Lucrative Travels

Best Travel Destinations

What Holidaymakers Know About Singapore That You Don’t

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Look, we’re big travel fans. And we believe that it’s time to definitely see everything and anything that this world has in store. However, you really need to make sure that you’re looking closely into other countries that you might have overlooked. That’s the point of this series, anyway — to give you more to look forward to, one step at a time.

You need to make sure that you check out Singapore, an incredible country that has plenty to do and plenty to see. Since we haven’t given you a country wide guide in a long time, we figured that we’d get things cooking again nicely.

It’s all about knowing what you’re getting into. When it comes to Singapore, you need to remember that it’s actually a city-state. It’s a country, but it’s really focused on one city and that’s it. However, this is a city that has well over five million people, and more people are coming every year to call this place home. It’s very densely populated, but there are other characteristics of Singapore that truly make it special.

Singapore

This is a city covered by greenery, which is something that a lot of urban centers just can’t claim. You start worrying that you won’t fit in, only to find that you’ll actually fit in just fine. There’s nothing to worry about. There’s nothing to prove — just come in as a tourist and figure out which part of this massive, sprawling city that you want to enjoy. There are well over 50 parks within the city limits, and there are also 4 beautiful nature reserves. If you’re someone that feels deeply connected to nature, it’ll be like getting the best of both worlds.

What’s important to realize about Singapore is that there are lots of sections within the city. They can often be seen as their own little towns, they’re really that big. For example, you could probably make a trip out of visiting the Central Business District and Riverside, with is where a lot of Singapore’s museums and statues are.

But if you’re a shopper, you’ll fall in love with this city. It’s all about going to Orchard Road, to Marina Bay, to Kampong Glam, to Chinatown. Every section adds something. Chinatown gives you a taste of China without leaving the city, and many Chinese still live here. Naturally, they’ve spread out so you’ll find plenty of Chinese and other groups all over the city as well. [Read more…]

The Top In-Demand French Property Destinations

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Property in France is really hot right now, and thousands of people from the UK are making enquiries about investing in, and purchasing properties. Whether you’re looking for a home-share for the summer, or want to buy a property outright so you can visit it any time you like, there’s more than enough on offer in France thanks to the continued construction industry boom. France is a big country however, and it can be difficult narrowing down your search to a certain area. Let’s take a look at some of the best up and coming locations in France to buy property this year.

Honfleur

Honfleur france

Honfleur can be found on the bank of the River Seine, and is a small town with beautiful architecture. Situated just by the river, you can guess that views are simply stunning, and this has caused a lot of interest with domestic as well as international buyers. Although the price might be slightly driven up by this interest, the atmosphere and general feel of the town stays the same, and if you catch the shoreline on a warm summer’s day, you’ll even be able to go paddling in the river, as winter temperatures are too cold. It’s hard to resist such a charming neighbourhood, so if you’re thinking about moving to Honfleur, then be sure to make enquiries with local estate agents.

Charente

Charente is another beautiful and upcoming property location in France, and can be found in the Poitou-Charentes region. This quiet and sleepy town bears the name of the Charente River, which goes through the two closest towns Angouleme and Cognac. Charente is a far cry from city life, and if you enjoy the simple things like fine wine, great food and wonderful people, then Charente is the place for you. Although this town area does experience some tourists, numbers are small, and unless they venture off by themselves, they’re kept to the obvious touristy parts of the town.

Sete

If you enjoy the sea air, then there’s nowhere better to invest in a property than in Sete. This lovely town is perched right on the coast, and one of the best things about it, is that it has no tourist features – so you’re not going to be overrun with visitors in the summer! There is one attraction in Sete, and that is the town itself. With stunning beaches, golden sands, warm waters and charming properties, it’s no wonder why this area has slowly crept up the most-wanted properties list. Rent a car in France this year with Auto Europe.

Morbihan

Morbihan is a classic French town, and it is known all over the country for its historical elements rather than its property. Still, Morbihan offers a lot for those people looking to get away from it all, and you’d be surprised at home many people have been enquiring into available properties here. Local attractions include big hills to hike as well as cycle up, and there are even some mountains in the distance that you can climb.

Bali’s Top Spas and Chill-out Spots

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Bali is a very spiritual country, and millions of people travel there every year to break away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you’re looking to take a break from work, cleanse your body and mind, or simply just put your feet up and experience the local attractions, Bali has so much to offer. From pampering and massaging to shopping and temples, there’s no need to rush in Bali, because there’s always time to fit in everything you need.

