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A travel guide to Peru

The Luxury Travel Expert — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 14:18:14 +0000

Friday newsletters always feature luxury travel contests, tips, or news.

Today: A travel guide to Peru

My travel blog features a section that comprises a selection of destination & travel guides. You can find these travel guides under ‘destinations‘ in the blog’s header menu (indicated by the blue arrow in the screenshot below).

I hope these online travel guides – based on my own travel experiences – may help you to get the most out of your (luxury) trips. So far, I have published travel guides on the following destinations:

Today, I am publishing a travel guide on my blog about Peru.

Peru’s incredible landscapes, delicious gastronomy, and pre-Columbian history entice travelers around the world. From the snowcapped peaks of the Andes and the lush Amazon Rainforest to Inca ruins and Spanish colonial mansions, Peru beckons with the allure of the ancient and mysterious. The country is home to some of the most iconic sites in South America: the legendary ruins of Machu Picchu, the highest navigable lake in the world (Lake Titicaca), one of the world’s deepest canyons (Colca Canyon), the Nazca Lines, and the Amazon rain forest. But whether you want to explore these famous sites or venture off the beaten track, any holiday to Peru offers dramatic scenery, rich culture, and world-class cuisine. Peru is also home to a string of luxury hotels and internationally celebrated restaurants, attracting discerning travelers from all over the world.

Get the most out of your (luxury) trip to Peru with my travel guide. Find out more about:

travel guide peru

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travel guide peru

TRAVEL GUIDE TO PERU: BEST TIME TO VISIT

The presence of the Andes mountain range and its rugged geography make Peru a country with great climatic diversity.

The Andes

The best time to visit the Peruvian Andes is during the dry season, between the months of May and October. During this time, the weather is sunny and dry, with warm days and chilly nights. It is a wonderful time to be in Peru, especially if you plan to go on a (multi-day) hike but being the peak season, early booking is crucial to avoid disappointment. Those wishing to travel in July and August (the peak tourist season) should start planning their holiday six to nine months in advance.

Visitors will notice more rain and clouds between November and April, with the wettest months being January and February. Travel at this time does offer the advantage of fewer visitors, greener scenery, and some lower rates for flights and hotels. However, the rains can also make hiking and exploring more difficult (with often obscured views at Machu Picchu). Landslides, disrupted train schedules, flight delays and road closures can also occur during rainy spells, which can disrupt your travel plans.

The Amazon

Like the Andes, the Amazon has two well-defined seasons: the rainy season (November – March) with abundant precipitation, and the low-rainfall season (April – October), ideal for visiting. The humidity is very high throughout the year. The rainy season in the Amazon should not deter you from visiting — the flora and fauna will still be abundant and there are always breaks in showers.

The Coast

The Peruvian capital Lima has its own micro-climate. Nine months of the year, Lima is covered with a blanket of dense fog as the moisture makes its way inland from the ocean to the rain forests. This can include morning fog almost daily, and week-long stretches of overcast skies, mainly on the hilltops or at high altitude. In summer, there is little fog.

TRAVEL GUIDE TO PERU: ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Foreign nationals who wish to enter and/or leave Peruvian territory must present the following:

Travelers from most countries do not need a Peruvian tourist visa.
They need a passport legitimately issued by a country with a minimum validity of six months from the date of entry into the country.
The maximum length of stay that the authorities grant is 183 days, which cannot be extended.

Please keep in mind that while a visa is not required, you must:

Hold a passport valid at least six months on entry with one blank visa page
Hold proof of onward/return flights
Hold proof of sufficient funds relative to your intended length of stay
Hold documents showing proof of purpose of trip
Hold all documents required for the next destination
Confirm with your airline that boarding will be permitted without a visa

Please note this information serves as a guide only. Travelers should check for visa requirements pertaining to their citizenship, as entry requirements can vary.

Make sure you read my 10 tips to plan a worry-free trip.

TRAVEL GUIDE TO PERU: HOW TO GET THERE

Travelers typically arrive in Peru by flying into the capital Lima and then take other forms of transportation – shuttles or domestic flights, for example – to other cities (Cusco, Arequipa). Nearly all flights from North & South America, Asia and Europe land at Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport, a fairly modern airport with a variety of services, including ATMs, currency exchange, banks, post office, restaurants, and duty-free shops. Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to San Jose.

You can also enter Peru by land (via bus or car) via one of the 10 border crossings that Peru shares with the surrounding countries of Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The crossings are open year-round and the process is fairly straightforward as long as you are in the possession of the necessary entry documents.

TRAVEL GUIDE TO PERU: HOW TO GET AROUND

Getting around Peru is fairly safe, comfortable and easy, but it has its challenges and may consume a lot of tume.

Domestic flights in Peru are quite affordable and can help save time (I recommend to take flights instead of bus journeys wherever possible). Most internal flights in Peru only take 1 hour. There are 200 airports (including airfields and airports), with 5 international and 18 domestic terminals. The main airports are located in Lima, Cusco, Puno, Arequipa, Iquitos and Trujillo. The main domestic airlines in Peru are LATAM, Star Perú, and Sky Airline.
The privatised rail system run by Perurail has chartered tourist services between Cusco & Aguas Calientes (gateway to Machu Picchu), Cusco & Puno and Puno & Arequipa. Tickets are available from PeruRail or InkaRail. You can choose between normal trains and panorama window trains that offer a more comfortable experience with a show on board. On top of this, PeruRail also operates three luxury trains (with come with onboard shows, dinners and more):
- The legendary Belmond Hiram Bingham train, which carries the name of the American explorer who discovered Machu Picchu again, offers a luxurious adventure that combines fine dining, great service, and breathtaking views as you travel through Peru’s fascinating landscapes from Cusco to Machu Picchu.
- Over the course of two days and two nights, the Belmond Andean Explorer’s beautiful itinerary passes through some of Peru’s most breathtaking landscapes, namely Cusco, Puno (Lake Titicaca) and Arequipa. You’ll travel across the impressive Andean mountains, through snow-capped peaks, historic sites, and colorful valleys.
- The Titicaca Train – another luxury train operated by Peru Rail – traverse the scenic route from Cusco to Puno in approximately 10 hours, embracing panoramic views of the Altiplano.
Bus travel is very popular in Peru, and you can usually buy your tickets the day before or even the day of travel. The main roads in Peru are in very good condition, monitored by specialized police, and have emergency services for quick assistance. Major companies run on schedule and often have both daytime and overnight options. There is a wide variety of buses that connect almost all destinations in the country and offer differentiated services:
- Local buses are very popular among Peruvians, so they’re always crammed full and there’s no reserved seating. They also make a lot of stops along the way, so they are considerably slower than the express buses.
- Express buses are more comfortable: they are an air-conditioned , there’s a toilet on board and snacks (tea, coffee, crackers) are served during the trip.
- Royal Class overnight buses are the most luxurious option when it comes to bus travel and they come with reclining chairs for enhanced sleep comfort.
The Peruvian Amazon is a special part of South America’s largest jungle and the only way to access most of it is by boat. You can fly into a few towns and most travelers start their trip to the jungle by flying to either Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado. From there, all travel will be by boat on tributaries of the Amazon River. There are many local and international companies that organize jungle tours and visits to lodges.
If a bus or plane sounds too public for you or you don’t find a time schedule that fits your itinerary, it also possible to book private transfers with a chauffeur-driven car via most hotels at often reasonable prices.

Before you buy a plane ticket, consider reading my tips & tricks for buying the cheapest plane ticket.

TRAVEL GUIDE TO PERU: RECOMMENDED TOUR OPERATORS

Although it’s perfectly possible to plan and organize a trip to Peru on your own, some discerning travelers may prefer to book (part of) their trip in Peru through a travel company. The latter will take care of all the transfers, activities and hotels. I highly recommend the following luxury travel companies in Peru:

Andean is a Peruvian luxury travel company who reinvents the art of travel in the country by showcasing the true essence of Peru through inspiring destinations, innovative accommodations, and authentic experiences. As an industry pioneer in the design and development of owner-managed hotels and carefree travel, Andean takes guests on journeys from the historic vibrancy of the city to the timeless serenity of Peru’s unspoiled side. Each experience is complemented by seamless serendipity, remarkable local cuisine, nourishment for the soul, and an understated elegance that is uniquely Peruvian. Andean manages 5 hotels hotels, offering a neat circuit known as the Southern Peru Travesia, which includes Lima, Arequipa, the Colca Canyona and Lake Titicaca.
Explora is one of the most luxurious hotel brands in South America, managing a collection of lodges focused on deep exploration of remote regions. Explora’s lodges are designed to offer comfort while connecting guests to some of the continent’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. Each property emphasizes sustainable practices and provides guided explorations, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the natural and cultural richness of the area. Explora has a limited footprint in Peru and operates just one lodge in the Sacred Valley (the gateway to Machu Picchu). When touring the entire country, consider combining Andean for the Southern Peru Travesia and Explora for the Sacred Valley.
The Belmond Hotel Group – fomerly known as Orient Express until its rebranding in 2014 – operates several hotels and trains and offers the most complete tour of Peru (with properties in Lima, the Colca Canyon, Cusco, Sacred Valley and the only lodge near Machu Picchu). In 2018, Belmond – which ranks among the most exclusive hotel brands in the world – was acquired by LVMH (‘Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy’), the owner of brands like Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton and Fendi. With Belmond, you can stay in timeless hotels in Venice, Rio and St. Petersburg, embrace the spirit of adventure at Machu Picchu or Angkor Wat, glide along the rails through the Swiss Alps, soar across the Andes, or explore the mystifying rivers of Myanmar.
When traveling to the Peruvian Amazon, I highly recommend Aqua Expeditions, which offers luxury Amazon River cruises, offering 3, 4 and 7 night river cruises aboard the luxury Aria Amazon & Aqua Nera.
If you consider doing the Inca trek to Machu Picchu, I highly recommend Evolutions Trek Peru. This Cusco-based company focusses on fair trade tourism, empowering women, ethical traveling, and sustainable and eco-friendly practices. Evolutions Trek Peru offers several activities and hikes in the Sacred Valley, including the Inca Trail, with varying durations and levels of comfort, including luxury camping trips.

TRAVEL GUIDE TO PERU: INSPIRATION, HIGHLIGHTS & TRAVEL TIPS

There are many reasons why Peru should be on your bucket list:

Peru is a cultural enthusiast’s dream. Home to the iconic Incan remnants of Machu Picchu, historic Cusco and the glorious Sacred Valley, as well as the mystical Nazca Lines, Peru is a veritable nirvana for cultural and history aficionados. What’s more, this multicultural country, rich in tradition, too serves up a wide mix of merriments and sacred religious events, with music and dance playing an integral role, celebrating over 3 000 festivals each year. Highlights on the calendar include Corpus Christi and Qoyllur Riti.
Peru is a nature lover’s paradise. Unparalleled with its biodiversity and natural wonders, plus its medley of landscapes and a vast array of bird and wildlife, not to mention hectares of protected parks and reserves, outdoor fanatics are spoilt for choice, with fantastic explorations of the emerald jungles of the Amazon, journeys to the world’s second deepest canyon, Colca, and visits to ‘the birthplace of the sun’, Lake Titicaca, featuring as unmissable highlights. In the Peruvian Amazon and Andes alone, there is no fewer than 13 monkey species, 1 000 bird species, 200 mammal species as well as 4 000 vibrant butterfly species. Turquoise lagoons, glaciers, and mystical archaeological ruins complete Peru’s enchanting natural offering.
Peru is a hot post for foodies. Serving five stars on the global gastronomy stage, epicureans flock to Peru’s cosmopolitan Lima, renowned as South America’s food capital, to immerse themselves in the capital city’s grand colonial architecture, whilst taunting their taste buds with mouth-watering dishes, influenced by local, Spanish, African and Asian flavours. A visit is not complete without tasting Peru’s signature plate, the classic ceviche. An elegant cured raw fish dish traditionally served cold, a true celebration of the Pacific Ocean with every bite, it’s no surprise this is Peru’s most popular delicacy.
Peru is also known as an incredible adventure sports destination, enjoy a huge selection of activities ranging from hiking, canopy treks, mountain biking and horseback riding trails, to the more edgy options of whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, zip-lining and rock climbing. Hop on a motorised quad-bike, kayak or paddle-board or go catch-and-release fishing in the Northern Amazon.

The following,detailed articles may also inspire you and help you plan your holiday to Peru:

TRAVEL GUIDE TO PERU: SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

It’s impossible to suggest one itinerary for Peru in this travel guide, but I hereby share with you a schedule based on my own holiday in Peru. Because of the amount of effort involved in getting around in Peru and the number of destinations worth visiting, it is recommended that travelers set aside two weeks for their Peru holiday.

