in groups are very social and you won’t feel like the third wheel.

No matter how bold and brave you are as a woman, traveling alone will always get lonely at one point and you will experience extreme loneliness. The truth is you are alone, so its natural for that to happen.

What you can do to ease your way into that, is to look for restaurants which have communal tables, this way you can chat with new people. Don’t worry about feeling out of place, as many of the people who are choosing this type of restaurants are there for the same reason as you are.

A woman dining alone

Never go to a restaurant without a book or a magazine. You don’t want to stare at the wall while waiting for the food. Keep yourself busy as it will make you feel less conscious.

The days when loneliness strikes you the most, go out and don’t let it control you. Put on your dress and go have dinner at a nice restaurant, maybe even the best in town, if you can afford it.

Join tourist small day groups, as it is a great way to meet people, who you might have the chance to keep seeing during your stay.

Choose smaller hotels, because they are much friendlier places. You could ask to join a table of people in the morning, at breakfast, or you can hang in the lounge n the evening, maybe someone will ask if they can join you.

Since you are traveling alone, and you don’t have no one to comfort you, to hug you, to kiss you, why not pamper yourself? Go get a manicure, a pedicure, a facial, a massage, all these are safe ways to get in contact with people.

When it comes to Europe, the majority of its cities are great for women of a certain age. If going to London, Rome, Paris, Florence, Berlin, Madrid, or Barcelona, you can stay in colorful neighborhoods that have access to local markets, public transportation, cultural attractions and historical sites. For example, in the UK, the cities are offering English language theatre  plays, films and lecturers, and in some museums you can sit and enjoy a cup of tea, or even have dinner.

Image Source: Women’s Health,RESCUEWIRE,the guardian

How to Plan for Traveling Overseas Alone

How to Plan for Traveling Overseas Alone

For some of you, this may sound like a rather crazy thing to do. To others, it’s simply natural and the greatest way to enjoy that well-earned vacation that you worked for your entire year. There is nothing wrong with going travelling by yourself, and not just because your workplace makes you do it. Travelling solo can be an enlightening experience by itself, one where no one can guide away from your own interests and expectations from the country or countries you’re going to see.

While a trip to another state or region of your continent can still teach you a lot of things and prove to be a way different scenery than the one you’ve been accustomed to in your hometown, there will never be something that will come nearly close to what it’s like travelling to a different continent of faraway place.

But with the increase in distance that you have to travel to your destination, so does the amount of things you have to take into account before you take the leap of faith of leaving on your trip – especially when you don’t have friends, family or people waiting for you at your destination to help and guide you around-.

Here’s a list of things that you might want to watch out for and think seriously about prior to packing up your things and heading for your exotic and faraway land of choice.

1. Read up on information regarding local culture, habits, mannerisms etc.

The further away from home, the larger the chances of it experiencing things that are lot different from what you expect and are used to. Many cutoms and habits that you don’t even spend a second to think of at home, considering them as normal as a walk in the park or rather, that you do unconsciously, may prove to not be suitable for your destination.

That includes habits and customs, basic things like the way you address people, the way you dress or the way you act when visiting someone’s home.

Delving a little deeper in that country’s culture will make you aware of the amount of do’s and don’ts of a particular place in the world. Considering you’re the one visiting, it falls into your responsibility to adapt to the place you’re going to and not the other way around – this is a way of showing respect to the place you’re visiting.

There is an entire series of books written on specific countries that could not only cover pretty much almost any place you decide to venture to but also all the things you should be prepared for when you get there. Most touristic books will suffice on the matter, but do not hesitate on browsing the internet for more specific pieces of information or even asking people who have been through the experience before – whether it’s close acquaintances or even individuals online.

2. Make sure you are up to date to the state of affairs in the country you’re visiting, its legislation and potential unsafe areas

How to Plan for Traveling Overseas Alone

Just like we have decided that taking your destination’s culture into account is a must, so is the country’s legislation. While the worst thing that can happen from not doing your reading on tradition and culture beforehand is getting clouded by a series of social faux pas, falling into a few arguments or shunned for your behavior, that pales in comparison to what might happen to you if you do not get well informed on how things from a legal perspective.

Researching legislation for your destination can save you a few hundred dollars when visiting Singapore for example – by already being aware that chewing gum on the street. The same thing happens while travelling to China – here you are, thinking of trying your luck in that shady casino when in fact you risk getting caught, fined or even arrested.

It’s also just as important to make sure you’re aware of any ongoing conflicts in the country you’re visiting – revolts, civil wars, riots or anything of the sort can endanger your well-being in more than one way; not to mention that your trip would end up a little too adventurous. Check the news, as well as the U.S. State Department for any particular warnings regarding the country you’re going to.

Finally, before leaving for your destination it’s advisable to get well informed on any particular dangerous areas in the cities you’ll be visiting. The internet and various guides are still your best source of information on this matter.

