Sunday, May 07, 2006
Gutter Cleaning Vancouver
Get your gutters cleaned. It's summer soon and you will need your gutters cleaned. gutter cleaning vancouver
Power washing Vancouver
If you are in Vancouver and you need your home power washed go to Power Washing Vancouver
Window Cleaning Vancouver
A new website is up and running. If you are in Vancouver and you need your windows cleaned or your gutters cleaned or power washing go to window cleaning vancouver
Window Cleaning Vancouver
A new website is up and running. If you are in Vancouver and you need your windows cleaned or your gutters cleaned or power washing go to window cleaning vancouver
Rent or sell your timeshare - free listings for your timeshare
Rent or sell your timeshare - free listings for your timeshare. Things to think about
Vacation Home Exchange V Renting - Trade and Save, or Do You ?By Maurice S Clarke
Vacation Home Exchange V Renting Trade and save, or do you ?
Ever thought of trading your home with another family for a few weeks instead of renting a Vacation Home?. Lets look at the differences and see if it's an option you might consider.
Renting a vacation property is easy enough, pay a rent for as many weeks as you need. Rent direct with the owner or via the thousands of rental agents, or via a travel agent.
The choice is pretty vast and often you can select properties from a book or brochure, there are sizes and prices to suit everyone. Many allow pets and come fully fitted out.
Bigger properties housing 7-12 or more offer a low cost break as you pay for the property, rather than per person, as you would in a hotel. Downside is you get to do all the work, although some rentals can come with housekeeping or maid duties.
The attraction of renting is usually one of cost and choice, and works best in your own country. Renting abroad involves a high travel cost (per person) and unlike a package tour you are oftendown to organising and paying for travel from airport to the property. There is usually someone on hand to see you in, the owner or their agent, and most properties provide a good break.
Risky sometimes to book direct with foreign owners, large agencies vet both the properties and the owners and although perhaps more costly give better piece of mind. Paying $1,000 and arriving at a run down hut may not be the sort of vacation you seek.
Home swapping offers 2 choices, first to trade a few weeks or longer with another persons normal home. Or trade a period in a second vacation home or time share they, or you own.
The attraction is obvious in that no rental monies change hands and this gets better the longer the stay is. Older, retired folk often look for 3-6 month trades which clearly would be too costly on a rental basis, but a workable option for 2 retired families to trade homes for a long period.
Again a DIY vacation, unless maids are on hand. Number of choices are less, so to succeed you need to be open minded rather than have fixed dates, locations and types of properties in mind. Most experienced swappers seek good clean accommodation in the area they wish to visit. You get to know the owners before agreeing the swap before you go. You rarely build friendships with rental owners you usually do with home swappers.
A home trade often comes with an auto thrown in, so this is a big plus if you can arrange pick up at the airport and makes a big difference in local travel during your stay. Do check insurance cover though and make sure you agree miles and damage costs.
With the advent of the electronic age many home swap offers are viewable on Internet web sites so you can review property (and owners) details, get to know the area through web site links and then open up discussions with potential trade partners. using E-mail the world is just a few seconds away.
More complex to organise than a rental, it can be both an exciting family interest or a drudge, which can put you off the concept. Worries and concerns about having someone else in your home and loads of "what if" questions can again excite you or deter you.
One of the best routes is a Tutorial on the subject which is freely available at the Homes Seekers web site with advice from some of the leading home exchange experts .
In summary - renting is easy, choose your property, book, pay and go - there is a big choice. Home swapping is a way of life, you get more involved and the money saving is not in practice the reason for most people trading homes. The desire to make new friends and contacts, see new places, new countries, learn the language and so on takes over. Home swapping does not suit everyone but it does offer an alterative and to many an ideal way of taking vacations - for many the only way they would go.
If you want to save a few hundred if not thousands of dollars on a Vacation break take a serious look at vacation home exchanging as a useful alternative to traditional house rental breaks.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Maurice S Clarke is the CEO of Homes Seekers and has created an online tutorial about Homes Exchange and swapping to answer all you "what if" or "how do I?" questions at http://www.homes-seekers.net/swaps
Travel webmaster may freely republish this article provided the copyright and all links remain intact. Please advise publication info of web site or ezine to republish@homes-seekers.net
Copyright © Maurice S Clarke 1997-2004
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maurice_S_Clarke
Rent or sell your timeshare - free listings for your timeshare
Vacation Home Exchange V Renting - Trade and Save, or Do You ?By Maurice S Clarke
Vacation Home Exchange V Renting Trade and save, or do you ?
Ever thought of trading your home with another family for a few weeks instead of renting a Vacation Home?. Lets look at the differences and see if it's an option you might consider.
Renting a vacation property is easy enough, pay a rent for as many weeks as you need. Rent direct with the owner or via the thousands of rental agents, or via a travel agent.
The choice is pretty vast and often you can select properties from a book or brochure, there are sizes and prices to suit everyone. Many allow pets and come fully fitted out.
Bigger properties housing 7-12 or more offer a low cost break as you pay for the property, rather than per person, as you would in a hotel. Downside is you get to do all the work, although some rentals can come with housekeeping or maid duties.
