Japan Open its Borders to Foreign Tourists on Package Tours

27th May 2022 0

According to sources, Japan will open its borders to foreign tourists on 10th June, first confined to guided group visits. It comes after Japan's chief cabinet secretary, Hirokazu Matsuno, stated on 1st June that no quarantine or airport testing will be required for visitors from the "low-rate group," which includes the UK. Fumio Kishida, Japan's prime minister, told The Japan Times: "We will resume accepting tourists on package tours with guides from the 10th of next month. Step by step we will aim to accept (tourists) as we did in normal times, taking into consideration the status of infections." InsideJapan co-founder Simon King praised the announcement as "another another step in the right direction" for tourism to the location. "We hope that this will be another small but quick step towards opening the country for all our customers that are booked to travel on one of our self-guided cultural adventures and expect more clarity in the coming weeks," he added. "Our tour leaders, private guides and partners cannot wait to welcome actual people again to help them discover this special place. We look forward to the further repealing for Covid restrictions soon."

Fred Olsen Lifts Face Mask Rule for Guests

20th May 2022 0

Following a review of the line's on-board safeguards, passengers on Fred Olsen Cruise Lines will no longer be obliged to wear face masks. The elimination of masks is part of a planned reduction in the cruise line's Covid-19 protocols, which will continue to include pre-embarkation testing and the necessity to be properly vaccinated. Passengers will be encouraged to bring a face mask on their trip because facial coverings will still be required in some of the sites they visit. Furthermore, for the time being, crew members will continue to wear masks. Balmoral was the first ship in Fred Olsen's fleet to sail without a face mask requirement, departing Newcastle on Wednesday (18th May). Bolette's next departure from Southampton is on May 22 while Borealis' departure from Liverpool is on May 25. According to Peter Deer, managing director of Fred Olsen Cruise Lines: “We have been regularly reviewing our on-board procedures, and know this move will be well received among our guests. “Of course, we understand that some guests may prefer to continue wearing a face mask as they move around the ship, and this will be entirely at their discretion. “The health and wellbeing of our guests and crew remains our utmost priority, and as such we will be operating a phased reduction in our on-board protocols. “Pre-departure testing will remain in place at our ports, and we know that this is a measure that is supported by our guests. We will also continue to require all guests to be fully vaccinated to join us on board.”

Austria to Lift All Remaining Covid-19 Travel Restrictions

17th May 2022 0

Austria is the latest country to lift all remaining Covid-19 travel restrictions. Travelers no longer need to produce proof of vaccination against Covid-19, proof of recovery from infection, or evidence of a recent negative Covid test upon entrance as of Monday (16th May). The new restrictions will apply to all foreign visitors, who will be admitted regardless of their immunization status. Previously, fully vaccinated travelers were required to show proof of their vaccinations or proof of recovery from a recent Covid illness. They could also enter if they have a negative PCR test for Covid-19 within 72 hours of travel, or a negative LFT or antigen test within 24 hours of flight. Austria's stance is consistent with those of many of its EU neighbors, with a number of member states lowering Covid entrance restrictions in recent weeks. Spain, on the other hand, stated on Monday that its tariffs would remain in effect for another month, until June 15th. The EU has also modified its requirements on wearing face masks in flight, however member countries are free to set their own laws and override EU recommendations.

Virgin Voyages' Valiant Lady, to Dock in Barcelona for it Summer Sailing

12th May 2022 0

On Saturday, Virgin Voyages' second ship, the Valiant Lady, will dock in Barcelona for the commencement of its inaugural summer season in the Mediterranean. Three seven-night itineraries are available with discounts of up to 40% and $400 in onboard spending if booked by 16th May for travel within the next 120 days. Without providing specific figures, the adults-only company claims a 174 percent increase in UK bookings. Barcelona will serve destinations such as Ajaccio, Marseille, Cannes, Olbia, and Ibiza, with cruise-only tickets starting at €1,114 per person. Tom McAlpin, the CEO of Virgin Voyages, said: “We are so excited to finally bring our beautiful Valiant Lady to Barcelona and begin her European tour. “With her sister ship Scarlet Lady sailing the gorgeous Caribbean seas, the stunning Mediterranean was the dream destination for our next home. “From Palma de Mallorca, to Cagliari or Toulon, we’re thrilled to be able to offer sailors [passengers] the Virgin access to some of Europe’s most stunning destinations.”

Improvements at Manchester Airport

09th May 2022 0

Manchester has been making headlines in recent months as a result of horrific security concerns. This was due to a paucity of security personnel, though most frequent travelers would tell you that Manchester was always one of their least favorite airports before Covid. This was almost entirely due to security, who are notorious for being overly cautious and secondary screening nearly every bag for a number of strange and fantastic reasons. Things have substantially improved, and with fast track, you will almost certainly have a short wait. The only time there appears to be a long line is first thing in the morning, when individuals arrive long before check-in opens, several hours before their departure. Fast track is still open, despite some erroneous media reports. They haven't been selling access to it, though. Fast track is still available to those with business class tickets or status. They have already hired 60 more people, and by the end of May, they will have hired another 200, putting an end to the big problems. In a statement, Manchester said, “At the same time, the airport is also asking passengers not to arrive earlier than this (3 hours) because it can lead to extra queues, and check-in and security facilities may not be open.” The message continued, “While the airport is still experiencing longer queues at times, these are happening less frequently and they are being cleared relatively quickly.” Ian Costigan, Interim Managing Director, said: “We want to make sure that customers get away on their travels, so everyone at Manchester Airport is focused on bringing in the extra resources we need to continue operating our full flight schedule. “While the majority of people will get through security in less than 30 minutes, customers need to allow time for check-in and the possibility that security queues may be longer at peak times.”

Croatia Confirms Lifting of All Covid Restrictions for UK Visitors

03rd May 2022 0

Croatia confirmed that all Covid restrictions for UK visitors have been lifted. According to The Croatian National Tourist Office over the weekend: “This is to inform you that from 1st May 2022, Croatia has dropped all Covid-19 entry requirements. “All travellers entering Croatia can now do so under the same conditions of entry that were in force before the Covid-19 pandemic, i.e. with valid travel documents.” The adjustment came only weeks after the country lifted limitations on facial coverings and venue and public transportation capacity. Travelers from the United Kingdom and other non-EU nations, however, were still required to fill out an online form and show proof of their Covid status or a negative test result. Darija Reic, the director of the British tourist board's office, added “We are happy to confirm that Croatia has dropped all Covid entry requirements for Brits. “In 2019, we welcomed around 900,000 travellers from the UK, and with the return of numerous flights this year from the UK to Pula, Rijeka, Zadar, Split, Dubrovnik and Zagreb, we hope this news will incite many more to choose our sunny coast and lustrous inland for their well deserved summer break. “With a number of new hotels, restaurants, and events confirmed for this summer, Croatia is set for a strong season ahead.”

Portugal Opens its E-Gates for British Passport Holders

26th Apr 2022 0

The news that British passport holders will be able to utilize e-gates at four of Portugal's airports has been welcomed by the Portuguese tourist authority. The e-gates, which are now open in Lisbon, Porto, Faro, and Funchal, will make it easier for British passport holders to enter the country. President of Turismo of Portugal, Luis Araujo, said: “We are delighted to continue welcoming British tourists to Portugal and are pleased that the e-gates in the country’s main airports will provide increased accessibility for our valued British travellers, as we head into the busy summer period. “We’re delighted to have made travel to Portugal even more seamless for those able to make the most of the new e-gates.” Travelers to mainland Portugal will no longer be required to fill out a Passenger Locator Form, and masks will only be required on public transportation (including taxis and planes) and while entering hospitals, care homes, and similar facilities starting today. According to the tourist board, the United Kingdom was the top market for hotel nights in February and was the second highest contributor to Portugal's overall tourism earnings in January and February 2022.

Airelles Announces Renovations and New Experiences in Saint Tropez and Provence

21st Apr 2022 0

Prior to the summer season, Airelles has announced a variety of renovations and new experiences at its hotels in Saint Tropez and Provence. The brand has introduced a new French road trip experience that includes stops at three of its properties in the South of France: the exclusive Le Grand Contrôle within the grounds of the Palace of Versailles; La Bastide in Gordes' hilltop village; and Château de la Messardière in Saint Tropez. The seven-night all-inclusive road trip package includes full-board accommodations, a picnic hamper filled with local delicacies upon departure, valet parking, and a car wash service. Stays between 5th May and 30th  June and 1st September to 16th October are eligible for the deal. Prices begin at £10,070. Château de le Messardière, which reopened as an Airelles hotel in 2021 after a two-year refurbishment, will also offer a variety of additional guest experiences until 16th October 2022. A children's circus academy, team games Archery Tag and Bubble Football, an educational gardening session, and guided horseback riding through the 25-acre grounds are among the new activities added to the nineteenth-century property's Summer Camp for kids. The Summer Camp is located in a newly constructed villa that includes a cinema, tree house, climbing frame, arcade, and video games area with a virtual reality chair. Calligraphy, origami, postcard-making, lava lamp production, and ceramics are among the arts and crafts available, while water polo and aquatic basketball will be played in a dedicated children's pool. Ping pong, volleyball, badminton, and basketball are also available. All Airelles Saint-Tropez guests, including families staying at sister hotel Pan De Palais in the village center, have access to the Summer Camp. It will be open to external guests on a membership basis this year. Children aged four and up can purchase full-day, weekend, or full-week memberships, which include access to a lunch and supper menu, afternoon tea, soft drinks, and a variety of outdoor and indoor activities. Château de le Messardière has inaugurated a unique personalized private-dining experience within the hotel's vegetable garden, in addition to its enhanced children's facilities. Airelles' head chef Marco Garfagnini will lead the al fresco Chef's Table experience, which will feature a bespoke cuisine for up to 12 guests made with locally sourced vegetables. Airelles Gordes, La Bastide, which reopens for the summer season on April 28, will also add a new Ladurée café to its gastronomic offering. The Provencal-style café will be located in the village center, next to the hotel's trattoria-style La Bastide de Pierres, which will have a shop, bar, seated indoor dining space, and an outdoor terrace with views of Gordes Castle. Finally, Château d'Estoublon, an upscale rental property, has introduced a new landscape garden design, as well as an expanded terrace for alfresco dinners and gatherings and a new poolside yoga platform where private sessions may be booked. Les Airelles in Courchevel, Airelles Val d'Isère, and Château d'Estoublon in Les Baux-de-Provence are all part of the Airelles collection. A property in Venice, which is set to open in 2023 and will be the brand's first property outside of France, is one of the projects in the works.

Switchers to Virgin Money Receives 20,000 Virgin Points to Spend

15th Apr 2022 0

Switchers to the Virgin Money M Plus Account and Virgin Money Club M Account will receive 20,000 Virgin Points to spend with Virgin Red as part of Virgin Money's latest current account promotion. These can be used for flights or a variety of other items, such as sausage rolls or their exclusive suite at Manchester Arena, the Virgin Red Room. Switchers will additionally receive 2.02 percent AER on balances up to £1,000, as well as 1 percent AER variable on balances up to £25,000 and 0.50 percent AER variable on balances beyond £25,000 on their linked savings account. Virgin Red is Virgin's group-wide rewards program that converts everyday expenditure into points that can be redeemed for a variety of benefits.

Emirates Expands Global Operations Resuming Service to Four Destinations

12th Apr 2022 0

Emirates has stated that it will expand its global operations by resuming service to four destinations: Bali , London Stansted, Rio de Janeiro, and Buenos Aires. To meet market demand, the airline has also announced that it will increase service to Nigeria, Mauritius, and Singapore. Emirates continues to repair and expand its global network in response to the loosening of travel restrictions around the world. Emirates will fly five weekly flights to Bali beginning 1st May 2022, using a two-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. From 1st July 2022, the airline will expand its operations to include a daily flight to the island destination. Bali is a world-renowned tourist destination due to its stunning highlands, beautiful beaches, and cultural appeal. Emirates will resume flight operations to London Stansted with five weekly flights beginning August 1, 2022, using Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with the 'Game Changer' First Class product. The airline will enhance its services to include a daily flight beginning September 1st. By October 2022, the airline will have 110 weekly flights to the UK, including six daily flights to London Heathrow; a double daily A380 service to Gatwick; three daily flights to Manchester, including a double daily A380 service; five weekly flights to Newcastle; and a daily trip to Glasgow. From 2nd November 2022, Emirates will fly four weekly flights to Buenos Aires through Rio de Janeiro on its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, providing direct connectivity to popular business and leisure destinations across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia for passengers from Argentina and Brazil. Emirates will expand its operations to a daily service on 1st February 2023, providing passengers with more convenience, choice, and flexibility when planning their vacation.

Spain Relaxes Entry Requirements for UK Tourists

07th Apr 2022 0

Spain has relaxed its entrance requirements for UK tourists who have not been completely vaccinated against Covid-19, allowing them to enter based on a negative test result. Tourists traveling from the United Kingdom must currently provide proof of a valid Covid-19 immunization certificate or a valid recovery certificate. Non-fully vaccinated immigrants will be allowed to enter the nation starting Wednesday, 6th April, if they can show proof of a negative PCR test result for Covid-19 from up to 72 hours before departure or a negative antigen test result for Covid-19 from up to 24 hours prior to departure. The revisions were announced in a Wednesday update from Spain's Ministry of Health, and they arrive just in time for the Easter break. The new regulations apply throughout Spain, including the Canary and Balearic Islands. The Foreign Office's current advise for Spain, which has not been revised, is as follows:  "Under the Spanish government’s current measures, you can only enter Spain from the UK for tourism purposes if you can show valid proof of meeting the vaccination requirements or a medical certificate certifying that you have recovered from Covid-19 in the past six months prior to travel." The Tourist Office of Spain in the United Kingdom confirmed:  "Spain has updated its entry requirements and non-vaccinated UK passengers can now enter Spain with proof of a negative PCR or antigen test, or proof of diagnostic recovery." Visitors must have received both doses of a two-dose vaccine or one dose of a one-dose vaccine at least 14 days prior to arrival in Spain to be considered fully immunized. Except for teens aged 12 to 17, certification of a booster immunization is required if more than 270 days have passed since the last dose (inclusive). When traveling with an adult, children under the age of 12 are exempt. This new rule applies to UK visitors aged 12 and above who are visiting Spain, including the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands, prior to their arrival. In addition, children under the age of 12 and those traveling to Spain with an EU Covid passport or similar (including an NHS Covid travel card) are no longer need to fill out the Health Control Form (FCS in Spanish) before arrival. If you don't have an EU Covid pass or an equivalent, you'll need to fill out the Health Control Form to demonstrate proof of immunizations, a test certificate, or a certificate of recovery. This can be done through the Spain Travel Health website (SpTH).

Allianz to Provide Complimentary Lounge Access for Delays

31st Mar 2022 0

Collinson, a global provider of lounge passes such as Priority Pass, and Allianz Partners, a provider of travel insurance and assistance services, have partnered to provide complimentary access to airport lounges globally to Allyz Premium and Freemium members during flight delays. Allyz members whose flights are delayed by more than 60 minutes or 120 minutes, depending on their membership level, will receive automatic notification for complimentary access to one of over 1,200 lounges in 500+ airports in over 100 countries, thanks to the collaboration. Allyz members and up to five visitors can take advantage of this benefit. Allyz is a new digital platform from Allianz Partners that provides clients with a one-stop-shop for safety, security, health, and travel services from a variety of partners to make their journey easier before and during their travels. Allyz members can sign up on the specific website, which is available in three countries: Germany, Spain, and France. Allyz Premium and Freemium members will be able to wait for their delayed flight in the luxury of an airport lounge with SmartDelay, regardless of their ticket type. If your flight is delayed for an hour or longer, Allyz Premium clients will have access to the lounge, while Freemium users will have access if their flight is delayed for two hours or more. Members can bring up to five visitors with them to take advantage of the same privileges, allowing family and friends to stay together while waiting for their flight.

Tui Blue Hotels to Open Across Southeast Asia, China, Africa, and the Middle East

29th Mar 2022 0

Tui Blue hotels will be opened across Southeast Asia, China, Africa, and the Middle East as part of the Tui Group's ambitious expansion plans. Currently, the brand has 96 hotels in Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco, Tanzania, the Dominican Republic, Thailand, Vietnam, Mexico, and the Maldives, with the majority of them in Europe. With management and franchise agreements in place, the hotel subsidiary hopes to expand and has opened additional development offices in Dubai and Hong Kong. Tui Hotels & Resorts managing director Erik Friemuth said: “Tui Blue’s new management and franchise model allows our future partners to benefit from this and offer guests unique holiday experiences. “Together, we aim to become the leading leisure hotel brand with more than 300 hotels worldwide.” Tui Blue's managing director, Artur Gerber, added: “We are delighted that Wesam Okasha, an experienced global head of business development, has joined us. “Among other roles, he previously held the position of senior director development West Africa for Hilton. “Our dedicated team in Asia has already started and has successfully managed to sign contracts for the first Tui Blue hotels in China.” Tui Blue hotels welcome around 27 million tourists each year and provide the Blue App, a digital service assistant that is available before, during, and after the trip.

P&O Cruises Announces Its Summer 2024 Program

24th Mar 2022 0

P&O Cruises has announced their summer 2024 itinerary, which includes trips to Ibiza, Mykonos, Amsterdam, and the Norwegian Fjords. The new ship Arvia will join the fleet in December and will provide two 14-night western Mediterranean itineraries with six ports of call each. One will feature calls to La Spezia and Barcelona from Italy, Spain, and France, while the other will include calls to Barcelona and Valencia from Spain and France. Prices start at £999 per person. Meanwhile, Iona will spend the summer season in the Norwegian Fjords on seven-night cruises that will include stops at Geiranger, Olden, and Alesund. The cost per person is £529. Britannia's summer schedule includes seven-night Norwegian Fjords cruises and 14-night western Mediterranean cruises to the Balearics with extended stops in Palma and Ibiza, as well as one route that includes Cagliari, Sardinia. Azura's summer season of seven- and 14-night fly/cruise vacations will be based in Malta. A call to Civitavecchia for Rome and a call to Monte Carlo from Villefranche are included on the western Mediterranean itineraries. The cost of a seven-night cruise is £699 per person. Ventura's summer program includes short trips to Amsterdam, as well as trips to the Canary Islands, Iberia, and southern cruises. Arcadia will also sail a 16-night Iceland cruise with an overnight call in Reykjavik in June 2024, as well as a 30-night Canada & USA cruise with overnight visits in Boston and New York in September 2024. Aurora's 18-night western Mediterranean voyage in April 2024 will include Tangier and Casablanca, while the ship's Arctic Circle cruise in October 2024 will include Iceland and the North Cape. The new itinerary, according to P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow, maximizes time in port so customers may "enjoy the absolute best of each destination" at their own speed. Pre-registration for summer 2024 vacations is already open, and general sales will begin on 30th March.

EasyJet Adds Faro Service to its Itineraries from Southend Airport

19th Mar 2022 0

EasyJet has added a Faro service to its itineraries from Southend Airport, which will begin in May. From the 2nd of May, the route will run on Mondays and Fridays. Since easyJet returned to Southend after a nearly 18-month hiatus, Faro is the airline's third route to be resumed. One-way tickets start at £22.99. Flights to Palma will begin on 1st May, followed by Malaga the following day. In December, a month after Ryanair halted operations in Southend, EasyJet confirmed its desire to return. EasyJet's UK country manager, Ali Gayward, said: “We are delighted to be able to operate flights to Faro from Southend once again, and provide our customers more choice for next summer. "We remain committed to strengthening our unrivalled short-haul network and providing more affordable and easy connections to our customers across the UK, by offering low fares, and more choice when they travel.”

Gatwick Express Services from Central London to Resume on April

16th Mar 2022 0

Non-stop Gatwick Express services from central London will resume on 3rd April, although at a reduced frequency. Between London Victoria and Gatwick, two trains will run nonstop every hour. The service used to run four trains per hour, but due to an ongoing upgrade of the airport's railway station, there aren't enough platforms to accommodate all of them. The station is being reconstructed to improve accessibility, reduce passenger congestion, and shorten travel times for passengers on the Brighton mainline. It is expected to be completed next year. The service is scheduled to function seven days a week, although the company warns that weekend technical work may cause delays. As the virus spread and passenger numbers at the airport plummeted, services were first terminated in March 2020. The direct rail link to the airport was restored on weekdays on 12th December before being suspended again two weeks later owing to Christmas engineering maintenance and the impact of Covid's Omicron version. Stephen MacCallaugh, managing director of Gatwick Express, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to bring back our non-stop Gatwick Express service from Sunday 3 April as we look forward to a busier summer season including for international travel.  “With more passengers now returning to Gatwick by rail and the South Terminal reopening, now is the time to get our service running again to support the airport and the economic recovery in the south-east.” Emma Rees, Gatwick's head of real estate and surface access, added: “The return of Gatwick Express is great news and we’re really looking forward to the completion of the upgraded railway station. “People are flying from Gatwick in ever-increasing numbers and excellent rail links which have a dedicated service specifically for airport passengers are a vital element of our recovery and our link into central London and beyond.”

Malaysia Airlines to Increase Capacity Between London and Kuala Lumpur

11th Mar 2022 0

Malaysia Airlines will increase capacity between London and Kuala Lumpur following Malaysia's announcement that its borders will reopen to international travelers on 1st April after a two-year hiatus. From 27th March, more than 70,000 seats will be available as the carrier resumes 11 weekly flights, increasing to a double daily frequency on 30th June. This comes just in time for Easter and the start of the European summer, and it continues the rise of foreign travel that began with the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions in the UK and Europe. It also aligns with other south-east Asian countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, which have eased entrance rules for fully vaccinated overseas visitors. The Airbus A350-900 planes fly the flagship route from Heathrow. Daniel Bainbridge, Malaysia Airlines UK, and Europe Regional Director said: “I am delighted that we are resuming our full schedule, twice-daily flights from London Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur in the summer following the significant increase to 11 weekly flights from 27 March for the first time since early 2020. “The further increase in capacity of over 70,000 seats is a top priority for Malaysia Airlines on our flagship route and we remain the only non-stop carrier between London and Kuala Lumpur. “We now eagerly await the opening of Malaysian borders on 1 April for travellers who we know have been wanting to visit and look forward to welcoming them back onboard with our signature Malaysian hospitality.”

Singapore Airlines to Resume Full Schedule of Flights from Heathrow

08th Mar 2022 0

In June, Singapore Airlines will resume a full schedule of flights from Heathrow to Changi Airport. It comes as the airline announced cooperation with Loganair, a regional carrier, to improve access for its UK passengers. Singapore Airlines will resume its pre-pandemic Heathrow flying frequency on June 2, with four daily flights (28 weekly). The country's Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) network will be used for all London departures. The B777-300ER, A380, and A350 aircraft will be used to fly them. The airline will connect seven of Loganair's routes to its flights from the UK to the US, Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand as part of an interline arrangement. Customers will be able to book long-haul flights from both Manchester and Heathrow on the same reservation. The following Loganair routes are linked to Singapore Airlines flights: Both Houston and Singapore are accessible from Aberdeen via Manchester. From Inverness to Singapore, through Manchester. From the Isle of Man to Singapore, via Manchester or Heathrow. From Teesside to Singapore via Heathrow. Loganair operates out of Terminal 1 in Manchester, while Singapore Airlines operates out of Terminal 2. Both operate out of Terminal 2 at Heathrow. Singapore Airlines' UK & Ireland general manager, Mohamed Rafi Mar, said: “Singapore Airlines is delighted to announce its new Interline partnership with Loganair, giving our passengers greater connectivity and flexibility with their travel options. “It also enables us to provide further opportunities for customers around the UK to experience Singapore Airlines’ multi award-winning service, connecting in both London and Manchester all from their local airport.”

6

Best Restaurants in San Francisco

03rd Mar 2022 0

A trendsetter in every way possible, San Francisco is a city hellbent on reinventing itself every few decades. A reason why it so successfully manages to do that, time and again, is the city’s openness towards people from different backgrounds. Individuals who then immerse themselves into the vibrant spirit of the Golden City, add to its already eccentric character.  The culinary map of San Francisco reflects the city’s dynamic persona. Thus, gourmands searching for the best restaurants in San Francisco have ample choices across many world cuisines. From Michelin star fine-dining experiences to mom-and-pop eateries in business for decades, San Francisco guarantees gastronomic escapades packed with deliciousness and discoveries.      Zuni Cafe Tourists wishing to experience old-world San Francisco should make a beeline for Zuni Café. The split-level eatery that started as a Mexican restraint in 1979 is a chic and contemporary space with an alluringly vintage feel today.  The transformation of Zuni Café over decades wasn’t limited to the interiors, but also its menu that now features dishes with a classic Italian and French influence.  Besides being one of the best restaurants in San Francisco, Zuni is also among the most romantic spots in the city. Its daily-changing menu suits epicureans who relish fresh produce. However, the familiarity of flavours that continues from one season to another makes the dishes exceedingly palatable. Every first-time diner at Zuni Café ought to order one or both of their hot sellers. The chicken for two is a succulent meaty delight prepared in the restaurant’s wood-fired brick oven. At the same time, the Catalan-style noodles with mussels and Manila clams promise a quick and delectable ride to seafood heaven.  [caption id="attachment_52867" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Zuni Cafe, San Francisco[/caption] AL’s Place A compact 30-seater eatery on Valencia Street with an unmissable bright blue façade, AL’s Place is among the best restaurants in San Francisco for vegetarians.  Even though it is a one Michelin star awardee, AL’s is a casual joint with lively interiors that create a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. Chef and owner Aaron London’s menu highlight seasonal vegetables. It is, nevertheless, pescatarian in nature, offering seafood and even meats as starters. Try the brine pickled French fries, pork belly, yellow eye bean stew, or the spicy mayo burrata when dining at AL’s. If in a large group, go for their special family-style dining option that includes shared dishes and wine pairing for a fixed price.        [caption id="attachment_52866" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Als Place, San Francisco[/caption] Photo credit to https://www.bonappetit.com/ Ju-Ni Ju-Ni translates to 12. That’s the number of counter seats at the minimalistic sushi bar on Fulton Street.  But Ju-Ni is unlike other Japanese restaurants in San Francisco. It’s an establishment that takes pride in honouring authentic Japanese techniques and plates some of the best sushi in the city.  Exclusivity is second nature at Ju-Ni. Most of their ingredients come from Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market. The omakase menu here consists of 14 delicately prepared items. However, should the customer want, they can add more to this train of tasty delights that one gets to savour ever so slowly.  If the atmosphere at Ju-Ni wasn’t already intimate, the fact that there is one chef to every four customers makes it an even more personal experience. Of course, with counter seating comes the joy of watching the chefs prepare the food from scratch, a chance to admire the talent that goes into creating that perfect sushi.        [caption id="attachment_52865" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Juni[/caption] Sam’s Pizza and Burgers The late Anthony Bourdain was so in love with the city that you can still feel his presence across San Francisco’s gastronomic scene. One of the places he helped promote was the hole-in-the-wall establishment Sam’s Pizza and Burgers.  The 20-seater eatery was, however, a much-adored late-night eating joint from long before Bourdain “discovered” it. In fact, operational since 1966, it recently received the status of a San Francisco Legendary Business.  Located in Chinatown, Sam’s is as casual as one can get while dining outside. There’s isn’t much space to sit, and the food comes on paper plates. You can eat here in your gym clothes or a business suit, and no one will bat an eyelid.  The menu, consisting of Polish sausages, fried shrimp, and pizza, favours the carnivores. Of course, the must-eat at Sam’s is their burgers, of which Sam’s hamburger and Anthony Bourdain double cheeseburger are must-eats. Further placing Sam’s Pizza and Burgers safely among the best restaurants in San Francisco is its celebrity clientele. Drop by late at night, and you just might bump into Sean Penn, Nicolas Cage, or Dave Chappelle.  [caption id="attachment_52864" align="alignnone" width="920"] Sam’s Pizza and Burgers[/caption] Photo credit to https://atlanta.eater.com/ Swan Oyster Depot A local favourite for over a century, Swan Oyster Depot gained international fame after Anthony Bourdain featured it in his travels around the city. Not only that, but when asked why he likes to visit the restaurant repeatedly, he stated that “true love cannot be denied.”  A straightforward seafood restaurant without any razzmatazz, Swan Oyster Depot has limited counter seating. As a result, customers usually end up waiting outside for up to an hour, or sometimes even more. The counter, though, and the stools, are the same since the restaurant’s refurbishment in 1912.  The menu of the family-run depot consists of fresh shrimp, prawns, crab, and oysters. The restaurant apparently has a secret menu for their regulars and celebrity guests who have, in the past, included Francis Ford Coppola, James Beard, Bono, and Julia Child. [caption id="attachment_52863" align="alignnone" width="640"] Swan Oyster Depot[/caption] Photo credit to https://www.bonappetit.com/ Sam Wo Reopened at a new location in 2015, Sam Wo has been a San Francisco culinary institution since first opening its door in Chinatown in 1908.  Among the city’s oldest restaurants, Sam Wo achieved legendary status for serving mouthwatering Chinese delicacies that honour traditional recipes and cooking techniques. The family-owned establishment has a no-frills setup catering to people from all walks of life. Locals come here daily from across the city to devour their noodle rolls, fish jook (rice porridge), dry duck noodles, won ton soup, and barbeque pork. The service here has forever been quick with prices that suit all budgets. Sam Wo is also famous for being one of the more eccentric restaurants in San Francisco, particularly for being the employer of the now-deceased Edsel Ford Fong. Fong, you see, was at one time recognised as the “world’s rudest waiter.” [caption id="attachment_52862" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Sam Wo, San Francisco[/caption] Photo credit to https://samworestaurant.com/

Play Launched Flight to Orlando

25th Feb 2022 0

Icelandic low-cost carrier Play has inaugurated service to Orlando. The first trip will take off on 30th September, and after 28th February, the basic one-way rate will start at £169. The new service will be available from 30th September 2022, until 23rd April 2023, as part of Play's winter schedule. Flights from Stansted to Iceland will be operated by the low-cost carrier on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Flights from Stansted to Orlando will take 12 hours 40 minutes, according to Play, and it will be the sole airline connecting the two airports. The flights from Orlando to Stansted will take 12 hours and 15 minutes and will depart on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The Orlando service would also cater to "high demand" from Scandinavian travelers seeking winter sun in the United States, according to the low-cost carrier. To operate its flights between Europe and Orlando, Play will add a new Airbus A321 neo LR to its fleet. The airline announced last month that it will begin servicing New York Stewart International Airport in June. Play's chief executive, Birgir Jónsson, said: “Play is strategically growing its presence in the United States, and our decision to add the addition of this route to our winter schedule is driven by increasing consumer confidence in and demand for affordable travel. “We anticipate this route to be popular with European passengers, particularly from Scandinavia, seeking to escape the cold winter to experience Florida’s popular parks and resorts, as well as with American travellers visiting Europe to see family for the holidays or to tour festivals and winter attractions.”

Cyprus Removed Requirement for Pre-Departure Testing for Fully Vaccinated Visitors

23rd Feb 2022 0

For fully vaccinated newcomers, Cyprus has removed the requirement for pre-departure testing. The restriction took effect on 21st February, according to the UK Foreign Office (FCDO), which updated its travel advice today. All passengers aged 12 and up must, however, perform a PCR test upon arrival at the airport. This is at the passenger's expense, which can range from €15 to €19. Arrivals are advised to self-isolate at their lodging until their results are received, which should be within three hours. If a test is positive, tourists must stay self-isolated until the Cypriot Ministry of Health issues guidelines. Visitors to Cyprus may also be asked to do a second fast Covid test 72 hours after arriving at a mobile unit. Those who provide a boarding permit at the testing site will not be charged. These tests are not required for those who have had a booster shot. Before traveling to Cyprus, all passengers must fill out a Cyprus Flight Pass. The NHS App in the United Kingdom is recognized as proof of vaccination status. Vaccination must have occurred at least 14 days before departure. Bahrain, on the other hand, no longer requires all visitors to do a PCR test upon arrival. The new rule took effect on Sunday, 2oth February. All passengers arriving in the kingdom are no longer required to pass through quarantine. Vaccination certification may, however, be required for access to select locations. The UK Foreign Office has amended its travel advice for Bahrain, stating that the requirements apply to visitors arriving via the King Fahd Causeway Bridge, which connects Bahrain to Saudi Arabia. The first Formula One race of the season will take place in Bahrain from 18th to 20th March.

Japan to Loosen Its Tight Covid-19 Border Controls by March

17th Feb 2022 0

Next month, Japan will loosen some of its tight Covid-19 border controls by increasing the daily entrance limit and reducing the quarantine time from seven to three days. The country has prohibited non-resident visitors from late November until the end of February to tackle the spread of the Omicron version of the virus. The daily cap for new visitors to Japan will increase from 3,500 to 5,000 next month, and foreign nationals will be allowed to enter for reasons other than tourism. Arrivals will be quarantined for three days and must test negative for Covid on the third day. According to a report in Kyodo News, those who have been vaccinated three times and leave areas where diseases are stabilizing will not need to quarantine. "It is the first step in our progressive lifting of the restrictions," Japan's prime minister, Fumio Kishida, was cited as saying by the site. InsideJapan, which is part of the Inside Travel Group, is pleased with the news and expects "gradual easing" of limitations in the following months. Alastair Donnelly, a co-founder, said: “Although the announcement doesn’t mean that the doors are open again for international tourism, it does mean that there are significant moves from Japan, that we believe, will lead to opening of international tourism again. “We expect that there will be some international travel from the early summer onwards.”

Spain to Accept Unvaccinated 12-17 Minors from the UK

11th Feb 2022 0

From Monday, 14th February, the Spanish government will allow youngsters aged 12 to 17 from the United Kingdom who have not been vaccinated to enter the country. Unvaccinated teenagers will now be able to enter the nation if they have a negative PCR test, which must be done within 72 hours of arrival. Jet2.com and Jet2holidays' chief executive officer, Steve Heapy, said: “This is very welcome news for families who want nothing more than to holiday in their favourite Spanish destinations. “We are pleased to see the Spanish government taking positive action to welcome more arrivals from the UK and we know that this will lead to an increase in bookings. “As the UK’s leading tour operator to the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands, with a huge programme also on sale to mainland Spain, we are already seeing strong demand and this will boost that even further. “The removal of the requirement for 12-17-year-olds to be double-vaccinated tells families that travelling to Spain is returning to normal, and after two years of missing out we know how much everyone wants to experience that famous Spanish sunshine again.” Reyes Maroto, Spain's tourism minister, said: “As one of the world’s favourite tourism destinations, we are committed to making travel to Spain a safe and easy experience for our visitors, especially for families travelling with children. “We hope that with these changes, many families will choose Spain to enjoy safe and memorable holidays together.” According to a statement from the Spanish Tourist Office, the entrance conditions have changed as a result of Covid-19's progress. It further said, “From 14 February 2022, UK children and teenagers aged between 12 and 17 (inclusive) can present a negative NAAT test (PCR or similar), taken within 72 hours of arrival to Spain, as an alternative to presenting a Covid certificate with proof of having been fully vaccinated. “All other UK travellers, excluding children under 12, will need to present a Covid certificate showing proof of being fully vaccinated (with both doses of a two-dose vaccine or one dose of a one-dose vaccine) administered at least 14 days prior to arrival in Spain. If more than 270 days have passed since the last dose was administered, proof of a booster jab is also required. “Prior to travelling to Spain, all passengers must also present a QR code which is obtained from filling in the Health Control Form (FCS in Spanish) available via Spain Travel Health (SpTH). “This new entry criteria is for all travellers (unless exempt) from the UK and outside of the European Union for arrival to the whole of Spain, including the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands.” The declaration was "great news for tourist recovery and high season," said Angel Victor Torres, head of the Canary Islands government, on Twitter.

Loganair Resumes Service Between Aberdeen and Oslo

07th Feb 2022 0

Loganair is resuming service between Aberdeen and Oslo, resulting in the creation of more than 20 jobs at Aberdeen Airport. On 13th June, a year-round connection to the Norwegian capital will be established. A 49-seat Embraer 145 regional jet aircraft is intended to fly up to six times per week. One-way tickets start at £109.99. With the addition of the Olso route, the airline will have a total of 14 destinations to choose from Aberdeen, with more expected to be added as demand for air travel recovers from the pandemic. Loganair has expanded its Aberdeen base by hiring more pilots, cabin crew, and engineers. It directly employs over 120 people at the airport and indirectly supports another 100. New employees are being trained, many of whom were formerly employed by Flybe prior to its bankruptcy nearly two years ago. Jonathan Hinkles, the CEO of Loganair, said: “Together with the new Oslo route, Loganair’s expansion at Aberdeen will see us offering our largest-ever schedule in summer 2022. “It has been a pleasure and a privilege to welcome many new employees to our airline in recent weeks as we create new jobs to support this growth. “It has been a tough two years for the whole industry and it is clear that they’re hugely excited to be returning to the skies with Loganair.”

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Burj Al Arab Review: Enjoy Every Moment of Your Dubai Holiday at the world’s first seven star hotel

03rd Feb 2022 0

The outstretched arms of the Burj al Arab holiday resort in Dubai wait to welcome all who enter. I could feel the love as I walked across the private bridge leading to the entrance. This is one of the most unique hotels in the world boasting 7-star luxury and upon first glance; I could certainly see why it proudly holds several Guinness Book records. Its 321m structure is breathtaking making it 14m higher than the Eiffel Tower. Situated 280m from the shores of Dubai; this striking sail-shaped icon shines like a beacon from its own private island.  Burj Al Arab – Dubai Holiday Deals with a Discount: If you book for more than three nights you can take advantage of the many Burj Al Arab – Dubai offers. I received a whopping 25% off an all-inclusive deal; this included a host of other complimentary benefits. I carry out a lot of research prior to booking a holiday for my clients and naturally did the same for my own holiday. Unfortunately, I could not get any travel industry discounts for my stay but I did stumble upon the best holiday deal for my budget with a specialist trade-only tour operator specializing in the Middle East- so the research paid off! I wanted a package holiday with all the glitz and glam and that is exactly what I received. I was escorted to the hotel by Rolls-Royce; the greeting I received was second to none; it made me feel like royalty.  A member of staff immediately asked if I would like some photos taken and I gratefully lent him my phone. I was then given a personal tour of the main areas in the hotel. Everything was as I imagined but better.  The online photos do not give this hotel justice. The Burj Al Arab – Dubai offers all-inclusive seven-star bliss; it’s like walking into a fairy-tale; this is a place that makes you gasp with wonder and amazement. I was surrounded by wall to wall grandeur; the sort of images you have to see for yourself to be believed. [caption id="attachment_52382" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Aerial view of Burj AL Arab hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates[/caption] Burj Al Arab – Dubai Holidays with a Smile Each and every staff member was forever friendly; helping just seemed to fuel their joy. They were genuinely pleased to see me and I could tell that they truly loved their job which works; they are highly attentive, extremely approachable and really quite charming.  I never passed one single worker who did not offer a warm smile and a friendly word or two. I checked out some resort reviews prior to booking but I did not believe all the positive comments – I can confirm, they are true.  My suite was split into two levels; each floor boasting a breath-taking view of the Arabian Gulf courtesy of the ceiling to floor windows. The king-sized bed in the master bedroom granted me the honor of sleeping like a queen and further released that regal side I never knew I had.  You can expect rest and rejuvenation here; that is why they offer a staggering fourteen different pillows to match each guest’s personal comfort. The other level was equipped with its own private bar and lounge along with a private office which was out of this world.    A last-minute holiday For a Lifetime of Memories Every suite has its own private reception along with a host of butlers waiting to accommodate your every need. I didn’t have to think for myself. When I was running low on towels, cool refreshing ones were laid before me. When my eyes felt tired, fresh cucumbers were placed on closed lids, when my sunglasses were a little smeary; a very smartly dressed man cleaned them for me. I didn’t even have the stress of unpacking my holiday clothes; the butler did it for me.  I was blown away with the many complementary features I received upon arrival with a choice of over 200 newspapers from across the world, a beautiful fruit basket, and a rather nice bottle of wine! I immediately felt at home here...from the pool to the ambiance to the lilt of the gentle harp...everything was a memory to be savored and every room has its own Jacuzzi!  Dining is an equally unforgettable experience. When you book Burj Al Arab – Dubai you have a choice of ten signature restaurants and a host of many bars throughout. I was spoiled for choice from authentic Arabian cuisine through to Far East Asian and European dishes. My partner and I found a table with spectacular views of the sun sinking below the rim of the world.  Cooking is carried out with precision accuracy using the crème de la crème of ingredients. The way that each component is carefully crafted stimulates both the mind and the senses. Service is satin-smooth; I didn’t have to worry about a single thing. Everything that I could ever want or desire was placed in the palm of my hand.  We were serenaded by a beautiful singer who resounded through the speakers in real-time; the entire experience was powerful, it literally brought tears to my eyes...you just want days and evenings like this to last forever. After dinner, I was given a rose from the hotel; it was at this point that my heart was too full of joy for words.  [caption id="attachment_52384" align="alignnone" width="1005"] People enjoying a sunny day at Jumeirah beach in front of the Burj al Arab hotel. Jumeirah Beach is a white sand beach that is located and named after the Jumeirah district[/caption] Suite Indulgence at Your Fingertips! They even have their own gold leaf cappuccino; golden hues glint from the coffee cup like fairy dust. A pillow of Grand Cru Guanaja marshmallows rests on a bed of rich, dark espresso coffee laced with delicate gold leaves that are sheltered beneath a dusting of luscious chocolate. Just one sip and heaven was a taste bud away.  Dubai Holiday at Burj Al Arab: All-Inclusive Personal Service With each staff member tending to just six guests, I really did receive VIP treatment and can certainly see why people take advantage of exclusive holiday offers to stay at this; the only seven-star hotel in the world. Everything is played out in a dreamy, secluded setting that stretches onto the golden sand. You can even have your own private beach. When I stepped into the Burge al hotel – Dubai, I left my everyday mundane world behind and basked in heaven for a while. Holidays do not come any better than this. Later that evening I was invited to a private candlelight dip. The infinity pool was adorned with floating rose petals. As I stepped in, I felt the warm water rise above my ankles and then up to my knees until I was fully immersed and it covered my shoulders. I literally inhaled peace and exhaled happiness. I shut down my thoughts, relaxed and let my worries float away. I could feel the warmth gently unraveling the oldest aches and pains... When you book a Burj Al Arab holiday in Dubai, your peace, your health, and your happiness are all that matter. It is like a veil being lifted from your soul and you develop a whole new perspective on life [caption id="attachment_52385" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Dubai,UAE: Abra boat ride in souk Madinat Jumeirah with the Burj al Arab[/caption] A Discount Holiday That Beautifies Everything You See Then it was back to my suite after a blissful first day. As I entered my room I noticed how even the décor created a feeling of deep relaxation. I took another long look at the beautiful view and the wide bed that beckoned me to lie down. My head sunk into the deepest pillow and it felt as if a thousand angels were cradling my neck as I slowly nestled into my own little cocoon of safety; feeling pleasantly tired.  The land of nod was not very far away; the room had darkened leaving two squares of pale light from the open windows, every now and then a little cool air blew and gently brushed my cheek like soft feathers as I drifted off and encountered sweet dreams in heavenly paradise...   

British Airways and American Airlines to Share Terminal at JFK Airport

26th Jan 2022 0

British Airways and American Airlines have announced plans of their shared terminal at JFK Airport's Terminal 8, which will open to passengers in December. The redevelopment and expansion of the terminal, which is now home to American Airlines, is expected to cost $400 million. The plans were unveiled in 2019, and on 1st December 2022, the airlines will begin joint operations under one roof. BA's brand and customer experience director, Tom Stevens, said: “Our move to the redeveloped and expanded Terminal 8 will bring a range of benefits for our customers, including a better transfer experience, enabling them to travel to more than 30 destinations across the US, Caribbean, and Latin America with American Airlines. “British Airways will remain in Terminal 7 until December 1, 2022, and we have continued to invest in the experience for our customers, including our check-in area, concessions and lounges.” American's chief customer officer, Alison Taylor, added: “American is eager to welcome British Airways to their new home at JFK. “Their move to Terminal 8 further deepens our longstanding partnership and makes it easier than ever for customers traveling between New York and London or onward across our global networks.” For top-tier travelers, there will be a co-branded premium check-in facility. Following security, three lounges will provide travelers with a pre-flight experience based on their cabin of travel and reward program status. Around 1,000 people will be seated in the expanded premium lounges.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has the World's Fastest and Steepest Hybrid Rollercoaster

23rd Jan 2022 0

On 11th March, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will unveil Iron Gwazi, the "world's fastest and steepest" hybrid rollercoaster, according to the park. Iron Gwazi, a 206-foot rollercoaster with a 91-deg It is also North America's tallest rollercoaster. The family-friendly attraction has a 48-inch height restriction and a hybrid rollercoaster construction that mixes wood and steel. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Park's president, Neal Thurman, said: “The incredible anticipation for Iron Gwazi is shared by both our guests and ambassadors, and we are beyond excited to open this amazing coaster.” “Iron Gwazi diversifies our thrill ride portfolio and is an impressive addition to the Tampa skyline. Combining classic elements of a wooden coaster with a smooth, steel track will provide thrill-seekers with an unforgettable experience.”

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Time on the Tampa Riverwalk

18th Jan 2022 0

With a history rich in pirate lore, Tampa Bay has gold in its heart. The Tampa Riverwalk, located in the center of the city, recently won the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, and in both 2018 and 2019, it also won the Greatest Places in America: People’s Choice Award.  The Tampa Riverwalk follows the Hillsborough River from the Florida Aquarium to Armature Works. Envisioned as a city park since the 1970s, the Riverwalk was completed in 2016. The stretch of land was transformed from mostly dilapidated warehouses and industrial facilities to a mix of city parks, restaurants, and local attractions that are a favorite with locals and tourists alike.   Throughout the year festivals and celebrations take place along the Riverwalk, including the Holiday Spectacular, the annual Riverfest, and parades celebrating Tampa Bay’s wins of the NHL Stanley Cup and NFL Superbowl. Dotted with palm trees, the combination of boardwalk and paved walkway provides a chance to explore all the city has to offer – from morning jogs and yoga classes to leisurely lunches, sporting events, museums, parks, and a full range of dinner options.  Visitors can walk, bike, electric scooter, kayak, or even ride a water taxi along the roughly 2.5-mile route.  Bike rental is available from Coast Bike Share locations throughout downtown and City Bike Rental at Armature Works. Kayaks can be rented through Tampa Bay SUP & Kayaking, Riverwalk Boating Company, Tampa Bay Water Bike Company, and Urban Kai. Water Taxi rides are provided for a fee from the Pirate Water Taxi or the Tampa Water Taxi Company.    The Florida Aquarium At the southern tip of the Riverwalk, the Florida Aquarium is a popular attraction to visit in Tampa Bay. Built out of glass and shaped like a wave, the aquarium offers interactive programs and the chance to observe tens of thousands of fish, a coral reef, tiger sharks, and sea turtles.  [caption id="attachment_52162" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Tampa, Florida, USA: Larga manta ray sculpture at the entrance to the Florida Aquarium, home to more than 7,000 aquatic plants and animals from Florida and all over the world.[/caption] The aquarium is open daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm. Parking is available on-site for a fee. Tickets and additional information can be found at flaquarium.org.    Sparkman Wharf As you walk north along the Riverwalk from the Florida Aquarium, you will arrive at Sparkman Wharf. It opened in 2018 and is a delightful collection of eateries, boutiques, and bowling. The Yacht StarShip offers brunch, dinner, and sunset cruises that depart daily.  [caption id="attachment_52163" align="alignnone" width="960"] Sparkman Wharf[/caption] Photo credit to https://www.visittampabay.com/ Parking is available for a fee. A directory of retail, business, and dining is available at sparkmanwharf.com. Cruise information can be found at yachtstarship.com.   Tampa Bay History Center Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, the Tampa Bay History Center is just a few blocks north of Sparkman Wharf. Steeped in 12,000 years of historical facts, treasures, and even food, the museum is a treat for all ages.  Home to a branch of Florida’s oldest restaurant, Columbia Restaurant, The Columbia Café serves their Original Cuban Sandwich with a waterfront view.  [caption id="attachment_52164" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Tampa Bay History Center on the riverfront in downtown Tampa FL, USA[/caption] Tickets and exhibit information can be found at tampabayhistorycenter.org.    Sail Pavilion Sail Pavilion is Tampa Bay’s only 360° outdoor waterfront bar. Stop by for a drink and snacks before renting a water bike from the Tampa Bay Water Bike Company. Water bikes are human-powered watercraft that allow families to enjoy the sights of the city from the Hillsborough River.  [caption id="attachment_52165" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Sail Pavilion Tampa[/caption] Photo credit to https://secure.ngpvan.com/ Water bike rental information can be found at tampawaterbikes.com.    Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park  Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is the midpoint of the Riverwalk and a hub for festival activity throughout the year. The park features 8-acres of space to stretch out and relax while the little ones enjoy time on the playground or in the splash fountains.  [caption id="attachment_52166" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Tampa, Florida USA: Cityscape view in the downtown district at the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park on Ashley Drive.[/caption] For an event schedule, please visit thetampariverwalk.com.    Glazer Children’s Museum  Located next to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, the Glazer Children’s Museum believes in play with a purpose. From building forts to working in a Vet Clinic or a kid-sized Publix Grocery store (a Florida favourite), kids have a wonderful day.  [caption id="attachment_52167" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Tampa, Florida USA: Cityscape view in the downtown district at the popular Glazer Children's Museum on Ashley Drive.[/caption] Parking is available for a fee. The museum is closed on Mondays. For tickets, hours, and more information, please visit glazermuseum.org.    Tampa Museum of Art The Tampa Museum of Art is immediately beside the Glazer Children’s Museum. At sunset, the two buildings become their own piece of art, known as Sky (Tampa), where thousands of lights change from purple to pink to red to blue, illuminating the Riverwalk.  Exhibitions at the Tampa Museum of Art focus on modern and contemporary art and include both permanent and traveling collections. Past exhibitions included works from Andy Warhol and Norman Rockwell.  [caption id="attachment_51397" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Outside the Tampa Museum of Art building in Gasparilla Plaza[/caption] Parking is available for a fee. Information on hours, tickets, and exhibits is available at tampamuseum.org.    David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts Better known by Tampa Bay locals as “The Straz”, the center is the largest performing arts centre in the Southeast United States. Composed of several theatre halls, options for performances at The Straz range from operas and musicals to plays and local youth musical groups.  If you are looking to combine dinner with a show, The Straz has that covered. Maestro’s offers three options for on-site dining, steps away from your seat.  [caption id="attachment_52169" align="alignnone" width="910"] David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts[/caption] Photo credit to https://www.creativesigndesigns.com/ Valet parking is available on-site for a fee. Reservations are suggested for Maestro’s Restaurant and Café. Ticket and production information as well as Maestro’s reservations are available at strazcenter.org.    Armature Works At the north end of the Riverwalk lies Armature Works. It is a fully restored historic building in Tampa Heights that now functions as a unique food hall and event location.  Dining options abound! Even the pickiest eaters will be happy with the wide variety of options. Favorite dishes include Cuban sandwiches from Hemingway’s Cuban Cuisine, sushi from Zukku, burgers from Butcher and Barbeque, and plant-based comfort food from Dharma Southern Kitchen. Full-service dining options are also available.  There is live music on weekends, and with plenty of outdoor seating it is a wonderful spot to find dinner before taking in the music and beautiful sunset.  Parking is available for a fee. A list of restaurants can be found at armatureworks.com.   