3. Make sure you have all your necessities ready ahead of time

That includes both basic stuff like plane tickets, hotel reservations and all forms of identification needed (e.g. passport, national identity card), visas, travelers checks and international health insurance. Visas and passports tend to take a long time to process and to be released – this is why, as fun as it may sound, planning a trip to a faraway destination cannot actually be done on the run.

Make sure you have where to stay long before you leave. Finding yourself homeless in a foreign country where you don’t know anyone is the last thing you want. Winging it and thinking you can easily find a hotel somewhere to crash proves to be a pretty bad idea in a number of countries – especially poor ones.

In these cases it’s not only a good idea to make sure you have a secure place to stay in, but it’s preferred to actually spend the extra buck on a western style hotel as they are much safer, cleaner and less risky to stay in.

Health insurance is not a must, but incredibly useful in certain locations that you might be travelling to. Some foreign countries might refuse more elaborate assistance if you do not have a proof of health insurance with you and depending on the kind of place you’re visiting you might end up paying ungodly amounts of money for necessary interventions. Nobody wants to think of this aspect of their trip, but, as the saying goes, better safe than sorry.

4. Always think of safety first and think twice before choosing cheap over secure

How to Plan for Traveling Overseas Alone

While this does depend a lot on the country you’re visiting, it’s incredibly wise to think of safety ahead of time. For example, visiting poorer countries may prove just as dangerous as it is adventurous. In a number of poor countries, cabs are to be vehemently avoided as you may be unfortunate enough to end up stuck in a taxi, robbed or kidnapped and offered for ransom.

No matter how you look at it, tourists are always the most vulnerable to such happenings – make sure you don’t fall into the tourist trap.

Trying to save money on your trip is also cause for distress, grief and misfortune – whether it’s unsafe hotels, purchases made in less populated but seemingly cheaper zones or trading and negotiating in areas where safety isn’t the first word that comes to mind. You’re on vacation! You should be enjoying yourself and relaxing. If, however, you are tight on the budget, opt for safer and more developed countries to visit instead.

Considering you’re going alone, make sure you leave contact information to friends or family, including backup plane ticket copies, papers, phone numbers and hotel address to make sure you can be located if there’s an emergency. The other way around is also important – make sure you have some contact to your home country where possible. Grab your country’s embassy’s contacts to make sure you can report issues as soon as possible, if they appear.

Last but not least, try to the best of your powers to stay away from illegal activities or flamboyant behavior. There’s really not much more to add to that. Really.

5. Find out about your destination’s attractions, means of recreation, climate and weather

While roaming aimlessly, waiting to be surprised in a country you’ve never been to may sound like fun – and sometimes actually end up being fun – chances are you might be missing on a lot of things if you don’t plan ahead a little. Knowing key locations that your destination is famous for will definitely enrich your experience and make your time spent there worthwhile.

Find out what kind of climate the country you’re going to has and pack accordingly. Even if your destination resides in a warmer climate zone, do pack some clothes for colder weather just as well – whether it’s for your return back home or rainy days.

Before you leave for your destination, make sure you have enough money for the trip – including a little on the side for unexpected expenses. Not only that, but don’t just rely on your card – make sure you have cash and exchange a portion of the money reserved for the trip into the national currency before you leave. Exchange rates in airports are the worst you can get, so avoid doing this in the last second.

If you have friends or family who have been to your destination of choice before, ask them for their impressions and hands-on experience. You won’t find more reliable sources than that other than natives most likely. They can also warn you about unspoken rules or trade secrets you might want to watch out for.

Crash Course for the Impulse Traveler – Decide / Fly / Stay / See

Modern travel offers a plethora of options, especially for those who have time and money to spare. There are so many beautiful things that we have to see in this world. We are not only talking about the crowded streets of Paris, Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon or other renowned places. We are also taking about corners of the world that are off the beaten track. Every country and culture has something unique that is definitely worth seeing.

But how do you decide on a place to visit, and once you do decide, where do you start? Do you know what exactly you want to visit once there, and do you know where you will be staying? These are only some of the questions that travelers ask themselves before embarking on another adventure. This is a crash course for the impulse traveler who cannot decide how to fly, where to stay and what to see.

How to decide where you want to go

The biggest question for all globe trotters, the one that can turn them from eager planners to red-faced balls of stress is: Where should I go next? The truth is that choosing your next destination can be an overwhelming and daunting task. The following tips will help you narrow down your searches:

