Monthly Archive February 23, 2016

Asia

Asia houses a multitude of cultures, each distinctive from its neighbour. The two largest populations in the world are China and India, each with its own amazing sub cultures. From the Taj Mahal to the Great Wall of China to the Himalayas, to Ankor Wat and Pagan and the beautiful beaches and islands of the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia there is so much to see and do.

World’s most expensive funeral plot!

Asia Transport Options

In some places there are very fast trains such as China and Japan. In others the way to go is by bus. In others it is much better value to take the plane. India for example has good coverage for long distances with Jet Airways and Air India as well as budget carriers such as Indigo. In China, airfares can often be booked once you arrive through a hotel at a rate less that full fare.

Travel can be very cheap in this part of the world and is also relatively safe.

North America

A gift from France

North America is relatively easy to travel. With USA, Canada and Mexico making up the bulk of the North American land mass. North America possesses some of the best developed ski resorts in the world and the USA’s Grand Canyon, the world’s largest hole in the ground. USA is famous for the Statue or Liberty, a gift from France as well as Disneyland, a world of make-believe.

The easiest way to travel these countries is with a combination of bus, train and air passes. Greyhound by far has the largest network of buses that traverse these countries. There is an excellent long distance train system in Canada that runs basically one track system from Halifax to Vancouver. However, as the distances are so great here, you will need to consider which legs should be done by air. To this effect, Delta, United and others have air passes for the USA and there are also a number of budget airlines that cover the routes.

In areas south of the US border, it is necessary to have some knowledge of Spanish or at least a phrase book. In some areas north of the USA, Spanish can be an advantage. For instance in Little Havana in Miami and the south of the USA in all parts Spanish can be often heard spoken in the streets.

The Countries of North America

North America also covers more exciting areas such as the jungles and beaches of Guatemala, Belize and Cost Rica as well as the almighty Panama Canal. These areas can be easily traversed on local buses. In these countries, easiest transport is by local bus. In these countries; food, accommodation and transportation is relatively cheap.

This is the place to put information that relates to North America

South America

South America is a wonderful continent to travel for the adventurous. It can be very cheap but also dangerous for the unaware.

Travel to Macchu Picchu

This continent is one of the lesser travelled continents in the world. It offers the traveller natural beauty, history at Macchu Picchu and Trujillo that pre-dates Europe’s, waterfalls that make Niagara look like a dripping tap and its fiestas are parties on steroids. It is home to amazing wildlife, with The Galapagos, Amazon and Pantanal amongst the most impressive areas. These offer some of the most amazing diversities of animal life on the planet.

The continent is best explored by bus and air passes. Food and accommodation is relatively cheap. In the south of the continent, transport may be by luxury coaches. In the remote areas in the north it may mean sharing the back of a 4WD taxi with passengers and their live chickens.

Dangers of South America

Whilst tourists can encounter problems throughout the continent, the north of the continent, houses more danger than the south. The Darien Gap between Colombia and Panama is run by terrorists, drug lords and others attempting to escape from the rest of the world. It is mainly dense jungle with alligators and large snakes. Venezuela, French Guinea, Guyana and Suriname still hold no go zones for all but the most adventurous of travellers.

Countries of the Southern Continent

The following countries are in South America

Argentina

Bolivia

Brazil

Colombia

Chile

Ecuador

French Guinea

Guyana

Peru

Paraguay

Suriname

Uruguay

Venezuela

Comments and Tips about South America Travel are welcome below.

Europe

Europe is a fascinating continent steeped in history. Its buildings on average, are older than anywhere else in the world. It has diversity, where languages, culture and cuisine change from one country to the next. Some of the world’s most famous festivals, buildings and museums exist in Europe.

A sunken city!

It can easily be traversed by either train or bus. In the north of Western Europe, most people speak at least a smattering of English and school children are taught to speak English. In other parts, English is well spoken by many in tourist areas.

Some of the most famous icons include The Eiffel Tower in France, The Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Vatican and canals of Venice in Italy, Buckingham Palace in England, the mountains and lakes in Switzerland and many more.

Europe stretches from Greenland and Iceland in the north west to Russia in the east and Turkey in the south east. It spans a number of vastly different cultures and linguistic groups. Even within a country, the accents and language may vary greatly. Customs vary immensely from one country to the next. It is an area where almost all countries have been at war with their neighbours at some time.

Europe is very easy to travel. However, it can also be very expensive. Food is usually of good quality. Quite often in Southern Mediterranean countries, it is cheaper to eat a large lunch than a large dinner, especially when having a fixed price menu. This is because lunch is the customary large meal of the day in these countries.

