Airport chaos got you down? 😩 I’ve got a secret weapon that will transform your travel days. Here’s how to hack the airport 👇
For comfort, ease, good eats, and an overall better vibe: get a lounge pass!
There are a few ways to score one of these tickets to tranquility ➡️
🎟️ Sometimes it’s built into ticket tier (think First Class 🥂) ⭐️ Airline status sometimes grants access 💳 Airline co-branded credit cards sometimes grant access 💵 You can often buy a paid day pass 💫 OR, my personal favorite — you can carry a credit card that comes with Priority Pass!
I get @PriorityPass through my @Chase Sapphire Reserve card, and with it, I can get myself + 2 guests in FREE at over 1700 lounges worldwide. And it’s not just traditional lounges – some even offer express spa services. 💆♀️ It’s super easy to see which lounges are available nearby via the PP app. #notsponsored
So, what’s inside these magical havens? Usually there’s:
🥐 Food! We’re talking hot bars, fresh pastries, snacks, etc ☕️ Coffee (i.e. espresso machines, sometimes even with local brews) 🍹Full bar service (pre-flight mocktail, anyone?) 🛋️ Comfy seating 💻 Wifi + power outlets ✨ Nicer bathrooms than the main terminal (luxury!) ✈️ An interesting view of the runway or airport hustle ✅ Boarding announcements/screens so you don’t miss your flight!
Trust me, once you go lounge, you won’t go back. 😉 Do you have a favorite airport hack? Share your wisdom below! 👇
(NB: I’m not a financial advisor, so can’t advise on the right credit card/payment process for you. But I WILL fangirl over related travel hacks. )
Have you been dreaming of the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure? 🏝️🐢
The Galapagos Islands should be at the top of your bucket list! This is a once-in-a-lifetime trip where you can explore wildlife, stunning landscapes, and unwind in true Celebrity style. It’s the perfect addition to your holiday wish list—and I’m here to help you make it happen!
Unique Biodiversity: The Galapagos Islands are for their extraordinary wildlife, including species found nowhere else on Earth. You can observe giant tortoises, marine iguanas, a variety of bird species in their natural habitats, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and researchers alike.
Unparalleled Natural Beauty: The islands boast stunning landscapes, from volcanic craters to pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. This diverse scenery offers countless opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking environment.
Rich Scientific Heritage: The Galapagos Islands played a pivotal role in Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Exploring the islands provides a unique opportunity to learn about the history of scientific discovery and conservation efforts, making it an enriching experience for those interested in biology and ecology.
We flew Air Canada to Vancouver from Boston. Last year the luggage were delayed getting into Vancouver. Luckily we stayed right at the airport. This year it came on time and fast, in just 20 minutes after we got off the plane. My brother-in-law’s flight was delayed 3 hours though. We highly recommend you staying near the airport, in case of flight or luggage delays.
Richmond
Richmond next to the airport is a great place to stay, for all the delicious Asian food. Then next morning you can have a meal there before exploring the town a bit. Our favorite hotel is the Radisson Hotel Vancouver Airport, since close to an Asian mall and early morning (9am) diimsum. From there it’s about half hour to get to Vancouver downtown.
Waking up early the next day, we set out to find food. At T&T Market, we found lots of cool Asian food packages for ramen and Korean cold noodles, and tons of great produce like perfect longans, and lots of cakes to chose from.
McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Mall
What a great idea to have a designer outlet near the airport. We had fun shopping and gawking here after a big meal. There’s a good Northface outlet that we bought a lot of gears from. And fancier stores like Versace and Armani.
Vancouver
Vancouver reminds me of a cleaner, nicer San Francisco, with hills going up and down and great sea view.
Stanley Park
Stanley Park is the big park just to the north of the downtown. It offers great sea views, totem poles. giant trees
You can see how clear is the water in Vancouver Harbor.
Sea to Sky Highway
The drive from Vancouver to Whistler Ski Resort takes about 1.5 hours on the aptly named Sea-to-Sky Highway. There’s great view of the mountains and sea on the left as you drive up.
🤭😋👊🏻Pro travel tip! Food on board an airplane usually sucks so bring your own! Lots of airport restaurants provide take out. #traveltips #traveltip #traveltipsandtricks (at Tokyo Japan) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqRmff8N0TM/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
Traveling is all about creating memories and experiencing new things 🌍💕 Take advantage of local transportation options, it not only saves you money but also gives you a glimpse into the daily life of the place you’re visiting 🚌👀 #TravelTip #LocalTransportation #ExperienceMore #wanderlust https://www.instagram.com/p/CoEhbQVP4K7/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
Cell Phone Service Overseas: How to Stay Connected
Staying connected while traveling overseas can be a challenge. Whether you’re taking a quick business trip to another country or you’re embarking on an extended vacation, having access to reliable cell phone service is an essential part of staying in touch with family and friends back home. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the options available to you for getting cell phone service overseas, so you can stay connected while you’re abroad.
