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The Smarter Way to Travel™

Category Archive: Blog

  1. Travel that Makes Memories

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    Someone once said “travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer” and you will never know how true this really is until you yourself have travelled. The world is becoming smaller everyday with budget airlines making foreign lands far more accessible. This means there has never been a better time to travel than right now. So, hop on a plane and open your eyes to cultures and experiences that you never even knew existed. Whatever you do, you will come away with memories, but there are a few things you can do to make sure your memories are the best they can be.

    Say Yes to Everything

    Chances are you will only ever be cruising along a river in Myanmar or swinging in a hammock in the Amazon Rainforest once in your life. With this in mind, you should say yes to every opportunity that comes your way. You never regret the things you do, only the things you didn’t do. You might be terrified of the idea of jumping off a cliff into a lagoon but imagine how proud you will be when you actually do it. Similarly, you might not be keen on trying some weird local dish, but, who knows, you might end up loving it – and if not, it makes for a good story!

    Keep Ticket Stubs

    Ticket stubs are a great way to collect tangible memories. Take a little pocketbook or folder and stuff it full of train tickets, entry stubs and boarding passes. You will be able to go through it years later and remember the story behind each ticket you come across. If you plan on making a scrapbook about your travels, these make good decorations and prompts for amusing anecdotes – of which you are sure to have plenty.

    Live in the Moment

    One of the worst things about travelling – especially if you are on the road for a while – is that you are constantly thinking about the future. Where will you go tomorrow? How will you get there? What will you do when you get back home? It can be hard to switch these thoughts off but you should give it a go nonetheless. Try and focus 100% on what you are doing in that exact moment, without thinking about what comes next. This will allow you to be fully absorbed in the moment and to enjoy it much more. A sure-fire way to create sterling travel memories.

    Talk to People

    Without a doubt, one of the best ways to create amazing travel memories is by talking to people. Local people are usually very happy to give you advice, tell you about their city or just to chat to you. Spend some time getting to know the people of whichever city you end up in and your experience will improve dramatically. Ask for restaurant recommendations or quiz them on what sights you should be seeing. They might let you in on a local secret (some sort of hidden gem that isn’t in the guidebooks) and this could be the best part of your entire trip.

    Learn

    Before you even get on the plane, you should do some research about where you are going. Learning a bit about the history and culture of a country will help you contextualise what you see and experience while you are there. It will also explain why the country is the way it is today. If you went to Cambodia without knowing about Pol Pot’s dictatorship, a lot of what you saw wouldn’t make sense. Once you get there, carry on learning. Expand your knowledge of the country and you will have a much richer experience.

  2. Vacation of a Lifetime

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    There are some places in the world that offer more than just your average holiday destination. Some places that require saving for, planning vigorously and scooping your jaw up off the floor when you see and do things you never even dreamed of. These destinations are where we go when we want the vacation of a lifetime. But, where are these mystical places and how do we make the most of our time there? VIP Upgrades has scoured the planet to create the ultimate list of vacation destinations that are guaranteed to blow your mind.

    The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

    Universally known for its astonishing flora and fauna, the Galapagos Islands have been fascinating visitors since Darwin first visited in 1835. Travel around the islands on a cruise ship, stopping off along the way to ogle the iguanas, boobys and sea lions that call this magical part of the world home. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for the famous Galapagos tortoises. The archipelago is made up of 20 islands, 13 of which are considered ‘major islands’. Each island has its own appeal and all of them are worth taking the time to explore.

    Myanmar

    Only recently opened for tourism, Myanmar is the only country left in Southeast Asia that hasn’t been tainted by an unfathomable influx of foreigners. Maintaining an authentic charm that is utterly captivating, Myanmar is perfect for a vacation of a lifetime. From the temples of Bagan to the bustling streets of Mandalay, the country is a delicate mélange of antiquity and modernity, surrounded by swathes of untamed nature. Sample the local cuisine, cruise along the Irrawaddy River and immerse yourself in a culture that has been preserved for centuries.

    Namibia

    Everyone dreams of going on a real African safari and seeking out the Big 5 and there is no better place than Namibia to convert this dream into a reality. Not only does Namibia offer the Etosha National Park and other wildlife-viewing hotspots, but it also has an array of activities outside of your safari. For example, you could drive along the eery Skeleton Coast; scramble over rocks in Spitzkoppe; and marvel at the sand dunes of Sossusvlei. You can also wander through the streets of Windhoek, the capital, or chill out at the beach in Swakopmund. The possibilities are truly endless.

