Wolfgang Busch

Round the world trip airfares can be quite expensive. Fortunately, there are ways that you can get a flight without breaking the bank. Below are some of the ways that you can save money on airfares:

You will be surprised to find out how much the price of flights can vary from airline to airline. That is why you should compare the prices of different airlines before you book your flight. These days, it is very easy for you to compare the prices of different airlines thanks to the Internet. You should compare the prices of at least three different airlines before you book your flight.

If you have not yet set a date for your trip, then you should sign up to get online alerts. Most travel companies allow you to sign up for alerts on their website. You can also get online alerts on Twitter and Facebook.

When you are comparing the prices of different airlines, you should make sure that you take the additional fees into consideration. You may end up spending up to 30 percent more on your flight because of fees.

The time that you buy your tickets can also have an effect on the amount of money that you spend. Rates change constantly, and in some cases, they change hourly. You should try to book your trip four to six weeks before you leave because that is usually the cheapest time to purchase tickets. You should also try to avoid purchasing your tickets on the weekend because that is usually when flights are the most expensive. The cheapest days of the week to buy a ticket are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Additionally, some websites, such as Bing, have a flight search. You can enter your departure destination, arrival destination and the dates that you will be traveling. The website has a price prediction tool that will tell you whether the prices will rise, fall or remain steady. If you have already purchased your ticket, then some airlines will refund you the difference.

Visiting a flight specialist such as Travel Associates allow you to gain some valuable insights on when is the best season to travel for the cheapest fare. Check out some of the Travel Associates flight deals on their site.

Your travel dates will affect the cost of your tickets. You can save hundreds of dollars if you travel during the right time. If possible, you should traveling during the holidays because those are the most expensive times of the year to get a flight. You should also travel during the weekdays because Fridays and Saturdays are usually the most expensive times of the week to travel.

For people who love to travel on a budget, an ultra-mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet can be a lifesaver. Whether it's for finding the best domestic travel insurance offer or checking out the cheapest hotel rates on the Internet, there's bound to be an app for all of your travel needs.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your smartphone and check out this list of of some of the best must-have apps for travelers:

Do you want to be able to stay in touch with your loved ones back home but hate the idea of paying outrageous cellphone rates? Then make sure to download the ever popular Skype on your mobile device. No need to use your cellphone provider's expensive international plans - this VoIP app lets people make cheap calls to anyone, anywhere! IMs and Skype-to-Skype video/voice calls are free, while a paid Premium account gets you unlimited international and group calls.

Throw away those bulky phrasebooks and language guides! Now you can communicate like a local with Google Translate. The app supports at least 70 languages. Though the translations might not always be one-hundred percent accurate, it's more than enough to get you through common everyday scenarios like asking for directions or saying "thank you" in the vernacular.

For backpackers and tourists on a super strict budget, Airbnb is a very essential tool. The app allows people to search for affordable accommodations wherever they are. From regular hotel rooms to overnight apartments, Airbnb has got you covered. It's a great app for people who want a new kind of traveling experience (since most of the accommodations offered by the Airbnb community are from locals who are renting out spaces in their own homes) and save money at the same time.

Another helpful offering from Google, Google Maps is hands down the best map application that anyone could ever possibly download on their device. The route planner feature is particularly useful, especially for travelers - imagine getting extensive driving, cycling, walking and public transportation directions with just a click of a button. Whether it's the streets of New York or the jungles of Timbuktu, you'll never get lost again with Google Maps by your side.

Honest and unbiased reviews by travelers, for travelers. TripAdvisor is a travel companion you should never leave home without. The app, which provides instant integrated access to the TripAdvisor online community, lets users rate and review hotels, restaurants, malls, and other tourist attractions. Want to check out the highest rated places in your area? Then let TripAdvisor do its magic and get your money's worth for every destination that you'll visit!

Traveling entails a lot of time spent inside and around airports. Save precious time and money with gate Gate Guru - the best airport guide you can carry around your pocket. Receive flight information such as departure times, weather reports, and real time flight status updates on-the-go. Got a four-hour layover? Gate Guru can come up with some of the best airport eats and stores you can shop around in while waiting for your next flight.