Day 1 & 2: arrival in Lima & explore the city (try to book a table at Central, one of the world’s best restaurants).
- Recommended Hotel: Fausto, Belmond
Day 2 & 3: take a flight to Arequipa and explore the city
- Recommended hotel: Cirqa
Day 4 & 5: explore the Colca Canyon
- Recommended hotel: Puqio, Belmond
Day 6 & 7: Visit Lake Titicaca
- Recommended hotel: Titilaca
Day 8 & 9: take the train or fly to Cusco & explore the city
- Recommended hotel: Belmond
Day 10, 11, 12 & 13: explore the Sacred Valley (+ day visit to Machu Picchu)
- Recommended hotel: Explora Valle Sagrado
Day 14: flight back home (with departure from Cusco)

Some remarks:

If you are short on time, I would limit your stay to Lima and Arequipa to one night each (but make sure to arrive in Arequipa in the morning so you have enough time to explore the city).
When you book the Southern Peru Travesia with Andean, transfers between Arequipa, the Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca will be by private van (included in the rate). When you book via Belmond, the transfer between Arequipa, Laka Titicaca and Cusco will be by luxury train (and needs to be booked separately).
Most hotels in Peru’s Sacred Valley offer day trips to Machu Picchu. However, keep in mind that a day trip to Machu Picchu from a Sacred Valley Hotel takes a lot of travel time. Between the car ride from the hotel to Ollantaytambo train station, the train ride to Aguas Calientes and the bus ride to the legendary citadel at the end, it’s at least 4 hours each way (and that excludes waiting lines for the busses). If you instead stay in Agua Calientes (or if you really want to splurge, at the Belmond property at the entrance to Machu Picchu), you could visit Machu Picchu early morning (before all the crowds arrive by train) or late afternoon, and break up the travel. In this scenario, I would suggest to stay only 3 nights in the Sacred Valley, followed by 2 nights around Machu Picchu.
If you have more time, you could consider doing the Inca trek to Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail is one the bucket list of many travelers, not only for the sense of achievement but also because it immerses you in stunning Andean landscapes from cloud forest to rainforest and passes a handful of other Inca ruins. The 43 km (27 mi) hike begins in Chillca, just west of Ollantaytambo, and takes three to four days, camping every night. A maximum of 500 permits are issued for the Inca Trail each day, over half of which are taken up by guides, and the porters who lug baggage, as well as tents, food and even tables and benches, up some incredibly steep paths. Note that the Inca Trail leading to Machu Picchu is closed for the entire month of February every year for maintenance and that the 500 daily permits can sell out months in advance, especially for the peak months of July and August.
If you have more time, you should also consider visiting the Peruvian Amazon. With daily direct flights to and from the Peruvian capital of Lima, guests can easily get to Iquitos, the gateway to the Amazon in Peru and starting point of luxury cruises on the Amazon River. Fun fact: Iquitos is the largest inland port in the world only accessible by river and air.

TRAVEL GUIDE TOPERU: RECOMMENDED HOTELS (+ REVIEWS)

I recommend to visit my top 10 list of the most fabulous hotels in Peru if you are eager to know how I rank Peru’s top hotels, based my own experience.

Below, you find my detailed reviews of lodges in Peru (with pros, cons, and tips to save money per hotel).

*** Follow me on Instagram, YouTube, X (Twitter), and Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

The post A travel guide to Peru appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

A travel guide to French Polynesia

The Luxury Travel Expert — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 14:51:41 +0000

Friday newsletters always feature luxury travel contests, tips, series, or news.

Today: A travel guide to French Polynesia

Today, I am adding a new travel guide to my blog about French Polynesia.

Located in the southern part of the Pacific Ocean, halfway between California and Australia, the Islands of Tahiti are a mythical destination. Also known as French Polynesia, the nation is comprised of 118 islands dispersed across a large nautical area the size of Western Europe. The smattering of coral-fringed islands and atolls stretches south of the Equator just below Hawaii and is in the same time zone. The mention of Tahiti calls to mind visions of an idyllic island paradise and once you visit, you’ll discover that your imagination isn’t too off the mark. With sheltered blue lagoons, vibrant coral reefs, a majestic, mountainous interior, and five star overwater hotels, French Polynesia is an idyllic tropical paradise that draws visitors from all over the world. The archipelago’s legendary destinations include Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora and the remote and untouched Marquesas Islands.

Get the most out of your (luxury) trip to French Polynesia with my travel guide. Find out more about:

Best time to visit
How to get there
Travel requirements
Getting around
Inspiration, highlights, & travel tips
Suggested itineraries
Recommended luxury hotels (+ reviews)

travel guide to french polynesia

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travel guide to french polynesia

TRAVEL GUIDE TO FRENCH POLYNESIA: BEST TIME TO VISIT

French Polynesia enjoys a tropical climate that’s perfect year-round for a getaway. In fact, the archipelago’s Tuamotu Islands bask in almost 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, one of the highest in the world! The temperatures in French Polynesia are mild and relatively constant, and the islands are cooled by the trade winds of the Pacific that blow throughout the year. On the northern islands, the average ambient temperature is around 78°F/25°C, which is about the same as the tranquil waters of the nation’s turquoise lagoons. While farther away from the equator, the archipelagos down south (the Austral Islands and the Gambier Islands) enjoy cooler weather.

At the Polynesian latitudes, it’s summer year-round. However, you can distinguish two main Tahitian weather patterns: the dry season and the humid season.

The dry season lasts from May to October, has balmy temperatures between 71°F and 80°F/21°C and 27°C, and is marked by mostly clear skies (with the occasional passing shower). The dry season though also brings strong trade winds, which can make water activities like snorkeling difficult and rattle Bora Bora’s overwater bungalows.
The humid season typically lasts from November to April, is a little warmer (between 77°F and 95°F/25°C and 35°C), and subject to tropical showers. The frequent showers usually don’t last longer than 30 minutes and are often followed by vibrant rainbows and stunning sunsets. However, there’s always a chance that the downpours may last for several days. You’ll also be at risk for cyclones, so it’s important to stay alert. Flights can also be cancelled due to bad weather or lack of passengers.

The best time to visit Tahiti is the one that coincides with the activities you wish to experience:

The best season for a beach holiday is of course the dry season, which lasts from May to October. If you’re looking for the most comfortable beach vacation possible, you’ll want to avoid the wet season of November through April.
With technicolor reefs that teem with tropical fish, the islands of French Polynesia are world-renowned for scuba diving and snorkeling. The best time of year to explore the islands’ underwater gardens is between April and October. This is the dry season and the lack of rain makes for clear, calm waters and excellent visibility. During the wet season, rain and wind can affect visibility, but this is less problematic in the islands’ shallow, sheltered lagoons.
Outdoor activities such as hiking and surfing are also best enjoyed in the dry season when trails are easy to navigate and waves peel as perfectly as a slice of orange. However, if you’re looking to hang ten on big barrels, the rainy season brings high waves that will challenge even the most seasoned surfers.
To experience the jungle-clad natural scenery of French Polynesia, visit during the wet season, or “Season of Plenty,” between November and April when the vegetation in French Polynesia is particularly luxuriant. This is also the best time for those who love to sample new tastes as all the tropical fruit are ripe.
The best time to see whales in French Polynesia is from mid-August until the end of October. This is when humpbacks migrate from Antarctica to mate and give birth. Average day and night temperatures start to rise, but humidity levels are still low enough for you to enjoy being outside for longer periods. Come to Tahiti in October to see the whales, swim with them, and enjoy clear skies, sunny weather, and fewer people on holiday. Although it’s the wettest month of the dry season, it still has only half the rainfall in November.

swimmnig with whales tahiti

TRAVEL GUIDE TO FRENCH POLYNESIA: HOW TO GET THERE

There’s no doubt that getting to Tahiti takes some effort, but the payoff is well worth it. Most travelers headed to this tropical paradise arrive by air. The Tahiti-Faa’a International Airport is located on Tahiti’s main island and is close to the archipelago’s capital city Papeete. This is the only international airport in French Polynesia and it is close and convenient to all the major hotels and resorts on Tahiti. From here, you can hop on connecting flights via Air Tahiti to explore the diverse regions that make up this pristine island nation, including beautiful Bora Bora known for its turquoise lagoon and white sand beaches.

French Polynesia is easily accessible by air from the United States, and a flight from Los Angeles to Tahiti is around 7 hours and 30 minutes in duration. Many airlines fly direct to Tahiti from the US mainland, including:

United Airlines offers five nonstop flights per week and French Bee offers three nonstop flights per week from San Francisco to Tahiti’ International airport in Faa’a.
Air Tahiti Nui flights depart nonstop from Los Angeles nine to twelve times per week with multiple flights per day. Nonstop flights from Seattle are available twice per week.
Air France offers direct flights from Los Angeles to Papeete five times per week.
Delta Airlines offers nonstop flights from Los Angeles three times per week.

If you want to break up the journey to French Polynesia with a stop in Hawaii, you’re in luck: Hawaiian Airlines offers regular flights to Tahiti from Honolulu once a week. Leaving every Friday, flights arrive in Papeete and return on Saturdays, so it’s easy to schedule a one or two-week trip to French Polynesia and spend a few days in Hawaii as well.

Flights to the island of Tahiti leave from all over the globe, including direct flights from Japan, New Zealand, Chile, and Australia. Flight time varies depending on your departure location. Here is a comprehensive list of flight durations from popular international airport hubs to French Polynesia:

Paris – Papeete: 22h00 (with a short stopover in Los Angeles, Seattle or San Francisco)
Los Angeles – Papeete: 08h00
Seattle – Papeete: 10h00
San Francisco – Papeete: 08h00
Honolulu – Papeete: 05h00
Nouméa – Papeete: 06h20
Tokyo – Papeete: 11h00
Shanghai – Papeete: 12h30
Hong Kong – Papeete: 11h30
Sydney – Papeete: 09h05
Auckland – Papeete: 05h00
Rarotonga – Papeete: 02h30
Santiago du Chili – Papeete: 11h00
Hanga Roa (Easter Island) – Papeete: 04h50

Before you buy a plane ticket, consider reading my tips & tricks for buying the cheapest plane ticket.

TRAVEL GUIDE TO FRENCH POLYNESIA: ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for entry into French Polynesia differ from country to country, and are subject to change. Prior to departure, always check with your government and your nearest French embassy or consulate what documents you need for travel to French Polynesia. Some important points:

First, check to see if you need a visa for French Polynesia by visiting the official visa website for France. Take a quick test to determine whether you need a visa.
Visitors holding a residence permit from one of the countries of the European Union or the Schengen Area are exempt from the requirement to obtain a visa provided that their residence permit is valid for the duration of their stay in French Polynesia.
For U.S. and Canadian Citizens: your passport must be valid for a minimum of three months after the return date. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
Any foreigner who wishes to stay more than three months in French Polynesia must apply for a long-term French Polynesia visa with the exception of citizens of the exempt countries.
Chinese tourists can book a trip without visa to French Polynesia through a travel agency approved by the visa office of the French embassy, the visa free policy is only applicable to ADS tour groups with less than 15 days stay.

Make sure you read my 10 tips to plan a worry-free trip.

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moorea

TRAVEL GUIDE TO FRENCH POLYNESIA: GETTING AROUND

Once you’ve arrived in Tahiti, you may want to head straight to your hotel or resort, or you may be bound for a different island such as the ever-enchanting Bora Bora and Moorea islands. Regardless of where you’re bound, you can easily book connecting flights and other modes of transportation around the Islands of Tahiti.

Air travel is the most popular means of island hopping. While Faa’a International Airport welcomes large international wide-body jets, many airports throughout the archipelago will see just a handful of small passenger planes each week. The domestic airline Air Tahiti is the primary mode of transportation between islands. Regular flights leave daily to and from the international airport in Papeete. Flight time between Tahiti and Moorea is only 10 minutes, while the flight time between Tahiti and Bora Bora is 50 minutes.
if you’re headed to Moorea, there is a daily ferry service from Tahiti that takes about 30 minutes one way.
Public transportation is widely available on the Tahiti main island. There is a bus system and taxis for transport to your hotel, the airport, and the ferry terminal. On the outer islands, public transportation is less common. Rental cars and motorcycles are available in Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea and Taha’a. However, other than your own two feet or a local boat, you may not even need transportation once you’re in paradise.
Cruise ships depart from within Tahiti and island hop within the national borders. Papeete serves as the gateway for cruises to the French Polynesian archipelagos. To embark on an inter-island cruise, travelers must fly into Tahiti-Faa’a International Airport in Papeete, which is the jumping off point for ocean odysseys. From there, you can easily hop on Tahitian cruise ships and explore the enchanted isles via Tahiti’s blue waterways.
- Paul Guaguin Cruises are among the most luxurious and popular inter-island cruises. The company’s sleek ship carries up to 332 passengers and features comfortable cabins, an expansive deck, and an outdoor pool. Guests also have access to a multitude of watersports such as kayaking, paddle boarding and scuba diving.
- If you’ve ever dreamed of sailing the Pacific, a trip aboard Tahiti’s Windstar Cruises offers the chance to explore the tropical archipelago beneath billowing white sails. While the ship is smaller than a traditional cruise liner, the intimacy and romance of a Windstar cruise is miles away from ordinary.
- Additionally, you can experience the wonders of French Polynesia on cargo cruise ships such as the Aranui 5, which offers 14-day live-aboard excursions, or the Tuhaa Pae IV, which cruises bi-monthly to the oft-undiscovered Astral Islands.

paul gaugain cruises

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paul gaugain cruises

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TRAVEL GUIDE TO FRENCH POLYNESIA: INSPIRATION, HIGHLIGHTS & TRAVEL TIPS

French Polynesia is a destination composed of 118 islands and atolls in 5 archipelagos. The country’s three most popular island locations are Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea:

Crowned by a circle of majestic peaks, the island of Tahiti, the largest of islands in French Polynesia, towers over the South Pacific ocean. The mountainous interior and coast of Tahiti a is adorned with mystical valleys, coral reefs, crystal clear waters, and high waterfalls. Most of the island’s population resides near the shore, leaving the interior of the island feeling almost untouched and ancient, despite such proximity to the bustling capital of Papeete. Papeete, meaning “water basket,” was once a gathering place where Tahitians came to fill their calabashes with fresh water. Now, Papeete, the touchstone of this island nation, boasts several hotels, spas, restaurants, nightclubs, vibrant markets, museums, pearl shops, and boutiques.
With a shape like a heart looking down at the island from above, it is no surprise that Moorea island – a 30 min ferry ride or 10min flight from Tahiti – is the second most popular honeymoon destination on French Polynesia (after Bora Bora). Eight mountain peaks rise magically out of the ocean like a cathedral. Pastel-painted houses, surrounded by gardens of hibiscus and birds of paradise, circle the island in a necklace of happy, simple villages that will elevate your senses and remind you that this is what Polynesian lifestyle is all about. Moorea offers visitors an authentic experience, boasting “la vie heureuse,” as they say in Tahiti, a happy life.
The south pacific island of Bora Bora could easily be defined as the center of the romantic universe, where luxury, beach resorts, and spas dot the island with overwater bungalows, thatched-roof villas, and a fabled ambiance. Bora Bora is located on a dormant volcano island, set on one of the world’s most beautiful and crystal-clear lagoons, colored in a million shades of blue. The legendary island is located a brief 50-minute flight from Tahiti or Moorea.

