TRAFALGAR OFFERS US$50 OFF PROMO
Enjoy a European holiday with Trafalgar at US $50 off per person if you book from Jan. 1 to Feb. 12. Call Pan Pacific Travel Corp at +63 2 536 1265, or trafalgarmanila@panpacifictravel.com.ph. www.trafalgar.com
NEW ROOMS AT THE PAVILION
Manila Pavilion just got a facelift. With a design that boasts soft-toned and Zen type vibe to increase natural daylight in each room, the newly transformed superior rooms of the Manila Pavilion feature interior design that celebrates harmony and functionality from furniture arrangements to floor patterns.
The fully-renovated Superior Rooms are spacious guestrooms that feature sophisticated furnishings with warm and inviting color palette to create a distinguished yet comfortable ambiance. Choice of king, twin and family, the new Superior Rooms allow guests to relax in total comfort. Its rustic-chic design creates a fresh and vibrant atmosphere ideal for recreation or business travel.
In addition, to meet guests’ business and entertainment needs, all rooms have been equipped with the latest technology and facilities, such as complimentary wireless Internet access, spacious work desk, and flat screen televisions among others.
Dramatic upgrades to Manila Pavilion’s new superior rooms identify the mid-century origin of the property with warm wood tones, stylish and functional furniture with enhancements to guest bathrooms.
HOTEL KIND OF SMELL
“Our research shows that customers rank bathroom amenities among the top five most important influences on their overall guest room experience,” says Matthew Carroll, vice president of Brand Management at Marriott Hotels.
To enhance the guests’ beauty and body care regimen, Marriott Hotel Manila has partnered with Thann to reinvigorate the guestroom beauty experience, through a new and exclusive amenities line. Formulated through artful natural therapy and modern dermatological science, the Thann amenities are made from high quality raw materials and botanicals and presented in imaginative packaging. The hotel will offer guests a sensory experience through the brand’s Aromatic Wood Collection, a line that balances nutmeg essential oil with the sweetness of orange and tangerine essential oils.
Liking the scent? Bring it home. The Aromatic Wood Collection will also be available for purchase on www.shopmarriott.com. Some of the items that can be enjoyed are Aromatherapy Hand Wash (8.45 fl. oz.) at P847.00; Aromatherapy Shower Gel ( 11.15 fl. oz.) at P1,292.00; Aromatherapy Conditioner (8.45 fl. oz.) at P1,159; and Aromatherapy Shampoo (8.45 fl. oz.) at P1,159.
BE THE BEST PACKER EVER
Nifty, no-stress tips for traveling light
Here’s something that even the most seasoned jetsetter knows—whether you’re off for a brief beachside jaunt or a long-haul flight across the Atlantic, travelling can easily go from an exciting event to a meltdown-inducing nightmare.
The best thing you can do, apart from crossing your fingers that the airline doesn’t lose your luggage, is to prepare.
Let’s break it down.
For all your travel documents:
Tickets, passports, itineraries—make sure that you have a copy saved on your laptop. Better yet, send copies to your email so that you have a way to access them, just in case they get lost.
Another tip: snap a quick pic of your visa and passport. Be sure to get the important details such as the picture, barcode, or numbers.
When it comes to luggage and packing:
Short of baggage that can pack itself, the latest in luggage technology features durable, lightweight materials that ultimately make it easier to travel. That said, here are a few guidelines to remember:
Your choice of luggage is essential. Don’t make the mistake of choosing luggage that is heavy and bulky on the assumption that it’s more durable. Lightweight materials now come in hardtop options, such as American Tourister’s Cube Pop collection.
Black is always a classic and no-fail option when it comes to your luggage, but you might want to consider opting for bright hues as well so it’s easier to spot your bags. Again, if you’re looking for options, American Tourister’s collection features shades in eye-popping hues.
Here’s an easy space saving tip: roll your clothes—it also minimizes wrinkles—and then pop a dryer sheet before zipping up your bags to keep your clothes smelling fresh.
Keep your baggage content balanced. Roll up your softer clothes and use it to line the bottom of your luggage. Place thicker items of clothing over it, such as denim, trousers, and jackets. You can place your belts around the edges of the luggage and add shoes on top (carefully wrapped so it doesn’t mess up your clothes.)
Stay connected
Apps are the way to go. You’d be surprised how an app can spell the difference between navigating through an exotic country like a local versus exploring a new destination while dealing with stress and frustration.
Download interactive maps (Waze is a good choice) and flight trackers to get started. Eventually, you’ll discover more useful additions to your travel app arsenal, such as the ever reliable Gas-Buddy, to find the cheapest gas on a road trip.
