Chilli Blu Travel

14/01/2025

2025 is all about Destination Detours! Stepping outside of the unusual tourist spots & exploring some hidden gems.

Check out these incredible detours that offer a fresh take on iconic destinations:

Reims, France: Sip champagne amid stunning cathedrals, a sparkling alternative to bustling Paris! 🍾🇫🇷

Brescia, Italy: Unearth history in this charming town that rivals Milan’s flair with ancient Roman ruins! 🏛️🇮🇹

Cozumel, Mexico: Dive into crystal-clear waters and vibrant reefs—Cancun who? 🌊🇲🇽

Waikato, New Zealand: Discover lush landscapes and the magic of Hobbiton, the perfect escape from Auckland’s city vibes! 🌳🇳🇿

Girona, Spain: Wander medieval streets and picturesque riversides—a colourful retreat from Barcelona’s rush! 🏰🇪🇸

Fukuoka, Japan: Feast on local ramen with a side of culture in this laid-back gem, far from Tokyo’s hustle! 🍜🇯🇵

Krabi, Thailand: Bask in serene beaches & limestone cliffs—Phuket, meet your tranquil twin! 🏖️🇹🇭

Canmore, Alberta: Enjoy outdoor adventures with breathtaking mountain backdrops, giving Calgary’s cityscape a run for its money! 🏞️🇨🇦

These off-the-beaten-path spots are calling your name for your next extraordinary adventure! Which detour would you take? 🚗💫

09/01/2025

In Vietnam, sharing a meal is not just about eating; it’s a celebration of connection and community. 🍜✨

 From bustling street food stalls in Hanoi to the serene beauty of the Mekong Delta, every dish tells a story rich in history and culture. Experience the heart of Vietnam through its flavours and festivities—where will your taste buds take you next? 🌾🇻🇳

19/09/2024

Upgrade Your Economy Flight with a Sleeper Row! ✈️

Tired of cramped seats on long-haul flights? Some airlines now offer the option to purchase an entire row of economy seats, transforming them into a comfortable “sleeper row.”

Here are some airlines that offer this innovative feature:

Lufthansa Sleeper’s Row: Enjoy extra legroom and privacy with Lufthansa’s Sleeper’s Row.
ANA’s Couchii Seats: Transform your economy seats into a cozy couch for added comfort and space.
Taiwan Airlines Sleeper Seat: Relax and recharge in Taiwan Airlines’ Sleeper Seat, perfect for families or groups.
Air New Zealand Economy Skycouch: Convert three economy seats into a flat bed for a more comfortable flight.
Vietnam Airlines Sky Sofa: Enjoy a spacious and flexible seating arrangement with Vietnam Airlines’ Sky Sofa.
Have you ever tried a sleeper row? Share your experiences in the comments!

16/09/2024

"It seems that the more places I see & experience, the bigger I realise the world to be.

The more I become aware of the more, I realise how relatively little I know of it, how many places I have still to go, how much more there is to learn"

Very wise words from Anthony Bourdain ❣️

05/09/2024

Indulge in Luxury while in Asia with Mandarin Oriental's
Stay 3 Pay 2 Offer!

Escape to iconic destinations around the world with Mandarin Oriental's exclusive offer. Enjoy 3 nights of luxurious accommodations & unparalleled service at these stunning locations:
Hong Kong
Macau
Bangkok
Tokyo
Sanya
Shenzhen
Guangzhou
Abu Dhabi
Dubai
Let me hook you up with these amazing stays.

03/09/2024

01/09/2024

The way we travel to Europe is changing in 2025.

🧳  As we approach 2025, it becomes crucial for Australians planning to visit Europe to understand the new ETIAS requirements for 30 countries.

✈️ Designed to enhance security while facilitating easier travel into Europe, ETIAS comes with specific guidelines for Australian travellers:

Online Application: The process is entirely online, providing convenience and accessibility for applicants.

Purpose of Visit: ETIAS authorization covers short-term visits, including tourism, business, transit, and medical purposes.

Passport Requirements: A valid, machine-readable e-passport is mandatory for the ETIAS application.

Fee Waivers: Australian citizens under 18 or over 70 years of age will benefit from waived ETIAS application fees.

🗺️ ETIAS is valid for short stays (up to 90 days) for tourism, business, transit, and medical visits.

