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6 reasons why Aruba is the perfect holiday destinationAruba ranks at the top among the best island getaways in the Caribbean, home to some of the most authentic local vacation and cuisine experiences north of the equator. Perfect year-round sunny weather, white sand beaches, pristine lean waters, and a ton of Aruban culture-inspired activities beckon tourists from all over the globe. Here are some of the best reasons why Aruba travel should be the next destination for a holiday. Pristine beaches Aruba is one of the top spots in the Caribbean, home to the cleanest and most beautiful beaches spanning the length of the island. Tourists flock to the Eagle Beach for picturesque backgrounds and stunning views. Eagle beach is also home to hundreds of thousands of sea turtles that hatch on the shore and make their way to the sea. Do not forget Aruba's infamous Black Stone beach, the only spot on the north side of the island that has black sand dunes and shores. If you are a beach lover, this tropical island offers the perfect mix of sightseeing and excursion activities from shore to deep inside the island archipelago. Amazing activities around the island Plan a day at the Arikok National Park to explore a unique set of trails that cover nearly 20% of the island. Or check out the amazing sand dunes at Boca Prins Beach another day. You can even visit Arashi beach for a day of snorkeling in the beautiful shallow waters or go deep sea diving to discover shipwrecks. Alternatively, you can plan a fun day at the Flamingo beach, one of the capital city's most popular private touristy experiences. The beach is part of the Renaissance Aruba Resort, so it is not open to the public unless you buy the day exclusive day pass costing $125/person. But given the experience, this activity is worth the cost. Other iconic spots around the island include the Bubali Bird Sanctuary, Alto Vista Chapel, and California Lighthouse, all situated around the capital city of Oranjestad. Unique outdoor adventures Aruba, unlike any other exotic beach destination, also boasts some exciting outdoor activities apart from spending a day at the beach. Travel to the easternmost shore of the island to spend a day at Aruba's Natural Bridges, a set of 7 rock formations. If you are exploring the place with your significant other, then definitely take out a couple of hours to detour to the Tunnel of Love, a 300-foot-long tunnel that takes you inside winding caves and rock formations. The entrance of this tunnel is shaped like a heart, so it's a place for all you romantics to check out, and maybe even plan a dream proposal. Book a guided tour of the Quadirikiri Cave located inside the Arikok National Park for an amazing afternoon of exploration filled with rock drawing, stalactites, and stalagmites. If you prefer ancient sites and places of historical significance, check out the ruins of Bushiribana gold Mill or plan a hike to Ayo Rock formations and the Casibari Boulders. Visit the capital city of Oranjestad Oranjestad is one of the main tourist attractions on the island, known for its colorful architecture and vibrant design. It is the main port town where major cruise lines park for a couple of days enroute to other destinations. Here you must make your way to the nearest streetcar depot as part of the first experience in the capital city. The streetcar experience is certainly a must activity as the slow-moving gondola rides across town with multiple photo opportunities featuring some amazing European architecture built along the streets. Oranjestad is where you will find the National Archaeological Museum featuring unique collections dating back from the 19th century to 2500 BCE. You can also check out the unique butterfly farm home to hundreds of species on the outskirts. The capital city also has a vibrant nightlife scene featuring a unique folkloric Aruban dance festival called Bon Bini, celebrated every Tuesday night. Aruban culture Aruba is a rich treasure trove of cultural and historical attractions, with most of the major locations on the island famous for significant art and music exhibitions. From museums to galleries, you have every opportunity to explore a completely new aspect of the old and modern cultural impact. The island also plays host to one of the most ethnically diverse population groups that promote a warm and welcoming culture. Tourists will feel right at home here with the locals, who are always happy to help and guide them with friendly referrals and directions. A diverse population group also means you'll have multiple opportunities to explore and participate in the varied interpretations of local culture and celebrations. Favorable weather Another plus point of planning a holiday in the remote island group is the amazing year-round weather. This Caribbean climate featuring perfectly sunny days and clear skies boasts a tolerable 80° temperature that is perfect for lazing on the beach with excursions planned for the evening and nighttime. Experts suggest planning an Aruba travel between April and August to avoid the peak rush and plan a reasonably priced holiday.READ MORE
