Where would you travel if you won CRED points worth Rs. 1 Lakh?

From the backwaters of Kabini to the overwater villas of the Maldives, here’s where Divia Thani, Global Editorial Director, would go...

The Bison, Kabini

2 / 5

Atmosphere Kanifushi, Maldives

3 / 5

WelcomHeritage Ayatana, Coorg

4 / 5

Taj Mahal Tower, Mumbai

5 / 5

Evolve Back

While travelling beyond your front door is on hold indefinitely, that doesn’t stop us from dreaming, does it? While we’re staying indoors within the walls of our homes as much as possible, our minds and our hearts are wandering far away to exotic places. To make your travel plans even more exciting, CRED has come up with some stellar giveaways as a part of their CRED Mega Jackpot Week that is taking place during the IPL Season between 27th April and 3rd May. CRED members can stand to win everything from an iPhone to a Harley Davidson bike and for the ones with #wanderlust all over their Instagram profiles – free flights for five years! Members can participate in the jackpot by using CRED Coins that are earned by paying credit card bills on the app. Plus, CRED in association with Voyaah and WTFares, has curated some exclusive properties and deals. Now, as part of CRED’s Travel Store, members can ‘buy now, travel later’ when it’s safer. 

The Bison, Kabini 

The Bison, Kabini

Just about five hours from Bengaluru, The Bison lies at the confluence of the Bandipur and Nagarhole National Parks, on the shore of the Kabini River. The resort offers a balance of luxury amidst the wilderness with its rustic African wildlife tented camps and lodges. Take a midnight boat ride on the river, dine under the stars and book yourself some exciting wildlife safaris where you can look out for Kabini’s elusive black panther. 

Atmosphere Kanifushi, Maldives

Atmosphere Kanifushi, Maldives

If it’s an escape to a secluded island you’re looking for, then that’s just what you’ll get at Atmosphere Kanifushi in the Maldives. Surrounded by turquoise waters and white sand beaches, the island resort offers award-winning culinary experiences including live cooking stations, grills, sumptuous buffets and a wide selection of premium wines. Atmosphere Kanifushi offers an all-inclusive luxury meal plan, enhancing the typical 5-star Maldivian resort experience by going that extra mile. Plus, for those keen on some adventure, you can dive, sail, fish and snorkel your heart out in the crystal clear waters of the islands. CRED Members can avail accommodation in the sunset beach villas and water villas with a private pool, along with complimentary airport transfers and lounge services on arrival. 

WelcomHeritage Ayatana, Coorg 

WelcomHeritage Ayatana, Coorg

Wake up to misty mornings and lush green forests at Ayatana. For nature lovers and those looking for a detox from the city, this is the perfect place. With a private waterfall, a lovely brook running through the property and an infinity pool with gorgeous waterfall views, Ayatana is just what you need if you need a breather from your screens. Set off on hikes, go bird watching, practice yoga with a view or just lounge in the pool as you take in the stunning vistas. 

Taj Mahal Tower, Mumbai

Taj Mahal Tower

One of South Mumbai’s most iconic landmarks, this luxury hotel is perfect for a staycation in your own city. The hotel offers signature Taj hospitality that assures you the very finest of comforts, from its gorgeous spa to the outdoor pool. 

Evolve Back Resorts (Coorg, Hampi and Kabini) 

Evolve Back

Evolve Back is famous for offering world-class luxurious holidays. Choose between its beautiful properties in Coorg, Hampi or Kabini, and enjoy a holiday that’s all about enjoying the gifts of nature. The kitchens of Evolve Back are famed for their originality, with dishes made from fresh, seasonal produce so your plate will be full of delicious local flavours. CRED members get access to the highest categories of rooms in each property here. 

LUX South Atoll Maldives

LUX South Atoll Maldives

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventurous holiday, this luxury resort has something for everyone. With 193 private villas on land or above water, sunset or sunrise facing, the property caters to different tastes and preferences. Home to a 5-star PADI dive center, you can explore the wonders of Maldivian marine life with opportunities to visit the resident whale sharks. Two infinity pools, floodlit tennis courts, a fitness centre and a spa complete the whole package. The resort has loads of eateries and bars, with everything from sushi and sake to island-roasted coffee. Your CRED package can get you full board, with breakfast, dinner, return shared seaplane transfers, sunset cruises and lots more, with stay in a beach pavilion room. 

