How to Book Train Travel From Melbourne to Sydney

Sydney, known internationally as the "Harbour City," is a Pacific coastal city that serves as an important Australian financial center. Sydney is also known for its cultural diversity, unique architecture and lovely beaches.

Book Your Train Travel From Melbourne to Sydney

1 View train schedules and book passage from Melbourne Southern Cross Railway Station to Sydney Central Station at the CountryLink Web site (see Resources below). Train routes 622 and 624 offer direct services. You may also book by calling CountryLink in Australia at 011 (+61) 132 232.

2 Book your train travel online by selecting the appropriate options (such as travel class and number of passengers) and checking fares with the Fare Finder. Make any necessary adjustments before proceeding to the next step. Expect fares to be reasonably priced.

3 Finalize your transaction by verifying all pertinent information on the confirmation page. Proceed if everything looks okay.

4 Check your email after you book your train reservations. CountryLink will send you an email with all of the pertinent information about your train. Print this email and use it as your ticket to board. Keep this printout with you at all times.

5 Call the Group Bookings Reservation Center at 011 (+61) 02 9379 1606 if you are traveling in a group of 10 or more, require wheelchair accessibility, or are traveling under a country pensioner excursion ticket.

Find Your Way Around Sydney

1 Step on the CityRail commuter services to get around Sydney's neighborhoods.

2 Take the monorail to the city's shopping district.

3 Hail a taxi or hop on a minibus from Sydney Central to get to your hotel.

About Travel Agents

If you have a knack for finding great travel deals and love working with the public, a career as a travel agent may be your ideal occupation. Travel agents enjoy the rewards of discounted travel and hotel accommodations, but are also highly skilled in travel-based computer programs. Whether recommending travel to Bermuda for a honeymoon or booking a European backpacking trip for a young collegian, a travel agent must master the art of client service and travel expertise to succeed in this rapidly changing industry.

Significance

Although a plethora of Web-based travel websites like Expedia, Travelocity and Last Minute Travel provide reduced prices on hotels and air travel to online shoppers, few can replace the service and personal touch of travel agents. As many media outlets in the early 2000s reported the demise of the travel agent, many agencies have retooled their service offerings to remain viable and competitive in the marketplace.

Types

Travel agents book travel accommodations for cruise lines, business travelers, eco-tourists, wedding parties, honeymoons, family travel and trips for conventioneers, meetings and conference attendees. There are independent or freelance travel agents who work at home and corporate travel agents who work for an established agency. Travel agents are divided into two distinct categories: luxury travel, business travel and family/economy travel.
The luxury traveler depends upon the travel agents knowledge of exotic locales, local customs and mores of the destination and demands white-glove hospitality from private jets to 5-star accommodations.
The travel agent serving the business traveler must shield the passenger from unforeseen flight delays and travel mishaps. The business traveler requires the travel agent to have a breadth of information for each national and international destination. The travel agent makes recommendations from nightlife and business travel customs to business dinners and extra-curricular activities.
The family or economy traveler must be informed of the best spa vacations for a group of girlfriends to last-minute economy flight for funerals and family emergencies. Travel pricing for lodging and flights are often more important to these travelers than tailor-made experiences.

Education and Training

Travel agents are trained via home-study courses, continuing education by travel agent associations and schools for travel agents. Travel agents learn how to use computer reservation software; sell packages and individual travel options and Established travel agencies require a high school diploma for employees. Managers or travel agency directors often have college degrees, advanced certification or a mastery of many languages.

Earning Potential

Freelance travel agents receive a commission on each flight and hotel booked per passenger. Salaried travel agents receive a base salary with option for bonuses once sales goals are achieved. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, earnings for salaried travel agents ranged from $23,020 to $46,270 in 2006. Travel agents who are 100 percent commission-paid have the potential to increase their earnings, beyond the salaried agents in the eco-tourism and luxury travel sectors (see Resources below).

Considerations

A travel agent's knowledge extends far beyond booking flights and basic travel knowledge. A travel agent must provide advice on securing a passport or necessary travel documents, airline luggage requirements, local weather conditions, car or limousine rental, and currency exchange rates.

Professional Associations

The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) bestows the designation of Corporate Travel Expert (CTE) and Certified Corporate Travel Executive (CCTE) to qualified travel professionals (see Resources below).
The Travel Institute, established in 1964, awards the Certified Travel Associate (CTA) and Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) to travel agency professionals. Travel agents can also join the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA).

How to Book Train Travel From Italy to Switzerland

You promised yourself you'd really see Europe this time. Experience breathtaking mountain country from the comfort of your train seat--book yourself onto a Eurostar from Italy to Switzerland. Travel by rail for the views, the food and the people that will make lasting memories of your trip.

