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The Smarter Way to Travel™

Category Archive: Air

  1. Navigating an Airport – Getting there and checking in

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    No two airports are built the same, but for the travelling public they all have one thing in common, their purpose. That purpose is to get passengers from the ground, into the air on a flight to their destination; help passengers connect between flights not served non-stop from their origin; and receive arriving passengers, be it domestic or international. Each of these scenarios follows a slightly different pattern, but getting you on or off a plane is the goal.

    For any traveller, the mantra should be: leave yourself plenty of time. With lineups and security delays, the last thing you want to do is to miss your flight. Airlines and airports publish recommended check-in times so check with them before your trip. Plan your journey to the airport. Are you driving? Taking a train? Is someone dropping you off? Are you getting a cab? Your journey doesn’t start at the airport so plan for this as part of the overall experience and feel relaxed the moment you step in to the terminal.

    If you’re on the airport’s website, try and see if there’s a map. Often there will be a digital file or web page which has a schematic of the airport. Acquaint yourself with the layout, find where your airline’s check-in counter is. How do you get from there to Security, and then on to your gate? Have a picture in your head and you’ll find that you’re more confident and less stressed on the day of travel.

    If you’re flying in business class, first class, or you have elite status; you often have designated check-in counters. Check with your airline and see if you’re eligible to use these and once you’re at the airport have your confirmation or membership card ready to show to staff. If you’ve checked-in online and you already have your boarding pass, look for baggage drop counters. the queues for these counters are often shorter than check-in queues and you’ll speed through the airport a lot quicker. Didn’t have a chance to check-in online or print your boarding pass? Look for the touch-screen kiosks for your airline and use these to check-in. This should also give you a boarding pass and let you use the Bag-Drop counters.

    Once this is done, it’s time to wave goodbye to anyone who has accompanied you and make your way to security. More to follow…

  2. 7 New Year’s Resolutions for Travellers

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    New Year, new me. Right? We say the same thing every year yet how often do we actually make any sort of change to our lifestyle or behaviour? The average person will have broken their New Year’s resolution by the 10th of January. And they are the ones who bothered to make one in the first place.

    The 1st January is a great time to make a change in your life. Of course, it is technically just like every other day, but there is something in our psychology that responds well to the idea that a new year is a jumping off point for something new in our life.

    If you are an avid traveller and you want to up your game, why not use your New Year’s resolutions as a way to do so. Need some inspiration? Here are seven useful New Year’s resolutions for travellers.

    1. Stop Leaving Things to the Last Minute

    Wouldn’t it be so nice if the night before we set off on our travels we didn’t have a minor aneurism trying to get everything organised? Make 2020 the year of advanced planning so you can start your vacation stress-free.

    2. Branch Out

    It is easy to stick to the places we know and love. But, you never know what you might find if you opt for somewhere different for your holiday this year. The world is a big place full of wonderful things. Take the risk – you might be pleasantly surprised.

    3. Get Yourself New Luggage

    Is your suitcase falling apart or not quite big enough for all your vacation gear? Get yourself some new, good quality luggage. It will last a lifetime and you will feel ultra snazz waltzing through the airport with it.

    4. Stock Up on Air Miles

    If you aren’t already a member of a frequent flyer program I recommend joining one now. British Airways has an excellent air miles program and members can rack up points by flying with the airline, using the British Airways American Express card, and shopping through its online shopping portal. Trade in all your points when you have enough and enjoy seriously discounted flights and hotels.

    5. Leave Instagram at Home

    It is hard to live in the moment and really enjoy your holiday when you are constantly checking how many likes your photos got. Make your next holiday entirely yours and stay away from social media. You’ll have more to tell your friends when you get back and you won’t waste any of your precious holiday time.

    6. Learn Something From Your Travels

    On your 2020 vacation, make it your mission to learn as much as you can. You could pick up some of the language, learn about the history of the country, or even just take a local cooking class. Broadening your horizons is a great way to maximise your vacation time.

