A good deal of the travel industry isn’t geared toward the enrichment of the traveller’s experience; it focused on the enrichment of the industry’s bottom line. There is a prevailing attitude of, “Go first class, all the way. If you can’t, save up and go when you can afford first class all the way.”

I believe what people expect in their travels is to learn about other places and cultures, see and experience something they have never seen or done before, taste delicious food and have the most amazing time. From sun-kissed beaches and exciting cities, to snow-capped mountains and untamed savannahs, we all want to discover the World of Adventure!

But what if our expectations are not met? Do we strive for more or settle with less? When you’re at home, do you,

• require a fresh bath towel, every day?
• expect other to dance for your amusement and entertainment?
• live in a five-star hotel?
• expect your toilet to be sanitized every day, and provided with a paper sash proving so?

Why, then do people expect this when travelling? Because we want to maximise what we can get for the money we paid.

It’s easy, far too easy, to unknowingly use your money to buy a wall that separates you from what you claim you came to see.

Therein, lies the essence of budget travel.

• Knowing what your needs truly are, and not buying above them.
• Becoming a temporary local.
• Satisfying you curiosity, not your ego.
• Seeking out a more meaningful experience in you travels.
• Joining in the experiences of everyday life.
• Getting the “natives” to dance with you, rather than for you.

Mind you, it can still be expensive as hell, but it will be money well spent. As time goes on, you’ll know you’ve gotten your money’s worth.

Often this requires you to set a budget, make compromises, and economise in ways you may be unaccustomed to. These things too, add to the enrichment of you travel experience.

And at last, few travel hacks from me:

• Always roll your clothes; don’t fold them. You’ll find a world of space.
• Don’t carry more clothes than you need. Keep it to a bare minimum.
• Don’t carry large amounts of cash. Credit/Debit cards are safer. In case you get mugged, you can always contact your card service provider.
• People forget how important a pen is. Always carry 2 ball point pens with you. It can even serve as a defensive weapon.
• Keep scanned copies of your identity cards and passport in your email and on your phone in case of emergency.
• Always carry painkillers in your bag/rucksack.

In the words of John Lydon, “Don’t let them tell you what you want. Don’t let them tell you what you need.” If you do there truly is, “no future for you.”

If you are looking for recommendations to travel abroad on a budget, I’m happy to tell you that there are a number of places around the world where you can go. But here are the top 5 places in Europe that I believe are worth visiting if you’re on a budget.

Get out there! Travel!

The post The essence of budget travel appeared first on Sea Traveller.

CELEBRITY CRUISES

Le Petit Chef

Celebrity Cruises is known for fun yet classy innovations, and for instance, the Le Petit Chef dining experience found on several Celebrity ships falls squarely in line with that reputation.

Le Petit Chef (costs around $55 pp) – animated characters appear beside your plate and prepare each course. The first menu goes with the story line, but you can order off of each. Animation aside, the food was delicious. I recommend it! If you have kids, I think they would find it entertaining. Will they eat the food? That depends on your child. You can watch a short 5 minutes video on my YouTube.

Which Celebrity Ships Have Le Petit Chef?

• Eclipse
• Edge (Le Petit Chef and Friends)
• Equinox (Le Petit Chef and Le Petit Chef and Friends)
• Infinity
• Reflection
• Silhouette

Murano

Murano was by far my favourite of the specialty restaurants. This French Continental restaurant had me at the scallop wellington and the baked goat cheese appetizers.

Hubby and I immensely enjoyed our Chateaubriand for two and their speciality dish lobster Murano, both prepared tableside. The Grand Marnier soufflé was one of the best I’ve ever had. Moreover, if you decide not to order dessert, don’t worry they bring out a small assortment of fine chocolate. I highly enjoyed the wine recommended by the sommelier.

The service here is impeccable.

Moveable Feast

Celebrity Cruises do a culinary partnership with Fine Cooking magazine and its Emmy Award-nominated public television series Moveable Feast. The cruise line and the food magazine introduced Moveable Feast with Celebrity Cruises.

