And I can assure you that you’ll feel like you’re there for your entire stay; from the ‘namaskar’ that every member of staff – clad in Indian dress – greets you with, through to the décor which makes you feel like you’ve entered a palace in Mumbai, The LaLiT London offers its guest much more than just a hotel stay – it encapsulates the essence of India, fooling you into feeling like you’ve travelled across the world when you actually haven’t left London.

Housed in what used to be St Olave’s grammar establishment for boys from 1835 to 1968, the hotel is the first international offering from the luxury Indian hotel group The LaLiT. Many of the bedrooms which once used to be classrooms or offices in the grammar school now have super comfortable beds wrapped in Indian fabrics, with tall, hand-embroidered silk headboards in warm cream, white and orange. The original beams add a homely feel to the luxury interiors and the bathrooms come with marble temperature-controlled flooring, Japanese Toto toilets and mother-of-pearls mirrors with an anti-fog system. All the necessary amenities like a minibar, a Nespresso machine and a 40-inch LED TV are there too. Spread across three floors, a few of the 70 individually designed rooms and suites boast Shard views, whilst the Thames Suite offers a stunning view of the river.

During our stay, we popped into the Teacher’s Room (or the bar) for a chai infused cocktail before dinner to prepare our tastebuds for the culinary adventure which Baluchi Restaurant guarantees. The restaurant, which once used to be the school’s assembly hall, has been turned into an opulent, royal blue room which celebrates everything Indian but still nods to the building’s history. Sapphire-tinted glass chandeliers adorn the high ceiling and the wooden floors and wood-clad walls create a warm and intimate ambience.

Food at Beluchi Restaurant is all about modern Indian gourmet cuisine. The carefully crafted menu celebrates Indian flavours, serving a selection of proteins in fragrant sauces, finished off with creatively cooked garnishes. Mains can be paired with a scrumptious selection of traditional naans, rotis or parathas, or of course - rice. Breakfast is served there too and offers a spectacular collection of traditional Indian breakfast dishes, in addition to British and continental staples.

For a more relaxed and quick meal, try The Naan'ery where you can sample four Indian breads, made with seasonal ingredients and paired with a complementing wine. In addition to a 24/7 gym and a small spa that mixes both Eastern and Western therapies, The LaLiT London also offers two meeting rooms (suitable for 8 or 12 attendees).

The LaLiT London enjoys an excellent location for both people who are visiting London for work and travellers - it’s about a five-minute walk from London Bridge and its underground station and a ten-minute walk from The Shard.

For more information and to book your stay, go to http://www.thelalit.com/the-lalit-london/

People who frequently travel to various places around the world aren’t necessarily rich; they just know how to save for their trips and cut unnecessary costs. If you can do the same, you will certainly be able to travel wherever you want with minimal cost. Visiting a new place can be so exciting, and you may start spending on unnecessary things.

To avoid that, you will have to stick to your plan, and only do the things that you planned for before traveling. That way, you will be able to cut unnecessary expenses and enjoy the trip as much as you want.

Have a Plan

Once you decide to travel, you will need a good saving plan. The first step in planning is being honest with yourself and matching your trip to your financial situation. That way, you will know if your plan is unrealistic and needs more work. You should know an estimation of your trips' overall cost, so you can understand how much you need to save and identify the expenses that you can cut during your trip.

Book Early

Flight prices change drastically, from one day to the next. Being able to book your flight early gives you the added benefit of finding cheaper fares. Do your research, and look for the right flight for you. Usually, non-direct flights are cheaper than direct ones, so bring a book along for those hours in transit. You’ll be smiling at the cost saved.

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Leaving Your Car Behind

While planning for your trip, you will realize some small costs that end up adding to the total expense, such as taking a taxi from and to the airport. If you’re taking your car to the airport, do your research. There are many airport parking options that you can benefit from. If you’re in Florida, Parking at Fort Lauderdale airport can be more affordable than requesting a ride, and you can be sure your car will be safe while you're traveling.

Opt for Private Accommodations

It is no secret that services like AirBnb have made things a lot easier for the frequent traveler. If you think about it, the cost of staying at a hotel, even with its benefits, might not really be worth it. After all, you’re a tourist, and how much time are you really going to spend in the hotel? More often than not, you’ll be walking around all day, and all you really need is a place to lay your head at night.