The attraction of renting is usually one of cost and choice, and works best in your own country. Renting abroad involves a high travel cost (per person) and unlike a package tour you are oftendown to organising and paying for travel from airport to the property. There is usually someone on hand to see you in, the owner or their agent, and most properties provide a good break.
Risky sometimes to book direct with foreign owners, large agencies vet both the properties and the owners and although perhaps more costly give better piece of mind. Paying $1,000 and arriving at a run down hut may not be the sort of vacation you seek.
Home swapping offers 2 choices, first to trade a few weeks or longer with another persons normal home. Or trade a period in a second vacation home or time share they, or you own.
The attraction is obvious in that no rental monies change hands and this gets better the longer the stay is. Older, retired folk often look for 3-6 month trades which clearly would be too costly on a rental basis, but a workable option for 2 retired families to trade homes for a long period.
Again a DIY vacation, unless maids are on hand. Number of choices are less, so to succeed you need to be open minded rather than have fixed dates, locations and types of properties in mind. Most experienced swappers seek good clean accommodation in the area they wish to visit. You get to know the owners before agreeing the swap before you go. You rarely build friendships with rental owners you usually do with home swappers.
A home trade often comes with an auto thrown in, so this is a big plus if you can arrange pick up at the airport and makes a big difference in local travel during your stay. Do check insurance cover though and make sure you agree miles and damage costs.
With the advent of the electronic age many home swap offers are viewable on Internet web sites so you can review property (and owners) details, get to know the area through web site links and then open up discussions with potential trade partners. using E-mail the world is just a few seconds away.
More complex to organise than a rental, it can be both an exciting family interest or a drudge, which can put you off the concept. Worries and concerns about having someone else in your home and loads of "what if" questions can again excite you or deter you.
One of the best routes is a Tutorial on the subject which is freely available at the Homes Seekers web site with advice from some of the leading home exchange experts .
In summary - renting is easy, choose your property, book, pay and go - there is a big choice. Home swapping is a way of life, you get more involved and the money saving is not in practice the reason for most people trading homes. The desire to make new friends and contacts, see new places, new countries, learn the language and so on takes over. Home swapping does not suit everyone but it does offer an alterative and to many an ideal way of taking vacations - for many the only way they would go.
If you want to save a few hundred if not thousands of dollars on a Vacation break take a serious look at vacation home exchanging as a useful alternative to traditional house rental breaks.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Maurice S Clarke is the CEO of Homes Seekers and has created an online tutorial about Homes Exchange and swapping to answer all you "what if" or "how do I?" questions at http://www.homes-seekers.net/swaps
Travel webmaster may freely republish this article provided the copyright and all links remain intact. Please advise publication info of web site or ezine to republish@homes-seekers.net
Copyright © Maurice S Clarke 1997-2004
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maurice_S_Clarke
Rent or sell your timeshare - free listings for your timeshare
Affordable Condominium rentals in myrtle beach - new all inclusive resorts in the carribbean
Nobody likes it when they get locked out of their hotel room. This information tells you what to do if the "unthinkable" happens. It addresses the problem of sleepwalking and/or finding yourself "less than fully clothed." It is also aimed mainly at men, but women may find some of the information useful as well.
Affordable Condominium rentals in myrtle beach - new all inclusive resorts in the carribbean
Steps
Assess the situation. Are you okay to be seen in public? The following are okay: Dressing gowns, and anything similar - as long as you are wearing pants or shorts. The following are embarrasing, but still legal: towel, underwear. In most places, being completely naked is illegal.
If you are okay to be seen in public, go to reception and ask for a key to your room.
If you are not okay to be seen in public, think. Are you alone on your trip? Is there anybody else who came? If there is, go to their room and knock on the door.
If there is no one else to help, look for a phone. Some hotels have payphones and other phones you can use to call reception. Explain the situation and ask them to send somebody up.
If you can't find a phone, look for something you can use to wear. A coat on a door, a towel, anything. Go to reception with this.
If you can't find anything to wear, look for something to cover yourself up with. A plant pot, a newspaper, or anything that "fits."
If you can't find anything to cover yourself, and there are no other options, use the stairs to go to reception and poke your head around the door. Call for help.
If there is no door, poke your head around the wall, or whatever there is.
If you cannot see the receptionist from there, take a deep breath, put your hands where you need them to be, and run to the receptionist.
Pray to God that there is nobody else there.
Ask for a key.
Tips
If you are prone to sleepwalking, try tying a key around your ankle, or hiding it somewhere in the hall.
There may be a laundry room. If there is, look for something you can "cover up" with.
There may be a bathroom on your floor. Use paper towels from there.
Warnings
In most places, steps 7 to 11 are illegal.
Don't get into an elevator. Somebody may get on, and there is no way of controlling how the doors open. They could open to hundreds of people.
Don't knock on random doors. This may lead to screaming, which will lead to everybody seeing what is wrong, which will lead to large humiliation and the possibility of you being arrested.
Affordable Condominium rentals in myrtle beach
new all inclusive resorts in the carribbean
Affordable Condominium rentals in myrtle beach - new all inclusive resorts in the carribbean
Steps
Assess the situation. Are you okay to be seen in public? The following are okay: Dressing gowns, and anything similar - as long as you are wearing pants or shorts. The following are embarrasing, but still legal: towel, underwear. In most places, being completely naked is illegal.