    7. Give Back to Your Holiday Destination

    There are so many different ways you can give back whilst on vacation. You could spend a day or two volunteering with a local project if you have the time. If you don’t, you could donate some money to a conservation program or buy a meal for someone in need. It’s up to you how you give back.

  3. Three Travel Tips

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    VIP Upgrades is dedicated to bringing you an upgraded travel experience. not only through various discounts and rewards, but also through knowledge and everyday tips to make your travel experience seamless. Here are 35 tips from our team to help you on your way:

    Tip 1: Take your time

    Nobody likes to be rushed. making sure that you have enough time in your travel schedule helps you be relaxed and in control of your journey. An added benefit if you’re travelling by air is that you’ll have some more time to unwind in the airport lounges that VIP Upgrades can offer you a discount on.

    Tip 2: Pack light

    Sometimes it cannot be avoided (think special events, or going to multiple climate areas) but it’s best to not take your entire wardrobe with you on a trip. We have it down to an art to taking a single carry-on suitcase for 2-3 week trips. It all comes down to making choices and being smart with what you take, which brings us to our next tip:

    Tip 3: Pack Smart

    Layers, layers, layers. Bring clothing with you that can be matched together to avoid having to take multiple outfits. Just changing an accessory or one piece of clothing can give you a fresh look. Bring clothing that you can wear in layers. No need for bulky sweaters if you can wear a T-shirt and an additional layer.

  4. 5 Spots to Check Out on Your Guatemala Vacation

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    You closed your eyes, spun the globe on your desk and planted your finger down on Guatemala. Now, you have no choice but to book flights there for your Guatemala Vacation. Or maybe you did something more normal like read a few blogs that said how great it was and let them influence you. However you ended up getting there, the important thing is that you are going to Guatemala and if you’re not already excited, this article should do the trick.

    Guatemala has been gaining popularity as a tourist destination for a while now, attracting backpackers and spiritual wanderers from around the world. If you’re ready to learn what all the fuss is about, make sure to add these five places on to your Guatemala itinerary.

    Antigua

    Undoubtedly the most beautiful city in the entire country, Antigua is an explosion of culture and colour. Colonial architecture in pastel yellows, pinks, and blues lines the streets, while the main plaza boasts a gorgeous cathedral, fountain, and countless street vendors selling shaved ice and other sweet treats. In the distance, beyond the city, you’ll see the smouldering peaks of volcanoes casting shadows over the bustling markets and eclectic museums.

    Tikal

    Guatemala’s most impressive collection of ruins, Tikal is a must-see, regardless of whether or not you’re a history buff. These crumbling temples are surrounded by thick swathes of jungle, filled with birds, monkeys, and all kinds of other animals. From the top of Tikal Temple 4 you can enjoy panoramic views of the entire site. In fact, this view is so breath-taking, George Lucas included it in one of the Star Wars films.

    Semuc Champey

    When it comes to natural beauty, few places on earth can compete with Semuc Champey. Hidden within a forest is a collection of natural pools that cascade down from one to the next. The water is a vibrant turquoise colour that glints in the sun and you can easily spend an entire day splashing around in it. If you want to work up a sweat before you go for a dip, climb to the top of the look out point (the mirador) and admire the pools from an aerial vantage point.

    El Boqueron Canyon

    If you’re the kind of traveller who likes to get off the beaten path and escape the crowds, don’t miss El Boqueron. There are very few guides online about this place as it remains relatively undiscovered. This tranquil canyon is unrivalled in its beauty and offers visitors the opportunity to swim, explore caves, and take boat rides along the Rio Dulce that runs through it. The best part is, you don’t need a guide or tour group to visit the canyon, simply organise for a driver to bring you and pick you up.

    Lake Atitlan

    In contrast with El Boqueron, Lake Atitlan is probably the most popular tourist spot in Guatemala. The vast lake and its surrounding mountains and volcanoes make for some extraordinary photo ops, while the lake itself shimmers endlessly. Take a kayak out onto the water or explore the Mayan villages that flank its shores to make the most of your experience here.