Virgin Atlantic Announced its Winter Fares Sale

06th Jan 2022 0

Virgin Atlantic has announced a winter sale with reduced return tickets across its network, including the United States and the Caribbean. The discounts apply to all Virgin Atlantic cabins, with discounts ranging from £107 to £1,400 on Economy Light, Classic, Delight, and Premium prices, as well as discounts of up to £1,400 on Upper Class fares. The Virgin Atlantic deals are valid through 25th January 2022, for travel on select dates. Flights from Heathrow to Antigua start at £326, while tickets to New York, Boston, and Orlando start at £325. Manchester to New York flights starts at £300, while Edinburgh to Barbados fares starts at £338.

Ryanair Launched its "Largest-Ever" Sale

25th Dec 2021 0

Ryanair, Europe's largest budget airline has launched its "largest-ever" end-of-year sale, with ten million seats starting at £29.99. Nearly 4,500 routes will be available for flights. The deal is valid for departures between April and September 2022 and runs from Boxing Day until 31st January. Following the carrier's warning about the impact of the Omicron on winter bookings and government travel restrictions across Europe, the deal was launched. Dara Brady, Ryanair's marketing director, said: “We are delighted to announce our largest ever seat sale offering 10 million seats from just £29.99 for passengers to make the most of travel in 2022. “As we draw to the end of 2021, our thoughts are focused on an exciting new year of travel having added over 560 new routes and opened 16 bases throughout the last 12 months. “With air fares likely to increase in summer ’22 due to reduced capacity, we encourage all customers to book early and scoop up these lower fares.”

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Hotel Spotlight: This Luxury New Zealand Farmstead is Calling Your Name

21st Dec 2021 0

Annandale: Coastal Farm Escape & Luxury Villa Collection  Hotel Overview Annandale is bringing luxe design and superior customer service to the modern farmstead experience. We can assure you, you’ve never seen landscapes quite like this before, and now you can live amongst them for a week with just you, your loved ones, and a covet-worthy boutique hotel. Annandale’s personal brand of luxury is understated - no gaudy glitz or glamour here. Just a humble taste of the finer things that we know you’ll fall in love with the moment you see it.  While Annandale is marketed as a gathering place for families or a quiet hideaway for couples, it’s also the ideal place for the solo traveler; offering a respite from the real world, a chance for artists to realign their creative minds, a scene to inspire the next great poet and a calming atmosphere for the overworked businessman.  We can hardly wait to introduce you to the Annandale Experience! [caption id="attachment_51898" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Annandale homestead[/caption] Memorable Moments -Peruse the Victorian-inspired gardens, including a prize rose garden  -Watch sheepdogs start their morning herding routine over the rocky horizon -Take a mental snapshot of the picturesque landscape of Akaroa -Enjoy a glass of bubbly under an expansive network of constellations- completely unimpeded by light pollution -Hand-pick fruit from Annandale’s orchard -Listen to waves lap the shore as you fall asleep    Guest Villas - Overview This exclusive villa collection has only 4 striking villas and one private loft along the Banks Penninsula of South Island. With a maximum of 34 guests on the 10km coastline and 4000-acre homestead (yes, you read that right) at any given time, you’ll be able to unwind in total isolation and set your vacation to your own pace.  All rooms feature: No matter which Annandale villa you decide on- you’re guaranteed a luxury experience from top-to-bottom. Beyond exquisite interior design, high-end linens, and striking views, what basic amenities can you expect? All guest villas come with complimentary high-speed Wi-fi access, smart TVs, and laundry services by request.    The Homestead This homestead is where it all started. This fully-refinished 1800s farmhouse is the quintessential cottage core getaway with an undeniable infusion of luxury. You’ll be right at the heart of the Annandale property meaning all the amenities and experiences you could ask for are just a few steps from your front door.  -5 Bedrooms; Up to 8 guests included (9-12guests allowed with surcharge) -Lush private gardens and Victorian fernery at your disposal: Owners encourage you to cut a few blooms to brighten up your guestrooms or pick lemons to garnish your breakfast -Several verandahs and covered balconies  -Rooms with views of the ocean, bay, mountain, farmland, and rose gardens- choose your own adventure -Access to lap pool + spa, tennis court, and fitness center.  [caption id="attachment_51893" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Annandale homestead[/caption] Scrubby Bay Scrubby Bay is the prized jewel of the Annandale villa collection. Completely remove and settled between two cliffs and a private bay, this Scandinavian Hygge influenced home is ready to impress groups of up to 14.  -6 Bedrooms; Up to 8 guests included (14 guests allowed with surcharge) -Indoor/outdoor open-air living space with stone fireplace -Private swimming and spa pools -Chef-grade Kitchen -Soaking bathtub for two with floor-ceiling ocean views [caption id="attachment_51896" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Annandale Scrubby[/caption] Seascape  If you’re a couple looking to turn up the heat with a private getaway to NZ who prefers the rugged coastline, this ultra-modern luxury villa is the better choice for you. The furthest from the homestead, you’ll need to take a 40-minute helicopter ride over the cliffs and valleys of Annandale to get here. Seascape is a naturally inspired and integrated space with its grassy roof nestled into the hillside. A bonus? Pods of dolphins and seals frequent this private bay, and you’ll likely be able to spot them from your perch several times a day. What a relaxing place to settle in with a glass of regional wine or a morning cup of tea.  -1 Bedroom; Up to 2 guests -Indoor and outdoor fireplaces -Private bay-front spa tub -Sprawling sundeck, chaises, and daybed -Exposed stone walls -Super-king sized bed [caption id="attachment_51891" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Annandale seascape[/caption] Shepherd’s Cottage  Designed with couples in mind, this little cottage is the perfect getaway for the couple always planning an escape from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives. Cozy, and quaint amongst neverending fields of roaming sheep, Shepherd’s Cottage is the rural counterpart of Annandale’s seaside villas. It’s also totally secluded; you’ll need to embark on a 30 minute trip from Annandale’s main homestead.  -1 Bedroom; Up to 2 guests -Gorgeous, original open fireplace -Genuine sheepskin furnishings -Private gardens -Romantic outdoor bathtub under the stars [caption id="attachment_51897" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Annandale shepherds cottage[/caption] The Stables For a balance of seclusion and proximity to amenities, consider this luxury loft atop Annandale’s original horse stables, tucked away in the homestead’s gardens. While maintaining some privacy, The Stables loft is more accessible than the collection of secluded villas; simply drive onto the property-no additional travel is required.  -2 Bedrooms; Up to 2 guests included (4 guests allowed with surcharge) -Simple design with modern luxury in mind -Fully-equipped kitchen  -Access to lap pool + spa, tennis court, and gym.  [caption id="attachment_51895" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Annandale stables[/caption] Hotel Dining “We Create, You Serve”  Due to the secluded nature of each of Annandale’s villas, they have redefined fine cuisine and curated a farm-to-table dining experience that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own space. “Morning riser” breakfasts, picnic lunches, and 3-course dinners (included in your nightly rate) are all offered as “We Create, You Serve”, meaning Annandale’s chef will send over stunning presentations of garden-grown ingredients and all you need to do is decide how you’d like to enjoy it- from your ocean-view dining table, or alfresco at the top of a mountain. Guests have gone so far as to say that the kitchen here deserves a Michelin Star so this hotel is worth a stay for every foodie out there.    Private Chef Hire If you want to up the ante for a special dinner during your stay, you can hire one of Annandale’s chefs to come out to your villa and prepare a custom restaurant-style plated 3-course, or grazing-style menu just for you. This is a great way to take care of that one special craving you have, or if you really want to live it up, you can hire the chef to prepare your meals exclusively at a discounted rate.    Bespoke Experiences Menu Locavore Meet the chefs of Annandale and get to know the gardens more intimately with this private culinary experience. You’ll help harvest ingredients, watch a live showcase of top-chef techniques, and receive an education on expert flavor combinations, all leading up to a fabulous shared lunch and regional wine pairing.    Mountain Peaks and World-Class Winery  Spend a guided half-day gallivanting between this mountainous region’s best vineyards for an assortment of fine-dining canapes, a three-course dinner, and several award-winning wine tasting experiences.    Private Art Instruction Looking for a thoughtful and everlasting souvenir to bring home? Annandale will arrange for an acclaimed local artist to come to your villa for the day. Here, she will help you to capture your favorite view in pencil, charcoal, or chalk pastels. You’ll get to bring home your artwork, and a curated box of art supplies so you can practice your new skills back home.    Aoraki Mt. Cook and Lord of the Rings Did you know that Aoraki Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak, and the 27 other peaks in this alpine range had a starring role in The Lord of the Rings? Edoras, the capital of Rohan, was filmed here and now you can transport yourself into this fantasy land with a private helicopter tour.    Fishing expeditions in Canterbury Rivers Meet Chappie- a local fisherman who can’t wait to show you the fruits of New Zealand’s best clear-water rivers. Spend the whole day at one site or bounce between several, you’ll be chasing brown and rainbow trout varieties to bring back to the farmstead.    Wildlife Encounters Annandale has several ethical wildlife encounters on their menu, including whale watching, swimming with wild Hector’s dolphins, a visit to Pohatu Marine Reserve, a flora + fauna nature tour, and visits to other local coastal farms.  All photos credit to www.annandale.com

Hilton Honors Extends Status and Points Expiry

13th Dec 2021 0

Hilton has been in the forefront of extending status and providing its members with the resources they need to keep their status and points during the pandemic. Hilton Honors has permanently extended its Points expiration policy from 15 to 24 months, giving members more time to plan and book their next trip while keeping their accounts active. You may keep your Points active and even earn more by doing one of the following things: Choose from over 6,700 Hilton hotels across the world. With any Hilton Honors partner, you can earn or redeem points. A Hilton Honors co-branded credit card can help you earn points (no longer available for new applications in UK) Pointworthy allows you to buy or contribute Points.

Virgin Atlantic Points Buying Offer Up to 70% Bonus

09th Dec 2021 0

Virgin Atlantic has unveiled one of their finest point-buying offers, with a bonus of up to 70% available. On purchases of up to 200,000 Virgin Points, Red and Silver members will receive up to 60% additional Virgin Points (even if you have already bought points). If you're a Gold member, you can get a bonus of up to 70% on purchases of up to 200,000 points. The offer is valid through Tuesday, 21st December. Depending on how many points you purchase, there is a sliding scale: All members, excluding Gold, are eligible for a bonus of up to 60%. • 5,000-24,000 — bonus of 15% • Bonus of 20% if you earn between $25,000 and $69,000 • 70,000-119,000 — bonus of 40% • 120,000-200,000 — bonus of 60% Given that Virgin points may be used to purchase a variety of items on Virgin Red, a distinct firm, I would feel comfortable topping up my account with points if I required them. Virgin Points have no expiration date, which may influence your decision.

9

So You’re in Love with Tulum…What’s Next? 

08th Dec 2021 0

Like many people who travel to Tulum, I have fallen victim to its charm and it has inevitably become my favourite destination. Once an avid traveller searching and stretching to find each new adventure, I now find myself always looping back to Tulum. No matter where I go, it seems I can’t shake Tulum out of my system, and I know I’m not alone.  I see threads in comment boards in quiet corners of the internet where Tulum enthusiasts ask “I know I love Tulum, where else can I go that will be similar?” And while every destination is unique and wonderful, I have walked this line before. I know that the ever-growing popularity is beginning to worry those of us who prefer the hidden gems, and I know that our sense of wanderlust reminds us constantly that there are more places we need to see. Who knows, maybe nothing will ever replace Tulum and we will never grow bored of it, but in the meantime, I have developed a list of places I think you will love just as much.    Near Sayulita, Mexico Sayulita is a cute little surfer town known for its bohemian vibe and good eats. There are plenty of secret beaches and waterfall hikes to keep you entertained and you can take a day trip to Marieta Islands if you feel like doing some exploring. Like Tulum, Sayulita places plenty of emphasis on wellbeing and holistic therapies, with many yoga retreats and local healing practices to indulge in (have you heard of healing sands?). As Tulum continues to rise in popularity, Sayulita still lies just under the radar which means less crowded beaches and less big development. We recommend a stay at Selina Sayulita to best emulate the Tulum experience.  [caption id="attachment_51558" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Sayulita, Mexico: Sayulita is a sunny surfing village on Mexico's Pacific coast popular with surfers and holidaymakers.[/caption] Troncones, Mexico Troncones is a quiet, relatively undeveloped beach community. It is particularly well known for its seafood, as a fishing village of only 500 residents. If you are looking for quiet beaches where you run into only a few other travellers, this is the place for you. There are plenty of hammocks for relaxing and coconut farms to visit. There are also tours available for jungle hiking and lagoon exploration if that is more your speed. That being said, in a town this quaint, we think some peaceful beachcombing is the best way to enjoy your vacation. We recommend a stay at Lo Soreno to best emulate the Tulum experience. [caption id="attachment_51559" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Foamy seawater reflecting the sun's rays in Troncones, Gro., Mexico[/caption] Little Corn Island, Nicaragua Little Corn Island is vehicle-free. Similar to Tulum, you can get yourself around the island’s few restaurants and boutiques in your flip-flops. In order to get to the island, you have to fly into Big Corn via Managua and then take a boat ride, but the trip is worth it! You’ll be guaranteed pristine, uncrowded beaches and a luxurious private hideaway. Typical sea sports including snorkelling, kayaking, and paddle-boarding are all offered on the island and a jungle yoga studio is available for unwinding. We recommend a stay at Yemaya Colibri to best emulate the Tulum experience. Yemaya is owned by Colibri Boutique Hotels, which also owns many of the most popular hotels in Tulum such as Mi Amor and La Zebra, so you can expect a great deal of familiarity, high-end bohemian decor, and personal service when you visit.  [caption id="attachment_51560" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Little Corn Island, Nicaragua[/caption] Santa Teresa, Costa Rica Santa Teresa is a town that attracts backpackers and surfers. This has protected it from big-resort development but encouraged small villas and luxurious boutique hotels to spring up instead. Tulum is probably most similar to Santa Teresa in terms of its dining options. It is a great destination for vegetarians and vegans as it has plenty of plant-based restaurants that focus on local and organic ingredients. Santa Teresa focuses on al fresco dining and extraordinary culinary experiences. We recommend a stay at Hotel Nantipa to best emulate the Tulum experience. [caption id="attachment_51561" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Santa Teresa, Pacific Coast, Costa Rica[/caption] Trancoso, Brazil Trancoso is a substitute for Tulum that even celebrities approve of! The likes of Beyonce and Leonardo Di Caprio have vacationed here and now you should too. Trancoso is perched on an escarpment leading down to the beach and is made up of a lovely collection of boutique hotels, without major resorts and the crowds they draw in. You can explore the town by bicycle and the beach by horseback and can catch the Trancoso Music Festival if you’re looking for some excitement. We recommend a stay at Casa de Pera Inda to best emulate the Tulum experience. [caption id="attachment_51562" align="alignnone" width="1400"] Trancoso, Brazil[/caption] Far Essaouira, Morocco Essaouira is a sweet, bohemian coastal town in Morocco with major charm. The shopping experience here is very similar to Tulum; you will find many skilled artisans selling pottery, baskets, artwork, and textiles. It also has a marvellous art scene with multiple galleries such as Galerie d’Art Damgaard that you can visit during your stay. Of course, there are beautiful white sand beaches to relax at, but you may also want to visit the nearby desert. We recommend a stay at Le Jardin des Douars to best emulate the Tulum experience. [caption id="attachment_51563" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Medina District of Essaouira in Morocco[/caption] Canggu, Bali When looking for an alternative to Tulum, Bali seems like the obvious leap. With gorgeous beaches, bohemian vibes, and a focus on holistic wellness, their similarities are pretty apparent! That’s why we have decided to put two fantastic Bali destinations on this list. The first, Canggu, is particularly popular amongst surfers and spa-goers and also features excellent shopping with high-end clothing boutiques. We recommend a stay at Dreamsea Canggu to best emulate the Tulum experience. While You don’t have to give surfing a try, this gorgeous hotel offers a surf camp for beginners where you can learn at one of the most beautiful beaches in the world!  [caption id="attachment_51564" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Market on the beach in Bali with boats in the background resting on the sand at low tide and a perfect blue sky overhead.[/caption] Gili Islands, Bali Since we’re not quite ready to be done with Bali, we would also like to propose the Gili Islands as an alternative to Tulum. In terms of attractions, perhaps some of the most famous are hammocks and swings in the ocean for relaxing and jealousy-inducing vacation photos. Sound familiar? Like Tulum, the Gili Islands are picturesque and full of photo opportunities. They also boast some incredible landscapes for hiking and casual beach bars to quench your thirst. We recommend a stay at Kuno Villas to best emulate the Tulum experience. [caption id="attachment_51565" align="alignnone" width="1005"] A boat parked next to the shore on Gili Air, Lombok, Indonesia. Beautiful and clear water. In the back is visible Mount Rinjani. Some trees on the shore, few clouds on the sky.[/caption] Ibiza, Spain While Ibiza is known for its nightlife scene (a less known, more underrated part of the Tulum experience), it is also home to stunning beaches and gorgeous stone architecture. A walk through town will remind you of Tulum as you stumble across fruit stands and the Hippy Market. I’m told the cafes on the island are second to none and island hopping is also an option if you start feeling a little restless. We recommend a stay at Can Vistabella Boutique Resort to best emulate the Tulum experience. [caption id="attachment_49115" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Ibiza is an island in the Mediterranean Sea off the east coast of Spain. It is the third-largest of the Balearic Islands.[/caption] Siargao, Philippines Ultra-clear waters, unreal waves, and delicious smoothie bowls. Siargao is a brilliant island destination with very little tourist traffic due to its remote location. Be sure to visit the Magpupungko Rock Pools for some amazing tidal pools and a jungle hike! You also have to try the local “surfer bread”, which is coconut jam on buns cooked in a coconut-fired oven. We recommend a stay at Siargao Bleu Resort & Spa to best emulate the Tulum experience. However, for a more unique and ultra-authentic experience similar to Tulum, we would recommend giving Soul Tribe Beach Retreat a try. This Glamping experience will help you connect with yourself, and with nature.  [caption id="attachment_51566" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Diving at Sugba Lagoon in Siargao, Philippines[/caption] Benguerra Island, Mozambique This island is located within a marine national park, so you know you are guaranteed the most pristine beaches you have ever seen and a small number of tourists due to conservation regulations. Many of the hotel restaurants are located outside on the beach, and many will even bring you by boat to sandbars for a private picnic. The island has many indigenous villages where you can tour and learn about the local culture, as well as the opportunity to go deep-sea fishing. We recommend a stay at Azura Benguerra to best emulate the Tulum experience. [caption id="attachment_51567" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Resting beds in the idyllic island of Benguerra (Mozambique - Bazaruto Archipelago)[/caption] If you’ve made it this far, like us, you probably think Tulum is a pretty fantastic travel destination. When we’re planning where to go next, we often find ourselves struggling to see beyond Tulum and choose to explore somewhere brand new. If you love the Tulum experience, the good news is that you don’t have to go to Tulum to get it. There are little slices of paradise all over Mexico and all over the world and we hope this article gives you a better idea of where you might be able to head next to find them.  

EasyJet Holidays Offer Free Cancellations for All Spanish Destinations

02nd Dec 2021 0

Up to 31st December 2021, EasyJet Holidays will offer free cancellations for all Spanish destinations. Those who can no longer meet the new entrance requirements for Spain by showing confirmation of vaccination status for youngsters aged 12 to 17 can cancel and receive a full refund under the updated policy. The operator stated that it was reacting to the uncertainty generated by recent modifications to entry rules. Customers traveling to all destinations between 18 and 31 December 2021 can now change or cancel their holiday fee-free or receive easyJet vacations credit. Customers can do so until Sunday, 5th December at midnight. This was already in place for bookings departing before the 17th of December. All other customers traveling in 2022 and beyond will be covered by the easyJet holidays Protection Promise, which will require them to pay their balance 28 days before departure and give them the option to cancel and keep their deposit as easyJet holidays credit if they cancel 28 days before departure. EasyJet Holidays Director of Customer and Operations, Matt Callaghan, said: “We know just how special travelling at Christmas and New Year is for our customers, so we want to make sure we do the right thing. “We’re introducing this new flexible policy to support customers with teenagers on their bookings who may not be able to provide proof of full vaccination which travelling to Spain currently requires. “We’re also extending our cancellation for credit or free amend options for all other customers set to travel over the festive period.”

United MileagePlus Selling Miles Up to 50% Discount

25th Nov 2021 0

United MileagePlus is giving a promotion on purchased miles through 11:59 p.m. CT on Friday, 26th November 2021. You'll want to go into your account and see what offers you're eligible for because various accounts may be eligible for different offers. The best incentive I've seen on any account is a discount of up to 50% on purchased miles, which works like this: Purchase 5,000-24,000 miles and enjoy a 25% discount. Purchase 25,000-39,000 miles and receive a 35% discount. Purchase 40,000-175,000 miles and receive a 50% discount. United MileagePlus normally charges 3.5 cents per purchased mile, plus a federal excise tax of 7.5 percent. This is before any discounts or perks are applied. If you qualify for the 50% discount and use the entire campaign, you'll get a total of 175,000 miles for $3,292.19, which works out to 1.88 cents per MileagePlus mile. Members of United MileagePlus are limited to purchasing 175,000 MileagePlus miles per calendar year per account. Note that this limit applies after any incentives have been applied, so even if United offers a bonus on purchased points, you can only acquire a total of 175,000 miles. If you purchase United miles, they may take up to 48 hours to appear in your account.  

7

Resortwear pieces you need to pack for your next holiday

25th Nov 2021 0

Have you ever checked in on holiday, only to open your suitcase and realize you didn’t pack very well? You might even be an A+ packer, balancing essentials with accessories down to a science (not to mention, a pro at saving space in a suitcase). But in a few months’ time when you look back at your photos, you think “what the heck was I wearing?” The thing is, when looking at the vacation photos of your favorite celebrity or travel blogger, it’s easy to blame the difference in your photos on your photography skills. But the truth is, they are packing like they are going to have their picture taken. They have defined their own “travel style” and you probably aren’t catching them in their khaki shorts and a cotton tee.  It can be easy to fall into a rut when packing for a holiday, prioritizing basics since preserving space is an utmost priority. It can be difficult to embrace your day-to-day style and feel fashionable when living out of an overnight bag, making it almost too easy to fall into a rut. Why not consider investing in a capsule “travel wardrobe” full of resort wear staples that are fashionable and functional?  Looking and feeling your best is also a relatively inexpensive way to make your holiday feel more luxurious than it is. That’s why we’ve created this guide to building a resort wear wardrobe to help you get started  Perfectly Paired Co-ord Sets  Nothing says “effortlessly put together” quite like a good matching set, ad your next resort holiday is the perfect chance to try one out. You can totally tailor this staple to your own personal style by choosing anything from a matching short-leg pantsuit (remember to make use of lighter fabrics and pair with more casual tops to maintain that beachy feel), a festival-style crochet top/skirt combo, or a comfy lounge set.  The Redefined Beach Coverup  While a pair of denim shorts might have sufficed over top of your bikini in college, it’s time for an upgrade. While these pieces are a little more difficult to work into your everyday wardrobe back home, it’s essential to invest in at least one. Consider picking up a beachy tunic, kaftan dress, long kimono, or stylish sarong. Of course, the more the merrier. Don’t be afraid to accessorize your beach coverup either. An open-knit, transparent top belted over a neutral one piece will have you looking like an off-duty model.  [caption id="attachment_51154" align="alignnone" width="1005"] A young woman in a hat and a cape is resting near the sea.[/caption] The Easy-breezy, Billowing Pant  Palazzo, culottes and harem, oh my! Pants with a wide leg and loose, lightweight fabrics are the backbone of any travel wardrobe. We recommend bringing a combination of more-structured and less-structured silhouettes to take you straight from a five-star dinner to lounging by the pool with a martini in hand.  Linen, Linen, Linen  Linen is probably the most popular fabric for resortwear and for good reason. With a high-quality, luxurious feel, it is also highly breathable for days spent lounging in the sun. You’ll find linen garments are often well-constructed, looser silhouettes representative of resortwear styles anyways, so you shouldn’t struggle to find some pieces you love. Whether you choose linen pants, tops, dresses, pajamas, or sets, you can’t go wrong!  More Texture Please!  Besides linen, you’re also likely to find several textured-fabric pieces when searching for resortwear. To carry the beachy vibe all the way through your wardrobe, be sure to choose fabrics like muslin/gauze/crinkle cotton, crochet, ribbing, embroidery, or raw silk, rather than high-impact prints.  The Jolly Jumpsuit  Perhaps the quintessential breezy garment is the flowy jumpsuit. We recommend choosing oversized silhouettes and extenuating your waist with a statement belt. This is a great way to add a touch of luxury fashion to an otherwise low-key, bohemian piece. Jumpsuits can also be dressed up with heels and jewelry or left unbelted and paired with a cute hat for lazier days.  [caption id="attachment_51155" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Travel lifestyle, summer vacation with kids[/caption] Accessorize, Darling!  To add a touch of luxury to your outfits, it’s important not to forget to accessorize. Here are some key accessories you should consider investing in when building a resort wear wardrobe:  Bandana/ headscarves  The silk hair scarves trend is coming back for the everyday wardrobe, but when it comes to resortwear, it really never left. Invest in a couple of pretty silk scarves and you can use them to tie back a casual ponytail, wear it as a bandana, use it to accessorize your straw hat, tie it to your bag or belt loops for added flair or even wear them as a beachy top- the choice is totally yours. With this much versatility, these are an absolute must for your travel accessory bag.  [caption id="attachment_51156" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Pin-up girl with a headscarf in white t-shirt sitting by the sea[/caption] The Straw Hat Chances are you’ve already purchased a straw beach hat. If by some chance you haven’t-you absolutely need to. Not only is it a super effortless way to make your beach getup more fashionable, but it’s also a great way to protect your skin from the harsh UV rays and to keep you cool and looking flawless. Visualize where exactly you intend to put this in your home. You can even spice it up by investing in a few different variations of this resort staple. Opt for a bucket-hat shape, an extra-large floppy brim, a raw straw edge, or an unexpected embellishment.  Statement Jewelry  One of the fundamentals of dressing for a resort holiday is embracing simple, breezier silhouettes in a neutral palette and bigger, bolder accessories- perhaps the opposite of your approach to everyday fashion. If there’s a big pair of tassel earrings you’ve had your eye on or a colorful necklace you never seem to find the right outfit for, now is the time to give these things a try. You can also buy plenty of pieces locally so don’t be afraid to experiment with shell and seed necklaces, culturally inspired pieces, or heavier metal than you’re used to.  [caption id="attachment_51157" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Tanned girl in lotus position dressed in silver jewelry, bracelets, and rings.Boho style.[/caption] A small, but stylish shoe  Do yourself a favor and leave the flip-flops at home. Instead, invest in a nice pair of sandals and a neutral flat. Earth tone shoes will help maintain cohesiveness with your resort wear collection and will also allow for easy integration with your everyday shoe closet. We recommend avoiding strappy, fussy high heels, but if you absolutely must bring a pair, try substituting an open-back kitten heel for an added touch of simplicity and class.  The Boho Bag  We know you’ve been looking for an excuse to buy a new purse so here you go. This last one’s for you- You simply can’t go to the beach without a good beach bag. Similar to the straw hat, the straw bag is an unavoidable essential. Consider buying a smaller wicker/wood handbag with leather embellishments for a flawless daytime holiday accessory and an ultra-large straw bag for beach/pool days. These pretty giants also double as the perfect carry-on, with space for all your favorite airplane comforts. [caption id="attachment_51153" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Outdoor portrait of a young beautiful fashionable lady walking on the street. Model wearing stylish summer hat and clothes.[/caption]

Choice Privileges Offers Double Points on Stays

23rd Nov 2021 0

Choice Privileges has officially announced the terms of its next big campaign, which will begin in a few days. While there's definitely no reason to move all of your stays to Choice, it's worth taking advantage of if you were already planning one. Choice Privileges is offering double points on stays at most brands till the end of the year. This offer is good for stays from 29th November through 31st December 2021. Prior to checking out of your first stay, you must register. Only reservations made directly with Choice (through the app, website, or phone) are eligible. Except for stays booked at prices below 40USD per night, reward night stays, and stays with employee rates, a qualified stay is one that is able to earn Choice Privileges points. All-inclusive stays at WoodSpring Suites and Ascend Hotel Collection resorts are not eligible. To be eligible, you must set your earning preference to Choice Privileges points. Within 72 hours of an eligible check-out, points should be available. This promotion excludes properties in the following countries: Japan, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia. You must have a Choice Privileges account in one of the following regions to be eligible: the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, participating Central American and Caribbean countries, Australia, New Zealand, or Singapore. With this deal, you can earn an unlimited number of bonus points, there is no minimum stay restriction, and the bonus begins with your first stay. Members of Choice Privileges typically receive 10x points per dollar spent, excluding elite bonuses (ranging from 10% to 50%) and credit card rewards. This implies that for every qualified dollar spent at a hotel, you'll get an extra 10 points with this promotion.  

Earn Status Miles For Transferring Points To Etihad Guest

17th Nov 2021 0

When you transfer points to Etihad Guest, you can earn additional status miles as part of a new campaign. Etihad Guest is awarding one Etihad Guest elite qualifying mile for every mile transferred to the program between 14th November and 15th December 2021: To be eligible for this promotion, you must transfer at least 5,000 miles. This campaign allows you to earn a maximum of 20,000 status miles. The transaction cannot be reversed once miles have been transferred. After 15th December 2021, Elite miles will be credited to accounts within 10 business days. The date of the transfer provided by the partner program determines the validity of this promotion. This offer cannot be combined with any other transfer offer. While Etihad Guest has a large number of transfer partners, only AIMIA (Air Miles), AMEX MR (*All), Al Hilal Joud, Citibank UAE/Globa, Emirates Islamic Bank, Emirates NBD, FAB Rewards, HSBC UK, ADCB TouchPoints, ADNOC, SHARE Rewards, Boubyan Bank, Saudi British Bank, and National Commercial Bank are eligible for this promotion.

Odyssey of the Seas New Name of Royal Caribbean Ship

15th Nov 2021 0

Odyssey of the Seas is the name given to the Quantum Ultra-class ship by Royal Caribbean International. At the naming ceremony for the 4,284-passenger vessel on Saturday in the US port of Fort Lauderdale, the line's CEO Michael Bayley commended Richard Fain, the outgoing CEO of the line's parent business, for his efforts during the pandemic. At the opening of the event, Fain led the godmother procession onboard, strolling onto the pool deck with the ship's godmother, Bahamian para-athlete Erin Brown. President and Chief Executive Officer Bayley remarked of Fain, who announced his retirement from the Royal Caribbean Group this week after 33 years as CEO: “It’s your steady hand that set the course for our successful comeback.” “Even when the sea was anything but calm, you held the helm. It’s your steady hand that set the course for our successful comeback. Thank you on behalf of the Royal Caribbean family. “It’s a beautiful day to name this ship and celebrate the return of cruising.” Fain stated: “It’s an emotional moment – but we are back. It’s really a privilege to be here today and welcoming all of you on this amazing vessel. “This is an unusual time and any time we do one of these inaugural events it’s an opportunity to examine a spectacular ship to see the beautiful architecture, art and technology. All of the things that make the ship special.” “I would really like to focus on the future not the past. Today, we get to show the world what imagination and determination look like when they come together in one dynamic enterprise. This ship is an example of that convergence. “I am very appreciative of our new-building team. The dedication, the focus and the partnership has made these things [ships] so successful. I am really appreciative of that.” Bayley is a "strong visionary" and "trailblazer," according to Fain, who is "extremely proud" of Royal Caribbean's efforts to launch Odyssey despite the pandemic's hurdles. Before a Champagne bottle was slammed against the hull of the Quantum Ultra-class yacht, he stated Bayley had advanced the values the company "holds so important." After sailing a series of Caribbean trips out of Fort Lauderdale this winter, Odyssey of the Seas will begin a combination of Greek Islands voyages out of Civitavecchia, Italy, in early May. The vessel, which took three and a half years to build, has more than 25 dining and drinking establishments. The ship is connected to a country's national grid electricity supply and has shore power connectivity, which decreases CO2 emissions when in port.

11

International Hiking Trips That Put the PCT To Shame

13th Nov 2021 0

In 2012, Wild by Cheryl Strayed took over the world: first by book, and then by film. As we watched Cheryl find herself after a nasty divorce, surrounded by the vast remoteness of the American wilderness, we all found ourselves wanting to embark on the same journey of self-betterment. We all decided we were going to hike the PCT: the Pacific Crest Trail. Some of us did. In fact, flocks of backpackers (largely inexperienced) stocked up at their local co-op and set out on a hike with very little idea what lay ahead of them. The rest of us though found the idea of hiking the PCT to be little more than a dream. We penciled it in on the bucket list, perhaps made loose plans and time-stamped goals. But as time passed, we either lost interest or realized that a gruesome and lengthly hike (no matter how beautiful) was just not in the cards for us. Some of us were too inexperienced, some couldn’t get more than two days at a time off of work and others just forgot it was even a priority for them at one point or another.  [caption id="attachment_50851" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Enjoy ancient forest trees, tall mountains, and cool, clear water while hiking Bridge Creek Trail, a section of the Pacific Crest Trail in North Cascades National Park, Washington State, USA.[/caption] So why, years later, are we bringing it back up? We’re calling for you to re-ignite your passion and dust off those hiking shoes in the back of your closet. While the Pacific Crest Trail will always hold a special place in our hearts, it’s time that we start to consider some alternatives; some stunning, remote trails around the world where we can learn about ourselves and our connectivity to nature; some exotic and inspiring destinations that motivate us to get up on our feet, travel, and pursue the goals we had once set. We’ve found there’s no better motivator than travel. Even better, these trails range drastically in difficulty and duration so no matter what the needs of your lifestyle are right now, at this very moment, you can find a reason to drop everything and go. Whether you’ve never worn a backpack in your life and you only have a week to spare or you’re ready for the challenge of milage that rivals the 4,265-kilometer PCT., we’ve got you covered.    West Coast Trail, Canada  Trail Length: 75 Km  Hiking Time: 5-8 Days  Difficulty: Challenging  Optimal Season: July/August  [caption id="attachment_50839" align="alignnone" width="1005"] West Coast Trail, Canada[/caption] This hike is a great length for those with little time to spare, but will still challenge you to the core. Winding along craggy coastlines and lush temperate rainforests, this trail is waiting to show you landscapes and sunrises you will never forget. Keep in mind that this trail includes multiple waterways that must be forded, so you’re going to get wet! That being said, there are also groomed stretches with boardwalks and bridges, so you can always slow down the pace and add in some leisurely days.  The Great Ocean Walk, Australia  Trail Length: 110 Km  Hiking Time: 8 Days  Difficulty: Easy/Moderate  Optimal Season: March to April  [caption id="attachment_50852" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Aerial view of the Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia.[/caption] Where are the beach bums looking to expand their repertoire of outdoor activities? Why bother leaving the beach at all? This weeklong trek will take you across the cliffs and dunes of the Australian coastline- a total dream! Amongst some of the famous beaches, you’ll pass along this trail (and some rolling farmland), you’ll eventually make it to one of the most popular natural attractions in Australia, the 12 Apostles, and we couldn’t think of a better reward for a week’s dedication.  Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru  Trail Length: 130 km roundtrip  Hiking Time: 7-14 days  Difficulty: Challenging  Optimal Season: May to September  [caption id="attachment_16884" align="alignnone" width="1004"] Panoramic view of the Cordillera Huayhuash mountains in Perù[/caption] Listen, we know that if you’re heading to Peru, the hike to Macchu Picchu is probably pretty high on your list. But if you’re experienced enough to handle difficult (and sometimes dangerous) terrain, you need to push yourself a step further and hike the Cordillera Huayhuash. This mountain range trail is dotted with stunning glacial lakes, and you’ll also pass through several small villages where you can embrace traditional Andean Culture.  Torres del Paine “O” Circuit, Chile  Trail Length: 137 km  Hiking Time: 6-11 days  Difficulty: Moderate  Optimal Season: December to February [caption id="attachment_50853" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Hiking through the rocky and glacial terrain of Torres Del Paine National Park[/caption] Geysers, flamingos, mountains, salt flats, and desert- for such a short trail, you really do get to see it all at Torres del Paine. Hiking the O loop trails is a great choice for creating a diverse experience. Oh, and this trail is well known for its stunning sunsets and uninterrupted starry skies, so prepare to enjoy your evenings pitching camp as much as your daytime trekking.  Arctic Trail Circuit, Greenland  Trail Length: 165 km  Hiking Time: 7-10 days  Difficulty: Moderate  Optimal Season: June to September  [caption id="attachment_50869" align="alignnone" width="1061"] Arctic Trail Circuit, Greenland[/caption] This trail will require isolation and self-sufficiency for its duration, thanks to its minimal overlap with civilization. That being said, it’s not super long as far as thru-hikes go and it’s relatively easy for those who are familiar with the outdoors. You’ll hike past Greenland’s ice cap, multiple glaciers, and arctic deserts so there will certainly be no shortage of adventure.  Walker’s Haute Route, Swiss Alps  Trail Length: 200 Km  Hiking Time: 9-12 days  Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging  Optimal Season: September  [caption id="attachment_50870" align="alignnone" width="1170"] Walker’s Haute Route, Swiss Alps[/caption] The Walker’s Haute Route is the first on our list that allows you to explore multiple countries on one trail. In just twelve days, you’ll trek through both the French and the Swiss Alps (including the Matterhorn). Besides the opportunity for travel, this trail is also popular due to the caliber of accommodations along the way. Even if you’re doing a grueling hike by day, you can pretty well always count on settling into a charming bed and breakfast, a luxury hotel, a mountain hut, or a fully serviced campsite at night. This is a great choice for those who are up for a challenge but aren’t afraid to treat themselves instead of “roughing it”.  Drakensberg Grand Traverse, South Africa  Trail Length: 240 Km  Hiking Time: 2-3 Weeks  Difficulty: Challenging  Optimal Season: September to December  [caption id="attachment_50873" align="alignnone" width="1005"] A person on the edge of the amphitheater - Drakensberg - South Africa[/caption] During this tiresome trek, you’ll hike up not one, not two, but FIVE different mountain peaks; the tallest of which is 3482m above sea level. You’re going to need to be pretty fit to manage this hike but these vast mountain views are absolutely worth it- just be sure to work on your endurance before you depart.  Kungsleden, Sweden  Trail Length: 440 Km  Hiking Time: 3-4 Weeks  Difficulty: Easy/Moderate  Optimal Season: July to September  [caption id="attachment_50874" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Backpacker at Kungsleden trail admiring nature of Sarek[/caption] One of the best things about this trail is that it allows for true, prolonged thru-hiking at nearly a month-long, while still remaining palatable for beginners. In fact, this trial is easy enough that it’s recommended for families with young children. Plus, it’s absolutely breathtaking. Part of the trail runs through the Vindelfjällen mountains, which are part of Europe’s largest protected nature reserve. Set against a backdrop of sweeping mountain ranges, you’ll find magnificently colored fields of red, yellow, orange, and green so don’t forget to bring a lightweight camera.  Rota Vincentina, Portugal  Trail Length: 450 Km  Hiking Time: 4 weeks  Difficulty: Moderate  Optimal Season: July to August  [caption id="attachment_50875" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Beach with high cliffs in Zambujeira Do Mar, Vincentina Coast Natural Park, Alentejo, Portugal[/caption] This 4-week trek can be broken up into three main parts: The Historical Way, The Fisherman’s Trail, and The Coastal Route. When combining all three you’ll see beaches, dunes, cliffs, forests, fields, and sweet little towns making this a great option for those who want to do a lot in a short amount of time. Another great thing about this hike is that there are modern, full-service campsites (and even some hotels) along the way so you can break up your backpacking trip with proper showers, nights in a bed and restock on food regularly to keep your pack weight low.  North-to-South Traverse, Iceland Trail Length: 450 Km  Hiking Time: 3-4 Weeks  Difficulty: Easy/Moderate  Optimal Season: June to September  [caption id="attachment_50876" align="alignnone" width="1005"] North-to-South Traverse, Iceland[/caption] Let’s be honest, beyond an opportunity to challenge and reconnect with yourself, one of the main reasons we decide to embark on a journey like this is for the stories. And as far stories about international journeys go, it doesn’t get much cooler than Iceland. Plus, despite being a super rugged environment with a shocking climate, this hike is actually pretty beginner-friendly. If both a backpacking adventure and a trip to Iceland are on your bucket list, you absolutely need to combine the two and choose this trail.  Bibbulmun Track, Australia  Trail Length: 625 Km  Hiking Time: 6-8 Weeks  Difficulty: Challenging  Optimal Season: April to May  [caption id="attachment_50877" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Karri forest along the Bibbulmun Track near Northcliffe in Western Australia.[/caption] This great Aussie bush adventure is a challenge. That being said, it can be broken up into smaller treks that are completely family-friendly. No matter how you plan to take on this trail, you’ll experience rolling valleys, natural swimming pools, flowering gum trees, and the Southern coastline, which makes it all worth it.  Tokai Nature Trail, Japan  Trail Length: 1050 Km  Hiking Time: 6-8 Weeks  Difficulty: Moderate  Optimal Season: March to May  [caption id="attachment_50878" align="alignnone" width="870"] Tokai Nature Trail, Japan[/caption] Japan might not be the first country that comes to mind when planning a thru-hiking trip, but it should be. In fact, the Tokai Nature Trail is considered one of the best long-distance hiking paths in the world. You’ll immerse yourself in luscious Japanese forests, bathe in waterfalls and pass through rural villages where you can learn about the local cultures.  The Great Himalaya Trail, Multiple  Trail Length: 1500-1700 Km  Hiking Time: Up to 1 year  Difficulty: Challenging  Optimal Season: June to October  [caption id="attachment_50879" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Panoramic beautiful view of mount Ama Dablam with the beautiful sky on the way to Everest base camp, Khumbu valley, Sagarmatha national park, Everest area, Nepal[/caption] While the vast majority of the traverse is located in Nepal, the Great Himalaya Trail also passes through India, Bhutan, and Tibet, making it a super unique South Asian experience with plenty of cultural immersion. And yes, you’ll also be able to see Mount Everest along the way, amongst Nepal’s other 8000m peaks.  Via Dinarica, Western Balkans  Trail Length: 1930 Km  Hiking Time: 3-4 months  Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging  Optimal Season: June to October  [caption id="attachment_50880" align="alignnone" width="732"] Via Dinarica, Western Balkans[/caption] This monster trail spans 9 countries including Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, and Macedonia. This is a fabulous opportunity to experience cross-border hiking in a relatively short amount of time. Many backpackers remark on the time they were able to spend learning about local traditions and integrating with the communities along the way. For this reason, we think this trip is best suited to the traveler who prioritizes connection along their journey vs. total seclusion.  Grand Italian Trail, Italy  Trail Length: 6100 Km  Hiking Time: Up to 1 year  Difficulty: Moderate  Optimal Season: March to November  [caption id="attachment_50881" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Greenfield and rocks. Abruzzo, Italy.[/caption] If you have the time to dedicate to hiking the Grand Italian Trail, you certainly will not be disappointed. You’ll travel pretty much from one side of the country to the other, and along the way, you’ll hike through 15 National parks, six UNESCO World Heritage sites, and countless other natural attractions. This is Italy like you have never experienced before.

Delta's FlyReady Web Tool Updated to Simplify Travel as US Reopens

04th Nov 2021 0

To coincide with the reopening of US borders on 8th November, Delta Air Lines would allow passengers to instantly upload and validate Covid-19 immunization certificates and negative test results. The US government has established these main entry criteria for international visitors wishing to enter the country. The carrier's Delta FlyReady web tool has been updated to "help take the worry" out of travel for travelers flying to the United States. Passengers on "almost all" foreign itineraries destined for the United States will be able to use it. According to the airline, “The tool simplifies the travel experience by sharing a streamlined view of the entry requirements at the customer’s destination, including those beyond health documentation.”

Marriott Bonvoy Extends Status until February 2023

31st Oct 2021 0

More good news for Marriott customers who have been fighting to keep their status. Prior to this year, Marriott made it easier to achieve status by giving elite members a night credit equal to half of what is required to maintain status. They've taken it a step farther now. Whether you got your status in 2019 or 2020, the firm stated today that it would join Hilton in extending status for members until February 2023. Your Elite status expiration should be extended in your account by December 2021. You can access their account by visiting Marriott.com or using the Marriott mobile app. The expiration of Marriott Bonvoy® Points has been suspended until 31st December 2022, to give you plenty of time to redeem them (previously 31st March 2022). Only if your Marriott Bonvoy® Points have been inactive for at least 24 months will they expire at that time. If you don't choose the Suite Night Award as their yearly option benefit, FNAs are provided when you stay 50 nights or more in a year. Members who hold a Free Night Award (FNA) that expires between 3rd January 2022 and 29th June 2022 as part of their co-brand credit card benefit, annual choice benefit, promotions, or travel package will be able to redeem it until 30th June 2022 by the end of December. By December, Members who have Suite Night Awards™ previously set to expire on 31st December  2021 will see their Suite Night Awards™ expiration extended to 30th June 2022. The Elite status requirements are the published thresholds: Silver Elite: 10 – 24 qualifying nights annually Gold Elite: 25 – 49 qualifying nights annually Platinum Elite: 50 – 74 qualifying nights annually Titanium Elite: 75+ qualifying nights annually Ambassador Elite: 100 qualifying nights annually and $14,000 USD in qualified annual spend on stays in 2021 only (in 2022, the qualified annual spend requirement will return to $20,000 USD).

UK Confirmed Removal of 7 Remaining Countries on the Travel Red List

29th Oct 2021 0

The remaining seven countries on the government’s travel red list will be removed from it. This means with no countries on the red list, no one entering the UK should have to isolate in a hotel. This could mean we see Heathrow’s Terminal 4 reopening as demand rises since it was only being used for red list arrivals. The seven countries on the red list are Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela and will be taken off the list, which will leave no countries left in the red category. The exact date of removal will be 4 am on Monday 1st November. It was predicted by some news outlets that the list would be scrapped entirely or at least the need for hotel quarantine. However, it looks like the government is retaining the concept of the red list should it be needed again. The government said Some news sites projected that the list, or at the very least the requirement for hotel quarantine, will be removed outright. The administration, on the other hand, appears to be keeping the red list concept in case it is needed again. According to the authorities, "Red list and quarantine hotels will continue to operate as the UK’s first defense against incoming variants of concern (VOC), with reviews taking place every 3 weeks." The red list regarding variations of concern is no longer necessary because Delta has become the dominant strain over the world. In the event that it is needed to be revived, the government will keep a small number of hotel rooms on standby. I understand why you want to keep the red list in the background since you don't want to have to come up with a new scheme if a vaccine-evading new variant emerges in the future. In my opinion, this is the only occasion we should use hotel quarantine.

Cayman Islands and More Caribbean Destinations Relax Covid Entry Requirements

27th Oct 2021 0

The Cayman Islands has announced that it would begin the next step of its reopening plan on 2oth November by lifting the quarantine for vaccinated visitors. The island has been subject to limitations for over two years, but "many travelers are already looking to winter sunspots for their next therapeutic break," according to the statement. Kenneth Bryan, the Minister of Tourism, stated: “The health and security of our residents and visitors have always been the government’s number one priority, and our Covid experience throughout the pandemic has been exemplary to date. With a high percentage of the population now vaccinated, we are keen to relax the current restrictions and move to phase four of our reopening program on 20th November. “This will bring an important return to normality for travel and tourism on the islands in time for the holidays.” Meanwhile, Anguilla has removed the requirement for PCR tests on day four of arrivals, and antigen tests will be permitted from 1st November. Testing fees for overseas visitors have also been dropped to $50 from $200 in the British Overseas Territory. Visitors must remain in their designated lodging until a negative result is received. Guests staying on the island for more than eight days will be subjected to random day-four testing at no additional expense. All visitors to Anguilla must be fully vaccinated at least 21 days after their last dosage, with the exception of pregnant women. Vaccines from Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Moderna are accepted. Travelers must also submit an application for Entry Permission, which costs $50 per person and perform a pre-arrival test, which can be PCR or antigen.

Emerald Sakara Sets Sail from Seychelles in 2023

18th Oct 2021 0

Emerald Cruises' inaugural journey in the Indian Ocean will take place in 2023 when the new superyacht Emerald Sakara sets sail from Seychelles. On 23rd February 2023, the ship will embark on an 11-day Tropical Charms of the Seychelles itinerary, which will transport passengers on a round-trip voyage from Victoria to Sainte Anne, Cousin, Praslin, Grande Soeur, Curieuse, La Digue, and Aride. In addition to the new Indian Ocean cruise, four additional itineraries will begin sailing in 2023, including two new Black Sea itineraries. The 15-day Mykonos, Gallipoli & Essence of the Black Sea journey departs from Athens and stops at Mykonos, Anakkale, Istanbul, Bartin, Sinop, Trabzon, Batumi, Sochi, Odessa, Sulina, Varna, and Nessebar. The same voyage is sailed on a 22-day Discover the Greek Islands, Turkey, and the Black Sea tour, with additional days spent sailing the Aegean Sea with stops in Patmos, Kusadasi, Bodrum, Rhodes, and Amorgos. The 15-day vacation, which will depart onboard Sakara on 17th June 2023. The 12-day Ancient Wonders of the Red Sea & Mythical Greece cruise will depart from Saudi Arabia and end in Athens, with stops in AlUla, Duba, Aqaba, Sharm el-Sheikh, Ain Sokhna, and Agios Nikolaos along the way. The journey will begin on 4th April.