But besides Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora, French Polynesia is also home to several other less known island gems. Here are some examples:

The island of Taha’a can be seen from Bora Bora, and like its world-famous neighbor, it offers astoundingly clear waters and a relaxing break from modern life. This charming and quiet island sweeps you deep into the typical Polynesians’ easy going life. Tiny motus with luminous white sand beaches surround the flower-shaped island with a soft mountain rising from the calm waters of a lagoon.
Formerly named Hava’i, Raiatea is located next to Taha’a and is known as the gods’ cradle, hosting archeological treasures (marae, petroglyphs…) and eons of history and culture. As the first Polynesian island to be populated, Raiatea shelters the most spectacular and first marae of the Polynesian triangle, called Taputapuatea. Raiatea is the top yachting location as the island hosts a large number of moorings, bays (deep and calm) in a pristine and amazing environment.
Surrounding one of the world’s greatest destinations for scuba diving, the 240 islets of Rangiroa string together in the ocean for more than 110 miles (177 km), completely encircling a deep lagoon and forming the world’s second largest atoll. The beautiful loop of islands is surrounded by different kinds of ocean: Moana-tea (Peaceful Ocean), which defines the lagoon, and Moana-uri (Wild Ocean), where whales, manta rays, dolphins and sharks put on a show for the lucky few who come to experience their world.
About a three hour flight from Tahiti are the Marquesas Islands. These rugged, quiet islands are renowned within French Polynesia for their rich culture and breathtaking nature. Surrounded by cliffs, the coasts of the Marquesas Islands are a mix of black sand beaches and gorgeous bays. In the lush rain forest, where thousands of pre-European artifacts lie, you’ll discover wild horses, goats, boars, and other wildlife. Nuku Hiva, the largest of the Marquesas, lures visitors with its lush valleys, ancient religious sites, and towering waterfalls. The island of Hiva Oa also receives tourism due to its wild landscape, giant stone tiki, and rich history (it’s the final resting place of the performer Jacques Brel and artist Paul Gauguin).

There are so many things to do when visiting the Islands of Tahiti, you’ll be hard-pressed to accomplish them all. Highlights include:

Exploring white sand beaches (the best beaches are found on Bora Bora)
Swimming with humback whales (Moorea, Tahiti)
Swimming with sharks and manta rays (Bora Bora)
Staying in an overwater bungalow
Admiring the island’s spectacular scenery from a bird’s eye view by helicopter
Watching surfers ride Teahupo’o in southern Tahiti, one of the heaviest waves in the world

helicopter tour bora bora

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helicopter tour bora bora

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TRAVEL GUIDE TO FRENCH POLYNESIA: SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

It’s impossible to suggest one itinerary for French Polynesia in this travel guide, but I hereby share with you a schedule based on my own experience, which is great if you want to see the country in a time frame of two weeks:

Day 1 & 2 (2 nights): arrive in Tahiti and relax after the long journey to the island
- Recommended hotel: InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa
Day 3 to 5 (3 nights): take the ferry to Moorea and explore the island
- Recommended hotel: Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort, Hilton Moorea
Day 6 to 10 (5 nights): take a flight to Bora Bora and relax in an overwater villa
- Recommended hotel: Four Seasons Bora Bora, St Regis Bora Bora, InterContinental Bora Bora & Thalasso Spa, Conrad Bora Bora
Days 11 to 14 (4 nights): take a private flight to The Brando and explore the Tetiaroa Atoll
- Recommended hotel: The Brando
Day 15: fly back to Tahiti for your international return flight

Some remarks:

If you arrive early morning in Tahiti, you may as well skip the (somewhat overdevelopped) island of Tahiti and immmediately proceed to the island of Bora Bora or Moorea which have more to offer in terms of tourist attractions and accomodations.
If you have only one week, I suggest you stay 3 nights in Moorea and 4 nights in Bora Bora, or alternatively, 7 nights in Bora Bora.
If you have more than two weeks, you can get off the beaten track and explore some of the archipelago’s more remote destinations, such as Rangiroa and the Marquesas Islands.

For more ideas, I suggest the excellent French Polynesia itineraries as provided by the Frommer’s.

THE BRANDO, FRENCH POLYNESIA

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THE BRANDO, FRENCH POLYNESIA

TRAVEL GUIDE TO FRENCH POLYNESIA: RECOMMENDED HOTELS (+ REVIEWS)

Below, you find my detailed reviews of hotels in French Polynesia (with pros, cons, & tips to save money per hotel).

*** Follow me on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

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One million followers on YouTube: THANK YOU !!!

The Luxury Travel Expert — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 20:15:30 +0000

Wednesday newsletters always feature a hotel or flight review. But this week, I wanted to do something different. As I’ve already mentioned in my newsletter last Monday, I reached a new milestone on my YouTube channel: ONE MILLION followers. This is in addition to almost 150,000 email subscribers for this blog and more than 130,000 followers on my Instagram account. These are crazy numbers and I want to thank each & every one of you! As you might imagine, I get a lot of questions via my social media, and it’s impossible to answer them all, but for the occasion, I’ve listed the 10 questions I am asked most frequently, and I’ve tried to answer them as adequately as possible (each answer accompanied by one of my most popular travel videos).

Who are you?
Why did you start a travel blog?
How do you become a successful travel blogger?
How comes you can you travel so much?
How do you afford this lifestyle?
What is your favorite hotel in the world?
What is your favorite airline?
Where do you get the music for your videos?
What camera do you use?
What are your plans for the future?

one million followers

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one million followers

1. Who are you?

That’s the single most frequently asked question on my social media. Some followers want to know more details about my personal life, other followers want me to do a ‘face reveal’. Well, everything that I feel comfortable sharing is on my blog: I am a doctor, in my mid-forties, with a passion for my work and travel. Since I started blogging as a hobby, I’ve always put the travel experience itself at the forefront of my content (since I want my social media to be about travel and not about myself). I’ve always preferred to remain under the radar as I value my privacy, now more than ever because of my large worldwide audience (something I never intended nor anticipated to get). I do realize it’s very strange and unusual in the world of travel bloggers and “influencers” to remain anonymous and it’s even more unique to have gathered one million followers without showing myself once (except for that one time when I got covid). It makes me feel even more thankful for all your follows and makes me realize how blessed I am that I can share my travel passion with so many travelers from around the world.

2. Why did you start a travel blog?

I started this travel blog as a hobby a few years ago and it still is. I had been following a lot of travel blogs myself (such as The Points Guy and One Mile at A Time) and wanted to do something similar, albeit on a much smaller scale and on a less professional level (since I cannot afford to blog as frequently as these world-famous bloggers). The aim was to record my own travels as a memory for later and to share my own travel perspectives and views with other travelers. Initially, I wanted to blog about miles and points, but since there are so many blogs out there that are already doing that, I shifted my focus to luxury travel to find my own niche. I decided to publish 3 articles per week on my travel blog (since that’s maximum of time I can and want to afford on this hobby since I don’t have that much free time given my busy day time job). A few months after I launched the blog, I also decided to start uploading YouTube videos, as a visual reference and context for my blog articles (since English is not my native language, so I wanted to focus more on photo- and videography). Some of my first videos immediately got millions of views, quickly growing my base of followers, and I guess the rest is history.

3. How do you become a successful travel blogger?

First of all, I don’t consider myself to be very successful (although I do realize that one million followers is above average for most travel blogs). And I certainly did not aim to become a successful travel blogger (nor do I know how to become one). First, I believe that consistency in my uploads, my genuine passion for travel, and the increasing quality of my content (I definitely improved my skills as a photographer and video maker over the past years) is what most of my followers appreciate, and which explains why I got from one follower to over one million followers. Second, over the past years, the blog and YouTube channel was picked up by some international news networks and quoted by A-list celebrities on their social media, which I guess further increased the number of my followers. Finally, I’m convinced that my choice to not show myself in my vlogs, and to make my content about the travel experience and not about myself, has also contributed to my large YouTube audience (since my videos offer the viewer the perspective of being at the travel destination itself). Fyi, I never bought one follower for my social media (and I am glad I never did).

4. How comes you can travel so much?

Actually, I don’t travel that much. I have 7 weeks of holiday per year. But during these holidays, I travel intensively, often changing hotels every second night and taking in as much sights as possible. I also try to travel a lot in the weekend (mostly within Europe). In addition, I also try to record multiple experiences during my travels, in order to generate a lot of content (not because I feel have to do so, but because I like doing it). For example, I recently traveled to the Maldives for only 2 weeks, yet I was able to generate content that spans 3 months of videos and blog reviews (with one video per week).

5. How comes you can afford this lifestyle?

I have published several blogpost on this topic, which you can find on my blog under the header “travel tips.” Most of my travel is self-funded, but I am always on the lookout for promotions or tips & tricks to cut my travel costs. For example, when I fly Business or First Class, I will only rarely pay a full flexible rate; I always prefer to book a heavily discounted seat during an airline’s sale or to spend miles on an award seat. And the same is true for hotels: I am always looking for the cheapest room or hotel package (using website aggregators), and whenever possible, I will convert hotel points into free hotel stays. But there’s still a considerable budget that I spent on travel each year (it is an expensive hobby indeed). I am convinced though that ‘travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer’.

6. What is your favorite hotel in the world?

I have previously published an article about my favorite hotels in the world. It’s no secret that I feel a lot of genuine love and passion for the resort & hotels managed by Soneva and by Aman. I am also a huge fan of properties managed by Four Seasons and Rosewood. I also (still) value Six Senses hotels a lot, despite some recent negative experiences at Six Senses Singapore (a property which has now left the brand) and Six Senses Ibiza (which is not worth the Six Senses name). Above all, I prefer desolated hotels located in pristine wilderness settings, offering a serene ambiance from where to disconnect from the rat-race of daily life (think Alaska, Patagonia, New Zealand, the Canadian Rockies, and Southern Africa).

7. What is your favorite airline?

I prefer airlines that offer direct flights to my end destination. The older I get, the more I appreciate direct flights (even if that involves an airlines with an unimpressive onboard product). Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways offers a superb Business and First Class experience, but I am not a fan of theirs stopovers in the Middle East (which often take place in the middle of the night). Since I am based in central Europe, my preference goes out to Air France, KLM and Lufthansa, since they offer the easiest and fastest connections for me.

8. Where do you get the music for your videos?

My videos are accompanied by some lovely, cinematic music (ranging from powerful and epic to relaxing and peaceful). It involves copyright protected soundtracks offered by the following three online music libraries:

Artlist (my favorite audio library)
Music Bed
Epidemic Sound

I pay a yearly fee to use the songs of the these providers, which enables me to monetize my videos.

9. What camera do you use?

My older videos were recorded with a Canon G7X Mark II, while I record all my current videos (such as the one below) with an iPhone 13. I don’t use any gimbal.

10. What are your plans for the future?

I would like to keep blogging and vlogging as long as I a like it and as long as I find the time to do so. That said, I’ve always had the idea to launch two other YouTube channels in addition to my current channel: one channel with a focus on the world’s best restaurants & fine dining experiences, and one channel with a focus on travel destinations and the world’s best sightseeing spots (which would probably appeal to a larger audience). Who knows what the future brings …

*** Follow me on Instagram, Youtube, Twitter or Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

The post One million followers on YouTube: THANK YOU !!! appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

A travel guide to the Maldives

The Luxury Travel Expert — Fri, 20 May 2022 14:28:53 +0000

Friday newsletters always feature luxury travel contests, tips, series, or news.

Today: A travel guide to the Maldives

Today, I am adding a new travel guide to my blog about the Maldives.

