Sahar Ajjab

The Top 5 Cheapest Fancy Hotels In The World

19 January, 2021 By Sahar Ajjab

When you think about a well-deserved vacation somewhere, you automatically visualize a fancy hotel, right? Unfortunately, that comfort has a price. Often, and almost everywhere in the world, 5-star hotels are worth your budget for entire vacation.

Moreover, almost always you have to choose between comfort and duration. In fact, choosing to minimize your stay yet in a fancy hotel is understandable. But imagine if in you don’t have to make that choice? And you can enjoy a 5-star hotel paying the price of a motel. Well, you actually can do that in these 5 countries.

5. Riyad Aguaviva, Marrakesh

The first stop in this list is none but the famous Marrakesh. This gorgeous city in south Morocco is actually a global touristic trend. Everyone loves its narrow alleys, medina, souks and riyads. These open enormous houses that are transformed into modern hotels are often expensive. However, Riyad Aguaviva offers a luxurious stay for a reasonable price. In fact, for less than 100$, you can get yourself a nice double room, free Moroccan mint tea at all times, and a traditional breakfast.

4. The Phoenix Hotel, Indonesia

Next, we pack our bags and travel all the way to Asia. Indonesian cities have become a synonym of modernization, safety and adventure. The phoenix Hotel is among the fanciest yet cheapest hotels in the world. It can be found in the Yogyakarta, a city full of history and culture located in Java Island.

The hotel itself was built in 1918, and ” brings you back to it’s colonial roots with a fusion of Javanese ambience and luxury. You’ll be waited on hand and foot by eager staff while you lounge in the courtyard swimming pool fit for royalty.” According to Travel magazines. The best part? You get yourself a room in this palace for 50$.

3. Sultan Gardens Resort, Egypt

The third cheapest fancy hotel is in Egypt, north Africa. Sharm-Sheikh is costal resort overlooking the Red Sea. This place is best for a summer vacation, as all you get is sun, beach and comfort. Especially, if you stay at a 5-star resort that will cost you little. Better yet, if you stay at Sultan Gardens resort, you’ll pay 50$/night, and get an all-inclusive stay. In addition, according to reviews, ”the food and service are impeccable, and the views are stunning.”

2. Kavalier Hotel, Ukraine

Visiting Ukraine in winter is a crazy adventure. Temperature goes below 0, there is snow and it’s freezing. However, in summer, it’s a different story. The weather is great and sunny, and you can enjoy a nice afternoon reading by the pool of Kavalier Hotel. Their base room comes with elegant Victorian decor, heated bathroom floors, spa services and a fresh breakfast each morning. All this for roughly 40$/night. if you are two people sharing the room (AKA splitting costs,) then you’ll spend a night in this fancy hotel for 20$.

1. Gorky Hotel, Russia

Finally, the cheapest fancy hotel in the entire world is actually close to Ukraine. The spectacular Gorky Hotel is in a resort near Esto Sadok, Russia. For 30$ a night for a double room, you can enjoy the splendid views, a hike to the mountain and lunch on the breathtaking rooftop terrace. In addition, they offer Skiing opportunities, as it overlooks mountains. However, it’s still as marvelous in the spring/summer, to enjoy some sun and breathe fresh air.

Photos: TripAdvisor.

Can You Still Travel The World Without COVID Vaccine?

7 January, 2021 By Sahar Ajjab

Now that the COVID vaccine is slowly becoming available everywhere, we must know that it’s a game changer for traveling. Of course, if anything, this vaccine is supposed to make our lives easier. However, in order to provide safe conditions for travelers, most airlines are expected to require some sort of COVID-free proof. Moreover, it’s clear that despite the Coronavirus pandemic, people are still allowed to travel. Yet, with the rising restrictions, most travel plans (if not all) have been altered this year.

Now, that the vaccine is ”the beginning of the end of this pandemic,” it’s supposed to allow us to return to ”normal” life. Although the vaccine has been made optional everywhere in the world, deciding not to get it could mean potential hardships when it comes to flying, or traveling in general.

Airlines To Make The Vaccine Mandatory

Major airlines have announced that traveling post-covid will be shaped by the vaccination process. In fact, Australian company Qantas said that they will only allow vaccinated people on board during future flights. However, there is no official order that ”discriminates” against people based on documents, according to WHO.

That being said, creating a vaccine passport is an existing idea currently being studied by several world leaders. In the future, it can be explicitly a required document for Visa procedures.

