Tag Archives: tips

How To Choose The Best Travel Companies

With the world getting smaller and national and cultural boundaries getting obliterated, more and more businesses are branching out throughout the planet. These days, international business travel has turned essential for the success of many businesses. However, travel is not always recommended for meeting with business partners and clients; it can be for leisure purpose.It is also a way to reward star employees who have earned more profits for the company. If you take a look on the Internet, you will notice that you have a good selection of travel companies to choose from. This is a reflection of the dominance of corporate travel in the current day and age.If you are looking for the best Travels Company for traveling purposes, the following tips will be useful for making the right choice.

Check the level of experience.

You should check the level of experience of the company in handling international and national travels. It is regarded as the primary factor to shortlist a travel agency for big events. Travel agencies that specialize in the management of corporate travels are generally chosen by companies. International travelers face big treats in the form of criminal assault, terrorism, petty crime and sickness. You should choose companies which are experienced in international travel safety.

Ensure luxury travel is available

It is a good idea to go for specialists. You should choose a company which offers a wide range of travel services and also specializes in luxury travel. These companies have the greatest influence in different important offshore areas. You can get helpful contacts, bookings in hotels of your choice, special types of privileges and the right local tour guides.

Look for Certification

Make sure that you hire certified business travel company which have got formal approval from authorized agencies. Companies that work with airlines have to get approvals from the International Airline Travel Agency Network. Those handling overseas travel must have agents with knowledge about important rules and regulations concerning international travel. They can provide you with exact information regarding passports and visas.

Check the network system.

The network system is one of the best things about a travel agency. An agency with proper online booking software can inform you immediately in case your flight is delayed due to bad weather conditions. They are qualified to make arrangements with different hotels and tour operators that organize special business travel. With a qualified and experienced travel agency with a proper network, you can be assured of putting faith on the best people to take care of your vacation arrangements.

Consider the pricing

The rates are of course something that you should care about. Make some research online and try to compare the rates offered by different travel companies. Make sure that you do not have to pay any veiled charges for some of the services offered. Unfortunately, some of the companies do not have transparent rates and services. It is a good idea to talk to the customer representative and clarify all the charges beforehand. Try to get the quotes mailed to you, so that you can use it as a future reference.

How to Say Avocado on Toast Around the World

It’s safe to say the world has been struck by avocado fever. Over the past five years, there has been a 405% increase in the number of online searches for ‘avocado on toast’ around the world.

If you’re wondering how to order the nations favourite dish ‘Avocado on toast’ look no further, Canvas Holidays compiled the ultimate guide to ordering it in 27 different languages as well as 5 fictional dialects.

Dorthaki (Game of Thrones)  – “Fichat anna havon zhavvorsa sovi” 

Elvish – (Lord of the Rings)“Amin irma avocado coimas

If you’re heading to Portugal, simply ask for “Desejo uma torrada com abacate por favor” 

As well as these languages, we’ve compared prices around some of the major cities in Europe.

With many of us now getting ready to book our 2018 holidays, we thought it would be useful to show you how to order your beloved ‘Avocado on Toast’ in every language in the EU… and a few others like Dothraki and Klingon in case you plan on travelling farther afield…

Infographic provided by https://www.canvasholidays.co.uk/blog/2018/02/01/ordering-avocado-on-toast-around-europe

A Handy Guide to Experience 3 Days in Koh Samui

Koh Samui offers a lush landscape of beautiful beaches full of palm trees and mountainous rain forests. The island is located in the Gulf of Thailand, off the east coast of Kra Isthmus. Visitors can get a beachside cottage among the coconut trees or rent one of the most luxurious resorts they can find. There is also a plethora of fun activities to do.

Wondering how many days to spend in Koh Samui? A three-day trip would allow you to take in a lot of the sites and not break the bank. Of course, if your work and budget allow, you can spend all the time you want here. This guide will help you make the most of a shorter trip.

Big Buddha Temple in Koh Samui
Big Buddha Temple in Koh Samui

Day 1

You definitely want to make the most of all the activities to do in Koh Samui. Spend your first day taking in some of the most notable attractions.