  5. Why Every Traveler Needs a Scratch Off Map

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    Imagine a huge map of the world covered in that foil you get on scratch cards that you scratch off with a penny.

    The point of it is to scratch off the places you have visited. Simple, yet brilliant and if you consider yourself a traveler then you need to get one. Why? Here’s why.

    It Is a Visual Reminder of What You Have Achieved

    You will never forget the places you have travelled. But, having a visual reminder beaming down on you from pride of place on your bedroom wall is a really nice way to visualize these memories. A scratch off map is a constant reminder of all of the amazing things you have seen and done. This alone will put a smile on your face every time you look at it.

    Traveling is a huge achievement and not everyone is cut out for it. If you’ve got the determination and motivation to step out of your comfort zone and into the unknown then that deserves to be celebrated daily.

    It Is an Instant Conversation Piece

    So you’re hosting a dinner party and your guests glimpse your scratch away map. Suddenly, there is something to talk about. You can recite those well-loved travel stories your significant other has heard a billion times, and your guests can shoot off some of theirs. You can exchange travel tips, compare travel plans, and even whip out some photos on your Instagram. Before you know it, everyone is chatting away and it’s all thanks to your map.

    Travel Gives You Bragging Rights and a Scratch Off Map is a Subtle Way of Doing It

    Everyone who travels automatically has bragging rights, but there’s a difference between letting people know you’ve traveled and being an obnoxious jerk about it. Instead of going around telling everyone about how well traveled you are, simply scratch off where you’ve been on your map and let that speak for itself.

    It Makes a Great Decoration

    When you decorate your home you should inject some of your personality into it. You can do this with the colors and furniture you choose, as well as what you adorn the walls with. If you love to travel then there is no better way to show this than with a scratch away map.

    Use it to Set Targets With Your Friends

    A scratch away map is a great gift for someone who loves traveling. If you know someone that shares your passion for exploring the world, why don’t you treat them to a map for their birthday/Christmas/random present day because you love them. Once you each have a map, challenge each other to see who can scratch off 20 countries first, or 30, or 40! There’s nothing wrong with a bit of healthy competition – especially if it drives you to travel more.

    It Will Motivate You to Keep Traveling

    Even the most voracious traveler will still have places on their map they haven’t scratched off yet. Let your map motivate you to keep traveling and keep scratching off new places. Who knows, maybe one day you will have scratched off the entire thing!

  6. Top 5 Reasons to Visit Costa Rica in 2019

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    If you are looking for a destination that has it all in 2019, look no further than Costa Rica. While Central America is often over-looked when it comes to vacation destinations, Costa Rica stands out as the shining gem of this part of the world. People flock to the tiny country from far and wide – and with good reason. No matter what kind of trip you are after, you will be able to find something to suit all tastes in Cost Rica.

    Need a little more convincing? Here are our top five reasons why Costa Rica should make it on to your itinerary this year.

    It Is Filled With Incredible Wildlife

    Costa Rica has one of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world despite its small size. In fact, you can find over 5% of all known plants and animals on earth in this tiny country. The country boasts several world class national parks, including Bahia Ballena, Parque Nacional Tortuguero, and Manuel Antonio. Within these parks you will see monkeys swinging from the trees, whales breaching in the sea and everything else in between.

    The Pura Vida Lifestyle Is Oh-So Appealing

    Costa Ricans call themselves Ticos and Ticas, a nickname that represents their fondness for affection and not taking things to seriously. This is just one element that makes up their famous Pura Vida lifestyle. Pura Vida literally translates as ‘Pure Life’ but it means a lot more than that. It is their way for saying everything is good and there is nothing to worry or stress about. Wander through any market in Costa Rica and you will find this saying emblazoned on T-Shirts, hats, and all manner of trinkets.