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The best things to do in Bocas del Toro, Panama

15th Oct 2021 0

In the Northeast of Panama, a chain of islands can be found off the Caribbean Sea. Embodying true Caribbean culture and undeveloped landscapes, let me introduce you to Bocas Del Toro.  The archipelago consists of 3 main islands; Isla Colon, Isla Bastimentos, and Isla Carenero, as well as approximately 200 smaller islets, dotted around the sea. There are a variety of options for how to get to Bocas. By far, the most convenient way is to take a short 45-minute flight from Panama City directly to Bocas Town on Isla Colon. Other options include water taxis and ferries. If driving from Panama City, expect the journey to take around 9 hours, plus the hour or so ferry to reach Bocas Town.   On any given island, you may find verdant rainforests, golden beaches, or local culture. For a chain of islands, the biodiversity is incredibly high. In fact, the archipelago has found fame in both the scientific world and tourist world alike, for being home to a variety of endemic species, such as the pygmy three-toed sloth or the toxic strawberry poison frog. Here are some of the best activities to see and do whilst staying in Bocas Del Toro.    Rent two wheels for the day Regardless if you fly into Bocas, or arrive by boat, you will arrive at Isla Colon first. Being the capital of the area, there is much to see and do, including restaurants, museums, shops, and beaches. The best way of getting around and seeing as much as possible is by hiring a bicycle for the day. This allows you to freely get around at a leisurely pace and access places that would be too far to walk or inaccessible by car.  This is a great way to get to Playa Bluff or even some of the other beaches mentioned further down the list. The beaches here are known for their miles of soft, golden sand; perfect for getting lost in the moment and walking interruptedly against a picture-perfect, tropical backdrop.    Starfish beach  On the Northwestern tip of Isla Colon, explore the world-famous Starfish Beach, or Playa Estrella. To get here, you have to travel through a Natural Reserve, bustling with life. A great way to do this is by bike, but taxis and buses are also possible. By bike, it will take a couple of hours. You may even be able to spot the elusive Panamanian night monkey, resting in the hollows of trees.  The road terminates at Playa Boca del Drogo, a clear water bay offering a few restaurants. From here, take the nature trail towards Starfish Beach. This remote, sandy beach is known for its calm waters, inundated with giant starfish in the shallows. A unique experience, but remember, do not handle the starfish as this may cause harm to them. Relax and snorkel, whilst sipping on a cold and fresh coconut.    [caption id="attachment_50140" align="alignnone" width="1007"] View of three colorful starfishes in playa Estrella, Panama.[/caption]   Red frog beach  For this next entry, we are crossing to the neighboring island of Bastimentos, just a short boat trip away. Bastimentos is the largest island of the archipelago and is one of the most natural, with large expanses of rainforests covering much of the land. At least a dozen different ecosystems can be found on and around the island, such as mangroves and coral gardens. Much of the island is designated as a National Park, protecting the many species that can be found here.  Unlike the rest of the island of Bastimentos, the Northern region is the most developed, with hotels and restaurants spread across the beaches. Whilst here, it is worth checking out Old Bank; a colorful metropolis of Caribbean spirit. From Old Bank, you can take the jungle paths through the rainforest to Red Frog beach. Be careful though, as the paths can become notoriously muddy, and losing your way is a common occurrence. Famous to the forests of the area, you may be able to spot the brightly colored strawberry dart frog. Although small in size, they pack a powerful poison punch. Interestingly, each island yields different color morphs of these small amphibians.    [caption id="attachment_50139" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Nature photos of beautiful Red frog beach Bocas Del Toro[/caption]   Wildlife tours/Cayos Zapatillas  Bocas Del Toro is packed with activities for any tourist to indulge in, catering to the adventurous and the relaxers. This next entry combines the two. Many companies offer multiple excursions in one, such as dolphin watching and island hopping. By booking a tour like this, you can enjoy a small glimpse of everything the archipelago has to offer.  One of the most popular tours is the Cayo Zapatilla One Day Tour. In a boat, expect to be shuttled around some of the wildest parts of the archipelago, in search of the endemic pygmy three-toed sloths that frequent the many mangrove islets. Along the way, keep an eye out for dolphins, as they too can be found in the area. Highly curious and intelligent animals, dolphins sometimes approach boats to investigate. Snorkeling is often included depending on the weather conditions. This is a great way of seeing the lively coral reefs, rich in different shapes and colors. Finally, the tour finishes at Cayo Zapatilla; a remote, tropical island with an exciting ambiance of unkept ruggedness and wildness. You can either choose to relax on the golden sandy beach or explore the overgrown, uninhabited island.  [caption id="attachment_50138" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Palm trees on the beach of Cayo Zapatilla, Bastimentos Island, Panama[/caption]   Scuba diving  As a general rule of thumb, islands have a lower diversity of life compared to the mainland. Whilst this may be true for terrestrial species, under the waves is another matter. The waters surrounding the archipelago of Bocas del Toro are rich with life and color, shapes and sizes.  Scuba diving may sound scary, but it unlocks an entirely new world few have the privilege of seeing. The Caribbean waters are as clear as crystal, housing healthy coral gardens and a spectacular assortment of marine life. There are many different dive sites spread across the archipelago, each with varying skill levels.  For me, however, the most exciting time to Scuba dive around Bocas is when the sun goes down. A new, alien world reveals itself in the twilight waters. In the near pitch darkness, mystery fills the water, and nerves and excitement fight to dominate. Bioluminescence is a common occurrence after dark, illuminating the water column with dancing blue flashes. Nurse sharks can be found resting upon the seafloor. It truly is a surreal and unique opportunity.  From just a small archipelago, the wealth of sights and activities on offer is mind-blowing. There really is something for everyone; whether you’re looking to relax in a nice hotel or explore off the beaten track. Situated near the equator, the temperatures stay fairly constant year-round (with a few rain showers here and there), though September and October are the months most likely to reward you with blue skies and still waters. Start exploring Bocas Del Toro today! [caption id="attachment_50137" align="alignnone" width="1007"] School of yellowtail surgeonfish in open water, Coiba Marine Park, Panama.[/caption]

Israel to Allow Individual Vaccinated Tourists by November

11th Oct 2021 0

Israel’s tourism ministry is working on plans to allow individual vaccinated tourists to visit the country from the beginning of November. Currently, only organized groups of between five and 30 tourists from “green, yellow and orange” countries are allowed to visit Israel. The Israel Government Tourist Office (IGTO) said 34,500 tourist entries were recorded in September 2021, compared to just 15,100 in September 2020 – and 405,000 in September 2019. Last month’s figure represents a year-on-year increase of 128% but it is 91.5% down on September 2019. The IGTO stated that the relaxation of visitor entry requirements is "in order to rehabilitate the tourism industry and ensure that the hundreds of thousands of people working in the industry can make a life." Its most recent ad, Two Cities, One Break, promotes visitors to visit Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Lufthansa Adopts Amadeus' Traveler ID for Safe Travel

30th Sep 2021 0

Lufthansa has incorporated Amadeus' Traveler ID for Safe Travel, to allow travelers to verify their health documentation immediately through the airline app. Travelers can upload proof of vaccination or needed test results for mobile check-in by scanning QR Codes from the European Union Digital COVID Certificate (EU DCC). Without further physical checks at the airport, boarding cards can now be provided automatically. Only travellers who need to produce health paperwork are invited to do so. Traveler ID for Safe Travel also searches for travel needs according to local regulations. CENTOGENE, Lufthansa's partner for medical testing services in Germany, is completely linked with Traveller ID for Safe Travel. Travelers who book a PCR or antigen test with CENTOGENE can scan a QR code while checking in on the airline app, and the paperwork will be processed automatically. The Amadeus Airport Companion App allows Lufthansa employees to scan passengers' boarding tickets using an iPad, providing them more freedom in managing passenger movements around the airport. Agents on Lufthansa will soon be able to scan and process medical documents using the app. Dr. Christian Pöselt, Lufthansa Group's head of passenger service systems, said: “We are pleased to bring back the convenience and efficiency of self-service check-in for our travelers on specific routes by working together with Amadeus. “It’s time to re-start a smooth passenger journey, we know people are longing to get back in the skies, and they need the right technology in place to feel safe to do so.” The Head of Covid business unit at CENTOGENE, Dr Michael Mehler, added: “The increasing demand for flights shows that the population wants to catch up on traveling, as well as on many other areas of personal life, following the restrictions we had to live with in recent months. “We look forward to working with our partners to create innovative concepts and support safe air travel. The fully digitalized test result delivery system that we have implemented into our processes right from the start of our SARS-CoV-2 testing activities, builds the optimal foundation to achieve this goal.” Vice President of Safe Travel Ecosystem Amadeus, Christian Warneck, said: “It’s exciting to have delivered the benefits of Traveler ID for Safe Travel to Lufthansa. By allowing a self-service check-in experience to take place once more, this innovative health verification technology helps enable a smooth passenger journey. “Through our Safe Travel Ecosystem, we are working relentlessly with our customers and partners such as Lufthansa and CENTOGENE to remove friction from the passenger journey and support the recovery of travel.” Eleven airlines are presently using Traveller ID for Safe Travel, with more clients to be announced soon.  

Carnival Brands to Restart 50% Operation by October

24th Sep 2021 0

Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, Costa Cruises, AIDA Cruises, P&O Cruises UK, and Cunard are the company's eight brands that have resumed guest sailings so far. The lines have taken a "gradual approach" to resume operations, with sailings from ports around the world, including the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, Europe, and the Mediterranean. Carnival Cruise Line expects to have 13 ships running in October and 17 by the end of the year, while Princess Cruises plans to have six ships cruising next month and eight by 2022. In October, Holland America Line plans to have four ships in service, with a total of six ships sailing by the end of the year. The line also intends to have all 11 ships in its fleet operational by spring 2022. Seabourn also intends to operate its whole fleet by next spring, including the new exploration ship Seabourn Venture, bringing the total number of ships in service to six by 2022. Costa Cruises expects to have five ships in service by October and six by the end of the year. AIDA Cruises plans to launch eight ships next month, with a total of ten by 2022. P&O Cruises UK intends to launch three ships next month, with a total of four ships in service by the end of the year. In addition, the brand has stated that it intends to operate its whole fleet by spring 2022. Cunard expects to have two of its three ships back in service by the end of the year, with plans to restart operations with the third ship next spring. Carnival Corporation's chief communications officer, Roger Frizzell, stated that guests have "tremendous confidence" in the brands. "As the restart of cruising continues to gain momentum and create positive economic activity for people who depend on our industry to make a living, we look forward to serving our guests with more than half our fleet capacity returning in October," he concluded.

Hilton Reveal Status Plans for Next Year and Extends Status Until March 23

20th Sep 2021 0

Hilton has emerged from the Covid problem by providing ample support to its members, such as rolling overnights and extending status. Due to rolling overnights from last year, I had already requalified for Diamond before this announcement. Hilton confirmed that status will be extended until 23rd March, making them the first of the major chains to do so. Hopefully, this will inspire other chains to take action. This year, I'm really hoping Hyatt will extend status to me because I've been unable to book many nights due to the US being out of limits. In the meanwhile, Hilton has revealed a number of alternative measures to assist members until travel resumes as usual. Which include: Points will be extended until 31st December 2022, giving members additional time to redeem them for free nights at over 6,600 Hilton hotels, special Hilton Honors Experiences, live events, charitable donations, and other benefits. To make these rewards more accessible in 2022, the 2022 conditions for obtaining Status, Milestone Bonuses, and Status Gifting will be relaxed. Requirements for Status Tiers in 2022 Seven nights, three stays, or 17,500 Base Points earn you a Silver rank. At 28 nights, 14 stays, or 52,500 Base Points, you'll earn Gold status. At 42 nights, 21 stays, or 84,000 Base Points, you earn Diamond rank. Bonuses for achieving milestones At 30 nights, you'll get 10,000 bonus points. For every additional ten nights, you'll get 10,000 more points (after 30 nights). At 60 nights, you'll receive a one-time bonus of 30,000 points   Gifting of Elite Status After 40 nights, you can give a friend or family member a one-time gift of Gold status, which can be upgraded to Diamond status at 70 nights.

Dubai is Working on 3D-Mapping Tool that Allows Tourists to Better Plan Travels

16th Sep 2021 0

Dubai's Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Centre is working on an ambitious initiative that will allow tourists to better plan their travels to Dubai. “The GIS Centre’s new project will provide updated data for the road network, which will make it easier for tourists to plan how to use the transportation network to move within Dubai,” explains project director Mahra Alketbi. “It’ll also provide updated data for many facilities of tourists’ interest, such as parks, beaches, historical and natural sites, and shopping centres.” As part of aerial photography work a twin propeller, two-seat survey aircraft has been outfitted with high-resolution cameras. To construct the 3D map, the project will create a twin three-dimensional (3D) geospatial model, geographic data, and images of the emirate. Projects like these are in keeping with Dubai's Crown Prince and Executive Council Chairman Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's plans to convert Dubai into one of the world's premier smart cities.  

Carnival Corporation Aims to Cut Particle Emissions in Half by 2030

14th Sep 2021 0

Under a new sustainability plan, Carnival Corporation aims to cut particle emissions in half by 2030. Despite a 10% capacity growth since 2015 and another 19% capacity expansion on order, the cruise giant intends to reduce particle emissions by 50% compared to 2015. Carnival also intends to reduce CO2 emissions by 40% by 2030, compared to 2008. Carnival plans to connect 60 percent of its ships to shore power by 2030 and 100 percent by 2050 when it hopes to be carbon-neutral in its ship operations. Waste reduction, sustainable tourism, health and well-being, diversity and biodiversity, and conservation are among the six sustainability emphasis areas chosen by Carnival Corporation. Chief Maritime Officer Bill Burke stated: “This comprehensive set of 2030 goals and aspirations for 2050 being introduced for the first time reaffirm our ongoing commitment to sustainability and will guide our actions to further strengthen sustainability performance throughout all aspects of our global operations while supporting opportunities for sustainable growth across our organization over time.” Other objectives include: By the end of 2021, there will be a 50% reduction in single-use plastic items. By 2022, there will be a 30% reduction in food waste, and by 2030, there will be a 50% reduction in unit food waste. By 2030, Advanced Waste Water Treatment Systems will be installed in more than 75% of the fleet. By 2030, the shoreside employee base should mirror the diversity of the world. Carnival already claims to be the industry leader in the use of LNG to power cruise ships, with 11 ships expected to join by 2025, accounting for approximately 20% of total capacity.

Scarlet Lady Leaves Portsmouth for New York

08th Sep 2021 0

Portsmouth waived a magnificent farewell to Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady, illuminating the Spinnaker Tower crimson as she set sail for New York. The ship has been in town for three months and has won the hearts of locals who have enjoyed seeing the newest kid on the cruise block cruising in and out of the harbor. The Summer Soiree Series, which saw Virgin Voyages debut their world's first commercial sailing from Portsmouth, attracted over 8,000 passengers. After the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) cruise restrictions in America curtailed plans for a stateside launch, a pop-up terminal was built to host passengers, known as ‘sailors' in Virgin lingo. Sailors instead enjoyed a season of sailing in domestic UK waters, keeping strict Covid-19 health protocols in place. “Seeing Scarlet Lady in the port has been the result of years of hard work, from securing investment to extend our cruise berth to accommodate larger ships, to building confidence with the Virgin Voyages team that we could look after their world-first sailing,” said Mike Sellers, Portsmouth International Port director. “Everyone at the port stepped up, during the most challenging time, to make sure this was a success and I’m so proud of their hard work and professionalism. “It has also been impressive to see the Virgin team in operation too, some spending months in the city to make sure everything went smoothly, becoming very fond of Portsmouth in the process. “We want to become the port of choice for luxury, boutique cruises, and with plans for a terminal extension underway we’re on our way there. “We’re looking forward to seeing Virgin’s new build Valiant Lady in the city next year, and welcoming back the team. In the meantime, the hard work continues as we continue to build our position as a major player in the cruise industry.”

The Relaunched BA Accelerating Business Credit Card Comes with a Massive 60,000 Avios Bonus

06th Sep 2021 0

The British Airways Accelerating Business Credit Card has been reintroduced by American Express®, and it now comes with a generous 60,000 Avios sign-up bonus for a limited period. Even better, if you are a business owner and have one of the personal British Airways American Express Credit Cards, you are eligible to apply. Let's take a closer look at the Card and see what's new. Based on a hypothetical credit limit of £1,200, the Card has a representative APR of 96.7 percent variable, including the annual charge of £250. The variable representative APR on purchases is 22.2 percent. The British Airways American Express® Accelerating Business Credit Card (which I will henceforth refer to as “BA Amex Business”) was released in 2019 by American Express as a new British Airways credit card for small businesses. In BA's small business loyalty scheme, On Business Points were used for the sign-up bonus and the yearly expenditure bonus. Avios were earned on a daily basis by using the Card. With the sign-up incentive, yearly spend bonuses, and day-to-day spending all earning Avios, the new package is a lot easier to understand. The sign-up bonus has changed from On Business Points to Avios as of 1st September. If you are approved for the Card and spend £5,000 within three months, you will receive 60,000 Avios. This is the largest sign-up bonus we presently have on any American Express Business Card that is offered to all new cardmembers. The American Express Business Platinum Card's 40,000 Membership Rewards® points are only worth 40,000 Avios, while the bonus on the American Express Business Gold Card is only worth 20,000 Avios. The incentive of 60,000 Avios is only valid for a short time. It will be available until 2nd November 2021 at the earliest, but the terms and conditions say that it could be withdrawn at any time after then. Previously, there were no restrictions on who may earn the bonus from the Card. This is no longer the case. You are eligible for the bonus if you have not owned an American Express Business Card in the past 12 months, including the British Airways Accelerating Business Card. If you presently just have personal American Express cards, you WILL receive the bonus. If you hold one of the personal British Airways American Express Cards, you can apply. What is the cost of a yearly membership? BA Amex Business has a yearly fee of £250. If you use the Card solely for business purposes, the annual cost should be tax deductible. With the BA Amex Business Card, you can earn points in two ways: You get 1.5 Avios for almost every eligible £1 you spend on the Card, plus 2 On Business Points for every £1 you spend with British Airways On Business (twice the regular rate of 1 point per £1) with British Airways On Business. Please read our entire review of British Airways On Business if you are not a member. The annual spending incentive used to be given in On Business Points, but it has since been changed to Avios, which is far more valuable. For every £20,000 in purchases made on the Card, you will receive 10,000 additional Avios. You can earn this incentive up to three times each calendar year, for a total of 30,000 Avios per year. This means that if you spent exactly £20,000, £40,000, or £60,000 on the Card, you'd get 2 Avios for every £1 spent. No other American Express or non-American Express credit card comes close. Are there any further advantages? You get the usual perks that come with an American Express credit card: -Interest-free payment period of up to 56 days -Employees can get up to 99 FREE Supplementary Cards. -Inconvenient travel insurance (with higher payouts if you or your baggage is delayed on a British Airways flight) -Protection against travel-related accidents -Purchase insurance. -Protection against refunds

Jet2 Resumed Flights to Iceland

02nd Sep 2021 0

After more than a year of lockdowns and limitations, Jet2 and Jet2CityBreaks have resumed flights to Iceland. This morning, the first flight to Iceland took off from Manchester Airport (Thursday). From 30th September, Manchester and Birmingham will have twice-weekly flights. The Manchester and Birmingham links will be operational until 1st November, just in time to see the Northern Lights. In addition to the scheduled flights, 37 three- and four-night journeys are available from Belfast International, East Midlands, Leeds Bradford, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, and Stansted. Scheduled flights will resume from Manchester on 10th February to 10th November next year, and from Birmingham on 10th  February to 25th April. Steve Heapy, the company's CEO, stated: “We are delighted to be starting scheduled services to Iceland and offering the best choice for regional departures to this epic natural wonder. “With Iceland being on the UK government’s green list, we are seeing strong demand for flights and holidays to this bucket list destination, as customers look to escape and make the most of being able to enjoy the beauty that Iceland offers. “As we have a leading regional programme of departures available, which includes scheduled flights and once-in-a-lifetime trips from across our network of UK bases, our customers have the biggest and best flexibility when it comes to visiting the Nordic Island.” Guomundur Daoi Runarsson, Keflavik Airport's chief commercial and development officer, added: “We are delighted to welcome Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks back. “They have been valued partners for the past few years and we look forward to continuing that for years to come. “Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks have brought forward flights to their new destination of Manchester. This is confirmation of the growing interest in Iceland as a destination post-pandemic.”

6

Here’s Why India Should be Your Next Tropical Getaway

30th Aug 2021 0

India is among the world’s most diverse countries, and that includes breathtaking coastlines and islands. While some tourists travel to India for its chaotic cities, mouthwatering cuisine, and beautiful temples, its beaches alone are a reason to visit. From secluded resorts to surf towns, India has a tropical getaway for all travelers.  Looking for an incredible scuba diving site? Itching to crash some of the hottest parties in the country? Want to lounge on white-sand shores with your partner? Need to watch your budget on your next vacation? India has all those check marks covered and more for your next beach escape.  If you’re desperate for a tropical getaway, this is why India is an easy choice for your trip.   Island Paradise While Greece and the Caribbean are more famous for their island getaways, India holds its own as a tropical island paradise. Located in the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands boasts a serene collection of around 300 islands. While many remote islands remain off-limits to tourists, the vacation hotspots dazzle visitors with their white-sand beaches.    [caption id="attachment_48803" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Over and undersea surface split image near a tropical island with sandy beach and colorful marine life with tropical fish underwater. Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The concept of snorkeling and diving[/caption]   Havelock Island draws sun-worshippers looking to lounge on pristine shores with their island drink in hand. Spend lazy afternoons inside a beach hut, at a luxury spa, or sprawled on the palm-fringed shores. Scuba divers can plunge into crystal-clear waters to view colorful marine species. And for a unique Indian experience, you can spot elephants swimming and bathing in the azure waters. To view more dramatic scenery, cruise around Barren Island to view a smoldering volcano. While you can’t step foot on the uninhabited island, you can see the active volcano via ferry or seaplane.  Off the western coast of India, the Lakshadweep archipelago holds a scuba diving paradise. Dive into the aquamarine waters to witness a spellbinding world of coral reefs, underwater caves, and shipwrecks. Bangaram hosts an opulent resort perfect for sunbathing on sugar-sand beaches and swimming in crystal-clear waters. Kavaratti hosts a wide range of water sports, while Agatti includes bungalows steps from turquoise lagoons.     [caption id="attachment_48804" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Kalpeni Island, Lakshadweep Islands, India[/caption]   Goa Nightlife If you want to spend your days hanging surfside and partying all night, then head to India’s party capital. Nestled on the Arabian Sea, Goa boasts lavish, golden-sand beaches fringed by shady palm trees. Due to its centuries-long history as a Portuguese colony, Goa has a different vibe compared to other Indian states.  Stylish resorts line the soft sands of Colva Beach, while Morjim Beach hosts a bird watcher’s paradise. The crystalline, placid waters of Galgibaga Beach make a chill spot to unwind before the wild parties post-dawn. And for a chance to visit churches leftover from Portuguese rule, Calangute Beach is an architectural beauty.    [caption id="attachment_48805" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Colva beach in goa, tropical beach, blue water, and blue sky Arabian sea beach in India, white sand and blue water, view of the beach.[/caption]   After watching a surreal sunset, that’s when the energy really cranks up around Goa. Hang out at beachside parties, dance till the break of dawn, and unleash your inner party animal amidst the tropical backdrop. Tito’s Bar and Club is a Goa staple that features a killer dance floor and prepares handcrafted cocktails for partiers. Nestled on the Nerul River, LPK (Love, Passion, Karma) lets you dance to the hottest Bollywood hits. SinQ Night Club hosts world-class DJs who bring energetic vibes, while Shiva Valley has a psychedelic vibe on the beach.   [caption id="attachment_48810" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Panjim, Goa, Panjim, is the state capital of Goa, in southwest India India: Beautiful reflection of the Luxury Floating Casino ship[/caption]   Hit the Waves India is gaining steam as a great surf destination for professional surfers and beginners. While India’s swells aren’t the most consistent on the surf circuit, there are several spots to catch some action. And since India still falls under the surfing radar, you’ll find untouched swells across the coastline.  The Tamil Nadu coast is the thriving epicenter of India’s growing surf culture and hosts annual surf competitions. Covelong (Kovalam) lies around 40 km from Chennai and has some of the best breaks in Southeast India. And the Covelong Point Surf, Music & Yoga Festival earns praise as one of the premier Indian surfing events. How about surfing against a backdrop of ancient Hindu temples? Mahabalipuram makes that reality as UNESCO World Heritage Sites lie near the shoreline.    [caption id="attachment_48812" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Famous Tamil Nadu landmark - Shore temple, world heritage site in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India[/caption]   Skip over to Southwest India to find picturesque beaches in Kerala with a budding surf scene for beginners. The Kovalam Surf Club offers affordable surf lessons, and Varkala has rideable swells for novice surfers. And the palm-fringed red cliffs make a glorious backdrop when paddling out to sea.     [caption id="attachment_48811" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Kovalam, Tamilnadu- Indian. Foreign tourists floating on the Kovalam beach in Chennai amidst the waves of the sea, surfing[/caption]   Budget-Friendly Vacations While beachgoers dream of exotic locations like Hawaii or the Maldives, those faraway destinations have a hefty price tag. India has a reputation as a budget-friendly destination, and that’s true with its tropical beaches.  Backpackers love Goa for its cheap drinks, food, and accommodations while lounging on palm-fringed beaches. With a splash of French influence, Pondicherry combines Indian & European culture against golden-sand beaches. And the affordable lodging, transport, and activities make it an enticing beach location. Kerala’s scenic beauty entices couples and families looking for a budget-friendly place to unwind. Reasonably-priced hotels and meals help you save money on trips for groups of all sizes. Located in Karnataka, the Hindu pilgrimage town of Gokarna entices beach freaks looking for cheap lodging and relaxed vibes.   [caption id="attachment_48813" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Gokarna, India: Big black bull and tourists having a sunbath at the beach in Gokarna, India[/caption]  

Scenic Released 24 European River Itineraries for 2023

27th Aug 2021 0

Scenic has published 24 European river itineraries for 2023, one year ahead of the program's planned on-sale date. Cruises on the Rhine, Main, Danube, French rivers, and Russian waterways that are booked before 30th September can save you up to £1,400 per pair. Before the end of September, all new bookings will receive complimentary chauffeured transfers to a preferred departure airport. Passengers who pay in full a year prior to departure will receive a 10% discount. One of the itineraries that have been made available ahead of schedule is the five-day Tastes of Imperial Europe voyage, which will depart on 4th April 2023. Prices begin at £1,795. Budapest, Hungary; Bratislava, Slovakia; and Vienna, Austria are among the ports of call. Itineraries to Portugal provide savings of up to £1,200 per pair. The round-trip Delightful Douro itinerary begins at £3,295 and departs from Porto on 21st April. Regua, Pocinho, and Pinho, all in Portugal, are among the ports of call. Wine and cuisine tastings, as well as a m

US Government Urged to Approve AstraZeneca Vaccine

25th Aug 2021 0

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) believes that publicly approving the AstraZeneca vaccine by the US government is “critical” to restoring transatlantic travel. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) handed full approval to Pfizer's vaccine this week, but not to AstraZeneca's. Because of the "vaccine vacuum," even if the US reopens its borders to UK travelers, individuals who have received the AstraZeneca vaccination may face quarantine limitations. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), which represents the private sector in global travel and tourism, also warns that the current CDC clearance process might take months before AstraZeneca is given the green light. It claims that unless the US legally approves AstraZeneca's vaccine, which has been administered in 176 nations and territories, the US would effectively remain off-limits to the majority of Britons – and many millions more around the world. Continued CDC non-recognition, according to the WTTC, will “seriously depress” consumer demand, hinder any real resurrection of transatlantic travel from the UK to the US, and have “serious knock-on effects” across the travel and tourism industry. JetBlue, a low-cost airline based in the United States, has began flying between New York and London, while Aer Lingus, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and American Airlines are all planning to add new transatlantic routes or capacity. According to Cirium, a travel and data analytics firm, the number of UK-US flights scheduled for the last week of August has dropped by 73 percent compared to the same period last year, from 287,000 to 78,000.

Air Astana to Restart Direct Flights from Nur-Sultan to Heathrow

23rd Aug 2021 0

Air Astana, Kazakhstan's national carrier, will restart direct flights from Nur-Sultan to Heathrow. On 18th September, the London route will reopen with two frequencies on Saturdays and Wednesdays. On the route, the airline will use 166-seat Airbus A321LR aircraft with a flying length of 7 hours and 15 minutes to London and 6 hours and 30 minutes to Nur-Sultan. Return prices from Heathrow in economy class start at £511, including all government taxes, airport fees, and levies. Passengers traveling to Kazakhstan must show proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken 72 hours before arrival.

Azamara Unveils Europe 2023 Sailing

19th Aug 2021 0

Azamara has unveiled its Europe 2023 schedule, which includes 95 itineraries and the line's soon-to-be-launched ship Azamara Onward. The program covers over 200 ports in more than 40 nations. The line's first ports of call are Alta, Norway; Brest, France; Cesme, Turkey; Fredericia, Denmark; Gothenburg, Sweden; Heimaey, Iceland; and Mariehamn, Finland. The lead-in price for Azamara Journey's 11-night Wine & Culture Voyage (pictured), which departs Southampton on 8th September 2023 and stops in Bordeaux, La Coruna, and Porto, is £2,775. Prices for an Azamara 11-night Greek Intensive Voyage From £2,477 forward, sailing from Venice on 13th May 2023. Corfu, Argostoli, Zakynthos, Gythion, and Santorini are among the ports of call. This country-intensive tour is one of 35 in the program of its kind. In addition, the full 2023 schedule includes 75 overnight calls in ports like Barcelona, Bordeaux, and Monte Carlo, as well as more than 315 late calls in locations like Mykonos and Lisbon. Carol Cabezas, president of Azamara, said: “When sailing with Azamara, we are often the only ship in port, and with 75 overnights we are giving guests the chance to follow in the footsteps of locals with less crowds.” Passengers can arrange an eight-hour train travel on the Switzerland Glacier Express and a two-night program in Gran Canaria as pre- or post-cruise add-ons. Beginning 25th May 2023, Azamara will incorporate the Monaco Grand Prix weekend in its itineraries on its Journey and Pursuit ships. Prices start at £2,330 for the nine-night Monaco Grand Prix Voyage, which departs Civitavecchia (Rome) on 25th May 2023 and stops in Toulon (Provence), Monte Carlo, Monaco, Ibiza, and Barcelona.

5

Life-Changing Train Journeys That Will Make You Love Slow Travel

19th Aug 2021 0

If you've never experienced a long slow journey by train, then you've been missing out. Of course, short-haul plane journeys for weekends away were more popular over the last decade or so. But they're so well, speedy. You leave your home, and before you know it, you've seemingly like-magic popped into a new realm. Yes, it's exciting that way, but it's also jolting and terrible for the environment. On the other hand, slow travel eases you through changing landscapes. Along the way, you catch enticing glimpses of magnificent views, the wilderness, ordinary life taking place, and otherwise unseen places like backstreets and suburban areas.  Then, there is the social aspect of train travel. On the one hand, you can sit back and passively watch people. But there are also opportunities to have conversations with other passengers, and these moments can become your travel gold. These are my favorite train journeys which will not only make you love slow travel. They can change your life.   [caption id="attachment_48559" align="alignnone" width="1007"] A  woman sitting by the window of a commuter train. The  business trips, freelancer, Tourist solo travel[/caption]   Jaipur to Goa (via Mumbai), India If you only enjoy one long train journey, then it must be a train journey in India. India's trains continually clatter and rattle across the country, and I think there is no better way to experience the place. At the stations, trains pull up, and you can buy food, snacks, and delicious Chai through the windows. Don't miss enjoying some Pakora's, the ones sold through train windows are the best in India. Then, as the train trundles along, you can sit in the doorway with your feet dangling, watching the world go past. Or sit on your berth and enjoy a good book, the views, and meeting people. In India, people enjoy having a chat on the train, unlike in the U.K. The Jaipur to Goa route takes you through desert landscapes in Rajasthan, through the super-city Mumbai, and then down the tropical coast to Goa. All in all, you spend 27 hours and a half on the train. The views are spectacular, and I'll never forget the experience of having my handwriting 'read' by a chatty passenger I met while on the journey. [caption id="attachment_48591" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Close up of colorful rapid transit metro train entering Jaipur junction station in the morning.[/caption]   New Orleans to Los Angeles, U.S.A.  America's all about the road trip. Well, yes and no. While road tripping has to be quintessentially American, long-distance train travel was a way of life for the now pretty-much extinct hobo. Hoboes would ride the freight trains up and down the country working, living, and loving. They had chosen this way of life, a way of life anchored by the act of riding freight trains from place to place. Nowhere, their home, everywhere their home. Singing a song, telling a tall tale, social and lonely at the same time. This state of being is now immortalized in American literature and music. And while you can't run, jump and ride trains easily anymore, you can imagine yourself a hobo on a long-distance Amtrak train journey across the U.S of A. The Sunset Limited runs one such epic American train journey from New Orleans to Los Angeles. Over 45 hours and 40 minutes, you cross the country passing through Louisiana Bayou country, the cacti-filled southwestern deserts, and into the mountains of California. Want epic? This train journey puts the epic into epic.   [caption id="attachment_48566" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Moorpark, California, USA: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train passing Moorpark Station[/caption]   Trans-Siberian Railway, Moscow to Vladivostok, Russia The Trans-Siberian railway is the longest railway line globally, taking a mighty seven days to travel from Moscow to Vladivostok.  Vladivostok is a city positioned in the far East of Russia, right on the Pacific ocean. They spent 25 years constructing the railway, finally being ready in 1916. In literature and traveler communities, the Trans-Siberian Railway has taken on a kind of legendary reputation. And the journey remains a unique way to experience not only the landscapes of Russia but also to meet the people. As Paul Theroux put it best: "Anything is possible on a train: a great meal, a binge, a visit from card players, an intrigue, a good night's sleep, and strangers' monologues framed like Russian short stories." ― Paul Theroux, The Great Railway Bazaar   [caption id="attachment_48567" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Passengers in the restaurant car onboard the Trans-Siberian Railway in Siberia, Russia.[/caption]   Trans-Mongolian Express, Moscow to Beijing, Russia, Mongolia, and China The no-less impressive younger sister of the Trans-Siberian Express, the Tran-Mongolian Express, starts in Moscow and crosses over Mongolia into China before finishing its journey in Beijing.  Construction of the Mongolian section took eight years. Work began in 1947, and the line was completed at the Chinese border in 1955.  I don't think Mongolia needs much introduction when it comes to otherworldly landscapes. Bleak, beautiful, rich, empty, open, wild, wildlife, grassland, mountains, sand, cold, snow, rain, high, dry. If any landscape can have an impact and change your life, Mongolia can. And now imagine Mongolia combined with two other mysterious giants - Russia and China. This train journey takes you through all three countries slowly, giving you time to experience the distances first-hand and process the changing terrain and cultures. Lastly, some might argue the experience of changing the bogies at the Chinese border is worth the journey alone. Google it!   [caption id="attachment_48568" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Trans-Siberian Railway from Beijing china to Ulaanbaatar Mongolia[/caption]   I Hear the Steam Trumpet Trains are the way to go, and at their most epic, you can experience the longest train journeys in a week. So steam ahead and stay ahead of the curve. Watch this space. I predict slow travel will soon be on-trend.

Emirates and Airlink Signed a Codeshare Deal

17th Aug 2021 0

Emirates and Airlink have signed a unilateral codeshare deal that would give passengers access to over 40 domestic and regional destinations in 12 African countries. The announcement comes as Emirates resumes service to South Africa. As a result of the expanded partnership, Emirates passengers flying to and from South Africa will be able to connect with regional African carrier Airlink via Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban to fly to smaller airports. Airlink recently unveiled a new look following its split from former franchise partner South African Airways. Bloemfontein, George, Upington, Nelspruit, Hoedspruit, Kimberley, Skukuza, Pietermaritzburg, Richards Bay, Sishen, Mthatha, and Port Elizabeth, as well as destinations across southern Africa like Gaborone, Kasane, Vilanculos, Lubumbashi, Dar es Salaam, Entebbe, Maseru, Antananarivo, Pemba, Tete, Maun, Victoria As a result of the new codeshare, the airlines have guaranteed reduced rates, unified ticketing, and seamless luggage transfers for airline connections. Emirates Airline's chief commercial officer, Adnan Kazim, said: “The expansion of the Emirates partnership with Airlink marks an important step forward in our relationship. “Our new codeshare agreement enhances our service offering and flexibility for customers traveling beyond our gateways in South and southern Africa. We are committed to growing our operations in South Africa, and with the strong connection opportunities being provided collectively with Airlink we hope to help jumpstart the recovery of the local travel and tourism industry.” He emphasized that the cooperation with Carrier was in addition to the airline's current relationship with South African Airways, which Emirates expects to resume as soon as the airline is operational again. Airlink's chief executive and managing director, Rodger Foster, said: “This exciting development is an overwhelming endorsement of Airlink. We are delighted, honored, and privileged Emirates has chosen Airlink as its southern Africa partner. “Emirates serves all of our source markets and together we are able to provide air access throughout Airlink’s network of destinations within southern Africa, and provide much-needed connectivity, linking Africa with the world and the world with Africa.”

Local Tourist Leaders Urged to Add Phuket to UK’s Green List

13th Aug 2021 0

According to local tourist leaders, Phuket should be deemed a separate green list travel destination from the rest of Thailand. As Bangkok battles an outbreak of Covid, KP Ho, executive chairman of the Banyan Tree Group, said it was critical that Phuket be designated as a "green" destination. He urged European and international policymakers to support Phuket as a separate green zone. However, rather than lumping it in with the rest of Thailand, governments should recognize it as a safe, self-contained destination. At a summit on the resort island, European envoys, airlines, senior officials, and business leaders received this message. A Phuket ‘Sandbox' program has been established, allowing fully vaccinated overseas guests to fly directly to Phuket and remain quarantine-free on the island. Hotels must ensure that at least 70% of their employees have been vaccinated, the same as Phuket's population, in order to create herd immunity against Covid-19. Ho continued, “What’s really important is that EU countries – the national governments, spurred on by travel agents, the media and other people – recognize that it’s necessary to disengage the perception of Phuket from the rest of Thailand. “It should be a situation where Thailand could be a red alert zone but Phuket could be a green zone. “It could be possible to create a series of ‘sandboxes’ in other destinations, such as Koh Samui, Bali and Phu Quoc. As long as that ‘sandbox’ is well-organised, as it is in Phuket, it should be separated from the rest of the country.” Thailand's Tourism Authority backed him up on his claim (TAT). Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, deputy governor for foreign marketing in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the United States, said: “We are trying to propose Phuket to the UK government to be on the green list of destinations, even though Thailand is on the amber list. “Phuket is safe and we will never compromise anyone’s safety.” He confirmed there were almost 300,000 hotel rooms booked until the end of August. The top markets are the US, UK, Israel, Germany, France, the UAE, and Switzerland with an average length of stay of 11 days.

6

Uruguay's Best Beach Towns

12th Aug 2021 0

By South American standards, Uruguay is a relatively small country. In fact, Uruguay is the continent’s smallest country and its modest size is highlighted by its much larger neighbours; Brazil to the north and Argentina to the south. In a way, Uruguay’s position between Brazil and Argentina is a blessing as it means the beach towns along its pristine stretch of coastline are often quiet and not thronged with visitors.   What’s So Special About Uruguay’s Beaches? Many visitors to Uruguay limit their visit to its varied and historical capital city, Montevideo. However, look past the city’s skyline and northwards up the coastline and you’ll discover the lesser-known and quieter parts of the country. Rustic towns are hidden away behind groves of palms. Dusty ranches and health vineyards serve a rich and increasingly respected wine industry. Then there are the unpretentious resorts close to spectacular beaches.  [caption id="attachment_45214" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Rambla Tomás Berreta, the river Rio de la Plata, the quarters of Punta Gorda and Carrasco. Montevideo, Uruguay[/caption] As mentioned, one of Uruguay’s biggest draws aside from the mostly untouched coastline is the fact that there are few crowds. Uruguay’s beaches are up there as one of South America’s best-kept secrets. Understated, elegant huts are dotted amongst rocky outcrops interspersed along clean beaches of sparkling, white sand. There’s also the fact that Uruguay enjoys almost year-round sun Beach lovers have plenty to choose from. From remote, uncomplicated areas like Cabo Polonio, perfect for those looking for a truly relaxing holiday to more lively, upmarket areas like Punta del Este which is comparable to Ibiza and is best avoided during the peak season between December and February, when large numbers of Argentinians descend on the town and prices soar.  Another point to note is that Uruguay is consistently considered to be Latin America’s most peaceful country. With its quiet roads and the fact that Uruguay is the size of the state of Florida, it’s possible to pack in quite a lot, if you’re so inclined. Check out our list of Uruguayan beach towns and start picturing yourself on a relaxing beach holiday.   Punta del Este Punta del Este is the most glamorous beachside town on our list. Between December and February, the town fills up with wealthy Argentineans and Brazilians looking for a combination of partying in the trendy bars and clubs and relaxing on the golden beaches. More pricey than other beach towns Punta del Este has many of the finer things; high-end restaurants, exclusive hotels, top amenities and regular parties. If you do decide to indulge in some fine dining in Punta de Este, the Grand Hotel serves up prime cuts of beef. Celebrities are often spotted at the Yacht Harbour or strolling along the breezy Playa Brava, the sight of the famous Hand in the Sand.  [caption id="attachment_43467" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Aerial view over Punta Del Este and the Atlantic Ocean on sunset. Uruguay.[/caption]   Jose Ignacio Another stylish beach town, connected to the Punta del Este scene is Jose Ignacio. Jose Ignacio is known for its seafood restaurants and boutique hotels. Casa Suaya and La Huella are two of the popular boutique hotels but you’ll also simple find beach huts and beachside grills offering fire-roasted meats, and a range of cooked-to-order seafood. [caption id="attachment_43488" align="alignnone" width="1007"] José Ignacio, resort in Maldonado, Uruguay.[/caption]   Punta del Diablo If you happen to be the type of traveller who prefers to avoid busy tourist areas and wants to get closer to the local way of life then Punta del Diablo will likely appeal to you. This tiny fishing village of only 850 people gives a glimpse into the slow life along Uruguay’s coast.  The beaches here are comparable to the beaches in Brazil but without the loud crowds. The village is also known for its bright architecture with buildings that wouldn’t look out of place in some animated movie. Punta del Diablo is mostly quiet and peaceful but can get busy during the busy period between December and February. Visit outside of those months however and you’ll enjoy a peaceful stay as you settle into a slower pace of life.  [caption id="attachment_43489" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Typical restaurant on the coast of Uruguay. Rocha, Punta del Diablo[/caption]   La Paloma La Paloma is a town in the southeast of Uruguay. There are some stunning beaches including Bahia Grande and Bahia Chica. Laguna de Rocha, a wetland nature reserve that surrounds the town, is a picturesque day out if you fancy something other than sand and surf. Other beaches nearby La Paloma include Anaconda beach where people go to sunbathe and then catch the sun setting over the Atlantic Ocean. This town and beach is another destination for those looking for a chilled-out beachside holiday.   [caption id="attachment_43494" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Beautiful sunset landscape, with soft sunlight between pink and orange. Image without people that transmits calm, taken one summer afternoon in the tourist town La Paloma, in Rocha, Uruguay[/caption]   Cabo Polonio To the northeast of La Paloma, Cabo Polonio is one of those wild and rugged areas with miles of quiet beaches, many of which are bordered by large sand dunes. It’s a dramatic area that is also home to Uruguay’s second largest sea-lion colony. In 2009, the Cabo Polonio region was declared a national park. This is the place to visit if you’d like to see Uruguay’s wide open and rugged nature, as well as relaxing beaches. To the north of Cabo Polonio is the resort of Valizas from where you can discover La Esmeralda, a secluded beach, much quieter than the more nearby town of Punta del Diablo. [caption id="attachment_43495" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Cabo Polonio, Uruguay: people swimming and sunbathing on the beach of Cabo Polonio in Uruguay[/caption]   La Pedrera The village of La Pedrera is just 7km from La Paloma. Pedrera is referred to as ‘bohemian-chic’ mainly due to its more affordable prices and unpretentious vibe. The reasonable prices are reflected by the type of traveller who chooses to visit La Pedrera - mostly young couples and backpackers. Amongst the backpackers and young couples, there are plenty of surfers and yoga enthusiasts. Many of them spend hours on the beaches before sharing an Asado, a traditional Uruguayan BBQ. [caption id="attachment_43498" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Asado parrillada grill bbq in famous old town Montevideo port market, mercado del puerto, Montevideo, Uruguay, South America[/caption]   Planning Your Trip to Uruguay If you’re interested in Uruguay and can see yourself relaxing on one of the beach towns on our list, get in touch. I’d be happy to answer any questions over the phone or via email and get started putting your custom itinerary together.

Government Should Foot the Bill for “Hugely Expensive” PCR Testing

10th Aug 2021 0

According to a leading trade group, the government should foot the bill for “hugely expensive and unnecessary” PCR testing for fully jabbed residents, which are discouraging individuals from traveling. The World Travel and Tourism Council's call comes after health secretary Sajid Javid asked the Competition and Markets Authority to look into "excessive" pricing and "exploitative practices" among PCR Covid test companies, following reports of huge price differences between PCR tests performed by different companies. The cost of PCR tests varies between providers, with the average costing around £75. However, some firms are offering express PCR test results within 90 minutes at a cost of up to £400, making UK PCR tests among the costliest in Europe – partly due to the 20 per cent VAT charge applied on top. The government uses genomic sequencing data from PCR testing to quickly detect variants of concern, understand transmission, and reduce the spread of disease, but the WTTC questions why customers should have to pay for this. If the government refuses to pay for PCR tests, at the very least, it should replace the necessity for PCR day two tests from green and amber countries with reasonable and effective antigen tests for fully vaccinated travelers. Only individuals who test positive should be required to take a PCR test, as in other countries. Virginia Messina, the WTTC's acting CEO, said:   “For many people – especially families and small businesses on a budget – the crippling added cost of the unnecessary PCR tests makes the difference between being able to travel or not. “It’s clear that many British adults simply can’t afford to travel overseas at all if they have to pay the excessive cost of PCR tests. “More affordable antigen tests, with PCR tests for those who do test positive, will help keep travellers safe and make taking a trip overseas within the budget of most people. “But if the government wants extra information for genomic sequencing – they should pay for it. If they don’t pay, then consumers will vote with their feet and avoid international travel altogether, further damaging the already struggling UK travel and tourism sector. “At the very least, we support the investigation by the CMA to look into the excessive pricing of PCR tests which is deterring the revival of international travel. “Unless the government sees sense and accepts the financial responsibility for PCR tests for the fully vaccinated, WTTC fears the UK Travel & Tourism sector is going to continue to buckle while demand for travel remains depressed.” The WTTC last week called on the government to abandon the confusing traffic light system and replace it with green and red list categories.

UK Nations Aligned on Traffic Light Changes

07th Aug 2021 0

Wales has confirmed that the Westminster-led amendments to overseas travel restrictions announced earlier this week would be implemented, bringing all four UK countries into line. France will be moved to amber from the so-called amber-plus list at 4 a.m. Sunday, seven European countries will be moved from amber to green, the UAE, Qatar, India, and Bahrain will be moved from red to amber, and Mexico, Georgia, and the French Indian Ocean islands of La Reunion and Mayotte will be moved to the red list. Elund Morgan, Wales' minister for health and social services, called for choices to be made together in a statement confirming Wales' approval of the update. He said: “Despite our continued efforts to press for UK-wide decision-making in this area, decisions for England have once again been made without engagement with the Welsh government or the other devolved governments. “This is unacceptable – international travel policy affects all parts of the UK and Welsh interests need to be part of the decision-making process. “We are extremely disappointed with the unilateral approach taken and believe there remain clear public health risks posed by re-opening international travel while the virus is circulating globally. For these reasons, we continue to caution against international travel for non-essential reasons this summer. “However, as we share an open border with England, it would not be practical or viable to introduce a separate border health policy. “Therefore, we will replicate the changes being made in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, to maintain the same traffic-light system as the rest of the UK.” Scotland and Northern Ireland both approved the England rules on Wednesday. Michael Matheson, Scotland's cabinet secretary for transport, said: “These latest changes make it clear that international travel remains challenging. “Recent relaxations to travel restrictions for fully vaccinated people were due to the huge success of the Scottish Government’s vaccination programme. “It is vitally important we protect that progress through continued vigilance on importation, and we continue to urge caution given the risks caused by variants of concern.”

Aviation Officials Believe More Destinations Must be on Green List

05th Aug 2021 0

Aviation officials have praised the government's expansion of the green list, which was revealed on Wednesday night, but believe the UK is still trailing behind Europe in terms of travel recovery. Arrivals from France will no longer be required to go through quarantine if they are properly vaccinated, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), India, Qatar, and Bahrain will all be moved from the red to the amber list as of 4 a.m. on 8th August. According to Tim Alderslade, CEO of industry association Airlines UK, “This is another missed opportunity and with the summer season nearing its conclusion means international travel has not had anything like the reopening it was hoping for. This puts us at odds with our European neighbours and clearly does not represent the liberation of aviation that the prime minister has spoken of. “Alongside the continuation of expensive testing and a much smaller than hoped-for expansion of the green list – which makes less sense by the day, given where we are with the vaccination programme – this is yet another blow to the sector and families desperate to get away.”