Once you set your goals and cut all the unnecessary costs before and while you're traveling, you will be able to travel more than once a year and enjoy the trip. Planning for the trip and knowing how much it’s going to cost is an essential factor when you’re looking to save money. So do the research, and with these nifty tips, you’ll be enjoying your trip to the fullest, even on a budget!

The company officially went under after failing to secure a £900m plus bailout on Saturday. Thousands of British holidaymakers found themselves stranded abroad without a replacement flights and others were left seeking assurance that their money would be refunded.

Customers have been left in disarray in the biggest repatriation effort since The Second World War. Similar situations have happened in the past, such as the BMI Insolvency case and the liquidation and collapse of WOW Air, but the chaos of the Thomas Cook collapse is on a different level. Throughout the chaos, customers have been looking to their insurance policies to provide assurance that they will get their money back.

However, two travel policies – SAFI and ATOL – are often overlooked and can be instrumental in protecting your money and trip in such a scenario.

What do SAFI and ATOL cover and why do you need them?

Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance (SAFI) and the Air Travel Organiser’s License scheme (ATOL) are mentioned in a lot of articles recently as Thomas Cook customers seek answers.

By having SAFI cover, you’re guaranteed peace of mind should your provider go into liquidation prior to booking with them. R3, the trade body for the insolvency and business restructuring industries has amplified the message to passengers to take a closer look at their insurance policy. They’re emphasising the value of having SAFI cover.

Often, insurance policies are taken out but not checked by customers, which can lead to missing some important details of their cover. It’s become more important than ever to consult your insurance policies and research the more comprehensive options when it comes to European travel especially. Studies from Defaqto have shown that almost half of UK policies tailored for holidaymakers do not include SAFI cover as standard.

Also, the method of payment that you use for your holiday could also affect the protection available. If you booked your holiday with a credit card then you’ll have more guaranteed protection and right to redress than if you paid via other methods for example.

The other comprehensively recognised travel policy is the Air Travel Organiser’s License scheme — popularly referred to as ATOL.

This cover safeguards customers who are flying from the UK if their provider collapses. It prevents people from paying any extra costs or being left stranded abroad.  Typically, ATOL certification will be included in your booking documentation, so it’s advised that holidaymakers keep reference of these important pieces of paperwork. ATOL purchases are automatically covered, and your travel provider has a duty to declare that their deal fits the outlined regulations.

One important thing to be aware of is that the ATOL scheme doesn’t apply to flights which are booked separately. This is where SAFI cover would come to cover any travellers.

It can be taken out as a separate policy if your insurance doesn’t include it already, and it could also cover any situations of company liquidation in advance.

Liquidation and holiday blues

The holiday blues being experienced by many UK travellers at the moment are not the kind many of us usually associate with the end of a holiday.

Dealing with the aftermath of a large-scale company liquidation can be a long and difficult process often having to go through systemic and other internal issues to find the cause.

We asked Chris Horner, Insolvency Director from Business Rescue Expert for some insight into what is still a sensitive topic: “Normally large companies would be expected to enter a rescue process such as administration and continue trading whilst a buyer is found. This is essentially impossible for an airline, so much so that the costs and complexity of the matter require the company to enter compulsory liquidation, with the Official Receiver as principal liquidator, before KPMG and Alix Partners were appointed. This also had the effect of automatically and immediately terminating all staff contracts of employment.”

“There is some criticism that the government again failed to intervene, however this would set a terrible precedent for large companies that the government will bail out highly paid executives and managers where they fail to manage the company properly. There have been multiple opportunities to avoid liquidation over the past 3 years - by proposing a CVA, or a sale to Lufthanser, however these opportunities were avoided by the board, who will now have to answer to a formal investigation into their conduct.”

While the demise of such an iconic firm is another sad sign of the times, tackling liquidation in the most responsible, considerate way should be a priority for businesses, especially when it involves a large customer base, many of whom are tired, confused and annoyed.