Check for International Plans with Your Carrier
Before you take off, take the time to check with your cell phone carrier to see what international plans they offer. Most carriers offer different international plans that include data, text and talk minutes. These plans vary in cost and features, so it’s important to do some research and find the one that best fits your needs. You may also want to consider renting a device or buying a local SIM card for use overseas. This could be a more cost-effective option, depending on where you’re going and how long you plan to stay. Finally, if you have an unlocked GSM phone, you can purchase a local SIM card in the country you’re visiting.
Use a Local SIM Card
Local SIM cards are relatively easy to obtain and can provide you with access to the local network. This will allow you to make calls, text and use the internet while traveling abroad. You can usually buy these cards at airports, convenience stores, and other locations near your destination.
Before purchasing a local SIM card, make sure to research which network providers are available in the area. You should also double check that your phone is unlocked and compatible with the local network. After that, it’s as easy as inserting the SIM card and you’ll be ready to go!
Use Wi-Fi Calling and Messaging Apps
One of the most convenient methods for staying connected while traveling abroad is Wi-Fi calling. Most smartphones support this feature and it is free in many places, such as airports and cafes. Another way to stay connected while abroad is to use messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Skype, and Viber. These apps allow you to send messages, make video calls, and even make audio calls for free or at a minimal cost.
Keep Your Phone in Airplane Mode
By turning on Airplane mode, you are essentially turning off your cellular connection. As such, you won’t get charged for any roaming fees or data charges. When you are in Airplane mode, you can still access any of the apps that you have already downloaded onto your device. You will also be able to make and receive Wi-Fi calls, so if you are using a VoIP app like Skype or WhatsApp, you can still stay connected with family and friends back home.
Rent a Portable Wi-Fi Device
Portable Wi-Fi devices are small, pocket-sized devices that allow you to access the internet no matter where you are. They come with a SIM card that you insert into the device and then you’re able to connect to the internet using a secure connection. These devices are incredibly convenient and make it easy for travelers to stay connected while on the go. You can use them in multiple countries, and they even work in some remote locations that don’t have traditional cell phone coverage. This makes them perfect for those who want to stay connected without relying on international roaming plans or buying a local SIM card.
Staying connected while overseas is imperative. Choose the best option that works for you and enjoy your travels!
// Hello Sunday! This is what a Sunday should ideally look like. I’m pretty much in Mumbai at home running errands and also catching up on “cleaning” my room! So this day is dedicated to cleaning and getting out my winter clothes gearing up for @iltm_events in Cannes! One of the biggest travel festivals for the travel industry! Also ensuring that I will be smiling at whatever card is dealt at me today! So today’s #traveltip - Listen to a song that’s tagged with this picture :) Enjoy my lovely #Pravasis
If you’re a city person, but love waterfalls, you gotta come #visitsingapore
📌Save this post for a few #traveltips!
The #cloudforest is home to one of the world’s largest waterfalls at 35 m tall (surpassed by the world’s tallest indoor waterfall at Jewel Changi Airport - see my previous reel!)
Swipe for some views of this gorgeous site.
Go to #gardensbythebay and visit this cool (23°C to 25°C) indoor site.
I wanted to post this because this view won’t be available again until 1 April 2023! My little one and I are going to check out the temporary avatar installation at the Cloud Forest and are pretty excited. This original view is really majestic in its own right.
My #traveltip - get that first picture of the waterfall right as you enter, but also head to the side for some great views with fewer crowds too! There’s also a great shot on the second level right under the water too!
We flew the new PLAY airline with stopover in Iceland. They made traveling to Paris very affordable: our round-trip tickets in August were $470 each, though they did make you pay for carryons, water, and anything else you can think of. You can find well-rated hotels in great locations like next to the Louvre or right in the Latin Quarter for just under $200 for a family or 4. While there’s a range for food, you can have a good sit down meal for less than the cost of a meal in Boston. The exchange rate is almost 1:1 so very much in our favor.
Paris is beautiful everywhere you go. Be sure to look around as you walk around, you might see a historic church or a pretty fountain. Give yourself time to just wonder around. With a GPS (even without data) you can’t really get lost. I especially enjoy walking around in the morning when it’s quiet.
You’ll walk a lot - 15-20,000 steps for me daily, and half as many for my kids. Be sure to rest and take breaks, e.g at one of the many cafes.
