Wanderlust Tips Team, Author at WANDERLUST TIPS • Page 128 of 190

February promotions at Fortuna Hotel Hanoi

In February, coming to Fortuna Hotel Hanoi, customers will offered many attractive culinary promotions. Why not spend your free time with family and friends at this hotel and experience the most inspiring menu here?

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LUCKY RESTAURANT

Opening time: Lunch time, 11am – 2pm | Dinner time, 6pm – 10pm

1. Dimsum mania

Literally mean a touch from the heart, Dim Sum is renowned for its little bites that can be enjoyed with family, friends or business associates. Diner can enjoy All You Can Eat Dim Sum made to order from Monday to Saturday, indulge in the Sunday Dim Sum Brunch or enjoy Dim Sum Dinner A la carte menu, with many varieties of dim sum including steamed, pan-fried, noodle dishes, snacks and desserts.

All You Can Eat Dim Sum (Monday – Saturday, 11am – 2pm)
Discounted Price: VND298,000++/Adult | VND149,000++/Child (1m-1m3)

Dim Sum Brunch (Sunday, 11am – 2pm)
Discounted Price: VND318,000++/Adult | VND159,000++/Child (1m-1m3)

A la carte Dim Sum (Available during lunch and dinner)
Price is ranging from VND58,000++

Newly specialty: Along with Buffet Dim Sum, a Japanese Corner will be opened to serve fresh and delicious Sushi prepared by the talented Japanese Head Chef only in weekend. Come and have yourself a Japanese retreat.

2. Black pepper beef on hot plate

The tender Rib Eye beef is well combined with black pepper, especially served in hot plate with assorted mushrooms and a dash of Shao Xing wine. Delicious with a little spice from the special black pepper sauce and the sweetness of imported beef, the dish will make you fall in love at first taste.

Price: VND250,000++/portion

3. Traditional yu sheng

Known as an appetizer to boost luck in the New Year, Prosperity Yu Sheng is the sublimation of wealth and a symbol of prosperity and longevity. Singaporeans, especially businessman and traders love to eat this dish every New Year because it is a symbol of success, prosperity and fortune.

Prosperity Fish Salad is a sophisticated preparation of many delicious and fresh ingredients such as salmon, grated vegetables, sauces and condiments, all of them have a special meaning for the New Year. Salmon symbolizes prosperity for the whole year; five spices and pepper associated with the treasure; green radish stands for longevity; kumquat squeezed on the fish is a great blessing while sesame wish for success and plum sauce is for happiness.

The speciality of this savoury salad is not only about its finest ingredients, but also about how it is enjoyed. Special food is mixed together, it contains the meaning of each other wish each other luck, prosperity and health. It is believed that, the higher the ingredients are tossed, the luckier and wealthier they will be. While mixing, people will toss the salad seven times, shout “Prosperity! More prosperity!” and send all the best wishes to each other for the New Year.

Yu Sheng Prosperity Toss is introduced at Fortuna Hotel from 22nd January to 2nd March with 3 options: Happiness (2-3 persons) at VND480,000++, Prosperity (4-6 persons) at VND 680,000++ and Fortune (8-10 people) at VND880,000++.

EMPEROR RESTAURANT

Lunch time, 11am – 2pm | Dinner time, 6pm – 10pm

Ozouni

Ozouni, or Clear broth with rice cake is a special dish that is enjoyed on New Year’s Day in Japan. Depending on regions, Ozouni might be cooked in different methods, but the must-have ingredients usually includes rice cakes, prawn, chicken, fish cake along with different kinds of vegetable as radish, mushroom and spinach. Simple but tasty, Ozouni is will be a perfect choice for a joyous New Year Day.

Price : VND250,000++/portion

TIFFIN RESTANRANT

Buffet Breakfast, 6am – 10am | All-day Dining A la carte, 11am – 10pm | Late Night Supper, 10pm – 3am

1. Mutton curry

Originated in Bengal, Mutton Curry is a savory Indian curry dish that is prepared with Goat meat and potatoes. The soft tender chucks of meat are perfectly marinated with the finest ingredients and cooked well to bring out its unique taste. Served with rice or Roti Prata, Mutton Curry is a gorgeously rich and indulgent spicy dish which is ideal for those who love to experiment with flavor and texture.

Price : VND290,000++/portion

2. Chocolate green tea mousse

The cake is a perfect marriage between the buttery creamy of chocolate and the delightful bitter of green tea. One layer of green tea is followed up by another of chocolate, you will feel the “heaven in one spoon” once you give this fabulous Chocolate Green Tea mousse a try.

