Osher Course 2012 - Week Two

06-19-2012

Osher Course 2012  – Plan the trip of your dreams

(Tuesdays 1:00 to 2:50 p.m., Room 104 Lawrence Hall)

Instructor – David Bear:  traveler@travelersjournal.com

Course schedule and resource list posted at www.travelersjournal.com/articles2.php?ID=622

 

Week 2 – Transportation/Accommodation options

 

Transportation

1.   Finding flights, comparing fares, connection options, making reservations.  Price is important but should not be only factor – efficient routing, connections, total travel time and airline are also important.  Ticket consolidators. Round the World Fares.

2.   Airline frequent flyer and credit card programs.  Big differences in annual costs, credits they offer, protections and insurance coverage they include, ease of redemption and benefits they provide

3.   Flying from Pittsburgh International.  Fewer direct flights (only one to Europe). 

4.   Planning an auto trip in the U.S. or abroad?  Getting routes and directions.   Gas prices.

5.   Renting a car? Rental insurance issues, here and abroad.  Your own auto coverage may provide liability coverage in the US and Canada. Less likely overseas. Collision Damage Wavers.  Check the vehicle out before you leave the lot.  Don’t forget to consider parking costs.  Driving on the left.

6.   Taking a cruise – Different cruise lines? Large ship or small? River cruises?  Repositioning cruises. All inclusive versus ala carte. Booking land tours? Special health considerations? 

7.   Booking group tours – tour companies vary by destinations, type of activities, hotel, and typical clients.  Some specialize in trips for older individuals. They organize travel arrangements, but leave little flexibility or opportunity for individual explorations.

8.   Using rail - Amtrak, Rail Canada, and European trains. How about a rail pass?

9.   Getting around on the ground.  To/from the airport? Does hotel provide shuttle? Taking cabs, using mass transit, hiring a driver, walking.

 

Practical tips:

For finding the best flights, start with fare aggregator on online travel agency to compare prices, connection options and set availabilities.  But once you’ve found flights you want, it is generally better to make the reservation directly with carrier.

 

Auto rental insurance - Will your existing auto insurance policy provide basic liability coverage for rental? May need proof of coverage. Credit card may also offer Collision Damage Waiver coverage, but check the specifics of your card.  Also be aware that taxes and other add-ons that can add greatly to final bill.  

 

Accommodations

1.     Researching and booking hotels and resorts online. 

2.     Hotel rating systems - 4 Stars not the same everywhere - In US – Forbes Travel Guide (formerly Mobil Travel Guide) is best rating; Many countries have own rating systems, but not always comparable. 

3.     AAA and AARP discounts in US can save 5 to 10%

4.     Branded credit cards (Starwood/Amex) and hotel affinity programs

5.     Finding discounts - Hotwire, Hotels.com, Priceline.

6.     Using frequent flyer miles for hotel bookings

7.     Airline package deals can offer savings and other extras (breakfasts, internet access, free newspapers, airport transfers)

8.     Finding and booking B&Bs

9.     Renting a house or condo for short/long term stays

10. Setting up home exchanges

11.  Time shares

12.  Couch-surfing

 

Some practical tips

Where do you want to be staying? Location, location, location.

 

How much will you be using the accommodation?  If only for sleeping, is it worth paying for extra amenities, pool, spa, etc?

 

Ask about extra charges and mandatory fees (resort fees).  

 

Be aware local taxes can add 15 - 40% to the cost of a hotel stay.

 

Beware high rates for use of in-room phones, especially from abroad.

 

If ever a question or problem about stay, best to address it immediately or at check-out time

 

 

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