VIP Upgrades

Top 5 Fanciest Hotel Rooms in the World

April 27, 2020 9:00 am Leave a Comment

If you could stay in the fanciest hotel room in the world, where would it be? Where are the best VIP hotel rooms.On the off chance that you’re not willing to spend $50,000 a night, read on anyway so you can at least pretend you’re in one of these magnificent, palatial suites. There’s no better motivator for working hard and saving up than an insight into the world of luxury travel.

Raj Palace Hotel – Jaipur, India

This hotel is the embodiment of opulence and indulgence and was the hotel of choice for the Maharaja himself. The Shahi Mahal Presidential Suite is the room we are focusing on here, simply because it is on a whole new level of luxury and takes the definition of VIP into new realms of excitement. Gold leaf is the main décor of the room, along with dangling chandeliers and stunning, ornate furniture. With six bedrooms and its own theatre, you certainly won’t be pushed for space and all this for a mere $45,000 a night.

Hotel Cala di Volpe – Porto Cervo, Italy

The Mediterranean Coast is by far one of the most stunning places on the planet but along this shimmering shoreline not all hotels were created equal. The Hotel Cala di Volpe’s Presidential Suite is the kind of hotel room that dreams are made of – but it actually exists. The suite consists of three luxurious bedrooms, each kitted out with the kind of bed you never want to get out of and an interior design fit for royalty. Stay here and you’ll also be able to take advantage of your very own solarium and private pool.

Burj Al Arab – Dubai

Everyone knows about the famous, sail-shaped Burj Al Arab that sits pride of place on the sparkling seafront of Dubai. Famed for being the first seven star hotels in the world, the entire hotel is a beacon of luxury, from the hotel rooms to the restaurants. Turn your attention to the Royal Suite and you will understand the true meaning of VIP. With a rotating, four-poster bed, a gold plated iPad and a 24 hours butler service, you’re not going to want for anything during your stay in this unprecedentedly impressive hotel.

Hotel President Wilson – Geneva, Switzerland

The Hotel President Wilson has gained a worldwide reputation for being the most expensive hotel on Earth but, it must be said, the hefty price tag of $83,200 seems almost justified when taking a look at the Royal Penthouse Suite. With a private terrace offering uninterrupted views of the Alps and Lake Geneva, a personal butler and every amenity you could possibly wish for, this magnificent suite is one of the most perfect places you will ever see. The only problem is, you definitely won’t want to ever leave!

Four Seasons Hotel – New York City, USA

We couldn’t complete a list of the best hotel rooms in the world without choosing one of the most luxurious hotels in the best city in America. The Four Seasons Hotel offers the Ty Warner Penthouse for its VIP guests and just a glimpse at the photo is enough to make us drool. The suite offers 360-degree views of the city, guests have their own private spa and the bathroom is fashioned from rock crystal. As an added bonus, if you want to explore the city, you can make use of your very own chauffeured Rolls Royce.

If we’ve whetted your appetite for fancy hotel rooms, why not book yourself a little getaway? http://travelingdream.com/ has everything you need for the perfect vacation.

Is Travel Insurance Worth It?

April 24, 2020 9:00 am Leave a Comment

After booking flights and the first couple of nights of accommodation for your journey, you might be asking yourself: Is travel insurance worth it? When you’ve just spent so much money on other things, it can be hard to then part with another chunk of cash on something you might not even need.

Travel insurance is an annoying expense but it is worth it. It can save your butt and your wallet when you least expect it. Not convinced? Let’s break it down and look at why travel insurance is worth it and why you really do need it because who knows what might happen.

What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

Let’s take a look at exactly what you will be paying for if you decide to buy travel insurance. Most insurance policies cover at least the following:

Trip Cancellation or Interruption
Lost and Stolen Baggage and Belongings
Medical Emergencies and Death

No matter how invincible you might feel, any of these things could happen to you. Of course, it is extremely unlikely that you will die or be seriously injured on your trip. However, if you aren’t covered by a decent insurance policy you could face medical or repatriation costs that run up into the hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. For example, an air ambulance from the US East Coast to the UK will cost you around $50,000 if you don’t have insurance.

How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?

Travel insurance doesn’t cost as much as you probably think it does. Obviously, it depends on who you buy with and what it covers but overall it shouldn’t deplete your budget too much. Generally people spend around 5% of the total cost of their holiday on travel insurance.

