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  1. Long Haul Luxury

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    The idea of travelling long haul can be daunting. What are you going to do on a plane for eight hours? Are things going to be incomprehensively different on the other side? Wouldn’t it be better just to stick to somewhere close to home? But, long haul doesn’t have to be that way. There are ways to go around the world in luxury and feel like a VIP as you do it. We are here to show you how to fly long haul like a pro, where to go and who to fly with to make your holiday run as smooth as possible.

    Airlines

    If you are flying long haul then you want to do so in comfort. This means avoiding budget airlines and looking for flight companies that have top notch premium economy and business classes. If you have the extra cash to splash then I thoroughly recommend investing in a more comfortable class. You will feel much better when you finally arrive at your destination so your holiday can get off to a good start. Generally speaking, Middle Eastern airlines such as Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad all provide fantastic service and a high level of comfort in all classes. If they service your route then do not hesitate to book your ticket with them. Alternatively, Virgin, Lufthansa and Air France are also great options.

    Destinations

    Once you’ve decided to fly long haul, you need to pick your destination. If you are going to be flying for several hours each way then you are going to want to spend at least two weeks in your chosen destination. This means that you need to find somewhere that has enough to do to keep you occupied during the duration of your stay but will still let you live the VIP life of luxury that you were hoping for.

    If your budget can handle it then why not pick one of the world’s most luxurious paradise islands such as the Seychelles, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Barbados or Mauritius. In these magical destinations, you will be able to enjoy the beach sunshine, witness some outstanding natural beauty and feast on fresh, delicious island cuisine.

    For those looking for a bit more adventure then consider destinations like Vietnam, Peru, Australia and South Africa. These countries offer a much greater range of activities as well as numerous different landscapes to explore. You’ll certainly never have a dull moment here!

    Long Haul Travel Tips

    Flying long haul can wreak havoc on your body. Spending hours on end in a pressurised tube can leave you with dry skin, a sore throat and swollen ankles. To combat these annoyances, be sure to take plenty of moisturiser with you as well as a good lip salve and to keep well hydrated. This will keep your skin in ship shape condition so that you don’t feel rubbish when you hit the runway.

    To avoid swollen ankles and deep leg thrombosis you should get up and walk up and down the plane a few times every hour or so. This will keep the blood flowing nicely through your legs. You could even do a few squats or lunges if you’re feeling particularly energetic.

    Finally, you will want to try and forget about how long you are going to spend on a plane by distracting yourself with various forms of entertainment. A good book, an iPod full of your favourite songs and a tablet jam-packed with films are all fantastic ways to fight the boredom of long haul flights. The more you can take with you, the better, as you will have a bit of variety as you travel.

  2. How to Travel Like a VIP on a Budget

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    Travel can be tough at the best of times but when we want to live like a VIP but don’t have the budget to match, things can get pretty dire. Fortunately, it’s not all doom and gloom for people who want to live the high life without forking out too much money. VIP Upgrades has come to your rescue to show you that it is possible to feel like a VIP without breaking the bank. Follow our handy tips and you’ll be travelling like royalty in no time.

    Book in Advance

    Before you actually start to travel you will need to book things like flights and accommodation. Most people know this already but it is worth reiterating: book your travel in advance. Most airlines bump up prices closer to departure so don’t get stuck paying more than you have to for flights. The same goes for hotels. Try and book everything a couple of months in advance and keep your eye out for sweet deals that crop up every now and then.

    Go to Cheap Countries

    Unless you are absolutely dead set on going to a certain country, it is a good idea to pick somewhere that is cheap to travel around. India, Vietnam, Peru, Colombia, Mexico and Cambodia are all incredibly cheap destinations that provide the perfect amount of culture shock mixed with fantastic food and an endless list of activities. The cheaper a country is, the more likely you are to be able to maintain a VIP lifestyle. Avoid Europe, Canada and the United States if you want to get the best bang for your buck.

