Wanderlust Tips Team, Author at WANDERLUST TIPS • Page 164 of 194

The extravagant Valentine’s Day at Hotel Nikko Saigon

On this Valentine’s Day, Hotel Nikko Saigon would change its garden into a romantic venue with flowers and shimmering lights for couples to celebrate their sweet love under the stars.

[rpi]

It will be a very romantic place for couples to enjoy an impressive Valentine dinner party under the stars, live music softly fills the air and sparkling candles on the table. Besides, the love messages are also prepared for the couples to give each other and remark the sweet moments with their special loved one.

The hotel’s talented chefs will serve you a sumptuous six-course set menu features Tsarskaya oysters imported from France, foie gras, lobster Ravioli, salmon, special soup and sweet desserts complemented by Valentine cocktail, artisanal chocolates and giveaway flowers.

The romantic dinner await you on February 14, 2017 at VND2,800,000 ++/couple.

Hotel Nikko Saigon

Add: 235 Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Tel: +84 8 3925 7777

Wanderlust Tips

Palau targets to rich tourists to create high-end tourism

Palau’s president Tommy Remengesau plans to allow only five-star hotels to open aiming to reduce visitor numbers and attract richer tourists. The new scheme is part of a “quality rather than quantity” tourism strategy.

[rpi]

The Pacific island nation is hoping to pass a new law that will encourage only affluent tourists to holiday there. The new hotels would have to be built within strict guidelines, but in return the government would provide tax breaks for the businesses.

“Our definition of high-end [tourism] would be that they would also come in with their own designed water treatment system, power back-ups,” said Mr. Tommy Remengesau. “If there are any other infrastructures that they have to do, like opening a road, the investor would do that themselves.”

“In return for that we will give them the necessary tax break and exemptions for the,” he continues.

According to reports, the legislations came about as a result of increased tourism from mainland China over recent years.

Package tours from the country saw large numbers of Chinese visitors, which the government claims has had a negative effect on the environment and they have since halved the number of flights to Palau from China.

President Remengesau said that when the tourist number when down, the actual tourist spending went up.

Daily Mail | Wanderlust Tips

“Women only” section in an Indian Airlines

Air India has announced plans to save 6 seats on each aeroplane for solo female passengers in an attempt to enhance the safety of women travelling alone.

[rpi]

Accordingly, all of the seats in row three in economy class of Air India planes will now only be allocated to women. The state-run airline will also keep plastic handcuffs on all flights to restrain passengers who get “totally out of control.”

“We feel, as national carriers, it is our responsibility to enhance comfort level to female passengers,” said Meenakshi Malik of Air.

The move comes after a recent incident where a female passenger was groped by a male passenger while asleep on one of their planes.

The move, which is thought to be a first in the aviation industry, has received mixed reactions from customers though.

While some have applauded the decision, others have said that it is a token gesture.

While one Twitter user called PoonamJayant said it was a welcome step that should also be extended to private airlines, others were less impressed.

One user called annabelle_bzhp said: “Reserving seats for women is a patronising, sexist move by Air India.”

Another called ReachDanish said: “Seat reservation for women? Thank you Air India for “fortifying” the gender stereotypes. Air India [has] gone cuckoo.”

Daily Mail | Wanderlust Tips

Valentine’s Day highlights at Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers

To celebrate your sweetest moment with your lover on Valentine’s Day, Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers create a romantic atmosphere to make the lasting memories for your day of love.

[rpi]

Saigon Café Restaurant

With candlelight, rose petals, chocolate and fabulous buffet dinner featuring mouthwatering dishes from the plentiful buffet stations of Japanese specialties, Vietnamese food corner, seafood bar, cook-to- order action station and carving station. The food ranges from oven roasted beef prime rib, baked whole sturgeon fish, seafood casserole, oyster with cheese and spinach, grilled foie gras, lobster bisque soup, lobster tail cooked to order, or half baby lobster with cheese sauce to the tempting sweet corner chocolate buffet, fresh seasonal fruits, and mouthwatering cakes.

