Sanjeev's Travel Guide

Social networking changing the way we travel

2009-12-22T19:04:00.001-08:00

Posting on Facebook intending to travel to a certain destination and you will receive tips, advice and recommendations. With friends of friends in the same neighborhood, you might even already have friends awaiting your arrival.

Social media is changing the way people travel. It's replacing recommendations from experts and strangers with a targeted selection of information from acquaintances and their networks.

Content, whether that's a blog post about your favorite restaurant or the story from your latest trip to Greece and photos of that trip, is a form of social currency that you share with other people who frequent your social media space.

As opposed to travel websites, a recommendation from Facebook or Twitter will serve as more trustworthy and less random than something you stumble across on a Web site — even when the tweet or Facebook message is from someone you don't know.

Twitter has become a medium for travel-related businesses to provide quick messages about upcoming events, promotions, even weather conditions. It's also a way for these entities to identify regular customers and reward them with discounts. Other travel businesses use Twitter to build relationships with customers and promote visitor satisfaction by answering individual queries through Twitter with on-the-spot advice.

Delta Air, United Say Slump in Business Travel Eases

2009-12-09T20:53:00.001-08:00

Delta Airlines, Inc. and United Airlines said business travel is improving and that the worst of the demand slump has ended.

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In-flight WiFi on long haul flights? Yes, it’s coming..

2009-12-01T07:53:00.001-08:00

Three big long haul international airlines namely Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic and Emirates have jumped on the bandwagon of having in-flight wifi on their long haul flights.

Black Friday Travel Deals

2009-11-27T20:21:00.001-08:00

What is Black Friday? It is the Friday following Thanksgiving in the U.S which is the beginning of Christmas shopping season. Travel deals also make use of this season of shopping.

Happy Thanksgiving- Nov 26, 2009

2009-11-26T09:55:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

Weird Travels

2009-11-26T03:24:00.001-08:00

I thought this would’ve been a show about traveling to weird/ cool places like the Ice Hotel in Sweden or to the Tuol Sleng genocide museum in Phnom Penh however it turned out to be exploring the “unexplained” like the BigFoot, Jersey Devil, Mothman and the nonsense alike. Not my cuppa tea..

Countries to visit in 2010- Malaysia

2009-11-25T22:51:00.001-08:00

Not as popular as its neighbors, Thailand and Indonesia, Malaysia has slowly gotten some recognition globally as one of the safest countries to visit. There are no natural disasters, no political coups, not potholes and includes 5-Star hotels, too. Food is awesome, many eateries open for 24 hours. For details, visit http://www.tourism.gov.my/

By the numbers

2009-11-25T06:27:00.001-08:00

$718
Average amount U.S. households plan to spend on Thanksgiving travel

64%
Percentage of Americans who say the economy has affected their travel plans

40%
Percentage of Americans who say at least one relative makes their holiday stressful

4%
Percentage by which holiday air travel is expected to fall this year

13%
Percentage of parents who say at least one adult child won't have to travel home because he or she moved back in this year

Sources: Air Transport Association, , Pew Research Center, AOL Travel-MapQuest 2009 Holiday Survey

Travel Romantic

2009-09-14T21:37:00.000-07:00

If you're planning a romantic getaway with your loved one, be sure to have your travel well planned. Research your destination, flight and accommodation. Make an itinerary of things to do and don't show it to your other half. Include things like a romantic evening together in a ambiance you've always talked about. Plan a candlelit dinner, a play or stroll by the lake etc. Make it special by visiting romantic places. There's a bunch of ideas on the net.

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Adventure Travel

2009-09-14T07:51:00.000-07:00

Done on your shopping, beach or budget travel? Great, next on your itinerary should be adventure travel. If you have just squirmed because when you think adventure travel means hard work? No worries, it needn't be and if you're itching to go, read on. A lot of travel agencies provide adventure travel with great packages at really reasonable prices. The travel agency will provide all the necessary details such as pick up points, transportation, excursions etc. Some things you could do prior to the trip..research the agency, compare prices, speak to them personally and list down all your questions and concerns.

