I went to SMX on the first day. The objective was to scout for the most economical fare for our upcoming trips: Europe in July and US in May. Our plan was to decide over the weekend and purchase tickets on Sunday, if needed.
For Europe these were our options:
1. Avail of the Etihad-Eurail bundle for $1100. This offer was our priority because Etihad gave us the cheapest round-trip fare online. In addition to that, the Eurail pass will cover our transpo for our side-trips. The only problem was the people didn't know if the promo covers our travel dates.
2. Cathay Pacific flights to EU for $900. We need to book for this flight on the last day of the Expo.
For the US trip, the cheapest I could get was also USD1000+. I heard of the PAL and AA tie-up for East-Coast or Midwest destinations. Unfortunately, the promotion is only valid for connecting flights. Since we plan to spend a few days in the West before moving to another state, di pwede.
For Asian Destinations, there were lots of affordable offers. Most of what I saw were land-arrangement packages only. Very few offered packages with round-trip airline tickets. Buti na lang, since I have no budget for those.
Yesterday, after my sister's birthday lunch, I asked Vic to drop me off at SMX. I met up with my travel companions so we can decide and purchase tickets. After quickly comparing the rates, we ended up getting the Cathay flight. Bayad na lang kulang. We have a week to complete the payment.
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I'd like to share with you some tips to make your trip to the next TTE more convenient:
1. It is really good to go events like the TTE if you already have a date and destination in mind. It keeps in you in track. There are just too many temptations.
2. Do your research prior to the event. This will give you an idea if you are better off buying online or through an agent or during the fare.
3. Come in groups. The lines at the major agencies and airlines are quite long so it is best to split up by area. It took me 30 minutes just to get a quotation for my upcoming trips.
4. If you are travelling in groups of 10 or more, it's best to notify the agent to avail of group discounts.
5. Be flexible with your travel dates. The chances of getting your preferred travel date are slim knowing that promo seats are limited per flight.
For Europe these were our options:
1. Avail of the Etihad-Eurail bundle for $1100. This offer was our priority because Etihad gave us the cheapest round-trip fare online. In addition to that, the Eurail pass will cover our transpo for our side-trips. The only problem was the people didn't know if the promo covers our travel dates.
2. Cathay Pacific flights to EU for $900. We need to book for this flight on the last day of the Expo.
For the US trip, the cheapest I could get was also USD1000+. I heard of the PAL and AA tie-up for East-Coast or Midwest destinations. Unfortunately, the promotion is only valid for connecting flights. Since we plan to spend a few days in the West before moving to another state, di pwede.
For Asian Destinations, there were lots of affordable offers. Most of what I saw were land-arrangement packages only. Very few offered packages with round-trip airline tickets. Buti na lang, since I have no budget for those.
Yesterday, after my sister's birthday lunch, I asked Vic to drop me off at SMX. I met up with my travel companions so we can decide and purchase tickets. After quickly comparing the rates, we ended up getting the Cathay flight. Bayad na lang kulang. We have a week to complete the payment.
-----------------
I'd like to share with you some tips to make your trip to the next TTE more convenient:
1. It is really good to go events like the TTE if you already have a date and destination in mind. It keeps in you in track. There are just too many temptations.
2. Do your research prior to the event. This will give you an idea if you are better off buying online or through an agent or during the fare.
3. Come in groups. The lines at the major agencies and airlines are quite long so it is best to split up by area. It took me 30 minutes just to get a quotation for my upcoming trips.
4. If you are travelling in groups of 10 or more, it's best to notify the agent to avail of group discounts.
5. Be flexible with your travel dates. The chances of getting your preferred travel date are slim knowing that promo seats are limited per flight.
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