VIP Upgrades

Top 5 Fanciest Hotel Rooms in the World

April 27, 2020 9:00 am Leave a Comment

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

Raj Palace Hotel – Jaipur, India

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

Hotel Cala di Volpe – Porto Cervo, Italy

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

Burj Al Arab – Dubai

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

Hotel President Wilson – Geneva, Switzerland

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

Four Seasons Hotel – New York City, USA

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

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

6 Great Destinations to Visit as a Couple

April 10, 2020 9:00 am Leave a Comment

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

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

Sri Lanka

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

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

Peru

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

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

Kenya

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

Italy

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

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

Colombia

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

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

Indonesia

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

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

Sun, or Snow?

February 28, 2020 9:00 am Leave a Comment

For many of us in the Northern Hemisphere this is a time of frigid temperatures and miserable weather. With an El Niño wreaking havoc on our weather patterns this winter, many of us are looking to escape. To some the idea of seeking out the cold to go skiing isn’t really a great idea, whereas others don’t really like the notion of sitting in the sun and doing nothing all day at the beach. Everyone has a different idea of what makes up a great vacation; so here are some options to suit both.

Sun:

Virgin Islands
Boasting a great climate and magnificent beaches the Virgin Islands have long been a favourite destination for many. With development taking hold; the island is set to get new lodging and entertainment options but there are definitely some great hidden gems among the many paths and roads.

Cuba
With plenty of budget options and all inclusive resorts Cuba might not be everyone’s cup of tea; however, there are some well preserved sites and areas worth visiting such as the Viñales area, highlighted by the New York Times for its beauty and authentic character.

Snow:

Utah
Now home to North Americas largest ski resort, Utah boasts some of the best ski runs to be found in north America. Park City was highlighted by the New York Times as number 12 on their 2016 ’52 places to visit’-list and we can see why. Don’t forget that Salt Lake City hosted the Winter Olympics and as many as 10% of the US athletes in Sochi were all enrolled in college in the state. (Source)

Iceland
If Skiing isn’t your thing but you still are more of a snow owl, Iceland is definitely worth a visit. This volcanic island is home to some of the best locations to see the northern lights; as well as enjoy thermal springs year-round.

So whether it’s sun or snow you seek, these are only byt a drop in the bucket of the many destinations to pick from. Let us know what your pick is by using the hashtag: #VIPWinter2016

VIP Upgrades Membership

January 27, 2020 11:00 am Leave a Comment

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.

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.

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.

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!

5 Beautiful Green Spaces in Paris

November 9, 2019 9:00 am Leave a Comment

When you think of Paris what comes to mind? Is it the Eiffel Tower or the Arc de Triomphe? Perhaps it’s the Louvre or the Champs-Elysées. Whatever it is that you conjured up in your mind, it is unlikely to be a park. Paris is known for a lot of things, but nature is not one of them. However, that doesn’t mean this city doesn’t have some beautiful green spaces – it just means you have to look a little harder to find the green spaces in Paris.

If you’re sick of visiting the same old tourist spots in the French capital and want your next visit to be more nature-focused, here are five of the best green spaces in Paris.

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

This gorgeous park is out in the 19th arrondissement and is blissfully free from tourist crowds. Throughout the park, you will find waterfalls, chalky cliffs, and a temple in the middle of a lake. Spend a few hours here and you will quickly forget about the noise and chaos of Paris. If the sun is out, take a picnic basket with you and basket in the peace and serenity of your surroundings. This is undoubtedly one of the top green spaces in the whole city.

Jardin des Tuileries

Running alongside the Seine is the stunning Jardin des Tuileries. At one end of the park you will find the iconic Louvre Gallery and at the other sits the Place de la Concorde. In the middle of the park, tucked away in the vegetation is the Orangerie gallery, famous for holding a number of Monet’s waterlily paintings. If you want to combine your nature fix with a spot of culture, this is the best place to do it.

Jardin des Plantes

The Jardin des Plantes is the sort of park in which you could easily spend an entire day. Within the park itself are four of Paris’ most prestigious museums, including the Natural History Museum. It also encompasses a number of botanical gardens and is just a stone’s throw away from the exceptionally photogenic Paris Mosque. There are thousands of different plant species growing in the park and its accompanying greenhouses. If you needed some flower shots for the ‘gram, you’ll find them here.

