This Might Help You Save A Bit Of Money

screen shot of the fare rule section

Hello Everyone,

Am sorry for not updating my blog consistently but then I recently changed jobs and with it came more responsibility. I
Today I will be talking about the travel lingua you must familiarize yourself.


Fare Rules
Think of this as the bible of travel, these are rules set by airlines governing each of their flight, No two airlines have the same set of rules. Before any change can be made on your ticket, the fare rules must be checked and complied with.
The most important part of the rules would be the penalty section. Penalty for no show, penalty for refund, penalty for change fee. Failure to adhere to this rules could result in consequences worth millions of Naira.

What is a No-Show

Simply put, a No-show is when you miss your flight, and also fail to cancel your reservation either by asking your travel agent or by calling the airline. Meaning your seat was un-occupied, A seat that could have been bought by somebody else.Most people commit no show for a variety of reasons but if its not for the death of a family member with a valid death certificate to prove, you will be fined.

 A No-show is a very serious penalty, A No show committed on a Lufthansa Carrier, most times renders the ticket unusable. Now this penalty varies with airlines, Arik fines USD300 when a No-Show is committed on an international flight and Emirates go for as low as USD50.
To avoid a No show, the ticket would have to be cancelled at least 1hr 45 mins before departure time for international flight and at least 1 hour before departure for local flights.


Change fee.

Now after missing your flight for whatever reason, your thinking of changing your ticket to another date... you would be required to pay what is known as a change fee. This is how airlines generate a lot of revenue, They charge you every time you change your mind. if you have committed a no show, you'd be asked to pay your No show fee first.

For instance if your carrier is British airways, the NO SHOW FEE could go as high as USD400 then change fee of about USD200. In order to change your date you would pay about USD600 that's approximately NGN100,000 and probably half the ticket price! now had you cancelled your ticket before departure time you'd just be paying the change fee of USD200 i.e NGN32,000. Ignorance is not an excuse. To prevent unnecessary expenses ensure you cancel your ticket before date of departure. CANCELLATION IS FREE!!!

Refund

A lot of people don't know that when they decide not to travel, they are entitled to the fare & unused taxes. Now once again this is subject to fare rules, and this refund process usually takes up to two weeks.

 I have had lot of cases where clients demanded a refund because they committed a No show and since their fare rules stipulates that ''when a No show is committed, changes cant be made on that ticket''  So they go ''oh good let me get my money back'' But then again the rule on that ticket also says that refund is not permitted!!!!!!

Often times these clients, having read and understood the rules before purchasing such ticket still want to put the blame on ME!! it takes the grace of God to handle such client. Thankfully I inform all my pax about the fare rules and also advice a change in airline with lesser penalties.

Ask your travel agent about the fare rules on your ticket and if you are purchasing your ticket online ensure you read the fare rules section carefully.


Ticket Validity

This means how long you have until your ticket expires, Most tickets have a one year validity but promo tickets and really cheap tickets usually have a varying degree of validity, I have seen some for 2 months. So while chasing after cheap fare please keep validity in mind.

 My client and i almost got into a fix when i gave him a ticket with a 4 month validity- We had spent days looking for something cheap and were so excited when we finally found a seat that i didn't bother with the validity. Calling him up after he had travelled, to tell him that his ticket would only be valid for just 4 months, almost broke my heart.



Hotel vouchers.

Hotel vouchers are hotel reservations made by an airline for pax due to long connecting time between flights. Hotel vouchers are free.
For instance you wanna go to Johannesburg and you choose to travel via Ethiopian airlines which transits in Addis Ababa for a total of 7 hours, this means you would have to wait 7 hours before your connecting flight to Jo'burg. 
Due to this INCOVENIENCE, you will be entitled to an  hotel voucher. This comprises of a room usually with a meal, airport transfer to hotel and transfer back to airport. 
Airlines that are quick to provide hotel vouchers includes Qatar, Etihad, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines. Now provision of hotel voucher depends on the connecting time. if there is availability of shorter flights and you purposely pick a flight with a long connecting time, you would not be entitled to a hotel voucher.



Children and Infant discount.

