Useful link
Health : http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentFAQ.aspx#basics
International dialing code : http://www.countrycallingcodes.com/
Currency Converter : http://www.x-rates.com/calculator.html
Weather : http://www.worldweather.com/
World clock : http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock
Metric calculator : http://www.worldwidemetric.com/metcal.htm
Monday, December 13, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Train Services
Subway map
Urbanrail
A comprehensive guide about subways of a country. It will be very helpful if you intend to use subway as an alternative mean of transportation.
Rail Europe - Eurostar
Most countries offer special Train Passes that can be purchased before arrival.
One important point to check if travel day may be used consecutively or non-consecutively.
Urbanrail
A comprehensive guide about subways of a country. It will be very helpful if you intend to use subway as an alternative mean of transportation.
Rail Europe - Eurostar
Most countries offer special Train Passes that can be purchased before arrival.
One important point to check if travel day may be used consecutively or non-consecutively.
Car Rental
List of popular car rental companies.
Find me the best car rental deal
Alamo, Alvis, Budget, Dollar, Europcar, Fox Rent A Car
, Hertz, National Car, Thrifty
Go Green - Rent A Hybrid
Find me the best car rental deal
Alamo, Alvis, Budget, Dollar, Europcar, Fox Rent A Car
, Hertz, National Car, ThriftyGo Green - Rent A Hybrid
Monday, December 6, 2010
Tips on special airfares
Whenever you see special offer air fares, what should you do?
Save Big on Last Minute Airfare Deals. Get $10 off with coupon code LASTMIN10. Book Now!
Check the conditions before you grasp.
First, read the following terms and conditions before you check seats availability.
Total cost
Is the price shown inclusive of all charges, like airports taxes, fuel surcharges etc.
Travel dates validity
When must you commence and complete the journey?
Any black out period? Meaning to say, the offer fare is not applicable for specify dates.
Booking dates validity
When must you book and pay for the air ticket?
Ticket validity
What is the minimum and maximum stay of the offer air ticket?
Ticket condition.
Can you change the air ticket? If yes, how many times? Can you change before and after departure? What is the penalty charge if you can change the ticket? Any refund value? if yes, what is the penalty charge?
Eligibility
Do the offer fares permit one person travel or must have at least two persons travel together? Is there any child discount? Some discounted fare has no child fare meaning to say child and adult are paying the same fare level.
Save Big on Last Minute Airfare Deals. Get $10 off with coupon code LASTMIN10. Book Now!
Check the conditions before you grasp.
First, read the following terms and conditions before you check seats availability.
Total cost
Is the price shown inclusive of all charges, like airports taxes, fuel surcharges etc.
Travel dates validity
When must you commence and complete the journey?
Any black out period? Meaning to say, the offer fare is not applicable for specify dates.
Booking dates validity
When must you book and pay for the air ticket?
Ticket validity
What is the minimum and maximum stay of the offer air ticket?
Ticket condition.
Can you change the air ticket? If yes, how many times? Can you change before and after departure? What is the penalty charge if you can change the ticket? Any refund value? if yes, what is the penalty charge?
Eligibility
Do the offer fares permit one person travel or must have at least two persons travel together? Is there any child discount? Some discounted fare has no child fare meaning to say child and adult are paying the same fare level.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Airlines routes map and air routes
Airlines routes map
From specific airline route map, you get to see the destinations where the airline operates.
You can find both commercial and budget airlines from the link below.
http://www.airlineroutemaps.com/East_Asia/index.shtml
Air Routes
Checking air routes help to narrow down your search if you prefer direct flights only.
The result also include operation from budget airlines.
To find out which airline operates direct flight between the destinations, try using the link below and you will see summary of direct flights for your selection.
http://www.oagtravel.com/Flight-Bytes/Which-Airlines-Fly-My-Route
From specific airline route map, you get to see the destinations where the airline operates.
You can find both commercial and budget airlines from the link below.
http://www.airlineroutemaps.com/East_Asia/index.shtml
Air Routes
Checking air routes help to narrow down your search if you prefer direct flights only.
The result also include operation from budget airlines.
To find out which airline operates direct flight between the destinations, try using the link below and you will see summary of direct flights for your selection.
http://www.oagtravel.com/Flight-Bytes/Which-Airlines-Fly-My-Route
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Tourism Board
Tourism board is the best place to find out more about the country you intend to visit. You can find general overview about the country, places of interest, activites, restaurant, hotels, shopping, transportation, maps, events, tours, useful local contact numbers, etc.