Hilton Goa

Hilton Goa Resort

This hilltop resort is just four kilometres from Candolim beach. Far enough from the crowds but close enough to Goa’s most vibrant attractions, Hilton Goa is great for family holidays, couples retreats or vacations with friends. Look out over Goa’s coastal landscape at the patio restaurant, enjoy coffee and cake at the Doce cafe and sip on your favourite cocktail at Coco, the lounge bar.

TAJ Dubai, Downtown

Taj Dubai, Downtown

Located in the heart of Dubai’s business and leisure hub, Burj Khalifa street, Taj Dubai is the perfect destination for business travellers as well as tourists. Iconic landmarks like the Dubai Opera and the Dubai fountain are a short walk away, and the famous Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is easily accessible from the hotel. CRED members can get access to the luxury city view rooms, with a 4 night, 5 day package including airport transfers and a premium desert safari. 

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You can win free flights for five years with CRED’s Mega Jackpot, this sporting season

Stay home safe and win big, with the CRED Mega Jackpot Week from 27th April to 3rd May

LUX South Ari Atoll Resort & Villas

2 / 5

Bison River Resort, Kabini

3 / 5

Taj Mahal Towers, Mumbai

Taj Dubai, Downtown

After the pandemic, we’ve all put ‘travelling around the world’ at the top of our bucket lists. But with discounts on flights and experiences being available only during the festive season, it limits travel options to your desired destination. To match your need to travel, it’s always good to consider means that will allow you to do so. For starters, choose a credit card that will reward you with such offers. And to top that off, a credit card payment application that offers regular perks such as cashbacks, rewards and jackpots like CRED. 

The member-only credit card bill payment platform, CRED, has made the process of paying off credit card bills all the more delightful. Purchasing flight tickets, hotels and culinary experiences through CRED gives members the chance to win CRED Coins. These CRED Coins can then be redeemed to make purchases from within the CRED Store or on over 300 merchant platforms, or by participating in a jackpot that lets you win free flight tickets for five years. 

Don’t worry, you read that right. From 27th April to 3rd May CRED will be launching its first ever Mega Jackpot Week which will give members an opportunity to win big while they stay safe at home. Members use CRED Coins earned to participate in  jackpots that allow them to win Harley Davidson Fat Boys, Gold, brand-new iPhones for a decade, a TATA Safari car, a complete home makeover, the very popular Bitcoin, and of course, free flights for five years. To ensure that members can check off one item from their travel planning, CRED partnered with Ixigo to give five lucky winners a once in a lifetime chance to win free flights for five years. 

To ensure that you have an unmatched experience, CRED Travel Store has partnered with Voyaah and WTFares to add over 250 domestic and international destinations under the ‘buy now and travel later’ option. This option enables future travels when it is safe to venture. Members can book luxurious stays at Bison River Resort in Kabini, Atmosphere Kanifushi in Maldives, Hilton Goa, Ayatana Coorg, Taj Mahal Tower Mumbai. 

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The CRED Mega Jackpot Week is open to all 5.9 million CRED members. To join this community of trustworthy and creditworthy individuals, individuals will need to have a credit score of over 750. Members can participate in the CRED Mega Jackpot Week using CRED Coins earned by paying their credit card bills on the app.

 

Note : Source Code Nest Travel.

After lockdown Bali Indonesia Hoteliers playing game on Sale

Business players in the hospitality sector in Bali, the country’s main tourism hub, have been prompted to sell property below market price, amid the massive hit to the island’s visits due to the pandemic, realtors and experts have stated. (Nusa Dua)

While the asking price for property in the hospitality sector, such as resorts, villas and hotels, has not budged since the outbreak began at the beginning of March, the owners have been more open to selling their property with up to 25 percent off market price, according to Paradise Property Group, a Bali-based resort and villa realtors firm.

“Bali’s tourism slump has greatly affected both property leases and sales. Annual and monthly lease prices could drop up to 50 percent, while sales of property are also seeing more price concessions during negotiations,” the realtor firm's sales manager, Fransiska Annie, told The Jakarta Post in a phone interview on July 8.

