Vacations are a great way to get out and spend some quality time with your family. While planning a vacation, you have to factor in a lot of things if you are traveling with small children. Right from their clothes, feeder bottles, baby food, baby items to their medicines and diapers…the list is endless and exhaustive. Thus you have to do a sufficient amount of planning beforehand as you do not want to miss out anything while traveling with small kids. Traveling involves hiring a car for fun filled trip. A traditional holiday package with all things inclusive makes your trip quite comfortable and stress free, but it is becoming less appealing due to the high costs involved. Hence a lot of families choose private airport transportation like hiring a car for moving around.

Car hiring expenses cannot be ignored as it increases the overall holiday cost. Though the base rentals are competitive, the costs start to jump high when you start to add on the extras. Keeping all this in mind, parents wonder if it is best to bring our own car seats. Here are a few considerations before you come to a decision:

• Cost: Besides the car base rental, renting car seats for your children could significantly add up to the base fare depending on the number of days you rent. Typically they charge around 50 EUR for one week and suppose if you have two kids, who need a car seat, then you will have to pay a significant amount besides rental. A lot of airlines allow you to carry along 2 items in the hold if you have children below 2 years of age. You can carry a car seat as one of the items. But there are other airlines that charge you around £25 for hold luggage, but you can always confirm these charges before making a decision. If you compare the two, cost of hiring a car seat would cost you a lot more though.  
• Compatibility: Most car seats are compatible with the latest makes and models. Though the manufacturer will give you the list of cars for which the seat is compatible, but today most car rentals have the latest cars, so there won’t be any compatibility issue as such. However, you should check in advance with the car rental company if its car seats are compatible with the child car seat you are carrying along.
• Safety and quality: Although most car rental companies provide safe and high quality child car seats that meet the acceptable standards, but there are some countries that do not follow the set standards as all countries have different set of acceptable standards. If you are not sure about the quality of child car seat they provide, it is better to carry your own while considering the safety point of view.
• Damage: A lot of people often get worried about their expensive child car seat getting damages while traveling. Though damaged suitcases are quite common while traveling on flight, but the car seats are not handled like suitcases. Expect a little bit of wear and tear while transit, but you can always wrap it safely before you load it in the flight.

Coming to  Panama City Beach?  Give Sunset a call today!
 

Holidays are round the corner and you are already ready with your vacation plans, right?  Perhaps even a sunny vacation to Panama City Beach?  Vacations are always great as you get good time to spend with your family while leaving the stress behind. We all love to travel and we so wish we could travel often. With slowdown of the global economy people often think a lot before they plan a good vacation. However, a budget vacation that saves you money and gives you the thrill and joy you always craved for, is a dream come true for most travelers like you who are traveling on a tight budget.

Here are 10 thrifty travel tips to make the most on your vacation without digging a hole in your pocket.
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1. Plan your vacation during off-season: Planning your trip during off-season is a great way to save on your trip. Not only are the air fares cheap but you also enjoy huge discounts on your accommodation too. Moreover, you are to your favorite destination that is not over-crowded and you have enjoy every bit of your vacation be it sightseeing or relishing the yummy food in restaurants, you won’t see crowd anywhere. Also there is off-season at some place in the world throughout the year, so you can enjoy off-season discounts year long!

1. Set a fixed travel budget: Calculate your budget by adding your airfare, accommodation, transportation, shopping and food etc. Once you have a fixed budget, you can make the bookings that fit in your set limit and you cut down on unnecessary expenses.
2. Choose an affordable destination: There are many amazing holiday destination in the world that are quite affordable. Check for the exchange rate, it should be lower or equal to your country currency. Countries like Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam are popular destination for people who love historical architecture, exotic cuisine and breath-taking natural beauty.  
3. Travel in a group: Group travelling reduces the traveling costs as you share the expenses amongst the group. You save on your car rentals and taxi rides too. Booking a cab for 4 is much affordable than booking a cab for 2. Or if you are traveling with a larger group, then a private van is much affordable. You can even save at restaurants by dividing the bill, moreover you enjoy more meals too!
4. Book your vacations through travel deals sites: You will get amazing offers and discounts if you book through popular travel deals sites. You can choose your desired destination that suits your budget too.
5. Book your stay at vacation rentals: Hotels and resorts increase your budget as these are costlier as compared to vacation rentals. Moreover travelling in a group can reduce the booking expenses further as you can book a condo, apartment or an entire house at a comparatively cheaper rate.
6. Eat at local joints: Food is quite expensive at fancy restaurant and popular hotels. It is always better to eat at local joints as the food served is very fresh and you can enjoy the local cuisine at dirt cheap rates. Eat where the locals eat and also eat what the locals eat.
7. Use a guidebook: Buy a latest guidebook of the country from the airport and check out the places on your own without hiring a tourist guide. You will experience the beauty and atmosphere and walking to local markets and parks give you a total traveler experience.
8. Pay in cash: Avoid using credit cards to tourist locations. Makes sure you carry the country’s local currency and paying in cash always keeps you within your set budget.
9. Avoid shopping: Well, you get tempted to shop at a new place, however avoid. You are on a holiday that does not mean you should go shopping around. If you so want, just buy a memento for memories.
10. Research and plan beforehand: Do some homework about the country you are planning to travel to, like places you get cheap things, best cheap eateries, etc. If you have enough information about your vacation spot, you will be able to make an informed decision and make the most from your holidays within your set budget.

