The Traveller's Destinations: 10 best summer destinations in 2023

THE TRAVELLER'S DESTINATIONS 1 0 B E S T S U M M E R D E S T I N A T I O N S I N 2 0 2 3

FLY BUSINESS CLASS FOR FREE

How to book a £5,500 business class flight for free

TRAVEL GEAR OF THE MONTH The camera backpack for your travel needs

HAND LUGGAGE MUST HAVE Must have in hand luggage list

April 2023

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 04

Best summer destinations in 2023

15 Review: British Airways' Club Suite from London to Sydney

17 Travel gear of the month

18 How to book a £5,500 flight from UK to Australia for free

23 Must have in hand luggage list

The Traveller's Destinations

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EDITOR'S NOTE

Dear Travellers, As the summer season approaches, many of us are eagerly planning our vacations and looking for exciting travel destinations to visit. To help you narrow down your choices, we've compiled a list of the 10 best destinations to consider for your summer travels.

Please keep in mind that the COVID-19 pandemic may still impact travel restrictions and guidelines, so it's important to check the latest information from official sources before making any travel plans.

No matter which destination you choose, make sure to prioritize your health and safety by following all necessary precautions and guidelines. Happy travels!

Rodrigo

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BAGAN

10 best summer destinations in 2023 Myanmar Explore the awe-inspiring ancient city of Bagan, located in Myanmar, and be transported to a world of wonder and enchantment. Discover the intricate carvings, exquisite frescoes, and stunning architecture of the many temples and pagodas that make up this incredible destination. Take to the skies in a hot air balloon and witness the stunning panorama of thousands of temples and pagodas rising from the golden plains. Experience the warmth of local hospitality and indulge in delicious cuisine. Bagan is a true testament to the enduring power of human creativity and innovation, and a reminder of the infinite potential that lies within us all.

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BALABAC

10 best summer destinations in 2023 Philippines Discover the pristine beauty of Balabac, a hidden gem located in the southernmost part of Palawan, Philippines. With its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and abundant marine life, Balabac is a paradise for beach lovers and adventure seekers alike. Swim with sea turtles and colorful fish, snorkel in the vibrant coral reefs, or simply bask in the sun on the idyllic beaches. Experience the warm hospitality of the locals and indulge in the delicious fresh seafood cuisine. Balabac is a true haven for those seeking a secluded tropical escape, and a reminder of the incredible natural wonders that can be found in the Philippines.

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BALI

10 best summer destinations in 2023 Indonesia Escape to Bali, Indonesia, and experience a summer vacation like no other. With its lush jungles, stunning beaches, and rich culture, Bali offers endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the local culture with visits to ancient temples and traditional villages. Explore the island's stunning natural wonders, from majestic waterfalls to verdant rice paddies. Or simply unwind on the idyllic beaches, soaking in the tropical sun and sipping on refreshing cocktails. Bali is a true paradise for those seeking a unique and unforgettable summer vacation, and a reminder of the beauty and magic of Southeast Asia.

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LANG CO BAY 10 best summer destinations in 2023 Vietnam Explore the cultural and natural wonders of central Vietnam with a trip to Lang Co Bay and Hue. Start your journey with a scenic drive along the Hai Van Pass, passing by Lang Co Bay's stunning coastline. Discover the historical city of Hue, with its ancient temples, imperial palaces, and rich culture. Immerse yourself in the local traditions with visits to traditional villages and markets. Then return to Lang Co Bay to unwind on the idyllic beaches, surrounded by lush greenery and rugged mountains. Experience the warm hospitality of the locals and indulge in the delicious Vietnamese cuisine. Lang Co Bay and Hue offer a perfect combination of history, culture, and natural beauty.

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LISBON

10 best summer destinations in 2023 Portugal Experience the vibrant and charming city of Lisbon, Portugal, during the summer months. With its warm weather, stunning architecture, and lively atmosphere, Lisbon offers a perfect blend of culture and relaxation. Explore the city's historic neighborhoods, including the iconic Alfama district and the charming Bairro Alto. Take a stroll along the scenic waterfront and enjoy a delicious Portuguese meal at one of the many restaurants and cafes. Discover the city's rich cultural scene, with world-class museums and music festivals. Lisbon's warm hospitality and Mediterranean charm will leave you with unforgettable memories of a summer well-spent in Portugal.