A decent policy should have the following included:

Up to £10m in medical expenses
£200 towards replacing necessities in delayed baggage
£5,000 of cancellation reimbursements
£1,500 for trip interruptions – so that you can continue your trip if an emergency happens and you have to go home
£25,000 pay out for personal accidents
£500 for loss or theft of money
£600 to replace lost or stolen travel documents and to cover expenses of travel or accommodation you need in the process

How Do You Choose Travel Insurance?

There are hundreds of different insurance companies that will offer you all kinds of policies. This can make choosing travel insurance quite tough. You want to make sure it is comprehensive but you also don’t want to pay through the roof for it. World Nomads is a popular provider because they cover virtually everything and have a good reputation for pay-outs.

If you want to do some research yourself before you choose who to go with then there are plenty of comparison websites like Money Supermarket that will help you out.

What you should be looking for primarily with your travel insurance is good medical cover. It is a good rule of thumb to opt for a policy that will pay for medical expenses up to £5,000,000, including repatriation costs. The more you can get on this front the better. Bear in mind that if you are buying travel insurance for high risk destinations or activities, your premium is likely to be much higher.

Basically, the more dangerous your holiday, the more your travel insurance will cost. Unfortunately, your need for travel insurance will also be higher. It’s a pain but that’s just how it is. Insurance companies are businesses after all and profit is everything.

To conclude: buy travel insurance. Once you know you’re covered, you can relax and enjoy your trip. It really makes traveling so much easier. If you can’t afford to buy travel insurance then you cannot afford to travel.

The Most Spectacular Treks in the World

April 17, 2020 10:00 am Leave a Comment

Trekking is always so much better than we imagine it’s going to be. Spending multiple days walking through the wilderness with a heavy pack on your back certainly isn’t the most glamorous way to spend your vacation, but when you’re doing it, there’s nowhere in the world you would rather be. We spend so much of our life sitting down, sometimes we need a multi-day hike to expend all that excess energy we aren’t using.

Whether you are a trekking enthusiast or you’ve never walked further than your local shop, we can all appreciate the difference between a spectacular trek and an average trek. Spectacular treks go through scenery that blows us away and are challenging but not inaccessible. These treks are photo-worthy every step of the way and the five days we spend walking feels like just a few hours.

If you want to do a trek like this on your next holiday look no further. Here is the crème de la crème of the trekking world.

The Salkantay Trail, Peru

The Inca Trail gets all the glory, but the Salkantay Trail, which leads all the way to Machu Picchu, is just as good and it’s free as opposed to $500. For 3-4 days you will walk through the lush Sacred Valley, flanked on either side by snow-capped mountains. Chances are you will spend entire days without seeing another living soul. Be sure to take the quick detour to the glacial lake on your way, you won’t regret it.

Everest Base Camp, Nepal

Honestly, can you think of a more famous trek than this one? Mount Everest is a name that strikes a mixture of fear and wonder into the heart of an individual. It is a monstrous mountain, only summited by the brave and insane. The trek to the Everest Base Camp is certainly no walk in the park, but it is far from impossible. Follow your Sherpa through the icy passages that lead to the camp and enjoy that incomparable sense of accomplishment when you arrive.

Torres del Paine Circuit, Patagonia

When it comes to rugged natural beauty, Patagonia takes the crown. The jagged peaks of its principal mountains distinguish Torres del Paine. The trek takes you around the bases of these mountains and past glaciers and lakes that make for some stunning photo ops. If you want a trek that takes you away from any form of civilisation, this one will do the trick.

The Camino de Santiago, Spain

Technically you could do this trek for a whole month if you had the energy. But, I recommend you pick one section of the route and go for just a few days. Back in the day, the Camino was one of the most important pilgrimage routes in the world. It guided people from all over the world to Santiago de Compostela, a beautiful city with a magnificent cathedral. Hundreds of thousands of people still do this trek every year so you’re likely to make a few friends along the way.

The Lost City, Colombia

Time to swap the snowy mountains for something a little more tropical. The Lost City trek involves five days of hiking through lush jungle and sleeping in open air hammocks along the way. You will pass through indigenous jungle villages and explore the remnants of ancient civilisations. The final part of this journey is an ascent up 1200 steps – not ideal after five days of walking, but the views from the top make it all worthwhile.

6 Great Destinations to Visit as a Couple

April 10, 2020 9:00 am Leave a Comment

Traveling with your significant other is one of the best ways to really enhance your relationship. Away from the stresses of every day life, the two of you can spend some quality time together – an essential factor for a successful relationship.

