Factors That Affect the Price of an Airline Ticket

The wide range of prices encountered when shopping for an airline ticket, make this a daunting task. What factors affect the price?

• Fuel cost has one of the greatest influences on tickets. As the price of crude rises, so do the airline’s costs. Airlines that negotiate fuel purchases well into the future can avoid sudden spikes, and pass on savings to the customer.
• A weak economy causes people to cut back on non-essential travel. This encourages airlines to give discounts to lure fliers back. Conversely, when business is good, and planes are filled to capacity, there is little incentive to offer low price airline tickets.
• Airport fees are another part of ticket prices. Airlines using smaller airports save on fees.
• Destination is a factor. Competition will greatly affect price. An airline that enjoys a virtual monopoly for a particular route can charge pretty much what they want. Those flying international routes have stiff competition from other countries, and have to keep prices in line with what they are offering.
• Budget airlines can sometimes provide the cheapest airline tickets through a “no-frills” approach. This is most effective on short-haul domestic flights.
• Timing plays a role. If departure time is nearing, and a flight still has a lot of empty seats, the airline may offer them at a substantial reduction. If flying on a particular day isn’t critical, it may worth holding out until the last minute.
• Where the ticket is purchased can affect its cost. Travel agents get bargains from the carriers, but charge for their services. The internet produces some bargains, but be careful who you are dealing with. Occasionally the airlines’ own websites have unadvertised discounts.
• Plain, old-fashioned greed. Air travel is a market driven economy, and airlines will charge as much as they can get away with. Don’t believe anyone. Do your own research.

When shopping for cheap flights, be aware of what you are actually comparing. One airline advertises a flight to an Asian destination, as $800, while another gives a price of $1300. Reading the fine print shows that the “cheap fare” has another $700 in hidden fees and surcharges, meaning it is actually $200 more than the all-inclusive fare.

There are many factors which affect the cost of an airline ticket. How well the carrier manages these costs will determine their bottom line. Competition is the key, airlines that most want your business will offer the best deals. Careful shopping will help find the cheapest flights.

Visiting Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is huge, difficult to navigate and expensive, but having said that, it is a city that everyone should make an effort to visit.

Language is a problem for visitors, as few Japanese speak much English. A phrase book printed in Japanese is helpful. Although signs on main streets, and in the subway are in English, anyone not able to read Japanese will have difficulties.

Most international travelers will arrive at Narita Airport. To get downtown takes about 2 hrs. by limousine bus, which costs $35 (one-way). A taxi from the airport will cost over $200 (but most will be reluctant to take you, even at this price).

You should also be aware that taxi drivers don’t speak English. Get a cab at places such as hotels and restaurants, and have an employee explain to the driver where to take you. Obtain a card from your place of accommodation with the address of the hotel and directions printed in Japanese. When you want to come back, give it to the driver. Getting a cab to pick you up on the street can be a problem. Because of language hassles, they are reluctant to take foreign passengers.

Accommodation doesn’t come cheap. Four star hotels run upwards of $300 per night, and $20 to $30 for breakfast isn’t uncommon. Shop around. Decent hotels can be found for under $200, and small neighborhood restaurants, or noodle-houses are an economical alternative to expensive hotel fare. Language isn’t a problem when ordering, as nearly all eateries display plastic models of the food, and all you have to do is point to your selection.

Tokyo has an excellent public transit system, but first time visitors should take one of the many city tours offered. Major hotels are pick-up points for tour buses, providing the convenience of being picked up and dropped of right at your lobby. A full-day tour will cost about $150, and half-day $60 to $80.

Tokyo Tower, is one of the main features of any city tour. It is surrounded by Shiba Park, home to the Zojoji Shrine. Just minutes from the Tower, the surrounding park-lands and temple buildings provide enjoyable walking tours.

Other things to see and do in and around Tokyo (featured in many tours) include:

• A traditional Japanese tea-house.

• The Imperial Palace.

• Tsukigi fish market.

• Ginza shopping district.

• The many shrines and temples.

