Here’s your how-to for avoiding the dreaded “fee fatigue”:

Remember the general guideline – use your credit card for purchases and your debit card for cash – and you’ll be on the right track.

Cash

Think of it this way, Cash is King. Everyone accepts it, so you should have at least a little on you at all times no matter where you go. So, how do you access it without unnecessary expense?

• Exchange your cash before arriving in your next country. Exchange rates are most favorable outside of the country whose currency you’re looking for, and can be as much as a 5% difference.
• Avoid exchanging currency at airports or near tourist sites. The most convenient exchange outlets have the least favorable rates – walk a little and save yourself money.
• Use an ATM machine to get the best exchange rate availble (see next section). If you’re arriving without local cash, get it from an airport ATM or bank, not the currency exchange.

Since cash is so easy to lose – and steal – only carry a modest amount with you. A crime or loss doesn’t have to be devastating to the rest of your trip.

ATM/Debit cards

ATM machines exist pretty much everywhere that has electricity these days, so your debit card will be the most convenient way to access cash. Unfortunately there are fees to use ATMs – up to five bucks per transaction on your home side and potentially more on the foreign side, so it’s in your best interest to keep withdrawals to a minimum. Taking more out with each withdrawal gives you a smaller percentage of fee per overall use, think $200-$300 with each transaction depending on your daily budget.

Expect functionality problems with ATM machines in developing nations, sometimes going down for days at a time with no apology or explanation. Try a different bank if this happens, the problem isn’t always system-wide.

Bring along a spare card that you can activate and use right away if your first card is lost or stolen. You’ll find it more convenient than having to get one mailed to you in a random location.

The so-called “chip-and-PIN card” system is being integrated into debit and credit card transactions in Europe and elsewhere, serving  to complicate the simple use of ATMs for cash. Read this article for more info about what this technology means for your cash survival.

Credit cards

Job #1 is to find the best travel credit card for purchase transactions, then use it. The biggest detriment, however, to using a credit card for everything under the sun is the foreign transaction fee – a charge on all the purchases you make overseas. If you use it a lot, this will certainly add up. The recent US government Credit CARD Act, while being generally beneficial, has only served to further complicate the travel card matter.

So which card to you want? The USA Today has outlined some of the best ones, but in summary, they’ve determined that the Capitol One card with their 0% transaction fee is the best traveler’s credit card out there.

As an added bonus, it also has a “no-hassles” airline miles reward program, so you can earn miles on each dollar spent. What traveler wouldn’t like that?

Here is a list of foreign transaction fees from some of the largest US credit card issuers:

• Capital One
  0%
• Discover
  2%
• American Express
  2.7%
• Bank of America
  3%
• Chase
  3%
• Citibank
  3%
• Wells Fargo
  3%

Don’t forget: since credit card companies have the freedom to charge whatever exchange rate they want for transactions, you may end up paying more without even knowing it. American Express often gives more favorable exchange rates that even with their 2.7% transaction fee you can save money overall.

‡ Make sure to notify your bank before you depart for a foreign country. They’ll be quick to freeze your account when transactions start appearing thousands of miles from your home address. A quick phone call will save you all kinds of hassle.

Travelers Check Ad circa 1960

Travelers Checks

Even though romance of using traveler’s checks wore off long ago, their practicality still lingers — they’ll still come in handy if your robbed. Unfortunately, they’re nearly impossible to change outside of a bank. And because of their perceived decreasing value, many hotels won’t even change them anymore. And checks issued by companies other than the biggest one or two are pretty much worthless much of the world over. Best to avoid travelers checks if at all possible.

The “Cash Passport” card from Travelex

Basically a pre-paid credit card, it’s specifically geared toward the international traveler. The benefit is you don’t have to pay it off later, which is great in hindsight. Load it up before you leave and then collect or spend the cash worry-free on the road. Note that the Cash Passport also has a variable fee for transactions as well. There are also maximum limits on withdrawals and purchases. But like a credit card they offer purchase protection.

This may be a great solution for the chip-and-PIN dilemma, as they’re building this technology into the cards they issue.

So, even though the fee labyrinth may be vast and fearful, it’s always best to research and read fine print before committing to anything. Hopefully these hints will help you commit more wisely.