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MELBOURNE

10 best summer destinations in 2023 Australia Discover the best of both worlds with a trip to Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road, Australia. Start your journey in the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne, with its bustling cafes, vibrant street art, and world-class cultural institutions. Then embark on a scenic drive along the stunning Great Ocean Road, passing by the iconic Twelve Apostles and other breathtaking coastal landmarks. Immerse yourself in the region's rich history and natural beauty, with opportunities for hiking, surfing, and wildlife spotting. Experience the warm hospitality of the locals and indulge in delicious Australian cuisine. Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road offer a perfect combination of culture, adventure, and natural beauty.

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PAPHOS

10 best summer destinations in 2023 Cyprus Welcome to Paphos, a charming coastal city located in the southwestern region of Cyprus.

With its rich history, beautiful beaches, and warm climate, Paphos is a perfect destination for those seeking a mix of culture and relaxation. Discover the city's fascinating archaeological sites, including the famous Tombs of the Kings and the Roman ruins at the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park. Or simply bask in the sun on the stunning beaches, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and rugged cliffs. Experience the warm hospitality of the locals and indulge in the delicious Cypriot cuisine. Paphos is a true haven for those seeking a tranquil Mediterranean getaway.

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PHU QUOC

10 best summer destinations in 2023 Vietnam Escape to the tropical paradise of Phu Quoc, Vietnam, and experience a world of white sandy beaches, lush greenery, and crystal-clear waters. With its pristine natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere, Phu Quoc is the perfect destination for those seeking a tranquil getaway. Explore the island's stunning coral reefs, indulge in the delicious fresh seafood cuisine, or simply unwind on the idyllic beaches, surrounded by palm trees and tropical gardens. Experience the warm hospitality of the locals and immerse yourself in the local culture with visits to traditional villages and markets. Phu Quoc is a true gem of Southeast Asia, waiting to be discovered.

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SIEM REAP

10 best summer destinations in 2023 Cambodia Step back in time and explore the ancient wonders of Siem Reap and Angkor Wat, Cambodia.

Discover the fascinating history and intricate architecture of the Khmer Empire, with visits to the stunning temples and ruins of Angkor Wat. Immerse yourself in the local culture with visits to traditional villages and markets, and indulge in the delicious Cambodian cuisine. Relax and unwind in the charming city of Siem Reap, with its lush gardens, bustling markets, and warm hospitality. Siem Reap and Angkor Wat offer a unique and unforgettable journey through the rich history and culture of Southeast Asia.

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ZERMATT

10 best summer destinations in 2023 Switzerland Experience the beauty and serenity of Zermatt, Switzerland, in the summer months. Surrounded by majestic mountains and lush greenery, Zermatt transforms into a nature lover's paradise in the warmer seasons. Take a leisurely stroll through the village and soak in the charming atmosphere of the quaint chalets and restaurants. Or embark on a scenic hike through the surrounding trails, stopping to admire the stunning views of the Matterhorn and other peaks. For a unique adventure, take a ride on the Gornergrat railway and witness the breathtaking panorama from the summit. Zermatt in summer is a true haven for those seeking tranquility, beauty, and outdoor adventure.

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Once a year go some place you've never been before.

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travel

review

b Suite CluAirways Theby British If you're looking for a luxurious and comfortable way to travel from London to Sydney, the British Airways Club Suite is a great option. With a private suite, direct aisle access, and a range of amenities designed to make your journey as enjoyable as possible, you're sure to arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and relaxed.

If you're looking for a luxurious and comfortable way to travel from London to Sydney, the British Airways Club Suite might just be the ticket. This latest business class product from British Airways offers passengers a private suite with a door, direct aisle access, and a range of amenities designed to make your journey as enjoyable as possible.

The Club Suite is designed with comfort in mind, featuring a lie-flat seat with a massage function, a personal entertainment screen with a large selection of movies and TV shows, and noisecancelling headphones to block out any unwanted noise. The suite also includes a sliding privacy screen, giving you complete control over your own space during the flight.

One of the standout features of the Club Suite is the inflight entertainment system. Each suite includes an 18.5-inch HD screen with a large selection of movies, TV shows, and music to choose from. Passengers can also connect their own devices to the screen via Bluetooth, allowing them to watch their own content during the flight.

The food and beverage options on the flight are also excellent, with a menu designed by celebrity chef Tom Kerridge. Passengers can enjoy a range of meals, including hot breakfasts, snacks, and three-course dinners. The selection of wines, spirits, and champagne is also top-notch, with options to suit every taste.