Meanwhile, Fransiska said limited international travel and large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) had also made it difficult for buyers to survey property to understand fair value.

 (The water Palace, Tirtha Ganga)

Bali, which relies heavily on tourism, has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, with foreign visits continuing to slow since March. Foreign tourists traveling through the province’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport dipped 64.7 percent in March from the same period last year, which worsened to over 99 percent in the following months until May, according to Statistics Indonesia (BPS) data.

BPS data also showed that hotel occupancy stood at 2.07 percent in May, nearly a 50 point drop from the same period last year, the steepest dive of all provinces in May.

However, despite the pressures from falling occupancy rates, Fransiska also stated that in many cases, Bali property owners had also backed off from negotiations due to buyers’ unreasonable price demands, which could reach 50 percent below market price.

(The world famous Kuta)

Property consulting firm Colliers International Indonesia director Steve Atherton said that with  lingering uncertainty over current and future economic conditions, Bali’s property owners and buyers were struggling to find middle ground on pricing.

“With declining tourism and the fact that so many hotels are closed, it creates a real vacuum of financial information regarding the operations and how to price the assets in the first place,” Atherton told the Post on July 6.

As both buyers and property owners are unable to set a clear property value projection, Atherton said the best solution for both sides would be to sell partial stakes of the property.

“The current owners would be able to monetize the property and have cash to repay bank loans and obligations, and both sides could work together for the better future. That, I think, is the healthy way for both owners and investors,” he said.

  Bali Governor I Wayan Koster then announced in early July a plan to reopen the region’s popular tourist destinations to international visitors on Sept. 11.

“During the early days of the pandemic, banks were slow to implement the government’s restructuration and stimulus policy, so some properties in Bali collapsed. However, the restructuration policy is currently in full force and property owners have the ability to postpone their interest debt payment,” Paulus said.

Financial Services Authority (OJK) data show that Indonesian banks have provided 6.35 million debtors with credit restructuring worth Rp 695.3 trillion (US$48.3 billion) as of June 22, following the issuance of OJK Regulation No. 11/2020, which instructs financial institutions to provide relief for borrowers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

 Source : Jakarta Post

Thinking of Traveling in the U.S.? These States Have Travel Restrictions https://ift.tt/2W4InCU

By Karen Schwartz from NYT Travel https://ift.tt/300nlqb

Amazing Philippines experience

The Philippines offers the most picturesque scenery I have ever witnessed, with captivating white beaches, aligned with rows and rows of palm trees, which are surrounded by crystal clear waters and limestone cliffs.

The Philippines is like nothing I have seen before. The beautiful views are present across every island you visit, and it never fails to disappoint. There is so much to do there, but it is predominately a beachy place. If you don’t enjoy the beach (who are you!?) then you probably won’t appreciate the Philippines as much as you should.

Travelling to the Philippines is something that everybody should put on their bucket list. I have written down my 6 top tips for travelling the Philippines that I personally believe will help improve your experience.

My best tips include ways to avoid spending unnecessary money, how to plan for Philippine transport, and other helpful things I picked up along the way.

We used all types of public transport in the Philippines and a number of factors can affect their punctuality. The main reason for delays is down to the typhoons. We boarded 2 ferries throughout our trip, both of which were cancelled for up to 24 hours, and our flight to Boracay was delayed by 6 hours. Buses that are supposed to take 3 hours actually take 6… the list goes on.

so if you are looking into a place and everything is booking up, you might make an exception. Booking accommodation in Boracay beforehand is recommended as it is usually really busy with tourists, but hear me out. In general, I would advise that you don’t book anything in advance.

The main reason for this is based on Number 1, things go wrong. If your transport is delayed, you will need to make new arrangements and find a new place to stay on the spot. This also means that the accommodation you have already booked is going to go to waste.

The amount of money that we would have lost if we would have booked our accommodation beforehand is insane! Our plan changed a total of 3 times throughout our trip due to delays and cancellations. We actually re-routed the whole thing at one stage.

estimated a total cost and tried our hardest to stick to it. The domestic flight prices changed and we paid more than what we had hoped. Booking the flights in advance does save you money, however, the issue is of course that things change!