Planning a trip to our lovely, sunny and wonderful PCB?  Give airport transportation a shot with Sunset !!!

Should you need to travel by plane with one or more of your pets, you will need to know a few things to make your trip successful, not only for you but for the comfort of your animal.

AIRLINE REGULATIONS

Depending on which airline you are flying, there will be specific regulations regarding pets. Contact the airline you are flying to make sure you follow the guidelines.

WHAT TO BRING

1. Bringing a crate for your pet is essential. Make sure that your animal has enough room to stand up. Also, it should be able to absorb any accidents. The crate should be labeled with “Live Animal,” including your full name, phone number, and a picture of your animal.
2. You’ll want to include dry food in the crate for your pet to eat during the flight.
3. Set a meeting with your veterinarian to have a pet checkup. You’ll want to make sure that all the vaccinations current.
4. Have your pet obtain a microchip so that he or she is easy to identify. Also, make sure that your pet has a collar with the up-to-date information including name and your phone number.
5. If possible, book a flight without any layovers. The last thing you want is for your animal to have to wait unattended to on the tarmac.

CABIN OR CARGO?

Another consideration you want to make is whether to put your pet in the cabin with you, or in the cargo hold. Under specific airline guidelines, pets who weigh less than twenty pounds can typically fly as a carryon in the cabin. If you decide to leave your pet in the cargo hold, make sure to familiarize yourself with the temperature both in-flight and while parked on the ramp. This way, you can gauge the best possible conditions, and make the best decision – whether on-boarding your animal, leaving him or her in the cargo hold, or leaving your animal at home with a pet-sitter.

KNOW WHERE YOU’RE GOING

It’s important to know where you are going so that you can measure how your pet will fit in with his or her surroundings. You can also look up rest areas on the way to wherever you are traveling. Wherever your destination is, you’ll want to look for parks and vets. This way, you can provide your pet with the recreation he or she needs along with medical assistant should it become necessary.

Coming to Panama City Beach and looking for reliable airport transportation? Give Sunset Airport Transportation a call today!

Going to and coming from the airport presents a challenge when you aren’t sure who can drop you off or pick you up. And for many people, paying upwards to $20 per day for the daily garage is too much of an expense, to leave their vehicles for an extended period. Thanks to UBER, we have an affordable solution. So, what are the things you need to know to make your goings and comings from the airport a success?

TIMING IS EVERYTHING

When you are planning to be driven to the airport, you’ll want to plan ahead. The three considerations you’ll need to make are:
1. What time is my flight?
2. How is the traffic – heavy or light?
3. What is the best time for my driver to arrive?

Remember that you are asking another person to drive you to the airport. Just because they are with the UBER platform, doesn’t mean they are superhuman! The same rules of the road that apply to you apply to them.

When you are planning to be picked up from the airport, it is a good idea to collect your baggage from the baggage claim before you open your app and request someone to pick you up. Here’s a few tips:
1. Since most airports have a designated terminal to be picked up by an UBER driver, check your app for the exact location.
2. Keep your phone on as your driver will likely call you upon arrival. You’ll want to give your terminal location in case he or she needs that information.

WATCH FOR FAKES

As with any good invention, there are always a few drawbacks. And although getting a taxi-like service is not complicated, it can be cause for caution. You always want to verify that your driver is legitimate. Here are a few ways to do this:
1. The license plate on the car should matches the one on your app.
2. The make and model of the car should be the same as the one you booked.
3. The driver should ask you your name when you enter the vehicle.

CHECK YOUR AIRPORT

Finally, check ahead of time to see if the airport you need to be dropped off at, or picked up from, are in the UBER network. For a full list of those airports, visit: https://www.uber.com/airports/#airport-list

Now, even though we are sharing info about Uber, we STILL believe in the old school approach of private airport transportation from a reliable, local company like Sunset Airport Transportation.  We service all of Panama City Beach.

If you have ever missed a flight, or just made it on board in the nick of time, you know how inconvenient and upsetting it can be. Although you can’t control delays due to weather or mechanical failures, you can control how much peace of mind you give yourself before your flight takes off.

