Rakuda Ginza

Archive for the ‘Travel’ Category

Our number one airline travel tip is: Check in early!

Airlines require domestic travelers to check-in 1 hour prior to departure. International flights require a 2 hour check-in. If you do not arrive on time and if the flights are overbooked, the possibility exists that your seat will be given away. In addition, there will be a greater opportunity when you arrive early to have your name on the “top of the list” for an upgrade.

Be aware that some airlines have restricted carry on luggage policies. For example:

Northwest – Maximum check-in is two and carryon luggage is limited to one piece plus a purse/briefcase/laptop computer for all flights. First class international is allowed two carry on items.
American/TWA – Check one and carryon two or check two and carryon one.
Delta – Check one and carry-on two or check two and carry-on one.
Southwest – Check up to three and carryon two.
United – One carryon in economy and two in business/first class.
USAir – Carryon two
Continental – Carryon two

Store your carryon luggage in the compartment across from you so you can keep an eye on it.

Be sure to carry photo identification.

Be aware of Safe Harbors emergency service telephone number (International / domestic) This will help you with questions concerning your ticket or itinerary changes. The number is printed on all itineraries. Calling the airline directly can cause confusion and be costly.  Read more... (437 words, estimated 1:45 mins reading time)

Smuggling is a fascinating part of Dorset’s history and the county’s World Heritage coastline is littered with smugglers coves. This travel tip article is about an exhilarating, yet undemanding coastal path walk. It starts in one such cove, hidden amongst some of England’s most magnificent coastal scenery. It then takes you to a pretty beach in a tranquil bay, before returning to a real smugglers inn which is one of the most picturesque traditional English pubs you’ll find anywhere.

The walk starts at the pub which is unsurprisingly named, “The Smugglers Inn”. You will find it by driving westwards, along the A353, towards Weymouth. About six miles before Weymouth, and after passing a left hand turning, signposted Ringstead Bay, take the next left which is signposted Osmington Mills. There is also a helpful secondary signpost labeled “Smugglers Inn”. Continue along the lane as it meanders fairly steeply downhill for about three quarters of a mile. You will see the Smugglers Inn at the foot of the hillside on your left and the car park on higher ground to the right. You park here. At the time of writing it is a free car park but please understand that it is intended for pub patrons, so remember to have a drink or meal in the inn when you return later.
 Read more... (826 words, estimated 3:18 mins reading time)

Europeans, especially Germans, Dutch, Scandinavians and the British tend to think of the Canary Islands as a winter sun resort. Of these, the British are probably the most likely to holiday in the Canaries during the summer.

In actual fact it makes little difference when you visit from the point of view of what weather to expect. The islands experience a fairly constant springtime climate all the year round. However, my Canary Island travel tip is to always bear in mind that all of the islands are cloudier and wetter on their north coasts or in their more northerly regions. This is where the moisture bearing trade winds make their initial contact with a land mass as they blow across the Atlantic ocean, often quite forcibly.

The best guarantee of constant sunshine and warm, dry weather is found on the south coasts of every island where even mid winter days provide plenty of sunbathing and swimming opportunities. It is also important to realise that fairly strong winds are prevalent all the year round, making what would otherwise be a sizzling African sun feel much less intense than otherwise would be the case.
 Read more... (684 words, estimated 2:44 mins reading time)

Deciding on when to book is a bit of a gamble. While many tour operators will offer cheaper prices and early booking discounts, you may find that last minute deals are also available which will prove better financially.

There are many factors that you should take into account when deciding on when to book for maximum financial gain:

Are you flexible in terms of dates that you are prepared to travel?

Are you flexible in terms of destinations that you are prepared to travel to?

Will you be buying a package deal or will you be building your own package?

Are you considering a popular destination where many tour operators or flight companies travel?

Flexibility Is A Plus

Firstly, if you are flexible in terms of location and dates then you will almost certainly benefit from waiting until the last minute to book your holiday. Last minute deals are, of course, something that you cannot rely upon and if you are set on going to a certain destination at a certain date then last minute is far too risky. If you are planning on creating your own package then youneed to be aware that you are taking multiple gambles. For example, you need to consider your airfare, hotels and transport. Whilst you may get an excellent last minute flight, you may not be so lucky when it comes to the hotel or car hire. In fact, you may find that paying a premium for other parts of your holiday will end up out-weighing any last minute savings you have made.  Read more... (527 words, estimated 2:06 mins reading time)

One of the best travel tips for people thinking of going on any kind of trekking or adventure vacation with friends or family is to first consider whether their personal enthusiasm for this style of holiday is shared by the rest of the group.

The following story of a family’s holiday nightmare in Thailand provides an example.

The family had enjoyed a few days of a beach resort holiday in Thailand when the husband suggested that they go off on a jungle experience, organized by one of the trekking and adventure tour operators. His wife was not enthusiastic but decided to go along with the proposal because she knew that this was something her husband had always wanted to do. Their seven year old son sounded as keen as his dad and their five year old daughter seemed happy enough with the idea too. The other family member was a two-year-old boy.

They booked up with a reliable tour guide and set off three days later, The seven year old had become even more enthusiastic and promised his mum that he would deal with all the nasty snakes and spiders for her.

After a grueling seven hour drive, during which time all three kids had been travel sick on several occasions, the family finally arrived at their destination, a lodge in the jungle.
 Read more... (718 words, estimated 2:52 mins reading time)