Tips for Getting the Best Deals on International Flights
By Mike | July 1, 2009
When traveling abroad, getting there is usually the most expensive part of the trip. Depending on the date of travel and the destination, international air fare can cost as much as several thousand dollars. Considering the fact that the average vacation lasts 2 weeks, that’s a large chunk of change. Here are a few tips to help you get the best deal possible.
- Timing – If cutting trip cost is your biggest priority, then try to travel during non-peak travel times. Avoiding major holidays and student breaks (spring and summer break) is also a good idea. Also, don’t forget about major local holidays. For example, if you are planning on traveling to Brazil, and you don’t want to spend tons of money, then avoid Carnival. Ticket prices sky rocket during this time, not to mention accommodation, food and entertainment prices.
- Where to Buy – You might need to get away from using the usual online booking sites, such as Expedia or Travelocity. Though they are generally good for domestic travel, they tend to have a markup on international flights. Kayak.com is a great place to start. My personal favorite tool on Kayak is the fare history charts. These can help you decide whether to book now, or wait in hopes of the fare going down. Also it’s worth a shot to check out some of the consolidator sites, such as AirlineConsolidator.com.
- Be Flexible – If at all possible be open to a variety of travel dates. This is partially related to the first point of timing. However, as with domestic flights you can save a significant amount by shifting your travel dates by a few days. This is generally due to other external factors. For example there might be a large conference in your destination city happening on the weekend of your planned arrival, shift your trip to arrive on Sunday night and you will likely save some money.
- Make Some Stops Along the Way – Generally multi-stop flights will be cheaper, but another strategy is to buy separate tickets to and from a hub (stop over city) and then from that city to your destination. You might be able to find a cheap deal for a flight to NYC, which is a hub for most trans-Atlantic travel; and then you might find a great deal on a flight from NYC to your destination. This is a bit more involved because you now have to coordinate these connecting flights yourself, but you can often save hundreds of dollars by doing this.
Topics: International Travel, Trip Planning | No Comments »
Top Rated Backpacks
By Mike | June 26, 2009
Yes its a bit too early for “Back to School” but its never a bad time for a new backpack. Luggage Pros carries the best overall rated backpack (general use), as well as the best budget backpack. This is based on a variety of third party and customer reviews.
Best Backpack for Teens & Adults
The North Face Borealis – This is a great pack both for school and/or a daypack. Rated highly for comfort and durability, this backpack has great features, like the available padded laptop sleeve and the tuck-away hip belt. At only $85 this is a great buy. Available in a variety of colors.
Best Budget Backpack
JanSport Super Break – This is a classic that has been around for decades, and still has not lost popularity. Very durable, especially for its price point ($29). This is your standard school backpack. It is available in a large variety of solid colors, as well as a great number of designer patterns.
If you are in the market for a backpack, and neither of the above best-rated float your boat, click here for a full list of backpack brands and backpack types. Whether it is a hiking backpack or a wheeled backpack that you need, we have a large selection for you to checkout.
Topics: Luggage, Bags, and Travel Accessories | No Comments »
Antler – New at Luggage Pros
By Mike | June 25, 2009
Its a British Invasion! Antler, one of UK’s biggest luggage brands is coming to the US, and Luggage Pros is happy to be their authorized retailer. The company prides itself on quality, innovation and style. These characteristics can be seen in every piece of Antler luggage.
Take the Camden Town Collection, for example. This is where form meets function – a unique hardside shell that is both eye catching and tough; attached TSA locks for maximum security and convenience when going through checkpoints; and sturdy ball bearing wheels. If you are looking for a quality unique piece of hardside luggage, this might be the one for you. If you are looking for another brand to compare it to, look no further than Titan. This Antler collection might not be as durable, but it is still very sturdy. The thing that likely sets these two brands apart is the warranty.
