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7 New Year’s Resolutions for Travellers

January 20, 2020 8:00 am Leave a Comment

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’s 5 Most Incredible National Parks

January 17, 2020 9:00 am Leave a Comment

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.

Three Travel Tips

January 8, 2020 11:00 am Leave a Comment

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.

5 Things to Do in Asia that Are Out of the Ordinary

December 23, 2019 9:00 am Leave a Comment

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!

5 Things You Need to Know About the Trans-Siberian Railway

December 16, 2019 9:00 am Leave a Comment

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.

Everything You Need to Know Before You Go to India

December 10, 2019 9:00 am Leave a Comment

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.

5 Spots to Check Out on Your Guatemala Vacation

9:00 am Leave a Comment

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.

How to Be a Responsible Traveller

December 3, 2019 9:00 am Leave a Comment

The world is in crisis and humans are to blame, so how can you be a responsible traveller? For decades we have been filling our air, soil, and water with toxins and it’s anyone’s guess whether or not we will be able to claw back the planet from the brink of destruction. This might sound melodramatic, but there is a reason why millions of school children went on strike recently to protest against climate change. It is real and it is happening, despite what certain world leaders might say.

Here’s the good news. You can travel and be and eco-warrior at the same time. They are not mutually exclusive. You just need to think a bit harder about the way in which you travel to ensure you travel practices are sustainable and responsible. If you want to adjust your habits to help save the planet, here are some suggestions.

Use Transport Wisely

So how to you travel responsibly?The fact is long-haul flights are really bad for the environment, but short-haul flights and passenger ferries are not quite as bad. Trains are generally quite eco-friendly, as are electric vehicles. Gasoline powered vehicles are highly polluting, especially over long distances. With this information, you should try and work out the most environmentally friendly ways to get from point A to B. Of course, walking and cycling are the cleanest way to travel so if you can use your own legs to get around, do it wherever possible.

Eat and Shop Locally

What else can you do to travel responsibly? Eating in a small family-run restaurant or street shack not only gives you a more authentic experience of your destination, but it contributes to the local community. The same goes for souvenir shopping. Buying local, handmade goods is an excellent way to put your money into the right hands, rather than fuelling big, polluting industries. You should also bear in mind the importance of paying a fair price, rather than always going for the best deal.

Take Nothing but Memories and Leave No Trace

It might be tempting to pick flowers from the forest or pick up shells from the beach, but if everyone did this it would be an ecological disaster. If you want to take souvenirs home, buy them responsibly. Similarly, leave the animals alone as this can wreak havoc within the delicate eco-system.

What’s more, do not leave a trace of your visit by carving your name into a tree or dropping your litter on the ground (even if the locals do so). Recycle what you use whenever you can and avoid buying and using things with lots of unnecessary plastic packaging.

Look for Accommodation with Green Practices

There are plenty of eco-lodges out there that have sustainable practices. These are usually small, independent businesses that deserve your support a lot more than the Hilton and Holiday Inn. Look for hotels with solar panels, rainwater collection buckets, locally sourced ingredients in the restaurants, and sustainable tours, among other things. You can add to the sustainability of your accommodation by not leaving taps running and switching off your lights.

Be Generous

You don’t need to be a billionaire philanthropist to be generous whilst on vacation. Don’t haggle merchants in to the ground and be prepared to buy an extra coffee for someone less fortunate than you. However, you should not give money to beggars, especially child beggars. This is tough, but if you do you are perpetuating the abominable practice of child slavery. Buy them food, sweets, toys – whatever you want. Just don’t hand over cash. If you don’t have money to spare, consider volunteering an hour or two of your time to a local project.

Why Every Traveler Needs a Scratch Off Map

November 14, 2019 9:00 am Leave a Comment

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!

10 International Foods That Only the Bravest Stomachs Can Handle

November 11, 2019 9:00 am Leave a Comment

One of the most exciting things about travelling is being able to sample all kinds of exotic, international dishes. No doubt during your time on the road you will across some weird and wonderful food and been equally curious and gross out by it. In general, when you eat gross food you will hate it at the time, but love it in the years to come as it makes for an excellent anecdote. In fact, the grosser the food, the better the story.

Of course, there’s always the possibility you might really like this strange dish you’ve been presented with. In which case it is win-win – good food and a cool story. So, if you’re ready to toughen up your stomach and try someone of the world’s most interesting food, take a look at this list for some inspiration on what to eat.

Shirako, Japan

Trust the Japanese to come up with this revolting dish. Shirako is the sperm sack or a cod, puffer fish or angler fish. It is gooey and white and looks a bit like a tiny brain.

Balut, the Philippines

Utterly stomach-churning, this dish is a fertilised duck egg containing a partially developed duck foetus. You’re supposed to crack a little hole in the shell and slurp out the juice before eating the rest of the foetus.

A-Ping, Cambodia

A-Ping is a deep fried tarantula, need I say more. These bizarre snacks are dirt cheap and pack a lot of protein if you can get past the fact that you are eating a huge spider. Eat the crispy legs first and then dig into the gooey body. Yum?

Cuy, Peru

Did you ever have a guinea pig as a pet as a child? If so, you might want to look away right now. Cuy is a national delicacy in Peru and is simply a roasted whole guinea pig. There’s not a lot of meat on it and it has a very strong game-y taste and the Peruvians love it.

Sannakji, South Korea

This dish is highly controversial and requires a young, live octopus to be chopped into small pieces and served up on a plate. When the plate arrives at the table, the octopus pieces are still wriggling around and the strong suckers on the tentacles kill at least six people every year as they choke on them. Enjoy.

Hákarl, Iceland

Hákarl is chunks of fermented shark and it is as gross as it sounds. The shark is served in cube-sized pieces and the smell it gives off is comparable to a mixture of cleaning products and urine.

Casu Marzu, Italy

A sheep’s milk cheese has its hard crust cut away after 3 weeks of curing so that flies can come and lay their eggs in it. The eggs hatch and the larvae eat the cheese and excrete it back out. We then eat the cheese, maggots and all.

Blood Soup, Thailand

Guess what the main ingredient of blood soup is. That’s right: blood! Pig’s blood to be precise. It isn’t the most sanitary dish on this list but it is definitely one of the best for anecdote fodder.

Escargot, France

Everyone knows that the French eat snails, but has it ever occurred to you that that is really weird and gross? The snails are usually smothered with garlic and don’t taste too bad so long as you swallow them quickly.

Escamoles, Mexico

Not to be confused with guacamole, escamoles are ant eggs. They are often pan fried and served as a topping alongside tacos and omelettes. They have a strange nutty taste and are considered a delicacy.

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