If you have travel tips for Europe, this is the place to explain them.

Africa

Travel in Africa is not only possible, it can be quite cost effective. Africa is a vast continent with vastly different cultures. Here, two cultures share the same desert space. One will completely cover their body to deal with the heat whilst the other will wear nothing but a loin cloth.

Some areas offer everything you can find in the rest of the modern world. Others areas are purely subsistent where people sleep on the floor of mud huts and eat from the land. The ethnicities vary more than any other continent. The peoples have immigrated from Europe, India and Arab countries and have a rainbow of skin colours.

In Africa, even a zebra crossing can mean something else

Incredibly unstable governments change hands overnight and wars can escalate to genocide in the blink of an eye. The continent has some of the most amazing wildlife sanctuaries in the world. It houses the amazing pyramids, the Sahara and Namib deserts, and impenetrable dense jungles. However, it is tainted by wars and crime throughout.

It can be a challenge to travel to some parts as major highways become so bad that road graders become bogged. In other parts, trees block the roads and the same road bridge triples as a highway, railway and pedestrian bridge.

Africa Travel – How to save money in Africa

The six most dangerous countries in the world lie in Africa. It is a continent where life is cheap and safety is a concern that overrides low cost at times. The cost of living in most countries in the continent is reasonably cheap. However, one must be on constant vigil for your own protection.

Depending on where you are in Africa, cheap hotels can cost as little as a few dollars and some very good hotels can be significantly cheaper than elsewhere. Countries such as Mauritius, Namibia, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, South Africa, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt can be travelled with caution.

That being said, local transport whilst cheap; may be limited and difficult at times. So you need to work our a route before you arrive. In some countries it is possible to hire cars. However, support for them is limited and sometimes parts can take a long time to arrive, severely hampering your trip. In many countries, such as Namibia, coverage for mobile phones is limited.

In Africa, the capital cities can be dangerous. Even the locals ensure that they are not wearing jewellery.

This is the place to put travel tips for Africa.

Australia

The Professional Traveler’s Guide to Exploring Australia

Australia is one of the world’s most accessible and rewarding destinations. Sharing a single official language and boasting a highly developed tourism infrastructure—including an extensive network of boutique hostels, budget accommodations, and transit options—it is an exceptionally easy continent to navigate. However, travelers should budget carefully, as major metropolitan hubs like Sydney carry a premium price tag.

1. Geography, Scale, and Key Destinations

The Vast Australian Landscape

Australia is immense, and its geography is defined by vast distances. While the coastal fringes are highly developed, the interior is incredibly sparse. Regions such as the Northern Territory and the northern reaches of Western Australia contain some of the lowest population densities on Earth. When planning an itinerary, it is crucial to account for significant transit times between major destinations.

World Heritage Sites and Natural Wonders

The country is home to globally renowned, World Heritage-listed landmarks alongside pristine natural beauty:

Iconic Landmarks: Explore the ancient monolith of Uluru (formerly known as Ayers Rock), the biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef, and the dramatic coastal vistas along the Great Ocean Road.
World-Class Coastlines: As an island continent, Australia is ringed by spectacular coastlines, offering some of the finest beach and surfing destinations in the world.
Sydney Harbour: Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful natural harbors on Earth, it features a stunning metropolitan skyline framed by the architectural marvels of the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

2. Wildlife Safety: Myths vs. Reality

While Australia has a reputation for hosting some of the world’s most venomous and predatory species—including sharks, snakes, spiders, crocodiles, and marine life like box jellyfish and blue-ringed octopuses—the actual risk to travelers is exceptionally low.

Key Safety Guidelines

Exercise Common Sense: Standard safety precautions prevent almost all negative wildlife encounters. Do not provoke, handle, or corner native wildlife.
Heed Warning Signs: Local authorities place clear signage near hazardous areas (such as active crocodile habitats in northern estuaries or beaches with seasonal marine stingers). Always observe these boundaries.
Regional Variations: In Northern Queensland, estuarine crocodiles are the dominant apex predators in local waterways. Visitors should remain vigilant and swim only in designated, netted beach areas.

3. The Great Australian Campervan Road Trip

One of the most authentic and flexible ways to experience the diverse landscapes of Australia is by campervan. Self-drive holidays allow you to set your own pace through the vast outback and stunning coastal routes.

Booking Note: When renting a campervan, please be aware that many operators require a minimum rental period (often up to 28 days) during peak travel seasons.

