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The Smarter Way to Travel™

Category Archive: Hotel

1. 5 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Travels

   November 17, 2017 3:19 pm Leave a Comment

   There is a well-known quote in the travel world that says: “travelling is the only thing you buy that makes you richer”. It sounds painfully cliché but it really is true. People that travel have their eyes opened to new cultures and develop an appreciation for just how incredible and diverse the world is.

   But, there is a technique to travelling. A technique that will turn you into a super savvy traveller who makes the most of every second you are abroad. If you want to learn how to make your travels as amazing as possible and have the richest of experiences then check out these handy tips and you’ll be travelling like a pro in no time.

   Say Yes to Everything

   It’s another massive cliché but you never regret the things you do, only the things you wish you’d done. So, unless you have a really good reason for saying no to something, you should always be saying yes. Some of the best experiences you will have on your travels will occur when you threw caution to the wind and said yes to something completely spontaneous.

   Talk to People

   There are a number of reasons why you should talk to people while you travel. Firstly, people who travel invariably have a few good stories to tell, so purely from an entertainment perspective they are worth conversing with. Secondly, they might have been to places you are planning on visiting. If this is the case they may well have some valuable information that could end up changing your itinerary. They might tell you that a temple you are dying to see is actually closed to the public or that a museum you were going to skip is really worth checking out. You might end up having a far better time because you took a stranger’s advice.

   Embrace the Weird and Wonderful

   When you are abroad you can feel a bit out of your comfort zone at times. The language might be different, the food could be a bit obscure or there might be certain local customs that you just cannot get your head around. Rather than letting these differences bother you, open your mind and embrace them as whole-heartedly as you can. You might feel silly joining in with a traditional ceremonial dance but if you let go of your inhibitions and do it, you’ll have a much better experience. It’s these strange features that make a country unique and create the best memories.

   Learn the Language

   You don’t have to become completely proficient in Portuguese just because you want to visit Brazil. However, if you can pick up a few basic phrases – or even just ‘hello’ and ‘thank you’ – then you will have a much smoother vacation. As English speakers we have it very easy when we travel. English is the universal language and everyone speaks it so why would we bother learning any other language? The truth is that speaking to someone in their native tongue is a sure-fire way to win them over – and this could really come in handy while you travel.

   Keep a Journal

   Writing in a diary might seem a bit childish but it is a really good way to capture your experience abroad. You don’t need to write pages upon pages every day detailing every single thing that happened. Simply jot down what you did and how you felt at the end of each day. In years to come you will look back at what you wrote and your words will bring back vivid memories. You can even use it to bore your kids and grandkids one day.

    

2. Art Basel Miami

   3:15 pm Leave a Comment

   Art Basel started up back in the 1970s when three enthusiastic gallerists put on an international art fair in Basel, Switzerland. Around 16,000 people turned up to admire dozens of galleries and the entire affair was a roaring success. Since then the Art Basel fairs have gone from strength to strength and are now held in Basel, Hong Kong and Miami every year.

   

   The purpose of Art Basel is to give credit to art galleries by recognising the role they play in supporting and nurturing the careers of artists. The shows provide galleries with the opportunity to showcase some of their most prominent masterpieces.

   This year’s Miami offering of Art Basel will take place between December 7^th and 10^th and will be held in the Miami Beach Convention Centre. The galleries that will be exhibiting at this fair hail from all over the world and will be bringing with them some of their best modern and contemporary artworks.

   During the fair, the main exhibition hall will be jam-packed with incredible pieces of art, including sculptures, paintings and photographs. Meanwhile, the landscape outdoors will be decorated with yet more installations – particularly those of a larger scale.

   The show will be divided up into different sectors to make navigating the mass of artwork slightly easier. The main sector is called “Galleries”. Here, you will find leading international modern and contemporary galleries displaying art in all manners and formats. The pieces on show will range from debut works from young artists to masterpieces fit to be hung in a museum.

   The next sector worth noting is “Nova”. This sector is all about embracing the new. Nova will feature select galleries presenting just a couple of artists – or even just one – whose work has been created in the past three years. Some of the pieces will never have been seen outside of the studio before.

   Moving on you will find“Kabinett”, an interesting space where galleries can showcase a whole exhibition by an artist of their choice. This provides excellent curatorial possibilities and can carve the way for rising stars in the art world.

   Another sector making up Art Basel Miami is the “Survey” sector, which will showcase historical projects. The works on show will span a range of cultures, generations and themes and will come from a variety of artistic approaches.

   If you are planning on visiting the Art Basel Miami show with kids then you will be thrilled to know that your little ones will be well looked after whilst there. There is a free kindergarten on site where parents can leave their children while they wander around the show. The professionals in charge of the kindergarten will engage your child in all kinds of fun arty activities with the aim of bringing out their creative side.

   Those really looking to make the most of their visit to the art fair should consider taking a guided tour with one of the resident experts. The guides can give you information about the artwork and answer any questions you might have regarding what you can see. Art tours are available throughout the day in a variety of different languages.