  • Visit Big Buddha. The majestic gold statue stands nearly 40 feet tall and is easily one of the most popular attractions in Thailand. Visitors can stay as long as they like – whether they choose to stay and reflect or just snap a photo. Keep in mind, this is a religious site. Make sure you follow the clothing guidelines to be as respectful as possible. Also, it’s advised to not go too close to noon as the stairs get very hot. Visitors say the sunsets there are magical.
  • Explore Bophut Fisherman’s Village. The village boasts beautiful architecture with a Mediterranean feel. There are plenty of unique shops to check out and a lot of dining options for dinner. The menu offers a variety of seafood delicacies with a fusion of Asian and European flavors, all served in a contemporary atmosphere on the shore. After dinner, be sure to check out the bustling and eclectic nightlife throughout the Village.
Long Tail Boat Tours
Long Tail Boat Tours

Day 2

Now that you’re settled into your hotel, day two is a great day to check out the options for brunch in Koh Samui and do more exploring.

  • Have a Delicious Brunch. The Ocean Club at Beach Republic is known as the ultimate brunch venue. The menu includes oysters, salmon, Maine lobster, sea bass, sushi, and much more. There’s a great pool for the perfect pool party afterward.
  • Take a Tour by Boat. Get a unique view of the area, from out in the ocean. Angthong National Marine Park is a popular destination. The park covers 42 islands, full of forestry and limestone mountains. It is only accessible by a boat tour. This can be a complete day outing if you prefer. You can even stay overnight and camp on the islands.
  • Dinner with The Romantic View. Want to head back instead for another delectable meal? At Treetops Sky Dining and Bar, the romantic atmosphere offers an intimate setting with breathtaking views from up in the trees. Guests can enjoy a glass of wine with their choice of a five-course meal including beef short ribs, duck breast, salmon, lobster, and more.
Chaweng Beach
Chaweng Beach

Day 3

Even in your third day, there still isn’t a shortage of things to do and see in Koh Samui.

  • Enjoy the Outdoors. Scuba diving in Koh Tao is a popular choice. The island is full of beautiful beaches and bays, with plenty of unique marine life and plants. There are so many popular dive sites to choose from. Visitors also like to check out the Na Muang Waterfalls. The two waterfalls are found inland, southeast of Nathon Bay. They cascade over purple rock, aptly making them also known as the Purple Waterfalls. The waterfalls are a popular destination for many tours of Koh Samui if you’d like more history of the area and to explore its surroundings.
  • Relax at a Spa. Ready to unwind? There are many choices of spas ready for you with varieties of treatments include a steam and scrub, Thai yoga massages, classic oil massages, hot and cold stone massages, and much more. It’s another perfect way to unwind after a busy couple of days.
  • Party on the Beach. Finish off your trip by enjoying the exciting nightlife Koh Samui has to offer. There are sunset clubs, beach clubs, world-famous transgender cabaret shows, disco clubs, and much more. Visitors can also enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many gourmet restaurants, followed by a drink under a coconut tree by the water.

Koh Samui offers a plethora of fun activities and delicious meals, all wrapped up in beautiful surroundings. It’s definitely a trip you’ll enjoy, and one you won’t be able to wait to make again.

The New Asian Cuisine Hub: Must-Visit Restaurants in Brisbane

Brisbane has become the epicenter of modern and creative Asian cuisine. Incidentally, Brisbane’s Asian restaurants are also some of the best restaurants in Brisbane. For your road trips in Australia, these restaurants are a must-visit. 

FantAsia

FantAsia

FantAsia Brisbane offers Asian fast food. By using traditional cooking methods and local, seasonal produce, FantAsia delivers fresh and authentic Asian flavors without the price and wait of typical Asian cuisine restaurants. 

The main attraction at FantAsia is the Tokyo Beef entree, which complements the lemongrass and ginger tea. 

Sake 

Sake Restaurant and Bar focuses on contemporary Japanese cuisine with hints of California and European flavors. The restaurant offers private dining rooms as well as communal banquet dining area. 

Sake’s signature dishes include steamed prawn dumplings and ‘glacier 51’ tooth-fish lettuce cups.

Asian-Szechuan Bang Bang Cuisine

Inspired by the traditional cuisine of the Sichuan Province, Asian-Szechuan has brought Southwest China flavors to Brisbane. Cooking methods that date back 2,000 years add to the customary tang.

