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  • Top 4 luxury hotels in Boston that are stay-worthy

    Be it for college visits, business travel, love for history and art, or the delicious food, several thousands of people visit Boston annually. Now, the good thing about Boston is that, much like most of the other aspects, the city has some of the finest range of hotels.

    Of course, you can find a hotel to cater to your budget, but if luxury is what you seek, our selection of the top four luxury hotels in Boston will certainly excite you.

    Four Seasons Hotel

    Known for its incredible health club, phenomenal service, a beautiful park-front location, clean pool, 273 spacious and luxurious rooms, and an iconic restaurant serving lip-smacking delicacies, the Four Seasons Hotel in Boston attains a well-deserved number one spot in this list. The guest room bathrooms are also great, superior to the ones you’ll find in some other top-notch hotels of Boston. Nonetheless, the service you get is unprecedented. The hotel staff pays attention to the minutest details and is proactively helpful. Furthermore, the iconic location of the hotel, right next to the city’s Public Garden, only adds to its charm and beauty.

    Mandarin Oriental

    Founded in the year 2008, the beautiful Mandarin Oriental is rightfully a close second on this list. With an aim to do everything better and bigger, the hotel has fairly lived up to its own dream. From fine dining to the luxurious rooms, and the spa, everything about the hotel is much ahead of its time. Its contemporary guest rooms are by far the largest in Boston. The hotel has deep tubs, luxury fittings, 42-inch LED TVs, and marble showers. Additionally, the spa of the hotel is the most luxurious and the largest in Boston. The hotel staff is helpful, and the service that you get here is fantastic. It has two of the best dining places in the city – French L’Espalier and Asana restaurant.

    XV Beacon

    XV Beacon or Fifteen Beacon is a 60-room boutique hotel that is a fine amalgam of tradition and modernity. Nestled in the archaic Beaux Art Building, the hotel has preserved its ancient elegance, yet it did its very best to incorporate modern conveniences keeping in view the needs and the desires of the guests. The service you receive here is amazing. Guests are welcomed with homemade desserts or personalized business cards to make them feel special. The cozy fireplace is certainly the delightful highlight of the hotel.

    Fairmont Copley Plaza

    Established in the year 1912, this grand dome of the city has since done its very best to welcome guests with warmth and joy. The 21-foot high multi-hued embellished ceilings and the opulent lobby make the architecture of the hotel instantly likable. The hotel, though, has a feel of a bygone era, but is still very luxurious and elegant. Of course, the guest rooms in the hotel are a bit smaller as compared to other hotels, but they do not compromise on your comfort and luxury. The dining establishments of the hotel, like the Oak Bar and the magnificent Oak Room Steakhouse with wood panels, truly make the entire setup romantic.

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  • Planning a cruise around the coasts of North America

    For holiday goers and frequent vacationers, cruise holidays around the North American continent are an excellent choice. Cruising along the west or the east coast of the beautiful continent is truly a delightful experience and lets you experience the culture uniquely. Fortunately, there is a myriad of different cruise vacations available all around North America. Here are our top choices:

    Eastern Coast of North America

    There are several things to do during your cruise holiday to the eastern coast of North America. It is not only ideal for a memorable cruise holiday, but is also a great pick for luxury holidays, family trips, honeymoons, luxury holidays, and even an activity-based holiday. In the cruises around the eastern coast of America, you’ll mostly cover South Carolina, Boston, Florida, New England, as well as New York in the United States of America, and Nova Scotia and Montreal in Canada.

    Western Coast of North America

    As for the Western Coast of North America, there’s an equally exciting range of things to do. On your cruise, you can take an exciting and fun family trip to Vancouver, venture the lively and vibrant San Francisco city, relax and unwind on the beaches in California, enjoy a wholesome experience along with fantastic music in Seattle, or take a tour around various ports like those in British Columbia, Oregon, or Washington.

    Tips to find the best cruise around North America

    Now, how do you pick the right cruise for yourself? Let’s find out.

