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A relaxing, luxurious getaway can come without the hassle of the discount hunt, and not all deals can be found online. Mendy Tanner with Springdale Travel says travel agencies can be beneficial.
"We offer leisure packages, cruise packages, airline tickets we also have corporate travel, adventure travel and student groups."
From international to domestic travel, Tanner said the agency has budget friendly ways to travel without breaking the bank. They can get inside deals and know the ins and outs of the system.
"We also work with vendors for special sales during the year. It may be a reduced deposit or some onboard credit, spending money, a bottle of wine to their cabin,” Tanner ads.
“By booking with a travel agency, we can offer that little bit that can help with the extras," she adds.
Agencies are also in the loop when it comes to certain promotions.
"Resident rates. There are certain cruise line that offer discounts for 55 years or older. There are some hotels that recognize AAA. Carnival is offering past guest discounts right now in order to get everyone to travel. That does offer free upgrades for past cruisers with Carnival at lower prices, so that is something that actually on the Gulf Coast you can do."
Tanner also let us in on a couple of secrets to help you with your traveling. Plan ahead, and book at least a few months in advance.
"You can actually save the most money by doing early booking, anywhere from $150-$200 per person," said Tanner.
Be Flexible. The time of year definitely makes a difference.
"Usually the prices are higher when kids are out of school, during spring break, summertime and holiday time. If you can work your schedule around and go in fall or winter months, that can actually cut prices in half."
Agencies offer a personal service and can walk you through the necessary paperwork to help make your trip enjoyable and affordable.
A lot of people don't realize this, but Tanner said there is not a booking fee for booking with a travel agent. However, there is a small fee for the airline tickets booked for customers
SAA officially opened a Premium Class departure lounge at Murtalla Muhammad International Airport in Lagos earlier this month.
The new lounge is available to business-class passengers, Voyager Lifetime Platinum and Platinum members.
The African-inspired design is in line with SAA's other new and renovated airport lounges in South Africa. Expansive wall-to-wall windows offer views of the runway and facilities include bar service, self-service food and beverage area, showers and a smokers' lounge.
The lounge facilitates SAA's aggressive expansion into Africa, as well as providing improved and upmarket facilities and service for its growing number of customers on the continent and, in particular, Nigeria.
The decision to build the lounge came as a result of growing trade and cultural links between South Africa and Nigeria, which contribute significantly towards the increased traffic between Johannesburg and Lagos.
If a Chinese person tells you that you look fat, don’t be offended -- it’s a compliment. This is just one of the important things to know if doing business overseas is on your list of New Year’s resolutions.
“It’s important to be aware that most Chinese people are very direct,” said Syndi Seid, an expert on international customs and founder of AdvancedEtiquette.com in San Francisco. “They will often ask you personal questions about your salary or family.”
Being prepared to deal with the complexities of other cultures before going global is critical to your success. The good news is that there are tremendous resources available to help you get started, and here’s why:
“Seventy percent of the world’s purchasing power and ninety percent of the population is located outside of the U.S,” said Karen Zens, deputy assistant secretary for international trade at the International Trade Administration.
Here are 12 things to consider before booking a flight:
1. Similar to the SA, every country has different regions. Language, customs and cuisine vary, so become acquainted with the particular region you plan to visit. In addition to reading books and magazines about the country, try to meet as many people as you can from that country before you go. One great way to learn about life abroad is to host visitors from that country. Ask friends and business contacts to make introductions or contact your local chamber of commerce.
2. Read current books, magazines and online information about your target country. Follow news reports to up to date on social and political issues. Set Google Alerts to monitor what’s going on. You don’t want to be traveling overseas during unstable times.
3. Contact the SA Department of Commerce or the Trade Attache of the country you intend to visit. Their job is to provide business owners information and make introductions. Best of all, most of their services are free.
4. Learn how to pronounce names correctly and memorize a few key phrases in the native language. Making an effort to learn the local language makes a positive impression. Hire an interpreter for business meetings. Brief them about your business and products before the meeting. Explain what you hope to accomplish so they can prepare for the meeting.
5. If you don’t have an international mobile phone, rent a local phone. (You can rent a mobile phone at most major airports). It’s much easier to set up meetings if you have a local number. Texting is usually cheaper than making calls abroad. Use Skype to keep in touch with friends and family back home.
6. Be willing to try the local cuisine. As long as you are not allergic or the food served violates a religious or dietary restriction, try it. Not eating may offend your host, according to Seid.
7. Be patient. The biggest mistake many travelers make is not having the patience to build solid relationships. “No one likes to be treated, nor thought of as just a dollar sign,” said Seid. “Build at least two mentor-type relationships with new and trusted friends in the country who are willing to be on call whenever you need advice or direction.”
8. Don’t forget to carry your hotel residence card at all times. “Never leave the hotel without a card that can help a taxi driver know how to get you back home safely.”
“Always dress up because you can always dress down,” advises etiquette expert, Syndi Seid. Many business dinners abroad are formal, so men should pack a white shirt, tie and tuxedo. Women should bring a full length evening dress or dressy pants suit. Dress conservatively and professionally for business meetings: a suit or jacket and tie for men and business attire for women.
9. Be careful to address someone by their proper title. It’s best to use Mr. or Ms. “The global trend is to honor a person's gender, but not focus on a woman's marital status,” said Seid.
10. During a toast, look directly at the person making the toast and take a sip. If the toast is in your honor, don’t sip. Just smile and say “thank you.” Immediately following the toast to you, make a toast to your host and everyone else. Always wait for your host to start eating before digging in.
11. Keep both hands on top of the table at all times during a meeting or meal. “It means you are not hiding weapons under the table or holding hands with the host’s sweetheart,” said Seid.
Other quick notes: pack extra prescription medicine and keep it in the original containers. Bring along a small medical kit, including plastic bandages for cuts and scrapes, medicine for treating diarrhea and indigestion, cold remedies and cough drops. |