While you’re there, why not relax in style – here’s some of the best chill-out locations to experience.

visit bali

Kuta/Legian

One of the best things about Bali is the quality of the hotels, and anything above 3 stars will be nothing less than luxurious. Nearly all hotels come with spas, and they’re a great way to start the day fresh and open minded. Spas in Kuta/Legian especially are always open to non-guests too, so you don’t even have to be staying there to make use of their facilities. If you do want to experience a spa day, from skin treatments in the mornings to body detoxing in the evening, then its best to book your places in advance.

Lembongan Island Cruise and Reef Tour

The waters that surround Bali are warm and tranquil, and they also offer some of the world’s best coral reefs too! Lembongan Island is located around 10km off the coast of Bali, and is a stunning landscape of mangrove swamps and white sandy beaches. You can either book a whole day excursion or a half day, however in the full day trip you get a lot more for your money. Not only are the views from the boat fantastic, but there are loads of activities to try out too, like banana boat riding, fishing, scuba diving and kayaking. Furthermore, there’s also a large deck above the boat so you can simply catch the sun all day.

The Bali Kintamani Volcano Tour

Bali has a fascinating culture, and there’s no place better to introduce yourself to it than the Kintamani Volcano. Surrounded by beautiful rice paddy fields, as well as stunning lakes and traditional villages, your will take you from the foothills of the volcano to Batubulan – a spiritual centre for ornate temples and stone carving villages. Not only will you be able to see traditional dancing and taste the local food, but you’ll also see a visual history of the tribes that have lived here over the centuries. This day excursion is a great way to experience the real Bali, and even if you choose to do the half day you’ll be very impressed with how much you get to see and do.

Dolphin Watching in Lovina

The waters surrounding Bali are a hotspot for dolphins, and what better way to get closer to the marine life than to go out dolphin spotting! The sunrise dolphin-spotting trips on offer are excellent if you have young children with you, and you’ll even get to feed them before you head back to shore. The trip does start at 6am however so if you are bringing your kids with you, make sure they’re up and dressed early.

Watch Out – Spain Joins Growing List of Countries Rejecting the EHIC

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If you’re planning a holiday right now, you might want to add this caution to your list: there are shady care managers out there now pushing travelers away from the free EU scheme known as the European Health Insurance system. The service allows travelers to receive the same free health care that nationals of that country would receive.

The issue comes from travelers being directed to private hospitals, where the EHIC card would be rejected. This is done for the obvious reason: money. Without knowledge of where the public hospital is, unsuspecting travelers in the middle of an emergency are directed by “helpful” cab operators and other tour guides are being offered kickbacks for luring the holidaymakers to hospitals that are desperate for the incoming cash infusions.

Being presented with a huge bill for medical care that you assumed would be free is definitely not something that’s going to make your holiday feel good at all. You’re much better off making sure that you can think about how to keep this from happening. This is currently going on in Spain, which has a very complicated health care system. It has not only public and private hospitals, but a third sector that’s really a mix of the two. You want to make sure that you are going to a public hospital run by the state rather than a private hospital.

EHIC

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is well aware of the issue, and is issuing official warnings to all travelers. UK citizens can qualify for an EHIC card at no charge, and it extends all throughout the EU along with places like Switzerland and Norway.

You still want to make sure that you have travel medical insurance as you may have extra costs that you didn’t anticipate, even with the EHIC card.

Spain is not the only country that is having this issue — Greece as a whole has been rejecting EHIC cards left and right. This is something that directly affects young travelers who don’t have a lot of money, and elderly travelers that may have medical issues that need quick attention without having to face all of those bills.

So if you’re really trying to protect yourself, you need to make sure that you identify where the public hospitals are before you take off for your holiday. You might not need the medical attention at all on your trip, but why would you really want to leave this to chance? Do your research ahead of time and give yourself the peace of mind that you deserve!

Visiting Roswell, New Mexico – Where the Aliens Are?

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Roswell lies in the lower southeastern section of New Mexico. It is a mid-sized city – over 45,000 people call this town home. It is the home of the New Mexico Military Institute, and the Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge is located just a few miles northeast of the city.