    The Beaches Are Out of This World

    Costa Rica has, hands down, some of the most spectacular beaches on the planet. Whether you travel along the Pacific or Caribbean coasts, you will find golden sand, soft as powder, fringed by lush vegetation and trailing down into warm water. Depending on what you are after, there are beaches for all occasions. Playa Conchal, Punta Uva, and Samara are all great for swimming, while Playa Grande, Dominical and Jaco are better for surfing. Of course, all of them are perfect for soaking up the sunshine and working on your tan.

    The Food Is Better Than You Think

    Forget about boring old rice and beans – you’re in for a real treat in Costa Rica. Thanks to the country’s two coastlines, seafood and fresh fish play a big part in the national cuisine. Head to Puerto Viejo or one of the other small Caribbean towns and you’ll find grilled fish, lobster, and scallops popping up regularly on menus. Served with coconut rice and seasoned to perfection, these dishes are utterly mouth-watering.

    There Are Dozens of Different Landscapes

    Not everyone will want to spend their whole vacation on the beach. Similarly, some will want a day or two at the beach and the rest of the time doing other things. Costa Rica’s landscape is exceptionally diverse. You will find a big city vibe in the capital, San Jose, complete with bustling markets and museums, but within just an hour or two’s drive you can be at the Arenal Volcano, exploring its rugged surroundings. Alternatively, you could venture into the cool, lush cloud forest or the humid rainforest if you want your nature fix.

  7. A Beginner’s Guide to Paris

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    Paris is without a doubt one of the most beautiful cities on the planet and is a far cry from anywhere else you will have seen before. With enough monuments per square mile to keep you occupied for days on end and the Champs-Élysées, one of the most prestigious shopping streets in the world, unfurling towards the Arc de Triomphe, a trip to Paris is one that will stay with you for the rest of your life. However, Paris is a tough beast to tame, with its numerous arrondissements, each with its own appeal (and un-appeal), the labyrinth known as the metro and the unspoken rules that determine Parisian life. Get to grips with the way Paris works before you get there and you’re guaranteed the trip of a lifetime.

    Transport

    Paris isn’t the biggest city in the world but if you try and cover it by foot, you’re going to struggle. The vast majority of Parisians and tourists use the metro to get around – it’s quick, efficient and reasonably cheap. However, if you’re unfamiliar with underground train networks, working out where you are and how to get to your destination can be a nightmare, especially if you have to stop and stare at a map while people are barging past you. Download the metro map on your phone (Paris Metro Map is a good app to use for this) and work out where you need to go, which train line you need to take and in which direction it should be going BEFORE you walk down those steps into the unknown. This will leave you looking like a pro and speed up your journey to no end.

    Food

    To start with, if you are a vegetarian in Paris you might be in for a shock. France is a very meat orientated country and while there are plenty of restaurants that will cater to your dietary requirements, don’t expect every restaurant to have a vegetarian option. Next up, regardless of your culinary preferences, mealtimes are a big deal here, especially lunchtime. You might be used to grabbing a sandwich and eating it on the go, but that’s tantamount to sacrilege in Paris. Here, you are expected to sit with friends or family and share multiple courses over a glass of wine or three. It is not unusual for lunchtime to last 2 hours – maintaining relationships is more important here than getting back to work. Also, don’t be asking for doggie bags if you don’t finish your meal, they don’t really exist in France.

    Sight-seeing

    If you’re clever, you can see some of the best that Paris has to offer without spending a centime. There are numerous museums that offer free entry all year round – these include the Maison de Balzac, Musée de la Vie Romantique and Musée Curie. Others offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month such as Musée d’Orsay, Musée des Arts et Métiers and the Orangérie. The Louvre also offers this deal but only from October through to March. If you happen to have an EU passport and are under 26 you will also gain free entry to many of Paris’s famous sites. A word of warning, when visiting the places like the Eiffel Tower and other tourist hotspots, keep an eye on your belongings. Pickpocketing in Paris is rife and clueless foreigners make excellent targets.