The Valentine’s Day buffet dinner will be served from 6PM-10PM, at VND1,500,000++/person including house wine, Valentine cocktail, draft beer and soft drinks. Violine performance during the night and gift for couple.

At the venue from February 16 to 19, 2017, guests can enjoy the authentic Japaneses food from fresh sushi and sashimi to fried seafood, vegetable tempura, soba noodles with wasabi, tako nosunomono and maguro nuta, and watch the hotel’s professional chefs showcasing the art of cooking Japanese specialties at the open kitchen. At the live cooking station, Nipponese food lovers can have shabu-shabu and suki shabu hot pot with thinly sliced beef and fish poached in hot stock a la minute, and ramen noodle soup with roast pork roll braised in miso stock. Selection of Japanese sweets including oshiruko, soya milk pudding, mocha, kuzukiri and oshiruko perfectly end up your night of authentic Japanese food dining experience.

The Lounge at Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers

The Lounge in the Hotel Lobby will be introducing a special treat on the occasion of Valentine’s Day available on Tuesday, February 14th. In the cozy ambiance of The Lounge, guests can savor chocolate dipped strawberries and premium Sparkling Chandon to feel the love is all around you. There is also selection of dark or white chocolate foundue served with dry fruit and fresh fruits in the month of February.

Sparkling and fresh strawberry in chocolate, from VND488,000++, just available on February 14.

Chocolate fondue with fresh fruit and dry fruit, from VND228,000++ per set, available every day in February.

Level 23 Signature

Your sweetheart would be stunned by the degustation set menu specially designed for the couple ranging from freshly marinated salmon with herbs on creamy avocado and egg và smoked salmon terrinate; corn chawder and scallop, roasted guinea fowl or roasted pork loin; char-coal grilled Wagyu tenderloin and half of frozen local lobster to a glass of rose sparkling. Your memorable dinner will take place under the candle light, with rose and live jazz music.

Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers

Add: 88 Dong Khoi Str., Dist. 1, HCMC, Vietnam | Tel: (+848) 3827 2828

Hotel Equatorial introduces Tet Hamper Collections

To welcome a new prosperous year, Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City has launched three luxury Tet hamper collections.

[rpi]

The hamper packages including tea, wine, cookie, jam and Teddy bear are presented in luxury and different designs and named under the hotel’s wishes for New Year which are Wellbeing, Happiness, Success hampers. Cookies and treats are speacially prepared by the hotel’s chefs, bring the sweet flavours standing for the sincere thank and good luck to the valued friends, family and business partners.

Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City

Add: 242 Tran Binh Trong, Ward 4, District 5, HCMC, Vietnam | Tel: (+848) 3839 7777

Wanderlust Tips

À La Carte Da Nang Beach: A warm Tet holiday in the coastal city

When the traditional Tet is becomining a boring anually routine, À La Carte Da Nang Beach creates an unforgettable Festive Season in a new way with abundant cuisine and accommodation choices.

[rpi]

Tet Delightful package offers guests who book minimum 3 nights and stay from January 2 to 31, 2017 a chance to discover the ultimate holiday season. The package includes accommodation in Light Studio, daily buffet breakfast for 2 pax at Fishca Restaurant, 1 time 60 minute Spa treatment for 2 pax at Spice Spa, 1 time set menu with one glass of wine for 2 pax, 1 time signature cocktail on The Top Bar for 2 pax, csomplimentary see off airport shuttle bus. The package is at VND2,950,000nett/Room/Night. A surcharge will be applied on January 27 – 28 – 29 – 30 – 31, 2017.

Delicious Deli Cafe will be the perfect venue for afternoon tea gathering to share a pleasant moments with friends or family. Tet afternoon tea is served at VND120,000-135,000/pax, from January 6 to February 5, 2017.