Now you’ve decided you want to go away somewhere with your significant other, the question remains: where on earth do you go? Take a look at our ideal couples destinations.

Sri Lanka

When it comes to couples destinations, Sri Lanka reigns supreme. It might be an over-used cliché to describe a country as having ‘something for everyone’ but Sri Lanka really does. From the golden beaches on the South and West coasts to the lush, green highlands there is literally nothing not to love about this beautiful island.

Popular activities in Sri Lanka include elephant safaris in the numerous national parks, hiking in the highlands and visiting some of the country’s UNESCO sites. Sigiriya Rock, Dambulla and Adam’s Peak are all UNESCO World Heritage sites and are well worth a visit.

Peru

Steeped in the ancient mysteries of the Incas, Peru is a great destination for couples that appreciate the great outdoors and history. The country is peppered with ancient ruins that are easy to explore and offer an insight into the ancient civilizations that ruled in bygone days.

Naturally, Peru’s pride and joy is Machu Picchu, but there are plenty of other highlights for couples to enjoy. These include Colca Canyon, the sand dunes Huacachina and the jungle in Iquitos.

Kenya

For those who have an adventurous streak, Kenya can be the perfect couples destination. With a very realistic chance of seeing the famed Big 5, safaris in Kenya are the number one activity for travelers. After a day of driving around in search for animals, couples can retire to the comfort of a lavish safari lodge for a sundowner and a spot of stargazing.

Italy

Few places on earth are quite as romantic as Italy. Couples who travel here are guaranteed an unforgettable experience from the beginning until the end of the vacation. Highlights of a trip to Italy include the gorgeous beaches and houses of Cinque Terre; the historical wonders of Rome; and the magical canals that wind through Venice.

Of course, it would be a crime to write about how amazing Italy is without mentioning the food. There is a good reason why Italian food is the most popular cuisine in the world. It is utterly divine. Be prepared for a pizza and pasta overload while you holiday in Italy.

Colombia

Despite its rather turbulent past, Colombia is back on the map and is one of the most up and coming travel destinations in the world. Couples can enjoy long walks through the beautiful highlands of the coffee region or a camping excursion on the sublime beaches of Tayrona National Park.

For those looking for a bit of action, Medellin, Cartagena and Bogota are all lively cities with plenty of culture to discover. Check out some of the fantastic museums and galleries or take a stroll through the central plazas for a taste of the city’s history.

Indonesia

You’ve probably heard of Bali, but did you know that that is just one of around 18,000 islands that make up Indonesia. In fact, Indonesia is made up of so many islands it isn’t entirely sure what the exact number is!

Couples who define themselves as animal lovers would be crazy to miss the chance to go to Komodo Island. Here, komodo dragons roam wild and free across the island. Those who prefer flora to fauna can check out the rice paddies in Ubud or the glorious beaches in Lombok.

Five tips for taking carry-on only

April 3, 2020 9:00 am Leave a Comment

A smart traveller knows what to take along with them on a trip and what to leave behind. Airlines are squeezing ever more revenue out of their passengers by charging for such things as baggage. We’ve put together a list of some of the things you, as a savvy traveller, can do to pack light and hopefully avoid those fees.

Tip 1 – Roll your clothes

Sometimes packing light isn’t just about minimizing what you take. You’ll find that if you roll your clothes you can fit more into your suitcase. an added benefit of this is that your clothes will come out less wrinkled than when they are folded. It’s counter-intuitive, I know. But trust me – it works.

Tip 2 – Fill empty space

One of the biggest mistakes I see people making when packing a bag is not taking advantage of some of the space in their suitcases. I’m not talking about pouches or compartments here. I’m talking about things like shoes here. Stuff a few pairs of socks in your shoes before packing them and make use of the space they provide when they’re not on your feet.

Tip 3 – Use packing cubes

Packing cubes are smaller pouches which can not only help sort clothes and keep things separate in your suitcase, they can also help reduce space by compressing the items in them further, allowing you to get even more out of the space in your bag.

Tip 4 – Wear bulky items

Strolling around Honolulu airport in the middle of summer in a parka might raise some flags. If you can, though, wear or carry your bulky items like a jacket separately. In turn, when you’re on the plane, don’t take up luggage space by spreading out your jacket (preventing someone else’s bag from going in that space) but lay it on top of your bag in the bin, or under the seat in front of you.

Tip 5 – Make sure it fits

The last thing you want is to turn up at the airport and have the bag be too big or bulky to be allowed as carry-on. Make sure you check with your airline what you are allowed to bring on board with you and stick to those limits. Pay special attention to the weight of your bag as some airlines are very strict about how much a carry-on can weigh. When measuring the bag, make sure to include wheels, handles, and anything that may stick out.

