Globe Trotting
by Hakeem Abubakr
The Vision
As I look back to see where the road of life has taken me, I engage in it with a smile. I have traveled to over 30 countries in the last 15 years escorting groups all around the globe. Sometimes I can’t help reflecting on some of the experiences I have went through, the relationships I have made, and most of all, the knowledge I have gained from the diversity of people I have come in contact with. Traveling the world has been a dream of mine since I was a child. I have been fortunate in being able to live my dream and to sustain a comfortable living doing so. This dream of mine is esoteric. Not everyone in the world dares to venture out far, crave to visit far away places and seek adventure. Travel is indeed something you either embrace or you don’t. It is an inner urge to learn more about the world in which we live.
In the coming months you can look forward to articles and travel tips for such destinations as Fiji, London and South Africa. You can also check out our new travel club “Jet- Setters” and “Tropical Paradise. We’ll also be offering men and women only group tours to places like Brazil and Jamaica. Obviously, they will carry different themes, catering to the needs of both genders. For those looking for group travel in a family orientated environment, we will be offering a summer package where one and two parent families can go and enjoy a relaxing vacation and spend quality time with their children and other families with similar cultural backgrounds.
2004 is bright for Blackweekly.com Travelers! We are introducing quality travel programs to the members and the community. Remember your, ideas and comments will be very instrumental in formulating these packages. So let us her from you!
Frequently Asked Travel Questions
Airline Tickets
Why is the price of an airline ticket never the same from agency to agency?
Understanding the airline rules is tricky...space is sold by class of service, with perhaps only 9 seats available at the lowest rate and continuing up in increments of 9 until all seats are accounted for. Even though all SEATS are the same there is a wide range of prices. If you make your arrangements early (21 days or more in advance) you will get the least expensive rate. The closer you are to the departure date, the more expensive the ticket will be. Airline tickets can and are frequently held for 24 hours. After this time, if they are now purchased, they are put back into the system and show up as available. I told you this was tricky...and since the airlines are the ones making the rules, I guess they can also change them whenever they want.
Why should I use a travel agent for my airline tickets instead of booking directly?
A travel agency is one stop shopping. We can see at a glance the flights that suit your needs and get you the best rates among all of the airlines. Should you choose to do your own comparison shopping, you would be on the phone for hours.
Why not book my flights over the Internet directly?
The web-sites that are available are wonderful tools for you to obtain information and even pick your flights, but keep in mind that you are not TALKING to a person, you are communicating with a machine. your travel agent will reconfirm your reservation with you and obtain your final approval prior to issuing the ticket. Over the internet, if you make a mistake with perhaps the date or time of flight, you are stuck. And the $75.00 change fee could possibly been avoided.
Why are short immediate trips so expensive?
Airline rules are almost all based on a Saturday night stay with at least 21 days notice. those short business meetings or spur of the moment trips can be very costly because they do not fall within these guidelines. Occasionally, an inexpensive fare can be found but it is the luck of the draw.
What are electronic or E-tickets?
E-tickets are one of the best things that the airlines have done in a long time. When you travel on an E-ticket, there is nothing to lose or forget. Your name and flight information are stored in the airline computer and all you have to do is show your government issued photo ID when you arrive, check your luggage and board the plane. If you lose your paper tickets you could be charged a fee to re-issue. At this time there are still some flights that can not be ticketed with the electronic method, in this case you will probably be issued paper tickets.
Why was I stuck in the center seat when I requested a window or an aisle?
More and more airlines are holding back on the seats that they allow your travel agent to prebook. Your travel agent will ALWAYS try to get you the type of seat you requested, but face it, this is a first come first served deal, and someone has to sit in the middle. The sooner you purchase your ticket, the more choices there are. Airlines do not allow travel agents to book the exit row seats. (There are age restrictions on these seats.) However, when you check in for your flight, you can request the exit row, which will give you a lot more legroom. **FYI** Most planes have more than one row of seats in the exit row, and if you are requesting that row, know that you should request the row that reclines...The other row sit in a "full and upright position" at all times.
Why do I have to arrive at the airport at least one hour prior to my flight?
Airlines often over sell their flights. On the off chance that everyone shows up, someone is going to get bumped from the flight. There will be a compensation for this, but if you don't want to be the one who is inconvenienced, you need to get there early and check in. Getting bumped isn't always a bad thing. Generally speaking you will get on a later flight and at lease a $200.00 voucher for future travel. But arriving early will prevent YOU being the person still standing in the airport while your plane is up and away.
Vacations
Is a passport required?
Not always, an original birth certificate with a raised seal and a government issued photo ID is generally accepted. Ask your travel agent.
Will I need shots?
If you are traveling to the Caribbean, no shots are required. But if you are planning an exotic vacation you should consult your travel agent for the required shots and documents.
How do I know what activities are available at my vacation destination?
Give your travel agent as much information as possible when booking your vacation. If you enjoy snorkeling, deep sea fishing, diving etc. your travel agent can pre-book your activities for you, but most resorts and hotels have a tour desk with tons of options for you to choose from.
Should I rent a car?
That is strictly up to you. If you are the adventurous type and enjoy exploring your surroundings then you may want to rent a car for a few days or perhaps the entire stay. If you would prefer not to be bothered with it, you generally can take a cab anywhere you would want to go.
How much money should I take with me on the vacation?
If you have booked an all-inclusive vacation, you will only need enough to purchase souvenirs and gifts (and perhaps some of the duty-free liquor). If you have chosen to book a "European Plan" (no meals included) then you will need to take enough for your food, activities, and shopping. The actual dollar amount is really up to you.
Do I need to exchange my currency?
Most Caribbean Islands accept US currency, but be advised that you may get your change back in their currency. If you choose to exchange your currency before you leave home, this can be done at most large banks, and at most international airports.
How much duty free goods can I bring back with me?
Generally, you are permitted to bring in $400.00 per person. You will be informed while you are on the plane and be given forms to fill out.
FYI...DO NOT ATTEMPT TO BRING FRUITS, GRAINS, LIVE ANIMALS, OR PLANTS BACK INTO THE UNITED STATES. THERE ARE SEVERE FINES AND THESE ITEMS WILL BE CONFISCATED.
About Hakeem
Hakeem is the owner of Safkeena International Travel is a full service travel company. His company specialize in group travel, conventions, church and other religious group travel, honeymoons, family reunions and individual travel plans. They can book air, hotels and car rentals. Safkeena have a relationship with all major tour companies, but most of all, we specialize in putting together our custom tours to international destinations.
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