Infants don't get a seat in the plane, they seat on the lap of their parents, and are charged 25% of the adult fare meaning they usually get 75% discount. Infants are kids aged below 2. Children on the other hand, get a seat in the plane and are charged 75% of the adult fare, they get a 25% discount. A child aged below 12 and above 2 can claim this discount.
It is rare for infants and adults to pay the same fare. So pls watch out so you don't get cheated.

Because i know Nigerians don't like to read, i would stop here for now. It took me over a week to conclude this piece and i hope it helps someone out there save a bit of money. ciao!

Pointers For Women Vacationing Alone.

I have always had this wish to go with my girlfriends on a vacation outside the country, no men, just us girls. I have the itinerary planned tight, how we would go to the exotic beach island of Zanzibar in Tanzania, scuba dive, eat exotic meals, visit the islands, see wild animals and have the best adventures of our lives while meeting amazing dynamic people.

I never quite finish this day dream, thoughts of the dangers of women travelling solo, scares me.

Fortunately for me, am thirsty for knowledge, and love challenges, i never quite take No

for an answer so after an intense research, i would say am about ready to finish my day dream.

With this safe key points i continued my daydream.

1. Always Trust Your Intuition.

You know that feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when something is not right, or that 

little voice that's always there asserting its opinion over yours. Yes? trust it.

2. Walk and Act Confidently

Walk confidently, do not slouch or act timid, weak women are easy preys for psychopaths. They can sense

sense the weakness miles off. Keep your head high and smile even when you are scared.

When i was little, i got away with so many things that my siblings didn't. Now this was because when i took the wrong decisions albeit unknowingly, i'd defend myself with so much confidence that my mom would end up sympathizing with me. Most times i got off with a light scolding.

3.Start Smart.

Do a lot of research before embarking on your journey, research the areas before you book an hotel, arm 

yourself with travel guides and maps. knowledge is free.

4. Avoid Power Plays and Unwanted Attention.

Unwanted attention can be effectively thwarted with silence, avoiding eye contact and quickly moving away. 

if you are really being pestered, enter a store or a hotel and explain that you are a tourist and are being 

pestered and are afraid and don't know how to handle it. ask them if they could call the police or ask the 

obnoxious person to go away. Works every time! 

Also consider wearing a ring.

Avoid Wearing expensive jewelry and clothes, dress conservatively, taking your cue from how the local women are dressed, you don't want to stand out like a bright neon light on a very dark night. Do not draw unnecessary attention to yourself, always err on the side of caution. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and clothes.

5. Do talk to strangers

You did not spend all that amount of money and time planning that vacation to be by yourself all the way,

Talk to strangers especially women,children, and elders. Even though you don't understand their language, a smile would go a long way- you'd get great family dinner invites, and meet tons of people that way.

6. Let your family be aware of your detailed itinerary, including names, numbers an address of all the places you'd be staying. Leave copies of your passport details, ticket and flight information.

Now knowing all these, yes i am ready to go on that vacation when my savings equals expenses. ciao!

The Most Ridiculous Visa Questions Ever

Polls have indicated that the Indian immigration have the most ridiculous questions ever, i went scrounging the web to discover the strangest things travelers around the world have been asked during a visa application. Needless to say, how well you answer this questions determines whether your visa application would be granted or denied.

Here goes.. try not to laugh.

1. “Describe your moustache/beard” – one respondent claimed to have found this on a Mexican visa application form, with the options of scanty, bushy or clipped to choose from. (this got me laughing really hard)

2. “Have you been to a farm in the past six weeks?” – in order to enter Australia.

3. “How many wives do you intend to bring?” – apparently asked of a travelling businessman on a Middle Eastern visa application.

4. “What side of the bed does your wife sleep on?” – two respondents were asked this by US authorities (do i even know what side i sleep on)

5. “Foreigners please sing in the box” – a typo seen on a Mexican immigration form.

6. “In times of either peace or war has the applicant ever been involved, or suspected of involvement, in war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide?” --Asked of overseas students entering the UK.

7. “Has the applicant ever been involved in, supported or encouraged terrorist activities in any country?” – variations of this question were asked by both UK and US authorities according to a number of those surveyed.
No 7 question must be there to cover the behinds of immigration officers, so if a terrorist ever blows up Washington they can wave a form and say "Don't blame us, WE SPECIFICALLY ASKED if he was going to do that, and he said No.

