Saturday, December 30, 2023

Inside the 13th-century property in the Lake District named as England's 'best small hotel' for 2023. The Mail checked in to see if it lived up to the hype...

Inside the 13th-century property in the Lake District named as England's 'best small hotel' for 2023. The Mail checked in to see if it lived up to the hype...
Ted Thornhill checked in to Grade I-listed Askham Hall hotel, which dates to around 1280. It has Michelin-star dining and 'a kitchen garden straight from Middle-earth's Shire'. Read on for more...

* This article was originally published here

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Inside Bodo in Norway - a 2024 European Capital of Culture that plans to celebrate with a spectacular ceremony... and an opera about fish

Inside Bodo in Norway - a 2024 European Capital of Culture that plans to celebrate with a spectacular ceremony... and an opera about fish
Martin Symington describes the scenery surrounding Bodo - a 'Folkestone-sized city sandwiched between mountains and sea inside the Arctic Circle' - as 'world class'. Read on for more...

* This article was originally published here

Tuesday, December 26, 2023

Alaska Airlines Latin America And Bahamas One-Day Sale

Alaska Airlines Latin America And Bahamas One-Day Sale

Alaska Airlines has a one-day flash sale to the Bahamas and Latin America to bring in the New Year.  To book your 24% off sale price, use the discount code HELLO2024.  This deal may be targeted as it just appeared in my email.

Get a head start on your New Year’s travel resolutions! Enjoy 24% off your flight when you book a trip to Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Costa Rica, or The Bahamas. This deal ends tonight—don’t drop the ball!

Sample Sale Fare

I ran a search from Los Angles (LAX) to Puerto Vallarta (PVR) and my sample search returned these results:

The fares with the checkmark in the green circles are fares reflecting a discount.  The fares below are without the discount:

Terms and Conditions

As with all fare sales, there are the usual sale and travel terms and conditions.  Here are the details for this sale:

24%off Latin+Caribbean Sale

About discount codes

Discount code terms

code:
HELLO2024

Valid for discount of 24% off coach base fare levels published at alaskaair.com. Fare basis code information can be found in the section entitled “View Fare and Baggage Rule” on the Itinerary and Price Summary page. Fare types that are ineligible for this discount may be lower than other fares with discount code applied. One discount allowed per reservation. Discount not valid on all fares, including but not limited to Mileage Plan Award Reservations, tour or contract fares, and many privately filed fares. Any Discount code value remaining after purchase is forfeited.

Reservations & Ticketing: Valid for new ticket purchases only at alaskaair.com. Discount code cannot be applied to tickets that have already been purchased and issued. Discount code is relinquished at time of ticketing and void for future purchases. Credit card required for purchase.

Passengers: Up to seven people per Discount code, traveling together and booked and ticketed at the same time in the same reservation and at the same fare.

Routes: Discount is valid for Alaska Airlines operated flights to and from Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Costa Rica, and The Bahamas. Based on published fare routings and some cities may not be available.

Day of Week Restrictions: Offer is valid on flights departing to Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Costa Rica, and The Bahamas on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. Offer is valid on flights departing from Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Costa Rica, and The Bahamas on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays only.

Advance Purchase: Per applicable fare rules.

Purchase By: 11:59 p.m. PT on December 26, 2024.

Travel Valid From: January 12, 2024.

Travel Complete: March 13, 2024.

Blackout Dates: Per fare fules.

Minimum & Maximum Stay: Per applicable fare rules.

Flights: Valid only on flights operated by Alaska Airlines, and flights operated on behalf of Alaska Airlines by Horizon Air and SkyWest. Not valid on codeshare flights.

Taxes, Fees and Surcharges: Passenger is responsible for all applicable taxes, fees, and surcharges, including checked baggage fees.

Combinability: Not valid with any other discounts, including Discount Codes, coupons, discount programs, MyAccount online discount, or other arrangements.

Changes and Refunds: Changes and refunds may be allowed per the applicable fare rule. Refunds or cancellation of itinerary will result in the forfeiture of the discount code. Once the ‘Purchase By’ date has passed, any changes will result in the forfeiture of the discount. Once issued, tickets are not transferable.

Mileage Plan: Mileage Plan credit applies and upgrades are allowed.

Transferability: Discount Codes may not be sold, bought, bartered, auctioned or collected in bulk. Any deemed by Alaska to have been distributed or acquired improperly will not be honored and traveler will be responsible for payment of full fare.

Additional Terms: All rules of alaskaair.com and the applicable published fare not mentioned within these terms and conditions apply.

Other: Discount Codes have no cash value and are not valid for travel. Lost or stolen Discount Codes cannot be replaced. Alaska has the final authority regarding Discount Code redemption. Travel is subject to Alaska’s contract of carriage. Terms and conditions as written herein are final and cannot be changed by any statement or representation of any unauthorized person, including employees of Alaska Airlines or issuing organization. Other restrictions may apply and Alaska reserves the right to suspend or change this offer without notice.