    India

    India is a difficult beast to tame but if you have the time and patience it might just prove to be the vacation of lifetime. Enormous in size and populated with over a billion people, India requires more than just a week of two. Give yourself as long as possible to make the most of its numerous climates, landscapes and cultures. Be sure to spend some time in the Himalaya region up North before exploring the thriving cities of New Delhi and Mumbai. End your trip in the South, lounging on a beach in Goa, seeing the ruins of Hampi or checking out the lush jungle of Kerala.

    Russia

    When we think of Russia, we usually think of its two main cities: Moscow and St Petersburg. But, this gigantic country has a lot more to offer than just them. Once you’re done with the Kremlin and The Hermitage, head out of the city and take in some of Russia’s stunning natural wonders. A day or two on the banks of Lake Baikal is time well spent as is time getting to know places like Yekaterinburg and Sochi. Be sure to wrap up warm though, it can get pretty chilly in this part of the world!

  3. 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.

  4. 5 tips to simplify online travel booking

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    Going on holiday is one of the best things in the world. You get some stress-free time off work, during which you can do whatever you want, whenever you want and you don’t have to set any alarms. But, the process leading up to being on vacation can be potentially stressful if you don’t know what you’re doing. Nowadays, holidays are predominantly booked online, which is an absolute lifesaver. It’s quick, easy and you don’t have to wait on hold on the phone for 25 minutes. Online travel booking is already simple but there are ways to make it even easier and we are going to show you how.

    1. Be as Flexible as Possible

    If you can be flexible on where you want to go on holiday then you are likely to find some really great deals. The same goes for if you can be flexible with your dates. If you don’t mind where you go or when you go then you’ve hit the jackpot. Simply look out for the best deals and then base your date and destination on what you find. Googling the words ‘promo’ or ‘discount’ when you start searching for holidays can be useful.

    2. Use Google Flights

    Once again, Google has proved to us that they reign supreme by creating the ultimate flight search engine. You can search for flights by country, continent or ‘everywhere’ – allowing you to find the cheapest prices around the world. This could help you choose somewhere for your vacation or it could help you find a cheaper route to somewhere you already wanted to go. For example, you might want to go to Peru and a direct flight is £800 but a flight to Colombia is only £550 and to get from Colombia to Peru is £80. You might spend a bit longer in transit but you will save yourself £170. Bargain!

    3. Read Reviews

    Unsure about an airline or travel agency? Read some reviews on websites like Tripadvisor and Yelp before you commit. There is nothing worse than booking flights and then realising the airline you booked it with have a propensity for being delayed and cancelling flights. The same goes when booking hotels. It might look great on its own website but travellers will definitely speak out if it isn’t up to scratch.

    4. Check Multiple Sources

    Once you’ve decided where you want to go and when, use as many different search engines as you can to find the best deal and make a note of which offers appear on each one. To name a few: Skyscanner, kiwi and momondo are all great for finding and comparing flight fares. If you find a great deal, always check on the airline’s actual website to see if it is any cheaper there. If you are under 26 then I recommend using STA travel as they usually have some great youth deals.

    5. Book Things Early

    The earlier you book your flights and hotels, the cheaper they will be. Occasionally you will find airlines discounting tickets the day before the flight, but do you really want to wait that long and take the risk? If you know where and when you want to go on vacation, lock everything down as soon as you can, this way you get the stressful bit out of the way and you save a bit money as you do so.

  5. Summer 2017 on a budget

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    Summer has finally arrived. The sun is out, the office is getting stuffy and it’s time to escape to some exotic land for a week or two. Unfortunately, our summer plans are often much more extravagant than our bank balances. Flights are always a struggle but if you can find a great deal then you could be on your way to a blissfully cheap destination where you can live off a tenner a day. Yes, that’s right, there really are places where your daily living expenses will be so small you’ll wish you could stay forever. So, where are these magical, mystical places?