In order to celebrate the partnership, Celebrity has launched Moveable Feast Signature Sailings from 2017. Although I’ve never done one, the reviews highly recommend these sailings, because the voyages have a culinary angle and onboard guests can interact with some of Moveable Feast’s most talented celebrity chefs.

In addition, those onboard get the opportunity to meet Top Chef All-Stars winner chef Richard Blais and Top Chef finalist chef Bryan Voltaggio, dine on their impressive dishes, and even join them on a Chef’s Market Discoveries excursion, where they’ll assist guests in shopping for ingredients and preparing a private dinner on the ship.

If that’s not immersive enough, there are also cooking demos and private classes offered to help passengers hone their cooking skills throughout the journey.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL

Wonderland Restaurant on Symphony of the Seas

Stepping into the Rabbit Hole to Explore the Whimsical Dining Experience at Wonderland. The experience at the two-storey topsy-turvy restaurant begins upstairs. From the entrance of a mystical tunnel with a door that does not appear to go anywhere, to a delightful seating arrangement of quirky decor with chairs that do not know them up from their down. For instance, everywhere you turn there is something curious such as chairs with rabbit ears or keys hanging from the ceiling. Unlock Wonderland for an intimate restaurant within an edgy and surreal dining experience.

Firstly, you will visit the bar with a menu that any mixologist would be proud of. Try the “Down the Rabbit Hole” or the “Cheshire Cat Cosmo” they are pretty spectacular.

Our “mad hatter” for the night in Wonderland was ‘”Marlon Brando”. In other words, a waiter dressed in an aubergine-coloured velveteen long-tailed coat. Juggling several busy tables, he relished his part in our dinner production show.

A five-course meal then followed (you certainly will not leave hungry!). Five core elements differentiate the dishes – sun, ice, fire, sea, and earth. Few pictures can be be found on my Instagram profile.

The restaurant is available on a few Royal Caribbean ships – The Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, and it is by far my favourite iconic food venue on the cruise line.

P&O CRUISES

The Epicurean Restaurant on Britannia

In the Epicurean restaurant you will be treated to a brand new multi-sensory cooking experience with touches of molecular gastronomy that complement the more classic British dishes, re-interpreted for today’s modern palates. In addition, the sophisticated setting features lots of gold and white decor and somewhat overly bright lighting.

The traditional English afternoon tea is served in the Epicurean restaurant on board and the whole experience is stunning from start to finish.  As you’re seated, you’re served a choice of tea and a sweet violet scent is sprayed across the table. From the classic afternoon sandwiches to the pistachio and strawberry tarts and lemon meringue trifle – the presentation is stunning. Above all, this one of the best iconic food venue on P&O’s Britannia.

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Staterooms are like tiny homes at sea, and choosing your “best” is kinda personal. Your choice also will depend on the company, vessel, room size, type/view, deck location, amenities. Not to forget the special offers with super low-priced promo deals that could change everything you know on the subject.

My personal choice will be mid ship or aft cabin.

Pros

1. The location can make getting around easier since you are located in a more central location to where you want to be.
2. Aft cabins tend to be very popular because they offer wonderful views of the wake of the ship and don’t usually have a lot of neighbours. You still need to be aware of what is around your stateroom though.
3. There are lots of “hidden gems” on a cruise ship and a good cruise/travel agent will know about them. For example, forward oceanview cabins on the upper decks of some Celebrity ships, such as the Celebrity Summit, are much larger than a normal oceanview and the large porthole window offers some fantastic views of the bow of the ship. You can read one of my reviews here.

Cons

1. Don’t chose a cabin under the Lido deck or pool deck. The trouble is that there usually is activity happening there all the time, especially under the buffet area. You may hear jumping, chair scraping, and running.
2. Over or under public areas (casinos, restaurants, bars). Sometimes these venues run till after midnight. And if you are trying to have some quiet time in your stateroom, you may instead be hearing noise from the area below or above your stateroom.
3. Forward staterooms that are up in the front of the ship on a lower deck may seem like they would be out of the way of all the bustle and noise of the ship, but they are subject to a different kind of sound. From here you can usually here the sound of the waves crashing into the side of the ship as it moves through the water. And it isn’t the romantic sound of waves crashing, it can instead be loud and shocking.