The city has a rich history, filled with both celebrities, and controversy. In the 1930s, Roswell was the birthplace for a great deal of Robert Goddard’s early work with rocketry. Demi Moore was also born here, along with John Denver and Mike Smith. The sixth man on the moon, Edgar Mitchell, also calls this place home.

visiting_roswell

There is also controversy here, amongst all the stars. In July of 1947, the US Army Air Force in Roswell announced the retrieval of a “flying disk”. The official answer from higher command in Fort Worth, Texas was that it was the remains of a weather balloon. In the 1980’s, the debate of what actually crashed just 75 miles west of Roswell opened up again. Many believe that it was a flying saucer containing aliens from outer space, but others believe the official story from the government – that it was just a weather balloon. Even today, you will be hard pressed to find no one in Roswell that won’t discuss the UFO incident with you.

For those looking for a little more culture, Roswell is also home to the Roswell Museum and Art Center. They offer a great collection of fine art, history, and space science technology. The museum is also home to the Basset Education Center, which offers a broad selection of classes for all ages. The museum also houses one of the largest planetariums in all of New Mexico, named after Robert H. Goddard, a rocketry pioneer.

Art lovers will enjoy the works of two regional artists, Peter Hurd and Henriette Wyeth. Their paintings reflect the landscape of the Southwest, and the people and places that call the area home. Roswell’s finest museum also hosts an Artist-In-Residence Program, recognized nationally for its forward-thinking procedures and generous provisions. They encourage artists to explore deeper ideas and take risks to gain understanding about their work. The residence facility is made up of a group of houses and studios settled on the edge of Roswell. The artists receive housing and money to support them on their journey, and when they are finished at the end of the year, they may receive exhibition of their work, right at the museum!

Roswell, New Mexico is a mid-sized town with small town charm, providing a small set of meaningful activities that will keep visitors coming back to the city again and again.

Do Frequent Flyer Miles Still Count

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Trying to figure out how to save money while you travel and se the world can be really difficult. Just when you think that you’ve got things handled, there’s always a layer of doubt that makes you wonder if you really could saved more money than what you did. You need to think about not just the money you save, but the quality of your trip.

What about those frequent flyer miles that everyone likes so much? Do they really still matter? The truth is that promotions will always be there for frequent flyer miles.

They were first introduced in 1981 by American Airlines, and other airlines have definitely followed suit. Even British Airways and Virgin have frequent flyer miles. The purpose is easy — to keep you using the services those miles are linked to.

Frequent flyer miles are about status. Accumulating a lot of them opens doors for restraint reservations, gift cards, floral arrangements, and more. You can exchange frequent flyer miles for cash in some cases as well. This means that they’re actually getting a big discount for frequent travel and that’s something that’s really important to do when it’s all said and done.

Frequent Flyer Miles

If you want to enjoy the best that travel has to offer, you have to find ways to elevate yourself away from the crowd. Frequent flyer miles allow you to do that. Even though they’re easier to acquire than ever before, some travelers just don’t feel that they’re worth the effort. You’re going to have to break out of that pattern and go for what you really want. That’s the only way to go in order to get what you really desire.

What about getting those nice seats on the airplane? Frequent flyer miles can unlock customer service doors that you might have figured were just closed to you forever.

What are some of the best discounts and perks?

One, you get to skip the long lines. Airport security is getting just plain nuts. This means that there’s less time to really relax before the plane takes off. Having tier status in an airline’s frequent flier program does wonders for shaving time off a task that a lot of people really don’t want to do. Nobody really wants to fly – it’s just the fastest way to really get where you’re trying to go. Otherwise, you’re stuck with driving. Driving has its own drawbacks that just aren’t fun.

You also get access to a lot of private lounges that aren’t open to the public. This is where you get to relax before your flight and even connect with other people. Business owners and other high powered professionals can really benefit from this.

If you want to accumulate miles faster, you need to get a credit card that actually rewards you. This makes it easy to accumulate miles with just about every purchase you can think of. Hotel stay? Put it on the card. Of course, this means that you can handle credit like a champ without getting overwhelmed. That part is up to you to figure out. But you definitely should able giving frequent flyer miles a chance before it’s too late.

Good luck!

Enjoying Travel Without Fear

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There’s something to be said about travel. When you know that you’re traveling and having a good time, you might wonder why you would ever stop traveling. Well, a lack of funds tends to make it difficult to really travel and have a good time. But there are ways to sneak in a little travel ever year.