   If you’ve got an artistic streak and want to escape to the sunshine of Miami Beach this winter then Art Basel Miami is the ideal event for your calendar.

3. Where to Go on a Trip

   July 3, 2017 4:42 pm Leave a Comment

   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. Top 4 Cruises in the World

   May 15, 2017 3:10 pm Leave a Comment

   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.

5. Top 5 Adventure Vacations

   April 25, 2017 8:15 pm Leave a Comment

   While some of us use our vacations to do absolutely nothing as an antidote to our stressful work lives, there are others who use their precious vacation time to pump as much adrenaline through their body as possible before returning to the mundanity of everyday life. If you fall into the latter category, then you’re in luck because this article is going to tell you all about the top 5 adventure destinations in the world. So whether you like deep-sea diving or climbing to the highest peaks, read on and let yourself be inspired.

   South Africa

   There is absolutely no shortage of adventure activities in this exciting and diverse country. Perhaps one of the most popular activities in South Africa for thrill-seekers is cage diving. During this activity, travelers are submerged in the sea inside a cage in order to get an up close and personal look at the Great White sharks that live there. In equal parts terrifying and incredible, this is certainly not to be missed. If you prefer to stay on terra firma then seek out some big game on a safari or take a road trip along the Garden Route.

   Nepal

   Home to the highest mountain on earth – Mount Everest – Nepal has been a mecca for hikers from across the globe for centuries. Trek along the Annapurna Circuit or make your way to the Everest base camp for an experience you will never forget. Even if hiking isn’t your thing there is plenty of excitement to be had exploring the temples of Durban Square in Kathmandu and Nepal’s other royal cities.

   Peru

   Home to more Incan ruins than you could ever dream of, Peru is a land of mystery and mystic charm just waiting to be explored by those seeking adventure. Of course, the most popular site in the country is the famous hilltop ruins of Machu Picchu and its accompanying Inca Trail. However, if you are after something a bit less touristy, check out the Salkantay Trail, the Choquequirao trek or head to Iquitos for a bit of jungle mayhem.

   Borneo

   There are three separate countries on this fascinating island: Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. Whichever country you decide to choose as your base camp, you are sure to have an amazing time in Borneo frolicking with orangutans and exploring the dense, lush jungle. Borneo can also be a bit of an adventure when it comes to food so be sure to try as many of the local dishes as possible!

   Greece

   The Greek islands are some of the most popular vacation destinations on the planet and if you’ve ever been you’ll know why. Not only are there beautiful beaches all over the place, but the potential for adventure is enormous. Visitors to many of the islands can choose from scuba diving, quad biking, paragliding and all kinds of other activities. Alternatively, you can simply strap on your trainers and go walking alongside the rugged cliffs.

6. How To Complain About A Substandard Hotel Experience

   February 13, 2017 10:04 pm Leave a Comment

   There are few things worse than booking the holiday of a lifetime only to have it ruined by substandard hotel service. You’ve got the sun shining, the beach glistening and the cocktails flowing but back in your room it’s a completely different story. Maybe your hotel room is damp or the bathroom looks like it hasn’t seen a cleaning product in far too long, whatever the case, it is important to know your rights and know how to effectively complain about your experience.

   Firstly it is important to know exactly what to expect before you go. Read reviews online and do a bit of research about the hotel before you book. This way you will be able to tell more easily if the hotel is not performing like it should. If you book your hotel as part of a package there is a chance you might be given one of the cheaper rooms, so be sure to clarify this with the agency when making your booking.

   Once you are there it was be very easy to tell if your room is up to standard or not. If you are paying top dollar then you should expect next to perfection. This means everything is clean and comfortable, the room is sound proofed and all the amenities it should have are present and in good working order. As soon as you notice anything not quite right with the room you should report it immediately to the Duty Manager. Do not suffer in silence! You should get what you paid for.

   The majority of the time hotel complaints are dealt with effectively and the issue will either be resolved or you will be offered a different room or financial compensation. If this is the case then your job is done and you can enjoy the rest of your holiday. If, however, the hotel is not co-operating sufficiently then you have a bit more work to do.

   If you cannot resolve your issue at the hotel then you will need to make a formal complaint and submit it in writing. Take the names of the people you communicate with at reception, take photos of everything wrong with your room and make sure to be specific about exactly what was wrong with the hotel room. The more details you provide, the more credible your complaint and the more likely you are to be compensated for your poor experience.

   If you booked your hotel room as part of a package then your first port of call should be the agency through which you booked. You can contact the Association of British Travel Agents if you need more help dealing with this. If you booked the hotel independently then you will need to contact the management of the hotel. It is also worth noting that if you paid for you accommodation on credit card then you should be able to get some assistance from your credit card provider.

