Top 5 Places to Travel in 2019

With the new year, comes new and exciting places to visit. Wether it was due to lack of time or you simply weren’t sure about some destinations; 2019 is the year to travel. 

Here are the top 5 places to visit in 2019:

1.     Mexico City, Mexico 

WHY: Experience colourful flavours and culture 

Lets face it, everyone loves Mexican food; and who wouldn’t want to have a traditional homemade taco? Although in the past it may have had a criminal reputation, it is definitely an up and coming city, filled with cultural history, homemade food as well as lively parties. What else could you possibly ask for!

2. Dordogne, France

WHY: A fairytale dream 

This pastoral Southwestern region lies within the richness of the cherished french culture we all admire. 2019 is an especially appropriate time to visit as it makes 100 years since the inauguration of the Félibrée; an annual celebration of all things Occitan. This includes food, music as well as activities such as renting kayaks on the Dordogne River.

3. Montenegro  

WHY: Breathtaking scenery and heritage

This Southern European country should be on everyone’s travel list for 2019. For years, this beautiful country filled with undiscovered beaches used to be considered a mere stopover that travellers combined with its popular neighbouring country Croatia. However, this underrated paradise has recently experienced development boom with its pink sand beaches, shopping spots as well as spas.  

4. Reykjavik, Iceland 

WHY:  A place to reach your inner Zen 

From natural springs and waterfalls to whale-watching, Iceland is surreal experience waiting to inspire you. One of the main reasons to visit is the night-time spectacle of the Northern Lights, which are more common in Iceland than any other Northern country. The perfect destination for a full body detox.

5.  The Azores, Portugal 

WHY: Natural adventure zone

Although Portugal has been a major touristic attraction, new to the scene are beautiful islands of The Azores. Filled with thermal springs, vineyards, volcanic lakes, these spots are all accompanied by outdoor activities such as surfing, diving and kayaking. These amazing islands have something for everyone.

Wishing you a year of spectacular travels.

Avoiding pickpockets on the Mexico Subway

In order to fully explore the huge dimensions of Mexico City, one must use public transport. Here are a few tips to avoid your trip being ruined by pickpockets in such a busy city.

1)     Avoid travelling on a very congested metro especially at peak times as pickpockets take advantage of the closeness to people’s belongings. Over crowded transport is where an anti theft bag comes in necessary.

2)     Do NOT keep any wallets, phones or money in your front or back pockets as they are easily accessible. Keep your belongings in a safe bag, kept close to you.

3)     Unless an anti theft bag, wear your bag in front rather on the back in order to avoid anyone opening and stealing your belongings.

4)     Have a lock on the zips in order to be extra secure and avoid anyone attempting to open your bag.

5)     Carry as little as possible, i.e the essentials. It is unnecessary to carry all your cash on you, especially in a city where not a lot of money is necessary in order to get around.

Nicole Fernandez

Top 5 Effective Tips to get a Free Flight Upgrade

Here are our top 5 tips to getting a free upgrade from economy class to first class or business class. One thing I must say is that there is no point in trying to upgrade on short-haul flights. You will have a much better chance of scoring a free upgrade on long-haul flights and it will be a longer lasting experience. Give these tips a go on your next trip. Hope they work out for you as they have worked for us. :-) Enjoy!

1.    Be prepared to be bumped off a flight

If a flight is full and the airline has oversold on tickets. The airline staff will look to bump people off the flight and put them onto the next flight.  We would suggest that you should definitely volunteer yourself to be bumped off a flight. This is a great strategy as airlines offer incentives, compensation and upgrades to those willing to be bumped off a flight.

To ensure you come first to be bumped off a flight. Make sure that when you are checking-in, you simply inform the check-in assistant and make them aware that you are willing to be bumped off a flight in return for a free upgrade if the situation arises. 

2.  Express concern if your airline has inconvenienced you

If you have been inconvenienced by an airline, do not hesitate to ask for a free upgrade. If your flight is late or you are not happy with the overall customer service. You can express your concerns and the airline may offer you an upgrade in order to maintain goodwill. This strategy is even more effective if you are a loyal customer with a particular airline.

3. If you are celebrating a special occasion. Let them know.

If it is your birthday or you are travelling on a honeymoon (make sure you show your wedding documents as proof). Let the airline staff or travel agent know. You may get a free upgrade or get some extra perks added to your flight experience. Even if they say ‘no’ when you request a free upgrade, they may still give you a huge discount on a first class or business class upgrade, which will be a lot cheaper than the original price. 

4. Travel Solo

If you ask for a free upgrade as a solo traveller you are more than likely to be accommodated. This is due to the fact that there is a higher likelihood that one seat in business class or first class will be available. Getting free upgrades for more than one person is a lot harder and less likely. 

5. Dress to Impress

First impressions are lasting impressions, so dress the part and simply ask for a free upgrade with a smile and you may just get lucky.