    Eat Like a Local

    There is nothing glamorous about having to cook your own food whilst on vacation but eating in fancy tourist restaurants every night can be unsustainable. Eating like a local is a happy middle ground between these two options. Ask around and find out where the locals recommend eating. If there is a queue outside or the restaurant is packed, even better. Here, you will be able to get delicious and authentic local food at a price that will allow you to order as much as you like without even batting an eyelid.

    Look for Hotel Alternatives

    Hotels will be your biggest expense while you travel. Luckily, there are some alternatives that you can use to help lower your costs without compromising your lifestyle. Take a look on Airbnb for the chance to have your very own flat all to yourself for a very reasonable price. You won’t have fresh towels delivered to your room every day but you will have the freedom to come and go as you please and you might find yourself in a less touristy (read cheaper) part of town. You could also have a look at Nomador, an international community of house sitters that will allow you to stay in fantastic properties for absolutely nothing!

    Free Activities

    If you want to save money but still want to make the most of a city, see if you can find free or cheap activities to do while you’re there. Walking tours are an excellent choice because they are usually free (not including a tip of course) and are a great way to see the city. Beaches are also free as is some freestyle wandering around a city. Use Google and ask around to see what kind of amazing activities you can do on a budget.

  3. Top 5 Summer Vacations

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    It’s finally March and the bitter chill of winter has just about dissipated in order to make room for the gentle warmth of spring. Of course, the most exciting thing about spring is that it takes us one step closer to our beloved summer and along with it, summer vacation. As soon as spring arrives it becomes perfectly acceptable to start researching (and getting excited about) potential summer vacation destinations. However, the world is a pretty big place and so narrowing your options down to just one country can be pretty challenging. Luckily for you, we scoured the planet and come up with what we think are the top 5 summer vacation destinations to help make things easier.

    Goa, India

    India is a huge country, so rather than spreading yourself thin over the entire nation, you’re better off focusing your efforts on one region. Goa might not be a beacon of authentic Indian culture anymore but it is a great place to kick back and relax for a couple of weeks. With beautiful beaches and cuisine to die for, you certainly won’t find yourself wanting for anything.

    Sicily

    Just off the coast of mainland Italy, this gorgeous Mediterranean island is a postcard perfect destination for your summer vacation. Picture this: white sand beaches stretching out to meet crystal clear water that sparkles under the never-ending sunshine. Sounds good, right? Oh and in case you didn’t know, Italian food is probably the best thing you will ever put in your mouth.

    Florida, USA

    Whether you live in the States or not, Florida is still a great holiday destination. Not only is this state home to some of the best beaches on the continent, but it also boasts numerous theme parks, including Disney World, Universal Studios and Busch Gardens. The perfect place to indulge your inner child and soak up some golden rays, Florida is the place summer vacation dreams are made of.

    Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    If you’re looking for a combination of city, party and nature then Rio is the place to go. While the music blasts until the early hours in Copacabana, there is utter serenity in the great swathes of natural beauty that surround the city. Climb up to visit Christ the Redeemer while you’re there, sip a caipirinha or two as you watch the sun set and try not to cry when it’s time to go home.

    Namibia

    Namibia is the ultimate summer vacation destination for those with an adventurous streak. Either shack up in one of the colonial cities, such as Windhoek, or bed down in a safari camp and spend your days seeking out the incredible animals that reside within its national parks. Elephants, hippos and rhinos can all be found here and you can even spot seals if you dare to venture along the notorious Skeleton Coast.

  4. How to Plan a Great Vacation

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    The difference between a good vacation and a great vacation lies in the planning. If you have the time to sit down for an evening and thoroughly plan everything that you are going to see, do and eat during your vacation, you will find yourself with much more time to relax when you’re actually there – especially if you’ve only managed to get away for a week or two. Of course, planning a trip is easier said than done unless you know exactly what it is you need to plan, otherwise you could end up mindlessly staring at a blank screen for hours on end. Fortunately, we know a thing or two about vacations and we are willing to share our knowledge to make your trip as amazing as possible.

