alexcheeseman

Book your tickets now. The longer you leave it the more expensive it's going to cost. I'd recommned getting in touch with a reputable travel agent in Rio to get you a hotel or even consider an apartment (it may work out cheaper). Unfortunately I don't have any good contacts to share with you.

Reserve airline seats and prices without paying

The majority of travel agents that are able to sell airline tickets are able to reserve fares on airlines without cost. This means you can ask a travel agent to hold some seats for you for a period of time without paying them. During this time you can search around for alternative fares or cheaper fares without the cost of your original fare changing (unless there is a change in airline tax).

If you don't ask you don't get.

If it crosses your mind then simply ask the question.

I'll always ask if I can get a discount, upgrade, better room.

Be as friendly as possible and you never know what you'll get. But if you don't ask, you'll never know.

For new members joining the group, don't forget to take a look at some of the earliest posts. There are some great tips on how to book cheaper flights, get upgrades and travel in style.

What's the best way to call home whilst abroad?

January flight sales should start just after boxing day. I've seen return flights from London to New York for around £200. You'll need to grab early to ensure the best deals. Once again, get yourself a good travel agent and they can hold the flights for you free of charge (it doesn't cost them to hold them) whilst you make up your mind or find accommodation.

I'm taking my wife to LA as part of our round the world honeymoon....

What are the top 3 must-do-things whilst in Bangkok?

Virgin Atlantic emergency exit seats

I love the emergency exit seats when I travel. You can currently only get emergency exits when flying with Virgin at check-in on the day of travel. They normally cost around £75 per leg, which is in my opinion is a fair price.

However they have 2 seperate emergency exit seats by the window that they allocate for free. You need to ask for them specifically and I only know the seat I had on the way back from LAX which was 51A. Still if you don't ask you don't get!

South America tips

Would be great to have some tips for South America. Any amazing places you should stay, hidden secrets, top tips or recommendations? Would love to hear about them as I'm off to Brazil and Argentina for New Year. Thank you.

Is is best to book in advance or last minute - discuss!

I'd always recommend booking your scheduled airline flights as way in advance as possible - the closer to the travel date the more expensive they tend to be.

If it is a "package holiday" that you are after then as long as you're not completely set on a particular hotel/resort, you'll normally save yourself a lot of money by booking last minute.