But perhaps the biggest selling point of the Club Suite is the privacy it offers. Each suite has its own door, giving you complete privacy during the flight. This is a particularly appealing feature for long-haul flights like London to Sydney, where passengers may want to sleep or relax without being disturbed by other passengers.

Of course, the Club Suite comes with a premium price tag. It's generally more expensive than standard business class fares, so it may not be the right choice for everyone. However, for those who want to travel in style and comfort, the British Airways Club Suite is definitely worth considering.

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travel gear of the

month

EXPLORE V2 25 STARTER KIT International Carry-On Compatible and Travel Friendly Design Multiple Access Points Adjustable Torso Height Small Mirrorless Core Unit Modular Camera Insert Included Tripod & Water Bottle Pockets The Shimoda Explore V2 25 backpack is a high-quality, versatile camera backpack designed for outdoor adventures and travel photography. It features a durable, weather-resistant construction with a customizable interior compartment that can accommodate a variety of camera gear, including full-frame DSLRs and multiple lenses.

The backpack has a comfortable harness system with adjustable shoulder straps, a hip belt, and a sternum strap to help distribute weight evenly and reduce fatigue during long hikes. It also has a number of convenient features, such as a hydration system compatibility, tripod straps, and multiple external pockets for organizing small accessories.

travel

comfortably

how to book a £5,500 business class flight for free Well.. its a free seat, but you need to pay for the tax which cost nothing really..

Are you tired of cramped economy seats and mediocre airplane food? Do you want to experience the luxury of business or first class travel without shelling out at least £5,500 per person? Then look no further, here’s our take on how to bag a £5,500 business class flight for free. Free seats would mean you still need to pay for

taxes which could range from £1 to £1000 depending on the distance of the destination. This method is still way cheaper than booking an economy by cash. A perfect example would be a flight from Manchester to Sydney - economy seat + taxes would cost you about £1200 on an economy return flight per person.

Using Avios, the air currency of British Airways and selected partners, it would only cost 250,000 Avios and £1000 in taxes - on a business class return flight. If you book Manchester to Sydney by cash

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What is Avios and why did I chose the program? on a business class flight, you have to lose £5,500 on a return flight. This way you get to travel on a long-haul flight comfortably, without breaking the wallet. Another example is a London to Turin economy seat which would cost 12,500 Avios and £1 in tax, while if you book it and then pay by cash it’ll cost £200. That’s why people have been crazy about Avios recently.

Let’s talk more about Avios.

What is Avios?

Avios is the frequent flyer currency of British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus and Qatar Airways, and can be used with other Oneworld airlines with the likes of Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air (from 2024), Qantas, Royal Jordanian, Royal Air Maroc & Sri Lankan Airlines.

First things first, to take advantage of the Avios program you need to join. Signing up is free, and you'll start earning points

right away. Once you're a member, you can earn points by flying with BA and partner airlines, staying at partner hotels, renting cars, and even by shopping with Avios credit cards. Join BA executive club here.

Why did I choose the Avios program?

I started years ago collecting Cathay Pacific’s Asiamiles but it was difficult for me to achieve my 500 thousand airmiles goal. Cathay Pacific is based in Hong Kong and as I'm not a Hong Kong resident I couldn't get a credit card that will reward me Asiamiles. So, I've decided to dump Asia miles and move to Avios. To make everything better, Avios doesn't have an expiry date unlike Asiamiles which expires after 3 years if not used. Since BA is part of the oneworld alliance airlines, I could collect and redeem a flight with BA and its partner airlines, so I'm not confined to flying with 1 airline.

...

"Adventures begins with Avios"

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How do I collect hundred thousand avios quickly I join credit cards specifically the ones that has Avios rewards. I tend to go for the ones with massive sign-up bonuses.

Here are some of UK credit cards with impressive Avios sign up bonus: British Airways American Express Premium Plus card is on top of the list.

Why? Because you’ll get 1.5 Avios per £1 spend, 3 Avios per £1 spend with British Airways, and a sign-up bonus of 26,000 Avios if you join here. The sign-up bonus will be triggered when you spend £3000 within the first 3 months of your card membership. But that’s not my favourite part. With BA Amex premium plus card, you can earn a companion voucher which can be used as a redeem-one-get-onefree in ANY cabin. Basically, it’ll give you a 50% discount on your Avios redemption in any cabin including first and business class. On top of that, it also offers free travel insurance, global assist, and excellent customer service. It comes with an annual fee, £250 per membership year, which is refundable prorate when you1realized that it’s not for you. When you cancel your membership, all Avios and companion vouchers earned is yours.

