VIP Upgrades offers exciting membership options for a wide range of benefits. We have three tiers: Elite, Platinum, and Premier with exclusive benefits that only get better as you move up.Elite membership is our free option and gives you access to discounts for lounge access and priority services as well as car rental upgrades and not to forget our very own smart traveller series of guides, a valuable resource for the savvy traveller. Use our booking tool to find the best rates for hotels, airfare, car rentals, and events. Members even get exclusive access through our partners to tickets not otherwise available.
Platinum Membership gives you more priority services and introduces you to a new level of upgrades. An outstanding feature of this membership tier is the Platinum VIP Baggage Tracing service. Available as a basic option for Elite, the platinum service option comes with added benefits such as personalized cards offering you peace of mind should your bags be waylaid. Take advantage of our special introductory offer of 25% off Platinum Membership, today!
Premier membership is our top-tier status. We’re keeping many of the features under wraps for now, but stay tuned to find out how to experience the smartest way to travel.
Travel is one of the most enriching experiences you can have. However, it is not all beach cocktails and ancient ruins. As much as we all wish this wasn’t the case, there is a small minority of people out there who target clueless tourists with incredibly devious scams. Normally, this means simply getting money out of you, but sometimes it can be more sinister than that.
If you have fallen prey to a scam on your travels before then you will know that the feeling of being duped really sucks. Some scams are universal, so keep an eye out for these five major tricks and you’ll have much smoother and safer travels.
The Broken Taxi Meter
This is a classic scam that catches people out all of the time. You get into a taxi, you give the driver your destination and away you go. After a couple of minutes you realise they haven’t put the meter on so you ask them to. Oh, look, the meter is broken – what a surprise. You can ask for an estimate of how much it will cost but your driver will probably have forgotten how to speak English by that point. When you get there you’re charged five or even ten times the normal fare and there is nothing you can do but pay.
Avoid this by always asking about the meter before getting into the taxi.
Closed Hotel or Tourist Attraction
You ask your taxi driver to take you to a certain hotel or tourist attraction and they inform you that, sadly, that place is closed. However, they know another place that is just as good and they are willing to take you. They drive you to somewhere that will be invariably worse and more expensive and they get a commission off their mate who owns the place.
Avoid this by insisting they take you so you can see with your own eyes if it is really closed (it almost never will be).
Free Gifts
There is no such thing as a free lunch, nor do free gifts exist. You will often encounter people in the street who try to thrust things into your hands, insisting they are free. Bracelets or beads are common items to be handed. Once you have it in your hand there is no way they are taking it back and they are going to demand that you pay them for it. It’s an uncomfortable situation and for the sake of a dollar, you’ll pay just to get out of it.
Avoid this by never letting anyone put anything in your hand or on your body.
Child Beggars
The saddest of all the scams you will encounter, child beggars are used all over the world and it is a true tragedy. Who can say no to an adorable child who needs just a couple of dollars to help support their family or buy milk for their baby sister? The problem is, that money you gave the child goes straight into the pocket of whoever bought them, perpetuating the market for child slaves.
Avoid this by just saying no, no matter how much it breaks your heart to do so.
Damaged Vehicles (Especially Mopeds)
Hiring a vehicle abroad is always stressful and this scam does nothing to help. In most cases the owner of the vehicle will point out some miniscule scratch and demand a ludicrous sum to repair it – often in the hundreds of dollars. Seeing as you gave them your passport as a deposit, your hands are tied and you have to hand over the money.
Avoid this by meticulously going over every single part of the moped with the owner and taking photos of every blemish not matter how small.
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.
Canada is the second largest country in the world, but it only has a population of around 36.7 million. That’s less than California, which could fit inside Canada over 20 times. The point I am trying to make is that Canada has a lot of space and much of it is uninhabited. This gives the country ample opportunity to designate vast areas as national parks. If you are looking to be completely overwhelmed by the sheer power of Mother Nature, there is nowhere better to go than Canada.
If you’re planning a trip in the near future and want to tick off some of Canada’s finest national parks, here are five to get you started.
Banff National Park, Alberta
Perhaps one of the most beautiful national parks in the world, let alone just Canada, Banff National Park is the pride and joy of this gigantic nation. Situated in Alberta, in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Banff is Canada’s oldest national park. It comprises over one and a half million acres of alpine meadows, forests, glacial lakes and snow-capped mountains as well as some ancient monoliths dating back up to 120 million years.
Fundy National Park, New Brunswick
New Brunswick rarely features on Canada’s tourist trail, which is a real shame as it boasts one of the country’s most astounding national parks: the Fundy National Park. This park runs along the Bay of Fundy on the province’s Atlantic coastline. The most astonishing thing about this park is its tidal patterns. The tide rises and falls by roughly 12 metres every day and is considered a natural phenomenon.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia
Cape Breton is Canada’s version of the Norwegian fjords. Here, rugged cliffs blanketed with thick vegetation plunge into deep, blue river canyons. The dramatic landscape is nature at its finest and there are plenty of hiking trails snaking through the park that will allow you to fully soak up its splendour. The renowned Cabot Trail also runs through the park. This is a favourite among hikers and rewards those who walk it with panoramic vistas of this mesmerising scenery.
