Tag Archives: bazaars
May 21, 2013

So You Have Decided to Take A Big Trip …

Getting ready for a trip can be both exciting and tiring. You’re ready to go to all the places you’ve wanted to see, but being ready for another country can be a bit stressful if you take everything too seriously. All you need is a pen, a piece of paper and a little time in front of your computer.

 

First things first, where are you going? Make a list of places you want to see and don’t just rely on one site. Think outside the box, do you have to visit the places you see on a postcard or would you like to go to more exotic, unknown (but of course safe) places? Look at sites where people share travel experiences and se wht they share. There are many travel agencies that have guides or tours that you can join, just inquire and then make some plans.  Decide whether you want to be on your own or just with your companion to have your own adventure, walk around shops and bazaars and just discover things by yourself.

 

Now that you know where you’re going, you’ll know what you’ll need. Aside from the usual papers you need from the embassy or from your ticketing agency, research on what people have had to do once they land in the country. Is there something you’ll need in the airport? Aside from that you’ll need a camera (traveling without one is simply not an option anymore), your laptop, laptop and cellphone charger and maybe an adaptor. Look into roaming charges for your cell phone.

 

Then necessities such as a toothbrush, toiletries (that are allowed on the plane) and other small items – are you going to bring some along or just buy them form a store somewhere? Make a list either way. Are you traveling to a country that’s experiencing hot or cold weather? Bring suitable clothing. I love Under Armour cold weather gear. You can get some Under Armour promo codes from PromoCoder.com .

 

Take note on what cards are accepted, whether it’s better to exchange your money in your country or where you’re traveling to and if you run out, will you be able to withdraw without any problems with your card? In case you have trouble, also find out what money sending services you can use (Western Union is the best choice) and where you can find one.

 

Lastly, always have a backup plan and contact information of where you’re staying, your embassy in that country or police information and always keep it on you at all times! You never know when you may need it. You wouldn’t want to be lost and not remember the name of the hotel you’re staying in!

May 12, 2013

How Do Online Travel Auctions Work?

Online travel auctions are basically online markets or bazaars. The only difference is that in the case the wares sold are actually travel vacation packages.

 

Just as is so in any auction (online or off) sellers of vacations can offer one item at a time or multiple lots of the same item (known as Dutch or English auctions) Depending on which site you are on the travel package must go to the highest common denominator.

 

On almost all travel auction sites the seller of the vacation package can set a minimum bid.  This is called the reserve price, which is the lowest price that the seller will accept for the deal. Some auction travel sites disclose the reserve-bidding price during the auction and others don’t.  How exactly some of these sites work is explained in more detail later on in this book.

 

The bidding for each travel auction both opens closes at a scheduled time. You’ll be alerted via e-mail if someone outbids you, and then it’s decision time. Don’t get carried away. Decide in advance on the maximum amount you’ll spend, and stick to it.  Getting swept away by the competitive spirit that is generated by online bidding has led many people to pay more than market value for what is supposed to be a discounted vacation package!

 

After the bidding closes it is automatically disclosed who the highest bidder is.  . In the case of sales of multiple lots, the participants with the highest bids at the close of the auction are obligated to buy the items.

 

On some travel sites if no one bids at or above the reserve price, the auction closes without a winner. If there is a reserve price for your bid that is less (for instance one dollar on a reserve bid of ten dollars) it usually not even accepted by the site’s software.

 

At the close of a successful auction, the buyer and seller communicate, usually by e-mail, to arrange for payment and information about your travel package. It is usually at this point that it is revealed exactly where you are going along with any caveats such as black out dates for travel, fees, taxes and site charges.

 

Most travel auction sites offer all types of different payment options including credit card, debit card, personal check, cashier’s check, money order, cash on delivery and escrow services.

 

However, not all sellers of vacation packages on auction sites accept all of the forms of payment just mentioned; payment methods are usually thoroughly explained in the FAQ, Help or fine print sections on the auction travel web site itself.