🧻 Once issued, ETIAS is valid for three years or until the passport expires, and it allows for multiple entries into the Schengen Zone.

👀 For the most up-to-date information check out


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19/06/2024

**Planning wanderlust alert! **

Okay, so this Camps Bay to Cape Town itinerary I'm crafting for a client seriously makes me want to book a flight ASAP!

Whale watching in Hermanus, wine tasting in Franschhoek, and exploring the beauty of Cape Town—South Africa, you're stealing my heart!

A huge shoutout to for their amazing travel expertise.

I am the FOMO girl right now 🙋

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17/03/2024

Happy St. Patrick's Day!
It's a wonderful day to celebrate Irish culture & heritage.
Whether you're wearing green, enjoying some Irish music, soaking up the food with a Guinness, or just taking in the festive atmosphere. May you find the leprechaun pot of gold.
Also, big Happy Birthday to my husband ❤️

01/03/2024

Travel Smarter, Not Harder: Your Free App Essentials!

Planning your next adventure? Don't forget to pack these essential FREE travel apps in your digital backpack:

XE Currency Exchange: Convert currencies on the go with live rates & offline access so you can haggle like a pro! 💰

Whatsapp: Stay connected with loved ones back home or even make new friends on the road!  (Wi-Fi required) 📲

Google Lens: Translate signs, menus, & more in real-time – language barriers be gone! 🔎

Google Maps: Navigate like a local, even without wifi. Plus, discover hidden gems & must-see sights! ️
📍
Rome2rio:  Discover all your travel options, from trains & buses to flights & ferries, in one place.   ⛴️

Bounce: Leave your luggage at convenient locations for stress-free exploring between flights or check-out.  Perfect for day trips or layovers.  💼

FlightAware: Track your flight status, receive real-time updates, & stay ahead of any delays. ✈️

Seat Guru: Choose the perfect seat for maximum legroom, avoid the middle seat, or find the window seat with the best view!  💺

Bonus Tip: Download local offline maps & essential travel phrases in your destination's language for extra peace of mind.

Hit the save button! ✔️ Share your favourite free travel app & why you love it!

   

27/02/2024

Cape Town Calling!

Just booked my client at the Taj Cape Town, & let me tell you, I'm not afraid to say I have FOM!!

This iconic hotel isn't just about stunning city views & Table Mountain majesty. With its two grand entrances, the former banking hall of the old Reserve Bank is now the welcoming hotel Lobby.

Think of sunset cocktails on the rooftop with panoramic views.

This is the perfect place to stay to explore everything Cape Town has to offer & experience the magic of the Taj.

26/02/2024

Don’t Get Caught at the Border! ✈️

Dreaming of exotic adventures? Remember, not all destinations are visa-free!

Before you book your flights, double-check if you need a visa for your chosen country. Avoiding last-minute scrambles will keep your travel stress-free.

This website is great for general information about visa requirements: www.apply.joinsherpa.com

Need help navigating the visa application process? I’m your travel expert! ️

DM me your desired destination, & I’ll help you navigate a smooth visa journey.

20/02/2024

🌏 Greetings, lovely souls! 🌟 Sharon here - the travel enthusiast behind Chilli Blu Travel. I am a Melbourne, Australia, girl at heart, but I have been soaking up the vibrant vibes of Thailand for over a decade. 🇦🇺✈️

With a heart rooted in hospitality, I fluently speak the languages of travel, food, and wine. 🍷✨ Because let’s be real, those three are a magical trio for a perfect journey!

Fuelled by a touch of OCD (Organized Creator of Dreams), I thrive on crafting impeccable itineraries. Ready to embark on unforgettable adventures together? Let’s make every trip uniquely yours! 💙🌴

13/02/2024

Airports can be a lot, so make sure you start your holiday on the right note 🎵

Here are a few tips to get that well-earned holiday on track.

Let me know your airport tips below 👇

04/02/2024

Soon to be NOLA Newbie No More: My Must-Do French Quarter List!!!!

Your newest Mardi Gras enthusiast is arriving next month, & I'm armed with a must-do list a mile long. But before I get lost in the beignet-fueled chaos, I wanna know: what gems have I missed?

Jazzy Ghosts & Voodoo Vibes: Live music, spooky ghost tours, & a peek into the world of voodoo - history, mystery, & music collide!

