Tips and Warnings for Booking Flights Online

Have you ever tried getting airline tickets at the hight of the travel season?  It is stressful and expensive.  Everyday you wait, you watch the prices go up and the good flights (you know, the ones that don't put you on a layover in every country from here to Japan before dropping you off at, say, London).


Well, I have spent about 80 hours a week trying to coordinate six people, three from Philly and three from Detroit, to arrive in Florence in late June.  This particular booking, more than any other, has taught me a thing or two.
Below, are my tips and warnings for booking flights online.


Tip #1.  Prices fluctuate daily according to peak web traffic hours.
I consider this my most valuable new discovery.  I have tested and re-tested this theory and it has proved true almost every time.  When booking a flight through an online consolidator (such as Orbitz, Travelocity, or Priceline) if you do your bookings from 8am- 10pm they will be more expensive than if you wait to do it in the early, early morning or the dead of night.  Also, avoid the weekends entirely as prices rises up to $200 a ticket before falling back down on Monday.


Tip #2. Call the airlines directly, then call them again.
If you have the time, call the airlines directly to book your tickets.  You will be charged with a booking fee of around $30, but if you find someone who is willing to hit that computer for you, they may be able to find you cheaper tickets.  I've actually called the same airline three times in a row and usually on the third or second call, I will find someone who is willing to hunt for those cheap fares for me.  It's worth a try.  


Tip #3.  Delta has a very user friendly, and well priced site.
Most airlines will quote you more a more expensive flight than the consolidators will.  However, I did actually find cheaper prices on Delta's site.  It is very easy to use as well and you can feel safe when giving them your information.


Tip #4.  When flying to Europe, booking a flight to London and taking a European airline to your final destination can be cheaper.
I have flown from Italy to Spain for 28EU round trip.  I am not kidding.  There are some very cheap inter-European flights available.  Try EasyJet or Ryan Air.
For the Leisurely Traveler: This may not be the best idea for someone who values convenience and comfort over price.  Typically, these airlines fly into cities which can be hours away from the countries' main airports.  


Tip #5. Try flying in to a different city.
We are renting a vacation villa in Tuscany.  However, tickets were about $250 a piece cheaper to fly to Rome.  We were renting a van there anyway, so we decided to fly into Rome and take the three hour drive to Florence.  


Warning #1.  Stick with the big guys.
I was searching for a particular flight.  It was available, but only for a very expensive price.  I tried Orbitz, who said they had it in my price range, went through the booking process, only to be told it was no longer available.  But they told me.  Instantly.  


I looked at another online consolidator, one I had never heard of before and found the same flight at a good price.  I booked it.  They took my credit card information and said it was mine.  I walked away from my computer happy and worry-free.  Every hour, prices were rising and flights were disappearing and now I could rest knowing I had my ticket.  
The next day, I checked my e-mail.  Sorry, it read, we couldn't get you your ticket after all.  How about taking this much more expensive ticket with two layovers which will have your arrival time at five hours later in the day?  
I called the company, left a message, called back and couldn't understand the operator's accent, then I called back a third time and a man yelled at me and told me I didn't know how to read.  A nightmare.  
So, the lesson I learned here is- stick with the companies you know.  I booked with Expedia, paid $100 extra for a direct flight, and will get in two hours ahead of my grandparents so I can help them with their luggage and have the rental car waiting for our drive to Florence.


Warning #2 Get People's Names.
NOTE: This is a rant.  This is just a rant.  If this were an actual emergency- I would have thrown my computer at the wall.
I can't find my grandparents a ticket to Rome for less than $1300.  I need three tickets for their party and, with an Aunt who has CP and two seniors, I can't have them flying halfway around the country stopping in every airport.  
We decided to use their Frequent Flier Miles to offset the price, yet needed a particular credit card to do so.  The operator told us she would absolutely get the cards to them within three business days.  Seven days later, they have still not arrived and prices are rising.  Unfortunately, we did not get the operator's name, so the credit card company is unwilling to take any action to help us.  We, "just have to wait".  I have never been so angered and frustrated in my life. 