Glamorous overwater resorts, pristine white-sand beaches, and a spectacular underwater world make the Maldives the ultimate travel destination for the discerning traveler. The sovereign archipelagic nation – positioned in the Indian Ocean southwest of India – consists of 26 breathtaking atolls boasting rich cultural traditions and natural treasures. All 1192 coral islands and sandbanks (200 inhabited islands, plus 100 islands with tourist resorts) are the visible coral tips of an oceanic volcanic mountain range whose outer edge at some points plunge to depths of over 3 km (10,000 ft). The tiny islands are encircled by magnificent beaches and incredibly beautiful lagoons, blessed with crystal clear waters and protected by reef structures. Every resort in the Maldives is built on its own private, picture-perfect palm island, with all of the world’s most exclusive hotel brands competing with each other to offer their guests unprecedented levels of mind-blowing luxury. A holiday in the Maldives can be easily combined with a stay in Sri Lanka as there are numerous direct flights – most of them operated by SriLankan Airlines – between Sri Lanka and the Maldives (with a flight time of around one hour).

Get the most out of your (luxury) trip to the Maldives with my travel guide. Find out more about:

WALDORF ASTORIA MALDIVES ITHAAFUSHI

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WALDORF ASTORIA MALDIVES ITHAAFUSHI

WALDORF ASTORIA MALDIVES ITHAAFUSHI

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The Maldives enjoy a tropical climate, hot all year round, with a weather pattern that is mainly determined by two monsoon seasons in which the trade winds blow from opposite directions.

The best weather in the Maldives is between January and mid-April, when the dry northeast monsoon prevails. You can expect blue skies and low humidity, although occasional, short showers can still occur (especially in the southern atolls). The dry season also coincides with the northern hemisphere’s cold winter season, which means this is high season in the Maldives, with low availability (although it never gets crowded) and often insanely expensive room rates at the resorts.
The wet southwest monsoon runs from May to October, peaking in June. Although the temperatures remain as warm as in the dry season, rainy days and thunderstorms are far more likely. There may be days, or periods of a few days, when the sky is cloudy. However, even during this period, there are usually long periods of bright sunshine, and more affordable room rates mean this is still a good time to visit.
The transition periods between the dry northeast and the wet southwest monsoon usually occurs sometime in late November or December and the end of April or May. These transition periods are often accompanied by a longer period of unsettled weather and overcast, rainy days.

It has to be noted that the tropical climate in the Maldives and the exact timing of the transition periods have become very much unpredictable in recent years, with the wet season becoming drier and the dry season seeing more showers. Also, there a subtle differences in the weather patterns from atoll to atoll, since the Maldives is a very large country, stretching out over 800 km (500 mi) in the equatorial area. The northern atolls – which are home to the archipelago’s most luxurious resorts – enjoy more sunshine and have lesser annual rainfall than the central atolls (where the capital Male is located) and the atolls located south of the Equator. This geographic difference is mainly due to the fact that the dry season is more pronounced in the northernmost atolls.

Some travelers visit the Maldives, not so much for the beaches and resorts, but for the world-class diving and the opportunity of swimming with manta rays and whale sharks. Diving conditions are superb throughout the year, but the areas frequented by the larger marine animals vary with the seasons. During the dry northeast monsoon season, manta ray and whale shark diving in the Maldives is best on the western side of the atolls, whereas during the Southeast Monsoon season, manta rays and whale sharks will typically be encountered near the eastern edge of the atolls.

IMHO, it is worth paying higher prices and sticking to the dry season in the Maldives (January to mid-April) as there is not much to do on a rainy day, except drink, eat, work out, or scuba dive.

HOW TO GET THERE

The majority of the Maldives’ secluded resorts on far-flung private islands are within a one hour boat or floatplane ride from the Maldives’ main airport, Male International Airport (MLE; also known as Velana International Airport), which is located in the North Male Atoll near the capital of Male. The airport is served by a wide array of international Asian and European airlines, both charters and mainstream carriers. Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Male International Airport.

Before you buy a plane ticket, consider reading my tips & tricks for buying the cheapest plane ticket.

GETTING AROUND

Transfers from Male airport to the hotels are taken care of by the resorts:

Hotels located in the North and South Male Atoll are reached by boat from the airport, with a transfer time between 15 minutes and one hour. Due to their proximity to the airport, these resort experience more boat traffic and noise levels as compared the more remotely located resorts in other atolls. Boat transfers run 24 hours a day.
Hotels located in all other central atolls (except the Laamu Atoll) as well as the northernmost atolls can be reached by seaplane from the airport, with a flight time between 20 minutes and one hour. Admiring the picture-perfect archipelago from a bird’s eye perspective is one of the ultimate experiences that the destination has to offer. However, keep in mind that seaplanes operate during daylight hours only, so you may have to stay overnight near the airport when you arrive at the Maldives after 4 pm. In addition, getting to a resort in a remote atoll by seaplane does take more time as compared to reaching one of the hotels closer to the airport, because of additional waiting time at the airport. On a positive note, most five-star hotels offer a private lounge near the airport to ease the waiting process which seldom exceeds two hours.
Hotels located in the Laamu Atoll and all southern atolls are reached by a domestic flight, operated by a turboprop plane, followed by a speedboat transfer. Getting to these resort requires an often lengthy and tiring trip, something you may not be looking forward to after your long-haul flight arrives in the Maldives. Besides the 30 to 60 minute domestic flight, you also have to take into account waiting time – varying from one to maximum five hours – at Male airport, both at the start and the end of your journey. All in all, it means that getting to these resorts may take a large chunk of your holiday time on the day of your arrival and departure, making the southern atolls not ideal for a short trip. I suggest you stay at least 5 nights here to make the most of the long journey getting there. The good news is that once there, you will completely relax in otherworldly tropical scenery.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for entry into the Maldives differ from country to country, and are subject to change. Prior to departure, always check with your government and your nearest Maldivian embassy or consulate what documents you need for travel to the Maldives.

You need a valid passport. The passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into the Maldives.
The Maldives have a remarkably easy visa policy: everybody gets a free 30-day visa on arrival, provided that you have a valid travel document, a ticket out and proof of sufficient funds, defined as a confirmed reservation in a hotel.

Make sure you read my 10 tips to plan a worry-free trip.

INSPIRATION, HIGHLIGHTS, & TRAVEL TIPS

There are several good reasons why you should put the Maldives on your bucket list:

Magnificent white-sand beaches, that rank among the best beaches in the world.
Incredible marine wildlife viewing opportunities (the Maldives is the world’s best snorkeling and diving destination).
Ultra-luxury overwater resorts, unmatched in the world.

The following articles may also inspire you and help you plan your holiday to the Maldives:

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

Most people who travel to the Maldives stay at one resort for one week. I don’t recommend to travel around too much within the Maldives, since getting from one resort to another is an expensive and often time-consuming affair (since you mostly have to backtrack via Male airport).

However, if the prospect of staying an entire week at one resort on a little island sounds too much for you, there are a few resorts that can be easily combined in one and the same itinerary, because they are either located in the same atoll or connected via a direct and private (and often pricey) speedboat transfer. A few examples:

Noonu Atoll: Soneva Jani, Cheval Blanc Randheli, and Velaa Private Island
Baa Atoll (a UNESCOBiosphere Reserve): Soneva Fushi, Four Seasons Landaa Giravaaru, and Anantara Kihavah
North Male Atoll: One&Only Reethi Rah, Patina Maldives, The Ritz-Carlton Fari Islands, Four Seasons Kuda Huraa, and Gili Lankanfushi
South Male Atoll: Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, Naladhu and COMO Cocoa Island
Huvadhu Atoll: Park Hyatt Hadahaa and Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort

In addition, a select group of ultra-luxe hotel companies operates more than one resort in the Maldives, offering an enhanced and more convenient transfer experience between their properties. A few examples:

Soneva: Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani (60 min speedboat transfer between both resorts)
Four Seasons: Four Seasons Landaa Giravaaru and Four Seasons Kuda Huraa (40 min watertaxi transfer)
COMO hotels & resorts: COMO Cocoa Island and COMO Maalifushi (45 min watertaxi transfer)

RECOMMENDED LUXURY HOTELS (+ REVIEWS)

I recommend to visit my top 10 travel lists if you are eager to know how I rank the Maldives’ top hotels, based on my own experience:

Below, you find my reviews of hotels in the Maldives (with pros, cons, and tips to save money per hotel).

*** Follow me on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter or Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

The post A travel guide to the Maldives appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

Travel guide to Namibia

The Luxury Travel Expert — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 17:06:15 +0000

Friday newsletters always feature luxury travel contests, tips, series, or news.

Today: A travel guide to Namibia

Today, I am adding a new travel guide to my blog about Namibia.

With endless red sand dunes set against a brilliant blue sky, the Southern African nation of Namibia stirs the spirit and moves the heart. Namibia is so large and sparsely populated that it is possible to discover enormous open spaces without roads, towns, trees or even stones, just the lonely desert wind passing through one of the most enchanting corners of the earth. The otherworldly landscapes, the world’s oldest desert, wild coastlines littered with shipwreck remains and whale bones, and unusual desert-adapted flora and fauna will capture the imagination of even the most seasoned traveler. It may not offer the big game of the more verdant African countries, but you’ll still find plenty of big game here. On top of that, Namibia is also home to a number of ultraluxe lodges, attracting discerning travelers from all over the world.

Get the most out of your (luxury) trip to Namibia with my travel guide. Find out more about:

namibia travel guide

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namibia travel guide

TRAVEL GUIDE TO NAMIBIA: BEST TIME TO VISIT

Enjoying a dry climate, Namibia is considered a year-round travel destination. However, deciding on the best travel period really depends on which regions and attractions you will be traveling to and what your interests are. For example, the dry months in Namibia are best for outdoor activities as well as wildlife viewing in places such as Etosha National Park, whereas the rainy summer months are best for birdwatching and low hotel rates.

In general, the dry winter season from May to October is the most popular time for travelers to visit Namibia: the skies are clear, the risk of malaria is at its lowest, and the day time temperatures aren’t too hot (although nights between June and August in the desert are freezing cold). In wildlife reserves such as Etosha National Park, the combination of sparse foliage and the lack of rain forces the game to congregate around waterholes, making animal spotting particularly easy.
November to March are the hottest months in Namibia and temperatures in some regions can reach above 50 C° (122 F°) during the day. These months are also considered to be the rainy summer season, although many areas in Namibia receive little or no rain at all. During the wetter months, some tracks in the north eastern part of the country (known as the Caprivi strip) can become unsurpassable. These are the hardest months for spotting wildlife in parks such as Etosha and they also carry the highest risk of malaria.

TRAVEL GUIDE TO NAMIBIA: HOW TO GET THERE

Most travelers arrive in Namibia via Hosea Kutako International Airport, the main gateway for all destinations in the country (located a 45 min drive from the capital Windhoek). Several major airlines offer direct flights to Windhoek, including Eurowings, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways and Ethiopian Airlines. Click here for a continuously updated list of airlines that offer direct flights to Kigali.

It’s also possible to arrive in Namibia overland as part of a multi-country itinerary. Namibia is bordered by Botswana to the east, Angola and Zambia to the north and South Africa to the south. While visiting Angola is not on the bucket list of many tourist (due to high crime and an unstable security situation), many travelers combine Namibia, South Africa, Botswana and Zambia in one single holiday (often starting at Cape Town in South Africa and ending at the Victoria Falls in Zambia or vice versa).

Before you buy a plane ticket, consider reading my tips & tricks for buying the cheapest plane ticket.

TRAVEL GUIDE TO NAMIBIA: ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for entry into Namibia differ from country to country, and are subject to change. Prior to departure, always check with your government and your nearest Namibian embassy or consulate what documents you need for travel to Namibia. Some important points:

You need a valid passport. The passport must be valid for six months after entry into the country. You need one blank page on your passport for entry stamps.
Namibia introduced new immigration rules in 2016 relating to travel with children. In addition to valid passports, parents traveling with children (under 18) should at all times carry the original or certified copy of the unabridged birth certificate. The full unabridged birth certificate should list the child’s details and both parents’ details.

Make sure you read my 10 tips to plan a worry-free trip.

TRAVEL GUIDE TO NAMIBIA: GETTING AROUND

In order to reach most of Namibia’s National Parks, reserves and places of interest, you will need to rent a vehicle or charter a plane.

The quickest and most comfortable way to get around in Namibia is by air travel. Dozens of minor airstrips cater for chartered plane and most of the isolated luxury lodges have their own landing strip. Flying will save you a lot of time. For example, getting from Sossusvlei to Damaraland will take two full days by car (with an overnight stop in Swakopmund) while it’s just two hours by plane. There are several good charter flight operators who regularly fly tourists between lodges, but it is best to ask the lodge(s) you’re staying at to advise on flights and book them for you, since many have agreements with particular charter operators. One example is Wilderness Safaris, which makes us of Wilderness Air (my experience with them was excellent).
Most travelers will rent a car, which is the easiest and cheapest way of getting around the country. Namibia’s road network is comprised of high-quality tarred highways and secondary gravel roads. Although most road are generally navigable in a 2WD car, the majority of self-drive visitors rent a 4WD car: the higher clearance makes the ride more comfortable and 4WD cars are better equipped to tackle poor road conditions in the rainy season. Most lodges that demand 4WD access have a safe parking area for 2WD saloon cars, and will transfer guests in their own 4WD vehicles, usually at no extra cost. During my trip to Namibia, I rented a 4WD car from Asco Car Hire near Windhoek and was very happy with their service.

