The Backpacking Freelancer - Part I

The World Wide Web is making things easier for everyone to undertake do-it-yourself (DIY) projects and transactions.  It is not cost-effective to drive to the travel agency, shell out at least P200 to pay for the agent's services, and then burn more fuel on your drive back home. The old method is so passe. It needs a shave. 

If you have managed to land a freelancing gig by yourself, there is no doubt that you can wing something even much simpler: booking your own flight. Try Hong Kong for starters. The buzzling island is a favorite destination for many Southeast Asians. Airfares can get cheap if you know when to sniff a bargain and act on it pronto.You won't need a visa so long as your vacation does not exceed 30 days.

From Cebu to Hong Kong: Sites and Tips for the Bargain Hunter

Rather than buying your ticket at the airport counter or asking your travel agent to check the flight schedules for you, you need not leave your seat. Do your research, visit these sites and make a purchase if you see what you like:

7 Ways to Get the Lowest Possible Cebu Pacific Fare

You don't have to be a ticketing specialist to get the lowest possible Cebu Pacific fare. Long gone were the days when you could rake in great savings by going to a travel agency.

Today, most of these businesses charge you even higher than what the airline of your choice would. That is -- on top of the published airfare, you need to cough up a "service charge" for ticket processing. This post will teach you how to make money online by saving up on your Cebu Pacific ticket.

I won't tarry, as you probably would want to catch the on-going promo by the Philippines' leading budget carrier. Below are 7 ways that you can get the lowest possible Cebu Pacific fare - with or without a promo:

1. Book your flight online. There's a web administration fee of P116 (per individual) when you book online, but doing so allows you to save up on commuting fare and your travel agent's add-on service charge of P200 to P400. You can pay by credit card or in cash at designated banks and payment service centers (sans any processing charge). 

2. Pay by credit card -- if you have one and only if your internet connection is fast, secure and reliable. Majority of the companies offer points (convertible to freebies) each time you use your credit card. To avoid paying interest, simply settle your credit card account within the month and before the stipulated due date. 

As of the moment, the airline does not accept payments via debit cards. So no, you cannot use EON to pay for your Cebu Pacific plane ticket. The available payment modes are credit card and cash which you can pay at banks or accepted payment centers.

3. Make sure you enter your name correctly. Careless mistakes can cost you. One-letter typos can be fixed without charge, but if you require a major name change on your ticket, chances are Cebu Pacific would charge you no less than P800 for the correction - or worse, advise you to pay for the full price of a new ticket.