Topics: Luggage, Bags, and Travel Accessories | 1 Comment »
Government Bill to Regulate Carry-on Size
By Mike | June 24, 2009
In case you haven’t yet gotten fed up with all the rules and regulations that the airlines and the TSA are throwing at travelers, this next bit might push you over the edge. The federal government is trying to pass a bill (H.R. 2870) that would standardize the maximum size of carry-ons allowed. The proposed dimensions would be limited to no more than 22 inches by 18 inches by 10 inches for a total of 50 inches. Mind you that this is 5 linear inches longer than what the large airlines have already standardized themselves to.
This post isn’t as much about the new proposed regulation, but it is really me voicing my displeasure at the fact that the government is spending time and taxpayer dollars to regulate something that doesn’t really need regulating. I mean the rules are simple enough, if the item doesn’t fit under the seat or in the overhead bin, it needs to be checked…no need for House Resolution 2870.
Topics: Airline Regulations, Domestic Travel, Luggage, Bags, and Travel Accessories | No Comments »
An Out of This World Travel Experience
By Mike | June 22, 2009
For thousands of years man has been captivated by space. In the past hundred years there have been a select few people who have been able to experience the large expanse of space. 99.99% of the population knows that the closest the will get to space are sci-fi movies and telescope and satellite photographs. Soon however, as early as 2010, regular people will be able to travel into space. The state of New Mexico has begun the construction of the $200 million Spaceport America, which will be home to Billionair Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic.
Virgin Galactic has started taking advance bookings, at $200,000 per flight, in 2005, and over 45,000 people have already signed up. Yes, the majority of the world’s population will still not be able to personally witness space, at least not at the $200,000 price tag, but one has to be interested and excited about the prospect of the beginning of space travel.
Topics: Airports, International Travel, Other, Trip Planning | No Comments »
A New Kind of Airport
By Mike | June 19, 2009
In case you didn’t know, most of our national airports are owned by the government, and most of the employees there work either for the government or for the airlines. This practice of staffing the counters and gates at hundreds or airports costs the airlines a lot of money. A new airport, recently opened in Branson Missouri, is looking to change all that. Branson Airport, which is what it is currently unofficially referred to as (unofficially because an official name has not yet been chosen), is a privately owned and financed airport. This airport will employ all persons working there, which means that the airlines (currently only AirTran and Sun Country) will not have to staff their ticket counters and gates there.
How will this airport support the hundreds of employees it will need to keep on staff? Reportedly they have struck an agreement with the airlines that they will pay a certain fee per passenger that comes through that airport. Either way, this represents a huge savings for the airlines because they will save on salaries, pensions, insurance, etc. If the privately owned airport experiment works, we might see a restructuring of the national airport system, and if that happens, we will hopefully see a decrease in ticket prices. Though that’s probably very wishful thinking. My questions is how this will affect service, safety, and performance?
Topics: Airports, Domestic Travel, Other | No Comments »
How to Get Through Airport Security Faster
By Mike | June 15, 2009
In the post 9/11 era, we have gotten used to new security measures and longer wait times at checkpoints. Here are some tips to help you get through the security checkpoints as fast as possible.
- Pack smart – try to make it so that your luggage does not get searched by separating all your bulky plastic and/or electronic things. Separate these items with clothes so that they don’t get clustered together in an undestinguishable and suspicious image on the x-ray monitor. In case your bag does get searched, pack in a way that makes it easier for the TSA security people to unpack/repack your bag. Rolling your clothes works well.
- Don’t forget the not-so-new carry-on liquid law. No more than 3.4oz bottles that all have to fit into one ziplock bag. It can get spendy buying mini-bottles of all your favorite personal hygiene liquids, so buying a TSA approved bottle kit is the way to go.
- If you are bringing a laptop, get a TSA checkpoint friendly bag. These bags have a separate compartment for only the laptop which lets you leave your laptop and accessories in the laptop bag when going through the checkpoint.