Sources:

https://www.caa.co.uk/ATOL-protection/Consumers/ATOL-certificate/

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/uk-news/how-old-thomas-cook-founded-16968382

https://www.ft.com/content/18c6356f-d806-3fef-9ff7-29fb80a343c7

https://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2019/sep/23/thomas-cook-travel-chaos-insolvency-leaves-150000-stranded-on-holidays-live-updates

https://www.scotsman.com/news/atol-claim-how-to-get-a-caa-refund-for-your-thomas-cook-holiday-1-5009998

https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/wow-air-collapse-flight-cancelled-airport-passengers-flybe-rescue-a8845401.html

https://www.ft.com/content/ee2d6c72-2afe-11e9-a5ab-ff8ef2b976c7

Located in the City of London area, just a 10-minute walk from St Paul's Cathedral, Apex Temple Court Hotel offers surprisingly quiet rooms for its central location and is a place where you can unwind and recharge after a busy day of meetings. Once you walk through its doors, you enter a peaceful courtyard which immediately feels miles away from the hustle and bustle of London. This is where you can find the alfresco area of Fleet Street’s newest wine bar, The Amicable Society of Lazy Ballerinas. Offering an extensive selection of old and new wines, a menu of scrumptious small plates perfect for sharing and ultra aesthetically pleasing décor, the bar attracts both hotel guests and Londoners popping in for an after-work drink. There are also two private dining rooms, both offering seating for 16 guests, or alternatively, 30 guests for a drinks reception, which can be booked for meetings, events or wine tastings.

Across the courtyard, you’ll find the hotel’s Club Lounge, a relaxed place where you can have a casual business meeting or bring your laptop and work, and Chambers Restaurant, where breakfast is served. Start your morning with continental staples and cooked-to-order classics like Full English, Eggs Benedict and pancakes and come back for lunch or dinner – the a la carte menu offers everything from steaks and burgers, through to lighter options like fish and salads.

For a real taste of luxury, stay at one of the hotel’s suites. Home to every indulgent touch you desire, they boast impressive period features including beautiful fireplaces, huge, squishy beds, a cosy living area and a luxurious, marble bathroom with a walk-in shower and bathtub, complete with underfloor heating and bespoke furniture. With Bang & Olufsen Bluetooth speakers, a vanity mirror TV in the bathroom and two more LED TVs (one in the bedroom and one in the living room), you are spoilt for choice when it comes to entertainment. And if this isn’t enough, thoughtful touches like complimentary arrival drinks, a Nespresso Vertuo coffee machine, Temple Spa products and free-of-charge drinks and snacks at the Club Lounge which all suite guests enjoy exclusive access to will make your stay truly special.

For more information and to book your stay, please go to https://www.apexhotels.co.uk/apex-temple-court-hotel

Many people tend to splurge on a vacation, which is why they think that next year’s travelling will incur the same costs; this isn’t true at all. Keep in mind that we live in a cosmopolitan world where everything is available within your budget. In this article, we will guide you through five ways with which you can manage your travel budget, and keep in mind: wise spending will easily suffice for your tour when compared with spending carelessly.

1. Look for cheap flights

There's no need to travel to expensive airlines and especially on the business class. If you're traveling with your family, you can easily travel in economy. If you are well aware of the holidays in advance, you can book your flights around three to four months before the trip. Refrain from lusting over flight upgrades by giving some extra dollars. Always put a cut on your desires, especially when there's not even a need to fulfill them. Compare different airlines and choose one that easily fits within your budget.

2. Public transport instead of renting expensive cars

Keep in mind that the ethos behind a vacation or an international trip is to go on a social detox and give yourself a healthy slice of life. Back home you already have everything that you want, so why go the extra mile by splurging on expensive cars? If you’re traveling within the country and find yourself in an accident which was somebody else’s fault, you can get in touch with Scot Accident Claims. Their team will help you in filing a lawsuit. All in all, it is better to travel with local public transport.

3. Cook your food

Are you a good cook? How long can you keep yourself away from those delicious dishes you usually have at home? Just push yourself a little bit because that will help you in saving a significant amount of money. Instead of eating from restaurants and top-notch hotels, you can easily cook your food. People who often eat in a new place tend to get stomach issues and get short of budget very quickly.