  • Choose places within a certain travel time radius: the first thing you should consider when choosing your next destination is the time you will be spending on the road. If you only have two weeks of vacation it isn’t quite ideal to spend half that time on the road. There are several free map tools, including “How far can I travel”, which show you how far you can go in set amount of time. Enter your parameters to get an idea of what places are within your travel radius.
  • Crash Course for the Impulse TravelerWhat type of traveler are you? Do you prefer to visit museums or explore the vast wilderness of an Amazonian rain forest? Each traveler has a unique personality. Some are romantic while others are adventurous; some are intellectual while others are danger junkies and the list goes on. If you’re more of an ‘off-the-beaten-track’ type of traveler you might want to visit small villages as opposed to cities. If you are a romantic or intellectual traveller, European capitals and places with heritage will resonate with you.
  • Determine your Budget: one of the biggest problems that travelers face is under-budgeting. There is nothing worse than running out of money while on a trip. To avoid this, one most plan finances ahead. Find out how much your flights & accommodations cost, set money apart for visiting and have a little something extra for backup. Your budget can also help you determine where you can travel. Don’t forget to include bus & public transit ticket prices and food prices. If you are a new traveler, you can also check out lists of cheap places that you can visit.
  • Choose your top activities: Another question you have to answer is what type of activities you will want to fill your time with. For example, if you prefer exploring the outdoors, you should go to places that are renowned for their natural beauty. On the other hand, if you enjoy experimenting with local cuisine, you should choose places with reputation for excellent food and drinks.

What Resources to Use When Planning a Trip

It happens to most of us: we find a new travel website that should be this or that. We are excited or skeptical or both. Nevertheless, we have no idea whether the information on that website is useful or not. We are not 100% sure if the services offered are the real-deal. There are not very many online tools that you can use to plan your trip and even fewer online resources for reviews, hotels, accommodations & travel advice:

  1. TripAdvisor: is without a doubt the most comprehensive resource for travelers. There are so many features worth mentioning but we will stick to the basics. First and foremost, TripAdvisor is a place to find the best hotels. Each hotel has its own page with reviews, photos, amenities, Q&A, tips and more. Probably the best aspect of TripAdvisor is the sheer amount of reviews.

This website is so important for the travel industry that hotel owners actually take the time to respond to each and every review posted by visitors. On TripAdvisor you can also find vacation rentals, restaurants, things to do, trending locations, flights and more.

  1. Cheap Flights & Price Comparison: when it comes to traveling, you have to make the educated choice. A little extra research can save you hundreds of dollars, especially when it comes to flying. There are several online services that you can use for comparing prices and finding the cheapest flights such as FareCompare, Kayak and SkyScanner.
  1. Booking.com: is the world leader in booking accommodations online. According to statistics, over 750.000 rooms are reserved through the website on a daily website. This is a definite go-to place for those who are still planning their trips.
  1. AirBnb: I planned accommodation for my last trip with the help of AirBnB. If you are looking for a different experience (not the hotel one), you should consider booking through AirBnB. What this website does is connect people who want to rent their homes with travelers who are interested in unusual accommodations. Spending your holiday in a local home will definitely change the perception of the place that you are visiting.

The best thing about the website is nature of the search engine: you can enter details such as room type, price, amenities, period of booking etc. in order to narrow down your search. Once you find a place that you like you can contact the host or click on the Book It button. The host will accept or decline your request and payment can be made through Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, JCB, Discover, Paypal and even Google Wallet. The money is frozen in AirBnB’s account until you check in. The payment will be released 24 hours after check-in. Obviously, travelers also have the option of leaving reviews for their hosts.

  1. HomeStay: HomeStay is extremely similar to AirBnB. From the landing page you can type down your desired location/region/suburb, check in and check out date, and the search engine will filter relevant results for you. Most of the accommodations available on HomeStay are personal homes and apartments. Each location has real photos, details of amenities, price information and more. The booking system works almost like the one on AirBnb. We almost forgot. On both HomeStay and Airbnb you can also become a host, and have travelers stay in your home. 

Frequent Flyer Programs (FFP)

This is a loyalty program offered by most airlines. The concept of Frequent flying is simple: airline client who enroll for the program and gather frequent-flyer distance can redeem them for air travel and other benefits (example: class upgrades, lounge access, priority booking etc.). If you travel a lot you should definitely enroll for Frequent Flyer programs to acquire bonuses. Keep in mind, however, that you will have to fly with only one airline in order to accumulate points.

For more information about Frequent Flyer programs please check out FlyerTalk, an online forum for discussion on this topic. You should also check the official website of your preferred airline for FFPs, or enquire a consultant about them.

How to Find out What to See & What to Do

There are so many online resources that you can use to find out about places that are worth visiting, and activities that are worth doing that we will not mention all of them. The first place you need to visit is a great travel blog. If you are looking for a personal opinion about a place, blogs are the place to go. There are hundreds of amazing Travel Blogs worth checking out. If you have no idea where to start you should check out Telegraph’s ‘World’s Best Travel Blogs’ article. If these blogs do not satisfy your curiosity, here are a few extra tools that you can use:

  • Good Old Google: Each location has specific attractions, which are usually listed on specific websites. If I were to list all the credible resources for specific locations it would take me half a day to put it together. Therefore, the best way to find interesting places and fun activities is by using Google. Simply type in “Places to see in *Your Destination*” and the search engine will provide with relevant results. Compare two or three articles to check the veracity of the information.
  • TripIt: If you still don’t know what you want to see, or you simply cannot be bothered with these details, you can use a service like TripIt, which provides a master itinerary for your upcoming travel. Amusingly enough the motto of TripIt is “TripIt, the ‘I Can’t find my flight number’ travel organization app.”
  • Tripomatic: is another itinerary creation tool. All you have to do is to write down your destination and visiting period and the website will automatically create an itinerary with places to visit, attractions etc. You will also be able to see a map of all the interesting attractions from your itinerary. The website also offers car rental & accommodation services as well as a list of activities and events.