Decide When and Where to Travel

1 Select a departure city in Italy.

2 Select a destination city in Switzerland.

3 Plan which day and at what time you'd like to travel.

4 Let your budget and needs help you choose among first class, business class or second class service.

Get Your Ticket for Travel Between Italy and Switzerland

1 Get organized and book your train ticket before you leave home or your hotel through the Trenitalia Web site (see Resources).

2 Get help from a travel agent in Italy to book your ticket--their assistance is free.

3 Be spontaneous and head to the train station and buy your ticket at the counter or a convenient automatic kiosk.

4 Be sure to get seat reservations along with your ticket. These are required for guaranteed seating on routes between busy cities. They cost a few euros.

5 Purchase your meal with your ticket and receive a discount. Choose this option and look forward to breakfast, lunch or dinner.

6 Arrange for parking your vehicle at departure in Italy or book a taxi for your arrival in Switzerland through the Trenitalia Web site (see Resources).

Get on Board

1 Be sure to pack reading material and a camera for the trip. Take extra clothing for air-conditioned cars and euros for the snack bar or onboard restaurant.

2 Stamp your ticket at a kiosk before getting on the train. The conductor can help if you forget.

3 Find the right car. Signs on the train direct you to your class of seating.

How to Book Travel on Air Miles

Travel anxiety is most often a cause of the fear of the unknown. Most people have travel anxiety because they are going to a place they have never been before and do not know what to expect. The anxiety can also be caused by the fear of the known, if there is something like spiders or snakes involved in the travel, but more often anxiety is derived from unknown factors. When someone does not know what to expect, their imagination conjures up imaginary problems.

Research every aspect of the trip

1 Research is key to cure travel anxiety, as knowledge is power. With so many resources at-hand and on the Internet, it is easy to find information about your destination. Travel blogs are a great way to study the destination, as first-hand experiences from other travelers can help alleviate stress and you can read accounts from people who have been and survived. Travel bloggers and travel websites provide travel tips and information to give help on every aspect of the journey. The library is also a great place to go and check out books and magazine articles about your destination.

2 Book a guided tour. Perhaps the research involved is causing the stress. Outsource your travel management to a third party. It is possible to have someone manage your whole vacation, from picking you up at the airport to dropping you off, and everything in between. This is more costly, but if the management is what causes the anxiety, the extra cost is well worth it.

3 Plan a tight budget and go somewhere cheap. Perhaps your travel fear is spending too much money. Go to an off-the-beaten-track country, like the Philippines instead of Hawaii, or Nicaragua instead of Mexico; plan accordingly. Plenty of travel blogs and websites give tips on how to save money when traveling.

4 Confront your fear, if the fear is known. Travel is an amazing experience that gets people out of their comfort zone. Realize your fear and take it head on. The confidence you feel after facing it is exhilarating.

5 Take at least one day off before returning to work after the travel experience. Many times, people start stressing out while traveling, thinking about their return to work. Having a couple days off at home before returning provides a buffer to relax, recuperate and reorganize before getting back into the grind. Although travel is fun, it is not restful; it is important to have a break from your break.

How to Avoid Travel Fatigue

Even the most avid travelers in the world would probably agree that a long journey, whether a business trip or a vacation, can truly sap your energy. Here are some tips for avoiding fatigue on an extended trip.

1 Organize your trip seamlessly to avoid the unpleasant surprises that a poorly planned trip can present-such as a missed flight or lack of decent lodging. These situations cause extreme stress, which will dissipate your energy greatly.

2 Pace yourself when possible. It can be easy to overdo it on the road, which combined with the regular rigors of travel can really wipe you out. Leave some room on the itinerary for downtime, especially following a long flight, train/bus ride or drive.

3 Get your regular dose of shuteye, if not more. One way to help ensure this is asking for the quietest room possible when making hotel reservations, away from the parking lot, elevators and other noisy, high-traffic areas.

4 Make the extra effort to eat healthy foods. It can be easy to fall into a fast food rut on the road, but while a drive-thru combo meal may satiate your appetite, it won't help your energy level in the long run. If your other options are limited, go for a salad or lighter meal as opposed to a greasy burger and fries.

5 When it comes to a long drive, make sure to have ways to keep alert. A cup of coffee or an energy drink can help, and items like disposable facial wipes can really help you wake up when you start feeling sleepy.

6 Stick to your exercise routine if you can. Contrary to what some might think, exercise boosts your energy level in the long run-as long as you don't drastically overdo it.

7 Stimulate yourself mentally with music, a good read, or even intriguing conversation. Our energy levels can stem from our mental status as well as physical, so don't overlook the importance of your brain in the overall equation.

8 Along these same lines, make a pronounced effort to stay positive and upbeat on your journey. Depression is closely associated with fatigue, so try to keep your chin up and your energy level will follow suit. If you get lonely or homesick, calling home and conversing with a loved one can be a real "pick-me-up."