4. Don’t splurge on cliché shopping items

If you’re visiting a very special location for the first time, why shop for clothes again? Pull yourself back from buying traditional items that are available back home. If you want to, buy souvenirs that can be gifted to friends and family members. Every travel destination has its specialty and often its own small-scale industry. There are many simple things that can be bought from the local markets of nay new location. Refrain from overspending as the idea of an ideal vacation is to enjoy yourself and not get stuck in those busy market places.

5. Stay at a friends or relatives place

Accommodation is an important element that will consume much of your money. Do you have friends and relatives at the destination you’re heading to? That’s a brilliant idea! Stay at their place and save on accommodation. Conventional hotels and resorts charge a lot of money for tourists. So you better be careful when choosing suitable accommodation. Even if you get a cheap hotel that has the necessities, give it a go since most of your time will be spent outdoor.

Lastly!

Enjoy yourself and make the most of your trip. Not many people get the opportunity to travel. Since you have it, it’s best to make some great memories.

Just a 40-minute drive from Faro International Airport, Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort is a recently renovated, upscale resort offering coastal luxury, jaw-dropping ocean views, a rooftop bar, scrumptious cuisine and impeccable service. Designed with its location in mind, the hotel offers 248 spacious guest rooms and junior suites, most of which offer panoramic views of the mighty Atlantic. All rooms are extremely well-appointed, with comfy beds, a TV, a powerful shower and a coffee machine. The big bonus, especially for all the sea-facing rooms, is a private terrace with panoramic views - the perfect place to enjoy coffee and a book in the morning, or a glass of aromatic Algarvian red wine at sundown. Guests looking for the ultimate Tivoli Carvoeiro experience can book one of the hotel’s two exquisite suites – the Tivoli Junior Suite, which comes with a private hot tub on the balcony or the Carvoeiro Suite, which has a spacious living room, an open-plan bathroom and complimentary soft drinks in the minibar.

Tivoli Carvoeiro’s crowning glory, however, is its swimming pool - big enough to have a proper swim in, and quiet enough for lazy days in the sunshine, with sun loungers, complimentary towels and a pool bar to hand. When all that relaxing in the sun gets too much, visit Tivoli Carvoeiro’s Spa and treat yourself to one of their signature massages, scrubs or facials using Voya Organic Beauty products made with 100% organic seaweed handpicked from the Atlantic Ocean.

Algarvians know a thing or two about food and Tivoli Carvoeiro’s mission is to prove to you that this really is the case. Breakfast is served in the bright and spacious Mare Bistro where you can enjoy an extensive selection of continental favourites. Lunch is also available there, but if you prefer a change of scenery, have lunch on Med Food and Wine’s sunny balcony. The buffet-style restaurant offers a different cuisine every week and can take you on a journey of flavours, without completely forgetting about the Algarve and the region’s exceptional seafood creations.

Enjoy a pre-dinner aperitivo and live DJ sets at the hotel’s snazzy Sky Bar or at the equally stunning Azur Bar a few floors down and once the sun has set, head to The One Wine Boutique Restaurant to indulge in freshly caught seafood paired with superb Portuguese wines, carefully chosen by the restaurant’s sommeliers.

What to do

Soak.up.the.sun. Whether it’s through lazing around by the resort’s gorgeous pool or through sipping on refreshing cocktails in Tivoli Carvoeiro’s atmospheric rooftop bar, make sure you make the most out of Portugal’s 300 days of sunshine a year. Put your trainers on and set off on a hike - The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is the best way to explore the unusual geology of the Algarve and take in some of the most beautiful views in the region. The 5.7km trail links Praia de Vale Centeanes to Praia da Marinha and passes through Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort, making it ridiculously easy for guests of the hotel to start the hike from the resort’s back doors.

With eight golf courses spread within 20km from Tivoli Carvoeiro, the resort is also a perfect spot for golf enthusiasts. Leave everything in the Golf Desk’s hands – from tailoring your golf holiday and booking everything for you, through to renting and cleaning your equipment and driving you to your preferred golf course – you won’t have a single thing to worry about. And isn’t this what holidays are all about!

A trip to the Algarve would be incomplete without visiting one of the region’s wineries for an afternoon of wine tasting in the sun. If you want to try some of the most sublime wines of the region, paired with a tapas lunch consisting of beautiful Portuguese cheeses and cold cuts, visit Quinta da Vinha Cabrita - a wonderful family-owned winery just a 15-minute drive from Tivoli Carvoeiro.