MAKING GOOD TIME BEGINS AT HOME

Arriving at your gate on time begins before you even leave your home. You need to pack. You need to make sure you have all your documents in order. You need to make sure all your affairs are set up at home, whether that means hiring a pet sitter or making sure the lights are off. You especially want to make sure that when you walk out of your front door, you don’t have to make a U-turn at any point because you forgot something important.
It’s a good idea to begin packing for any trip a couple days before your flight departs. This way, you can get a leg up on all the things you need to prepare, and create a cushion of time in case you need to make any last-minute adjustments. You will also need to consider whether you are parking your car in the daily garage, getting dropped off by family or friends, or hiring a taxi-driving service. Making sure you allow for the appropriate amount of time is vital, especially if your transportation is in someone else’s hands.

CHECK IN & SECURITY CHECK

Generally, it is good practice to arrive at the airport 2 hours before your scheduled flight. It rarely takes this long to get to your gate; however, you’ve already invested hundreds of dollars and a considerable amount of time to make your trip. Why take any chances? Arriving early will give you more time to relax, get something to eat, and just feel prepared, after you’ve gone through the check in and security process.

Once at the airport, the first step is to check your bags and get your boarding pass. Once this is done, you will need to find your gate number, and then follow signs to your security check-point. Depending on the time of day you arrive, and how busy the airport is, the line for the security check can be fairly long. But it is the TSA agents’ job to ensure that people move through the line as quick and efficiently as possible.

Once you’ve passed the security check, you are free to roam around, use the restroom, get something to eat, or just find a seat near your gate. Ultimately, arriving early helps give you that peace of mind you need right before you ascend to 45,000 feet.

Sunset Airport Transportation provides premier airport transportation services to the Panama City Beach area.

The more you fly, the more you know that the possibility of a flight delay due to weather or a mechanical malfunction, is likely. If you experience a delay of any kind, you’ll want to have a few things in place for you and your kids so that you make the most of your time.

LOCATE FLIGHT INFORMATION

Airports are usually great at providing immediate support to those who have experienced a flight delay, whether before your first flight or a connecting flight. Attendants are usually by the gate where your plane will take off. They will be able to give you all pertinent information with regards to the status of your plane, and how long you will be waiting till the issue is resolved. You can also find your flight’s information on the flight status boards located throughout the airport. You will need your flight number which can be located on your ticket.

READING MATERIAL & ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Your kids may not be as concerned about the flight delay as you; however, they will expect to pass the time with something entertaining and engaging. So, make sure to have reading material, electronic devices for gaming,

FOOD

There are a few snacks that are approved for flight travel. You’ll be able to carry them as you pass through the security terminal. These include dried fruit, pretzels and chips, or other dried food. You may also purchase food and drinks once you’ve passed through the TSA. You’ll have the option of restaurants and coffee bars. Depending on the airline, and the delay you’re experiencing, you may be entitled to a food voucher. Some airlines will pay up to an entire meal per person.

TOYS

When preparing for any flight, it’s a good idea to bring some toys if you have small children. You don’t want to check all of them into the baggage department, as putting a few in your carry-on bags can be invaluable in the event of a delay. If you forget, there are some airports with play areas for children.

LANDING ARRANGEMENTS

If you’ve made any travel arrangements or booked any hotel stays that are time sensitive, you’ll want to contact the appropriate parties to make sure that you adjust the time you will need to be picked up or arrive.

Sunset Airport Transportation provides airport transportation services to Panama City Beach.  Give us a call if you have any questions or are coming to visit our beautiful city soon!

Flying can be fun for the whole family. It can also present some challenges. And when it comes to making sure you are ready for the post-flight experience, it helps to be prepared. Here are 3 tips on how to make your post-landing experience exceptional.

COUNTER THE RESTLESSNESS

After your typical 3 to 4-hour flight, most adults are ready to stretch their legs and move around. For young kids however, it can seem like an eternity. And so, once you have arrived at your destination, you may want to consider finding an area where your kids can move around without being shoulder-to-shoulder with other people. If you want to be creative, try a 30-second dance-off. You can hold their hands or just let them form a circle, while they begin showing the world their moves. This will help them get some of that restlessness out of their system, and is sure to put a smile on your face.

LOCATE THE FOOD

No matter how many peanuts and crackers you munch on during your flight, there’s nothing quite like giving your body a healthy upgrade once you arrive at your destination. Before your flight, locate a few restaurants in the area that are perfect for your family. Especially if you are in an unfamiliar city, you will want to get a leg up on what’s affordable, close, and right for your family’s needs.
The beauty of GPS is that you don’t need physical maps in most cases. However, it doesn’t hurt to print out a few restaurants before your flight so that you can plug them into your phone upon arrival.

BRING YOUR UMBRELLAS

Depending on where you’ll need to walk once your flight has landed, you’ll want to bring a few umbrellas just in case you find yourself in a rainstorm. Anyone who has flown with kids can attest to the fact that flying with little ones is not always a bundle of joy – sometimes attitudes and emotions are soaring. But you don’t have to let soggy clothes from rainy weather put a damper on the car ride to your destination.

Planning a trip to Panama City Beach and needing specialized airport transportation, look no further than Sunset Airport Transportation!