air ticket booking travel agent

By Trust Travel

How to Book an Airline Ticket

Booking an airline ticket can seem complicated when there are so many websites, airlines, and travel agents to choose from. Flight prices also fluctuate all the time, making the booking process even more complicated. But with some research and flexibility, you’ll be able to book your next airline ticket seamlessly.

1.Decide where you are going

Depending on your trip, you may have some flexibility in terms of your exact location. Do some research to find the perfect destination for you.

2.Decide when you are going

With your fellow travelers, decide when you are going on your trip and for how long. The more flexible you are with your dates, the easier it will be to find a deal.

  • If your dates are not flexible or if your trip is coming up very soon, it’s best to book as soon as possible. This is especially important if you are flying during a popular period, like Thanksgiving

3. Check if you need visas or vaccinations

Some international destinations will require visitors to have special visas to come to their country or get vaccinations ahead of time. Include this in your research so you have time to make arrangements, apply for any visas and schedule travel vaccination appointments.

4.Consider who and what you’re traveling with

If you’re traveling with an infant, depending on the flight carrier, you may not need to buy a separate seat for the child. However, traveling with a baby may also mean that you will need to pack extra things like a diaper bag, playpen or stroller.

5.Look for flights in advance

The best time to book a domestic flight is between 112 and 21 days before you depart to secure the lowest fare. 54 days before is considered the perfect time. However, even booking 54 days before your trip is not guaranteed to get you the lowest fare.

6. Check airfare deal websites

Before booking, scan an airfare deal website, like Airfare Watch Dog, for sales. This is especially helpful if your destination or trip dates are flexible so you can take advantage of any deals.

  • Airlines sometimes share sales with their customers through their websites or newsletters. You can subscribe to the newsletters of your top airlines or visit their sites to search for deals.

Related post: How To Become Air Ticket Booking Agent

7Enter your trip details on an aggregator site

Visit an aggregator website that searches multiple airlines, like Skyscanner, Momondo or GoogleFlights, and enter your trip information. The website will be able to show you lots of flight options for your requested destination and dates that you can sort by price, airline or length of trip.

  • Many aggregator sites will allow you to enter multiple destinations and search flights on multiple dates. This will help you find the best deal if your trip is flexible.
  • If you have time, check a few aggregator websites. Some sites may advertise different prices so it’s good to check around and ensure you’re getting the best deal.

8.Choose how many stops you want to make

Many flights, especially to far away locations, will require you to make stopovers at airports along the way. Sometimes these will involve changing planes and going through security again. As you look at flights, remember to keep in mind how many stops you are comfortable making. Also, check how long and what time of day the stops are.

  • You may be able to find a cheaper flight if you’re comfortable adding an extra stopover. However, it’s important to take into account if the length and time of the stopover are worth the money you will save.

9.Click through to the airline’s website

Once you have found the best trip, select it on the aggregator site and move to the airline’s direct website to book your tickets. Some aggregators allow you to book the ticket through their website, but there may be an additional service fee.

10.Choose your seat.

Many airlines will allow you to choose your seat at your time of booking. Ensure you choose seats for all of the passengers that you’re booking airline tickets for. You can select to sit together, if there is space for your party, and whether you want an aisle, window or middle seat. You may also be able to select seat upgrades, like extra legroom, for an additional cost.

 

  • If your airline does not allow you to select your seat at the time of booking, you may be able to do it when you check in. If you have a specific seat preference or need to sit with your travel companions.

11.Choose to add insurance or not

During the booking process, you may also be prompted to add insurance. Read the fine print and decide whether or not your flight and trip require insurance.

  • You might be covered by insurance through your work, healthcare or credit card. It’s a good idea to look into these options and compare costs if you want to add insurance coverage for your trip.

12.Book your ticket!

On the airline’s website, confirm that all of your trip information is correct. Then follow the prompts to enter your personal and payment information to finish booking your tickets. You may also need the personal information of anyone else flying with you.

13Collect all of your trip information

 From your research, establish your trip destination and dates, even if these are flexible. Also, make sure you have your payment information and the personal information for yourself and your fellow travelers on hand. For example, you may need to know all of the travelers’ birthdates and passport numbers.

