BOOKING YOUR TRIP ON-LINE? KEEP THESE THINGS IN MIND

Based on some of my personal experiences and in talking to people, below are some things to keep in mind and to look for before you book your next travel adventure on-line. Some of these tips can also be helpful if booking face to face with a travel agent:

Timing – BEFORE you book, decide if it is the right time to take a trip. Other than emergencies or situations out of your control, make sure that there are no major events occurring around the time you plan your trip.

Cancellation policy – ALWAYS read the cancellation policy for air and hotel before you finalize your booking.

Insurance policy – If you purchase insurance for your trip, ALWAYS read the policy (yes, including the fine print). Sometimes the entire booking may only be partially covered. If you are not satisfied, shop around for other insurance policies or ask friends and acquaintances for recommendations. Don’t assume that your travel agent has offered you the best policy available.

De-Select – LOOK FOR pre-checked boxes that offer additional services you do not wish to include in your purchase. Some on-line sites that offer additional services, sometimes pre-check those boxes. And while you are booking and are excited about your trip, you could miss this. So be sure to de-select the box if you don't want the service.

Itinerary – Once you've finalized your booking, check your itinerary IMMEDIATELY and correct any discrepancies RIGHT AWAY. Make sure what you bought and paid for is reflected on the itinerary.

Representatives – ALWAYS get the names (first and last) of representatives with whom you speak. I've had to learn this lesson the hard way.

Correspondence – If a problem occurs with your booking, document everything by WRITING letters instead of trying to reach someone by phone. Be sure to get the first and last name of the person to whom you need to address the correspondence.

Follow up – If you resolve the situation (either over the phone or in writing) and expect action by a certain time, FOLLOW UP as soon as possible if nothing happens.

I would encourage you to be responsible for your on-line booking from start to finish. Even if you believe the travel agent bears some or all of the responsibility, ultimately it's your trip and your money you are spending. Demand the level of service you want and if you don't get it, book elsewhere.

CHICAS IN THE CITY BLOG

Hello fellow travellers and bloggers,

In the continued spirit of sharing and informing, let me tell you about one of the most informative yet hilarious blogs I follow. It's called "Chicas In The City" and once you log on, you'll never want to log off. I can tell you that these Chicas are not only gorgeous and fabulous, but brilliant as well. When the TravelDiva gets going, NO topic is safe. She is a mastermind whose brain should be cloned and she has the ability to entice and draw you in. The Chicas talk about everything from politics to the economy, sports to reality TV and all the latest celeb gossip. You'd better keep a low profile because if you screw up and they find out, you might end up with a "Joker of the Week" title. LOL! So grab a hanky and start doing your crunches, because this site is bound to keep you in stitches!

Take an on-line trip to Chicas In The City and leave them a comment. They would love to hear from you.

NEW YEAR'S EVE - Celebrations around the world

For most people no matter who or where they are, New Year's Eve is a time for reflecting on the past and making changes for the future. Whether it is to get a new job, lose a few pounds, do more community service, or find love, most people want to make a difference in their lives and they choose the beginning of the new year to make their resolutions. The new year is their symbol for a new start.

For other people, New Year's Eve is an occasion just to have a really good time in anticipation of the countdown to midnight. They just want to get dressed up and celebrate the start of the new year with food, drink, good times and good friends. They don't make resolutions and for these people, the new year is a continuation of what they do.

Whatever the reason, and, if you've seen the Ball drop once too often in Times Square, NY, check out some of CNN's picks of the World's best New Year's Eve Parties in the US and around the world. See and embrace how other people and cultures ring in the New Year. Maybe you can make your resolution and party while ringing in the New Year next year in one of them!

Check back in January for things to do on New Year's Eve in other parts of Germany and my recap at I travel for fun.

HELPFUL TRAVEL TIPS - Be safe and use common sense!

The list below is not a compre-hensive listing, but it can serve both the seasoned traveller as well as the first-time adventurer.


1. List an emergency contact with the airline you use.

2. Have emergency phone numbers available for your destination. Check for exits and find out the emergency procedures for the hotel/building you are in (if you have to get out in a hurry). Inquire as to where the nearest hospital or medical facility is located. Get the emergency numbers for the police and other emergency services if possible.

3. Copy all of your official documents (twice), passport, credit cards, driver's license and other important documents. Leave one set at home and take one with you. (If possible, add phone numbers to copies, especially for credit cards and make sure all account numbers are clear and legible.)

4. Tell someone where you will be as a precautionary measure. Give them your itinerary that includes hotel telephone number(s) and flight number(s) and any other information you think they might need.

5. Create a "to do" list and use it as you prepare for your travel. It can be helpful when there are certain things you do differently for each trip.

6. Create a travel "checklist" of things to take on your trip. You may have to vary it slightly from destination to destination, but at least the common items should be on it.

7. Learn a few key phrases in the language of the country you are visiting if not your native tongue. (Most people will help if they see you are trying.)

8. Learn a little about the culture. Some cultures are very relaxed, but others have very strict traditions and rules, and it is polite and considerate to adhere to them. (Make sure you don't offend anyone and keep within the limits of the law.)

9. Learn a little about how to get around even if you have a rental or walking. In some cities there are designated taxis stands and you cannot get a taxi elsewhere. Also if not you are not in a rush to get to your destination, in some cities, you get a treat of some terrific views and landscapes scenes when you ride the bus.

10. What you would not feel comfortable doing at home, DO NOT DO ABROAD! Chances are if you have to think twice about doing something, then think three times before making a decision. Let your instincts be your guide. Be safe and have FUN, FUN, FUN!

See more on my travels at I travel for fun.

WELCOME! Travel, travel, travel

Welcome to my site fellow travel bloggers and all others!

I created this site to share my experiences with those of you who might have similar plans for travel. I hope you find my insight on hotels, restaurants/bars, attractions, getting around, etc. useful, as it is provided with first-hand knowledge. I am not an authority on travel, but I love to travel and I know what to expect by observing and taking notes.

I started traveling many years ago when I realized that I did not want to wait until I retired to start doing "retirement activities." Why wait until you retire, when there's so much to see right NOW! So I started my retirement very early. I enjoy traveling very much. From the very moment a trip becomes an idea in my head the excitement lingers until the very end. I love travel even when flights are delayed, when baggage is lost or items are damaged, or even when, as in more recent times, you have to pay for everything including the peanuts. (:

My love of travel has taken me to many countries around the world (some of them twice and more), where I've eaten really good food, stayed in really nice hotels and met very friendly people. But I would be remiss to say that all of my experiences have been good ones. I have also stayed at really bad hotels where friends and I have walked the streets endlessly at night so as to spend as little time as possible in the room, and I've met some very rude people. On longer trips, I have to be budget-minded and have had to split those stays between less expensive and moderately priced hotels.

I enjoy meeting and getting to know new people, while attempting to learn about the culture and a few key phrases of the language. In essence, I make every attempt to absorb the environment that I am in. For me, it is the only way to truly experience the culture. I love the nightlife, but I also enjoy daytime activities. I try not to get carried away when I travel, and to remember that the rest of the world is not on holiday with me.

I recently got married and my husband also enjoys travel. There are still so many more places for us to see and experience together and I don't let the bad experiences hold me back. So, if you are like-minded, then safely spread your wings and soar to 37,000 feet to your next destination. There is so much to see and so much more to experience, that I believe we need two lifetimes to fully appreciate what the world has to offer.

I look forward to your comments and questions and come back often! For more about my travels check out I travel for fun.

NEXT STOP . . .Christmas and New Year's 2008 in Germany (check back in January 2009 for my writeup from this trip). AUF WIEDERSEHEN!!