A scene from François Truffaut’s 1960 movie “Tirez sur le Pianiste” or “Shoot the Piano Player”. Bobby Lapoint singing the very fun “Framboise”, with subtitles. See if you can follow along.

Have a Frenchtastic weekend!

Here are some of the best free enterprises to be had on any standard round the world trip. Take THAT budget woes!

Tours – the best educational opportunity

The City Circle Tram, Melbourne – Along its thirty minute run, this iconic 20s-era tramline will clink and clang you around some of Melbourne’s prettiest districts. All for the cost of stepping on. And off. And on again. There’s running commentary onboard to educate you and you can exit at any (or all) of its nearly 30 stops. A most charming way to experience the town, completely gratuit. Check out the City Circle Tram’s daily route here.

The Star Ferry, Hong Kong – While not technically free, it might as well be (the cost equals about .25¢). Probably the cheapest public transportation you’ll ever see, the ferries—um—ferry people back and forth between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island across the famous Hong Kong Harbor. With formidable views of its skyline you’ll forget you even paid the quarter. On the Kowloon side stroll along the waterside promenade then settle in to watch the skyline explode in a 14-minute lightshow that would make even a Pink Floyd fan shed a tear. A truly memorable and cost-neutral experience.

Churches – cleanse your soul, without the cost

St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome – Some will argue it stands alone as the world’s greatest cathedral. And it’s free to enter. Cover your shoulders and prepare to be inspired – the spacious halls, larger-than-life statues, enough marble to make a cake decorator cry, and the masterpiece Pietà by Michelangelo all exist inside. Open daily except during Weds morning papal audiences.

Jama Masjid, Delhi – Immense and majestic, the Jama Masjid is India’s largest and possibly grandest mosques. And the majesty of scale is likely what the architects were going for – the courtyard alone can accommodate up to 25,000 of the pious. The only charge is to tip the guard; don’t forget to remove your shoes. Visit on a Friday to view the secluded Eastern Gateway. Closed during prayers 12:15 – 1:45.

Markets – browsing never costs a dime

Grand Bazaar, Istanbul – Massive, sprawling, labyrinthine, a stroll through Istanbul’s most beloved market will make you pine for a silver cabinet and a wife to wrap in scarves. World renown and unceasingly magical, the Grand Bazaar is page out of a Harry Potter book, with fewer potions. Always free, unless you’re a compulsive shopper.

Ben Thanh Market, Saigon – like the Grand Bazaar but on a smaller scale, and decidedly Asian. Haggling is welcome, if not entirely expected. Most stall-keepers will beckon, if not downright annoy, but feel free to browse. Keep a hand on your wallet, a finger on the shutter release and your eyes on the prize, the place is a feast for the senses. Also, one of the best places in the city to sample the local cuisine once the market starts closing down.

Museums – walk-in museums to spur that weathered creativity

Tate Modern, London – like other London museums, the Tate Modern is free to enter. A repository for the modern art lover in all of us, the Tate is housed in a Metropolis-looking former power station, the elements of which can still be seen in the galleries. One of Europe’s finest modern art museums. Rotating exhibitions.

La Noche de la Museos, Buenos Aires — If you happen to be lucky enough to be in Buenos Aires on the evening November 14, you’ll get this amazing night of free art and culture all over the city. Over 120 galleries, theater and dance troupes, film and multimedia events, and almost half a million people participate in this giant event. A big party really. Sundown till 2am. Cost: free.

Festivals – be lucky, catch one and revel

Celebrate Brooklyn, New York – New York’s longest running and most famed music and arts festival, 30 years and still no charge at the Bandshell in Prospect Park. (A suggested donation of $3 is requested, but if you’re hell-bent on getting a free show, walk on by).  The festival runs over the course of June and July with different events. Watch their Twitter feed for announcements. (Hint: lineup announcement, May 5)

The Love Parade, Berlin – The original Techno-crunch. Originally set up to celebrate the demolition of the Berlin Wall, the city has been hosting the often reproduced but never matched, sometimes scandalous, always jam-packed, raver cause-célèbre. It really must be witnessed to be believed, and all for the price of your trance fairy day-glo bikini costume. Not for the faint of heart, but worth the spectacle.