8. "Are you to engage in Pimping or Prostitution"
     Has anyone ever answered "Yes, that's the reason for my visit?"

9. Name three things about your intending course of study- students applying for Students Visa are regularly faced with this particular question.

Here are some more real questions from the US entry form prepared by the homeland security department, along with my suggested replies.
Q: "Have you ever been convicted for an offense involving Moral Turpitude?"
A: "Please repeat the question in English"

Q: "Are you involved in espionage?"
A:  "Yes, I have been a spy my whole life, but i'd have to give it up, now that you have brilliantly outed me."

Q: “Between 1933 and 1945 were you involved in persecutions associated with Nazi Germany or its allies?”
A: “Yes, and by the way, i am 140 years old today.”

Q: “Do you have a mental disorder?”
A: “Yes, everything I say is the opposite of the truth, including this statement.”

(This may cause the immigration officer’s head to explode, so stand well back.)

Happy Travels.............:)

Have you ever been asked a strange question on a visa form..tell me below.

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Motion Sickness Making Travel Difficult? TRY THIS TIPS!

I created this post because it directly affects me. Apart from my fear of heights, Motion Sickness is something i constantly have to manage. For instance, am on the road going from distance A to C, all of a sudden, i develop headache and become very nauseous. If i don't immediately deal with it, i break out in sweats and become really dizzy, (almost all the true symptoms of pregnancy lol). If you experience this symptoms and more when you are in motion- in a moving car, in a boat, in a plane,train, then like me you've got motion sickness.

Motion sickness occurs when the inner ear, eyes and other organs that detects motion, sends conflicting messages to the brain. some organs that help you keep balance(like your vision and sensory nerves) may indicate your body is moving while some others do not detect motion.

Handling Motion Sickness
If drugs don't appeal to you, then try this great tips that works quite well for me.

- If you are riding in a car, stick to the front seat, looking at the horizon would help. That way your eyes would communicate to your brain that you are indeed in motion.
- Limit the use of air conditioners. As much as possible allow fresh air in the vehicle.
- Don't try to read while in motion.
- Avoid alcohol and heavy foods before the journey.
- Keep ginger(ginger ale, ginger sweets, ginger tablets) handy. Ginger has been proven to reduce nausea.
- Listen to soothing music to help calm your anxiety.
- If all else fails, medicate. There are very good over the counter products that would lessen the symptoms.

So next time you are in motion and develop this symptoms, Manage it well, don't panic and you'd be just fine.:)

Yes You're On Vacation, But Is Your Home Safe?

You probably know all the common ways to protect your home from burglars before going on a vacation : have a neighbor check in every now and then, enabling all alarm systems, keeping the lawns mowed, but here are some you probably didn't think about.

1. Do not discuss your vacation plan in public, you never know who may be listening.

2. Consider installing motion sensitive outside lights, night intruders are less likely to burgle a well lit house.

3. Invest in good dead bolts for doors and windows. If it takes a thief more than 60 seconds to break in, he'd probably leave for greener pastures.

4. Make sure the lawns are mowed and snows are raked off to give the illusion of  an inhabited home.

5.Rather than park your cars in the garage, have your friends park in your driveway every once in a while .

6. Transfer valuables to a bank safety deposit box.

7.Never forget a spare key in the flower pot or under the rug, intruders are adept at finding them.

8. To avoid broadcasting to the whole world that you are away, have your neighbor pick up your mails and newspapers.

9. Install a good security alarm system.

10. Never advertise your departure, now this goes to all those that update all their personal details on Facebook, twitter, bbm and the rest of the social media.

Now enjoy your vacation, your house is as safe as it can be.............

Why You Need A Travel Agent.

In all my time working as a travel agent, the words i hear the most is "I want the cheapest fare please" , now, after getting the cheapest fare that is best suitable, passengers would still go online to check the fares themselves, second guessing your every move. But did you know after asking the nature of your job and determining you travel a lot and impromptu too, i gave you a ticket that had less restrictions, enabling us to change your date of travel and route in case the need arises? Now were you to get it online you'd have gotten the cheapest yes but with lots of stiff restrictions,a ticket that does not permit a change in date and which is not refundable.