TRAVEL GUIDE TO NAMIBIA: INSPIRATION, HIGHLIGHTS & TRAVEL TIPS

There are many reasons why Namibia should be on your bucket list:

Enjoying incredible views at the world’s 3rd largest canyon, the Fish River Canyon
Visiting Kolfmanskop, a ghost town in the desert
Spotting wildlife in Etosha National Park
Exploring the dramatic scenery of Damaraland
Climbing the dunes at Sossusvlei & Deadvlei
Visiting the Skeleton Coast
Soaring in a hot air balloon over the desert

The following, comprehensive articles may also inspire you and help you plan your holiday to Namibia:

TRAVEL GUIDE TO NAMIBIA: SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

It’s impossible to suggest one itinerary for Namibia in this travel guide, but I hereby share with you a schedule based on my own holidays in Namibia, which is great if you want to see the country in a time frame of two weeks:

Day 1 & 2: arrive at Windhoek & enjoy a classic African safari experience.
- Recommended hotel: Zannier Hotels Omaanda
Day 3 & 4: drive (6 hours) or fly to the Namib Desert’s southern edge, and relax in otherworldly scenery.
- Recommended lodge: Zannier Hotels Sonop
Day 5, 6, 7: drive (2 hours) to the Sesriem area, and explore the desert (including an excursion to Sossusvlei and a hot air balloon flight).
- Recommended hotels: &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge or Little Kulala by Wilderness Safaris
Day 8, 9: drive (5 hours) to Swakopmund and explore the area (including a whale or kayak tour near Walvisbaai). Swakopmund mainly caters to travelers that love thrilling desert adventures but if that’s not your thing, I recommend to stay here for only one night (or even to skip Swakopmund by flying directly from Sossusvlei to Damaraland).
- Recommended hotels: Strand Hotel, Giardino Boutique Hotel
Day 10, 11: drive (5 hours) or fly to Damaraland and explore the area (looking for desert adapted elephants and endangered black rhinos)
- Recommended hotels: Damaraland Camp by Wilderness Safaris
Day 12, 13, 14: fly to Hoanib Skeleton Coast (40 min) for what will be the highlight of your trip, with safari drives in search of desert adapted lions and a drive/fly excursion to the mist shrouded coastline
- Recommended hotel: Damaraland Camp by Wilderness Safaris
Day 15, 16: drive (4 hours) or fly to Etosha National Park’s west side for game viewing
- Recommended hotel: Little Ongava
Day 17, 18: drive (2 hours) to Etosha National Park’s east side for game viewing
- Recommended hotel: Onguma The Fort
Day 19: drive (6 hours) or fly to Windhoek and return home

TRAVEL GUIDE TO NAMIBIA: RECOMMENDED HOTELS (+ REVIEWS)

I recommend to visit my top 10 list of the most fabulous hotels in Namibia if you are eager to know how I rank Namibia’s top hotels, based my own experience.

Below, you find my detailed reviews of hotels in Namibia (with pros, cons, & tips to save money per hotel).

*** Follow me on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

The post Travel guide to Namibia appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

A travel guide to Italy

The Luxury Travel Expert — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 14:05:44 +0000

Friday newsletters always feature luxury travel contests, tips, series, or news.

Today (November 13, 2020): Travel series: a travel guide to Italy.

Today, I am adding a new travel guide to my blog about Italy. What’s not to love about the boot-shaped Mediterranean country? Located in Southern Europe, Italy received 64 million tourists in 2019, making is the fifth most visited country in the world (after France, Spain, the USA and China). Travelers mainly visit Italy for its rich culture, world-class cuisine, passionate people, trendy fashion, ancient monuments, and picturesque villages. Besides its art treasures, Italy also features magnificent landscapes, which include spectacular coastlines, Alpine lakes and breathtaking mountains. The country is also home to the greatest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. From the Italian Riviera and Grand Canal of Venice in the North to the breathtaking Amalfi Coast and Pompeii ruins in the South, Italy offers something for everyone.

Get the most out of your (luxury) trip to Italy with my travel guide. Find out more about:

BEST TIME TO VISIT – ITALY TRAVEL GUIDE

The best time to visit Italy are the months of May, June, and September. Compared to the peak summer months of July and August, these months offer more comfortable temperatures and there are fewer crowds (except around Easter). The country experiences four classic seasons per year, although there is a marked difference between the wetter, cooler North and the drier, warmer South. The rainiest months pretty much everywhere are usually October and November.

Spring (April-June): temperatures start to warm up, although it’s still advisable to wear layers in case of colder spells. It’s a fantastic time to go to Italy for most travel interests and destinations. Spring makes up part of the shoulder season, lying just before the busy peak season.
Summer (July & August): the heat can be grueling, particularly in the South. August is also when many Italians take their summer vacations, so big cities tend to be quiet (with discounted hotel prices), while beach and mountain resorts are jammed (with higher hotel prices).
Fall (September – November): temperatures cool down gradually, although September is usually still very pleasant. Expect crisp fall leaves and some sunnier days, but plan for wet weather too. Fall carries many of the same benefits as spring, but with slightly less predictable weather.
Winter: temperatures in the South remain mild in winter, while Northern Italy is normally wet and cold. Winter in the Italian Alps is fantastic though for skiing and snowboarding, but the ski resorts do get crowded so book early.

HOW TO GET THERE – ITALY TRAVEL GUIDE

Travelers wishing to visit Italy can use a bus, train, plane, or boat to get there. Most tourists arrive by plane though, often landing in Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport, the country’s busiest airport. This is the preferred point of entry in Italy when you want to visit Rome, or tour the entire country. Click here for a continuously updated list of airlines that offer direct flights to Rome.

Although Rome is the main getaway for most visitors to Italy, it’s often easier and cheaper to fly directly to/from one of the country’s other airports. It can also save you a lot of time to book a multi-city ticket, hereby arriving in one airport and leaving from another (for example fly in via Milan in the north and fly out via Naples in the south). The following airports are of interest for most tourist itineraries:

Milan Malpenza Airport (north) is the largest international airport in the Milan metropolitan area in northern Italy (and also the main getaway to the Italian Lakes). Click here for a continuously updated list of airlines that offer direct flights to Milan.
Venice Marco Polo airport (north) is the international airport of Venice. It offers flights to many European metropolitan areas as well as some partly seasonal long-haul routes to the United States, Canada, South Korea and the Middle East. Click here for a continuously updated list of airlines that offer direct flights to Venice.
Naples Airport (south) is the international airport serving Naples and the Southern Italian region of Campania (which is also home to the Amalfi Coast). Click here for a continuously updated list of airlines that offer direct flights to Naples.
Catania Airport (Sicily), also known as Vincenzo Bellini Airport, is the main getaway to Sicily and the the sixth busiest in Italy. Click here for a continuously updated list of airlines that offer direct flights to Catania.

Before you buy your plane ticket to Italy, consider reading my tips & tricks for buying the cheapest plane ticket so that you can save a few bucks.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS – ITALY TRAVEL GUIDE

Requirements for entry into Italy differ from country to country, and are subject to change. Prior to departure, always check with your government and your nearest Italian embassy or consulate what documents you need for travel to Greece.

Citizens of the European Union are required to present a valid ID for entry into Italy.
Citizens of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, the United States, and almost all non-E.U. countries are required to have a valid passport valid for at least 90 days beyond the intended date of departure.
For stays longer than 90 days, all non-E.U. citizens will need a visa.

Make sure you read my 10 tips to plan a worry-free trip.

GETTING AROUND – ITALY TRAVEL GUIDE

Once in Italy, you’ll have a good choice of affordable and efficient transport options:

To best way to get around in Italy is by car. All major car rental agencies have offices in the main cities and airports. To rent a car in Italy, you must be at least 20 years old and have a valid driver’s license. Overall, renting a car in Italy is more expensive than using the public transport (see below), unless you are traveling with a larger group. When driving in Italy , especially in the busy cities, you really do need to keep your nerve about you as the Italian style of driving is chaotic. Tip: on most motorways or autostrade (singular: autostrada) there is a toll to pay — cash or by credit card — but superstrade an other major national roads are free.
Italy’s railway system is good and inexpensive. Owned by the state, it’s called Ferrovie dello Stato (abbreviated FS), but trains are operated under the brand name “Trenitalia”. Most trains carry first and second class. First class seats often recline, there are fewer seats per car, and there is more space for luggage. On some Premier Trains, the price of a first class ticket includes a meal. Second class accommodations are less expensive, but not as spacious, as there are more seats per car. Seat reservation is now compulsory on faster trains ( i.e. Eurostar, EuroStarCity, and InterCity). On other, slower categories of trains (Regionale, Suburbano) it is not possible to reserve seats. To book your train ticket online, visit the Trenitalia website.
If you are travelling around Italy by train, it is more than likely you will need to use a bus at some point. Nearly all places are connected by some kind of bus service, but in remote towns and villages schedules can be sketchy and are reduced, or even non-existent, at weekends. Bus terminals (autostazione) are often conveniently located next to the train station. In smaller towns and villages, most buses pull in at the central piazza.
Depending on where you’re traveling to, it may be worth considering travelling around Italy by plane. These can sometimes be cheaper and quicker than traveling by train. Budget airlines open and close every season and there are often special deals being advertised. You can save by shopping around and, as always, booking as far in advance as you can. Tickets can be booked directly on the airlines’ websites:

INSPIRATION, HIGHLIGHTS, & TRAVEL TIPS – ITALY TRAVEL GUIDE

There are so many reasons why you should put Italy on top of your bucket list and visit the country at least once during your lifetime. Here are just some of Italy’s highlights:

Touring historic cities like Rome, Florence and Venice
Hiking in the Dolomites
Relaxing on the beaches of Sardinia and Sicily
Exploring the Vatican
Visiting the Amalfi Coast & Capri
Getting lost in Tuscany’s villages and countryside
Admiring the scenery of the Italian Lakes (e.g. Lake Como)

My following, in-depth articles may also inspire you and help you plan your holiday to Italy:

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES – ITALY TRAVEL GUIDE

It’s impossible to suggest one itinerary for Italy, but based on my own frequent holidays in the country, I hereby share a schedule which is great if you want to take in the country’s highlights in three weeks:

Days 1-2 (2 nights): land in Venice and explore the city
- Recommended hotel: Aman Venice
Days 3-5 (3 nights): explore and hike in the Dolomites
- Recommended hotel: Forestis
Days 6-9 (3 nights): relax on the shores of Lake Como
- Recommended hotel: Il Sereno
Days 10-14 (4 nights): explore Florence and Tuscany’s countryside
- Recommended hotel: Four Seasons Florence
Days 15-18 (3 nights): expore Rome & The Vatican
- Recommended hotel: Portrait Roma
Days 19-24 (5 nights): explore the Amalfi Coast & Capri, and fly out of Naples
- Recommended hotel: Belmond Caruso

If you have more time, I suggest you also explore the country’s islands Sardinia or Sicily.

For the planning of your own travel itinerary in Italy, I highly recommend the excellent itineraries as provided by Frommers, The Lonely Planet and Rough Guides.

RECOMMENDED LUXURY HOTELS (+ REVIEWS)

Read my top 10 lists if you are eager to know how I rank Italy’s top hotels, based on my own experience:

Below, you find my reviews of hotels in Italy (with pros, cons, and tips to save money per hotel).

*** Follow me on Instagram, Youtube, Twitter or Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

The post A travel guide to Italy appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

A travel guide to Cambodia

The Luxury Travel Expert — Fri, 12 Jun 2020 13:12:50 +0000

Friday newsletters always feature luxury travel contests, tips, series, or news.

Today (12 June, 2020): Travel series: a travel guide to Zambia.

Today, I am adding a new travel guide to my blog about Cambodia, the former Khmer Empire which impresses visitors with its timeless architectural treasures, rich cultural offerings, and breathtaking natural landscape. Of course, the main reason for traveling to Cambodia is Southeast Asia’s most magnificent archaeological treasure, Angkor Wat. But the Kingdom is an undiscovered gem of a country, and there’s much more to it than just the Angkor temples. A blend of rice paddies, remote jungles, and white sand beaches, as well as a fascinating history combined with delightful culture and welcoming people make Cambodia a must-visit travel destination.

Get the most out of your (luxury) trip to Cambodia with my travel guide. Find out more about:

Best time to visit
How to get there
Travel requirements
Getting around
Inspiration, highlights, & travel tips
Suggested itineraries
Recommended luxury hotels (+ reviews)

cambodia travel guide

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cambodia travel guide

CAMBODIA TRAVEL GUIDE; BEST TIME TO VISIT

Cambodia experiences four annual seasons:

The cool and dry season – which lasts from November to February – is considered the best time to visit Cambodia, with plenty of sunshine and day temperatures in the high 70s°F to low 80s°F (26°C-29°C). Sporadic showers may occur in the cool season but are infrequent events.
The hot and dry season lasts from March to May, with humidity reaching uncomfortable levels and temperatures averaging in the upper 90s Fahrenheit (mid-30s Celsius). Although this period usually remains dry, rains may gather force in the month of May, which is more of a transition period towards the wet season.
The hot and wet season, which lasts from June to August, is marked by daily heavy downpours, which bring relief for the sticky, humid weather. The days often start sunny, with showers mostly occurring in the (late) afternoon or evening, lasting for 3 to 4 hours.
The cool and wet season occurs in September and October and sees the return of more comfortable temperatures, although it’s probably the worst time to visit Cambodia because the torrential rains are coming to a peak, often bringing floods and making roads impassable. Most days are cloudy and beach conditions are poor. It’s not all bad news since low visitor numbers means great hotel deals.