For more information or to book your stay, please go to https://www.tivolihotels.com/en/tivoli-carvoeiro/

Algarve, Portugal

From vast stretches of sand to coves backed by cliffs, the Algarve is home to some of Europe’s most breathtakingly beautiful beaches. And as scenic as the beaches are, the region offers so much more! Historic castle towns, elegant villages, glitzy beach bars and freshly caught seafood have been attracting over four million visitors every year – and once there, you’ll see why.

How to get there

Faro International Airport is located four kilometres from Faro – the capital of the Algarve, with a number of European airlines offering direct flights to and from the Algarve.

Where to stay

For exquisite views of Carvoeiro Beach and its soaring cliffs, stay at Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort.

Croatia

Croatia has been a very trendy summer destination in the past few years and we can assure you that the ex-Yugoslavian country is worth the hype. From its trendy islands Hvar and Korcula, through to the historic towns of Split and Dubrovnik, all paired with picturesque beaches and the country’s eight national parks, Croatia is wildly diverse and offers something for everyone.

How to get there

Depending on the way you plan your holiday in Croatia, you can fly to Dubrovnik, Split, Pula or the capital city of Zagreb. Airlines flying to Croatia from major European cities include British Airways, Croatia Airways and EasyJet.

Where to stay

For outstanding views of Dubrovnik old town, stay at Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik. Riva Hvar Yacht Harbour Hotel benefits from an ideal location in the heart of Hvar and a waterfront terrace overlooking the Adriatic Sea, while Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Split is a perfect base to explore Split and its surrounding Dalmatian islands.

Zakynthos, Greece

While the starriest Greek islands Mykonos and Santorini grapple with over-tourism, more and more holidaymakers are heading to the quieter, but equally stunning island of Zakynthos. With its rugged cliffs, sea caves, tiny cloves and clear azure water paired with exquisite Greek tavernas and an abundance of water sports to try, the island offers much more than the crazy nightlife it’s famed for.

How to get there

Flights to Zakynthos International Airport are available from most European major cities. Over 30 airlines operate flights to the island during the tourist season.

Where to stay

The Lesante Luxury Hotel & Spa or Olea All Suite Hotel.

Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia’s ultra-clear water is reason enough to visit the Mediterranean island. However, this doesn’t mean that the emerald water is the only thing that draws holidaymakers to the slice of paradise that Sardinia is. With its nearly 2,000km of coastline, white-sand beaches and fresh Italian food, Sardinia will teach you all about la dolce vita.

How to get there

International airlines operate year-round flights from cities across Europe to Sardinia’s three main airports Cagliari Elmas Airport, Aeroporto di Olbia Costa Smeralda and Alghero Airport.

Where to stay

Resort Valle dell’Erica Thalasso & Spa near Santa Teresa promises direct access to the sea and 5-star luxury.

Andermatt, Switzerland

And don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about all the mountain lovers out there. The Swiss Alps are an obvious and logical option for both winter and summer holidays, and the charming village of Andermatt (1444m) offers everything you could possibly desire from your next Alpine adventure.

How to get there

Andermatt’s nearest international airports are Zurich, Milan and Geneva. They all have easy rail links to Andermatt, and even quicker road links using airport shuttles or private hire transfers.

Where to stay

For spectacular 5-star opulence, stay at The Chedi Andermatt – an exquisite deluxe hotel offering local hospitality paired with Asian touches.

A destination known to be popular with the rich and famous, the Kardashians love going there, it’s a destination that’s been gaining popularity over the last few years. In fact, the number of annual international overnight visitors almost doubled in six years. This saw the number climb from around 8.5 million in 2010 to just under 15.3 million in 2016. That’s a lot of people.

If you’re thinking of holidaying there, and you haven’t been before, then there are a few things that you need to know before visiting Dubai. Below, we’ve listed four things you should keep in mind, which you’ve probably not even considered.

1. Smoking

While smoking in the UK has decreased over the last decade or two, it’s still quite commonplace in many other countries. However, when it comes to e-cigs and e-liquid devices, it’ll probably be best to leave yours at home while visiting Dubai. You may be wondering why, but it’s actually illegal to sell them in the UAE. But, while there isn’t a law that prohibits the use of them, some say the lines can be a bit blurred. This is due to some wondering if they could still encounter a fine if using them in a place that allows smoking. Therefore, it’s probably best to leave yours at home.

