Merry old England’s travel advisers recently took an anything-but-quaint high-tech leap: The British Tourist Authority has started dispensing advice using Internet chats between its counselors and Americans looking for help with attractions, lodging, transportation and other travel topics.
Visitors to BTA’s Web site at www.travelbritain.org now can engage representatives in live text conversations about vacations in England, Scotland and Wales. The agents also can help direct people around the sprawling Web site. The hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time Monday through Friday.
At the opening page, planners can click on the “Web chat” link to pose questions and get responses, as they would in chat rooms and instant messaging.
BTA officials said that the trend in queries has indicated a shift toward the Internet.
Travel planners who prefer to hear British inflections when getting advice can still do so by calling the BTA’s toll-free number, 877-899 8391. The hours for that service also are the same as for the Internet.
How to save on car rentals
Car rental costs can add up quickly, so here is some advice from Matt Coffin, head of LowerMyBills.com, to get you rolling for less.
– Most agencies charge daily rates in 24-hour increments. So if you rent a car at 4 p.m., try to return it by 4 p.m. on the drop-off day.
– Unless you’re traveling with a large group, reserve a smaller car than you would normally request. Many agencies often have a surplus of mid-size and larger vehicles, so you might get a free upgrade upon arrival if, for instance, all the compacts are rented out.
– If you’re traveling to a big city and your schedule is flexible, consider taking a shuttle van or public transportation to your hotel and renting the car once you’re there. That way, you avoid any airport surcharges and may even get a lower rate.
– This bit of advice has been given many times, but it’s worth repeating: Don’t automatically sign up for the rental company’s insurance plan, or collision damage waver. Check to see if your own auto insurance will cover you in a rental. Also, many gold and platinum credit cards provide secondary coverage, paying what your policy doesn’t.
Tips on avoiding thieves
A brochure titled “Think Like a Thief & 49 Other Ways to Have a Safe & Healthy Trip” is filled with advice on how to protect yourself on the road, in the air, going through customs, and at resorts and hotels.
Among the topics: which hotel floors are safest; which countries are unsafe for tourists; how to get an English-speaking doctor when abroad; how to cut long-distance phone bills; and what to do if your wallet is stolen.
For a copy, along with the current issue of the Travel Smart newsletter, send $1 to: Travel Smart, 40 Beechdale Rd., Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522.
