Many people travel with expectations of encountering something new and unexpected, but of course, everyone wants the surprises to be pleasant ones. This is where a good travel agent comes in. It is the travel agent’s task to match the clients’ expectations, as closely as possible, to reality. Because travel consultation is a skill that gets better with practice, it is also useful to know the length of the time the agent has been in the business. An agent who has at least five years experience in the industry would be ideal.

A Boeing 737 has just departed Amsterdam and will be flying at low altitudes over the Netherlands. This flight is to determine the air quality and any damage incurred from the volcanic ash in the air. All flights were grounded due to the eruptions at Eyjafjallajokull in Iceland.

It is always a good idea to check your plane's flight status before you leave for the airport. Delayed or cancelled flights can be a traveler's worst nightmare. Here is a way to check any major airport to see if your flight is on-time or delayed: