Posts from ‘Reference’
International Plug and Socket Shapes (Map)
While the electricity conversion problem has mainly been solved for modern travelers — most electronics these days have plugs that convert voltage within the plug itself automatically (check your manual) — there’s still the dilemma of physically fitting the plug into the outlet. This isn’t likely to change any time soon.
There are five configurations of outlets throughout the world, some being more common than others. But when on a round the world trip, you’ll likely run into several variations, making it all but impossible to charge batteries or use electronics once you leave a region. Be prepared, bring an adapter with you. Here’s a recommendation for a good one to throw in your bag.
The map below shows plug variations around the world. Compare this to your route and see what you’re up against.
Unless you haven’t been on a plane in, oh, about 15 years, you’ve probably used an E-ticket as your document de rigueur. Even with the saturation there remains some confusion over what exactly an E-ticket is.
E-tickets
An E-ticket is really nothing more than a reservation in an airline’s computer system, one that advises them you have a ticketed seat confirmed on a particular flight.
When you’re issued an E-ticket there’s also a receipt that is printed out after. The E-ticket receipt looks similar to an old-style paper ticket but doesn’t need to be presented at the check-in counter on the day of your flight. It only serves as proof that your ticket was issued.
One of the most important and stress-inducing aspects of any major excursion is where to sleep while on the road. It can be argued that, next to setting up the route, this is the most important part of the planning process, because the sun will eventually set and when it does, you’ll need a bed on which to lay your head. 
The accommodation question leads us to two different options, both equally valid, but each having entirely different consequences both on your budget and planning process: should you book your beds ahead of time, while you’re still at home, or once you’ve hit the road?
While AirTreks does not officially book hotels we do have opinions about the matter due to its high importance to the success of an extended trip. Here are some observations on the pre- and post-departure booking methods:
Cathay Pacific route map circa 1990
If there’s anything working in this industry has taught me is that there’s a lot of ways to get from one place to another. And that everyone who travels from point A to point B has an idea about the best way to do it.
When our travel consultants assemble trips they bear in mind a couple of things: the total cost and overall efficiency of the route. Both things are valued as highly important components but unfortunately are rarely mutually inclusive. The airlines that have nonstop flights between two points are often the most expensive option (there are exceptions to this) because they’re the most coveted. Conversely, another carrier may charge less for a pair of flights going the same way but connecting through their hub city.
Getting ready for a departure, especially for a long trip, can be a stressful time. We here at AirTreks understand. To help take the hand-wringing and nail-biting from your last few days at home we’ve put together a nice checklist to remind you of some important and necessary to-do’s.
What notable people do in their international hometowns.
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