This concludes our crash landing course for impulse travelers. Remember, sometimes it is better to plan the details of a trip ahead of time. This will give you more time to enjoy your trip.

US Seniors Travel Insurance: How to Stay Safe Overseas, at 65+ Years Old

“Life is like wine – it gets better with age.” That’s a popular old adage that certainly applies to international travel. Senior citizens nowadays are definitely living up to it, by embarking upon cruises, taking that long postponed trip of a lifetime, going on second honeymoons and generally exploring parts of the world that they always wished they could visit. In essence, not only is there nothing wrong with this, but it’s actually recommended. After all, with retirement comes more time to spare pursuing your hobbies. To boot, people in the U.S. now live longer, are healthier, happier, and overall more affluent. The increase of health and life expectancy in the United States over the 1990 to 1999 decade alone was dramatic. The average life span for U.S. citizens lengthened by over 30 years and 25 years of that improvement can be chalked up to public health improvements. So, then, where’s the problem with traveling abroad as a senior? One answer to that question comes from exploring US seniors travel insurance.

As is the case with any other type of insurance, it’s difficult to get a hold of affordable coverage when you’re suffering from a chronic disease such as diabetes or a heart condition. What’s more, travel insurance is complex and needs to cover for travel interruption, luggage, air travel, and health.

1. Can you get affordable insurance for traveling abroad as a senior?

The elderly are more likely to use travel insurance, which is basically why they also end up paying more for it. Of course, if your overall health t2topis good, you might have to pay less on your US seniors travel insurance – yet chances are you’re at least suffering from some minor chronic health issue that will up your premium costs. So, do you stand any chance at finding affordable travel coverage as a US senior? Yes, you do. Here are a few tips and tricks:

  • Buy travel insurance through your travel agent or your regular insurance agent. Both should be able to score you a good deal, based on your pre-existent relationship with them. To boot, it’s also a way of testing your tour operator: the good ones have established relationships with insurers, which you should be able to benefit from.
  • Contact the American Association of Retired Persons to ask about medical coverage abroad, which can supplement your Medicare plan. Make sure to check out their message boards to ask questions and read about similar experiences from fellow senior travelers.
  • ‘Window shop’ online, via insurance comparison sites. Make sure to take all the variables and details into consideration. Some policies cover pre-existing conditions, while others don’t. The same goes for sports injuries, in the case of senior citizens and overseas travel.

2. Why do you need US seniors travel insurance?

What if you break your leg in Slovenia? How are you going to fly back home to nurse your injury? What about coming down with the flu three days before your scheduled trip to Paris? What happens if your cruise ship can’t leave your city, due to dramatic weather conditions such as a hurricane?

The answer and only viable solution to all the above scenarios is US seniors travel insurance. It’s definitely worth the money, since your regular Medicare or Medicaid health coverage will only pay for healthcare expenses you incur in the United States. Moreover, seniors who are insured via HMOs need to check out whether or not emergency healthcare outside the HMO’s service area is covered and comes with deductibles. Some HMOs don’t cover for overseas medical expenses, which is why travel insurance comes in particularly handy for some.

According to the Bureau of Consular Affairs with the U.S. Department of State, evacuations for medical reasons (such as the broken knee situation described above) can come to cost as much as $10,000! Needless to say, premium costs on insurance for traveling abroad as a senior are far lower than that. Aside from healthcare costs, travel insurance also covers trip cancelation costs. Prepaid tours or cruises often come with hefty penalties for canceling and these penalties also greatly exceed the cost of coverage.

3. Is expensive travel insurance ever really useful?

Some sources, including Consumer Reports will tell you that travel insurance for senior citizens is unnecessary and many will frown upon recommending it. Indeed, the fact of the matter is that most travel insurance providers regard elderly citizens as high-risk members. The premium costs for an overseas travel policy incurred by a 70 year-old will usually exceed those that a 50 year-old needs to pay. This is true even if the older person is healthier or more physically fit than the younger one – travel insurance can increase the cost of your trip by as much as 10 per cent.

As such, if you find yourself traveling a lot as a senior, you might want to consider paying for a travel insurance membership plan. Perhaps the best part about such plans is the fact that they come with emergency evacuation benefits, all for the price of a couple hundred dollars each year. Such multi-trip packs often come with much lower age limits than regular insurance for traveling abroad as a senior.