    This is by no means a comprehensive list of everything you need to know about Paris but the rest you can pick up while you’re there. Be sure to plan in advance and keep your wits about you and you’ll be sure to have a stress-free Parisian break that will captivate your heart and mind.

  8. 5 Travel Essentials for Long-Haul Flights

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    Unless you are flying first class, long-haul flights can be a real drag. You’re stuck in a metal tube, whizzing through the sky at an unfathomable speed, wedged into a narrow seat with your legs contorted as they try to fit into the leg-room provided. Ok, it isn’t as bad as I’m making out. And, besides, flying long-haul means you are either going or coming back from some exotic destination. The flight is just part of the experience.

    However, there are things that you can do to make these long flights more bearable. How is that possible, I hear you ask. Check out my list of travel essentials and you will see how your long-haul nightmare could turn into something dreamy.

    A TV Series

    You know all those times you wished there were more hours in the day so you could carry on watching your favourite show? Well now you have all the time in the world. Grab your tablet, laptop, or smart phone and load it up with episodes of that show you have been desperate to watch.

    Most online streaming services, including Netflix and Amazon Prime allow you to download TV series and movies onto your device to then watch later without an internet connection. This is crucial as you probably won’t have a WiFi connection at 30,000 ft. Although planes are now increasingly providing WiFi, it is often quite slow and expensive to use so it is better to avoid the risk altogether and download everything you need at home before you go.

    A Battery Pack

    Some planes have charging points. Others do not. Unless you are 100% sure that your plane has a charging outlet and will accommodate whatever you need to plug in (often they only have USB sockets), you should take your own back up power supply. If you are willing to invest in a decent battery pack, you will find that for less than £25 you can get a small, nifty device that will allow you to fully recharge whatever device you have between 3 and 5 times.

    Make sure the power supply is fully charged before you get on the plane and then use it to keep your devices alive while you travel. You will thank yourself when this means you can carry on bingeing through the TV shows you downloaded.

    A Neck Pillow

    Being comfortable cannot be under-estimated when it comes to long-haul travel. It will make your flight infinitely more bearable and stop you from getting off the plane with your neck cramped into some horrendously awkward position. Some neck pillows go around your neck and clip together at the front, under your chin. I recommend buying one of these as they stop your head from lolling forward while you snooze.

    Snacks and Water

    Planes really dry you out so it is important to stay hydrated. Taking a water bottle with you is essential as planes usually only provide you with a small cup of water every now and again. Of course, you can ask for more but do you really want to be the passenger pestering the stewards every 10 minutes for a drink? As for snacks, plane food is rarely gourmet and often is barely edible. Taking your own stash of snacks means you don’t have to rely on plane food or risk starving to death in transit.

    Beauty Bag

    Men, this one is for you too. Everyone should have a little pouch filled with the following things while they travel long-haul. Firstly you need moisturiser. Your skin will dry out on the plane so a good moisturiser and some lip balm will stop your skin going flaky while you travel. Secondly, grab yourself some toothpaste to get rid of your plane breath before you land. That’s it! Simple yet effective.

  9. Top 5 European Airlines

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    Flying can either by an incredible experience or an incredibly stressful experience depending on a number of factors. The most significant of these factors is which airline you decide to travel with. In Europe, we are fortunate enough to have a huge number of different airlines at our disposal, from budget flights that get you from A to B for just a few pounds, to heavyweight players who guarantee all sorts of luxuries.

    Sometimes the destination you want to travel to will only have one or two carriers that service it. In this case, your airline choice is pretty much made for you. However, as is much more often the case, there may be several airlines for you to pick from. If you’re faced with this kind of decision, then you should know a bit about the airlines rather than just blindly choosing. Here are our five favourite European airlines to help get you started.

    Lufthansa

    Passengers and the media are constantly praising this German airline and if you take a flight with the company you’ll see why. The product really is top of the range and while it is not a budget airline, you get what you pay for. The service is exceptional, the seats are comfortable and the airline’s premium classes are utterly divine. In fact, Lufthansa won an award for having the best first class dining – you know you’re doing well when even the dreaded plane food is good.