2. Clothing

While the country is known for being extremely hot, please remember that you’re in a more conservative country. Because of this, you should ensure that you keep your holiday wardrobe more on the conservative side too. This means that when packing you should make sure that you pack long-sleeves and full-length trousers, as well as your swimwear that’ll no doubt come in handy at your resort. It’ll also be worth talking to the staff at your hotel about what you can wear depending on where you’re going, if you want to be 100% sure.

3. Cash

Although we’ve become accustomed to a contactless society, this isn’t the case in Dubai. In fact, cash is still very much king when it comes to transactions. Therefore, make sure you get enough cash to take away with you before leaving for your holiday (the currency here is Dirham). However, many places will accept credit cards, but it’s always better to be prepared for any eventuality.

4. Kissing

As mentioned above, Dubai is a much more conservative country than the UK. Because of this, public kissing is a bit of a no-no. Therefore, public displays of affection in restaurants, on the beach, in nightclubs, on the street and in taxis are best avoided, as you could find yourself getting into a lot of trouble.

The Vicarage

Set on the outskirts of the sleepy village of Holmes Chapel, The Vicarage offers everything you could possibly desire for a glorious countryside weekend. Housed in a 17^th Century Grade II listed building and centred around its cosy restaurant and bar area, the hotel finds the perfect balance between rustic, vintage interiors and contemporary edge. Stunning woodwork, perfectly restored original features and thoughtful details give the inn a sense of place and the general friendly and warm ambiance make you feel at home.

The 26 rooms fall into two categories, standard and signature, and offer supremely comfortable Queen and King-sized beds, Nespresso coffee machines, rainmaker showers and a lovely selection of second-hand books – a nice little touch that adds to the hotel’s charm. For a real treat though, book one of the three signature rooms which are a tad more lush and characterful.

Driven by the gardeners, foragers, farmers and suppliers of Cheshire, everything in the main restaurant’s menu is locally sourced and comprises a number of beautifully cooked classics. Stand-outs include a mouth-watering smoked salmon and caviar starter and a cooked-to-perfection sea bass main. Served in the light, bright conservatory and the restaurant room next to it, the breakfast buffet isn’t huge but covers all the essentials: fruits, yoghurts, cereals and granola, juices, pastries and an impressive toast bar which comes with everything from butter and a selection of jams through to Marmite and peanut butter. You can also opt for freshly cooked to order Full English breakfast (vegetarian option available too), Eggs Benedict, Florentine and Royale, avocado on toast and sweet or savoury pancakes.

For more information and to book your visit, please go to: https://www.thevicaragecheshire.com/

The Courthouse

A renovation of what was previously Knutsford Crown Court is another great base for a weekend escape in Cheshire. Beautifully refurbished to mimic the building’s style and history, The Courthouse is home to Barristers Restaurant, and The Court Room – a popular weddings and events space, as well as the recent addition of three stunning bedrooms.

As one would expect when hearing its name, Barristers Restaurant stays true to the history of the building – barristers’ wigs hanging from pegs, framed pictures of famous offenders lining the walls and a menu that consists of ‘opening statements’, ‘proceedings’ and ‘main evidence’ instead of the more commonly used ‘nibbles’, ‘starters’ and ‘mains’. Why not make the most of what’s already there? Working closely with local suppliers, Executive Chef Steven Tuke crafts traditionally British menus that change with the season and include classics such as slow braised lamb shoulder, smoked cod loin and swordfish steak. And the verdict seems to be that everything he’s doing is working - whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner, locals flock to the restaurant for Chef Tuke’s hearty creations.

Earlier this year, The Courthouse opened its first three rooms – the Twin King Suite, the Superior Bridal Suite and the Signature King Suite. However, the owners of Flat Cap Hotels, brothers Dominic and Oliver Heywood, are not planning to stop here and are opening eight more luxury bedrooms in the existing wings of the iconic building. Stay tuned for more from the duo.