On that note, I have to go and call my grandpa and see if the cards came.  Wish us luck!

Rome: Avoiding pickpockets

The Colosseum

A favorite site and a hot spot for pickpockets

Avoiding Pickpockets.

Most instances of pickpocketing could have been avoided by following a few simple rules about how you manage your personal space and belongings.  The pickpockets are professionals and they are very good at what they do, but there are simple ways to prevent them from doing it to you.

• Hold your purses and bags correctly.  One of the major methods of pickpocketing is executed with the use of a razor blade to slice open the bottom of a purse.  In the short time this occurs, the woman wearing the purse is clutching it protectively  and she won't know what hit her until she realizes her wallet's been stolen.  Make sure the zipper is closed and near your body.  Remember to hold your purse over the side and at the bottom.
• Do not carry lots of cash or valuables with you.  This should be common sense, but most people who get pick-pocketed loose hundreds of dollars at once.  Debit and check cards are excepted all over the city; 20 to 50 Eu is usually enough to carry on you for any purchases you may need to make in cash.
• Wear your cash, cards, and valuables on your body.  Pockets and purses are not the best place for these items.  Here is a great site where you can purchase many clever travel pouches, designed to hide and keep your belongings safe: Changes in Latitude Travel Store. 
• Latch on to your bags and cameras.  Don't let your items hang loose, someone may just run by and grab them.  Make sure you have its strap wrapped around your wrist.    

      A funny story: (Do not attempts to repeat the actions in this story).  My friend's grandmother (a very petite woman) was riding on the subway while visiting in Rome when a man, who pegged her as an easy target, ran up and grabbed her camera.  Fortunately, she had the wrist strap secured and instead of making off with the camera, she smacked him across the face and told him he should be ashamed.  The man scurried away, empty handed and embarrassed.


Below is another good link for more advice on avoiding the pickpockets in Rome:
http://www.msadventuresinitaly.com/blog/2007/07/09/how-to-avoid-a-pickpocket/

Rome: Don't fall for the scams.

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Statue in the Piazza del Popolo (the People's Square), 

where you will find both amazing art and architecture, 

as well as Street Peddlers and Beggars

Don't fall for the scams.   

Taxi Scams.

• Switching the Rate. 
• 
  
  
  
  • When you get in a cab, the taxi driver should make sure the number on the meter should be number one.  If the driver puts it on number two, then he is charging you the highway rate which is much more expensive.  Just point it out to him and make him change it or get out of the cab.
• 
  

• Bellow are some very thorough and informative sites which will help you avoid the various taxi scams.

www.threemillennia.com/taxi.htm:

http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/rome_transportation/taxis.htm

Fontana di Trevi 

a hot spot for Street Peddlers

Street Peddler Scams.  There are many people in Rome who will try to sell you things on the street.  They can be very intimidating and pushy.  Below are some helpful hints for avoiding their pursuits.                                                                                                  
               Never, never, never pay their asking price. Decide what you are willing to spend and pay no more for it than that- you may have to walk away to get them to come down to your price.  For example, when it rains they sell umbrellas.  I have gotten one for as low as one euro.  I almost fainted when my dad told me how much he paid for his.                                                                                                                                                                                                      Don't be afraid to ignore them and walk away, they will stop following you shortly.  On their terms, a conversation is as good as a sale.

The Humble Beggar from Photo.net

by Eric Pilgrim 

The Street Beggars.  The street begging in Rome is so distinctly different for what you see in the U.S. that it can be a tourist attraction in itself, and you may feel compelled to hand out your money. But before you do, make sure you are informed about how they work.  Below is some information about Rome's street beggars.