14Find a reputable travel agent

Ask your friends and family for recommendations if you haven’t worked with a travel agent before. If you can’t get a personal recommendation, search online for a travel agency with good reviews.

15. Meet with your travel agent in person or over the phone

Depending on the travel agency, you may be able to go in-person or you may work with someone over the phone. Ensure your travel agent is knowledgeable, friendly and service-oriented. They should be able to answer all of your questions and have experience booking similar trips to the one you want to go on.

16.Give your travel agent your trip information

Provide your travel agent with the destination and dates of your trip. If you are flexible with nearby destinations, multiple stopovers or similar dates, ensure you tell your travel agent that information.

  • Also, let your travel agent know about your preferences and any required accommodations. You can tell them your seating preference, such as aisle or window if you need special accommodations, like a wheelchair, if you’re interested in purchasing add-ons, like hotel stays and car rentals, and if you need to purchase insurance.

17.Book your ticket!

After receiving your information, your travel agent will present you with some flight options for your trip. Select the best option for you and continue speaking with your travel agent to finish booking your airline tickets. The agent will need your personal and payment information.

 

 

 

Source: Wikihow

By Trust Travel

Which Is A Popular Holiday Destinations In India

The best place in India to visit

It’s REALLY tough to do all of these in 9 days in India, especially in December, so I’ll request you to moderate your expectations somewhat, and have a relaxed, enjoyable stay.

Given it’s December, Ladakh is snowed in and you can’t really get there – but you can go skiing in Gulmarg near Srinagar and/or heli-skiing in Himachal Pradesh. But both of those require a few days in themselves.

The serious rafting (grade 5 stuff) happens a lot on the Ganges near Rishikesh – which, cultural plus, is just up the river from Haridwar, one of those “holy” spots, but you might need to Google to see if anybody’s offering rafting trips around then. My sense is most rafting operators tend to slack off then, but I could be wrong.

Rajasthan is pleasant to visit -warm in days,  biting cold at nights – and seeing places among the dunes is a super cultural experience.

All of that is in northern India. Along with Varanasi which, I must add is directly connected not to Mumbai but New Delhi, our big city in the north – where you might want to fly into instead of Bombay / Mumbai if you choose to be in the north.

A good 9-day itinerary in this part of India would be – land in Delhi, spend a day going to and coming back from the Taj Mahal in Agra – also visit Fatehpur Sikri there. Then fly/take a train to Haridwar. Spend a day there. Drive up to Rishikesh which is just 30 km away – catch a 3-day rafting trip if one is available – else see if you want to head further up the river to some of India’s holiest spots – the “Char Dham”. Back to Delhi will take you a day. Head to Rajasthan (Jaipur / Jaisalmer) for a couple of days. Spend a day in Delhi and your 9 days are over:-)

Or you might want to avoid the cold and head south. Fly into Bombay. There will probably be some Grade 4 rapids about 100 km from Bombay. A 45-minute flight gets you to Goa where you can laze on the beach and take in some tropical culture, massages, and sun-tanning. While paragliding, snorkeling, scuba or more on the coast. Spend at least 3 – 4 days in Goa – visit beaches in North, Central and South Goa.

Then take off and head for 2 – 3 days to Kerala. Head to Kumarakom or some other seaside destination. Catch some Malayali food, massages, dances and culture. Live on a boat in the backwaters. Fly back to Mumbai – spend a day or so in extreme partying. And your 9 days will be over before you know it.

Once again, 9 days is way too little – I’d suggest you spend it in just one part of the country, and come back for the rest in the years to come

The list here is not in chronological order. I just summarized some places as I stumbled upon it.

Yumthang Valley – Sikkim

Yumthang Valley is a grazing pasture surrounded by the Himalayan mountains in North Sikkim. At a height of 3,564 meters above sea level, it’s popularly known as the ‘Valley of Flowers’.

Tea garden hill of Munnar

Munnar is a town that’s situated in the southwestern region of Kerala. It’s practically covered fully with Tea plantations, some as high as 7000 feet above sea level.

Stok Kangri

At 20,000 feet, Stok Kangri in Stok Range has is a popular mountain among climbers and mountaineers. It’s often considered as a practice run for Everest.