For more information and to book your visit, please go to: https://thecourthousecheshire.com/

Travel tops the table

The top four areas that consumers ranked were travel focused. Cultural holidays overseas now receive the biggest injection of cash, with respondents across the world spending an average of $1,537 a year on them – almost double what they spent on luxury items. Coming second were staycations, with 41% of consumers regularly holidaying at home. This was followed by wellness and spa holidays abroad (18%). While, overseas city breaks and weekends away were ranked forth, with almost a quarter (23%) respondents stating they’d put a gift worth $300 towards a short break.

Going out for a meal was ranked fifth by respondents, followed by solo travel abroad (particularly popular amongst the over 55s), catching a film at the cinema, attending live events, sporting holiday overseas and lastly, buying luxury items. Beyond expenditure, social media provides a good barometer for how we value things – and once again experience comes out on top, with 31% sharing posts about travelling for leisure and only 11% sharing new purchases.

Consumers are looking more for ‘meaning’ in what they do: possessions are proving less meaningful than experiences, and the memories and learnings they gain from them.

Getting underneath the skin of the trends

The statistics show that experience is well and truly king. So, why are we seeing this?

According to the Next Big Thing consumer futurist, Will Higham, the value of experiences over things is set to grow. Consumers are looking more for ‘meaning’ in what they do: possessions are proving less meaningful than experiences, and the memories and learnings they gain from them. Tomorrow’s consumer, citizen and employee will increasingly look for fulfillment from the experiences they have, share and remember. In future, what we do will matter more – to us and to our peer network – than what we buy. We’ll care more about status updates than status symbols.

As consumers start to value experiences more, Higham also says they’ll care more about how they feel during them. As a result, customer experience (CX) and customer service will become increasingly important. PwC predict these factors will become tomorrow’s key brand purchase differentiators. In its recent poll, 73% of consumers in 12 countries say CX is important factor in purchase decision making.

So, what does this mean for the finance brands looking to capture consumers’ hearts and wallets in this new age of experience?

Consumer behaviour is changing, and card providers and banks alike can’t ignore this.

Rethinking banking loyalty options

Across the globe, we’re seeing more and more challenger banks and payment options enter the market, underpinned by digital and mobile which are delivering a seamless, simple and engaging digital experience that’s ‘always on’. And they’re rivalling traditional players – Which? Recently announced that Monzo came first in its annual survey of the bank accounts that customers love the most. Traditional card providers and banks are being forced to shake-up their strategies, not only in terms of technologies to match the services delivered but also to look at ways in which to boost brand loyalty. After all, with consumers savvier than ever and providers making it easier for them to switch accounts and cards, what will make them choose one over another?

As we’ve seen from our global research, traditional offerings such as money for switching banks, a voucher or a product freebie just won’t cut it anymore. Consumer behaviour is changing, and card providers and banks alike can’t ignore this. Those companies that are able to offer products and services that respond to the shift towards experiences will reap the rewards when it comes to driving customer loyalty.

Experience is king, and it won’t be dethroned anytime soon.

Website: https://www.prioritypass.com/

Although the UK can be an expensive place to travel, there are many ways you can reduce costs and save money on your road trip. If you want to avoid overspending, consider all the expenses, set up a budget and get yourselves clued up beforehand with our top tips for saving.

1. Create a budget

Total the number of days and miles of your trip and then create your budget for fuel, vehicle costings, food, drinks and sightseeing.

If your budget is tight, you need to prioritise. Figure out what’s more important for you: the best food or staying in a nice hotel? Maybe you want to visit numerous attractions and don’t care if you’re camping and cooking out of the back of your car for a week. Do what works best for you.

Share out your money accordingly, applying the bulk of it towards those prioritised activities. This way you won’t overspend or have to limit yourself from doing things you want to.

2. Automatically transfer to savings

If you’re serious about your efforts to fund your travels, once you’ve worked out how much you can realistically save, set up a standing order to automatically transfer certain amounts of money to your savings every month or two weeks. Try to avoid using this money in the run up to your road trip.

3. Your car

Having your own car is a huge advantage when it comes to road trips because this enables you to reach idyllic spots that are impossible to get to via public transport.

