Archive for December, 1969
Whether traveling near or far for the holidays, it is important to remember that certain restrictions apply for different types of flights and destinations. For instance, US Airways charges $15 for the first checked bag and $25 for the second; although if you are traveling to and from Europe, these charges do not apply.
Tip: Traveling international usually exempts you from check-in fees and allows for extra checked-in bags; however make sure that you book your flights under one itinerary. If you book a domestic flight (even if it is a connecting flight) separately from your international flight, you will most likely be charged for your bags during check-in for your domestic flight. If the domestic flight is connecting to an international flight that was booked together, the charges normally do not apply.
When booking your flights, there are a few important factors that are worth noting:
1. If there is an option on your flight-booking website, click the button that checks all flights in your surrounding area rather than the single, closest airport. Certain airports tend to be cheaper than others due to location, accommodations, and flights.
2. Check the difference between domestic versus international airports. Domestic airports are inherently smaller and less chaotic than international airports- plus, the security check points may sometimes have shorter lines and be less strict with security.
Regardless of your destination, make sure to check the different requirements and policies of international and domestic flights to avoid being stuck with extra bags or lack of documentation at the airport.
To begin booking your flight, visit:
Real Travel Flights
Source: Maidere Sorhondo
read comments (0)Flying with Children
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The Winter Holidays are almost upon us and that means travelers are flying the skies and returning home or going on a much needed vacation. This week we’ll provide you with some helpful tips and suggestions to make the flight process a little less painful.
For those traveling with children, here are a some things to think about preparing before take-off:
1. Make sure to allow yourself a little more time to reach the airport and get through the check-in process. Children can forget things at the last minute , have to stop for bathroom breaks, or simply walk slower in a rush, so make sure you have plenty of time to catch your flight.
2. Think about your trip from start to finish when packing for your little ones. For babies, carrying breast milk, formula, and juice is now permitted in quantities greater than three ounces if it is declared for inspection at the security checkpoint, according to the U.S. Transportation Security Administration. Make sure to check in with your specific airline about their food accommodations for children as some do not provide baby food or special children’s meals, so pack food accordingly.
(For the slightly older children, most airlines have coloring books, movies, and other entertainment available, though remember to bring something to keep the children occupied in the Waiting Area at the airport so they don’t resort to fighting with their siblings and making a scene, or worse, venturing off.)
3. Bring the appropriate documents for your children. Though typically, minors under 18 do not have to present identification for domestic U.S. travel, each airline determines their own identification requirements for check-in, so ask your airline before packing. For international flights, the Federal Aviation Administration states that all travelers must have passports, including young children. Plan early because receiving a passport generally takes approximately three weeks from the time of application, but depending on the season can take longer.
4. Do not assume that your infant or young child does not need a ticket or rides for free. Each airline follows their own policy in regards to child passengers, though most do offer discounts of up to 50 percent for children less than two years old.
Also, Child Restraint Systems are normally required for children under 40 pounds and not always provided by the airlines. If you are required to bring your own Child Restraint System, look for one that has a sticker which states: “FAA Approved in Accordance with 14CFR 21.305(d), Approval for Aircraft Use Only.”
Though airport accommodations won’t determine your trip, there are a few particular cities whose airports make flying with children easier. The Boston Logan International airport has a “Kidport” which includes a baggage claim slide, infant and toddler area, and other activities. Dallas/Fort Worth International has built children’s play areas in three of the airport terminals. Other child-friendly airports include Las Vegas McCarran airport and Chicago O’Hare International.
Here are more sources to help prepare your family trip:
Chicago Hotels
Boston Hotels
FAA Guidelines: http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/
http://www.hotelfun4kids.com/travelnews/air-rail/safekidsair.htm
Source: Maidere Sorhondo
Skiing in Tahoe
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Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the United States. It is filled by rain, stream, and snow runoff from the steep mountains that surround it. While the lake is the main stage for summer activities - boating, swimming, and the likes - the powdery peaks and numerous ski resorts are the prime destinations of winter vacationers.
Located on the California/Nevada border and one hour from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, travelers come from near and far to ride the slopes and roam the resorts around the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.
There are two sides to Lake Tahoe– North and South. North Lake Tahoe includes most of Tahoe’s ski resorts including Squaw Valley, the home of the 1960 Winter Olympics, and Tahoe City, an area with many restaurants and shops. South Lake Tahoe offers gaming with a strip of casinos including Caesar’s, Harrah’s and Heavenly Ski Resort just a mile away.
