Jet Airways - New Service to Colombo, Sri Lanka

Jet Airways will launch a new service between Mumbai and Colombo starting on the 5th November 2010.  The flights will be daily and brilliant for those connecting out of other cities such as Johannesburg.  Previously Emirates owned the route but I see Jet Airways closing all of Emirates niche markets soon.

Onboard Jet Airways is fairly decent, entertainment is good but legroom a little dodgy.  Otherwise good value for money.

One last thing, SAA and Jet Airways are partner Airlines, unfortunately you cannot redeem miles on a Jet Airways flight out of Africa on SAA Voyager Miles.



Emirates Airline online Visa Application Service (VFS Global)



I just booked an Emirates Airline flight and was excited at the fact that I can now apply for my visa via the emirates.com booking portal for Dubai since I was going to be in transit.  So I scanned all the documents into my computer and uploaded it as requested like the passport copy, proof of address and pasport picture.  Then I paid for the visa + an additional security deposit.

I got an email a few hours later asking for all visas to the Europe and USA and if I was ever declined entry to the above.  I mean really, wtf does this have to do with Dubai?  So I reply with all the info and then I get an email asking for proof of an investment of $8000 or more.  Are these guys for real??

Sent them the investment details and the application is still pending after travelling to Dubai 5 times previously without a hitch.  I then find out Emirates outsourced the Visa Application process to VFS Global who is based in INDIA.  What a whirlwind frustrating, annoying, irratating experience.  My advice is to book with a travel agent for your visas. DO NOT USE THE ONLINE SERVICE, take my word for it....

Saudi Arabian Airlines will fly direct flights between Jeddah and Johannesburg starting December 2010.  Only problem is that the bulk of the passengers are pilgrims to Saudi and the Saudi Arabian government has decided not to offer South African's visas during the holiday period (Dec / Jan).  So my question to Saudi Airlines is, who will flying on your airline if you are not issuing visas??

Priority Club - New Point Breaks released

The new Priority Club pointbreaks have been released.  Rush to priorityclub.com to make a booking between 7th October 2010 and 31st December 2010.  Some lovely hotels up on offer.  For just 5000 points per night, this is the best value for money offer by any hotel group worldwide!!!

Hotel Review - One World Hotel Kuala Lampur, Malaysia

One World Hotel - Malaysia (Superior Room)

One World Hotel - Malaysia (Restaurant)



One World Hotel - Malaysia (Lobby)



This week we stayed at the One World Hotel in Petaling Jaya, Kuala Lampur, Malaysia.  The hotel is rather popular for conferences but an excellent choice for leisure travel no doubt.  The standard is high, with modern and clean rooms.  Service is on on par with the 5 star rating it has.  Although I dont normally travel to hotels that dont belong to an international consortium, I find this hotel somehwhat charming and alluring.  Good value for money and easy access to shopping centres and tourist attractions.  Everybody has a different experience but I can safely say that I will visit again...

Average Price per Deluxe Room per night is MYR325 ($96).

Le Meridien Offer - 10 hours left

Sorry for the late info, book participating Starwood Hotels in the next 10 hours for validity until January 18, 2010 and you will receive up to 50% off the rack rate.  Sounds pretty good to me so if you planning your December holiday, then dont miss out.

Heres the link

Update: Sale has just been extended to November 17, due to lack of bookings popular demand, Enjoy:)

Durban Airport Customs - Emirates Flight

Emirates Airline launced a new route to Durban, South Africa from the 1st October 2009.  This new service has proven to be very convenient except flights are not very full.  Well Emirates people, let me tell you why:

1.  Emirates is using an old aircraft and an entertainment system that is substandard, not the usual ice entertainment.

2.  The business class passengers are flying economy as the business class comfort certainly does not warrant the fare. The seats are cramped and once again substandard due to the old aircraft.

3.  And heres the biggest problem of all.  Durban Airport Customs are searching through bags for upto an hour after the flight has landed looking for ways and means of making extra money, hence passengers rather fly through Johannesburg (especially locals).

Thats all im going to say right now.  You better up your game Emirates or you will flying out of Durban Airport faster than you arrived. 

PS. For those that dont know, Emirates flies out of Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town with a total of 5 flights a day.  Gearing up for the world cup I suppose...

Space Hotel to open in 2012

The 1st hotel in space is going to open its vacuum filled doors in 2012.  Guests will be able to see the sun rise 15 times a day and travel around the world every 80 minutes. 

So out of 200 interest parties, 43 people have signed up.  Yes its true.  The cost of a ride on Virgin Galactic is $250000 excl. hotel accomodation.

Virgin Galactic is offering their own package if you not too keen on the hotel idea.  They will offer a trip which takes approx 3 days to return to earth.  They have already received monies from 300 people for their flights which can accomodate 4 guests at a time. 

Image Via [Galactic Suite]

EXCLUSIVE PICS - Cape Town Greenpoint 2010 Stadium

Once again we bring you exclusive pics of the stadiums built for use during the world cup in South Africa next year. The above pics are of the new Greenpoint Stadium in Cape Town.  This stadium is truly world class and probably better than most available in Europe.  Because of the recent load-shedding and power problems faced by Eskom, the authorities have come up with a back up plan to ensure the smooth running of all world cup matches. 

Greenpoint is also known for its trendy restaurants and close proximity to the V&A Waterfront which was also recently acquired by the Dubai World group of companies.  If you going for the 2010 Fifa World Cup then make sure you visit Cape Town for atleast 1 game.