List of worldwide tourism board. : http://www.towd.com/
Asean Tourism Association : ASENTA
Country info : Lonely Planet.
List of worldwide tourism board. : http://www.towd.com/
Asean Tourism Association : ASENTA
Country info : Lonely Planet.
Flight schedule
Now you decide to travel from Hong Kong to San Francisco. What to do? Start guessing and browsing blindly from individual airline websites? Don't waste your time doing so. Then how? First, you need to know which airlines flying there. (Talk about money issue later.)
Find your favourites flight schedule from any of these websites. These reservation systems are widely used by travel agents worldwide. (Of course they are not using these websites).
Abacus - user friendly and fast for quick look.
Amadeus - append with world map just beside the search box which is very good if you wish to find alternative city which may be nearer or with more flight schedules. Also, you will see more details such as number of stop, flying time, equipment use, etc. (very choosy right? I booked my very own flight, may be like many of you, my hands worked faster than my mind, OMG operated by Fokker70, too late to change, so please check. )
#How to identify which is coshare flight? Answer: 4 digits flight number for international route.
OAG - you can do your search here to see any budget airlines operating. The search result only show which airlines flying between the choosen destinations, both commercial and budget, no further detail.
Now happy with your choosen flight and on the way to fly, what to do next? If self service, you may want to search for best fares from these airlines websites or elsewhere.
#If you have booked your dosmetic flight or train service online and is booking international flight through your agent, always inform them your domestic flight number, departure time and airport name to ensure your arrival flight has ample of time for immediate connection as there are issue such as any change of airports, immigration clearance to be considered.
Find your favourites flight schedule from any of these websites. These reservation systems are widely used by travel agents worldwide. (Of course they are not using these websites).
Abacus - user friendly and fast for quick look.
Amadeus - append with world map just beside the search box which is very good if you wish to find alternative city which may be nearer or with more flight schedules. Also, you will see more details such as number of stop, flying time, equipment use, etc. (very choosy right? I booked my very own flight, may be like many of you, my hands worked faster than my mind, OMG operated by Fokker70, too late to change, so please check. )
#How to identify which is coshare flight? Answer: 4 digits flight number for international route.
OAG - you can do your search here to see any budget airlines operating. The search result only show which airlines flying between the choosen destinations, both commercial and budget, no further detail.
Now happy with your choosen flight and on the way to fly, what to do next? If self service, you may want to search for best fares from these airlines websites or elsewhere.
#If you have booked your dosmetic flight or train service online and is booking international flight through your agent, always inform them your domestic flight number, departure time and airport name to ensure your arrival flight has ample of time for immediate connection as there are issue such as any change of airports, immigration clearance to be considered.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Airlines seat map and seat pitch
Seat Map
Airline cabin seating layout charts.
When you are travelling with your family members or friends, you may like to prebook all seats before you check in so that you can sit together.
World wide airlines seat map.
Seat Pitch
This is the distance between a row of seats.
Worldwide airlines seat pitch.
Airline cabin seating layout charts.
When you are travelling with your family members or friends, you may like to prebook all seats before you check in so that you can sit together.
World wide airlines seat map.
Seat Pitch
This is the distance between a row of seats.
Worldwide airlines seat pitch.
Airlines websites
Worldwide airlines websites by name:
http://www.airlineandairportlinks.com/lines_by_name.html
http://www.oag.com/NorthAmerica/airlineandairport/airlinedirectory1.asp
http://www.123world.com/airlines/index.html#a
AIRLINES ALLIANCES
Search for airlines alliances with their websites.
http://www.oag.com/travel-guides/airline-airport/airline-alliances/
Round the world fare
One world - http://www.oneworld.com/ow/air-travel-options/round-the-world-fares
Sky Team - http://www.skyteam.com/about/products/roundtheworld.html
Star Alliances - http://www.staralliance.com/en/fares/round-the-world-fare/
Round the world fare is applicable if your trip cross altantic and pacific. Basic requirement to consider are number of stops in each continent, minimum/maximum stay, total mileages, when you must purchase the ticket.
If you think you can comply with the basic requirement, then read the term and conditions thoroughly as all these have different terms and conditions to comply with.
Flight service
How to determine which airlines operate non-stop?
Usually national carriers from countries of departure and arrival are non stop flights.
e.g. Amsterdam – Singapore – Amsterdam,
National carriers are KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Singapore Airlines.
