Don’t get me wrong. As much as I love flying when I travel, there are things I hate about it also. Below are instances that I hate about flying when traveling as a passenger. I added some tips on how to resolve and help you out in these sticky situations.
* The check-in agent seems to dislike you for a reason you can not fathom. He lets you pay for the excess quarter of a kilo from your baggage. The check-in agent should not charge you if the excess is less than a kilo. If he is adamant about it, talk to his supervisor. If the supervisor sides with the check-in agent, you must make sure that your carry-on bags still have room for additional stuff for a situation like this. You might need to transfer the excess to your hand carry bags.
* Your occupation is clearly written on your immigration card and the immigration officer asks, “Are you a seaman?” It happened to a dear friend of mine. Maybe you are traveling to a place where English is not the medium of communication. You might need to act it out if they still couldn’t understand what it is you do for a living. Another helpful tip is to bring a dictionary or those gadgets that can translate.
* You passed a dozen of times by the detector machine and it keeps on beeping. Someone please invent bra snap hooks, buttons of jeans, zippers to be plastic! The ideal clothing for travelers especially when flying is made of natural fibers instead of synthetic materials. Long sleeves, pants and close-toed shoes are preferred. You might want to skip belly buttoned skinny jeans, short shorts and stilettos for the party later.
* They give headsets for free in the flight but the entertainment system is not working. You pretty much can’t do anything about it except to write a report and e-mail it to the concerned department. It’s almost always a lifesaver to bring your net books, tablets or laptops.
* The flight attendant serving you is diagnosed to have a bipolar disease. Remember to be always courteous to people serving you your food, diagnosed or not.
* Your meal is cold and it is not the salad you are eating. You can always return it to the flight attendant. I’m sure she will be very glad to correct the mistake for you.
* You are seated on the middle and both passengers at your side snore like horses and weigh like water buffalos. During boarding, you could ask the flight attendant to have you re-seated when there is an available seat. Follow up your request after the doors have been closed. If it’s a full load flight, you really don’t have much choice but to stick with your seat. You can, from time to time, walk a little around the cabin of your class. Always bring earplugs when you travel.
Austria is a country located in Central Europe. It is a landlocked country because it is bordered by Czech Republic and Germany to the north, Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the west, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Slovakia and Hungary to the east. It is one of the richest countries in the world and has developed a high standard of living. A visit to Austria’s tourist destinations with cheap flights will truly amaze travelers because of its diverse landscapes. It is truly an amazing travel destination full of history, rich culture, and fine hospitality.
Travel agents can prepare itineraries for all types of travelers: history buffs, nature-lovers and urban lifestyle enthusiasts. The top ten most attractive tourist sites in Austria are the following:
1. Schloss Schönbrunn -is the most visited tourist destination. It is a huge complex building inside a landscaped garden. The building has a unique style of imperial Baroque.
2. Fortress Hohensalzburg -is the dominant landmark of Salzburg. It is one of the mightiest castles in Central Europe.
3. Grossglockner High Alpine Road -is a road that connects Salzburg and Carinthia.
4. Old View of the Basilica Marizell -it is an important location for Roman Catholic travelers who wish to visit with cheap flights.
5. Great Ferris Wheel Prater, Vienna -is an old traditional amusement park between the Danube and the inner city. It gives an amazing overview of Vienna, Austria.
6. Melk Abbey -can be seen on a rocky hill above the Danube.
7. Belvedere Palace -was originally built as a summer palace but is now a museum of Gustav Klimt collection.
Visiting Austria’s tourist destinations through cheap flights will truly amaze and stun travelers from all over the world. You will get to see the splendid sites and at the same time learn about their history. The country also has a wealth of cultural and natural sites. Varied holiday experiences are gained from all the diverse cities and their cultures. It is also one of the most romantic cities in the world. The architectural design of the buildings and landmarks has timeless elegance and beauty. A tour to Vienna, in particular, is a magical journey which will never be forgotten.