If you are okay to be seen in public, go to reception and ask for a key to your room.
If you are not okay to be seen in public, think. Are you alone on your trip? Is there anybody else who came? If there is, go to their room and knock on the door.
If there is no one else to help, look for a phone. Some hotels have payphones and other phones you can use to call reception. Explain the situation and ask them to send somebody up.
If you can't find a phone, look for something you can use to wear. A coat on a door, a towel, anything. Go to reception with this.
If you can't find anything to wear, look for something to cover yourself up with. A plant pot, a newspaper, or anything that "fits."
If you can't find anything to cover yourself, and there are no other options, use the stairs to go to reception and poke your head around the door. Call for help.
If there is no door, poke your head around the wall, or whatever there is.
If you cannot see the receptionist from there, take a deep breath, put your hands where you need them to be, and run to the receptionist.
Pray to God that there is nobody else there.
Ask for a key.
Tips
If you are prone to sleepwalking, try tying a key around your ankle, or hiding it somewhere in the hall.
There may be a laundry room. If there is, look for something you can "cover up" with.
There may be a bathroom on your floor. Use paper towels from there.
Warnings
In most places, steps 7 to 11 are illegal.
Don't get into an elevator. Somebody may get on, and there is no way of controlling how the doors open. They could open to hundreds of people.
Don't knock on random doors. This may lead to screaming, which will lead to everybody seeing what is wrong, which will lead to large humiliation and the possibility of you being arrested.
Affordable Condominium rentals in myrtle beach
new all inclusive resorts in the carribbean
Branson area vacation rentals - Private resorts in Calamba Laguna Philippines
Private resorts in Calamba Laguna Philippines all the way to Branson area vacation rentals and much more with our
Las Vegas is the world's playground. You will have a great time here even in a seedy little $30 motel. However, you can still get a great room for a great rate with a little finesse.
Steps
Plan ahead. The internet is a great place to start your search. The further you plan ahead the better. Do not show up in Vegas on a Friday night without a reservation unless you want to pay through the nose!
Hotel room costs fluctuate wildly. Even a cheap motel will bleed you on New Years Eve. If you want a good deal, plan to stay Sunday- Thursday. Winter is better than summer. (You may find the weather much more tolerable as well!)
Ask nicely. When checking in, simply ask nicely for an upgrade. If there are some available, the clerk may be inclined to give one to a polite person. Alternatively they may not have an official "upgrade" but perhaps they have a room with a strip view they can offer you for the same price you paid for a room with a veiw of the parking lot.
Gamble. Gamble big. Table games will take longer to rack up the points. It may take several hours of $25 hands at a blackjack table to earn the point you can earn with one spin of a slot machine. Comps will start piling up in no time. Many times the courtesty hosts will directly ask you what sort of comps you prefer. ("Comps" is Vegas-speak for free things we like to give to gamblers to encourage them to keep gambling) If they don't ask, and you feel you have been gambling respectably, feel free to ask yourself. Simply ask directly "So, what would a person want to do to get a room upgrade?" They might have a specific gambling "point" system, but most often the hosts have huge leway in giving whatever comps they want to give. Be NICE. You are asking for a FAVOR. Hosts, along with every other casino employee, deal with drunken, cranky people all day, many of whom may have just lost their life savings and are quite unhappy.
Join the club. Almost every casino-hotel has a club that anyone can join for free. You will most likely get at least a small gift for simply signing up. Then, during your stay, you can rack up points whenever you show your club card. You get points for gambling any amount of money, eating at the hotel's restaurants(some of the best in the world), or spending money in a myraid of other ways.
Be a repeat customer. If you come to Vegas often, pick one hotel and make it your baby. Be polite to the staff every time you come and tip big. They will return the favor in time.
If you have a legitimate gripe about your room, speak up. For instance if you were told it was a non-smoking room and you smell cigarette smoke in the sheets, let the front desk know (Again - be polite!) They may upgrade you for the trouble.
Stay off the strip. Walking one block may save you a large amount of money.
Make a reservation at a hotel and tell them that you will be arriving late. Then, if possible, arrive after 1a.m.- This gives the best possibilities for them to sell out of their regular rooms and upgrade you to a suite because they thought that you weren't coming but you had a reservation. They HAVE to give you a room, unless you arrive too late and the Audit has run, which guarantees you "No Show" status. In this case, your credit card has already been billed to make up for the money they lost on the room by you not showing up. In this case, many hotels will sell that room anyway, and reverse the charge if you call and complain.
Tips
Be nice. Be nice. Be nice. Nice people get nice things. Mean people get ejected from the casino.
Look at the surroundings of the hotel you are planning to stay in. Is it super-chic? Or a little run-down? If you are at the Bellagio where everyone is paying a billion dollars for a room, don't expect them to go out of their way to save you money. If you are at an older hotel, like the Circus-Circus, the Imperial Palace, or the Sahara, you may have better luck.
Warnings
If you plan to gamble your way into a room upgrade, please weigh your finances carefully. The upgrade may be "free", but if you just blew $300 at the craps table, you may wish you just paid for the suite and hung out at the pool.