4. What factors should you take into account before buying US seniors travel insurance?

If you’re over 65 and are looking to purchase insurance for traveling abroad as a senior, there are several factors that you need to take into account:

  • Overall health. As mentioned above, it doesn’t matter that much if you’re physically fit. As a senior, you will still end up paying more than a younger person. However, the overall state of your health matters when it comes to figuring out how much coverage you should take out. If you know you’re suffering from some pre-existing conditions, it’s best to take out a more expensive insurance plan.
  • Trip duration. Longer trips increase the risk of injury, so the longer your stay abroad, the more comprehensive your insurance plan should be.
  • Type of travel. Consider any high-risk activities, such as sports. Take into account the type of transportation you will be using – car fares, for instance, will increase your risks of illness and injury. Last, but not least, some trips will require you to take out coverage that also accounts for cancelations.

Medical Insurance for Travel Abroad: Best Deals for UK Senior Holidaymakers

Whoever said that older people shouldn’t embark on international journeys has definitely never met a savvy senior traveler before. One of the major trends of today’s society is for seniors to buy plane tickets and explore the world. If you think about it for a second, it makes perfect sense to invest in something worthwhile when you have so much free time. As many senior travelers love to say, “Age matters only if you’re a cheese”, and apparently, travel is the fountain of youth.

travel insurance for elderly

Nevertheless, even with better health in old age and an increasing affluence, elderly people are still having problems with medical insurance for travel abroad. The truth is that it can be very complicated to buy travel health insurance if you are past your prime, or suffering from long-term illnesses (eg. heart-disease, diabetes).

 

The good news is that elderly people can also get affordable travel insurance, according to Express.co.uk. You probably already know that regular travel insurance includes travel interruption insurances, baggage, health, evacuation and flight insurance. Let’s see how you can make it happen even if you are older.

 

1. How Do Elderly Pay for Travel Insurance?

Everybody knows that elderly people pay more for any type of insurance, because they are most likely to actually need it. If you are in excellent physical health, it will be easier to get insurance, but chances are that you are already suffering from a minor long-term illness, that can add to the costs. Although most insurance companies are reluctant to give out policies to senior citizens, due to the misconception that they have worse health than younger people, however, a revolution has begun. First of all, companies which cannot provide with offline or online travel health insurance are obliged to redirect them to a capable specialist.

 

Recommended:  Ageism in Travel Insurance – Older People’s Stories

 

In addition to this, more and more insurance companies, like Staysure.co.uk understand that in the future, the population of senior citizens and old age pensioners will reach unprecedented numbers. It is actually predicted that over one third of the UK’s population will be older than 55. The dynamics of modern population has changed significantly: we live longer and healthier, have less children and remain active later in life. All of these things indicate to better insurance rates for elderly people.

 

2. Why Get Old-Age-Pensioners (OAP) Health Insurance?

Traveling may sound like a lot of fun, but nothing is without risks, especially for seniors. The stress of a 20 hour flight is a lot even for people in their thirties, so you can only imagine what sort of nightmare it will be for you. As much as we would like to block negative thoughts from our heads, there’s no need to be irresponsible. It’s always good to know that you are covered in case of complications while you are away. The OAP travel policy will do this for you.

OAP insurance

Not only is it not expensive, but it also has good coverage. It is a small investment that can prevent the worse from happening. You should make sure to add it to your travelers’ insurance policy before setting out on your trip. According to Sundaytimes the average cost of treating serious illnesses abroad costs, on average, 2,040 pounds, while an uninsured hospital visit in the United States is approximately 6,000 pounds.

 

3. Why are Some Premiums Expensive, and Are they Useful?

The generic answers that insurance companies give when they refuse to insure older people is that premiums reflect an increased risk. Sadly, age is one of the major factors when it comes to calculating premium rates. Basically, the older you are, the higher the chance that you will fall ill, or be involved in some sort of accident. The insurance company will set its price irrespective of the fact that many 70 or 80 year olds are healthier than 50 year olds. They have no interest in rewarding you for being fit, but they will definitely not spare you if you are suffering from a long-term illness, because their ultimate goal is to make more money.

things to consider

So should you buy travel insurance? The answer is a definite yes, especially since you are facing more risks, and can probably not afford out-of-pocket expenses. If you travel at least six-seven times per year, you could definitely consider the annual “multi-trip” policy that will have all of your trips covered. Keep in mind that upper age limits for this policy are a lot lower than regular covers.

 

4. What to Consider Before Purchasing a Plan

People over the age of 65 who are in search of medical insurance for travel abroad should take into account general health conditions, duration of the trip and activities required during it. This way, they will better understand how much coverage they need (and avoid additional costs).

 

  • General health condition: As we already mentioned, many people in their 60-70’s are a lot healthier than younger people. This matters not for the insurance companies, but it will help you determine how much coverage you should purchase: if you are susceptible to diseases and infections, you should go for a higher policy plan.

 

  • Duration of Trip: The longer you stay abroad, the higher the chances of falling sick or having an accident. Opt for a better policy in this situation.