Beignet Bliss & Cajun Feasts: Fluffy heaven at Café du Monde, hidden gems serving up gumbo, po'boys, & more - food coma awaiting!

Street Strolls & Quirky Shops: Wandering the vibrant labyrinth, admiring architecture, & scoring unique souvenirs - bargaining like a pro & soaking up the charm! ️

Steamboat Serenade: Mississippi River cruise aboard a historic steamboat, sipping mint juleps while enjoying the skyline & live jazz - pure NOLA romance!

Cemetery Stroll: Above-ground tombs, voodoo lore, & a unique perspective on death - eerie, educational, & strangely beautiful! 🪦

Here's the twist: Tell me what YOU want me to explore in the French Quarter for you! ️‍Share your hidden gem requests, quirky curiosities, or off-the-beaten-path adventures you crave. I'll be your NOLA insider & craft a personalized itinerary just for you!

P.S. Remember to tag your travel besties who need a NOLA fix! ‍

29/01/2024

Say Yes to Paradise! All-Inclusive Adventures Without Breaking the Bank “cha-ching!”

🇹🇷 Lara Barut Collection, Türkiye: Dive into turquoise pools, feast on Turkish delights, & soak up the sun on endless beaches – P.S. Turkish baths are included!
🇬🇷 Nautilux Rethymno, Greece: Channel your inner Zorba the Greek at this Aegean haven. Sip cocktails on sun-drenched terraces, snorkel crystal-clear waters, & savour Greek feasts - “Opa!”
🇲🇻 Fiyavalhu Resort, Maldives: Turquoise waters, powder-soft sand, & overwater bungalows that’ll make your Instagram jealous – Snorkeling with manta rays included.
🇧🇲 Grotto Bay Beach Resort, Bermuda: Swim with playful dolphins, explore hidden coves, & soak up the pink sand beaches – Rum punch not included, but highly recommended
🇲🇽 Hotel NYX Cancun: Party like a rockstar at this Cancun hotspot! Beachside beats, vibrant pools, & endless tequila sunrises (or sunsets, no judgment) - Siesta naps not included, but mandatory!

So, which paradise speaks to your wanderlust soul? Tell me in the comments. Remember, paradise doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag - let’s make your dream vacation a reality! ✈️✨

P.S. Remember to tag your travel besties who need this in their lives!

📷: Lara Barut, Nautilux Rethymno, Fiyavalhu Resort, Grotto Bay Beach Resort, Hotel NYX

27/01/2024

We are so proud to be part of the FORA family. Now let’s get you those perks 😎

31/12/2023

Europe’s Enchantment Cities of 2023

Istanbul: Where East meets West with a bang! Sip chai overlooking the Bosphorus at Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus, then get lost in the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar. 🇹🇷

Florence: Renaissance romance blooms at every corner. Stay at Hotel Calimala, then stroll Ponte Vecchio with gelato. 🇮🇹

Rome: History whispers from every cobble. Watch the world go by from the rooftop of Hotel Artemide, then toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain for good luck. 🇮🇹

Lisbon: Vibrant colours and Fado tunes fill the air. Stay at the charming Hotel Hassler Roma, then tram through charming Alfama with Pastel de Nata in hand. 🇵🇹

Porto: Port wine and architectural jewels abound. Immerse yourself in history at The Yeatman Hotel, then cruise the Douro River for breathtaking views. 🇵🇹

Seville: Flamenco and fiery tapas ignite your senses. Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seville, puts you in the heart of the action, just steps from the Alcazar palace. 🇪🇸

San Sebastian: Pintxos paradise on the Basque coast. Akelarre Hotel - Relais & Châteaux boasts Michelin-starred dining and views to match. 🇪🇸

Edinburgh: History and wit wrapped in a kilted hug. The Scotsman Hotel puts you in the heart of the action, near Edinburgh Castle and its ghostly tales. 󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Bordeaux: Where winemaking whispers sweet secrets and cobbled streets sing of history. Uncork your dreams at Grand Hotel De Bordeaux & Spa, a palace-turned-luxury haven overlooking the Garonne River. 🇫🇷

Which European city speaks to your wanderlust soul? Tell me in the comments, and let’s get your next European adventure on the 2024 calendar! ✈️🇪🇺