    Hotels

    Everyone who goes on holiday knows that they are going to need to book accommodation but there are a few things to bear in mind when doing so. People usually check out what the hotel has to offer (pool, gym, restaurant etc.) and make their choice based on this but where the hotel is is just as important. Firstly, take note of where the hotel is located by checking the address out on google maps. If you can’t find it then scan through some reviews online to see if people have commented on its location. Is it near shops? Is it in the middle of nowhere? Is it walking distance from the city center? This can be a real deal-breaker for some people. For example, if you want a nice quiet holiday but your hotel is next to the most popular bar in the city, you’re going to have a bad time. On the flip side, if you want to party until the early hours but the nearest bar is an hour away in a taxi then you might want to choose somewhere else to stay.

    Tours

    Some people want to do absolutely nothing on their vacation other than eat and lie in the sun. However, if you’re of a more active disposition and want a bit of adventure during your trip then you are going to want to take part in some tours. Decide exactly what you want to see and do before you go and then book the excursions online before your departure. This will save you trawling through the streets once you’re there looking for tour providers. Booking online also means you can read reviews of the tour companies and make sure you’re going with a good, ethical provider.

    Itinerary

    Of course, not all tours require a tour guide, quite often you can go off exploring on your own. If you prefer to go lone wolf and see everything without any guidance that’s fine but make sure you create an itinerary of what you want to see and when so you don’t end up wasting your precious vacation time. Research what the main attractions of your destination are before you go and then decide which thing you are going to do on which day. Once you have your itinerary set, all you have to do is follow it – what a breeze!

    Food
    The vast majority of the time you will find food simply by wandering around and perusing the menus of the nearby eateries. However, if the place you are going is renowned for having a certain type of food, it is worth looking online to see which restaurants do it best and then eating there rather than picking a place at random. Tripadvisor is great for working out where to go for the best of a certain cuisine. Similarly, if there is a famous restaurant in the area that you are desperate to try, you might need to make reservations in advance. Do this before you go and any food-related stress will evaporate before your very eyes.

  5. Virgin Premium Economy Review

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    We all know, and despise, the feeling of being crammed into the crowded aisle of a plane’s economy class, bumping into people and sweating as you try and store your luggage without causing even more of a traffic jam. What we also know is that unless you have a few thousand to spare for a first class ticket, there isn’t really any other option. Fortunately, a handful or airlines have come up with the perfect halfway point for people who would like a bit of extra comfort but don’t want to shell out big bucks for it. Premium Economy is a godsend to the frequent but budget traveller and in this article we will be paying particular attention to Virgin Atlantic’s Premium Economy cabin.

    The first thing you will notice when you settle in to your Premium Economy seat is the additional legroom your extra money has purchased you. If you have to spend multiple hours in a flying airtight tube, the least you expect is to be able to sit without your knees being crushed. Once you’ve relished in your supplementary space, take a peek in the pocket in front of you. There you will find a bottle of water and a little pouch filled with toiletries. This charming touch transforms you from plane cargo into a Virgin Atlantic guest – and what a difference that makes.

    If you’re travelling through the night then the slightly heightened level of comfort in Premium Economy should help you drift right off to sleep. However, if you’re feeling restless, or simply aren’t tired, then Virgin Atlantic has got you covered. Boasting one of the most impressive entertainment systems I’ve ever seen, the little screens in front of you hold enough content to keep you occupied for a round the world trip.

    When it comes to food time, passengers in Premium Economy will really notice the difference between their cabin and the cheaper cabin behind them. Rather than tin or cardboard cartons filled with ambiguous food that you have to eat with plastic cutlery, Premium Economy offers you the luxury of real silverware, a proper napkin and food that you can actually identify. Sure it’s no cordon bleu but it is at the very least edible, if not surprisingly good.

    Perhaps the most important thing on any flight is how well the staff treats the passengers. It is undoubtedly hard to keep a smile on your face after 8 hours in the air but those who manage win extra points from us. Luckily, the staff in Virgin Atlantic’s Premium Economy has perfected their ability to be courteous, smile and look after their guests all at the same time. Every member of staff seems willing to go beyond the call of duty to make your flight as hassle-free as possible – whether this means sneaking you little goodies or putting your mind at ease during some heavy turbulence.

