Lucrative Travels

Best Travel Destinations

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.

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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.

The 5 most extravagant hotels in Europe

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We all like to be extravagant occasionally, purse strings permitting of course; whether this is a romantic champagne induced night in a fancy restaurant, or a weekend in bliss at a lush and lavish spa. Some may consider a night in a nearby hotel extravagant; yet imagine how would it feel to pull up outside one of the most extravagant hotels in Europe, for a night or two of complete and utter unadulterated luxury?

Okay so we may need to break the bank to get there, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to look and dream.

The St. Regis Grand Hotel – Rome, Italy

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Following an exuberant $35 million restoration, The St. Regis Grand Hotel has rightfully earned its place with the greatest, on the Condé Nast Travellers Gold List. With 138 rooms and 23 suites each boasting their own exclusive identity, The St. Regis Grand Hotel offers elegance on an epic level. From their butler service desk, to an unpacking and packing service, you can rest assured you’ll be in complete and luxuriously safe hands at all times. The hotel itself offers guests a limousine, concierge and babysitting services along with a fully fitted kamiSpa and fitness centre. With professionally trained staff, an hour spent in the kamiSpa is guaranteed to send you on a journey of over indulgence and relaxation.

Hotel de la Paix – Geneva, Switzerland

Hotel-De-La-Paix-Geneva

Built in 1865, and recently renovated; the Hotel de la Paix offers a grand collection of refinery, with each guest room packed with sumptuous comforts. From your very first step in to the lobby of this hotel, you will be spoilt with five-star sensory pleasure. From the jewelled chandelier to a fabulous blend of décor, both old and new; the Hotel de la Paix really does aim to please. With a range of 84 guest rooms and suites to choose from, and breath-taking views over Lake Geneva, you’ll never want to leave. Ever!

Combine your luxury stay with the best travel insurance

Planning a trip in Europe requires finding the right insurance policy to match. There are a wide variety of policies available for every destination in Europe – as well as every activity you could wish to undertake. So make sure you plan ahead and get your holiday off to the best possible start.

King George Palace – Athens, Greece

Duly earning a place as a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, the King George Palace truly is a remarkable and luxurious boutique hotel. Playing home to Kings, Presidents, Princes and Athenians alike from the early 1930s, the King George Palace combines ultra-modern amenities with the refinement of a historic landmark. Providing personal attention to each of its guests, this hotel really does put comfort above everything. If that wasn’t enough, the 7th floor of the hotel boasts a fabulous Tudor restaurant with outstanding views over Athens and the Acropolis. With 102 rooms and 22 suites, the King George Palace makes for the perfect extravagant night’s stay.

Hotel du Louvre – Paris, France

Set amidst the Louvre Museum and the Paris de Palais Royal; the Hotel du Louvre is the absolute perfect place to indulge in unashamed luxury. With a Napoleon III style inspired décor, combined with contemporary comforts; this 1887 built hotel is simply flawless in every way. Standing in the heart of Paris, the Hotel du Louvre holds 117 rooms and 7 suites; each with their own traditional yet welcoming atmosphere. The artist Picasso is known to have occupied the Pissarro Suite in 1898, making it an extremely unique place to stay.

The Mardan Palace – Antalya, Turkey

Recently opened in 2009, The Mardan Palace is a place of ultimate indulgence. With a five-acre pool as a centre piece, and a sunken aquarium boasting over 2,000 fish, including sharks; the Mardan Palace really is a magnificent if not slightly eccentric place to stay. With a £1,500 per hour on site private spa, accessible via a door hidden behind a waterfall; which in true James Bond style, is parted by a special key to reveal the opening. Boasting an impressive jaw-dropping lavish interior, with a mixture of room, suites and duplexes, this 546 roomed hotel really is something else.

Boutique Hotels Are Making a New Splash – With Good Reason!

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Tired of traditional hotels? We don’t blame you. When you’re going to go traveling, you already plan ahead of time to spend good money. This means that it’s more than just travel — it’s building an experience. It’s making memories. It’s getting away from all of the stress and strain of everyday life. You owe that to yourself. You owe yourself a chance to be able to rest, relax, and try to let the rest of life pass you by. You have to keep everything in perspective. Do you have to necessarily spend a lot of money? No, not at all. But do you want a specific experience that may come at a premium? Yes, you might be in that category.