FishCa restaurant promises to give all guests exclusive cuilinary journey in the festive time. Tet should not be the exhausted time of cooking when FishCa restaurant has prepared for you and family a lavish traditional Tet’s meal with all tasty delicacies. Tet set menu serves from January 15 to February 5, 2017, at VND365,000/pax

At the same venue of FishCa, guests can experience a sumptuous Lunar New Year reunion with Tet traditional and exotic Vietnamese buffet featuring a vast array of Vietnamese flavors with an extraordinary Vietnamese Vintage themed buffet, including traditional favorites such as Vietnamese cold cuts, Banh Chung served with pickles, and of course, Tet cake.

You can enjoy the delicious meal in a vibrant entertainment programe and try your luck with Lucky Dip to get Gift Vouchers. Best cuisine, warm gathering and fun stories would be perfect to end a year and start a new journey into 2017. The buffet would be served from 6:30PM till late, January 29 (2rd day of Tet) and January 31 (4th day of Tet). Price is at VND495,000/adult and VND295,000/child (6-12 years old).

At The Top Bar on 23rd floor from 6:30PM till late of January 28, 29, 30, 2017, a lively event awaits you with effervescent activities of live DJ and dance performances and a massive selection of drinks. You can enjoy a night of fun on a height and take panoramic view over the city.

At the same place, you can celebrate a sweet Valentine’s Day with your romantic partner by a dinner with live DJ and great perfomance. Special Offer on Valentine includes VND465,000/pax for a buffet dinner at FishCa, a drink and a strawberry cupcake, VND765,000/pax for a body massage (60min) at Spa, a drink and a strawberry cupcake, and 965,000/pax for a body massage (60min) at Spa, a buffet dinner at FishCa, a drink and a strawberry cupcake.

If you want a total relax at the most stressful time of a year, Spice Spa offers a revitalizing package including 30 min x Herbals Steambath, 75 min x Body Therapy with Spice Oil, 15 minute & painting the nails, cake of the day, and artichoke tea at VND950,000/pax.

À La Carte Da Nang Beach

Add: Corner of Vo Nguyen Giap Street & Duong Dinh Nghe Street, Son Tra, Danang, | Tel: +84 511 3959 555

Wanderlust Tips

10 Hottest places for 2017 adventures

It is the perfect time to plan your 2017 adventures. 10 below hottest destinations will stun you in your new year trips.

[rpi]

Wine, walks, and wonders of Chile

The fantastically long and narrow country of Chile is one of the most remote in South America. But a new direct British Airways flight to Santiago changes all that.

It is easier than ever to experience the moon-like landscapes of the Atacama Desert, sip some of the world’s best wines at vineyards, hike in the Andes or explore the fjords, glaciers, and penguin-filled islands of Patagonia.

When to go: Now. Chile’s seasons are the reverse of ours, so Santiago basks in temperatures of around 30°C in January and February, with warm weather until April.

Canada’s 150th birthday bash

Its rich heritage may go back much further, but Canada only became a united country in 1867. Cue huge celebrations this year as it marks its 150th birthday.

If you’ve always wanted to experience the country’s diverse landscape, entry to all national parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas will be free in 2017.

You will also find a year of events and some very special Canada Day celebrations on July 1. Visit canada.pch.gc.ca for more information.

When to go: It’s reliably warm in July and August across the country and you can easily coincide with Canada Day.

Alternative Spanish break

A medieval treat in northern Catalonia, Girona is much overshadowed by neighboring Barcelona. But this year sees new Jet2 flights from Belfast, East Midlands, and Edinburgh.

Explore the Old Quarter of Gothic and Romanesque buildings that are perched next to the Onyar and Ter rivers and crowned with a hilltop castle. If you’re looking for beaches, the Costa Brava is only an hour away.

When to go: It’s balmy from May to October. July and August are hottest, with highs of 29°C

Soak up Russia’s rich history

In 2017, Russia will mark 100 years since the Bolshevik Revolution, which overthrew the Tsars and ushered in new world order.