Whichever side you choose, Lake Tahoe offers a range of sleep accommodations from fun snowboarder commons to five-star resorts. If you prefer to travel with a big group, the most fun and affordable choice is a house or cabin rental. There are many resources and websites to find places to rent for just the weekend or for as long as a full season. Splitting the bill makes this option great for a group of college kids or for a large group of friends and families.
The most popular ski resorts in Lake Tahoe are Squaw Valley, Heavenly, North Star, and Kirkwood, but there are numerous smaller, boutique ski resorts that are perfect for a quick ski day or for instructional lessons.
Build a snowman with the kids or hit the Jackpot tables after a day of skiing and make the most of the winter season in Lake Tahoe.
Start planning your snow trip and visit:
South Lake Tahoe Hotels
South Lake Tahoe Attractions
Find house, cabin and condo rentals at http://www.tahoevacationguide.com
Source: Maidere Sorhondo
Skiing in the Alps
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Not too many ski regions allow you the ability to cross as many borders as does skiing in the Alps. You can hit the mountain from any angle (or country, shall I say) and experience the unique cultures of France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, and other Eastern European countries.
While skiing is the main daily activity in towns like Les Gets and Livigno, food is looked at as more than just a means of refueling for the slopes. Most European countries take great pride in their culinary cultures and you will not be disappointed with the entrees in any rest stop along the way. Just make sure not to enjoy too much wine before you’re done with the runs for the day.
To spend a season in the Alps, there are unique ways to stay cheaply around the resorts. Real Travel blogger Nat B. explains an interesting job her friends worked to live in the Alps-near Geneva, Switzerland- for the winter season:
“Jeff and I arrived on Tuesday afternoon and met Jade and Vaugny at their chalet. They are working as chalet hosts - which mean they each have a chalet with a couple of English families and they have to act as hosts, cook the food, clean the chalet, sit down for dinner with the families and provide conversation etc so they both have about 5 hours during the day when they can go out for a ski…very hard life!”
Though averaging one million visitors per year means the Alps do get crowded, you can rest assured that people are coming for a reason. With the proper research and preparation, a winter in the Alps will be a manageable one that you’ll never forget.
For useful suggestions and tips, visit:
Switzerland Hotels
France Hotels
Austria Hotels
A great resource about unique ski town features of each Alps country:
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2006-11-28-ski-europe_x.htm
Source: Maidere Sorhondo
Visiting Strasbourg in the Fall
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Start your holiday shopping with friends at a Christmas market in Europe. While most of France’s 22 regions offer great Christmas markets, the largest and oldest is located in the Alsacian region of Strasbourg.
A stone’s throw from Germany on the right and a train’s ride to Paris on the left, Strasbourg is a great stop to take the family between November 25 through December 30 to visit its famous “Christkindelsmärik” (Christmas market).
Enjoy the festive lights and trees of the charming town and indulge in the many chocolates and sweets in the markets, as well as the vin chaud (a specialty warm spiced wine, much like cider). You can stock up for your ornament collection with hand-made decorations sold by local vendors and artisans. Find unique scarves, wooden crafts, and any other trinket, specialty cheese, or unique artwork you can think of when wandering through the rows of tents. The Christkindelsmarik is a sight for all cultures and religions just to experience and enjoy the merry spirit around you.
The city surrounding the Christmasmarket is a sight in itself. With a cathedral built in the 11th century, canals, historical town squares like the Place Gutenberg, and a wide array of interesting museums, Strasbourg is an excellent destination during a winter excursion in Europe.
One Real Travel blogger wrote:
“The entire city of Strasbourg was enchanting- it reminded me of a Hansel and Grettle- type fairy tale, well, minus the cannibalistic witch of course. It was what we Christmas-lovers imagine Christmas to be, cozy cottage-like gingerbread houses with ski-jump roofs, leisurely shopping and eating along cobblestone streets. Even if you withdrew all traces of Christmas, Strasbourg is still a wonderful place.”
The spirit of the winter season spreads throughout Europe, and each city offers their own taste, smells, and shopping to fulfill your holiday needs. Why not start in Strasbourg?
To begin planning your trip, visit:
Strasbourg Hotels
Strasbourg Attractions
Strasbourg’s Official Tourist Site: http://www.otstrasbourg.fr/?lang=en
Source: Maidere Sorhondo