Holiday Travel Tips and Information

Scroll below for holiday travel tips that will help make your vacation run smoothly ...

Open-air markets are a bargain hunter's dream. Handmade wares and culturally specific trinkets are yours for a fraction of typical gift-shop prices. But the aggressive hagglers that often accompany these markets can turn a wonderful experience into an all-out annoyance. The simple solution is to hire a local "guide".

If there are hagglers, there are probably plenty of people offering to "show you around" for a small fee. Simply hire one of these people for the trip through the marketplace to serve as a buffer between you and the hagglers. While the guide points out bargains and handles the hagglers, you peruse the wares with ease.

A few extra dollars is often well worth a relaxing and "haggle-free" shopping experience when you're on holiday.

More and more travelers are taking advantage of airline discounts via e-tickets. Yet another often-overlooked Internet travel bargain is car rental.

With low advertising and hard-copy costs, car rental agencies view internet bookings as an economical means of interaction. Therefore, to encourage these beneficial cyberspace bookings, agencies typically offer fabulous discounts or free upgrades. Some companies also operate make-your-own-bid programs, which offer even lower rates and empower travelers.

Before you call your travel agent or your favorite car rental company, log on to the company's website. The possibility of a large discount or upgrade is well worth the small expenditure of time and effort.

Of course, the best place to book cars and other holiday travel requirements is at our own Travel Shop.

Source: "Bottom Line Personal" Aug. 1, 1999

Travelling with a group is a great way to split holiday costs. However, continually calculating gas, lodging, and miscellaneous charges can become a hassle.

Next time, create a group travel "kitty." At the beginning of the holiday, each traveler antes up the same amount of money for the kitty. Throughout the trip, group expenditures are drawn from the travel kitty. When funds run low, travelers again contribute equal amounts. At trip's end, the balance is once again divided equally.

Next time you enjoy a group holiday, leave your calculator and worries behind with a travel kitty.

Source: "Tips for the Savvy Traveler" by Deborah Burns and Sarah May Clarkson

* AAA. If you're on the road and just want to find a place to stay, these guides are very useful. The maps and "Tripticks" (succinct notebook-style maps) are excellent.

* BIRNBAUM. Their strength is special sections like "Unexpected Pleasures and Treasures". They don't give prices but rather indicate "expensive" or "cheap", which doesn't really help. The driving itineraries are not extensive but a good starting point.

* FODOR'S AND FROMMER'S. Great for people who want to see the travel sights but are not adventurous. For a wider choice of hotels and restaurants in the medium and lower price range, some prefer Frommer's guides. Fodor's are dependable, middle-of-the-road books with which your holiday really can't go wrong.

* LONELY PLANET. These books are rooted in the budget end. The India book is arguably the best guide ever for holidays in that country.

* MICHELIN "RED GUIDES." The most detailed restaurant and hotel guides for Europe, with the most accurate prices. The city maps are superb and thorough, including one-way streets, parking areas, hotels, restaurants and other holiday attractions.

Source: Peter Bernstein, "The Practical Guide" (adapted)

Experiencing different countries and cultures can be rewarding for everyone involved. And while language barriers can interrupt this experience, they shouldn't be viewed as impossible holiday hurdles. Even without formal instruction, language barriers can be effectively tackled with the following strategies:

* Learn four phrases a day prior to your holiday. Starting just two weeks before your trip gives you 56 important ways to communicate.

* Speak distinctly and avoid slang. Many travelers make the mistake of speaking louder, rather than clearer, when they're misunderstood. Practice pronunciation and leave "hip" phrases to those with the cultural knowledge to use them.

* Use commonly understood gestures to emphasize meaning. Keep ideas simple and clear, and point, point, point.

* Carry photos of attractions and hotels. Pointing at the image will usually get you there when your words cannot.

* Learn the language. Many community education programs offer economical classes with flexible class schedules. A few classes may be enough to increase your vocabulary and your confidence.

So with a bit of preparation and a few simple gestures, your holiday will be enriched, rather than ruined, by communication barriers.

Source: "Insider Travel Secrets You're Not Supposed to Know!" by Tom Parsons

Skiing and mountain climbing, snowmobiling and ice fishing - these cold weather activities are an adventurer's dream when on holiday. However, no matter what the activity, it's no fun if you're too cold to enjoy it. So before you travel the slopes or the trails, brush up on the following cold-weather strategies for fun-filled and warm holiday activities:

* Dress in layers. Rather than one bulky parka, dress in several loose-fitting layers. Loose clothing allows for better circulation and warmer extremities. Whenever you venture indoors, you can shed a few layers and still be stylish and comfortable.