    Family cruisers

    Are you traveling with children? Well, the little ones are naturally more excited about cruises than adults. There are some cruise lines that cater to the children much better than the others. Unfortunately, there are also a few who completely overlook the needs of child travelers. So, if you are seeking an incredible family cruising experience, then Disney should be your top-pick. It has a rare splash area for the young children and a dedicated kid’s club. Furthermore, Disney’s fountain area is a fantastic option for the toddlers still in diapers. Some of the equally good options for family cruising other than Disney include Royal Caribbean and Carnival.

    Age limits

    There are age limits set by most cruises. Though there are a few cruises that have set the age limit as 1 year, there are many others who do not permit younger kids. For instance, if you are seeking solo travel and are still underage, say 17, you should know that a lot of ships do not permit children below 18 years of age without adult supervision.

    Budget

    There are a bunch of things that determine the cost that you’ll have to bear for your cruise. It would primarily depend on whether or not your holiday is during the travel season or the off-season. Further, the smaller the ship, the higher would be the cost. The price you pay also depends on the length of your stay. In general, any cruise that accommodates 1,000 to 2,000 guests will offer you a better monetary value. So, if budget is a concern, you should take into consideration all these factors.

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  • Business class flights and its features

    All of us have daydreamed about traveling business class when we make a steady shuffle from business class to economy. Yes, it lures us with its spacious cabins, and luxe and cushy comforts. So, is it worth flying in a first-class or business class flight?

    Let’s discuss some of the best business class flight features that will prove that it is worth every penny.

    • Priority check-in

    For travelers traveling business class, the check-in process is a lot more convenient and easier. You don’t need to stand in the long queue to finish your check-in procedure. Go ahead and sit down at the waiting room seat while the staff handles the check-in for you.

    • Extra baggage allowed
      Now, this completely depends on the policy of the airline. However, irrespective of the airline you are traveling with, the permissible baggage allowance for a business class is certainly more than economy class travelers. So, if you are a shopaholic, it could be a huge plus.
    • Access to the special lounge

    Ahead of the boarding time, business class travelers can wait in the exclusive lounge dedicated to them. Again, it might vary from airline to airline and airport to airport, but in most lounges across the globe, you’ll get scrumptious snacks and food. Furthermore, you will have an area to rest and recharge your energy. A few business class lounges also offer sleeping rooms, massages, and shower facilities.

    • Priority boarding facility

    As soon as the airplane is ready for boarding, the first passengers to board the flight will always be the business class travelers. So, you will never have to wait to board a flight.

    • Spacious and better seating

    Business class flights have spacious and bigger seats to accommodate you comfortably. Usually, most of these seats are adjustable. So, you can convert your seat to a flat-bed and rest properly. It is particularly beneficial if you have a longer flying duration.

    • A luxury fine dining experience

    When you board your business class flight, you’ll get a welcome drink, which is a glass of fresh juice. After a while, you get served a full-course meal of lip-smacking delicacies. The good thing is that airlines love spoiling their business class passengers, so the food will keep coming in. Hence, there’s zero chance of you feeling hungry. In case of a long flight, the crew will serve you a full-course breakfast, lunch, dinner, and several in-between snacks. Complimentary beverages will also be served.

    • World-class amenities

    In business class, you’ll get access to a bunch of world-class amenities, including fancy snacks, comfortable blankets and pillows, and in-flight entertainment. Along with that, you will also have bigger screens, noise cancellation headphones, and an additional amenities kit to make your travel convenient. How can you not fall in love with this exquisite treatment?

    • Priority check-out

    Business-class travelers will always be the first ones to get off the airplane. So, again, there’ll be no queue for you, and you’ll leave the aircraft before anyone else.

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  • Top destination travel options in Asia

    Asia is a beautiful continent and is home to some of the most exciting destination travel options. With so many exquisite countries to visit, the task of picking the best once can be a bit overwhelming. Well, fret not! Given the availability of affordable flights in-between prime hubs of Asia, you can certainly visit a couple of top destinations in Asia on a single trip.