However, there are some exception on somelong haul flight especially between America – SE Asia, some national carrier may operates with at least one stop.
Generally, besides national carriers most airlies will go via their home countries.
e.g. Thai Airways will go via Bangkok
British Airways will go via London.
For regional flights, other than national carriers, foreign carriers may operate non-stop.
e.g. Hong Kong and Singapore, one of the foreign carriers which operates non-stop is United Airlines.
# Always do a search from flight schedule
Types of flight services
Non-stop flight
The flight taken from one point to another is direct and there is no intermediate stop.
Direct flight
The flight taken does not involve change of planes but any number of stops may be made between the origin and the destination.
Connecting flight
A change of plane occurs. A connection may or may not include a change of airlines.
Through service or On-line connecting flight
A change of plane occurs and service continues with the same airline.
# When you heard that you are on direct flight, you may assume that there is no stop in between. Don't wake up from your sweet dream, walk out of the aircraft only to find that an entirely new airport welcomes you. What a nightmare!!! Now you get to know a direct flight may have a stop in between but you only have one flight coupon since there is no change of aircraft.
Again, always read the itinerary properly.
Usually national carriers from countries of departure and arrival are non stop flights.
e.g. Amsterdam – Singapore – Amsterdam,
National carriers are KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Singapore Airlines.
However, there are some exception on somelong haul flight especially between America – SE Asia, some national carrier may operates with at least one stop.
Generally, besides national carriers most airlies will go via their home countries.
e.g. Thai Airways will go via Bangkok
British Airways will go via London.
For regional flights, other than national carriers, foreign carriers may operate non-stop.
e.g. Hong Kong and Singapore, one of the foreign carriers which operates non-stop is United Airlines.
# Always do a search from flight schedule
Types of flight services
Non-stop flight
The flight taken from one point to another is direct and there is no intermediate stop.
Direct flight
The flight taken does not involve change of planes but any number of stops may be made between the origin and the destination.
Connecting flight
A change of plane occurs. A connection may or may not include a change of airlines.
Through service or On-line connecting flight
A change of plane occurs and service continues with the same airline.
# When you heard that you are on direct flight, you may assume that there is no stop in between. Don't wake up from your sweet dream, walk out of the aircraft only to find that an entirely new airport welcomes you. What a nightmare!!! Now you get to know a direct flight may have a stop in between but you only have one flight coupon since there is no change of aircraft.
Again, always read the itinerary properly.
Map
Country Map
Wikimapia
You can use this map to search right up to the exact location. Use categories to narrow your search, e.g. hotels, restaurant, store/shop, interesting place. etc.
There is an option to choose the type of map you prefer.
Maps.google
Before you decide where you like to go, you can use this map to plan your trip, select map is easier for you to find the city of any country.
If you decide to visit various places which is new to you, using these maps to plan your trip without backtracking.
# I read an article about a couple looking forwards to land in Sydney, Australia were shocked to see that they ended up in Sydney, Canada. (OMG...no sunshine...no kangaroos but chilly air!!!). However, they were warmly welcomed in Sydney, Canada. The respective airlines then made special arrangement for them to fly back to their home country. The couple were not aware that there is another Sydney in the map but located in Canada.#
If you make verbal travel arrangement, especially Mandarin speaking traveller, perferably you mention the city, state and country, Why?
e.g. some of these places may sound similar:
Davao may be wrongly taken as Dubai.
Bali may be wrongly taken as Paris
Medan may be wrongly taken as Milan.
Kochi may be wrongly taken as Kuching
If you book online always check the city-airport and the country are correct. Don't click too fast.
Maps.com - The World's Largest Map Store!
Wikimapia
You can use this map to search right up to the exact location. Use categories to narrow your search, e.g. hotels, restaurant, store/shop, interesting place. etc.
There is an option to choose the type of map you prefer.
Maps.google
Before you decide where you like to go, you can use this map to plan your trip, select map is easier for you to find the city of any country.
If you decide to visit various places which is new to you, using these maps to plan your trip without backtracking.
# I read an article about a couple looking forwards to land in Sydney, Australia were shocked to see that they ended up in Sydney, Canada. (OMG...no sunshine...no kangaroos but chilly air!!!). However, they were warmly welcomed in Sydney, Canada. The respective airlines then made special arrangement for them to fly back to their home country. The couple were not aware that there is another Sydney in the map but located in Canada.#
If you make verbal travel arrangement, especially Mandarin speaking traveller, perferably you mention the city, state and country, Why?
e.g. some of these places may sound similar:
Davao may be wrongly taken as Dubai.
