Turkish Airlines Launching Seattle Flights In May 2022

HOSTED BY: 1 AIR TRAVEL

Turkish Airlines has just put its newest route to the United States on sale, and it’s a pretty exciting one, in my opinion.

Turkish Airlines adds Istanbul to Seattle route

As of May 27, 2022, Turkish Airlines will be launching 4x weekly flights between Istanbul (IST) and Seattle (SEA). The flight will operate with the following schedule on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays:

TK203 Istanbul to Seattle departing 2:05PM arriving 4:15PM TK204 Seattle to Istanbul departing 5:45PM arriving 3:25PM (+1 day)

Turkish Airlines will fly from Istanbul to Seattle

The flight will cover a distance of 6,071 miles in each direction, and is blocked at 12hr10min westbound and 11hr40min eastbound. Turkish Airlines will use a Boeing 787-9 for the route, featuring 300 seats. This includes 30 business class seats and 270 economy class seats.

We first learned about plans for this route in November 2021, when the airline revealed it would add flights to both Detroit and Seattle. The Seattle flight is finally on sale, while there’s no sign of the Detroit flight launching yet.

Turkish Airlines flies to more countries than any other airline in the world. As far as destinations in the United States go, the airline otherwise flies to Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Newark, San Francisco, and Washington.

Turkish Airlines will fly a Boeing 787-9 to Seattleward seats are readily available

If you’re interested in taking this flight, award seats are currently wide open. I see four business class award seats available on most flights, so this is a great option for flying to Istanbul, or for traveling with one stop to just about anywhere in the world.

The best program to redeem miles through depends on your final destination, but in general Air Canada Aeroplan and Avianca LifeMiles are going to be your best bet. Both partner with major transferable points currencies, and have reasonable award pricing.

Turkish Airlines’ Boeing 787-9 business class

My take on Turkish Airlines adding Seattle flights

It’s always awesome to see airlines add new routes, especially when we’re talking about an airline as global as Turkish Airlines. Given how many places Turkish Airlines already flies to in the United States, I’d say Seattle is logically among the next cities you’d expect from the airline.

A few thoughts on Turkish Airlines adding Seattle flights:

Seattle has been growing at a fast pace, and in the past decade we’ve seen a countless number of foreign airlines add service to the airportSeattle is a hub for Alaska Airlines (oneworld) and Delta Air Lines (SkyTeam), though there’s also some long haul Star Alliance service on airlines like All Nippon Airways, Lufthansa, and Singapore AirlinesWhile Turkish Airlines has a slightly different market than the “big three” Gulf carriers, there is also some overlap, and both Emirates Airline and Qatar Airways fly to SeattleSeattle is an incredibly international city, and Turkish Airlines should open up one stop connectivity to several new destinations

Seattle has seen a huge amount of growth in recent years

Bottom line

Turkish Airlines will be launching flights to Seattle as of May 2022. The airline will fly from Istanbul 4x weekly with a Boeing 787-9. This is an exciting new flight option for those in the Seattle area, given all of the places that passengers can connect to beyond Istanbul.

What do you make of Turkish Airlines’ new Seattle route?

By: Ben Schlappig
Title: Turkish Airlines Launching Seattle Flights In May 2022
Sourced From: onemileatatime.com/news/turkish-airlines-seattle/
Published Date: Tue, 29 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0000

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Single Parent’s Guide To Traveling With Children: Tips And Hints

TODAY'S ADVENTURE

Single Parent’s Guide To Traveling With Children: Tips And Hints

If you are a newly single parent, the idea of taking your children away for a vacation might be a little scary. Going on vacation should be fun and exciting, not stressful and tiring. The last thing you want is to come back from vacation feeling worse than you did when you left. Traveling with your children as a single parent is never easy, but there are ways you can make the experience run smoothly. Here is a single parent’s guide to traveling with children.

Traveling with children as a single parent is a very special experience, however, without meticulous preparation, even the most exciting (on paper) journey can easily turn into a mess, you need to take into consideration many things like making a packing list for a family vacation and that stuff. It doesn’t matter whether you embark on an engaging journey with an infant, toddler, teenager- or all together – you need a good plan and a couple of tricks to make it a reality smoothly.

single parent looking through the window of an airplane with his kid

Useful Tips for Single Parents Traveling with Children

Whether you’re taking a road trip to the other side of the country or you’re making a journey across international waters, traveling with children as a single parent in tow can be a challenge. There are many travel tips all single parents should know in order to survive a trip with youngsters.

Traveling with kids as a single parent can be difficult at times, however, by taking some of these simple tips into consideration you might feel more prepared for your next family trip.

Start Small

If you have infants or really small kids, avoid making first travel an exhaustive two-week trip to some faraway exotic destination. Long-haul flights are exhaustive even for seasoned globetrotters, not to mention such a “great” thing as breaks at the airports and hours of waiting. Before taking your children on a lengthy vacation, consider a weekend away in your area, so you can put to the test your strategy and see how things are going in real life. Even a one-day trip to the Zoo on the other side of the city can serve as a trial run and show you the level of your readiness for a big adventure. Did you pass the test in terms of packing and food choices? Were you successful in keeping the kid’s routine? Finally and most importantly, did you enjoy yourself?

Book Ahead

Believe it or not, most parents make the mistake of not booking ahead and this includes booking a hotel, transport, and even activities. It really gives you a strong advantage to book ahead of time, especially since it gives you the ability to retain the spontaneity of traveling. For instance, you wanted to book a transfer company at the airport when you land. Unfortunately for you, you will have to wait for several hours before the next availability arrives. It would have been so much better if you booked ahead, so you and your family could go straight to the hotel or something.

Talk to your children about flying

One of the biggest problems you will find when you are traveling with children is that they fear flying. Before you go on vacation, it is important that you talk to your children about traveling. Let your children ask any questions they want to. You have to be ready to answer their questions. The point is you need to make them feel calm about flying. Tell them that there is nothing to worry about and that they will be fine.

lways Research Your Destination

When people travel with kids, they are not so flexible and have to plan the majority of activities in advance. You may love the idea of spending the whole day sightseeing, but do your children think it’s a lot of fun? If you have a toddler, make sure to leave enough time for their “free” activities, so they can release their vast energy by running in the local park or hitting the playground. That’s why you need to research your dream destination in advance, to know exactly where the nearest park or a shopping mall with a decent playground is. It’s also a good idea to scan the neighborhood for family-friendly restaurants and other facilities where kids can also have fun.

Bring toys and distractions

It is important that you have small games, toys, and distractions with you on the plane. That way, you can use the toys to distract your children when you are in the air. On some airlines, there will be a movie showing while you fly. If there is a movie, you have a perfect distraction for your children. If there is not, you might need to play some games, like block games or tell stories to entertain your kids. Occupying your children will mean that they don’t have time to worry about flying.