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9 smart tips to save holiday travel costs using credit cardsHoliday travel can be an expensive affair. Travel tickets, baggage, accommodation, and contingency costs can add up to thousands of dollars spent on a single trip. In fact, the sheer expenses can discourage people from traveling altogether for leisure. If a traveler is a credit card owner, they can use it in several nifty ways to save money. Here are some ways in which a credit card can help save holiday travel costs. Using airline fee credits Certain credit cards come with airline fee credits. These credits can cover the expenses related to in-flight meals, airport lounge access, additional checked baggage fees, and flight upgrades. One must contact their credit card company to know whether the card they use has this particular benefit. And if it does, then one can save plenty of money by redeeming these credits every time they book a domestic or international flight. Normally, airline fee credits expire at the end of a calendar year. So, if required, travelers must use them as soon as possible. Reducing rental car insurance cost Car rental services are quintessential for travelers. One can use their credit card to lower their rental car insurance expenses. Certain credit cards come with either primary or secondary rental car insurance, using which renters can save about $15 to $20 daily. To save this amount, one needs to decline the collision damage waiver (CDW) fee that most car rental companies offer. Car rental cost savings is one of the benefits offered by credit cards that one may possibly not find through most other avenues. Using airport lounge amenities Many airports have exclusive lounges for business and premium-class passengers to wait until their boarding time. Certain credit cards provide cardholders access to such lounges in airports anywhere across the globe. One can use a number of money-saving options such as free Wi-Fi, foods and beverages, nap pods, and showers if they have a long layover between two flights and do not wish to spend money on short-term hotel stays in the meanwhile. Usually, snacks and products come with a premium price tag at airports. However, by using credit card-powered airport lounge access, one can save hundreds of dollars. Taking advantage of free checked bags Credit cards come with a host of travel benefits, some of which include the possibility of adding a free checked bag on flight. Some credit cards even allow passengers to add multiple free bags if they are traveling in a group. Check-in bags greatly add to the costs of a flight reservation, especially if there are multiple bags and large groups of people traveling. Offering the free checked bags facility is one of the smartest ways credit cards can help save holiday travel costs. Availing of discounts for holiday companion Most people know about exclusive Black Friday or Cyber Monday offers that enable travelers to get two-for-one deals. But, people rarely know that this particular benefit may be a part of their credit card package. Certain credit card companies offer two-for-one deals, which enable travelers to add an extra passenger to their flight or hotel reservation at absolutely zero additional cost. So, travelers can enjoy this benefit whenever they book a reservation for two people, and save a lot of money on their companion’s stay or travel expenses. Making use of foreign transaction benefits Certain credit card companies do not charge customers specific amounts in the name of foreign transaction fees that are generally charged when one makes international transactions. Using such cards can be beneficial for travelers. Usually, Capital One and Discover cards offer this foreign transaction fee waiver. Maximizing cash back rewards A cash back is one of the most commonly used benefits of credit cards. Cardholders do not need to save all year as they can get cash back rewards at the end of the year on their credit card. They may these rewards while making their holiday travel and stay reservations. Covering such expenses with cash back can help one use the spare money for contingency purposes or for buying souvenirs while returning. Booking holidays with points and miles Like airline fee credits, many credit cards come with loyalty points for long-term cardholders. So, every time one uses their credit card to make purchases, they get allotted a number of such points or air miles that can be accumulated and redeemed later. Many airline companies and hotels (usually brands that are in a partnership with the credit card company) accept payments in such air miles or loyalty points. One might want to use their accumulated points on time, as they tend to expire at the end of the calendar year. Using free hotel night certificates Some hotel credit card companies offer hotel night certificates, essentially a benefit that grants travelers one free night stay while traveling. Hotel stay is one of the most expensive aspects of any vacation, so even if the accommodation cost of one night is free, it will help save plenty of dollars from a traveler's holiday budget. Credit cards are valuable for frequent travelers. If one knows how to use their credit cards wisely, they can save a lot of money annually.READ MORE
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How to reduce travel costs with travel credit card pointsTravel credit cards, better known as travel reward cards, are mediums through which one can make travel and generic purchases. Once a few reward miles or points are collected, they can be redeemed for rewards such as hotel stays and flight tickets. Furthermore, if one travels often, these travel credit cards can be employed as a financial tool and put to great use. Read further to know more about these cards. What are the different types of credit card travel points? There are three main types of credit card reward points, and one must know the difference between them and their redemption options to reduce travel costs.READ MORE
- Airline miles Airline miles can be redeemed for cabin upgrades and flight tickets. Furthermore, they can also be used for sporting events and concerts. Usually, these airline miles can be earned by getting co-branded airline credit cards specific to one’s favorite airline. Moreover, one can also transfer flexible travel credit card points or hotel points into the airline’s frequent flyer programs. Hence, one must keep in mind that travel credit cards and airline miles are a way to get free flight tickets and cut travel costs.