Travelers who have booked for cheap flights can see the royal palaces, museums, galleries, cathedrals, and operas. There are also other interesting sightseeing attractions. One should also not miss the chance of visiting Mozart’s hometown, Salzburg. Salzburg is a famous destination because of its rich history, the Baroque architecture, the monuments, the Cathedral Square, and the Mirabel Palace. The Hohensalzburg Fortress is also worth taking a tour.
Traveling to unfamiliar destinations can bring to you the sort of troubles you do not want to experience while on the road namely: robbery, rape, or murder. Tourists often fall prey to perpetrators because they do not prepare properly before embarking on a trip. Let’s examine some things you should do to prevent your travels from becoming a tragedy:
1. Never list your home address on the luggage tag. If on business, put the company’s address on the tag; if visiting friends you can list their address. Use covered luggage tags as well.
2. Stay with your luggage until the luggage is checked. If you must put your bag down, keep one foot on the handle.
3. Carry important papers with you; NEVER check anything that you simply cannot afford to lose. Photocopy your passport, driver’s license and credit cards.
4. Bring a small flashlight. You never know when you’ll suddenly be “in the dark” and find yourself in unfamiliar surroundings. At night, keep your flashlight by your bed.
5. Make sure that your prescription medicines are filled properly and labeled accurately. In some countries certain prescription medicines are forbidden.
6. Never wear anything that projects affluence. No gold chains, expensive watches and rings, luggage, or other paraphernalia should be in easy view. Better yet: leave your jewelry at home.
7. If possible travel with only one or two credit cards.
8. Women particularly should never accept a drink from a stranger. Keep an eye on your drink at all times.
9. Vary your schedule; try not to come and go at the same time everyday.
10. Only stay in a hotel that uses cards to open room doors and make sure your room has a peephole and a deadbolt lock. Secure the chain and secure the door by pushing a rubber stop under it.
11. Stay in a room near a stairwell. Never take the elevator if a fire or smoke is detected. Always stay in a hotel where the doors enter the hallway and not directly from the outside.
12. Do not wear name tags in public.
13. Do not use unmarked taxi cabs.
14. Sit behind the driver so you can see him, but he cannot see you.
15. Pay the driver upon arriving at your destination and while you are still sitting in the vehicle.
16. If you must rent a car, rent only from a reputable company. Any operating problems that occur could signal sabotage.
17. Be aware of ‘staged’ car accidents meant to catch you off card.
18. Back into your parking spaces to facilitate a quick exit.
19. Park only in well lit and well traveled areas.
20. If your cell phone does not work outside of the country, consider renting one that does for the duration of your trip.
21. If detained for whatever reason by an official, ask for identification. If in doubt, tell them that you want to see his superior. Keep your emotions in check.
22. If traveling with children, bring along an updated photograph of each child in the event that you become separated from them.
23. Write your child’s name and your hotel number on each card; include a close friend’s or relative’s contact information on the card. Give a card to each child which they will carry with them as long as you are away. Destroy once home.
24. Discuss with your family what they would do in event of an emergency while away from home, e.g. whom to call, how to contact emergency personnel, etc.
25. Do not discuss travel plans, your room number or any other personal information in public within earshot of strangers.
26. Bring along a basic first aid kit with bandages, iodine, mosquito repellant, sunscreen, alcohol packets, dramamine, pepto bismol, diarrhea medicine, etc.
27. Familiarize yourself with train and bus schedules before traveling. Have an alternate plan in place in the event your transportation plans change.
28. Do not flash your passport in public. Discreetly show important documents to officials only.
29. Consider purchasing portable alarms that emit a loud sound.
30. Watch for scams on the street. Children working with adults are notorious as pickpockets.
31. Never flash your money in public. Exchange funds with reputable and recognized exchangers only.
32. Have tips ready in advance for service personnel.
33. Consider renting an escort [security] service if traveling in areas where crime is high.
The key to safe traveling in any area is situational awareness. Distractions because of luggage, children, hotel personnel, strangers, etc. can put you at risk. Know your surroundings and stay in control of every situation.