    You can pick any one of the listed destinations below for your next destination travel trip.

    • Chiang Mai, Thailand

    A lot of travelers visiting Thailand prefer its northern capital over Bangkok. The Old City of Chiang Mai is bustling with tourist activity all year round. The most beautiful thing that you’ll witness here is the welcoming and calming smile of monks. Happening night markets, a multitude of cultural festivals, beautiful temples, and sprawling mountains for trekking-- Chiang Mai has something for every type of traveler. Every year the city gets a footfall of more than a million travelers that leave the destination enriched with hope and satisfaction. When in Chiang Mia, make sure that you take a tour of the magnificent riverside village, Pai, which is located only a few hours north of the city.

    • Penang, Malaysia

    If you are looking for a destination travel trip where you can relax, unwind, and experience mouth-watering cuisine, then Penang in Malaysia is the right destination for you. It is a magnificent island in Malaysia that is proudly referred to as the Pearl of the Orient. Home to some of the most scrumptious delicacies of Asia, the food in Penang is a fine blend of Malay cuisine with influences of Indian and Chinese flavors. Additionally, the island has some of the finest art galleries and delectable museums to keep you entertained.

    • Singapore

    While Singapore should be high on your list of destination travel spots in Asai, beware that it is notoriously expensive. However, this modern, green island country is worth visiting to explore and experience the unique blend of cultures. The mega-mall shopping experience and the gourmet food makes it a hit amongst the shopaholics and foodies. Singapore is more than just a delicately designed concrete shopping complex. It has abundant greenery and impressive walking and biking trails for locals and travelers alike. Its pleasant vibe, lively culture, warm people, beautiful attractions, and delicious cuisine make it worth every penny.  

    • Bali, Indonesia

    Bali is the top-favorite destination of honeymooners, bloggers, and photographers. The volcanic landscape and the scenic beaches, make it a hotspot for travelers. The self-indulgent Kuta Beach is where maximum tourist action takes place. Adventure seekers can hike through the Kintamani Region to see the volcano at the top. However, if you want to experience much more than just adventure, then you should travel to Ubud. The warmth, extraordinarily beautiful beaches, and captivating beauty make it a top destination travel option.  

    Irrespective of the destination you opt for on your destination travel to Asia, you are guaranteed to experience phenomenal culinary treats, bountiful blessings of nature, and several UNESCO world heritage sites. 

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  • Simple ways to save more on your next vacation booking

    Taking a break from work is becoming more and more important owing to busy and hectic schedules that can easily take over our lives if we let it. Also, everybody has a dream vacation that they absolutely deserve to take. And today, with online booking, the planning process has become ever so simplified. The only problem is that it can be difficult to work with a budget and still have a good time on your trip.

    So to get you started, we have found some interesting ways you can easily save money the next time you decide to cross off a place on the map. Check them out.

    Book with local search platforms
    No doubt the best place to find hotels and flights would be to check out the top five websites every travel and leisure magazine recommends. But you might also do better with regional search platforms that offer similar services. For example, down under, in Australia and New Zealand, you can plan your vacation and book on Wotif and Hotel F1 (exclusive chain of hotels). If you are planning a trip to Asian countries, websites like Ctrip and Agoda feature local and regional bookings. There are a number of budget hotels you can explore and book the cheapest flights well in advance to get there.

    Opt for memberships
    If you are a frequent traveler, it is always a good idea to take up subscriptions or memberships on popular websites. For example, Expedia gives you exclusive member’s only prices whereas Hotels.com™ offers exclusive prices and one free night’s stay if you collect 10 stamps or more. Booking.com and Agoda are also popular alternatives that offer rewards-based programs for their member. You can redeem points and cash in on discount vouchers to save loads of money on your next trip. So spend a few minutes, sign up for their program, and explore your options.