Price: 30,000VND++/pc

Cake Temptation: Spoil yourself with an afternoon treat with mouthwatering cakes and cookies at Happy Hour, from 6pm onwards and enjoy 50% DISCOUNT for selected cake items.

For more enquiries and reservations, kindly contact F&B Dept at Tel. 024 3831 3333 – extension 6461 or email fb@fortuna.vn or Visit fortuna.vn

FORTUNA HOTEL HANOI

Address: 6B Lang Ha, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Tel.: 04.3831.3333
Website: www.fortuna.vn

Wanderlust Tips

February promotions at Melia Hanoi

In February, Melia Hanoi Hotel offers customers a wide range of exciting culinary and entertainment offers. Many special promotions including International daily buffet dinner, Seafood Extravaganza promise to satisfy the most demanding foodies.

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SEAFOOD EXTRAVAGANZA

Every Friday and Saturday dinner, the chef team at El Patio Restaurant is proud to present most expanded gastronomic selection of seafood in town, featuring the freshest and most luscious ingredients.

Time: 6pm – 10pm Every Friday & Saturday
Price: VND910,000++/adult (Excluding drinks); VND1,090,000++/adult (including free flow of draught beer and soft drinks); VND1,430,000++/adult (including free flow of 6 red wine & 3 white wine).

INTERNATIONAL DAILY BUFFET DINNER

Time: 6pm – 10pm From Monday to Thursday
Location: El Patio Restaurant
Price: VND750,000++/adult (Excluding drinks); VND930,000++/adult (including free flow of draught beer and soft drinks); VND1,095,000++/adult (including free flow of 6 red wine & 3 white wine).

BIRTHDAY PROMOTION

On your month of birth, enjoy the discount % equivalent to your age while celebrating at El Patio Restaurant at Melia Hanoi. Your party will even be more fun with a special birthday cake personally prepared by Ms. Le Phi Phuong – Pastry Chef. Remember to present your identity card to enjoy such privileges.

AUSTRALIAN GRASS-FED BEEF

Australian grass-fed beef is seen as an important component to healthy diet because it is naturally low in fat and cholesterol, while offering a high level of Omega 3, known to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.

This month, an exclusive menu featuring this healthy meat is offer at El Patio Restaurant. With price starting from VND750,000++, you can select your favorite cuts as well as your preferred sauce and garnishes. Don’t forget to order a glass of red wine to make your meal even more perfect.

HAPPY HOUR

Start your evening off in style and get 1 complimentary drink when ordering from the great selections of drinks.
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm Everyday.

LIVE MUSIC

Sway to the sounds of the great song selection brought by the in-house band in a cozy atmosphere at Cava Lounge. The charming voice of Tina from Cuba every Wednesday and Friday will make your evening more special.
Time: 7pm – 9pm from Tuesday to Friday

MELIA HANOI HOTEL

Address: 44B, Ly Thuong Kiet Street. Hanoi, Vietnam.
Tel: (+84)4 3934 3343 / Fax: (+84)4 3934 3344
Email: melia.hanoi@melia.com
Website: www.melia.com

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Tet celebration at Pullman Vung Tau

Coming to Pullman Vung Tau, you will have chance to enjoy reunification time with families and friends through Tet special Gastronomy journey and relax with entertainment activities for the beginning of new year full of happiness.

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TET HOLIDAY PACKAGE (17^th– 24^th February 2018)

Enjoy traditional Tet Holiday at Pullman Vung Tau with special package including one-night stay in Superior Room, breakfast and Special Tet Buffet Dinner for two people at Riviera Restaurant, starting from VND4,590,000 per night.

Terms & Conditions
Payment in Advance, non-refundable, non-cancellation
Advance reservation must be arranged prior booking and is subject to availability.

SPECIAL TET SET MENU LUNCH (17^th – 24^th February 2018)

Riviera restaurant will be serving a specially created Tet set menu. A special set courses of must-have dishes combine of Vietnamese and Western tastes for the Tet celebration to usher into another prosperous year.
Price: VND499,000
Time: 12am -3pm

LUNAR NYE SPECIAL BUFFET DINNER (18^th – 20^th February 2018)

Celebrate this reunion time with your friends and family at the splendid Riviera restaurant with variety of fresh seafood, delectable roasts along with many others.
Price: VND1,099,000
Time: 6pm – 10pm

VIETNAMESE DINNER BUFFET (21^st – 22^nd February 2018)

Family and friends are invited to celebrate the year with the Vietnamese inspired Dinner Buffet. Be indulged in varieties of scrumptious Vietnamese cuisines and reenergize yourselves to usher into the fabulous new year.
Price: VND790,000
Time: 6pm – 10pm

SPECIAL TET HIGH TEA AT LOBBY BAR (17^th – 23^rd February 2018)

Assortment of gourmet cakes from our signature range from Sweet&Co. and selection of fine premium teas to choose from. A sweet high tea is a beautiful start for a sweet coming year.