WHY YOU NEED A TRAVEL AGENT


TRAVEL ASSISTANCE

Few months ago,a friend of mine took an international trip, that had stop-overs in 3 different countries before he got to his final destination. When the trip was over, he kept lamenting on how drained and weary he was. I asked how he booked his flights,and he said he used one of the big travel booking sites online and that the itinerary he purchased was the best in terms of duration, flight time, connecting time, and price. My response was next time call me first, you'd feel a lot better.

The following month, he did just that and i came up with options he never would have gotten himself using a single booking site--specifically a short and affordable southwest flight that put him in an airport with several direct flights to his destination. What would have been an expensive endurance trek over the world was replaced by a far less demanding trip.

TIME AND MONEY SAVING

Sometimes spending money on the internet looking for the right kind of travel flight and itinerary can be rewarding, but then it can be equally frustrating. When you work with a travel agent,she does that leg work, searching out travel options to meet your needs and budget.

In most cases travel agents have information on routes and rates an average customer might not have, saving you time and money. Even when you consider the agent fee using a travel agent could help you secure great deals such as aisle seats, a special type of meal, online check in, best restaurant listing, movie ticket in your new destination. Virtually everything. 


TRAVEL RECOMMENDATIONS

 If you are going to a destination you don't know, or you plan on staying in an hotel, fly in a premium cabin (or private aviation), planning complicated itineraries with multiple stops, planning complex airline routings, or taking any trip using guides/drivers or local experts, any trip that VIP access would make better, you need us. If you find yourself in any of the scenario and don’t use a travel agent you are making a costly mistake, no matter how much you think you know. 

For leisure travel, most of the questions I get are of the following variety: where is the best place to go, best place to stay, best things to do, best places to eat?  In almost every case, the answer is that there is no “best” place – but there is the best for you.That is why a relationship with a travel consultant is important.  All of these skills come together into a vacation you simply could not plan on your own, or by using the internet. I think one of the most surprising things to clients is that we are able to secure with ease and in a very timely manner ALL the components of their trip: accommodations (with perks like upgrades/breakfast/credits), private transfers, dinner reservations, sightseeing with exclusive access (skip the line).

PERKS

Just last week i went with a colleague to the airport, he had clients travelling out of Nigeria for the first time who didn't want the hassle of immigration while boarding, when we got to the airport my colleague immediately called his "connect''  in immigration and they were boarded without any problems( you know how Nigeria immigration officers can be). 

One of the many major advantages travel agents bring to the table is personal connections and clout. “Connections” means knowing GMs and executives at top hotels (and airlines, chefs, cruise lines, adventure travel outfitters, etc.) personally. Having a top travel agent can also make you an instant VIP – free room upgrades, hard to get restaurant reservations, access to otherwise closed stores and exhibits, private guides, and cheaper – often much cheaper – premium airfares. 

Here’s the best part: even though most top agents charge fees, in almost every experience my friends, family, and acquaintances have had, travel agents have saved money, often a lot of money. If you are taking a trip to a destination where you do not already know all the best places to eat and best things to see and do, or any cultural travel, from safaris to ancient ruins, you need a travel agent.

People think they can just book flights, hotels, or car rentals themselves, and sometimes they can, especially if nothing goes wrong. But when your flight is cancelled and you are standing in line waiting to be rebooked, believe me, you’ll wish you had a travel agent. I’d already be working on it for you.”

RECOMMENDATION
Your next question now should be, ''where do i get that travel agent?'' well that's why am here. I am a travel consultant, and am here to serve you. Contact me via email on travelbookmark@yahoo.com for hotel reservations in any country in the world, airline reservation and tickets, travel insurance, and visa documentation, you can leave me a comment stating your inquiry and i'd get back to you.why u need a travel agent asapwhy you need a travel agentwhy you need a travel agent asap

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Help! I Can't Decide Where To Vacation!!!!!!!!

The inquiries i get on a daily basis is of visa documentation, mostly visa documentation to the UK AND USA for a vacation, never mind the N750,000 bond effective from November, people are still bent on visiting the UK. So i ask myself,are Nigerians so self-absorbed with the Jand hype that they have failed to realize there are one million and one other countries, with easy visa, better tourist sites, and cheap hotels where they could have the best vacation of their lives. Today i'd be selling one of my favorite vacation spot to you.

