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The Best Airline Stopover Programs

Instead of spending all day in an airport waiting for your connecting flight, take advantage of these eight airlines’s stopover programs, where you can spend up to a week exploring a new city, often for no extra fee. From Toronto to Dubai, happy exploring.

Lisbon
Buoyed by its new partnership with JetBlue, Portugal’s TAP is offering great deals on flights between the U.S. and Europe, with up to three-day-long stopovers in Lisbon (which Condé Nast Traveler named the continent’s most underrated city) to sweeten the deal.

How to Book It: Head straight to TAP’s “Discover Portugal” page, where you can book flights, pick from a list of hotels that offer discounts for people taking part in the stopover program, and download TAP’s branded app full of tips for your visit.

Panama City
If you’re heading to the Caribbean or South America, why not stretch your vacation out just a little bit longer with a stopover in Panama City? Flights between those two regions and the United States qualify for Copa’s complimentary stopover program, and since Copa is part of the Star Alliance you can also bank additional miles to use on airlines like United, Lufthansa, Air Canada, or Singapore Airlines.

How to Book It: While you can look for flights via Copa’s special stopover website, you have to make the actual booking over the phone. If you’ve already booked a Copa ticket and want to change it to include the free stopover, you’re unfortunately too late as the whole package must be arranged at the same time.

Reykjavik
Icelandair’s famous stopover program in Reykjavik is the grandfather of these programs. Conceived in the 1970s as a way to boost tourism to then-largely unknown Nordic capital, the program—which lets North Americans en route to Europe (or vice versa) spend 3-7 days in Iceland for free—is so successful that it was credited with making Reykjavik a major tourist destination to this day.

How to book It: The layover program is such a core part of Icelandair’s business that it has its very own website. Plug in your dates, specify whether you want to do the stopover on the way to or from your final destination, and go from there.

Toronto
Air Canada’s free Toronto stopover program, which launched in early 2016, came out of two goals: to encourage people to take advantage of flight deals to Europe and Asia, and to boost tourism for Canada’s biggest city. Travelers can spend up to one week in Toronto on their way to or from another destination, and the biggest market so far is Americans.

How to book it: Head straight to the Toronto stopover microsite. On top of booking your flights, you can also buy tickets for the UP Express, an express train that connects the airport with downtown Toronto and pick up a City Pass, which will get you free entrance to most major attractions in the city.

Helsinki
Never flown FinnAir? Now’s your chance. The Nordic airline is sweetening the deal for trips to Europe and Asia via Helsinki by offering free layovers in the Finnish capital. You can stay for up to five days on either side of your trip, so choose wisely, and Helsinki’s location makes it easy to pop over to Tallinn or Stockholm if you want to squeeze in another city break.

How to book It: FinnAir’s easy-to-use stopover page should have everything you need. You can also sign up for one of several approved package tours (themed around Northern Lights spotting, reindeer petting, an authentic sauna trip, or simply exploring the city) at the same time.

Abu Dhabi
If you’re flying on Etihad and connecting in Abu Dhabi, take a break and stretch your legs in town. You can stay for up to 96 hours without a visa, and the airline offers a deal where you can get two nights in a hotel for the price of one. It’s not free, but it is very affordable: rates begin from $37 USD per person. Etihad also has relationships with local vendors, and you can get two-for-one deals on lots of local activities, like city tours or a round of golf at Yas Links Golf Course.
How to book It: Head to the Etihad stopover page to do everything at once, or opt for the multi-city booking page if you are more flexible with your flight schedule.

For information on traveling to this locale and or additional information on this or any other article please contact us here. Or call tel: +1. 305.445.7791

Bangkok
If you’re considering going to Australia this fall or winter, break up those crazy long flights by booking on Thai Airways and taking a free layover in Bangkok. The airline’s new limited-edition program only works on flights from Oz, but it’s a great way to extend your trip.

How to book It: Once you’ve booked your flights, fill out Thai Airways’s online form for stopover passengers and give the company up to three business days to get in touch with you about arrangements.

Shanghai
One potential headache when visiting mainland China is filling out visa paperwork. But you can sidestep that process by booking an Air China stopover that gives you up to 96 hours (the max amount of time you can spend in the country sans document) in either Shanghai or Beijing. Still, despite the lack of a visa requirement, you’ll still have to sign up for an approved tour and book into a hotel on the airline’s list, so consider this a way to get a first glimpse of China rather than a full-on vacation.

How to Book It: Contact Air China directly to book the whole shebang, from flights to packages. The airline doesn’t list layover package prices online, so definitely ask for rates first.