Don’t overpack

Be selective when deciding what to pack for your trip, especially if you’re traveling via air. If you’re guilty of cramming as much stuff as you can into your carry-on bag, perhaps write a checklist including only the items you cannot go without, such as baby food if you have an infant with you. It’s challenging enough to keep an eye on excitable kids without the added burden of having to carry heavy luggage. It might also be a good idea for each of your children to have their own backpacks. This provides extra space for necessities and lightens the load for you but also gives your kids an element of responsibility in looking after their own belongings.

Consider traveling with another family

When you travel alone with your children, it can be a huge stress. If you know another family, with kids the same age as yours, you should consider traveling with them. If you travel as a group, you will have other adults to talk to during the vacation. It also means that there are more adults to help with childcare, than there would be if it were just you. You can take turns looking after all the children so that everybody gets a chance to relax.

Plan activities for each day

When you travel with children, you need to plan just a few things each day. If you plan to go sightseeing, you should not plan to see too many different attractions. You might want to pack a million things into one day, but trying to do so will be a nightmare. When you are out with children, all manner of things can happen. Children move at a slower pace than adults. That means that they take longer to overlook things and explore their environment. You need to allow some time for your children to explore.

Safety precautions

It is your duty to ensure your child is safe at all times.

This should hold true regardless of the means you are using to travel. If you are driving, for example, make sure your babies are in child car seats, and everyone else has their seat belts on. Appropriate safety precautions should be strictly followed whether you are flying or traveling by bus or train.

It is a good safety practice to register with your embassy or state department when traveling to a foreign nation. The embassy might come to your aid should you find yourself in a spot of bother or should an emergency situation arise.

Check your children for allergies

Before you go on vacation, you need to know whether your children have any allergies. If your children are allergic to something, and you don’t know about it, it could be a disaster. Take your children to the doctor before you go on your break and get him or her to test them for allergies. In doing so, you ensure that your children will be safe when they are on vacation. You will also need to make sure that you and your little ones have vacation insurance. That way, you can cover the cost of medical bills if one of you gets ill abroad.

Make sure everybody gets vaccines

Make sure that both you and your children get any vaccinations you need before you travel. If you are traveling in certain regions, you will need exotic vaccinations to ensure that you don’t get diseases. Many parents forget about vaccinations when they are traveling. Small children have a low immune system. That means that young kids are susceptible to contracting diseases. It is your duty as a parent to protect your children. Your doctor will be able to tell you what vaccinations you need for your vacation. He or she can also give you some advice about traveling with children and how to keep them safe.

Think about the food

If your children are fussy eaters, you need to think about what they will eat on vacation. Check out the menu at your hotel and see whether your children will enjoy the food that is on offer. Many hotels offer a children’s menu of simple food, such as fish and chips or pasta. If your hotel does not offer this service, you still have options. You can order takeaway food no matter where you are in the world. Pizza delivery in Dubai, for example, is quick and easy, especially if you are ordering food at a hotel.

Take Things Slow

Kids can walk as fast as you plus they also get tired much faster than we do. So my suggestion is to reduce to half the amount of things to do and places to visit that you normally plan in one day. This will allow everyone to enjoy the experiences a lot more, plus you won’t feel stressed or like you are missing something if you don’t get to do everything on the itinerary.

What you plan for a day should always be set to what your youngest child can handle.

Keep sunscreen on you at all times

Children have sensitive skin. Your skin can likely sustain a lot of heat and sunlight. Your children’s skin is much more delicate than yours. If you are going to a country where it is hot most of the time, you need to make sure that you pack some sunscreen. Carry a bottle of high SPF sunscreen in your bag at all times. You should apply sunscreen to your children’s skin every hour or so. If your children go swimming, ensure that you cover them with sunscreen straight away when they get out of the pool. If the sun damages your children’s skin, it can be awful. Make sure you protect your children throughout the day.

Dress your children for the weather

In the same respect, you need to make sure that your children have appropriate clothing for hot weather. Sun hats and appropriate shoes are a must. You need to make sure that your children’s shoulders are never bare, except when they are swimming. Shoulders are always in direct sunlight. That means that if you don’t cover your children’s shoulders, they are likely to burn and even blister in the heat. Adults sometimes forget how sensitive children’s skin is, but you should not make that mistake.

Hotel vs. Apartment Rental

Even though a hotel may seem like an obvious choice because it offers a wide range of services while traveling with kids as a single parent, think of renting an apartment able to cater directly to your current needs. It’s no secret, not only the majority of hotel rooms are not built with families with children in mind in terms of space, but they also don’t have such must-haves as a full-size refrigerator and a microwave.

Things are getting less convenient when it comes to a sleeping place for your kid, especially if an infant or toddler is in question. Well, some hotels provide beds for babies, but too often their saggy mattresses and the absence of shields just do not let those beds serve the purpose. Of course, wise parents can always take the portable one with them but, again, not every hotel room will have enough space for an additional bed.

On the other hand, an apartment will solve all the aforementioned problems with space and kitchen appliances. In addition to that, you can get a comfy bathroom to give your kid a nice bath. Back to a sleeping place for your baby, a quality product can become a real game-changer, and not only for travel.

Another important moment, with an apartment, you won’t have to worry about thin walls and the fact that people in the room next door can hear your every single word or baby crying at night. Plus, you will have far more options to keep your child’s routine and diet – all this at a significantly lower price.

Keep Infants On Their Routine

Although kids up to two years old are considered the least complicated to travel with, it is essential to keep their established routine, so they feel safe and comfortable in the usual environment. Sticking to the schedule they have at home will help keep them happy, meaning that parents also can have their piece and enjoy the vacation.

Conclusion

Traveling with kids as a single parent is not only a fun thing to do, but it is also the perfect moment to spend some quality time together, bonding time that will bring a lot of benefits for you and your kid in the long run. However, it can still be a daunting experience regardless of how many times you have done this before. It could be anything from which places to visit what clothes to pack, all of which can result in a deluge of worries.

Hope this guide for single parents is helpful for you and your kids! Now it doesn’t have to be hard!

The post Single Parent’s Guide To Traveling With Children: Tips And Hints appeared first on Travel Experta - Travel, Lifestyle, Freedom.

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By: Marina Villatoro
Title: Single Parent’s Guide To Traveling With Children: Tips And Hints
Sourced From: travelexperta.com/single-parents-traveling-with-kids/
Published Date: Wed, 30 Mar 2022 11:20:48 +0000

Cathay Pacific to operate world’s longest flight — with a catch

HOSTED BY: 1 AIR TRAVEL

Thanks to geopolitical tensions surrounding Russia’s war in Ukraine, there will soon be a new world’s longest flight — sort of.

Cathay Pacific’s service from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) will soon take considerably longer as the airline avoids Russian airspace, according to Bloomberg News.