    Book ahead of time
    Planning a trip in December? Book four or maybe five months ahead of the peak holiday rush season to avoid surge pricing. Many popular options like Airbnb offer advance booking wherein you can plan your stay well ahead of time to avail the cheapest rates for even some of the luxurious stays. But, ensure you choose the one that also offers free cancellation right up to the date of the trip. This method is called holding the rate as after you book your hotel or private stay, and it doesn’t fluctuate even if prices for similar accommodations surge. When you are sure of your trip, you can book a nonrefundable rate on Expedia or Hotels.com to avail of a bigger discount.

    Get a hotel rewards card
    Several popular banks and financial institutions offer a rewards card exclusively for hotel and flight bookings. Earn points each trip and you can redeem the same on the next one. Using the rewards program, you are practically making your money back. Simply sign up for the card, hit the spending limit, and cash in on your rewards with your purchases the next time. You can avail introductory flight miles for bonus bookings and book hotels in the credit card’s network at massive discounts without worrying about blackout dates. Most cards also waive off annual fees and booking charges. So it’s a wise choice to use your card exclusively for all the spending on your next vacation.

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  • 5 simple ways get cheap flight tickets

    When you go the extra mile to plan a budget vacation, why overpay for flying to your next destination? There are many ways to save money on airline bookings online. And yes, we’re not just talking about using discount codes and coupons that pop up as soon as you hit that search button. These tips and tricks to negotiate search to your advantage can ensure you get a cheap flight every time you plan a vacation. Have a look!

    Book in advance
    It is always a good idea to book your tickets in advance. But just how early? To get the lowest possible fare, book your tickets at least 50 days in advance. That is roughly around seven weeks prior to your travel dates. A data analysis done by the Airlines Reporting Corporation shows this consistent trend of booking for cheap tickets. It may not be a sure way of getting the best fare but nevertheless you can enjoy advance booking offers available with major airlines.

    Go incognito
    Long story short, incognito mode hides search information from airlines that employ algorithms to track results. You might have noticed some airline fares may show a different amount after you’ve searched for the same flight multiple times. This is because the airline knows your search pattern, and they hike the prices knowing you might have no choice but to book anyway especially when its last minute. To avoid cookies tracking your search, simply activate the incognito mode from popular browsers you use. This way you get the original fare always, even if you log in and out several times.

    The time and date of booking
    Studies and data analysis done by several research companies show that usually, booking flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays can make your travel real cheap. For domestic travel, book flights on the weekends, preferably on a Sunday. For international travel, find flights with layover options that coincide on the weekdays. You can adjust your travel itinerary according to your booking dates to get better deals.

    Check on popular websites
    Many search engines for hotel and travel booking often show inflated prices, and you just might notice the difference in case you check with the hotel or airline. The difference is the markup for these online services, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you pay extra. Popular options like Skyscanner, AirFare Watchdog, Momondo, Kiwi, Cheapoair, AirWander, JetRadar, and Google Flights more than often reflect the true prices. You can get the best deals on search engines that employ a broader search algorithm, find sale and error pricing fares, combines airlines for cheaper routes, gives you coupon codes, and even extended layovers for multiple destinations on a single trip.

    Flying at odd hours
    If you don’t mind waiting at the airport at 2 AM to catch a 4 AM flight, you might just be able to book the cheapest tickets available with most airlines. As frequent travelers prefer to fly on time to reach a business meeting or catch a connecting flight, the cheaper fares are usually reserved for passengers who don’t have a preference for time.

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  • 5 places to consider while planning a destination travel on a budget

    When this nightmare has blown past us, it will be quite difficult for us not to make the most of every single gift we’ve been given, including the ability to travel again. Of course, one can choose to carry their favorite novels and Nintendo Switches with them wherever they go, but a view of the beach beats looking at the same bedroom wall any day. If you’re going to be planning for a trip, and have already started looking, here are some of the destinations you’d want to consider for budget travels.