Gardens – free battery-recharging

Garden of the 5 Senses, Delhi – A garden entirely without zucchini, this rejuvenating park was specifically designed to “awaken all five senses” is located on its 20 acre site in the heart of Delhi. It accommodates plants, flowers, waterfalls, rock sculptures, bells, spirals and live music with which to recharge. The final sense? There’s a food court that serves a variety cuisines. A peaceful and no-cost way to escape the chaos of the Delhi streets.

Higashi-Gyoen, Tokyo – The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace are among Tokyo’s most beautiful spaces. Covering a total of 52 acres, you can gaze quietly over wisteria and azaleas and contemplate the tenets of the Tao. The entry into the gardens is free along with the Sannomaru Shozokan: Emperor Showa’s prized art collection museum. Open 9am – 4:30.

If you have any other opportunities for free activities, no matter where they are, feel free to leave them in the comments section!

Or else plan and submit a trip that hits these destination with our free TripPlanner tool!

** all images link back to owner

With this in mind I expected his dream trip to be pretty exotic — he didn’t let me down.

To Glenn I posed the Your Agent’s Dream Trip question:

“Without having to state your reasons, and if cost was of no importance, what would be your dream around-the-world trip in 10 stops or less.”

Here’s what he offered. (Glenn lives in Oakland, CA but said he’d be willing to come across the Bay to catch his international flight. He’s nice that way.)

San Francisco, CA

Olso, Norway

Stockholm, Sweden

St Petersburg, Russia

Dakar, Senegal

Bamako, Mali

Accra, Ghana

Luanda, Angola

Manila, Philippines

Seoul, South Korea

return to San Francisco

Below is the TripPlanner solution to get Glenn to all these places. It also included London, Moscow, Johannesburg and Hong Kong as possible stopover opportunities for little or no extra cost.

See below for about how much Glenn’s dream trip will cost him, and then start dreaming! (Click the image twice for a closer look.)

If you would like a trip like this, or one more compatible with your own dream, start a TripPlanner session right now, or click the red banner below!

All Nippon 747 decked out in Pokeman livery

To the delight of women everywhere, All Nippon Airlines (ANA) will be the first airline to officially take a stance on the timeless toilet seat versus gender controversy.

According to an March 1st ANA press release:

Following numerous requests from passengers for this service, one women-only lavatory will be designated in the passenger cabin….and will be available for use by women passengers [only].

The women-only signage

This executive order comes after “numerous requests for this service.” Evidently 90% of women polled said they’d like to see women-only lavatories, especially on long flights. Sadly, the men’s poll showing a blatant desire for large screen televisions and remote controls went unfulfilled.

But never fear, men. You’ll still be able to use the women-only restroom. But only when “there are very few women on the flight”. Whomever is making that call… can’t be paid enough.

Stay tuned for other male/female relationship etiquette from the airlines coming soon.

If you like these kind of exhibitions, this one will blow your mind. With over 11,000 exhibitors from 180 countries it pretty much lives up to its hype about being the world’s largest.

Not an industry professional but want to take a look? Not to worry. The show isn’t just for insiders. Last year 80,000 of the 300,000 visitors were general public travel-loving folks. There’s sure to be events, activities and symposia galore. And no doubt plenty of schwag for the taking.

The show is on March 10 – 14, with the weekend dates open to the public. Tickets are €12 per day in advance or €14 at the door.

So pack your comfortable shoes, hop in a plane, train or automobile and get to Berlin. The most current trends in the travel industry will be on display. This year’s show is dedicated to the happy topic of industry sustainability.

Enjoy the show!

Can there be anything more exciting than the idea of setting off on a Round the World journey – or even a Part of the World journey?

You are just filled with the anticipation of all the amazing places you will see, and fascinating people you will meet. You can’t wait to get that rucksack packed, to buy your travel towel and pegless washing line, to get some money in an exotic currency….

But the problem is – while your trip is booked – it might still be MONTHS before you are actually on the road.

So – what to do in the meantime?

There’s one thing you can do right now to thoroughly enhance your experience once you have taken off. And that is to start reading books that are set in the country or countries you are going to.