Goa

Goa is visited by large numbers of international and domestic tourists each year for its beaches, places of worship and world heritage architecture. It also has rich flora and fauna, owing to its location on the Western Ghats range, which is classified as a biodiversity hotspot.

Taj Mahal

Of course. Everyone must visit this place before you die. One of the seven wonders of the world, it enhances it beauty on a full moon night.

Nanda Devi

It’s the second highest mountain in India. While the peak is not that easy to climb for regular folks like us, but the surrounding Nanda Devi National Park is a must visit at least once in a lifetime.

Mumbai

Mumbai is the financial, commercial and entertainment capital of India. It is also one of the world’s top ten centers of commerce in terms of global financial flow. The city houses important financial institutions such as Reserve Bank of India, the Bombay Stock Exchange, the National Stock Exchange, the SEBI and the corporates headquarters of numerous Indian companies and MNCs.

The Long Lake

The Lonar Lake is a saline soda lake located at Loner in Buldana district, Maharashtra, India which was created by a meteor impact.

Mathurin

The smallest hill station in India, Mathurin which is only 90 km from Mumbai, provides a pretty dramatic view of the sunset and the sunrise.

Leah

The capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Leach is best experienced via road trips from New Delhi.

Key Monastery

Key Gompa is a Tibetan Buddhist Monastery located on top of a hill at an altitude of 13, 668 feet above sea level close to the Spite river in Himachal Pradesh. It reportedly was started by 100 monks in 1855.

Kashmir

It’s not called paradise on Earth for anything.

Hoggenakal Falls

This waterfall in South India on the

Deodar Forest, Himachal Pradesh is sometimes also referred to as the “Niagara Falls” of India.

Andamans

It has 325 islands which cover an area of 6,408 km2, with the Andaman Sea to the east between the islands and the coast of Burma.

Sources- Quora

By Trust Travel

What is a Corporate Travel?

Corporate travel management (CTM), is the function of managing a company’s strategic approach to travel (travel policy), the negotiations with all vendors, day-to-day operation of the corporate travel program, traveler safety and security, credit-card management and travel and expenses (‘T&E’) data management.

CTM should not be confused with the work of a traditional Travel Agency. While agencies provide the day-to-day travel services to corporate clients, they are the implementing arm of what the corporation has negotiated and put forth in the policy. In other words, CTM decides on the class of service which employees are allowed to fly, negotiates corporate fares/rates with airlines and hotels and determines how corporate credit cards are to be used. The agency, on the other hand, makes the actual reservation within the parameters given by the corporation.

For many companies, T&E costs represent the second highest controllable annual expense, exceeded only by salary and benefits, and is commonly higher than IT or real estate costs. T&E costs are not only limited to travel (airline, rail, hotel, car rental, ferry/boat, etc.) but include all costs incurred during travel such as staff and client meals, taxi fares, gratuities, client gifts, supplies (office supplies and services), etc. Furthermore, this area often includes meeting management, traveler safety, and security as well as credit card and overall travel data management.

The management of these costs is usually handled by the Corporate Travel Manager, a function which may be part of the Finance, HR, Procurement or Administrative Services Department.

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Source: Wikipedia

By Trust Travel

12 Most Popular Winter Season Destinations of Himalayan States

Winter season is one of the best time to travel India to experience the breathtaking beauty of Snow Clad Mountains, frozen lakes of Himalaya and winter sports activities. The three Himalayan states Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand experience heavy snowfall during the winter season in India. Famous Winter Travel Destinations of these Himalayan states are Shimla, Gulmarg,Leh Ladakh and beautiful Nainital.

Gulmarg

Gulmarg is famous hill station and most popular Winter Season Destinations in India. It is well know as best skiing destination,Snow-covered mountains Landscapes and Gulmarg Gondola, The second highest cable car in the world.

Srinagar

Srinagar is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir but best know as one of the famous destination for winter season. It receives heavy snowfall during the winter and the whole Kashmir Valley get covered under a four inch blanket of snow. Srinagar is famous for its Dal lake, houseboats and gardens, During winter the famous Dal lake freezes and offers ice skating.