Of course there is a lot more that it can be added to the above, but my advice will be to study the deck plans and the cabin pictures, so you can determine what is good and what is not so good.

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Local Currency

It is a good idea  if you take a small amount of local currency with you whenever you travel.  Enough to last you for your first few hours. You will probably need to arrange travel from the airport to your hotel for example. A local currency is the easiest way for you to pay for these initial expenses. The exchange rates charged at airports are notoriously expensive. You better buy some currency before you leave and you will get a much better deal.

I believe the drawback to carrying currency is that if it gets lost or stolen, it can’t be replaced. For this reason, it’s best to use another form of money for most of your funds.

Travellers Cheques

These are the traditional way of carrying money abroad. When you buy the cheques, which can be in Sterling, Euros or US Dollars, you have to sign the stub of each cheque in the presence of the teller. Once abroad, you can convert the cheques into local currency. You can do so by signing the other half of the cheque at a currency exchange. Then the teller will compare the two signatures and also inspect your passport.

This system is more secure than cash as each cheque is uniquely numbered. So if a cheque goes missing it can be quickly cancelled and replaced by the cheque issuer. There is a drawback in that you have to cash the cheques at a currency exchange, and you might not find one offering a good exchange rate.

Prepaid Cards

These are used in much the same way as credit or debit cards. The big difference is that you have to “load” the card with funds before you can spend with it. They are a secure way of carrying money, as the card is replaceable if lost. And as the card can only be used in conjunction with a PIN number then even if stolen it’s difficult for a thief to make use of it. There will, however, still be exchange commission’s payable when you use the card. And also usually a flat fee for cash withdrawals.

Debit and Credit Cards

Debit and credit cards are accepted virtually all over the world. They may seem a good way of paying your way while abroad. They can be used for shopping, to pay restaurant bills and even to withdraw cash. Before choosing this as your money option though, check your card’s small print to see what interest rate is charged on overseas use. It will probably be higher than the standard rate of your card, and you will probably have to pay exchange charges too.

There are now several international cash machine networks in operation. For example the Cirrus network, and it’s likely that your cash card can be used internationally, especially in Europe and the USA. This is a good way of financing your holiday spending, as you can draw out what you need while keeping the rest of your money safe in your normal bank account. The downside is that you may have to pay a fee for each withdrawal. The exchange rate you’re charged may not be the best available.

The main thing you need to bear in mind with travel money is that while each of the above options is useful, not all are suitable for use everywhere in the world. The best advice: don’t rely on a single kind of travel money. Take a sensible mixture of cash, local currency, and debit/credit cards, to make sure you can always get local currency when you need it. Enjoy your holiday!

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Health insurance in the UK often refers to Private Medical Insurance, which offers paid-for healthcare treatment, as opposed to the NHS, which is free at the point of use. What’s more, you can access breakthrough treatments, including new cancer drugs, as soon as they’re licensed and proven to work (subject to medical history and cover options chosen. Out-patient drugs are not covered).

The health insurance has been designed to help people when they face major health issues like cancer, heart disease or stroke – as well as other medical conditions that can stop them getting on with their lives, such as joint pain and other musculoskeletal issues (subject to the cover chosen and medical history).

Pros:

• Speedy access to treatments – you can see a doctor more quickly instead of the long wait through NHS.
• Better privacy – you can often get a private room on a ward.
• Additional treatments – while most treatments and drugs are available on the NHS, if you have a particular need you may have to pay for private healthcare.
• Extras – firstly, some insurers offer a travel and/or income protection insurance free of charge as an addition to the policy. Secondly, you can get access to various health and wellness discounts and promotions, gym membership at low cost etc.

Cons:

• The insurance can be quite expensive and most likely the cost will increase as you get older.
• The pre-existing conditions and some chronic ones are not covered.

Is health insurance taxable?

