Incredible India: Oberoi Udaivilas named the world’s best hotel.

Forget about the ornate-gold detailing of that self-proclaimed 7-star hotel in Dubai, it only caters for people who worshipped TOWIE and Big Brother. It is time to jet off somewhere exotic, i mean REAL exotic paradise in all sense of the word. And if you found India to be as boring as your middle-class upbringing, think again. The most astute of travellers, including royalties, A-list celebrities (those who matters), billionaires (the kind who favors charity over ego) and sophisticated commoners with really good taste jetted off to the only place in the world where NIRVANA is as close to heaven as it should be.

Travel + Leisure just named the Oberoi Udaivilas the best hotel in the world. The hotel was judged by the readers of the luxury magazine in their annual awards for excellence in hospitality and travel.

Situated on the shores of Lake Pichola, in the heart of Udaipur, one of the most romantic and beautiful cities in India, Udaivilas is a luxurious haven built in the style of Mewari palace.

Readers rate their experiences and evaluate hotels across the world on the following characteristics – rooms and facilities, location, service, restaurants, food and value.

The five-star hotel has a full five out of five rating on TripAdvisor, with many describing their stay as a ‘royal retreat.’

Mr. P.R.S. Oberoi, Executive Chairman, The Oberoi Group said: ‘We are honoured that we have been able to play a small role in ‘Make in India’ by being the best hotel brand in the world and also having the best hotel in the world. 

‘The Brand ‘Oberoi Hotels & Resorts’ has received this recognition from among the 6.5 million readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. 

‘I dedicate this award to our guests and to all employees of The Oberoi Group. Our people are our biggest asset – they have worked passionately to ensure our guests receive warm, personalised and caring service.’ 

Guests arrive at the domed palace by private boat, and have the option of staying in one of nine Premier rooms which offer views of wildlife such as peacocks and white-spotted deer.

Infographic reveals handy do’s and don’ts for solo female travellers.

Who run the world? Girls!

But when it comes to solo travelling, women are the most vulnerable.

Whether travelling for business or pleasure (or doing both with some serious shopping!) , it’s still wise to take certain precautions before jetting off to that far-flung paradise in order to ensure your safety, all at cost. Those killer Manolo’s and kick-ass sneakers from Nike won’t do any good.

 This infographic guides you through some of the key do’s and don’ts when travelling abroad on your own. So ladies, better take note!

Infographic: Air Help top tricks for avoiding pesky flight delays

credit: jalopnik.com

Judging by what seems to be a fun photo above, isn’t it a great day to be flying? HAHAHA.

The truth is, flight delays and cancellations are the worst nightmare of every passenger. Almost 30% of people travelling to and from any destination around the world have encountered the horror of  being stuck inside the airport while having to wait for their fucking airplane to arrive which, in turn, have more personal issues than them! Que horror!

If your plane gets delayed due to weather, that’s bad luck. If it’s a mechanical issue, you start worrying. But how do  we avoid flight delays and cancellations?

Consumer support site, Air Help, breaks down exactly what every smart traveller needs to consider before booking air travel. Unless you want to be part of the “sleeping on the airport floor” club, then study this practical tip with gusto.

Architecture: Beijing New Airport Terminal Building

According to  China National Tourism Administration, the number of Chinese traveling abroad reached 109 million, topping 100 million for the first time, while inbound tourism trips fell almost 1 percent to 128 million. But year after year, the surge in the number of Chinese tourists anxiously lining at immigration counters all over the world and exploring Mainland China, are increasing rapidly, leaving a $113.6 billion tourism revenue.

Beijing International Airport will soon reached its maximum capacity and with billions of dollars of spare change, the Chinese government unveils plans to build the biggest airport terminal in the world. Let Dubai eat those sandstorms!

The legendary British-Iraqi architect, Zaha Hadid, has partnered with ADPI, a French company specializing in airport design and engineering, for a 6-pier radial concept which celebrates the connectivity and dynamism of air travel. The new Beijing International Airport terminal aims to be extremely user-focussed, efficient and sustainable which will decrease walking distances between terminals.

The deisgn of the new terminal  building reflects China’s rich cultural history and its phenomenal rise at the center of a worldwide stage.