• Sumida River cruise.

• Tokyo Bay cruise.

• One day trip to Mount Fuji.

Tokyo is clean and safe, and if there is a drawback, it is price. One of the world’s great cities, it should be on everyone’s must see list.

What to See in Cebu and Bohol

Bohol is just two hours by ferry from Cebu. Combining these two destinations as a package tour makes good sense.

An ideal package offered by travel agents in the Philippines includes airfare from Manila to Cebu, 3 days and 2 nights in either Cebu or Mactan (island where the plane lands), ferry to Bohol and 3 days, 2 nights at a resort, and return airfare from Bohol to Manila. Package should include breakfasts, day-tours and all transfers.

If staying in Mactan, the Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort is a good choice.

In Bohol consider the Bohol Divers Resort.

Things to see in Cebu and Mactan (included in the day-tour):
Cebu:

• Cebu City (second largest in the Philippines)

• Taoist Shrine

• Magellan’s Cross

• Fort San Pedro

• Casa Gorordo Museum

• Santo Nino Basilica

Mactan:

• Lapu_lapu Shrine

• National Shrine of Our Lady of the Rule

• Guitar Factory

• Magellan Marker

• Olango Wildlife Sanctuary

• Beach-front resorts.

Next you will be transferred to the ferry terminal for the trip to Bohol, and from there to the resort of your choice.
Things to see in Bohol (included in day-tour):

• The Chocolate Hills

• Loboc River, with buffet lunch on cruise boat

• Tarsier (world’s smallest primate)

• Blood Compact site

• Baclayon Church

Dolphin and whale watching tours can also be arranged.
After your three day stay in Bohol, you will be taken to the airport for the short flight back to Manila.

Is the Philippines a Safe Travel Destination?

Few North Americans travel to the Philippines. In addition to distance and lack of promotion, uncertainty over safety holds back tourism. How unsafe is it really?

Violent crime against foreigners is rare in most parts of the country. There are the occasional kidnappings, but this is largely a thing of the past.

Different kinds of non-violent crime, however, are a risk for the unwary. Pick-pockets are common on public transit, in market places, and other areas frequented by tourists. Strangers offering drinks, or asking to escort you anywhere should be avoided. Drugging for the purpose of robbery is a popular tactic.

The Philippines suffers from massive poverty, largely a result of a series of corrupt governments. Politicians have more interest in lining their own pockets than in improving conditions for their fellow countrymen. Crime, therefore is seen by some as a matter of economic necessity.

As in any country, some areas of the Philippines are safe, while others should be avoided.

In Manila, the financial districts of Makati and Fort Bonifacio pose little risk for tourists. Before traveling in other parts of the city, ask at your hotel or travel agency, before setting out.

The sex-trade center in Angeles City is strictly for the courageous thrill-seeker. There is a high probability of becoming a victim in this high-risk area.

The southern province of Mindanao is a hot-spot for Islamic terrorist activity and should be totally avoided by foreigners.

The central part of the Philippines (The Visayas) includes the second largest city, Cebu, the resorts of Mactan Island, and Bohol. This is one of the most beautiful areas in the country, and fortunately for travelers, also one of the safest.

Travel in the Philippines need not be any riskier than in other parts of the world. Doing your homework, consulting with a travel agent, and asking friends who have been there, will ensure a safe vacation.

The Philippines is a fascinating and beautiful country. With a  little common sense, and some homework, this can be a rewarding travel experience.

Review of Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort

• Location: Mactan Island, Cebu,Philippines.

• Description: resort type beach-front hotel.

• Travel deals available: resort only,all inclusive with air.

• Rates:Highly variable;check around. Price on resort’s website for mid- August: Deluxe Garden suite- 139$(US), Deluxe Beach- front- 204$(US) bungalows also available. All include buffet breakfast.

This beautiful resort hotel is located in the Maribago Beach area on Mactan Island. It is completely enclosed with 24 hr. security at the gates.They also have security personnel on the beach and patrolling throughout the resort.Staff are marvelous. They are everywhere,always greet you and appear truly happy to help.