9

10 Luxury Overwater Bungalows in the Caribbean

04th Aug 2021 0

For years, the overwater bungalows that represent the iconic face of tourism in the South Pacific have been considered the pinnacle of luxury travel. Countries such as the Maldives, Tahiti, and French Polynesia have adopted these traditionally inspired private villas and marketed them as the perfect choice for a romantic, private getaway- especially for honeymooners.  For a while, the South Pacific was not just the most popular, but also one of the only places you could hideaway in a private bungalow full of plunge pools, floating hammocks, and staircases from your room right into the ocean. For a lot of travelers, this meant that this type of luxury travel was simply unobtainable, due to the isolated nature of the islands, and the associated costs.  However, in recent years, luxury resort conglomerates around the world have begun to catch on, and little outcroppings of bungalow resorts perched on turquoise waters have started to appear- the largest of which is in the Caribbean. The Caribbean’s laid-back nature, true-blue oceans, and secluded archipelagos have made it the perfect place to replicate the South Pacific experience. In a lot of cases, it’s also a lot more affordable depending on your originating country and hotel choice.  Here, we’ve outlined 10 of the most stunning luxury overwater bungalows in the Caribbean that you need to add to your bucket list right now!    [caption id="attachment_39489" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Overwater bungalows with steps into the amazing green lagoon[/caption]   Aruba Ocean Villas- Aruba  This stunning Caribbean resort is the perfect choice for the boutique hotel lover who holds the privacy and personal service at the top of their wish list. With only five villas, private decks, and lounge areas, couples will love feeling like they are the only people in the world. Since there are so few guests on the island at any one time, your experience here will be completely customizable. You’ll even have the choice between a luxury shower or bath bungalow based on what suits your needs best. On the private powdered beaches, you’ll adore the canopy-style beach beds, complete with breezy drapery and linens for lazing under the sun.    Why We Love It Small-scale resort perfect for private getaways and honeymooners  Private dinner on your deck is included Ample ocean sports available on-site   This is Villa (on top). Your all-natural, bamboo-based, vacation-inspiring beach bungalow. credit to the owner:  https://www.facebook.com/arubaoceanvillas/photos     Amanyara Resort- Turks and Caicos To shake things up a little bit, this luxury resort is perched over private ponds versus the ever-popular ocean bungalows that started this trend. For this reason, it’s a much more affordable way for travelers to have that high-luxury experience that may be otherwise unattainable. The resort has a “secret garden” vibe with its extensive tropical gardens on-site, and every private pavilion is designed to blend into their environment, making this a great choice for nature lovers. The entire resort is crafted to nourish the slow living experience, with several lounging decks and a library stocked with literary gems. Of course, you won’t have to sacrifice the ocean-bound experience either- the resort owns plenty of private beachfront.    Why We Love It Half-mile of private beachfront Infinity pool Half-acre indoor/outdoor spa    Each piece of Amanyara is thoughtfully created to complement its surroundings, highlighting the natural beauty of Turks & Caicos and the azure grandeur of the sea. credit to the owner: https://www.facebook.com/AmanyaraResort/photos/     Thatch Caye Resort- Belize  This island paradise is a great choice, especially if you want to explore a less-touristy country like Belize. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a welcome drink and butler service, and all of your needs will be taken care of from there on out. Thatch Caye resort offers an all-inclusive experience but in a much smaller, eco-resort format. The bungalows are comfortable but modest; The room décor is much more simple than some of its counterparts, but it’s also surprisingly affordable. It’s worth mentioning that if you want a super-secluded romantic vacation, the land-locked rooms are located really far apart from each other, with rainforest in-between, and they even have a private-access beachfront.    Why We Love It Three restaurants and bars on-site  Located on a private island Rooftop patios with hammocks on each bungalow      Perched high above the sea, our more spacious overwater bungalows easily accommodate 2 adults very comfortably. These bungalows share a large deck with hammocks swaying in the Seabreeze. Each has individual bathrooms with a shower and air-conditioning. credit to the owner: https://www.facebook.com/ThatchCayeResort/   Coco View Resort - Honduras This resort is all about scuba diving, so if you’re an avid diver or looking to learn, this is a great choice. Two dives are included daily and this is definitely the main activity on the resort grounds. You can always visit the spa when you need to unwind or even book your spa services in your bungalow. Entertainment is available nightly at Hawksbill’s Key, from music to dancing to traditional crab races.    Why We Love It All-inclusive food, beverage, and watersport experience  On-site boutique for resort-wear shopping  Full-service spa and fitness facilities       CoCo View Resort is located on Roatan, the largest of the Honduras Bay Islands and an extension of the Sierra de Omoa mountain range. credit to the owner: https://www.cocoviewresort.com/about/   Viceroy Bocas Del Toro- Panama This Viceroy resort was designed and curated with honeymooners in mind. The rainforest-bound spa, meditation rooms, and pools are the ideal places to unwind and couple’s services are plentiful. The décor is naturally inspired and accented with soft hues for a contemporary, luxury twist.  In addition to the extensive list of luxury amenities, you’ll also have a huge selection of complimentary activities such as bicycle rentals, snorkeling, surfing, sailing, and guided tours.    Why We Love It 8 fine-dining restaurants  Eco-resort with sustainable energy technology systems 3 miles of private sand beaches     credit to the owner: https://www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/panama   Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort- Jamaica This Tahitian-inspired Sandals resort is certainly a fan-favorite. You’ll quickly fall in love with the tropical décor, resort amenities, and chocolate buffet. Each room has a Jacuzzi and an outdoor shower and the decks are perfectly designed for diving right in. There are 8 fantastic restaurants on-site, but you can always order room service if you’re looking to hide away in your own little bubble.    Why We Love It Glass-floor cutouts and floating hammocks in every bungalow  Caribbean-style spa with full-service salon and yoga studio Piano bar and live music performances   Rosewood Mayakoba- Mexico  The Rosewood Mayakoba is a collection of overwater bungalows located on a mangrove lagoon and is ready to give you the ultimate Mexican experience. You’ll begin your stay with a bottle of welcome tequila in your room and use the 24-hour concierge and valet to have unpacked your bags into your walk-in closet. The hotel spa is located on its own island, but the luxury experience does not begin and end there. You can also use your tranquil outdoor garden shower as much as you want. To top it all off, a bowl of fresh fruit will be replenished daily and you have access to premium sound systems by Bose in your bungalow.     Why We Love It 5-star luxury eco-resort  Championship golf-course on-site 24-hour private butler service  [caption id="attachment_40225" align="alignnone" width="990"] Rosewood Mayakoba in Mexico[/caption] El Dorado Maroma- Mexico  El Dorado Maroma will give you the luxury, all-inclusive bungalow experience you’ve been dreaming about at a much more reasonable price. You’ll feel like a celebrity as you take advantage of packing and unpacking services, amongst several other custom requests that will be tended to by the hotel’s butler service. If you’re looking to enhance your beach days, you can easily request a comfy beach bed or a curated beach picnic full of gourmet snacks. There are 11 restaurants and bars, including a wine bar and two swim-up bars. Especially for couples, you can bring their luxury spa experience home with you by taking some of their couple’s massage lessons- talk about a sensual way to reconnect in paradise!    Why We Love It Glass Floors and plunge pools  Mayan herbal treatment spa Breakfast is delivered to your room daily   Surrounded by the tranquil turquoise waters of Riviera Maya these elegant Overwater Bungalows offer breathtaking ocean views and unparalleled luxurious accommodations. Located off the shore of the white sands of the award-winning Maroma Beach, you’ll never find a better view of the Caribbean. credit to the owner: https://www.eldoradosparesorts.com/maroma-gallery   Sandals Grande St. Lucian Resort- Saint Lucia  If you loved the Sandals in Jamaica, you’re going to love this Saint Lucia location. The experience is completely unique, so it’s certainly worth a visit to both, and St. Lucian has more amenities and guest experiences than you’ve ever seen before. You can use the resort’s butler service 24 hours if you want to add a little extra magic to your stay (we’re talking about romantically drawn baths or candlelit dinners). Past guests rave about the private beach cabanas, luxurious his and hers robes, and the outdoor showers. It’s also located across from miles of ocean and volcanic mountains, so you’ll be awestruck no matter which direction you turn.      credit to the owner:  https://www.facebook.com/pg/SandalsGrandeStLucian/reviews/?ref=page_internal Why We Love It In-room amenity kit from the Red Lane Spa In-room bar stocked with premium liquors and unlimited Robert Mondavi wines Outdoor Shower and bath built for two Royalton Antigua Resort and Spa- Antigua Wow! The Royalton Antigua is the epitome of luxury. You’ll feel like you’re the only person the staff is there to serve with attentive care and personalized details. You can arrange for an in-room Mixologist to prepare craft cocktails, aromatherapy treatments to be applied to your room each day, and movie service at night.  As if that’s not enough, the bungalows come complete with overwater hammocks, plunge infinity pools, and Jacuzzi tubs.     Why We Love It Pillow menu- Choose your own pillow for the best sleep  Fresh fruit delivered to your room daily Welcome gifts and champagne included the bungalow offers a private and romantic ambiance and picture-perfect views of the Caribbean Sea – perfect for tranquil evenings spent watching the sunset. credit to the owner: https://www.royaltonresorts.com/royalton-antigua/accommodations/chairman-overwater-bungalows

British Airways' Flagship Lounge at JFK Airport in New York Reopened

02nd Aug 2021 0

Following a 16-month hiatus due to the Covid-19 epidemic, British Airways' flagship lounge at JFK airport in New York reopened on Sunday. Following the government's statement that double-vaccinated US travelers will be exempt from quarantine upon arrival in the UK starting today, the facility at Terminal 7 reopens (2nd August). The Galleries Club lounge's opening is also the next step in the airline's gradual lounge reopening strategy. Prior to flights to Heathrow, it will be available to customers flying First, Club World, and qualifying cardholders. Tom Stevens, head of BA's brand and customer experience, said: “After the news about the change in entry requirements for US customers into the UK, we expect to host more customers who need to travel and so we have decided that it is the right time to open our flagship lounge in New York. “We are looking forward to welcoming some of our American customers back to London from next week and bringing Britons who reside in the US home for much-needed family time.” Three domestic lounges in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen were recently reopened by the airline.

Gov't Confident that More Countries will be Granted Green and Amber Status

29th Jul 2021 0

Following the lifting of inbound restrictions on 2nd August, the foreign secretary says the government is "increasingly confident" that more nations will be granted green and amber status on its traffic light lists. Dominic Raab, speaking to Sky News, said: “We’ve done the job we had to do domestically and as we see other countries catch up if you like, I think we are increasingly confident that more countries will go either on amber or on to green.”  From 2nd August, fully-vaccinated travelers from the United States and EU countries on the amber list will be exempt from quarantine, according to the authorities. Initially, the declaration only pertained to England, but Wales and Scotland later confirmed that they would follow suit. The next traffic light upgrade is coming next week, and Raab did not rule out a change in category for Spain, which had been said to be moving to the same amber-plus status as France. He stated, “I can’t rule things out that the JBC (Joint Biosecurity Centre) and the government will decide but they’ll make that decision next week in terms of the traffic light system for all the relevant countries.” Following the announcement of the softening on Wednesday, Raab stated that several countries have already contacted him to inquire about reciprocal deals. He stated, " We keep an eye on the variants, but because of the 70% double vaccination of our population and because we are insisting only people from the US, the EU and perhaps in due course, as we build up confidence in the system in other countries, we proceed on that basis.”      He continued, “Already overnight I have had foreign ministers message me saying we’ve noticed the announcement – what can we do to do this on a reciprocal basis.”

Princess Cruises Adds Canary Islands to its 2022 Sailing

28th Jul 2021 0

Emerald Princess' 2022 season from the UK will include a Canary Islands itinerary, according to Princess Cruises. Throughout the summer of 2022, the Emerald Princess will sail on a series of British Isles cruises. Emerald Princess will launch a new 12-night Canary Islands cruise from Southampton on 26th October of next year. Vigo, Madeira, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Lisbon are among the ports of call. Fares for two persons sharing an inside cabin start at £999 per person. All-inclusive rates start at £1,359 per person and include a premium drinks package as well as unrestricted internet access. Onboard credit of up to $500 per stateroom is available for bookings made before 31st August for trips in 2022 or 2023. Tony Roberts, vice president for the United Kingdom and Europe, said: “Following popular demand for Princess’ itineraries to the Canaries, we are delighted to extend Emerald Princess’ ex-UK season with this new voyage, meaning guests have three Canary Islands sailings to choose from for 2022.”

7

Nevada Road Trip: Las Vegas & The Grand Canyon

28th Jul 2021 0

Nevada has been shaped by the forces of nature, perhaps more than any other state in the United States. Looking at satellite images of the state, the terrain appears to be a martian landscape; mostly deep canyons and huge, rock formations.  Most of Nevada is semi-arid land or desert dotted with cacti. With an average annual rainfall of 7 inches and an all-time high temperature of 52°C; it’s pretty remarkable that people live in Nevada at all. But not only do people live in Nevada, but they also thrive. Furthermore millions of people take holidays in Nevada each year.    People are drawn to Nevada’s two main attractions: Las Vegas & The Grand Canyon. The best way to experience Nevada is on a road trip. This article gives some ideas for a road trip that takes in Las Vegas & The Grand Canyon.    [caption id="attachment_34212" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Reno, Nevada hidden gem in the mountains with all kinds of seasons[/caption]   Las Vegas: The City in a Desert Las Vegas is the 28th most populated city in the United States. It’s amazing that cities such as Las Vegas, become established in the first place. Vegas lies in the Mojave Desert, a harsh and unforgiving climate makes life difficult, even today. Dubai; Karachi; Cairo; Tehran; Las Vegas. It is a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance that cities can be built in deserts. The existence of Las Vegas can be attributed, in a large part, to the success of groundbreaking engineering projects such as the Hoover Dam and the entrepreneurial and live-loving spirit of the people that settled in this dusty part of the USA.  In a country that does entertainment very well, Las Vegas built itself in a way that established it as the capital of entertainment. It sits in the middle of a sea of sand, shimmering like an oasis of bright lights, exciting nightlife, and loud, eye-opening entertainment.  Of course, Vegas is known primarily as the home of gambling. It’s the place where mega-hotels and casinos compete for the attention of tourists and gamblers not only through excellent customer service but through audacious architecture and mind-blowing live shows.    [caption id="attachment_34170" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Las Vegas, USA -  Panoramic view of Las Vegas strip at night in Nevada.[/caption]   Reaching Vegas Many visitors to Vegas include a stop in Vegas on their cross-continent road trip on America’s famous Route 66. Even if you’re not traveling cross-country the state of Nevada is best seen by car. A rental car makes it easy to see the sights beyond Las Vegas Boulevard, in an air-conditioned, comfortable space on your own schedule. From the west coast, Vegas is 270 miles from Los Angeles, 332 miles from San Diego, or 570 miles from San Francisco.  As a major hub of tourism, Vegas’s McCarran International Airport is served by direct flights from around the world including the UK. Rental cars can be picked up at the airport    [caption id="attachment_34173" align="alignnone" width="1007"]  McCarran Airport in Las Vegas, NV [/caption]   Things to Do In Las Vegas Visitors to Las Vegas are never short of things to do: the city takes its label as ‘the entertainment capital of the world’ seriously.  Many first-time visitors start their Vegas holiday with a walk down the Las Vegas Strip to admire the architecture and supporting light shows. The Strip is a 6.8km long stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard where many of the historic resorts and mega-casinos are located. Some of the most impressive and well worth seeing include; The Mirage; Bellagio and its famous fountains; Caesars Palace; Treasure Island; The Luxor; New York-New York; The Mandalay Bay; and the MGM Grand.   [caption id="attachment_34178" align="alignnone" width="1007"] LAS VEGAS, USA: Colorful Downtown Las Vegas with world-famous Strip and New York hotel and casino complex illuminated beautifully at night, Nevada, USA[/caption]   Place a Bet Part of the Vegas experience, especially on the Strip, is to try your luck in one of the famous casinos. Whatever your game, from slot machines to card tables, be sure to follow some basic rules:  Under 21s are not allowed to gamble and must stick to designated areas  No photography in the casino  Limit your loss and don’t get carried away   High Roller At 550 feet tall High Roller is the tallest Ferris wheel in the world. It gives incredible views of the strip and the wider Las Vegas area.   [caption id="attachment_34183" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Las Vegas, Nevada, USA: The High Roller Ferris Wheel in Las Vegas stands tall 550-foot and has a diameter of 520-foot. The High Roller is located on the east end of the area known as The LINQ on the Vegas Strip.[/caption]   Fremont Street Light Experience Located in the Las Vegas downtown area, the Fremont Street Light Experience stretches for five blocks. 12.5 Million LED bulbs working in unison create a dazzling light show.    [caption id="attachment_34186" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Fremont street experience in Downtown Las Vegas. It offers free nightly shows featuring 12.5 million lights and 550,000 watts of amazing sound at VivaVision.[/caption]   Cirque du Soleil  It started as a small troupe of street performers in Quebec, Canada. Noe the Cirque du Soleil is the world’s foremost circus act, a brand that is known and enjoyed around the world.  In Vegas, the Cirque du Soleil operates five shows across various hotels and casinos. The original product that Cirque du Soleil is best known for is Mystère which currently shows at Treasure Island.   [caption id="attachment_34190" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Las Vegas, Nevada, USA - View of sign for Bellagio luxury resort in Las Vegas Nevada with other hotel-casinos in the background[/caption]   The Mob Museum The Mob Museum is dedicated to chronicling the efforts of law enforcement in their battle with organized crime. Under the surface, away from the lights and the shows, Vegas has a dark history.    [caption id="attachment_34207" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Las Vegas/USA: Mob Museum building. The Mob Museum is a history museum located in Downtown Las Vegas[/caption]   Stratosphere Tower The Stratosphere Casino is one of the most recognizable on the strip mainly due to its unique 1149 foot tower. It’s another place to go for a view over Las Vegas, and if you’re the adrenaline-seeking type, ride on the X-Scream roller coaster.     [caption id="attachment_34203" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Las Vegas, NV/USA: Stratosphere Las Vegas in Vegas. Stratosphere Tower, 1,149 ft (350.2 m) high, is the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States.[/caption]   A Short Drive from Vegas Some of the top attractions in Las Vegas are a short drive from the city.  The Hoover Dam A leisurely 45-minute drive from Las Vegas, on the border of Arizona and Nevada, is the mighty Hoover Dam. Completed in 1936 the Hoover Dam continues to harness the power of the Colorado River to meet the electricity demands of Las Vegas. During periods of peak demand for electricity 300,000 liters pass through the dam’s 17 turbines each second.  Measuring 660 feet wide at its base and 726 feet tall the Hoover Dam is an incredible sight to see.    [caption id="attachment_34201" align="alignnone" width="1007"] An aerial view of the Colorado River Bridge and the Hoover Dam in Nevada, Arizona, USA. There is a hydroelectric power station, a bridge, and a dam wall. On either side of the bridge are rock formations that feature roadways.[/caption]   The Grand Canyon One of the USA’s most recognizable landmarks and certainly one of the most impressive, at its deepest point The Grand Canyon drops 6,000 feet. At its widest, it measures 18 miles.  The Grand Canyon is one of the seven wonders of the world that can quite easily be seen by the astronauts on the International Space Station.  The Grand Canyon National Park is 128 miles to the east of Las Vegas, a drive of roughly 4 hours. The South Rim is the easiest area to visit from Vegas and can be done in a day trip but if possible, plan to spend a couple of days exploring this natural wonder.    [caption id="attachment_34197" align="alignnone" width="1007"] The Grand Canyon is a steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River in Arizona, United States.[/caption]

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7 Tantalizing Places to see in Switzerland from the Movies

25th Jul 2021 0

When you think of picture-postcard filming locations, Switzerland must come to most people's minds. They're not the only ones because there are scores of films which have used locations in Switzerland. If you're planning a visit to Switzerland, consider including some of these tantalizing places on your itinerary. If there were an Oscars for landscapes, they'd be in the running.   1. The Schilthorn, Bernese Oberland - James Bond (1969) The sixth James Bond film, On Her Majesty's Secret Service starring George Lazenby, featured spectacular scenes shot at the Schilthorn. This dramatic mountain had a cableway and a revolving restaurant with 360 panoramic views at the mountain's summit (2,970 m). This restaurant (now dubbed Piz-Gloria) would become the secret headquarters of the film's villain Blofeld and his organization Spectre.  Fans of the film will remember the dramatic scenes when helicopters attack the base. In addition, there are lots of James Bond-themed features and activities you can do while in the area.  [caption id="attachment_33525" align="alignnone" width="1024"] On Her Majesty's Secret Service is a 1969 spy film and the sixth in the James Bond series produced by Eon Productions.[/caption] Even if you're not a James Bond fan, then the summit of the Schilthorn is well worth a visit for the spectacular views. You can take the 40-minute ride up to the summit in a cable car and enjoy a meal at the revolving restaurant. Also, look out for the peaks of nearby iconic Swiss mountains such as the Eiger. Active people can also consider hiking back down from the summit. Just make sure to start early in the day, so there's plenty of time for the hike down.   [caption id="attachment_32146" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Schilthorn, Murren, Switzerland: 360 view platform at Piz Gloria at 2970 meters. Summit of Schilthorn is famous for the 007 James Bond movie. Swiss Skyline to see Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau mount[/caption]   2. Hinterrugg, Walenstadt - Point Break (2015) In the recent Point Break film from 2015 (not the Patrick Swayze, Keanu Reeves one from 1991), the most dangerous stunt of the film took place at Hinterrugg peak located close to the town of Walenstadt. In the North East of Switzerland, the town and lake are well-known among BASE jumping communities, but less so to the outside world. However, the area is often referred to as 'Heidiland' because it was the setting for the famous Heidi novel.  The dramatic grey cliffs of Hinterrugg peak fall away to bright green grassy slopes, and then you see the turquoise Lake Walen (Walensee) nestled at the foot of the mountains next to the town.  If you're not a BASE jumper, you can visit the area to enjoy the lake and even a moderate/easy hike to the summit of the Hinterrugg peak. The views from the top are spectacular and quite breathtaking to imagine jumping off head-first!   [caption id="attachment_32163" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Series of peaks above Walenstadt, showing the infamous "The Crack" base-jumping site[/caption]   3. Grindelwald, Interlaken-Oberhasli - Star Wars Episode 111: Revenge of the Sith (2005) It's not a coincidence that many of the filming locations in Switzerland happen to be in the Bernese Oberland. The dramatic landscapes make for the perfect backdrop for transporting film scenes.  In Star Wars Episode 111: Revenge of the Sith, the mountains around Grindelwald become Princess Leia's home planet Alderaan. Don't worry, though. Grand Moff Tarkin (Peter Cushing) did not destroy the real thing when he destroyed Alderaan. [caption id="attachment_33536" align="alignnone" width="1272"] Alderaan was the home planet of Princess Leia Organa, one of the lead characters in the film series[/caption] You can still visit Grindelwald and the mountain giants of the area, such as Jungfraujoch and the Eiger. Furthermore, you don't have to be a hardcore outdoor pursuits participant to explore the area. Switzerland caters to every kind of traveler providing cable cars and easy access to summits for anyone not ready to go it alone.   [caption id="attachment_33265" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Grindelwald, Switzerland landmark sky cliff walk metal bridge at First peak of Swiss Alps mountain, snow peaks panorama, Bernese Oberland, Europe[/caption]   4. Iseltwald, Lake Brienz - Korean Drama - Crash Landing on You Spoilers alert Okay, okay. I know this isn't a film, but rather, a Korean Drama series. Nevertheless, a lot of iconic scenes took place in Switzerland. So I feel the drama deserves mention. In the village of Iseltwald, on the southern end of Lake Brienz, a minimalist landing stage was the setting for beautiful scenes in the drama. The protagonist, Ri Jeong-hyeok (Hyun Bin), plays his piano on the landing stage as he prepares to return to North Korea after the death of his brother. We later discover, unseen in the mists of the lake on a boat, the other protagonist, Yoon Se-ri (Son Ye-jin), his South Korean forbidden love interest, felt profoundly moved as she heard him playing.  [caption id="attachment_33543" align="alignnone" width="680"] Crash Landing on You: Was so wildly popular that it became tvN channel's highest-rated drama and the second-highest-rated drama in Korean TV history, its monumental success largely owing to its cleverly picked lead cast, both Hallyu stars with immense popularity.[/caption] Glittering lakes surrounded by beautiful mountains nowhere does it better than Switzerland. Other Swiss locations featured in the series are Panorama Bridge Sigriswil, Kleine Scheidegg at the Jungfraujoch, Lake Lungern, the Münsterbrücke, and the Lindenhof, both in Zurich.   [caption id="attachment_33269" align="alignnone" width="2310"] Iseltwald, Switzerland: The Pier into the lake Brienzersee[/caption]   5. Dolder Grand Hotel, Zurich - The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) In The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, protagonist Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara) stays at the Dolder Grand Hotel in Zurich. Lisbeth stays in the luxurious Masina Suite with a current daily rate of CHF - 6,500. The suite has a butler to serve guests and 170 square meters of space, designed with a 1950's glamour theme. There are beautiful views across Lake Zurich from the bedrooms and living room.    [caption id="attachment_33271" align="alignnone" width="2150"] Zurich, Switzerland: Exterior view of The Dolder Grand (formerly known as Grand Hotel Dolder) luxury hotel in Zurich in the sunset. Built in 1899 and renovated 2004-2008 by Sir Norman Foster, the 5-star hotel offers 173 rooms and suites.[/caption] As you can tell, you will need some serious pocket money to stay overnight at this filming location. However, if you have some cash to splash, you could consider a day spa experience at the hotel, starting at CHF - 260.   6. Jungfraujoch, Bernese Oberland - Touching the Void (2003) Spoilers alert Touching the Void is a harrowing true story of survival and the terrible choices faced by two climbers as they attempted to descend Siula Grande in the Andes.  They filmed the long-distance shots on location at Siula Grande and the close-up stunt shots in Switzerland. One of the most memorable and harrowing scenes occurs when Yates attempts to make it down the mountain by lowering his companion Simpson in stages. First, Simpson had broken his leg and was unable to climb down without assistance. Then, Yates made a critical error and mistakenly lowered Simpson over a cliff. Stuck, Yates doesn't have the strength to pull Simpson back up, and after two hours, begins to lose footing himself. Faced with a terrible choice, both fall to certain death or cut the rope and save one. Yates cuts the rope. And this is the excruciating scene which they filmed on the Jungfraujoch. [caption id="attachment_33551" align="alignnone" width="970"] Touching the Void is a 2003 docudrama survival film directed by Kevin Macdonald and starring Brendan Mackey, Nicholas Aaron, and Ollie Ryall.[/caption] You can now reach the Jungfraujoch summit by cable car, so you can enjoy the views without going near any voids. At 3,454 meters above sea level, the views across an icy, snowy landscape are show-stopping.   [caption id="attachment_33276" align="alignnone" width="2121"] View of the Sphinx Observatory on Jungfraujoch, one of the highest observatories in the world located at the Jungfrau railway station, Bernese Oberland, Switzerland.[/caption]   7. Zweisimmen, Obersimmental-Saanen - Dilwale Dulhania (1995) Over 200 Bollywood films have scenes filmed in Switzerland. But one iconic film in particular - Dilwale Dulhania, has put Switzerland on the map for Bollywood fans. Much of the film takes place in Switzerland, but one pivotal moment occurs at Zweisimmen train station. Here the two protagonists miss their very punctual train getting separated from their separate group of friends. As a result, they continue their journey together as they try to catch up with their friends and luggage. Along the way, they fall in love. Zweisimmen is a typical pretty Swiss village. Wooden houses with tiled roofs, surrounded by green meadows, coniferous forests, and a backdrop of snowy mountains. This village is also the gateway to the famous Gstaad region, where you can ski in winter and walk in spring, summer, and autumn. [caption id="attachment_33290" align="alignnone" width="2250"] The landscape of Gstaad in Switzerland, with snow in winter[/caption] Roll out the red carpet The film industry has found Switzerland an inspiring and wonderful landscape to film in. All you need to do now is plan your itinerary, and don't forget to include some film locations along the way.  You might not see any red carpets, but you might feel like a star as you enjoy the drama of the mountains, lakes, and the attractive architecture of towns and villages.

US Cruise Lines Update Policies on Mixed Vaccines

22nd Jul 2021 0

Several US cruise lines have modified their policy to prohibit guests from traveling on cruises from the US who have received mixed vaccine types for Covid-19. The modifications, however, do not appear to have an impact on UK guests taking this summer's ‘seacation' cruises across the UK. According to Cruise Critic, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises have amended their health and safety policies to exclude passengers who have received combined doses of Covid-19 vaccinations. According to the report: “The move has left many Canadians and Brits who received mixed doses alongside AstraZeneca upon the recommendations of their home countries wondering what will happen to their cruises.” Passengers on cruises departing from the United States must now have both jabs of the same type, according to Carnival guidelines. Princess Cruises is set to launch a series of ‘seacations' for vaccinated British passengers on the Regal and Sky Princess later this month, departing from Southampton. It said in the advising section for UK cruises: “The definition of ‘vaccinated’ is a minimum of 14 days following the second dose of the currently approved COVID-19 vaccines being administered and 14 days following the recently approved single-dose Janssen COVID-19 vaccine being administered.” Proof of vaccination must be an official certificate of immunization status provided by a local health authority, such as NHS England, and can be in either digital or printed format. For cruises in the United States, however, the policy is different. It reads: “Guests who have received one single dose of a vector vaccine (e.g. AstraZeneca) and one single dose of a mRNA vaccine (e.g. Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna) will not be considered fully vaccinated. Guests who have received two single doses of mixed vaccines that are the same type (e.g., mRNA) will be considered fully vaccinated and will be permitted to sail, so long as the final dose is received at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise.” Norwegian Cruise Line has separate policies for ships operating in the United States and those operating outside of the United States. According to the document, “US Based Vessels will accept any U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and/or World Health Organisation (WHO) authorized single brand vaccination protocol. Including, J&J Janssen, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca/Oxford. Mixed vaccination protocol will not be accepted (i.e. Pfizer + Moderna or AstraZeneca + Pfizer, etc). “All Other Vessels will accept any U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA), or World Health Organisation (WHO) authorized single brand vaccination protocol. Or a mixed vaccination protocol of only AstraZeneca-SK Bio, Pfizer-BioNTech, or Moderna combinations. “Vaccines received via clinical trials will not be accepted as they do not specify vaccine received.” Next month, Holland America Line will resume sailing in the Mediterranean, and in the autumn, it will depart from California. Its policy stated that: “Guests who have received one single dose of a vector vaccine (e.g. AstraZeneca) and one single dose of a mRNA vaccine (e.g. Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna) will not be considered fully vaccinated. “Guests who have received two single doses of mixed vaccines that are the same type (e.g., both are mRNA) will be considered fully vaccinated and will be permitted to sail.” According to the Carnival policy, “For cruises departing the U.S., the CDC requires both vaccines in a 2-dose series to be of the same type. They also accept mixing mRNA vaccines only (Pfizer and Moderna). No other vaccine combination meets the criteria to be considered fully vaccinated. So, for example, Canadian or other international guests who received a combination of AstraZeneca and Pfizer are considered unvaccinated by the CDC. “Guests who are not fully vaccinated, according to these criteria, will be considered unvaccinated and need to apply for a vaccination exemption.” Clia UK & Ireland, a trade association, said in a statement: “Vaccinations are part of a ‘multi-layered’ approach. Protocols including health screening, social distancing, shoreside excursions and contingency procedures have all been implemented. “Specific vaccination policies are determined by individual cruise lines,  in accordance with a UK government-approved Framework Agreement.” According to a recent BBC story, a UK medical trial utilizing a "mix-and-match" method to Covid vaccinations "appears to give good protection." In the Com-Cov research, 850 volunteers aged 50 and up were given the doses four weeks apart. According to the paper, mixing doses could provide more flexibility for a booster program and help countries that still have a long way to go with their immunization programs. Following concerns about uncommon but deadly blood clots, some younger people are being offered Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccinations as a second dosage after getting the AstraZeneca vaccine.

EU Digital Covid Certificate Still ‘a Work in Progress’

20th Jul 2021 0

According to EC director-general for mobility and transport Henrik Hololei, the EU's Digital Covid Certificate is still "a work in progress," with member states implementing their own limits. According to Hololei, there are "operational challenges," as follows: “We have a pretty good idea what could improve. Within the next two weeks we’ll commence with recommendations.” The EU has set 12th  August as the deadline for enforcement of the Digital Covid Certificate, which went into effect on 1st July. The certificate, Hololei said, "came a little too late," saying: “It took too long. Nothing was done for a long time, because there was no willingness from member states to do it.” He made it clear that the European Commission's first priority remains resuming travel within the EU, followed by travel to the United States and "near neighbors." He remarked about the United Kingdom: “With Brexit, the UK is now a third country like any third country. [But] we are hoping travel between the UK and EU will be normal.” Hololei stated of the certificate's adoption at a CAPA Centre for Aviation online summit: “There are some strings. “Member states became a patchwork and still want to maintain control, so we had to modify the original proposal so member states can have additional restrictions until August 12 and can also apply additional restrictions [after that] if conditions change.” He noted: “There are some operational challenges. The big challenge is reading the QR code – there are bottlenecks where this is checked – and also the processing. It varies by member state. “It’s a work in progress. Our priority is to have a restart in the EU. Next we would like to see the US opening, and traffic with our close neighbours open up. “We would like to see mutual recognition, to have these certificates recognised by our partners. Unfortunately, the US has taken a totally restrictive view. “With the UK, we don’t have an agreement on the certificate. The situation in the UK has been volatile with a high number of cases. The UK is now opening up – let’s see what impact that has.” He also said: “Asia will take some time. The recovery of long haul is going to be much longer.” “The recovery is underway. Already since July 1 when the Digital Covid Certificate became official we’ve seen an increase in flights and passengers in the EU. We moved beyond 50% of [intra-EU] flights [operating].” “It is not a travel document or a passport or a travel pass. It’s not a precondition for travel. It’s a digital certificate [that] either you are fully vaccinated or had a negative test or have recognised antibodies. “When you travel in Europe, you need to comply with the entry requirements of the specific country. If you have the DCC you are in a good position to comply. “After August 12 you should only have to have the certificate.”

Luxury Ship Seabourn Ovation to Cruise the Caribbean from Miami

17th Jul 2021 0

For the first time this winter, the luxury liner Seabourn Ovation will cruise the Caribbean from Miami. In November and December 2021, the Seabourn yacht will embark on three 11-day cruises to San Juan, Guadeloupe (shown), Jost Van Dyke, St Kitts & Nevis, and Antigua. Between December 2021 and March 2022, the ship will travel via the Panama Canal to Los Angeles and return, as well as to Central America. The ship will sail from Barcelona to Lisbon for 14 days before arriving in Miami on 23rd October. The ship will next sail from Lisbon to Miami for a 12-day crossing of the Atlantic. On 27th March 2022, Seabourn Ovation returns to Europe with a 13-day voyage from Miami to Lisbon. During a 14-day cruise from Lisbon to Monte Carlo, the ship will return to the Canary Islands and will visit Morocco and Tangier.

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The Art of The Staycation: Planning a Luxury Vacation Close to Home

16th Jul 2021 0

Especially amidst a turbulent global climate, the “staycation” is becoming a popular choice for travel enthusiasts. After all, it’s a financially efficient way to take a luxury vacation, an effective way to stimulate the local economy, and a surefire way to gain an appreciation for the country you live in. From cobblestone villages to historic cities and lush forests to rugged coastlines, the UK has it all. Tourists come here in droves to experience everything the UK has to offer, so why do we rarely take advantage of this thriving tourism market ourselves? The key to creating a masterful luxury vacation in your own backyard is to choose the right “destination”. Even though you are staying closer to home, choosing to go somewhere with a different landscape, interior design aesthetic or themed experience will help to separate your stay from your everyday life. This mental separation will give it that “far away” feeling we all desire on holiday, without having to spend mega-money or time on long-haul flights, and create meaningful, distinguished memories.  For example, if you live in a small town, a weekend in the big city might be exactly what you need, whereas someone who lives in a downtown flat might hear the countryside calling their name. Listening to these cues will ensure that your staycation is a both relaxing (or exciting) break from your daily routine and chalked full of experiences you can’t get just by walking out your front door.  [caption id="attachment_27098" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Westminster and the Big Ben clocktower by the Thames River in London, United Kingdom, just after sunset[/caption] Still not sure where to start? Here are some amazing places to go on the next staycation that will have you falling in love with the UK all over again.    The Coastal Retreat A trip to the seaside should be on every UK citizen’s staycation bucket list. It’s no secret that Cornwall is home to some of the best beaches around, making The Scarlet is the perfect destination. This eco-resort is nestled into a private cove amongst cliffs and meadows, so you will have a stunning view of nature no matter which direction you turn. The decor is modern but relaxed, for a laid-back approach to luxury that is perfectly suited to coastal living. The onsite Scarlet Spa has several indoor and natural pools for hydrotherapy, a private cliff-top hot tub, and a two-course lunch is included in most of their day spa packages, so you may want to plan for a little pampering while you’re there.  [caption id="attachment_27101" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Picturesque St Ives, a popular seaside town with the golden sand beach in Cornwall, England[/caption]   The City Dwelling Give yourself a chance to experience the luxury of London at this classic boutique residence. The Bailey’s Hotel in Kensington offers modern decor with an aesthetic colonial exterior amongst the ivy and flora-clad houses. The in-house bar is a popular meeting place for businessmen and travelers alike, and its Italian restaurant is well-reviewed. Best of all, it’s central to all the hustle and bustle of the city so you won’t waste any time on lengthy transit trips.  [caption id="attachment_27105" align="alignnone" width="1005"] London, United Kingdom : Great Northern Hotel at King's Cross St Pancras exterior view[/caption] The Village Hideaway The Swan is an award-winning stone pub with rooms that offer a brilliant village experience for staycationers. Rooms are tucked upstairs, loft-style, while the downstairs operate as a high-end tavern serving luxury farm-to-table cuisine and craft pints. Hotel guests will enjoy their outdoor dining patio for al fresco lunches, classic English countryside decor, and claw foot bathtubs. You can easily take a walk into town, or onto the forest trails, making it a great trip for combining outdoor experience with vibrant village culture. The Swan is also well known for its “shooting parties”. During this old-school fox hunting adventure, you can learn to hunt alongside some canine helpers and dress like Sherlock Holmes! While this might not be everybody’s cup of tea, those who have participated said that it made for a vacation unlike any other. With raving reviews like that, why not give it a try?    The Highlands Hotel Looking to escape to the highlands? Look no further. The Torridon is everyone’s favorite luxury boutique resort nestled in the mountains. The hotel features two gourmet restaurants, an afternoon tearoom, and separate ale and whiskey bars. They even serve their own house-distilled gin. Interestingly enough, the property the Torridon is laid on is considered one of the darkest places on earth thanks to minimal light pollution. This means that the milky way and constellations are always on full display. Guests absolutely love partaking in their stargazing experience, but somehow, that’s not even their most popular attraction. The Torridon is located along the stretch of highway known as the North coast 500, which has ben dubbed the “best driving route in the UK”. The hotel wants guests to have the ultimate experience, and so they have teamed up with Morgan cars to enable patrons to take high-end vintage sports cars for daily cruises.  [caption id="attachment_27124" align="alignnone" width="1007"] The Highlands Hotel[/caption]   The Converted Castle A UK staycation guide would not be complete without a castle stay, since we’d all love to live inside a fairytale, and so we would like to present the Amberley Castle. Manicured lawns, afternoon tea and a dress-coded dining hall all come part-in-parcel with this converted castle dating back to 683 AD. The rooms range from historically inspired to soft-palette modern decor with original stone staircases and archways, so no matter what your dream castle getaway looks like you’ll find something to suit your needs.   Wild Card Vacation: Go Sailing Looking for something a little bit different? Why not talk to your travel agent about booking a luxury cruise through the British Isles? River cruises have really enhanced guest experience over the years and most come with a high standard of luxury and culinary excellence. Plus, you’ll be hard-pressed to find nicer views.  [caption id="attachment_27144" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Boat Sailing in the Bay of Plymouth[/caption] The Culinary Experience If you want a weekend full of extraordinary culinary experience, then you need to plan a stay at Lord Poulett Arms, a sweet restaurant and rooms in the English countryside. Here you’ll find locally inspired and sourced fine dining that takes the concept of pub food to another level and a small hotel stay you won’t forget. Lord Poulett Arms features quaint but beautiful indoor/outdoor dining spaces of stone and candlelight and rooms with clawfoot tubs. They also frequently offer interactive workshops such as eco-friendly florals and pop-up art galleries so be sure to check the calendar for interesting events during your stay.    The National Park Escape The Limewood Hotel has it all with luxury lakeside cabins, lavish guesthouse suites, an in-house top chef, and a highly rated spa. You’ll absolutely adore walking through their gardens in the morning, visiting the greenhouse where the restaurants’ produce is grown, and lounging by the pool in a daybed. Plus, you’ll be staying right in the heart of the Newforest National Park, where wild ponies roam about- so be sure you bring your patience and a camera if you’re hoping to spot some of these sweet creatures.  [caption id="attachment_27148" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Golden brown hues of leaves in the New Forest, Hampshire[/caption]   The Spa Holiday A wellness retreat is one of the top choices for a relaxing staycation, and we can assure you, this Irish spa resort is like nothing you have ever seen before. Inside the thermal spa village of Galgorm, you can enjoy a halotherapy treatment in The Salt Cave, a private riverside bath or dine in The Palm Room amongst olive trees and orchards. Overnight guests can even keep the relaxation going b booking a spa suite that comes with its own private sauna! Of course, there’s also a gold course if you want a little bit of gentle activity.  Wild Card Vacation: Go Cycling Cycling vacations are becoming more and more popular amongst international travelers and staycationers alike. The rolling hills and moors around the UK provide the perfect backdrop for scenic rides and the best part is, you don’t need to be a professional cyclist to enjoy this vacation! There are tours tailored to every ability and pace, and most of these tours stop at cozy inns each night for a traveling approach to a staycation.  [caption id="attachment_27151" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Pre-teen girl riding a mountain bike with her parents during a family camping trip, close up[/caption]   The Boutique Hotel- The Fife Arms The Fife Arms boasts major personality and Scottish heritage, from its rich color scheme to its carved chimneypieces and tartans. The Fife Arms has been listed abundantly as one of the most romantic hotels in the UK and for good reason- The hotel is home to over 16,000 antiques, heirlooms, and original artworks making it strikingly beautiful and they have a wonderful spa for decompressing. Each room in the hotel was purposefully designed by an artist, and you can actually take an artifact and art tour of the hotel during your stay. They have several dining options, each as luxuriant as the next, including an art deco bar, a wood fire-only restaurant, and a fondue hut. During the day you can book “a thrilling helicopter ride to see the Cairngorms in their full glory or a private chef lunch in our remote lunch hut, in the middle of the grouse moors.” or go foraging for berries and herbs to make your own teas. Have you ever been anywhere so unique?    Wild Card Vacation: Take a Road trip  Ah, the age-old road trip. If you haven’t already taken one, you need to. You can map out a full itinerary of exciting stops, pick one simple destination point to travel to and from or head out and see where the road takes you. This is certainly the best way to stumble upon the underrated, quirky places in the UK that you never knew existed.   

Scotland to Lift Quarantine Requirements on Fully Vaccinated Travelers Returning from Amber Countries

14th Jul 2021 0

From 19th July, the Scottish government will lift quarantine requirements on fully vaccinated travelers returning from amber destinations. The announcement aligns Scotland with England's recent release of international travel restrictions, which will eliminate the need to self-isolate in return for people properly vaccinated by the NHS as of Monday, as well as the need for a second PCR test eight days after arrival. Unlike the UK government, which plans to remove such caution on Monday, 19th July, the Scottish government will continue to advise against non-essential travel to amber destinations. Arrival restrictions for green and amber countries remain unchanged, and individuals arriving from amber countries will still need a negative Covid test before their return flight and a PCR test the next day. Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland's first minister, revealed the shift as she acknowledged a loosening of domestic restrictions in the country ‘Level Zero’ in the road blueprint of the government. “We will do so with some amendments and some mitigations,” Sturgeon insisted, unlike the Westminster government. The necessity to conceal one's face in public places will last not just now, but for a long time.” She stated, " From July 19, self-isolation will no longer be required for arrivals from amber list destinations. But we continue to advise against non-essential travel at this time. We continue to take a cautious approach.” Sturgeon argued “This is a time for continued caution. Covid remains a threat we must take seriously. A gradual approach stands the best chance of being a sustainable approach.” From 19th July, all parts of Scotland will have level 0 restrictions. For the hospitality sector, this means there will no longer be a requirement to book “but customers will still be required to wear face coverings except when seated”. Hospitality venues will also be required to close by midnight “reflecting the fact that indoors hospitality remains a relatively risky environment”. Sturgeon also revealed that plans for a concert have been postponed.“a gradual return to work ” for individuals who do their business from home. Insisting on the necessity to keep the face-covering requirement, Sturgeon indirectly chastised Prime Minister Boris Johnson, saying: “If the government believes measures like this are necessary we should say so. We shouldn’t make the public take responsibility for doing the right thing.” She promised that more limitations would be lifted by 9th August, with an update the week before. [caption id="attachment_3654" align="alignnone" width="2400"] View on Portree before sunset, Isle of Skye, Scotland[/caption] Barrhead Travel's president, Jacqueline Dobson, said: “We are really pleased to hear that Scotland will move in tandem with England’s plans to remove the need for fully vaccinated travelers to quarantine on their return from amber destinations. It is particularly encouraging to see this move in time for the last few weeks of the summer school holidays. “At this crucial stage in recovery, it is vital that the UK continues to adopt a four-nations approach and we hope that future decisions about outbound travel are not as fragmented and disjointed as we have seen over this last year.” The SPAA's president, Joanne Dooey, said: “The first minister’s announcement today is undoubtedly good news. We expect that inquiries will increase now for summer holidays, but operators and airlines will require time to rearrange packages so it’s unlikely that the travel agent tills will be ringing later today.” According to an Abta spokesman, “It is welcome that self-isolation restrictions will ease on 19 July for fully vaccinated individuals returning to Scotland from amber list countries, but the first minister must urgently review the ongoing advice against ‘non-essential’ international travel.” Airlines UK's chief executive, Tim Alderslade, said: “This is a positive step forward that will provide much more opportunity for families to travel this summer season, and offer greater certainty and reassurance to our passengers looking to getaway. “It must, however, in short time be accompanied by further progress on the green list, opening up many more countries to quarantine-free travel for everyone, as well as testing – with the Scottish government providing more and cheaper options for post-arrival tests. Travel this summer must be within reach and affordable for all, not just the wealthy.”

Air Canada Announced Restart of International Destinations

12th Jul 2021 0

From August, Air Canada will fly up to four times a week between Montreal and London and daily between Vancouver and the UK capital. The airline announced the details of its next international schedule, which includes the restart of 17 flights and 11 destinations across the globe. The Montreal-Heathrow service will reopen on 3rd August, and capacity on the Vancouver-Heathrow route, which has already reopened, will be increased next month. From 1st August, three weekly flights between Toronto and Dublin will be resumed on the international schedule. The program also includes flights from Toronto to Athens, Dubai, Rome, Lisbon, Vienna, Paris, and Zurich, as well as flights from Montreal to Casablanca, Athens, Rome, Geneva, Tel Aviv, and Lisbon, as well as a flight from Calgary to Frankfurt. Some will reopen on the new dates, while others that have already reopened will see an increase in capacity. Air Canada's senior vice president of network planning and revenue management, Mark Galardo, said:  “As travel restrictions ease across the globe, we are committed to rebuild our international network and continue as a global carrier to connect Canada to the world, while also developing additional markets and targeting new opportunities.” If an airline cancels or reschedules a flight by more than three hours, customers have the option of receiving a full refund, an Air Canada Travel Voucher, or the same value in Aeroplan Points with a 65 percent bonus.

5

The best time to visit Yosemite National Park

09th Jul 2021 0

Yosemite National Park receives 4.3 million visitors a year, spans 3,028.8 sq km, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.  Yosemite is perhaps best known for its plunging waterfalls, but it also encapsulates the 8 miles long Yosemite Valley and the granite domes of El Capitan and Half Dome, amongst other breathtaking natural landmarks. Although Yosemite National Park is typically open year-round, deciding which season to visit is an important consideration.  So many elements relating to the park change with the seasons - from the volume of crowds to the accessibility of certain routes and hiking trails to the temperature and weather - as well as the periods when the various landmarks are ‘at their best’.   [caption id="attachment_25192" align="alignnone" width="1007"] During a paragliding flight, the spectacular Yosemite Valley opens up below me between mountains of gray granite. On the left the Half Dome, famous for Base Jumping.[/caption]   When deciding which time of year is best to visit Yosemite, it’s worth considering the attractions that you most want to see, and what you’re willing to compromise.  Many would say that the ‘sweet spots’ are near the end of spring and as summer draws to a close - when the crowds begin to wane but the majority of the popular sightseeing spots are open and accessible.   Springtime is a particularly breathtaking period in Yosemite as many of the waterfalls are in peak flow due to the runoff that occurs from the melting snow.  Yosemite Falls for example (the highest waterfall in the park), flows roughly from November to July but its peak occurs in May.  May is also the peak time to experience the tumbling torrents of water that makeup Sentinel Fall, Ribbon Falls, and Bridalveil Fall.  During the spring you’ll also see blooming arrays of wildflowers blanketing the meadows, as well as flowering dogwoods and other species of blooming trees.   [caption id="attachment_25193" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Tunnel View in Yosemite National Park with El Capitan & Bridal Veil Falls[/caption]   The weather is also usually more temperate and mild in the spring - meaning you’ll find hiking along the various trails a more comfortable experience than during the intense heat of the summer season.  The trails themselves are also much quieter as Yosemite receives the majority of its visitors during the summer months - campsites often reach capacity as soon as they open for booking, and the roads become much busier with traffic.   One of the reasons that Yosemite sees such an increase in visitors from June to August is that this is when the majority of the roads and trails are fully open.  Accessing the breathtaking viewpoint of Glacier Point is only possible from late spring to early autumn and varies year on year depending on snowfall.  (Although it is possible to make the 10.5-mile journey from Badger Pass Ski Area to Glacier Point on cross-country skis from December through March if you’re an experienced skier).  Glacier Point is best viewed at sunset or sunrise when you can see the granite peak of Half Dome take on a reddish hue.   [caption id="attachment_25194" align="alignnone" width="1007"] A fearless male hiker is standing on an overhanging rock at Glacier Point enjoying the breathtaking view towards famous Half Dome in beautiful post sunset twilight in summer, Yosemite National Park, California[/caption]   The summer is a great time to enjoy the variety of outdoor activities on offer at the park.  If you want to fully embrace the outdoor lifestyle, then Yosemite has 13 campgrounds that are open from April to September - with the Summer months being the most popular time for camping as it’s not as cold at night.  For those into waterborne activities, you’ll find a whole host of options available - from swimming in many of the park’s waters to floating down the Merced River in a rube, to white water rafting! Although it’s not possible to rent kayaks or canoes within the park, many paddle enthusiasts bring their own kit and navigate the waters of Tenaya Lake.  Tenaya Lake and the Merced River are also popular spots for fishing - this is available from the last Saturday in April to mid-November.  Trout stream fishing is particularly popular in the summer.     [caption id="attachment_25195" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Merced River in Yosemite valley with a pair of kayakers in Yosemite National Park[/caption]   As Yosemite is so popular with families, you’ll find the crowds start to dissipate come September when children go back to school.  As the trail and road closures generally don’t occur until October or November, many would say that September is another great month to visit - particularly if you’re interested in hiking or rock climbing.  Although you can spot the changing colors of various foliage as autumn sets in, the majority of the trees in the park are Evergreen firs and pines (so you won’t get the spectacular show you might expect in other regions).   [caption id="attachment_25199" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Yosemite national park, California, active family vacation concept[/caption]   Winter is the least popular time for visitors to flock to Yosemite, but it is frequented by winter sports enthusiasts keen to go sledding, skiing, ice-skating, or snowshoeing.  The winter months are certainly a picturesque time for the park - with its snow-capped peaks and frozen lakes creating the feel of a winter wonderland.  Whilst some of the hiking trails are available in winter, the Tioga Road and Glacier Point Roads are both closed, and drivers should carry tire chains.   [caption id="attachment_25197" align="alignnone" width="1007"] "A back-country telemark skier blasts through powder near Ostrander Hut in Yosemite National Park, located in California's Sierra Nevada mountains."[/caption]   Which season would you recommend for visiting Yosemite National Park?      

Emirates Reopens First Class Lounge at Dubai Airport

07th Jul 2021 0

Emirates has reopened its dedicated First Class Lounge at Dubai International Airport’s Concourse B to serve a growing volume of premium customers traveling from and through Emirates’ hub. The airline will also continue to operate its Business Class Lounge in Concourse B which has been open since July 2020 for First and Business Class travelers, as well as eligible Skywards members. Services in the Emirates First Class Lounge include a complimentary facial treatment at the Timeless Spa; complimentary services at Shoeshine by Mr. Cobbler; four fine champagne vintages at a dedicated Moet and Chandon bar; luxury wine and spirits; and limited-edition tea blends from Dilmah Tea. The lounge also has new seating in the dining, rest, and social sections, as well as a new cuisine including over 55 dishes prepared by Emirates Flight Catering chefs, including a dedicated vegan, gluten-free, and healthy menu. What is the best way to get from Dubai airport to the city centre? Breakfast and lunch are available all day, as well as a variety of ice creams and mocktails. A chargrilled wagyu burger, 72-hour braised beef short ribs, foie gras terrine, Black Angus tenderloin, and a typical Emirati breakfast are among the menu highlights. The reopening of Emirates' First Class Lounge in Concourse B is the next step in a planned plan to bring the airline's premium ground services back online. These include Emirates Lounge operations in Dubai, Cairo, New York JFK, Manchester, Boston, Milan, and Los Angeles, as well as complimentary Chauffeur Drive in 70 cities.