Jasper National Park, Alberta
Jasper National Park is on the eastern side of the Rocky Mountains and is characterised by its sparkling ice fields that stretch out seemingly to infinity. Combine the ice fields with alpine meadows, turquoise lakes, towering mountains and a huge expanse of back country wilderness and you’ve got one of the most incredible national parks in Canada. At night time, the natural beauty shifts over head – Jasper is recognised as one of the best places in the world for star-gazing.
Yoho National Park, British Columbia
Last, but by no means least, is the Yoho National Park in Canada’s westernmost province: British Columbia. If you were hoping to find a park that will allow you to disconnect from the modern world and explore wilderness that seems untouched by mankind, you’ll find it here. Glaciers and mountains are staples in the scenery of this park and the Iceline Trail is the perfect way to take them all in. And, don’t forget to leave some time to visit the iconic Takkakaw Falls, which are the highest in Canada.
Waiting endlessly at baggage reclaim only to see the same bags circle, none of them yours is an occurence no traeller wishes to have to experience; but it does happen. In the United States, the Department of Transportation publishes statistics monthly on airlines’ performance and one of the indicators is howmay bags are mishandled. This month, the DOT reported that 2.93 bags per 1000 passengers were reported as mishandled. Among the best carriers in the US is Virgin America, which saw fewer than 1 report per 1000 passengers of their bags not joining their owners at the destination.
Regional Carriers Expressjet and Envoy Air have the unenviable bottom positions in the list (Page 30)Travel insurance is a great way to make sure that should this happen, you can at least not worry about having to make expenses at the fault of the airline. However, of course you would like to be reunited with your bag. VIP Upgrades offers a luggage tracking service which enables people and airlines that find your bag, to contact you quickly and effectively so that you can be reunited with your posessions. Have a look at our lost luggage page accessed through the menu at the top, or by clicking here for more info. This facility is offered to all of our members free of charge and registration is simple.
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.
While all your friends are stuck in the office, poring over spreadsheets and listening in on meetings that could have been emails, it will be with the utmost satisfaction that you jet off to Asia. More so than anywhere in the world, Asia is a favorite haunt for backpackers. It has a fully fleshed backpacker infrastructure and, in many places, it is well-suited for a backpacker’s budget.
All packed? Time to make an itinerary. Most backpackers will quickly become familiar with the local hotspots when they arrive at a destination. Tourism agencies and other travellers will be singing the praises of various excursions and sights. But, it is much harder to find unusual activities that are off the beaten track.
Here are five such activities that you should squeeze into your schedule while you backpack through Asia.
1. Go to the Monster Café in Tokyo
Have you ever heard the Japanese talk about Kawaii? It means cute and the Japanese are obsessed with it. From girls dressing like dolls to Hello Kitty plastered all over the place, anything that could be seen as cute is pounced on and commercialized.
No place quite embodies this notion than the Monster Café in the quirky Harajuku area of Tokyo. This café goes all out, from the unicorn heads dangling from the ceiling to the neon food they serve. The servers in the café are girls dressed as ‘monsters’ (but still looking impossibly cute) and there are regular shows performed for kids during the day. It is the kind of place you need to go once, and only once, in your life.
2. Explore Divar Island in Goa
Most people, when they think of Goa, will picture beaches, bars and a raucous party scene. While this is not inaccurate, Goa has far more than just a nightlife. Get away from the beaches of Goa and you will be struck by the beauty of the region’s architecture and nature.
Divar Island sits in the Mandovi River and is sprinkled with gorgeous Portuguese villas, remnants from Goa’s colonial days. Spend some time wandering around, taking in the views and checking out the buildings. Don’t forget to visit the spectacular Divar Church as well.
3. Fire a Bazooka in Cambodia
As a pacifist, I have never had much interest in arms, but firing such a powerful piece of machinery is an exhilarating experience. Of course, you’re not actually shooting or hurting anyone, it is just some harmless fun. Shooting a bazooka doesn’t come cheap but it is a one-off experience that can just about be justified.
4. Visit the Upside Down House in China
The Upside Down House is exactly what it sounds like – a house that is completely upside down. If you go inside you will feel like you are walking on the ceiling. Look up and you’ll see furniture glued to what is supposed to be the floor. The house is in the Fengjing Ancient Town, situated about an hour outside of Shanghai.
5. Celebrate Songkran in Thailand
You will need to be in Thailand in April if you want to be there for the Thai New Year, also known as Songkran. This might not be the most convenient time to jet off on vacation but trust me, it is worth it. For an entire week, the country comes alive with celebrations and the energy is positively infectious.
The most common way to celebrate Songkran is to fill up a bucket or water gun and soak passers-by in the streets. Whether you want to join in with the festivities or not, there is no way to avoid getting drenched by both young and old Thais alike. Surrender your inhibitions and embrace the fun!