Price: VND275,000
Time: 2pm -5pm

LIVE FAMILY KARAOKE (17^th – 24^th February 2018)

It will be tuneful and melodic at our Corniche Ultra Bar. Welcoming the Lunar New Year with the joyful moments and memorable nights together with your friends and family.
Price: VND290,000
(including 4 beers or soft drink + fruit platter and 30 minutes slot of live karaoke)
All prices are inclusive of 5% service charge and 10% VAT

PULLMAN VUNG TAU HOTEL AND CONVENTION CENTRE

Address: 15 Thi Sach street, Thang Tam ward, Vung Tau, Vietnam
Tel.: +84 (0) 254 355 1777
Email: H7133@accor.com
Website: pullmanvungtau.com

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi named in Gold List 2018

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has made Condé Nast Traveler’s highly influential list of the best hotels in the world for 2018. Vietnam’s most storied hotel was hailed as the No. 1 Hotel in Hanoi by the editors of the prestigious US travel publication.

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Spanning six continents and 54 countries, the annual Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2018 recognises hotels around the world that editors and contributors of the bestselling magazine visit time and time again – and daydream about long after checkout.

“This year’s Gold List is a love letter to those hotels, resorts, and cruises that stay with us long after we have returned home,” wrote the editor in chief of Condé Nast Traveler, Pilar Guzmán. “We are interested in the way a place, in all of its ineffable complexity, beauty, and sometimes darkness, tugs at us and calls us back, much like human relationships do.”

William J. Haandrikman, General Manager of the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi said: “This is simply amazing! Being able to keep ourselves remembered amongst prominent hotels in established destinations shows that the Metropole Hanoi is a trusted choice.”

The 2018 Gold List Awards were announced in the January 2018 issue of Condé Nast Traveler as well as on the publication’s official website. In October, the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi emerged from the voting of over 300,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers as the 21st best hotel in Asia. (Readers’ Choice Awards).

The magazine hailed the hotel for its “spacious and richly appointed” rooms, as a “peaceful refuge” and for service that goes “above and beyond.” The magazine’s Gold Awards are more selective than the RCA. While eight hotels and resorts in Vietnam were recognised in the RCAs, only two hotels in Vietnam won placement on the Gold List.

SOFITEL LEGEND METROPOLE HANOI

Address: 15 Ngo Quyen, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Tel: +84 24 3826 6919.
Website: sofitel-legend-metropole-hanoi.com

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Enjoy your own private paradise at Novotel Phu Quoc Resort

Novotel Phu Quoc Resort is located on Truong Beach overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. Phu Quoc Island is one of the most beautiful islands in Vietnam. It is famous for its natural white sand and stretches of long beaches. The resort is a short 10 minutes from the International Airport and a 40-minute flight from HCMC.

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The resort’s design aspects give the feeling you have landed somewhere between a contemporary vogue and comfortable elegant fishing village with natural designs featured throughout. Ultimately you will feel you are in your own idyllic private beach hide-away.

The rooms are placed next to lush green gardens with ocean views, or choose to stay in a Beachfront Bungalow for a truly indulgent experience. If you are travelling with family or friends, 3,4 and 5 Bedroom Villas with dedicated facilities may be your preferred style. They all feature private pools and BBQ areas.

Stay with us to experience spectacular scenery, a turquoise sea over looking at the most breathtaking sunsets. Enjoy a selection of dining venues, innovative bars and the ultimate ocean chill-out lounge. Rest and rejuvenate with an array of traditional and international spa treatments. Visit night markets, or take a cooking class while the kids enjoy our kids club.

Looking for a unique retreat to host your next event? Treat your team to their next incentive event in paradise. Let the expert MICE team spoil your delegates with an event they will never forget.

NOVOTEL PHU QUOC RESORT

Tel: + 84 0297 626 0999.
Email: h9770-fb3@accor.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NovotelPQResort

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Hanoi Daewoo Hotel won Marry Excellence Awards 2017

Recently, Hanoi Daewoo Hotel proudly received Marry Excellence Awards 2017 given by Marry.vn – one of the most popular websites providing wedding information and services organized by Marry Network. The award marks the milestone of Hanoi Daewoo Hotel in becoming one of top wedding destinations with unparalleled service.