    Cambodia

    Southeast Asian countries are a favourite with young travellers because of their very attractive price tag and Cambodia is the cheapest of the bunch. With a hearty dinner and beer often coming to less than £2, you can eat out three times a day here without feeling like you are haemorrhaging money. Not only that but you have beautiful beaches in Sihanoukville and Koh Rong to sunbathe on and the world famous Angkor Wat to explore.

    India

    For some people, India can be an overwhelming destination. There are a billion people in this fascinating country, and in places like New Delhi, you can really feel it. However, escape the cities and head to the Himalayas or down south to the beaches and you could have the trip of a lifetime. Price-wise, India is very easy on the pocket, with curry, rice and a naan costing as little as £2-3 and budget hotels coming in at around £10.

    Peru

    When people think about Peru, they think about Machu Picchu. While this is the main tourist attraction in the country, there are hundreds of other amazing places to see that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Visit the jungle in Iquitos or scale the rugged mountains of the Sacred Valley. Food and accommodation are super cheap wherever you go and the abundance of natural beauty across the country should put Peru on your to-go list.

    Mexico

    Undoubtedly one of the culinary capitals of the world, Mexico is a fabulously cheap country that is jam-packed with ruins, beaches and jungle. Whether you are necking shots in Tequila, partying in Cancun or feasting on street food in Oaxaca, you are sure to have a wonderful time. You also won’t break the bank while you’re there. Bonus!

    Croatia

    If Italy was too expensive for you this year, Croatia is an excellent alternative. It has one of the most beautiful coastlines on the continent, with white cliffs, sparkling turquoise water and some great island-hopping opportunities. Divide your time between the beach and exploring the country’s gorgeous cities and towns. Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar truly are must-sees.

  6. Top Cities to Visit This Summer

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    Summer is well and truly on its way and you are probably itching to get away from the office. City breaks are a great way to escape the rat race for a bit without spending too much money or using up too much of your work leave. 3-4 days is the perfect amount of time to explore a new city, try all of its local food and beer and rest up before returning back to reality. So, if you only have a few days at your disposal, take a look at the top cities we recommend visiting this summer.

    Budapest, Hungary

    This European capital is one of the best destinations on earth as far as I’m concerned. Not only is everything incredibly cheap, but the city itself is beautiful with its fabulous architecture and the Danube flowing right through the centre. Be sure to check out the thermal baths while you’re there and to dig into some delicious goulash, Hungary’s national dish.

    Vancouver, Canada

    If you want a mixture of bustling city and breath-taking natural beauty then Vancouver is a one-stop destination for all your city break needs. The city itself is jam-packed with activity, from its thriving harbour to its shining malls. Grab a bite to eat at one of the numerous brunch hotspots before heading to Granville Island to check out the market. The next day hit the forest or the beach. There is so much to do in Vancouver you will never have a dull moment.

    Mumbai, India

    Mumbai feels like a different world to the rest of India. It is a sophisticated blend of modernity and antiquity, all underlaid by the remnants of British rule. Here, you will find cuisine from around the world (although I recommend sticking to Indian food because it is utterly divine). You will also find lively markets selling jewellery and saris; the Bombay stock exchange; and bars filled with trendy young people.

    Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Colossal in size and filled with culture and history, Buenos Aires is one of South America’s gems. Argentina is known for having some of the best wines and steaks in the world and where better to try them out than the country’s glittering capital. Spend your days gorging on gourmet food, checking out its numerous museums and ogling at the Parisian-esque buildings.

    Sydney, Australia

    You’ve probably seen photos of Sydney’s famous opera house but there is a lot more to this city than that quirky building. Sydney is the perfect destination for people who want to spend their days lying around on a beach but want to get back into the buzz of a city in the evening. There are hundreds of bars, restaurants and clubs all waiting to welcome you in after a day in the never-ending sunshine.

  7. Top Child-Friendly Summer Destinations in Europe

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    Taking children on holiday is notoriously difficult. They have a very short attention span but a whole lot of energy to expend. How can you have a nice relaxing holiday when you have a bunch of hyperactive youngsters, desperate for constant stimulation, running around? The answer is to choose a destination that caters to young people. This means not too many stuffy churches and historic sites and lots of space for outdoor activities. Here are our top suggestions for child-friendly destinations in Europe.