The best time to visit the Kingdom coincides with the northern hemisphere’s winter period, November through February. However, it has the be noted that the weather in Thailand has become less predictable over the past few years as a result of global warming, with the rainy season often starting in April and lasting through all of November. For a month to month weather report in Cambodia, check this excellent website.

CAMBODIA TRAVEL GUIDE: HOW TO GET THERE

Most tourists will arrive in Cambodia via one of the following three international airports:

Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) is Cambodia’s main international airport and is located near the capital. Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Phnom Penh.
Siem Reap International Airport (REP) serves the city of Siem Reap, a popular tourist destination due to nearby Angkor Wat. Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Siem Reap
Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS) is Cambodia’s third largest international airport, and serves the area around Sihanoukville, alos known as the Cambodian Riviera. Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Sihanoukville.

When traveling to Cambodia, consider flying in and out from different airports (for example flying in via Siem Reap and flying out via Sihanoukville) to avoid long transfers and backtracks during your holiday. Also, defore you buy a plane ticket, make sure to read my tips & tricks for buying the cheapest plane ticket.

CAMBODIA TRAVEL GUIDE: TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for entry into Cambodia differ from country to country, and are subject to change. Prior to departure, always check with your government and your nearest Cambodian embassy or consulate what documents you need for travel to Cambodia.

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Cambodia. Entry is normally refused if you have a damaged passport or pages missing.
Currently you need to get a visa before arrival. You can get a tourist visa online, or you can purchase one at a Royal Cambodian Embassy abroad.

Before you travel, make sure you read my 10 tips to plan a worry-free trip.

CAMBODIA TRAVEL GUIDE: GETTING AROUND

Getting around Cambodia is comfortable but time-consuming (roads are narrow and there’s a lot of traffic). Significant improvements to the national highway network in the past few years have made traveling around the country much easier than it once was, with many formerly dirt roads now surfaced and new highways built.

Travel by bus is the cheapest and most convenient way of getting around Cambodia, especially to the farthest and most remote destinations in the country. Longer bus trips usually depart in the evenings to arrive at their destination early in the morning. All buses are privately run, operated by a growing number of companies. Phnom Penh Sorya is the biggest; others include Rith Mony, GST, Paramount Angkor and Capitol Tours.
There are also a few deluxe minibus services on the main intercity and international routes. Mekong Express is the main operator and tickets can be booked online. Fares are relatively high compared to regular bus service, although they tend to be slightly faster and passengers are guaranteed a reasonably comfortable seat and onboard service (such as WiFi and A/C).
A domestic flight within Cambodia can save you a full day of traveling: a flight from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville takes only 45 minutes compared to 12 hours over land by car. There are several domestic airlines that offer flights within Cambodia and fares are cheap, especially if you book in advance. Tickets can be booked online via the airlines’ websites:
- Cambodia Angkor Air (considered the country’s flagship carrier)
- Lanmei Airlines
- Sky Angkor Airlines
- Bassake Air
Trishaws (tuktuks) are ideal for short journeys within towns and cities, and for short excursions, the country’s many trishaws would be happy to offer you a ride. Most tuktuks are not metered. Always agree on a fare beforehand.

CAMBODIA TRAVEL GUIDE: INSPIRATION, HIGHLIGHTS, & TRAVEL TIPS

There are several good reasons why you should put Cambodia on your bucket list:

Explore Angkor Wat, one of the world’s most fascinating ruins
Visit the killing fields, a reminder of Cambodia’s atrocious recent past
Relax on world-class beaches in the Koh Rong Archipelago
Sail along the mighty Mekong River
Enjoy world-class hospitality at Cambodia’s fabulous resorts
Explore the capital Phnom Penh

The following, in-depth articles may also inspire you and help you plan your holiday to Cambodia:

CAMBODIA TRAVEL GUIDE: SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

Cambodia is a small country and it’s easy to explore all of its highlight within a short time frame. I suggest the following 10-day itinerary in Cambodia:

Day 1, 2 & 3: arrival & exploration of the Sieam Reap (including a tour of Angkor Wat).
- Recommended hotel: Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang
Day 4, 5 & 6: take a direct flight to Sihanoukville (45 min) and enjoy a few days on the beach
- Recommended hotels: Song Saa Private Island, Koh Russey, or Senses Krabey Island
Day 7, 8 & 9: transfer to Shinta Mani Wild (2,5 hours) and spend a few days in the jungle
- Recommended hotels: Bensley collection – Shinta Mani Wild
Day 10: transfer to Phnom Penh and fly out
- Recommended hotel (if staying overnight): Rosewood Phnom Penh

If you have more time, I highly recommend to end your holiday in Cambodia with some additional nights at Soneva Kiri in Thailand, my favorite resort in the world.

CAMBODIA TRAVEL GUIDE: RECOMMENDED LUXURY HOTELS (+ REVIEWS)

Visit my top 10 list of the most fabulous hotels in Cambodia if you are eager to know how I rank the Kingdom’s top hotels, based my own experience.

Below, you find my reviews of hotels in Cambodia (with pros, cons, & tips to save money per hotel).

*** Follow me on Instagram, Youtube, Twitter or Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

The post A travel guide to Cambodia appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

A travel guide to Bhutan

The Luxury Travel Expert — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 13:04:21 +0000

Friday newsletters always feature luxury travel contests, tips, series, or news.

Today (October 18, 2019): Travel series: a travel guide to Bhutan.

Today, I am adding a new travel guide to my blog about Bhutan. The fairytale, mystical Kingdom of Bhutan is world-famous for measuring Gross National Happiness, an index which is used to measure the collective happiness and well-being of a population. TBhutan is a spectacular, unspoilt country steeped in ancient traditions and with a history that is as tall as its Himalayan mountain peaks. It’s a country where mystical Buddhism thrives, archery is the national sport, almost everyone wears national dress, and traffic lights are absent. The Kingdom is on top of many travelers’ bucket lists (and for good reason), yet is tricky to visit (more on that below).

Get the most out of your (luxury) trip to Bhutan with my travel guide. Find out more about:

bhutan travel guide

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BEST TIME TO VISIT

The climate in Bhutan is extremely varied, which can be attributed to two main factors: the vast differences in altitude present in the country and the influence of North Indian monsoons.

Regional differences

Southern Bhutan has a hot and humid subtropical climate that is fairly unchanging throughout the year. Temperatures can vary between 15-30 degrees C° (59- 86 degrees F°). In the central parts of the country – which consists of temperate and deciduous forests – the climate is more seasonal with warm summers and cool and dry winters. In the far northern reaches of the Kingdom, the weather is much colder: mountain peaks are perpetually covered in snow and lower parts are still cool in summer owing to the high altitude terrain.

Seasonal differences

Apart from the regional differences, Bhutan has four distinct seasons in a year:

Bhutan’s generally dry spring starts in early March and lasts until mid-April. Summer weather commences in mid-April with occasional showers and continues to late June.
The monsoon begins from late-June through July to late-September and brings between 60 and 90 percent of the country’s rainfall. Annual precipitation ranges widely in various parts of the country, with most of the precipitation falling in the humid, subtropical southern part of the country.
Autumn, from late September or early October to late November, follows the rainy season. It is characterized by bright, sunny days and some early snowfall at higher elevations.
From late November until March, winter sets in, with frost throughout much of the country and snowfall common. The winter northeast monsoon brings gale-force winds at the highest altitudes through high mountain passes, giving Bhutan its name – Drukyul, which means Land of the Thunder Dragon in Dzongkha (the native language).

The best season to visit Bhutan is autumn, because of the dry weather and crispy clear days. Spring is also a good season, although there is more chance of overcast days. For a month-to-month overview of the weather in Bhutan, check this website.

HOW TO GET THERE

The only international airport in Bhutan is located at Paro, about a one hour drive from Bhutan’s capital city Thimphu. Currently, there are only two Bhutanese airlines allowed to operate flights to and from Bhutan – Drukair and Bhutan Airlines – and tickets can be booked online. Departure points include Bangkok (Thailand), Kathmandu (Nepal), New Delhi and Kolkata (India), Dhaka (Bangladesh), Yangoon (Myanmar), and Singapore. Weather can delay flights for days at a time, so it’s important to have your itinerary designed with a few days in your stopover city and (if possible) to fly on an unrestricted ticket.

Before you buy a plane ticket, consider reading my tips & tricks for buying the cheapest plane ticket.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

To protect its natural resources and authentic culture, and to ensure that travelers don’t overwhelm the country, the Bhutanese governmen controls (and restricts) the number of visitors into the country. Only travelers on packages booked through tour operators are allowed visas, so independent tourists and backpackers can’t get in, plus there’s the infamously expensive tourist tax (minimum daily tariff), which puts off a lot of potential visitors.

Passport & visa

Everyone traveling to Bhutan must obtain a visa in advance, except for passport holders from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives. The visas must be applied and paid for in advance ($40 USD per person) and are only issued to tourists booked with a local licensed tour operator, either directly or through a foreign travel agent. You should try and make your travel arrangements at least 90 days prior to travel to allow time for all the formalities to be completed.
Your international passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months after the date you intend to leave Bhutan.

Tourist tax (minimum daily tariff)

The Tourism Council of Bhutan also sets a non-negotiable minimum daily tariff for all visitors to Bhutan, though in fact most of that goes towards accommodation, transfers, guiding, and is included in package prices. These are the current tariffs:

High Season: March, April, May, September, October, and November
- $250 per person per day, for a group of three or more people
- $280 per person per day, for a group of two people
- $290 per day for single individuals
Low Season: January, February, June, July, August, and December
- $200 per person per day, for a group of three or more people
- $230 per person per day, for a group of two people
- $240 per day for single individuals

In almost all cases, your tour or hotel operator (e.g. Six Senses, Aman, etc …) will take care of all the administration (visa & tourist tax), so in the end, it’s a very simple and straightforward process.

Make sure you read my 10 tips to plan a worry-free trip.

GETTING AROUND

In Bhutan it’s only possible to travel by private car and driver (the cost of all transport is included in the minimal daily tariff). Most tourists travel in a 4 wheel drive (or minibus) with a driver and English speaking guide, arranged via their tour or hotel operator. There is only one main road – the National Highway – which crosses the country and winds twists and turns from west to east along the main cities. The roads are pretty well maintained and go via mountain passes with sweeping views and prayer flags fluttering in the wind to remote villages with cobbled streets and traditional houses.

It’s also possible to make us of limited domestic air service, which is restricted to Paro, Bumthang and Gelephu. Bhutan’s only domestic carriers are Drukair and Bhutan Airlines.

INSPIRATION, HIGHLIGHTS, & TRAVEL TIPS

There are several reasons why you should put Bhutan on your bucket list:

Hike the sacred path to Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most iconic temple
Visit the ancient fortress of Punakha Dzong
Explore the outdoors (hiking, white water rafting, cycling, etc …)
Explore Thimphu, the world’s only capital without traffic lights
Observe wildlife, including the rare black necked cranes
Drive along majestic mountain passes
Attend a colorful Bhutanese festival

The following, comprehensive articles may also inspire you and help you plan a holiday to Bhutan:

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

Bhutan is a relatively small country, so it’s possible to see a lot of the country in a short time span. I hereby share with you a one week itinerary:

Day 1 & 2: explore the capital Thimphu & surroundings
Day 3, 4 & 5: drive via Dochula Pass to Punakha (3 hours) & explore Punakha Valley (outdoor activities, visit to the Dzong, etc …)
Day 6 & 7: backtrack to Paro via Thimpu (4 hours) & explore Paro Valley (including full day tour to Tiger’s Nest)

If you have more time (2 weeks), I suggest to explore the farthest reaches of Bhutan’s inhabited regions and add Gangtey & Bumthang to jour itinerary.

I highly recommend to book your stay in Bhutan with either Six Senses or Aman. Both companies operate multiple lodges in Bhutan and have detailed itineraries on their website, which give you a excellent idea of what to expect from day to day:

Click here to explore 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10 nights Bhutan itineraries offered by Six Senses
Click here to explore 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 11 and 12 nights Bhutan itineraries offered by Aman

RECOMMENDED LUXURY HOTELS (+ REVIEWS)

Below, you find my reviews of hotels in Bhutan (with pros, cons, & tips to save money per hotel).

*** Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

The post A travel guide to Bhutan appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

A travel guide to India

The Luxury Travel Expert — Fri, 20 Sep 2019 13:52:52 +0000

Friday newsletters always feature luxury travel contests, tips, series, or news.

Today (September 20, 2019): Travel series: a travel guide to India.

Today, I am adding a new travel guide to my blog about India.

Stretching from the mighty peaks of the Himalayas in the north to the tropical beaches in the south, India’s expansive borders encompass an incredible range of contrasts, landscapes, cultures, and religions. The country is home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites, from the 7th wonder of the world Taj Mahal to majestic palaces and forts that were built hundreds of years ago, still standing upright to narrate the testimony of time of India’s rich culture and history. The nation also features vast wilderness areas, national parks and nature sanctuaries that are home to exciting wildlife, such as elephants, lions, and tigers.