9

How to avoid being scammed on Kayak & Skyscanner and other price comparison sites

05th Jul 2021 0

Since booking flights online became possible at the turn of the century, there has been a false perception that it offers better value. There is some truth to this- booking flights online can be cheaper than booking offline, but it could end up costing you a lot more money in the long term. In this article, I am going to explain how the online flight booking market works so that you can make an informed decision about where to book and protect yourself if you do still decide to book online. Fare Types sold by Travel Companies Airlines operate various fare types. They have seat only fares, package fares that can only be sold with a hotel, corporate fares that can be accessed by select companies, VFR (visiting friends and relatives) fares which are targeted at ethnic travellers, cruise fares which must be sold with cruises and many more. Websites selling online are only allowed to sell Seat Only fares from the airline which they buy at about £5-£30 less than what the airline sells the same flights for on their own website. So, you will be asking the question- how do online travel sites sell tickets at prices that can be as much as £100 lower than the airline does if they are at best making £30 per ticket! The Online Travel Rule Breakers Online sites selling flights should only be selling seat only fares (which they buy from the airline and sell at a mark up) or published fares which are the same fares the airline sells on their own website and for which the travel company may receive a commission. There are however companies that sell IT fares (leisure fares which can only be sold as part of a package holiday) as seat only fares. Airlines offer these discounted fares because the rate will be hidden from the public within the package price. The airline does not allow these fares to be sold individually and can deny boarding to a passenger that has purchased such a ticket – even if they did so unknowingly. Risks: You may save money, and you may get away with travelling, but if you are caught, you will not be getting on the plane and you will have to fight the online travel company for a refund. Mitigation: Pay by credit card so that if you need a refund, your card provider will be able to refund you. The loss leader online travel platforms These companies sell the correct fares at a loss. For example, they will buy a British Airways ticket from the airline at £350 but sell it for £325. Inevitably they must make up for the loss somewhere. They do this in one of 3 ways: - Sell an add on: The online travel site will recommend you buy an insurance policy. For example, they will offer a policy for £59 to allow you to change or cancel the flights for free. What they are actually doing is buying the £375 ticket from the airline which allows free changes and cancellations and thereby making £9 profit on your ticket - Overrides: Airlines offer overrides based on volumes. These can be six or seven figure sums for big companies. If an online travel site is getting £300,000 in overrides for selling 10,000 tickets on an airline, they can afford to make a loss of £25 a ticket and still earn £50,000 profit. - Cancellations and changes: If you need to change or cancel your tickets, the company will charge a heavy service charge for doing so. This will be on top of the airline’s own charges. So, the airline may charge £25 for the change, but you will be charged £125 on top of this as service charge. This is legal and will be listed in the terms and conditions. The loss leaders have algorithms that tell them how much they can afford to lose on a ticket and be covered by the surplus from service charges. Doing the same change with the airline would only cost you £25. Risks: These companies tend to be large and well-funded and so the risks are low. But sometimes they get their numbers wrong and as a result run out of money and go bust. A recent example of a company operating this model was Omega Flight Store which went bust in 2018. You also risk paying high fees if you need to change or cancel. https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/business/business-news/more-20m-owed-creditors-collapsed-15436384 Mitigation: Make sure the company you are buying from is ATOL protected and that you get an ATOL certificate and/or pay by credit card. There is no mitigation for the service charges. The loss liar travel companies These companies are featuring flights at low prices but have no intention of selling to you at these prices. This works in one of 2 ways - The less morally bankrupt companies You book for 2 seats for £310 each. All other sites are £350+. The online travel company will call you within a few hours of making the booking and tell you that the transaction failed, and the price has now gone up. They may say that there is glitch on the website and the price presented to you was wrong. Either way, they will offer you a full refund or the chance to book the last remaining seats at £355. They will tell you that there are only 3 seats showing in the system at this price and once gone, the price will go up to £390. Suddenly 1 of those seats will go while you are waiting and there will be 2 seats left. You will panic and book. The online travel company has now made a profit on the ticket. If you don’t book, these companies will generally not have charged your card in the first place or refund your money promptly which is all that they are legally required to do. - The morally bankrupt companies You buy 2 tickets at £300 each to travel in 4 months. All other sites are £400+. The tickets will actually cost the online travel company £380. The company will make your reservation in the airline system but not issue the tickets. Travel companies don’t pay the airline until they issue a ticket, but they can “lock in” the fare by making the reservation in the airline system without actually paying for it. Three weeks before departure, you will get a call saying there was a problem with the booking and the price has gone up to £480 a ticket. At this time, all other sites will be offering the same tickets for £600+. The company will offer you a full refund if you don’t want to pay the extra (which is all that they are legally obliged to do). You have no choice because you must travel and £480 is cheaper than £600. You will pay the extra £180 a ticket. The travel company will issue the ticket and, having held the reservation when the prices were lower, will only have to pay the airline £380, making themselves a tidy £100 profit per ticket. Risks: You will be stung with a price increase or be forced to cancel your travel plans. Mitigation: Review sites are full of negative reviews about these companies- do your research before booking. The foreigners These companies are based outside the UK. Airlines and travel agents interact through IATA which operates an internal currency called NUC (Neutral Unit of Construction). Airlines set their pricing in NUCs and these are then converted into local currencies at the NUC rate. The NUC rates does not track the international FX rates precisely which means the fluctuations could make it cheaper to buy a ticket departing from London by buying it from a company in the Netherlands rather than one based in the UK. The big foreign sellers will have an IATA licences in multiple countries and their algorithms will search pricing from as many as 49 countries to find the best price. A ticket may cost £300 from the UK but in the Hong Kong the same ticket will cost 2,800 Hong Kong Dollars. By then converting the HKD price back using the prevailing GBP HKD rate of 10.7, the ticket will cost only £261. Finally, these companies don’t have to operate under the ATOL rules or pay the ATOL fees which further reduces costs. Risks: Most of these companies are big, well capitalised and sophisticated tech companies so they are not out to scam you and are not short of cash. But, if things go wrong then you may struggle getting through to head office in Vietnam or Durban. You also won’t have the option to make a court claim against them in the UK. Mitigation: Pay by credit card and check the reviews online about the company before booking. The advantages of booking with a traditional travel agent Booking a flight with travel agent may be more expensive than some of the online travel sites, but now you understand why. The benefits of booking with a travel agent are: You will get the ticket at the correct price set by the airline for the UK market. You will pay the same price as the airline sells it for on their own website and your travel agent will earn between £5-£20 from the sale Your booking will be ATOL protected You will not be stung with hefty service charges when you change or cancel You will be able to talk to a real person for anything you need rather than waiting on hold for hours trying to speak to someone in an airline or online travel web support call centre Your ticket will be valid for your travel purpose You will not be stung with extra charges later You will be supporting small local UK businesses

8

Red list destinations to book now before prices skyrocket

04th Jul 2021 1

The summer is upon us and schools start breaking up for the holidays this Friday. As would be expected, there are many that have not booked an overseas holiday for the summer, and, while they would like to, they are still apprehensive because of the uncertainty. Smart travellers booked Malta before it moved to the green list and saved 60%! This article will help you get ahead of the curve and find out which destinations could be next. The guidance and practical tips contained in this post will help you decide which red list destination to book now to save money if the predictions are accurate and get a full refund if they are not. The next red list countries [caption id="attachment_24281" align="alignnone" width="2395"] Aerial view of Tanjung Rhu Beach- a Malaysia holiday to Langkawi will remain off the cards again this summer[/caption] In a recent article, Simon Calder, the travel news editor at the independent quoted a source suggesting that Malaysia is a candidate for being added to the red list. The source cites Germany’s decision to add Malaysia to its red list as well as the high levels of positive tests from arrivals coming from Malaysia into the UK. https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/holiday-green-list-amber-red-travel-industry-b1871662.html There are also suggestions that a handful of African countries may also be added to the red list although none of these are popular tourist destinations for the UK market. Why book a a holiday to a red list country now People are travelling to amber list destinations, and this article I posted yesterday explains the thought process of one of my clients who is “going amber”. [embed]https://www.experiencedtravellers.com/blogs/travelling_to_amber_list_country/[/embed] With the likelihood of fully vaccinated travellers no longer being required to quarantine on their return from an amber list country from later this month, a growing number of people are starting to plan their holiday to an amber list destination this summer. The result is that holidays to amber list countries are becoming more and more expensive. I booked a client a few days ago to fly to Amman on 17th July 2021. There are now no seats available to book on that flight (even on waitlist)! So, if a destination does get moved from red to amber, it makes sense to book now whilst it is still red and get the best deal possible. Countries moving from Red to Amber In this article, I had suggested that some countries that are on the red list should not be and provided reasons for this. https://www.experiencedtravellers.com/blogs/travel-to-a-red-list-country-without-a-hotel-quarantine-on-your-return/ The Telegraph published an article yesterday with a list of countries that they suggest could move from the red to amber in the next announcement. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/lists/red-list-countries-could-move-amber-time-summer/ Here is a summary: Turkey holiday for summer 2021 [caption id="attachment_24286" align="alignnone" width="1800"] Alanya shoreline- Turkey holidays in Antalya region could be possible again very soon[/caption] The country has an infection rate of 45 per 100,000 with 54% of the adult population having received the first dose of a vaccine. This is comparable to the many other countries on the amber list making a strong case for holidays to Turkey this summer. When combined with the pressure being exerted on the government by the travel industry, the fact that summer holidays in Turkey are a key driver of revenue for the sector and a new more bullish health secretary, Turkey is probably the strongest contender for being moved from red to amber in the next announcement. Travel via Qatar [caption id="attachment_24285" align="alignnone" width="2318"] You wont be able to have a holiday in Qatar but you might be able to catch a glimpse of the Doha skyline from a Qatar Airways flight[/caption] Qatar is not a big holiday destination from the UK and they are not currently letting British travellers into the country. Nevertheless, the data supports moving Qatar from red to amber. There have been only 4 Covid related deaths in Qatar in the last week and 798 recorded infections and 70% of the population have received the first dose of a vaccine with almost 58% of those people being fully vaccinated. Qatar could be moved to the amber list, but the only benefit this will have for UK travellers is allowing them to fly Qatar Airways again without having to quarantine in a hotel on their arrival back home. Caribbean holiday in the Dominican Republic [caption id="attachment_24282" align="alignnone" width="2319"] Bavaro, Punta Cana- Dominican Republic holidays offer much better value for money than other destinations in the Caribbean[/caption] The infection rate for the Dominican Republic is 56 per 100,000. The country is leading the Caribbean in terms of its vaccination drive and 63% of the population have now received their first dose of vaccine. By comparison, Barbados (which is on the green list) has only vaccinated 29% of the population. Accordingly, if Barbados is green then holidays to the Dominican Republic should not just move to the amber list; they should become fully unrestricted. Dubai holidays and the United Arab Emirates [caption id="attachment_24284" align="alignnone" width="2320"] Get ready for the influencers to return- Dubai holidays at the Madinat Jumeirah remain one of the most popular options for the instagrammers[/caption] At 133 infections per 100,000, the case rate in the UAE is actually quite high in comparison to the first 3 destinations mentioned above, although still less than the rate in the UK and many other amber list countries. The UAE was put on the red list because of its status as a hub rather than the risk of catching Covid 19 by travelling to the destination itself. Given that 61% of the population have had their first dose of a vaccine and 46% of these people are fully vaccinated combined with the fact that people can travel to the UK via many other destinations now, the government may concede that keeping the UAE on the red list serves no real purpose any longer. The UAE is a big destination for the UK market and the summer is low season in the country. This means that deals are even cheaper than the usually very cheap summer rates. Allowing brits to have a holiday in Dubai many not however be the principal incentive for the government to move the UAE from red to amber. A more significant motivator will be allowing gulf Arabs and their supercars to travel to the UK and spend their wealth here to prop up our economy. How to book a red list holiday without any risks There is if course no point in saving money on a holiday to a red list destination if it remains red. Thankfully, the travel industry is aware of the apprehension that currently overshadows the market and airlines, hotels and other product suppliers are offering deals that allow cancellation without penalty until as little as 48 hours before departure. I would of course love for you to book your holiday to Dubai, Turkey or the Dominican Republic with me, however, should you choose to book elsewhere then make sure you pay attention to the following advice: Self-booking: If you are booking your flights and hotels directly with airlines or hotels on line, make sure you select the rate that allows cancellation without penalty with each individual supplier. Don’t make the mistake of booking a refundable flight and a non-refundable hotel! Reputable providers: There are many websites selling flights and hotels online. These sites are brokers and buying through them means your contract is with the website operator and not the airline or hotel. You may see a very attractive rate through SkyScanner, Kayak or Trivago but you must remember that it is not these sites selling you the product. Some of the more obscure brands you will find on these price comparison sites have developed a reputation for not refunding their customers even when they have received refunds from their suppliers. Some of the brands operating on the aggregator sites are based abroad, so you won’t have the protections offered by UK consumer law or recourse to the small claim courts when things go wrong. Deadlines: Pay attention to the dates. The hotel may require you to cancel 24 hours prior to arrival but the airline may require you to cancel 72 hours prior to departure. You should aim to cancel everything by the earliest date. Make a diary note, set an alert on your smartphone or add an action to your tasks software to make sure you do not miss the deadline. As a personal travel advisor, I take care of all of the above for my customers and can generally obtain the same (or better) prices as those available online. Would you book a holiday to a red list destination? Share your thoughts.

7

Why you should travel to an Amber List Destination this summer

03rd Jul 2021 0

This week I booked a client to travel to Jordan departing in two weeks. Before taking the booking, I went through the usual script advising my client about the risks of travelling to an amber list destination including the possibility of it being moved to a red list destination whilst they were abroad, travel insurance cover and the general Covid risks. My client said to me that his travel insurance covered him for everything that would normally be covered except for cancellation for a Covid related issue and that he was prepared to take the risk of the destination being moved to the red list. He considered it unlikely that Jordan would be moved to red because according to him the current rate of infections in Jordan was 36 in 100,000 and 20% of the population was double vaccinated. Why travel to an Amber list destination now I wanted to understand the thought process behind my client’s decision to book a holiday to Jordan, so I asked him. He said he was travelling for 4 reasons: He and his family had not been on holiday since 2019 and they desperately needed a break. Now that he and his wife were double vaccinated he believed the risks of his family suffering from a Covid infection were extremely low. Jordan is not seeing a massive influx of tourists like destinations in Europe and hotels are not running at the high capacity levels they usually would be in the summer which means that they will be able to enjoy the resorts and attractions they plan to stay at without the normal rush that would be expected at this time of year. Even with the cost of the PCR tests, this is going to be a cheap luxury Jordan holiday. In fact, this holiday in Jordan will cost significantly less than what my client would have paid 2 years ago for the same itinerary. It is the summer holidays which are long and by travelling to Jordan early in the holidays, they will have the flexibility to make changes without risking their kids missing school on their return. Whilst everyone will have their own thoughts on whether or not they should travel abroad right now, the thought process by client succinctly put forward to me seems logically sound! The Amber List Jordan Holiday Itinerary My client new exactly what he wanted to book and had planned out the itinerary himself. I just had to put it all together for him and get the best deal! He will be starting the holiday by flying from London Heathrow to Amman where he will be spending 2 nights. The Amman portion of the holiday is for him and his wife to be able to indulge in Levantine cuisine, explore Roman ruins and visit the museum and other cultural sites. The food in Jordan, Syria and Lebanon is the same and so if you like Lebanese restaurants, you will love the restaurant and café culture in Amman. [caption id="attachment_23926" align="alignnone" width="1440"] St Regis Amman[/caption] My clients have travelled on self drive itineraries to Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the USA and Canada and so did not want me to arrange any transfers for them. Instead, I have booked a Nissan X-Trail SUV for them which they will pick up on the day they leave Amman. They won’t need a car in Amman itself as taxis are abundant and Uber operates in the city. After 2 days in Amman, they need to do something for the kids so they will head to the Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea Resort for 3 days. This will be a chance for them to relax, enjoy spa treatments, float in the Dead Sea and most important give their kids plenty of time in the pool and to play in the kids club. The Kempinski offers a family duplex room which will be great for my client and his family. [caption id="attachment_23928" align="alignnone" width="1400"] Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea Resort[/caption] [caption id="attachment_23927" align="alignnone" width="1905"] Family Duplex at Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea Resort[/caption] After 3 days for the kids, my clients will head into the dessert to explore the ancient Nabataean city of Petra for 2 nights. It will be hot and there will be lots of walking and kids are sure to complain, but my client thinks it will still be worth it. To compensate the kids for their exertion in Petra, my client will then spend the last 3 nights of their holiday in Aqaba at a 5-star beach resort on the Red Sea. [caption id="attachment_23925" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Mövenpick Petra[/caption] A holiday in Aqaba works as a single centre holiday as much as it does as part of a multi-centre itinerary in Jordan. I would have actually encouraged my client to stay 7 nights in Aqaba, and in normal times, he probably would have done. Because of the Covid situation however, my client has decided to keep the itinerary shorter than he would have liked it for the flexibility. [caption id="attachment_23924" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kempinski Aqaba[/caption] My client will hand back his rental car in Aqaba and then fly from Aqaba to Amman and connect on to a flight back to London Heathrow. The whole itinerary will cost my client just shy of £1,200 per person for the family of 5. I made sure that everything I have booked for my client can be refunded with a full refund up to 72 hours before the date of departure and so if he decides to change his mind for any reason, he will not be out of pocket. All the hotels I have booked can be cancelled up to 6pm the night before check in, so again, if my client needs to curtail his holiday, I will be able to get him money back for the unused portion of his holiday. If things go wrong during the Jordan holiday In these ever-uncertain times, there is of course a real risk that any country could be added to the red list at any time. Whilst the risks of Jordan being added are very low, there is no place for complacency in the current climate. My client has decided that if their holiday in Jordan is impacted by the country being added to the red list at short notice, their first strategy will be to try and get back to the UK before the red list restrictions take effect. If that is not possible then they will travel into a European destination for 10 days, have a holiday there and then head back home so that they don’t have to quarantine in a hotel for 10 days on their return. Reporting the Jordan tour My client has kindly agreed to document his 10 night Jordan itinerary for me so that I can post a series of articles about the holiday here. My client has agreed to provide first hand reviews of the hotels he will be staying at in Dead Sea, Amman, Petra and Aqaba. I hope my client has an amazing time in Jordan and that nothing goes wrong to impact on his well-deserved holiday. Hopefully my clients and the readers on this site will be able to benefit from the reviews he provides and decide for themselves whether they want to plan a holiday this summer. Are you thinking about travelling to an Amber list destination? If you are, why not share your thoughts.

Tauck Restart Global Operations by August

03rd Jul 2021 0

US tour company Tauck aims to resume all remaining 2021 itineraries by August and September. The move comes after the recent announcement of the resumption of some tours and cruises. Tauck aims to run more than 80% of its pre-pandemic tour and cruise schedule this year, with a complete resumption of all itineraries expected in 2022. Danube and Rhine river cruises, land tours in Italy and across Europe, and visits to sites ranging from Morocco to Machu Picchu are among the resuming planned. Dan Mahar, the company's CEO, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to announce the global restart of our 2021 journeys. “If a destination is welcoming American travelers, and if it’s a place where Tauck operates, we’ll be bringing our guests there in the coming months." "The challenges of the past 15 months have been unprecedented in our 96-year history but the loyalty of our guests and travel advisors, the skill, dedication and hard work of our employees, and our bedrock philosophy to always ‘do the right thing’ have brought us to this day." Mahar also added with a note of caution: “To date, the world’s return to travel has gone very, very well, and we have great cause for optimism. “However, some restrictions remain in place for destinations like the UK and Canada, and we know that as our industry recovers, there will be twists and turns along the way. “We’re as prepared as possible, but we know that the best attitude is to expect the unexpected and to stay flexible.” Tauck has begun to offer a growing number of trips and cruises in the United States and abroad. Selected land excursions and cruises in Europe, cruises in the Galapagos Islands, and safaris in eastern and southern Africa will resume in August, according to the business.

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Why are Victoria Falls a Natural Wonder of the World?

01st Jul 2021 0

Waterfalls seem to capture and hold our attention in a way that other geographical features don’t. It’s probably something to do with our innate dependence on water or something but, for whatever reason, waterfalls captivate us. The world’s largest waterfall, Victoria Falls, is truly an incredible sight to behold. Located along the Zambia and Zimbabwe border, in Southern Africa, Victoria Falls span a 1,700-metre section of the mighty Zambezi river. It’s a demonstration of the raw power and relentless, inevitability of nature.   [caption id="attachment_22606" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Train at Victoria falls[/caption]   A holiday to Victoria Falls is an experience that sticks with you for a very long time. The sheer size of Africa baffles; then there’s the scale of the precipice, the high plumes of vapour and the constant, thundering roar of the water. Standing close to the falls activates multiple senses simultaneously leaving you feeling exhilarated but, inconsequential in the face of nature.    The Discovery and Naming of Victoria Falls In 1855 a certain Scottish missionary and explorer, David Livingstone, became the first European to lay eyes on Victoria Falls. Livingstone’s mission across Africa’s interior brought him into contact with various tribes and African peoples. During his initial ‘discovery’ of the falls, Livingstone was accompanied by members of the Makololo tribe. As they neared the viewing point in their hand-carved canoes the Makololo chief informed Livingstone of the indigenous name for the waterfall; ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ or ‘smoke that thunders. Livingstone went for a more regal but boring name, Victoria Falls, after Great Britain’s Queen Victoria.  [caption id="attachment_22644" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Statue of Queen Victoria in Belfast[/caption] Why Victoria Falls is a Natural Wonder of The World? When it comes to natural wonders, size matters. Think of the other natural wonders of the world; Mount Everest, Paricutin Volcano, the Aurora Borealis, Rio de Janeiro Harbour, the Great Barrier Reef and the Grand Canyon. One characteristic all of the natural wonders of the world share is visibility - they stand out against the surrounding environment. Victoria Falls dominate the landscape. The waterfall is the longest curtain of free-falling water in the world.  The great columns of vapour that rise into the sky above the falls can be seen from over 50 kilometres away. On a calm day, the low rumble of Victoria Falls is audible from around 40 kilometres away. It’s the high flow rate that causes the noise. Every second 950 cubic metres, about 8.3 million litres, falls over the precipice. At the waterfalls highest point the water cascades downwards for 108 metres. [caption id="attachment_22605" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Victoria Falls is a waterfall in southern Africa on the Zambezi River at the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. While it is neither the highest nor the widest waterfall in the world, it is classified as the largest, based on its width of 1,708 metres (5,604 ft) and height of 108 metres (354 ft), resulting in the world's largest sheet of falling water.[/caption] Another thing to keep in mind about Victoria Falls is that the waters don’t drop into an open basin. Instead, the raging waters drop into a large chasm. Over the course of millennia, the Zambezi River carved its own path carving channels and gorges in the rock. It’s this unusual watercourse that makes Victoria Falls so visually arresting.    Visiting the Victoria Falls on Holiday The Victoria Falls were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site 1989 and the site is jointly managed by Zambia and Zimbabwe. There’s a huge variety of tour packages out there to help you get the most of your Victoria Falls trip. If you want to get close to the falls, feel the spray and see the water from multiple angles you need to get on the Zambezi river. A cruise or short boat tour along the Zambezi is also a great way to get a closer look at some of the wildlife that thrives around Victoria Falls.   [caption id="attachment_22601" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Cruise on river Zambeze, Zambia[/caption] National Parks border the falls on both sides and give good access to viewing platforms. On the Zimbabwean side, the Victoria Falls National Park encompasses areas of rainforest and, in Zambia the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park hippopotamuses can be spotted in-and-around the falls.  Both national parks are teeming with animal life though. Visitors report seeing warthog, deer and different types of monkeys. There are also facilities for serious birdwatchers or those interested in different types of nature or safari tours. [caption id="attachment_22609" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Hippo charging at a number of birds.[/caption]   A popular activity with younger visitors to Victoria Falls is the 110-metre bungee jump & swing from the Victoria Falls bridge. It’s possible to organise rafting and canoe trips along sections of the river at some times of the year too.  [caption id="attachment_22594" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Vic Falls Bungee directly in the middle of Victoria Falls Bridge at the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Some brave people jump here to the Zambezi River.[/caption]   When to Visit Victoria Falls? The rains that fall in Angola and Northern Zambia fill the Zambezi River to bursting, creating an enormous flow that produces a powerful curtain of water. An incredible, awe-inspiring thing to witness.  The rains begin to fall heavily in late February and continue through to June. It’s best to plan your trip around what you intend on doing at the falls. Some visitors claim June is the optimal time to see the falls in all their glory and others September. Keep in mind other considerations such as opportunities for wildlife activity such as elephants crossing the Zambezi River.  [caption id="attachment_22593" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Elephants crossing the Zambezi River above Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe[/caption]   If you hope to see at least some or one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World in your lifetime or even begin ticking things off your bucket list! -Victoria Falls is a great place to start. This is a place to behold and feel the true power of nature. An undisputed Natural Wonder.   

Etihad Airways and El Al Signed Codeshare Deal

01st Jul 2021 0

Etihad Airways and El Al have signed a codeshare deal that includes a reciprocal loyalty program for frequent travelers. From 18th July, the Israeli carrier will add its LY code to Etihad's existing twice-weekly service between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv. From 1st August, the new agreement will extend beyond Etihad's Abu Dhabi base to destinations in Australia, Bahrain, India, Korea, the Philippines, and Seychelles. In a later phase, Etihad will add its ‘EY' code to El Al flights, expanding its network to 14 destinations across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and the United States, subject to government and regulatory permissions. Members of the Etihad Guest and Matmid loyalty programs will be able to earn and redeem miles on flights across both carriers' networks thanks to a reciprocal loyalty arrangement. The agreement builds on a memorandum of understanding reached by the airlines in 2020, following the signing of the Abraham Accords by the UAE and Israel. Tony Douglas, CEO of Etihad Aviation Group, said: “We are very pleased to be able to announce the launch of our codeshare and frequent flyer partnership with El Al. This partnership will provide additional choice and connectivity for both carriers’ guests, and a range of benefits for frequent travelers between and beyond our respective hubs in Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv.” CEO of El Al, Avigal Soreq also said: “This is an important milestone as this codeshare will bring growing benefits to our passengers and to our respective airlines and countries. The EL AL and Etihad teams have a common goal in this partnership, and we look forward to seeing it grow in the future.”

Scottish Gov't lifts Manchester, Salford and Bolton Travel Ban

30th Jun 2021 0

The Scottish government has announced that the interim travel ban between Scotland and portions of northwest England will be lifted. At midnight today, the current limits on travel between Scotland and Manchester and Salford, which went into effect on 21st June, will be relaxed. A travel ban on Bolton, which has been in effect since 24th May, is also being lifted. However, travel restrictions between Scotland and the Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council area will remain in effect. According to the Scottish government, this is an important area, “continues to experience concerning case rates of the more transmissible Covid-19 Delta variant”. The ban on non-essential travel caused a spat between Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish first minister, and Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester. He accused Sturgeon of enacting the ban without consulting the public and demanded compensation for those who were affected by it. He remarked in response to the loosening of restrictions: “I had serious concerns about this travel ban and the way it was introduced and I have made these concerns clear over recent days. “I am grateful to the first minister and to the Scottish government for listening and for the decision they have announced today to lift the travel ban on Bolton, Manchester and Salford.” Humza Yousaf , the Scottish health secretary said: “Nobody wants travel restrictions in place for any longer than is absolutely necessary. “Placing restrictions on travel between Scotland and parts of northwest England was only taken after extremely careful consideration and analysis of data to help prevent the spread of variants of concern. “Following a careful review of the data we have decided to ease travel arrangements between Scotland and Manchester, Salford and Bolton. However, the situation regarding Blackburn and Darwen will need to be closely monitored and will be reviewed again in a week’s time.”  

Emirates rolls out IATA Travel Pass

29th Jun 2021 0

Customers flying between Dubai and ten locations, including London, now have access to the IATA Travel Pass. The carrier, which was one of the first to implement Iata's Covid certification, wants to roll it out throughout its whole network "in the next weeks." “Over the past months, we have really accelerated our biometric, contactless and digital travel verification projects to provide our customers with even greater convenience and assurance when they fly with Emirates," said Adel Al Redha, Emirates' chief operations officer. “From our biometrics path at Dubai International to initiatives like the IATA Travel Pass and integrations with the health authority databases, these projects deliver multiple benefits from better customer experiences to the reduced use of paper, and improved efficiency and reliability in travel document checks. We are grateful for the support from the authorities and our industry partners in the successful deployment of these projects which strengthen Emirates and Dubai’s world-leading aviation capabilities.”

Qatar Airways’ New 787-9 Business Class Suite Revealed

25th Jun 2021 0

Qatar Airways will begin flying their new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner passenger aircraft, which will feature the much-anticipated new Business Class Suite, on a number of key European and Asian destinations on Friday, 25th June 2021. The aircraft, which will fly from Doha to Athens, Barcelona, Dammam, Karachi, Kuala Lumpur, Madrid, and Milan, has a total passenger capacity of 311 seats, includi ng 30 Business Class Suites and 281 Economy Class seats. [caption id="attachment_21235" align="alignnone" width="1214"] New Qatar Airways 787-9 business class cabin[/caption] His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al-Baker, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, said: “In-line with our commitment to offering our passengers an unparalleled travel experience, we are pleased to introduce this much-anticipated Business Class Suite on Qatar Airways’ newest wide-body aircraft the Boeing 787-9; which will debut onto a number of key routes within our network". “The new Business Class Suite sets yet another industry standard with a uniquely private experience for premium passengers travelling with us, which is becoming increasingly valuable during this pandemic, while showcasing Qatar Airways’ 5-star standards of excellence and Qatari hospitality that are quintessential on all of our flights." Each suite, which is laid out in a herringbone pattern with a 1-2-1 configuration, has direct aisle access and a sliding door for the ultimate in privacy and comfort. The Business Class Suite converts into a 79-inch fully-flat bed, providing superior comfort on board. Passengers can keep their personal phone in a dedicated phone holder that features wireless charging technology that works with both iOS and Android devices. [caption id="attachment_21236" align="alignnone" width="883"] New Qatar Airways Business Class Seat[/caption] The Recaro-produced seats in Economy Class are cutting-edge in terms of design and technology. Each seat has a Panasonic IFE touch screen with a 13-inch display and a personal electronic device mount for both mobile and iPad devices. The seat has a rotatable armrest that can be stored completely into the backrest, making it more comfortable and spacious. The Boeing 787-9 is the most recent addition to Qatar Airways' fleet of Boeing aircraft. Due to its strong fuel efficiency and excellent reliability record, the airline, which was the Middle East launch client for the Boeing 787, has continued to operate their fleet of 30 787-8s during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Loganair will Service Dublin from Aberdeen for Stobart Air

24th Jun 2021 0

Following the demise of Aer Lingus franchise carrier Stobart Air two weeks ago, Loganair will begin servicing Dublin from Aberdeen. Tickets are on sale now for the September 5th link between Scotland's oil and gas center and Dublin, Ireland's capital starting 24th June. The service will be served by 49-seat Embraer 145 regional planes, with one-way tickets starting at £64.99 from Aberdeen and €69 from Dublin, inclusive of all taxes and levies. Initially operating four times a week on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, the service will be expanded to daily service on 28th March of next year, with additional flights on Mondays and Fridays beginning 24th April 2022. Loganair already flies ten routes from Aberdeen, including Manchester, Birmingham, and Bristol. It's also the first time the Glasgow-based airline has visited Dublin since suspending its Inverness service last year. From Dublin, Inverness and Teesside will be part of the Loganair network next summer. Loganair will offer connections from Aberdeen to Dublin via its network, including Sumburgh in Shetland and Kirkwall in Orkney. Kay Ryan, Loganair's chief commercial officer, said: “We are truly excited to be operating this important service and pleased to be able to step in and quickly restore the vital link between these two great cities. “It fits well with our increasingly dominant presence as the UK’s premier regional airline and develops our growing relationship with IAG through our codeshare with BA. We now look forward to enhancing our connectivity further as we work closely with Aer Lingus. “We believe that, as certainty grows with the ongoing Covid-19 vaccination program, an easing of current travel restrictions to and from the Irish Republic will allow customers to book and travel with confidence.” “These routes strengthen our connectivity in the north-east of Scotland following the collapse of Stobart Air two weeks ago. Bringing back business safely is a key priority at our airport and this route will be warmly welcomed by our passengers and stakeholders,” said Matt Hazlewood, group commercial director for Aberdeen airport owner AGS Airports. Vincent Harrison, the managing director of Dublin Airport, said: “Dublin airport has historically had very strong connectivity to a host of British cities and we’re happy to see Loganair restoring the direct connection between Dublin and Aberdeen and offering onward connectivity to a number of other Scottish destinations. We’ll be working hard with our colleagues at Loganair to help drive traffic in both directions on the new service.”

Windstar Cruises Restart Sailing with Vaccinated Passengers and Crew Onboard

23rd Jun 2021 0

Windstar Cruises has resumed sailing with customers and employees who have been vaccinated. With the four-mast sailing yacht Wind Star going on a seven-night journey from Athens to the Greek islands, the small ship line has returned to service. On the route, which includes Patmos, Santorini, and Mykonos, the ship can carry a maximum of 148 passengers. The vessel will sail the itinerary on a weekly basis until October, according to the firm. Windstar is gradually resuming operations, with its six ships sailing on various dates from now until November. Passengers will be required to have immunizations, as well as testing, social distancing, masks, and high-tech air filtration, among other health and safety considerations. Windstar is guaranteeing that all crew members are vaccinated before they embark on revenue cruises. It was one of the first cruise lines to enforce passenger vaccinations, with the goal of vaccinating the entire crew. The firm stated: “Procuring doses for Windstar’s primarily international crew has been challenging, but line officials have now successfully sourced vaccinations for crew aboard all six yachts.”

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Travel to a red list country without a hotel quarantine on your return

17th Jun 2021 0

Some of the worlds most alluring long haul destinations are currently on the UK government’s red list. Some of these countries like India are on the list for good reasons. Unfortunately others like the United Arab Emirates which has amongst the highest rates of vaccination and lowest rates of new COVID infections are on the red list for no plausible reason. The government even went as far as acknowledging that the UAE as a destination did not present a high risk for COVID infection but would remain on the red list because its airport was a global hub. I have not written this article to encourage people to travel to red list destinations. I am advising my own clients not to do so. I do however believe there is a lot of misinformation spreading and therefore I have presented this article to provide those that do want to travel to a red list country with useful data that will inform their decision. The article also serves to provide advice as to what they need to do if they do choose to travel. The UAE test [caption id="attachment_2003" align="alignnone" width="1024"] A elegant woman with a hat and a drink in her hand stands at the edge of a infinity pool and enjoys the view to the skyline of the Dubai Marina during sunset, UAE[/caption] The government’s decision to put the UAE on the red list is baseless. Let me explain why To suggest that the UAE is a high-risk country because its airport provides connecting traffic to various international destinations is to completely dismiss the highly robust measures the UAE government have taken to prevent COVID from getting into the country. Emirates airline caused a diplomatic row with Nigeria in 2020 and again in 2021 because of the stringent COVID test procedures the airline imposed on Nigerians entering the UAE. To be clear, these measures were not discriminatory against Nigerians but rather a response to the real evidence based data which showed that COVID test results were being manipulated or falsified in the country. In protest at the additional requirements Nigerians had to contend with in order to fly Emirates, the government of Nigeria banned Emirates from flying into their country. The UAE is not the only country in the world to host hub traffic. KLM as an example continues to operate flights between Amsterdam and destinations throughout Asia, Africa and southern America. If the UAE test is being applied then the Netherlands should also be on the UK red list- but it is not. Destinations that should not be on the red list Based on the evidence, I believe there are 6 countries currently on the red list which should not be: Country % of population fully vaccinated Infections/ 100,000 people UAE 71.5 148 Maldives 46.5 381 Seychelles 70 147 Oman 6.1 243 Qatar 50 37 Bahrain 58 393 When you compare this data to that of countries on the amber list, you quickly realise the 6 countries listed above are performing much better in terms of both low rates of new infections and high levels of vaccination. In addition, when you travel to a destination like the Maldives, you are going to spend 100% of your time on an island where 100% of the staff will be vaccinated and tested regularly for covid. Your chances of catching the virus based on you being fully vaccinated as well are virtually zero. The real reason why the 6 destinations are on the red list Of the 6 destinations we believe should not be on the red list, the first to appear on it was the United Arab Emirates. The UAE was added because of a combination of the 2 factors: 1. The press publishing almost daily articles about instagrammers and influencers travelling for holidays in Dubai when travel for leisure was illegal forced the government to take swift action. Influencers were technically working and therefore allowed to travel. The only way to put an end to the loophole was to take the UAE out of the equation. 2. The UAE is a hub that connects global air traffic. The reason why this presented a problem is not because of the increased the risk of COVID entering the UK but rather because Emirates was the single biggest carrier of UK long haul passengers to destinations across the world. Without Emirates, people simply would not be able to travel - even if they wanted to or had legitimate reasons for so doing. Even if they did still travel, doing so would become more expensive because of less competition. [caption id="attachment_19444" align="alignnone" width="2512"] Turkish Airlines Cabin crew working onboard during covid[/caption] After the UAE was banned, UK travellers had to start flying with Qatar Airways and Oman Air. Inevitably, these destinations also had to be added to the red list- not because of the COVID risk but because of the governments need to stop travel – whatever the cost. Turkey and Bahrain were the next victims of the governments strategy as traffic began shifting to Turkish Airlines and Gulf Air, although admittedly, Turkey has seen an upturn in the number of new infections. Fundamentally however, the 6 countries I have listed should never have been added to the red list and should certainly not remain on the list for a day longer because they present no risk. Sadly, the reality is that the government does not want travel to resume just yet and so these destinations will remain on the red list for the foreseeable future. Travelling to a red list country- what you need to prepare for Firstly, I vehemently object to anyone, whatever your situation, travelling to red list destinations like India which are clearly high-risk. I am also very keen to emphasise that I believe only people who are fully vaccinated with both doses of a vaccine should be travelling abroad anywhere. I also need to make it clear that I am not encouraging anyone to travel to a red list country- even those countries which I do not believe should be on the list. There are however some people that have already decided to travel to one of the 6 red list countries I have listed and the following information is for them to understand how to travel without having to undergo an imposed hotel quarantine on their return to the UK. The easiest way to avoid a mandatory stay at an airport hotel on your return is by combining your trip to a red list country with one on the amber list. If you want to travel to the Maldives for example, you can do so by flying to the Maldives first, enjoying your holiday and then flying back via one of the amber list countries that has no restrictions on arrivals from the Maldives and having an extra 10 day holiday there. You need to ensure that there is a flight routing between the amber list country you are travelling to and the UK that does not cross through a red list country. On your return to the UK after 10 nights in Europe you will only need to self-isolate at home for 5 days if you take advantage of test & release. Travel Insurance: This is an important consideration because all the 6 countries I believe are safe to travel to on the red list are all destinations where the FCO advises against all but essential travel. That doesn’t mean that there is not travel insurance available, but it does mean that policies will be more expensive and more limited in the cover they offer. Travel insurance policies that do provide cover for travel to destinations where the FCO advises against all but essential travel will generally cover you for everything other than losses suffered as a result of the Covid pandemic. For example, if your flight from your destination back to the UK was cancelled because of Covid, you would not be covered for new flights which you would have to purchase yourself. You would however be covered if your bags were lost or you became ill whilst abroad. Package Holidays: Tour operators will generally not book you on a package holiday to a red list destination because they will be obligated to refund you if you decided not to travel. Some companies are allowing you to sign a declaration stating that you are travelling for essential reasons against FCO advice and are aware of the restrictions that apply on travel to red list destinations. These companies are however few and far between and you will therefore most likely have to book the flight element of your holiday yourself and ask a tour operator to make your ground arrangements. Changes to the traffic light system: The government demonstrated with Portugal that they can impulsively make changes to the traffic light list with limited notice. Even the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry! Travelling to a red list destination and returning via a 10-day stopover in an amber list country may not work out if the amber list country is moved to the red list! Employment: A 10-day holiday in somewhere like the Maldives will cost you 20 days as you will be spending 10 days in a second country on your way home. On top of this, you will need to self-isolate for a minimum of 5 days on your return to the UK. So, if you have a job that required you to physically present, travelling to a red list country may not be an option. Budget: The convoluted routing you will be taking to circumvent the requirement to quarantine at a hotel will be expensive. You will also have to pay for PCR tests in your destination country, your stopover country in addition to the tests required by the UK government. If planned well, all of this should still cost less than 10 days of hotel quarantine. Have your travelled to a red list country since the traffic light system was introduced? Do you still plan on travelling? Please share your thoughts and experiences.

EU Adds 8 Countries on "White List"

17th Jun 2021 0

Ambassadors have agreed to add eight nations to the European Union's "white list" of countries from which it welcomes non-essential travel, including the United States, but the United Kingdom has been left off. According to multiple reports from reporters in Brussels, the United States, Albania, North Macedonia, Serbia, Lebanon, Taiwan, Macau, and Hong Kong will be added to the list. They will join Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and China on the so-called "white list." According to reports, the UK's exclusion was due to its high number of cases per 100,000 people and the exponential development of infection by the Delta variety. An EU ambassador told the Guardian, “There are serious concerns about Delta and surge of numbers.” Every two weeks, the EU's "white list" will be revised. Member states have the authority to set their own entrance criteria for visitors, which may include Covid testing and quarantine.

6

Tips for solo travel in Australia

16th Jun 2021 0

When considering a trip of any length it’s important to choose your co-travellers carefully, but this is especially crucial when planning a lengthy trip such as travelling around Australia. Travelling as a group (or even just with one other friend) will inevitably require compromise - others might have different standards of accommodation they would prefer, varying budgets or have conflicting ambitions for the trip and itinerary.  Of course, one way to avoid feeling like you’re not able to fulfil all of your aspirations when it comes to your dream trip is to travel solo.  Travelling alone can have so many benefits - it means that you have complete control over your plans, you can set your own budget and be flexible according to your means, you can adapt your plans as you go along, and it can help you develop new skills, grow your confidence and make new friends.   [caption id="attachment_19112" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Panorama of Sidney by night (Vivid Light), the Opera House, Harbour Bridge[/caption] Travelling solo can be extremely rewarding, but you will want to also ensure that you don’t feel vulnerable, or lonely during the trip.  Luckily, Australia is easy to move around due to its great travel infrastructure, locals are usually friendly and depending on the accommodation you choose, there are myriad ways to make friends and connect with others.   Staying in hostels Hostels are used to accommodating solo travellers and provide great ways to meet other backpackers.  Most will hold evening events, excursions or activities (such as games nights, pool parties or barbecues) and even those travelling in small groups will likely be open to making new friends.  You will also usually have the option to stay in a shared dormitory, which provides an easy way to strike up a conversation or make plans with roommates.  You will often find that many people are taking the same route as you, and planning the same stops - so it’s worth finding out others’ itineraries to see if there are opportunities to connect later in your trip.  This can be a reassuring way to know there will be some friendly faces to meet up with further down the line.   [caption id="attachment_19105" align="alignnone" width="1007"] View of Nomads Adelaide Travellers Inn Backpackers Hostel in Adelaide, southern Australia.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_19108" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Backpackers Hostel in Fremantle, Western Australia[/caption]   Working during your trip If you’re in the 18-30 bracket and planning a longer stay in Australia, you could consider working during your trip to give more opportunities to meet people and fund your travels.  You can usually apply for a 12-month working holiday visa - but make sure you consult the rules and requirements for both your home country and the current Australian regulations.  Typically, travellers might consider jobs like bar work and hospitality, or farming.  You can also find opportunities for volunteering in exchange for food and board with organisations like WWOOF Australia who facilitate placements working on organic farms.  Always ensure you fully research these opportunities however and have clear expectations of the type of accommodation and working hours.   [caption id="attachment_19090" align="alignnone" width="1007"] WWOOF- World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms.  harvesting fresh vegetables from the community greenhouse garden and seeding for the next season.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_19091" align="alignnone" width="1007"] WWOOF- World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms harvesting fresh vegetables in the community greenhouse garden.[/caption]   Getting around You might be concerned that it could prove challenging to navigate around or travel from place to place on your own, but the good news is that Australia is well set up for travellers, especially along the popular tourist routes such as the East Coast trip from Melbourne to Cairns.  Many people choose to use the Greyhound bus routes as they’re easy to book, visit all of the popular stops and provide flexible options if you want to keep your itinerary fairly loose.  If you’re travelling on a budget (and you’re comfortable sleeping on a coach!), you can also opt for overnight journeys for some of the longer stretches to avoid paying for overnight accommodation.  Internal air travel is also well-priced in Australia and can minimise those longer drives if you’d prefer to spend more time taking in the sights - you can fly from Melbourne to Sydney for around £50, avoiding the 10-hour car or bus journey!   [caption id="attachment_19094" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Long and short distance transport company signs at Southern Cross Station in Melbourne Australia.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_19095" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Canberra, Australia: Close-up of Greyhound Australia bus on the road. The company is the only national bus service and a leading coach company in Australia.[/caption]   Group tours Joining group tours is a great way to meet other people as part of a longer experience - meaning you’ll be able to make connections that could last a lifetime.  Joining an organised group tour provides so many benefits - for example, if you book onto a one-week tour for a stretch of your trip you’ll usually find that accommodation, transfers and guided tours are included in the price, which takes the stress away from having to book everything individually (and can save you money).  Group tours will vary in size but will usually be a real mix of people - from solo travellers to couples, to groups of friends.  Everyone will be in the same boat (quite literally if you choose an adventure like a Whitsundays Sailing Tour!) and whilst you’re on the tour there will be lots of activities to bring you together as a group.  You will also often find that with the longer trips there will be Facebook or WhatsApp groups so you can meet your fellow travellers in advance and connect and communicate during the trip.   [caption id="attachment_19084" align="alignnone" width="1115"] Beautiful view of Hamilton Island, Whitsunday, Queensland, Australia / One of the Best place to Holiday and Vacation in the world / beautiful beach and great barrier reef[/caption] Would you consider travelling solo around Australia?

UK, EU and Schengen Visitors from Portugal No Longer Required to Take Mandatory PCR Test Upon Arrival

13th Jun 2021 0

Visitors from the United Kingdom, the European Union, and the Schengen area will no longer be required to take a mandatory PCR test upon arrival in Portugal. Travelers can now employ lateral flow tests – which the UK government provides free of charge to UK nationals – to prove they don't have Covid-19, according to Algarve Tourism. Lateral flow tests must be completed within 24 hours of boarding a trip to Portugal, while PCR testing can be completed up to 72 hours prior to departure. The modifications, which have been approved by the Council of Ministers, take effect immediately. In April, Portugal was the only major tourist destination added to the UK's initial green list, but it has now been transferred to the amber list, requiring visitors from Portugal to self-isolate for ten days at home. The traffic light lists will be reviewed toward the end of June. According to Joo Fernandes, president of Algarve Tourism, “This will significantly lower the cost of traveling to the Algarve. In the meantime, we continue to implement strict social distancing measures and health and safety operating procedures to keep both tourists and residents safe.”

Washington Eases Travel Restrictions for Nearly 60 Countries

09th Jun 2021 0

Washington decided on Tuesday to remove travel restrictions for nearly 60 countries, including France, Germany, and Japan, after reassessing health threats. When Joe Biden visits Europe in the near future, the issue of reopening the US border should be discussed. He has heard Europeans asking for the United States' borders to be reopened. After reassessing the hazards linked with Covid-19, the United States lifted its warning for passengers seeking to travel to various countries, including France, on Tuesday, 8th June. This shift is benefiting several European countries, notably Germany, Italy, and Spain, ahead of US Vice President Joe Biden's visit to Europe. As well as Japan, which is a month and a half away from the Olympics, and Canada and Mexico, the United States' two neighbors.4 [caption id="attachment_17145" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Fujiyoshida, Japan at Chureito Pagoda and Mt. Fuji in the spring with cherry blossoms.[/caption] In total, roughly 60 countries with a maximum Level 4 warning (“Do not go there”) owing to the health issue had been downgraded to Level 3 (“Avoid traveling there if possible”), according to US diplomats. They've been moved to Level 2 or 1 in almost twenty additional states. A US State Department official told AFP that the mitigation came as a result of a "systemic shift" in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's health risk analysis for tourists (CDC). The State Department announced in April that approximately 80% of the world's countries would be classified as Tier 4 in order to align its travel restrictions with those of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and better account for epidemic risks. Away from the visitors, the border closures, which include China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, and India on the American side, have resulted in several personal tragedies, including the separation of thousands of families... for more than a year. So far, Washington has relied on "science" to justify the halt, despite the fact that the US vaccine campaign was well ahead of that of European countries. However, vaccination has lately increased in the European Union, where the incidence of coronavirus cases has decreased dramatically. And the reduction of travel advisories suggests that “science” – or at least its representatives in the US administration – has lowered the danger linked with Covid-19 in many nations, particularly among Europeans. [caption id="attachment_17146" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Silk waving G7 flags of countries of Group of Seven Canada, Germany, Italy, France, Japan, USA states, United Kingdom.[/caption] As he heads to the United Kingdom for the G7 conference and to Brussels to meet with European Union officials, President Biden's counterparts are anticipated to bring up the matter. “We have heard very clearly that our friends in Europe and the United Kingdom want to be able to reopen transatlantic travel, and we want that too. But we must follow the science and recommendations from our public health professionals,” the White House stated. Jake Sullivan, the National Security Adviser, was in Washington on Monday, “So we are actively discussing with them setting the schedule.” “The Biden administration understands that as we approach the summit with the European Union, it will have to deal with this file when it was not on the White House agenda, due to European demand for reciprocity and pressure from airlines that want to see transatlantic traffic resume.” Celia Beilin, a political science professor at the Brookings Institution in Washington, told AFP last week that the US president should make a "bold gesture last week" in that direction during his trip to Europe.

Menorca Moved to ‘New Normal’ level of Covid-19 Rating

03rd Jun 2021 0

The Spanish island of Menorca has become the first to reach the ‘New Normal' level of Covid-19 ratings in the country. Covid-19 levels were found to be low on the island in the Balearics, according to a report from the Spanish Ministry of Health. Eight parameters are used to determine the ‘New Normal' level, including cumulative incidence rates, Covid cases among over-65s, positive tests, and the number of hospital beds for Covid-19 patients. Low, medium, high, and very high are the other levels. However, because limits are regulated on a regional and national level, the new status does not indicate that they will be eased on the island. Face masks are required across the country, although the government of the Balearic Islands will suspend its ban on June 6. The Menorca Tourist Board praised the findings and expressed optimism that the island would be featured in the UK government's green list update later this week. [caption id="attachment_16831" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Panorama view of Macarella beach in Menorca, Balearic Islands, Spain[/caption] Spain is currently on the amber list, which means that visitors arriving in the UK from Spain must stay at home for ten days. Certain island getaways have been rumored to be on the verge of being included to the green list. Susana Mora, Menorca's president and minister of tourism said, “Menorca tourism bodies together with the private sector have been working intensely to welcome visitors safely and have a long and extended summer season that will boost the local economy. “Our island is the go-to destination for those who are looking to spend time outdoors reconnecting with the sea and nature, after the lockdown.” Menorca's cumulative Covid-19 rate over the previous seven days was 8.4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants as of May 31, with no cases among those over 65. [caption id="attachment_16656" align="alignnone" width="1007"] Calasfonts Cales Fonts Port sunset in Mahon at Balearic islands[/caption] The Balearic Islands, along with Valencia, are the only Autonomous Communities in Spain with a 14-day incidence rate of fewer than 50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, while the Spanish average is more than 100. Almost 42% of Menorca's population has received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccination, with about 18% having got all three doses.

