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Tag Archive: travel

  1. 6 Great Destinations to Visit as a Couple

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    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.

  2. Boutique Hotels

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    The term boutique in the English language epitomizes fashionable, upscale, unique, and independent lifestyles. Boutiques tap into a niche of the market and distinguish themselves from the bigger players who cater to a wider audience. When it comes to hotels, boutique hotels are not about the product but about the experience. Boutique hotels aim to offer their guests an upscale experience that cannot be matched by the bigger chains. Each hotel adds its own flair and a sense of individuality to the guest experience. Whether it be the smaller size of the hotel, or its unique setting and features; boutique hotels are each unlike any other.

    Whilst the large hotel groups, despite being segmented, still focus on the mass market and appeal to as many travellers as possible; their properties often appear as if they’ve been formed from a mold. Boutique hotels redefine the experience and actively attempt to appeal to personal taste and preference which is often eschewed among the name-brand hotels in the interest of neutrality and mass-appeal. Though this isn’t going to go away entirely, many of the large hotel groups have launched brands that emulate and tap in to the boutique hotel experience.

    A personal touch, Hotel Indigo Hong Kong

    A personal touch, Hotel Indigo Hong Kong

    InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) launched the Indigo brand of hotels with a view to create “the individuality of a boutique hotel with the reliability of one of the world’s leading hotel companies.” Starwood competes with its W brand of hotels which focuses on the experience and luxury lifestyle. Hyatt’s Andaz properties are “boutique-inspired” priding themselves with an individualized service model and progressive style. Recognizing the need to speak to the market of the sophisticated traveller these hotels are designed to offer that sense of individuality and connectedness with the cities and areas they are located in.

    Whether it’s a secluded retreat in a small privately owned hotel, or a break from the mold in a thriving metropolis you’re looking for; there are plenty of options. VIP Upgrades will help you explore these options in our upcoming Boutique Hotels series. Keep checking back to this blog for more.

  3. How to book award travel

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    One of the best perks available to people who are enrolled in a frequent flier programme is the opportunity to spend miles on “free” travel. We put free in quotation marks because there are usually some costs associated with this travel and these differ from airline to airline. Knowing what to expect before you start saving those points can help prevent some costly surprises when it comes time to cash in on those rewards.

    Generally, US Carriers have been very generous with their redemption rates, and they don’t pass on fuel surcharges and high fees to customers trying to book with miles. The three big players all have a tiered reward system offering flight rewards for fewer miles on off-peak dates and with advance purchase; than booking for flights at peak travel times and closer in to the date. United airlines is perhaps the most simple of the carriers, offering saver and standard rewards. American Airlines offers MileSAAver awards but further distinguishes between Peak and Off-Peak within this category. In addition to MileSAAver, AA offers AAnytime awards at 2 levels dubbed Level 1, and Level 2. Additionally, in times of peak demand, awards may cost more miles than at these two levels, and it is not clear when this is or how much it will be.

    Both AA and United publish charts that give an indication of how much a ticket will cost beforehand. Delta does not. To find out how many miles you will need to spend in the SkyMiles programme at Delta, one needs to actually go in and make a booking. Delta is perhaps the least transparent of the three loyalty rewards programmes mentioned here.

    In Europe and Canada, carriers are more often likely to add a host of fees and surcharges to reward bookings. That’s definitely not to say that all carriers do it, but major carriers such as British Airways, as well as AirFrance/KLM, and Lufthansa all add in fuel surcharges to their members’ rewards tickets. This can sometimes mean that the cost of your reward ticket ends up only being fractionally less than the cost of the full-out purchase of a ticket.

  4. How to get upgraded

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    Airline travel for most means being crammed into a narrow economy-class seat, with limited legroom and hundreds of other passengers in the same space. As airlines try to squeeze more revenue out of every seat, the prospects for economy class travel are not looking great. The airline industry is very competitive and passengers want to get to where they need to go at the lowest possible cost which comes at a sacrifice to personal comfort. For the airlines, it’s about revenue per passenger mile. But there is a more comfortable way to travel.