Keep track of your frequent flyer miles with AwardWallet! This handy app helps you stay up to date with the various loyalty and rewards programs that you are subscribed to. AwardWallet is well-suited for frequent travelers and for people who like to join travel clubs.

For premium accommodations during your visit to London, consider making reservations to stay at the Crown Plaza London Heathrow. Just one of more than 370 hotels representing the Crown Plaza brand, you can expect the kind of elegance and style that is synonymous with comfort and quality. Add in some great services designed to make you feel most welcomed and right at home along with some friendly customer service and you will be glad you made the choice to choose the Crowne Plaza London Heathrow.

Located just 2 miles from the airport and only a 20-minute drive from central London, you would be ideally situated to go anywhere including Wembley Arena, Twickenham Stadium and Westfield Shopping Centre, just to name a few nearby venues and attractions.

There are 465 rooms at the Crowne Plaza London Heathrow of which you can choose a Standard, Club, Family or Accessible room or a Suite. All rooms are equipped with High Definition LCD TVs with a wide range of HD channels and Wi-Fi connection, along with other amenities such as minibar, laptop safes, and even fluffy bathrobes for the Club room package. Upgrade to a Club room or suite and enjoy other extras like complimentary snacks, access to the Club Lounge and more.

Choose from a wide selection of delicious dishes at Orwell’s Brasserie serving modern British dishes with their own fusion of international flavours, for breakfast, lunch or supper. Kids eat for free from selections off the children’s menu. For adults looking for a more casual dining experience, opt for Dr. O’Driscoll’s Irish Bar at the Crowne Plaza London Heathrow. Here you will find some pub favourite dishes and can enjoy a pint of your choice of beer. For a great cocktail, choose Orwell’s Bar and nibble on bites chosen from the deli style menu.

For those leaving London for a family vacation or just rushing out of town for a business trip, book an overnight stay at the Crowne Plaza London Heathrow and save yourself the hassle of rushing to the airport the day of your flight. Choose a Park, Stay and Go package allowing you 4, 8 or 15 days parking in the designated parking area and depart on your trip without a worry in mind, knowing that your car is conveniently stored and ready for you upon your return. No need to fuss catching a taxi when you get back, when you can just catch a short ride back to the hotel and load the family or all your business documents in your own ride and head home at your own leisurely pace.

The Park, Stay and Go option is not just about parking convenience. It’s also about you and your family. For the duration of your stay you have access to the hotel’s facilities too, including the state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor pool, spa, gym and even 9-hole golf course, in case you want to get a little fun in before your trip. Whether you are heading out on a vacation or a business trip, the planning can be quite stressful already so enjoying a short care-free stay at the Crowne Plaza London Heathrow will help you set a positive, relaxed mood before you jet-set off.

If you travel often on business, look into becoming a member of the park, Stay and Go Club. It’s free to join and the more often you stay, the better the deals you will get.

Comfort, quality, satisfaction, relaxation and savings – it’s what you can expect from the Crowne Plaza London Heathrow.

People are travelling around a lot more these days it seems. For many people, work can include trips abroad and whilst most of us are struggling with day to day living costs, the idea of taking a holiday is also still something we strive towards.

So whether it is for work or play, travelling can be an expensive business and any way that you might be able to save a few pounds is worth knowing about.

One thing to keep in mind before you even go anywhere is that unexpected circumstances can prove costly when you are away from home. This is why having adequate cover from questor insurance is essential and can help to give you the peace of mind to really enjoy your trip.

Here are 5 tips to travel on a shoestring, to help you get from A to B with the minimum of expense and the maximum enjoyment:

Whether it means missing the crowds of package holidaymakers at an airport or making sure you don't miss the last train back, choosing the right time to travel can make a big difference to the cost, as well as to your overall enjoyment. Off-peak fares and ticket prices are always cheaper than the busiest times of travel.

Investing in a strong piece of cabin luggage with 360 wheels might seem like strange advice for a list aimed to cutting back on expenses, but good luggage lasts a lifetime and can help you save money on excess baggage costs by taking everything that you need in a carry-on bag.

It is definitely a good idea to load up your iPhone with films, TV shows and albums to make sure you have all you need to keep yourself entertained on your journey.