Stopover Destinations

March 20, 2020 9:00 am Leave a Comment

Sometimes they are planned, but sometimes they just happen to be unavoidable; long layovers. Iceland is one of the countries that has actually made a segment of its tourism industry depend on it. Icelandair and Wow both offer travellers the opportunity to include a stopover in the country at no additional cost in airfare. Of course, you will have to arrange your own accommodation and transfers; but these are often included in package deals, or you can find some great discounts during the booking process.
An airline that takes it even further is Emirates. For its passengers who are forced to have a long connection because of the airline’s schedule, Emirates will provide accommodation and transfers to help you pass the time and freshen up during your stay. If you’re flying Business or First Class, this service is made available to you during layovers that last more than 6 hours; for economy passengers, you’ll have to have at least an 8-hour layover. The airline calls this service “Dubai Connect”.
In both cases as described above, be sure to check that you meet all the visa requirements for these countries; because you will be leaving the airport. Of course, even if the airline doesn’t put you up in a hotel, or you didn’t get a stopover deal as part of your booking, there are times when you just happen to have a long layover. There are definitely airports in the world where this isn’t a hardship at all. Singapore’s Changi airport’s strategy is to be the world’s favourite airport; perhaps unofficially so, but from our experience it is a pleasure to fly to and through. Whether you want to take a dip in the pool, or catch a movie; there’s plenty to keep you occupied. You don’t even have to walk down stairs if you take the slide!

Finding a Boutique Hotel

March 16, 2020 9:00 am Leave a Comment

One of the major advantages the Boutique Hotel brands offered by the major chains have is their visibility. They are listed on not only their own websites, but feature by default on sites such as hotels.com and Expedia. These hotels have the klout of their parent companies to generate bookings. What about the independent boutique hotels. They do not have a multi-million dollar marketing machine at their disposal. Often these are hotels that are privately run with no corporate affiliation or identity other than their own. This independence can make them hard to find; but ultimately worth searching for.

A good place to start is your web browser. To do business in this day and age, you need a web presence. In fact, by reading this article, you have already started your search online. Typing your destination and ’boutique hotel’ into your favourite search engine is a good next step in finding your getaway address. Even if you don’t have a specific destination in mind, using a search engine to search for boutique hotels can yield good results. The hotels you’ll come across and the sites you’ll see are ones that have spent the time and taken the effort to get high search engine rankings.

Once you’ve found some potential addresses, have a look and see what people say. Hands down the most popular source for traveller reviews is TripAdvisor. Their website lists reviews from everyday travellers on not only accommodation, but also activities. Take some time to read the reviews of the hotel you have in mind. read some good, and some bad. If many reviewers say the same thing, good or bad, it can help you in determining what to expect. Another great thing to look out for on TripAdvisor are responses by hotel management. The site allows verified hotel staff to reply to guest comments. A good hotel will read the reviews and offer a personalized response addressing any flaws; but also showing thanks for praise and a job well done.

Finally, there are some sites that provide listings of boutique hotels and will offer booking services as well. Sites such as Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Small Luxury Hotels and Tablet Hotels all allow hotels to register with them; and wach has its own level of scrutiny before allowing a hotel to be listed. We have not (yet) tried these sites for booking, but they can certainly be used in your overall search for that perfect getaway.

Questions, don’t hesitate to contact us; we’re happy assist you: contact@vipupgrades.com.

The Best Hotels in Las Vegas

March 13, 2020 9:00 am Leave a Comment

When translated, Las Vegas literally means: The Meadows. Contemporary travellers will be forgiven for failing to see the resemblance on what has now become the strip and the surrounding city area. Nestled in a valley with mountains on all sides, the city of Las Vegas and the surrounding areas have been a popular tourist destination since the mid 20th century. Ever since the Mirage Hotel opened in 1989 hotels have been becoming bigger and bigger. 15 of the top 25 hotels by number of rooms are on the Las Vegas strip. Glamourized in film, and by public perception there is a lot on offer in Sin City.

Starting with the Mirage and its parent company MGM Resorts International, the company own and operate a chain of some of the top hotels on the strip. The Mirage being the oldest mega resort, it has since been overtaken by the MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Bellagio, Circus Circus, and the Luxor hotel within the chain. Each of these hotels offers a unique theme and experience to its guests.