Bois de Boulogne

Situated on the border of the 16th arrondissement, the Bois de Boulogne is the second biggest park in the city after the Bois de Vincennes. In the heart of the park is an amusement park for kids, which features a small zoo and some rides. Don’t worry if that’s not your thing, the park is so big, there is plenty for people of all ages. If you want to relax, nothing beats meandering through the woods or sitting by the lake with a book in the sunshine.

Bois de Vincennes

Finally, we come to the largest public park in the city and one of the capital’s most beloved green spaces: the Bois de Vincennes. Perhaps the most enchanting part of this space is the Parc Floral, which takes up a hefty chunk of the Bois de Vincennes. The flower beds here boast every colour of the rainbow and are a delight to behold. Elsewhere in the park you will find a chateau, a lake, plenty of plant and wildlife species, and, if you time it right, an exciting free event taking place al fresco.

6 Places in Cambodia You Shouldn’t Miss

November 8, 2019 9:00 am Leave a Comment

Despite its turbulent past, Cambodia has become a mainstay on the Southeast Asia backpacking route and sees million of international visitors every year. So what are the 6 Places in Cambodia you shouldn’t miss?While neighbouring Thailand and Vietnam are ostensibly more popular, Cambodia has an under-stated charm that captivates visitors. Indeed, Cambodia is one of those places that has everything, from mouth-watering food, to world class scenery. If you are planning a trip to Southeast Asia, you would be crazy not to dedicate a decent chunk of time exploring this fascinating country.

If you’re looking for inspiration for your trip to Cambodia, here are six places that you absolutely have to visit while you’re there.

Angkor Wat, Siem Reap

Angkor Wat is Cambodia’s pride and joy and the number one reason why people travel to the country. The Angkor Wat complex consists of dozens of temples, ruins, shrines, palaces, and mausoleums, dating back to the 12th century. Visitors spend up to three days exploring the various buildings and admiring the rugged landscape that surrounds them. The best way to explore the site is to hire a driver to take you around in a car or tuk-tuk or rent a bike and cycle around.

Tuol Sleng, Phnom Penh

Tuol Sleng is the high school turned extermination camp that was set up by the Khmer Rouge during Pol Pot’s regime. Today, it is a genocide museum that depicts the horrors that occurred under Pol Pot’s rule. While the experience is deeply harrowing, it is a fascinating insight into what happened and an important reminder of how humanity can be completely lost under a dictatorship.

Koh Rong

Koh Rong is Cambodia’s most beautiful island and it is exactly what you would expect a tropical paradise island to look like. It’s definately one of the 6 places in Cambodia you shouldn’t miss.Think white powder sand, sparkling turquoise water, and plenty of beach bars where you can quench your thirst (and then some). If you need somewhere to chill out and forget about the outside world for a bit, Koh Rong will do the trick.

Ka Choung Waterfall, Ratnakiri

Who doesn’t love waterfalls, am I right? If you can’t get enough of water cascading over rocks, the Ka Choung Waterfall will take your breath away and give you some outstanding photo ops. The journey to the waterfall is an adventure in itself and involves hiking through the jungle. Once you’ve built up a sweat and arrived at the waterfall you can cool off under its refreshing cascade.

Otres Beach, Sihanoukville

Sihanoukville is Cambodia’s premier seaside spot and unlike the beach hubs in Thailand, it has retained a lot of its natural beauty. On Otres Beach you’ll find super soft sand, lapped at gently by the Gulf of Thailand, that isn’t covered with garbage and doesn’t have a million other people jostling for space on it. But, that doesn’t mean Sihanoukville is quiet. Beach bars and a fun vibe are staples on and around Otres Beach.

Botum Sakor National Park

This national park is one of the largest in Cambodia and boasts an astonishing level of biodiversity. Take a guide along with you to point out the monkeys, birds, and tigers that call this park home. In addition to its wildlife, the vegetation in the park is rich and varied. In just one hour of walking, you could encounter jungle, woodland, mangrove, and evergreen forest.

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