A white sand beach is well maintained and guests in the Deluxe Beach-front suites are afforded magnificent views of the ocean.Suites have verandas which provide a pleasant and private opportunity to relax. The swimming area is roped off to allow for safety away from boats and jet skis.

For those who prefer a pool to the sea, one is centrally located in the resort.It is large but shallow enough for the youngsters to use in safety.

Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort offers extensive well kept grounds. Amenities include spa, lounges, cafes,bars, beach front massage cabana,and pleasant landscaping throughout.Tours and island hopping are available on request.Scuba outings can also be arranged. A rental shop can provide scuba and snorkeling gear as well as boats and jet skis.

• Pros: Clean and secure with genuinely friendly and helpful staff.  Beautifully landscaped grounds. Large,comfortable rooms are well equipped. Great beach has nice view. An excellent buffet breakfast is provided.Rates are very reasonable for a resort of this caliber.
• Cons: Rooms could do with upgrading. Floors are worn from constant exposure to beach sand.Televisions are old and have a limited selection of channels.Tubs and fixtures could stand to be replaced.On site dining in the evening is limited and expensive.Although only approved canvassers( tours etc.) are allowed on the beach others lurk just off property harassing guests with offers of every description.

• Overall rating: Excellent! Pros far outweigh cons.

For anyone planning a vacation in the Philippines,this is a worthwhile addition. If your travel plans involve Manila, go for an all inclusive package. This should include, air(both Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have frequent flights), transfers and accommodation with breakfast. As dinner is buffet and costly if purchased at the door, it might be worth it  to get this included  as part of your package.

Cebu is a great travel destination and you are sure to enjoy your stay at Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort!

The War on Obama, and The Death of Civility in America

Article first published as The War on Obama, and The Death of Civility in America on Blogcritics.

Saying anything good about Barack Obama these days is a risky undertaking. His opponents are so determined to bring him down, that anyone offering even the thinnest of praise can expect a vicious personal attack, totally out of proportion to the comment.

According to his right-wing critics, Barack Obama has no other goal than the destruction of the American way of life, and anyone daring to defend him is an un-American socialist, and an enemy to be silenced by any means necessary.

Does this sound pretty ridiculous? The Republicans, spear-headed by the Tea Party don’t seem to think so as they continue their vitriolic attacks on everything the President does or says. Even Mike Huckabee is advising against attacking everything Obama, but nobody in the GOP is listening.

The latest assault on the President, focuses on his environmental initiatives. Republicans would basically prefer that industry be free of pollution regulations, which fits in with their overall belief that big-business does best when free of any government control.

It is hard to understand the persistent right-wing belief in this philosophy, given that the economy collapsed during George W. Bush’s watch. Most of the problems originated in lack of government oversight, especially in the financial sector. Mortgage lenders knowingly financed unqualified borrowers, while financial institutions were betting against themselves on the stock market, simply to enrich a handful of corporate leaders.

Barack Obama’s supposed sins include the state of the economy, the budget, and the deficit. Republicans choose to remain completely oblivious to the fact that the Democrats now in office, inherited this mess from the previous administration, and while there may be some justification in blaming the President for not turning things around faster, he wasn’t the one who brought it all crashing down.

When Mr. Obama began his term, the recession was well underway. Although usually accepted as starting in December 2007, this economic disaster was brewing well ahead of that date. By some perversion of logic, the GOP blames a recession which began during a Republican administration on the Democrats, while claiming responsibility for policies which brought about its end, six months into the Obama regime.

The ballooning budget and deficit can also be laid at the Bush doorstep. Instead of shrinking, government grew, the new Department of Homeland Security was created, and trillions of dollars were added to the budget. The final legacy of Republican fiscal restraint was the handing out of 700 billion dollars in bail-out money to the financial sector, some of which was promptly paid in bonuses to the very people who brought the nation to the brink of ruin.

