OC Family Travel

Luggage scale information

2009-01-05T11:08:00.000-08:00

When preparing for a flight, you may want to have a luggage scale handy. Many airlines have instituted baggage fees based on the type, number, size and weight. Each one has their own policy, requirements and fee schedule depending if the type is a carry-on or checked bag. Check with the official airline websites to find this information and be prepared.

There are three general types of luggage scales: hand held manual, hand held digital and on the floor. The hand held manual ones are basic and cheapest (example ). The digital styles are easier to read and may have a more accurate reading (example ). The floor models can weigh bags by placing them on the scale vs. having to pick them up and holding them in the air (example ).

Additional features are something to contemplate. Stop and lock types will record the weight before you set a bag back down. This is especially important if you don't have someone around who can read the scale while you are holding a bag. As bag and box dimensions are things that are examined by the airlines, one with a tape measure would be helpful since it serves more than one purpose.

Luggage scales can be helpful in many ways. They can reduce stress if there is a concern about the weight and size of a bag. They can help travelers decide what and how much they will be able to pack. They can be used to weigh boxes if you want to consider shipping things to your destination ahead of time. A luggage scale would make a great gift for any traveler!

Consider These Things When Packing For Your Next Trip

2009-01-04T02:32:00.000-08:00

Here are some things that you may not want to forget to pack for your next trip.

Small first aid kit: in case of injury. (If you are taking a backpack or diaper bag, you could put it in there.)
Ziplock bags: for collecting shells or rocks, saving leftovers and opened snack bags, putting in wet or sandy clothes, etc.
Garbage bags: for dirty clothes (to keep them separated from clean ones) and trash.
Flashlight: in case your car breaks down in an unlit area, if you need to search for something while someone else is driving, if you need to read a map in the car or flag down passing cars.
Pocket knife (one that has many uses): can be used for a variety of things and is compact.
Pain reliever medicine (such as Advil, Tylenol or aspirin): for headaches and other pain.
Benadryl or other anti-allergy medication: for allergic reactions.
Bottled water: if you get stuck somewhere that you may be waiting a long time for someone to come help.

If traveling by car, put them all in a covered plastic box that you can keep in the trunk. These are things that you may need at any time.

Even if you don't think you'll need any of these items, you may be able to help someone else!

How to Avoid Airline Fees

2008-12-28T00:43:00.000-08:00

Tired of all of the airline fee announcements? Baggage fees, prime seat fees, change fees, booking over the phone fees, etc...too many! Find out what you can do to avoid paying them if at all possible.

Use Kayak, SideStep or FareCast for information. Most airlines will be included in the results. Orbitz, Expedia, Hotwire, Travelocity, Priceline and others may also be listed as suppliers.
Go to the airlines official website. Compare the results with what you found from other suppliers. If possible, book directly with them. You will not pay a booking fee and the change fees will be less.
Before you purchase tickets, see if it is possible to put tickets on hold (generally for about 24 hours). It will buy you some time and save you change fees. This is a particularly good option if you are not 100% sure of the travel dates and time, but would like to secure the rate. (United)
Check to see if the airlines that will enable you to cancel your tickets without penalty, typically within a 24 hour period if you booked online. Be sure you are logged into your account as some require you to be signed in at the time of purchase. (Delta and Continental) TIP: Check to see if the airfare goes down within that time period. You may be able to rebook or ask for a price adjustment.
Read the terms and conditions. There may be hidden fees that are not included in the price you are quoted. An example is the airline baggage fees. TIP: Try to pack light and travel with the allowed number and types of carry-ons.
If you want to change your flight to an earlier one, try to go standby. Sometimes there will be no charge if you take a different flight when you make changes at the gate (vs. the ticket counter). To increase your chances of getting on standby, call the airlines prior to arrival to find out the flight is at capacity. Be sure to get to the gate as early as possible and ask them to put you on the standby list. NOTE: This works best if you only have carry-on luggage. If you have checked bags, they may be going on a different flight or you may be required to take the flight your bags are checked in to take.
IMPORTANT: If you need to cancel your flights, do so before the plane is scheduled to take off. Otherwise, you may forfeit the ticket and not be entitled to a refund or credit.

How to Avoid Hotel Fees

2008-12-27T23:37:00.000-08:00

Don't book that great deal until you know the actual costs. If it sounds too good to be true, it just might be!

When comparing rates, calculate your total cost for your stay. Some websites might quote lower prices, but add on a booking fee before check out.
Be sure the rate is refundable, unless you are going to take that trip no matter what. Sometimes you can get a great rate, but if something comes up, you will lose all of your deposit and maybe more.
Review the cancellation policy. Note the date and time of the change/cancel deadlines. You may end up paying for one night's stay (or more) if you wait too long to cancel.
Check to see if there is a parking fee. You may be required to pay more for your stay than you realize.
If it is a condo or vacation rental property, see if there is a cleaning fee. This could be an additional charge that you were not expecting.
You may be getting a special rate because you are required to go to a timeshare presentation. If you do not attend, you may end up paying a higher rate or a fee at check out.
Sign up for the hotel or hotel chain's reward program. If you are an elite or preferred club member, you may be able to avoid paying fees if you cancel or change dates after the deadline. It is also possible that you will receive additional benefits such as a free newspaper, coupons, gifts and special promotional rates.

How to Get the Best Travel Deals

2008-11-01T02:44:00.000-07:00

When looking for the best deal, researching all the options and prices can be very time consuming and frustrating. Here are some tips to help you get the information you need to make a decision.

1. For flight options, start with Kayak. If you are able to pick from more than one airport or are open to different dates, use the flexible airport and date options. If you find something on Expedia, Travelocity or Orbitz, go directly to the airlines website to see if you can save yourself the booking fee. A benefit of booking through the airline's website, you will be able to apply your frequent flyer number to your flight. Sign up if you do not have an account.

2. For accommodations, try Hotels.com. Also, go to the hotel websites to see if there are special offers. AAA member? Get discounted rates at Marriott properties and other hotel chains.

3. Book a package for extra savings. Purchasing airfare and hotel together can often save you money.

4. Contact a travel agent. They have unlimited resources and access to special deals offered by suppliers that may not be publicly available. Get their advice and compare their prices. Quotes are free. Not only will you have someone to help you with your travel planning and keep you updated on industry news...you may get a great deal out of it too!

Good Reasons to Use a Travel Agent

2008-09-28T01:12:00.000-07:00

From the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) website:

There are a host of compelling reasons to use a travel agent: Travel agents are out to find the consumer the best rate available. Convenient one-stop shopping. Agents are there to save you money as well as time.

Customer advocacy: If you have a problem with a particular part of your travel experience, the agent is there to act on your behalf to see that restitution is made. ASTA, for example, is the only travel association aggressively fighting to improve the travel experience, and air transportation in particular, for all consumers, not just those with access to the Internet.

Expert guidance: Travel agents, unlike instructions on a Web page, are experts in understanding and deciphering the myriad of travel information and codes out there. It's what they've been trained to do and they do it every day.

Personalized service: Instead of an impersonal voice thousand of miles away, travel agents are your neighbors. They know what you want and what you value in your travel experience.
Professional advice: Travel agents are there to make sure you get where you want to go, when you want to go and for the lowest price.

Time: Instead of checking a long list of travel Web pages, which only provide rates and fares for the companies that have contracted with them, why not go straight to the source? A travel agent has all the information at their fingertips, saving you a few hours in front of a computer screen.

Unbiased information: Agents work for their clients, not for a travel supplier. It makes sense that a happy customer will be a repeat customer.