Black fungus and tofu skin salad with garlic and chili oil is offered as an entrée. The less adventurous can opt for a classic dish like Sichuan beef hot pot.

Golden Barbeque

Focusing on classic Chinese BBQ, Golden Barbeque offers large portions and authentic flavors. This hidden gem offers a mom and pop environment with economic prices. Check out their staple dish of BBQ duck.

Garden Restaurant

Taigum Gardens

Taigum Gardens has a vast array of Chinese cuisine options inspired by multiple Chinese delicacies. Large portions and high-quality meats can be expected from this quint restaurant, which is geared to adults. Must-try dishes include the crispy honey beef, the traditional roast duck, and the mango ice cream. 

Happy Boy 

Located on Mein St., this hidden gem focuses on Chinese cuisine with hints of French and Italian inspiration. Happy Boy offers a small, charming space in a converted warehouse. Recommendations include the dried fried green beans, salt and pepper prawns and pork belly sliders. 

Bird’s Nest Yakitori & Bar

Bird’s Nest brings traditional Japanese Yakitori to Brisbane. Using solely fresh, free-range meats and organic produce, Bird’s Nest offers multiple gluten-free and vegetarian options. They specialize in skewers with beef, chicken, veggies, tofu and/or pork belly. 

Paddington Curry House

Specializing in Indian and Nepalese cuisine, Paddington Curry House provides complementary rice with every curry order. Staples include paneer tikka, an Indian cheese marinated in tandoori spices then grilled to perfection, and traditional chicken malai tikka. Their goat curry is a staple for every curry fanatic.

table-791167_1280

Citron Restaurant

For anyone who enjoys modern twists to their Asian cuisine will fall in love with Citron. Owned and operated by Robert Foley, previously of Piccolo Restaurant, and notable chef Mark Newman. Citron is the only restaurant in town where eaters can find green tea salt calamari with ginger chili dipping sauce.

Fat Noodle Restaurant

Fat Noodle was created by famed chef Luke Nguyen, and includes a mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai and Malay dishes. Nguyen’s signature dish is Fat Pho Noodles, which consists of a 20-hour beef broth, bean sprouts, fresh Thai basil, fresh chili and rice noodles. 

Top 5 Aussie Road Trips

The vast territory that is Australia has much to offer. Each region is unique and has spectaculars landscape that must be explored and experienced. Indulge in a holiday of a lifetime and plan a road trip to see the country. Take a week or two, pack the bags, gather the family, load the vehicle and take snacks for the best Aussie road trips. Driving ensures that you do not miss anything between starting and finishing destinations. Take your time and visit some of the most amazing areas on the continent.

1) Great Ocean Road-Victoria

The journey along the southern coast requires a few days in order to make the most of the trip. The destination is renowned around the world for its natural beauty and sites. The famous iconic adventure spans more than 250 kilometres from Torquay to Warrnambool. In addition to the wondrous coastal scenery, the drive provides the chance to stop and encounter wildlife, go hiking, gaze at cascading waterfalls and grab a meal at one of the local beachside communities. Take photographs of the unique formations known as the 12 Apostles. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the calm waters of the Lock Ard Gorge. See the adorable koalas at Kennett River.

2) Red Centre Way-Northern Territory

road-780544_640While many prefer to take the Stuart Highway from Alice Springs to Uluru, the Red Centre Way is infinitely more scenic. Along the way, you will happen upon picturesque canyons and gorges that feature camping and hiking locations. Make a point of being there for an amazing sunrise or sunset. Watch Uluru change colour throughout the course of the day. Take the base walk. Guests of all ages enjoy the memorable camel rides. Stop at nearby Kata Tjuta. Trek through Kings Canyon and along the shores of Glen Helen Gorge. Take a dip in the cool waters of Ormiston Gorge.

3) The Savannah Way-Queensland

Start in the east at Cairns and venture the 3,700 kilometres to Broome in the west. While in Cairns, drive to Undara Volcanic National Park and explore the ancient lava tubes. Gem fossicking is also popular here and might gain a participant anything from aquamarine or quartz gemstones to gold. Make a point of going south of Millaa Millaa and see the most photographed falls in the country. Stay on the lookout for the Ulysses butterfly. Maybe catch a glimpse of a platypus later in the afternoon. The destination is a popular swimming spot and perfects for BBQs and picnics. There are also changing rooms and toilets.