Thankfully, there is a way to spend good money without feeling cheated. Let’s start with the accommodations here, shall we?

Boutique hotels are making a splash in a big way. A lot of travelers are fed up with the same generic, sterile experience that they can have at virtually every hotel. As Tim Ferriss famously said in The Four Hour Work Week, it’s time to actually see the world rather than just passing through life like a bored spectator. Again, it’s all about how you spend money.

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When you get into a boutique hotel, you’ll find that there’s actually a lot of potential to feel right at home. Since the hotel is a lot smaller, there’s a feeling of intimacy that isn’t seen with the big hotel chains. You also feel more connected to the local economy, since these aren’t going to be hotel chains. These are regular hotels run by entrepreneurs. If you want to support the rising entrepreneurial movement in a country, going with a boutique hotel can really be a good thing.

You’re also going to have a nice taste of luxury that might not have been there before. The staff will really want to earn your business again, which means that you need to definitely think about any type of little details that you want to have added. Remember that if you don’t speak up, it’s very unlikely that you’ll get what you’re really looking for.

It’s completely up to you to design the vacation that you ultimately want to have. While the accommodations aren’t the only thing that you will need to think about, they account for a very large part of the planning work. Good luck!

Experiencing the Gran Canaria like a Local

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Gran Canaria is the ultimate tourist attraction with the number of annual visitors approximating 2.2 million. The majority of these tourists visit the southern end of the island, and this is because it is brighter and experiences less rainy seasons. The climate varies as the north of the Island is generally cooler compared to the south, which is warmer and sunnier. The east coast of the island is flat, dotted with beaches while the western coast is rockier and mountainous. The island offers a number of alternative activities for tourists, so let’s take a look at some of the best!

Check Out The Beaches

At 2.8km long, consisting of perfect golden sand, Playa de las Canteras is one of the world’s ultimate modern beaches, and can be found in Las Palmas. Just a short drive along the shore is Playa Chica (Little Beach), where one can swim out to the reefs if the waves are calm. On the other side of the beach, the water is just perfect for snorkeling, and there are a variety of activities available on the beach too, like beach soccer or volleyball!

Aloe Vera Rub Downs

Meloneras hosts an array of the island’s exclusive hotels, perfect for taking some time out to relax. Here you get close with the native Aloe Vera that soothes your sunned skin in one of the fine spas. The Spa Corallium at the Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort offers Aloe Vera peels, and the Spa and Wellness Centre offers a refined spa experience. Aloe Spa in Gran Canaria’s Sheraton Salobre Golf Resort and Spa is set in the mountains above Maspalomas, and is a world away from the hustle and bustle of regular tourist life on the island.

Gran Canaria

Travel to the Heart of the Earth

This is an experience like no other, and following in the footsteps of Flemish merchant Daniel Van Damme, you’ll be able to journey towards the centre of the earth! In the 16th century, Van Damme descended 200 meters to the bottom of the Caldera de Bandama, a volcanic crater that is only 15 minutes’ drive from Las Palmas. It’s approximately a half hour trek that offers elegant sights of endemic botanic, volcanic ash and a long discarded farm. Permission from the official tourist board in advance is in order, and guided hiking tours are also available.

Be One of the Locals

For the youthful tourists who want to fit in perfectly as locals, the excitement of an all-inclusive break allows you to try out all the local food and drinks available in your hotel. Compare prices at www.cheapflights.co.uk/flights/Gran-Canaria-Island/ – saving money of flights will let you spend more on a fancy hotel! The wall-to-wall relaxation on the island is a challenging temptation, however you simply must visit some of the local markets that offer the finest traditional dishes.

Hike Gran Canaria’s Camino

Where there is Camino de Santiago, there is also an ancient footpath connecting the churches of Saint James in Tunte in the interior part of the Island, and Galdár in the North West. In 2011, the Gran Canaria tourist board extended the route to over 75km, in order to accommodate an extra day’s hike from Maspalomas on the south coast. The Camino is a must adventure not to be missed, and will certainly be the hike of your life!