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In 2017, Hanoi Daewoo Hotel has served more than 50 weddings, from modern and elegant events at Grand Ballroom to luxury outdoor ones. Boasting an unsurpassed selection of splendid wedding venues to suit every need, Hanoi Daewoo Hotel provides a perfect setting for your special day.

Whether your ideal celebration is an intimate gathering for close family and friends or a grand affair, our bespoke packages are designed to fulfill your every desire, making your wedding as unique as you are. The magnificent Hanoi Daewoo Grand Ballroom is the perfect setting for a grand wedding celebration for up to 450 guests. Featuring an elegant setting with opulent chandeliers, it is among best pillar-free hotel ballrooms in the heritage capital.

Surrounded by greenery lush garden, Serenity – the largest poolside venue in Hanoi – provides an enchanting feeling for those looking to impressing their guests with a romantic, elegant yet alfresco experience. Our passionate culinary team, led by talented chefs, will pay attention to the smallest detail, to ensure that every dish is an expression of you.

HANOI DAEWOO HOTEL

Address: 360 Kim Mã, Ba Đình, Hà Nội.
Tel: +84 243831 5000/Fax: +84 43831 5010
Email: info@daewoohotel.com
Website: www.daewoohotel.com

3 luxury hotels for family vacations

[Wanderlust Tips December 2017] Whether located on a high mountain or in the middle of a prosperous city, three classy hotels recommended by Wanderlust Tips will be the perfect choices for your family holiday. Each hotel in the Mgallery collection is a delightful and inspirational story that takes visitors on the adventures of nature, history, and culture.

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HÔTEL DES ARTS SAIGON – COZY AMBIENCE FOR THE SEASON OF LOVE

As the name implies, the 5-star boutique hotel, Hôtel des Arts Saigon, is designed as an art museum. With its delicate architectural design in striking contrast to neighboring buildings, the hotel looks like a masterpiece of art in the heart of the modern Saigon. From the first moment of stepping into the hotel, visitors will admire the collection of paintings and antiques collected and arranged by the owner of Hôtel des Arts Saigon, which highlights and creates a difference to the walls, corridors or the main lobby of the hotel.

Besides the beauty of architecture, Hôtel des Arts Saigon is also an ideal destination for visitors to relax and experience the culinary elite with friends and family members. You can enjoy Vietnamese cuisine from three regions at the Saigon Kitchen restaurant, exquisite European cuisine at the Social Club restaurant and Rooftop Bar, as well as being immersed in the local Art and culture at Café des Beaux-Arts.

The festive season is approaching, so experience with your beloved one the romantic package for couples named Romantic Getaway Package at the Hôtel des Arts Saigon, MGallery Collection. Just a few steps and you are immersed in the atmosphere of excitement in the heart of Saigon. And you can spend some peaceful moments watching the panoramic view of the bustling city from its highest infinity swimming pool or enjoying the tranquil and relaxing atmosphere at Le Spa des Artistes.

HÔTEL DES ARTS SAIGON

Address: 76-78, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 3, HCMC, Vietnam
Tel: (+84) 28 3989 8888
Website: www.hoteldesartssaigon.com

SILK PATH GRAND RESORT & SPA SAPA – A ROMANTIC EUROPEAN SPACE ON THE MOUNTAIN

Located on a hill, offering an amazing panoramic view of the marvelous Hoang Lien Son mountain range, the Silk Path Grand Resort & Spa Sapa resembles a miniature Europe in the heart of the mountain.

The five-star hotel consists of 147 modern, sophisticated rooms and adjoining villas with the design featuring the essence of ethnic minority characteristics. All of the rooms boast their own large balcony for the natural sunlight and fresh air from the highland. In the morning, tourists can enjoy the feeling of floating amidst the clouds and admire picturesque mountains in front of them.

Following the winding paths of the mountainous terrain covered with flowers and the gentle grass aroma in four seasons, you can admire the dome architecture with Gothic delicate curved iron decorations, reminding us of the golden age of Europe.

The Silk Path Grand Resort & Spa Sapa is not only a romantic place for couples but also the only and the largest relaxation and entertainment facility with an area of more than 4,000 square meters in Sapa, promising to bring exciting experiences to family vacations with a children’s playground, a karaoke room, an indoor heated swimming pool with 180° panorama view and the restaurant system serving from excellent local food to exquisite Italian cuisine.