4) Cairns to Cape Tribulation

An eastern coast adventure brings guests to the tropical environs of North Queensland. The iconic scenic region is considered one of the most enchanting destinations on the planet. The reduced humidity during the winter months is more desirable. There are also fewer stinging insects to spoil the trip. Highlights here not to miss include the chance to snorkel or scuba along the Great Barrier Reef. Scramble across the rocks at Mossman Gorge and learn more about the area at the Daintree Discovery Centre.

5) Sydney to Brisbane

coast-192979_640

The Legendary Pacific Coast remains one of Australia’s most popular road trips. The 900-kilometre drive offers something for visitors of all ages. Tour a winery and sample the vintages in Hunter Valley. Stroll along the coastal promenade at Port Macquarie. Take in the sunset at Coffs Coast or Byron Bay. Take the whole family swimming in the clear blue protected waters of Kingscliff.

 

4 Places to Visit in Bathurst!

Bathurst is a pleasant destination for those travellers that are looking for a new and satisfying place to visit in Australia. This quiet city is highlighted by interesting historical locations and incredible picturesque views.

Australian Mineral & Fossil Museum

 Fossil-museum1
For those individuals who love taking a historical look at the Bathurst area, the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum is a fantastic place to check out. This hot spot is actually the home of the Somerville Collection, which is an internationally renowed collection of the work from Professor Warren Somerville. Within this museum, you will be treated to all kinds of rare fossils and minerals from around the globe. Of course, though, there are also a good amount of specimens showed here right from Australia. These really are the world’s finest assortment of minerals and fossils.
Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre
The Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre is a 650 seat Theatre City Hall that can hold up to 1100 people. Here, visitors are treated to all kinds of shows, plays and productions. There are also four conference rooms located here, which is ideal for seminars and other meetings. This Entertainment Center is a member of the APACA Publication. It’s open every day from 9 am to 5 pm.
National Motor Racing Museum
Anyone in Bathurst that loves motor racing needs to take a look at the National Racing Museum. This is a museum that truly celebrates and enlightens all visitors on the history, racers and overall achievements of Australian Motor Sports. This includes the history of items like the speedway, drag, solar, rallying, open wheeler. There is also information here on sports car and the opportunity to see touring cars. The two main displays found at the National Motor Racing Museum are the Mount Panorama and the Bathurst 1000. The history of Motorbike racing is heavily focused on here.
Turon Technology Museum
 steamengine1
Engines are a big draw here in Bathust, which is what you will get to see up-close in Turon Technology Museum. This museum homes a bunch of different exhibits on the development of the stream and internal engine and how it eventually transitioned into the internal combustion engine and then the stream engine. The Turon Technology Museum is not your average Australian museum. Visitors can attend guided tours here that take roughly two hours. However, there are many different attendees that will stay at the Turon Technology Museum for five hours or more. There is no rush to leave here, as visitors can also sit down and enjoy the beautiful nearby scenery with a lazy lunch.

 

Traveling with Food Allergies

Traveling has been revolutionized in the past 40-50 years, and it is becoming a possibility for a growing number of people all the time. The number of young people who have never left their region, even their country, is dropping with travel costs. However, there are still plenty of people who will never experience a worry-free trip. The number of people suffering from allergies is increasing, due to our overly clean and sanitized everyday life. Allergic reactions to food are not as common as reactions to pollen, but they are a big problem nonetheless, and one that people have to learn to live with. Several make a particular problem to travelers: gluten intolerance, lactose intolerance and the famous one that airline companies dread – nut allergies. A modern traveler has to be smart when preparing and carefully planning his or her journey.