Dubai
Not only is Emirates consistently rated one of the best airlines in the world, it also offers a great way to see its hub city of Dubai. The airline sells a range of stopover packages that can be booked as little as 48 hours ahead of your flight, which is great for impulsive travelers, and an agent can book your hotel or apartment for you at the same time. An airline rep will greet you at the airport, and you’ll get a free booklet with info about what to do in town. Bonus: any hotel included in the package offers 24-hour reception for Emirates guests, because jet lag is for real.

How to book It: Once you’ve nailed down your flight details, contact Emirates online or by phone. There’s a huge online catalogue of layover options, but absolutely zero prices—you’ll need to ask an agent for quotes.

For information on traveling to this locale and or additional information on this or any other article please contact us here. Or call tel: +1. 305.445.7791

FALL COLORS WHEN & WHERE THEY’LL PEAK

The steaminess of summer has finally worn off and most of the country is getting that first cool nip in the air, which means it’s time to crack open that pumpkin beer, break out your decorative gourds, and get outside to see America’s annual show of fall colors. READ MORE

Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, and Starwood Officially Combine Loyalty Programs

The major move makes it easier to earn points for free nights at more than 6,700 hotels.

It’s a done deal: Travelers who’d been in the Starwood Preferred Guest and Ritz-Carlton Rewards loyalty programs are now Marriott Rewards members. The world’s biggest hotel brand wrapped the long-promised combination the three programs after setting an August 18 deadline for the cutover. “The programs now
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A casual aperitivo with Italian soccer legends

The world has been collectively huddled around a TV during June and July, beers in hand, as the World Cup waged on. Grown men shed tears as Neymar and Messi showed they were merely demigods, not actual gods, and Brits and Croatians screamed over penalty kicks.

For information on traveling to this locale and or additional information on this or any other article please contact us here. Or call tel: +1. 305.445.7791

How much would you pay to hang out with your favorite World Cup player? Could you even put a price on it? Family-run Baglioni Hotels, a luxury Italian line, is banking on that fervor as it rolls out its new Assoluto Signature Programme—a set of VIP experiences that gives guests of select Rome and Milan hotels the chance to hang out with Italian soccer legends (along with a dozen other behind-the-velvet-rope-type outings). By checking into a Signature Suite at Baglioni Hotel Regina in Rome, pictured, or Baglioni Hotel Carlton in Milan (rates start at €2,500 for two nights), soccer fans have access to the Baglioni’s Rolodex (what’s the modern Rolodex—iPhone contacts?) of friends, starting with World Cup heroes Andrea Pirlo and Alessandro Del Piero, who helped lead Italy to a FIFA world championship in 2006, and “beautiful Antonio” himself, Antonio Cabrini, who played on the 1982 World Cup–winning team. If you want to have an aperitivo in your suite with the guys, or play a round of golf, or check out Pirlo’s winery, Baglioni can help with that. (Price available upon request, but assume it’ll be more than your plane ticket over.)

The Assoluto experiences don’t stop at soccer—they also deliver access to artists, musicians, designers, and chefs. You can ask for a private concert by Italian opera-pop trio Il Volo, a look inside the Versace atelier in Milan, or a session with one of Italy’s oldest watchmaking families. You can even ask well-known portrait photographer Claudio Porcarelli how he got Harrison Ford to sit for him. The suites are no joke, either, complete with shades of cream and gold, chandeliers and chaises, and terraces perfect for a setting sun and a debate with legends over who’s the GOAT.
LAURA DANNEN REDMAN

For information on traveling to this locale and or additional information on this or any other article please contact us here. Or call tel: +1. 305.445.7791

How to Tip in 25 Countries Around the World

There are 196 countries in the world and they all have different tipping practices. Should you leave your spare change? Tack on 20 percent? Leave a few Euros on the table? Gratuities around the globe can be a real head-scratcher. Don’t wait until you’ve already ordered and plowed through your tapas in Madrid or devoured your flat white and lamington in Sydney to figure out whether or not you should leave a tip. Instead, do a little pre-mealtime research—this guide can help.

A good rule of thumb no matter where you are is to try and pay your tip in cash. When you tip on your credit card, that kindly server who didn’t charge you the split plate fee, may not see all of your generous tip. Plus, some restaurants may not be equipped to accept gratuities via credit cards. Instead, hand a cash tip directly to the server. Also, be sure to tip in the currency of the country you are visiting. Dollars may be worth more, but they aren’t necessarily a server’s currency of choice.

Here’s a handy guide to tipping etiquette by country according to Trip Advisor’s 25 most popular places in the world.

Buenos Aires, Argentina
After you’ve cleaned the last dot of chimichurri off of your plate, ordered the dulce de leche, and asked for the check, remember that it is customary to add a 10-15 percent tip, according to Trip Advisor. Gratuities should be made in cash whenever possible.