You can enjoy an eventful night at the live music lounge, have a peaceful evening with a passionate cocktail at the Café Lounge or a revitalizing hour at The Chi Spa with its signature herb of the ethnic people from this area.

SILK PATH GRAND RESORT & SPA SAPA

Add: Doi Quan 6, Sa Pa, Lao Cai, Vietnam
Tel: (+84) 0214 3788 555
Website: www.silkpathhotel.com

KERRY HOTEL HONG KONG – EXPERIENCE AN INSPIRING

The new 546-room Kerry hotel – Hong Kong’s first urban resort offers the guests an inspiring lifestyle in outdoor living spaces and family activities whilst setting the standards for world-class business and meeting services.Conceived by the internationally renowned interior designer André Fu and the award-winning architect Rocco Design, the newly built 16-story hotel is the first one to be opened on the Kowloon waterfront since 1995. Providing guests with the uninterrupted views overlooking Victoria Harbour, the hotel’s multi-level design with extensive outdoor landscaped gardens connects the hotel with surrounding areas and physically develops the hotel’s approach of “More Room For Life” and relaxed luxury.

Over 60 percent of the hotel’s guestrooms have an area ranging from 42 to 294 square meters, featuring the panoramic views of the Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island skyline. Five restaurants and bars of the hotel are the only places in Hong Kong with an artificial ourdoor terrace overlooking Victoria Harbour. This is a perfect place to experience the newest dining destination of the city.

While the signature restaurant Hung Tong evokes the feeling of “ancient Hong Kong” with red brick walls, traditional metal gates, wooden vents, vintage-inspired chairs and tinted glass pendants, the all-day dining restaurant called Big Bay Cafe takes guests on a global culinary experience with seven individual pavilions dedicated to specific cooking methods for local and international cuisines.

Enhancing the guests’ experience by both the unique urban resort design and world-class services, the hotel offers Base Camp Kerry Sports which goes beyond typical hotel fitness facilities and helps the guests enjoy an active lifestyle outside the hotel’s doors with outdoor activities including running clubs. Operating 24 hours a day, the Base Camp owns a wide range of fitness equipment, a 25-meter outdoor infinity swimming pool which is heated in winter, Jacuzzi steam bath, sauna and spa facilities.

KERRY HOTEL HONG KONG

Add: 38 Hung Luen Road, Hung Hom Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: (+852) 2252 5888
Website: www.shangri-la.com/hongkong/kerry/

Hong Nhung | Wanderlust Tips

New movies to see in theatres in January 2018

The holiday hangover has begun, as the New Year’s arrival brings with it a somewhat underwhelming cinema slate. Aside from two high-profile Oscar contenders that are opening wide after limited December qualifying runs, there’s not a lot of A-list work coming to multiplexes in January.

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WONDER

The film is a touching story about the kindness and living spirit of Auggie – an unfortunate boy whose face is malformed due to a rare disease. Auggie encounters a lot of challenge when trying to integrate with the community. But then a big milestone came into his life when Auggie was in his fifth grade at a local school, he has an extraordinary journey to stick together with his family and new friends.

Release date: 29th December 2017

THE INCREDIBLE STORY OF THE GIANT PEAR

Launched on the New Year, this animated film will be a great gift for young children. From a tiny seed, the pear grows and become a giant in one night, or when the group of friends sails into the deep blue sea at night and see the floating ghosts. All these attractive details will create a colourful and funny world.

Release date: 29th December 2017

LEGEND OF THE DEMON CAT

The film is set in the Tang Dynasty, when the Demon Cat can speak like a human and make chaos in Chang’an and caused a series of unusual events. At that time, a poet and a monk came to investigate and found a huge secret. The film is the production of director Chen Kaige and has the participation of famous cast.

Release date: 5th January 2018

THE SUN SHINES HERE

Despite acknowledging that the recognition for the out-of-wedlock son can cause his career to dissipate, Tung Nhan still decides not to let his son desolate. And the unjustly things start to come when the two of them reunite … The message of the film is: “The family is not only about blood relations, but also the bond between the souls“.

Release date: 12th January 2018

Van Ly | Wanderlust Tips

9 things you may not know about Vietnam Airlines Airbus A350

Vietnam Airlines has added the latest 9th A350 aircraft in 5th November 2017, to its fleet of 14 aircrafts of A350 XWB model. The aircraft was put into operation in the afternoon of November 6th on Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City flight.