Adventure Travel

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Solo Travel

2009-09-14T03:47:00.000-07:00

Why travel alone? For some it may seem off-putting but for others it seem the only way to travel. If you plan on traveling solo, here are some things to expect. If you're seeking solitude, then you're probably in for a surprise. Traveling solo opens the door for many sociable moments. You'll probably be more approachable than being with a group of friends. On a brighter side, you'll have the freedom of where to go, when you want to go and how you want to go about it. You'll also be able to do more and see more depending on your whims and fancies. Also look out for its snags, as you'll likely feel loneliness, cost a bit more and security. For the best part, it'll be an experience you can always look back on.

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Student Travel

2009-09-13T02:02:00.000-07:00

Sometimes being a student has its privileges. One of those privileges is being able to travel with discount. Some students require to travel for education, research or for work experience either locally or internationally and can't really afford the high costs of traveling or accommodation. Some airlines and travel agencies provide discount travel packages for students. You'll need to carefully read the terms and conditions for these packages, though. Some only provide discounts for one-way travel, single route or booking in advance.

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Cruise Travel

2009-09-09T21:43:00.000-07:00

Traveling by ship is quite appealing although it does have its pros and cons. Firstly it's quite exciting boarding the ship with others and waving goodbye to those left behind at the port. If you have booked an all-inclusive package, you'll free yourselves from much financial worries. It still has it disadvantages such as being confined to the ship, following set guidelines for meal times, events, alcoholics beverages and some hidden costs like tips. Some cruise travel agencies might provide custom holiday packages so look into that and research before booking your trip.

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Traveling with pets

2009-09-07T01:46:00.000-07:00

Even if you treat your pet like a member of the family, traveling with them surely isn't. Going on a trip with your pet with careful planning and consideration will result in an enjoyable experience for you and your family. The internet provides a vast amount of resources for research and planning for you and your furry friend. Some of the things to consider: Temperament of your pet. Do they travel well? Do they get motion sickness etc.? Manners: Are they well-mannered? How are they with strangers? Medical Needs: Is your pet old? Is it hyper-active? Check with your vet in advance. Accommodation: Are the places you are traveling allows pets? What about their culture? Safety and Food: Is your pet susceptible to allergies? Will the food agree with your pet?

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Recession Travel

2009-09-05T22:03:00.000-07:00

Being in a recession does not mean you can't travel however some careful planning in advance is needed. First and foremost look at your financial nest. Do you have savings and can these savings provide a net if something unfortunate were to happen? Do you have stocks or other types of investment funds? Are these funds easy to liquidate? Next you have to look at debts, particularly credit card debts. If possible, try and pay off some of these debts. Once that's done, look at planning for your vacation. Due to the downturn, many travel agencies provide cheap travel and accommodation. Do your homework before embarking on that Europe tour.

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Hong Kong Travel

2009-09-05T03:00:00.000-07:00

Thinking of somewhere to travel with bright lights and non-stop night time activities? Forget Las Vegas and think of Hong Kong. From humble beginnings as a trading port to a cosmopolitan centre, Hong Kong encompasses Eastern and Western cultures. Tourism has increased by leaps and bounds to Hong Kong thanks to its haute couture lifestyle, cuisines, music, movies and traditions. Apart from being known as a center of trade globally, Hong Kong is also famous for its entertainment industry namely the martial arts movie industry. Skyscrapers are also known for being the most here. Hong Kong boasts 7600 skyscrapers on its island excluding more to come.

Beach Travel: Boracay

2009-09-03T20:50:00.000-07:00

Considered to be one of the best beaches in the world, Boracay should be in your 'must visit beaches' list. It's clear waters and white sandy beaches calls out to anyone who lay their eyes on it. Accommodations must be booked in advanced due to its popularity with tourists and locals alike. Food can be slightly more expensive than in Manila but it's worth the price. Food type include local delights, Italian to Western. Restaurants are open quite early for breakfast and close till late. There are many water activities that the locals will usually pester you for. Prices for these are quite reasonable and worth the experience, too.

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Cheap Travel: Shoestring Budget to Europe

2009-09-02T21:57:00.000-07:00

Traveling to Europe need not be expensive if you know how. Choosing in advance your travel time and date, food, lodging and transportation is very crucial. Traveling by car is near suicidal for tourists so find the next best and safer alternative, the bus or rail. Buses are way cheaper than rail or even planes however travel time is longer and more exhausting. Trains are relatively affordable for student and budget travelers plus they provide more comfort and faster service. Accommodations in Europe are inexpensive and range from hostels, hotels to bed and breakfast types. Most of the bed and breakfast are family run establishments.