Instead of taking a conventional great circle routing that brings departures out of Kennedy over Greenland, Russia, Mongolia and China, the new flight path will bring Cathay’s flights on a more southerly route over the North Atlantic Ocean, Great Britain, continental Europe, the Black Sea and Turkey.

Want more airline-specific news? Sign up for TPG’s free new biweekly Aviation newsletter

The new routing will add about 2,254 miles to the trip, which is normally 8,071 miles long, but thanks to seasonal tailwinds, will only add one to two hours, according to Bloomberg. Cathay will operate the route with the Airbus A350-1000.

Cathay’s adjustment to its New York-Hong Kong service comes amid severe disruptions to the carrier’s operation as Hong Kong grapples with stringent COVID-related travel restrictions.

While restrictions there have eased slightly in recent days, travel rules remain strict. In the fallout, Cathay in recent months has operated only a small fraction of the service it did prior to the pandemic. The carrier’s January passenger capacity, for example, dropped to just 2% of what it was prior to the COVID-19 crisis.

Those pandemic-related capacity cuts are also reflected on Cathay’s JFK service. The airline will operate the JFK-HKG flight only four times during entire month of April, Cirium schedules data shows. Prior to the pandemic, Cathay operated the route as many as three times a day. There also was a fourth frequency — a fifth-freedom routing that stopped at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) before continuing on to Hong Kong — though the carrier announce plans to discontinue that service in September 2019.

Singapore Airlines uses an A350-900ULR, similar to the A350-900 pictured here, to operate the world’s longest flight by great circle distance. (Photo by Fasttailwind/Shutterstock)

The world’s longest flight by great circle distance continues to be Singapore Airlines’ nonstop flight between Singapore’s Changi Airport (SIN) and Kennedy, at 9,527 miles, according to OAG. That flight operates daily, while a similar service between Singapore and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) that is two miles shorter and operates five times a week. Those flights use the Airbus A350-900ULR, an ultra-long-range version of the A350.

More: How Russia’s airspace disruption affects European, Western airlines

Cathay is just the latest airline to see its routings disrupted due to the war in Ukraine and the subsequent avoidance of Russian airspace. Japan Airlines’ flight from Tokyo to London now takes as much as 4 1/2 hours longer than before and transits American airspace near Alaska before taking a polar route to Great Britain. One estimate puts JAL on the hook for about $20,000 more per flight in fuel costs with the longer distance.

Featured photo by Marc Fernandes/NurPhoto via Getty Images.

By: Ethan Klapper
Title: Cathay Pacific to operate world’s longest flight — with a catch
Sourced From: thepointsguy.com/news/cathay-pacific-worlds-longest-flight/
Published Date: Tue, 29 Mar 2022 18:07:16 +0000

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Ultimate Guide to Family Vacation Packing List

TODAY'S ADVENTURE

Ultimate Guide to Family Vacation Packing List

The transition from being a solo traveler, or traveling with a group of friends, to becoming a parent traveling with small kids can be confusing for some people. I remember that back when I traveled alone, packing was left to the last minute; it was a 2-hour process. Now that I have a husband and two boys, packing can take 4 days or more. That’s why I have gathered the ultimate essentials to pack for a family vacation.

No matter how much experience you have, there is always something. It seems almost impossible not to forget something. After many long weekend getaways and even more 1-3 week vacations of constantly forgetting stuff, I’ve ALMOST got the hang of this packing business.

This is how we break up responsibilities: My husband looks out for himself and I do the rest! Believe me; this is better than it sounds. The packing process is faster if I take care of the kid’s stuff.

Does that seem fair? Not really, but after many times of recruiting my husband in helping me pack up the kids, it’s proven more work than for him to just do his thing and let me take care of the rest.

What to Pack for a Family Vacation?

Since I’m pretty organized, I’ve come up with some lists that are easy to follow and have minimized my packing time down to a couple of hours per person.

The first thing I worry about is having the right clothes for the destination we are about to visit. If I think I need anything, I go to online stores. Once I am sure that our clothing will be weather appropriate, I move on to actually packing.

Which Clothes Should You Bring?

When packing for a family vacation, it is important to keep in mind that you are not just packing for yourself. You should think about the needs of your children, as well as any special considerations that might affect your clothing choices.

For example, if your child is allergic to certain fabrics or materials, then you will want to avoid bringing clothes made from those materials, also, you should consider the weather you’re traveling to.

Some families also like to bring along a few extra outfits for the kids, just in case they get dirty or wet during their vacation activities. It is also a good idea to pack some extra clothes for yourself in case something happens.

But some general clothes to pack are:

UnderwearSocksPijamasAt least one dressy outfitActive or workout clothesCasual ClothesBathing suits or winter outfits (depend on where are you traveling to)Sweatshirt or a Jacket

Packing Shoes

Shoes are often one of the most overlooked items when packing for a family vacation. They get lost in the mix of clothes and other items. Also, they are kinda hard to pack, but there are certain shoes that are essential for a family trip

To make sure that you don’t forget anything when packing for your next family vacation, here is a list of essential shoes to pack:

Sneakers or casual shoeswater shoesFlip-flops and sandalsAthletic shoesDress Shoes

Medical Stuff to Pack

The first thing you should pack for your family trip is a medical kit. This includes things like bandages, pain relievers, and allergy medicine. You should also be sure to pack any prescription medications that you need to take with you. If you have any special needs or allergies, you need to make sure to bring them with you as well.

Here are some medical items that you should pack for your next family vacation:

A first-aid kitAnti-diarrhea medication and anti-nauseaHand sanitizerRehydration salts or oral rehydration solution packetsChildren’s Tylenol or IbuprofenThermometer

Toiletries

In order to make a family trip as enjoyable as possible, it is important to pack toiletries that are appropriate for the members of the family. It is important to be mindful of what everyone needs. If you’re traveling with a child make sure that you bring all of their specific toiletries!

If you are traveling with children, you may want to pack their favorite bath toys, shampoo, and conditioner. It is also a good idea to have baby wipes on hand in case there aren’t any available in the hotel.

The list of toiletries needed will depend on the duration and nature of the trip. For a short stay, it is enough to pack a toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. For a long stay or if you are going somewhere with different climate conditions, you should also pack sun cream and insect repellent.

General toiletries to pack:

Shampoo and conditionerToothbrush and toothpasteSoapLotionDeodorantHair supplies

Personal Items

This may be an obvious one, but since packing for a family vacation is always a difficult task, it is not a bad thing to remember all the personal items you should bring. It’s hard to list some of the personal items of each one of the family members since it will vary depending on the person, what you need is not the same as the personal things your husband needs.

But here are some personal stuff to pack:

Passports and all documentsSunglasses and glassesSmartphonesCamerasChargers for all electronicsHeadphonesOutlet adaptersGame Consoles

What To Pack For A Trip With Toddlers?