At one time respect for differing opinions accompanied criticism, but destruction of the enemy (anyone who isn’t a Republican) seems to have become all-important in this relentless war on Barack Obama. It is hard to imagine that the endless toxic rhetoric aimed at the Democrats is motivated by a desire for a better life for a majority of Americans, and not a yearning for an America more in keeping with Republican beliefs.

Bob Burnett claims that, “In the final analysis, contemporary Republican ideology has three interlocked components: promoting a permanent state of war; favoring the interests of the rich over those of the poor; and relegating women to be second-class citizens whose rights are subordinate to those of men.” If there is any truth in this, than it isn’t hard to see why they loath a Democrat who favors an end to foreign wars, wants decent health care for all, and champions the rights of all Americans, regardless of gender or race.

Barack Obama hasn’t turned out to be the savior that so many hoped he would be, but he also isn’t the nation-destroying devil that his opponents see. He has failed to carry through on some of what he set out to achieve. Some of this is his own fault, and some of it is the Republican determination to undermine his every effort, no matter what the cost to the country.

The most serious casualty in this war, is the death of civility and fair play in America. If the GOP makes it into the White House in 2012, their first priorities should be restoring the belief that people of all political stripes can work together for the good of the nation, and that equality does exist in America.

Review of Tokyo Prince Hotel

• Address: 3-3-1 Shiba-koen, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8560 Japan

• Location: Tokyo Prince Hotel is in Shiba (a district of Minato, Tokyo) Hotel is approximately 2 hrs. travel from Narita Airport by limousine bus which costs $35 (one-way).

• Facilities: Wide choice of rooms, ranging from standard with one bed to suites. Options include non-smoking, and choice of all or no meals. A n outdoor swimming pool is open summer only. There are on-site boutiques and a convenience store offering everything from fruit and snacks to alcoholic beverages. Rates for a standard room start at $190. Prices vary by season and day of week.

• Dining: Three on-site restaurants offer western, Japanese and Chinese menus. The western style buffet serves breakfast ($25), lunch ($32), and dinner ($53) daily. The Japanese restaurant serves lunch ($18) and dinner ($46). Chinese dining is available from 11:30 to 21:30 and prices range from $30 for lunch to $78 for dinner.

• Pros: The rooms are very spacious and clean. Staff are courteous and helpful.The hotel enjoys a great location. There is a good choice of dining rooms. Rates are reasonable ( for this city).

• Cons: The Tokyo Prince is an older hotel, well maintained, but far from modern or luxurious. While most staff speak passable English, communication can sometimes be awkward, but this is  a problem often encountered in Tokyo.

The Tokyo Prince enjoys a choice setting, right at the foot of the Tokyo Tower, one of the iconic landmarks in Tokyo, and a feature of every city tour. It is surrounded by Shiba Park, part of which is occupied by the Zojoji Shrine. It is only a few minutes to the Tower, and the surrounding park-lands and temple buildings, provide pleasant walking tours.

Tokyo is vast, confusing and expensive. While the city enjoys a first class  public transit system, first time travelers would be wise to take one of the excellent city tours offered.  The Tokyo Prince Hotel is a pick-up point for the airport shuttle and tour buses, providing the convenience of being picked up and dropped of right at the lobby. A full-day tour will cost about $150, and half-day $60 to $80.

Major international airlines offer a wide variety of flights to Tokyo.

Some of these prices may seem high, especially for food, but remember that this is Tokyo. Centrally located four star hotels cost upwards of $300 per night, and $20 to $30 for breakfast isn’t unreasonable. Taxi travel from the airport will cost over $200 ( if you can find one willing to take you).

Another thing worth remembering when you visit Tokyo is that taxi drivers (and most others) don’t speak English. Hotels provide a card with the address and directions  printed in Japanese, so all you have to do is hand it to the driver. Getting a cab at places such as hotels and restaurants is easy enough, as the doorman will arrange it, and explain to the driver where you want to go. Flagging one down on the street can be a problem, as they are often reluctant to pick up foreigners (due to the language barrier).