The unrest began in March 1917 in St Petersburg, and Moscow was reinstated as the capital city just a year later.

Take in both cities to compare imperial opulence and canals of the former, with the stark Soviet buildings and the preserved leader of the latter.

When to go: June and July see long days of warm, sunny weather and plenty of cultural events. August is warm, but slightly quieter.

See the sparkle of New Orleans

This March, British Airways launches the first direct flights from London.

Make it your chance to discover parties on Bourbon Street, see the amazing recovery after Hurricane Katrina, experience the music scene, and explore its history.

When to go: The weather is warm, but comfortable from February to May. Mardi Gras is on February 28 this year and the world-renowned Jazz Fest starts on April 28.

Explore the sleek style of Denmark

Why have one celebration when you can have two? This year sees the Danish city of Aarhus become the European Capital of Culture and the European Region of Gastronomy.

It is also easy to explore, has a beautiful setting on the Jutland Peninsula, and has won a slew of architecture awards for its modern design.

When to go: June and September are pleasant. Expect 22°C in July and August.

Contemporary Cape Town

South Africa’s most beautiful city is about to become the home of Africa’s largest contemporary arts museum.

The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa opens in September on the Victoria and Alfred waterfront.

Looking for a place to stay? Luxury 28-room hotel The Silo opens in March above the new museum, with waterfront and Table Mountain views as well as a rooftop infinity bar and pool.

When to go: Cape Town is pleasant all year round, but the warmest months are from December to March, with an average temperature of 26°C.

Golden shores of the Caribbean

Turks and Caicos are famed for its beautiful Long Bay beach, often voted among the best in the world.

The Shore Club is the first resort on the famous stretch of sand. A beautiful colonial building with 106 suites and six villas, its setting is ideal for relaxation. Active types can try everything from snorkeling to exploring the island by bike — all included in the price.

When to go: The peak season is from December to March, with dry weather and warm temperatures of 27°C.

Persian perfection

The Foreign Office has relaxed its travel advice to Iran thanks to thawing diplomatic relations.

Take a tour to experience Esfahan, with its feast of Islamic architecture, graceful bridges and beautiful mosques, and the beautifully preserved Achaemenid ruins of Persepolis.

Add in the medieval grandeur and Persian culture of Shiraz and you have the ingredients for a holiday like no other.

When to go: The high season is from March to May. September and October are also pleasant and often cheaper.

The toast of Yorkshire

The UK’s City of Culture for 2017 is much-maligned Hull.

It kicked off a year of events last week by telling the city’s story on its streets. On February 22-25, every corner of Hull will host award-winning shows in the Back To our event.

The port has inspired centuries of poets and incited the English Civil War when it closed its gates to Charles 1 in 1642.

Explore the beautiful buildings of the old town, stroll by the restored marina and visit the amazing aquarium Deep.

When to go: Time your visit with one of the events this year, visit Hull 2017 for details.

Daily Mail | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Couple searching for a nanny to travel the world with them

The Utah-based family who posted a video on their facebook page attracted more thang 7,4 million views when they offer USD1,200-1,500 a month and all-paid trip around the world in one year for a nanny.

[rpi]

Derek and M’Kenzie Tillotson, parents to Porter, Beckett and baby Wren were stunned when their video goes viral so quickly and the couple have got so many submissions that they close the that they announced they would cutting it on January 8.

“We’re looking for someone who will love our kids as much as we do, even when they’re acting like this,” Mrs Tillotson quips, revealing clips of the adorable young children screeching and running riot.

Mrs Tillotson, who turned 30 in December, explains on the family blog, Five Take Flight: “I am a planner, Derek is spontaneous, so our itinerary is somewhere in the middle.”

But the general route will take them from New York to Iceland in July, followed by a grand tour of Europe, then a Christmas pit-stop back in Utah, before going on to Hawaii, the Pacific, and Asia until next June.