For the Baby

Day pack or carry-on

6 diapers3 portions of the formula4 Cleaning cloths and bibs2 water bottles1 full baby bottle, 1 emptySippy cup with water or juiceBaby wipesSocksChange of clothingSweaterSunscreenBaby TylenolSaline solution for nose dropsFruit and snacksToys to keep him busy – this is creativity time. I tend to bring a bunch of little things still in their wrapping so that we go through the process of opening it slowly, even tape, wooden sticks, whatever your kid would be into to make the driving or flight time pass somewhat painlessly.Book for babies to look at

Big Boy’s Kid list for Packing (around 8 to 10 years)

They are old enough to help pick out their toys and of course, the use of electronics is unavoidable. This is what we pack up in his day pack or carry-on:

One pair of clothes to change intoSweaterChoice of toys for him to play withIpad with a car mount and packed with movies and music.HeadphonesNintendo DSKid-friendly cameraDrawing book or coloring book and colored pencils/pens/markers/crayons (whichever your child likes the most)Snacks – cereal, cookiesMilk or PediasureWater bottle

Mom’s Packing List for the Family

So where do all the other essentials go for the family? My bag of course!

Fanny pack – Everyone’s passports and other legal papers necessary for international and even domestic travelFlight or road trip info – reservation numbers and phone numbersGuide bookBaby wipes just in case we run outSweaterSunscreen for the adultsWaterSnacks that my kids would like if they run outLaptopLip balmEmergency kit SunglassesPerfumeNotepad and pen to jot down my big ideas while baby is crying on my lapChange of shirt – in the highly probable case my baby vomits on meSmartphoneTissuesKeys to the house

Tips For Packing For A Family Vacation

Think about the Climate

One of the most important things to consider when packing for a family trip is the climate. If you are going on a summer holiday, you will need to bring lighter clothes that are suitable for hot weather. If it is winter, then you will need to pack clothes that are suitable for colder temperatures.

Inquire about Luggage Regulations

Most airlines are fine with you taking baby food and formula, but there is also a limit. Also, most won’t charge you for car seats, cribs, and strollers, but you don’t want to risk having to leave them at the airport so don’t take it with you before you ask. All of these things are also important if you are traveling by land. Some borders might not allow food or certain items.

I would recommend doing your inquiries at least a couple of weeks before you travel. Or even better, as soon as you book.

ll Essentials Should be in the Same Bag

At first, I made the huge mistake of leaving some of the stuff for my boys separate. Thinking that they would need them at different times. Or that it was a good idea to keep a bag for each of them. But I soon learned that when you are going through the madness of the airport, border crossings, bus stations, etc having to figure out where I put what was not very practical.

Make a List

This one might sound so obvious, but I know that a lot of us tend to think that we know what we need for our kids and don’t need to be checking off things from a list. But when you are thinking about taxis, hotels, car rentals, reservations, plane tickets, and more, chances are, you will forget something. I can’t tell you how many times I forgot stuff of not having a list.

Prepare Enough Clothes and Then Throw in Some More

Kids get dirty and love to run around, ruining their clothes. That’s a fact we all know. But I hate having to keep constantly stopping them from enjoying the trip and running around while exploring new places. That is exactly what allows them to learn and grow.

Instead, I do three things, pack more outfits than the ones I think they might need, go to sites where I can find, durable clothes like young Versace and get versatile pieces that can be used on more than one occasion.

This pretty much covers the essentials. If these items are in our bags at hand, the trip will usually run smoothly!

Now the key is not to lose the list!

Enjoyed this post? Pin it! 

The post Ultimate Guide to Family Vacation Packing List appeared first on Travel Experta - Travel, Lifestyle, Freedom.

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By: Marina Villatoro
Title: Ultimate Guide to Family Vacation Packing List
Sourced From: travelexperta.com/family-vacation-packing-list-essentials/
Published Date: Tue, 29 Mar 2022 14:10:21 +0000

Credit cards that offer elite status for car rentals

HOSTED BY: 1 AIR TRAVEL

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.

Long lines at the rental car counter can be agonizingly slow, especially at busy tourist destinations or at night when fewer staff is present at the rental counter.

New to The Points Guy? Sign up for our daily newsletter and check out our beginner’s guide.

The ongoing rental car shortage shows that companies are unable to meet the travel demand coming back in full swing — and as a result, your experience at the counter may be less than pleasant.

Related: Can’t find a car rental? Here are some secrets that may help

While regular customers have to wait their turn, those with elite status can go to the front of the line or skip the counter altogether and go straight to their vehicles. Fortunately, you may already hold a credit card that offers you elite status with a rental car company to get you to the front of the line. In this post, I’ll discuss which credit cards give you elite status with the rental car agencies, how to claim that status and the benefits they provide.

In This Post

mex Platinum rental car benefits

(Photo courtesy of American Express)

All versions of The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express offer complimentary car rental elite status with Avis, Hertz and National. Each elite status isn’t created equal — let’s explore each of the benefits. Enrollment required for select benefits.

vis Preferred Plus membership perks

(Photo by Roman Tiraspolsky/Getty Images)

Amex Platinum cardholders can enjoy complimentary Avis Preferred Plus status, which typically requires 12 rentals completed or spending $5,000 in a calendar year for eligibility. Avis Preferred Plus members are eligible to receive the following benefits:

Skip the counter and go straight to your car.Complimentary one-class upgrade (when available).Code to receive a discount on rental rates.Bonus Avis Preferred points with every rental.

You’ll need to enroll in the Avis Preferred program first to take advantage of these perks. To do so, visit this page and click the Enroll Now link. And if you already have an Avis Wizard number and want your status to be upgraded, you can follow link on that page to send an email.

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership perks

(Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images)

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards is free for anyone to join and offers benefits such as skipping the counter, adding your spouse or domestic partner as an extra driver for no charge and points-earning toward a free rental. However, you’ll receive additional benefits when you enter the Amex Platinum Corporate Discount Code (CDP) when booking.

Special Amex Platinum benefits include:

Complimentary one-class upgrade (when available).Four-hour grace period on returns in the U.S. before an extra day is charged.10% bonus points with every rental.Special cardholder rates at select locations.

Plus, if you join Hertz Gold Plus Rewards as a new member through June 30, 2022, you’ll be immediately upgraded to Five Star status, which offers 25% bonus points for rentals and grants you access to a wider selection of cars at Hertz Ultimate Choice locations.

National Emerald Club Executive status perks

(Photo by Scott Mayerowitz/The Points Guy)

Amex Platinum cardholders will get automatically upgraded to Executive status upon signing up for National’s free loyalty program, Emerald Club. Executive status normally requires 12 paid rentals or 40 paid rental days. As an Executive member, you’ll have access to these perks:

Guaranteed choice of full-size or better cars from the Executive area at the reserved mid-size rate.Bypass the counter and head straight to the Emerald Aisle for your pick of cars.No additional fee for a second driver.Reward choices and one free rental day with six rental credits.Exclusive rental discounts.