Branson area vacation rentals - Private resorts in Calamba Laguna Philippines
Las Vegas is the world's playground. You will have a great time here even in a seedy little $30 motel. However, you can still get a great room for a great rate with a little finesse.
Steps
Plan ahead. The internet is a great place to start your search. The further you plan ahead the better. Do not show up in Vegas on a Friday night without a reservation unless you want to pay through the nose!
Hotel room costs fluctuate wildly. Even a cheap motel will bleed you on New Years Eve. If you want a good deal, plan to stay Sunday- Thursday. Winter is better than summer. (You may find the weather much more tolerable as well!)
Ask nicely. When checking in, simply ask nicely for an upgrade. If there are some available, the clerk may be inclined to give one to a polite person. Alternatively they may not have an official "upgrade" but perhaps they have a room with a strip view they can offer you for the same price you paid for a room with a veiw of the parking lot.
Gamble. Gamble big. Table games will take longer to rack up the points. It may take several hours of $25 hands at a blackjack table to earn the point you can earn with one spin of a slot machine. Comps will start piling up in no time. Many times the courtesty hosts will directly ask you what sort of comps you prefer. ("Comps" is Vegas-speak for free things we like to give to gamblers to encourage them to keep gambling) If they don't ask, and you feel you have been gambling respectably, feel free to ask yourself. Simply ask directly "So, what would a person want to do to get a room upgrade?" They might have a specific gambling "point" system, but most often the hosts have huge leway in giving whatever comps they want to give. Be NICE. You are asking for a FAVOR. Hosts, along with every other casino employee, deal with drunken, cranky people all day, many of whom may have just lost their life savings and are quite unhappy.
Join the club. Almost every casino-hotel has a club that anyone can join for free. You will most likely get at least a small gift for simply signing up. Then, during your stay, you can rack up points whenever you show your club card. You get points for gambling any amount of money, eating at the hotel's restaurants(some of the best in the world), or spending money in a myraid of other ways.
Be a repeat customer. If you come to Vegas often, pick one hotel and make it your baby. Be polite to the staff every time you come and tip big. They will return the favor in time.
If you have a legitimate gripe about your room, speak up. For instance if you were told it was a non-smoking room and you smell cigarette smoke in the sheets, let the front desk know (Again - be polite!) They may upgrade you for the trouble.
Stay off the strip. Walking one block may save you a large amount of money.
Make a reservation at a hotel and tell them that you will be arriving late. Then, if possible, arrive after 1a.m.- This gives the best possibilities for them to sell out of their regular rooms and upgrade you to a suite because they thought that you weren't coming but you had a reservation. They HAVE to give you a room, unless you arrive too late and the Audit has run, which guarantees you "No Show" status. In this case, your credit card has already been billed to make up for the money they lost on the room by you not showing up. In this case, many hotels will sell that room anyway, and reverse the charge if you call and complain.
Tips
Be nice. Be nice. Be nice. Nice people get nice things. Mean people get ejected from the casino.
Look at the surroundings of the hotel you are planning to stay in. Is it super-chic? Or a little run-down? If you are at the Bellagio where everyone is paying a billion dollars for a room, don't expect them to go out of their way to save you money. If you are at an older hotel, like the Circus-Circus, the Imperial Palace, or the Sahara, you may have better luck.
Warnings
If you plan to gamble your way into a room upgrade, please weigh your finances carefully. The upgrade may be "free", but if you just blew $300 at the craps table, you may wish you just paid for the suite and hung out at the pool.
Branson area vacation rentals - Private resorts in Calamba Laguna Philippines
Vacation Holiday Resources - Siesta Key Timeshare Rentals
Vacation Holiday Resources. Whether you are looking for Siesta Key Timeshare Rentals or just some good ideas.
Be prepared - Bring everything you need. Don't forget eesentials such as passports and plane tickets if you are going abroad, and house keys. Pack all the clothes that you will need, but don't overpack or you will have too much luggage. If you are going abroad to a warm place, don't forget insect repellent and suntan lotion!
Things to do (depending on where you are) - If you are stuck for things to do, there are a number of things. Go to a beach if you are abroad or somewhere at the coast. Explore valleys, mountains, lakes, forests, waterfalls.... the list is endless! Go to a nature park, or go for a swim in the sea. Get a guided tour around a local attraction or go to a restaurant. If you want to try something a bit different, go swimming, sailing or kayaking. Take a boat trip, or go snorkelling. Go round the shops and look for souveniers, get a tour bus. Or take a picnic to a nice lake and relax.
Choosing the right place to stay - To ensure you have a good holiday, look for a good rated hotel that offers good food. Preferably one that a friend or relative has recommended. Look for a place that looks clean and well looked after. Depending on what type of person you are, or who you are travelling with, you could find a hotel near the beach. Or if you like night life, find one close to bars and clubs, or one with entertainment and drinks at night.
Tips
Try some local cuisine. Whether its spicy or seafood, try it! But make sure it is fully cooked!
Meet some of the local people! In most places, the locals are very nice and speak English!
Warnings
If you are driving yourself, and going somewhere foreign, learn the road rules as they are probably different form ours!
