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The Smarter Way to Travel™

Author Archives: Vincent I. Porter

  1. Planning a Road Trip this Summer

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    A road trip is a quintessential way for adventurous people, old and young, to spend their summer vacation. With all the money saved on flights, a road trip can be a great budget option for those who want to get away from home but don’t have the resources to fork out on air travel. What’s more, travelling in your own car gives you the freedom to go exactly where you want for however long you want. This means if you’re driving along and you see something cool, you can just pull over and explore for a bit before carrying on your journey. That liberating feeling alone makes a road trip completely worthwhile. So, how do you go about planning a road trip? Here are a few tips to help you make the whole ordeal a breeze so you can just hit the gas and enjoy the open road.

    Road Trip

    Plan Your Route Before You Leave

    I really cannot stress this enough. If you don’t plan your route before you leave then your road trip will consist of aimlessly driving around and chances are you won’t see anything interesting. Sit down and have a think about what you want to see and then plan a route that will take you in that direction. Of course, you might take a few detours along the way and make some additional stops but at least you will have an idea of which way you want to travel. Google Maps is a great tool for planning a road trip and you can either download the route onto your phone or GPS or go old-school and print the maps off.

    Work Out A Budget

    While a road trip might be cheaper than summer vacations requiring you to travel by air, there is still a whole host of costs that you need to consider. Naturally, your number one expense is going to be petrol. There is really no way around this but you should always be on the lookout for the cheapest prices. For example, petrol stations along motorways tend to be more expensive than those within towns. Your next big cost will be food. You can lower this cost somewhat by taking a hefty load of food with you in a cooler but be aware that this will make your vehicle heavier and will cause you to spend more on petrol. Weigh up the pros and cons and work out how much food you should take with you and how much you should buy on the road.

    Make Sure You Car Is OK

    Before you even set foot in your car you need to make sure your car is going to be able to withstand the long journey on which you are about to embark. If you don’t know anything about cars then ask around your friends and family to see if anyone might be willing to give you a hand. If that fails then consider taking it to a mechanic’s. The price of a check up will definitely be less than whatever you might have to pay if you break down along the way.

  2. Top 5 Honeymoon Destinations

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    After all the stress that leads up to planning a wedding, it is little wonder that newlyweds need a couple of weeks abroad afterwards. Your honeymoon is supposed to be the holiday of a lifetime but this in itself can add a little bit of pressure to the whole thing. Fortunately, a lot of this pressure can be relieved by choosing the right destination. Once you know you’re heading to a paradise destination for your honeymoon everything else will just fall in to place. So, where in the world should you travel for your honeymoon? Take a look at our suggestions for a bit of inspiration.

    Sri Lanka

    If you are looking for a paradise island with beautiful beaches, lush mountains and delicious food then Sri Lanka is your dream honeymoon destination. Not only does it have scenery that is sure to take your breath away but it won’t set you back too much either. With a meal and a drink often costing less than $3 your honeymoon budget is going to go a lot further here than elsewhere in the world.

    Peru

    Full of ancient Incan mystery, Peru is the ideal destination for couples looking to inject a bit of adventure into their honeymoon. From the famous ruins of Machu Picchu to the verdant swathes of Amazon jungle that cover Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado, Peru will never leave you with a dull moment. Of course, if you need a bit of downtime as well you can always head North to Trujillo and chill on the beaches for a while.

    Italy

    When it comes to food, there are very few places on earth that beat Italy – so if you and your beloved consider yourselves to be foodies, this wonderful nation is ideal. However, Italy is so much more than just pasta and pizza. Home to a plethora of world famous artists, opera singers and monuments, Italy is Europe’s number one cultural hub – simply oozing with unrivalled beauty.

    Morocco

    There is sunshine and wonder waiting in abundance in Morocco for those who dare step out of their comfort zone. From the bustling markets of Marrakech and Fes to the nation’s beautiful medinas, Morocco is full of chaotic excitement and pockets of blissful calm. Whether you’re hiking through the Atlas Mountains, exploring the Erg Chebbi sand dunes or wandering through the blue streets of Chefchaouen, this fascinating destination is guaranteed to enchant and delight you.