* Insulate with cotton T-shirts. Especially if you're involved in strenuous activities, breathable, absorbent cotton T-shirts are a must when on holiday. They soak up perspiration and provide an extra layer of comfortable warmth.

* Cover your head. More than 50 per cent of body heat escapes through your head. A simple hood, hat or stocking cap is the first barrier in maintaining your body's internal heat.

* Opt for mittens rather than gloves. The skin-on-skin contact provided by mittens holds in more heat than gloves.

* Wear thermal socks. Moisture is your cold weather enemy. Loose-fitting and absorbent thermal socks are your friends. Be sure you can wiggle your toes for proper circulation.

Whether you're hiking the trails or simply maneuvering a cold city street, the preceding strategies will make for a more enjoyable holiday.

Amtrak has been continually upgrading its service since it took over the US passenger rail network in 1971. Yet that doesn't mean all trains provide equal service or the type of service that best fits your personal holiday needs.

The key to successful and comfortable train travel is to know which train and type of accommodation best fits your needs. The following informational strategies will ensure that your next rail experience meets your expectations:

1. Train selection - Initial holiday planning begins with train and route selection. Call 1-800 USA-RAIL for a free copy of "Amtrak's America." This magazine describes the major trains, routes, special amenities, holiday packages, escorted tours and reduced rate hotels.

2. Types of space - Comfortable accommodations begin with a basic understanding of your options. Examples include:

* ROOMETTE - This one-person space has a wide armchair for day travel, a toilet and sink and a pull out bed.

* BEDROOM - This space offers two armchairs or one sofa, two beds that fold out from the walls and a separate bathroom.

* DELUXE BEDROOM - A deluxe offers a sofa and swivel chair, two beds, a toilet and a shower.

* COACH - This upright seat is similar to an airline seat.

A morsel of basic knowledge goes a long way in ensuring that your next holiday train experience is right on track.

Source: "Travel Smarts - Everything You Need to Know to Go Anywhere" by Herbert Teison and Nancy Dunnan

Have you ever returned from a holiday with several pieces of clean, unworn clothes? Then you've probably never created a holiday clothing diary - a fabulous space-saving strategy to plan your travel wardrobe.

It works like this:

* Create a list of planned holiday activities that require special attire. Consider dinner parties, meetings, water or beach activities and sports.

* Analyze the list and determine which clothes best fit these holiday activities. These items then become your "must pack" essentials.

* Create your holiday diary by listing each day and the "must pack" essentials under their expected corresponding days. Be sure to note each item's color and pattern. At this point, you should have a few items as well as plenty of blank spaces.

* Add your favorite clothes and additional outfits so that each day has an outfit and "must pack" essentials.

* Examine your holiday diary carefully. Without removing any "must pack" essentials, aim for removing five to ten items. Look for ways to mix and match previously worn essentials with wardrobe basics such as jackets and slacks. Toss out several items that you only plan to wear once while on holiday, and exchange them for one versatile item that can be worn several times.

A carefully planned holiday clothing diary makes for lighter, smarter packing.

Family sing-alongs are a great way to pass the time while on holiday, especially during extended car travel. Add some paper and pencils, a small container and the following strategy, and parents can transform this simple activity into an educational game:

* Distribute paper and pencils at the beginning of the trip. Everyone then creates a list of favorite sing-along songs.

* Collect the lists and cut them apart so each song is on a separate slip of paper. Then place the slips in some kind of container such as a plastic bag or empty tissue box.

* Break out the bag during long driving stretches or whenever boredom strikes.

* Ask trivia, math or spelling questions to the entire group. Whoever correctly answers the question reaches into the song bag to pull out a slip. The family then sings that song. The process is repeated until boredom is eased or all the slips have been used.

You'll be surprised at how quickly time passes and how much information you can bestow your children with a simple sing-along game.

Picking up a holiday rental car should involve far more than simply filling out paperwork and driving away. The following five-minute, bumper-to-bumper inspection checklist will save you time and headaches in the long run:

* Inspect all surfaces for dents and scratches. Pay particular attention to bumpers and doors, where minor mishaps or door dings could have gone unnoticed.

* Scan the interior, including the trunk, for rips and stains.

* Check the headlights, turn signals and brakes.