• The old, sick woman.  In Rome, the beggars are usually children or women and they do not beg for money the way you are used to in America.   Here, hooded women will assume a statuesque position of deference, bowing with her head down and hands held out.  Many times, her outstretched hands will be shaking, as if she is on her last legs.  Just know, that I have seen these women on what can best be described as a lunch break.  They hike up the hems of their long shrouds, gather together in an active huddle, give their money to a head man- eat, gossip and laugh- and then return to sit prostrate, on the verge of death's door, and ask for your urgent charity.
• The sleeping child.  Some of these robed women will appeal to your sense of giving by sitting on the streets with their babies, or children.  Remember, a two year old child does not sleep soundly for three hours while his mother is begging because he is starving. Unfortunately, some of the money you give to that mother will go to Children's Nyquil.
• The Children Who Beg.  This is a hard one, because a child is a child.  However, if two or more swarm you for money, watch your bags- they may be getting it whether you decide to give it or not.  On the other hand, I usually gave money if I saw a child playing some instrument brilliantly, and escorted by a parent or guardian.  Some of those kids are really very talented and polite.  How can you resist?

A funny story:  Trastevere is one very interesting section of Rome, with small meandering streets and a very active evening and night-life scene.  One evening, I went there one night to meet a few friends for dinner.  As we walked through the narrow streets, we heard the hip hop song, "Who Let the Dogs Out?" blasting from somewhere within the maze of Trastevere.  

We followed the noise only to find an stout, elderly woman wearing the standard shrouds of a street beggar.  But instead of assuming the usual, face-down and bowing position, she stood tall with a gaping and checkered smile, dancing up a storm next to a huge boom box playing the rap song on full blast at her feet.  Not only did I give her money, but so did everybody else.  

Below are some other helpful links on how to best avoid Street Beggar Scams:

The Inside Catholic- http://insidecatholic.com/Joomla/index.php?option=com_myblog&show=A-quick-guide-to-beggars-in-Rome.html&Itemid=127

Rome: If You Look Like A Tourist, You're A Target

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Remus and Romulus

the mythical founders of Rome

In terms of your personal safety, Rome is a very safe place.  However, it is a city known for its petty crimes, such as pick-pocketing and scams.  In this blog, I offer advice for the Leisurely Traveler on how to best prepare yourself for your visit to one of the most active and dynamic cities in the world.

Below, I cover the major areas of concern for the personal safety and comfort of the Leisurely Traveler. 

Sarah and I playing Tourist for the moment 

(minus the purses and shopping bags)

If you look like a tourist, you are a target.  It is hard not to look like a tourist when you are in Rome, you probably don't speak the language, you will be carrying shopping bags, and you will most likely get lost.  The good news is Italians are super friendly and they love visitors in their city; they will go out of their way to help you and to make sure they do what they can to help you enjoy yourself.  The bad news is, you become a target for pickpockets, scam-artists, and thieves.       

Dena and I with our packs

• Walk Like a Student.  Every year, there are hundreds of students studying in Rome, and the majority of them are never bothered by the petty criminals because they do not fit the profile for an easy hit; students are usually broke, informed, and they have an agenda.     
• Wear a backpack instead of carrying a purse, and when you are in crowded spaces, swing it around to your front.  Backpacks don't look as inviting and are harder to swipe.  Also, backpacks have inner pockets and zippers that are safer places for your money and cards.

Me, after my first few days in Rome; 

I quickly realized comfort preferable to style!

• Avoid wearing jewelery and heels.  If you take a cab out to a restaurant or a show and back again, that is one thing.  If you are site-seeing during the day, that is another.  Your jewelery and heels signal you as a target for the pickpockets and scam artists.  It's best to leave the jewels in a safe at your hotel.                                                                                           For the Leisurely Traveler: At this point it is worth noting that heels are a bad idea in general in Rome.  Not only to they signal you as a tourist if you wear them during the day, but also Rome is made of almost entirely of cobbled streets, which are very hard on your feet even without heels
• Avoid forming confused clusters in open crowds.  If you are lost, or your group needs to convene, situate your group by a wall- this way your backs are covered and it helps remind your group to be aware of their space.                                                                                          For the Leisurely Traveler: Most street performers are honest artists who are just trying to make a living.  They deserve your applause and patronage.  However, the crowd you have just formed around them is a great place for pickpockets to work.  Remember at these times to be aware of your personal belongings.
• Map out your destinations before you head out.  This way, you look like you know where you are going.
• Be confident.  You are in a brilliant and friendly city.  Most people want to help you and speak English.  A simple, "Excuse me, do you speak English?" will usually get you a smile and a nod, and a greatly helpful conversation.  There is no need to wander about looking like a wide-eyed newborn deer that has lost its mother.