Red List Arrivals Terminal Opens at Heathrow Airport

01st Jun 2021 0

Heathrow Airport has built a specialised terminal for visitors arriving in the UK from countries with a high risk of Covid. Direct flights from countries on the red list will now go through Terminal Three. Heathrow stated that public safety and reducing the risk of new variations were its key priorities. There are 43 nations on the red list, but just a few of them, including India, allow direct flights. Travel from the countries on the list is restricted to British and Irish nationals or UK residents. However, anyone who has visited a red list nation in the past ten days, whether by direct flight or via another nation, must pay for quarantine in a hotel for ten nights after their arrival. [caption id="attachment_16790" align="alignnone" width="1000"] London Heathrow, Terminal 4, United Kingdom. A look inside London Heathrow Terminal 4, during the pandemic. Social distancing control in force. Sparce passengers due to essential travel only.[/caption] However, claims that passengers from red-list countries were mixing with other passengers in immigration rooms, where they could be waiting for many hours, have sparked anxiety.It comes as a scientist advising the UK government has warned that the country is in the early stages of a third coronavirus outbreak. According to a spokesperson at Heathrow Airport, "Red list routes will likely be a feature of UK travel for the foreseeable future as countries vaccinate their populations at different rates. "We're adapting Heathrow to this longer-term reality by initially opening a dedicated arrivals facility."

5

Morocco’s Super-Cool Filming Studio You Can Actually Visit

31st May 2021 0

It’s no secret that the sweeping desert landscapes, ruins and mountains of Morocco are drop-dead gorgeous. The country is also decently safe, accessible and inexpensive, so it’s no surprise that it’s a favourite filming location choice of major producers and companies. In fact, it’s gotten so popular that its often used as a substitute for movies and television shows set in other desert countries such as Egypt, Jordan and the Middle East.  [caption id="attachment_16765" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Panoramic sunset view of Marrakech and old medina, Morocco[/caption] Many major blockbusters have been filmed in Morocco over the years as a result. While some of these scenes were shot on location throughout Morocco’s cities, beaches, deserts and towns, many of these scenes are actually shot in a massive, desert-bound filming studio: Atlas Studios. What is Atlas Studios? Atlas studios is considered to be the Hollywood of the desert. It’s not only the largest film studio in the world, sprawling over more than 322,000 square feet of desert, it has been used for dozens upon dozens of scenes between feature films and television series.  The movie studio was created by Mohamed Belghmi in 1983, when he noticed that despite the constant interest in the use of Moroccan landscapes for filming, that there were no designated studios. This was an especially big accomplishment for the Moroccan entrepreneur, because he not only provided a safe, protected space for filming in harsh desert conditions, but he also launched a massive promotional campaign for filmmaking in Morocco. He named the studio after the Atlas Mountains, which are quite near to the sets.  [caption id="attachment_16769" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Ouarzazate, Morocco[/caption] How to visit While this might seem like common sense, it’s important to note that you can only visit the sets at Atlas Studios if they are not being used for filming at the time. For this reason, it’s important to do your research before you depart. Occasionally, filming locations are kept under wraps, so it’s not impossible that you show up and the sets are unexpectedly in use, and therefore, off limits. The best way to get around this is to book a tour with a reputable local tour company. This takes the pressure off of transportation, and they won’t be selling tour tickets if the studios are inaccessible.  When the gates are open, you can access the sets for 80 dirhams which is converts to less than $10USD. Included in this price is a free, company tour guide who will take you from set to set and explain the filming history and design. In some cases, you might be able to interact with certain features of the sets. Since the site is so large, we recommend allotting yourself a good chunk of the day to wander around and take everything in. Atlas Studios is located five miles outside of the city of Ouarzazate, which is just off the road to Marrakech. There is a nearby hotel that is frequently used for filming crews, so you can always complete your experience by booking an overnight stay.    Popular Movie/Television Scenes Shot at Atlas Studios  Aladdin  Recently, Disney has released a live action version of the animated classic, Aladdin, titled The New Adventures of Aladdin. San and Khalid put on Santa costumes in an attempt to pull off a heist at the Galeries Lafayette. During this endeavour, Sam gets stuck with a group of kids who ask him to tell a story. He then launches into a retelling of Aladdin and the genie lamp. The first few scenes of the retelling were shot on location at Atlas Studios. Gladiator A huge portion of the Gladiator film was shot at Atlas Studios. Any of the scenes between Maximus being sold into slavery and then his training to become a gladiator were filmed here, and in the surrounding areas. This is more of the most famous films shot at the studios, as well as one of the films with highest on-screen time in terms of scenes shot here.      Game of Thrones A couple of the further-afield sets at Atlas Studios were created as some iconic locations in Game of Thrones. One of these sets was created to serve as Pentos, one was the Free Cities of Essos, and the last was transformed into Slaver’s Bay.      Atlantis This historical BBC series has also filmed at Atlas studios from time to time. Most of the series is filmed in a studio in Wales, but a series of episodes from the first and second season were filmed in Morocco. The nearby town of Ait Benhaddou was filmed to represent the exterior view of Helios.  Vikings Vikings also filmed on location at Atlas Studios, as well as in the surrounding desert and towns. They most prominent reused The fortress of the Byzantine set, which was originally created for the 2005 film Kingdom of Heaven, which was also filmed onsite.  Sex and the City 2 When Samantha is tasked with spearheading a PR campaign for an Arab sheikh's company, she is flabbergasted when he decides to fly her, and all her friends to Abu Dhabi. During this He all-inclusive, luxury vacation, the girls visit the desert. While the vacation is set in Abu Dhabi, the filming for these desert scenes was done at Atlas Studios in Morocco.      Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra Many of the indoor, Egyptian temple sets, specifically the largest of them, were created for the film Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra. Much of this movie was filmed at Atlas Studios, inside these halls.

BA Doubles Avois Reward Seat Commitment

29th May 2021 0

British Airways has dramatically expanded the number of seats that may be booked using Avios, the airline's reward currency on every flight. On every journey, the airline has always promised that at least a certain number of reward seats — tickets that can be booked with Avios – will be available. This guaranteed minimum number of reward seats in Euro Traveller (short-haul economy), Club Europe (short-haul business class), World Traveller (long-haul economy), and Club World has now been increased (long-haul business class). For the first time, it has added guaranteed availability in British Airways' popular long-haul premium economy cabin, World Traveller Plus. The additional seats are available on flights beginning July 28, 2021, and can be reserved starting today. Reward seats are those that may be booked using Avios for a cash price that only covers taxes, fees, and carrier costs. Return fares on short-haul flights start at £1 plus Avios, and long-haul flights start at £100 plus Avios. To cater for persons with different Avios budgets, the cash and Avios amounts can be adjusted. They are distinct from the Avios part-payment program, in which Avios are used to reduce the cost of any ticket, in any cabin, on any flight. British Airways regularly makes millions of extra incentive seats available to destinations across its network, in addition to the guaranteed seats. British Airways regularly makes millions of extra incentive seats available to destinations across its network, in addition to the guaranteed seats. Over 250,000 additional reward seats have been added to British Airways' booking system as a result of today's improvements. British Airways' Director of Brand and Customer Experience, Tom Stevens, said: “Our Members appreciate the benefits their Executive Club membership brings, but the feedback we hear is that people would like us to make it easier to book flights using Avios. We have listened and acted on this, and today’s announcement directly addresses this feedback, opening up six extra reward seats on a short-haul flight, and eight on a long-haul flight. We hope this means that a family holiday, or that big friendship group trip away, will be much easier to book using Avios.” Chief Executive at IAG Loyalty which manages the Avios currency, Adam Daniels,  said: “This is an exciting change that we have worked closely with the British Airways team to deliver. We hope it offers Executive Club Members even more opportunities to spend their hard earned Avios.” This is the latest in a long line of enhancements to British Airways' Executive Club. The airline announced in March that Executive Club Members' Tier status would be protected for another year. British Airways stated in February that any Executive Club vouchers set to expire before December 31, 2021, would be extended for six months. Following similar extensions in March 2020 and October 2020, this was the third extension granted. British Airways is also extending the validity of all new Companion Vouchers and Travel Together tickets purchased between June 2020 and December 2021 by six months. All new Companion Vouchers and Travel Together tickets booked between June 2020 and December 2021 will have their validity extended by six months.

PM Warned of ‘Lasting Economic Damage’ if Travel Not Opened Up Next Month

26th May 2021 0

Leading airlines and tour operators have warned Prime Minister Theresa May that unless he opens up Europe, the United States, and the Caribbean to foreign travel next month, the UK will suffer “long-term economic damage.” They seek to expand the current green list, which now only comprises 12 countries, with only Portugal, Gibraltar, and Iceland open to tourists. The bosses wrote to Boris Johnson, saying: “The science shows clearly the green list can be expanded safely now, including to many European countries, the US and the Caribbean.” “A second lost summer for the sector, due to a limited expansion of the green list compared to our neighbours, would cause lasting damage to the UK’s aviation, travel and tourism industries.” “The UK is falling behind the rest of the world, with long term consequences for our connectivity and prospects of a Global Britain.” Even if mainland locations are classified amber, the government is expected to add chosen island locations to the green list during the next review of the travel traffic light system. Robert Courts, the minister of aviation, told MPs that the government will take such a step "whenever possible." If the islands policy is implemented, the Canary, Balearic, and Greek islands, which are distinct from the mainlands of Spain and Greece, could be designated green due to low Covid infection rates. It might also pave the way for other Caribbean and Mediterranean islands to be made available for recreational travel. In response to a query about whether the government will reopen routes to relatively low-risk sections of countries, Courts replied, “The government will employ an island approach for border controls when possible.” Shapps has previously stated that he believes the islands policy should be reinstated this year. To certain Greeks and Spaniards, ‘travel corridors' were introduced last summer, prior to the announcement of the traffic signal system this year.

Buy Hilton Points With 100% Bonus

21st May 2021 0

Hilton Honors is offering a 100 percent bonus on points purchases until Thursday, July 8, 2021. Furthermore, the maximum number of points you can buy has been increased from 80,000 to 160,000 (pre-bonus). You can earn a 100 percent bonus if you buy at least 10,000 points in one transaction, pre-bonus, with this deal. The cost of purchasing Hilton points is normally one cent per point (including tax), so with a 100 percent bonus, you'd only be paying 0.5 cents per point. If you used the whole promotion, you could get 320,000 Honors points for $1,600. Nowadays, Hilton allows you to merge points from different accounts for free, so you could buy a lot of points by simply purchasing them from different accounts and then consolidating them. This could also come in handy if you're in a position where a friend or family member is being considered for a larger incentive than you are. [caption id="attachment_16597" align="alignnone" width="300"] Eilat, Israel - Hotel Hilton Eilat Queen of Sheba, shopping center and the beach.[/caption] After 12 months of inactivity, your Hilton Honors points will expire, but any activity will reset the expiration date. Hilton's Honors curriculum was drastically altered a few years ago. Hilton has stepped away from the conventional award map and toward more variable pricing. The good news is that there is still a lot of value to be found, and the program has largely set a limit on how many points hotels will cost. The most expensive standard room costs 95,000 points per night (note that some hotels have higher prices, but only when standard rooms aren't available). The Waldorf Astoria properties in Los Cabos and the Maldives, which cost up to 120,000 and 150,000 marks, respectively, are the two exceptions. I valued Hilton Honors points at 0.5 cents each before and after the adjustments, so this price is close to what I paid. However, there are times when you can get a lot more bang for your buck with Hilton points.

8

5 Most Underrated European Cities 

19th May 2021 0

Paris, London, Rome, Barcelona, and Amsterdam are names that generate buzz amongst European wanderlusters. Tourists from across the globe circle these famous highlights time and time again for magical vacations. While those cities are fantastic places to visit, they can get dreadfully packed with tourists. During peak seasons, you’re often waiting in dreadfully long lines or bumping shoulders with others.  But for a unique vacation to call your own, Europe is teeming with destinations untouched by the masses. You can roam medieval squares frozen in time, admire centuries-old churches without the crowds, and study another side of European history. To help you venture off the beaten path, start with these 5 underrated European cities that will blow you away.    Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina  Nestled on the Neretva River, Mostar is a medieval gem where cultures collide and heritage sites adorn every corner. Stand beneath the famous Stari Most, and it instantly feels like you’ve traveled centuries back in time. The Ottoman-style bridge is a crowd pleaser and the summer months bring the bridge divers to town for the annual Red Bull Cliff Diving Competition.  Wander the narrow alleyways of Mostar’s historic Old Town and step inside authentic markets that sell trinkets and handicrafts. Ottoman architecture rings around the city, and riverside mosques offer sensational views of the adjacent landscape. After strolling the cobblestone streets, grab a seat at charming cafés to sip Bosnian coffee with scenic views. Just south of Mostar, the fairy-tale village of Blagaj treats visitors to the Vrelo Bune and Dervish House that sit beneath a cliff face beside a natural spring. [caption id="attachment_16496" align="alignnone" width="1500"] An empty Mostar city street bazaar[/caption] [caption id="attachment_16497" align="alignnone" width="1500"] Beutiful old city Mostar on the Neretva River[/caption] [caption id="attachment_16498" align="alignnone" width="1500"] Mostar old town street with shops and historic architecture in Mostar[/caption] [caption id="attachment_16499" align="alignnone" width="1500"] The Neretva river winding through the old UNESCO listed, Mostar bridge in Bosnia and Herzegovina.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_16500" align="alignnone" width="1500"] Kravica waterfalls on the Trebizat River in Bosnia and Herzegovina - the Balkans, Europe[/caption] Tbilisi, Georgia  Georgia’s bohemian capital is the highlight for many travelers exploring the Caucasus region. Drenched in history due to its complicated past, Tbilisi enriches you with intriguing museums, religious sites, and diverse architecture. Old Tbilisi's meandering lanes hide adorable churches, art galleries, eclectic cafés, and the famous sulfur baths. At the top of the hillside, the ancient Narikala Fortress and Mother Georgia overlook Tbilisi.  The modern Bridge of Peace connects Old Town to neighboring districts and illuminates at night for pedestrians. Shota Rustaveli Avenue is Tbilisi’s primary thoroughfare and passes cultural attractions like the Georgian National Opera Theater and Georgian National Museum. Feel the energy and independent spirit of new Georgia at Freedom Square and its ornate St. George statue. As the clock strikes noon or 7pm, find a spot to watch the quirky show inside the Theatre Clock Tower. [caption id="attachment_16501" align="alignnone" width="1500"] Evening View Of Tbilisi At Colorful Sunset, Georgia. Summer Cityscape. On Photograph Visible A New Concert Hall, Avlabar Residence - Presidential Administration Of Georgia, Holy Trinity Cathedral Of Tbilisi, Metekhi Church[/caption] [caption id="attachment_16502" align="alignnone" width="1500"] Tbilisi skyline aerial drone view from above, Narikala fortress and old town of Tbilisi cityscape, Georgia[/caption] [caption id="attachment_16503" align="alignnone" width="1500"] Bridge of Peace in Tbilisi, Georgia. The bridge is one of the new symbols of Tbilisi[/caption] [caption id="attachment_16504" align="alignnone" width="1500"] Narikala Castle and view over Tbilisi, Georgia[/caption] [caption id="attachment_16505" align="alignnone" width="1500"] Areal view at the sunset from high mountain of the TBILISI, GEORGIA[/caption] [caption id="attachment_16506" align="alignnone" width="1500"] Popular city landmark in Tbilisi. Ancient underground complex of sulfur baths.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_16507" align="alignnone" width="1500"] Tbilisi, Georgia - city view with colorful traditional houses with wooden carved balconies, Mother Georgia monument and cable road in the Old Town[/caption] Tallinn, Estonia The moment you step through the ivy-colored Viru Gate, Tallinn transports you back to the Middle Ages. Tallinn’s Old Town preserves its medieval layout unlike most European capitals and brims with Gothic churches, merchant houses, and art galleries. The spacious Tallinn Town Hall boasts a festive vibe similar to its heyday in the Middle Ages. Merchants sell handmade crafts, pedestrians dine al fresco at lively eateries, and concerts entertain guests around the calendar.  Tallinn sits on the Baltic Sea, and the Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour offers insight into Estonia’s rich maritime history. With its glowing black domes, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral fills the airwaves around Tallinn by ringing its 11 church bells. At the nearby Toompea Hill, climb the Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform for panoramic views of Tallinn’s red-roof structures and modern skyline.  [caption id="attachment_16508" align="alignnone" width="1250"] View on the crowded open market on the town hall square in Tallinn, Estonia[/caption] [caption id="attachment_16509" align="alignnone" width="1250"] Christmas market at town hall square in the Old Town of Tallinn, Estonia[/caption] [caption id="attachment_16511" align="alignnone" width="1250"] Scenic summer aerial view of the Old Town architecture in Tallinn, Estonia.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_16512" align="alignnone" width="1250"] Tallinn, Estonia - People Walking Near Famous Landmark Viru Gate In Street Lighting At Evening Or Night Illumination. Christmas, Xmas, New Year Holiday Vacation In Old Town. Popular Touristic Place[/caption] [caption id="attachment_16513" align="alignnone" width="1250"] Morning View Of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Famous Orthodox Cathedral Is Tallinn's Largest And Grandest Orthodox Cupola Cathedral. Popular Landmark. UNESCO World Heritage Site[/caption] Brasov, Romania When you’re travelling through Transylvania, a detour to Brasov delights you with medieval history and breathtaking architecture. With a Carpathian Mountain backdrop, Brasov fills your lungs with crisp mountain air as you stroll its atmospheric streets. Council Square hosted merchants in the Middle Ages, and its colorful buildings ring around shops, restaurants, and cafés. The Black Church is a quintessential Gothic cathedral built by the Saxons who settled here.  Brasov served as a vital trading link between Western Europe and the Ottoman Empire, and the city’s fortifications are evident today. The Weavers’ Bastion ruins highlight the imposing walls and watchtowers that guarded against invaders. When you’re ready to hit the mountains, venture to the summit of the limestone Mount Tâmpa for dramatic vistas above Brasov. [caption id="attachment_16514" align="alignnone" width="1250"] Brasov rooftops in winter from Mountain Tampa, Transylvania, Romania. Black church and Council Square.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_16515" align="alignnone" width="1250"] "The Council Square in downtown in Brasov, Romania."[/caption] [caption id="attachment_16516" align="alignnone" width="1250"] Brasov, Transylvania. Romania. Panoramic view of the old town center and Tampa mountain.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_16517" align="alignnone" width="1250"] Bran, Romania - Bran Castle, Romania. Dracula fortress in Transylvania, medieval landmark.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_16518" align="alignnone" width="1250"] Panoramic view over Dracula medieval Castle Bran in autumn season, the most visited tourist attraction of Brasov, Transylvania, Romania[/caption] [caption id="attachment_16519" align="alignnone" width="1250"] Wooden chalets and spectacular ski slopes in the Carpathians,Poiana Brasov ski resort,Transylvania,Romania,Europe[/caption] Ljubljana, Slovenia  With other buzzing European capitals nearby, Ljubljana often gets lost in the shuffle as a travel destination. After a tragic earthquake near the turn of the 20th century, master architect Jože Plečnik honed his craft to transform Ljubljana into an urban treasure. Perched on the hillside, Ljubljana Castle survived the disaster and remains a medieval gem and explores the city’s history. Ornate Art Nouveau bridges span the Ljubljanica River and lead to open-air markets and lively squares.  The emblematic statues adorning Dragon Bridge embrace timeless legends of Ljubljana’s founding and form one of Europe’s finest concrete bridges. Prešeren Square is the center of public life in Ljubljana and hosts rousing events throughout the year. Ljubljana Cathedral has an exquisite Baroque-style exterior, and inspirational frescoes adorn the ceilings of its interior. Just a 5-minute walk from the city center, Tivoli Park is Ljubljana’s prime green space with botanical gardens, ponds, and gorgeous sculptures. [caption id="attachment_16520" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Romantic Ljubljana's city center: river Ljubljanica, Triple Bridge, Tromostovje, Preseren square and Franciscan Church of the Annunciation. Ljubljana, Slovenia, Europe.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_16521" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Cityscape of the Slovenian capital Ljubljana.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_16522" align="alignnone" width="1005"] Panorama of the Slovenian capital Ljubljana at sunset.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_16523" align="alignnone" width="1250"] Panorama of the Slovenian capital Ljubljana at sunset.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_16524" align="alignnone" width="1100"] Ljubljana, Slovenia-Local citizens flock to sidewalk cafes to enjoy a sunny afternoon in their nation's capital.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_16525" align="alignnone" width="1100"] The scenic Ljubljanica river with weeping willows on the embankment, Ljubljana, Slovenia[/caption] [caption id="attachment_16526" align="alignnone" width="1100"] Ljubljana - Slovenia (Church and river Ljubljanica)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_16527" align="alignnone" width="1100"] People at sidewalk cafe on Triple bridge at Ljubljanica River in Ljubljana in Slovenia[/caption] [caption id="attachment_16528" align="alignnone" width="1100"] Aerial panoramic view of Ljubljana decorated for Christmas holidays. Roofs covered in snow in winter time. Slovenia, Europe.[/caption]

Air France KLM 100% Bonus On Flying Blue Miles

19th May 2021 0

Air France and KLM are offering a 100% bonus on Flying Blue Miles purchases until May 30th, taking rates as low as we've ever seen. With the option to use the miles on flights with Air France, Delta, KLM, and Virgin Atlantic, the deal has a lot of upside. General members can purchase up to 100,000 miles and earn 200,000 miles with the 100 percent bonus. Elite members (Silver, Gold, and Platinum) can purchase up to 300,000 with a bonus of $300,000. To purchase miles, you must first build a (free) Flying Blue account with Air France or KLM. When you have a "bird in hand" use, buying miles makes the most sense. To put it another way, you have a flight where you know the cash price and you know there is availability using points, and using points is cheaper. [caption id="attachment_16487" align="alignnone" width="1500"] Airplane KLM Royal Dutch Airlines[/caption] KLM Air France FlyingBlue is a transfer partner of Capital One, Citi, Chase, and Amex, making it reasonably easy to top up on points. However, if you're short on cash, this is the next best option. In business class, prices between the United States and Europe are usually 57,500 miles one way, but they can sometimes drop as low as 26,000 miles one way between select cities during Promo Awards or other special deals. Flying Blue Miles are available for purchase at 1.38 euro cents per point (about 1.68 US cents, even more appealing in GBP) during this 100 percent incentive bid, making purchasing a chunk of miles very appealing as compared to traditional cash costs.

1

Artist Transforms Foliage Into Adorable Topiary Sculptures Of Sleeping Baby Birds

14th May 2021 0

France, home. to good wine, good food and romance and art. The Jardin des Plantes is a beautiful botanical garden found in Nantes, Western France. There you will find a collection of majestic yet adorable topiary sculptures created by French artist Claude Ponti. They are titled Poussin endormi (Sleepy Chick) and feature shrubs shaped like huge baby birds that look like they're right in the middle of a nap. The piece is a true testament to Ponti's skill in crafting a topiary. The whole sculpture is evenly textered and the detail is immense. The green birds even has tiny eyelashes that dot the bird's closed eyes. The delightful work showcases Ponti's great skill in crafting a topiary. He makes evenly textured, rounded forms that are punctuated with metal details like long, thin legs and a bright yellow beak. There are even tiny eyelashes that dot the bird's closed eyes! Jardin des Plantes: Website

Consumer Confidence in Booking for this Summer 2021 Improved

14th May 2021 0

With a surge in sales and inquiries for green list destination Portugal over the weekend, consumer confidence in booking for this summer improved. According to the industry, the increase reflected hopes that other European hotspots currently classified as amber will be upgraded to green in upcoming government evaluations. The Advantage Travel Partnership reported that 54 percent of bookings made via its managed service travel agent members in the week of May 4 were for 2021, up from 40% the week before. According to leisure director Kelly Cookes, that demonstrated “increased faith in the return of travel in the lead-up to and immediately after the green list announcement on May 7.” Portugal accounted for a quarter of members' weekend sales, while Spain and Greece were common in July and August. [caption id="attachment_15668" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Scenic Klima village (traditional Greek village by the sea, the Cycladic-style) with sirmata - traditional fishermen's houses, Milos island, Cyclades, Greece.[/caption] “We all need some more destinations to make it the summer season the agent community and the industry so desperately need,” Cookes added. Bookings for June, July, and August departures were up 14% from the previous week, according to the consortium, with Greece, the Canary Islands, and mainland Spain being the top sellers. Jacqueline Dobson, president of Barrhead Travel, said: “There are some customers still booking for amber destinations later this summer in the hope they will change to green by the time they travel, and we’ve also seen some customers changing their holiday to a green destination for the early summer months.” Premier Travel director Paul Waters also said: “There is a belief more destinations will be added before the summer starts.” Other agents, on the other hand, said that the lack of viable destinations for May 17 departures resulted in little change in sales. The green list, according to Spear Travels chairman Peter Cookson, is "farcical," and "sales haven't changed." Clients at Fred Olsen Travel said they were no longer able to pay summer balances unless destinations were changed to green, so vacations were pushed back to 2022. Bookings have increased dramatically, according to operators. [caption id="attachment_15669" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Porto, Portugal old town cityscape on the Douro River with traditional Rabelo boats.[/caption] Summer bookings for Portugal on Jet2holidays increased by more than 1,300 percent week on week following the release of the green list on Friday. Faro and Madeira have seen a “huge rush in bookings for this summer,” according to CEO Steve Heapy, who added, “The publication of the green list has had a very positive effect on consumer confidence.” Following the story, sales at Club Med's Da Balaia resort in the Algarve increased by 1,500 percent over the previous year, and Sunvil announced a rise in inquiries for Portual trips.

Former CMV Bosses Reunited to Launch Ambassador Cruise Line

13th May 2021 0

Former executives from Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) have reunited to launch Ambassador Cruise Line, a UK-based operator targeted at the over 50s market that will begin sailing in April 2022 with only one ship. Chief executive Christian Verhounig, chief commercial officer Christopher Coates, chief information officer Gary Hides, and chief financial officer Simon Weeks are all members of Ambassador's management team, having previously served together at CMV until the line went into administration last summer. Ambience, formerly known as Pacific Dawn as a P&O Australia ship and scheduled to become CMV's flagship under the name Amy Johnson, will run cruises for Ambassador. The 1,400-passenger ship's inaugural voyage will be a "short-break cruise" from Tilbury to Hamburg, Germany, beginning on April 6 of the following year. From April 2022 to May 2023, the ship's first full-year itinerary will include 33 sailings to 88 ports in the Baltics, Greenland, the Arctic, and Iceland. Ambassador wants to sell “expedition-style voyages” to the Canaries, Cuba, the Caribbean, Cape Verde, and Scandinavia during the winter months. The line reported that all passengers and crew would be needed to be Covid-19 vaccinated prior to departure. A seven-night European cruise departing from Tilbury, where Ambience will be based, will cost about £850 as a lead-in price. In June, Ambassador plans to release a 68-page brochure to go along with the initiative. The line is actually “debt free,” according to Verhounig, and is backed by London-based private equity company Njord Partners LLP. He also announced that any passenger on board Ambience would be financially secured by an independent trust account established to hold customer funds. Gordon Wilson, a travel industry veteran who served as president and CEO of Travelport until July 2019, has been appointed chairman of the line. Wilson, who is on the board of BCD Holdings, which owns multinational corporate travel management business BCD Travel, says the new cruise line would help “reboot the British cruise market and inject confidence into the sector,” and that it will create “at least 100 jobs” in the UK.

HAL's New Ship Rotterdam Completes Sea Trials

12th May 2021 0

The new Holland America Line, Rotterdam has completed two sets of sea trials off the Italian coast. The ship's final steps in the construction phase will now be completed ahead of its scheduled July 30 delivery. According to the company, the 2,668-passenger Rotterdam underwent a series of rigorous performance tests on the ship's structures, machinery, and engines. “The successful completion of sea trials gives us great confidence as we head into the final weeks of outfitting for Rotterdam and prepare for delivery of this historic ship." HAL president Gus Antorcha said. “Construction of Rotterdam has continued through the global challenges of the past year with [shipyard] Fincantieri maintaining the highest level of dedication to staying on schedule.”

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A Slow Travel Guide to the Balkans

10th May 2021 0

The Balkans are a group of countries situated along the Balkan Mountains including Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Kosovo, Montenegro and Macedonia. Croatia, Greece, Italy, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia and Turkey are also lumped into the group at varying degrees since they partially back onto the Balkan Peninsula.  [caption id="attachment_14596" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Beautiful view from the mountain over the fjords in Montenegro near the city of Kotor in Eastern Europe Balkan Peninsula. Stunning landscape of mountains over the laguna with blue sky with clouds[/caption] They have been adored by tourists for decades for their turquoise waters, stunning landscapes and relaxed atmosphere. Though there are some resort-style accommodations spread out throughout the countries, there is a higher focus on boutique and small luxury hotels, making it the ultimate getaway for some rest and relaxation. Recently though, a new type of travel has been taking over these Baltic gems.  [caption id="attachment_14597" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Beautiful view from the mountain over the fjords in Montenegro near the city of Kotor in Eastern Europe Balkan Peninsula. Stunning landscape of mountains over the laguna with blue sky with clouds[/caption] The Balkans are the perfect place to start your relationship with slow travel thanks to the laid-back, locally integrated nature of their tourism industries. If you will be travelling for an extended period time, they are also highly road-trippable. Though the standard “somewhere new every day” style road trip does not suit the slow travel movement, week-long stints in each location and moving leisurely between your destinations surely does. Since the Balkans are scattered along scenic routes and tiny villages, they are the perfect candidate for long-term slow travel.   What is slow travel?  Slow travel is a new wave trend in the travel industry that focuses on the building of genuine relationships and connections to host communities. In order for this to be achieved, there is an avoidance of quickly hopping from one place to the next and an emphasis on staying in one place for long periods of time, hence where the niche gets its name. Usually, it will involve “living like a local” and avoiding high traffic tourist areas. Making friends, having REAL cultural experiences and eating at local hotspots is the name of the game.   Perast Village, Montenegro  Historical Perast is a beautiful little town located in Montenegro that is perfect for a leisurely long-term stay. You can enjoy the architecture, visit the local church services on Sundays and enjoy dining outside in the year-round sunny weather. There are only 360 inhabitants in this sleepy little fishing town, so you’ll be sure to get to know everyone around you- you’ll never have trouble finding someone to join you for a glass of wine. On adventurous days, you can rent a saint boat to explore the islets of Saint George, alone or with a group of new friends.  [caption id="attachment_14600" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Village Perast on coast of Boka Kotor bay - Montenegro - nature and architecture background[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14601" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Saint George island and monastery in the coastal town of Perast, Montenegro[/caption] Stay: For your first slow travel vacation to Montenegro, consider staying at the Hotel Admiral. This historic hotel has a small capacity for personalized experience, an 18th century Baroque mansion facade and is centrally located for perusing the village and making friends.   Fishing Port in Rovinj, Croatia Rovinj is one of the most beautiful little towns in the Balkans, and a fan favourite in Croatia. This little fishing village has turned into a bit of a tourist destination, however a stay in the “old town” will give you a much more local-friendly experience. You’ll love the ancient cobblestone roads, laundry lines sweeping across front ears and pastel houses. [caption id="attachment_14602" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Wonderful romantic old town at Adriatic sea. Boats and yachts in harbor crystal clear turquoise water at magical summer. Rovinj. Istria. Croatia. Europe.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14604" align="alignnone" width="1000"] View of moored boats and the Old City peninsula of Rovinj, Croatia[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14605" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Beautiful romantic old town of Rovinj and famous fishing harbor with magical sunset,Istrian Peninsula,Croatia,Europe[/caption] Stay: Hotel Sapori Di Spirito Santo is the perfect hotel for your slow travel experience in Rovinj. The hotel offers guests leisure bicycles for travelling the town and you can even take in a local polo game while you’re in the area. When you’re not exploring the village, you can enjoy a five-star menu, an underground wine bar, and stunning waterfront trails.    Lake Cottage in Lake Ohrid, Macedonia Lake Ohrid is the ideal Macedonian destination for taking it slow. You can enjoy the lakeside, cottage lifestyle of the locals, take nature walks and visit the odd cafe for your morning pastries. Though you can spend your time in town, you may also want to embrace the quiet, secluded lifestyle and send your time cooking, reading and relaxing on your own. It’s also a UNESCO world heritage site, you you’ll love exploring the architecture during more energetic days.  [caption id="attachment_14609" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Fishing boats with the view of an old town of Ohrid in the background[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14610" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Amazing view over the Church of St. John at Kaneo located over a cliff in the heart of Ohrid (Jerusalem of Europe), Republic of Macedonia.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14611" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia[/caption] Stay: If you want the true slow travel experience in Macedonia, you should consider booking a stay at a waterfront cottage. This is the best way to live like a local, and have easy access to all of the best activities Ohrid has to offer. You can hop on a fishing boat, sunbathe by the shore, or walk the cobblestone roads on a lazy afternoon.   Rolling Vineyards in Goriška, Slovenia  Goriška, bordering on Italy represents European countryside living at it’s finest. Enjoy lush forest, gentle hills and quiet farmsteads. Here, you can meander small towns and say hello to your neighbours, or hibernate on acres of land with a bottle of wine and a good book- after all, that’s the epitome of embracing the local lifestyle.  [caption id="attachment_14813" align="alignnone" width="1000"] A picture of the vineyards, a town, and landscape of Gorika Brda.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14814" align="alignnone" width="1000"] A picture of the vineyards of Gorika Brda.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14815" align="alignnone" width="1000"] GoriA!ka Brda (Kozana) - Slovenia[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14816" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Panoramic shot of Goriška Brda rising above the sea of mist[/caption] Stay: Gredic is the vineyard castle boutique hotel of your dreams. Of course, the small hotel features stunning Mediterranean farm-to-table cuisine and luxurious, modern decor, but it’s also the perfect started point for a relaxed, locally-driven getaway. From hear, you can cycle through rolling vineyards, shop local markets and wander through the surrounding villages.   Island Castle in Bled, Slovenia  If you want a quiet place to unwind, why not head to an Island? Bled Slovenia is a great place to reconnect with nature, spend afternoons swimming and experience a little bit of local culture. Its small size lends itself well to meeting new people and a high integration with the local population. If you want to fully experience Slovenian living, a stay in Bled is a great place to start. [caption id="attachment_14817" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Bled with lake, island, castle and mountains in background, Slovenia, Europe[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14818" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Panoramic View over lake Bled in Slovenia[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14819" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Bled Island in Lake Bled, Slovenia[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14820" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Beautiful, multicolored sunrise over an alpine lake Bled in Slovenia[/caption] Stay: This charming castle hotel is ready to sweep you off your feet. Adora is perched delicately between the wilderness and the waterfront, and is your golden ticket to a sweet escape on Bled Island. Besides its to-die-for location, and peaceful Victorian interior, you’ll be able to experience the history and culture of the island from the inside, out. No more guided tours, take the local approach instead.   Quint Countryside in Amanruya, Turkey  Amanruya represents quiet countryside living at it’s best, making it the ideal place to experiment with slow travel. You can explore the Aegean Sea from a local sailboat (or fishing boat if you’re feeling adventurous), go horseback riding through the rolling hills or visit the historic town. If you’re looking to make connections, this is a great place to be. Everyone will be happy to show you around, going you at the dinner table or offer suggestions on where to go. Especially if you make an effort to learn the language while you are there, you’ll be guaranteed a genuine Turkish experience.    Stay: The countryside is always the perfect place to plan your slow travel vacation, and Amanruya is Turkey’s greatest hotel for a relaxed local adventure. You can stroll through the olive groves, dine al fresco and go for a dip when you’re on the property, and explore the local villages when you’re feeling more energetic. That being said, the resort and spa is pretty relaxing, so we won’t blame you if your excursions are few and far between.    Sleepy Beaches in Himare, Albania This quaint Himare beach town is a great place to kick back and connect with your host community. You can visit the shoreline for tourist-frequented cafe’s and indie boutiques, or you can head into the village for a more local experience. Here, you can visit the fruit market, watch children dancing in the streets, and ask advice on where to find locals-only secluded beaches. They people here are really friendly so you’ll be certain to leave with a new friend or two. [caption id="attachment_14829" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Empty Dhermi Beach - Dhermi, Himarë, Vlore, Albania[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14830" align="alignnone" width="1000"] amazing paradise beach in Himare in Albania[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14831" align="alignnone" width="1001"] Amazing paradise beach in Himare in Albania[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14832" align="alignnone" width="1001"] Paradise beach on albanian coast near Himare[/caption] Stay: The Geo and Art Hotel in Himare is the best choice for a slow travel stay in Albania. You can take the onsite beach bikes to the shore, or to grab a cup of local java, or stay and relax the day away at the resort. Its minimal, modern bohemian design is perfect for a luxury stay that still feels like home. 

10

The Best Places to Stop on Iceland's Ring Road

07th May 2021 0

Known as Route 1, Iceland’s Ring Road is one of the best ways to discover the land of fire and ice. The 2-lane road encircles the entire country and showcases dozens of its natural wonders. Stretching for 1,332 km (828 miles), you should spend 1-2 weeks road tripping around the Ring Road. If you attempt to rush this breathtaking route, you’re sure to miss many of Iceland’s unbelievable scenic beauty. [caption id="attachment_14259" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Ring road (number 1) of Iceland[/caption] Since nearly all of the Ring Road is paved, it’s possible to road trip around Iceland throughout the year. But it’s recommended to stick with summer since driving conditions are better, and you can travel beneath the midnight sun. With waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and enormous glaciers awaiting you, deciding where to stop takes a serious game plan. Here are 10 of the most beautiful sights on Iceland’s Ring Road to help organize your itinerary. 1. Seljalandsfoss   About 2 hours from Reykjavik, Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland’s most popular natural wonders. The 60-meter waterfall plunges off a rocky wall and can be spotted while driving the Ring Road. You can walk behind Seljalandsfoss during the summer months and feel the mist crashing against your face. If you venture into the canyon, the hidden Gljúfrabúi waterfall cascades into a small pool between rocky walls. [caption id="attachment_14264" align="alignnone" width="616"] Panoramic view of the idyllic Seljalandsfoss waterfall on a sunny day in summer.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14271" align="alignnone" width="1000"] One of the most beautiful waterfalls of Iceland.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14273" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Tourist at Seljalandsfoss, Iceland[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14275" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Seljalandsfoss waterfall during the sunset, Beautiful waterfall in Iceland.[/caption]   2. Skógafoss Continue chasing waterfalls and encounter the mighty Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s largest waterfalls with a height of 60 meters and a width of 25 meters. The powerful cascade is easily visible from the Ring Road and ranks among the most visited attractions on Iceland’s South Coast. When you approach Skógafoss, you can feel its sheer force from its misty spray. [caption id="attachment_14281" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Great waterfall Skogafoss in south of Iceland near the town of Skogar. Iceland[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14282" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Mighty Skogafoss[/caption] The waterfall plummets into the Skógá River, and the peaceful river attracts fishermen searching for char and salmon during summer. Whenever the sun is out, a beautiful rainbow shines over Skógafoss for an unbelievable panorama. For an alternate view, climb the staircase to admire the waterfall from above as it plunges over the rocky cliff. [caption id="attachment_14285" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Aerial view on the Skogafoss waterfall in Iceland. Landscape from air. Famous place in Iceland.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14284" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Flash of Aurora polaris above skogafoss waterfall, iceland[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14283" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Nature Landscape view of Beautiful Skogafoss Waterfall with the cliffs of the former coastline. Famous and popular tourist attraction Visitors travel in Winter season highland of Europe, Landmark for scene destination in south Iceland[/caption] 3. Reynisfjara Black-Sand Beach   Located near the quaint fishing village of Vik, Reynisfjara is another beautiful attraction on the South Coast. Backed by impressive basalt columns, its glossy black shores are a nature photographer’s paradise. You’ll find black pebbles strewn across the beach and an enchanting rock cave for shelter. Just offshore, the Reynisdrangar sea stacks tower high above the water’s surface. [caption id="attachment_14289" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Basalt rocks Reynisdrangar, black volcanic sand and Atlantic ocean on a gloomy day in Iceland.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14290" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Cave made of basalt columns on a black sand beach in Iceland.[/caption] While visiting Reynisfjara, always be on high alert for dangerous sneaker waves that push incredibly far up the shoreline. Maintain a safe distance from the crashing waves to avoid being swept away by ferocious rip currents. [caption id="attachment_14292" align="alignnone" width="1745"] A panoramic view of the beautiful black sand beach near the fishing village of Vik on the south coast of Iceland.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14291" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Myrdal, Iceland - June 14, 2018: Reynisfjara black sand beach from volcanic rocks, formation, seashore, coastline, many people, tourists walking, taking photos of waves[/caption] 4. Dyrhólaey   The southernmost part of mainland Iceland, the Dyrhólaey Peninsula juts into the Atlantic Ocean and offers remarkable seaside views. Its enormous rock arch forms a 120-meter high bridge that you can walk across for dramatic vistas of black-sand beaches, rugged sea stacks, and a beautiful lighthouse. [caption id="attachment_14297" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Natural arch of Dyrholaey Peninsula in South Iceland[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14298" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Picturesque aerial view of Vik I Myrdal church at the top of the hill in Iceland in winter. Panoramic beautiful view of village Vik and Myrdal church in winter in Iceland[/caption] Dyrhólaey is one of the best Ring Road attractions for birdlife, and you’ll spot numerous species along the promontory. Atlantic puffins are the main highlight, but thousands of birds nest here during summer. [caption id="attachment_14296" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Arnardrangur sea stack and stormy sea at Reynisfjara beach, Dyrhólaey, Iceland[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14295" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Dyrholaey Arch with Hole Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach South Shore Iceland.[/caption] 5. Jökulsárlón   Nestled beside Vatnajökull National Park, Jökulsárlón dazzles visitors with its deep-blue waters and floating ice chunks. Large icebergs break off the nearby glacier and float in the lagoon to create a magical setting. Snow-capped peaks form the backdrop, and you’ll often spot seals lounging on the blocks of ice. If you’re feeling adventurous, embark on a boat tour across the lagoon for up-close glimpses of the icebergs. [caption id="attachment_14299" align="alignnone" width="1000"] A beautiful green and red aurora dancing over the Jokulsarlon lagoon, Iceland[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14300" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Icebergs with candles, reflecting in the water, Jokulsarlon ice lagoon before annual firework show, Iceland[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14301" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Spectacular auroral display over the glacier lagoon Jokulsarlon in Iceland.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14302" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Vatnajokull glacier at Jokulsarlon. Vatnajokull is one of the largest glaciers in Europe.[/caption] 6. Diamond Beach Just beside the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Diamond Beach might be the magical black-sand beach in Iceland. Icebergs you watched floating in the lagoon find their way onto the black-sand shores and dot the coastline. The ice chunks sparkle like diamonds and form a photographer’s nirvana along the strip of volcanic sand. [caption id="attachment_14303" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Ice on the black beach of Iceland[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14304" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Iceland in winter time[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14305" align="alignnone" width="1000"] An aerial view of waves and melted icebergs approach black sandy beach of diamond beach in iceland[/caption] 7. Vestrahorn Standing at 889 meters, Vestrahorn is one of East Iceland’s most popular natural wonders. The rugged peak juts from the landscape and creates an epic vista above the shoreline. Nature photographers adore Vestrahorn due to the breathtaking shots of the mountain glistening on the water. Purple lupines dot the landscape around Vestrahorn, and it’s a magical location to explore during the midnight sun. [caption id="attachment_14309" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Gravel road at a golden Sunset with Vestrahorn mountain in the background and a car driving the road in Iceland[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14310" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Tourist stands on a sand dune at Vestrahorn mountain also known as Batman Mountain in Iceland at sunset.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14311" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Roof, countryside, icelandic, home,[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14312" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Sunset at Vestrahorn Mountain and Stokksnes beach. Vestrahorn is a popular tourist attraction along the ring road in Eastern Iceland[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14313" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Stokksnes, Iceland -  Aerial view of a viking village near Stokksnes under Vestrahorn mountain, Iceland.[/caption]   8. Lake Myvatn Situated in North Iceland, the volcanic Lake Myvatn is a hotspot of geothermal activity and biodiversity. The heated waters around Myvatn provide the chance to soak in the soothing Mývatn Nature Baths and ease your muscles. Its surrounding wetlands and lush vegetation nurture a thriving population of insects and birdlife. Located in the Lake Myvatn area, Ásbyrgi is a wide glacial canyon with a dense forest beneath its sheer walls. [caption id="attachment_14315" align="alignnone" width="1000"] This geothermal cave is found nearby Lake Mývatn, Iceland. At this location, the scene in Game of Thrones where Jon and Ygritte had sex was filmed.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14316" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Myvatn Lake landscape at North Iceland. Wiew from above[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14317" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Jardbodin natural baths with geothermal spring near lake Myvatn, north Iceland[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14318" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Volcanic craters in Iceland aerial view from above, Myvatn lake[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14319" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Colorful summer scene with crater pool of Krafla volcano. Dramatic sunset in the Northeast Iceland, Myvatn lake located, Europe. Artistic style post processed photo.[/caption] 9. Dettifoss Although it’s a slight detour off the Ring Road, Dettifoss is a must-see sight while driving around Iceland. Dettifoss is Europe’s most powerful waterfall and standing beside the cascade sends a shiver down your spine. Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, feeds the waterfall and enables it to have an astronomical average flow rate of 193 m³/s. [caption id="attachment_14322" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Dettifoss[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14323" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Dettifoss. Located in North Iceland, and the most powerful waterfall in Europe.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14324" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Iceland, Golden circle.[/caption] Dettifoss plunges into the 100-meter wide Jökulsárgljúfur canyon and roars as the water crashes below. When you’re close enough to feel its rumble, it’s a moment you’ll never forget. [caption id="attachment_14327" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Dettifoss, Iceland - July 23, 2017: Dettifoss is the most powerful waterfall on Iceland . It is located in Jokulsargljufur National Park the northeasten Iceland on the river Jokulsa a Fjollum.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14326" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Dettifoss waterfall located on the Jokulsa a Fjollum river in Iceland. Dettifoss is the second most powerful waterfall in Europe after the Rhine Falls. Long exposure.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14325" align="alignnone" width="1000"] The mighty Dettifoss, the second most powerful waterfall in Europe, crashing into the basalt canyon of Jökulsá á Fjöllum river, Iceland[/caption]   10. Godafoss While Godafoss doesn’t have the thunderous power of other Iceland waterfalls, its surreal setting makes up for it. The Skjálfandafljót River drops 12 meters into a 30-meter wide aqua-blue pool, and a rainbow stretches across the cascades beneath the sunlight. [caption id="attachment_14331" align="alignnone" width="1000"] The famous Godafoss in North Iceland[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14332" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Godafoss waterfall in Iceland, summer natural travel background[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14333" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Northern Light, Aurora borealis at Godafoss waterfall in winter, Iceland.[/caption] Between the peaceful flow of the waterfall and the surrounding lush landscape, it’s among the most popular sights in North Iceland. Godafoss holds the nickname "Waterfall of the Gods" since Icelandic folklore tells the tale of Norse god statues tossed into the waterfall when Iceland adopted Christianity as its religion. [caption id="attachment_14336" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Beautiful winter Godafoss waterfall in Iceland, covered in snow, long exposure[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14335" align="alignnone" width="1000"] The famous Godafoss in North Iceland[/caption] [caption id="attachment_14334" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Godafoss is a very beautiful Icelandic waterfall. It is located on the North of the island not far from the lake Myvatn and the Ring Road.[/caption]

9

7 Top Attractions in Albania

05th May 2021 0

Among Europe’s last hidden gems, Albania remains a country undiscovered and misunderstood by worldly travelers. But for those visiting the Balkans, Albania is a nation full of ancient history, untouched nature, and fascinating culture. From ruins dating back thousands of years to its religious diversity, Albania intrigues curious minds. If you’re clueless about where to visit, we’ve listed some of the best sights in Albania for you. Whether you’re looking for history, culture, nature, or urban life, it’s not hard to find here. So, book your ticket and get ready to explore one of Europe’s least-visited countries.   Tirana Tirana is the bustling heartbeat in the center of Albania. It’s the capital and largest city of Albania and has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years. Wander around its corridors to find remnants from the days of Ottoman and Communist rule. Noted for its statue of national hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu, Skanderbeg Square is the centerpiece of Tirana. The square is designed in Neo-Renaissance style and holds many of the most famous structures in Albania. Cultural sites situated around Skanderbeg Square include the National History Museum, Opera & Ballet Theatre, Et'hem Bej Mosque, and Tirana City Hall. Reminiscent to Albania’s communist days of the 20th century, the Pyramid of Tirana is an abandoned structure some travellers love climbing for panoramic views. Another fascinating Communist relic, Bunk'Art 2 delves into the history of the former dictatorship and secret police. And diving deeper into Albanian history, what remains of the medieval Tirana Castle is now a popular hangout with cafés and restaurants. [caption id="attachment_13783" align="alignnone" width="1000"] View over the apartment buildings in Tirana, Albania.[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_13785" align="alignnone" width="1000"] People ride bicycles and walk along Skanderbeg Square near National Historical Museum, Tirana, Albania[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_13787" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Scene with Kruja castle near Tirana in Albania[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_13786" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Museum building in the Kruje Castle, in the town of Kruje, Albania[/caption] Albanian Riviera If the crowds of Greece appear daunting, why not opt for the Albanian Riviera instead? While this patch of pristine coastline is the most popular getaway in Albania, it’s tame compared to European beach destinations. Known by locals as Bregu, this patch of beautiful beaches stretches from Palasë to Sarandë. Just south of Sarandë, Ksamil is minutes from Corfu and the jewel of the Ionian Sea. For a beach and ancient ruin combo, don’t miss the Roman amphitheatre at the Butrint Archaeological Site. But for a lazy day lounging on the Ionian shores, it’s as a breeze finding a spot on Borsh Beach. For a more secluded beach break, a canyon trek or kayak excursion takes you to the pebbled Gjipe Beach. Nature lovers also have access to Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park, Albania’s only marine reserve. The park features ancient and WWII-era vessels and alluring sea caves to explore. [caption id="attachment_13789" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Gjipe Beach - Himare, Vlore, Albania, Europe[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_13791" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Empty Ksamil Beach - Butrint National Park, Sarande, Southern Albania, Europe[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_13792" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Old roman sculpture on the walls of Castle of Butrint, Albania, white stone bust with face of ancient unknown roman person.[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_13793" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Ancient theater in the ruins of Butrint in southern Albania[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_13794" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Aerial view of the Butrint archaeological site. UNESCO world heritage in Albania[/caption] The Blue Eye Your Albanian Riviera vacation isn’t complete without a day trip to the Blue Eye. Just a 30-minute drive outside of Sarandë, the natural spring has some of the clearest water imaginable. The turquoise spring has a depth of over 50 meters, and many visitors swear it's clear to the bottom. Even though divers have plunged that far into the Blue Eye, its true depth remains unknown. Near the village of Muzinë, you need to rent a car or hire a driver to reach this magical location. The Blue Eye also serves as the source of the Bistricë River and flows into the Ionian Sea. Surrounded by lush forests, it’s among the most beautiful places in Albania. And although tempting, swimming is prohibited in the frigid water due to ruining the surreal clarity. [caption id="attachment_13796" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Incredible colourful turquoise, blue and green Blue Eye spring in Albania, Sarande[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_13797" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Beautiful turquoise spring Blue Eye (Syri i Kalter) near a town of Muzine, Albania. The spring is very powerful, cold and deep and is a source of a river Bistrice[/caption]   Llogara National Park With the perfect combo of beaches, forests, and mountains, Llogara National Park is heaven for outdoor enthusiasts. Its diverse terrain features the rugged Ceraunian Mountains and the sun-kissed Ionian coast. Hit the hiking paths to discover alpine meadows, coniferous forests, and sharp cliffs between the sea and mountains. Drive the nearby Llogara Pass for unbelievable views of the alpine peaks rising above the Albanian Riviera. The winding road between Vlorë and Himarë ascends to heights over 1,000 meters and ranks among the world’s most exciting coastal drives. Just don't forget your camera for possibly the most dramatic vista in Albania. [caption id="attachment_13803" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Road leading up to the Llogara Pass in Albanian[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_13804" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Summer Llogara pass sunshiny view with road, herd of goats on slope and sea water surface (Albania)[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_13806" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Summer misty coastline view from Llogara pass and town on mountainside (Albania)[/caption] Theth Lace up your hiking boots and get ready to explore the heart of the Albanian Alps. Around a 3-hour drive from Shkodër, Theth is a fairytale mountain village that serves as basecamp for trekking expeditions. Theth sits inside Theth National Park, a 26.3km² alpine paradise with endless views of limestone and dolomite peaks. Taking the road to Theth makes you feel like you’ve escaped to the Swiss Alps or the Italian Dolomites. The Shalë River cuts through the valley and has some of the clearest water you’ll find in Albania. Hiking is the best thing to do around Theth, and several of Albania’s most picturesque hikes are within reach. The Theth to Valbonë Hike and Blue Eye Hike are two that are a must-do for any avid trekker. Closer to the village, the stone church and Kulla “Blood Feud” Tower are sights to learn about Theth’s history and culture. [caption id="attachment_13809" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Flock of sheep in front of a kullë, a fortified tower used as refuge for men involved in a blood feud that are vulnerable to attack. Thethi, northern Albania.[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_13810" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Waterfall in the mountains in Theth in the Albanian alps[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_13811" align="alignnone" width="1000"] MAISONNETTE COT2 RIVIERE VILLAGE THETH[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_13812" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Theth, Albania  - Tourists visiting the beautiful Albanian Alps mountain[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_13813" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Valley of Theth in the dinaric alps in Albania on a beautiful summer day[/caption] Shkodër If you’re heading into the Albanian Alps, spend a couple of days wandering the cultural sites of Shkodër. The gateway to the mountains has a history dating to the 4th Century B.C. and is one of Albania’s oldest cities. Its strategic location led to periods of Roman, Serbian, Venetian, and Ottoman rule, and many cultural sites exist today. The top attraction to visit in Shkodër is the Rozafa Castle that sits beside the Buna and Drin rivers. Originally an Illyrian fortress, the stronghold dates to antiquity and has witnessed several notable battles. Within the castle, you’ll notice remnants of Roman, Venetian, and Ottoman occupation. Other sights in Shkodër include the Marubi National Museum of Photography and the Shkodër History Museum. Wander the Pedonalja to witness the coexistence of churches and mosques or walk across the Ottoman-era Mesi Bridge. And for an outdoor adventure, kayak on Lake Shkodër for epic mountain vistas. [caption id="attachment_13815" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Ruins of Rozafa Castle in Shkoder, Albania[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_13816" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Historic ruins in Rozafa Castle in Shkoder, Albania[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_13817" align="alignnone" width="1000"] View near Shkodar City from Rozafa Castle, Albania[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_13818" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Fatih Sultan Mehmet Mosque or Fatih Mosque ruins in Rozafa Castle in Shkoder city in Albania[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_13819" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Aerial panoramic near the city of Shkodër, in northwestern Albania.[/caption] Apollonia Given its location on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Albania shares a similar history to Greece and Italy. But while the latter have inspired historians and archaeologists for centuries, Albania is overlooked by travelers. Ancient ruins can are scattered across the Balkan country but with far fewer crowds. One of the fascinating sights in Albania is the ancient Greek colony city of Apollonia. Just 10 km from the Adriatic Sea, the settlement has a history dating to Corinthian colonists around 600 B.C. Apollonia would later become a Roman city where Emperor Augustus studied philosophy. The site is now an archaeological park, and its foundation and monuments are in great condition for visitors to explore the ruins. [caption id="attachment_13822" align="alignnone" width="1000"] landscape of Apollonia village Sinfos island Cyclades Greece - greek summer destination[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_13823" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Historical remains of the ancient Greek city of Apollonia in Albania[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_13824" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Apollonia houses with of Aegean Architecture[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_13826" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Apollonia, Albania - Byzantine church dedicated to Saint Mary, in Apollonia, Albania[/caption]

Marriott Free Nights & Points Validity Extended

30th Apr 2021 0

Marriott announced a further extension of both free night awards and points. Marriott has extended the validity of free night awards until January 3, 2022, as well as the validity of points until March 31, 2022, which is fantastic news for members. Given the conditions, the loyalty programs will continue to give members more time to redeem their rewards. Free night awards with an initial expiration date in 2020 or that will expire before January 2, 2022 will be extended on May 6, 2021. Free night awards earned as a co-brand credit card reward, annual option benefit, promotion, or travel package are all subject to this rule. Free night awards that expire before 2020 will not be eligible for the extension. On May 6, the system will automatically update accounts with the new expiration dates, so no action is required. Marriott Bonvoy announced positive program updates for 2021 in February, including depositing bonus elite nights into elite members' accounts and lowering the spending requirement for Ambassador status. The expiration of Marriott Bonvoy points was previously paused until August 1, 2021. This has now been extended for an additional eight months, until March 31, 2022. Bonvoy points, as a reminder, typically expire after 24 months of inactivity.