    Overall, if you have to fly somewhere, it is well worth upgrading to Premium Economy. The stark difference between the classes makes Premium Economy excellent value considering the much less stark difference in price.

  6. 5 Things I Love About British Airways

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    Airline travel is rarely the best experience in the world but a decent airline can really make a huge difference. If you have to sit for hours on end, soaring through the air at an ungodly speed, you want to be as comfortable as possible and not have to worry too much about delays, lost baggage and whether or not the food is going to be edible or not. You also want to feel like the airline is on your side rather than trying to catch you out and charge you extra for each little service they provide. This is why British Airways is one of my favourites when it comes to airline travel. As the British flagship carrier, they certainly do the nation proud and here’s why.

    1. The Food

    Unless you’re flying in business or first class, airline food is really nothing worth writing about and while British Airways economy meals aren’t exactly haute de cuisine, they are noticeably better than the vast majority of other airlines I’ve flown with. This is great for two reasons. Firstly, you get to eat a meal that is not just edible, but actually tastes pretty good; and secondly, you don’t have to waste your precious money and baggage space stocking up on enough food to get you through the flight. Win win!

    2. Airmiles

    It’s always nice when your money goes that little bit further and with British Airways it really does. Not only do you build up quite a substantial amount of airmiles when your buy flights, but they also have a deal with American Express whereby every pound you spend on your credit card gets you a point. Once you’ve racked up a load of points, you’ll find you can fly all over the place for a deliciously low price.

    3. Punctual

    I’m not sure about everyone else but for me, a flight that takes off and leaves on time is one of the most important aspects of airline travel. British Airways generally has a pretty good punctuality record and in the multiple times I’ve flown with them, I haven’t been kept waiting too much. There are definitely airlines with a better time sheet but there are far, far more with a worse one!

    4. Routes

    If you live in London and you need to get virtually anywhere in the world then British Airways has got you covered and you won’t need to waste your time changing planes. With direct flights to places like Lima, Cape Town and Tokyo, the world is your oyster and you won’t have to spend your precious holiday lugging yourself through some airport in the middle of nowhere on your way there.

    5. Service
    If never hurts to crack a smile if you’re in the service industry and I have to say that British Airways is particularly good at this. It might be the end of an 11 hour long haul flight but if you need something you will get it and you’ll get it from someone with a smile and a pleasant demeanour. It might seem trivial but good service can really make or break a flight, especially if you’re on that plane for a long time.

  7. The Benefits of Travelling Premium Economy

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    What do you do when you don’t want to be cramped up in economy but your budget won’t quite stretch to business class? Simple! You fly in premium economy, that lovely class that gives you an extra level of comfort without a hefty price tag. If this is the situation you have found yourself in then British Airways is the airline you should be travelling with. Not only do they have routes all over the globe, but you will be able to get there in style, without breaking the bank. Read on to learn more about what we think about travelling in premium economy (or World Traveller as they call it) with British Airways.

    Firstly, British Airway has cracked the conundrum that has baffled many other airlines as to how to make premium economy like the younger sister of business class, rather than a slightly more expensive version of economy. When you sink into those comfy seats you immediately feel like you’ve got your money’s worth and that the upgrade is noticeable. Premium economy differs somewhat depending on whether you’re on the A380 or a 747 etc. but the standard is generally the same.

    When you’re first seated, you will be offered a drink, in some cases it is orange juice or water but if you’re lucky you might have the choice of sparkling wine or even champagne. You can sip your drink in (relative) privacy as the cabin crew draws the curtains at either end of the cabin, separating you from business up ahead and economy behind you.

    If you’re above average in the height department and have always suffered on planes, premium economy is worth every penny. The extended legroom provides more than enough space to stretch out during the flight and there is even a leg rest for those that prefer a bit of elevation. This additional space also removes any guilt you might feel about putting your seat all the way back.