- Hotel points Typically hotel points can be redeemed for stays, room upgrades, food and beverage, and even spa services at specific resorts and hotels. In most cases, hotel points are typically offered by co-branded hotel credit cards. These cards are specific to certain hotels or hotel chains; hence the points collected can only be used at a few handpicked hotels or hotel chains.
- Flexible travel points Most reward redemption options are offered with flexible travel points. These flexible travel points are usually offered by general travel credit cards, whose various programs have a travel portal through which one can easily employ the collected reward points to buy cruise tickets, flight tickets, hotel stays, vacation packages, and car rentals. In addition, most of these cards also allow one to transfer their points to hotel partners and airlines, giving the customers an increased number of options to choose from.
- Travel statement credit When one redeems their points as a travel statement credit, they can book and pay for the traveling expenses with the credit card. This is one of the quickest and easiest ways to offset the cost of a trip that has been put on the travel credit card. So, the cardholder must log into their account and request to redeem the acquired points as a statement credit, or they can also choose a specific eligible purchase to be deleted from the statement in exchange for a certain amount of reward points. However, one must know that different programs have a different point redeeming rules for a statement credit.
- Reward programs’ travel portal In most cases, travel credit cards allow the user to earn flexible travel points/credits. Furthermore, they also offer a special travel portal through which the collected points can be redeemed. This can be done by logging into the account online, visiting the travel portal, and shopping for the upcoming trip. While choosing, the user may come across various options followed by the number of points required to book the service - flight tickets, hotel stays, or vacation packages.
- Transfer to an outside loyalty program While using the travel credit card, one might notice that the cards offer a long list of transfer partners, through which the reward points can be transferred into the loyalty programs of multiple hotels and airlines. Then, the points can then be redeemed as allowed by the chosen program. This option is incredibly popular among rewards experts due to its potential for high-value redemptions.
- Find the best travel credit card with the highest welcome bonus Most travel credit cards offer points for every dollar spent, which may add up over time. However, one of the most convenient ways to collect points or miles is by earning the highest welcome bonus. In some cases, these can be as high as 50,000 points, which can easily translate to about $500 that can be availed for free travel.
- Meet the minimum spending requirement One of the best ways to reduce travel costs is to meet the minimum spending requirement as quickly as possible. This can be done by reviewing one’s monthly spending and moving some of the transactions to the credit card. These can include monthly subscriptions, groceries, gas, online purchases, and gym memberships.
- Choose the redemption option before the points One must always plan to get maximum value from the rewards. This can begin as early as deciding what to get with the rewards to help choose the right credit card for everyday purchases and reach the goal quickly.
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Avoid these 6 foods on a cruiseIt is the time of the year when many in the country plan a vacation, and one of the most popular getaways is cruise trips. Once aboard, people get to experience a suite of activities, events, and delicacies. However, at the cruise buffets, most people choose foods that can lead to an upset stomach, making them unable to enjoy the rest of the trip. So, here are foods to avoid on a cruise: Scrambled eggs Scrambled eggs, if not part of a made-to-order breakfast, can get dry and soggy in a few hours on the breakfast station, making them unpleasant to eat. Many cruise liners may also serve scrambled eggs using powdered or liquid mixes. So, the eggs can be unhealthy for passengers on a cruise ship. Sushi While cruise ships take food hygiene seriously, there is always room for error. So when you see sushi at the buffet, it is possible that the dish is not entirely fresh and has been left on the serving station for a long time. In either case, it can cause an upset stomach that lasts for days. Communal condiments During one’s time on the ship, passengers can find huge bottles of tomato sauce, mustard sauce, and other condiments during meal times. These bottles are touched by hundreds of people and can become a hub for germs. So one should consider avoiding the bottles and asking for sachets of their favorite condiment at the buffet. Oysters It can be hard to pass up on oysters while sailing the ocean waters. But when they are not cooked well, the food may contain strains of Vibrio bacteria. The bacteria-ridden oyster can cause bloodstream infections, skin lesions, and blisters, severely affecting one’s health and overall cruise experience. Potato salads Freshly scrubbed potatoes served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner might be delicious and safe. However, cold potatoes, in the form of salad, can be bad for one’s health and have toxin-producing bacteria. Further, there is a risk of cross-contamination, making one feel sick. So, it is better to avoid potato salad on a cruise. Unpasteurized dairy Dairy products like milk, butter, and cheese are usually pasteurized on a cruise ship. But one should double-check with the serving staff the kind of dairy products they offer. Unpasteurized dairy products may contain bacteria like salmonella, E. coli, and listeria that can lead to health complications and diseases.READ MORE