Get the most out of your (luxury) trip to India with my travel guide. Find out more about:

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit India is between October and March, when the weather is more likely to be warm, sunny, and dry. During this time, the north (which is the part of India that most travelers visit) offers clear blue skies, although December and January can be very cold and sometimes foggy. Increasing temperatures in April and May can result in excellent value trips, but you can expect high humidity and thunderstorms.

Winter in India sets in around mid-December and lasts through the end of March. This is the coldest and driest season in the country, and considered the best period to visit India. Temperatures during the day are pleasant and comfortable, although often quite chilly at night in the north. Freezing temperatures can be experienced in India’s far north around the Himalaya region, although the mountain views are at their best because of crispy clear skies. In the south, it never gets cold.
Summer, also called the pre-monsoon season, starts in April and goes on through mid-June. This is the hottest season in India, especially during the last weeks of the season. Many places experience daily temperatures exceeding 40° C (105° F). It stays cooler in the southern parts of the country, with temperatures reaching around 35° C (95° F), although it’s a lot more humid. In late May, signs of the approaching monsoon start appearing, with squally winds, high humidity, occasional thunderstorms, and dust storms.
The monsoon rainy season lasts from mid-June to mid-October. The rains come in from the sea and start making their way up India’s west coast in early June. By mid-July, most of the country is covered in rain. India during the monsoon doesn’t receive rain all the time, although it usually rains for a heavy period every day, followed by pleasant sunshine. The weather gradually starts clearing again from most places in northwest India by October. Travel in India during the monsoon can be a real challenge and is best avoided.
The post monsoon season – also referred to as the autumn season – is from mid-October to mid-December. This season comes with a lot of cloudlessness particularly for the northwest side. During this period, the temperature rises again and the weather can be a little unbearable due to the humidity in the air.

HOW TO GET THERE

India receives numerous international daily flights via its many international airports. Most travelers will enter India at one of its two biggest gateways for international visitors, New Delhi and Mumbai, though Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Chennai receive their fair share of international arrivals as well.

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is the country’s largest airport and the main getaway to New Delhi and India. Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to New Delhi.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) serves Mumbai, the financial and entertainment center of India. Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Mumbai.
Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) is located Bangalore, the third most populous city in India. Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Bangalore.
Chennai International Airport (MAA) is located on India’s southeast coast, near the metropolitan area of Chennai. Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Chennai.
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) serves the Kolkata metropolitan area and is the main getaway to northeast India. Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Kolkota.

Before you buy a plane ticket, consider reading my tips & tricks for buying the cheapest plane ticket.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for entry into India differ from country to country, and are subject to change. Prior to departure, always check with your government and your nearest Indian embassy or consulate what documents you need for travel to Indian.

You need a passport with at least six months validity to enter India.
Generally, a visa is required to enter, exit or transit through India. India issues various types of visas, including e-visas. Make sure you get the right visa for your travel and that it’s valid for the purpose and duration of your stay. If you enter India on the wrong visa, you could be detained on arrival and you may be deported and blacklisted, meaning that you can’t enter India again. You can find out more about this on India’s e-visa website. Beware of fake websites offering this service.

Make sure you read my 10 tips to plan a worry-free trip.

GETTING AROUND

It’s quite easy to get around in India, and several modes of transportation are available:

Domestic flights are probably the best way to move around the country if you don’t have a lot of time. India’s major cities are connected daily via multiple flights and the cost of a domestic ticket is often quite cheap. Tickets can be booked online on the website of the four carriers that offer flights within India:
- Air India (the country’s flagship carrier, member of Star Alliance)
- IndiGo
- GoAir
- SpiceJet
Hiring a car and driver sounds fancy, but it’s a popular and affordable option in India, especially since driving yourself is strongly discouraged due to lack of respect for traffic laws, frequent accidents (India’s roads are statistically the most dangerous in the world) and absolute chaos on the roads by Western standards. Private transfers with a chauffeur-driven car can be arranged via most hotels at often reasonable prices.
A great way to travel in India is by train. The country has the second largest rail network in the world, and you can pretty much get anywhere by train. That said, train journeys between major destinations can consume massive amounts of time (often more than car travel); and the network, tiers (one of the A/C, or air-conditioned classes may, for instance, be better than non-A/C first class), and connections can be confusing. For extensive railway information, you can log on to www.indianrail.gov.in, which shows routes, availability, and prices for all Indian trains, but you cannot book online from overseas. You purchase tickets for train journeys in India using www.cleartrip.com website which charges a Rs 100 booking fee per ticket, but allows you to buy your ticket using a credit card.
- The most popular class of travel for most visitors is Sleeper Class (open-plan carriages with three-tier bunks and no air conditioning), which gives a reasonable amount of comfort and a whole lot of atmosphere for a pittance.
- Those seeking more comfort and cooler carriages should opt for one of the three air-conditioned classes: Air-Conditioned 3-Tier (3AC; three-tier berths in groups of six), Air-Conditioned 2-Tier (2AC; two-tier berths in groups of four with curtains for privacy) or Air-Conditioned 1-Tier (1AC; two- or four-berth compartments with locking doors and meals).
- On Shatabdi Express trains, AC Executive Chair Class is always a quick, comfortable and cool way to go.
- Unreserved Second Class (wooden or plastic benches and a cavalcade of people) should be avoided.
Unless you are on a serious budget and traveling in India for months, I recommend you avoid all forms of bus travel. Major routes often have comfortable, air-conditioned buses, often referred to as Volvo AC, which are on par in comfort and safety with their international counterparts. However, most of the time, Indian buses are ragged and recycled U.S. school buses from decades prior, where people and luggage are piled in with little regard for comfort or safety.

INSPIRATION, HIGHLIGHTS, & TRAVEL TIPS

There are several reasons why you should put India on your bucket list:

Visit the Taj Mahal in Agra
Explore the palaces and lakes of Udaipur
Spot wildlife (including tigers) in one of India’s National Parks
Hike in the Himalayas
Visit the citadel of Jaisalmer
Relax on the beaches of Goa
Experience holy rituals in Varanasi
Explore the pink city of Jaipur
Visit the mega cities of New Delhi and Mumbai

The following, comprehensive articles may also inspire you and help you plan a holiday to Switzerland:

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

It’s impossible to suggest one itinerary for India, but I hereby share with you the schedule of my own recent holiday in India, which is great if you want to see country in a time frame of 2 weeks:

Day 1-2: arrival in New Delhi & visit the city (recommended hotel: The Oberoi New Delhi).
Day 3-4: car transfer to Agra (4 hours) & visit the Taj Mahal (recommended hotel: The Oberoi Amarvilas).
Day 5-8: car transfer (4 hours) to Jaipur & explore Rajasthan (recommended hotel: Amanbagh).
Day 9-11: car transfer (3 hours) to Ranthambore National Park & tiger safari (recommended hotel: Aman-i-Khas).
Day 12-14: car transfer (6 hours) to Udaipur & explore lakes and palaces (recommended hotels: Taj Lake Palace or The Oberoi Udaivilas).
Day 15-16: domestic flight to Mumbai & visit the city (recommended hotel: The Taj Mahal Palace).

For more ideas, I suggest the excellent India itineraries as described by The Rough Guides, The Lonely Planet, and Frommers.

RECOMMENDED LUXURY HOTELS (+ REVIEWS)

I recommend to visit my top 10 list of the most fabulous hotels in India if you are eager to know how I rank India’s top hotels, based my own experience.

Below, you find my reviews of hotels in India (with pros, cons, & tips to save money per hotel).

*** Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

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Review of SkyMiles, the loyalty program of Delta Air Lines

The Luxury Travel Expert — Fri, 12 Jul 2019 13:00:54 +0000

Friday newsletters always feature luxury travel contests, tips, series, or news.

Today (July 12, 2019): Delta Air Lines’ loyalty program (SkyMiles) explained.

Launched in 1981, Delta Air Lines’ loyalty program is called SkyMiles. The program is convenient for frequent flyers that live close to Delta’s hubs of Atlanta, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Seattle, and New York City. Although Delta offers one of the best and most consistent inflight products of all USA airlines, its frequent flyer program is not in the same league as the carrier continuously introduces surprise changes and unannounced devaluations that leave its loyal frequent flyers baffled. Delta was also the first airline in the world to introduce a revenue based program in 2015 (although others quickly followed). Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, the world’s third largest airline alliance.

What is your opinion about SkyMiles? Leave a comment below.

In this overview, I explain the SkyMiles program and how to benefit from it:

SkyMiles elite levels
How to earn SkyMiles in the air
How the earn SkyMiles on the ground
How to spend SkyMiles (and travel for free)
Best SkyMiles redemptions
Pros & things I like about SkyMiles
Cons & things I don’t like about SkyMiles
Poll: what’s the world’s best frequent flyer program?

1. SKYMILES ELITE LEVELS

Delta’s Skymiles program has four membership tiers that you can work your way up as you collect more miles. Silver Medallion is the entry-level; Gold Medallion the second level; Platinum Medallion the third level; and Diamond Medallion is the top-level. Each level has benefits and as you move from Silver to Gold then Plantinum and finally Diamond Medallion, these benefits become more valuable. Status is earned for USA based members through a combination of the number of miles flown and the fare class of your ticket (Medallion Qualifying Miles or MQMs), the number of flight you take (Medallion Qualifying Segments or MQSs) and the money spent with Delta and its many partners (Medallion Qualifying Dollars or MQDs). MQD requirements are waived if spending $25,000 USD per year on a Delta-branded American Express card.

Silver Medallion status is reached after 25,000 MQMs or 30 Medallion Qualifying Segments MQSs and $3,000 MQDs in a calendar year, and comes with the following benefits:
- Earn 7 miles per USD spent
- Complimentary upgrades for Silver member and one companion on paid flights (not award flights), up to 24 hours before departure if available
- One free checked bag for Silver member and up to 8 traveling companions on the same reservation
- Priority check-in and boarding
- Virgin Atlantic flights: priority check-in, priority boarding, and one additional checked bag (in addition to standard Virgin Atlantic allowance)
- Luggage tags to show off your status

Gold Medallion status is reached after 50,000 MQMs or 60 MQSs and $6,000 MQDs in a calendar year, and comes with all the Silver benefits plus:
- Earn 8 miles per USD spent
- Complimentary upgrades for Gold member and one companion, up to 72 hours before departure if available
- Complimentary upgrades on award tickets
- Two free checked bags for Gold member and up to 8 traveling companions on the same reservation
- Complimentary same-day changes and same-day standby
- Award booking fee waived
- SkyPriority check-in, security, and boarding on Delta and partners
- Access to airline lounges on international itineraries
- Hertz 5-Star status
- Virgin Atlantic flights: Premium Economy Class check-in and fast track security

Platinum Medallion status is reached after 75,000 MQMs or 100 MQSs and $9,000 MQDs in a calendar year, and comes with all the Gold benefits plus:
- Earn 9 miles per USD spent
- Complimentary upgrades for Platinum member and one companion, available up to 5 days before departure
- Three free checked bags for Platinum member and up to 8 traveling companions on the same reservation
- Award change and cancellation fees are waived
- One annual present (called Choice Benefit) with a pick from:
  - Four regional upgrade certificates
  - 20,000 bonus SkyMiles
  - Gift Silver Medallion status to a friend or family member
  - $200 USD Delta travel voucher
  - $200 Tiffany & Co. USD gift card
- Hertz President’s Circle Status
- Virgin Atlantic flights: Upper Class check-in, Upper Class security, Upper Class priority baggage handling, and lounge access.

Diamond Medallion status is reached after 125,000 MQMs or 140 segments and $15,000 MQDs in a calendar year, and comes with all the Platinum benefits plus:
- Earn 11 miles per USD spent
- Complimentary CLEAR membership to ease through airport security
- Three Choice Benefits with a pick from:
  - Delta Sky Club Membership options
  - Global & regional upgrade certificates
  - Gift Gold Medallion status to a friend or family member
  - 25,000 bonus miles for yourself, someone else, or a SkyWish charity of your choice
  - $200 USD Delta travel voucher
  - $200 USD Tiffany & Co. gift card

2. HOW TO EARN SKYMILES IN THE AIR

You earn two types of miles within the SkyMiles program: Medallion Qualifying Miles and award redeemable miles.

Medallion Qualifying Miles or MQMs are used only to determine Medallion status and are earned based on distance flown and fare class. MQMs reset each calendar year as you track toward a new year of status. The charts below shows how many Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs), Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs) and Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) you earn on Delta flights to qualify for Medallion status.

In addition to MQMs, you also earn award redeemable miles every time you fly with Delta. The amount of miles you earn is based on your status within the SkyMiles program at the time of travel:

General SkyMiles Members: 5 miles for every $1 USD
Silver Medallion Members: 7 miles for every $1 USD
Gold Medallion Members: 8 miles for every $1 USD
Platinum Medallion Members: 9 miles for every $1 USD
Diamond Medallion Members: 11 miles for every $1 USD

MQMs and award redeemable miles are also earned when flying one of Delta’s more than 20 airline partners, including all airlines of the SkyTeam alliance (world’s third largest airline alliance):

Aeroflot
Aerolíneas Argentinas
Aeromexico
Air Europa
Air France
Alitalia
China Airlines
China Eastern
China Southern
Czech Airlines
Delta Air Lines
Garuda Indonesia
Kenya Airways
KLM
Korean Air
Middle East Airlines
Saudia
TAROM
Vietnam Airlines
Xiamen Air
GOL (not a member of SkyTeam)
Hawaiian Airlines (not a member of SkyTeam)
WestJet (not a member of SkyTeam)
Virgin Atlantic (not a member of SkyTeam)
Virgin Australia (not a member of SkyTeam)

The number of MQMs and award redeemable miles you earn within the SkyMiles program can be checked here and depends on the marketing and ticketing carrier. Certain airline partner flights still earn miles based on distance instead of price. For example, this is the mileage you earn when flying Korean Air, a Delta SkyTeam partner:

3. HOW TO EARN SKYMILES ON THE GROUND

The possibilities to earn award redeemable miles and boost your account are endless within the SkyMiles program, even when not flying, by making use of the more than 1,000 additional SkyMiles partners.