To enroll, click on this link and follow the prompts to enroll with Emerald Club.

Booking through National gets you some of the best perks (compared to Avis or Hertz), so we recommend checking these rental options first.

Related: The Platinum Card from American Express review.

Chase Sapphire Reserve rental car benefits

(Photo by The Points Guy)

The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers special privileges with National, Avis and Silvercar. You’ll enjoy complimentary National Emerald Club Executive membership as the Chase Sapphire Reserve is a Visa Infinite card, which gets you the perks listed above. Enjoy complimentary upgrades, the ability to skip the counter and more when booking with National.

Activating all of these benefits is one of the first things you should do when you get your card. You’ll need to log into your Ultimate Rewards account and select Card Benefits under “Use Points” to register for these benefits. From there, you’ll be able to see the offers that are available to you in real-time.

Related: Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card review.

Capital One Venture X rental car benefits

(Photo by John Gribben for The Points Guy)

A great benefit of the Capital One Venture X is that it offers top-tier Hertz President’s Circle status. Cardholders must enroll through their account’s benefits tab on the Capital One website or mobile app. Cardholders can also enroll their authorized users using this same process.

(Photo by Summer Hull/The Points Guy)

You get all of the member benefits of the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program, plus the following perks with President’s Circle status:

Guaranteed upgrades to the next car class.Access to the widest selection of vehicles.Earn 50% bonus points on all Hertz rentals.Dedicated customer service texting line to reach an agent for rental-related questions.

Related: Capital One Venture X credit card review

United Club Infinite Card rental car benefits

(Photo by John Gribben for The Points Guy)

In December 2021, the United Club Infinite Card began offering complimentary Avis President’s Club membership, which typically requires an invitation to join. To join, cardmembers (and those with United Premier Platinum status or higher) can use this link. This is a change from United’s previous partnership with Hertz, where cardmembers received President’s Circle status.

Avis President’s Club status includes:

Complimentary upgrades of two car classes when availableGuaranteed car availability when you book at least 24 hours in advanceExpedited rental service50% more points for every dollar you spend if you opt in to Avis Preferred pointsDedicated phone line for reservations and customer support

Related: United Club Infinite Card review

Recommendations

(Photo by Becker Bredel/ullstein bild via Getty Images.)

National Emerald Club stands out as a favorite car rental program because of the ability to choose your own car from the Emerald Aisle Executive selection. This is ideal when renting a car for families, because the Emerald Aisle is where they tend to park the minivans. This status is easy to get if you have an Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve.

The next best is Hertz Gold Plus Rewards paired with the Amex Platinum. While this isn’t technically elite status, booking with the Platinum’s CDP will unlock a four-hour grace period. This amounts to a free day on rentals between 24 and 28 hours long, and it’s perfect whenever your departure time is more than a couple of hours beyond your arrival time.

Of course, it’s worth enrolling in all of these programs, if only to avoid lines and save money should you ever rent from one of these companies. When Silvercar is available, using the discount provided to Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers is a great option.

Note that you must have a qualifying card to enroll in these elite status programs. Once you do, you often can use any card to pay for the rental car. Choose the right card to maximize points and miles earning and obtain primary rental car insurance — and be sure to review our guide to saving money on rental cars.

Related: Hitting the road this winter? Here’s everything you need to know about rental car elite status

Status matching

Another way to earn value from these programs is to let them match your status. For example, Hertz offers a status match that should grant Hertz Five Star status to those with National Executive status. Similarly, National’s status match program provides Executive status to those with Avis President’s Club status. If you hold elite status with one program and are thinking of switching, it can’t hurt to ask for a status match even if it isn’t explicitly offered.

Related: The complete guide to car rental elite status matches

Bottom line

It’s far easier to enjoy rental car elite status solely through your credit card than it is to earn hotel or airline status. And while you might not find rental car status to be that exciting, it can definitely save you money and speed up your travel experience — especially in a time when rental cars may be hard to find. By learning which credit cards offer rental car status, you can enjoy all of these perks sooner than you might have thought.

Application link: Amex Platinum with 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of account opening. Application link: Chase Sapphire Reserve with 50,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. Application link: Capital One Venture X with 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. Application link: United Club Infinite for 120,000 bonus miles after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. 

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.

Additional reporting by Senitra Horbrook and Stella Shon.

Featured photo by EMS FORSTER PRODUCTIONS for Getty Images

By: Benét J. Wilson
Title: Credit cards that offer elite status for car rentals
Sourced From: thepointsguy.com/guide/cards-elite-status-car-rentals/
Published Date: Tue, 29 Mar 2022 21:30:37 +0000

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10 Delectable Reasons You’ll Love Embarking On Dinner Cruises

TODAY'S ADVENTURE

10 Delectable Reasons You’ll Love Embarking On Dinner Cruises>

Tourism across the world is beginning to return to normal after the events of the global pandemic. Despite a small 4% growth last year, borders are opening and people are starting to venture out to enjoy themselves once more. So do you know how you can make your next outing more special than ever before?

One way is by seeing the sights and sounds while dining on the river. Read on as we discuss why you should consider dinner cruises on your next trip. 

1. Relaxation

Humans have a special bond with water. It is the giver of life and a symbol of rebirth. It is used in many practices around the world both recreational and religious. 

There is also a science behind this effect it has on humans. Water is known to have calming properties. soothing the mind if you are stressed or suffering from anxiety. It is the reason so many relaxation recordings have noises of rivers and waves crashing on the shore. 

2. Unique Way to Sightsee

Most of the world’s major cities are built around their waterways. Can you imagine Amsterdam without its canals or Paris without the Seine running through it? As a means to get clean water and facilitate trade, many cities started at the banks of their rivers and grew from there.

This means many of the oldest and most beautiful sights are at the riverbank. By cruising down them for dinner, you get to see the history layered within. All of this can be done from a unique perspective as you take a drink and eat the delightful cuisines of the country you are visiting. 

3. A Chance to Dress Up

For many people, getting a chance to dress up is a rare occasion. The global pandemic has restricted travel over the past few years so fancy holiday clothing may have laid dormant. A shift to the work-from-home culture means many people are in casual clothes most of the day. 

When you embark on a dinner cruise, it is the perfect chance to get your favorite dress on. Buy some new shoes, pamper yourself and look a million dollars as you indulge in some upscale cuisine. 

4. Try Out Cruise Lines

As well as smaller vessels, cruise lines are a great way to combine dinner cruises with a larger holiday. They will often have open buffets allowing you to eat whenever you like. Some may even have celebrity chefs planning out unique menus for your evening choices. 

The beauty of a cruise is that you can visit several different places. You may choose one that lets you sample the Caribbean islands or the beauty of the Mediterranean. With the relaxed pace they travel at, you can get some well-earned rest while eating the best food the world has to offer. 