The holy grail of any air traveller is the upgrade, that elusive reward given out by airline staff or airplane crew. There are a lot of websites giving 'inside secrets' on how to grab one, but the real trick is to look presentable, ask nicely and hope that your luck is in on that particular day.

Wherever you are going, if it involves an overnight stay then you have a chance to sample the local cuisine. This doesn't need to be expensive, and sometimes a little research will show you where the locals eat the best food at great prices.

The great pleasures to be derived from travelling don’t have to end just because we happen to be getting older. People in their senior years regularly continue to cruise, fly and take road trips all over the world and have fabulous holidays. But of course they have to factor in a few additional considerations and take a bit more care on some aspects of their travel plans, from homelifts to packing, especially if they have a medical condition.

It’s a good idea to research the travel agents a bit, as many of them now specialise in travelling for seniors, and also to check out the medical facilities that are available at the destinations you’re considering. If you use a wheelchair or guide dog, make all the necessary arrangements such as seating on the plane. Your travel insurance also needs to cover any medical conditions to remain valid.

Make sure you take a bag into the cabin that contains all the medication you’ll need during the flight. A pill-box is always a good idea too, because on holiday routines tend to get disrupted and you’ll need to know what you’ve taken each day of the week. Use a suitcase that has wheels to lighten the load.

You can call the airport well ahead of your flight to make arrangements about seating, services, meals and shuttles, and the travel agent should also have been informed of any disabilities. Try to book only direct flights, but where this is not possible give yourself plenty of time for transfers.

At the destination end, you or your agent can contact the local authorities to see whether the transport system can handle your particular disability. You can also contact the local embassy to check the availability of things like wheelchairs, relevant medications or guide dogs.

Before booking a trip, ensure that your medication is legal in that destination country by contacting the consulate or embassy, and take a doctor’s letter confirming dosages and the fact that your medicine is purely for personal use. Always keep it in its original packaging, and take this with you even if you’re using a pill-box. Take a supply of needles and syringes to last the length of your stay.

With clothing, go for comfortable attire that allows for free blood circulation, and ensure beforehand that your body can handle a long flight as sitting motionless for prolonged periods can cause blood clots under certain conditions. Compression stockings are often recommended to stimulate circulation in the lower legs.

Use an alcohol-based hand cleanser for your hands, especially before eating or after being in crowded places like a bus, plane or train.

If you've never been to Vietnam, you're probably curious about the cuisine. Vietnamese food is a fantastic way to experience the culture of Vietnam in a way that is not only educational, but tasty, as well. Whether or not you have actually visited Vietnam, there are a number of ways you can explore the cuisine.

If you're in America, consider visiting a local Vietnamese restaurant. Go with a friend to a place she recommends or simply check out a place in your local yellow pages. Remember to explore and be adventurous. Don't simply order the chicken because it seems "safe." Trying new foods is a time to do just that - try new foods. Pick something random or let the waitress pick for you.

Do you have Vietnamese friends? Ask about their culture and food! Ask a friend if you can come over for dinner or come the next time she visits her grandma to try some authentic Vietnamese dishes.

Perhaps the best way to taste Vietnam is to actually visit and explore on one of those Vietnam tours. Check out local marketplaces, restaurants and groceries. Explore and try everything you come across. Don't be afraid to test out new things or try a taste of something that looks a little scary. Remember, trying new things is the only way to find out what you like and what you don't.

If you live near a college, check out one of their cooking classes. Your local community center may also be a great place to find local Vietnamese cooking classes. These classes will not only teach you about Vietnamese cuisine, but will give you a chance to try cooking some yourself. If you're the adventurous type, this is a fantastic way to jump feet first into Vietnamese food.

A Vietnamese grocery is a fantastic way to explore new foods, ingredients and cooking styles. Grab a recipe off the Internet and head to your local Vietnamese grocery with a list of things you need. Chances are, you'll be able to find everything you need and start trying Vietnamese food firsthand. While you may not make the most authentic food the first time you cook, you'll quickly improve the more you practice.