Yes, if your employer pays for it. It is classified as benefit in kind and tax is paid on the taxable value of the benefit. HMRC defines this as the cash equivalent value. This is usually the amount it costs your employer to provide you with the benefit. However, if you personally cover the cost of the private health insurance, then it is a tax-free benefit to you.

What is income protection?

Income Protection is designed to pay a monthly benefit if you are unable to work due to illness or injury, which can be used to keep up to date with your rent / mortgage and other monthly costs.

However, given the very low level of state incapacity benefit, the first port of call is usually Income Protection so at least all your essential bills are paid for each month. After all, we’re fortunate in the UK to have the NHS which provides healthcare free at the point of use and so there’s generally less need for Private Medical Insurance than for Income Protection.

Pros:

• It will cover you if you are too injured or ill to work.
• If you are made unemployed without prior warning.

Cons:

• There is a deferred period – also known as an excess period or waiting period – is a length of time you need to wait while out of work before you are able to claim. These periods can range from the first day of absence to 60 days or more.
• In some cases, the insurance may cover only very small amount of your costs. Please make sure you read carefully the Terms & Conditions of the policy.

The post Is health insurance really worth it? appeared first on Sea Traveller.

Follow the below tips to get the best and the most suitable for you travel insurance with the best 5 star insurance company.

In light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, making sure you have travel insurance is more important than ever. For more answers to your questions, read the insurers’ guide to coronavirus.

Why do I need travel insurance?

A travel insurance policy can provide the security you need while on holiday. It offers you peace of mind, knowing that, should you need it, you’ll be well looked after, have your belongings replaced, or have alternative accommodation and travel arrangements if required.

Falling ill abroad can cost hundreds of thousands of pounds, and travel insurance needn’t break the bank.

The costs of these are more expensive than you’d think. Medical costs abroad can easily run into the tens of thousands. Or even hundreds of thousands, if you need specialist treatment or an emergency evacuation.

Something as small as a lost passport can have huge consequences. You’ll need to arrange a replacement, or emergency passport, you might have to make alternative travel arrangements and you may need additional accommodation while you wait for your replacement to be issued. All of this can add up fast, over something that can happen in an instant.

Understand what travel insurance you need

The only way to make sure you are covered properly is to take account of your circumstances.

Calculate the cost of your holiday and the items you’re taking with you. If you’re only taking £1,000-worth of items with you and your holiday cost £5,000, you don’t need baggage cover of £5,000 and cancellation cover of £10,000.

The most common types of policy are:

• Single trip: This insurance will cover you for one short trip.
• Annual multi-trip: If you’re taking more than one trip a year, then a multi-trip policy will likely be the most cost-effective. There may be a limit on the total number of days abroad you’re covered for.
• Worldwide: Generally, travel insurance for trips within Europe are cheaper. This is largely because medical costs in countries outside the EU can be much higher.
• Winter sports: You’ll need this for skiing, snowboarding or other winter activities that are generally a bit more dangerous and might require special provisions. They can also involve expensive specialist equipment, which this policy should cover.
• Cruise: Covers the specific risks and activities associated with this type of holiday.
• Couples: This is for two adults, who live at the same address and are in a relationship.
• Family: This covers members of a family in one simple policy. Some insurance providers will also offer free cover to anyone under 18 in the family.
• Group: This could suit you if you’re travelling with up to 10 friends or family members, if you’re all travelling from the same country.
• Business travel: If you’re travelling for work, then business travel is tailored for your needs.

Don’t buy cover at the last minute! Leaving insurance to the last minute means you’re not making the most of your cancellation protection, and you could be out of pocket if you no longer go.

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More than 100 countries have travel restrictions because of the coronavirus. In order to stop the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak, many countries across the world have started implementing very tough measures. In the coming months people won’t be able to travel freely which will have a huge impact on the travel and hospitality industry.

As a consequence of the global pandemic there are the travel limitations. I won’t be able to travel as much as before these days. So, I’ll share with you some of my old travel experience.

I will also write about the day-to-day lifestyle, culture, health, news and tips about the life in general. Today’s article will be about futuristic architecture – something I came across recently and did a small research about. We will look back in time to track how it has developed through the past 100 years.