Many of them will also allow you to check the menus in their many dining options before you book. If you have dietary needs they will be used to catering to the needs of many, so should be able to offer a wide range of products. 

5. They Are Very Romantic

It is hard to picture a more romantic scene than a boat drifting down a city river at night. Taking in the sights, sounds, and smells from the peace of the waterway. 

Imagine you are in your favorite city, dressed up in your elegant evening attire. Great wine is on the table, a warm summer evening is in the air and specialty dining is laid out in front of you. It is no wonder many people choose to propose at dinner cruises. 

6. They Often Have Great Entertainment

City dinner cruises will even go beyond specialty dining. They may offer unlimited drinks in their packages or even a room for the night. In many cases, they may even provide excellent entertainment. 

Choosing one all depends on the entertainment you want to see. You may want a delicious meal followed by a hilarious night of comedy. After eating you may choose to dance the night away with a live band.

Don’t be afraid to shop around in advance and ask companies what entertainment they have. It may change by the week or season, so ensure you know specific times when booking. 

7. You Can Get Private Rentals

You don’t have to join a dinner cruise with other people either. If you want a cruise to yourself, then private rentals are available. Some may give exclusive access to private chefs. 

These are fantastic if you want a unique party or corporate event. A yacht dinner party is a great way to impress or stage a celebration. 

8. Fantastic Food

Food always tastes better al fresco, so imagine it while sailing down a warm river. Now think how that would be enhanced if you had access to some of the greatest dishes on offer. Local produce, fresh ingredients, and a mouth-watering menu will combine for the ultimate taste experience. 

Some of the most famous restaurants in the world have been placed in or around waterways. The city you visit may even have celebrity chefs who have their businesses on a cruise. 

9. Picturesque Scenery 

Not all dinner cruises just concentrate on sightseeing. Some may take you along tree-lined banks or into breathtaking fjords.

You will get the chance to eat your food looking at the wonders of nature in all their majesty. 

Booking Dinner Cruises

You will find information on many dinner cruises at tourist information centers in the city. However, booking online can avoid disappointment. It also benefits you if you have special dietary requirements to forward in advance. 

Next time you plan your trip, visit our website. We have everything from managing finances to itineraries, to make your next vacation the perfect one.

The post 10 Delectable Reasons You’ll Love Embarking On Dinner Cruises appeared first on Travel Experta - Travel, Lifestyle, Freedom.

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By: Marina Villatoro
Title: 10 Delectable Reasons You’ll Love Embarking On Dinner Cruises
Sourced From: travelexperta.com/10-delectable-reasons-youll-love-embarking-on-dinner-cruises/
Published Date: Sun, 27 Mar 2022 22:41:19 +0000

Delta Takes Delivery of First Airbus A321neo

HOSTED BY: 1 AIR TRAVEL

It’s an exciting week for Delta, as the airline has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321neo. This has some interesting implications for the passenger experience.

Delta gets first of 155 Airbus A321neos

Delta has marked an exciting milestone for its narrow body fleet renewal, as the airline has taken delivery of its very first Airbus A321neo:

Delta has ordered a total of 155 Airbus A321neos, in addition to the carrier’s 127 Airbus A321ceos, meaning the carrier’s entire A321 fleet will eventually consist of 282 aircraftDelta expects to take delivery of 26 A321neos in 2022, with all A321neos to be delivered by 2027While Delta has taken delivery of its first A321neo, the jet won’t enter service until May 2022, so it won’t be flying passengers for the next several weeks

For context, the A321neo is exactly the same size as the previous version of the A321. What’s different is that the jet is about 20% more fuel efficient, which also means that the plane has more range. It’s incredible to see the progress that aircraft manufacturers have made with fuel efficiency, which is great for airlines, passengers, and the environment.

This added efficiency is largely thanks to new engines, with the “neo” standing for “new engine option” (while “ceo” stands for “current engine option”).

The A321neo offers much better fuel efficiency

I also find it noteworthy how small the gap is between Delta’s A321ceo deliveries and A321neo deliveries. Delta has been taking delivery of A321ceos all the way through December 2021, which are at this point outdated aircraft (since the A321neo is the same aircraft, just more efficient, and has been in production for several years). Now, a few months later, the airline is taking delivery of the more efficient version of the jet. Delta’s current A321 fleet is an average of just over three years old, so it’s still quite young.

The Delta Airbus A321neo passenger experience

What should passengers expect onboard Delta’s Airbus A321neos? The planes will feature 194 seats, which is three more seats than you’ll find on current A321s. Specifically, you can expect:

20 first class seats42 extra legroom economy seats (Comfort+)132 economy seats

The planes will have high-speed Viasat Wi-Fi, seatback entertainment, and power at every seat. On top of that, Delta is debuting its new domestic first class seat on the A321neo, This is the first real innovation we’ve seen to domestic first class seats within the United States in a while, and I’m excited to experience this. This looks somewhat similar to Turkish Airlines’ A321neo business class, but not nearly as spacious.

Delta’s new domestic first class seat

Delta is historically known for having nicer cabins on narrow body aircraft than American and United. Delta’s trick is that it puts TVs at every seat and makes the cabins look cool, but from an efficiency standpoint, Delta crams in seats, much like American.

For example, American’s A321neos have 196 seats, so that’s only two more seats than Delta has on these planes. So while Delta has slightly fewer seats than American, the A321neo has more seats than the previous version of the A321.

Bottom line

Delta has taken delivery of its first of 155 Airbus A321neo aircraft. The A321neo is a fuel efficient plane, and will allow Delta to operate many routes with lower costs. In this case there’s also a new passenger experience to look forward to, as Delta will be introducing new first class seats on the A321neos. I’m excited for these jets to enter service in May.

What do you make of Delta’s new A321neos?

By: Ben Schlappig
Title: Delta Takes Delivery of First Airbus A321neo
Sourced From: onemileatatime.com/news/delta-airbus-a321neo/
Published Date: Thu, 24 Mar 2022 11:24:18 +0000

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Top Must-See and Things To Do in Guatemala

TODAY'S ADVENTURE

Top Must-See and Things To Do in Guatemala

What kind of traveler are you? Do you thirst for adventure at every turn? Do you like to explore ancient worlds? Are you more interested in strolling along cobblestone streets, soaking in the culture, colorful markets, and architecture? Or are you all-in-one? Well, no matter your tastes or interests, Guatemala’s got you covered! There are a ton of things to do in Guatemala and I have listed some of them here!

Explore any of the hundreds of ancient Mayan ruins scattered all over the country, shop at colorful markets, take a boat ride on one of the largest volcanic craters in the world, discover new caves, and hike the western highlands. You decide!

By the name of Guatemala which means “the land of trees” here, you got some unique things to do in Guatemala. Once ruled by the Mayan Civilization, a country full of mystery and rich history behind it. Guatemala is a country in Central America with over 15 million citizens, including 55% of indigenous roots.