It is a tricky one to get around because if you book your flight in advance, other plans may fall through and you could end up missing out on an amazing place. If you wait, you could end up paying double.

My honest advice would be to wait and go with the flow. Overall, we did save money by travelling the way we did.

Another issue for anyone travelling with luggage… Philippine Airlines will only accept 10kg checked luggage and there is no option to pay for an upgrade. This means that you have to fly with more expensive airlines.

Cebu Pacific and Air Asia are your two main contenders – although be warned, Air Asia get delayed, A LOT!

If you can travel with a limited amount of luggage, I would highly recommend that you do, you will save even more money and hassle!

The recommended amount of tours to do in both Coron and El Nido is 2 in each. Buy the tours at the same time, with the same company and save yourself some pennies! It’s like anywhere you go, the more you buy, the cheaper they are.

You can also try make a deal such as getting a snorkel and mask thrown in for free. In Coron, you have to pay 100php extra for the snorkels (unless you get a discount) but in El Nido they are already included in the tour.

Make sure you don’t negotiate a deal that is already included (like we managed to do haha!). Once we were on the boat, we realised that EVERYBODY was being handed a mask and snorkel and that we had been mugged off.

The cheapest places were in both Puerto Princesa and Coron at only 10 php a head (0.25AUD/0.14p). The locals will try and charge you up to 150 php in some places, especially when arriving in to a port or an airport.

Let them know that you are aware it should only be 10 php and keep walking. They’ll either run after you and take you for the correct price, or you’ll make your way to the main roads and find a tricycle there.

In El Nido they were a little bit more expensive and charged 50 php from the ferry port to our hotel. Just be smart and settle for a fair price – the locals are just there to make a living.

Manilla –> Cebu  –> Moalboal –> Oslob –> Siquijor Island –> Bohol –> Cebu Airport –> Puerto Princesa –> Coron –> El Nido –> Puerto Princesa Airport –> Boracay –> Cebu International Airport.

Effects of covid19, Swiss port slashed 4500 jobs.

Swissport ( originally owned by Chinese company HNA ) is planning to axe 4,556 jobs in the UK and Ireland - half its workforce - due to the impact of the coronavirus.

Swissport's chief executive for western Europe, Jason Holt, said it had been "hit hard" by Covid19 with revenues "almost completely lost".

Mr Holt said: "The unfortunate fact is that there simply aren't enough aircraft flying for our business to continue running as it did before the COVID-19 outbreak, and there won't be again for some time to come.

"We must adapt to this new reality or new normal."

He pointed to industry forecasts suggesting traffic may not recover to 2019 levels until as late as 2024.

While it had survived previous tough periods such as the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and the financial crisis, the current collapse was of a different scale to anything in living memory, Mr Holt said.

"We are now facing a long period of uncertainty and reduced flight numbers, along with significant changes taking place to the way people travel and the way goods move around the world," he added.

"There is no escaping the fact that the industry is now smaller than it was, and it will remain so for some time to come."

Annual revenues are expected to be almost 50% lower than last year, Mr Holt said.

"Hence, we must adapt by reducing the size of Swissport's workforce if we're going to survive as a company," he added.

Swissport employs around 8,500 people in the UK and Ireland, with operations across London as well as regional airports, and the jobs being lost represent 53% of the workforce.

The group employed more than 60,000 people globally prior to the crisis.

Trade unions Unite and GMB described the announcement as "devastating news".

Unite's national officer, Oliver Richardson, called on the government to intervene urgently with a financial package and an extension of the 80% furlough scheme - which is due to start tapering off at the end of July - for the aviation industry.

Thousands of jobs have already been lost across the sector as a result of the crisis, with British airways announcing 12,000 will go, Easy Jet axing up to 4,500 staff and Ryanair shedding 3,000.

On Wednesday, the Airport Operators Association (AOA), which represents more than 50 airports, said analysis of its members suggested up to 20,000 jobs were at risk and called for the government to scrap its controversial quarantine regime

Credit : skynews

Breath taking Bali

Bali island is small island and part of Indonesia. appeals through its sheer natural beauty of looming volcanoes and lush terraced rice fields that exude peace and serenity. It is also famous for surfers’ paradise.

