International Travel Blog
Travel & Vacation

The feelings of air travelers right now can be summed up in one simple phrase: We’re mad as hell and…unfortunately we’re going to have to take it some more. These days the only thing more frustrating than flying—what with hidden fees, shrinking legroom, and slashed routes—is the infuriating realization that we travelers and the airlines are stuck with each other, at least until someone finally patents a functioning jet pack. (Really, what’s taking so long?)

Suspend your indignation for a moment and consider all this from their perspective. The airline industry is projecting $9 billion in worldwide losses this year, as costs climb and demand plummets. Between April 2008 and April 2009, overall passenger volume dropped by 11.5 percent. Carriers are responding by cutting flights (down 8.5 percent during the same period), reconfiguring cabins and classes (mostly for the worse but occasionally for the better), and, most egregiously, imposing wily new fees. Then again, why wouldn’t they? U.S. airlines collected half a billion dollars in excess-baggage fees in the final quarter of 2008 alone.

On the plus side, fares have remained relatively steady. According to industry analyst airlinefinancials.com, in 2008 the average cost for a one-way ticket on Delta was $192, this year it’s $199. And the launch of new carriers and service has brought fares down to record lows along certain routes. However, more service cuts are due this fall—reducing flights by an additional 9 percent, according to aviation-consulting firm the Boyd Group International. As capacity diminishes, standard tickets prices will surely rise. That said, airlines will be as eager as ever to fill seats—particularly in first and business class—so you’re still likely to find last-minute deals.

In some ways flying has actually become easier—for the simple fact that fewer people are doing it. Mishandled luggage declined by 23 percent in 2008. Flight delays decreased by about 5 percent year-on-year through March 2009. And security lines are commensurately shorter. “Airports are a lot less crowded, so you won’t find the chaos that characterized last year,” says Kevin Mitchell, chairman of the Business Travel Coalition, a consumer-rights organization. For travelers, that’s at least a silver lining in some decidedly cloudy skies.

There are many types of African safaris. I always thought of a safari as something you did with John Wayne and chased big rhinos, or hunted elephants and lions. Not so.

Certainly there are hunting safaris, but there are many other types, too. If you are planning on going on an African safari, you will want to familiarize yourself with your options so that you may have a more enjoyable experience.

Drive Safari

East African and Central African drive safaris are usually done in a mini-van, while drive safaris in South Africa are mostly done in open 4 x 4 vehicles, which help you to better see the scenery and wildlife. South Africa also offers self-drive safaris which allow you to use their well developed road systems to go off on your own tour.

Walking Safari

Some African countries, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Kenya and Tanzania, offer walking safaris. On these you will generally hike 5 to 8 miles per day, with plenty of breaks to admire the wildlife and landscape. Being on foot allows you to access more remote and untouched areas that hold plenty of wildlife such as elephant, lion, buffalo and rhino.

Mobile Tent and Camping Safaris

This would be a combination of the drive and walking safaris. Usually, in a mobile tent trip, you will stay at a lodge or similar accommodation each night. In a true camping safari, also called cross-country safari, you are roughing it with tents and normal camping chores and activities. These trips can last for several days.

Canoe Safari

Paddle your way down one of the great rivers in Africa, such as the Zambezi River which divides Zimbabwe and Zambia. This will give you a whole different perspective of the plant and animal life.

Elephant, Horseback and Camelback Safari

Elephant back, horseback and camelback safaris bring you into being one with nature. There are tours that offer the use of these well trained animals which can really enhance your experience. Imagine spending the day with an elephant, enjoying its company, feeding and eating with it and becoming good friends!

Rail Safari

In Southern Africa, you can take the tour by train. This kind of safari might be more enjoyed by those who enjoy a little more comfort and class in their trip.

Sailing and Houseboat Safaris

Do you really want to go in style Enjoy your safari from a yacht! This is great way to see some of the wildlife that to stay closer to the water like hippos and crocodiles. Choose the houseboat safari and do little fishing while you are enjoying the view.

Tracking Safari

Tracking safaris are a great way to see amazing animals that are rare and hard to find, and enjoy them in their own natural habitat. There are African safaris that track gorillas, chimpanzees, and tree climbing lions.

Bird Watching Safari

Big game not your thing? Bird watchers can still get their thrills on a bird watching safari. But, pay attention, you will probably still see plenty of big game.