If you are driving somewhere in the country, watch out for narrow, twisty roads
Cheap deals on villas on the costa del sol - Sabah Package Holidays
Many travelers have heard of Airline Consolidators or wholesalers. Consolidator airline tickets can save a traveler lots of money but how do you do find the right one? This article explains how to purchase consolidator airline tickets.
Cheap deals on villas on the costa del sol. Also Sabah Package Holidays
Steps
Do your research. There are guides available that can help you sort out the reputable consolidators from the shady ones. Some recommended books: are
Work with a travel professional. A travel agent is still one of the best places to go to find a reputable consolidator. A travel agent is going to have a list of consolidators that they work with on a consistent basis so they can suggest the good ones to work with and who to stay away from. Although they may add a slight mark-up to the ticket, their assistance is worth its weight in gold if you have a problem.
Go online. Although many travel sites advertise that they sell wholesale fares, only a few of them actually do. Some that do are
Air Gorilla
Airline Consolidator
Travelation
Each of these sites have a large selection of consolidator tickets and they handle the customer service on behalf of the consolidator so you have an advocate in case of a problem.
Tips
Believe it or not, most travel sites (the big 4 included) do not sell consolidator airline tickets. The reason why they only sell published (retail) tickets online is because they have to purchase through a third party (consolidator) and do not understand how to do the ticketing or provide customer service to the customer.
Warnings
Purchasing consolidator tickets are riskier than buying published airline tickets. There are more restrictions and penalties involved with purchasing a consolidator ticket. Most consolidator tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable, so make sure that you are not going to change your travel dates after you purchase your airline ticket otherwise you might get stuck with a large penalty to change your travel dates.
Cheap deals on villas on the costa del sol - Sabah Package Holidays
Cheap deals on villas on the costa del sol. Also Sabah Package Holidays
Steps
Do your research. There are guides available that can help you sort out the reputable consolidators from the shady ones. Some recommended books: are
Work with a travel professional. A travel agent is still one of the best places to go to find a reputable consolidator. A travel agent is going to have a list of consolidators that they work with on a consistent basis so they can suggest the good ones to work with and who to stay away from. Although they may add a slight mark-up to the ticket, their assistance is worth its weight in gold if you have a problem.
Go online. Although many travel sites advertise that they sell wholesale fares, only a few of them actually do. Some that do are
Air Gorilla
Airline Consolidator
Travelation
Each of these sites have a large selection of consolidator tickets and they handle the customer service on behalf of the consolidator so you have an advocate in case of a problem.
Tips
Believe it or not, most travel sites (the big 4 included) do not sell consolidator airline tickets. The reason why they only sell published (retail) tickets online is because they have to purchase through a third party (consolidator) and do not understand how to do the ticketing or provide customer service to the customer.
Warnings
Purchasing consolidator tickets are riskier than buying published airline tickets. There are more restrictions and penalties involved with purchasing a consolidator ticket. Most consolidator tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable, so make sure that you are not going to change your travel dates after you purchase your airline ticket otherwise you might get stuck with a large penalty to change your travel dates.
Cheap deals on villas on the costa del sol - Sabah Package Holidays
Siesta Key Timeshare Rentals - Sarasota Timeshare Rentals
Have you ever been on a plane for a long time? With a little preparation, it can be a lot more comfortable. These tips may help you to be prepared
Siesta Key Timeshare Rentals and Sarasota Timeshare Rentals are all part of the package
Begin by reserving a good seat. Even within the same class and fare, some seats are far superior to others. Consider an aisle or exit row seat for legroom, or a window if you want to sleep.
Wear comfortable clothing. Choose something that will enable you to relax while sitting on the plane.
Wear comfortable shoes. Shoes that are easy to slip out of are ideal for airplanes. Wear socks, as you may do a bit of walking around, and your bare feet could get cold and the floors might not be clean.
Bring bottled water. This can be completely irrelevant or the difference between real misery and contentment. Turbulence, runway delays and sub-par flight attendants can leave you with a "stranded in the Sahara" feeling.
Bring something to entertain yourself. Usually, movies don't start for some time, and the built-in music selection can be quite poor. Some ideas: book, magazine, crossword, sudoku (see related wikiHows), playing cards, newspaper, video game, mp3 player, portable DVD player, work, Christmas Cards, etc.
Bring your own headphones. The headphones for purchase on the plane are quite poor quality and bad for your hearing. Noise-canceling headphones are great if you have them, but even standard headphones or earbuds will be a big improvement.
Minimize your carry-on luggage. One backpack is fine for the plane.
Bring a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and anything else you need to help freshen up before meeting your loved ones at the end of your long flight. They, and your neighbors in-flight, will be glad you did. Avoid using the potable water in the washroom to brush your teeth. Instead use the provided bottled drinking water.
Consider bringing your own food on board if you care about taste or health. Generally plane food is quite poor.
Contact your airline in advance to find out if they still offer free meals and potentially request a special meal. Many airlines offer Vegetarian, Kosher, Halal and other "special meals" if you order two days in advance. And because the airlines have to specially prepare your meal, it is usually better than the standard food fare. If your airline doesn't offer a free meal, be sure to bring your own or buy one at the airport.