The largest hotel complex in Las Vegas is the Venetian and the Palazzo. Set around Italian themes, the hotels even feature a Lamborghini dealership should you get lucky at the casino. Another Unique feature of the Palazzo is that it is the largest LEED Silver Certified building in the US. No easy task considering the city is in the middle of a desert.

Part of the Blackstone group, the Cosmopolitan is considered mid-size of the mega hotels in the area, however, there is nothing mid-range about the hotel. Opened in 2010 it boasts over 110,000 sq. ft of gaming space and just shy of 3,000 rooms. There is no shortage of entertainment in the city itself, but the Cosmopolitan can lay claim to one of the top-grossing night clubs in the country.

With plenty of options, there is no shortage of places to stay and you’ll be sure to find something to fit whatever mood you are in.

Boutique Hotels

March 9, 2020 9:00 am 1 Comment

The term boutique in the English language epitomizes fashionable, upscale, unique, and independent lifestyles. Boutiques tap into a niche of the market and distinguish themselves from the bigger players who cater to a wider audience. When it comes to hotels, boutique hotels are not about the product but about the experience. Boutique hotels aim to offer their guests an upscale experience that cannot be matched by the bigger chains. Each hotel adds its own flair and a sense of individuality to the guest experience. Whether it be the smaller size of the hotel, or its unique setting and features; boutique hotels are each unlike any other.

Whilst the large hotel groups, despite being segmented, still focus on the mass market and appeal to as many travellers as possible; their properties often appear as if they’ve been formed from a mold. Boutique hotels redefine the experience and actively attempt to appeal to personal taste and preference which is often eschewed among the name-brand hotels in the interest of neutrality and mass-appeal. Though this isn’t going to go away entirely, many of the large hotel groups have launched brands that emulate and tap in to the boutique hotel experience.

A personal touch, Hotel Indigo Hong Kong

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) launched the Indigo brand of hotels with a view to create “the individuality of a boutique hotel with the reliability of one of the world’s leading hotel companies.” Starwood competes with its W brand of hotels which focuses on the experience and luxury lifestyle. Hyatt’s Andaz properties are “boutique-inspired” priding themselves with an individualized service model and progressive style. Recognizing the need to speak to the market of the sophisticated traveller these hotels are designed to offer that sense of individuality and connectedness with the cities and areas they are located in.

Whether it’s a secluded retreat in a small privately owned hotel, or a break from the mold in a thriving metropolis you’re looking for; there are plenty of options. VIP Upgrades will help you explore these options in our upcoming Boutique Hotels series. Keep checking back to this blog for more.

How to Obtain Elite Hotel Frequent Stay Status…..Quickly

March 6, 2020 9:00 am 1 Comment

Much like airlines, hotels provide elite status to their most loyal members with a range of benefits and services. But what if you are switching brands, or your travel patterns change; you don’t want to start from a basic level again. Here are some ways to get Elite status at some of the major hotel chains.

Club Carlson (Status Match)

Although it’s not currently publicly offering status matches, Club Carlson apparently does so discreetly on an ongoing basis. To get your status matched, email them here and include a screen shot of your current hotel elite status, your Carlson Gold Points number and request a status match. They match to both Silver and Gold status (low and mid-tier respectively) but almost never match to their highest Concierge level.

Hyatt (Status Challenge)

Hyatt currently has a Diamond Trial Offer available. You will receive trial Diamond membership for 60 days with proof of top-tier status with one of its competitor programs. However, you must complete 12 nights in 60 days to maintain Diamond membership through February of 2015. You will also receive 1,000 bonus points on your first six eligible nights within 60 days, up to a maximum of 6,000 bonus points. Be aware that the earning period for the promotion begins at the time of enrollment. Email goldpassport@hyatt.com to sign-up for this offer.

IHG Rewards Club (Status Match)

IHG Rewards/Priority Club will offer a status match for their competitors. Make sure you first sign-up for a IHG Rewards Club account. To request a status match send an email to PriorityClub@ihg.com with a screenshot of status from a competitor. Depending on your status, they may offer you a challenge or a status match.

Kimpton (Status Match)

Kimpton offers two membership levels: InTouch and Inner Circle. To match your current hotel status to Kimpton, take a screenshot and attach your current statement in an email asking for a match to: GuestLoyalty@KimptonGroup.com.
Marriott (Status Challenge)
There is no formal status match with Marriott, however if you email elite.member@marriott.com and express your interest they may offer you a Platinum Challenge. Typically this would require nine stays in 3

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