How to Save Money While Traveling

For most of us, one of the most important considerations when planning a vacation is the cost. If going to Europe or taking a cruise, it is critical to book your trip during the off-season--generally fall through early spring--to save on airfare, cruise and hotel costs. But once you reach your destination, no matter the season, there are ways to minimize spending without sacrificing any of the fun.

Cut Mealtime Costs

1Eat breakfast at your hotel if it is offered. There is no reason to go out and pay for a meal if you've already paid for it at the hotel.

2Buy snacks such as fruit, sandwiches or granola bars at a local grocery or bring some with you from home. Have these on hand to munch on any time you get hungry rather than stopping at a restaurant.

3Limit the number of meals you eat in a restaurant to one a day, especially if you favor the pricier end of fine dining.

4Patronize a street vendor. This will be cost effective while allowing you to sample some of the local culinary color.

5Eat fast food. It may lack glamour, but it will certainly save you money.

6Order tap water with your meal rather than bottled water, soft drinks or alcoholic beverages. These can be purchased far more cheaply at a convenience store or local grocery.

Cut Lodging Costs

1Choose modest lodging, such as a two-star, rather than a four-star, hotel. Since the focal point of your trip is probably not your hotel room, there is no reason to spend big bucks on lodging.

2Find a hostel to stay at if you are traveling in Europe. You may have to share a community bathroom, but it could be a significant money saver.

3Book lodging ahead when possible rather than waiting until arrival at your destination, since many hotels charge more for walk-in reservations.

4Find out whether the place where you're staying offers discounts for seniors or military, if you qualify as such.

Cut Shopping and Sightseeing Costs

1Shop around for the best prices on souvenir items, rather than buying the first thing you find.

2Avoid tourist trap souvenir shops; get off the beaten path to find local goods at costs that have not been inflated for tourists. Look for open markets when available, and don't be afraid to haggle with the merchants.

3Use your credit card to pay for merchandise while in a foreign country, and use a debit card, rather than U.S. dollars or traveler's checks, to get local currency. You will get the best exchange rate this way.

4Take advantage of student discounts offered by many museums and other tourist sites if you are still in school and have a student ID.

How to Avoid Spring Break Travel Scams

Each Spring, millions of students travel for Spring Break, most of them looking for a way to have fun in the sun for half the price. Some fly-by-night travel operators use this chance to scam students out of thousands of dollars. You can avoid being one of the unsuspecting students who wind up victims of Spring Break travel scams by doing your homework ahead of time.

1

Check your travel provider's credentials. Make sure that your travel planner has been in business for a number of years, has planned trips to your desired destination and has worked with students. Don't be afraid to ask for references of other satisfied clients or call the Better Business Bureau.

2

Get it in writing. Don't put a deposit down on a trip before you receive a proper contract that includes the travel dates, name of the air carrier, hotel, restrictions and cancellation policies, including any last-minute charges or changes that can be anticipated.

3

Buy travel insurance. Make sure that it covers trip cancellation for any reason by either you or your provider.

4

Pay by credit card. Your credit card company has policies and procedures in place to protect you against fraud. Question the legitimacy of any travel operator who will not accept credit cards.

5

Opt for an all-inclusive. While they may seem more expensive up-front, all-inclusive resorts offer the convenience of meals, ground transportation and activities bundles together without the threat of last-minute, hidden fees.

How to Travel With a Cat by Car

Cats like their habitats just the way they are. Sometimes it is necessary to travel with your kitty because of a long move, an extended trip or just because it's time to visit to the veterinarian's office. Here are some tips on keeping your cat safe and happy while traveling.

Transporting a Cat
1 There are two types of traveling felines: those that get carsick and those that get hyperactive. Some cats get sick in carriers; some feel safe in carriers. To determine the type of cat traveler you have, take some test trips prior to the vacation or dreaded vet visit.

2 After you have determined how your cat reacts to the car, it is important to help the cat get used to being in the car. First, start with just sitting in the car without the motor running. Next, turn on the motor. Last, take a short trip. Continue to take short trips to help them relax.

3 Some cats just get carsick. If you have a carsick cat, you may need to give it nausea medicine before taking a trip to the vet or on your way out of town. Give it to him or her well before leaving so it starts to work. Do not let your cat have food or water three hours before traveling.

4 Help hyperactive cats with a mild sedative. Again, give the cat the medication in time to have it start working.

Prepare for the Trip
1 Secure room accommodations that allow pets. Do not hide a pet in a hotel room. What if the cat runs out of an open door? It is easy to locate a hotel or cabin with an Internet search.

2 Pack for kitty. You will need a portable litter box, food, water (preferably the cat's usual drinking water for the first day), treats, a carrier, extra towels, and a disinfectant and baggies in case of accidents.

3 Bring a leash and harness. Many locales do not allow pets to be off a leash. This will also prevent your cat from running away if outdoors. The harness is good because cats can easily escape collars. Train with your cat on the leash and harness before travel.