Language can definitely be an issue, as very few Japanese speak more than a few words of English. A book with common phrases printed in Japanese is helpful. Although most street signs and directions in the subway are in English, beyond that, anyone not able to read Kanaji will have travel problems.

Tokyo is one of the world’s great cities, and should be on the itinerary of anyone visiting Asia. The Tokyo Prince Hotel is a convenient and comfortable place to stay, whether it be for a couple of nights, or an extended visit. The combination of location and price make it a top travel destination.

Prince Plaza II Condotel Makati-Review

• Location: 101 Dela Rosa Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City,Philippines.
• Rates: US$57, standard room up to US$103, for a 2 bedroom suite.
• Facilities: All rooms include kitchenette with sink, fridge, hotplate, dishes, cutlery, etc. Microwave available at extra cost. Bathroom has shower stall only.
• Pros: Fantastic location in the heart of Makati, Manila’s financial center, right across the street from Greenbelt Mall and the Glorietta complex. Reasonable size rooms with kitchen facilities. Set breakfast included.
• Cons: Old building that appears to have received little upgrading since opening. Furnishings probably date back to the hotel’s beginnings. No non-smoking floors and some of the rooms reek of ancient tobacco fumes. Breakfast is room service only, takes forever to arrive and is often cold.

The Prince Plaza II Condotel Makati enjoys one of the best locations in Manila. Walk across the street and you are in the beautiful Greenbelt Mall. This is a complex of five units surrounding gardens with streams, fountains and waterfalls. The centerpiece is a charming open-air Catholic chapel with frequent masses seven days per week. The mall is a mix of boutiques and restaurants, many with patio dining. Direct access is available from Greenbelt to more shopping at Landmark, Glorietta, Rustan’s and Shoemart. For those not accustomed to Manila’s heat there is little need to leave the air conditioning

Location and price are the main selling points. For accommodation in Makati, Philippines it is hard to beat. The kitchen is a big plus for those staying  longer than a few days. There is however a downside to staying here. Room staff are friendly and helpful; desk staff not so much. The pictures of the rooms on their website must have been taken many years ago. Perhaps the description,”well appointed and stylishly furnished”, was accurate then but no longer. Room air conditioners work well but are old and noisy.

Is it worth it to stay here? It depends on what you look for in a hotel. If it is just an inexpensive place to sleep at night and location is important then it’s not a bad choice. For those looking  for more modern or upscale accommodation there are many other hotels in the area that might better suit.

Taipei For The First-Timer

Taipei is the largest city, and the capital of The Republic of China, a series of islands off the southern tip of mainland China (People’s Republic of China). The country is more commonly known by the name of its main island, Taiwan, or by its former name, Formosa (a Portuguese word meaning ‘beautiful island’). The People’s Republic of China refuses to recognize Taiwan’s sovereignty, challenging any attempt to change the name to The Republic of Taiwan.

The island of Taiwan is distinguished by mountainous terrain and rugged coast-lines. A major economic force in Asia, it produces much of the world’s consumer electronics. The Taiwanese are approximately 98% Han Chinese, and the official language is Mandarin.

The first time traveler to Taipei will benefit from the excellent choice of day tours. Two of the best half-day tours are:

• A city tour ($28), which includes stops at most of Taipei’s must-see landmarks, including; The National Palace Museum, The Martyr’s Shrine and Chiang Kai shek Memorial Hall.
• The Northern Coast Tour ($32), travel to Keelung City and harbor, The Buddha Statue, Yehlin Park and Queen’s Head.

Once the newcomer has a feel for the city, getting around is easy. Unlike many Asian cities (e.g. Tokyo and Manila), Taipei is compact and easily navigated. An excellent subway system covers most of the city, and has maps, both of the entire system, and of the surrounding area at each station. All directions are in both Mandarin and English, making travel easy. Tokens are purchased from vending machines, or attendants. No trip costs more than a dollar.

The Taiwanese are friendly and helpful. Getting lost is difficult, as someone will always come forward to offer directions. Even those who speak little English will attempt to accommodate with gestures and hand-drawn maps.