AMEX the platinum card, you can get 40,000 membership points as a sign-up bonus, in which can be transferred to your Avios account, or Hilton rewards account. Although the annual fee is pretty expensive which is £595 per

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American express and Barclayscard and its avios rewards membership year, it comes with ample benefits which really outweighs the annual fee. The card benefits include a one off £200 to use on Amex travel, £150 credit back every calendar year when you dine in locally, £150 credit back every calendar year when you dine in abroad, £50 credit back every 6 months from Harvey Nichols, amex lounge access in every city in the planet, priority pass access plus a guest in every airport, hotel benefits and premium membership in Hilton, Radisson and melia hotels, rental car benefits and membership with Hertz and Avis, worldwide travel insurance, and my favourite of all - the metal card. If you’d like to join the platinum, click here to get 40,000 membership points which equals to 40,000 avios. As like the BA Amex premium plus, the membership fee for the platinum is refundable prorate when you decides to cancel.

The Traveller's Destinations

Barclayscard avios card. Almost all merchats accepts AMEX, but there are still a few who don’t. Barclasycard avios is a perfect plan B as it is a mastercard. If you’re new, you’ll get 5,000 and 25,000 avios as a sign up bonus for the avios card and the avios plus respectively. Both cards offer 1 avios per £1 spend, but the difference between the two cards is the monthly fee and the upgrade voucher.

With the ordinary barclasycard, you’ll get a British Airways upgrade voucher if you spend £20,000 every year while with the avios plus, you only need to spend £10,000 in a year to get the upgrade voucher. The upgrade voucher lets you redeem a seat in a cabin and pay on the lower cabin with your avios. If you want to join the barclayscard, click here.

Secondly, I use the credit cards to purchase everything on a day to day basis, from food shopping, to dog food items, hotel bookings, paying electric bills, and many more. In every penny I spend, I receive avios with it.

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How can I redeem cheap avios when booking so I can save more?

Be Flexible with your travel dates Being flexible with your travel dates can make a big difference in the number of Avios points you need to book your flight.

By flying during off-peak times or choosing a less popular destination, you can save big on your flight. Also, some airlines have dynamic pricing, meaning that the cost of the flight in points can vary depending on the time of year and demand.

Plan ahead Planning ahead is key to booking a business class flight using Avios. Most airlines release award seats up to a year in advance, so start planning your trip early to ensure availability and to maximize your points. Don't wait until the last minute, as award seats may be limited or not available at all. Some destinations like New York have a lot award seats for premium cabins, whereas destinations like Maldives don’t.

The Traveller's Destinations

Use a Combination of Points and Cash If you don't have enough Avios points to cover the cost of a business class flight, don't fret. You can use a combination of points and cash to pay for your ticket. This is a great option if you don't want to use all of your points at once or if you want to save them for a future trip.

Take Advantage of Promotions and Special Offers Avios often runs promotions and special offers that can help you earn bonus points or save on flights. Keep an eye out for these deals and take advantage of them whenever possible. Sign up for the Avios newsletter to stay informed of the latest offers.

Choose the Right Airline and Route Not all airlines and routes are created equal when it comes to redeeming Avios points for business class flights. Some airlines may charge high taxes and fees, while others may not have availability on popular routes. Do your research and choose the airline and route that offers the best value for your points.

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Journey

Tips

Must have in hand luggage list Are you planning a holiday and wondering what to bring in your hand luggage?

The items you pack in your carry-on bag can make a big difference in how comfortable and enjoyable your journey is, especially if you have a long flight or layover. Here are some essential items you should consider bringing in your hand luggage on your next holiday.

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passport toiletries

Before you even think about what to pack in your hand luggage, make sure you have all your travel documents in order. This includes your passport, boarding pass, travel itinerary, and any visas or permits required for your destination.

It's always a good idea to pack a change of clothes in your hand luggage in case your checked luggage gets delayed or lost. Pack a clean shirt, socks, and underwear, and any essential toiletries, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant.

credit card charger

Keep any important documents, cash, and valuables, such as jewelry or electronics, in your hand luggage. This way, you can keep an eye on them at all times and minimize the risk of theft or loss.

The Traveller's Destinations

Don't forget to bring a travel adapter if you are traveling to a country with different electrical outlets. Also, make sure to pack all the necessary charging cables for your devices.

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Rodrigo Monzon Managing Editor

Eunice Pabines Writer, Photographer

Clover Ngo Photographer

Adam Meakin Writer

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