European Union Countries Could Also Require It

Furthermore, during the pandemic each country created their own mobility restrictions. Therefore, it makes sense that each country/area will establish their own rules again. The Euro zone is studying vigorously the requirement of entry to their countries post-covid. However, although there have been several rumors about requiring the COVID vaccine- passport, no official statement has been issued yet.

What About If You Don’t Want To Get Vaccinated?

Furthermore, many people are not willing to get vaccinated. Although it might seem like a personal choice to make, it may bring some unwanted restrictions, including limited travel options.

After this pandemic hit both the tourism and flying sectors pretty hard, it’s clear that no one is taking chances anymore. Airlines are racing to reanimate their businesses and go back on track. Unfortunately, many companies as well as countries, will probably not allow unvaccinated visitors in order to avoid any possible Coronavirus outbreak in the future.

Photos: Freepik.

Top Tips To Secure Cheap Flights These Holidays

2 December, 2020 By Sahar Ajjab

The holidays are when airlines reach their peak. It’s quite understandable, because everyone wants to spend the festive season with their family. Nevertheless, traveling during the high season could end up costing you a fortune. So, how can you secure cheap flights these holidays? We brought to you some tips to make it a bit easier for you to reunite with your loved ones, without having to go broke.

Early Morning/Late Night Flights

Yes, we know, Waking up too early to catch an early am flight is horrible. However, no pain, no gain right? If you pick the earliest flights available, you’ll save major cash on airfare. In fact, there are many factors that play a major role in the price of ticket. For example, high demand, rush-hour, availability and frequency etc…Cheap flights often appear to be uncomfortable, but we assure you that they are not. The same thing goes for late night arrivals, as they tend to be less crowded and less expensive, due to low demand.

Try Smaller Airports

Big international airports are often overcrowded, which affects heavily the flux of airlines and high-rate plane tickets. The best way to get your hands on cheap flights these holidays, is to avoid the places where everyone goes! Find an alternative way to get to a smaller airport in order to save some cash. Even better, besides the deals, you may even find it easier and comfortable to navigate through the airport and fly in a ”safer way” during a world pandemic.

Avoid Weekends

Traveling on weekends is just easier. You don’t have to go to work, rush to the airport, and arrive exhausted, right? Well, that’s what almost everyone thinks, and so i t makes sense why travel fare is so expensive starting Friday. The ideal time to find the cheap ticket? Look for flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, as they tend to be the lowest those fares become during the week. Of course, do some research before booking, and try to do it few days ahead. In addition, using these three tips will secure you a comfortable and affordable ride to see you family and friends this holiday season.

Photos: Freepik.

Where Can You Travel This Winter?

19 November, 2020 By Sahar Ajjab

As the leaves turn brown, we realize that summer road trip plans are over. When we swap those summer dresses and bikinis with sweaters and coats, it’s certainly because it’s cold already. In fact, before we know it, the winter hits. Moreover, the year has probably been the toughest year on travelers out there. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like the pandemic is slowing down this winter.
However, traveling is back on( for now)! So those who didn’t travel in the summer, or those who love winter, snow, holidays season etc…Here are some places where you could travel on your vacation this winter!

Big Cities Are More Charming Than Ever

Iconic cities such as New York, Tokyo or Paris win in the cold, with their charming autumn colors and snow. In fact, if you add Christmas to the mix, then you have your own giant DisneyLand. Most metropolitan cities around the world initiate the decorations way before Christmas week. So, you don’t really have to wait until then to enjoy the beautiful charm of your favorite city (or a new one) with snow and lights.

Ski Trip Getaway

After this stressful year we’ve had, can you imagine ending it in a retreat, surrounded by mountains, trees and snow? Yes, it doesn’t get more relaxing than this. Of course, expect a fireplace, a warm bath and lots of hot chocolate…Sounds good, no?
the good thing is, you don’t need to imagine. Wether you love winter sports or not, a ski trip getaway is perfect during winter. The best locations remain the European Alps, Nordic countries and Canada’s finest ski resorts.

It’s Still Summer Somewhere

If after reading the previous options you still feel like traveling in winter is not your thing, don’t worry, because we saved the best option for last! Because let’s face it, who would say no to the sun, palm trees and mimosas on the beach? Since the world is round, don’t forget that when in the northern hemisphere it is winter, in the south, it’s summer.

So if we want to escape the cold, what we have to do is travel to the other end of the globe. If you live in Latin America: Europe, the United States, China or Japan are your destinations. If, on the other hand, you live in the northern hemisphere: Latin America, North Africa or Australia, are your place to be.

Photos: Pixabay, Freepik.