Bali is located 8 degrees south of the equator, you will find the climate to be the typical tropical, warm and humid all year round with two main distinctive seasons: Dry Season and Rainy Season. Some of the areas around Bali's central mountains (volcanoes) have several peaks over 3,000 meters above sea levels. Up here the temperatures are considerably cooler, and there is much more rainfall than in the coastal areas

By the tropical side and a dream place for vacation, honeymoon & leisure Package.The most beautiful thing of Bali when moon goes up and Bali spirit come out.Every night is a festival and opportunity to have fun and enjoy.

Bali is also known as the Land of the Gods, Bali appeals through its sheer natural beauty of looming volcanoes and lush terraced rice fields that exude peace and serenity. It is also famous for surfers’ paradise! Bali enchants with its dramatic dances and colorful ceremonies, its arts, and crafts, to its luxurious beach resorts and exciting nightlife. And everywhere, you will find intricately carved temples.

Bali is specifically designed for you to have an amazingly romantic stay on the island with unique inclusions, exceptional accommodation and breathtaking activities.

Bali’s white beaches are certainly a favorite destination for family holidays. There are a variety of watersports available, such as banana boats, parasailing or jet skiing, go swimming or you may just linger and enjoy good sunbathing by the sea.

is also famous for surfers’ paradise! Bali enchants with its culture dance and colorful ceremonies, its arts, and crafts to its luxurious beach resorts and exciting nightlife.

Kuta has a large variety of boutiques and shops, selling everything from bright T-shirts, surf-wear, flip-flops to creative trinkets. If you wish to buy dried foodstuffs, Bali coffee is the most aromatic one. You may also want to buy aromatherapy essential oils to sprinkle your bath with.

Kuta is one of the most well-known beaches in Bali. Along with this stretch are an array of hotels, restaurants, shops, and cafes. In the evenings the area throbs to the beat of disco music.

For a quieter evening enjoy the beach at Jimbaran, a popular spot to eat fresh barbecued seafood. Seminyak is home to five-stars International hotels and luxurious accommodation studded with fancy dining spots. Sanur Beach also dotted with hotels and restaurants. You can also visit Nusa Dua, where more private beaches front super deluxe hotels.

Surfers love the waves at Nusa Lembongan near Nusa Penida. These islands are a 45 minutes boat trip from Nusa Dua or from Sanur.

At Nusa Penida’s south western coast are the Manta Point and the Malibu point where divers can swim with Travally, big rays, and even sharks. Kelingking Beach, Atuh beach and Broken beach among the most famous spots of Nusa Penida.

You can explore or trekking the West Bali National Park, where you may get up close and personal with Bali’s rich flora and fauna, such as Jalak Bali or the Bali Starling.

Bali has a breat taking white water rafting down the spectacular Ayung River by Ubud. If you enjoy cycling, Ubud and its surrounding is a wonderful town to bike around. There are also good cycling paths at Uluwatu in the south.

There are thousands of gift shops in Bali. From Denpasar to Ubud, you'll find many things you'd like to bring back home. Balinese signature souvenir range from delicious snacks and beverages, to the exquisite handcrafted goods like Tenun Bali.

If you are thinking of bringing home souvenirs, your best bet is the souvenir market at Sukowati, where you may be overwhelmed by choice.

Most of the starred hotels are located near the beach. Some even have their own private spots at certain beaches, where you can splurge on exclusive privilege. You can find them easily at popular spots like Kuta, Sanur, and Seminyak.

For a quieter evening enjoy the beach at Jimbaran, a popular spot to eat fresh barbecued seafood. Seminyak is home to five-stars International hotels and luxurious accommodation studded with fancy dining spots. Sanur Beach also dotted with hotels and restaurants. You can also visit Nusa Dua, where more private beaches front super deluxe hotels.

Surfers love the waves at Nusa Lembongan near Nusa Penida. These islands are a 45 minutes boat trip from Nusa Dua or from Sanur.

At Nusa Penida’s south western coast are the Manta Point and the Malibu point where divers can swim with Travally, big rays, and even sharks. Kelingking Beach, Atuh beach and Broken beach among the most famous spots of Nusa Penida.