Rome: The Castle Sant' Angelo

Approaching the Castle from the Bridge

(picture from www.childrensculptureinmarble.com)

Castel St. Angelo.

Metro Line A; Lepanto 

Castel Sant' Angelo is located on the banks of the Tiber close to the Vatican. It was originally commissioned as a mausoleum to Emperor Hadrian (117 - 138 AD), now it is one of the most historically potent castles in Europe, with a mysterious air emanating throughout the chambers down to the castle's infamous prison.  Also, after climbing the castle ramp (It's not too hard to ascend this monument), you will come upon one of the best panoramic views of the city.

Make sure you take notice of Raffaello's statue of St. Michael, and his chapel to the Madonna.

An interesting fact: A secret passageway (now not so secret due to Dan Brown's Angels and Demons), known as the Passetto di Borgo, connects the Castel Sant'Angelo with the Vatican. The corridor was used by Pope Clement VII and his Swiss Guards to take safe passage from the Vatican to refuge in the castle from Charles de Bourbon's army during the sack of Rome in 1527.

For the Leisurley Traveler: It is best to take a taxi here as the metro does not run very close. 

For the best visual impact arrive by crossing the Tyber over the Ponte Sant' Angelo (the Bridge of Saint Angelo), so you can view the various statues of angels by famous artists such as Bernini.

Info:  

Hours are Tuesday to Sunday 9 - 19 h. Closed on Monday.
Admission is 5 €; free for EU citizens less than 18 and more than 65 years old.

(last admission 1hr before closing time), closed on public holidays.

One of Rome's many angel statues, 

this one can be found at the Vittorio Emanuele II, near the Forum

Next Week.

We stay in Rome, with Part II of my series, Art Without Lines, where I show you some of Rome's famous art- not in a museum.  Ciao for now!

Rome: The Villa Farnesina

The Villa Farnesina 

(picture from www.abcroma.com)

The Villa Farnesina.

This villa's interior was commissioned as the country house for Agostino "il Magnifico" Chigi, once the wealthiest man in Rome.  Now located in the Zone of Trastevere, an active part of the city, and sitting on the Tiber River, it holds some of the most famous wall frescoes in art history.  Giulio Romano's mannerist style can be seen here as well as some of the earliest examples of Trompe-l'œil, and several of Raphael's greatest works, including the Loggia of Cupid and Psyche. 

An interesting story: Chigi used to hold extravagant dinner parties for his friends, served with gold and silver dinnerware.  At the end of the parties he would casually order his guests to toss these extravagant articles into the Tiber after every meal.  The guests would gasp at his careless wealth not knowing that after every meal his servants would retrieve the items from a net that Chigi had placed in the river.

An interesting fact: This estate has history dating to antiquity;  It was once was the country villa of Julius Caesar, and Cleopatra stayed here in 44 B.C. with their illegitimate child, Caesarion.

For the Leisurely Traveler: It's easiest to arrive here by a taxi.  The streets of Trastevere are very meandering and one can get lost fairly easy even though the Villa Farnesina can be seen from the main road.

Grandma, Mom, Aunt Carol, and Paul 

outside the Villa Farnesina

Info:

The address is Via d. Lungara 230, Rome. 

Hours of operation are Mon-Sat 9am-1pm.  

Admission is 5€ ($8) adults, 4€ ($6.40) under 18 years of age.

Below I've provided some links for further reading: 

• Frommer's: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/rome/A26278.html#ixzz0kMtIaOOb
• The New York Times Travel Guide: http://travel.nytimes.com/travel/guides/europe/italy/rome/26278/villa-farnesina/attraction-detail.html