 

  • Activities Required during the Trip: Do you have any idea what you will be doing during your vacation? We are not talking about beach volleyball or anything of the sort. For senior citizens something as trivial as a car drive can be strenuous and lead to sickness. Comprehensive coverage policy should be considered in this situation.

Medical Insurance Travel Abroad Advice: Do You Really Need it?

Traveling is not always fun and games. In order to have the best time of your life, you should plan well in advance and take care of the organizational and insurance issues. Whether you are traveling for business purposes, in connection with your studies or for leisure, there are certain steps that you should take to avoid health problems and accidents. Preparing for a trip is not only about choosing the destination, itinerary and packing your bags, it is also about taking necessary steps to avoid complications.

should you buy travel insurance

In addition to standard precautions, if you travel outside North America, Australia, or Europe, you might also require vaccinations or protection against exotic diseases like malaria. If you have no idea how to prepare, you needn’t panic, because not even the most seasoned traveler knows all there is to know about medical insurance for travel abroad. The question remains: Do You Really Need Travel insurance? We would like to share with you general information that you might find helpful before setting out on your new adventure.

 

1          First Things First: Should You Buy Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance can be extremely useful on certain occasions, or completely useless in others. It is important to weigh out the pros and cons before deciding should you buy travel health insurance or regular insurance or not. As a rule of thumb, travelers’ insurance policies can significantly minimize financial risks of illness, missed flights, lost baggage, theft, travel-company bankruptcies, emergency evacuation, getting your body home, death, accidents etc.

Travel insurance is an added cost, and it all boils down to how many risks you are willing to take. If you are traveling to a country that is known for violence, you might want to at least have some peace of mind. Each traveler’s potential loss is different, and it depends on how much they have paid for the trip in advance, their destination, the financial health of the company or airline that they use, already existing coverage (which include homeowner’s, credit card, and medical insurance) and refundability of the ticket. It’s up to you to understand your options and make a decision.

Tip: Don’t believe travel agents when they encourage you to purchase travel insurance, as they often do it simply to increase the costs of your trip.

 

2          Travel Insurance Basics: What you Should Know

There are basically five elements included in travel insurance. We are talking about travel interruption insurance (for trip cancellation or interruption), baggage, evacuation, medical and flight insurance. Obviously, you could supplement your policy with additional safety methods, like identity theft or political evacuation or specific insurances for a sporting endeavor, like rock climbing or SCUBA, but in most situations they are not needed. It is very difficult to only purchase one type of insurance. For example, if you are interested to buy travel health insurance (the medical risks of traveling abroad can be covered by your standard health insurance), it might only be possible to purchase it together with baggage or cancellation policies as well.

vaccinations and health insurance

Comprehensive insurance refers to the type of policy which includes the five elements presented above, as well as expenses incurred if the trip is delayed, or if your tour company decides to change the itinerary. This is an excellent insurance to have, because it will take care of all the costs, even if your policies over-lapse with others. For example, if you already have medical insurance separately, your travel insurer will pay for costs without having you worry about out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Please note that the trip-cancellation coverage works as a reimbursement-only policy. In other words, you will have to prepare for out-of-pocket expenses, and after submitting proper paperwork you will have your money restored. If you are ever in a dire situation, you should contact your insurance company straight away, and ask them how you should proceed.

 travel insurance

3          Vaccinations and Other Personal Safety Concerns

Personal safety is imperative when traveling abroad. If you have the feeling that you might be at risk, the costs of travel insurance don’t really matter. The truth is that many people don’t even bother thinking about it if they leave for a two-day London trip, but if you are planning on a longer one you should definitely research the Foreign Office web pages for recommendations on security risks as well as online travel health insurance information beforehand. Additionally, you should leave information about your travel arrangements, return date, emergency contact information and destination with your department or friends.

 

Should you purchase travel insurance for a lengthy journey? The answer is yes, if you care about your health and wish to avoid out-of-pocket expenses. We have already mentioned that vaccinations are a must when traveling to Europe, Australia or North America, and we urge you not to ignore them. Fit For Travel is an excellent resource for possible diseases in different regions. In most cases, the need for vaccination depends on the destination, period and the activities you will be doing. So if you are only leaving for a conference or meeting, checking into a high-class accommodation and eating in, the chances of catching a disease are slim. However, if you are exposing yourself to places and people with poor hygiene or sanitation, doctors strongly recommend that you get your vaccinations.

 

Assuming that you have a special situation, which forces you to expose yourself to natural disaster or population disturbance areas, there are additional counter-measures that you should take. Also, if you need two shots, you will probably have to take them a few weeks apart because immunity takes time to develop. Protection against Malaria can be secured through recommended tablets.

 

4          What is Already Covered By Home, Credit Card and Medical Insurance?

Many people ask themselves: Do you have to have travel insurance? Sometimes the answer is no, simply because the person in question already has excellent coverage from home, medical and credit card insurance. Medical insurance, for example, can cover possible injuries while traveling abroad, while home insurance will often include personal possessions when away from home (this can protect your baggage). Last but not least, your credit card or current account might already include travel insurance with certain limitations (travel insurance from credit cards are usually very basic).

