1.)     How to avoid Jet Lag?

Jet lag occurs when the body cannot adjust to the time difference from long-distance trips made over relatively short times, and can arise primarily from travel to destinations with time zone differences of six hours or more. Common symptoms included drowsiness, fatigue, and loss of appetite.

To avoid Jet Lag, on the night prior to travel, go to sleep earlier than usual if flying to the east, and go to sleep later than usual if flying to the west.

Don’t depart exhausted — or hangover — then plan to “catch up on the plane.”

Onboard, drink plenty of water, not juice, coffee, or tea. Set your watch to destination time. Remove your shoes; get your feet up if you can. Use earplugs, a blindfold, blanket, neck rest.

2.) Can children travel alone?

There are no official guidelines regarding the transport of unaccompanied children. Fees and regulations very between the airlines. Generally, children younger then 8 years of age will not be permitted to travel alone. And all children ages 8 to 14, unless accompanied by an adult must travel as unaccompanied minors. Airlines require that a parent or guardian fill out a form with all relevant information about the child. At check in, the child receives an information card in a ticket pouch. Unaccompanied children are pre-boarded on flights and introduced to flight attendants. At connecting airports flight attendants will escort children to the gate or to a special service office for gate escort if the flight is not departing immediately. At arrival to final destination, children will be accompanied by airline personnel to the meeting party and will assist through customs if applicable

3.) Do I Need Travel Immunizations or Shots for Travel?

Whether or not you need travel immunizations (shots for travel) depends in part on where you will be traveling. Information on immunizations requirement for your destination can be obtained from Center for Disease Control (CDC) http://www.cdc.gov/travel and US Department of State http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/tips_1232.html#health

4.) What are the entry requirements for my destination?

For information on entry requirements for a specific country, please go to the Entry/Exit Requirements section in the Consular Information Sheet for the country you are interested in at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html. You may also contact the U.S. embassy or consulate of that country for further information.

5.) Do I need to register with US Embassy overseas?

Registration is not mandatory, but highly advisable if you plan on staying a foreign country for than one month, or are traveling to a region with experiencing political unrest. US Embassies and Consulates overseas can assist you in emergency situations and provide evacuation if necessary. For more information please visit: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/registration/registration_1186.html

List of US Embassies and Consulates can be found on: http://usembassy.state.gov/

6.) Can elderly and passengers with disabilities get assistance?

Assistance is available for passengers with disabilities, and is provided by airline and airport representatives around the world. You need to advise your travel agent of nature and extent of the assistance you will need. Some of the services that are offered free of charge are stretchers, wheelchairs, oxygen tanks. Also, notify your travel agent if you have food allergies and require special diet. Or if you have certain medical condition that may require treatment enroute.

7.) How to travel with infants?

On flights solely within US infants (0 to 24 months) not occupying a seat travel for free. On international routes infants are charged 10% of an adult fare plus applicable taxes. Infant ticket can not generate frequent flyer points, and infants are not allowed to any check luggage. Some airlines will allow extra carry-on items to be brought on board. On longer flights you may request bassinet, but some airlines may have an age limit for the bassinets; others may have a weight limit. Be sure to check before you go. There are many things you can do to make flying with children comfortable. Useful information can be found on:   http://www.twinslist.org/flySeat.htm or http://www.flyingwithkids.com/

8.) How to apply for a US passport?

The Passport Services Office provides information and services to American citizens about how to obtain, replace or change a passport. For more information please visit: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

9.) Where can I exchange US dollars for local currency?

Currency exchange offices are located at most international airports in US and abroad. You can check currency conversion rates at http://www.xe.com/ucc/

10.) How do I apply for a visa?

You can apply for a visa to your destination country directly thru their Embassy or Consulates in US (http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html) or thru numerous passport and visa agencies.

11.) What is the time difference between US and my destination country?

You can get local times by visiting http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/

12.) What are the telephone dialing codes?

For world dialing codes please see http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/

1.) What is an electronic ticket?

An electronic ticket or e-ticket is used to purchase a seat on a commercial airline. An e-ticket (electronic ticket) is a paperless electronic document used for ticketing passengers. Electronic ticket data is stored in CRS (Computer Reservations System). A confirmation number is assigned to the passenger, along with the flight number(s), date(s), departure location(s), and destination location(s). When checking in at the airport, the passenger simply presents positive identification. Then necessary boarding passes are issued, and the passenger can check luggage and proceed through security to the gate area. All major airlines will charge a fee if passenger insists on paper ticket where itinerary is electronic ticket eligible.