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5 all-inclusive luxury cruise lines for a memorable vacationA luxury cruise is your best escape strategy for a much-needed break from life on land. Besides the obvious "breath of fresh air," the curated spa treatments, impeccable hospitality, varied interactions, and sightseeing can do wonders for your mental health. But choosing the right luxury cruise is crucial for a safe, fun-filled holiday with your loved ones. Here are some all-inclusive luxury cruises to consider for your next sea retreat. Seabourn This classy all-inclusive cruise offers world-class luxury amenities, from ocean-view suites and specialty restaurants to spa treatments, salons, and incredibly fancy open bars. The impactful mindfulness training sessions in collaboration with Dr. Andrew Weil, a renowned expert, only add to its splendor. Viking Viking is your answer to a fulfilling sea expedition with a host of amenities on board, including 24x7 room service, a thermal suite spa, elaborate meals, supremely luxurious cabins, and complimentary ground transfers upon purchase of airfare through Viking, to name a few. Silversea Want to travel the world in relatively small but highly vibrant ships? Silversea Cruises has you covered. Gratuities, open bars, in-cabin bar setups, specialty restaurants, fitness sessions, and shuttle service on land are just some benefits. Passengers may opt for port-to-port or door-to-door travel, the only difference being that the latter offers international economy airfare and airport transfers facilitated by private executive car services. Scenic This cruise liner's luxury expedition voyages are genuinely exceptional. Customers enjoy a wide range of remarkable facilities, from gourmet meals, sprawling decks, and spacious dining to a variety of options in terms of itineraries. Other world-class amenities include comprehensive laundry services, luxury suites, and on-suite minibars. Regent Seven Seas Cruises Touted as "the world's most luxurious fleet," Regent Seven Seas provides an all-inclusive luxury cruise experience in the truest sense. From pre-cruise hotel accommodations overnight and roundtrip airfare to 24-hours room service, two-for-one fares, laundry services, and luxurious dining, this cruise offers every facility you can imagine before and during your voyage. Selecting the perfect cruise liner for your vacation involves extensive research on the facilities provided vis-a-vis your specific requirements. The best packages not only offer world-class luxury on board but also support you in other ways, including providing complimentary airfare and airport-to-ship transfers to facilitate the utmost convenience and comfort.READ MORE
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4 common traveling errors to avoidREAD MORE
As your long-awaited trip approaches, you should start preparing and packing so that you are all set well in advance. You have probably made a mental to-do list; however, you should account for uncertainties and anything that could be a hindrance. Forgetting something important or booking the wrong tour are common mistakes that could ruin the trip. So, here are a few other errors to avoid for an ideal experience.
Booking back-to-back flights
Avoid booking long flights with a short layover or inadequate buffer period. Delays are inevitable when flying; you may also need time to make it to the next connecting flight. If you are planning a trip that involves consecutive long-haul flights, make sure you account for a suitable buffer period to rest and recoup.Overpacking
Even if you are planning a long vacation, avoid stuffing every piece of clothing and accessory into your luggage. When you have multiple layovers and transfers, lugging heavy suitcases is something you want to avoid. Also, you can find basic amenities and essentials at your destination. Traveling light is the best solution to save space for things (like souvenirs) you buy on vacation.Improper planning
Am overambitious itinerary can be a nightmare to follow, especially if you are traveling with family. Avoid overplanning as not everyone can keep up with a hectic schedule. Additionally, it may be impossible to have enough time to enjoy all events or visit all the spots according to the plan. Plan your travel itinerary in a way that allows covering as much as possible without causing exhaustion.Carrying valuables
Why take your expensive laptop, gadgets, or jewelry with you on vacation? The whole point of the vacation is to escape the everyday humdrum. Further, carrying valuables is risky as they could be stolen or misplaced, and retrieving them in a foreign city could be challenging.Avoid making these mistakes to have a comfortable journey and a hassle-free vacation. You can pre-book guided tours online to enjoy local sights in places like Europe, which is one of the top destinations to visit. Book skip-the-line tours for popular hotspots, including the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican City, Rome Colosseum tours, Eiffel Tower in Paris, and the most popular guided skip-the-line Louvre Museum tour. You can also opt for walking and hiking tours across Italy and France's eclectic, ever-changing countryside.