EXCLUSIVE - Updated Durban, South Africa 2010 Stadium Pictures

The new stadiums for the world cup next year are all looking fantastic.  Who the $#%& says that South Africa is a 3rd world country.  The infrastructure is better than some developed nations.  Enjoy these exclusive pics.  Note that these pics are copyright, so if you like to share them then send your friends to this post.

Loooooking goooooood...

Marriott Hotels - Promotion Codes..

Enjoy a break in Mexico at participating hotels for 25% off the leisure rate + some lovely extras such as upgrade on availability. 

Or Stay 2 consecutive nights in Paris over a weekend and get a FREE night.  To qualify all you have to do is book online and enter the following codes in the promotion box, the system will automatically discount the rates.

Promotion Code Mexico:  EMK

Promotion Code Paris:    B4F

Bridge in Paris than carries itself, WOW...

The Millau Viaduct a.k.a E11 Expressway connects Paris and Barcelona and boasts the highest bridge piers ever created. This bridge is taller than Eiffel Tower with height of 240 meters. It is the only bridge in the world to also carry its own weight for a lenght of 20km.

Trust the French to create a bridge like this where you literally drive above the clouds, I wonder what that will remind you of...

Hotel Review: Marco Polo Hotel - Dubai

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I travelled to Dubai recently and stayed at the Marco Polo Hotel in Dubai.  It is located in Deira Dubai (Old Dubai).  I wouldnt know where to start, this has to be the crappiest hotel I have ever stayed in my life.  It is graded as a 4 star hotel but damn the UAE grading system.  This hotel wouldnt even get a 2 star rating from me.  The room is dirty with a slightly stained bathroom.  Ultra noisy, old decor, bad breakfast and a long list of other negative factors. 

The hotel on a one way street so taxi drivers love to cart you down the road before they can make a u-turn which costs atleast $1-2 each time.  You have to take the taxi across the road everytime you leave the hotel.

I recommend the Sheraton on the same road if you choose the area for any particular reason or the Radisson Blu Hotel situated on the creek, about 5 minutes away.

South Korean's spending exceeds American's

South Koreans spending pattern between now and December will exceed US expenditure.  This is according to a new study done by the South Korean government.  They are worried that the spending culture will affect the economy within the next 10 years as consumer saving is said to drop from 30% to a staggering 3.2%. 

The malls have exceeded expectation recently and big brands are planning to either expand their current stores or open up new ones to cater for this mad rush.

What the South Koreans dont know is that when they buy American brands the money comes back to America:)  So even though they spending more, doesnt mean they make more...

Image Credit: virtualtourist.com

Pattaya Thailand - Discount offer

If you planning on going to Thailand anytime soon then I suggest you book the new Holiday Inn Pattaya.  Fantastic opening special for a brand new classy hotel.  Offer price is from THB1999 which is equivalent to $59.  Go the Holiday Inn website for more info but dont look for the offer.  Rather put your dates and destination and look for the rate on the booking page.  Good luck, rates valid for a limited time only.

Emirates Business Class Offer

I love Emirates, the airline is amazing, staff, service etc.  And once again, I dont get paid for this blog:)  The latest offer is 25% off the companion business ticket.  For all those who can afford it, its well worth.  Remember the new airbus is on certain routes only and I suggest spoiling yourself once in your life atleast.  Offer expires 31st october 2009

By the way, Emirates is rated as a 4 star airline.

Go to : http://www.emirates.com/ for more info.

Yay - Top 100 Travel Blog sites

Within a week we managed to make the Top 100 travel blog sites around the world hosted by http://www.blogtopsites.com/travel/

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you to you all for making this possible.  I can see good things coming.  stay tuned...

SAA a rip off - World Cup 2010

A good source at South African Airways has just confirmed that the national carrier will be doubling fares during the world cup next year.  The aim is to obviously squeeze every penny out of the tourists flying locally.  Other low cost airlines will follow suit.  A word of advice, if you planning on going to the FIFA 2010 World Cup then book your internal flights asap.

SAA isnt new to controversy.  They showed a huge loss for the past few years before they received a government bailout.  The CEO Khaya Ncqula was given more than $1 million retention bonus payout after he was fired earlier this year. 

Travel Tip - Hotel bookings

When looking for accomodation online it can get a bit frustrating as there are many hotels to choose from within a certain radius.  Heres a solution, just go onto a hotel booking site such as http://www.hotels.com/  and key in your information.  When you find what you looking then go directly to the hotel website such as http://www.holidayinn.com/ and make the booking there. 

1.  I prefer making bookings directly with the hotel.
2.  It will be the lowest internet rate guaranteed.
3.  You will save on site booking fees normally exceeding 15% which by the way is only shown just before you input credit card details.
4.  Save on travel agent commission.

Get smart and travel for less. Rather use the extra money for spending.

Hilton & Visa - 25% off normal rates

 

The latest offer from Hilton hotels is 25% off the normal rates if you have a VISA infinite or signature card.  They have an online verification system prior to booking to ensure that you not cheating.  I just tried a platinum visa and it works so go ahead and make your booking now.  We just secured our December holiday booking for a fantastic rate.

Click on the link to go through to the Hilton Hotels booking page:
Hilton Visa Promotion

PS.  We dont get a kickback for endorsing any products, just incase you were wondering.  We love sharing discounts:)