If you’re a young driver or have recently passed your test, you're probably now on the hunt for a car. There are many options for you online, from eBay to Auto trader as well as local car garages close to home. But don’t panic if you’re worried about affording your trip and car insurance at once. Insurance with a black box could help you save a lot of money. Black box insurance works when your car is fitted with a black box device which records speed and the time of day or night that you are on the road. The device will also assess your driving style by monitoring braking and accelerating to build up a comprehensive profile of you as a driver. This could stop you facing an eye-watering insurance quote and allow you to put more money towards your road trip.

4. Track your spending

Money doesn’t have to be stressful and neither does effective money management. The stress begins when you’re too afraid to check your balance and have lost track of what your money is doing.

Tracking your expenses is important and is vital towards helping you save for your trip. Put aside a day on the weekend and go through your accounts, find out what your finances look like and see what you can cut back on each month. Write down everything from how much you spend on food a week, to entertainment and so on.

Money doesn’t have to be stressful and neither does effective money management. The stress begins when you’re too afraid to check your balance and have lost track of what your money is doing.

5. Set up shop

Do you have a house full of stuff you don’t use? Clothes you’ve never worn, old CDs and DVDs? Sell them. You’ll be surprised at how nice a declutter too. Even if you don’t make a fortune from what you sell, you will still be able to add some extra money to your road trip fund.

We hope you manage to get your trip together! For now, enjoy the holidays and have a Merry Christmas.

Don’t let a lack of finances get in the way of creating new and memorable experiences! There are lots of ways for you to reduce travelling costs without having to compromise on the quality of your trip.

Here are a few of the best ways you can cut travel costs this season and do more travelling without burning a hole in your wallet:

1. Shop Around for Cheap Flights

One of the most common reasons people say they can’t afford to travel is because the “flights are too expensive”. And yes, sometimes the price of flights are on the verge of extortion, but if you can’t find more affordable flights, it’s likely to be because you’re looking at all the wrong places.

You’ve got to shop around for cheap flights to find the best deals. Going straight to your favourite airline website and booking directly from it without even checking other sources is a rookie mistake. What you should be doing is comparing flight prices, so you can see the best deals on flights including things like recommended times to travel and possible discounts on returns etc.

2. Consider the Destination

If you want to experience as much of the world as possible, but you’re on a tight budget, you might want to avoid the “big spender” destinations such as Las Vegas, Hong Kong, Tokyo and so on. Expensive holiday destinations will make budgeting increasingly tricky, especially when you’re paying £100+ per night.

Instead, think about more affordable holiday destinations that offer just as much sunshine and excitement, but at a lower cost. A few of the most affordable destinations include Costa del Sol in Spain, Budapest in Hungary and Bali in Indonesia to name but a few.

3. Find Alternative Accommodation

Not everyone wants to compromise on quality when it comes to accommodation, and that’s okay. But if you’re looking to cut back on travel costs and don’t mind giving up a little bit of luxury, in exchange for somewhere to rest your head at night, you’ve got to consider cheaper accommodation.

First, you might want to check online for cheap hotels. You might get lucky and find something amazing and within your budget. But if you’re struggling, you can also stay in a hostel. Hostels offer lower prices, and many of them even include free breakfast, which is fantastic if you’re looking for a wallet-friendly alternative. If you’re a little more on the adventurous side, you might be open to camping or renting a caravan.

4. Cook your own Food

Are you a whizz in the kitchen? Save money by skipping the expensive restaurants and cooking your own food. If you’re travelling for a week or two, you might end up spending more than you anticipated on daily meals. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with treating yourself to a nice dinner on holiday, but if you’re determined to cut back, you’ve got to cook for yourself!

You can even bring food with you and shop for groceries at the local supermarket. Cooking for yourself is slightly easier if you’re camping or renting an apartment with a group of friends. The cost of renting an apartment is usually cheaper than hotel prices and most come with their own kitchen, which is ideal if you feel like whipping up a Sunday roast dinner or making a stir-fry.

5. Avoid Taxis

Taxis are so expensive in foreign countries, and most people agree that they feel overcharged by taxi services for merely being a tourist. Always try to avoid using a taxi service when possible and opt for public transport instead. Or, you could get some exercise and walk to your destination or hire a bicycle. However, this will be more difficult if you’ve got a few suitcases to trail about. Buses and trains offer affordable means of transport, so make sure to take note of the schedule and make the most out of public transportation.