Each time you stay in a hotel which partners with SkyMiles, you can earn miles. This will mostly be around 500 to 1000 miles per hotel stay. All you need to do is present your SkyMiles card number at check-in. This includes large hotel brands, such as Marriott, InterContinental, Hilton, Radisson, AccorHotels, Hyatt, Langham, Millennium Hotels, Shangri-La, and Worldhotels.

Several hotel loyalty programs allow you to convert your hotel points into SkyMiles. These programs include Marriott, InterContinental, Hilton, Radisson, and AccorHotels (you can read my reviews with pros and cons of most of these hotel loyalty programs here). Marriott Bonvoy – the loyalty program of Marriott Hotels – has the best conversion program as it allows you to convert Mariott points to SkyMiles frequent-flyer miles on a 3:1 basis, including a 15,000 conversion bonus when you convert 60,000 points, for a total of 25,000 miles.

SkyMiles also partners with Airbnb, which offers over 5 million unique homes to choose from for your next stay. You earn miles when staying (1 mile per $1 USD spent) or hosting with Airbnb worldwide. More information can be found on deltaairbnb.com.

SkyMiles members earn award redeemable miles every time they rent a car with one of the major car rental companies, including Herz, Alamo, National, Dollar, Thrifty, and Enterprise. The exact number of miles you earn for a car rental depends on the company and ranges from 50 to 500 miles per day.

Delta Air Lines not only offers flights, but also holiday packages (flights + hotels) as well as cruise holidays (in collaboration with major cruise companies such as Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival). Every time you book a holiday or a cruise via the dedicated Delta website, you will earn miles.

Members earn SkyMiles by shopping online on skymilesshopping.com, a collection hundreds of leading retailers, including Apple, Macy’s, Nike, and more.

Members earn SkyMiles every time they dine at thousands of participating restaurants in the USA.

Members earn SkyMiles when they purchase flowers, gift, and wine within the USA.

SkyMiles also offer the possibility to directly purchase tens of thousands of miles without flying, which can be an interesting option to explore if your mileage account is just short off an award ticket. The minimum mileage purchased per transaction is 2,000 with a maximum mileage of 60,000 deposited to a SkyMiles account per year.

You can dramatically increase your SkyMiles mileage earning with credit card spendings:
- You can transfer loyalty points from the American Express, Diner’s Club, Banco De Chile, and JCB credit card rewards programs into your SkyMiles account to boost your mileage account.
- One of the fastest ways to earn SkyMiles is by using an Delta Air Lines co-branded American Express credit card. These credit cards also offer considerable bonus miles upon your first purchase (often enough for a reward ticket).

4. HOW TO SPEND SKYMILES ON FREE TRAVEL

The best way to spend your SkyMiles is to redeem them for free flights on Delta. Unfortunately though, Delta does not publish an award chart, so there’s no reference to what an award should cost. To make things worse, Delta regularly introduces changes to its award pricing, with little or no advance notice. That said, the blog ‘Travel Is Free‘ has published an award chart that Delta (more or less) sticks to, which is included here for reference (although several award prices have increased or decreased since this chart was last published).

You can also spend your SkyMiles on a free ticket with one of Delta’s partner airlines to nearly 1,000 destinations worldwide. This includes all SkyTeam members, but also several non-SkyTeam members, such as Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Australia, GOL, Air Tahiti Nui, Thai Air Asia, Jetstar, and Skymark. Again, Delta does not publish a chart with how many miles you need for a redemption on a partner airline; the only way to find out is to search for it on Delta’s website or to call the Delta Reservations Department. Unfortunately, it costs more SkyMiles to fly partner carriers rather than Delta on routes originating from the US.

Besides redeeming them for free flights on Delta and partner airlines, there are several other ways to redeem your hard-earned SkyMiles:

You can use your miles to upgrade to the next cabin on most domestic and international flights marketed and operated by Delta. If you have already purchased a flight, you can use your miles to upgrade your trip on your own on delta.com or the Fly Delta app or via the Delta Reservations Department.

When you don’t have enough miles for the flight you want, SkyMiles offers you the option “Miles + Cash” to pay for a flight using a combination of miles and dollars. Remember, tickets purchased using Miles + Cash are award tickets and are subject to all the limitations of an award tickets. They are not eligible to earn miles, Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs), Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) or Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs).

Delta also allows you to pay (part of your) ticket with miles. Exclusively for select Delta SkyMiles Credit Card Members, “Pay with Miles” is a Card benefit that gives you more flexibility by taking dollars off of Delta tickets or allowing you to use miles when you don’t have quite enough to cover the full ticket.

You can also use your miles to fly onboard one of Delta’s Private Jets and travel seamlessly, effortlessly and luxuriously to your destination. Redemptions start at 2.5 million miles for a $25,000 USD Jet Card — enough to take up to four passengers round-trip from Atlanta to South Florida.

You can use miles or combine cash and miles for a vacation with packages inspired by hundreds of destinations, thousands of accommodations and endless activities. With the Miles to Go program, you can redeem miles when booking flights, hotel stays, rental cars and activities as part of your vacation package to any of our more than 300 destinations worldwide.

You can use SkyMiles for shopping.

You can buy or renew your Delta SkyClub membership with miles. Delta SkyClub refers to both the membership program and network of lounges operated by Delta Air Lines.

You can donate your miles to your favorite charity, to make the world a better place and help people in need.

Members can transfer miles to another member’s account in increments of 1,000 miles for 1 cent per mile plus a transaction fee of $30 USD. A maximum of 150,000 miles can be transferred out of a SkyMiles account in a calendar year; no more than 30,000 miles can be transferred per transaction.

5. BEST SKYMILES REDEMPTIONS

IMHO, the best way to spend SkyMiles is on a Business Class award flight on Delta’s own game-changing Business Class product, Delta One Suite. The suite offers passenger a private space accessed by a sliding door with thoughtfully designed personal stowage areas, an advanced in-flight entertainment system, and premium trim and finishes to create a comfortable, residential feel. The Delta One suite is currently only available on Delta’s A350s and some retrofitted B777s, which flies on selected routes such as Los Angeles to Sydney or Tokyo. Make sure your itinerary does not originate in Europe as SkyMiles sneakily adds a huge cash surcharge for these trips.

Another great way to spend SkyMiles is on a Business Class award flight on Virgin Atlantic, a non-SkyTeam partner of Delta. A one-way ticket starts at 86,000 miles in Upper Class (that is how Virgin Atlantic calls its Business Class) and gives you an experience in one of the most raved about Business Class experiences across the Atlantic Ocean. You can start your journey in London to get access to one of the best lounges in the world (Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse), but again, that will come with a considerable surcharge because of UK departure taxes (I do not recommend to originate a SkyMiles redemption from Europe).

Air France Business Class space is only released to Air France Flying Blue Members 305 days ahead of time, but the same space is generally released to Delta SkyMiles members 331 days before departure date. This is highly unusual, as most airlines offer better availability to their own members than the members of partners. So, if you like to plan your travels long in advance, it’s better to book your award ticket on Air France via Delta than via Air France itself.

SkyTeam is the largest airline alliance in China, so when you want to travel to China using your SkyMiles, you have plenty of options: China Airlines (based in Taipei), China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines (based in Shanghai), China Southern (based in Guangzhou), and Xiamen Airlines (based in Xiamen).

As a general rule, one-way award flights in the continental USA, Alaska, and Canada start at 10,000 SkyMiles. However, it is possible to find flights as low as 5,000 miles one-way on select domestic routes like San Francisco to Seattle. Sometimes, these are announced as limited-time SkyMiles flash sales; other times, they pop up when cash ticket prices are cheap.

6. PROS & THINGS I LIKE ABOUT SKYMILES

One of SkyMiles strongest points it that miles can be earned and/or used with more than 20 participating airlines. These include all the SkyTeam carriers (Aeroflot, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Europa, Air France, Alitalia, China Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern, Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Garuda Indonesia, Kenya Airways, KLM, Korean Air, Middle East Airlines, Saudia, Tarom, Vietnam Airlines, and Xiamen Air) but also several non-SkyTeam carriers (Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Australia, GOL, Hawaiian Airlines, WestJet, Air Tahiti Nui, Thai Air Asia, Jetstar, and Skymark). It means that you can earn and spend your miles to nearly 1,000 destinations worldwide.

Unlike many airline and hotel programs that require you to earn or redeem at least one mile every year to keep your account in good standing, that’s not the case with Delta Air Lines SkyMiles. In short, Delta SkyMiles do not expire which is very rare among loyalty programs.

Each year, the Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) you earn above your Medallion tier will roll over to the next qualification year to give you a jump start on earning status again. Delta is the only airline to offer this benefit.

Delta is the only frequent flyer program in the world that allows you to earn elite status without ever flying through credit card spending. If you have all four Delta co-branded cards issued by American Express that earn Medallion Qualifying Miles (MQMs), you could put enough spend on the four cards to earn Delta Platinum status, as explained by the blog “The Points Guy“.

Delta Air Lines has the best Business Class product of all North American airlines (private suites with a sliding door), making the program an excellent choice if you want to earn or redeem miles for flying Delta One Suite.

The Delta SkyMiles program is convenient for frequent flyers based in USA cities like Atlanta, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis and Seattle, and for passengers who often travel to and from New York City.

SkyMiles offers a generous amount of bonus miles to its elite members. Diamond Medallion members earn a 120% bonus, Platinum Medallion members earn an 80% bonus, Medallion Gold members earn a 60% bonus and Medallion Silver members earn a 40% bonus on top of base miles earned traveling with Delta and participating airlines.

SkyMiles allows one way award tickets.

SkyMiles allows open jaw award tickets. For exemple, you can fly into Amsterdam and out of Paris or fly into Africa and out of Europe.

There are no blackout dates or capacity controls within the SkyMiles program.

You can achieve status for life within the Delta SkyMiles program. Million Miler status is based on total Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) earned over a Member’s lifetime. Complimentary annual Medallion Status is awarded annually and is valid from beginning to end of the Medallion calendar. Benefits associated with complimentary Status are awarded upon annual renewal of complimentary Status. Silver Million Miles status is reached after collecting 1 million MQMs, Gold Million Miler status after collecting 2 million MQMs, and Platinum Million Miles status after collecting 4 million MQMs.

Reclaim My Status is a unique benefit of the SkyMiles program designed to help you return to status if life slows down your travel. This benefit kicks in when something happens that impacts your ability to travel, and you’re unable to reach the tier of Medallion status you previously had. This includes things like becoming a new parent, changing jobs, going back to school, experiencing a medical issue, needing to take care of a friend or family member or another life event. When you’re ready to start traveling again, you can submit a request to Delta get your Medallion status back. If your request is approved, you will return to the Diamond, Platinum, Gold or Silver Medallion status based on the Medallion status you enjoyed before. This complimentary status will last for three months beginning on the date your request is approved. To extend your status beyond the complimentary three months, you must meet the minimum travel and spend thresholds for your status tier during this three-month period.

7. CONS & THINGS I DON’T LIKE ABOUT SKYMILES

Delta was the first airline to make its frequent flyer program revenue-based, meaning that miles are awarded based on dollars spent rather than number of miles flown. The Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs) you earn are based on the price of your ticket excluding taxes and fees. When traveling with SkyTeam partners, you will earn elite qualifying dollars as a percentage of the distance flown and the fare class of your ticket. It means you must fly and spend a lot to reach elite status.

As mentioned above, Delta does not publish an award chart, so there’s no reference to what an award should cost and the carrier makes you pay for an award ticket what it wants you to pay.

Stopovers are not permitted: layovers are limited to four hours within the USA and to 24 hours in a non-USA destination.

There is a possible surcharge on award flights originating in Europe and on some airline partners.

Delta is notorious for only releasing limited seating available for award travel. There are other airlines in the SkyTeam alliance though that are far more generous with award availability, such as AeroMexico, Air France and KLM.

Delta charges a $150 USD cancellation fee on award tickets (waived for its elite members).

The SkyMiles program is prone to frequent and unannounced changes that can drastically alter the value of points – for the better or for the worse – making it difficult to determine what your points are going to be worth in the long run.

MQD requirements are waived for Silver, Gold, and Platinum Medillion members if they spend $25,000 USD per year on a Delta-branded American Express card. To reach Diamond Medallion status though, the MQD waiver can only be achieved by making $250,000 USD or more (!!!) in eligible purchases during the calendar year with eligible Delta SkyMiles credit cards from American Express.

It costs more SkyMiles to fly partner carriers rather than Delta on routes originating from the US. For example, Delta Business Class from New York to London costs 70,000 miles at its lowest price while the same route costs 86,000 miles on Virgin Atlantic-operated routes.

8. POLL

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