bibimbap
BBQ Chicken Dolsot Bibimbap by Alpha
  1. Preparing oneself for possible and probable medical issues is a priority. Everyone affected should keep a list of medication on them in case trouble arises. Antihistamines and epinephrine are at the top of the list for people with serious food allergies. Gluten allergy may be a trend, but that doesn’t change the fact that there are people for whom gluten is a serious health threat. Whatever the problem, it is wise to keep anti-nausea medication and antacids close to hand. However, the best treatment is to avoid any food you suspect may have a problematic substance.
  2. A traveler needs to consider which airline they are flying with. Today, most companies prepare gluten-free, nut-free, any-other-allergen-free meals, but it is wise to get all the information before a flight, especially a long flight, and with a smaller airline company.
  3. Once the destination has been reached, it is important to have information about food-joints in the area. Are there restaurants that cater to your dietary restrictions? How stocked are the local markets? Again, it is wise to book a room close to a local market with fresh produce. Fresh fruit and vegetables are always the safest option, once they have been properly washed.
  4. One of my friends has a severe intolerance to gluten and he always books a room with a kitchenette, and one equipped with food-preparation utensils at that. This ties up with what has been mentioned above – once fresh food is bought, it is safest to prepare it in your own kitchen, where you are in charge of the water you use to clean everything.
  5. It is important to prepare all your dietary requirements on paper, in the local language. Perhaps you are planning a vacation in Thailand – everything regarding your health should be translated into Thai, and preferably typed on out for waiters and chefs to understand. But there is more. Food allergies sound like a joke to some less developed places, where few people suffer from them. In order not to sound like an annoying tourist that “should be taught a lesson”, never use the word wheat to describe your gluten intolerance. Specifically list products like “bread, pasta, pastries, flour” etc as something that you mustn’t eat, for very important, undisclosed reasons.
spices
Spicy by meaduva

Once the trip has come to an end, a digestive system cleanse is in order, whether or not you are sensitive to food. The best way to detox is through tea. Most detox tea ingredients act as anti-inflammatory, anti-infective, antioxidant, lymph system cleansers. They will wash out your intestines as if foreign food you’re unaccustomed to was never a problem.

Accident of Airasia QZ8501 and Safety in Aviation Industry

Nowadays, the aviation industry seems to be the point of sorrow. The peak is the falling of the Airasia QZ8501 that makes all of the passengers and the crews died. It is found that Airasia QZ8501 is one of the most sophisticated planes. However, it is not automatically the guarantee of safety. It is because the operator is human being and the human error cannot be avoided.

The Accident of Airasia QZ8501 and Flight Safety

Actually, the flight safety can be improved when the operator of the plane follows the rules. Before the flight, there must be a flight plan, whether it is made by pilot or the other flight operation officers. The flight plan includes aircraft, weather, fuel, destination, departure, load, alternate base, etc. All of these flight plans must be communicated before the plane starts to take off. It is a must for pilot to have a briefing session on the operation desk. However, it can also be represented by the other flight operation officers. The most important thing is that all of the pilots and other flight attendants have to understand all of the data on the flight plan.

If the pilot of QZ8501 had fully understood the flight plan, the pilot must have read the weather condition along the way, so that he could make sure that the condition is safe. Weather is one of the most important factors that influence the pilot to decide to have a flight well and safely; as weather significantly influences safety. Therefore, the pilot must follow the condition of weather before the flight.

The Importance of Weather Forecast in Flight Safety

Some related studies found that the traffic line used by the QZ8501 (why flew from Singapore – Indonesia – Australia) was crowded. Yet, it seemed that the weather condition during the flight QZ8501 on December 2014 involved Camulo Nimbus cloud, which extended from South Borneo to Java Sea. in the aviation term, it is called as ITCZ (Inter Tropical Convergence Zone). It is usually clearly seen on the screen or the weather monitor. The danger is indicated by red color in the harmful location. It means that any plane is prohibited to do flight because the cloud is dangerous. Camulo Nimbus contains rain, ice and storm so that the pilot must understand this before doing the flight.

So many people relate the accident of QZ8501 with the standard operating procedure of Airasia and the bad weather. Conspiracy theory also emerges to disrespect other countries, terrorism, business, bombing illegal flight and so on. Of course, there are no things like conspiracy theory because the aviation has legally operated and it has been in operation for many years.

Therefore, it is clear that the accident of the QZ8501 is caused by the human error, because the pilot and other flight attendants did not estimate the weather and the bad possibilities happened when they insist to do flight. This flight safety must be really taken as the consideration before doing the flight because it is related to many lives of people.

Top 5 travel apps for android

Traveling used to include many different and useful things like backpacks, maps, etc. but today, most people would agree that the most important thing you should have while traveling is a smartphone.

