I’m calling it now – at just three hours from Doha and with wine and natural beauty for days, Tbilisi, Georgia could well be the perfect Post- COVID vacation destination. And with the country open to tourism and accepting fully vaccinated travelers (with documentation), there has never been a better time to go. Here’s my guide to getting there, getting in, where to stay and importantly how to get back! Getting there Tbilisi is just three hours and five minutes flight time from Doha on Qatar Airways. At the time of writing flights were arriving at a challenging 1am so factor that into travel plans. Flights start at QR2795 return…
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Seven Reasons to Visit Doha in 2019
It’s official – Doha is one of the world’s hottest destinations right now and this has been confirmed by both the Forbes Travel Guide and the New York Times. And with the 2019 Asian Football Cup under its belt, the 2022 World Cup coming in hot and a string of exciting new openings and events in between, there is no better time to visit Doha. In addition, Qatar has been named one of the safest countries in the world and thanks to the nation’s flagship carrier, you can easily access Doha from one of its 160 plus destinations around the globe. Here are my top reasons by you should visit Doha…
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Six Ways You Can Fly Business Class For Less
Let’s face it, while traveling is great, sometimes the process can be a huge hassle – that’s why we all love a little pampering in business class. But our travel dollar doesn’t always stretch that far. The good news is that there are some hacks and tricks that you can use to fly premium for less and save that cash for shopping, or in my case, also eating. Codeshare is your friend Thanks to the airline alliances like OneWorld and Star Alliance, you can book with partner airlines and still earn points on your loyalty program. But there is a way to fly business class for less by booking codeshare…
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Lounging Around – Your Guide to all the Lounges at Hamad International Airport
Let’s be honest, we all love to travel but most of the time, the process of traveling can drain the life and soul out of you. With the Summer travel season in full swing, for those passing through Hamad International Airport (or, like me, departing from there) on Qatar Airways or another carrier like Sri Lankan, there are a few options to lighten the load and make the process a little more comfy. even the most basic lounge (without the bells and whistles) can make traveling a little better. What’s the best way to access lounges when flying? Flying business or first class – this is a no brainer…
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Five Foodie-Approved Short Breaks to Take this Summer
I’m in the process of researching and booking my Summer holiday destinations. The criteria always remains are unchanged from the last year: solid foodie credentials, direct flights on Qatar Airways and as few visa entanglements as I can muster. If you are, like me, when choosing a destination, food is a major consideration. Well, let’s be honest, it’s probably top of the list along with easy (or no visas) visas and bearable flight times.And many times, I book a food tour before I book a hotel. All the below destinations are a manageable four to five hours from Doha and have visa on arrival or e-visas AND have the Life on…
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Airline Review – What is it Like to Fly Sri Lankan Airlines’ Business Class
I’m a diehard Qatar Airways fan but I also know a flight bargain when I see one. So, in need of a quick vacation, when I saw a fare to Singapore on Sri Lankan Airlines for just over QR3000 in business class, I pounced. But what was it really like to fly this airline? Here’s my honest feedback after my recent trip: Pros: Many interesting options flying east: Out of Doha, this is a legitimate possibility. Through their hub in Colombo, you can connect with Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and several cities in China as well as The Maldives and Japan. They even fly to Australia (Melbourne) – which,…
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Where to Eat at Drink at Doha’s Hamad International Airport – Updated
It’s back by popular demand – your definitive guide to eating and drinking at Hamad International Airport. Since I wrote this post in 2016, the airport has become a global hub, added new shops and welcomed 160 million passengers. It has also opened some new cafes, restaurants and grab and go places to keep hungry passengers fed and watered. We’re eagerly anticipating the opening of the Harrods Team Room at the airport in coming months. So if you are leaving from Doha’s airport, or just transiting through on Qatar Airways, here is your up-to-date guide to staving off the hunger pains and having a happy flight! For something a little…
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Six Pro Tips for Ensuring You Have the Best Flight Possible
I was talking to my father this week about upcoming travel plans and came to realization that while I love travel and exploring new destinations, it’s the process I struggle with. The airport, the waiting, the uncertainty, immigration and of course, the flight. Even after 20 odd years of getting myself across the continents, I still struggle with the flight – regardless of whether I fly at the pointy end or in economy. But over the years I’ve learned some things. I do have some hacks and strategies for making those flights – be they 40 minutes or…gulp…14 hours…more bearable whatever class you are in. Choose your seat wisely Not…
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Six Really Cool Things About Traveling Through Qatar’s Hamad International Airport
I will be honest when Hamad International Airport opened I was a little miffed. The old airport was at the end of my street. I could be off the plane and home in a matter of minutes. But the mammoth new airport, which has already welcomed 120 million passengers has grown on me – it has so much to offer travelers, especially on Qatar Airways, beyond being a means to an end in air travel. Here’s what I love about this airport and what you should be looking for when you fly through here: There’s a bear in there... You can only have so many coffees to pass the time…
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Five Important Things I learned About Travel in 2017
I’ve been traveling for pleasure solidly for more than 25 years and lost track of the countries and cities I’ve been to (that’s not to brag – really I have a terrible memory). But one of the best things about travel and being…ahem…slightly mature…is that you always learn something new from each adventure. This year, with the illegal blockade of Qatar throwing in a bit of color and movement, was especially instructive and I wanted to share with you some truths I learned in 2017 from cities far and near: The best trips don’t have to be meticulously planned Nearly every trip I have taken this year has been half…