    • Zanzibar
      Composed of the Zanzibar Archipelago, this island is the epitome of scenic beauty. It is located in the Indian Ocean and is the cheapest African destination, at least according to the 2019 Backpackers Index. If you’re traveling on a budget, a day here will cost you around $25, which is super affordable. The place also has an eclectic mix of fancy and exotic islands and spice plantations.
    • Oaxaca
      Oaxaca is a city that lies in Mexico and is known for its amazing culture. From food to music and from art to parades, you may find some of the best of everything here. Aside from the fact that this place has a lot to offer, it is also one of the best places to travel on a budget. With free entry to museums on Sundays and bus fares that cost barely anything, you may actually end up saving money on this trip rather than spending it.
    • Siem Reap
      An important part of Cambodian history, this place has hordes of temples. In fact, more than 50% of the tourists that flock here come just to see these historic places of worship. But, not visiting much else means you’re missing out. The food, the stay, and even the nightlife are definitely worth a visit. The museums, especially, are eye-opening as they give you a glimpse of Cambodia’s colorful past.
    • Nice
      Any place or city in France sounds too fancy for anyone who is trying to travel on a budget. But, this place actually has a lot to offer, especially if you know where to go to achieve an optimum level of budget-friendly destination travel and luxury. The European architecture in the city is breathtaking and the market is full of life with the best vintage items for sale.
    • Ocean Isle Beach
      If you want to travel to a beautiful destination but do not want to leave the US, you can opt to do so. There are some absolutely charming places in the United States — one of them being the Ocean Isle Beach in North Carolina. It is a small town that lies in the north of South Carolina. You can fly directly to the airport or choose to go on a 45-minute road trip from Wilmington airport. You can get on a boat and sail out to the nearby local islands, grab a filling snack for $7, play mini-golf, or just lay on the beach and enjoy the sun.
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  • Party all night long on these four cruises

    As professional life gets tougher and busier by the day, people are growing increasingly conscious about how they spend their vacations. Cruises offer the perfect getaway with a wonderful time on the waves, filling the air with a relaxing and celebratory vibe and tranquillity. The growing popularity of cruises isn’t hard to comprehend, with youngsters being especially receptive to the idea of partying at sea. A substantial number of cruises are tailored-made for parties, leaving US shores usually for three to four nights.

    • Norwegian Escape

    True to its name, the Norwegian Escape is a really enjoyable distraction from the hustle of everyday life and stands out amongst other cruises. Owned by the Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, the Escape has a vibrant partying atmosphere with the right blend of music, fun activities, and engrossing cinema. During the day, you can indulge in the enthralling and adventurous Aqua Park, which is one of the complimentary activities from a host of other fun activities.

    In the evening, you can croon to the upbeat and fun tunes spined by the resident DJ in the Spice H2O bar. Additionally, a host of themed parties such as glow parties are hosted on select evenings for the guests. With onboard bars and lounges such as the Skyline Bar on Deck 7 and 5 O'Clock Somewhere Bar on Deck 8, which is part of the Jimmy Buffet franchise, there’s not a single boring moment on this cruise.

    • Carnival Fantasy

    The oldest vessel of the Carnival Corporation & PLC, Carnival Fantasy houses its own DJ academy run by Las Vegas and Miami DJs. It has nightclubs, themed-party nights, the latest BlueIguana Tequila Bar and RedFrog Rum Bar, and late-night dancing at the Electricity Nightclub, which starts at 11 pm.

    Although it’s an ideal choice for the party-people, the Fantasy also provides a relaxing solitude and service. Despite undergoing refurbishment in 2016, the vessel still has a vintage touch to its architecture.

    • Harmony of the Seas

    This Royal Caribbean International’s mammoth vessel is one of the largest cruise ships in the world. It is so big that it wouldn’t be wrong to call it a small city as well. There is room for almost everything, including amusement parks, Studio B, which has an ice rink, a number of bars, which includes a robot bar, and a nightclub with a fancy dance floor that lights-up.

    • Grand Celebration

    Part of the Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, the Grand Celebration is just as fun and amazing as its destination. The ship, along with Grand Classica, offers two-night Bahamas itineraries all through the year. It has tons of bars and nightclubs, which run well into the after hours. Musical acts are also common in the Grand Celebration. It also features elaborate spas that offer a host of relaxing massages and care packages.

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