HOW I TRAVEL

How I travel is based on my own experience only, I don't advocate one way or the other. These are my thoughts and ways.

On Booking Flights

I've worked in the travel industry for many years so I tend to arrange and organise my own travels using online tools.

• Work out the destinations I want to go, find airlines that can take me there
• Clear cookies or use an incognito window (private mode) on the browser to prevent sites tracking my search history - some airlines sites allegedly gave an illusion cheap fares are running out based on information from user's search history
• Browse online travel agency sites to get an idea for prices
• Decide on an airlines and then book on the airlines' website, the advantages are:
  • It's usually cost the same or slightly cheaper to book direct
  • Eliminate extra sets of communication when making changes or cancellation
  • Save on a second set of penalty fees, ie. travel agent's fees, for any changes or cancellation made
  • All information provided, ie. air miles or meal preferences, will directly recorded in airlines' booking system
  • Some airlines allowed advance seat selection without charge, once the seat is booked it is very much mine; travel agents can only request seats through their system, these are never confirmed
• When the itinerary is complicated, ie. multiple stops or round the world flights, I would recommend using a traditional travel agent as it can be frustrating and confusing to arrange online

Always Always Always

• Check booking confirmation immediately after completion, basic errors such as names, dates, times, can usually be change without penalty if the airlines are informed straight away
• Make all online booking during business hours in case airlines needed to be contacted for amendments
• Use online check-in within 24 hours of departing to avoid queueing at the airport, this also help to keep check of the flight departure's time in case of delays
• Never leave home without travel insurance

A Little Tip

• Qantas frequent flyer membership is free to those residing outside of Australia and New Zealand

On Booking Hotels

I prefer to stay in hotels that are within walking distance to the attractions I wish to see, that way I don't have to work out complicated public transport system in a foreign place.

• Browse hotel booking websites (agents' sites) to get an idea for prices
• Work out the radius of the hotel to planned attractions using Google Map
• Read hotel reviews and browse guests' photos on Tripadvisor - a picture is worth a thousand words and photos don't usually lie
• Compare prices on different hotel booking websites with the hotel's own website (hotels' sites)
• Unlike flight booking, prices are usually better on hotel booking websites
• Hotels are more lenient therefore changes or cancellation fees can be avoided if one is observant of their policy
• Since hotel booking is very straight forward, I usually book my hotels on agents' sites
• Some hotel booking websites don't display taxes or booking fees in their price list, only to show them during the booking process - I'd never make a booking on these sites because I don't like sneaky operators

I have been bookings my accommodations using www.booking.com.

I like this website for its straight forward and easy to use booking engine, friendly user interface, good descriptions of hotels and room types, clear policy and pricing display, reliable customer service and support, as well as no hidden fees or sneaky insurance inclusions. Confirmation is immediate and I usually pay for my booking directly at the hotel.

Having said the above, I have found sometimes when the prices are similar, the booking conditions are more favourable, ie. generous cancellation policy, by booking directly with the hotel. It is always wise to cross check before making a booking.

Things I learned...

• Always pre-book hotels before arriving at the destination, it was not fun searching for a hotel while I was tired and trotting around with heavy luggage
• Contrary to popular belief, hotel prices do not get cheaper for walk-in, it is usually the opposite
• I like to know where I will be going when arriving in a foreign city, rather than hanging around at airport, bus station or train station looking lost
• Knowing exactly where I was going also discourage potential touts or opportunistic vultures, these elements don't usually approach someone who seem to know their ways - head to the official taxi stand straight after stepping out of the arrival halls!
• Read my hotel reviews on Tripadvisor here