    Aeroflot

    It might surprise you to see this notorious company on the list of best European airlines. But, Aeroflot have come a long way since its early days and has dramatically improved its commercial offering. The planes are infinitely safer and the pilots are no longer ex-soviet fighter jet pilots, but instead correctly trained commercial captains. The airline was even named number one in Eastern Europe.

    Swiss International Air Lines

    This airline is just a baby, having only launched in 2002 from the remnants of what was SwissAir. The airline is part of the Lufthansa family so it should come as no surprise that it meets the standard of its big brother. The staff has been lauded for its smiles and accommodating nature and the comfort level seems satisfactory at least. Of course, the jewel in the crown on these flights is the complimentary Swiss chocolate that is given out at the end of the flight.

    Norwegian

    Based out of Oslo, this European airline has finally given travellers the chance to fly trans-Atlantic without forking out huge sums of money. Recently, Norwegian took the limelight in the aviation world thanks to its introduction of low cost flights from Europe to New York. You would think that a flight of that distance for such a small price would come with a few inconveniences, but the airline is remarkably classy. The seats are comfortable, the stewards are willing to go above and beyond and the food is pretty good – although you will have to pay extra for it.

    Air France

    France has certainly had a few hiccups recently, particularly due to labour and finance issues. However, this doesn’t seem to have had any long-lasting effects on the airline, which has now wowed the world with the unveiling of its new first class suites known as “La Premiere”. The ultimate in aviation luxury, these suites have certainly given this European airline the boost it needed to cement its position in the top five airlines on the continent.

  10. Where to Go on a Trip

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    Sometimes you only need a day or two to get the lay of the land of a new destination. In these cases, spending any more than a few days in said place can become rather tedious. The best advice I can give you is to know what kind of destination you are going to before deciding how long to travel there for. For example, you probably don’t need to spend two weeks in a city, but it’s likely that you would want to spend that long somewhere with loads of nature, beaches and great day trip opportunities. So, how do you know how long to spend somewhere? Well, everyone is different and everyone has different tastes but generally speaking I would recommend spending the following amount of time in the following places to give you an idea of how to do things.

    A Long Weekend:

    Paris, France

    This incredible city has a lot to offer but the hustle and bustle can get a bit much if you’re there for too long. A long weekend is the perfect amount of time to gawp at the wonders of the Louvre, stroll along the seine and fill up on crêpes before heading home.

    New York, USA

    The city that never sleeps is one of the most famous places on earth and is the ideal destination for a long weekend. Seek out the city’s cool art galleries and be a typical tourist at the Empire State Building for a few days here. Oh and be sure to tuck into a bagel or two while you’re there.

    1 Week

    Cancun, Mexico

    There is a lot more to Cancun that just parties and spring breakers (although it has these in abundance). Travellers can easily spend a week snorkelling in the warm water and taking day trips to see the stunning nature that surrounds the area. Spend at least one day out of the city to explore some authentic Mexican culture.

    Egypt

    Whether you want history, city or beach, Egypt just about has it all. If you are looking for a bit of adventure spend the day checking out the world famous Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Alternatively splash around in the Red Sea and dry off on the beach afterwards.

    Two Weeks

    Sri Lanka

    There is never too long to spend in Sri Lanka but not everyone has the luxury of prancing around the world forever. In this case, two weeks should suffice. Not only does Sri Lanka have one of the most stunning coastlines in the world but it also has rolling hills covered in verdant tea plantations and hundreds of breath-taking temples. You’ll never have a dull moment on this amazing island.

    South Africa

    The southernmost tip of the mighty African continent, South Africa has an array of wonders waiting to delight visitors. Simply driving along the scenic Garden Route is enough to make your jaw drop. Add in some cage diving and a whole load of delicious cuisine and you might just have the holiday of a lifetime.