LA Times Travel Show! 2/23 – 2/24

Ladies & Gents…. The Travel Show is this weekend!  Will I see you there?

Fine Print

Location: Los Angeles Convention Center, Downtown LA

1201 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Dates: February 22 – 24, 2013

Time:  10am – 5pm

Ticket Prices: $10 General & Kids 16 and under are free with every paid adult.

Click here to order online via Eventbrite

Parking: $15 at the Convention Center

Complete Show Info: http://events.latimes.com/travelshow/

The good, the bad, & the ugly – LA Times Travel & Adventure Show

Checked out the LA Times Travel & Adventure Show for the first time on Saturday, February 13th at the LA Convention Center.

Not bad……glad I went.

It had a great turnout, but it wasn’t overly swamped with people.

There was a lot to see and can even be a bit overwhelming, but I went with the flow and had a great time checking out what was on offer.

There were booths geared toward different areas in California, areas in the US, and areas internationally.  Depending what your interests are, there seemed to be a booth for everyone!  You could gather info and mingle with knowledgeable people about outdoor adventure travel, cruise lines, guided tour packages, and everything in between.

Juggling your carry-on and saving $ on your check-in…but is it worth it?

We’ve all been there….up all night finishing your packing and trying to negotiate with your hand-held luggage scale trying to figure out where you can skimp and save on the extra pounds.

Several airlines have increased their check-in baggage fees and many other airlines may follow suit.  So many of us savvy travelers are trying to beat the system.  Is your carry-on brimming with personal effects?  Are you wearing all of your heaviest items (i.e., coat, boots, etc)?   There may be a principle to uphold here, and I’m all for saving money, but you know what….maybe it’s worth paying the extra $10 or $15.

Depending on how you pack, the extra juggle may not be a big deal.  But for most of us, it may be a small price to pay in the scheme of things so you don’t have to muscle all your stuff and keep an eye on it all throughout your journey.  Last time I checked, planes are crowded, narrow, and personal space is at a premium.

Have you considered shipping your baggage before your next flight?

If your next adventure involves you traveling solo, you need all the help you can get.  Once you’ve determined your budget and your transportation needs, it might make sence to have your heaviest luggage sent to your destination before you even leave. 

Have you read?

Shipping Luggage Can Be Cheaper Than Checking

The New York Times – Travel Section

Published: January 26, 2010

Written By: Michelle Higgins

(excerpt)

Earlier this month Continental, Delta, United and American began charging $25 for a first checked bag and $35 for the second on domestic flights — an increase of about $5.  That costs more than some shipping services, according to Airfarewatchdog.com…..

Check out the full article.

“Track Price Even After Buying” – NY Times (Travel)

Have you read……..

10 Ways to Cut Your Travel Costs This Year

By MICHELLE HIGGINS

Published: January 10, 2010

New York Times – Travel Section

(excerpt) 

 Airlines have long offered to refund the difference in their fares (minus a change fee) in the form of a voucher to customers who ask. Using your confirmation number, Yapta.com will automatically track the price of your ticket, taking the airline’s fees into consideration, and send you, without charge, an e-mail message or Twitter alert notifying you of the lower price. You can then call the airline to claim the credit.

 Similarly, Travelocity.com promises to refund the difference in price for prepaid hotel reservations if you find the same room for a cheaper rate online before check-in.

Check out the full article.