Emirates to Block More Partner First Class Awards

30th Apr 2021 0

Emirates removed first class award availability from Alaska Mileage Plan in April 2021, and Emirates will now remove first class award availability from Japan Airlines Mileage Bank in September 2021. Given how much Emirates Skywards has changed as a program as a result of the significant reduction in carrier-imposed surcharges, I don't think this is a big deal. When you consider how convenient it is to earn Emirates Skywards miles, it's a viable choice for many people who want to fly in one of my favorite first-class items in the world. Emirates First Class is one of the most coveted award tickets available. It's opulent. Emirates first-class passengers can take showers in-flight aboard Emirates Airbus A380s, in addition to the glitz and glamour of the gold-laden cabin and endless Dom Perignon champagne. You can now book this luxurious experience using either Emirates' Skywards miles or currencies from partners such as Alaska Airlines, Qantas, or JAL. However, beginning in spring 2021, it seems that we will have fewer choices. Since after March 31, 2021, Emirates plans to phase out the opportunity to book first class with partner award currencies.

Lufthansa Lounges In USA Join Priority Pass

30th Apr 2021 0

With airlines scrambling for revenue everywhere they can, we've seen a slew of new airline lounges added to Priority Pass, which is fantastic for those with high-end credit cards. A few Lufthansa lounges in the United States have joined Priority Pass, which could come in handy during your next layover. Priority Pass also has access to four Lufthansa lounges in the United States, but with restricted hours. The Lufthansa Business Lounge Detroit (DTW) is open to Priority Pass members from 6AM until 5PM Mondays and Thursdays, from 9AM until 5PM on Tuesdays, from 8AM until 5PM Wednesdays, and from 6AM until 6:30PM on Fridays The Lufthansa Business Lounge New York (JFK) is open to Priority Pass members from 11:45AM until 3:30PM daily, except on Wednesdays and Sundays The Lufthansa Business Lounge Newark (EWR) is open to Priority Pass members from 2:30PM until 5:30PM Mondays and Wednesdays, and 2:30PM until 9PM Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays The Lufthansa Business Lounge Washington Dulles (IAD) is open to Priority Pass members from 2PM until 5:30PM daily In the United States, the only Lufthansa Business Lounge that is not part of Priority Pass is in Boston. For background, Priority Pass has had the Detroit lounge for a long time, while the other additions are recent. It's fantastic to see that Priority Pass now has four Lufthansa lounges in the United States. This is a logical step on Lufthansa's side, as it provides additional revenue while keeping lounges open at a time when demand is poor. When international travel resumes, it is expect that Lufthansa will either terminate its agreement with Priority Pass or simply extend lounge hours, allowing Priority Pass members access when Star Alliance passengers are not.

Disneyland Paris to Re-Theme Disneyland Hotel

29th Apr 2021 0

The Disneyland Hotel is undergoing a renovation that will improve its flagship status at the resort and provide guests with an even better five-star experience, as part of Disneyland Paris's refurbishment programme. This hotel is known not only for its privileged location at Disneyland Park's entrance, but also for its impeccable service, which has made it a guest favorite and Disneyland Paris' iconic resort hotel. This full refurbishment is the next step in a multi-year, 5,700-room renovation plan for all Disneyland Paris hotels. The elegant Victorian architecture that greets visitors as they enter Disneyland Park will be preserved, while the "Disney magic" will be enhanced. The hotel will have a royal theme, with influences from classics such as "Beauty and the Beast," "Cinderella," and "Sleeping Beauty," as well as recent hits such as "Frozen" and "Tangled." Both hotel rooms and suites will be fully rethemed, while public areas will be reimagined to pay homage to these beloved films and their characters. Disneyland Paris has revealed a regal transformation of the famous Disneyland Hotel, which will be the first Disney Hotel to celebrate a royal theme, as final touches are made to the highly awaited Disney's Hotel New York — The Art of Marvel, which is set to open soon.    

Belfast airport opens Covid-19 test centre

21st Apr 2021 0

The Covid-19 testing facility at George Best Belfast City Airport has opened. In collaboration with diagnostics company Randox, the centre has been purpose-built and will deliver PCR and antigen tests. Randox revealed last week that it would provide PCR tests for foreign travelers for £60 with a discount code available via airlines. The Belfast City PCR test, on the other hand, will be available at a “reduced price of £85,” with antigen tests costing £45. Airport Operations Manager, Judith Davis, said: “Flights have resumed today (Monday) from Belfast City to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport with our airline partner KLM, which is another positive step as airlines across the world rebuild and restart their networks. “Currently the Dutch government requires all passengers entering the Netherlands to have taken and returned a negative result from both a PCR and an antigen (lateral flow) test. Providing this service on-site is the ultimate convenience for our passengers, which is something we pride ourselves on and continually strive to enhance.”  “These tests, which must be pre-booked, aren’t just reserved for passengers flying from Belfast City Airport but are also available for non-flying members of the general public. “The fact that results from the antigen tests are returned within one hour, and a digital ‘safe to fly’ certificate is issued directly to the passenger’s mobile device, is also another huge bonus and adds a further layer of convenience for our customers who need to travel.” She said: “The wellbeing of our passengers and staff remains of paramount importance to us and those travelling to the airport can be reassured that stringent measures are in place for their safety.” Randox project manager, Sophie Boyd, also said: “Randox are committed to supporting those wishing to undertake international travel, including holidays, and the travel industry. In doing so we believe we will be improving wellbeing and supporting employment. “As flights resume and we open the Randox Health Travel Centre at Belfast City Airport we will provide competitive, effective and efficient testing to support the travelling public. “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Belfast City Airport and wish them every success in re-establishing their international travel links.”  

Covid PCR test cost reduced to £60

13th Apr 2021 0

The price of Covid PCR tests has been reduced to £60 by the UK's largest PCR test provider. The £60 test is for on an online-ordered testing kit from Randox. Once the user has completed the test, the sample is sent to a laboratory for processing. VAT, shipping, and sample collection are all included in the price. When booking flights and holidays, customers can use a discount code provided by their airline or tour operator to order the test kit at the discounted rate. “We can see the pressures faced by the both the travel industry and the general public and are committed to effective and economical testing to support holidaymakers and those undertaking international travel,” said Randox managing director Dr Peter FitzGerald. PCR tests usually cost £100 or more. Gatwick has been offering tests for £60 at its terminals and Jet2 has partners who sell them for £75. Grant Shapps, the Transport Secretary, has stated that he intends to reduce the cost of coronavirus testing in order to allow people to travel abroad this summer.  

Traffic Light System confirmed but hyped government announcement disappoints

05th Apr 2021 0

The travel industry had been anticipating the briefing led by the Prime Minister Boris Johnson to contain definitive guidance on the resumption of international travel. Instead, the Prime Minister said more data was needed before a firm decision could be taken, adding only that he was "hopeful" that foreign travel could begin again on 17th May. The news has equally disappointed the general public and travel industry. Mr Johnson said during his Downing Street briefing that he did not want coronavirus to be reintroduced from abroad and advised people to wait for the Global Travel Taskforce's report on 12th April 2021. The government did confirm the introduction of a three-tier traffic light system for categorising countries for international travel to and from England during the briefing. The new system will see the introduction of a green list of countries to which holiday traffic is permitted without quarantine restrictions, but where pre-departure Covid-tests will still be required before travellers return to the UK followed by a second test on arrival. It's uncertain how many countries will be on the green list when the traffic system comes into effect. Countries will be categorised based on their vaccination rates, Covid-19 infection rates, and the prevalence of "variants of concern." This will be in addition to the infection and variant monitoring systems in operation in green list countries. The current to 10-day mandatory hotel quarantine for arrivals from Red List countries will remain in operation. Countries that fall somewhere between green and red will be graded as amber requiring passengers arriving from these countries to be both tested and complete a period of self-isolation in the same way that the majority of arrivals must do now. Tests will be taken within 72 hours of arrival and on days 2 and 8 after arrival. A very limited number of destinations, probably less than 20 will initially be graded as Green under the new system. The vast majority of countries will be considered to have an amber risk rating when the traffic light system is implemented. Travellers who have been completely vaccinated against Covid-19 with two vaccine doses may be exempt from testing criteria, but the specifics of how vaccination certificates will operate are still being sorted out, with more information to come.

EasyJet to commence 5 new routes from Birmingham

01st Apr 2021 0

EasyJet will soon fly to five new destinations from Birmingham Airport. The new routes launching from this summer will serve Corfu in Greece, Faro in Portugal and Majorca, Malaga and Alicante in Spain. EasyJet holidays will sell packages to all five destinations served by its airline parent. Flights to Malaga will operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays and Faro flights will operate on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Both services will commence on 29th June 2021. Flights to Alicante will commence the following days on 30th June 2021 and will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. On 3rd July 2021 the airline will commence flights from Birmingham to Majorca which will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Corfu will be the final of the 5 new destinations to launch with services commencing on 4th July 2021 and operating on Thursdays and Sundays. “We believe that a framework can be put in place for the safe reopening of travel and a strong summer, and we are currently focused on working with the UK government travel taskforce in the coming days and weeks,” said Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK country manager. “We are hopeful that progress will continue to be made with the vaccination programmes in Europe, with several countries in Europe having indicated they will be welcoming British tourists this summer. “We remain of the view that international travel can restart and that, with the right framework in place, restrictions can be safely and progressively reduced and in some cases removed by mid-summer for key destinations. “We’ve kept our fleet in a flight-ready mode so we are ready and able to ramp up our services quickly and increase our capacity where we see increased demand for the summer.”

Aberdeen and Glasgow airports now offer rapid testing facilities

29th Mar 2021 0

Rapid testing facilities have been installed at Aberdeen International and Glasgow Airports, allowing for both PCR and antigen testing on-site. The third airport owned by AGS Airports in Southampton is planning to add similar testing capacity. In collaboration with ICTS UK & Ireland and TAC Healthcare Group, the facilities have been added to Scottish airports. PCR results will be available 24 hours after a test and antigen tests will be completed within 15 minutes. Booking testing appointments in advanced is advised. “Although many air services have been grounded throughout the pandemic, our airports have remained open to support critical services including Highlands and Islands routes, essential oil and gas operations and vital hub connectivity for key workers,” said Mark Johnston, AGS Airports chief operating officer. “The introduction of these on-site testing facilities will not only provide passengers travelling for essential purposes with a quick and convenient service, they will hopefully play a crucial role in the safe resumption of wider domestic and international travel in the weeks and months ahead.”

Aer Lingus to commence four transatlantic routes from Manchester

26th Mar 2021 0

This summer, Aer Lingus will launch the first Manchester-based direct transatlantic flights to the United States and the Caribbean. From 29th July 2021, the Irish airline will begin flying to New York JFK and Orlando. Flight to Barbados will start on 20th October 2021 and flights from Manchester to Boston will commence in the summer season next year. The new single-aisle Airbus A321LR will fly the JFK and Boston routes, making Aer Lingus the first airline to use the aircraft on normal scheduled services between the UK and the US. The wide bodied Airbus A330-300 will be used to fly from Manchester to Orlando and Barbados. The airline announced that both its economy and business class fares would be "very competitive,". Fares are expected to start at £398 for a return journey. Up to 120 jobs will be created by Aer Lingus in the north of England. Cabin crew positions will make up the majority of new roles, but there will also be openings in maintenance and engineering, as well as ground operations. The New York JFK and Boston services will connect up to 58 onward destinations and the schedule has been designed to maximise onward access to places like Las Vegas, Nashville, Jamaica, San Jose, Bermuda, and Dallas. “Aer Lingus has been flying to North America for more than 60 years, and we also have a proud relationship with Manchester airport,” said David Shepherd, Aer Lingus' chief commercial officer. “We believe our transatlantic offering is one of the best in the marketplace.” The airline's Book with Confidence policy allows customers to change their flights up to two hours before they are scheduled to depart with no change fees. The flexible policy has been extended until 31st December 2021. Aer Lingus (UK) Limited will operate the flights from Manchester to the United States and Barbados. Flights from Manchester to the United States are only for travellers arriving from the United Kingdom. Flights will not be available for purchase from the United States. “These routes will be a wonderful addition to the departure boards here at Manchester as we look forward to restarting international travel,” Karen Smart, Manchester airport managing director, said. “This demonstration of pent-up demand is yet another reason why it is more crucial than ever that the government develops transparent, simple, and affordable plans to restart travel. We eagerly anticipate the Global Travel Taskforce's findings in April.” Manchester to New York Flight Details EI045 will depart Manchester at 12:05 and land in New York JFK at 15:25. The flight distance is 3,341 miles and will take 8 hours and 20 minutes EI044 will depart New York JFK at 17:25 and land in Manchester at 05:50 the next day. The flight distance is 3,341 miles and will take 7 hours and 25 minutes Both flights will be operated daily aboard an Airbus A321-LR. Manchester to Orlando Flight Details EI035 will depart Manchester at 11:00 and land in Orlando at 15:45. The flight distance is 4,236 miles and will take 9 hours and 45 minutes. EI034 will depart Orlando at 19:00 and land in Manchester at 08:35AM the next day. The flight distance is 4,236 miles and will take 8 hours and 35 minutes. Both flights will be operated 4-5 times a week aboard an Airbus A330. Manchester to Barbados Flight Details EI031 will depart Manchester at 10:15 and land in Barbados at 14:35PM. The flight distance is 4,163 miles and will take 9 hours and 20 minutes. EI030 will depart Barbados at 19:40 and land in Manchester at 09:20 the next day. The flight distance is 4,163 miles and will take 8 hours and 40 minutes. Both flights will be operated 2-3 times a week aboard an Airbus A330. OneWorld Alliance Aer Lingus has joined the OneWorld transatlantic alliance, which means it will be able to coordinate fares and schedules with American Airlines, British Airways, Finnair, and Iberia. This also means that passengers will be able to collect and redeem Avios aboard the new Manchester flights.

Buy Etihad Guest Miles with 40% bonus

23rd Mar 2021 0

Etihad is running a “buy miles” promotion offering a bonus of up to 40%. The promotion deals are: 10% bonus on 6,000-20,000 miles 20% bonus on 21,000-60,000 miles 40% bonus on 61,000-100,000 miles Etihad allows the members of its Guest loyalty programme to purchase up to 100,000 miles in any calendar year. The cost of purchasing 100,000 miles is $2,000 (£1,450). This would buy you 140,000 miles which works out at just over £0.01 per mile. Etihad Guest miles don’t offer spectacularly good value against redemptions on Etihad. The airline does however work with a number of airline partners where you can get a decent return on a redemption. For a full list of Etihad Airline partners that you can fly on by redeeming Etihad Guest miles, click on this link: https://www.etihadguest.com/en/spend-miles/flying.html Oman Air with Etihad Guest Miles One of the best redemption rates Etihad offers on its partner airline flights is with Oman Air. A business class flight on Oman Air from London Heathrow to Muscat will cost 44,000 Etihad Guest Miles one way. For a return ticket, you will need 88,000 guest miles (£880 based on £0.01/mile) plus £500 in taxes. A return business class ticket from London to Muscat on Oman Air would normally cost in the region of £2,000 - £2,500 a ticket. Using this promotion would therefore provide a saving of between £600 - £1,100. Etihad is an airline partner of American Express and you are able to transfer Membership Reward points for Etihad Guest Miles at a 1:1 conversion rate. Using 36,000 membership reward points alongside this promotion would allow you to purchase for two return business class tickets on Oman Air from London to Muscat at a total cost of £2,400 which equates to a saving of between £1,600 and £2,600. Paying for your miles If you use your American Express card to pay for the miles, you will be charged a 3% non-sterling transaction fee which would equate to £42 for 1,400 membership reward points (£0.03 per mile) which is expensive. Using a British Airways Platinum Plus American Express card would be slightly better value at £0.02 per Avios but still not representative of great value. The best card to use to pay for your miles would be the Capital on Tap business credit card which does not have a non-sterling transaction fee and pays 1 Avios per £1 spent. Is this promotion worth participating in? If you plan on buying miles to use for a redemption on Etihad, then this promotion will not offer good value. However, if you are buying miles to be able to use to upgrade from business class to First class then the miles could offer a respectable level of value. The real value comes from redemptions on Etihad’s partner airlines, with Oman Air being a favourite of mine. If you haven’t thought about flying Oman Air, read my trip report here: [embed]https://www.experiencedtravellers.com/blogs/oman-air-muscat-to-london-trip-review/[/embed]

Fully vaccinated Royal Caribbean cruises to re-start in June

21st Mar 2021 0

Royal Caribbean will resume cruises in the Caribbean from June. Sailing from its new homeport of Nassau in the Bahamas, Adventure of the Seas will operate with all passengers and crew on board having been fully vaccinated. All adults over the age of 18 must have been vaccinated and all passengers under the age of 18 will need to present a negative Covid PCR test result. Starting on 12th June 2021, a series of seven-night cruises will operate around the Bahamas and Mexico. The itineraries will include two days on Royal Caribbean's private island CocoCay. The new Caribbean itineraries will run until August Royal Caribbean intends to start operating cruises from Israel in May and has already re-started its Singapore cruises. President and chief executive of Royal Caribbean International, Michael Bayley, said: “We are excited to get back to delivering memorable vacations in the Caribbean, gradually and safely. “The vaccines are clearly a game changer for all of us, and with the number of vaccinations and their impact growing rapidly, we believe starting with cruises for vaccinated adult guests and crew is the right choice. “As we move forward, we expect this requirement and other measures will inevitably evolve over time.”

Singapore Airlines to offer UK pre-departure Covid tests

21st Mar 2021 0

Singapore Airlines passengers departing from the United Kingdom will soon have access to pre-departure Covid-19 PCR tests at a cost of £99. As part of an ongoing pilot scheme for customers based in Indonesia, Singapore, and Hong Kong, the UK will become the fourth market to join the programme. Collinson runs the tests through a dedicated online booking portal which allows customers to receive their results within 36 hours. A digital certificate and QR code is generated on the portal which can be presented to airport staff upon check-in. There is also an option to print results. Singapore Airlines became the first airline in the world to test the IATA Travel Pass on a Heathrow flight ahead of the app’s April launch. Mohamed Rafi Mar, SIA's general manager for the United Kingdom and Ireland, said: “Expanding the one-stop pre-departure testing portal to our UK based customers is part of our ongoing efforts to provide passengers with a vital service during this time. “By housing all necessary pre-departure information on one platform, our passengers can enjoy a much more streamlined and seamless booking and pre-flight experience with Singapore Airlines”.

Free PCR Covid-19 Tests in Abu Dhabi Airport

19th Mar 2021 0

In collaboration with partners Pure Health and Tamouh Healthcare, Abu Dhabi Airports has announced free Covid-19 PCR tests for all passengers arriving in to the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. Test results will be available within 90 minutes and during this time, passengers will not be allowed to leave the airport. Up to 20,000 passengers and employees can be tested per day as a result of additional laboratory capacity. The new real time PCR (RT-PCR) testing process is designed to ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of passengers and staff at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Abu Dhabi Airports' chief executive, Shareef Hashim Al Hashmi, said: “The introduction of the RT-PCR Covid-19 testing is a milestone achievement in our ongoing efforts to facilitate the safe resumption of international air travel and support the recovery of the aviation industry.” All passengers arriving at terminals 1 and 3 at Abu Dhabi International Airport will be tested for free at the new facility. Passengers arriving from one of Abu Dhabi's designated "green" countries who receive a negative PCR test and will not be required to self-isolate. Arrivals from countries not on the "green" list will be given a quarantine wristband and will be required to self-isolate for ten days. Transit passengers will not be eligible for the free tests.  

British Airways Covid documentation trial

17th Mar 2021 0

All passengers that book British Airways flight to India now have the ability to upload a negative Covid-19 test results and various other travel declaration forms directly into their booking prior to their departure. The new feature by the airline as part of its effort to simplify the departure process. The new feature on the airline’s website will certify that the documentation customers upload are the correct ones required for their flight prior to their arrival at the airport. Travellers that book British Airways India flights will receive an email three days prior to departure instructing them to use the ‘Manage My Booking’ function on ba.com where to find the relevant requirements for entry. Each document can then be uploaded and certified by the airline within six hours. The trial will be extended for more British Airways flights over the coming weeks. The airline also hopes to add the new functionality to the British Airways app. Sean Doyle, British Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, said: “At British Airways we are preparing for the meaningful return to international travel in the coming months. This means doing everything we can to simplify the journey for our customers, allowing them to travel with confidence and create the best possible seamless, frictionless experience in a new Covid era. “We know that innovation and technology hold the key to unlocking international travel. We are already offering access to travel app ‘VeriFLY’ on selected routes and IAG has been helping develop ‘Travel Pass’ with IATA. Now it’s also time to look at what we can offer through our own website. The key benefit of customers being able to upload the correct travel documentation into their booking, is that it enables them to check-in online, speeding up the airport process. We are continually exploring the best possible options to help our customers return to the skies, safely.”  

Executive Club Elite Tier Status extended by British Airways

09th Mar 2021 0

After announcing a 12 month tier status extension in 2021, British Airways has today announced a further extension for its Executive Club members. Members will now retain their current elite tier status for another 12 months from their current status expiry date even if they don’t book British Airways flights during this time. The extension has been granted to all members regardless of how many tier miles they earn or British Airways flights they travel on during their current tier collection earning year. The airline has also dropped its tier mile earning thresholds. To achieve or retain Gold status, the requirement has been reduced from 1,500 to 1,125 tier points. To achieve or retain Silver status has been reduced from 600 to 450 tier miles and Bronze from 300 to 225 tier miles. The reduction in tier point earning requirements to retain or achieve status will be achievable at a much lower cost than possible historically because of the cheap British Airways business class deals on offer. As a result of the collapse in corporate travel, there is a lot more availability in premium cabins on all airlines globally. British Airways has historically generated most of its profits from premium passengers and therefore has a much greater capacity of premium cabin seats than other airlines. As a result, the British Airways First and Business class offers in the last few months have been provided exceptional value to travellers. Niall Rooney, head of the British Airways Executive Club, said: “As we await the government’s decision in April and plan for the safe restart of travel as soon as possible, we want to thank our Executive Club members for their loyalty during the most difficult time in the airline’s history. “We know many of our members haven’t been able to travel, but today’s news means they can keep their benefits for longer and use them when they’re able to fly again. We hope this complements a number of measures we’ve already introduced, including our book with confidence commitment, which provides flexibility and reassurance for our customers.” In addition to no Executive Club member will losing their tier status in 2021, the airline has also granted a 6 month extension to all Executive Club vouchers, due to expire before December 31, 2021. Any new voucher earned between June 2020 and the end of December 2021 will also have an additional 6 months validity added to it.

Bonus Qmiles for new Qatar Airways Privilege Club members

06th Mar 2021 0

Qatar Airways Privilege Club is currently incentivising new members to join their loyalty programme with up to 7,500 bonus miles and 50 Qpoints. Travellers seeking to earn the bonus miles will need to register using the promotion code OAT3SMQ121. At the time of enrolment they will then earn 2,500 bonus miles. The miles will be awarded without the requirement for any activity. If the new member then completed a flight on a Qatar Airways marketed and operated flight, they will be awarded a further 5,000 bonus miles in addition to 50 Qpoints upon completion their flight. The promotion is for new members that enrol prior to 30th April 2021. To earn the additional bonus miles, the new members will need travel before 20th June 2021. Interested travellers can enrol on Qatar Airways Privilege Club on this website: https://www.qatarairways.com/en/Privilege-Club.html

Hilton Honors purchasing points promotion to end on 5th March 2021.

03rd Mar 2021 0

The current promotion being run by Hilton Honors which was launched in January 2021 and offers a 100% bonus on any purchased points will end on 5th March 2021. Under the terms of the offer, any Hilton Honors member purchasing points will receive a 100% bonus provided they purchase at least 10,000 points in a single transaction. Hilton Honors rarely offers more than 100% bonuses on purchased points. Hilton Honors allows members to purchase a maximum of 160,000 Honors points which will cost $800 under the offer. Although Hilton Honors points expire after 12 months of inactivity, any activity on the account resets the expiration date of your points.

Direct London to Uganda flight link re-established aboard the new Airbus A330-800neo

02nd Mar 2021 0

The Ugandan flag carrier ,which was dormant from 2001 - 2019, is ready to resume long haul flights only 2 years after the airline was resurrected. Uganda Airlines has announced the launch of a new direct flight from Entebbe to London Heathrow. The airline recently took delivery of two new A330-800neos which it will be using to operate the route. Entebbe hosts the country’s international airport and is located approximately 25 miles south west of the country’s capital, Kampala. The new service could commence as early as 28th March 2021. The UK has not had a direct connection to Uganda since British Airways ceased operating the route in 2015 citing competition from the gulf carriers weakening demand. [caption id="attachment_3455" align="alignnone" width="1200"] 213 Seats in the economy class cabin[/caption] The airline has reportedly secured slots at London Heathrow where landing rights are exchanged for some of the highest prices in the world. The A330neo is the newest variant of the Airbus A330 aircraft range and it offers airlines improved fuel efficiency and range. The Uganda Airlines’ A330 aircraft have a capacity of 261 seats. [caption id="attachment_3453" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Premium modern business class cabin[/caption] The airline will operate 213 seats in economy, 28 in premium economy and 20 business class. The airline is using the same Stelia Aerospace Opal business class seat seen on Singapore Airlines and Turkish Airlines which reclines into a fully flat sleeping position. The seat has a 44 inch pitch an 18-inch touchscreen monitor. All passengers in business class enjoy direct aisle access.

Pay to block out the seats next to you on Emirates

02nd Mar 2021 0

Although Emirates is not currently flying from the UK to Dubai, the airline has introduced a new initiative to alleviate the concerns of cautious travellers during the Covid pandemic. Passengers can now purchase up to three empty adjoining seats when flying on any Emirates operated flight to provide them with additional distance from fellow passengers. The option to block seats will only be offered at the airport counter at check in and cannot be booked in advance. Each empty seat will cost between £40 - £120. The seats will be offered to all economy class customers holding a confirmed booking. Emirates have said the new service is being offered in response to customer feedback in response to the pandemic. The airline said that customers were seeking extra privacy and space while flying in economy class.

Earn 1,500 Avios per month with new Barclays Avios Rewards current account

02nd Mar 2021 0

Barclays and Avios have revealed details of their new partnership that offers their mutual UK based customers the opportunity to earn an annual return flight cabin upgrade voucher in addition to monthly Avios. Although the scheme was first publicised in February 2020 it has taken 12 months to finally reveal details of how the programme will work. £12 for 1,500 Avios The new Avios Rewards account will be offered to Barclays Wealth and Barclays Premier Banking and customers in the next few weeks. The new account will have a monthly fee of £12. The account will earn members 1,500 Avios per month and these will be transferred directly to their Executive Club account on a monthly basis. Every year, on the anniversary date of opening the Avios Rewards account, members will have a return flight cabin upgrade voucher credited to their Executive Club account. Joining Bonus To entice new customers to the account, Barclays will offer a sign-up bonus of 25,000 Avios to customers switching an eligible current account to the new rewards account. The new Avios Rewards account will only be accessible to Barclays customers who have £100,000 or more saved or invested with the bank or who have an annual gross income exceeding £75,000 which is paid directly into their Barclays current account. 1st year earning bonuses Mortgage customers will earn an extra 700 Avios per month. A sign-up bonus of 2,000 Avios will be offered to customers taking out a new mortgage product. Life cover customers will earn 150 Avios per month for the first 12 months which will increase to 500 Avios per month if they add critical illness cover. Home cover customers will earn an extra 75 Avios per month for contents insurance, 75 Avios per month for buildings insurance and 150 Avios per month for combined cover. All these additional rewards will be earned during the first year of cover only. Reward flight to Europe Jose Maria Carvalho, managing director at Barclays, said: “Our new Barclays Avios Rewards programme is a great way to help our customers’ get closer to the travel they want by offering them a straightforward way to build up Avios that they can put towards trips and experiences when the time is right.” “By the end of their first year, customers could have enough Avios to fly peak return to Munich or Nice in Economy and they will also have the option of using their free upgrade voucher for the trip if they wish.”

American Express sign up bonus of up to 100,000 points – transfer partner of multiple airlines and hotel chains

28th Feb 2021 0

American Express has launched a new sign up bonus offer which is probably one of the most generous ever offered by the card provider. American Express is one of the most popular rewards credit cards amongst collectors of miles and points because of the number of transfer partners the card works with. Current list of transfer partners Airlines Alitalia MilleMiglia: 1 Membership Rewards point = 1 MilleMiglia mile Asia Miles: 1 Membership Rewards Point = 1 Asia Miles British Airways Executive Club: 1 Membership Rewards point = 1 Avios Delta SkyMiles: 1000 Membership Rewards points = 1000 SkyMiles Emirates Skywards: 1 Membership Rewards point = 1 Skywards mile Etihad Guest: 1 Membership Rewards Point = 1 Etihad Guest mile Finnair Plus: 1 Membership Rewards point = 1 Finnair Plus point Flying Blue: 1 Membership Rewards point = 1 Flying Blue mile Iberia Plus: 1 Membership Rewards point = 1 Avios Qantas Frequent Flyer: 1 Membership Rewards point = 1 Qantas Point SAS EuroBonus: 1 Membership Rewards point = 1 EuroBonus Points Singapore KrysFlyer: 1 Membership Rewards point = 1 KrisFlyer mile Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: 1 Membership Rewards point = 1 Virgin Point Hotels Hilton Honors: 1 Membership Rewards point = 2 Hilton Honors points Marriott Bonvoy: 2 Membership Rewards points = 3 points Radisson Rewards: 1 Membership Rewards point = 3 points Other Club Eurostar: 1500 Membership Rewards points = 100 Club Eurostar points 100,000 Sign up bonus – Platinum Card The American Express® Business Platinum Card is currently offering a 100,000 sign up bonus for new cardholders that spend £10,000 within the first 3 months of membership. The highest ever sign up bonus offered on the Platinum Card was 50,000 membership rewards points. The latest sign up bonus offer doubles the highest record. The American Express® Business Platinum Card has an annual subscription fee of £595 and in the pre Covid era offered a number of travel benefits. Whilst these benefits are still available, usage is limited as a result of the significant fall in global travel. Benefits of the platinum card include elite status with Hilton, Marriott, Radisson, Hertz and Avis as well unlimited access to lounges at airports across the world. 50,000 Sign up bonus – Gold Card The American Express® Business Gold Card has increased its sign up bonus from 20,000 membership rewards points to 50,000 provided you spend £5,000 on the card within the first 3 months. The American Express® Business Gold Card has an annual subscription fee of £125 however this is free in the first year. Travel will resume soon making these points valuable Both offers represent an excellent deal for any small business looking for a new corporate card. The Business Gold Card is probably the better of the two offers for the vast majority of businesses because the annual fee is waived for the first year. This allows businesses to earn the miles and then decide within the next 12 months whether they feel the annual fee justifies the value it offers them. The value of the Business Platinum Card really comes from its travel benefits which will have limited value for the next few months. Businesses can upgrade from the Business Gold Card to the Business Platinum Card at a later date.    

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IATA Vaccine passport to trial from March

11th Feb 2021 0

Emirates and Etihad are among 20 carriers who will be trialing the use of the IATA Travel Pass from March - an app allowing passengers to store and share Covid-19 Vaccine information to ensure airlines and governments have accurate information on passengers’ COVID-19 health status. The head of passenger and security products, Alan Hayden addressed a joint IATA and World Aviation Festival webinar on 9th February and stated that it is working at  “full capacity” to roll out Travel Pass and This way we can show governments that it’s safe to travel.” The IATA Travel Pass is not the only initiative being rolled out to ensure the safe return of travel. CommonPass is another app backed by the Rockefeller institute that was trialed at  Heathrow in 2020 by United Airlines and Cathay Pacific Airways. As the pandemic continues to roil the world, vaccines are increasingly being seen as the key to opening up travel. For the future of the travel industry, we hope that this can be made into a success. More information on the IATA Travel Pass can be found on https://www.iata.org/en/programs/passenger/travel-pass/

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Live RAK Play- Digital Nomad Living in Ras Al Khaima

10th Feb 2021 0

Ras Al Khaimah has launched a ‘Live RAK Play’ scheme allowing remote professionals to stay at the emirate for upto 1 year. The scheme is open to all remote workers and available until 30 December 2021. Ras al Khaimah is only 1 hour from Dubai Airport and has dramatically expanded its tourist offering in recent years to target holidaymakers who want to combine a beach stay with a bit of adventure. This has included the introduction of Jais Adventure Park, whcih has the world’s largest zipline and a Bear Grylls Explorer Camp for mountain excursions. Guests who take up the scheme will get complimentary access to these attractions along with airport transfers, discounted hotel rates, free WiFi and reduced rates for laundry, calls, food and drink. In order to qualify, guests need to book at one of the participating hotels and resorts which include the extremely popular Doubletree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island and Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah. More information on the scheme can be found on the tourist board website: https://visitrasalkhaimah.com/live-rak-play/ The full list of hotels and resorts in the scheme is below: Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah Mughal Suites Doubletree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island, Doubletree by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Bin Majid Hotels & Resorts Bin Majid Beach Resort Jannah Hotels & Resorts Citymax Mangrove Hotel Royal View Hotel City Stay Beach Hotel Apartment The Cove Rotana Marjan Island Resort & Spa Action Hotel Hilton RAK Resort Hilton Garden Inn Al Hamra Golf Club Adventure Sports Adventurati Tower Links Golf Club Bedouin Oasis

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An extension to your home could earn you a free flight or an upgrade on British Airways

08th Feb 2021 0

Like thousands of others across the UK, being locked away at home during the start of the pandemic resulted in my family re-evaluating our space requirements at home. As a home working travel agent, I was always working from home. But suddenly, my partner, a chartered accountant was now stuck at home with me. In addition to that, our three children were now stuck at home as well! Fortunately, their schools had all made arrangements for online learning but that meant that they all required their own individual spaces to study. Our 4 bedroom home which had always felt large enough to accommodate all our needs until the kids eventually flew the nest was now starting to feel very small! So in the summer of 2020, as lockdown measures started easing up, we decided to invest in an single storey rear extension and a loft conversion. The new room in loft would provide a home office for my husband which could double up as a guest bedroom for my out-laws when they visited from London. The ground floor extension would give us a larger living space and allow me to enlarge my home office. But this is not a blog article about how to build an extension! So how does building an extension get you free flights or an upgrade? Let’s begin with the British Airways American Express Premium Plus Credit Card. I applied for the card which comes with a £195 annual fee. In return, you earn 25,000 Avios for spending £3,000 or more in the first 3 months. In addition, you get a Companion Voucher which essentially allows you to double up on the number of Avios you have by getting a second redemption ticket for free. More about that later. Once I was signed up, I invited my partner to join. That single click paid me a bonus of another 9,000 Avios when he was approved for the card. Buying materials Whilst we couldn’t pay our builders with our newly acquired American Express cards, we could pay for materials. After all, our builders needed to buy their bricks, 2x4 wood and sand and cement from somewhere. We asked our builders where they would be buying their materials and whether they would allow us to buy the materials for them and deduct this from the total amount they were charging us. They gracefully agreed and we investigated whether the Builder’s Merchants our contractors were using accepted payment by American Express. Fortunately, all but one either accepted American Express directly or they accepted Paypal which is a back door to paying by American Express. Buying second fix materials Our contract with the builders was for all the labour and build materials up to “first fix”. All “second fix” materials such as switches, sockets, pre-finished oak doors, bathroom fittings and tiles was on us. We discovered that British Airways run the Avios E-Store which allows you to go to most websites through British Airways. This works in a similar way to Quidco or Top Cash Back but instead of getting "cashback" you get Avios. So, as an example, buying appliances from AO.com earned us 5 Avios per £1 spent in addition to the 1.5 Avios per £1 spent on the American Express Card. Screwfix were also offering 2 Avios per £1 spent although that was during a promotion period. The standard rate at Screwfix is only 1 Avios per £1. Our War Chest of Avios After a lengthy 6 month build project, we had amassed a fortune of Avios. By paying for materials, we earned just over 180,000 Avios from the British Airways Credit Card and through the Avios E-Store. When combined with the 25,000 bonus Avios we each got for spending £3,000 within 3 months and the 9,000 Avios bonus I got for referring my partner to the card, we had about 240,000 Avios. The Companion Voucher This voucher is probably one of the best perks of having the British Airways card and also the feature which justifies paying the £195 annual fee. A return business class (Club World) ticket to Dubai costs 100,000 Avios per person plus the taxes. With the companion voucher, you get two return Club World tickets to Dubai for the same number of Avios. Now for the hard part. There are 5 of us. Our children are 13, 11 and 8 and therefore none of them would qualify for infant rates. You can probably see where this is going- we were 5 people but only had two companion vouchers. God bless Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus)! The choice was between (a) the 4 of us living it up in business class and punishing our least favorite child by sending them to back of the plane to spend 7 hours alone in economy or (b) figure out something that would allow us all to travel up front. Fortunately, British Airways allow you to upgrade from World Travel Plus by paying 40,000 Avios. Hallelujah. We were a few Avios short, but British Airways allows you to top up 1,000 Avios for £31. To find out more about how this works, read this article: [embed]https://www.experiencedtravellers.com/blogs/why-you-should-be-looking-at-the-premium-economy-deals-before-the-ba-sale-ends-in-10-days/[/embed] So, by building a house extension, the 5 of us will be flying to Dubai in Business Class for just under £3,000. Considering these tickets would normally cost anything between £1,500 (in a sale) and £3,000 a ticket, our extension saved us as much as £12,000 on flights! A result! Why am I sharing this? I am a travel agent after all! You might think that my raison d'être is to sell travel products to my clients rather than teach them how to by-pass me. This couldn’t be further from the truth! I have many clients who collect points and love to use them for upgrades and redemptions. My clients will however always require someone to arrange an element of their itinerary. With a booking like this, we will still need hotels and will probably want to book a day at Aqua Venture and Wild Wadi as well as a desert safari. We also need to book the flight for the 3rd child in Premium Economy. To debunk a popular myth, British Airways tickets booked by a travel agent are often cheaper than booking direct on BA.com and are upgradeable with Avios. My clients might not need me for the flight element of their journey but they know that I can take care of everything else!

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Waldorf Maldives largest private island

18th Jan 2021 0

"Ithaafushi -- The Private Island" That is the name given to the Maldives newest addition, a 32,000 square foot private island - its largest yet and perfect timing for a post-COVID world. The island can accommodate 24 guests in three buildings: there's a two-bedroom overwater villa with indoor and outdoor rain showers, a shared living room, infinity pool and Jacuzzi; a three-bedroom beach villa with two swimming pools; and the four-bedroom residence, which comes with two king bedrooms, two queen bedrooms, Jacuzzies and large common living area, all with direct access to the beach. Nils-Arne Schroeder, vice president of luxury and lifestyle for Hilton Asia Pacific launched it by saying: "Designed for the most discerning of travellers, the Ithaafushi -- The Private Island is the epitome of exclusivity, perfectly placed within one of the most inspirational destinations in the world where a dedicated team anticipates every need and delivers the brand's elegant and effortless service at every turn," The island is located a 4o minute yacht ride away from the Maldives largest international airport, Male. Guests are able to make use of all facilities at the main Waldorf Astoria resort which is only a 10 minute ride away. https://waldorfastoria3.hilton.com/en/hotels/maldives/waldorf-astoria-maldives-ithaafushi-MLEONWA/accommodations/K1ZFP5.html The Maldives is currently open to visitors as long as they show a negative PCR test for coronavirus at least 96 hours prior to departure. I recommend checking the FCO advice prior to any travel for the latest advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/maldives    

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England confirms COVID testing for all arrivals

14th Jan 2021 0

The UK government has announced that all arrivals into England by boat, train or plane will have to test negative up to 72 hours before leaving the country of departure from Monday 18th January 2021 at 4am. This includes British nationals who are abroad which is estimated at over 100,000. In Scotland the rules apply from 4am on Friday 15th January and it is expected that Wales and Northern Ireland will announce similar plans in the coming days. These rules were initially meant to come into place this week but were delayed by the Transport Secretary Grant Shapps and announced via his Twitter account where he said: "To give international arrivals time to prepare, passengers will be required to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test before departure to England from Monday 18 January at 4am." These measures are in addition to the quarantine requirements in place for a number of destinations, including Dubai which was removed earlier this week: https://www.experiencedtravellers.com/news/dubai-removed-from-travel-corridor/ Anyone arriving from destinations that are not on the travel corridor must self-isolate for 10 days. These measures are a step in the right direction to limit the infection and death rate in the UK which hit records this week with over 1,5000 deaths reported on Wednesday: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk With travel changes occurring frequently, I recommend all passengers look at FCO advice prior to making any travel plans: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Under current restrictions, you must stay at home and only travel for legally permitted reasons such as business or education.  

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Maldives Added To Travel Corridor List

22nd Oct 2020 0

Grant Shapps has announced that UK holidaymakers will no longer be required to quarantine on their return from the Maldives. The changes will take effect from 4am on Sunday 25th October 2020. The changes will apply to anyone already in the Maldives that returns after 4am on 25th Ocotber. There is a catch Only travellers booked on direct flights to the Maldives will be able to benefit from these new changes. The reason for this is that the indirect flights on the most popular airlines flying into the Maldives such as Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines all require passengers to disembark the aircraft whilst in transit in these airline’s respective hub airports. As all these hub airports are located in countries that are excluded from the travel corridors, passengers will still be required to quarantine on their return. Its British Airways only for now! If the countries where the hub airports of any indirect airlines flying to the Maldives are located are added to the list of travel corridors, then it will be possible to fly on these airlines without quarantining on your return. For now however, British Airways is the only airline that you can fly to the Maldives on without having to quarantine on your return. FCO & Travel Insurance The good news is that the Maldives is no longer on the list of countries where the FCO advises against all but essential travel. As a result your travel insurance will most likely no longer be invalidated if you choose to travel to the Maldives however, you should check with your travel insurance provider before making a booking.

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British Airways Luxury Sale (Ends 3rd November)

22nd Oct 2020 0

British Airways has launched its luxury sale offering some exceptionally good deals for Club World on select routes. “Luxury sale is a little misleading because the sale only covers Club World and not first class. New York Club Suite for £1,186 The best deal in the sale is London Heathrow to New York at £1,186. If you select the right flights you will even get the new Club Suite. The best deals in the sale North America is light on deals in this luxury sale with only Los Angeles and New York. But there are some amazing deals in to the Caribbean. Going east, the best deals would have to be Mumbai, Delhi and Abu Dhabi. Amman and Cairo are £635 and £605 respectively, but you will get the smaller A321 former BMI aircraft with the throne seats in Club World. You do still however earn 140 tier points on both these routes so would be paying about 2.16 per tier point on the return flight. The lowest fares North America New York £1,186 Los Angeles £1,593 Middle East & Africa Abu Dhabi £1,280 Abuja £2,079 Accra £2,080 Amman £637 Cairo £605 Cape Town £1,980 Dubai £1,480 Johannesburg £1,780 Mauritius £1,645 Muscat £1,591 Nairobi £1,980 Tel Aviv £991 South East Asia Bangkok £1,779 Seoul £1,449 Sydney £2,889 Tokyo £1,878 Asia Bengaluru £1,845 Chennai £1,629 Hyderabad £1,747 Mumbai £1,386 New Delhi £1,293 Caribbean and South America Antigua £1,400 Bermuda £2,654 Barbados £1,384 Buenos Aires £1,980 Grand Cayman £1,591 Grenada £1,400 Kingston £1,196 Montego Bay £1,195 Nassau £1,772 Port of Spain £1,545 Providenciales £1,558 Punta Cana £1,195 Rio de Janeiro £1,780 San Jose Costa Rica £1,591 Santiago £2,190 Sao Paulo £1,780 St Kitts £1,496 St Lucia £1,355 Tobago £1,499 The sale ends on 3rd November A little secret These fares are bookable on the British Airways website as well as many other online travel sites. If you are booking a flight for 2021, you will still have to pay the full price up front. If you book these flights with me, I can secure you these fares for a deposit of only £75. There is a catch, and that is that you will have to book a hotel as well, however, if you were planning on booking a hotel anyway, then I will be able to get you a better deal than most sites you will find online. Your deposit of £75 will secure you business class flight at these low fares and your hotel reservation and you wont need to pay your balance until 4 weeks before departure.  