Move around. This is especially important on longer flights, to prevent your body from aching due to low circulation. Some airlines provide guidance on in-seat excercises you can do (such as circling ankles and stretching arms). The long mid-flight stretch on overnight flights is an excellent time to take a stroll up and down the aisle a few times.
If you are flying trans-oceanic or trans-continental, long naps are the best way to break up the tedium, so you'll want to stretch out--right? With a little luck and a lot of vigilence, you may be able to stretch out and nap. Keep your eyes on both the boarding passengers and the availability of empty, middle rows (in a pinch two empty seats in the aisles will make do). When the number of boarding passengers thins out to a sparse trickle, get ready. Once you see the flight attendants close the hatch, bolt for that empty row you've had been nervously eyeballing. Remember, there are the quick and the cramped.
Tips
Long flights can get quite cold at times. Bring an extra layer of clothing for warmth.
If you have a cold, bring a decongestent like psuedoephedrine (Sudafed) and chewing gum to help relieve pressure in your ears during takeoff and landing. Also, opening your mouth wide can help this, even if you don't have a cold.
If you intend to sleep on the flight, bring earplugs, eye shades, and sleeping pills.
The dry air in a plane will dehydrate your system. Bring a bottle of water with you on the plane, and request plenty of water from your endlessly accommodating flight attendant. It's also helpful to bring a small bottle of moisturizing lotion for your face and hands.
Don't worry about getting up to use the restroom often; the walking about will be good for the blood flow in your legs.
High quality noise-isolating (different from noise cancelling) headphones (such as ER-6 by Etymotic or Shure E3c) usually work best and can make a world of difference by reducing the plane noise to a mere background hum and allowing you to fall asleep to your music in a quiet environment. However, this type of headphone takes a while to get used to - do not purchase them specifically for the trip.
Seats next to emergency exits generally have more leg room. Try to request that you get a seat in the emergency exit aisle, unless you are travelling with children, who are not allowed to sit there.
If you have a strong fear of flying, you could ask your doctor for a benzodiazepine (valium/xanax). These will lower your anxiety levels.
If you tend to get airsick, bring a small bottle of Ginger Ale and a newspaper in your backpack, since drink service doesn't start right away. The ginger will help calm your stomach and so will the smell of the newspaper.
The best way to endure a flight is by sleeping through it entirely. If you can, take an early morning flight, and either get up absurdly early or stay up very late and try to board the plane very tired. You might wake up for snacks, but if you time it right, you'll awaken upon touch-down at your destination!
To relieve pressure in your ears, research the valsalva maneuver (holding your nose and blowing) beforehand and know how to perform it correctly (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valsalva_maneouvre).
When you board the plane change your watch to the destination's time. If when you board it is night at your destination, try to sleep. Then force yourself to stay awake in flight during your destination's daylight hours. Upon arrival try to be outside to see the next sunset or dawn. Each of these things accelerates your acclimation to the new time zone. Light exercise also helps.
Warnings
If you take sleeping pills, be sure to use something that makes you drowsy but not "out". In case of emergency, the flight crew needs to be able to wake you quickly. Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) is a good option. Excedrin PM also works well and doesn't leave you drowsy.
Things You'll Need
Bottled water
Headphones
Sweater, sweatshirt or other warm layer
Earplugs
Take-out meal
Book, Magazine or Newspaper
Crossword, cards, game, puzzle, sudoku
DVD player and movies
Computer or video game device
Deodorant, mouthwash, toothbrush and toothpaste
Moisturizing lotion
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Begin by reserving a good seat. Even within the same class and fare, some seats are far superior to others. Consider an aisle or exit row seat for legroom, or a window if you want to sleep.
Wear comfortable clothing. Choose something that will enable you to relax while sitting on the plane.
Wear comfortable shoes. Shoes that are easy to slip out of are ideal for airplanes. Wear socks, as you may do a bit of walking around, and your bare feet could get cold and the floors might not be clean.
Bring bottled water. This can be completely irrelevant or the difference between real misery and contentment. Turbulence, runway delays and sub-par flight attendants can leave you with a "stranded in the Sahara" feeling.
Bring something to entertain yourself. Usually, movies don't start for some time, and the built-in music selection can be quite poor. Some ideas: book, magazine, crossword, sudoku (see related wikiHows), playing cards, newspaper, video game, mp3 player, portable DVD player, work, Christmas Cards, etc.
Bring your own headphones. The headphones for purchase on the plane are quite poor quality and bad for your hearing. Noise-canceling headphones are great if you have them, but even standard headphones or earbuds will be a big improvement.
Minimize your carry-on luggage. One backpack is fine for the plane.
Bring a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and anything else you need to help freshen up before meeting your loved ones at the end of your long flight. They, and your neighbors in-flight, will be glad you did. Avoid using the potable water in the washroom to brush your teeth. Instead use the provided bottled drinking water.
Consider bringing your own food on board if you care about taste or health. Generally plane food is quite poor.
Contact your airline in advance to find out if they still offer free meals and potentially request a special meal. Many airlines offer Vegetarian, Kosher, Halal and other "special meals" if you order two days in advance. And because the airlines have to specially prepare your meal, it is usually better than the standard food fare. If your airline doesn't offer a free meal, be sure to bring your own or buy one at the airport.