Moreover, to make the most of your vacation, check out some of the top travel cards such as American Express® Gold Card, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, Chase Freedom Unlimited®, and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card among others. You may choose a specific travel card depending on your spending patterns and travel needs.
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4 common travel mistakes to avoidWhether it is for business or pleasure, traveling calls for meticulous planning and execution. Frequent travelers probably have their own set of tried and tested tricks to easily move through airports, avoid being stranded or stuck in a foreign place, and have an altogether safe and efficient trip. As most of us resume travel after a long break, it is important to revisit and avoid common traveling mistakes for a smooth journey. Overpacking This is a common issue for most people regardless of the number of trips they have taken in the past. The art of packing light doesn’t have to be complicated. It is okay to repeat a few outfits to make space for the essentials. Also, wouldn’t you want to set aside some space in case you decide to go shopping on your trip? To avoid paying an excess baggage fee, review your itinerary and pack accordingly. No cell phone plan One of the common traveling mistakes is completely relying on Wi-Fi. However, not every café, station, or hotel is likely to offer free or reasonably fast internet. So, when you have no access to the Wi-Fi, you wouldn’t want to be stranded and have no means of calling for help. This is why you must always look for affordable cell phone plans while traveling. You may get a local sim to avoid any exorbitant traveling fees/prices on your original plan. Not notifying your bank You must always check if your cards can be used internationally, and if they are not activated for international travel, you can either do it through the mobile app or ask the bank to provide access. Credit cards can get blocked when swiped in another country if your bank has not been informed about the travel plans and destination beforehand. No buffer between flights International travel could mean that there is no direct flight to your destination, and you might have to book a connecting flight. You should check the connection time or duration of the layover and ensure that you have enough time to board the second flight. Not including a buffer period of at least a few hours is a serious traveling mistake that would result in missing the next flight if your first trip is delayed or canceled. You should account for such uncertainties in the schedule for all modes of travel.READ MORE
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6 common hotel booking mistakes to avoidBooking a hotel room online before is a pretty straightforward and quick process. In fact, it's so simple that many travelers overlook a few crucial aspects before booking, which ends up costing more time and money. What's even worse is that a seemingly-minor misstep can spoil your entire vacation. If you want the best deals and make the most out of your trip, here are some common hotel booking mistakes you must absolutely avoid. Booking at an inopportune time When you book a hotel at the wrong time, you often end up paying a lot more. "Wrong" here means you're booking too early or late. That being said, there's no single best time to book, but you must consider the popularity and seasonality of your destination and monitor rates for a few days before booking. Assuming there's no better deal Nearly every booking website claims to offer the best online hotel deals. But taking their word would be unwise. Compare prices across different sites and check if they're offering promotions. Sometimes, the lowest prices are available on a hotel's official website, so you might want to check that too. Not paying with a credit card Always use credit cards for hotel bookings. This path is typically the only means of getting cash-back bonuses, rewards, and free stays, among other benefits. More importantly, credit cards offer fraud protection and immediate refunds for mischarges, which are not offered for payments made through debit cards and cash. Booking without checking reviews Most hotel rooms look spacious, luxurious, and spotlessly clean in pictures, but the reality can be quite different. Reading reviews helps you know whether the hotel is how it looks. In addition, reviews can give you an idea of the quality of service and overall stay experience. Booking non-refundable rooms Non-refundable rooms are cheaper than regular ones, but keep in mind that booking such a room is a high-risk option. The hotel will not refund a single dollar if you have to cancel or amend your stay for any reason, be it a flight delay or medical emergency. Overlooking the location In search of the best deal, many travelers ignore the fact that their hotel is too far from the places they want to visit. If your hotel is located in an inconvenient or isolated location, it could ruin your whole vacation and cost you more money and time while traveling.READ MORE