Travel Agent

Years ago, when you wanted to go on vacation, there was a limited option. You had to hoof it down to your local travel agency and explore through some travel brochures. Then, when you made your selection, you'd sit across the desk from your travel agent while they entered all the information on their green monochrome computer screen. Travel agents were the keepers of all travel information. Their life was the stuff of dreams. We thought they had been everywhere and knew everything about world travel. They were the rock stars of the world.Then, a few things  came. First, the airlines decided they didn't need journey agents anymore and they pulled the plug on agent commissions. This didn't work out so well for the airlines as evidenced by the number of them who went under in the aftermath. Many agencies rejected to sell airline tickets without receiving a commission. Why should they work for free? So, things started to change from what had once been a very structured agency model created by the Airlines Reporting Commission into an industry that was evolving into something new one.Then, the second thing happened. The arrival of the internet connection in the society changed the image of travel forever. Information is readily available 24 hours a day related to any aspect of travel you can imagine - from luxury journey trips in the world to staying at a Sato hostel in Europe. Whatever your budget or interest, the internet can open up a whole new world of options available to you for journey trip etc.However, with the help of information now available to users, is there still a need for the journey agent? Can't users just figure this all out on their own now? I consider they could try. But, why would they want to?the best Travel agents provide the advantage of their expertise in dealing day in and day out with travel providers. They still control the "secret knowledge" of the travel business, just in a other way now. Plus, the services of a travel agent are usually free to consumers, as agents are paid commissions by suppliers.

Visa from America

Niagara Falls, positioned on the Niagara River and on the border between New York in the United States and Ontario, one of Canada's province, is  acknowledged as one of most abundantly visited tourist places on the North American , if not the world. There are in fact three separate falls; America Falls, which are located between Prospect Point and Luna Island, Bridal Veil Falls, positioned between Luna Island and Goat Island and Horseshoe falls, which is present between Goat Island and Table Rock. The first two of the falls are attributed to the United States, in terms of their principal location, whilst Horseshoe falls are situated in Canada, albeit that around one third is located over the United States border.In terms of volume of water, Niagara Falls, which was formed in the last Ice Age, is the second biggest waterfall in the world, after Victoria Falls, which lie between Zimbabwe and Zambia in Africa. The longest waterfall in the world is Angel Falls in Venezuela, with a drop of around nine hundred and seventy nine metres, importantly higher than any of the falls that comprise Niagara, which average around one hundred and seventy feet.Niagara Falls can be approached by air. Flights operate to Buffalo in New Your and Toronto in Ontario. Shuttles, car hire and taxis are available to transport you to the falls. The Falls can also be reached by rail and bus transportation. Tourists will need to check visa requirements before embarking on their trip. There is also big deal of hotel accommodation around the Falls. Car parking is also available but it can be scarcer during the busy summer months and can also prove somewhat expensive.With an estimated fourteen million visitors every year, from within the United States and Canada and many international locations, Niagara represents one of the most popular natural tourist sites. Anyone who is in the vicinity of North East America should ensure that they do not miss the opportunity to view on of the true wonders of the world.

Traveling Education

When making the decision about how to watch to my children's education, I read a book that changed my opinion of children and how they learn. Having been in both public and private schools myself, and having many friends zealous for the merits of homeschooling, my options were abundant. This book was named, "For the Children's Sake," by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay. I did not decide based on her book as public school probably would have been the least on her list of recommendations, and that is what I chose. Macaulay's book, however, made me look at my children differently and gave courage to make life itself a joy able learning experience for them. I started to see my children as people - fully developed human souls with the necessity to take in information from experience and to apply it through creativity. Children are not funnels with an intake at the top for stuffing in information and a well at the bottom where they will save it. I was inspired by the learning methods Macaulay applies in her own school structure that included reading to the children typically challenging literature. I loved the way she trusted them to respond to the reading without spoon-fed guidance that can lessen the rich context of the words. I was especially inspired by her use of field days, entire afternoons several times a week in which the children are released to play, to imagine, and to take life in as they were born to do.

TRAVELING TO AMERICA

For years, visitors from certain other countries have been able to travel to America without first getting a formal Visa sticker placed in their passport. Enforced in 1998, the "Visa Waiver Program" (VWP) has allowed for visitors of several countries to come to America for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without getting a Visa put in their passport. During 2007, more than 15 million visitors from VWP countries came in the United States.

As of January 12, 2009 America's new ESTA program needs Visa Waiver Program visitors arriving to the U.S.A for tourist or business purposes via a plane or ship to "register" online before getting into the United States to see if they pose a law implementation or security risk to the U.S.A ESTA is not needed for land crossings. Officials are asking that the ESTA registration should be done at least 72 hours prior to leaving, but theoretically it is possible for registration at the last minute. An ESTA Travel Authorization is totally free, valid for 2 years, and also valid for multiple entries.

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for ESTA Travel Authorization:

What Countries Are in the Visa Waiver Program?