Move around. This is especially important on longer flights, to prevent your body from aching due to low circulation. Some airlines provide guidance on in-seat excercises you can do (such as circling ankles and stretching arms). The long mid-flight stretch on overnight flights is an excellent time to take a stroll up and down the aisle a few times.
If you are flying trans-oceanic or trans-continental, long naps are the best way to break up the tedium, so you'll want to stretch out--right? With a little luck and a lot of vigilence, you may be able to stretch out and nap. Keep your eyes on both the boarding passengers and the availability of empty, middle rows (in a pinch two empty seats in the aisles will make do). When the number of boarding passengers thins out to a sparse trickle, get ready. Once you see the flight attendants close the hatch, bolt for that empty row you've had been nervously eyeballing. Remember, there are the quick and the cramped.
Tips
Long flights can get quite cold at times. Bring an extra layer of clothing for warmth.
If you have a cold, bring a decongestent like psuedoephedrine (Sudafed) and chewing gum to help relieve pressure in your ears during takeoff and landing. Also, opening your mouth wide can help this, even if you don't have a cold.
If you intend to sleep on the flight, bring earplugs, eye shades, and sleeping pills.
The dry air in a plane will dehydrate your system. Bring a bottle of water with you on the plane, and request plenty of water from your endlessly accommodating flight attendant. It's also helpful to bring a small bottle of moisturizing lotion for your face and hands.
Don't worry about getting up to use the restroom often; the walking about will be good for the blood flow in your legs.
High quality noise-isolating (different from noise cancelling) headphones (such as ER-6 by Etymotic or Shure E3c) usually work best and can make a world of difference by reducing the plane noise to a mere background hum and allowing you to fall asleep to your music in a quiet environment. However, this type of headphone takes a while to get used to - do not purchase them specifically for the trip.
Seats next to emergency exits generally have more leg room. Try to request that you get a seat in the emergency exit aisle, unless you are travelling with children, who are not allowed to sit there.
If you have a strong fear of flying, you could ask your doctor for a benzodiazepine (valium/xanax). These will lower your anxiety levels.
If you tend to get airsick, bring a small bottle of Ginger Ale and a newspaper in your backpack, since drink service doesn't start right away. The ginger will help calm your stomach and so will the smell of the newspaper.
The best way to endure a flight is by sleeping through it entirely. If you can, take an early morning flight, and either get up absurdly early or stay up very late and try to board the plane very tired. You might wake up for snacks, but if you time it right, you'll awaken upon touch-down at your destination!
To relieve pressure in your ears, research the valsalva maneuver (holding your nose and blowing) beforehand and know how to perform it correctly (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valsalva_maneouvre).
When you board the plane change your watch to the destination's time. If when you board it is night at your destination, try to sleep. Then force yourself to stay awake in flight during your destination's daylight hours. Upon arrival try to be outside to see the next sunset or dawn. Each of these things accelerates your acclimation to the new time zone. Light exercise also helps.
Warnings
If you take sleeping pills, be sure to use something that makes you drowsy but not "out". In case of emergency, the flight crew needs to be able to wake you quickly. Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) is a good option. Excedrin PM also works well and doesn't leave you drowsy.
Things You'll Need
Bottled water
Headphones
Sweater, sweatshirt or other warm layer
Earplugs
Take-out meal
Book, Magazine or Newspaper
Crossword, cards, game, puzzle, sudoku
DVD player and movies
Computer or video game device
Deodorant, mouthwash, toothbrush and toothpaste
Moisturizing lotion
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Have you always wanted to fly first class, but never had the money? There are some other, roundabout ways you can get first class. With a bit of luck, you might find yourself sitting on the luxurious lap of first class!
Ask the ticket counter agent nicely. Does this work? 99% of the time, absolutely not. In most cases, on most airlines, the ticket agent is not authorized to upgrade passengers unless you have frequent flyer status and even with frequent flyer status, you will most likely need to use miles to get your upgrade. However, you might be able to ask the ticket counter agent to kindly add a code to your ticket. Why? Because the code signifies to the gate agent that you as a passenger are potentially eligible for an upgrade. It works with the right airline and you will need to know which code to use, as each airline uses different codes for different situations that are independent of other carriers.
If you are late because of a competitor, make sure the airline is aware of that. They will try to give you a good impression of their airline, especially after your bad experience with one of their competitors.
Use your connections. If you just so happen to be related to a family member or are friends with an airline employee, you certainly could ask for an upgrade, but keep in mind that airlines are in the business of making a profit, and if there are upgrades to sell, or loyal frequent flyers to keep happy, don’t expect to be first in line for an upgrade.
If you happen to be a travel agent, show your ID. Again, if and only if seats are available will an airline offer a free upgrade and even though a travel agent might have some pull, you always have to assume that frequent flyer status will help more than just travel agent status. If you have both, you will only improve your chances of an upgrade. It certainly does not hurt to try.