    Poitiers, France

    When you think of France, it is unlikely that Poitiers will be the first place that comes to mind. That’s a good thing. Fewer crowds of tourists mean fewer chances for your children to get lost or for you to get frustrated. The number one thing to do in Poitiers is to take a trip to Futuroscope, a futuristic theme park that will occupy your children to no end. The rest of the time you can wander through beautiful parks, eat delicious food and explore the gorgeous streets of the city.

    Barcelona, Spain

    Ok I know I said not too many churches but even children will be awestruck by the Sagrada Familia Cathedral. Once you’ve checked out the cathedral, fill your little ones up with mouth-watering tapas dishes then head to the beach. If your kids are particularly active, climb up Montjuïc mountain. This is sure to tire them out before you head back to the hotel.

    Reykjavik, Iceland

    For the more adventurous families, Reykjavik is a wonderful, albeit expensive, destination. Hire a car and head off on the ring road that passes by all sorts of incredible natural wonders. Stop off at the Blue Lagoon for a dip in the steaming water before carrying on to check out the various waterfalls, glaciers and geysers. If you time your visit right, you might even be able to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights – an experience your children will never forget.

    Amsterdam, Netherlands

    There is a whole lot more to the Dutch capital than just coffee shops and the Red Light District. Escape the crowds in the centre and Amsterdam is the perfect destination for you and your children. Tour the city on a rental bike and show your kids some of the most incredible art on earth at the Van Gogh Museum. When hunger strikes, there are hundreds of outlets selling delicious pancakes and waffles. What’s not to love?

    Copenhagen, Denmark

    The best thing about Copenhagen is that it is small enough to walk around easily but not so small that you will get bored quickly. The main allure for young children is the Tivoli theme park, situated right next to the central train station. Once you’ve exhausted the park’s selection of rides and amusements, you can stroll through one of the leafy parks, check out the little mermaid statue and learn all about universally renowned storyteller Hans Christian Andersen.

  8. 5 Trip Ideas for Summer 2017

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    With summer 2017 just round the corner, there is no better time to start making exciting travel plans. Whether you’re in the middle of exams right now or are sweltering in your office, planning your perfect summer is bound to make you feel better. Of course, not everyone has the same idea of what constitutes the ideal summer trip. Some people like to laze around on a beach and move only when they need to eat, whereas others like to be constantly on the go. Fortunately, we’ve got all bases covered with our list of 5 amazing trip ideas for your summer 2017.

    Lombok for Beach

    If all you want to do this summer is work on your tan and splash around in the ocean then Lombok is the perfect destination. Lie around on Senggigi Beach soaking up those blissful tropical rays or sip cocktails at one of the beach bars. And, if you get bored of this beach, you can hop on a boat and head over to the Gili Islands for yet more beautiful beach-ery.

    Tanzania for Adventure

    Tanzania is one of the ultimate adventure destinations in the world. Start off your jam-packed itinerary with a trip through one of the national parks in search of the Big 5. Once you’ve had your fill of animal spotting, why not give Kilimanjaro a climb. Known as the ‘mountain than anyone can climb’ this colossal mountain is certainly no mean feat so make sure you’re prepared for the challenge.

    Switzerland for Nature

    The rolling hills and glassy lakes that pepper Switzerland’s landscape have been the inspiration for numerous artists, writers and poets and once you see them you’ll realise why. Switzerland is natural beauty encompassed. While you won’t get to hit the ski slopes if you go in summer, there is plenty of enjoyment to be had by walking along the country’s verdant hiking routes.

    Mexico for Foodie

    You’ve never had real Mexican food until you’ve eaten it from a cart along the side of the road in Oaxaca. Mexico is a taste sensation with guacamole on tap and tacos filled to the brim with spicy delights. Travel around this vast country sampling its culinary delights and wash it all down with a healthy swig of tequila. It might not be the healthiest holiday of your life but it will certainly be the most delicious.

    Italy for Culture

    Italy might seem like too obvious a choice for those seeking a bit of culture for summer 2017 but it simply has to be on this list. With more beautiful cities than anywhere else in the world, Italy is the hub of our civilisation and has ancient wonders around every corner. Ogle at the Coliseum in Rome, float along the canals of Venice or visit a gallery in Florence. This is a one-stop culture destination.