Pahalgam

The beautiful Pahalgam is a town in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir and one of the most popular tourist destination in India. Attractions of Pahalgam includes famous Betaab Valley,Amarnath Yatra,Horse riding and a hanging glacier called Kolohoi Glacier.

Patnitop

Patnitop is hilltop place in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir,situated in the Shiwalik belt of the Himalayas on National Highway 1A. It is famous as Paragliding destination but during the winter season it receives the heavy snowfall and offers scenic snow peak views along with snow sports including skiing and zorbing.

Shimla

The capital city of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is bounded by famous Kullu and Mandi along with Kinnaur and Sirmaur. Shimla is one of the planned hill city in India and offers winter sports like Skating and Skiing. It is know for the Hindu goddess Kali temple,Kalka Shimla Railway and beautiful gardens.

Kufri

Kufri is a small hill station near to Shimla and known for the most popular Ski track destination in Himachal Pradesh. Kufri is popular for its world’s highest go-kart track,Himalayan Wild Life Zoo and provides panoramic view of the beautiful locations around.

Manali

The small town is nested in the beautiful mountains and River Valley of Beas near the end of the Kullu Valley. Its a beautiful hill station receives heavy snow falls in the winter times and offers recreational activities like Mountain Biking, paragliding, skating and zorbing. World famous Rohtang Pass is 51 km from Manali connects Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys in the Manali-Leh Highway.

Dharamshala

Dharamshala is the winter city of Himachal Pradesh situated in the famous Kangra Valley. Its one of the most popular tourist destination of Himachal and home to the Dalai Lama along with the highest peak of the Dhauladhar range near to McLeod Ganj village.

Auli

Auli is youngest winter destination in India and an important ski destination in the Himalayan mountains ranges of Uttarakhand. Auli offers Adventures Sports like Skiing,mountain climbing,valley crossing and Snowboarding along with breathtaking panoramic view of mountain peaks of Himalayas, the greatest mountain range in the world.

Mussoorie

Mussoorie is known as the Queen of the Hills, situated in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges in the Dehradun District. Mussoorie offers fascinating hill views of the Doon Valley and Shiwalik ranges from an altitude of 1,880 metres (6,170 ft).

Chopta

Chopta is beautiful hill station and also known as Mini Switzerland in Uttarakhand state. Chopta is home of Chandrashila Peak the Moon Rock and offers stunning view of great peak of Himalayan ranges Trishul, Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba.

Nainital

The most popular hill station of Uttarakhand situated at an altitude of 2,084 m (6,837 ft) at the Kumaon foothills of the outer Himalayas. Nainital valley is surrounded by three mountains Naina,Deopatha and Ayarpatha with a pear-shaped lake. Famous places to visit in Nainital are Naini Devi Temple,Nainital Lake,Naini Peak and Snow View.

Source: walkthroughindia

By Trust Travel

12 Great Places to see Snowfall in India

Imagine waking on a misty morning, wrapping a fog sheet all over, you walk over the lanes just in search of the chill that inscribes- winter is here!

There are many among us who just love to hide beneath quilt or enjoy the aroma of a hot coffee during winters but some daring ones pack their bags and head to the place where they can challenge the freeze and enjoy the flakes of snow.

When we talk about winter holidays in India, several eye-catching and picturesque places, common and uncommon, emerge on our mindscape. But why repeat same places again and again. This time do something different to quench your thirst and discover what sets below-mentioned names apart from others.

Auli, Uttarakhand

If you like to give your skiing skills a test or are a freaking skiing beginner then Auli is an ultimate stopover. With a deep in temperature, the place comes alive like a dreamland. Known as ‘bugyal’, in local dialect, it lies enroute to Badrinath (just 16 km away from Joshimath). Though Auli is full of panoramic sights, from forest surrounding to lofty peaks, but what makes it one of the best snow destinations in India are its 2500 to 3000 meters high skiing slopes that give tough competition to various international ski places.

Pahalgam, Jammu Kashmir

Perched at a height of 8,957 ft above the sea level, Pahalgam is one of the pristine snow beauties in the country. Everything about this natural splendor is exciting: riverside location, snow-capped peaks, freezing weather conditions and surrounding calmness as well as skiing. But the real magic of Pahalgam lies within its quiet long treks that provide you a tranquil snowy escape away from the madness of mainland.