The history of the futuristic architecture 

We all know that humanity continuously hopes for a better tomorrow. We may not be able to change the past, but we can do our best to create a better future for us and our children. For the present is the key to a wonderful tomorrow. Our current thoughts and actions are what shape our future and no one is better at ‘shaping’ than architects. They simply live for it! A building designed by an architect today may live for 100 years beyond to tell the tales of the past and shape the future.

Throughout the past century, the image of futuristic architecture has transformed three times. These transformations were influenced by revolutionary inventions and technological developments. It had changed the way people perceived the future. So, let’s see how futuristic architecture visions have changed in 100 years!

Early 20th Century

Sant’Elia and fellow Italian architect Mario Chiattone presented a group of sketches under the title “La Città Nuova” or the New City, during the events of an exhibition in Milan in 1914. These sketches depicted the futurist architects’ vision of futuristic architecture.

Post World War II

After World War II, futuristic architecture became neo-futuristic architecture. It includes numerous works by renowned modernist and contemporary architects.

Oscar Niemeyer, Zaha Hadid, Santiago Calatrava, and Cesar Pelli are only a selection of architects with notable neo-futuristic works. However, one group that took futuristic architecture to the next level is none other than the London-based Archigram.

The New Millennium

The parametric design may have been there since earlier times. It is believed that Gaudi’s work holds early evidence of employing nature-inspired algorithms. However, this design mechanism has significantly experienced a leap in the 80s, thanks to the developments in the field of computer design software. Frank Gehry‘s iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall, built between 1999 and 2003, showcases the use of CATIA software as a mean for parametric design.

Architects do not restrict their imagination to what is possible right now. But rather to what could be and what they wish for. They draw futuristic architecture in their minds and leave evidence of their fantasies on paper to inspire generations yet to come.

#FuturisticArchitecture

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As a British citizen (applicable for residents too), I have British Airways American Express Premium Plus Credit Card. It is one of the best travel rewards credit card which rewards me with a 2-for-1 travel with a British Airways Companion Voucher when I spend £10,000 each year. In other words, you can only receive a Companion Voucher if you are a member of the British Airways Executive Club and are the main account holder within a British Airways American Express Credit Card Account. The voucher is valid for 24 months and it allows the main account holder to make a flight booking using Avios and to book another seat on the journey for a Companion without having to pay the Avios for that Companion but only the airport fees and taxes.

How did I do it?

So, I booked a return flight in first class with British Airways to Miami for myself and my partner by paying 185,000 Avios and £1,364 airport fees and taxes.

The Hotel

We spent one night at Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa in a standard guest room, 1 king bed, with a balcony (partial ocean view). We booked it with 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

The hotel is a great hidden gem! It seems to be a popular place. Because of that the amenities (pool, spa, beach etc) are not heavily populated, making using them much more comfortable. The con is that the bars and restaurants and be very packed at dinner but it gives it a buzz too.

The Cruise

The next day we boarded Celebrity Equinox for a 7 night Western Caribbean Cruise. We stayed in a Royal Suite. It was “won” through a bidding system called “Celebrity Move Up” for £415 per person on the top of the price we have already paid for our cruise. As guests staying in a Royal Suite, we had many perks. For instance a priority embarkation and disembarkation, premium beverage package, free wi-fi, unlimited speciality dining, butler service, gratuities included. In addition, we had access to “The Retreat” deck and lounge and many more extras, which could total up to £1,500 per person worth of perks.

Our ports of call were as follows: departed from Fort Lauderdale, Key West, Costa Maya, Cozumel and Grand Cayman. We had an amazing time and enjoyed to the fullest our first class holiday. We created so many unforgettable memories for the years to come and we looking forward to doing that again in the near future.

Summary

In conclusion and to sum up:

• London to Miami in first class
• 1 night at Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa
• 7 night Western Caribbean Cruise on Celebrity Equinox
• Miami to London in first class

Avios used: 185,000

Marriott Bonvoy points used: 60,000

Money paid: £4,694 (cruise + airport taxes and fees)

Cash cost of the holiday: £21,400

#travelinstyle

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