Bali may be wrongly taken as Paris
Medan may be wrongly taken as Milan.
Kochi may be wrongly taken as Kuching
If you book online always check the city-airport and the country are correct. Don't click too fast.
Maps.com - The World's Largest Map Store!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Embassy and Visa
It is very important to obtain valid visa from the country you are residing. Most embassies will not accept visa processing for non-residents.
If you have to transit another country, always check if you are required to obtain transit visas. If yes, ensure you have reentry permit.
Some country introduces tourist visa on arrival for selected passport holders, you have to check if you are eligible for visa arrival. If not, kindly apply for valid visa before departure.
Take note the number of days require for visa processing exclude public holiday and weekend. Usually you are unable to take out your passport during the period, hence, you have to ensure you are not likely to use your passport or apply urgent visa if any.
Some country requires you to have valid visa for the duration of stay.
Check visa requirement
**Always counter check with your local travel agent or embassy in case any amendment.
http://projectvisa.com/
http://www.delta.com/planning_reservations/plan_flight/international_travel_information/visa_passport_information/
List of embassy websites base on host country.
http://www2.tagish.co.uk/
http://www.embassyworld.com/
Australia Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
Check if you are eligible for ETA application.
http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/tourist/976/eligibility.htm
If you have to transit another country, always check if you are required to obtain transit visas. If yes, ensure you have reentry permit.
Some country introduces tourist visa on arrival for selected passport holders, you have to check if you are eligible for visa arrival. If not, kindly apply for valid visa before departure.
Take note the number of days require for visa processing exclude public holiday and weekend. Usually you are unable to take out your passport during the period, hence, you have to ensure you are not likely to use your passport or apply urgent visa if any.
Some country requires you to have valid visa for the duration of stay.
Check visa requirement
**Always counter check with your local travel agent or embassy in case any amendment.
http://projectvisa.com/
http://www.delta.com/planning_reservations/plan_flight/international_travel_information/visa_passport_information/
List of embassy websites base on host country.
http://www2.tagish.co.uk/
http://www.embassyworld.com/
Australia Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
Check if you are eligible for ETA application.
http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/tourist/976/eligibility.htm
Code and Decode
Airlines codes
Airlineandairportlinks - search for airlines 2 letters code by airlines full name.
Airlineandairportlinks - search for airlines full name by 2 letters code.
Airport codes
Airlineandairportlinks - search for airport 3 letters code by airport full name.
Airlineandairportlinks - search for airport full name by 3 letters code.
#Do not asume that the airport code 3 letters code never change. Whenever there is new airport opening, the 3 letters code may change. Always read the airport full name written on your itinerary properly.
#Always check the exact airport name you wish to land down. Big cities may have more than one airport located differently. You need to check which is the nearest airport to your final destination.
e.g. London- LON= 3 letter city code.
LHR = Heathrow airport.
LGW= Gatwick airport
STN = Stansted airport
LCY = London city airport
LTN = Luton airport
Airlineandairportlinks - search for airlines 2 letters code by airlines full name.
Airlineandairportlinks - search for airlines full name by 2 letters code.
Airport codes
Airlineandairportlinks - search for airport 3 letters code by airport full name.
Airlineandairportlinks - search for airport full name by 3 letters code.
#Do not asume that the airport code 3 letters code never change. Whenever there is new airport opening, the 3 letters code may change. Always read the airport full name written on your itinerary properly.
#Always check the exact airport name you wish to land down. Big cities may have more than one airport located differently. You need to check which is the nearest airport to your final destination.
e.g. London- LON= 3 letter city code.
LHR = Heathrow airport.
LGW= Gatwick airport
STN = Stansted airport
LCY = London city airport
LTN = Luton airport
Airport information
Airport websites
Worldwide airports full details include airport websites.
http://www.oag.com/travel-guides/airline-airport/airport-websites/
Airport arrival and departure flight status.
http://www.flightstats.com/go/FlightStatus/flightStatusByFlight.do
Alternatively, you may go to airport websites as most airport have real time flight status.
Worldwide airports full details include airport websites.
http://www.oag.com/travel-guides/airline-airport/airport-websites/
Airport arrival and departure flight status.
http://www.flightstats.com/go/FlightStatus/flightStatusByFlight.do
Alternatively, you may go to airport websites as most airport have real time flight status.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)