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INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL MONEY SAVING TIPS

 

 

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Additional International Travel Tips

 

 

Air Travel

 

Considerable challenges can be faced during international travel, including how to travel in the most economical manner.  Since all countries are different from the United States when it comes to travel, with some being very different, how to save money while traveling varies greatly by country.  Many of the money saving tips set forth in the other sections of TravelSavingsNut.com regarding saving on air fares, rental cars, and even hotels and dining can be employed when arranging your international trip, as well as during your trip, to great effect.  However, when it comes to international travel, some additional tips can be helpful.

 

1.     The first step in international travel is to have an up-to-date passport.  Make sure you apply as far in advance as possible, because if you do not have a passport you will not be traveling internationally.  Plan on at least three months lead time to be safe, and more if possible.  If you are applying for the first time you will need to apply in person to obtain your passport.  If visiting certain countries, you will also need one or more visas.  Visit the U.S. Department of State web site at travel.state.gov for information on how to apply.  And make sure, in case you lose your passport during your trip, that you either have a photocopy of your passport with you, or you have scanned it into your computer and emailed it to yourself so it can be retrieved if necessary.

 

2.     Compared to domestic travel, international air travel is more often arranged by purchasing a vacation package, which often includes air travel, as well as other transportation, accommodations, and many of your meals.  While this makes a great deal of sense for destinations that are very dissimilar to the Untied States, for other destinations such as Canada, Western Europe, and many large international cities, travel arrangements can be made on an “ala carte” basis, with considerable savings possible.

 

a.  You can find and separately book flights, rental cars and other forms of transportation, and hotels with just as much ease over the Internet for international travel, as is possible with domestic travel.  You can even find independent (non-chain) car rental companies and hotels with ease, and perhaps save even more.  Of course, if you will be more comfortable with a vacation package, these can also be located and booked in the same way as domestic vacation packages.  Remember, if you are considering renting a car internationally, check out insurance coverage closely.

 

b.  When looking for international flights, make sure to investigate international airlines, in addition to scheduled flights by United States airlines.  Many large international airlines fly scheduled flights to destinations outside the United States, and should be shopped when looking for low fares.  Also, there may be one or more smaller international airlines that also schedule flights to foreign cities.  Most of these airlines are high quality and you may be able to find bargain fares. If going to Europe, you may also want to consider flying to one of the European “gateway” cities (i.e.,  London, Amsterdam or Frankfurt) for a cheaper fare, and then book a seat on a low-cost European air carrier or train to get to your final destination.  

 

c.  Charter companies and air consolidators also operate flights to international destinations.  These flights may be sold individually, or as part of a vacation package.  Charter companies generally book their flights through travel agents (either regular agents or Internet travel web sites) and group passengers going to the same destination.  Because they do not have many of the expenses of scheduled airlines, and because they generally fly full (as compared to scheduled airlines that often do not sell all of their seats), fares can cost considerably less. This is particularly true during busy travel seasons.  If you go with an established charter company, chances are that it will be a great flight. However, if the flight is canceled for any reason, the charter company may or may not be able to, or be required to, get you on another flight.  And if you cannot make your flight, there may not be any refunds available.  So, even with an established charter company (as with scheduled airlines), make sure you understand all their restrictions and policies.  Also, there have been some horror stories of money being lost, and trips being ruined, by illegitimate charter companies not supplying the flight they promised.  So, although charter flights may be a very affordable way to fly, be careful you are dealing with a reputable and established operator.

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