Sydney, Australia
Wait staff in Australia are paid a livable wage, so they don’t need customers to prop up their paychecks. That means, they don’t expect tips, but according to Australia’s Traveller site, you can if you want to. If you receive excellent service, there’s no harm in rounding up the bill or leaving a few extra dollars. Same goes for taxis: Tips are not expected, but always appreciated.

Prague, Czech Republic
If you’ve just finished your coffee and cake at Café Slav or polished off your sandwich at Grand Café Orient, according to Prague’s national travel site, your next step should always be to check the bill to see if service was included. If not, tip between 10 and 15 percent. Tips are not expected, but are becoming standard—especially in tourist areas. In taxis, there’s no need to tip on a flat fare that was agreed upon in advance. Otherwise, round up or add 10 percent to the bill.

For information on traveling to this locale and or additional information on this or any other article please contact us here. Or call tel: +1. 305.445.7791

Dubai, UAE
Before you pay the bill in Dubai, check to see if service charge has been added. According to Business Insider, a 10 percent service charge is typical at hotels, restaurants, and bars.

Paris, France
As anyone who studied high school French knows, the words “service compris” mean that service is included. That phrase appears on most restaurant bills in France, meaning you don’t need to tip. However, most people leave change or round up a little on the bill. As any French 101 student can also tell you, the French word for “tip” is “pourboire,” which literally translates to “to have a drink.” As The Guardian points out, French waiters are paid a minimal wage and your tips let them have money for a few glasses of Pernod or vin blanc.

Rome, Italy
Tips are not expected in Italy, but are seen as magna and who doesn’t want to seem generous? Typically leave a few Euros on the table, but not more than 10 percent of the total. Before you tip, though, scan the bill to see if the restaurant has already charged you for service typically listed as “coperto,” or a cover charge, which is common in restaurants in tourist areas, according to The Guardian.

Tokyo, Japan
For the most part, the Japanese keep it simple—don’t tip whether you’re at a restaurant, bar, or ramen shop. Good service is simply part of Japanese life. That said, according to Rocket News 24, there is an alternate (and somewhat complicated) tipping system in Japan that involves some advanced level protocol where staff at ryokens are given a small sum in advance of service. Try at your own risk!

Marrakech, Morocco
The streets of Marrakech are filled with restaurants offering steaming pastillas, bowls of b’ssara, delicate briouate, and the little deep fried potato balls known as makouda. Try them all and when you pay the bill, tack on an additional 5-10 percent to your restaurant bill to give your servers, according to Business Insider. They also mention that hotel porters should get $1 a bag and to round up the fare for taxi drivers.

For information on traveling to this locale and or additional information on this or any other article please contact us here. Or call tel: +1. 305.445.7791

Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Whether you want to blame NAFTA or tourists, when it comes to tipping, Mexico has fallen under the sway of the U.S. It’s now customary to leave about 10-15 percent of the bill at restaurants. At bars and casual road side taco stands, you can get away with less, but as Thrillist notes, it’s worth keeping in mind that the minimum wage is under $5/day, so it can’t hurt to be generous.

Related: Playa del Carmen Travel Guide

Barcelona, Spain
Service is typically included in restaurant bills in Spain, and there’s no need to leave an additional tip. However, if the service is particularly good or you’re feeling generous, add 10 percent to the bill in a high-end establishment, or simply leave your change or round up to the nearest Euro in more casual spots. In bars, there’s no need to tip at all.

Cape Town, South Africa
Like in much of the world, diners taking advantage of Cape Town’s vibrant food scene typically add a 10-15 percent tip to their restaurant bills. According to South Africa’s national website, hotel porters usually receive R10 to R20 per bag (that averages to about $1 a bag) and it’s customary to round-up the fare for taxi drivers.

Bangkok, Thailand
It’s not necessary to tip in restaurants Thailand, however like in much of the world, it’s customary to leave a few baht on the table. That said, tips are always appreciated and happily accepted. According to Trip Advisor, give a few baht to porters and round up the fare in taxis.

London, United Kingdom
After a meal in England, Scotland, Wales, or Ireland, the first order of business is to inspect the bill to see if service has already been included. If not, add between 10 and 15 percent to the bill (or more if the service is particularly good) according to The Guardian. There’s no need to tip in pubs, though, so if you are feeling skint, as the Brits say, stick to picking up lunch in a bar.

Hong Kong, China
Tipping has never been part of life in China. Whether you’re eating fried buns from a street vendor in Shanghai or dining in style at Heritage in Beijing’s Wanda Plaza, tipping is simply not necessary. However, as NPR notes, there is a quirky new tipping trend taking hold at hip restaurants that might mean gratuities are in China’s future.

Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon Guide says that guest should tip around five percent at coffee shops and 10 percent in restaurants, basically leaving more when there has been more service. (So, if you’re dining at Lisbon standouts Belcanto or A Travessa, tip on the higher end of the scale.) If you’re in a tourist-heavy area, check the bill to see if service has already been added. No need to tip cab drivers, but it’s always appreciated if you round up the fare.

Hanoi, Vietnam
Whether you’ve just polished off a plate of housemade tofu at Cuc Gach Quan in Ho Chi Minh City or grabbing a cup of coffee at Hanoi’s Café Nang, be prepared to tip. Leave five to 10 percent on your restaurant bill, according to Business Insider. There’s no need to tip hotel porters or taxi drivers, but feel free to leave change.

Istanbul, Turkey
Tips (or bahşiş in Turkish) are not necessary in inexpensive establishments around Istanbul, but they are always appreciated. In higher end spots or restaurants in tourist-heavy areas like Sultanahmet (the Old City), tips of about 10 or 15 percent are expected. Turkey Travel Planner warns that you usually cannot include the tip on a credit card charge. Instead, hand your server their tip in cash (Turkish lira, not American dollars).

New York City
While New York City feels like a world unto itself, it’s (still) part of the United States. That means that whether you’re dining at a Thai restaurant in Queens, an Italian joint in Staten Island, eating Pakistani food in Hell’s Kitchen, or downing Hong Kong-style dumplings in Chinatown, you’ll still need to tip 15-20 percent on your bill, as per custom. As for taxi drivers, the new credit card payment systems in cabs make it hard to pay less than 15 percent.

Budapest, Hungary
Like much of the world, it’s typical to tack on 10-15 percent to your bill for good service. Restaurants in busy areas of the city tend to include service on their bills, though, so it’s always worth checking. According to Visit Budapest’s website, it’s recommended to tip both gas station attendants and public washroom attendants between 100-200 Forint, which is equivalent to 33-66 U.S. cents.

St. Petersburg, Russia
Tipping in Russia has always been optional, but appreciated. As the country becomes more Westernized, it’s slowly becoming more expected, at least according to the Moscow Times. Most people leave a 10 to 15 percent tip at sit-down restaurants, while coffee or a quick sandwich at a café might merit rounding up the bill. Remember that all tips must be in cash, as credit cards aren’t set up to include tips.

Kathmandu, Nepal
As more visitors make their way to Nepal, tipping has become more common. According to Visit Nepal, tips “should only reward good work” and visitors are encouraged to skip the tip with in-town taxi drivers and “any service person you’ve bargained with.” As for restaurants, it’s worth checking to see if the restaurant has included a 10 percent service fee in the bill. If not, Who To Tip recommends leaving 5-10 percent for good service.

Ubud, Indonesia
Tipping is not customary in Indonesia, but as visitors from around the world flock to the island-nation, tipping has become more common (but still not expected). Some restaurants include a 10 percent service charge on the bill, if not patrons can add 10 percent of their own. Taxi fare gets rounded up and porters get around $1 a bag, according to Business Insider.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands
In Amsterdam, there’s a law stating that restaurants must include a service charge in the price of the meal, which does away with all of this frustrating tipping politics. According to Amsterdam’s visitor site, most people leave a small tip (or fooi, in Dutch) of five or 10 percent for good service at a good restaurant, while snacks or coffees merit just a few coins on the table. Similarly, taxis include tips in their rates, but most people still round up.

Siem Reap, Cambodia
While tips of any size are always welcome, according to Tourism Cambodia, a dollar or two is the norm. That said, the website shares “no one will frown even if you don’t leave anything on the tray.”

Cuzco, Peru
In tourist-filled towns like Cuzco and big cities like Lima, tipping is becoming customary. According to the Only Peru Guide, it’s typical to add an extra 10-15 percent to a bill at a hotel bar like Sumaq Machu Picchu or at a high-end restaurant in Lima. You’re safe leaving a few Soles on the table at a mom and pop spot. That said, a few extra Soles can go a long way and make the difference for a struggling restaurant—if you can afford more, the tips will be truly appreciated.

For information on traveling to this locale and or additional information on this or any other article please contact us here. Or call tel: +1. 305.445.7791

MELISSA LOCKER

The Return of the Travel Agent

 

Travel agent—it’s a job that seems to have gone the way of the television repairman or switchboard operator. Butwe are different—more aptly we design travel —with resources far beyond the basics of organizing flights, lodging, and tours. We produce trips that you can’t just book online, trips for travelers, not tourists. And discerning travelers, at that.

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Tipping: To complain or not to complain… Or to post on social media

What are the major differences between tipping in America and tipping in the U.K.?

Frank Laino has been working in European hotels since he was a teenager. The British-Italian dual citizen started working alongside his uncles at the Hotel San Pietro in Positano, then moved back home to London, where he worked his way up before landing at The Stafford, where

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