Final Thoughts

If you have a sunny locale on your mind for New Year’s, this may be your deal.  This sale is good for travel through March 13, 2024.  The sale ends at 11:59 pm PST tonight so book today to take advantage of this sale.

Read the rest of this article at Alaska Airlines Latin America And Bahamas One-Day Sale.



* This article was originally published here

Sunday, December 24, 2023

From skiing to spas: 10 of the best Alpine activity holidays

Holidays for skiers, hikers, skaters – and those who’d rather just relax in a luxury spa

​One of the most picturesque villages in the Tirol, Alpbach is not the place for a rip-roaring après ski scene, but its clutch of classic wooden chalet hotels, traditional stube restaurants and quiet bars make it a great choice for a restorative mountain break. Alongside the perfectly groomed pistes accessed by the Wiedersbergerhorn gondola, are easy snow-shoeing trails, a 7km toboggan run and torchlit hikes. Mountain huts dot the Alpbachtal-Wildschönau valley, serving käsespätzle (Tirolean macaroni cheese) and spiced gluhwein. Stay at the Post, a charming, family-run hotel in the heart of the village – and the best value in town.
Doubles from £138 B&B; hotel-post.co.at

Continue reading...

* This article was originally published here

Saturday, December 23, 2023

Friday, December 22, 2023

Best Family Activities in Blackpool

There is no more iconic British coastal resort than Blackpool, as there are plenty of things to experience in Blackpool with youngsters, whether you've been looking for classic beach enjoyment, viewing the famous illuminations, or scoping out family-friendly activities. The Blackpool Zoo This famous zoo remains one of the most prevalent things to experience in Blackpool among a family,

* This article was originally published here

Thursday, December 21, 2023

REVIEW: TOZO Open Buds, "Lightweight True Wireless Earbuds with Open Ear Dual-Axis Design"

Scrambling for thoughtful gifts? Fret not! I’ve found a stellar gift suggestion for you! Christmas is just around the corner. Are you feeling the Christmas shopping rush? Still haven't decided what gifts to give to your loved ones? Why not gift them with a nice and stylish TOZO Open Buds? It's a very nice gift especially for someone who enjoys an active lifestyle or loves listening to music,

* This article was originally published here

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Southwest Gift Cards On Sale At Costco

Southwest Gift Cards On Sale At Costco

The Southwest Gift Card Sale

Costco normally sells Southwest gift cards at 10% off the $500.00 retail value for just $450.00.  During this sale, Costco has taken another $20.00 for this sale, now through Christmas.

Terms and Conditions

Limit 5 Per Membership

Give the Gift of a Destination. No fees. No Expiration. Easy to redeem online, by phone or at the airport.

Includes:

  • Item is non-refundable
  • One (1) $500 E-Gift Card, delivered via email


Terms & Conditions:

  • A Southwest® Gift Card may only be redeemed at southwest.com®, on the Southwest Airlines® Mobile Apps and Mobile Website (only for initial flight booking), by calling Southwest Airlines at 1- 800-435-9792 (1-800 I FLY SWA®), or at Southwest Airlines ticket counter locations for Passenger air travel and other qualifying products and services
  • A complete set of terms and conditions is available at Southwest.com/giftcard
  • A maximum of three (3) Southwest Airlines Gift Cards can be applied per passenger on each reservation. If your purchase exceeds the amount available on the three Southwest Gift Cards, additional payment is required
  • A Southwest Gift Card is not valid for the purchase of Southwest Airlines Vacation Packages, cargo, hotel, rental car, Southwest Airlines merchandise, Southwest Airlines group tickets, EarlyBird Check-In, oversized and excess baggage fees,
  • Gift Card is nonrefundable and not redeemable for cash or credit except where required by law
  • Gift Card is not replaceable if lost, stolen, or destroyed. Protect this card like cash
  • For balance check, call 1-866-393-2081
  • Activation or use of Southwest Gift Card constitutes acceptance of all terms and conditions on southwest.com

How to Redeem

  • A Southwest Gift Card may only be redeemed at southwest.com®, on the Southwest Airlines® Mobile Apps and Mobile Website (only for initial flight booking), by calling Southwest Airlines at 1- 800-435-9792 (1-800 I FLY SWA®), or at Southwest Airlines ticket counter locations
  • Print the page with the Gift card number and security code (PIN) and bring to any Southwest Airlines ticket counter, or by calling Reservations at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA
  • For online redemption, after you have selected your flights and input Passenger information, use the Gift Card as a form of payment
  • Click on ‘Apply Travel Funds’ under the ‘Do you want to apply travel funds?’ section
  • Input Gift Card number and security code (PIN) in the designated location and click the button ‘Apply Funds’, this will deduct the amount on the Gift Card from the total
  • If a balance is left you will need to use another form of payment to pay the remaining balance.