- Mind what you wear – try to avoid jewelry and belts if possible, especialy belts with large metal buckles. I am actually notorious for forgetting about those, setting off the metal detectors, and then acting like a fool searching through my pockets trying to figure out what could be setting it off. Sandals or slip on shoes are the best – try to avoid shoelaces.
- Make sure you have your ID and boarding pass out. Yes this is the most obvious and most basic, but you would be surprised – or maybe you wouldn’t – by the number of people that seem to be amazed when they are asked for their ID and boarding pass. At that point, said people begin hectically searching their bags and pockets. Please have these out in advance…it will benefit you, and everyone behind you as well.
If you have any other specific tips for getting through the security checkpoins faster, please post them here.
Topics: Airline Regulations, Airports | No Comments »
Worried About Traveling During the Recession?
By Mike | June 12, 2009
Only a tiny portion of the US population is not feeling the pressures of the current economic recession. Even those of use with jobs, can’t help but wonder, “for how long?” If you are one of the millions of people who are worried that you can’t afford a summer vacation, don’t worry, I have some economical travel ideas for you.
Even with current discounts, hotels and air travel are expensive, especially if you are you are going outside the US. Forget flying – driving can be just as fun, if not more so – take an old fashioned road trip. The US has tons of stuff to see, for all types of people. W have sprawling cityscapes, spectacular national and state parks, theme parks for the kids, and great historical landmarks. so go ahead, rent a car, or an RV (save on lodging costs) and take in all that our great country has to offer.
Don’t want to be stuck in the car for long periods of time? No worries – take a camping and/or hiking trip. The US has some of the best campsites and hiking trails in the world. Most of the state and national parks that I mentioned above have great places to camp and hike. Pack up your backpacks, grab your sleeping bag and camping gear and enjoy the outdoors.
Not big on driving or the outdoors? Take a train. Though our rail system is not very good, when compared to most other industrialized nations, it can still offer a cheaper way to travel to large cities. If you are traveling along either coast, the train system is pretty decent, so go ahead visit New York, D.C, Boston, San Francisco, L.A or Seattle.
Do all of the above options not spark any interest, or are still too expensive? Try a “staycation”. If you live in a larger city, find a decent hotel with a good last minute deal, take a few days off, get out of the house, and go relax.
The point is, there are many ways to spend your summer vacation. If money is an issue, don’t worry too much, and get creative. If you have any other alternative summer travel ideas, please reply and post them here.
Topics: Uncategorized | No Comments »
Garment Bags for the Business Traveler
By Mike | June 10, 2009
For the business traveler who doesn’t like the bulky upright and/or rolling garment bags, Luggage Pros now has a solution. We are now an authorized retailer for Wally Bags, a well known name in the industry for almost 50 years. Wally Bags offers very functional and durable products, with patented hanger clamp systems. These garment bags are great for safely transporting all your formal and business attire, including suits, dresses, and gowns.
If you are interested in our full garment bag selection, click here.
Topics: Uncategorized | No Comments »
Laptop Bag Finder
By Ryan | June 9, 2009
The one item harder to shop for than a laptop is a laptop case. Since each laptop is a little bit different than the last, it makes sense there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to getting a laptop case. The biggest issue shoppers have with laptop cases is they don’t know if their laptop will fit in the padded sleeve or not. We just rolled out a new feature that will slay that dragon.
We call it the Laptop Bag Finder.
Entering the basic laptop dimensions (length, width, height) into the Laptop Bag Finder, it will scour Luggage Pros looking for the cases that are a fit for the specified laptop measurements. Once the information is submitted, the Laptop Bag Finder will pull all the matches and give you a myriad of useful choices. And for all you out there that are getting a new laptop without knowing the dimensions, you can still search for laptop cases the old-fashioned way too.
We have tons of laptops cases available and they are easier than ever to search through. Give the tool a shot; I’m sure you’ll find something you’ll like. The best part is that you can easily find those elusive larger cases for the 17” laptops.
Topics: Uncategorized | No Comments »
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