But what about if you’re one of those people that just can’t imagine traveling? The very idea makes you nervous. You become afraid to even leave the house, let alone try to explore the world around you. Fear of travel is a real thing, but there’s nothing to be ashamed of. You can enjoy travel without fear.

First and foremost, why assume that you have to go halfway around the world? You might find that you are better off limiting your first trip to somewhere that’s only a few hours away. That way, if you really need to go home, it won’t take you more than a few hours of drive or flight time to get back.

Enjoying Travel

You want to read happy stories from people that have already traveled. Really connect with what they’re saying. They’re telling you that an amazing world exists, if only you’d just look it up. You want to always make sure that you are truly looking into anything and everything that will make your trip more enjoyable. Why not bring a friend that you actually know? For things like cruises, this means that you aren’t going to be assigned a random roommate or have to pay a fortune to get a singles room. The benefit of having your friend come with you is that they can have a calming effect on you. You don’t have to explain it to anyone — just tell them that this is your friend and they’re going to be staying with you for a while.

If you take any type of medications for depression or anxiety, you can bring those with you. Some travelers feel that they ease into travel better when they have Valium to rely on for panic attacks and general anxiety. It’s perfectly okay to have a little help, and nobody is judging you. Be sure that you get a photocopy of your prescription and the doctor’s orders to take them. That way, you’ll be able to go through customers without a problem.

If the idea of travel still freaks you out, consider that it’s probably because you think you should be ready to jump into the travel game at any moment. That’s just not something that’s going to work out well. The best trips come from planning out everything so that you don’t miss a single detail. If you’re the type of person that really needs to plan ahead, don’t act like you have to be spontaneous. There are travel adventures for everyone. You don’t have to be any type of special to qualify for them. Just make sure that you get out there when it’s comfortable for you. We would hate for you to miss out on the amazing world that we all share over a bit of fear, you know!

Cruising the Caribbean

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Travelers will encounter a whole new world when they book a cruise through AmEx Travel Experiences. American Express offers great deals on cruise packages to many destinations including the Caribbean, where travelers can experience the beauty of the magnificent Caribbean Sea while enjoying the modern conveniences of a cruise ship.

AmEx Travel Experiences allows its guests to travel in luxury aboard a modern ocean liner equipped with many lavish amenities. Each ocean liner offers its passengers countless extravagant luxuries including grand pools, scenic balconies and open decks. Travelers will enjoy the beautiful decor and private balconies offering views of the gorgeous ocean. Guests can indulge in five-star cuisine at the many renowned on-board restaurants. Many ships host regular exciting events on indoor promenades with lively parades and other festivities. At night, guests can enjoy an exciting nightlife on the sea at the upscale, on-board nightclubs and lounges. All of these amenities are available for a low price, and AmEx card members also receive special discounts in addition to the amazing savings on fares.

Cruising the Caribbean

Speaking of special discounts, there is an exciting promotion coming up just for American Express cardholders. Starting 21st March and going all the way through the end of April, qualified cardholders can receive Triple Membership Rewards Points on bookings made through the American Express Travel site. This includes all current multipliers. So even if you’re getting 2x Points right now, you can basically turn that into 6x Points! This is the ultimate opportunity to accumulate loads of points that can be used in the future. Terms and conditions do apply, so see the AmEx Travel site for more information.

Travelers will board their ship at convenient locations where they can travel for low fares through AmEx travel flights. AmEx travel flights offer flights with major airlines including Delta and United. AmEx travel flights also allow members to earn reward points which can be redeemed for free fares.

During the trip, travelers can step into other worlds and experience local culture. Guests will be swept up in local festivals and events at many stops along the way. Many other excursions are available to travelers along the way including shopping experiences and sightseeing tours to colorful local destinations and markets. Guests can experience the diverse bar scene and night life of different cities along the way. Tours will take guests to popular destinations like Hemingway’s house, Old San Juan, and the Ancient Mayan Ruins in Cozumel. Guests can also enjoy the beauty of the ocean at natural wonders like the Palancar Reef and at some of the Caribbean’s most famous beaches including Isla Verde and Condado.

The Caribbean is among one of the most popular travel destinations today thanks to its beautiful scenery, warm weather and numerous local cultures and events. Cruising the Caribbean can be the trip of a lifetime, offering vivid memories to enjoy for a lifetime. American Express is happy to offer the opportunity for travelers to experience the wonder of the Caribbean while taking advantage of its member benefits.