Included in the proposal will be a plane ticket to and from the nanny’s home country so they can spend Christmas with their own loved ones.

The bubbly couple are seeking an applicant who has some sort of background in education, to assist in homeschooling the children.

Discussing the day-to-day responsibilities during the trip, they explain: ‘You will have one to two days off each week, depending on our travel schedule, to explore and have your own adventures.

“Both Derek and I will be working, usually from home, so we will be there to chip in as we can. But we will rely on you primarily to do the homeschooling. Schooling will be five days a week for a few hours, preferably after breakfast. This way, the rest of the day is free for us to go out and explore.”

They also express: “You’ll be an honorary member of the family and will be treated with respect and be able to voice your opinion.”

Explaining how they are able to facilitate their great adventure, the couple explain on their blog that shortly after getting married, they launched a product distribution business.

“Over the years, our business has expanded into 20 countries, giving us friends and roots all over the world,” they state.

Despite a flood of interest and overwhelming praise for their plans, some have taken to their Facebook page to criticize the deal on offer.

“The proposed salary is around 70% LESS than the usual rate for a travel nanny,” one Facebook user wrote. “And with no health insurance!”

“If you’re a child-care worker interested in travel, protect yourself from this kind of unethical and illegal work, and go through an agency who protects both the employer and employee.”

Another chipped in: “USD1200-1500 a month? For cooking, cleaning, and homeschooling their children? Psh. That’s not a good deal. I realize you get to travel the world but that is not good pay for all they are asking you to do.”

However, Mrs Tillotson calmly responded: “They’re not expected to do all the cooking and cleaning. But we’re looking for someone to “pitch in” in general as we’re living in the same space. Our nanny will get 2 days off a week and obviously time to themselves daily. Not looking for a Cinderella!”

The majority of comments were bursting with positivity, with parents around the world expressing their admiration, and thousands of potential candidates desperate to apply.

“It’s amazing what you’re doing,” one wrote. “I hope one day I’m lucky enough to pack up and travel the world with my family.”

Daily Mail | Wanderlust Tips

wanderlust-tips-the-world-most-exotic-places-by-lucy-mcguire01

The world’s most exotic places by Lucy McGuire

The lifestyle and travel journalist Lucy McGuire has picked the best exotic places to visit around the world. Let’s take a look at the stunning spots and figgure out what place has already been in your bucket list.

[rpi]

Maui, Hawaii – heaven of heaven

With a legendary surf scene and golden crescent beaches that span more than 120 miles, there are attractions everywhere you turn in Hawaii. Maui, known as “the Valley Isle”, is a favourite for its misty peaks, gorgeous sunsets and bamboo forests. Sink into the award-winning sands of Kaanapali or marvel at the crimson red sands of Kaihalulu – it’s like no other beach in the world.

Puerto Rico – the most exotic island in the Caribbean

With a tropical climate, secluded palm-fringed beaches and topography as varied as a patchwork quilt, Puerto Rico is arguably the most exotic island in the Caribbean. Spot tree frogs in the serpentine jungle of El Yunque, take a night-time bathe in the bioluminescent Mosquito Bay and explore its abundance of beautiful golden sands.

Fuerteventura, Canary Islands – the most interesting island in the Canaries

Fuerteventura might just be the most interesting island in the Canaries, thanks to its deserted beaches, crystal-clear water and hippy vibe. Steady trade winds make it prime territory for watersports, or if you’re looking for an all-over tan, join the naturists who flock here for its famed nudist beaches.

Colombia – to be embraced by untouched nature

Azure water, swaying hammocks and hidden beaches can all be found in Colombia – a country that until recently has escaped the tourist trail. Hike through Tayrona National Park, an eco-traveller’s dream destination – it’s the perfect place to pretend you live in a beach hut, feast on exotic fruits and explore impossibly beautiful lagoons.