Antarctica

Antarctica where even the icebergs grow icicles.

Antarctica is the coldest place on Earth. For this reason all tourism takes place in summer. It is a remarkable experience that one has to experience to believe. Normally anyone wishing to reach Antarctica will either catch a ship from Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina or from New Zealand. The vessels departing from Ushuaia will be the cheaper of the two.

How to save money on an Antarctica experience

Standby Fare

Antarctica is not a budget experience. However, people have been known to arrange standby passage on a ship simply by asking every ship that arrives at port if they have any spare capacity. Occasionally someone will cancel at the last moment and a spot will become available.

Shared Room

Some ships offer shared rooms without single supplements. If you are travelling by yourself, this is a great way to save money.

Advance Purchase

Advance purchase with regard to Antarctica can mean booking a whole year in advance. Normally it is possible to obtain a reasonable discount on tickets booked this far in advance.

Buying Gear

To travel to Antarctica, you will need specialist gear. Make your gear list and then buy at the specialist shops when they have their seasonal sales. Then bargain with the places you need to buy them. Also, many outdoor gear shops also have loyalty discounts that you can take advantage of. Even better, buy online from Travel Ideology

Smaller Ships

Smaller ships (normally about 50 passengers) mean that it will take less time for everyone to get on and off. This means more time exploring, especially when the weather conditions are such that people need to be back on the boat quickly. They also sometimes have options such as camping, kayaking and scuba diving that are not available on larger vessels.

Other Comments

This is the section where tips for visiting a continent can be placed.

Travel Insurance Tips

If you can’t afford travel insurance you can’t afford to travel.

The Imperative of Travel Insurance

A common industry maxim states: “If you cannot afford travel insurance, you cannot afford to travel.” Comprehensive coverage is not merely an optional extra; it is a fundamental component of responsible travel planning.

Below are the primary reasons why securing robust travel insurance is essential for any international journey.

1. Managing Medical Risks

The costs associated with unexpected medical treatment abroad can be financially devastating. For instance, a vehicle accident in the United States without adequate insurance can result in medical bills exceeding $100,000.

When selecting a policy, consider the following:

Coverage Limits: Seek a policy that offers at least $1 million in coverage, though unlimited medical insurance is strongly recommended.
Activity Exclusions: Be mindful of policy terms regarding “high-risk” activities. Many standard policies do not cover incidents occurring while participating in activities like motorcycle riding unless specifically endorsed.
Medical Evacuation: In regions with limited medical infrastructure—such as remote areas in developing nations—local facilities may be unable to provide necessary care. Ensure your policy includes comprehensive medical evacuation coverage to transport you to an appropriate hospital, should the need arise.

2. Personal Liability

Navigating foreign legal systems can be complex. In the event of an accident where you are held legally liable, the financial and legal ramifications can be severe. Personal liability coverage provides crucial protection, helping to mitigate the risks of costly legal disputes or damages. As with medical coverage, it is advisable to ensure your policy provides at least $1 million in liability protection.

Do you have additional insights or advice regarding travel insurance? We invite you to share your experiences and tips in the comments section below.

Cheaper Flight Tips

How to Find Cheaper Flights: The Strategic Routing Guide

Optimizing your air travel involves more than just hunting for random discounts. To consistently find cheaper flights, you need a firm grasp on global routing structures, airline alliances, and practical booking mechanics.

By applying these strategic routing frameworks, you can significantly reduce your airfare expenses while upgrading your entire transit experience.

1. Smart Flight Routing and Gateway Strategies

Leverage Major Regional Transit Hubs

When searching for affordable international routes, do not limit your search queries to direct destination flights. You can often secure vastly cheaper flights by booking a long-haul trip to a primary regional gateway and purchasing a separate, localized ticket to your final stop.

Asia: Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, Beijing, Dubai
Europe: London, Paris, Frankfurt
North America: Los Angeles, New York, Miami
South America: Santiago, Buenos Aires, Bogota, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Lima
Africa: Cairo, Casablanca, Johannesburg

Pro Flight Tip: If you want to fly from Sydney to Zurich, compare the cost of a single direct ticket against a long-haul leg from Sydney to Paris (CDG), combined with a high-speed rail line or a regional flight into Zurich.

Evaluate Alternative Airport Entry Points

Multiple National Gateways: Many countries host several international airports that vary in price based on carrier competition. For instance, check Manila vs. Cebu in the Philippines; Delhi, Mumbai, or Kolkata in India; or Rome, Milan, and Naples in Italy.
Secondary City Airports: Major metropolitan areas often run secondary airports (e.g., London’s four major international airports). When targeting cheaper flights at secondary hubs, always calculate the added travel time and ground transit costs to ensure the net savings are real.