Language, though, is often a problem for tourists. Most people here speak Mandarin only. As English is now taught in schools, young people are more likely to speak it than their elders, but even in hotels conversation is usually limited to the essentials. Restaurants are unpredictable, with one offering you service in fluent English, and its next door neighbor not understanding a word you say. Menus are often uni-lingual, with pictures patrons can simply point at. This is not always helpful, as much of the food is unfamiliar to Westerners. Get used to chopsticks, as forks aren’t always available.

Pros: Compact and easy to travel around, it is a city where cheap public transit makes getting about a breeze. Taipei is clean and safe, and foreigners can move about at all hours without fear. The people are friendly and helpful. Excellent dining is available in all areas of the city, with options ranging from fast-food to elegant.

Cons: Language is definitely an issue for English-speaking tourists. The city isn’t geared to tourists, and lacks facilities (such as information centers) for visitors. The length of the trip is daunting. Flights from most east-coast cities have a travel time of 16 hrs. (non-stop) or more.

Taipei and the surrounding countryside are well worth the long trip. The ease of getting around, safety, and the friendliness of its inhabitants, make for a rewarding travel experience.

International Terrorist Julian Assange One Step Closer to American Justice

Article first published as International Terrorist Julian Assange One Step Closer to American Justice on Technorati.

With all the attention focused on events in the Middle East, it would be easy to think that American authorities have forgotten about Julian Assange, but rest assured that those responsible for our security still place the WikiLeaks founder higher on their list of international threats than Osama binLaden.

U.S. security people moved closer to getting their hands on this terrorist master-mind with the deportation order just issued by the British court, although the inevitable appeals will likely see this case drag on for months yet. These unseemly delays are extremely frustrating for those seeking the blood of the man who has caused them so much embarrassment, but may prove helpful by giving them more time to find proof (so far lacking) of serious wrongdoing.

The powers-that-be would love to bring charges that would result in a lengthy prison sentence for Mr. Assange, although fond hopes of a speedy execution seem to have evaporated, along with much of the evidence that he did anything more than just print material that fell into his hands. U.S. Attorney General, Eric Holder won’t discuss what exact charges could be pursued, but legal experts feel that they may include espionage and conspiracy. Lately authorities have resorted to bottom-of-the-barrel efforts to find anything of substance.

Attempts to bribe Bradley Manning with a reduced sentence didn’t prove very helpful to the cause of justice. Either Mr. Manning is a lot tougher than he appears, or they are trying to find evidence of non-existent criminal activity. Despite the massive effort put into finding some, there is no real proof that Julian Assange played any role in stealing the documents, but our security agencies are seldom deterred by mere facts.

Recent tactics have included trying to squeeze information out of social media sites. Prosecutors obtained a court order aimed at getting Twitter to hand over records on Julian Assange, Bradley Manning and several others. There are suspicions that other sites, including Facebook, may have already bowed to pressure and turned over material.

It’s fascinating to hear our leaders praising freedom of speech, and urging other nations to allow their citizens more right to express themselves without fear. For many countries striving to free themselves from tyranny, social media sites have become the main avenue for free communication, yet our leaders see no hypocrisy in trying to exercise the same sort of political control over these sites that they condemn elsewhere. They have become so obsessed with bringing down Julian Assange, that they show no concern for the freedoms that they claim to hold so dear.

Julian Assange’s legal team believe that as he isn’t an American citizen, and hasn’t committed any crime in the U.S., American courts have no jurisdiction. The international community is growing increasingly puzzled by what they see as American obsession with what is already yesterday’s news, and not such a big deal to begin with. What foreigners fail to understand is the monstrous egos of our elected officials. Some of those egos have been seriously bruised by the head of WikiLeaks, and “justice” must be pursued.

Using whatever methods necessary U.S. officials will undoubtedly get their hands on Julian Assange. What a triumph for American justice and democracy, and what an example for other countries struggling for their rights.