Gulmarg, Jammu Kashmir

What better location you can think to see snow fall in India other than Gulmarg? Situated around 880 km away from the national capital, tourists can easily access this pristine snow beauty from Srinagar. Snowy peaks in the backdrop, freezing winds, blooming varieties of flowers and vast snow cover for skiing as well as a breathtaking ride in world’s highest cable car (Gondola) are not-to-be-missed charms. A trip to Gulmarg is, however, incomplete without enjoying Kashmiri dishes and a visit to Alpathar Lake and Tangmarg – a beautiful tourist spot just 1 km ahead.

 

Patnitop, Jammu Kashmir

No idea of snow winter holidays in India is complete without mentioning Patnitop, a tourist point in the district of Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir. This hilltop place is quite close to Pir Panjal range and is nestled in Lower Himalayan Range. Thus it is full of abundance of natural beauty, revitalizing sights and of white snow cover. Along with skiers and nature lovers, Patnitop also enthrall trekkers. It will take around 3 hours to reach this exotic destination from Jammu.

Manali, Himachal Pradesh

 Despite being one of the most sought hill stations in India, the appeal of Manali never fades among tourists. Its emerald meadows, crystal clear rivers and the dancing drama of snowy slopping mounts and blue sky over the horizon are just unparallel. And with the onset of winters, the appeal only grows giving tourists’ pleasure of skiing and ice-skating. Situated at a distance of 270 km north of Shimla, Manali is nestled in River Beas Valley at a height of 2,050 meters above sea level.

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

 If you are running short of time but wants to enjoy snow fall in its full bloom then Shimla is an excellent place to throng. Wait till mid-December and you will see the place in a new avatar with a sheet of white cover fetching hordes of vacationers and honeymooners. Being the main gateway to Himachal Pradesh, explorers can also extend their journey to various other destinations of the state like Kufri, Manali and Naldehra from Shimla.

Nainital, Uttarakhand

 Planning a trip to Nainital in winters? A good choice if you want to enjoy the chill factor around Delhi. Lying 274 km from the national capital city, Nainital not only serves as a refreshing weekend escape but is also quite popular among newly-wed couples. But the best time to visit the place is December to January when Nanda Devi Peak looks stunning in a white cover and you can feel the chill in the breeze while following snow-covered trekking routes. A leisure walk along the iconic Naina Lake is also a must thing to do to complete your hoary experience in Nainital.

Kufri, Himachal Pradesh

Kufri, a skiing hotspot, is one of the popular winter holiday destinations in India in comparison to other places. This little quaint yet captivating region of Himachal Pradesh transforms into a heaven during winters. The white snow spread all over gives a very refreshing and chilly look. And cherries on the pasty cake are the tall deodars and pines as well as the postcard beauty of the surroundings.

Munsiyari, Uttarakhand

Nestled on the shores of Goriganga River, Munsiyari is a new discovery for tourists in Uttarakhand. With the name that means ‘place with snow’, it is full of mountains, glaciers, trekking routes and awe-inspiring natural beauty, making it a paradise for explorers, high-altitude trekkers and nature lovers. If you want to explore the richness of Johar Valley then it is the place to throng. Munsiyari is situated 125 km away from Pithoragarh and the route is full of beautiful panorama and cascades.

Dhanaulti Uttarakhand

A drive of 24 km from Mussoorie will take you to Dhanaulti, another picturesque hill station of Uttarakhand. Perched high on 2286 meters, the place is known for its tranquility and dark beauty of deodar, oak and rhododendron forests. Though it is a round-the year hangout place but if you really want to enjoy Dhanaulti in its full bloom then winter is the best period. With white carpet below your feet and a canopy of green shade at your eye’s horizon, have some mood-setting snow activities like tic-tac snow or sticky glue.