Dress appropriately for travel
You will be sitting down, usually for hours on end—do you really want to be wearing tight denim that pinches your waist?
Dress comfortably. Use easy to remove shoes to go through security faster. Wear something that won’t require you to use a belt. Knowing that, don’t completely neglect the aesthetic value of your airport outfit. Statistically, people who are dressed more fashionably have a better chance at getting upgraded.
Escape the boredom
Flights—or any trip, for that matter—tend to go on for hours. Resist the urge to ask, “Are we there yet?” and pack earphones. It’s the easiest way to escape the cramped car or cabin.
Finally.
Breathe. You’ll get there.
Cancelled flights? Rude seatmate? Lost luggage? Just breathe. You’ll get to your destination—and it’ll be worth it. At the very least, you’ll have a great anecdote to tell over the dinner table.
Remember—your greatest travel companion (apart from a great playlist) is great luggage. Durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of any adventure, stylish enough to make you stand out as an experienced jetsetter and practical in such a way that it offers space and ease in equal measure.
Nope, these aren’t as hard to find as you might think. Check out American Tourister’s Cube Pop collection available in a multitude of colors, TSA-approved features, easy-to-use and ergonomically designed straps and handles, and spacious interiors with numerous travel-approved pockets.
Available at American Tourister Retail Stores and at leading Landmark, Robinsons, Rustan’s, Metro Gaisano and SM Department Stores nationwide.
LUCKY SALE
Good deals are happening this Jan. 27, with the Chinese New Year Kick-Off Sale by Lazada. With the successful Online Revolution Month, which culminated last Dec. 12 Lazada will hold another sale event in anticipation of the forthcoming Chinese New Year. Great offers await, with as much as 88 percent off on select bestselling items, flash sales, and surprise items, so keep your eyes peeled on lazada.com.ph/chinese-new-year, starting 12:01a.m. of Jan. 27, until 11:59p.m. of the same day.
For those curious as to what makes it different from the other sale that Lazada has previously staged, here are a few pointers to get you started: There will be a night Sales Promotion from 12mn–8am of Jan. 27, with vouchers up for grabs to get additional discounts on top of discounted best selling items! There will also be 16 Hourly Flash Sales from 8a.m.-11:59p.m. For the competitive, there will be hourly contests and special prizes on lazada.com.ph and on facebook.com/LazadaPhilippines. For those who seek shopping discounts, exclusive discount vouchers can be availed from partners such as Smart Bro, Citibank, BPI, BDO, and Maybank. An exciting shopping experience is at hand, so spread the word and take advantage of this year’s opening sale from Lazada!
BEST TRAVEL EXPERIENCE, GREAT VALUE
Good news, travel fans! Singapore Airlines, ranked consistently as one of the world’s best, is offering unbeatable ticket fares: USD 145 for Singapore; USD 210 for Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam; USD 690 to India; USD 700 to Australia; and USD 899 to Europe.
Singapore Airlines (SIA) and SilkAir (MI), in partnership with Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Ayala Malls, Globe, Singapore Tourism Board and Changi Airport Group, are launching an exciting and exclusive array of travel opportunities to passengers where they get to enjoy both airlines’ much coveted on-board comfort and impeccable service at exceptional value fares. Exclusive to BPI Credit Cardholders, Globe Platinum and Globe Blue Customers, Glorietta, Ayala Center Cebu and Abreeza Mall Davao Shoppers and KrisFlyer Members, SIA and SilkAir are offering exceptional, all-inclusive fares to Singapore as well as a host of destinations around the world. These promotional fares are for sale until Feb. 28 and for travel from Feb. 1 to Dec. 31, 2015.
In addition to those mentioned, passengers can also travel to Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Dubai, Maldives, New Zealand, and South Africa. All economy class fares come with complimentary 30kg baggage allowance, gourmet cuisines, and KrisFlyer miles that can be used for future travel.
On top of these great fares, customers can also look forward to a series of exciting travel fairs across the country from Feb. 6 to 8. Featuring the exclusive Singapore Airlines Suites product, the Singapore Airlines Showcase and Travel Fair will be held at the Glorietta Activity Center, Palm Drive, Makati City while the SilkAir Travel Fair will take place at Ayala Center Cebu. At these fairs, customers will be able to book flights with 6the promotional fares. Customers who purchase itineraries beyond Singapore at these travel fairs or at Singapore Airlines and SilkAir ticket offices from can also redeem a complimentary SGD20 Changi Dollar Voucher, with no minimum spend required, that can be used at participating shops at Singapore Changi Airport. www.singaporeair.com and www.silkair.com.