French are quite friendly! - Just try to say some basic French. We didn’t have much problem with the stereotype of rude Parisians, except maybe one very stressed waiter who had a bunch people trying to order. Some useful phrases:
Bonjour - Good morning, hello, good day
Bonsoir - Good evening
Merci - Thank you
S'il vous plaît - Please. Short: SVP, so e.g.
Les Toilettes, SVP? - Restroom please?
L'addition, SVP - Check, please
Where to stay
We stayed in 2 different areas since in between we stayed with our friends. For the first I chose the Louvre area because it’s a great way to be introduced to Paris. You can take easy walks to see the Louvre, Royal Palace, Seine River, Musee d’Orsay across the river. It’s also a short walk to Opera House and other sites. There are also a number of good restaurants near the Palais Royal area.
The other area we stayed at is the Latin Quarter. Also great for site seeing (Notre Dame, Seine, Pantheon) and restaurants, plus more convenient and affordable. We stayed in an apartment in an authentic courtyard, overlooking a very busy intersection starting from very early morning. I love the bustle all around, good the double windows made the apartment quiet. This area is also close to Sorbonne the famous university, making things more affordable and international.
Getting around
The density of Paris plus a focus on climate change means there are a lot of great transportation options. The Metro is quite convenient: there’s almost always a stop close to where you are. Buy a pack of ten so you don’t need to stand in line for tickets. Kids 12 and under are free so just walk one in with you.
Taxis are convenient and affordable. You can wave one down at the busy street corners. Just be warned they often don’t take 4 people, probably due to Covid concerns, not allowing one to sit in passenger seat. We also saw some hydrogen-powered taxis and many more Toyota hybrids.
- Not able to find a Taxi? You can always order an Uber, which can be quite affordable. We enjoyed talking to Taxi and Uber drivers in Paris, who are often immigrants and asked us about where we’re from.
- Paris is super bike and scooter friendly. Next to the Louvre on Rue de Rivoli, there’s a ridiculously wide two-lane bike path, and only a tiny one lane for cars. Else where there are bike-bus-taxi lane in the roads.
- Lime and Tier scooters are everywhere. You can ride the Lime scooter with your Uber app. It did take us some time to figure out how to rent one, as the apps only take debit cards, not credit. Lime is a bit easier to brake than Tier the competitor, but the latter allows you to book more than one at a time. Our kids and we had a lot of fun riding around in scooters. Note you do have to return them to designated areas, so look for them near where you go.
Shopping
Food shoppingis for sure one of the highlights of the trip. First we love staying with our friends and checking out their local cheese and sausage store where we can get recommendations and samples. There are separate specialty stores selling wine, meat or fish.
On the same block as our Latin Quarter rental is a Monoprix store that was a lot of fun to shop at. We got pears for the equivalent of $0.75/lb, and apples for $1.5/lb. There’s freshly squeezed OJ for $1.59 per bottle. And lots of takeaway options like salads, sandwiches and sushis. The store is a popular upscale chain that’s found throughout urban areas. Just check out their amazing deli meat section that’s also quite affordable. The prices vary by store and clientele.
Franprix seems to be a competitor chain that’s more pricy. I found it interesting they have digital price tags making it easier to adjust on the fly.
At the premium end of the spectrum is Galeries Lafayette, one of the Les Grands Magasins or fancy department stores. We visited their gourmet shops selling high end bakery items, spices, even one specializing in truffles.
Things get lost when traveling from one place to another and there is nothing more frustrating than losing something when you’re traveling: The best way to avoid this is just to unpack as little as possible
#travelTip: Do you find that your hotel room does not have enough wall power sockets to plug in all the devices that your family brings along on vacation - all those phones, tablets etc?
Here’s a simple tip: bring along a plug power bank and convert a single outlet into multiple outlets. That would also save on the number of plug converters to bring along to a country using incompatible power sockets.
#travelTip: Do you find that your hotel room does not have enough wall power sockets to plug in all the devices that your family brings along on vacation - all those phones, tablets etc?
Here’s a simple tip: bring along a plug power bank and convert a single outlet into multiple outlets. That would also save on the number of plug converters to bring along to a country using incompatible power sockets.
Mark your luggage 🧳 as ‘fragile’ or ‘handle with care so that the airline workers will be extra careful with your luggage and most times you’ll get your luggage first upon arrival before other passengers. Have you ever tried this travel trick and did it work for you? #luggage #traveltricks #travelhack #traveltip #NexusDestinations
Invest in some decent photography gear as your smartphone can only offer you limited quality pictures, but if you want really good pictures, a proper DSLR is a worthy investment.
