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September 17, 2018 by Chase Vandros

Managing Flight Delays: What You Need to Know about Compensation

Flight delays are a frustrating experience for anyone to have.

Whether you’re travelling across the world to meet a client and grow your business, or you’re heading out on holiday with your family, the last thing you want to do is spend several hours sitting in a terminal when you’re supposed to be in the air.

Unfortunately, flight delays do happen – and they happen quite regularly. Issues with the weather, problems with staffing and a host of other issues can cause delays to happen on an almost daily basis. The best thing you can do to make sure that you’re prepared is ensure that you know the details on flight delays before you start your trip.

Here’s what you need to know about delays and compensation.

What are the Rules Around Flight Delays

So, what are the rules around getting compensation for your flight delays?

Ultimately, if you’re flying from an EU airport, landing at an EU airport, or travelling with an airline in the European Union, then you should be entitled under compensation according to Regulation 261. However, this rule only applies if you have been delayed by more than 3 hours. Importantly, the time that you arrive at your destination has to be three hours later than it was meant to be.

Simply setting off from your destination three hours after schedule isn’t enough, as some airlines can take shorter routes to reduce the travel time. Additionally, the flight that you are claiming compensation for will also need to have been delayed or cancelled for a reason that wasn’t the fault of the airline.

Keeping you Comfortable: Beyond Compensation

As a passenger on a delayed flight, you’ll be eligible to more than just compensation when you arrive home in the right circumstances. In many cases, the airline must also provide you with drink and food appropriate to the time of day in question. This generally means that you’ll get a voucher for your lunch which you can use to keep your family comfortable, hydrated, and fed while you wait for the next leg of your journey.

For overnight delays, you may also find that your airline can provide you with accommodation at a nearby hotel, as well as transportation to reach your hotel. When there is a major disruption, the staff responsible for serving you might tell you to go and stay at a hotel and claim for compensation when you get back. If this is the case, remember that your airline won’t agree to pay for an expensive hotel, unless you can prove that there was no other alternative available.

Times You Won’t be Eligible for Compensation

There are plenty of instances in which you should be eligible for compensation after a delayed or cancelled flight. However, there are also situations where you’ll simply have to deal with the frustration of your delay. For instance, compensation isn’t payable in the event of an extraordinary circumstance when it comes to flight delays.

In simple terms, this means that if your airline can prove that your delay was caused by something that was outside of their control, like a security issue, a natural disaster or extreme weather conditions, then you won’t get compensation. Ultimately, airlines can’t be expected to pay for problems that they can’t control.

Most things in the control of your airline, including issues with staffing, or technical problems that could have been prevented with better care and attention will not fall into the category of extraordinary circumstances. You can also consider appealing a claim of extraordinary circumstances made by your airline if you believe that the delay was their fault.

Make Sure You’re Informed

Ultimately, while a flight delay or cancellation is always a stressful experience, you’ll find that you have a much better time knowing that you have your rights and opportunities for compensation ahead of you. Before you go on any trip, make sure that you read up on the nature of compensation for your flight, and how you can prepare for a delay.

The more you know about your airline’s policies, the better off you’ll be when something goes wrong. It’s also worth making a note of the airline’s number or downloading any apps it might have so you can contact customer service as quickly as possible when you find out about a delay. Waiting to speak to someone at the airport can be a time-consuming and frustrating process, as there are a lot of passengers to deal with.

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September 7, 2018 by Chase Vandros

4 Family Friendly Places to Visit in New Zealand

New Zealand is the ultimate destination for families. It’s kid-friendly and safe everywhere- which is great since there are tons of attractions for families to choose from. New Zealand has lots of fun activities and once-in-a-lifetime adventures to offer. Though there are plenty of family-friendly places in New Zealand, the following destinations are the most popular ones.

  1. Central North Island

The Central North Island has some of the most picturesque locations in New Zealand. The Hobbiton Movie Set is one of the most popular tourist spots in this area. If you’re a nature lover, you’ll definitely appreciate Rotorua, which is a volcanic playground surrounded with stunning natural hot springs and relaxing mud baths. Various adventure activities are also available at Rotorua. Kids will enjoy a visit to the Agrodome where they can feed different animals and experience what it’s like to work on a real farm. Visiting the Mitai Maori Village can help you learn about the village’s interesting indigenous culture. You’ll be travelling with your family so you must keep all your bags intact, since lost luggage can ruin a vacation.