Ask a flight attendant for an upgrade if you see a seat available. Typically flight attendants never upgrade passengers and simply asking for an upgrade is not going to work. However, there are legitimate reasons why a flight attendant will upgrade you. Here are a few:
An oversold flight – Typically airlines overbook flights and hope that some passengers will simply not show. If, however, there are more passengers than seats in coach, your best chance to be upgraded is to get assigned a seat towards the front of the aircraft. If there are no seats left and the flight is oversold, you may also be asked to volunteer to take a later fight. This would also mean compensation but of course not necessarily a first class upgrade.
A problem with your seat – In some cases where your seat has malfunctioned and you cannot comfortably sit there, i.e. a seatbelt problem or the seat will not stay in the up position, the flight attendant will make an attempt to find you another seat. If no other seats are available in coach yet space is available in first, you will be moved to first class. However, this is a very rare occurrence, and you should never try to purposely break your seat.
A problem with a fellow passenger – If by chance you are sitting next to a passenger and you have a legitimate complaint, the flight attendant can, at his/her discretion, move you to first.
Book with a travel agent. When you book with a travel agent, it is possible, with a valid reason, to have the agent mark your reservation with a comment, such as OSI (Other Significant Information). The record may indicate that you are a VIP or CEO of a big corporation. Airlines like to see this information as they are trying to win more and more business away from their competition. If there is a chance that an important decision maker is flying with them, it could potentially mean extra revenue for the airline as they may want to try to win your company’s account. This may lead to a free upgrade.
Book directly with the airline. When you book directly with the airline, there is the possibility of also adding an OSI to your record. If you are a travel agent, travel writer, or event planner, it certainly won’t hurt your chances.
Upgrade using frequent flyer points or status. If you are a frequent flyer, you can certainly use your miles to upgrade as long as allocated seats are available for upgrade. Not all seats are allocated for frequent flyer upgrades, as the airlines want to hold a certain block of seats for fully paid customers so that they can earn as much as they can for each flight. Using the right miles at the right time is also of importance. Each airline has their set terms and conditions for frequent flyers, miles and upgrades. You will need to determine the best case scenario for each flight you want to take. Short flights are typically not worth the upgrade since you would waste valuable miles. Of course, on many airlines having frequent flyer status will only help to get free upgrades. Typically, the higher the status, the better chance of getting a free upgrade confirmed days before the flight.
Be in the know. In an attempt to woo passengers and business, airlines will offer specials frequently throughout the year. You might even encounter a special that allows you instant status in their frequent flyer program. This refers to a higher level than just basic frequent flyer membership. For example, American Airlines has these levels: Member, Gold, Platinum, and Executive Platinum.
Buy an upgrade.
Many domestic carriers, in an attempt to earn more business, will happily sell first class seat upgrades on a first-come, first-serve basis. Obviously, they want to earn as much money as possible and they will release first class seats typically only at the airport and only on the day of the departure. Instead of paying $1,200 for a first class flight coast to coast, you might end up paying $300 for the coach ticket and just $150 each way for the first class upgrade.
Keep in mind that there are specific rules for who can use them and how they are used. You need to read the fine print carefully.
Upgrades for most major carriers can be purchased on eBay, in travel forums, and some can be found for sale in classified ads. In some cases you can purchase an upgrade for as little as eight dollars, but as usual, these upgrades can only be applied to your ticket at the check in counter once you arrive at the airport. Other more expensive upgrades will allow you to confirm your upgrade over the phone before you arrive at the airport.
Buy discounted first class tickets cheaply. Contrary to what you may have seen or heard, first class tickets are not always expensive, and there are numerous ways to purchase discounted tickets. The price may not be as cheap as coach tickets but with fierce competition, one can buy tickets that are heavily discounted that in comparison to coach tickets, may make sense to spend a little bit more to travel in style.
Volunteer to get "bumped" from an overbooked flight. If you do get bumped, you usually get a free flight to use within a year. If they end up not needing you to get bumped to a later flight, they may upgrade you for your willingness to get bumped.
Tips
You also have to hope they actually have first class seats available for upgrade. By the time you arrive at the airport, there is a good chance that the first class seats that have not been sold have been allocated to frequent flyers.
Get a frequent flyer card as soon as possible. It’s free and will only help you upgrade and of course you start to earn miles with your first flight. All the major airlines have their own frequent flyer program.
If you have a frequent flyer card with one airline in an alliance, it's best to not signup for other frequent flyer programs in the same alliance because all airlines in that alliance can assign miles to the same account. This will help you consolidate your miles and earn rewards faster.
If there are seats available, ticket agents may but rarely upgrade you if you are on the flight for a special occasion (e.g. going to your wedding, on your honeymoon, anniversary, etc.).
It's all about who you talk to and how you do it. Be polite and flexible.
Unaccompanied minors may also get a first class seat if they are sick or very young.
If you have high frequent flyer status with an airline, it's possible that you might gain equivalent status with another airline by telling the airline's phone agent and faxing in supporting materials.
Visit frequent flyer forums - virtual communities of people who travel a lot. They can usually offer you tips and tricks that aren't that commonly known. Just remember to be polite and always search before you post.
Look the part. Airlines are more willing to upgrade passengers who look as though they will fit in with those who willingly paid the extra money.
If you absolutely positively must fly first class, pay the first class fare
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