The new terminal is set to open in 2018 which covers 700,000 square metres in total floor area and can handle 45 million passengers per year up to a maximum 72 million.

Travel Infographic: How to beat the dreaded jet lag?

courtesy: fundacja-alaska.org

Jetsetting off on a long holiday could have its pitfalls. Even more so, if you are planning to explore the world on your million-miler cards aboard an Airbus A380, but then you arrived in that perfect destination looking like Elvis Presley on weeds you blew all your plans and decided to call it quits. Elvis just left the building!

The big problem we all face, from intimate family getaways we perfectly plan to a perfect Robinson Crusoe adventure is that we forget to prepare for the inconvenience that is jet lag.

Travelbag UK provided an infographic on how to overcome jet lag. By following the tips, it’s possible you can minimise jet lag’s symptoms and get off to the best possible start of your holiday.

source: TRAVELBAG.co.uk

Infographic: Different taxis worldwide (and the cost to ride in it)

The following infographic by The Taxi Centre unpacks all you need to know about all the different taxis around the globe, so getting a cab is the least stressful part of your holiday.

Crazy Rich: The Top Private Jet Routes in the World

credit: businessinsider.com

The life you wished you could afford but since economy poke you with a pony, it is OK to dream. Being crazily rich and fabulously wealthy means having to escape a long queue, no cramped spaces, avoid smelling cheap perfumes at the airport and the whole plane at your personal disposal- flying anywhere in the world, ANYTIME! Flying in a private jet is the stuff where dreams are made of, but to those whose genes breathe fresh Alpine air and slept in 1000 counts of Egyptian thread cotton, it’s a luxury like no other.

A 2015 Wealth Report published by Knight Frank shows a list of the top 10 private jet routes in the world for 2013. The report also shows the top 10 fastest growing private jet routes. Take a look below!

credit: bigmoneylifestyle.co

Top 10 Routes Worldwide:
1. Moscow -to- Nice/Côte d’Azur
2. Miami -to- New York
3. New York -to- Los Angeles
4. New York -to- West Palm Beach
5. London -to- New York
6. London -to- Moscow
7. London -to- Nice/Côte d’Azur
8. Chicago -to- New York
9. Houston -to- New York
10. West Palm Beach -to- New York
Top 10 Fastest Growing Routes:
1. Nice/Côte d’Azur -to- New York
2. Maiquetía -to- Miami
3. Dubai -to- London
4. Pittsburgh -to- New York
5. Houston -to- West Palm Beach
6. Moscow -to- Tel Aviv
7. Houston -to- Midland (Texas)
8. Lagos -to- London
9. Austin -to- Houston
10. Houston -to- Washington DC

So just who are these wealthy flyers and what do they do? Well according to the report which uses data collected by NetJets, around 80% of these luxury flyers are male, aged 40-55. It also states that the majority are private entrepreneurs whose wealth comes from finance and oil and gas industries, followed closely by those in property and technology industries.  By the sounds of this, if you ever want a private jet of your own, you’d better get working on that big business idea!

source: www.escapehere.com

Project Jewel: Singapore’s terminal of the future

Singapore’s Changi Airport has been consistently named as the “best” airport in the world. And the tiny city-state will wear the crown for the next several years, as construction of a massive glass and steel structure is underway. Some pundits already hailed the new project as the terminal of the future. Eat your heart out, Dubai.

Known as Project Jewel, the mega-structure is expected to cost about S$1.47 billion, including land cost. It is being constructed beside the existing Terminal 1, which is undergoing a massive renovation to accommodate 24 million passengers a year from the current 17.7 million passengers.

Project Jewel will offer a range of facilities for airport operations, a 130-room hotel operated by YOTEL, high-end retail spaces and leisure attractions spread across five storeys above ground and five basement storeys and will cover a total gross floor area (GFA) of about 1,443,000 sq ft. (massive!)

It is a joint venture between Changi Airport Group (CAG) and CapitaMalls Asia, and is set to become the global hub for international air travel and a game changer in international airport experience.

“Project Jewel is a significant game-changing project for CAG in our journey to strengthen Changi Airport’s status as a major global air hub,” said Mr Lee Seow Hiang, Chief Executive Officer at CAG.

