Archives for July 2020

Where Should You Exchange Currency When You Travel?

22 July, 2020 By Sahar Ajjab

Many times, when traveling, people forget about currencies. So, the only possible option, is to get it done at the new country you are in. But, what if you don’t speak the language? it can actually turn into a nightmare real quick. Even worse, some countries actually force you to do it at local exchange centers with a weak rate. In order to save you the trouble of that, here are few tips on exchanging currency before your big-travel-day!

Is It Wise To Exchange Currency At The Airport?

If you do not want to go insane trying to exchange money, the easiest thing is to do it before you leave on the trip. In most cases, people tend to do it at the airport itself. However, it’s not the best of ideas if you are not in a hurry or completely lost. In fact, airport exchange currency places are expensive. Usually in the form of abusive commissions or very weak exchange rates. That is, if you have Euros and want Dollars, it is possible that instead of the market price they pay you a few cents less for each Euro. Which, of course, means a significant loss of your money.

Currency Exchange Centers

These are centers (usually small) that are dedicated to “selling you money.” In fact, they allow you to exchange your money for other currencies, always in exchange for a small commission. The good part? Even if they are not as fancy as at the airport, they usually have a wider variety of currencies. However, just like at airports, these centers profit from such money transaction.Therefore, you’ll always loose some dollars here and there, but they are a great option if you are in a hurry.

Banks, Your Best Bet

If you have time, going to the bank for currency exchange is your best option. In many cases, they don’t even charge you a commission, while offering you the best exchange rates. Therefore, you basically ”loose” less. Furthermore, the best thing about banks being international, is that you have access to them anywhere. This way, you don’t have to carry a lot of cash on you the whole time.

PS: If using your card to draw money abroad, you may have to pay an extra commission.

Photos: Freepik.

The Most Visited Countries In The World Right Now

15 July, 2020 By Sahar Ajjab

Tourism may be flunking down during this pandemic, but certain destinations are triumphing. In fact, several countries reopened their borders ahead of summer 2020, to avoid a potential crisis in the country. Of course, most of them are countries that rely heavily on the flow of tourists. However, what is it that makes tourists fascinated with these 5 most visited countries in the world? Well, here is the simple answer: They are amazing!

5- Italy

This European gem is home to history, art, romance and incredible architecture. There is no wonder that it ranks the 5th most visited countries in the world, with 61 million visitors last year. According to the World Economic Forum, Italy is a main attraction in Europe. Known for their great food, you know for sure that you’ll have an excellent experience. Something you must see? The streets and Cathedral of Milan.

4- China

China is currently a major power in the world. Despite being the epicenter of the Coronavirus, it managed to control the pandemic, and even have lower consequences than the rest of the world. Moreover, China’s tourism has been on the rise due to economic and cultural exchange. No wonder! It’s blessed with ancient cities, historical sites and yummy food. Its iconic landmarks, like the Great Wall and the Giant Buddha of Leshan, are a hotspot for tourists seeking Instagrammable pictures.

3- United States

The US is the third most visited country in the world. Of course, with globalization allowing everyone to know Hollywood, who doesn’t dream of visiting LA? In fact, the US has many more super attractions, which last year only, drew around 80 million international tourists. Besides the big known attractions, places you MUST see: Grand Canyon and Yosemite National Park.

2- Spain

The Spanish government ordered borders to open in July, in order to make the most of the country’s highest season. Spain has in fact been in the top 3 positions for 3 years in a row. The city of Barcelona alone received 10 million tourists last year. Other marvelous destinations are: Madrid, Sevilla, Granada and Costa del Sol. Furthermore, Spanish gastronomy includes a variety of delicious specialities. From Paella to Jamón, to the best potato tortilla you’ll ever have.

1- France

The number one most visited destination in none but France. 90 million people tourists visited the country last year, to which most had visited the iconic Paris, roaming it’s narrow alleys and seeing it’s cathedrals. Of course, the city is on everyone’s bucket list. That being said, the French Riviera is the second most visited area of the country, with it’s sandy beaches and top nightlife.

Photos: Pixabay.

Travelholics Can Now Go On A Fake Flight In Taiwan

6 July, 2020 By Sahar Ajjab

For those travel-starved people out there, we feel you! And apparently, so does this Taiwanese airport. They have even launched a ”fake flight” for you to re-live the sensation of traveling. Since Coronavirus turned the world over, it changed many traveling plans we all had. However, if you are in Taiwan, and you feel like you need to get on a plane, here is your chance to sign up for the ”fake flight.”

Get The Whole ”Fake Experience” With Songshan Airport

The innovative idea behind this experience, is to recreate the scene of being on a flight. Of course, airports are on hold in Taiwan for the moment, except for this one. So, Taipei’s Songshan Airport was flooded by excited travelholics, ready to live the whole fake experience. In fact, they went through the normal procedures of navigating check in, passport control and security before boarding a plane that never left the runway.

7000 Participants Entered The Competition On Facebook

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Starving to travel? One Taiwanese airport has the solution. Board but never leave – a fake itinerary where people can check-in, go through passport control and security checking and even board the airplane, but you will just never leave. On Thursday, the downtown of Taipei’s Songshan airport began offering the travellers to do just that with 60 people curious and eager to get going, albeit to nowhere. Like a normal boarding procedure, the passengers get boarding passes, proceed through security and immigration before boarding the flight – an Airbus A330 of Taiwan’s largest carrier, China Airlines, where flight attendants chat with them. #fakeflight #taiwan #seoul #china #faketravel #boardingflight

Una publicación compartida de The News Box (@tnewsbox) el 2 Jul, 2020 a las 12:08 PDT

Yes, before you get any more excited, let us clear out the fact that it’s a competition. Around 7000 people entered the competition on Facebook, in order to qualify for the prize. At the end, 60 lucky participants got to head to the airport with their luggage, follow the same procedures as always, and got to sit for 15 minutes in a grounded airplane. In addition, they were also allowed to eat at the airport’s lounge, shop duty free and explore the terminal. Needless to say, social media was flooded with pictures and people wondering about this fake flight.

So, What Is The Point ?

The point of this competition actually goes beyond giving travelholics their doses of happiness. In fact, it’s a marketing strategy for both China airlines and the airport of Taipei. Following the big shut-down, this sector was the most harmed during the pandemic outbreak. In addition, as reported by the Telegraph, this was an opportunity for the airline to ”practice” safety measures. ”China Airlines unveiled new in-flight hygiene practices, and visitors on board the fake flights are treated to a live demonstration of cabin crew sanitising the plane’s interior.”

Photos: Freepik.