Final Thoughts

Here is a chance to purchase Southwest airfare at a discount of 14% with this sale.  This sale has a purchase limit of five Southwest gift cards.  The sale ends on Christmas day so hurry if you want to catch this deal before it takes off.

Read the rest of this article at Southwest Gift Cards On Sale At Costco.



* This article was originally published here

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

CAMIGUIN ITINERARY: 10 Best CAMIGUIN TOURIST SPOTS and Things to Do (Travel Guide Blog 2024 for First-timers)

Planning a trip to Camiguin this 2024? Here are my top 10 things to do in Camiguin, tourist spots and best places to visit for your Camiguin itinerary! Dubbed as the "Island Born of Fire", Camiguin is a pear-shaped island province known to have several volcanoes and volcanic domes. It is said that volcanic eruptions and land movements have created this spectacular island bursting with natural

* This article was originally published here

Monday, December 11, 2023

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Brazil Visa For US Citizens Now Required

Brazil Visa For US Citizens Now Required

If you’re planning a trip to Brazil, visas are required again starting January 10, 2024. The initial date was Oct 1, 2023, but delayed as Brazil set up a new e-visa system. As of January 10, 2024 Brazil has resumed entry visa requirements for citizens of the United States, Australia and Canada. Japan citizens are exempt as Brazil as Japan came to an agreement on mutual visa exemption travel for their citizens. Under principles of reciprocity and equality, United States, Australia and Canada citizens will be forced to jump through hoops and pay a travel tax as Brazil own citizens must. 

Former President Jair Bolsonaro eliminated the Brazilian Visa requirement in June 2019 in a push to increase tourism and business. The plan initially worked. The number of Americans booking flights to Brazil jumped 39% in the first six months after the government of Brazil waived visa requirements for U.S. citizens and other nations. Now post Covid-19, travel is down to Brazil from all four countries with visa waivers. Tourism numbers are still below 2018 levels, even with the visa waiver in place. 

Although Tourism has decreased, part of this is in part to blame by the airlines. There are far fewer flight options and prices have remained high. My partner is from Brazil and several routes have been cut between the US and Brazil. Airlines heavily cut routes during Covid lockdowns and have been slow to bring them back post covid. With fewer flights, it is more difficult to visit Brazil. This too could be a contributing factor. I honestly do not believe that demand is the only thing to blame. Every time I fly to Brazil to see my in-laws, every seat on the plane is full. 

Apply For Brazil Visa

The process for Brazil Visas for US Citizens is fairly easy. Processing time for a visa is typically 5 business days or less. The new visa process is easy as it’s online and you no longer have to visit your assigned Brazilian embassy or consulate. Instead you can apply online via the Brazilian ministry website or the consulate general. via the new e-visa website here

The electronic visa will allow multiple entries and will have the same validity period as conventional visas. Each entry is for a maximum of 90 days.  For Americans the validity is for 10 years, Canadians and Australians visas are good for five years each.

Travelers will have to input their personal information and enter their confirmation of a flight reservation to the Evisa system. The process fee is $80 to secure the visa—all of which is done online. 

Once approved, a PDF file containing your eVisa will be emailed to travelers. Be sure download and print this eVisa for presentation during boarding and upon landing in Brazil.

The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends keeping a copy of the digital eVisa file on your cellphone, just in case you loose the paper version. It also recommends registering for a visa if you’re traveling within a few days prior to January 10 in the event that your flight or other travels are delayed. As all travelers who enter on January 10 or later must have a valid visa. 

When applying online, be prepared to upload the following items

  1. Proof of residence in the U.S. / Photo of passport
  2. Passport-style photo (2” x 2”, white background)
  3. Flight Confirmation (purchased ticket showing entrance into and exit from Brazil) 
  4. Printed bank statements from the last three months showing adequate funds for travel. $2,000 minum in the account

Previously Brazilian Visa reciprocity fees were $160 for US Citizens and $80 for most other countries. I have an old Visa from a trip to Rio De Janeiro in 2014. Yet with that quickly expiring I will be completing the visa application online very shortly. 

Bottom Line

Brazil is reinstating visa requirements for citizens of the United States, Australia and Canada after failing to come to visa waiver agreements with the three countries. As of January 10, 2024 all US citizens will need a visa if traveling to brazil for business or leisure. Brazilian citizens are required visas to travel to the three countries, therefore Brazil feels as though it’s fair to require these same citizens to face the same hurdles to visit their country. 

If you have a trip planned to Brazil, keep a close eye on the country’s entry and exit requirements, although I don’t expect them to change. These are updated in near real time by the US State Department.

Read the rest of this article at Brazil Visa For US Citizens Now Required.



* This article was originally published here