The best dive spots can be located at Menjangan island, with its reef flat, anchor wreck, eel garden and caves to explore. Located in the western part of Bali, you can enjoy the rare sight of deer swimming near the beach. Pemutaran is also famous for its diving activities renowned for reef conservation.
Try exploring or trekking the West Bali National Park, where you may get up close and personal with Bali’s rich flora and fauna, such as Jalak Bali or the Bali Starling.

Transportation

There are many modes of transport to help you get around in Bali. A variety of excellent half day, full day and overnight tour packages are available from your hotel desk or any of the numerous travel agents and tour operators which abound in Bali. You can also find a car and driver who will also be your guide. Tell the driver your desired route and negotiate a fee.

An important virtue to have while on the road in Bali is patience! Although the road system in the heavily populated areas is quite reasonable (condition wise), it can also be heavily congested at peak periods. Ceremonial processions often take up the entire road so if you're caught behind a procession, enjoy the colorful experience.

By Air

The gateway to enter Bali by a flight route is through the Ngurah Rai International Airport. International and national flights are available around the clock, to take the visitor to the Island of The Gods.

The airport is scheduled to close once a year during the Balinese Nyepi ceremony, for 24 hours. At Nyepi, every corner of Bali is performing the sacred rituals which made the island ceased any activities outside of these rituals for one whole day.

Overland

Public transport to Bali is available through travel companies and busses. If you opt to experience a road trip, be sure that you are equipped and ready for the long hours.

From the capital of Jakarta, an overland road trip to Bali can range from 30 hours to a few days. All depending on whether or not you want to stop by and enjoy the cities that you are going to pass through.

By Sea

Bali is accessible by ferry ride from an island of Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara. In Lombok, you can explore the beauty of Mount Rinjani and pristine beaches on the Gili islands.
From Java Island, you can get to Bali by taking a ferry from Banyuwangi. The city with the slogan of The Sunrise of Java is where you can embark to experience the adventurous path to Ijen Crater and its mesmerizing Blue Fire.

Singapore After Covid19 or Lock down Preparations.

The Southeast Asian economy has been badly hit as measures — both overseas and domestically — aimed at containing the spread of the virus halted much of global economic activity.

Singapore is also facing worst hit. The country is one the worst-hit in Asia by the corona virus outbreak, having reported more than 41,000 confirmed cases as of Thursday, according to its health ministry. Over 90% of those cases were detected among migrant workers living in dormitories, official data showed. Those workers are mostly men from other Asian countries working in low-wage jobs.

The country’s lifting of restrictions has come earlier than some expected, which could help limit the economic slowdown in Singapore, said Selena Ling, head of treasury research and strategy at Singaporean bank OCBC.

Businesses will need to adhere to a series of precautions before they can resume operations. They include implementing a system of safe-management measures, including appointing safe-management officers. They must also reduce physical interactions and ensure safe-distancing measures, such as allowing employees to work from home if possible and staggering work hours

International Travel after Pendemic.

International Travel after Pendemic, what will be the new roles and regulations, it's all speculation for all countries.

Pendemic has changed all of our worlds, and not just in the short-term. Outside of healthcare—where heroes dressed in gowns are battling on the front lines—few industries have been hit like travel. 

However, the scale of the problem cannot be ignored; entire nations have been ordered to stay at home, airlines have gone bankrupt, travel companies are laying off massive amounts of workers, and hotels are now hospitals. When things do start to return to “normal”, travel, especially international travel, will look very different. 

As businesses in Singapore begin to reopen, the government plans to step up its testing capability and capacity, officials have said. The government is seeking to bolster its testing capacity fivefold, from about 8,000 a day to as many as 40,000 tests daily by later this year. All of the more than 300,000 foreign workers in the country’s dormitories will be tested as well, Wong said

We have some indication about resuming international travel for all countries.

When will travel industry will recover ?

No one predict or Nobody knows but it's sure it will recover in phases, With primary focus like social distances, proper uses of sensitize for personal safety.

But speculation about opening of travel in October 2020.

 Airport Regulations

Immigration, checking system Will become longer and less friendly.

Travelers will find Flight attendant with mask and covered with protected shield.

Some experts says airlines might remove middle seats to avoid contact.so it's makes airleline tickets more expensive.

Traveler will review local medical services while traveling.More on all traveler will focus more on domestic travel.