    Costa Rica

    For nature lovers, Costa Rica is a heaven on earth. Boasting numerous national parks filled with exotic animals as well as some of Latin America’s most impressive volcanoes, this Central America gem is truly a wonder to behold. Newlyweds can spend their time soaking up the sun in Manuel Antonio National Park or spotting whales in Bahia Ballena before feasting on fresh seafood as they watch the sunset. This is honeymoon perfection.

  3. The Best VIP City Break Destinations

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    Everyone needs a city break now again, right? The difference between this and a full-blown holiday being that you don’t need to use up too much of your annual leave and you won’t be spending hours on a long haul flight. A city break is the perfect chance to spend a couple of days away from the office, exploring a new city and making the most of the delicious local cuisine. If you’re already convinced that you need a bit of time off and want to get booking, check out http://booktravel.vipupgrades.com/ for a myriad of VIP city break options. If you’re not quite there yet, read on for some of our top city break destination suggestions.

    Prague

    Home to some of the best beer you will ever have the pleasure of tasting, this magical city is as romantic as it is fascinating. Small enough to cover on foot, there is so much to see and do in Prague, you’ll need at least a long weekend to make the most of it. Walk along the picturesque Charles Bridge, admire the architecture in the Old Square and feast your eyes on the views from the top of Petrin Hill. This is a city break you’re not likely to forget in a hurry.

    Venice

    Famed for being one of the most beautiful cities on the planet, Venice will capture your heart and intrigue your mind. The main feature of this city is, of course, navigating along its waterways from the comfort of a chauffeured gondola. However, there’s a whole lot more to Venice than just a boat ride or two. With numerous boutiques, galleries and cafes throughout the city, there is plenty of opportunity to sit and people watch as you indulge in a coffee or stock up on some of the latest wonders in the world of Italian fashion.

    New York

    When they say New York is the city that never sleeps, they’re not joking. This bustling city is by far and away one of the most exciting cities in the world and those who choose this destination for their city break are guaranteed a jam-packed experience. From the shops on 5th Avenue to the serenity of Central Park to the crowds in Times Square, every corner of the city is worth exploring. Be sure to stop off in Little Italy for a bite to eat before heading to Chelsea for a drink or three.

    Paris

    Officially the most visited city in the world, Paris is the gem in the crown of Europe. Perhaps the most stand-out thing about this French masterpiece is the fact that there is unprecedented beauty everywhere you look. If you weren’t interested in architecture before your city break, we can guarantee that Paris will change that. The buildings themselves are so stunning you don’t even need to go inside. Of course, if you do you will be able to admire even more eye candy, such as the artwork within the Orangerie or the fashion in Galerie Lafayette.

    Dubai

    Slightly different to a European city break, Dubai offers less by way of beauty and more by way of excitement. Visitors here will have the chance to make the most of the very best this shiny desert playground has to offer. From the blissful air-conditioning of the super-malls to the adrenaline rush of a desert safari, Dubai has just about everything you need for an awesome city break. Naturally, if you’re in need of a bit of down time, it’s beaches galore along this city’s shimmering coastline.

  4. How To Complain About A Substandard Hotel Experience

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    There are few things worse than booking the holiday of a lifetime only to have it ruined by substandard hotel service. You’ve got the sun shining, the beach glistening and the cocktails flowing but back in your room it’s a completely different story. Maybe your hotel room is damp or the bathroom looks like it hasn’t seen a cleaning product in far too long, whatever the case, it is important to know your rights and know how to effectively complain about your experience.

    Firstly it is important to know exactly what to expect before you go. Read reviews online and do a bit of research about the hotel before you book. This way you will be able to tell more easily if the hotel is not performing like it should. If you book your hotel as part of a package there is a chance you might be given one of the cheaper rooms, so be sure to clarify this with the agency when making your booking.

    Once you are there it was be very easy to tell if your room is up to standard or not. If you are paying top dollar then you should expect next to perfection. This means everything is clean and comfortable, the room is sound proofed and all the amenities it should have are present and in good working order. As soon as you notice anything not quite right with the room you should report it immediately to the Duty Manager. Do not suffer in silence! You should get what you paid for.

