Traveling to India? You’ll want to leave your U.S. currency behind.
Got a wallet full of greenbacks? As of the end of November, they won’t get you into many popular tourist attractions in India. According to an article in the New Zealand Herald, the falling U.S. currency has prompted India's Ministry for Tourism and Culture to rule that it will no longer be accepted as payment to enter popular destinations, such as the Taj Mahal. The decision comes as part of a move to avoid losses due to the changing exchange rate.
Consider: In the past, travellers could use their greenbacks to pay a set entry fee of USD $5.00 – back when $1.00 was roughly equivalent to 50 rupees. Today, one U.S. dollar is only worth 39 rupees. The “flat fee” means that the Indian government now loses 55 rupees per visitor.
In response, the government has now fixed the admission rate for foreign tourists at 250 rupees. U.S. tourists will notice a rise in price of more than a dollar.
November 29, 2007
November 26, 2007
Yanks behaving badly
Where do Americans get into the most trouble abroad? We’ve got the answer.
In which country did Americans get arrested the most number of times? Not surprisingly, the country which shares a border with several US states and is a popular tourist location: Mexico. In fact, five Mexican cities placed among the top ten cities where Americans were arrested in 2006, according to an article in the San Francisco Chronicle. In Tijuana alone 520 Americans were arrested, with Guadalajara (at 416) and Nuevo Laredo (359) rounding out the top three cities. Mexico City placed fifth with 208, Merida and Nogales placed eighth and ninth respectively.
Rounding out the top ten: London, England took fourth; Toronto, Canada placed sixth, Nassau, Bahamas took seventh and Hong Kong placed tenth.
The article notes that alcohol, drugs and illegal possession of firearms are some of the main reasons for arrests in neighbouring Canada and Mexico.
In which country did Americans get arrested the most number of times? Not surprisingly, the country which shares a border with several US states and is a popular tourist location: Mexico. In fact, five Mexican cities placed among the top ten cities where Americans were arrested in 2006, according to an article in the San Francisco Chronicle. In Tijuana alone 520 Americans were arrested, with Guadalajara (at 416) and Nuevo Laredo (359) rounding out the top three cities. Mexico City placed fifth with 208, Merida and Nogales placed eighth and ninth respectively.
Rounding out the top ten: London, England took fourth; Toronto, Canada placed sixth, Nassau, Bahamas took seventh and Hong Kong placed tenth.
The article notes that alcohol, drugs and illegal possession of firearms are some of the main reasons for arrests in neighbouring Canada and Mexico.
November 22, 2007
Un”fare” air travel rates
Wondering how to get the best air fare online? It’s more difficult than you might think.
Think you know all the tricks when it comes to finding the best airfare online? Be aware that some websites don’t offer all the best fares, and some may even mislead unwary buyers.
According to an article on Aviation.com (http://www.aviation.com/travel/071113-airlines-best-deals.html ), many airlines only offer their best fares on their own websites. That means that online travel agencies and booking engines such as Expedia, Kayak, and Travelocity often don’t see the best deals. Contrary to what many travellers assume, not all airlines are represented on many sites. In fact, many low-cost carriers only sell through their websites rather than through agents or aggregators.
But are airline websites the way to go? Not necessarily. According to an article on BBC news (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7091950.stm) , the European Commission found that at least half of all European airline websites were misleading and did not complying with EU law. Some violations included flights advertised as “free” that weren’t free at all and advertised prices that did not include taxes and other charges, such as new fuel surcharges. Some websites even require the purchase of other services, such as travel insurance.
The solution? Be prepared to put in some extra time searching for fares and consult a variety of sources. Look for “hidden costs” like taxes, service charges and fuel surcharges. Look for websites that offers alerts when deals become available. (Hint: Look for RSS feeds – they won’t clog your inbox).
Think you know all the tricks when it comes to finding the best airfare online? Be aware that some websites don’t offer all the best fares, and some may even mislead unwary buyers.
According to an article on Aviation.com (http://www.aviation.com/travel/071113-airlines-best-deals.html ), many airlines only offer their best fares on their own websites. That means that online travel agencies and booking engines such as Expedia, Kayak, and Travelocity often don’t see the best deals. Contrary to what many travellers assume, not all airlines are represented on many sites. In fact, many low-cost carriers only sell through their websites rather than through agents or aggregators.
But are airline websites the way to go? Not necessarily. According to an article on BBC news (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7091950.stm) , the European Commission found that at least half of all European airline websites were misleading and did not complying with EU law. Some violations included flights advertised as “free” that weren’t free at all and advertised prices that did not include taxes and other charges, such as new fuel surcharges. Some websites even require the purchase of other services, such as travel insurance.
The solution? Be prepared to put in some extra time searching for fares and consult a variety of sources. Look for “hidden costs” like taxes, service charges and fuel surcharges. Look for websites that offers alerts when deals become available. (Hint: Look for RSS feeds – they won’t clog your inbox).
November 19, 2007
Packing the TSA way
Did you know those pies and cakes may be subjected to additional screening at the airport? That gravy, cranberry sauce and creamy dips must be packed in checked luggage? Or that disorganized packers make life more difficult for security screeners?
This holiday season, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is working to educate travellers on how to pack for the holidays. The reason? To “simpliFLY” the security screening process and prevent delays during the busiest travel time of the year. According to a recent press release, TSA is asking travellers to become “active partners” in the security experience by knowing about luggage restrictions and being more organized.