  1. Auckland

Auckland is New Zealand’s modern paradise. One of the most exciting activities to enjoy in this destination is taking the ferry to experience the beauty of the stunning gulf islands. One of them is the Waiheke Island where you can enjoy stunning beaches that will ease any tension you may be carrying. There are so many cafes to try in this island. Kids will surely enjoy Auckland’s Butterfly Creek where not just butterflies, but different animals can be observed. It also has a Buttermilk Farm and Dinosaur Kingdom for kids to enjoy. Auckland also has lots of beautiful playgrounds where kids can roam around and just experience simple joys all throughout the day. Finally, your family can go on a unique adventure by climbing an inactive volcano in Auckland.

  1. Hokianga

Hokianga is another great destination for your family. Its temperature is perfect for taking a dip on its clear waters and spending the entire day just relaxing on the beach. The giant kauri trees on the west coast are also something to look forward to. One awesome activity in this beach destination is sand boarding the sand dunes that go as high as 300 meters. If you’re lucky, you can even get a glimpse of orcas and dolphins roaming underneath the beach. There are lots of fun activities that you can enjoy in Hokianga. Each member of your family will surely find an activity that is suitable for them. But don’t forget to be responsible while enjoying nature. Wherever you may go, always make it a point to leave no trace behind and protect the ocean.

  1. Queenstown and Arrowtown

Queenstown and Arrowtown are perfect places to take in the beauty of nature and have a relaxing but equally fulfilling adventure in New Zealand. You can take your whole family on a trip to Queenstown’s Gondola to get a phenomenal view of the stunning mountains. The main fun activity in these locations is going on a picnic during a warm, autumn day. There are lots of exciting activities in Queenstown, including going on short hikes, renting a bike, walking by the lakeside, and exploring markets. For sporty people, there’s also a golf course around the area. This place is definitely a perfect destination for families. A relaxing trip with picturesque views is an absolutely great way to bond with your family.

New Zealand is one of the best places to enjoy with your whole family. It’s a beautiful paradise especially for nature lovers. Exploring New Zealand can be a great bonding activity with your family.

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August 11, 2018 by Chase Vandros

How to Recover From Your Budget Busting Vacation

The summer is the time of year when the majority of us head off for sunnier climbs, seeking fun, adventure and most importantly, relaxation. Naturally we tend to splurge a little both on the vacation and whilst we are away, which is something that we tell ourselves not to worry about during our holiday. Unfortunately however, reality hits when we arrive home, and many struggle to stay calm when they review their bank balance post-vacation. If you are in this boat after your recent vacation, here are just a few ways that you can recover financially from your pricey vacation.

Budget

Before you even begin to look into ways of making more and spending less, you need to face facts and sit down to do a budget. Very often it can be easy to bury our heads in the sand and ignore our financial situation, but this won’t help by any stretch of the imagination. The best thing to do when you get back from your vacation, is to work out how much more you need to pay out this month, how much more may be coming in, and then look ahead to next month, in order to get a clear picture of your financial situation.

Loan

With most people getting paid at the end of the month, it could mean that the last few weeks of the pay cycle are tough to say the least. A great way to get over this is to take a small loan, which will bridge the gap between now and payday. There are all manner of loans which you could apply for to help, from payday loans to quick online installment loans, that will put some cash in your pocket until you finally get paid.

Working

It sounds very basic but you should be looking to work as much as possible in order to get the pennies in. The reason why now is the best time to get those overtime hours in, is because you will be fully recharged and re-energized after your trip away, which will mean that you have all of the desire and the commitment to go out and work as many hours as possible to put your finances right. In the weeks and months leading up to a vacation, most people are tired and crying out for a break, when you get back however, it is time to turn up the heat and get some more money in the bank.

Saving Techniques

If things are a little tight post-vacation it is time to start employing some savings techniques in order to spend less. For example try maximizing the use of coupons to bring your shopping costs down, buy cheaper brands, recycle what you can, and try out the 10 second rule too. The 10 second rule is basically where you take 10 seconds to think about each purchase before putting it in your trolley, you’ll be amazed at how many things go back on to the shelf. Keep things tight until you can get your finances back to normal.

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August 10, 2018 by Chase Vandros

Fine Details You Can Have for the Proper Taxi Transfers

One of the main obstacles for pet owners is the movement of their animals, especially when they do not have their own vehicle. In some cases, in addition, this trip is not exactly for pleasure, but of vital importance, for example to go to the vet.