Sonmarg, Jammu & Kashmir

Sonmarg is one of those few hill stations in India, where snow can be witnessed till April (occasionally). Thanks to its high altitude that keeps the snow from melting for longest of time, this hill destination lets the snow lovers enjoy an extended period of winter in India. Sonmarg is located about 80kms fro Srinagar, which is another winter destination in India. It is inevitable to encounter road clocks and landslides during the heavy snow season and therefore it is advised to check the weather report prior planning a trip to Sonmarg.

North Sikkim

If you are snow person, then there is no better destination than North Sikkim to quench your inexhaustible desire to play and stay in the snow. Yumthang, Nathu La, Tsomgo Lake are the main attractions in the winter season in North Sikkim for those who are prepared to attune themselves to slightly harsh climate as the reward to this small sacrifice comes in a way of spectacular views, incredible nature’s beauty and indescribable thrill. Also, it would be appropriate to point out here that North Sikkim is one of those places where snow can be found almost throughout the year.

Source: tourmyindia

By Trust Travel

Planning A Trip to India – Ten Step Guide Explained

Before you start any type to trip to India, it is always better to plan. There are a lot of different types of trips that you can take in India like monument trips, wildlife trip, beach vacation, nightlife getaway and so on. If you are looking for a great experience and hinder-less joy, you ought to plan. No matter which type of trip you are planning to take, you can rely on this ten step guide process. Following are ten steps that are customized to create the best trip in india in which you would spend less time worry about it.

Documents in Hand

You would need a lot of physical and electronic documents for your whole trip to India. Passport, visa, medical certificates, hotel booking information, tickets, license and rental approvals are some of the top documents that you would need in this trip. You can either download an app to organize your electronic documents in phone or mail every document in attachment to yourself. Always have a backup set of documents in phone, tablet and also in physical form as print outs.

For physical documents like passport and others, you can either buy a folder that holds all your documents in one place or assign a separate bag for the same. Keep all your necessary documents that you might have to show from time to time in your wallet or purse.

Before you organize your documents, check expiry date and validity. Also check online or ask your travel agency about any special documents that you might need to carry for a specific purpose.

Make and stick to budget

Create a budget upfront. Your budget should have following sections; travel, accommodation, eating, fun and backup. If you have prebooked your travel and accommodation related expenses, you can concentrate on the rest. Learn about how to get the best deal too. You can check with your travel agent about the best travel package that would suit you. Also check about seasons when price range would be low. You can also learn about various options available in India for accommodation and others to choose the variant that would suit your budget. Do not dig or rely on the back-up money. Pack that money and forget as it did not exist.

Choose a Destination

There are a lot of destinations in India like Mumbai, Andaman and Nicobar, Darjeeling, Ladakh, Pondicherry, Madurai, Kerala and so on. There are certain packages that take you to various destinations that are linked based on an attraction like wildlife tours , beach getaways and so on. Pick a destination based on your taste, whom you are travelling with, season that you are travelling, your budget and number of days of vacation. There are various destinations that would suit you no matter how unique your tastes are. The best way to pick a destination is based on the season you are travelling and occurrence of any festival in that destination.

Itinerary

This is a little tricky stage. You need to create an itinerary but, make sure you do not spend a lot of time in this. You cannot predict everything that you need to do in the trip. If you plan on sticking to your itinerary no matter what happened, you might not have fun. create an itinerary based on what you need to see each day. If time permits, you can enjoy all or you can take it as it comes.

Before you create an itinerary, research about the destination, attractions in the city, attractions nearby, time taken for travel, average amount of time taken in each attraction, crowd, traffic and so on. You need to be realistic in your itinerary. Remember it should just be a rough itinerary. Do not give a lot of importance to it. It can change as and when possible.

Booking Tickets

There are a lot of travel agencies from which you can book a ticket. You can also use official websites to book tickets. You can also book train tickets through online. If you are visiting India, you ought to take a train trip. It would be a great experience. Try to haggle if possible and choose best rates possible.

Book your Amenities

Not just your accommodation, you need to book your travels, rental car and every other service that you might need in India. India might be a destination with high hospitality. But, it is a big problem if you reach India without known which hotel to check in. Choosing a private transportation might be a problem if you are not sure where to go. You are a foreigner and they can try to get a good rate from you. It is always better to book your accommodation and pay for pick up services from hotel. If not, you would have a hotel name and you can choose your own transportation mode to reach the hotel.