Countries With The Tightest Covid Restrictions For Travelers

12 November, 2020 By Sahar Ajjab

As the world is still battling the second wave of coronavirus, traveling restrictions are becoming tighter than ever. Moreover, most countries re-opened for tourism this summer with or without restrictions. However, given the current situations, safety measures have been tightened almost everywhere! But these 5 countries are by far, the ones with the tightest covid restrictions for travelers.

France

France’s president had recently announced a new lockdown in the country after declaring the state of emergency. This country in the heart of Europe was among the firsts to re-open this summer. However, with the rising number of coronavirus cases and deaths, it’s understandable why the French have the tightest covid restrictions in place.
Furthermore, these restrictions include: No tourists allowed, only nationals or ”special certificate holder.” Anyone entering the country from abroad needs to provide a recent negative PCR, and quarantine for 14 days.

Morocco

Following the footsteps of France, the gate from Europe to Africa remains closed since March. However, in order to reactivate the economy, Moroccan authorities decided to resume air travel under certain conditions.
First, only Moroccan nationals are allowed in for the moment. This includes Moroccans who were stuck abroad during the first lockdown, or Moroccan residents of others countries. In addition to providing a negative PCR of less than 48 hours, Morocco requires travelers to provide the serological test as well.

Argentina

Although Argentina is still less hit than Brazil, travelers are facing some of the tightest covid restrictions. The country is not opened for tourism, and worse, citizens are not allowed to leave the country unless for an emergency. Although airports are not officially closed, they are practically empty in the absence of flights.

Canada

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau decided to alert health services for scanning at the airport. In fact, although Canada followed the same actions of the previous countries, they leveraged quick detection of the virus. For that, they’ve also tightened their border with the US, and require a negative PCR and quarantine. In addition, an official health form must be filled upon arrival, to make sure no sick people cross the border.

China

Last but not least, the birthplace of the pandemic is definitely the country with the tightest traveling restrictions. Actually, many people criticized China’s ability to control the virus, but no one really paid attention to the ”how.” In fact, although the country is not fully reopened for tourism, travelers who have recently been to China tell the story.

Se trata de hoteles especialmente acondicionados donde al llegar te dan un termómetro y unas pastillas de lejía para que disuelvas en las heces antes de tirar de la cadena. El mío era decente, pero solo eso. La comida pasable, aunque a lo largo de los días se hacía cuesta arriba. pic.twitter.com/t3nAu69Zqa
— Nyscalo (@Nyscalo) November 9, 2020

Photos: Freepik.

5 Reasons To Visit The Blue Pearl Of Morocco

2 October, 2020 By Sahar Ajjab

Chefchaouen, is a small city in the north of Morocco. Surrounded by the Rif mountains, this gem is mainly known for its colors. Often called the blue pearl of Morocco, thanks to its blue and white houses, the fascinating alleys, its small medina and souks. Indeed, this city attracts so many visitors, that in 2016, TripAdvisor had considered it the 5th most beautiful city in the world. As a result, today we offer you 5 good reasons to visit Chefchaouen, the blue pearl of Morocco.

Everything Is Within Walking Distance

Chefchaouen has a little over 45,000 inhabitants. It is known for its tranquility and peace. Unlike big cities like Marrakech, Casablanca or even Tangier, you won’t have to think about transport in Chefchaouen. Because everything is accessible by foot, and you can go around the whole city in 3-4 hours by strolling in these small hidden alleys.

Everything Is Blue

The uniqueness of this city comes from its color. Formerly, the Jews who lived in Chefchaouen before, chose to paint it in blue and white. In fact, travelers find that its color transmits peace and serenity.

The People Are So Nice

The Chaounies are very hospitable and pleasant. They are used to seeing a lot of strangers, and they are always polite and respectful. Certainly, and like all small towns in Morocco, the locals are particularly reserved. However, they are understanding, and can communicate in several languages.

Restaurants Are Cheap

Chefcahouen keeps the reputation of Moroccan gastronomy. In addition, the restaurants in this town offer incredible prices, given the quality of meals and service. During your stay in Chaouen, some restaurants are not to be missed. Casa Hassan in the middle of the main square ”Outta Hammam” and Bab sour, in the popular district which bears the same name.

The Best Instagram Photos

Frankly, one of the tourists’ favorite activities. You’re not going to put your cameras away, or stop taking pictures of yourself and every corner of the town. Every neighborhood, alleyway and plaza are so pretty. You will end up with hundreds of ” Instagrammable” photos in just one day.

Photos: Pixabay, Freepik.