Since a little over a month ago, a service provided by the Taxi application was running so that customers can travel accompanied by their pets. The company is applying the same initiative. Since this benefit is underway, more than 1,500 trips with pets have already been made. Of the three thousand taximeters that work with this application, about 600 accept to move the animals. From the firm explained that the drivers accepted that people travel with their pets, aware of how complicated it is to move them in Zurich in other means of transport. For the taxi from Zurich airport  these pets are also allowed.

The modality seeks to make the experience of traveling with pets in a taxi comfortable, easy and safe. Even the company conducted a survey among its passengers and more than 90 percent said that this new initiative is positive.

Following the strong pet friendly trend that exists in different areas, we join to give pet owners alternatives to move. In this way, among other things, they will be able to go to places that are farther from their homes.

What is it about?

The proposal includes taking a pet (only small or medium domestic pets can be moved) per passenger.

The condition is that they must be moved in a blanket, transporters, bags, purses or backpacks. It is also preferable not to feed or give water to the animals before the trip, to avoid inconveniences.

The cost of the service is 15 pesos additional to the traditional travel rate.

How to use

  • This free download and use application searches for the vehicle closest to the taxi user, in addition to granting the data of the vehicle and the taxi driver.
  • Upon entering the application, the passenger can choose the option of a pet-enabled taxi.
  • The indicated vehicle can be easily distinguished with a fingerprint.
  • The passenger will be responsible for the general condition of the animal, in the same way he will have to guarantee his custody and welfare.
  • The passenger receives all the vehicle information: patent, name and photograph of the driver. You can also follow the taxi’s route in real time.

Lots of benefits

  • Several studies confirm and highlight the positive impact that the presence of pets has on productivity.
  • According to science, having a pet and petting it frequently helps reduce feelings of stress, anxiety and depression.
  • In that sense, pets became an integral part of the family.
  • Going on vacation with the pet, for example, is a trend that grows in the world.
  • This current is occurring in all public spaces, bars and even offices that are rapidly transforming into pet friendly spaces.

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May 21, 2018 by Chase Vandros

Relaxing breaks: What NOT to do

It would be fair to say that we are well and truly in the age of the relaxing getaway. Whether it’s because life has suddenly become oh-so stressful, or just because these relaxing destinations are much more accessible, we are not going to speculate.

Unfortunately, saying that you are about to venture away on a relaxing break and actually doing it are two completely different things. Most of us are guilty of breaking the elusive rules that are meant to safeguard a relaxing getaway. This is the reason behind today’s article, and we will now look at some things that you most definitely should not do if you are keen on preserving your peaceful break.

Don’t #1 – The wrong destination

It sounds obvious, but so many people who head out on a relaxing weekend away simply book the wrong type of destination. It should go without saying that there are plenty of stereotypical “quiet” getaways; namely golf weekends, spa breaks and others of a similar ilk.

At the same time, there are others that are anything-but quaint. Sightseeing might be a great thing to do, but only under the right circumstances. If relaxing is your thing this time around, navigating through hordes of tourists certainly isn’t going to cut it and just build up those aggravation levels. At the same time, choosing a popular 18-30 destination isn’t going to work well either – you’re just going to be kept up until the early hours.

Don’t #2 – Over packing

You might have good intentions as you pack your suitcase or weekend bag, but stop and think if you really need to take all of these things. There’s nothing quite worse than having your plans disrupted, just because you don’t fancy carting your great, big suitcase all across your city of choice. At the same time, even if you do decide to take such action, by the time you reach your destination you’re just going to want to sleep.

In other words, it hardly fits into the relaxing definition at all.

Don’t #3 – The over packed itinerary

On the subject of over packing, let’s now turn to your itinerary itself. It can be all-too tempting to try and cram in as many activities as possible on one of these trips, just so you can “make the most of things”.

Well, we are going to recommend going against such advice. The last thing you want is to feel like you need another vacation after arriving back from this one. Unfortunately, if you embark on sightseeing tour after sightseeing tour, this is exactly what is going to happen.

This is your relaxing trip – give your feet and mind a break.

Don’t #4 – Your mobile phone

We’re going to keep this section short, and to the point. Mobile phones are great, but not when it comes to relaxing. They keep your mind constantly switched on and if you happen to have a travel partner, being glued to the small screen is not going to do your reputation any favors in the slightest.

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