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This is the season to travel. The holiday season is upon us and visions of family and friends dance happily in our heads. It’s a festive time of the year with planning parties, preparing for the family get together, and searching for those perfect gifts that will bring smiles and hugs our way. However, the family and friends we so long to embrace live in a land far, far away and the Christmas cash is limited.

So whether you are currently nodding your head, finding yourself in the same situation, or you simply want to get away from all the crazy, hustle bustle of the holiday rush and snuggle up in a cozy foreign oasis with your love, here are some things to do to find holiday travel savings.

Travel Agent

The most common method travel shoppers utilize is their local travel agent. This is an excellent choice if you are looking for a package that includes hotel accommodations, car rental services, area sightseeing information, etc. However, shop around for the best deals.

Travel agents use the same networks to put together their travel packages. This gives all travel agents access to the same prices. The difference is that travel agents charge varying fees, therefore it is prudent to shop around or even haggle with them to get reduced savings. Check around for those golden travel nuggets of savings.

Even if you are only searching for a flight to your desired destination, you want to shop around for the best deal providing agents. Do a bit of research yourself on some of the different air lines available in your area and then ask the agent a lot of questions. There is a great deal of competition between travel agents during the holidays so they will often take some cuts in commissions themselves if it means grabbing your holiday dollars.

Direct Contact

For those of you that are looking for a simple flight to your beloveds’ destination, contacting the source is often the best way to receive a miracle deal. In essence you are cutting out the middle man. This may take a bit more of your precious holiday time but the results could be well worth it. Again, shop around. Do your research and call around or surf the web. Go directly to the provider. When you find a decent deal, use that as leverage to see if the next air line will beat it. Or sometimes the smart thing to do is take a nice rate and see if you can get a better, more prestigious air line to match it.

Helpful Tips

No matter which way you decide to go, here are some tips for hooking that special deal.

• Ask Questions – Don’t be shy. Ask the agent or provider a lot of questions. Often times there are numerous discounts available but they are not openly advertised. In this case curiosity keeps the cash.
• Shop Early – Many airlines offer early bird specials or increase their rates the closer it gets to a scheduled holiday.
• Be Flexible – Most airlines offer price slashing rates if you take an early or late flight. Also, great discounts are offered when a flight doesn’t have several passengers show up. Stand by is a wonderful way to save if you’re willing to sip a cup of cocoa while waiting.
• Be Nice – This is a biggie during the season to be jolly or anytime. If you do your holiday shopping with a pleasant, patient attitude then you just might be the bee that finds the honey in holiday travel savings.

Why travel Italy by Train?

There are many places to visit in Europe. People often go to England to see castles, Germany to sample beer, and skiing in the Swiss Alps. However, if you are a true history buff, you will make a stop in Italy. Even if people do not go to the tourist centers, there are still many romantic and artistic places to stop. The Renaissance started in Italy before it started anywhere else. As with many other European countries, the place has many historic churches, basilicas and cathedrals. An individual may wonder how he should tour all of these places. One of the best ways to see the sights on the country is on the rails.

European countries have more public transportation available than many parts of the United States or Canada. An individual can get around in the country without a car, despite the prevalence of the Vespa scooters. An individual can see the country from the seats of a bus, but it is less expensive and more company to see it by train. A person planning on going on a rail tour should schedule his trips to take place outside of the peak season and outside of the rush hour. If an individual wants to pay more for his seats, he can pay extra for first class tickets.

Individuals who travel by train may want to book their seats before they take their trips. This is especially true if they take one of the more popular lines that run through the country. Eurostar is popular, but it is not always the best for people who only want to see the smaller cities and tourist destinations. The trains that visit the larger cities are generally faster. An individual can save money if he does not mind sitting on less comfortable seats. If someone wants to go to more destinations, there are plenty of smaller rail companies that reach the smaller towns in the country.

Traveling by rail has some advantages as opposed to air travel. It does not have ridiculous prices and European travelers are not subjected to the ridiculous security screenings.

More tips

Individuals still should pay attention to the schedules. Tables are posted in each train station. The timetables are posted in white, yellow or orange. Each schedule contains information about where an individual has to board and when he has to board. The tables should include schedule changes for special days.

There is one thing an individual or family traveling through Italy should know about his train ticket. A ticket only guarantees the holders transportation. It does not guarantee that a person has a seat on the train. If someone takes the train during rush hour, he may have to stand on a railing or in an aisle. If a person does not mind standing in the aisles, he may not worry about having a seat. Travelers who see Italy by train are getting an experience they can’t get elsewhere.

So if you are planning a trip to Italy, then you should consider the option of touring Italy by train. It is a great way to see the country.