If you don’t like the idea of a scenic train journey through one of the most fascinating stretches of land on the planet, look away now. If, on the other hand, you think that taking a ride along the world’s longest railway would be an incredible experience, stay with me.
Running for 9,289km, the railway connects the Russian capital Moscow with Vladivostok, in the far east of Russia. The railway also branches off across the border and into Mongolia, China, and North Korea. For a handful of adventurous people, riding the Trans-Siberian Railway is a bucket list experience. Indeed, the train journey is a holiday in itself, taking the best part of a week to travel from one end to the other.
Has your curiosity been piqued? Would you like to know more about this iconic railway? Here are five things you should know before you go.
You Need to Have a Plan
Unlike most destinations, which welcome spontaneity, riding the Trans-Siberian Railway requires meticulous planning and forethought. First you need to sort out your Russian visa, which is no small task. Secondly, you need to get your tickets and know where you want to stop off along the way. Thirdly, this is a serious beast of a journey and you want to have plenty of time to enjoy it. Chances are you will spend at least six days on the train so ideally you want one to two days off the train for every day you spend on it.
The Food is Pretty Good But You Should Still Take Snacks
Train food doesn’t have the best reputation and Russia is hardly a culinary capital so it figures that Russian train food is going to be pretty bad. Fortunately, most people are surprised at what the Trans-Siberian Railway dishes up. Meals are basic but edible and they don’t cost an arm and a leg. You can usually get a starter and a main for around £25. Nevertheless, stock up on crisps, fruit, biscuits and nuts whenever you can because you’re going to get peckish and you won’t always want train food.
There Is a Big Difference Between the Carriage Classes
If you are on a tight budget you might want to rethink your plans. Travelling in third class on the Trans-Siberian Railway for six days is going to be uncomfortable. On the first night it might feel like an adventure but by the third night it will feel more like fresh hell. First class is ideal, but second class is satisfactory if you’re not willing to splash out quite that much.
You Can Ride the Train All Year Round – But Summer Is Best
The train runs throughout the year but if you want the best experience you should go during the summer months. From June until September you will have long days and plenty of sunlight so you can gaze out of the window and enjoy uninhibited views of the Russian countryside. Sunny weather also makes for more pleasant exploring when you disembark the train at your stop-off points.
You Can Carry On Into Mongolia or China But Plan it in Advance
If six days on a train through Russia isn’t enough for you, you can extend your journey into China or Mongolia. You can get a 72 hour visa for Mongolia if you are riding the Trans-Mongolian Railway but you will need to show proof of onward travel and your visa for the next country. If you plan on going into China then you will need to organise your Chinese visa well in advance.
India is one of the world’s most fascinating destinations. Home to ancient mysteries, outstanding natural beauty, and some of the best food you’ll ever taste, there’s every reason to add the country to your bucket list. While there’s no doubt your trip to India will be unforgettable, we want to make sure that it is memorable for good reasons. India may be a wonderful place to visit, but that doesn’t make it an easy travel destination.
Take a look at our guide that will give you a head’s up as to what you should know before you go.
India is REALLY Big
It is very easy, when looking at India on a map, to make a completely unrealistic travel itinerary. Do not try to cover too much ground on your holiday or you will spend the entire time travelling and barely any time enjoying the places you visit. Pick one or two states and stick to them.
You Will Probably Get Sick
The food in India is spicy and food hygiene levels are lower than what you are used to. This won’t kill you, but it will probably make you sick at some point. Stock up on diarrhoea tablets and antibiotics before you go so Delhi Belly doesn’t defeat you.
Women Should Cover Up
It’s sexist and out-dated but if you are a western woman travelling through India you need to cover up. Foreign women already attract a lot of unwanted attention so you don’t want to make it worse by flaunting your bare skin. What’s more, India is a conservative country so it is more respectful to the local culture not to wear anything tight or revealing.
Get Used to Having Your Photo Taken
An Indian family may ask you if they can take a photo of you with their children or something along those lines. Don’t be freaked out – this happens all the time, particularly in more rural areas where they aren’t used to foreigners. It might seem odd, but it is completely harmless so unless you’re really against your photo being taken, just smile and go along with it.
People Will Try to Scam You
If you had enough money to fly all the way to India, the presumption is you have a few dollars to spare on an inflated price. You can’t blame the locals for trying, but don’t let yourself be scammed. Ask taxis and tuktuks to put the meter on before you get in the vehicle and fine-tune your haggling.
Confidence is Everything
You might be used to being super polite and smiling when you want something done, but in India this can be interpreted as a sign of weakness. In Indian culture, confidence is key and the more assertive you are, the more seriously you will be taken – especially if you are a woman.
The Culture Shock is Real
Whether you are a first-time traveller or a seasoned pro, India will shock you. Delhi is one of the craziest cities in the world and Mumbai has a wealth divide that will leave your jaw on the floor. There’s no way around culture shock, so just open your mind and your heart and be prepared for anything. This will be the most exciting adventure of your life if you let it.
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.