Travel Insurance

You cannot predict the future. The best time to get insurance is after prebooking all your accommodations and airfare. Thus, you know how much you are spending on the trip and choose an insurance that would suit you. You should also get a medical insurance if possible. Hygiene in India is developing and even if you were to fall sick during your trip, there are a lot of high standard hospitals to check in. Remember that India is one of the top destinations for medical tourism. But, to make sure you do not burn your wallet, it is better to get insurance. Do not pick an insurance company blindly. Do your research and choose the one that suits your needs.

Vaccination

You need to check with a medical professional to learn about the vaccinations that you need before your trip. This is a very essential trip if you are planning to take your kids with you. After all, you would not like to lie in your hotel bed all week long with fever and infection.

Packing

With all these steps completed, you can now plan your packing. Make a check list of all the things you need. Remember to learn about climate of your destination. Pack your clothes accordingly. Make luggage as less as possible for a stress free travel.

Last minute items

Some things cannot be packed till it is almost time to leave. Make a list of those things like your wallet, debit cards and so on. Make sure you go through this list before you start from your house.

Source: travelogyindia

By Trust Travel

Travel like a student: a brief sojourn to Matheran

For the time-poor individuals looking to get away from the mad rush of city-life, here’s a getaway where you should ditch the unnecessary and travel.like.a.student. This is an account of our recent expedition to Matheran, a hill station which is quite close to both Mumbai and Pune, and is inexpensive as well.

In true blue Bombay fashion I have been to all the getaways in and around the city with my family come every summer. Matheran was one of the many places on the list that we as a family of four along with the erstwhile “family friends” visited. A typical outing over the weekend meant hauling luggage in car, driving into the sunrise to reach a family resort and indulging yourself with the services offered by the same thus beguiling myself into thinking that I had finally escaped the mundane into the cradle of nature. It was only recently when I went again to Matheran after 7 long years and not with my family or my “family friends” that I realized how great a disservice I had done to the beautiful hill station with red sand and hauntingly beautiful walks.

So for all those time-poor individuals wanting to get away for a weekend from the mad, mad rush of Mumbai (or Pune for that matter since both are close by)- here is my advice: ditch the unnecessary & travel like a student. I say student, because yes I travelled while in my second year at a prestigious, well known B school in Mumbai – we wanted to have plain, good natured fun; revel in the greenery & peace that the hill station was known to offer minus the frills and fancies that resorts offered while taking you away from the actual beauty of the hill station and while making you believe that you got what you had come there for – peace and a glimpse of the mountain’s soul.

We started in the morning at around 5 am from Andheri where our hostels were located and we had to get to a point on the railway station map called Neral. Word of caution here: Neral is a town in the Raigad district of Maharashtra & comes on the Central Line. It is different from Nerul which is a part of New Bombay and comes on the harbor line. Upon reaching Neral, you have the option of taking the many Maruti Omni Vans lined up to cart tourists to Matheran as cars are not allowed beyond a point on the hill station or you can take the toy train which comes down every two hours. We opted for the 9:00 am train which would take us around 2 hours to reach Matheran.

Having reached the Matheran Railway station we wanted a place where we could keep our baggage and the options ranged from rooms to lodges to resorts of course! We finally zeroed in on a room with three double beds for the six of us where we could keep our bags and stay the night after we came back from surveying the hill station. Now a few quick facts about Matheran…

Source: travellersappetite

By Trust Travel

Mahabaleshwar:Family Holidays

Mahabaleshwar is perched atop a height of 1372 meters above sea level in Satara district, around 115 kilometers southwest of Pune. 25 in numbers, the ‘Points’ in Mahabaleshwar will give you breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys from different angle.

In old days, Mahabaleshwar was known as Malcolm Peth and was under the influence of the foreign hands in the development of this hilly resort. Apart from that its princely past is reflected in the colonial mansions and palatial buildings that remind the visitor about the richness of artistic caliber of the bygone generation.

Known as Malcolm Peth in past, this hill station in Maharashtra will remind you of its glorious past with its colonial buildings, resplendent mansions. As the base of five lovely rivers, the scenic beauty of Mahabaleshwar presents awesome vistas, which enthralls the tourists.

