How to Book Travel on Star Aviation

Ongoing terrorism has put the brakes on Algeria's tourism industry, but fearless travelers will find much to appreciate within the borders of this ancient, strikingly picturesque land. Those hoping to book travel on Star Aviation should know that this airline offers domestic flights for those traveling from city to city within Algeria.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A passport
• A computer with Internet access

Book Travel on Star Aviation

1. Book your tickets using a travel agent with experience in Algerian travel. Your travel agent will be able to tell you which areas of the country are best avoided by tourists.

2. Reserve your seats well in advance, since Star Aviation is a small airline with a limited number of seats.

3. Know that Star Aviation is based in Hassi Messaoud, a town best known for its oil refineries. The town's main airport is Oued Irara, and it offers connecting flights to places like London, Madrid and Paris.

4. Be aware that there are no direct flights between Algeria and North America. Similarly, flights between Algeria and Australasia are not available.

Prepare for Travel on Star Aviation

5. Apply for your visa with your country's Algerian embassy a few weeks before your desired departure date. It can take a while for visas to be processed, and some have reported waiting times as long as a month.

6. Steer clear of calamity by logging on to the U.S. State Department's Web site (see below) prior to your trip. The site offers up-to-date travel warnings for those journeying to Algeria, with advice on what visitors should do to maximize safety.

7. Avoid communication hassles by learning a few Arabic and French phrases before you touch down. Most Algerians speak both French and English. If you need to speak with airport personnel or a cab driver, for example, having this knowledge could be vital.

Enjoy Algeria

8. Schedule a tour of Bou Saada. The town is one of Algeria's primary marketplaces, and a production center for jewelry, metalwork and carpets. The town's sights include date groves, a busy market and a vineyard.

9. Limit your travels to daytime hours. Nighttime traveling by land in Algeria can be risky for tourists.

10. Pick up some Algerian literature. Noted author and Nobel Prize winner Albert Camus was born in Algeria. He's written everything from novels to plays, and his work includes 'The Stranger', 'La Mort heureuse' ('A Happy Death'), and 'Le Mythe de Sisyphe' ('The Myth of Sisyphys').

11. Journey by taxi when exploring within a town's borders. Travel by taxi in Algeria is incredibly affordable.

Tips & Warnings

• Star Aviation is a tiny airline with no Web site or English-language booking phone number. As an English-speaking traveler, you're advised to skip the hassle of language barriers and book via travel agent.