Almost everyone knows that one of the most famous things about Guatemala is its ancient past of Aztec and the Mayan civilization. With over 22 approved, Mayan languages are one of the most diverse countries in Latin America. Offering amazing experiences and breathtaking landscape that has captured travelers all over the world.

So, if you are asking yourself “what to do in Guatemala for a week?” or “what activities do people do in Guatemala?” read on, because I got you covered. Are you a traveler that loves adventure? Or a wanderer who runs out of an idea where to go? Well, this post helps you to create a perfect travel bucket list in Guatemala that you can add to your travel goals.

And, most importantly, don’t miss your chance to participate in the local culture during one of the country’s lively festivals and carnivals for a true Guatemalan and Mayan experience.

Table of Contents

Things to Do in Guatemala>  Stroll around Antigua, Guatemala Roast marshmallows on Lava when visiting Pacaya Volcano Mountain Biking Visit Tikal Mayan Ruins Take a boat ride on Lake Atitlan, Guatemala Learn Spanish in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala Take a horseback ride on a Volcanic Beach in Paredon, Guatemala Release baby turtles in Monterrico, Guatemala Check out the largest market in Central America in Chichicastenango, Guatemala Swim in Semuc Champey’s Crystal Blue pools See Fuego Volcano Erupting while camping on Acatenango Volcano What’s Your Flavor? Activities to Do in Guatemala> Nature Activities  Adventure & Recreational Activities Edible Tours  Spa, Health & Yoga Cultural Activities FAQ> Is Guatemala dangerous to visit? What is Guatemala well known for? What is the best time to go to Guatemala? Conclusion

Things to Do in Guatemala

Guatemala is known for its volcanic landscape, captivating Mayan culture. And spotted the colonial city of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But this small Central American country is full of life, wealth, and traditions that are worth discovering. Being adventurous is one of the best things to do in life to make fun and build memories.

Guatemala is the perfect country that you shouldn’t miss diving in. Add to your travel bucket list if you love culture, unique and unforgettable experiences. Here are our top things to do in Guatemala. Come and discover these beautiful things that you’ll never forget and treasure forever.

Stroll around Antigua, Guatemala

One of the marvelous places to visit in Antigua Guatemala is the cobblestone streets of the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site. Making you feel relaxed, comfortable, and have a peaceful mind far away from any stress. While exploring the place you’ll see the well-maintained colonial churches. Spectacular Spanish-Baroque architecture, and romantic dining for your loved ones. Quality hotels at reasonable prices. Trendy restaurants serve excellent food and many things to do. It’s easy to fill your days here.

Antigua Guatemala is safe?

Having a walk along in Antigua Guatemala is safe. But make sure that you are still alert when unexpected things happen. Antigua is home of significant festivals and culture to exploit if you’re looking for remarkable memories. Don’t forget to pass by food market of Antigua and buy some things you can only buy in Guatemala.

Roast marshmallows on Lava when visiting Pacaya Volcano

Pacaya Volcano is located in Guatemala and is an active volcano. When hiking up, which takes around 2 hours, you’ll be able to see stunning landscapes. When you reach the highest point, the scenery of the surroundings is impressive. We recommend you go and see a sunset there. Climbing a volcano is ordinary. But what Pacaya Volcano makes striking to visit is roasting marshmallows on Lava. Brings back your childhood memories! You can also bring some graham crackers or chocolate if you want to experience much more fun! You should add this adventure to your bucket list. It will be one of the remarkable memories that your family and friends may have.

How long does it take to hike Pacaya Volcano?

From 1 hour to 2 hours.Grab your drinks and prepare, the hike from the head trail to the first lava spot takes around 1-2h. Don’t forget your snacls!

Mountain Biking

Guatemala seems to be specifically designed for mountain bikers. The list of single tracks, jeep tracks and dirt roads that crisscross this country is endless. Just Antigua Valley alone has hundreds of miles to ride and explore.

You are sure to get the full experience as you grind up big climbs, race down steep descents or roll along well-carved jeep tracks checking out the countryside, enjoying coffee plantations while peering at volcanoes that might cough up a bit of smoke at any given moment.

Visit Tikal Mayan Ruins

Tikal Mayan Ruins are one of the MUST-see attractions to visit. The vast archaeological site of Tikal National Park became historical. No wonder why Tikal Mayan Ruins was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. There are a lot of wondrous Mayan temples to figure out in its jungle setting. Tikal was the heart of the Mayan empire and ruled most of Mesoamerica politically, economically, and militarily. The surroundings enrich the experience of exploring Tikal. The pyramids rise above the jungle’s lush green canopy. Populated by birds, monkeys, and other wildlife. There are rituals that Mayans practice, and this was the human sacrifice. This was proved by some documentation found at Tikal. If you feel that you want to have some jungle-like experience visiting Tikal Mayan Ruins is the perfect place to dig in.

When was Tikal founded?

600 Before Christ.Tikal was settle down by at least 600 b.c, the classic period of Mayan history was from 250 to 900 a.d and most of the city buildings were built duting this period.

Take a boat ride on Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Most people love to have an adventure with the bodies of water. Taking a boat ride on Lake Atitlan should be included on your list to take a glimpse of this romantic setting and peaceful ambiance. Lake Atitlan is one of the popular places to visit in Guatemala. You’ll see the volcano’s surroundings the lake. Take a tour of small towns, traditional villages, and coffee plantations. Take a deep look a the local culture across the lake.

You can also enjoy the jungles, mountain lakes, forests, coral reefs, and beaches that will catch the attention of nature lovers. There are lots of adventures to do in Lake Atitlan, plus it’s a perfect environment to get away from stress and relax. There’s no surprise that people often end up staying much longer in Lake Atitlan than expected. You must add this incredible adventure to your travel bucket list.

Can you swim in Lake Atitlan Guatemala?

There are no existant rules for swimming in Lake Atitlan. This means that you can swim in the lake. Take your precautions and don’t swim around boats, that will make the drivers mad.

Learn Spanish in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala

Now, there are a lot of things to do for you to learn Spanish. You can take online Spanish classes, tutorials, and many more. Yet, to learn Spanish in Quetzaltenango, or Xela in short, makes it easier for you to understand.

Xela is the second-largest city in Guatemala. Xela, Guatemala, is being populated with Spanish-speaking people. That’s why you should speak in Spanish if you want them to understand you. There are affordable Xela language schools to enroll in, which is why most people choose Xela. It is so much fun to learn a new language, so add this up on your bucket list to do in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala.