It is picturesque hill resort nestled in the lap of sky-scrapping mountain ranges of the Western Ghats. It offers a mesmerizing view of the soaring peaks, lush valleys, sparkling rivers and verdant forests.

Mahabaleshwar offers a rejuvenating ambiance where you can savor charming views of nature at its blooming best.  There are many things to do in Mahabaleshwar such as boating, horse riding, trekking and sunrise & sunset watching. Other than this, one can roam around the bazaars for shopping.

Best time: Mahabaleshwar is open for tourists throughout the year. However, April to June is considered the best time to visit this scenic hill town during summer. Many also prefer to visit this tourist destination in July to soak in the natural beauty upon the monsoon’s arrival. If your passion is to enjoy the sizzles of nature in relaxed surroundings, Mahabaleshwar is where you should head to.

Source: indianholiday

By Trust Travel

Do I Need Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance can minimize the considerable financial risks of traveling: accidents, illness, missed flights, canceled tours, lost baggage, theft, terrorism, travel-company bankruptcies, emergency evacuation, and getting your body home if you die. Each traveler’s potential loss varies, depending on how much of your trip is prepaid, the refundability of the air ticket you purchased, your state of health, the value of your luggage, where you’re traveling, the financial health of your tour company and airline, and what coverage you already have (through your medical insurance, homeowners or renters insurance, and/or credit card).

For some travelers, insurance is a good deal; for others, it’s not. What are the chances you’ll need it? How willing are you to take risks? How much is peace of mind worth to you? Take these considerations into account, understand your options, and make an informed decision for your trip.

Insurance Basics

The insurance menu includes five main courses: trip cancellation and interruption, medical, evacuation, baggage, and flight insurance. Supplemental policies can be added to cover specific concerns, such as identity theft or political evacuation. The various types are generally sold in some combination — rather than buying only baggage, medical, or cancellation insurance, you’ll usually purchase a package that includes most or all of them. If you want just one type of coverage in particular — such as medical — ask for that (though it might come with a little cancellation or baggage insurance, too). “Comprehensive insurance” covers all of the above (plus expenses incurred if your trip is delayed, if you miss your flight, or if your tour company changes your itinerary).

One of the better changes in recent years is that many companies, such as Travelex and Travel Guard, now offer comprehensive packages that serve as your primary coverage; they’ll take care of your expenses regardless of what other insurance you might have (for instance, if you have health insurance through your job). That means they pay first and don’t ask questions about your other insurance. This can be a real plus if you want to avoid out-of-pocket expenses.

Insurance prices can vary dramatically, with most packages costing between 5 and 12 percent of the total trip. Age is one of the biggest factors affecting the price: Rates go up dramatically for every decade over 50, while coverage is generally inexpensive or even free for children 17 and under.

Travel agents recommend that you get travel insurance (because they get a commission when you buy it, and because they can be held liable for your losses if they don’t explain insurance options to you). While travel agents can give you information and advice, they are not insurance agents — always direct any specific questions to the insurance provider.

Policies available vary by state, and not all insurance companies are licensed in every state. If you have to make a claim and encounter problems with a company that isn’t licensed in your state, you don’t have a case.

Note that some travel insurance, especially trip-cancellation coverage, is reimbursement-only: You’ll pay out-of-pocket for your expenses, then submit the paperwork to your insurer to recoup your money. With medical coverage, you may be able to arrange to have expensive hospital or doctor bills paid directly. Either way, if you have a problem, it’s wise to contact your insurance company immediately to ask them how to proceed. Many major insurance companies are accessible by phone 24 hours a day — handy if you have problems in Europe.

Types of Coverage

For each type of insurance that follows, I’ve outlined some of the key legalese. But be warned — these are only guidelines. Policies can differ, even within the same company. Certain companies and policies have different levels of coverage based on whether you purchase the car rental, hotel, or flight directly on your own or through a travel agent. Ask a lot of questions, and always read the fine print to see what’s covered (e.g., how they define “travel partner” or “family member” — your great-aunt might not qualify).

Source: ricksteves

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Mahabaleshwar:Family Holidays
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