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Princess Cruises makes changes to its 2021 UK and European cruise line-up

28th Sep 2020 0

Princess Cruises has announced its new line-up of 2021 UK and Europe-based cruises, with three Royal-class ships based in Europe, including the newest addition to the line’s fleet, Enchanted Princess. The ships will sail on a series of voyages to the Mediterranean, northern Europe, British Isles and Canada & New England. Enchanted Princess is due to officially join the Princess fleet later this year, and will spend May to September, 2021 sailing roundtrip from Rome on a series of brand new 7 and 14 night voyages calling at a variety of Mediterranean destinations including Corfu, Kotor, Marseille and Naples. The ship will then continue to sail between Rome and Barcelona on a series of 11 night Grand Mediterranean voyages. Sky Princess will spend its first UK season from April to September, 2021 sailing roundtrip from Southampton on 8 and 12-night British Isles cruises, as well as a series of 12-night Scandinavia & Russia voyages. Similarly, Regal Princess will spend April to October sailing from Southampton to a variety of destinations including Iceland and Norway, the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, the Baltic and Canada & New England,with voyages ranging in length from 4 to 24-nights. All voyages in the new line-up are included as part of Princess’ latest stateroom upgrade offer, meaning that all customers booking these voyages between September 22, 2020 and November 23, 2020 can take advantage of a free upgrade to a balcony from an inside stateroom. “Having three Royal-class ships sailing in Europe next year including two based in Southampton is testament to our commitment to offering U.K. holidaymakers an enhanced Medallion Class service, new onboard experiences and a wealth of holiday options without the need to travel too far from home,” said Tony Roberts, Vice President, Princess Cruises UK and Europe. “We truly are so excited for every guest to experience these voyages,” he added. “The addition of the new itineraries gives UK guests the opportunity to visit more destinations from Southampton than ever before, as well as the ease of travelling roundtrip from Rome for those who prefer to take a short flight straight out to the sunshine.” “With the free balcony upgrade now available and so many itineraries to choose from, there really is no better time to book,” he added. All Europe 2021 voyages onboard Regal Princess and Baltic sailings on Sky Princess are now available to book. The new roundtrip Rome departures onboard Enchanted Princess and British Isles sailings on Sky Princes will be available to book in early October.

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Tunisia closed to Brits as it adds UK to red list

28th Sep 2020 0

Tunisia has effectively shut its borders to UK nationals owing to the increasing severity of the UK’s coronavirus epidemic. From Monday (28 September), the UK has been reclassified under Tunisia’s Covid traffic light system as a red country. This means anyone who travels to Tunisia from the UK as of Monday will be denied entry unless they are a Tunisian national, or have permanent residency in Tunisia. Previously, any UK nationals travelling to Tunisia had to take a Covid test 72 hours before arrival, and complete 14 days self-isolation on arrival – even if the test came back negative. Travellers could pay for an additional Covid test after seven days’ self-isolation, if they wished, to end their quarantine early if negative. The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Tunisia to reflect the changes. "From the 28 September, the UK will be classified as a ’red’ country," said the FCDO. "This means that you will only be permitted to enter Tunisia if you are a Tunisian national or a permanent resident in Tunisia. British nationals that are not permanent residents in Tunisia will not be permitted to enter the country."

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With the ever changing FCO travel advice, we have 6 UK destinations to recommend for October Half Term

28th Sep 2020 0

The FCO has  no longer has an indefinite ban (hurrah!) but, with the ever changing advice on which destination we can travel to, a British break is still looking most likely for the next few of months. Here are six places in the UK that can easily stand-in for some iconic destinations around the world. Isle of Skye, Scotland If you have clients who loved the wild scenery of Iceland’s ring-road and coast or the pretty coloured houses of its capital Reykjavík, you could suggest a visit to the Isle of Skye. The capital of Portree is a pretty fishing village with pink, green, blue and yellow cottages lining the harbour. Outside town the scenery is easily as otherworldly as Iceland. Instead of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, head to the Trotternish Peninsula. Trotternish Ridge was formed by a massive landslip which has created high cliffs, hidden plateaus and pinnacles of black rock, partly smothered in mossy green. Visible from the same point in this area are the 90-metre-tall Kilt Rock, which looks like a pleated kilt made up of basalt columns, and the Mealt waterfall which plummets from the top of the cliffs to the rock-laden coast below. Competing with the spiked black rocks at Reynisdrangar Beach is the Old Man of Storr, a natural pinnacle which can be seen for miles.               Hadrian’s Wall, Northern England Construction of the Great Wall Of China started in 220BC and its 13,000 miles took over 2,500 years to finish by several dynasties. By comparison, the construction of Hadrian's Wall started in 122AD and it took six years to complete the 73 miles of fortifications. But size isn’t everything and this military barrier created by the Roman Emperor to keep the Barbarians at bay is no less fascinating or scenic, snaking as it does through the rolling green hills and rugged moors of Northern England. Visitors can explore the remains of bath houses, ramparts and turrets, watch live excavations and learn what life was like as a Roman solider. Other attractions along the way include Carlisle Castle with its bloody history; historic Hexham, home to England’s oldest purpose-built prison; and the pretty coastal town of Bowness-on-Solway.             Kent countryside Francophiles need no longer yearn for the lavender fields of Provence or the vineyards of Burgandy - just hop in a car and drive to Kent. Castle Farm is one of England's largest lavender growers and during the summer months its gently sloping fields are awash with a purple carpet of this fragrant flower - 90 acres to be precise. The farm’s Hop Shop sells bottles of soporific lavender oil and hops as well as local honey. And while Kent has always been famous for its hops, the garden of England is now equally as famous for its wine. With excellent growing conditions and similar soils to the Champagne region of France, Kent’s sparkling wines now compete with Bollinger and Moet. Drive through Kent and the chances are you’ll see rows of vines melting into the horizon along its south-facing chalky slopes. There are over 50 vineyards, ranging from the famous Chapel Down, with its 100 acres of vines, to the boutique winery of Barnsole.           Portmeirion, Wales If your clients are aching for the Italian Riviera, with its brightly-coloured houses clinging to a green and craggy coastline, head to North Wales. Portmeirion is a private village designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis in the early 20th century, set on the estuary of the River Dwyryd in Gwynedd. He purposely modelled it on an Italian village and as a tribute to the atmosphere of the Mediterranean he loved, but also intended it as a tourist attraction. It’s home to two hotels, a cluster of historic cottages, a spa, stylish boutique shops, award-winning restaurants, an Italian ice cream parlour, exotic gardens and sandy beaches. Endangered buildings and unwanted artefacts from all over the globe were transported and rebuilt to create a cluster of terracotta-roofed houses painted in bright colours. Other notably Italianate features include the gardens and a campanile, or bell tower. The site was where the cult 1960s TV series The Prisoner was filmed and is now home to the annual Festival Number Six, named after its star.             The Royal Pavilion, Brighton The Taj Mahal is breathtakingly beautiful and a testament to love, but it is a tomb nevertheless, commissioned by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house his favourite wife. Brighton’s Royal Pavilion, however, was built purely for fun by King George IV - the Prince of Wales at the time - and intended as a seaside pleasure palace to relax and entertain. You could be forgiven for thinking you’d entered an Indian emperor’s realm as you gaze up at the cream building’s islamic-style onion domes, towering minarets and symmetrical arches. Inside the style is more Chinese and reflecting the fun-loving Prince’s flamboyant tastes in art and culture - with intricately gilded domed ceilings and exotic Chinese vases, pagodas and bright silks, along with decorative palm tree columns and spectacular chandeliers and painted lanterns. It’s so 'OTT' that Queen Victoria washed her hands of it and moved the royal seaside residence to the more demure Osborne House on the Isle of Wight after saying "the people of Brighton were “indiscreet and troublesome". Visit Brighton for a taste of India in the UK’s LGBTQ capital.           Trebah Garden, Cornwall The exotic South Pacific seems like a world away right now, and you’d be right - even at the best of times. But down in Cornwall, Trebah Garden could stand in for a steamy South Seas island. Set in a valley, four miles of footpaths wind under a canopy of vibrant flowers - rhododendrons instead of hibiscus; magnolias in place of frangipani. Visitors can walk under the cover of giant rhubarb, with prickly stems as thick as a man’s wrist, past exotic ferns and palm trees, and through a valley of blue, purple and pink hydrangeas, all tumbling down to a secluded beach on the Helford River. Polgwidden Cove’s white pebbles are lapped by clear azure waters when the sun is shining. Trebah Garden can also transport you to the gardens of the Far East thanks to its grove of towering green, gold and black bamboo and a koi carp pool nestled in lush foliage.

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What are my rights if the FCO change their travel advice?

28th Sep 2020 0

There are an array of conflicting views on what rights the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangement Regulations 2018 confer upon members of the travelling public. The historical view has always been that if the FCO advise against travel to a destination then the consumer is entitled to cancel their holiday to that destination and obtain a full refund within 14 days and without any penalties. This is the position that ABTA has taken for Covid 19 and it has asked all members to undertake that they will operate on this basis. Last week, Love Holidays and On The Beach both resigned their membership of ABTA because they believe ABTA is wrong. They both argued that whilst it has been convention to offer full refunds when the FCO advises against travel to a destination, that is not actually what is prescribed under the regulations. They have both said that if the airline operates the flight the customer is booked to travel on and the hotel the customer is due to stay at is open and operational, they will not offer refunds unless they are able to obtain refunds from their suppliers. So what does the law actually say? We have summarised the arguments from both sides. The customer is entitled to a full refund! ABTA’s position is that the travel industry has always recognised that there is an expectation or a requirement to refund package customers where the national authority advises against travel to a destination. They say that advice issued by the FCO against travel is evidence of the existence of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances at the destination referred to in the advice. Under part 3, regulation 12, the regulations state that “the traveller may terminate the package travel contract before the start of the package without paying any termination fee” but only “in the event of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occurring at the place of destination or its immediate vicinity and which significantly affect the performance of the package”. ABTA says that Package Holiday contracts are a special form of contract where the consumer specifically books because of the “peace of mind” it offers. ABTA therefore says that even if all the travel services can be delivered, a package holiday contract will be significantly affected where the FCO advises against travel as that will affect the consumer’s peace of mind. This is particularly relevant where it also affects the travel insurance that customers have to allow them to deal with issues that might arise at the destination whilst on the holiday. They consider that this is in line with both consumer and industry expectation. If the services operate then the customer has no right to a refund Love Holidays and On The Beach take a very different view to ABTA. They say that legislation can’t be interpreted by a trade body, especially when the wording of the legislation does not contain any specific provisions on government travel advice. The counter argument pivots on one central point- the regulations never envisaged a situation like the one the Covid 19 brought about. Proponents argue that historically, the FCO would only advise against travel in extreme circumstances where there was a real danger for UK travellers going to that destination. More importantly however, they argue that FCO advice in and of itself does not entitle a traveller to claim a full refund under Part 3, regulation 12 of the regulations. They say that if the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangement Regulations 2018 intended to incorporate the advice of government bodies that impacted travel, this would have been drafted into the wording or clarified within the guidance notes to the legislation. Both Love Holidays and On the Beach argue that where an airline is operating a flight to a destination and the accommodation is open and accepting guests, they are fulfilling their contractual obligations by providing the customer what they have paid for. If the client cannot travel for any reason, they will have to bear the costs of this as it is a matter of choice. They say the customer is able to travel but chooses not to. So who decides which position is correct? The likes of Simon Calder and Martin Lewis will continue to go on TV and give their opinions as to what the law says. The problem is that neither is a lawyer and ultimately, complex issues like this can only be determined by the courts. Ultimately, this matter will not be resolved until it is brought before the courts. We expect that there will be a few claims in the County Court brought by litigants in person where typically the judge will side with the consumer. We expect that one of the bigger travel companies will either seek to move the claim to the High Court or appeal a County Court judgement in the High Court. The High Court will then address the issue on the specific wording of the legislation. The ruling could go either way! Should I book a holiday? Until the legal position has been clarified, all consumers are taking a risk if they choose not to travel for any reason if the services they have booked are operational on the dates of their travel. It is advisable to obtain insurance cover for this specific risk although the options for cover are becoming ever more limited and that which is available will be very expensive. A number of airlines and hotels have recognised the risks consumers are being asked to take and are therefore offering flexible deals that will not provide an option to cancel but will offer the option of re-scheduling travel plans without any penalties up to 24 hours prior to departure. There are also other travel companies that are guaranteeing full refunds if any client is unable to travel as a result of changing FCO advice. You should however look into the company offering the guarantee to ensure that they have the financial standing to be able to deliver on their undertaking.

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Coronavirus travel insurance: who will cover me?

28th Sep 2020 0

More than two dozen travel insurers now offer some form of coronavirus cancellation cover, as travel corridor changes and rising case numbers make it more valuable than ever. But there’s a huge amount of difference between insurers in terms of what’s actually covered. Here, Which? breaks down those differences to help you understand which insurer will cover you for what and answer questions about claims, vouchers and travel corridors. Will travel insurance cover me for COVID-19? Dozens of insurers stopped selling travel insurance after the start of the pandemic, but since then, large numbers have returned to the market – many with some form of ‘COVID-19 cover’. In terms of coronavirus, we can split them into three general groups: Those that don’t cover COVID-19 Some insurance policies come with a ‘general exclusion’ against claims stemming from coronavirus. With these, if your claim is related to the pandemic, they won’t pay out. Those that cover COVID-19 medical expenses, but nothing else These will pay out if you catch the virus abroad. They won’t cover you for anything else related to coronavirus. Those that cover COVID-19 medical expenses and cancellation Broadly, this means that in certain circumstances you’ll be able to claim if coronavirus stops you from travelling. To our knowledge, at least 25 insurers now fall into that third category, which is great news for anyone who wants more comprehensive post-lockdown travel cover. We list them all below. The problem is, there’s a wide range of what’s actually covered within that group. With all of them, you’ll be covered if you need to cancel because you’ve caught coronavirus. But if someone else in your household gets COVID-19, or if you’re self-isolating without being infected, you might not be. The table below shows which insurers will cover you in six potential scenarios. It’s worth noting that these scenarios are not the only reasons you might need to make a coronavirus-related cancellation claim and that some of these insurers will cover other situations. Additionally, it may be that some of these insurers only offer COVID-19 cancellation cover with certain policies. If your destination restricts its borders before you travel for reasons relating to the pandemic Nationwide If the FCO changes its advice before you travel Nationwide If your hotel closes while you are there Axa, Big Blue Cover, Insurefor, Jet2, Leisure Guard, MRL Insurance, Nationwide If you’ve been told to self-isolate by the NHS, but haven’t been tested AllClear, Allianz Assistance, Asda, Axa, Co-op, JustTravelCover, LV,  Nationwide, Trailfinders If a family/household member is diagnosed with COVID-19, meaning you have to self-isolate AllClear, Allianz Assistance, Abta, Asda, Axa, Co-op, JustTravelCover, LV, Nationwide, Staysure, Trailfinders If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 Abta, AllClear, Allianz Assistance, Alpha Travel Insurance,  Asda, Axa, Big Blue Cover, Co-op, Dogtag, Flexicover, Get Going, Holidaysafe, Insurancewith, Insurefor, Jet2, JustTravelCover,  Leisure Guard, LV, MRL Insurance, Nationwide, Postcard, Saga, Spectrum, Staysure, TopDog, Trailfinders As you can see, only one insurer (Nationwide) covers you if the FCO changes its advice after you book, because of a development related to the pandemic. And Nationwide is also the only insurer that will pay out if your destination country restricts its borders. Of all the policies we’ve found, Nationwide’s has the widest coronavirus cover. The downside is that it won’t work for a single-trip policy; you can only get Nationwide travel insurance if you open a bank account with the building society. Can I get insured for every risk? Now that more than two dozen insurers are offering coronavirus cancellation cover, it is theoretically possible for you to be insured against many of the things that might go wrong with post-lockdown travel – but not necessarily for everything. Most travel insurers will not cover you if the FCO changes its advice before you fly – as it has in the case of Portugal and others – or if the government orders another lockdown. It’s also still very rare to find cover for if the country you’re travelling to changes its border policy and doesn’t let you in. You won’t find an insurer that will cover you simply if you change your mind about travelling – for example, if cases in your destination country are rising but the FCO has not warned against going there. And although medical expenses cover is more widely available, COVID-19 is still a threat and it’s still deadly, so you need to take every precaution to make sure you’re safe if you do go abroad. Find

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10 Ways to Enjoy Pools and Beaches While Staying Safe From COVID-19

28th Sep 2020 0

If you’ve been desperately waiting to dip your toes into the water (we know we have), then we have some good news: visiting your favorite pools and beaches this summer is still doable, according to the CDC, as long as you abide by these safety measures. If you’ve been itching to get your feet wet, here are some ways to quench your swim craving without compromising your safety. 1. Stay six feet away from each other, even while you’re in the water. “Experts generally agree that swimming in pools is safe because chlorine and bromine kill COVID-19,” says Aimee Ferraro, PhD, senior core faculty at Walden University's Master of Public Health. Although there is no evidence stating that COVID-19 can spread through recreational water, it’s still possible for it to spread in other ways, such as when swimmers come up for air or touch communal surfaces. If it’s not possible to stay six feet apart from others while in and out of the water, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises choosing a different, less-crowded location. 2. Opt for swimming at a local pool or beach to reduce unnecessary travel. The CDC advises against unnecessary travel during the pandemic, “as travel may require you to stop along the way or be in close contact with others with whom you may not otherwise have contact.” Opting for spending the day at a local pool or beach can help reduce the risk of contracting and spreading the virus. When deciding where to go, Dr. Ferraro suggests choosing an outdoor, private pool rather than an indoor, public pool, if possible. 3. Don’t be afraid to overpack. You’ll need to pack your bags with more than just sunscreen and towels this summer. In addition to your basic beach essentials, be sure to pack extra hand sanitizer, especially if you can’t use a public restroom to wash your hands, extra masks (the CDC suggests bringing two per person, in case one gets wet), and extra drinking water, since it’s likely that public water fountains will be off-limits. 4. Wear a mask while you’re moving around, but not while you’re swimming. Without a mask, viral particles can easily spread from person-to-person. It’s very important to “consider the higher risk in crowded areas, including bathrooms, locker rooms, and restaurants,” says Dr. Ferraro. Swimming with a mask on, however, is ill-advised: “People should not wear cloth face coverings while engaged in activities that may cause the cloth face covering to become wet,” says the CDC. “A wet cloth face covering may make it difficult to breathe.” If you’re wondering where everyone else is getting their masks from, check out which masks are the most popular on Amazon. 5. Look up specific rules put in place for your swimming destination before you go. Most beaches and pools have implemented regulations to avoid the spread of the virus. For instance, at the beach, public restroom use might be limited, picnic areas may be unavailable, tents could be prohibited, and water fountains will likely be off-limits. For those visiting public pools, the regulations might be even tighter due to a more confined space. The YMCA, for example, conducts temperature checks, requires one-hour pool reservations, and is not allowing hot tub, sauna, and steam room use, according to Amelia Baker, chief marketing officer for YMCA of South Hampton Roads. Not to mention, each state has different laws regarding what you can and can’t do at the beach and at public pools. “Beachgoers in Connecticut are required to stay [about 15 feet] away from each other,” says Finn Cardiff, founder of Beachgoer. “You may also find it difficult to get into beach entrances in New Jersey because of reduced admission and your kids might not enjoy the full beach experience in Orange County because building sandcastles is prohibited.” 6. Don’t share swimming gear, towels, food, or other items with people you don’t live with. While some of us might be used to renting swimming gear, towels, and umbrellas from pool facilities and beach stands, those shops are likely to be shut down. The same might apply to restaurants and locker rooms. The YMCA, for example, isn’t offering pool noodles, kickboards, kick pads, or other swimming accessories to the public “as they are much too difficult to sanitize effectively between use,” says Baker. 7. Sanitize, sanitize, sanitize. Soap and water are preferable, but using hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol works, too. According to the CDC, beachgoers and pool visitors should be sure to “wash [their] hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating or drinking and when they arrive and leave the swim area.” If you’re going to a public pool, here are some other ways to stay safe, even when there’s not a pandemic. 8. Research the general surroundings of your destination before arriving. According to Shawn Nasseri, MD, a Mayo Clinic-trained ear, nose, and throat surgeon, the public should avoid beaches in close vicinity to sewage runoffs, especially after it rains. “A sewer runoff could potentially release infectious particles,” such as "coliform bacteria (bacteria from the colon), which can infect swimmers and surfers,” he says. Although the CDC doesn’t believe the risk of virus transmission is high if the sewage is properly maintained, Dr. Nasseri urges beachgoers to err on the safer side and steer clear of beach areas within a mile radius of runoffs. 9. Keep group outings to a minimum. Many public pools and beaches have a set maximum number of occupants, even when there isn’t a pandemic. With new regulations in place amidst COVID-19, it’s likely the maximum occupancy is reduced. If you’re planning a pool or beach day with a group of people, make sure you’re only visiting with people you live with. Don L. Goldenberg, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine, suggests that “sitting in close proximity on beach/pool chairs or on blankets should be restricted to families with separation of six to 10 feet from other groups.” Be sure to check your local COVID-19 safety guidelines to see if your state’s requirements are different. 10. Schedule your visit during off-peak hours. One of the best ways to avoid crowds is to plan your pool or beach visit during off-peak hours; for many swimming spots, that means weekdays and early mornings or late afternoons. Fewer people means less COVID-related anxiety, and less COVID-related anxiety means more time for you and your family to finally soak up some sun. If you’re going to be out, just remember to load up on the SPF and reapply every two to three hours.

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Is there a risk of catching Covid 19 when flying?

28th Sep 2020 0

If you decide to fly, the odds that you will pick up Covid-19 are low, according to one expert analysis. Despite the known dangers of crowded, enclosed spaces, planes have not been the sites of so-called superspreading events, at least so far. That’s not to say flying is perfectly safe — safety is relative and subjective. But as restrictions continue to change, the only way to move forward through this long pandemic is to start thinking in terms of risk-benefit ratios. Very little is without risk, but perhaps some risks — such as flying — are small enough to warrant taking. Arnold Barnett, a professor of management science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has been trying to quantify the odds of catching Covid-19 from flying. He’s factored in a bunch of variables, including the odds of being seated near someone in the infectious stage of the disease, and the odds that the protection of masks (now required on most flights) will fail. He’s accounted for the way air is constantly renewed in airplane cabins, which experts say makes it very unlikely you’ll contract the disease from people who aren’t in your immediate vicinity — your row, or, to a lesser extent, the person across the aisle, the people ahead of you or the people behind you. What Barnett came up with was that we have about a 1/4300 chance of getting Covid-19 on a full 2-hour flight — that is, about 1 in 4300 passengers will pick up the virus, on average. The odds of getting the virus are about half that, 1/7700, if airlines leave the middle seat empty. He’s posted his results as a not-yet-peer-reviewed preprint. The odds of dying of a case contracted in flight, he found, are even lower — between 1 in 400,000 and 1 in 600,000 — depending on your age and other risk factors. To put that in perspective, those odds are comparable to the average risk of getting a fatal case in a typical two hours on the ground. The numbers all sound low enough, though Barnett says they are still high compared to the 1 in 34 million odds your flight will end in a deadly crash. He told me he wouldn’t fly right now because his age, 72, puts him at higher risk than the average American, and he says you have to consider the risk of adding to the problem by getting the virus and unknowingly passing it on to others. Other experts have been mixed on whether they, personally, would fly. The Boston Globe recently reported that of 15 epidemiologists and infectious disease experts surveyed, 13 said they would not fly at this time — however it wasn’t clear whether they had any reason to get on a plane. University of Massachusetts biology professor Erin Bromage says he is flying every week, as he advises federal, state and district courts on how to reopen while minimizing risks. Whereas many experts are taking a zero-tolerance for risk approach, he’s trying to find a middle ground — and helping others do it in a rational way. Drawing on a background in industrial mechanics and pilot training (an injury forced him to switch career paths into biology), Bromage says that the air exchange system in planes is better than in hospitals, with the air in the cabin being completely replaced 30 times every hour. He agrees with MIT’s Barnett, though, that it’s possible to transmit the disease to or from your close neighbors. He and Barnett both suggested that customers should, if possible, choose an airline, such as Jet Blue, that promises to keep the middle seat open. That cuts way back on the odds of getting or giving the virus. JetBlue also promises that solo travelers won’t have a neighbor in a two-seat row. Real-world data bodes well for flying, too. Australia has been using contact tracing to investigate Covid transmission on hundreds of flights, and has found that while infected people got on planes, nobody got infected on a plane. Worldwide, there have been a couple of individual transmissions possibly linked to flights, but no superspreading-type events. Assuming we’ll be living with this disease for months to come, we will need ways to separate low-risk activities from high-risk ones. Keeping informed of relative risks can help us do that. By worrying less about the relatively safer part of a trip — the actual flight — we can pay more attention to the potentially riskier parts, such as crowds and tightly packed lines at the airport. Of course, we’re all obligated to avoid adding to the spread of the disease, and this means taking precautions in the air, such as wearing a mask and staying home if sick, and keeping a distance from others at the airport. What happens at your destination matters too. Traveling around and mingling with distant contacts can increase the risk of spreading the virus more than mingling with a comparable number of people closer to home. So people can help themselves and others by driving their own cars to the airport and renting cars wherever they arrive, rather than taking taxis or ride-shares. In the old normal, Bromage would wrap up his advisory duties and have dinner with the people he’s working with. Now, he just goes back to his hotel room. “It’s quite lonely,” he says. Like so much this year, it’s a compromise.

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Barbados adds UK to list of high-risk countries

28th Sep 2020 0

The UK has been placed on a list of ‘high-risk’ countries by Barbados. The Caribbean nation, the most popular in the region among British travellers, will introduce updates to its protocols on arrivals from October 1. Updates include mandatory second tests for travellers arriving from high and medium-risk countries to be taken 4-5 days after the first accepted negative test that was already required. They must quarantine until the result of this second test. If it is positive they must remain in self-isolation. Seven-day monitoring will also be introduced for arrivals from high-risk countries, of which the UK is now one, in addition to quarantine. Monitoring includes interviews and assessments with public health professionals and, should circumstances arise during the period of monitoring, visitors may be asked to undergo an additional Covid-19 PCR test. The Barbados Ministry of Tourism said that, as of September 24: “The United Kingdom will be categorized as a high-risk country in accordance with the country risk assessments conducted by the Barbados Ministry of Health & Wellness. As such, persons travelling from or transiting through the UK will be required to follow the protocols under the High-Risk Category.”

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Bulgari Resort Dubai Palm Jumeirah Review

28th Sep 2020 0

The fifth addition to the Bulgari Hotels & Resorts portfolio, a small global collection that began with Milan in 2004 and includes Bali, London and Beijing. Like all the hotels, the Dubai one was designed by Italian-based Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel with the same perfection as the brand’s jewellery. The low-slung architecture makes a pleasing contrast to the city’s glass-fronted skyscrapers, and the marble façade is defined by coral-like layers that filter dappled sunlight. THE PLACE The Bulgari Resort Dubai opened in 2017 in just about the most Dubai way possible: with a lavish, celeb-filled bash in Bulgari's new property on Jumeirah Bay, a manmade island shaped like a seahorse. Bulgari have only recently branched out from the world of high-end jewellery and into hospitality, but their fifth hotel is a remarkably assured debut in the Middle East. With a superlative spa, hotel rooms and private villas, marina and beach, and an increasing number of dining options, you could spend all of your time (and money) here without interacting with the wider city. THE LOCATION The Bulgari is the only hotel that will be built on Jumeirah Bay. The remoteness guarantees peace and quiet, but also means that in a city where it's already almost impossible to walk anywhere, there's definitely no need to pack comfortable shoes. Despite the sand having just settled on this new island, the beach is golden, the waters inviting, and the sense of privacy matched only by the obvious expense of the resort's construction. The marina at the heart of the property (Bulgari's first) has proved to be instantly popular for affluent boat owners, too. THE SPACE Given it's new, it's no surprise to learn that everything inside the Bulgari feels incredibly modern. No design element has happened by accident, and while the branding is everywhere (nowhere more conspicuously than in the boutique, of course) it never feels overbearing. The total complex features the 101-room, 20-villa resort itself, as well as six residential buildings of 173 sea-facing apartments, 15 private mansions, and a beach club. Altogether, the Italian designers have developed 130,000 square metres of virgin island for their property. The main hotel is perhaps the most striking building, with coral style cladding and a profile that looks, from certain angles, like an enormous luxury yacht. THE ROOM When fashion brands dip their toes in the world of hospitality, they often err on the side of caution. A few kilometres away the Armani Hotel at the Burj Khalifa is a lesson in how to take two exciting ideas and make them boring. The Bulgari Resort's room may be heavy on beiges, browns, and golds, but the arabesque design elements and bold bathroom keep it from feeling dull. The rooms overlooking the central marina are bathed in sunlight most of the day, meaning if you don't fancy the beach, you can catch as many rays as you please from your own, inviting balcony. Possibly the most popular feature is the mini-bar, which looks like an upturned piece of Victorian luggage you'd love to have at home. THE FOOD As the finishing touches are put to the entire complex, more and more third-party food and beverage outlets will open around the marina. Until then, you can walk or take a buggy over to the yacht club's restaurant, or visit La Spiaggia on the beach, but you'll definitely find yourself in Il Cafe, where an a-la-carte breakfast is served in a bright, airy space with tables inside and out. Their fine dining offering is Il Ristorante by Niko Romito. The Michelin-starred chef had a close hand in designing the menu for this restaurant, but it's hard to imagine this iteration winning any stars, even if the Guide covered Dubai. It's beautifully lit, feels suitably luxurious, and offers a tasting menu with wine pairing, but the quality of the food comes nowhere near matching its bloated price tag. STEPPING OUT Even if there was somewhere to walk to on Jumeirah Bay, for half the year it'd be too hot to do so. The Jumeirah neighbourhood – Dubai's classic expat commune – is a short taxi away and home to some of the city's best cafes as well as a mall, of course. THE VERDICT There are hotel groups that have been in the business far longer than Bulgari and do a far worse job of presenting properties. Depending on your tastes, its relatively remote location will either be the hotel's biggest asset or leave you feeling a little stranded. Nonetheless, those looking for luxury and something out of the ordinary will be well pleased. HIGHLIGHT Even if you haven't moored your private yacht in the marina, you'll likely spend a while ogling the spectacular vessels which are there, probably while sitting in the sunshine over a lovely breakfast from Il Cafe. LOWLIGHT The tasting menu at Il Ristorante started well, stumbled badly at the main, and ended with a whimper. Not having a pork licence is only a minor excuse when the price is over $200. Here's hoping the menu is revised soon.

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Jumeirah at Etihad Towers to reopen as Abu Dhabi's first Conrad hotel in October

28th Sep 2020 0

Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers will open on Thursday. The skyscraper hotel, run by Jumeirah since 2011, will reopen as a Conrad – the first in the capital – after an agreement between Hilton and Sheikh Suroor Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan. “Etihad Towers is the embodiment of modern and sophisticated luxury and I am delighted to be partnering with Hilton to open Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers,” Sheikh Suroor said. “Abu Dhabi’s global reputation will be further enhanced with the presence of the luxury Conrad brand – a suitable addition to the world-class retail and dining options available at this landmark development.” Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers has 12 dining concepts, including popular Japanese eatery Tori No Su and Italian restaurant BiCE. There are also three swimming pools with swim-up bars and a private beach that is accessible only to hotel guests. The hotel has 576 rooms, suites and residences, all with views of the Arabian Gulf or the Abu Dhabi corniche. The Royal Etihad Suite is the cream of the crop at 980 square metres in size and occupying the entirety of Level 60. Nils-Arne Schroeder, global brand head for Conrad Hotels & Resorts, said: “The debut of Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers in the capital of the UAE marks a significant milestone for the brand as we grow our portfolio in iconic locations around the world to better meet the needs of discerning travellers everywhere. “This hotel is perfectly placed to offer guests a truly inspired stay with personalised connections to the local cultural and artistic experiences for which Abu Dhabi is known, all anchored by Conrad’s signature intuitive guest service.” Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers joins 39 other Conrad hotels around the world, in destinations including Dubai, Bora Bora, London, New York and Singapore. The brand is part of Hilton’s luxury portfolio and is known for its modern design, upscale amenities and sense of place.

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Four destinations removed from UK’s travel corridor list

25th Sep 2020 0

Denmark, Slovakia, Iceland and Curacao have been removed from the Department for Transport’s ‘travel corridor’ list, meaning those returning to the UK from the destinations must self-isolate for 14 days. Transport secretary Grant Shapps made the announcement via Twitter, and the restrictions will come into force at 4am this Saturday (September 26). There were no additions to the travel corridor list this week in the now regular Thursday evening announcement. The Foreign Office changed its travel advice for the destinations shortly after Shapps’ Twitter announcement. It no longer exempts them from its blanket advice against all but essential travel. Caribbean British overseas territoy Montserrat was exempted from the blanket advisory. Shapps reminded travellers returning from destinations which are subject to quarantine restrictions that they face fines of up to £1,000 for breaching the self-isolation rules. Which? Travel editor Rory Boland said: “Consumer protections are breaking down over the FCDO’s advice. Package holiday customers should be offered a refund when the FCDO changes its advice to warn against non-essential travel, however some of the largest online travel agents are now refusing refunds for customers. “These companies are taking their lead from airlines who have faced no consequences for doing the same for months. Consumers have been left footing the bill, dragging confidence in the travel industry even lower.”

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Emirates resumes flights to South Africa, Mauritius and Zimbabwe

25th Sep 2020 0

Emirates is resuming flights to destinations across South Africa, as well as Zimbabwe and Mauritius. The Dubai airline will begin flying to all three countries in October as part of its network resumption plans. To South Africa, Emirates will resume flights to Johannesburg and Cape Town on Thursday, October 1. The airline will also begin flying to Durban from Sunday, October 4. This follows South Africa's recent announcement that it will reopen international borders about six months after it first closed them. More details on Emirates flight schedules for destinations across its South African network will be available on the airline's website later this week. Elsewhere, Emirates is also resuming services to Zimbabwe from October 1 and to Mauritius from Saturday, October 3. To Harare in Zimbabwe, Emirates will operate twice per week with flights linked to its existing Lusaka service. This linked service will connect Zambia and Zimbabwe to key destinations across the Emirates network via a stop in Dubai. Weekly flights to Mauritius Flights to the Indian Ocean island destination of Mauritius will resume from Dubai with one flight per week. This flight will operate every Saturday with the first journey set for October 3. All travellers flying to Dubai, including transit passengers, must have a negative Covid-19 PCR test before they can fly to the UAE. Emirates has introduced several safety measures on all flights including contactless check-in, PPE uniforms for crew and mandatory face masks for travellers. Passengers flying with the Dubai airline can also get free Covid-19 medical insurance if they contract the coronavirus while travelling.

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Cultural Florida- Beyond the beaches and theme parks

23rd Sep 2020 0

Fun-loving Florida is bursting with creativity, from mural-painted urban districts to artsy beach towns and air-conditioned galleries. Changing perceptions If you think about Florida it's more likely that a cartoonish pair of Mickey Mouse ears pop into your mind than a Salvador Dalí painting, but those that like a little culture mixed in with their roller coaster thrills don’t have to venture far from the theme parks to find everything from gritty street art to fine art galleries. Research from Visit Florida shows that its UK visitors tend not to spend their entire holiday in the parks and instead search out alternative attractions to keep stimulated. Some of Florida’s big art destinations include the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, which houses the largest collection of Dalí's works outside Europe; colour-drenched streets with larger-than-life murals in Mural Town, Punta Gorda; art deco and Spanish-style architecture in Miami and St. Augustine; Jacksonville’s 18 museums and galleries; and Sarasota, known as 'Florida’s Cultural Coast'. Walk on the arty side One of the best ways to enjoy Florida’s art scene is with an art walk. Many of the state’s small towns and cities open up galleries and studios to the public on a monthly basis as part of a combined effort to make art more accessible and fun. One such town is Ormond Beach, just north of Daytona Beach. On the first Saturday of every month seven galleries showcase work from different local talents, from handcrafted woodworks to fine art and thought-provoking photography - each piece giving an insight into the local surroundings. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply looking for an evening out filled with interesting conversation and good food and wine, an art walk is the perfect introduction to Florida’s creative side. Similar art walks include St. Augustine's First Friday (of the month) Artwalk, which includes 15 member galleries downtown; Tallahassee's First Friday Gallery Hop, which offers live music, open galleries and a food truck fare; Jacksonville's First Wednesday Art Walk, which has over 40 venues; Bradenton Village of the Arts First Weekend Artwalk and Miami's Second Saturday Wynwood Art Walk. Memorable murals A blank wall is merely an empty canvas in Florida. Across the state artists have taken to the streets to convey life-sized visual messages on buildings and blank public spaces. The Florida Mural Trail can be picked up state-wide and sees murals used as historical memoirs or dream-like fantasies. Wynwood Walls in Miami has transformed into a new tourist attraction thanks to an influx of murals. The arts district houses some of the world’s most famous mural artists, with dozens of eye-catching canvases to gaze at. Mural Town in Punta Gorda, between Fort Myers and Sarasota, showcases its history through nearly 30 murals in the downtown historic district. Beachside bliss is reflected in surf towns like New Smyrna Beach and St. Petersburg and the latter's Shine Festival brings international muralists to town to work alongside local artists every year. Grandiose galleries There are no stuffy museums or dusty galleries in Florida. Jacksonville is one of Florida’s big city art centres - its Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens houses more than 5,000 works of art against the natural backdrop of the St. Johns River. The Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art in Daytona Beach houses the largest collection of Florida art in the world. A walk through the six smaller galleries offers a glimpse into Floridian life, from paintings reflecting the weather to an exhibition entitled ‘Gone Fishin’ - a favourite pastime in the state. The Hub on New Smyrna’s Canal Street houses a collection of working artists with easels and paintbrushes in hand. Displaying a range of mediums and styles, visitors can capture artists in full swing with a walk around the light and bright studios where the artists are also warm and welcoming. Tallahassee's LeMoyne Center for the Visual Arts hosts three annual events (a Holiday Show, Chain of Parks Spring Festival, and Art and Soul Fall Art Auction), all showcasing contemporary visual arts. Catch-up on culture Florida’s Latin roots run deep, with Spanish, Cuban and Italian influences found across the state. Visitors can explore the region’s Spanish colonial past in Pensacola – one of Florida’s oldest cities – at historical sites like Fort Barrancas. They can also watch cigar rollers working at the Tampa Sweethearts Cigar Company, or explore Miami’s characterful Little Havana district. African American art is showcased at the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum in St. Petersburg, with regular concerts performed by its resident choir. And to give some context to some of this art, visit Jacksonville's Kingsley Plantation. Built in 1798, it's one of the oldest and one of the last remaining in Florida. Visitors can tour the grounds with its slave quarters, and learn about the controversial life of the landowner and his free African wife.

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Take advantage of a stop over when flying with Qatar- how to spend 48 hours in Doha

23rd Sep 2020 0

Once a centre for pearl diving, Doha is now one of the world’s richest and friendliest cities, filled with souqs, stunning architecture and more. Day 1: Coasting along Morning: Doha’s Corniche consists of five miles of landscaped waterfront overlooking the Arabian Gulf and it's the best place to get your bearings, take a stroll with the locals and watch the world go by. An excellent hop-on, hop-off bus service covers most of the main tourist sites in the Qatari capital and a great place to start it from is the famous Souq Waqif. Here, stalls are laden with spices, jewellery, cakes, clothing – even birds of prey. There are plenty of authentic Arabic cafes to take a break for some refreshing aromatic tea or bitter Arabic coffee and, of course, dates from the surrounding desert. Afternoon: Head north to The Pearl, an island attached to the Qatari peninsula that was built on reclaimed land but is now almost a city in itself. Packed with designer stores and deluxe apartments (available to foreign nationals) it is divided into twelve districts. Find Porto Arabia, which is the primary harbour with an almost two-mile-long seafront promenade - La Croisette. Blend in with the locals and sip from the seemingly endless options of soft drinks and mocktails. Evening: Dine aboard a traditional Qatari dhow. A cruise on one of these traditional wooden boats is the best way to take in the impressive, glittering Doha skyline, which includes iconic buildings like the cylindrical Burj Doha with it intricately patterned steel facade. Day 2: Soak up cultural Qatar Morning: Katara Cultural Village is the largest and most multi-dimensional cultural project of Qatar (Katara being the ancient name for Qatar). This sleek, open-air complex has a huge amphitheatre, plenty of restaurants, shops and cafes and a beach to relax on. Afternoon: At the end of Doha’s famous Corniche, built on a projecting peninsula, is the unmissable Museum Of Islamic Art. Designed by the famous I. M. Pei, the striking building contains the world’s most complete collection of Islamic artefacts from three continents over the last 1,400 years. Process the wonder of all you see in one of the workshops, libraries or its park area. If you’re peckish, its IDAM restaurant by chef Alain Ducasse (who has a restaurant at London's Dorchester hotel) offers the best of French Mediterranean cuisine. Evening: Everywhere is safe in Doha so the evening options for wandering are endless. People watching in parks or souks is a favoured pastime. The government says it’s committed to be ever-greener and environmentally sensitive so more parks, trees and cycling tracks will soon be in place as well as a new tram system from November 2019, with four lines connecting the three stadiums built for the 2022 World Cup. Finish with a meal in what is considered by many to be the best restaurant in Doha – the chic Nozomi with its array of classic Japanese dishes with a modern twist.

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Saudi Arabia's first Banyan Tree resort to open in Al Ula

23rd Sep 2020 0

Al Ula will be home to Saudi Arabia's first Banyan Tree resort. The company will take over the Ashar Resort in the historic north-western city and the expanded property will offer luxury accommodation designed to complement the natural scenery of the valley. The resort is about 15 kilometres from Hegra – a 52-hectare ancient city that was Saudi Arabia's first Unesco World Heritage site – and is also close to the Maraya entertainment venue, where artists such as Lionel Richie, Andrea Bocelli and Yanni recently performed. The new resort, which has not yet been given an opening date, will have 82 villas, with 47 new builds offering a mix of one, two and three-bedroom spaces. These luxury tented villas will give guests a sense of privacy, with shaded outdoor spaces and private paths. There will also be a spa with luxury wellness facilities, including a fully equipped gym and several swimming pools. A variety of restaurants will also give guests plenty of choice when it comes to dining. The resort's design will be sensitive to the environment. Sand-coloured tones and sympathetic architectural features will ensure that villas blend into the surroundings. With very low light pollution in the region, guests should be able to take advantage of Al Ula's epic stargazing opportunities and outdoor fire pits will keep everyone warm in the desert at night. The resort is well located for visitors keen on visiting Maraya – the largest mirrored building in the world. Crafted from 9,740 square metres of reflective panels, the building was named the popular choice winner in the architecture and glass category at the 2020 Architizer A+ Awards. Al Ula was to be a light-touch tourism destination with a focus on sustaining ecosystems and wildlife. The new partnership with Accor, Europe's biggest hospitality group and the parent company of Banyan Tree, is on brand. Banyan Tree's efforts in sustainability are well-known, with all of its resorts following a worldwide plastic-free pledge and committing to creating value for the communities in which they operate. “This new partnership demonstrates how Al Ula’s unique appeal as a cultural, heritage and nature destination fits with Accor’s Banyan Tree brand, which is synonymous with authentically unique experiences," said Amr Al Madani, chief executive of the Royal Commission for Al Ula. "We’re working with the world’s best developers and hotel operators to deliver projects that complement our cultural oasis, as well as benefiting our local community." The resort is one of several in development in the area, including three luxury properties by Aman. A resort in the Sharaan Nature Reserve is also being created by architect Jean Nouvel, who designed Louvre Abu Dhabi. These resorts will make up some of the accommodation offerings for the two million annual visitors that the Royal Commission of Al Ula expects to host by 2035.

6

Saudi Arabia? Tourism? Really?

23rd Sep 2020 0

Saudi Arabia might not be on your must-do list but it’s a country with big tourism ambitions and a secret weapon which will blow the minds of culture seekers the world over - Al Ula. Arabian arrival It’s late in the evening and, as our small convoy of huge 4WDs glides effortlessly into the Shaden Resort, it feels like I am on a sci-fi film set. Mountainous rock formations tower all around us and the complex is illuminated by floodlights. It is bitter cold in the desert but my group is offered the warmest of welcomes. I have arrived at Al Ula, an area that covers a region the size of Belgium and is Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. ‘Al Ula’ is also an ancient village of the same name. With its otherworldly landscapes and ancient buildings, Al Ula merges history and nature in an intoxicating way. It is quite simply the star of the country’s emerging tourism industry - but more about that later. At the Hegra site I feel as if I’m sleep walking around the ancient burial sites, such is the ethereal quality of these exquisitely carved archaeological wonders. They are covered in strange symbols, some portraying religious scenes or ancient debating forums, and others showing the hunting of animals like ibex, camels and horses. This is where important people were buried, in tombs carved out of the desert rocks and inscribed with the owners’ identities. Many remains, including bones and shrouds, have been recovered from these graves. Al-Ula’s origins go back to the 6th century BC, when Michelin-star dining Wearing strong walking shoes, we are transported deep into the desert, where we team up with other thrill-seekers for an extreme dune buggy experience. Think ‘Mad Max’, with suspension on each wheel designed to keep us safe as we hurtle across the undulating dunes, clinging on for dear life and ever grateful for our helmets and seatbelts. Curiously, at the furthest, most remote point, our experienced leader leads us on foot, like a willing lost tribe, along trails carved between the rocks, showing us dramatic Instagram-worthy views whilst delivering a memorable history lesson. We follow his instruction to sit down, and at his request engage in silent meditation.It is a weirdly emotional experience. The surprises keep coming as our guide whisks us off to the first of the Michelin-star-standard pop-up restaurants that have been parachuted into the Al Ula area. At the famous Annabels we are presented with a memorable taster menu that is as much an experience as it is a meal. Other dining extravaganzas include the elegant La Cantine Restaurant and Saas, where all customers and staff enter via a maze of beautifully lit caves and rocks, in places no more than 60cm wide. To set this restaurant up, everything was transported through this narrow entrance, except for the oven which was strapped to the back of a very strong man who climbed through a temporary access area! Ambitious plans Al Ula is crucial to the success of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 - quite possibly the world’s most ambitious tourism project ever conceived. Announced in July 2017 by Saudi Arabia’s crown prince, it’s a seismic undertaking that hopes to rocket Saudi into pole position among future global tourism players. The plan is to move the country away from its over-reliance on petrochemicals, which accounts for an unsustainable 87% of all budget revenue. The greater part of the Vision 2030 development is earmarked for the north-west coast, in particular ‘The Red Sea Project’. Covering nearly 11,000 square miles of land, this unprecedented transformation will deliver a range of island getaways and coastal resorts, presenting the world’s upscale travellers with futuristic travel experiences, mountain and desert adventures and other luxury pursuits. Cutting-edge technology will be applied to protect the coral reefs and diverse marine life. Sustainability is fundamental to the project, so perhaps unsurprisingly these developments are planned as 100% carbon neutral and with no single-use plastic. That is for the future, but there is plenty to see and do in Saudi right now. Where it all began Masmak Fort in Riyadh is a must-visit since it played a pivotal part in the country’s history. It was here, on January 14 1902, that Ibn Saud recaptured Riyadh from a rival clan – and subsequently became the first monarch and founder of Saudi Arabia - his heroism and courage becoming part of the new nation’s folklore. About an hour northwest of Riyadh is the perfectly named Edge Of The World, surrounded by rocky desert, the beautiful motorway becomes an off-road track of challenging 4WD-only terrain. It takes another hour, but it’s well worth the bone shaking journey. From high up on the cliffs the view down into the depths below and as far as the eye can see gives you unparalleled and uninterrupted views of the kingdom that Ibn Saud created. A short internal flight to Jeddah, on the Northwest Red Sea coast, provided me with another entirely different experience. For relaxation, a visit to a private beach club here is a great chance for relaxation, sunshine, and an invigorating swim where coral reef snorkelling is a delight. Jeddah Old Town is also known as Al Balad, just adjacent to Eve’s burial place (as some Muslims believe). I joined with a guide who enthusiastically introduced our group to this recently added UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historical centre is a architectural masterpiece, although only now in the process of being restored to its former glory. The vibrant narrow alleyways are full of character, with a bewildering diversity of products, always served with friendly humour and passion. Change for the better As my visit to this remarkable country draws to a close, I am left with a feeling that my perceptions have been changed in a way that is rare for an experienced traveller. Saudi’s society is changing fast, in particular the relaxation of strict Islamic rules and the empowerment of women. This is impossible to miss – and impossible to overstate. From arrival to departure, almost all of the professionals overseeing our Saudi experience are women – tourism guides, three expert off-road drivers, a scuba diving instructor, a free-diving expert and the head of the Al Ula project development. Vision 2030 is a monumental undertaking that will no doubt open up Saudi Arabia to vast numbers of tourists from around the world. The UK is at the top of the list of countries open minded new travelling experiences and I hope that, like me, Brits will discover a palpable sense of optimism, progress and freedom, reflected in the friendly way people enthusiastically engage with each other and with visitors.

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Cruise industry agrees mandatory health protocols in bid to resume US sailings

22nd Sep 2020 0

Cruise body Clia has agreed to adopt a series of health and safety measures it hopes will allow the return of sailings from the US by the end of the year. The move comes as Clia continues to lobby the UK government to relax its ban on cruises from British ports. The “mandatory core elements of a strong set of health protocols” will be implemented as part of a phased and “highly controlled” return of US cruises. “A critical next step, now that initial sailing has begun effectively with strict protocols in Europe, is the resumption of operations in the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America, which encompass the largest cruise market in the world,” Clia said. It is seeking approval from the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to relax its no sail order, imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic, for an initial restart of limited operations from American ports. The association said: “Guided by world-class experts in medicine and science, Clia and its ocean-going cruise line members have outlined a pathway to support a phased-in, highly-controlled return to passenger service in the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America with protocols that promote the health and safety of passengers, crew and the communities visited. The core elements mirror the successful resumption of cruising in other parts of the world and include 100% testing of passengers and crew prior to boarding – a travel industry first. Initial cruises would sail on modified itineraries under stringent protocols that encompass the entirety of the cruise experience, from booking to debarkation. With support and approval of regulators and destinations, cruises could feasibly begin during the remainder of 2020.” Clia added: “These core elements will be continuously evaluated and adjusted against the current state of the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as the availability of new prevention, therapeutics, and mitigation measures.” The industry measures follow recommendations by medical experts and scientists brought together individually by Royal Caribbean Group and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Carnival Corporation and MSC Cruises “Other considerations included the effective protocols developed for the successful sailings in Europe by MSC Cruises, Costa, Tui Cruises, Ponant, Seadream and others,” Clia said. Highlights of Clia’s health protocols: 100% testing of passengers and crew for Covid-19 prior to embarkation. Mask-wearing. Mandatory wearing of masks by all passengers and crew onboard and during excursions whenever physical distancing cannot be maintained Distancing. Physical distancing in terminals, on board ships, on private islands and during shore excursions Air management and ventilation strategies to increase fresh air on board and, where feasible, using enhanced filters and other technologies to mitigate risk Medical capability: Risk based response plans tailored for each ship to manage medical needs, dedicated cabin capacity allocated for isolation and other operational measures, and advance arrangements with private providers for shoreside quarantine, medical facilities, and transportation. Shore excursions: Only permit shore excursions according to the cruise operators’ prescribed protocols, with strict adherence required of all passengers and denial of re-boarding for any passengers that do not comply Carnival Corporation said: “Our highest responsibility and top priorities are compliance, protecting the environment, and the health, safety and well-being of our guests, our crew members and the communities we visit. That ongoing focus is reflected in the core elements of extensive health protocols for a gradual resumption of cruise operations in the Americas submitted today by Clia, our cruise industry association, to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The core elements submitted to the CDC incorporate input from Ca