 

How to Differentiate Good International Travel Agencies from Bad Ones

Like many things of the old world, Travel agents have also become a punch line that is often categorized as being unnecessary, obsolete and pointless. As you can probably imagine, nobody wants to have their profession insulted, but the truth is that from a certain perspective, the concept of a travel agent has become a dying breed, but not in the way that you would imagine. It is true that the internet has given us the opportunity to research valuable information on our own,  but this doesn’t mean that we are also equipped to organize it efficiently.

international travel agencies

Travel agents, who would basically book flights and arrange trips in the past, have been forced to evolve. While they may have been nothing more but service marketers for airline companies in the past, nowadays they can offer valuable insights, and create complex itineraries for people who don’t want to waste their time with the planning process of a trip. At present, they act as personal advisers who provide their clients with much needed information to enhance their travel experience. In a letter addressed to the White House, ASTA CEO Tony Gonchar wrote that “Thanks to their in-depth knowledge, experience and industry connections, travel agents are able not only to save their clients money, but their most valuable possession: time”

 

Even if many online publications have tried to discredit the profession, the truth is that a decent amount of travelers are still considering the advantages of using a travel agent. And why wouldn’t they? Knowledgeable international travel consultants can take care of everything from planning to safety measures and itineraries. Of course, there are still those who are only interested in ripping people off. So how exactly can you differentiate Good international travel groups from bad ones? Here is a checklist for both good and bad travel agencies that will help you make the right choice.

good travel consultants

1. Good International Travel Agents / Consultants

When planning an international trip is vital to pay for value. There are many travel agents that offer value, and it is quite easy to spot them. There are many advantages to hiring a travel agent, but you must first find a reliable company.

 

  • A good travel agent Will Help You Save Money: You are probably asking yourself when to use a travel agent. Usually, when you want to cut down on costs and not bother yourself with trip planning. A capable travel agent can help you create a good itinerary and establish the best routes to help you save money.  In other words, instead of getting lost in unknown territories, you will benefit from the help of a professional.

 

  • Look for Agencies that have CLIA and IATA certifications: Professional companies are required to have International Air Transport Association or Cruise Line International Association access. This will enable them to book airlines through their booking source, and therefore avoid extra costs. There are some airlines that are not registered on these booking agencies, and this means that the consultant will have to book tickets through a third party source, like a hotel or resorts. This will add to the cost of your traveling package.

 

  • Focus on Specific Destinations for which they have First Hand Experience: What sets decent travel agents apart from brilliant ones is the level of their knowledge. While they may help you with plane ticket bookings, this is not their main objective. Nowadays, a travel agent is supposed to take into account the traveler’s desires, and budget, and come up with a personalized itinerary to transform his vacation into the experience of a life-time.

 

2. Bad International Travel Agenciesbad travel consultant

For those travel agents that are ethical, we raise our hats. Sadly, they are not  representative of all consultants in the industry. There are countless of so-called agents who do nothing but try to deceive people. Here are five things that will help you spot bad companies:

 

  • Will not tell you about refunds and cancellation policies: many bad companies think that it is a great idea to hide information that would normally be useful to a traveler. For example, in the past it was travel agents that could cancel a trip. At present, online travel sites will offer money back, even on airfare drops, as long as the booking was made at least one week before the flight, an 24 hours after the booking. This neat piece of information is something you won’t be hearing from sneaky agents.

 

  • Will Force you to make Travel Insurance even if it isn’t Necessary: If you have health insurance, you will also be covered for emergencies overseas. In addition, credit companies usually cover lost baggage, emergency assistance, and canceled trips or dismemberment. There are some international travel consultants that like to push travel insurance because it will increase the overall value of a vacation package, and therefore, will also increase their commission. Don’t be fooled.

 

  • They are asking for “bonus fees” for their services: We are not saying that all travel agents are doing this, but there are certain companies or consultants who are trying to ask for more money than they are entitled to. For example, some companies ask for commissions from their clients, but also take bonuses from the hotel or airlines that they collaborate with. If you feel that they are trying to influence your travel decisions, or influencing you to choose a particular destination/hotel/service, it might be because they have a higher commission with them. According to Donna Cambridge, co-owner of Chesterfield Cruise & Travel in Springfield, cruises are being bought. In addition to this, many international travel groups add an unjustifiable booking fee to the total cost of airline reservations.

 

The bottom line is that you may not need a travel agent to plan a dream vacation; however, if you are pressured by time, or the sheer amount of information, it might be wiser to have an expert plan it out. The question remains if you can differentiate a good international agency from a bad one.