Why is this so? It’s very simple; a modern phone includes very useful and practically necessary things for travelers, like an online map with most places you would need to visit. But there is another thing which is also very helpful in your “expeditions” – android apps.

Photo credit: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/

This is why I piled up a smaller list of the most useful travelling apps out there.

1.    Kayak

Kayak is an all inclusive app when it comes to travelling. It searches the internet to find the best deal. It can also find the flight you need and book it as well. Besides booking your flight, it can also book a room in a hotel you want. A lot of other useful information can also be found with this app. And of course, you can always download it for free on Google store.

2.    WeatherPro

This app does what you already expect – it gives you a lot of useful information about the weather in the place you’re located in. It gives you a 5-day forecast and data such as humidity, pressure, visibility, etc. The good thing about it is that it has most cities in the world, even those in some smaller and less known countries. But the bad thing about it is that it cannot work on an SD card for some reason… If you want it, get it for free.

Photo credit: http://guestofaguest.com/

3.    XE Currency

Many tourists often have the problem with the local currency. Most people get tricked by a lot of local exchange offices, mostly because they know nothing about their money. But with this very simple and useful app, you won’t have that problem. It’s updated regularly, so even if the local currency has some tendencies of changing a lot, you will know about it. As you can see, this app is a must-have for all travelers.

4.    Google Goggles

When visiting a foreign place, most people want to see some important famous places and find out information about the place they are visiting. If you have the language barrier, this app will be of great help. All you need to do is point your camera to a thing you want to learn more about, and if Google has it in its database, you will instantly get information.

Photo credit: http://www.uniquemobiles.com.au/ 

5.    TripAdvisor

In the end, another “all inclusive” app for you – TripAdvisor has millions of reviews about hotels, places, restaurants, etc. It can also help you discover places on your own. And, if you wish to be a part of this network, you can add your own reviews as well. If you want the app, download it at the usual place.

This would be the end of the list I made. Look up these apps, and see on your own if you could use them before your trip starts, and of course, have fun with them.

Tips for Using Frequent Flyer Miles for Family Travel

Do you know what you’re missing in your Frequent Flyer Miles for Family Travel? We all know by now it may be a little difficult finding more than one award ticket on the same journey, if you’re watching to cash-in frequent flyer miles for your family travel.

Obviously, the well-mentioned ad will tell you that getting the rewards you need, when you need them, is one of the most important features of a frequent flyer program. From Family Pooling to a membership pause for Parental Leave, you can take advantage of the great Frequent Flyer Miles for Family Travel.

Well then, how about trying to make things a little less difficult, shall we?

Number one tip is endeavour to book as far ahead as possible; and yes, many carriers do not release their entire award inventory many months out, but ten or eleven months ahead is a predictable time. At times it works in well with a program that allows one-way bookings, which in turn, makes for each leg being booked the day it is available.

Knowing your family school’s holiday schedule, you would be in a position long in advance to influence the inflexibility for awards that work for you and yours!

Another tip is that because few travellers realise how airlines price multiple award tickets, carriers release seats with a limited number of seats in an award class. So initially, you could search for the minimum number of award seats that you must have, and then narrow that down by increasing the number of successive searches. You may then perhaps have to divide your reservations between paid and award seats.

Why not consider splitting itineraries? Putting it plainly, most times the vacation is about the destination, not the journey. If there are just not enough award seats truly available, have each parent travel with some of the children. In that instance, you have a good way of scoring lower-level award seats for some of your travel schedule.

Another point would be to consider using a change in itineraries to optimise flights. Some carriers will have low-mileage award seats available when a timetable change affects travellers, thereby making them rebook their award tickets on the new itineraries. Try booking you family on separate journeys or on a less-pleasant one, perhaps? And if the carrier changes their schedules (which does happen more than you think), you could then combine your reservations. Don’t forget, there are programs that allow pooling of points or miles between family members also.

Make sure you are taking advantage of all the bonuses. There is the most lucrative credit card sign-up bonus, where you and your spouse/partner apply, and the Spend Bonus category where you earn extra points on what you spend. If there is a retention bonus in your program for keeping a credit card, you can look for some snail-mail incentive offers you could receive.

The most important tip would be to endeavour to be a little flexible with dates and routes. And if you’re willing to fly during off-peak times, you have every chance of being in luck!