Overall, there are many ways you can learn to taste Vietnam. Whether you actually get to visit Vietnam and try the food firsthand or you cook it yourself in America, don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone to truly taste and try the fantastic food that Vietnam has to offer.

There’s no better way to party with your friends than on the slopes in one of Australia’s top ski resorts. Getting the perfect balance between great terrains and thriving nightlife can be a bit of a challenge, so it’s important to keep this in mind when you’re making your bookings. Here are a few of the best ski resorts in Australia for the ultimate snow adventure party.

This great ski resort is centred around a traditional alpine style village. With pedestrian only access, most of the accommodation here is ski in, ski out. Not only is this convenient for hitting the slopes during the day, but it makes for a fun way to travel through the village after the sun sets. With 32 dining options on the mountain and in the village, Falls Creek has more on offer than any other Australian ski resort. From a quiet night in at one of the cosy restaurants to a slighter wilder time at one of the clubs or music venues, there’s something in Falls Creek for every taste. When you need some time to recover, there’s always the option of a sauna and a few drinks in front of the open fire at one of the ski lodges.

With the highest lifted point in Australia, the nation’s longest ski runs and amazing beginner’s slopes, Thredbo is one of the most popular ski resorts in the magnificent Snowy Mountains. Boasting 6 bars and 20 restaurants, as well as a club for the really keen partiers, there’s plenty of opportunity to have some fun after dark. Thredbo has a reputation for a seriously thriving nightlife, with many revellers partying on until well after the sun comes up. It’s not just snow season that sees Thredbo full of travellers, the party goes on all year round with a fantastic range of activities to do once the snow has melted and the ski season is over.

Perisher is the largest ski resort in Australasia, and it has a fantastic party scene to match. With 1245 hectares of varied terrain, skiers of every ability will be able to find their perfect slope before heading back and enjoying some post-ski entertainment. With an amalgamation of four different villages, Perisher offers a great range of bars and restaurants. There’s everything from spirited pub races and karaoke competitions, to a few quieter spots where you can enjoy a drink and chat with friends. No matter what your party style is, you’ll find something that is perfect for you at Perisher.

Choosing the best place to party isn’t easy, as there are simply so many great Australian ski resorts to choose from! These are some of the best in the business though, and you’ll have an amazing time both on and off the slopes. With world-class facilities, terrain for all abilities and a vibrant social scene once the sun goes down, make your next party a guaranteed success with a trip to one of these great ski resorts.

Ever fancied a trip to France but worry that it may be expensive? Long for a river cruise through France to Prague for a romantic break away? It doesn’t have to break the bank and there are so many cruises to France and through the beautiful country these days that your trip is just a few clicks away.

Paris is well known as the city of magical romance; a place where you can take the love of your life for a romantic proposal or spend some quality time together. With a cruise through Paris to other enchanting locations you could be seeing exciting new sights every day, making a river cruise can be an ideal option for intrepid explorers.

With a range of European river cruises on offer throughout stunning cities and picturesque locations it could be the perfect opportunity to explore Europe in well-appointed accommodation and enjoy each other’s company. Cruise ships have a large range of facilities on board for comfort and luxury so there is no need to worry about where to go for dinner.

The accommodation is the epitome of style and the best thing about a cruise is that not only do you get to sit on board and watch the scenery go by in various locations, making for striking photo opportunities, but you also get the option to disembark and explore particular points on the journey.

On a river cruise adventure in France you can maximise the places you see and turn your holiday into an exciting journey rather than just a destination. Spend a few days soaking up the beauty of Paris, stroll around the stunning towns of Giverny and Vernon or explore the medieval city of Rouen taking in the haunting beauty of the Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral. With a river cruise, so much is possible.

You may worry that a holiday could be expensive but with a river cruise it can be less expensive than you might think. Companies such as Viking offer a wide range of cruises in a selection of areas so that you can spend your holiday not just visiting one destination but enjoying several points along the way. The great thing is that the price is less expensive than you might think.

Surely the opportunity to visit several places and learning the history of towns and cities all while staying in high quality accommodation is a more exciting option than simply visiting one place? A river cruise in France could be the perfect option for your holiday this year so why not take a look at the locations available and the huge number of options and create the holiday of your dreams?