2.) How can I change my travel plans?

Discounted airline tickets often either do not allow any changes, or carry certain restrictions. Before purchasing your ticket, ask your travel agent what are the fees and penalties for changing or canceling your airline ticket.

3.) Can I change the name on the ticket?

Name changes are not allowed on airline ticket and travel documents.

4.) My name is misspelled on the airline ticket. Will this cause any problems?

The name on your ticket must be an exact match with the name on the government issued photo ID/passport. If your name is misspelled on your airline ticket or reservation, please contact us ASAP.

5.) How far in advance should I purchase my airline tickets to get the lowest airfare, and make sure I get them in time for my flight?

It is best to purchase your airline tickets as far in advance as possible to get the cheapest possible airfare. If the airline permits e-tickets, there is no time restriction for delivery. If the airline requires a paper ticket, please choose the appropriate service using FedEx for delivery

6.) Are there any differences between published fares and special airfares?

In short, no! We offer many special airfares that are available only on our website along with regular published airfares that are sold by major airlines. These special airfares are usually below the lowest published fare available directly from an airline company. Most special airfares do not require advance purchase. Seat assignments, and frequent flyer mileage are generally allowed.

7.) How long will it take to receive my refund?

Please allow up to 4-6 weeks to receive the refund after the airline ticket is received. Please note that refunds to a debit card may take longer to process. Check with your financial institution for specific information.

8.) How do I book online?

Simply enter your departure and arrival information in the request page using city names or 3 digit city codes. Our Internet booking engine performs a comprehensive search of the best airfares in the database and displays all flight options. Next, select the best flights that most closely match your travel plans and complete the purchase by input of required information. Once you have completed your purchase, you will receive automatic confirmation via e-mail that will include your airline, cruise, hotel or car reservation details.

9.) How fast do we get our airline tickets?

If the airline will permit an e-ticket, we will e-mail you an e-ticket confirmation. If the airline will NOT permit an e-ticket, and a paper ticket must be issued, we will send the airline ticket via FedEx to the shipping address you enter in the reservation, the charge will depend on the type of shipping service you request.

10.) Are there any differences between published fares and special airfares?

In short, no! We offer many special airfares that are available only on our website along with regular published airfares that are sold by major airlines. These special airfares are usually below the lowest published fare available directly from an airline company. Most special airfares do not require advance purchase. Seat assignments, and frequent flyer mileage are generally allowed.

11.) Are airfares displayed for round-trip or one-way travel?

When you select the cities, dates, and number of passengers, etc., you are given the option of selecting round-trip or one-way travel. If you select round-trip, the price given is for a round-trip airfare. If you select one-way, the price given is for a one-way airfare.

12.) Can I use my debit card to make pay for airline tickets or cruises?

Yes, all flight reservations may be purchased using debit cards that allow for such purchases. Please make sure that your debit card has a daily limit that will cover the total cost of all tickets being issued. Please note: Most debit cards take more time to process refunds, resulting in a delay of the account being credited.

13.) My name is misspelled on the airline ticket. Will this cause any problems?

The name on your ticket must be an exact match with the name on the government issued photo ID/passport. If your name is misspelled on your airline ticket or reservation, please contact us ASAP at info@tripdesigns.com

14.) Can I get a refund if I can't take my trip?

Usually, published fare tickets are non-refundable. In the event you must cancel your trip, most airlines will allow you to apply the value for travel within one year, and penalties apply. Most special airfares allow refunds, with a penalty ranging from $300 up to the full amount of the ticket. Restrictions on changes and cancellations vary.

Once payment has been submitted, changes to your booking are subject to a $300 fee plus the difference in the fare at the time the change is made. Any changes are also subject to availability at that time. Until you contact us and we determine the specific rules of the ticket you purchased and the changes you want to make, we're only able to provide you with the general policies outlined above. Our customer service representatives will calculate additional charges on the day you contact us. Please note: All paper tickets must be sent to our main office for refunds or exchanges. Some airfares may not permit changes once the tickets have been issued

15.) How do I cancel or change my travel reservation?

To cancel or change your travel reservation, please contact one of our customer service agents via e-mail, or telephone to be advised of the specific cancellation policies.