“Together with our partner, CapitaMalls Asia, a very established player in the arena of lifestyle and retail developments regionally, we are confident that Project Jewel will be a world-class attraction near home that Singaporeans will not only enjoy immensely, but be proud of,” he added.

“CapitaMalls Asia is excited about partnering Changi Airport Group to create a must-visit destination for tourists to Singapore and passengers transiting through Changi Airport, as well as a unique place that Singaporeans and local residents can enjoy with their families and friends, “said Lim Beng Chee, Chief Executive Officer of CapitaMalls Asia. ”

The ambitious project will be helmed by world-renowned architect, Moshe Safdie.

Take a peek at the amazing Project Jewel.

Infographics reveals the most bizarre items seized from travellers.

The most wonderful time of the year is here. But to some travellers who are too eager to impress airport security personnel, this might be an awful news. If you already ditched your plans of bringing that sequined dress to Mother City Queer Project (Cape Town, the biggest gay dance party!) and decided you needed to see the French Alps (hopefully more French hunks!). As a souvenir, you fabulously gift-wrapped a snow globe, salivate and take home a pecan pie from the delicatessen, and surprisingly enough, you brought home a penis-shaped toy gun for the amusement of your gay friends back home.

But seriously, such items are prohibited and they’re among the everyday items that are banned from hand luggage because they pose a security risk. And yes, even a penis-shaped toy gun.

CheapFlights reveals an infograpahic showing some of the oddest items seized from travellers at airports around the world.

TripAdvisor’s Destinations on the Rise for 2015.

For the hardcore travel junkie who favors the overrated cities of Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Paris (overrated, NOT!), or the touristy Hongkong, this list is not for you! And to the stylish jet-setters who favors Fiji over Miami, the list might interest you. Then, there are those who shy away from the overcrowded beaches of Bali and Boracay who would rather get lost in the middle of nowhere in the glaciers hovering over the French Alps and embraced the sun-drenched kiss of the fabulous Zanzibar.

TripAdvisor named next year’s destinations that would surely delight the senses and satisfy our cravings for some life-changing experiences offered by each destination. DON’T SCRATCH YOUR HEAD, as some of the up-and-coming destinations featured on the list are places you’ve never heard of, or for some really stupid travellers who worships Dubai, better bury your heads in the hand.

“The TripAdvisor community has helped surface some unheralded destinations across the globe that are receiving rave reviews from travellers worldwide.”

“These award-winners offer highly rated options for accommodations, restaurants and activities to inspire those planning their vacations for the New Year.” –  Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor.

TripAdvisor’s Destinations on the Rise for 2015

1. Danang, Vietnam– This port city is located between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and is known for its tranquil beaches, culinary tours, and Buddhist sanctuaries.

This photo of Da Nang is courtesy of TripAdvisor

This photo of Da Nang is courtesy of TripAdvisor

 

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2. Sihanoukville, Cambodia – This is coastal Cambodia’s premier beach destination that draws local and international tourists alike.

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3. Limassol, Cyprus– A perfect mixed of sun, sea, and sand. It boast interesting insights into history with its museum and archaeological sites.

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4. Ao Nang, Thailand– A quiet, laid-back beach getaway that will surely enchant beachgoers who favors the popular beaches of Phuket.

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5. Bodrum City, Turkey–  It used to be a fishing village, until recently, was one of Turkey’s most popular tourist destination and a favorite among royalties and celebrities.. Arresting, enchanting and glamorous!

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6.  Naha, Japan– A precious gem in the East, that will take you back from the 13th century and be amazed by its presence in the 21st century.

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7. Hurghada, Egypt– The most glittering gem on Egypt’s Red Sea (but can be a bit overcrowded with European holidaymakers). Some of the world’s best diving and snorkeling sites are just offshore.

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8. Kazan, Russia– Situated on the banks of Volga River, it could rival St. Petersburg in its architectural wonders that both amazes and inspires.

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9. Manaus, Brazil- World Cup fever will only boast its popularity, Manaus offers a rich variety of nature, culture, art and dining.

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10. Eilat, Israel– Located on the Northern tip of the Red Sea, it is Israel beach capital with sunshine nearly every day of the year.

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For additional information, please visit:  TripAdvisor