   So, in brief, as soon as an issue arises, calmly and politely explain to the management what’s wrong and ask if they are able to fix it. A big smile and a pleasant demeanour are worth their weight in gold in this situation and doesn’t cost a penny so don’t lose your cool until you absolutely have to.

7. Holiday Travel Options

   October 28, 2016 3:15 pm Leave a Comment

   The busy holiday travel season is just around the corner again. In the past we’ve looked at the best tips to get you to your destination whether it’s thanksgiving travel, or Christmas travel; many of us will be hitting the roads and taking to the skies again this winter. With so many options for holiday travel we thought we’d look some of the different types of holidays you can have.

   Stay-cationing with Family

   If you live far away from your family and you don’t get to see them often, the holidays form the perfect time to head over and reconnect. Maybe you go to a different family member’s house every year; or perhaps you always converge in the same familiar spot. Your options form part of your own experience and who are we to tell you what to do here. Having a familiar spot to hang your hat during your travels can’t beat even the best of hotels.

   Sun Seekers

   The further north we live, the further south we’re likely to travel in the winter. If, as mentioned above you are visiting family it might be an added bonus that these family members happen to live in a warmer location. Winter is prime time for islands in the Caribbean and the southernmost states in the US because of the warm climates.

   Hitting the slopes

   Whereas some people do what they can to avoid the snow, others seek it out. The more of the fluffy white stuff, the better. Skiing and snowboarding are heavily dependent on the season and it should be no surprise that winter is the best time to carve some powder. For those who are dragged along but don’t like to hit the slopes, many mountain towns and ski resorts offer a wide range of other activities and facilities such as spas and hot springs to pass time.

   Taking to the Seas

   A cruise can be a great way to spend a vacation. You typically get to sail around and see different ports while your floating hotel takes you there while you sleep. Modern cruise ships are known for their luxuries and fine dining, and you will be spoiled and pampered on your journey. You’ll certainly miss the daily turndown service and wish you could take all the staff that made your journey so comfortable home with you.

8. Getting Ready for Summer Travel

   June 24, 2016 4:23 pm Leave a Comment

   As summer gets in to full swing many people have planned or are planning travel. In North America a long holiday weekend is fast approaching with Canada Day (Friday July 1) and Fourth of July celebrations (on a Monday) for the US. Millions are expected to take the opportunity to travel and be with family, or just get out and explore. Both inside and outside of North America, schools too are gearing up to wind down for the summer with many families looking to take time away from home to unwind and relax. So how can you be prepared for all that the summer can bring?

   Plan ahead, or decide last-minute; but plan ahead to decide last minute

   There are plenty of deals to be had when you book early, but also don’t disregard the opportunities last-minute travel can offer. Perhaps you just finished a big project and summer travel hadn’t really been on your mind, but you are now faced with some free time to get out and explore. Consider a boutique hotel for your next getaway as a great place where you can disconnect. Even spur-of-the-moment plans require some forethought. Make sure your passport is valid and check any visa requirements before you leave. Don’t let your plans get thwarted at the border when you realize that renewal you’ve been putting off for weeks now means you have an expired travel document.

   Avoid the Queues

   With millions hitting the roads and taking to the skies, take a serious look at when you plan to travel. Consider delaying your journey, or getting ahead by a few days to avoid the biggest rush of travellers. If you are flying, consider enrolling in the various programmes such as TSA Precheck to help you get through the airport quicker.
   Most importantly: give yourself plenty of time. Let the vacation start as soon as you leave the house and don’t be rushed.

9. Chain Boutique Hotels versus Independent

   November 27, 2015 8:24 pm 1 Comment

   Realizing that their existing brands were not tapping into a lucrative segment of the market of the traveller who is looking for individual flair and stylish sophistication; hotel chains such as Intercontinental Hotels Group, Starwood, Hyatt, and others looked to develop brands that would appeal to the young urban professional, and double income no kids crowd. Many people in this target audience have to travel for work, and their companies have had long-standing relationships with the major hotel brands, often with negotiated rates and discounts. As a result, they are often put up in the run-of-the-mill properties on their corporate trips. Having become disenfranchised with this “style” of hotel, these travellers have created their own market segment for when they are on holiday and are seeking a retreat and break from the mundane nature of their work. When on vacation, often the last thing you want to be reminded of, or feel like is work.
   This desire to break from the mold has led to a number of small, independent hotels being able to thrive and tap in to this desire. Quaint, idyllic settings and personalized service set these properties apart from their mega-hotel counterparts. Realizing that they were losing out on a market segment, and an opportunity to allow travellers to redeem their earned loyalty rewards points, the big hotel chains have developed their own brands to appeal to these travellers.
   Whilst an attempt is made to create a unique product, the thing that the big hotels do still lack is a personal touch and sense of individuality. For the traveller who cares more about the destination, and doesn’t spend much time in the hotel, regardless, these brands can offer a nice balance of unique flair and manicured luxury. But when it comes down to the truly personal touch, independently run, small hotels definitely win out; but be prepared to pay a little more for the privilege.