Select the Right Ticket Structure

Tailoring your ticket structure to your itinerary opens up unique cost-saving paths:

One-Way vs. Return: Standard booking formats for linear travel.
Open-Jaw Tickets: Fly into one city and depart from another (e.g., arriving in Paris and flying out of Rome). This cuts out the costly time and expense of backtracking.
Circle and Round-the-World (RTW) Fares: Offered by global airline alliances, these let you book multi-stop international circuits under a unified, discounted tariff structure.
Stopover Optimization: Look for point-to-point flights that allow multi-day stopovers. Many major legacy carriers let you stay in their hub cities for several days at no additional airfare cost.

2. Navigating Budget Airlines and Fare Tactics

Utilizing Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs)

Low-cost carriers offer deep discounts but operate under strict unbundled pricing structures.

Top Regional Budget Airlines:
- Europe: EasyJet, Ryanair, Norwegian, Eurowings
- Americas: JetBlue, WestJet, Southwest, Gol, Azul
- Asia-Pacific: AirAsia, Scoot, Cebu Pacific, Jetstar, Virgin Australia
- Africa: FlySafair, Fastjet
Crucial LCC Guidelines:
- Book Direct: Many budget operators omit their flights from major global meta-search engines. Check their official brand sites directly for the best rates.
- Avoid Ancillary Penalty Fees: Budget operators charge heavy premiums for physical airport check-ins, seat selection, and carry-on bags. Always check in online and measure your luggage against their fine print.
- Flash Sale Newsletters: Join airline mailing lists to catch limited promotional windows. For example, some airlines feature daily flash sales offering local routes at steep discounts.

Advanced Fare Savings & System Hacks

Fly Midweek and Off-Peak: Tuesdays and Wednesdays regularly offer cheaper flights because they fall outside the heavy booking windows of weekend holidaymakers and Monday corporate travelers.
Travel During Shoulder Seasons: Book your travel windows right outside regional peak periods (e.g., visiting Europe in May or September rather than the crowded July-August rush) to slash booking rates across the board.
Exploit Code-Share Discrepancies: Multiple partner lines frequently share the same physical airplane while listing the trip under different flight codes. Compare pricing across all code-share partners, as seat prices for the exact same flight can vary dramatically.
Maximize Airline Alliances: Consolidate your loyalty points within a primary network (such as Star Alliance, Oneworld, or SkyTeam). Accumulating points across an alliance lets you redeem miles for cheaper flights or upgrades later.
Cross-Reference Aggregators: Compare multiple booking platforms (like Expedia, Kayak, and Farecompare) to benchmark rates, but remember to check the airline’s direct homepage before final purchase to secure the best buyer protection.
Target Regional and Ethnic Agencies: Local agencies catering to specific immigrant or cultural communities frequently hold access to private, consolidated bulk fares that aren’t published online.

3. Demographics & Special Airfare Discounts

Student and Youth Airfare: Full-time students and travelers under 26 have access to dedicated flight savings through specialized providers or by holding an International Student Identity Card (ISIC).
Family Travel Optimization: Infant lap travelers under two years old typically fly for roughly 10% of a standard adult fare on legacy lines. Children up to 12 often receive up to 50% off on standard carriers, though budget airlines generally charge families full price for any assigned seat.

4. Baggage Fees & Airport Efficiency

Beating Luggage Weight Restrictions

Strategic Layering: Sidestep expensive excess weight penalties by wearing your heaviest boots, coats, and layers onto the plane. Keep heavy photography and electronics gear safely inside your cabin baggage.
Oversized Sporting Gear: If traveling with specialty equipment like golf clubs or skis, contact your airline customer line beforehand. Many major carriers maintain generous specialty item policies if the gear is packed according to their exact transit rules.

Mastering Security and Logistics

TSA-Approved Security Locks: If you are routing through the United States, use TSA-approved locks. Standard luggage locks will be clipped off by security teams if your bags undergo manual inspection.
Prohibited Items and Liquid Limits: Keep all carry-on liquids under the standard 100ml (3.4 oz) threshold. Keep pocket knives and multi-tools packed securely in checked baggage, and ensure loose lithium batteries stay strictly inside your cabin bags.
Choose the Swift Security Line: When picking a security queue, line up behind corporate or business travelers instead of vacationing families. Frequent flyers clear checkpoints with speed, getting you through to your gate much faster.