  9. 5 Tips for Travelling Around the World

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    A round the world trip is a lifelong dream for many people. Whether you are quitting your job and hitting the road or you managed to get you boss to agree to an extra long holiday, nothing beats the freedom of the open road. You’ll see natural beauty, thriving metropolises and cultures you never new existed and you’ll eat all kinds of exotic (and potentially ambiguous) foods. But, travelling around the world doesn’t come without hiccups and obstacles. Fortunately, 99% of the time, these problems can be avoided or overcome with relative ease, provided you know what you’re doing. Check out our top tips for a stress-free journey around the world.

    Lower Your Expectations

    Things won’t always go to plan while you’re travelling so don’t waste your time worrying about it. Trains will be late, ATMs will be broken and your mattress might be a bit lumpy. All of this is fine – you just need to get used to it. In England, if your food takes more than 20 minutes it’s an outrage. In Peru, if your food comes within an hour you’re having a good day. Don’t expect everything to run smoothly and don’t get annoyed when it doesn’t – be patient, it could be worse. Save your energy for the things that matter.

    Cash is King

    If you are travelling anywhere in Africa, Asia or Latin America, you will very quickly realise the importance of having cash on you. Most of the countries found here operate on cash-based economies and your Amex isn’t going to get you very far if you want to buy a samosa from a street vendor. ATMs can be unreliable abroad so make sure you always have a back-up stash of cash at all times.

    Almost Nothing is Impossible

    If you really want to do something, you can almost always find a way to do it. I’ve had people tell me certain places are impossible to get to or that all the accommodation will be full only to discover that the complete opposite was true when I got there. Where there is a will there is a way, so don’t let anyone put you off doing something just because they think it can’t be done.

    Be Open-Minded

    When you experience a new culture you are likely to come across things that you don’t like or don’t understand. Keep an open mind and you will have a much better time on your travels. In some cultures spitting isn’t considered disgusting and burping can actually be a compliment. Try and throw all your preconceptions out of the window before you go.

    Don’t Be Scared

    Nowadays, the world seems like a pretty scary place but I can assure you it is not. The vast majority of people you will meet along your travels around the world will be lovely, helpful and interesting. People are not out to get you and there aren’t homicidal maniacs hiding around every corner. If you are in a poor country then yes you might be a target for theft but this is rarely violent – they just want your expensive things and can you really blame them? The world is full of goodness and the more you travel the more you will learn this.

  10. Top 4 Cruises in the World

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    Nothing screams luxury like lying on a cruise ship having your every need catered to. Well, not all cruises were created equal so forget everything you ever knew about cruises and prepare to be re-educated. These cruises take the concept of VIP living to a whole new level – the types of cruises that people who don’t bother looking at the price book. With everything on a sterling level, from the ship to the destinations to the service, read on to find on what are the top cruises in the world.

    Crystal Cruises

    Crystal Cruises has a pretty standard selection of all-inclusive packages but the reason why this company has made it on this list is because they have an array of extra snazzy packages for those willing to splash out a bit. Amenities in their luxury packages include golf lessons with PGA players, fitness classes and, if you book into their penthouse suites, you’ll even get your own butler. With trips all over the world you could be exploring the Middle East, Mediterranean, Mexican Riviera and more.

    Celebrity Cruises

    The fleet at Celebrity Cruises consists of ships that carry a mere 100 passengers to monsters with a capacity of almost 3,000. Whichever boat you choose to fall on luxury will be the modus operandi. The cruise line sails to destinations across the globe with trips lasting from a weekend getaway up to around 18 days. With a world of options, the sea is your oyster. On board you can enjoy dance lessons, wine tastings and more.

    Disney

    If you are travelling with children (or just as adults) the Disney cruise ships have everything you need and more for a vacation that will blow your mind. The biggest ship in the fleet can accommodate a whopping 4000 people – but don’t worry, everyone is treated like royalty. With a big focus on the Caribbean, passengers might get to visit Castaway Cay – the company’s private island in the Bahamas. Other destinations include the Norwegian Fjords and the Mexican Riviera.

    Seabourn Cruise Line

    This luxurious cruise line has built up its reputation by having a fleet of smaller but more high-end boats that cater to an elite crowd. Passengers typically have a bit more cash to splash and an appreciation of the finer things in life. With gourmet dining and opulent suites on offer, you might find it a challenge to ever actually get off the boat. Seabourn Cruise Line has destinations all over the world, including Antartica for those looking for something a little bit different.