The Adventurers’ Pre-Travel Checklist

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So you’ve decided to head off on the adventure of a lifetime? Whether that’s a far flung holiday, a twin or multi centre break or an around the world trip, there’ll be things that you need to do in advance to properly prepare.

Work your way down this pre-travel checklist to ensure that your big adventure stays on the right side of exciting:

Put In Your Holidays

If you’re working or studying then you need to get the ok for the time off that you need. This may not be an issue if you’re just jetting off for a week or two (although certainly don’t book anything until you get the green light), but if you want to take an extended trip it may prove to be trickier.

Some places of work will let you take a sabbatical or extended holiday leave and still have a job to return to. In some cases however you may find that you have to resign from your position – consider this carefully!

Have Your Vaccinations

Depending on where you are travelling to you may need certain vaccinations/medications prior to travel. Take advice on this well in advance as many vaccinations need to be done weeks before you fly. Drop into the Trailfinders travel clinic London for advice and treatment – there’s no appointments system and you can usually have your vaccinations there and then. Located within the Trailfinders travel centre on London’s Kensington High Street, you can book your trip and get the necessary jabs in one visit!

Pre-Travel Checklist

Plan Your Itinerary

Head to the library or spend some time browsing online to plan your perfect itinerary. The more that you can have planned in advance, the easier it will be for you to just concentrate on having a great time while away. Take a look at excursions that you may wish to book onto – why waste precious holiday time trying to find what you’re looking for?

Change Your Currency

Whether you need one or more different currencies, it’s wise to arrange these in advance. Unless that means carrying an excessive amount of cash, in which case you may wish to carry traveller’s cheques instead, or draw out money as you need it (check in advance for any fees involved). Check the XE.com currency convertor and compare quotes at moneysupermarket to get the most currency for your cash.

Arrange Insurance/Visas

Travel insurance is essential. Be sure to carry copies of your documents. You may also need to arrange visas for entry to some countries –the travel consultants at Trailfinders can advise you further on this.

Learn the Lingo

It’s a good idea to learn at least a few basic phrases that will come in handy at your choice of destination or destinations. Or simply download iTranslate to your iPhone – simple!

Redirect Your Mail

If you’re planning a long trip then you may wish to either have your mail redirected or get a trusted person to pick it up regularly for you (and maybe even open it in order to relay anything important!). Those leaving an empty house behind might also wish to purchase some timer switches for some of the lights in the home to make it less obvious that you are away.

Good preparation will ensure a trip that’s memorable for all the right reasons, so spend some time on the practicalities before getting carried away in anticipation of the adventure of a lifetime.

Spring Break Travel to the Bahamas

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Spring break the kids are off from school and what a better way to spend the time off than in a warm place such as the Bahamas. There are a number of great places and packages available this time of year even for families that might be on a budget. For those looking to go with a group of people rather than just the family, start looking into booking now and have everyone chip in to cover the cost. Here are a few effective and helpful tips to making your spring break better.

Travel to the Bahamas

  • How many people are going? Determine this so you know how many rooms you’ll need to book. There may be discounts available but don’t fret if the rooms can’t all be by each other. If this is what you want, chances are you need to book as far in advance as possible.
  • Make sure all the necessary travel documents are in line. Make sure each person has all of theirs before booking the trip. You will all need passports when traveling to the Bahamas. That’s why you should start planning for this as far as 6 weeks in advance.
  • Talk about the cost with everyone going on the trip. This ensures everyone is OK with meeting their portion of the cost. They need to know that expenses will include the airline if they have to fly in, food, transportation and beverages. Although, there are some companies that offer all-inclusive cruise packages that you can look into as well.
  • Talk about the dress code on the boat. There are some that require certain attire for dinners and there are many restaurants that have a business attire dress code rather than going in sandals and flip flops.
  • Keep in mind that US dollars are used in the Bahamas so if you decide to go shopping while you are docked for a few hours or a day you are covered.
  • While English is the primary language, you may run into areas where the people have a high accent or dialect so try and be patient with them.

Traveling to the Bahamas for Spring Break can be a breath of fresh air and can be a great way to bond with someone you love or with a gang of family and friends. Make sure you are fully prepared though.