Booking air fares is a nightmare, not only do prices change seemingly minute by minute but keeping track of timetables, and how many stops it will take to reach your destination adds to the frustration.
First you have to decide if you're flying economy, packed and squeezed like the proverbial sardine in a tin can, your choices of comfort are no-existent. It is assuredly less expensive to fly economy, and if you select off season travel it could be downright cheap to cross the pond. (aka the Atlantic) You may feel like a pretzel by the time you deplane, but you will be on terra firma in a new and wondrous place. That is how I look upon travel.
There are deals to be had by contacting the airlines, for instance Lufthansa notifies me anytime they have a special. I also check the vacation specials that include hotel and airfare packages.
In early spring and fall prices drop, tourists for the most part have gone home, and you can visit at leisure without fighting the crowds, and saving money at the same time.
This spring there were offers to Ireland for less than five hundred dollars round trip, not a bad deal.
One word of advice, if you're cruising, do not fly on the same day you board the ship, if there are any delays, the ship will leave without you.
If you can afford business class travel, it's not necessary to pay the full price, unless you really feel you have to overpay. Your travel agent should be able to check with consolidators to get the best business rate.
Lufthansa (I like to fly Lufthansa-great service and good prices) offers business travel deals this summer , the high season for travel. You have to book and fly by a certain time, but the price is fantastic, half of the going rate. The business fares to some cities in Europe are going for less than two thousand dollars, economy is going for about six hundred.
It takes the patience of a saint to get everything booked, confirmed and priced to your satisfaction, but it can be done. Look at the planning as part of the excitement and anticipation of your trip, and once everything is all set, you'll feel like a savvy traveler.
Next week boutique hotels or chains?
Till next time.
Margot Justes
www.mjustes.com
A Hotel in Paris
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4 comments:
Also, if you are a frequent air traveler, try to stick to the same airline. You can then use the miles for flights, or upgrades. I've also heard to book when the specials come out - Tues-Thursday. Weekend booking finds the hightest $$. And try kayak.com for comparison of fares - except for Southwest!
Blythe,
Yes, you are absolutely correct,all resources should be checked.My favorite is Lufthansa, and I routinely receive updates from them.
Margot
I am really impressed with your Blog. Meals are the main factor if you want to avoid or lessen jet lag because what you eat tells your body to wake up or sleep. So Anti jet lag diet is thus made to have a joyful flight.
Samual,
Food, even airline food helps. I usually take an evening flight and upon landing adapt to the new time zone. I do not take naps or slow down, but get into the hotel room, shower change and head out to see the sites. That works for me.
Margot
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