    The majority of the time hotel complaints are dealt with effectively and the issue will either be resolved or you will be offered a different room or financial compensation. If this is the case then your job is done and you can enjoy the rest of your holiday. If, however, the hotel is not co-operating sufficiently then you have a bit more work to do.

    If you cannot resolve your issue at the hotel then you will need to make a formal complaint and submit it in writing. Take the names of the people you communicate with at reception, take photos of everything wrong with your room and make sure to be specific about exactly what was wrong with the hotel room. The more details you provide, the more credible your complaint and the more likely you are to be compensated for your poor experience.

    If you booked your hotel room as part of a package then your first port of call should be the agency through which you booked. You can contact the Association of British Travel Agents if you need more help dealing with this. If you booked the hotel independently then you will need to contact the management of the hotel. It is also worth noting that if you paid for you accommodation on credit card then you should be able to get some assistance from your credit card provider.

    So, in brief, as soon as an issue arises, calmly and politely explain to the management what’s wrong and ask if they are able to fix it. A big smile and a pleasant demeanour are worth their weight in gold in this situation and doesn’t cost a penny so don’t lose your cool until you absolutely have to.

  5. The best winter vacations

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    Winter is rarely anyone’s favourite season but it doesn’t have to be dreary days and frosty nights for months on end while we wait for summer to come back around. You can’t stop the snow from falling so why not take advantage of it by booking yourself a luxurious winter vacation in one of the world’s top ski resorts? Here are our top destinations for a bit of winter fun.

    Banff, Canada

    Home to three separate resorts that offer thousands of acres of skiing terrain as well as a thriving community packed with bars and restaurants, Banff is perfect for people who want a mix of flawless slopes and evening entertainment. As if that wasn’t enough, Banff is pretty hard to beat when it comes to scenery, so be sure to spend some time marvelling at the beauty of the Rockies in between runs.

    Breckenridge, USA

    An excellent spot for beginners and pros alike, Breckenridge has a huge number of lifts and trails, which cater to all skiing abilities. The resort also has four different parks so if you want to get the adrenaline pumping then you need look no further.

    Sapporo, Japan

    Japan is steadily rising in popularity among powder hounds and Sapporo is among the crème-de-la-crème of Japanese ski resorts. Those who have had the pleasure of skiing here have lauded the resort’s consistent and deep swathes of powder. Also, being one of Japan’s largest cities, there is plenty of fun to be had off-piste so your winter vacation fun doesn’t have to stop when the slopes close.

    Val d’Isère, France

    Val d’Isère is truly a snow-lovers paradise with a multitude of slopes that are neatly linked, making the resort wholly accessible – a must for stress-free skiing. With breath-taking views of the Alps in the background, this French beauty queen offers more than a few photo opportunities so you can take the best of your winter vacation home with you. In the evenings, be sure to make the most of the fine-dining scene and the raucous nightlife.

    Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

    There’s a lot more to Italy than its fantastic food and staggering art collection. For first-time skiiers and those looking for a more low-key vibe, there are few places on earth that beat Cortina d’Ampezzo. The skiing here is top notch and there are over a hundred runs to keep you occupied throughout the entirety of your winter vacation. When you’ve worn yourself out, settle in for the evening with a glass of vino and a bowl of delicious spaghetti.

  6. Top 10 Things to do in Miami

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    Top 10 Things to do in Miami

    Welcome to Miami – the hip and happening Floridian city of Cubanos, heady nightclubs and stunning beaches. If you are looking for things to do in Miami then look no further, this ultimate guide will give you the ten must-see Miami attractions to make sure that your visit to the sunny city of the south satisfies your every need.

    1. Chill out on South Beach

    The iconic South Beach is the place to begin your Miami adventure. This long strip of glistening white sand is one of Miami’s most beautiful sights and is filled its most exciting flavors. Watch a game of beach volleyball, envy the super-fit as they roller skate along the promenade or simply sunbathe in your best swimsuit.

    2. Eat a Cubano in Little Havana

    Little Havana is the must-visit neighborhood of Miami. A stone’s throw away from South Beach, Little Havana is home to thousands of Cuban migrants who have made Miami their own. Tuck into a juicy Cubano sandwich, take in the smell of Cuban cigars or watch an intense game of dominoes in Maximo Gomez Park.