TSA's recommendations reiterate carry-on restrictions applying to liquids and gels (especially where holiday foods and gifts are concerned), and emphasize that travellers should pack neatly – preferably in layers – to facilitate the screening process. “Loose” and “cluttered” items make x-rays more difficult to read – and more likely that TSA may have to pull bags aside for a search, reports USA Today Travel.
Some of the advice is drawing jokes and scepticism from many sources. You be the judge: visit TSA's How to Pack Food and Gift Itemsand SimpliFLY for more information.
This holiday season, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is working to educate travellers on how to pack for the holidays. The reason? To “simpliFLY” the security screening process and prevent delays during the busiest travel time of the year. According to a recent press release, TSA is asking travellers to become “active partners” in the security experience by knowing about luggage restrictions and being more organized.
TSA's recommendations reiterate carry-on restrictions applying to liquids and gels (especially where holiday foods and gifts are concerned), and emphasize that travellers should pack neatly – preferably in layers – to facilitate the screening process. “Loose” and “cluttered” items make x-rays more difficult to read – and more likely that TSA may have to pull bags aside for a search, reports USA Today Travel.
Some of the advice is drawing jokes and scepticism from many sources. You be the judge: visit TSA's How to Pack Food and Gift Itemsand SimpliFLY for more information.
November 15, 2007
Up, up, up and away with fuel surcharges
The price of oil is soaring, and it could affect your trip.
Think rising fuel costs won’t affect your cruise or air travel? Think again. Higher fuel prices are increasing the costs of providing travel services – and companies are passing along the increase to their customers just in time for Christmas.
For instance, a recent article on the BBC reports that British Airways travellers can expect higher fares as of November 15, with charges ranging between £10 to £15 for long haul flights and £2 to £10 for short-haul. United Airlines also announced a $5.00 per trip increase for domestic flights in a recent press release.
Many cruise passengers will also feel the pinch – even if they have already booked their cruise. According to the San Francisco Chronicle passengers can expect a bill in the mail or from their travel agents for this “fuel supplement.” Travellers can expect to pay an extra $5.00/per person per day for cruises after February 1.
No doubt consumers will be keeping an eye on fuel prices and hoping a dip in price may mean lower fares.
Think rising fuel costs won’t affect your cruise or air travel? Think again. Higher fuel prices are increasing the costs of providing travel services – and companies are passing along the increase to their customers just in time for Christmas.
For instance, a recent article on the BBC reports that British Airways travellers can expect higher fares as of November 15, with charges ranging between £10 to £15 for long haul flights and £2 to £10 for short-haul. United Airlines also announced a $5.00 per trip increase for domestic flights in a recent press release.
Many cruise passengers will also feel the pinch – even if they have already booked their cruise. According to the San Francisco Chronicle passengers can expect a bill in the mail or from their travel agents for this “fuel supplement.” Travellers can expect to pay an extra $5.00/per person per day for cruises after February 1.
No doubt consumers will be keeping an eye on fuel prices and hoping a dip in price may mean lower fares.
November 8, 2007
Tibet: Getting there is half the battle
Why are tourists flocking to Tibet in record numbers? More than three millions people have visited Tibet – setting new records and drastically increasing the influx of tourist dollars, according to a recent article on Australia news source news.com.au.
The reason? A new railway and airport. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway opened in July 2006, bringing with it more international visitors as well as domestic travellers. The area now has three airports – soon be four – with flights rising by 20% over the summer.
However, not everyone is happy about this new influx of people. Activists worry that tourism and new businesses could affect Tibet’s distinctive Buddhist culture.
China expects visitors to Tibet to increase to six million per year by 2010.
The reason? A new railway and airport. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway opened in July 2006, bringing with it more international visitors as well as domestic travellers. The area now has three airports – soon be four – with flights rising by 20% over the summer.
However, not everyone is happy about this new influx of people. Activists worry that tourism and new businesses could affect Tibet’s distinctive Buddhist culture.
China expects visitors to Tibet to increase to six million per year by 2010.
November 5, 2007
City set in stone to be first new wonder
Following its election to the New Seven Wonders of the World, Jordan’s Petra was chosen as the first to be officially inaugurated, according to an article on People’s Daily Online. The city, carved into sandstone and dating back over 2000 years, was once the capital of the Nabataean Arabs who controlled trade routes spanning parts of the Middle East.
The title means more to Jordan than just a plaque. Officials are committed to the preservation and promotion of the site. The honour will boost awareness and help to combat negative perceptions of the country and area.
The official inauguration will take place during a ceremony this coming December.
The title means more to Jordan than just a plaque. Officials are committed to the preservation and promotion of the site. The honour will boost awareness and help to combat negative perceptions of the country and area.
The official inauguration will take place during a ceremony this coming December.
November 1, 2007
Watch out for extra holiday weight!
According to a note on TravelPress.com, November 1 marks the date of Air Jamaica’s new luggage restrictions for the holiday travel season. The new measures mean that passengers are limited to two bags weighing no more than 50 pounds each. Bags that weigh over 50 pounds (but less that 70) will be subject to a USD$50 fee.
In additional, traveller should watch out for a ban on excess baggage during certain periods, such as the month of December for some routes or Dec. 16-26 for others.
The article advises that anyone who needs to travel with excess baggage need to make arrangements with Air Jamaica Cargo well ahead of time. For full details, see the article here. http://travelpress.com/NEWS/index.php?sid=3018.
In additional, traveller should watch out for a ban on excess baggage during certain periods, such as the month of December for some routes or Dec. 16-26 for others.
The article advises that anyone who needs to travel with excess baggage need to make arrangements with Air Jamaica Cargo well ahead of time. For full details, see the article here. http://travelpress.com/NEWS/index.php?sid=3018.
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