The following countries are given below

Andorra, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brunei, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

Travel Program

To make the most of your corporate journey budget, it is very difficult task to plan for leveraging your program for all it is worth. Telling travelers to choose the lowest airfare is just not very high. Here are the most important points that should be considered when planning your journey program.

Travel Policy

A well written and trusted travel policy is the foundation of any good journey program, and I am consistently surprised that so many corporations have such a mind blowing and poorly conceived travel policy, if they have one at all. It is not very easy to search a well written policy. One can be searched online very easily. All that remains is that it is edited to reflect corporate culture, and disseminated within the company so that everyone understands to follow it. For this reason, it is a better idea to think to have everyone sign a copy of the travel policy to ensure that it is consulted, understood and owned by all company personnel. I give suggestion that everyone in the company signs a copy of the travel policy, either they travel or not. They may alter positions in the company later and be required to have journey. A journey policy need not be long or complicated. Some of the best journey policies I have ever seen were only a few pages long.

Sato Travel Hotel

Sato Travel has many hotels in the world at great ranges.Sato Travel agency has hotels at very beautiful and fabulous locations in the world.Sato Travel Agency provides cheap and inexpensive deals for its customers specially armed forces and government personnel and etc.Sato Travel agency has very kind and considerate staff to serve you in all matters and information well.Sato Travel’s staff is not only nice but also educated and decent. Sato Travel’s staff serve all customers in a very decent and kind way.That is why Sato Travel is famous in the world.It is the most visited hotel in the world

Travel to Thailand Made Easy

The allure of Thailand for Aussies remains strong. Sitting just six hours flight from Perth and eight or so from the East Coast, Thailand boasts great beaches, mountain forests, temples galore, great shopping and some of the best food on earth. Add to that the seedier aspects of prostitution and the famous full moon parties and you have an entertaining mix that will leave some wanting more while others may be happy never to go back.

It's a common first time destination for backpackers because it's easy to get around, English is spoken widely and finding good times and mischief is never a problem. There is of course also some pretty nice beaches to sleep off the hangover on or just soak up the sun.

Seasons/When to go

Thailand is hot and humid most of the year. The most comfortable time to visit is during November till March. It rains the least and is not super hot. Thailand's peak tourist seasons are at this time and during July and August.

The rainy season runs from roughly July to October. Rainy season gets a bad rap; during this time the more popular beaches can be littered with trash after heavy rains. Despite this the rain can be a break from the heat, and the countryside is lush and green. October tends to be the wettest time of year.

April - June and September - October typically see the cheapest room rates and the least amount of tourist traffic. Consider these times if you want the cheapest travel away from the hordes in peak season.

Getting cheap flights from Australia to Thailand

If you are planning to book the popular choice of a few days in Bangkok and five or more in Phuket or Ko Samui, it's worth looking around for package deals on offer from the major travel agents in Australia. Like Fiji, it's one of the few destinations where booking this way through an agent can be cheaper than booking on the net. Companies will have allotted rooms and seats on preferred airlines that can be sold very cheaply.

If you are booking yourself don't always assume Jetstar (which flys into Phuket direct) will always be the cheapest. Thai airways, British airways and even Singapore airlines will have regular specials into Bangkok from Australia. From there you can book yourself on the domestic carriers to any of the islands (see below). From the East Coast fares have recently been as low as $600 return including tax into Bangkok low season (British Airways or Thai).

For students it's worth checking with STA or Student flights as there are often cheap fares on this route.

The most common route would be to fly into Bangkok, spend a few days and then head out to Phuket or Ko Samui (or both). Expect to pay around $1200 inc tax for all three in low season, while its closer to $2000 inc tax at Christmas (just for flights).

Costs

On a backpacking budget allow $30-50 dollars a day in low season. It's not as cheap as some countries in South East Asia but it's still great value. For a more comfortable holiday, $100 a day will get you a decent hotel and have you living pretty comfortably.

Domestic Airlines

Try these carriers to get you out of Bangkok and to the popular Islands and other Thailand destinations.

Thai Air Asia - Flies domestic and international routes

Nok Air - Flies Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Krabi, Trang, Loei, Udon Thani, Phuket and Nakhon Si Thammarat

One Two Go - Budget carrier with similar destination list to Nok Air. Also has offers free snacks on board.

Bangkok Airways - Flying since 1986 Bangkok air is a popular choice that flys to over 20 Asian cities. Great for Bangkok - Phuket - Ko Samui flights. You can book online and their website also offers a few discounts on accommodation.

Destination Air - A small company that offers scenic flights via sea plane and day trips around Phuket and surrounding islands like Ko Pi Pi. Minimum passenger requirements apply.

Getting into Bangkok Central from Suvarnabhumi airport/what happens when I get to the airport in Bangkok?

Soon after arriving it's easy to change some Aussie dollars to the local currency or use an ATM (for the best rates).

As soon as you leave customs you will probably be set on by locals offering you a taxi into town. Keep cool and ignore these touts as the shuttle bus into the city costs a poultry $9.00AUD and runs from 0430 till 0030. A taxi will be more expensive. Just walk outside and look for the signs for the shuttle bus, it's easy.