    3. Dance in a nightclub

    Miami is known for its extravagant nightlife and non-stop party scene. Whether you want to partner up in a salsa club and take in a live band or experience electronic dance music played by world-famous DJs in super-clubs on South Beach, Miami is the place to do it.

    4. See Art Deco architecture

    Miami is the capital of Art Deco and its Art Deco District is ideal for budding photographers and historians alike. These perfectly-preserved 1930s buildings in their wonderful pastel hues lie in the heart of the modern city and provide some real Miami history.

    5. Shop at Bayside Marketplace

    Miami is world-famous for its shopping malls and Bayside Marketplace is a shopper’s paradise. Located on the Miami Waterfront not only can you purchase some incredible souvenirs, the latest fashions and grab a bite to eat here, but you also get some of the most stunning views of the beach and waterfront.

    6. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

    Step back in time at Miami’s Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, an enormous mansion decorated with priceless exhibits and artifacts. The former home of James Deering, the estate dates back to 1916 and has been an important location for a number of famous events throughout history including a visit by Elizabeth II and the Pope.

    7. Visit the zoo

    Zoo Miami is a unique cageless zoo and the ultimate way to see wild animals in their near-real natural habitats. Ideal for a family day out, the zoo features over 2,000 animals and visitors take a safari track to see them in their open-air environments.

    8. Miami Children’s Museum

    The interactive exhibits on display at the Miami Children’s Museum are state-of-the-art educational and entertainment tools perfect for the whole family. Move seamlessly on a journey of exploration through galleries detailing communication, arts, culture and community.

    9. Dine like a movie star

    For Miami’s best steak and to sit among the ghosts of Hollywood’s greatest stars, including Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland, be sure to book a table at The Forge. Try to time your meal and book a weekly dinner party, which features additional live music and dinner specials.

    10. Take a trip to the Everglades

    The diverse swamp lands of the Everglades are just a short drive from Miami and worth a day trip. Take a guided boat ride through the waters or walk along boardwalks and spot crocodiles, snakes,

  7. How to get Car Rental Upgrades

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    There is no real strategy to getting car rental upgrades if you don’t rent a car very often. Like airlines, car rental companies like to treat their most frequent and loyal customers with perks such as an upgraded vehicle.

    Don’t set your hopes on getting a Mercedes Benz, Porsche, or BMW when you’ve booked a Ford. A car rental upgrade can mean you’re bumped up from a midsize vehicle to a full size or sometimes even an SUV. Though it all depends on what’s on the lot.

    Rent Often, Be Loyal

    The best way to get a car rental upgrade is to join a loyalty program. Most car rental companies will sign you up for free, but don’t expect that upgrade just for becoming a member. Unlike airlines, though, chances of getting a better car than the one you booked are higher than scoring a business class seat on your next flight when you’ve booked economy.

    National probably has one of the best upgrade schemes we’ve experienced, where members of the Emerald Club can pick any car on the lot (in a designated area) and go, at a growing number of locations. This approach often means that there’s a wide variety of cars available in all categories. I think our ‘best’ upgrade form a mid-size was a Mercedes-Benz C300 or a BMW X5, but these are rare. Expect to have your pick of some Full-Size cars.

    Why do we get Car Rental Upgrades?

    It’s all about supply and demand. An airline knows how many of what kind of seat it will have on a flight, and it knows at what time the passengers should be showing up. Rental Car companies, though they ask you for an arrival time, don’t know what time you and all their other customers will show up exactly. So it’s up to them to balance the cars they have (which may have to be driven into that location from an outside lot) with the people they expect to turn up.

    That might mean that during a busy period there are only SUV’s left on the lot and that’s what they’ll give you. For some this might be fun car rental upgrade but if you’re conscious about fuel consumption not so much. If you’re not happy with the vehicle you’ve been assigned, ask what else they have available. If nothing, then you should ask when they expect to have a more suitable vehicle available. Most companies will let you swap your ride without asking any questions. Just remember to fill up the tank before you return any vehicle.

  8. International business class on regional or domestic flights

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    Some airlines may choose to fly a luxury product on shorter flights. Think of AA’s Flagship service, or United’s P.S. flights. These are products designed for that market, but if you had the choice of flying a regional jet or a twin-aisle with fully flat beds, which would you choose? There’s a quirk in international passenger aviation that allows for airlines to fly larger jets on some rather short routes. This is known as a fifth freedom flight.