    Of course, this review wouldn’t be complete with a mention of the food. It must be said that the gastronomic selection in premium economy is a head and shoulders above what you might find in economy. It’s not often you will look forward to eating plane food but if you’re travelling with British Airways and you were smart enough to upgrade yourself to premium economy then you are in for a treat.

    For the difference in price between economy and premium economy, the level of comfort exceeds expectation. You might not be able to put your seat back 180 degrees but you definitely won’t be getting off the flight with a stiff neck and a cramp in your legs. If you are flying long haul and you don’t mind splashing out a little bit, I thoroughly recommend investing in a seat in premium economy.

  8. Handy Tips for Airline Travel

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    If you’re taking a vacation abroad then chances are you are going to have to travel by plane. This means you will have to deal with several things that could stress you out if you’re not fully prepared. Fortunately, you will be completely ready for anything thrown your way thanks to our handy guide designed to make your airline travel run as smooth as possible.

    The first thing you will come up against is the airline itself. While booking flights and handing over your money is made oh-so easy, the extras and small print are usually a little harder to master. Firstly, make sure you know exactly how much baggage you can take with you. Some budget airlines only include hand luggage with your ticket, meaning that checked bags will cost you more. If you buy this when you buy your ticket, it is usually much cheaper than having to buy it at the airport. Also pay close attention to the weight allowance of your baggage. If you go over this weight, the airline will most likely sting you with a fine for each additional kilo.

    Once you’ve got your baggage nailed then pay attention to some of the other details. Are you allowed to choose your seat for free or do you have to pay? If you have to pay for it then consider carefully whether it is worth the extra cost. If you have small children and it’s a long flight then it is probably worth it. If you’re travelling in a couple, chances are some kind soul will switch seats with you once on board so keep those few extra dollars for yourself. Also pay attention to whether or not you have to print off your boarding pass at home. If so then make sure you do as the airline will charge you extra to print it at the airport.

    Now you’ve mastered the pre-departure challenges, all that remains is getting to your destination. Be sure to check in at least 2 hours before departure for all international flights and have your liquids sorted before you get there to ensure a smooth passage through security. There is nothing worse than the embarrassment of holding everyone up as you rifle through your bags looking for every toiletry you have stuffed in there. Once you’ve got through security, you can relax a little.

    Finally we come to the flight itself. If you travel often then this will be second nature but for those who are less familiar with flying there are a few things you should know. Firstly, long-haul flights can wreak havoc on your body – think dry skin and swollen ankles. The airline might give you some tips on board but just in case, here’s ours. Try and get up and walk around every hour or so to keep the blood flowing through your legs – this will help prevent swollen ankles. You should also make sure you drink plenty of water and keep some moisturiser or lip balm handy so your skin doesn’t get too dry.

    Follow these simple yet valuable tips next time you travel and you’ll sail through your journey so easily you’ll feel like an airline travel pro.

  9. What’s the best day of the week to book travel and hotel rooms online?

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    There is nothing better than getting a good deal on your flights and hotel rooms and having more of your precious cash to spend on cocktails at the beach. Believe it or not, there is actually a way to calculate when airlines and hotels will be at their cheapest based on various pieces of research done by travel companies such as FareCompare.com and Expedia. Without further ado, allow us to present you with some handy tips to book travel, beat those algorithms and get the best bang for your buck .

    Let’s start with flights as these prices fluctuate more than virtually any other product on the internet. The general consensus from those in the know used to be that the best time to book travel was the beginning of the week. This meant that buying your ticket between Monday and Wednesday would usually yield the best results. Tuesday afternoons were particularly recommended to book travel. The reason for this was that prices were hiked up on Friday and sold out throughout the weekend and so anything left on when the price deciders were back in the office on Monday would then be reduced to sell on Tuesday. However, recent research has started to suggest that the cheapest time to book travel might actually be over the weekend when the high demand from business travellers has tapered out somewhat.