5. Maximizing In-Flight Comfort and Value

How to Position Yourself for an Upgrade

While smart business attire alone won’t secure a free cabin upgrade, presenting a polished, professional image makes you an eligible candidate if an economy section becomes overbooked. Ultimately, operations teams grant upgrades based on status and alliance frequency.

Case Study: Elite Status in Action
On a past booking routed through a frequent flyer alliance network, I was scheduled to fly premium economy. Due to a high load capacity and a history of regular travel within the carrier ecosystem, I was met at the check-in desk with a complimentary upgrade to Business Class. Consolidating your travel with a specific carrier group pays real dividends when flights are full.

Additional In-Flight Comfort Wins

Pre-Order Special Dietary Meals: If you require vegetarian, kosher, or allergen-free food, submit your order 24–48 hours ahead of departure. As an added benefit, airlines serve special request meals before standard cabin service begins.
Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): On long-haul international flights, remove your shoes, stay hydrated, and walk down the cabin aisles periodically to maintain healthy circulation.
Pack an Extra Travel Layer: Aircraft cabins fluctuate in temperature, and budget operators routinely charge extra fees for blankets. Keep a lightweight jacket inside your carry-on bag.

6. Connection and Layover Management

Through-Checked Luggage: When booking a multi-leg itinerary on a single ticket, verify that your baggage is checked through to your final destination. This gives you the freedom to explore transit cities during long layovers without towing heavy bags.
Long Layover Strategy: If your transit window allows, check visa rules and exit the airport to see the local city. For shorter stays where you cannot leave, check for an on-site transit hotel, pay for airport lounge entry, or use airport shower facilities to reset before your next flight.

7. Compliance, Taxes, and Documentation

Reconfirm International Flights: While automated systems dominate modern travel, select regional carriers still require a manual flight reconfirmation 72 hours prior to departure. Verify this rule when purchasing tickets.
Carry Travel Essentials in Your Hand Luggage: Keep your cash, identification, visas, prescriptions, and a backup set of clothes in your cabin backpack. If your checked baggage gets delayed, your trip can continue without interruption.
Local Departure and Airport Taxes: Though most modern itineraries bundle airport fees directly into the ticket price, specific international terminals still collect departure taxes in local cash before boarding.
Border Control Decorum: Always remain formal and cooperative when speaking with border agents. Security teams enforce zero-tolerance policies regarding jokes about security threats, which can result in immediate detentions or missed flights.

Planning Tips

Essential Travel Planning Strategies

Effective trip planning involves more than simply selecting a destination; it requires strategic financial management and logistical foresight. To maximise the value and quality of your travel experiences in Australia and beyond, consider the following expert strategies.

1. Strategic Financial Planning

Maximise Purchasing Power: Research destinations based on relative cost-of-living and safety metrics. Be mindful of the “multiplier effect”—income earned in your home country often yields significantly greater purchasing power in developing nations.
Optimise Travel Budgeting: Evaluate your daily expenditures. Small, consistent savings—such as limiting discretionary daily habits—can cumulatively extend the duration of your trip. For extended journeys, exploring additional income streams in the months leading up to departure can prove highly beneficial.
Leverage Rewards Programs: Utilise credit cards that offer travel rewards or points programs. These can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses for flights and accommodation.

2. Maximising Value

Prioritise Longer Stays: Transportation costs represent a major travel expense. By planning longer stays in fewer locations, you reduce transit costs and increase your leverage to negotiate discounted long-term accommodation rates.

3. Comprehensive Research

Diversify Information Sources: Consult official national tourism websites, attend travel expositions, and leverage professional networks. While digital research is efficient, seeking insights from experienced travellers often reveals more authentic, less-trafficked destinations.

4. Logistical Preparation

Home and Property Management: For extended travel, consider options such as renting out your residence or coordinating a house-swap. If leaving your home vacant, establish a reliable property management plan, delegate financial responsibilities (such as bill payments) via internet banking, and consider appointing a power of attorney for necessary legal matters.
Asset Management: Sell or store unused items to streamline your affairs. Prior to departure, ensure all utilities are properly managed; switching off electricity at the mains can prevent unnecessary power draw from standby devices.
Documentation: Stay informed of promotions by subscribing to key travel newsletters. Additionally, ensure you obtain an International Driving Permit well in advance if you intend to operate a vehicle abroad.

For in-depth guidance on optimising your travel budget, explore our guide: Travel More for Less.