    When an airline has fifth freedom rights, it is allowed to fly from its home country to a destination, pick up passengers at that destination, and fly them on to a third country. There are a number of reasons for these flights. The plane may not be able to reach the final destination and it has to stop to refuel (consider Singapore Airlines’ service to New York via Frankfurt), or perhaps the market just doesn’t sustain two separate flights so the route is combined.

    Either way, there are some interesting flights to be done on international carriers. Here’s a look at a few of them:

    Vancouver to New York on Cathay Pacific and Philippine Airlines

    Cathay Pacific is able to fly passengers non-stop from its base in Hong Kong to both of these cities individually, but the airline maintains its flight between Canada’s West Coast city to the Big Apple. For passengers looking to fly in international first class, this trans-continental journey can be a good deal using points if you can find the availability. Philippine Airlines also will fly passengers between New York and Vancouver, but if you’re looking to get to Manilla this is a stop you can’t skip.

    Madrid-Frankfurt on Latam

    In Europe, there’s a flight operated by LATAM Chile that flies between Frankfurt and Madrid. If you would like to have a fully-flat bed for this relatively short flight, you are in luck if you can get a seat on Latam’s 787-dreamliner

    Island Hopping in the Caribbean

    British Airways still offer a number of flights between islands in the Caribbean including between Antigua and St. Kitts, Nassau to Grand Cayman, and a few others. These schedules do vary.

  9. Earning Elite Status with three US Airlines

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    American Airlines

    New to 2017 for the Aadvantage program is a spending requirement to earn Elite status. To qualify, passengers must earn at least 25,000 Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) and spend at least $3,000 in Elite Qualifying Dollars (EQDs).
    American Airlines will let you earn up to $6,000 dollars in EQDs by spending at least $50,000 on their branded credit card. If you only spend up to $25,000 on the card you’ll have to make do with $3,000 in credit. So if you’re looking to earn Executive Platinum status with American Airlines, you’ll have to fork out over $12,000 before taxes to meet the threshold, or $6000 to American + $50,000 spend on your credit card.

    Delta

    To qualify for medallion status on Delta you will need at least 25,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) and you’ll have had to spend $3000 Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs). So that doesn’t mean that all the miles you earn on your flight will automatically count towards elite status, nor does it mean that your entire ticket cost will count as your MQD spend. The fine print defines MQMs and MQDs pretty rigidly so you’ll have to do your homework to make sure you are going to qualify.
    One thing delta does do, is give its SkyMiles members outside of the US a break. These customers don’t have to meet the MQD requirements. Holders of a Delta-branded American Express card can also be exempt from the MQD requirements for their tier if they spend at least $25,000 on the card in a year.
    Delta will also roll-over miles earned above the qualification threshold to next year.

    United Airlines

    To earn premier status in United’s frequent flyer program, Mileage Plus, you’ll need to earn 25,000 Premier Qualifying Miles (PQMs), and spend $3,000 Premier Qualifying Dollars (PQDs) within the calendar year. Pretty much the same as Delta, but the website doesn’t list exemptions for non-US residents and credit card customers.

  10. Some of the world’s best Fireworks displays for New Years eve

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    With 2017 right around the corner, let’s take a look at some of the best fireworks displays that rang in 2016. As does the New Year, we will start east, and make our way west across the different time zones. Where are you celebrating the start of the new year, and what are your resolutions for 2017? Let us know in the comments below.
    The videos definitely do not do the shows justice.

    Auckland, New Zealand

    Two hours ahead of Sydney, Auckland is the first major city to ring in the New Year.

    Sydney, Australia

    Always a crowd-pleaser and never a disappointment, the Sydney fireworks show draws in tourists from all over the world to be among the first to go in to the new year with a bang! This show definitely puts others to shame.

    Taipei

    Hong Kong

    Dubai

    Paris

    The city of lights uses the Eiffel Tower as the main focus point of the fireworks show. Sadly the video isn’t of the greatest quality, but as a teaser it definitely merits a mention in this list.

    London