    Some seats on many long-haul airlines can turn in to 6+-foot beds, offering travellers a place to stretch out and lots of room to work and relax. Unfortunately, these seats come at a cost. Trans-Atlantic economy fares can be had as low as $5-600 but their business class equivalents are often 3 to 4 times that cost, meaning that for the price of just one business class ticket for one person to sit in that comfy seat, a family of four could fly on the same flight. Even short-haul and domestic First and Business class seats can be vastly more comfortable than flying in the back and often come with free meals, drinks, snacks, and more attentive service from the flight attendants.

    These seats can, and do, get given to economy class passengers for free, or significantly less than what the upfront cost would be. If you buy an economy class ticket, that is where you should always expect to sit because there is definitely no sure-fire way to get upgraded; but it helps to know the system and how to increase your chances of an upgrade.

    In the past it was enough to dress up and be nice to the staff, and you stood a better chance of flying up front. While we still believe that it’s always good to be nice to the staff and appearance can be important (though we prefer comfort); the processes of upgrades are more automated. So what does, and what doesn’t work? We’ve put together a “Smart Traveller” guide on upgrades. Login or Register as a VIP Upgrades member to access this guide today!

    Loyalty has its rewards, Club on @british_airways. #businessclass #upgrades

    A photo posted by VIP Upgrades (@vipupgrades) on

  5. 5 Travel Scams You Need To Look Out For

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    Travel is one of the most enriching experiences you can have. However, it is not all beach cocktails and ancient ruins. As much as we all wish this wasn’t the case, there is a small minority of people out there who target clueless tourists with incredibly devious scams. Normally, this means simply getting money out of you, but sometimes it can be more sinister than that.

    If you have fallen prey to a scam on your travels before then you will know that the feeling of being duped really sucks. Some scams are universal, so keep an eye out for these five major tricks and you’ll have much smoother and safer travels.

    The Broken Taxi Meter

    This is a classic scam that catches people out all of the time. You get into a taxi, you give the driver your destination and away you go. After a couple of minutes you realise they haven’t put the meter on so you ask them to. Oh, look, the meter is broken – what a surprise. You can ask for an estimate of how much it will cost but your driver will probably have forgotten how to speak English by that point. When you get there you’re charged five or even ten times the normal fare and there is nothing you can do but pay.

    Avoid this by always asking about the meter before getting into the taxi.

    Closed Hotel or Tourist Attraction

    You ask your taxi driver to take you to a certain hotel or tourist attraction and they inform you that, sadly, that place is closed. However, they know another place that is just as good and they are willing to take you. They drive you to somewhere that will be invariably worse and more expensive and they get a commission off their mate who owns the place.

    Avoid this by insisting they take you so you can see with your own eyes if it is really closed (it almost never will be).

    Free Gifts

    There is no such thing as a free lunch, nor do free gifts exist. You will often encounter people in the street who try to thrust things into your hands, insisting they are free. Bracelets or beads are common items to be handed. Once you have it in your hand there is no way they are taking it back and they are going to demand that you pay them for it. It’s an uncomfortable situation and for the sake of a dollar, you’ll pay just to get out of it.

    Avoid this by never letting anyone put anything in your hand or on your body.

    Child Beggars

    The saddest of all the scams you will encounter, child beggars are used all over the world and it is a true tragedy. Who can say no to an adorable child who needs just a couple of dollars to help support their family or buy milk for their baby sister? The problem is, that money you gave the child goes straight into the pocket of whoever bought them, perpetuating the market for child slaves.

    Avoid this by just saying no, no matter how much it breaks your heart to do so.

    Damaged Vehicles (Especially Mopeds)

    Hiring a vehicle abroad is always stressful and this scam does nothing to help. In most cases the owner of the vehicle will point out some miniscule scratch and demand a ludicrous sum to repair it – often in the hundreds of dollars. Seeing as you gave them your passport as a deposit, your hands are tied and you have to hand over the money.

    Avoid this by meticulously going over every single part of the moped with the owner and taking photos of every blemish not matter how small.

  6. 7 New Year’s Resolutions for Travellers

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    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.

  7. Three Travel Tips

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    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.

  8. 5 Things You Need to Know About the Trans-Siberian Railway

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    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.

  9. Everything You Need to Know Before You Go to India

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    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.

  10. Why Every Traveler Needs a Scratch Off Map

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    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!