* Locate the operating manual.

* Locate and check the following for proper operation: windshield wipers, trunk latch, electric windows and doors, hood latch, rearview and side mirrors, tilt steering, gasoline cap, heating and AC, fold-down seats, key release, seat adjusters, radio and trip odometer.

* Check the fluid levels for oil and windshield wash.

* Drive the car around the lot to check for proper brake pressure and transmission operation.

Receiving a well maintained, quality car that you know how to operate is well worth a few extra minutes at the beginning of your holiday.

Source: "How To Do Everything Right" by Bottom Line Personal

Tropical hot spots are the perfect holiday escape for winter-weary travelers. "Hot, hot, hot" often describes the temperature, the atmosphere and the feel of sun-baked bodies. To ensure your next tropical holiday doesn't leave you burned, burned, burned, adhere to the following safe-sun guidelines:

* Restrict your first day's sunbathing to ten minutes, the second to 15 and the third to 20.

* Use a high SPF sunscreen, and reapply after swimming, strenuous activity and showering.

* Cover exposed areas with hats, long sleeves and lightweight throws.

* Stay out of the sun from noon to three.

* Pack soothing ointments such as vinegar, calamine lotion and aloe vera for post-burn treatment.

A few simple precautions can keep your hot holiday cool and comfortable.

Source: "Tips for the Savvy Traveler" by Deborah Burns and Sarah May Clarkson

Duct tape, garbage bags, insect repellent, matches - the list of holiday camping essentials is endless. But this list simply isn't complete without one more item - baking soda.

Use baking soda to:

* Brush your teeth.

* Deodorize smelly boots, mildewed sneakers and musty sleeping bags.

* Soak your feet after a long day of hiking.

* Substitute for deodorant for true "roughing it" holiday adventures.

* Extinguish camp or cooking fires.

* Create a paste for insect bites and poison ivy.

* Deodorize the cooler or refrigerator.

Baking soda - it's not just for biscuits anymore.

Source: "Bottom Line Personal" Aug. 1, 1999

Tropical destinations are an outdoor adventurer's dream. However, holiday travelers also share this paradise with many other inhabitants such as mosquitoes, sand flies, gnats and water mites.

Therefore, the following insect protection strategies can help you to create a peaceful co-existence with your co-inhabitants:

* Purchase repellents containing diethyl toluamide, or DEET. While countless name brands exist, the main ingredient you're looking for is DEET.

* Opt for creams, rather than sprays, for exposed skin application. In addition to creating environmental problems, sprays wear off quickly in warm, moist climates. Creams adhere to skin longer, and reapplication is rarely necessary.

* Spray repellent on clothing and tents. Spray on necklines, trouser hems and interior hat rims for extra protection.

A peaceful, swat-free holiday experience can be yours with just a few precautionary measures.

Source: "Culture Shock: Successful Traveling Abroad" by Frederick Fisher

Deductible holiday travel expenses generally consist of transportation costs incurred while away from home on business.

Your "tax home" is (a) your regular place of business, (b) the principal one, if you have several places of business or (c) your residence. If you are temporarily assigned to another location as part of your job, you may generally deduct travel expenses while you are temporarily employed away from home.

With respect to local transportation, you are entitled to deduct as a business expense local transportation costs incurred in traveling (a) from your principal place of business to another location where business-related activities occur and (b) between one place where business-related activities occur and another such place.

Most expenses associated with business travel away from home are deductible if they are reasonable. Deductible travel costs include the expense of attending business meetings and conventions in the United States, as long as the agenda is related to your occupation. Apportionment of expenses between personal and business-related activities may be necessary if the trip is part pleasure.

Business expenses associated with foreign travel are also usually deductible, although transportation costs may have to be allocated when the trip involves some nonbusiness holiday activities.

If the foreign trip lasts less than one week or if the time spent on personal pursuits is less than 25 percent of the total time away from home, you do not have to divide your expenses between business and personal holiday activities.

Source: Jonathan Pond, "New Century Family Money Book"

Have you arrived at this page planning a holiday?

You can shop around to find every type of travel product (airfares, hotels, car rentals, bags, sunglasses, maps, etc.) at our Travel Shop.

Whatever you do, enjoy your holiday !!!

Copyright 2000-2012 by Chris Gillham. All holiday travel tips text and graphics on or related to this page are under strict international copyright and
their use for commercial purposes is strictly prohibited without prior permission. All rights reserved.

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