Most travellers will be staying on or near the famous Khaosan road, just tell the bus guy that's where your headed. If you are arriving outside of the shuttle bus operating times (and many flights from Oz will) it's still easy to get a taxi. Make sure the driver turns the meter on; it starts at about 35B. Get out of the cab if they won't turn the metre on. Be firm about this - as elsewhere it's a common scam for cabbies to make up the price on arrival. You will have to pay the motor toll if you travel into the city by taxi - so you will be asked for a small amount of extra cash on the way. The cost of a taxi should be no more than $12 or so Aussie dollars into the city. The airport is about 30km or 45mins by road from the centre of town.

If you consider booking a transfer in Australia it's around $40 dollars Aussie one way, so it's much easier and cheaper just to get on the shuttle bus when you arrive. If you arrive late then a taxi is still cheaper than booking a transfer in Australia.

If you're staying in Khaosan Road: After getting off shuttle bus or taxi on Kao Son road, walk to the end of the road where the Monastery (Wat) is, there's a police station off to the right, walk that way, cross the street and go down the red bricked road named Soi Rambuttri (the monastery will now be on your left). This area is far quieter than on the main drag.

Khao san Road accommodation options

In Bangkok Ko Shan road is usually the first port of call for most travellers, usually travellers on a budget. In recent times more comfortable hotels seem to be springing up all over the place. Outside of peak times it's easy enough to just show up in this small area and book a place - though in busier times or if you don't want to wing it booking in advance is easy enough.

The Viengtai hotel is a popular choice for young Aussies. Expect to pay around $10-30 a night.

Rambuttri Inn (15-20AUD) is a popular and comfortable place with a pool.

MyHouse Guesthouse-($10AUD) One of the better cheapies that's nice and quiet by Bangkok standards.

With any guesthouse in this area make sure you check the rooms first, but most will be fine for how cheap they are.

For more comfortable digs most of the big name hotels are represented in Bangkok. If you have the cash the city's most famous hotel, the Oriental is the place to be. If you can't afford that the Royal Orchid Sheraton just down the river has great views at a much cheaper price.

Other areas of Bangkok are just as good to stay; check out Chinatown and the Sukhumvit road area.

Khaosan Road is good for first time travellers to go out or do some shopping and the best place to arrange other travel service like visas and train tickets.

Getting around Thailand

Rail/Bus

Thailand has fantastic trains and buses which are cheap, fast and easy to use. You can buy tickets from numerous local travel agents, though it's cheaper and not difficult to buy yourself at the bus or train station. The cheapest option to get around is on the 'fan' buses for short or medium journeys - just leave early in the morning to avoid the worst of the heat. The cheapest rail option is third class, which can take a bit longer than the more expensive AC buses but are a fun way to get around.

Beach Destinations

Phuket

This Island of half a million people is the most visited in Thailand. It's well serviced by flights from around Asia and has a great mix of accommodation to choose from. Staying in the heart of Phuket town on the beach will be expensive, while staying a few blocks back or 15 minutes down the road in Karon beach are the cheaper options. This is the area from which you can easily visit islands such as Ko Pi Pi (from the movie The Beach).

Ko Samui

Once a purely budget destination Ko Samui is now a fully fledged resort island. All the major hotels are here, with expensive accommodation the norm. For a budget beach holiday Phuket or Khao Lak, an hour north, are the better bets. Most Aussies will come to Ko Samui on their way over to Ko Panyang for the famous full moon parties. Click the link below for a full page on how to get there and the run down on these popular and always loose nights out. The parties are fairly commercialised these days, but still worth the trip.

Off the beaten path

There's heaps more to Thailand than just Bangkok, Phuket and Ko Samui. It's easy to get around so with a little time checking out places such as Khao Sok national park, Ko Chang and the Similan islands will get you away from the masses. Avoid the southern mainland town of Pattaya; package tourists, pimps, members of paedophiles san frontiers: not nice.

Full moon parties

For heaps of information, maps and video of this infamous party check out our guide to the full moon party.

Visas

Most travellers opt for the 30 day visa exemption stamp on arrival. A condition is that you must be able to prove that you're leaving Thailand by air within 30 days of your arrival. Only proof of flights are acceptable, as is proof of access to the equivalent of 20,000 baht to support yourself.

Another option visa tourist visa (in advance) valid for 60 days. You can also buy double and triple entry tourist visas, with each entry also entitling you to 60 days. Tourist visas can be extended for varying lengths, at varying number of times and varying costs.

If you liked this article check out my travel site Aussie Travel Advice. It's a free and independent site with over 140 pages of travel advice and links, as well as our travel blog. It's written by a former travel agent, a doctor and journalist and contains the best travel advice for Australians going overseas. Combined the authors have visited over 80 countries.

If you are interested in travel check out the site. It's not just for Aussies. There's a great travel health section and the travel blog should have something for everybody. Safe travels!  Brook Mitchell