    There is yet to emerge any concrete evidence about which day of the week is the golden goose of booking flights but experts all agree to avoid Fridays like the plague. So, our recommendation is to stick to weekend buying as many airlines are now offering their best deals at this time. It is also important to remember that when you book travel in advance you are almost guaranteed cheaper tickets. However, booking too far in advance could cost you, as prices won’t start to fluctuate until about 3-6 months before departure depending on the flight and the airline.

    As for hotel rooms, these are a little harder to predict as hotels will usually drop prices based on how full their hotel looks like it will be at any given time. For hotels that mainly put up business travellers, for example, many of their bookings will be made relatively last minute, meaning that their price drops will follow this trend. Holiday hotels and resorts are more likely to give discounts in advance as many of their bookings for hotel rooms will come in months before arrival. It many cases it is possible to cancel a hotel booking in advance without incurring any penalties so why not book your hotel rooms straight away and then monitor the price. If it drops you can simply cancel and re-book at the cheaper rate. Of course, if you are flexible with your dates then avoiding staying during holiday and festival periods (be sure to check if there are any local festivals that you might be unaware of) will make a huge difference to how much you pay. Once again, booking a few months in advance will usually make for cheaper hotel rooms.

    While there is no magic formula for cheap travel, these tips will certainly put you on the right track to having more cash to splash at your destination. So, be a savvy traveller and pay close attention to timing when you book your next holiday.

  10. Purchasing last-minute upgrades

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    Smart Traveller

    Airlines want their planes to go out full; that’s how they make money after all. But what happens when those comfortable seats at the front of the plane go unsold? Well, many airlines have started offering those seats to passengers who are willing to pay for them at the gate right before the plane departs. Not all flights will have this available, and not all airlines will offer this to you; but it can be a great way to fly in business or first class without paying full price for it.
    British Airways will sometimes offer you the chance to upgrade your booking as early as 72 hours after you’ve made it. If they anticipate that the flight isn’t going to be full in the front cabins, they might present you with an offer in their Manage My Booking tool online. And when you take BA up on this offer, you’ll get all the benefits associated with that cabin for that part of the booking, such as priority check-in, lounge access, etc. if available. And an added bonus, the most generous baggage allowance applies to the entire booking too.
    United Airlines does offer a chance to buy up to first or business class as an option throughout the booking process, much like BA. So even if you’ve bought an economy class seat, for less than the full price of a business class ticket you might still be sitting up front. United will actively make these offers right up to the point you are going to board the flight. For domestic travel, there have been some really good first class offers when checking in online or using one of the kiosks at the airport
    American Airlines is a bit more held back in offering business and first class seats. For instance, it’s always been our experience that the offer to buy a first class seat on the day of travel is only given through the kiosks. There are some agents who are able to check the systems and process it for you, but if you are looking for more comfort on your flight on the day, the kiosk is the best bet. There’s a fixed price based on the flight distance, and the new seat doesn’t earn you any extra miles or points. It will give you all the Priority Access benefits such as early boarding, and shorter security lines at some airports.
    Delta has integrated the first class sales model into nearly every platform and it will aggressively offer you the seats up front in return for cash. Some of the more loyal frequent fliers bemoan this because it means that their free upgrades are becoming even more scarce; but the premise of free elite upgrades is space available. It’s up to the airline to determine when that space is considered available, and when they want to stop selling it for additional revenue.
    All of the airlines discussed above have done this internally, that’s to say that they will give you the offer to upgrade. Some airlines have chosen to partner with an outside third party who takes care of matching the people who want to pay for better seats, with those empty seats. Optiontown has agreements with 11 airlines to offer upgraded seats for what it claims can be an up to 75% discount.
    An altogether different approach that some airlines are taking is auctioning off the seats. Swiss Airlines, for example, will let you bid for an upgrade. Now before you put in $1 as your bid, keep in mind that there are minimum offers and you are competing against other passengers on your flight. Though you won’t know who to give the evil eye to as you walk back to your economy seat passing business class on your way if you lose the bid.