Take a horseback ride on a Volcanic Beach in Paredon, Guatemala

Some people might say that Guatemala isn’t known for its beaches. What makes it unique is from fine black volcanic sand. They got this black sand from tiny fragments of basalt left by volcanic activity that occurred thousands of years ago. You can do many things in Volcanic Beach such as surfing, fishing, lodging. But what you shouldn’t miss doing is taking a horseback ride on a Volcanic Beach is such an incredible experience. You should add to your bucket list to take horseback riding on the beach. We recommend that you do it during sunrise or sunset, so you could feel nature beyond your wildest dream.

How much fun would it be to gallop through Guatemala’s highlands surrounding Antigua or the Lake Atitlan region just as the sun sets over volcanic peaks? Or what about slowly making your way through sleepy, remote indigenous villages while sitting atop a beautiful steed? However, Guatemala’s special treat is the horseback riding tours that take you to hidden ancient Mayan ruins. Nowhere else in Central America will you have the chance to experience this! Tours vary from half-day excursions to multi-day, multi-terrain adventures.

Release baby turtles in Monterrico, Guatemala

Having a chance to witness the adorable baby turtle’s release is such a great experience to live. It’s wonderful.. CECON (Conservation Center of Studies – University of Guatemala, San Carlos). Allows people to release the turtles from September to February. When the turtle eggs hatch, CECON has a daily practice on the beach selling tickets to raise funds so that people can experience and feel heart-warming by these adorable creatures that are becoming extinct.

The funds that they gathered will be used to continue protecting and preserving baby turtles. If you decide to get involved in this activity. I would suggest refraining from using flashlights or photography with a flash because it might scare these little creatures. Don’t ever dare to miss this kind of opportunity to release the baby turtles in Monterrico, Guatemala.

When is the baby turtle realeasing at Monterrico, Guatemala?

Those little sea turtles are released from September to December at the sunset or the sunrise. Around 5000 baby turtles are released every year by The Tortugario

Check out the largest market in Central America in Chichicastenango, Guatemala

Chichicastenango is the largest market in Central America in Guatemala, and it is gorgeous. It’s full of enjoyment, tradition, love, life, and surprises. You can find many souvenirs throughout the towns and villages, where Chichi is the largest of them all. Vendors are selling a variety of things such as clothing, food, and things you can only buy in Guatemala. There are a lot of sellers in the street and into the different stalls.

It’s an excellent place to roam and take photos or haggle with vendors for a reasonable price. There are churches around the market where people do religious activities. Then make sure to walk through the Santo Tomás Church whose one of the historic churches built. Moreover, this is a vast market, selling regular everyday goods, fruits, vegetables, and the unique textiles for which it is so popular. Vendors come from a distance around for this market, making it an excellent opportunity for people to watch and photograph.

What days can you visit the market in Chichicastenango?

You can visit the market every Thursday and Sunday. The citizens of Guatemala come from a lot of different villages and town to sell their goods.

Swim in Semuc Champey’s Crystal Blue pools

Semuc Champey is one of Guatemala’s beautiful places to swim because of its refreshing blue pools where you can relax and enjoy. It is a paradise of natural waterholes, caves, and waterfalls. Reaching Semuc Champey is not that easy but seeing them after a long ride is very rewarding. The crystal blue pools of Semuc Champey must include in your bucket list. Some of them are deep that can dive in, and others are not.

See Fuego Volcano Erupting while camping on Acatenango Volcano

Fuego Volcano is one of the active volcanoes that erupt constantly, and you can watch it from a relatively safe distance.

To do this, you need to climb up the neighboring volcano called Acatenango Volcano. You’ll have to stay up for the night and wait until it gets dark for a show that you will never forget! Camping on Acatenango Volcano is a must-add to your unique things to do in Guatemala. While seeing the Fuego volcano erupting. It is one of the most exciting traveling activities that you must try.

How long does it take to climb Acatenango?

7 hours The total time to climb or hike the Acatenango is from 4 hours to 7 hours. The path is straight forward.

What’s Your Flavor?

Nature ActivitiesAdventure & Recreational ActivitiesSpa, Health & YogaCultural Activities ctivities to Do in Guatemala

Nature Activities

Bird & Wildlife WatchingDivingTurtle Tours dventure & Recreational ActivitiesATV & Dune Buggy ToursArcheological ToursBungee JumpingCanopy ToursCanoeing and KayakingCanyoning / Waterfall RappellingCavingGamblingGolfingHang GlidingHiking and Jungle TrekkingHorseback RidingPara-sailingRafting & TubingBoat RideSailingSail FishingSurfingVolcano ToursWindsurfingMotorcycle ToursMountain bike tours

Edible Tours

Banana PlantationsBee HoneyChocolate ToursCoffee ToursMacadamia Nut FarmsMilk & Cheese FactoriesOrganic FarmsPineapple PlantationsSugar CaneVanilla OrchidsTraditional Guatemalan Food Cooking Classes

Spa, Health & Yoga

Full-Service SpasMedi-Spa Day TreatmentsHot SpringsYoga and Meditation RetreatsMayan Spas

Cultural Activities

Traditional Festivals and EventsGuatemalan National HolidaysCultural and Traditional ToursTraditional MarketsMuseumsExplore church ruins in Antigua

FAQ

Is Guatemala dangerous to visit?

Guatemala is not a safe place to visit in general. It has high rates of crime and petty crimes. So you should take a lot of precautions and be vigilant to cut problems and risks.

What is Guatemala well known for?

Volcanos, and their volcanic landscapes. The Mayan culture is everywhere and is beautiful. Also, they have the colorful city of Antigua which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What is the best time to go to Guatemala?

The dry season is overall the best time to go to Guatemala. From November to April. The country has a nice climate.

Conclusion

As you can see, Guatemala offers a wide variety of things to do, and I’m sure I didn’t even include everything here.

After over ten years of living in the country and taking some time to explore its best regions, hotels, restaurants, and destinations I came to the conclusion that the very first time that I visited and just did the basics I missed out on so much, and that is because Guatemala’s attractions don’t get as much publicity on the outside as they should.

So I would recommend you give the country more time and talk a lot to locals so can direct you to hidden opportunities for a fun adventure that might not be advertised on the internet. That is how my family and I have ended up on the best adventures so far.

You found out about the unique travel bucket list in Guatemala and discovered it as famous for its historical sites and natural beauty.

With plenty of incredible places to visit and adventure activities to do. You’ll be very excited about your one-of-a-kind expedition. Don’t ever try to skip even one of those unique things to do in Guatemala, so you’ll be able to fulfill them. Have an incredible experience that you can share with your family and friends. So, start checking out your bucket list right now!

If you have been here, do you have any other advice on What to Do in Guatemala?

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The post Top Must-See and Things To Do in Guatemala appeared first on Travel Experta - Travel, Lifestyle, Freedom.

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By: Marina Villatoro
Title: Top Must-See and Things To Do in Guatemala
Sourced From: travelexperta.com/things-to-do-in-guatemala/
Published Date: Thu, 24 Mar 2022 12:00:53 +0000