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so DH and i are planning on going to the US next year for out 10th wedding anniversary.
we're thinking of changing some money whilst the dollar is so good, should we??? and how do i find out who is offering the best exchange rate??
Also whos the best/reasonable airline??
Changing currency now is a great idea. You just need to look around at the differant rates to find the best but often the places with the best exchange rate make more money by charging a higher commission so sometimes a zero commission place with a lower rate will work out better. Also some places will exchange back to A$ for you if you bought from them with zero commission.
For cheap fares - Virgin often has great specials to L.A.. Maybe sign up for their newsletter so you know if a deal comes out. QANTAS isn't known for value but sometimes they try to match Virgin's prices. Otherwise just use a travel agent to find you a good fare.
I'd buy currency now, I usually wander around where the big banks are, look at their exchange rates, also check the official exchange rate online to get an idea of what you should be paying.
Also, sign up for webjet, virgin, qantas emails, I also get emails from 2 major travel agencies. There are a few other online flight places that you can get cheap flights through.
Once you work out which airline, maybe get a year's membership with their "club", it is useful if your flight is delayed at anytime, because you can sit in their lounge and not be sitting around the airport. With Qantas you get priority baggage check-in too (which is handy, your bags come out first!)
We used trailfinders last time we were doing an o/s trip, they were great, got us a much better deal than anywhere else.
Completely agree on buying currency. We are going to the UK later in the year and have already bought some pounds.
BTW the woolworths/safeway loyalty program is hooked up to the qantas frequent flyer program so if you shop at woolies already you may was well join the program.
V australia have good sales for the US, as do air new zealand and United airlines....
wouldnt waste my time with Qantas...
you could also check out hawaiian airlines, would prob include a stop over in hawaii but might be worth it if u get a good fare...
start looking now, further out you book the better price you will get
Hi!
Just thought I would throw some more information in for you! As a travel consultant with over 8 years experience, for travel to the USA, one of the major Travel agencies always has an Expo on Canada/USA every July/August and then a World Expo in Feb/March. If you can get to one of these, they always offer the very best prices for travel after about 1st April.
QANTAS, United, Air New Zealand, Delta and V Australia all offer some fantastic specials through to LA but if you are wanting to go further than that ie: to New York, Las Vegas, Orlando etc, then please speak to a travel agent rather than booking on the internet as they will be able to assist you with the new checked in baggage information, and visa procedures for Australian Passport holders.
I would also invest in some US currency now too!
Good luck and if you want anymore info, just ask!
We are travelling to the US in 13 sleeps .. I have been studying the rates for a while
Definatly exchange your money now. All the major banks have this new card called a Travel card, and you can load up to 6 different currencies on it, an the rate stays the same, as the day you deposit it, then when u withdraw os, its a $2.50 fee . So if you plan your withdrawals thats cheap as chips
I have found a bank that has no commission, and I just received more money back in US than what I gave in AU
Your in Melb - the bank is in Collins Street, I can put a link up if your intersted, and it's great you dont need to be a customer, just walk in and exchange. There are other branches in other states, and of course they deal with all the currencies.
In fact, I became a honoury member, (one form) and I can ring and secure the rate that is advertised that day. As long as I transfer the funds into their account within 3 business days, and give a deposit
I couldnt believe their rates, you wont find better :)