 

 

In the Loop, On the Go: 8 Great Messaging & Language Translation Apps for Travelers

Finding the best apps for international travel is all largely a matter of traveling preference. However, we believe absolutely anyone who’s out on the road, in a foreign country, could benefit from any one of the apps on our list. Not only are they free, but some of them are also available for several platforms (Android, Windows, Blackberry, etc.). So, next time you’re feeling lost in translation abroad, there are two things you can do: use one of these chat apps to reach out to someone back home, or use one of the language translation apps that follow, to strike up a conversation with some friendly locals.

The Best Free International Messaging Apps

ooVoo Video Chat oovoo video chat for travelers app

Here’s a great little app for video calls and messaging, which Android users may already be familiar with. All video calls are free, both on mobile, as well as on PCs. You can create video conferences with up to 5 participants at the same time and mobile video and voice calls are free over 3G, 4G, and Wi-Fi. For the time being, the app, while free, is only compatible with a selected number of device types, such as the HTC Evo, the Samsung Epic, Samsung Galaxy S GT-i9000, as well as several other smartphones and tablets, but the developers are working on a new version, which would also be compatible with devices that have built-in front facing cameras.

Viber

As far as iPhone apps for international travel go, there was a time when WhatsApp seemed unbeatable. It lead the market viber app for travelniche for messaging apps for the iPhone – but, then, in came Viber and stole its thunder. What does this iPhone-dedicated app do? It lets you call other iPhone users, who have the app installed, absolutely for free. The cool part is that, more often than not, the quality of the sound and the connection are far better on Viber, then when using the phone’s regular voice call function. There are no in-app purchase obligations and use of the app is completely free, so long as you’re connected to a 3G, 4G, or Wi-Fi network.

IM+im video

Though only available for the Android OS, this great app is one of the best ever travel apps for Android, since it centralizes all your instant messaging programs, apps, and profiles. You can use IM+ to talk on Skype, AIM, MSN, Yahoo! IM, Facebook, Google Talk, and so on. The app is fully free and requires no SMS service in order to send out your messages. You can also use it for group chats and there’s a recently released video version available as well.

fring

Ever wanted to make one-way video calls, with friends who don’t have a camera, or don’t necessarily want to share their images with you, for any number of reasons? Here’s fring, an app that’s available both for iPhones, as well as for Android devices, and fring app which comes for free. There’s a lot this little app does – so it’s no wonder that its developers have received numerous awards for it already. You can voice call for free, IM chat, use it with your iPod Touch, and aggregate most social network profiles with it (including Skype, Twitter, Yahoo!, and MSN). It works with push notifications, too, allows you to set statuses, and works via GPRS, 3G, Wi-Fi, and even Edge.

The Top Free Language Translation Apps

Google Translate

Yes, we know: it’s no longer news for anyone that Google Translate is a great app. In fact, it’s absolutely the best smartphone app for language translation that you could opt for, since it does so much more than rendering written input into other languages. Google Translate can be used for speech, handwriting, and even image-based text. True, those latter functions could still use some tweaking from the good people at Google, but the truth remains that Google’s Translate app is the most comprehensive such app you can use while traveling. It has some 70 languages available and even comes with a dedicated Conversation mode, which you can use on the go. Bear in mind that this mode may not understand all accents and that the app is probably best used on Android phones and iPhones (but doesn’t work as well on the Blackberry, or on Windows phones). It still is a solid choice, and can even be used offline, if you download the language packs you need.

iTranslateitranslate app

There’s a bit of a controversy among iPhone users, as to whether iTranslate is a better language translation app than Google Translate. It certainly works better on iOS-powered phones than on the Android, thanks to its clean, sleek interface – but this doesn’t mean it’s not usable with great results by Android owners, too. This app also includes some 70 language packs and it’s entirely free, save for those interested in using the voice recognition feature, too. This function will cost you an extra $3. Otherwise, there’s plenty this little app can do: it comes with a dictionary, a text-to-speech function, as well as non-Romanic character Romanization.

Navita Translator

Are you one of those select few who are adamant about still using a Blackberry in 2014? Very well, then – if you do and you also travel a lot, you could probably benefit from downloading and installing the Navita Translator app. It’s completely free and has navita translator app for blackberrybeen repeatedly dubbed one of the best ever apps for the BB. It’s able to translate from and into 60 different languages and works both with typed-in text, as well as with voice recognition. It provides translations in writing, but can also utter the out loud. It somewhat lacks in terms of design and interface, but given its functionality, as well as the fact that it’s also compatible with older devices, it’s not half bad as far as language translation apps go.

Bing Translatorbing translator app

If you’re on Facebook a lot, there’s no way you haven’t noticed how Bing tends to be on the receiving end of numerous translation-related jokes. True, the translate function implemented on the social network has often produced hilarious results, but the app is rather decent, if you own a Windows phone and require quick access to translation services and dictionaries. The bad parts: it only includes 40 languages, far behind Google’s impressive 70. On the upside, though, aside from voice recognition and written text translation, the app can also be used together with your phone’s camera – say, for when you want to understand what a sign or menu means. It works in offline mode, too, and also provides spoken word translations.