Lots of people like to read travelogues or pour over the guidebooks – but for me, the trick is to read fiction that is set in that place. Fiction makes a place come alive in a special way. These characters are my friends, I know their intimate thoughts and feelings, and by the time I have finished the novel, I know so much more about the place they live.

Are you heading to Barcelona? Then ‘Shadow of the Wind’ by Carlos Ruiz Zafon is the book for you. How about Afghanistan? Reading Khaled Hosseini’s ‘The Kite Runner’ will really give you a better understanding of Kabul. When you read a novel, the characters and places are absorbed into your memory. Next time you visit the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin, it will be a different experience because you have read ‘Book of Clouds’ by Chloe Aridjis – her midnight scene set at the memorial will stay with you forever!

And of course, you are going to need something to read on those long plane trips and train journeys, so take along a novel set in your first stop, and swap is with another traveler once you have read it.  It’s a great way to start up a conversation! If you have never been into reading fiction, I urge you to give it a try before your next journey. It does wonders for the whole travel experience and I’m sure you will not regret it. If you don’t have any trips booked for the near future, I commiserate, I know how that feels! But lets just start reading books set in great places, and it will really encourage you to get out and explore the world.

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Packabook is the place to find travel novels and travelogues set in particular countries.

To keep up to date with reviews and travel discussions, please feel free to subscribe to the Packabook blog and start exploring the world through fiction.

If you have some time this afternoon, 12 minutes, it’s absolutely worth the watch. These three wonderful vignettes, from India, Latvia, and Oman, are guaranteed to make your world a little smaller and your day a little brighter.

Video after the jump…

Thanks to Brian from No Debt World Travel.

Dream...

The travel consultants currently employed at AirTreks have a vast pool of travel experience. Today we start a new series entitled “Your Agent’s Dream Trip” conceived to bring the readers of this blog planning suggestions and possibly some dreams of their own.

The question was put to the travel consultants, “without having to state your reasons, and if cost was of no importance, what would be your dream around-the-world trip in 10 stops or less.”

Since everyone here is fairly well-traveled, you know that if a destination appears it’s probably an amazing place to visit.

So, introducing our first dream trip, from AirTreks travel consultant Chris, currently residing in Boston. (Mouse over the symbols next to the town for more location-inspired media.)

Boston, MA
Cairo, Egypt
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Cape Town, South Africa
Antananarivo, Madagascar
Port Louis, Mauritius
Male, Maldives
Kathmandu, Nepal
Port Moresby, Papau New Guinea
Nuku’alofa, Tonga
Boston, MA

Below is the TripPlanner solution to get Chris to all these places. You can also see about how much a trip like this will cost him. Click the image for a closer look.

If you would like a trip like this or one more compatible to your own dream, start a TripPlanner session right now, or click on the red banner below.

Happy dreaming!

Celebrating 80 high-altitude years, the Glacier Express gives riders the Swiss alps, on a platter. Even if you’re normally put off by enterprises set up solely for the tourist, the passage will probably impress you. It’s hard not to be humbled by a majestic mountain landscape no matter where it is. Dramatic, steep, snow-covered and picture perfect.

Not an “express” in the formal sense of the world, the train takes passengers from the foot of the Matterhorn in Zermatt to the Engadin ski resort in St Moritz in about 7 and a half hours, crossing 291 bridges and 91 tunnels in the meantime and vaulting over the Oberalp Pass at 6,670 feet.

The Landwasser Viaduct. Source: Wikipedia Commons

Its trademark white and red livery is bright and bold, a surprising contrast to the landscape through which  it passes. With head to waist picture windows, hand-prepared meals and scenery sliding by, it’ll likely go on your trip highlights list a soon as you step off. One of its most spectacular points, the Landwasser Viaduct, threads the edge of a cliff, crosses over the viaduct and enters a tunnel on the other side taking riders deep into the mountain. Romantic stuff.

The line operates year-round with two departures per day in the winter and several more added for the peak summer months. Ticket prices are unchanged this season at EUR 89 ($100 US) for second class and EUR 148 ($175 US) for first. For the scenery and thrill the Glacier Express can’t be beat. See all the rates and timetable here.

Here’s a video showcasing some of the more pristine features the Glacier Express has to offer. Please excuse the really really really cheesy music. It’s not my fault.