...INTRODUCING DUBAI

DESERT ADVENTURE(DUNE DRIVING)

Why Dubai?
Dubai is one of the few cities in the world that has undergone such a rapid transformation. It is among the fastest growing cities on earth. Dubai today is a tourism, trade and logistics hub and has earned itself the reputation of being the ‘gateway between the east and the west.’ It is without doubt the destination of the 21st century. Everyone who goes there return awed.



ENTRY VISA(ELECTRONIC VISA)

Dubai visa is one of the easiest to require, since the country is mainly a tourist hub. It costs just 200 dollars, that's about N32,500 with today's rates. No long queues at the embassy, No appointment, No waiting for days on end, No fasting and praying(though you can fast if you want lol)No nothing. My agency does this on a daily basis so this is no hearsay.  It is GUARANTEED. what i find so fascinating is the fact that you can also get an entry visa at Dubai international airport for those stopping over en-route other countries.


GETTING THERE.

Emirates Boeing 777-200LR_First Class Suite

Working in a travel agency has exposed me to a lot of information regarding international airlines. Most times, customer are adamant on a particular kind of airline they prefer, due to the quality of service received during the flight. Among those ranked high are Qatar airways and emirates, airline to the UAE. The return fare should be a little above N100,000 depending on seat availability.

WHERE TO STAY

Just last week i did an hotel reservation for a client who was vacationing in dubai for 2weeks with his family, we booked a 3 star hotel which included breakfast, lunch, and a tour guide from the hotel. when he returned he came to thank me personally, he said and i quote "lola, the 3 star hotel u got for us, is far far better than Sheraton and at half its price too, unbelievable!" 
yes it is that cheap.

THINGS TO DO

Dubai Mall

Shopping, events and theaters, Qatar under 17 world cup,spa and wellness resort, scuba diving, ice skating, motor racing, desert adventure(exploring the safari), helicopter tour, Jumeirah mosque tour and so many many more.

So when next you are planning on going to London for that much needed vacation and are denied visa, do remember Dubai would take you with arms opened wide.We offer this Dubai package at a fee that would suit your budget, please email me for enquires.

Kindly leave me comments on your Dubai experiences.

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Top 6 Holiday Packing Essentials.

Getting ready for a journey can very daunting, with the ever growing thought that you could leave one or two very important things behind. this article would help you achieve that organized packing you have always desired.

1. Getting The Right Suitcase 
  Always inquire about the baggage limit on your ticket from your travel agent, and inquire how much excess baggage would cost. after this go shopping for the brightest most colorful suitcase. this would help you identify your suitcase easily and would prevent a mix-up at the airport.

2.  Packing- Roll Dont Fold 
    Do a research on the climate of your destination, you need to know if you're going to be packing for winter or summer, when packing roll your clothes neatly to preserve space. The items in your bags should be packed for easy screening by the security agents at the airport. 

3. Make a Packing List
     Make an itemized list on what u need for the journey as against what you want, make sure you put the most important items in your what you need column. pack those items into your bag first, ticking as you go along. after packing all your luggage and realize you have exceeded your baggage quota, remove from the items in your non priority list(what u want), as you can always get them at the destination or airport.

 4. Seat Comfortability
  Its your right to request the kind of seat you desire from your travel agent, if your very tall, demand for the aisle seat where you may stretch your legs, and if you are a first time traveler and want to see the sights as you fly, request for a window seats. it costs no extra charge.

 5. Never Check-In Essential Items
     Check and recheck that all your travel documents are complete, put them in a safe carry-on bag, your passports, tickets jewelry  money, travelers cheque and Atm cards also go in here. DO NOT CHECK IN YOUR HAND LUGGAGE. Always have your hand luggage with you at all times.

6. Charger and other accessories
    do not forget to include your phone charger, camera, sunblock, prescription medicines, contact lens, camera, travel first aid kit, noise cancelling headphone. Also take your own toiletries, do not trust the toiletries provided by the hotel.

Having packed all this you are on your way to having the best vacation of your life, relax, have fun and enjoy your holiday. Feel free to include some other items you cant do without on a jourmey. Quick question, what is the most important item you've ever forgotten on a trip?

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