Vis, Croatia – the gem in the Adriatic

The secret’s out; the Croatian island of Vis has some serious pulling power amongst island hoppers, and it’s all thanks to its dramatic cliffs and exotic beaches. This gem in the Adriatic is a short boat ride away from the Croatian town of Split, yet its secluded coves would look right at home in the tropics. Take a boat to Stiniva, a hidden beach that’s often pipped as the best in Europe.

French Polynesia

French Polynesia is a place where emerald lagoons sparkle and the exotic scents of vanilla, coconuts and Tiare Tahiti flowers fill the air. You won’t be able to cover all five archipelagos (a total of 118 islands), so head to Maupiti: “the untouched island”. Its beaches are whiter-than-white, it’s sprinkled with mystical caves and Mount Te’urafa’atiu offers breathtaking views.

The Yucatán, Mexico

This southeast corner of Mexico which separates the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea has all the ingredients for an exotic holiday. Explore Tulum’s wide beaches, cool off in unique limestone cenotes and swim with whale sharks off Isla Holbox. The Mesoamerican reef – the world’s second longest – boasts a wealth of marine life.

Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia

This paradise island off Cambodia’s southern coast is one of the Gulf of Thailand’s most exotic spots. It’s starkly different to the tourist town of Sihanoukville (where you take the ferry from), as you’ll find no traffic and very little development, bar a few rustic beach huts. Go night swimming amongst bioluminescent plankton off M’Pei Bay, take a rainforest hike or sip a coconut in a hammock on Saracen Bay.

Whitsunday Islands, Australia’s iconic destination

The brilliant white and blue hues of the Whitsunday Islands have become an iconic destination for travellers exploring Australia’s exotic coast. Located off coastal Queensland, it’s home to the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef – a dream for serious divers. With hiking trails and secluded beaches, it’s just as beautiful above the water. Visit between July and September to catch a glimpse of the migrating humpback whales.

Fiji – nature-blessed country

A country blessed with gorges, mangrove forests, waterfalls and natural pools, Fiji is the jewel of the South Pacific. There are over 300 islands in the archipelago and its 200 protected marine parks offer some of the world’s best soft coral diving. It’s also where five different turtle species, spinner dolphins and the rare Fiji crested iguana all call home.

Madagascar – otherworldly land

Home to otherworldly landscapes and one of the Earth’s most unique eco-systems, few places match the Eden-like quality of Madagascar. Explore Tsingy forests, a series of vertical limestone rocks dubbed the “Forest of Knives”, or explore Masoala National Park where 2 percent of the Earth’s plant and animal species thrive.

Wanderlust Tips

Mark Zuckerberg to challenge himself to travel 50 US states in 2017

As stated on his Facebook page, Mark Zuckerberg is taking on a challenge to travel more in 2017. He he planned to visit all 50 US states this year and meet people who live there. He said he has already spent a significant amount of time in many states, so the challenge will be to visit the remaining 30.

[rpi]

“Every year I take on a personal challenge to learn new things and grow outside of my work. In recent years, I’ve run 365 miles, built a simple AI for my home, read 25 books and learned Mandarin,” he wrote on his page.

A part of his journey will be road trips with his wife Priscilla visits to Facebook offices around the country, university stops, meeting with scientists and teachers and some stops that will be just for fun.

The post attracted thousands of comments, including suggestions about where the businessman should visit, including Montana, Fort Lauderdale and Nebraska, which might be more unusual stops for a Silicon Valley entrepreneur.

Mark Zuckerberg now makes his New Year’s resolutions an annual, publicised event. In previous years he has run 365 miles, built an AI system, learned Mandarin and read 25 books. He says he picked these travel goals due to the “challenging” nature of 2016, calling it a “turning point in history”. The result, he hopes, will help him lead Facebook to make a more positive impact on the future.

The public announcement has led to some speculation in the media that Zuckerberg might be planning for a political run, comparing the tour to one which a potential presidential candidate may undertake. “We need to find a way to change the game so it works for everyone”, Zuckerberg said in his online statement.

Lonely Planet | Wanderlust Tips