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9 interesting things about Vietnam Airlines Airbus A350

1. According to experts and manufacturers, Vietnam Airlines is one of the most successful operators of Airbus A350-900 XWB aircraft with the majority of pilots, attendants, and technicians are Vietnamese.

2. Vietnam Airlines became the second airline in the world to receive and operate the new generation of A350-900.

3. The Business class cabin is equipped with 29 reclining seats which can be turned into beds, providing absolute comfort for passengers especially on long-haul flights.

4. The Premium Economy class cabin is arranged with 8 seats per row. The 2-4-2 configuration makes the seats in this cabin wider. The reclining level of the chair is of the same as that of Business class’s seats in the A321, and there is a more comfortable leg rest.

5. 2017 is the second consecutive year the airline’s service quality is recognized as 4-star international standard of Skytrax.

6. 53% of the A350 air-frames are made of carbon fiber, which makes the A350 one of the most fuel-efficient aircrafts. At the same time, according to statistics, the A350 also contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent.

7. The A350 aircraft has about 16 million different colors and countless other combinations in the cabin, thanks to its modern LED lighting system.

8. Vietnam Airlines’ A350 fleet is currently having flights to 7 cities including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Paris (France), Seoul (South Korea), Shanghai (China), Osaka and Tokyo (Japan).

9. The next A350 is expected to be transferred by Airbus to Vietnam Airlines this year.

Wanderlust Tips

The rise of luxury travel agents

When online travel booking sites became the norm for people to book their travels, everybody soon became their own travel agents. The traditional brochure-laden travel agent as we know it may be gone, but the last few years have seen the rise of luxury travel agents.

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Here are the reasons why we will be seeing more of luxury travel agents or travel designers, as some of them are known:

1. Online booking sites were not designed with the luxury traveller in mind.

Most flight aggregator and hotel booking websites were created to search for the cheapest fares/ rates and promotions. These are not the elements that a High-net-worth individual (also known as the common luxury traveller) requires when travelling.

As we have discovered with previous years’ luxury travel trends, most luxury travellers have embraced multi-generational travelling and as such, require complex bookings over multiple villas and rooms in resorts and hotels. Special requests are a normal part of a luxury traveller’s itinerary.

In their article “The Super Rich are Leaving Technology in the Draw”, Forbes rightfully and aptly describes organising trips for luxury travellers more similar to planning a concert tour for The Rolling Stones than looking for the best deals on airfare and accommodation.

2. Luxury travellers are getting more adventurous

Adventure travel mixed with luxury is a growing trend. Most luxury travellers these days want adventures beyond the brochures. In fact, it seems that the more an activity or tour is in a brochure, the more some of these luxury travellers will avoid it.

The past two years’ luxury travel trend predictions included reports that luxury travellers not only want high-end products. They want products, destinations, and experiences that no one, or only very few have done.

Experience has played a huge part in influencing traveller’s decisions, including luxury ones. As luxurious adventurers go to more far-flung destinations and engage in bolder activities, this involves complex itineraries and requests so a trip like this is best handled by an experienced travel agent.

3. VIP Travellers need advice from someone who’s been there

Luxury and VIP Travel agents are twice more likely to be well-travelled than the regular travel agent. There was a recent discussion on Flyertalk forum, a site where hundreds of thousands of frequent fliers worldwide gather and share travel tips. One member stated that he uses a travel agent because he or she may provide an insight about the destination he’s going to. Knowing that the agent has been to a destination and may have partnerships with travel brands in that area gives travellers a sense of confidence.

Luxury travellers need more than just an agent who knows a brochure from the first page to last. They actually want someone to tell, show and describe to them their own personal experiences. As the luxury travel agent is someone they would have established trust with, they rely on the agent’s personal experience and advice. And as the agent would also know their client’s travel style, they can advise appropriately on whether a destination or an activity is recommended.

4. It’s not just for the luxury traveller. Many are back to use the service of a travel agent.

Some consumers who used to book their own travels online are now reverting back to the services of a travel agent. Studies reveal that one of the fastest growing segments of travel agency users are technology-tied Millennials. They may spend a lot of their waking hours glued to technology, but not all of them actually have the time to book and plan their travel itinerary.

Increasing factors of travel disruption such as airline delays, natural disasters, and global terrorism have reinforced travellers that they need a professional to look after their itineraries, should any of the disruption factors occur. People’s busier lifestyles also mean that they would rather call, send an SMS or email one key contact for changes in their travels, rather than be put on hold or email a generic customer service centre.

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet