Omand Travels

29/09/2023

A woman claims Jet2 discriminated against her because they refused to prohibit strawberry daiquiris.

Chloe Fitzpatrick, 24, who has a serious strawberry allergy, shared her concerns about a flight to Ibiza, worried she might face a life-threatening situation. Feeling a bit let down, Chloe expressed a sense of feeling singled out when the cabin crew manager on her Jet2 flight declined to restrict the sale of strawberry daiquiris, rosé wine, and fruit pastilles.

She was apprehensive about the possibility of encountering strawberry protein particles and facing anaphylactic shock during the nearly three-hour flight, which was intended for a fun girls' trip with her sister Lucy, 27.

Chloe shared, "I couldn't even use the restroom during the flight because there could have been strawberry products around that might have made me seriously ill or worse. I was literally strapped to my seat. I know it was just a two-hour flight, but going to the toilet is a basic human right.

"Imagine being thousands of feet in the air, surrounded by products that could potentially be life-threatening. It was not only distressing for me but also heartbreaking for my sister. She was terrified at the thought of me going into anaphylactic shock, possibly losing consciousness, and facing the risk of a life-threatening situation right in front of her. She felt utterly helpless."

She mentioned that she made the airline staff aware of her allergy as she boarded the plane at Manchester Airport on August 18, a routine she had always followed when flying. However, Jet2 pointed out that their terms and conditions specify that severe allergies should be communicated to the team at the time of booking, not just when the passenger boards the plane.

The flight experienced a delay of about 45 minutes as a discussion took place regarding Chloe's ability to fly. During this time, she was provided with a ventilator and a mask. The cabin crew made an announcement, alerting passengers to her allergy and requesting them not to consume strawberry products on the plane. Despite this, products containing strawberries, such as sweets and drinks, were still sold on the flight.

Allergies are a serious medical condition that can indeed be life-threatening, but let's ponder: How much responsibility does an airline owe to a passenger? What are your thoughts on this situation – is it a case of the airline or the passenger being in the wrong? Share your perspective with us! 🤔✈️

📷Credits: Kennedy News & Media

20/09/2023

This Award-Winning Airport is Eliminating Passport Checks — Discover How It Benefits Travelers ✈️

If you're heading to Singapore, you might not have to flash your passport when leaving the country soon.

So, Changi Airport, you know, the one that's always winning awards, is planning to make your airport experience even smoother. They're talking about using fancy biometrics for everything, like checking in, immigration, and even boarding.

According to Communications Minister Josephine Teo, they want to get this rolling by the first half of 2024 to make sure your time at Changi is top-notch.

16/09/2023

Drunk Irish tourist damages recently renovated historic statue

A historic statue situated outside the Brussels Stock Exchange endured damage on a Sunday evening when an inebriated Irish tourist scaled it in an attempt to capture a photograph.

Belgian media reported that just the day before, a significant three-year restoration endeavor had concluded, costing a substantial 90 million euros (approximately C$130 million), aimed at rejuvenating the 150-year-old edifice.

The statue that bore the brunt of the damage portrayed a lion alongside a figure clutching a torch; one of a pair of lion sculptures serving as sentinels at the stock exchange entrance.

A widely-shared video on social media captured the incident, featuring the Irish tourist perched upon the back of the lion statue. As he endeavored to dismount, he grasped the torch-bearing figure's arm, seemingly applying his full weight to it.

Regrettably, the torch broke away from its base as the tourist subsequently departed from the scene.

Law enforcement promptly received reports of the incident and successfully located the Irish gentleman at a nearby fast-food establishment. Consequently, the statue will necessitate another round of restoration efforts.

The building's administration is actively pursuing compensation for the repair expenses from the tourist, seeking a sum of 17,600 euros, which roughly translates to C$25,000.

14/09/2023

Delta Air Lines is tightening the ropes at its Sky Club airport lounges because they're getting a bit too crowded for comfort.✈️

Delta Air Lines passengers who've been used to getting free meals, drinks, and a chill spot to hang out before their flight are going to see some big changes in the near future.

Starting from February 1, 2025, Delta, which is based in Atlanta, is going to limit how many times people with American Express Platinum Cards and Delta Reserve American Express Cards can enter its Sky Clubs. If you've got the Platinum Card, you can pop in six times a year, but if you're rolling with the Delta Reserve Card, you get ten visits a year.

Here's the kicker: If you're booking a basic economy ticket, you won't be able to access Delta's lounges anymore starting January 1, 2024. It doesn't matter if you've got a Platinum Card or any other fancy credit card – basic economy ticket holders are out of luck.

The Platinum Card has become a hit among Millennials and Gen-Z folks, despite its hefty annual fee. A big reason for its popularity is the sweet travel perks it offers. One of the biggest perks has always been the free access to Delta's Sky Clubs, which American Express uses to justify that steep yearly fee. But now, with this change, folks with AmEx cards might start rethinking if it's worth shelling out for that annual fee.

Before this, if you didn't have a fancy AmEx card, the lounge was like an exclusive club, only for business or first-class flyers or those willing to drop $695 every year for a membership.

Now, here's the silver lining: This news doesn't mess with your access to AmEx's 15 Centurion-branded airport lounges. AmEx owns and runs those, and they're keeping them as they are. AmEx mentioned that despite these changes, they expect "the vast majority" of cardholders will still be able to hit up the Sky Clubs, depending on how much they fly. And if you're a big spender and drop a cool $75,000 on your card each year (way more than the average AmEx cardholder), you'll get unlimited lounge access. So, there's still some wiggle room to keep that VIP airport experience.

31/08/2023

Passenger Overboard Near Cuban Coast Sparks Search Effort

Off the Cuban shoreline, a concerning incident unfolded aboard the Wonder of the Seas, as confirmed by officials speaking to Fox 35.

Passengers, using Facebook as a platform to share their experiences, reported that the distress call resonated sometime between 7:30 and 8 p.m. on a Tuesday night.

A spokesperson representing Royal Caribbean conveyed the details to Insider, stating, "On August 29, a guest aboard the Wonder of the Seas went overboard. The immediate response from the ship's crew entailed the launch of an intensive search and rescue operation, conducted in close coordination with local authorities."

The spokesperson from Royal Caribbean also disclosed the cruise line's active collaboration with the US Coast Guard.

In an insightful update from the South Florida division of the US Coast Guard, it was revealed that the responsibility for managing the search and rescue mission lies with the Cuban Border Guard, given that the overboard incident occurred within Cuban territorial waters.

The US Coast Guard official confirmed that their agency is not presently engaged in this particular case.

Cruise Hive, a renowned cruise industry blog, reported that the ship's crew dedicated approximately three hours to search for the missing passenger before the ship resumed its journey.

Distinguished as the largest cruise ship presently embarked on passenger voyages, the Wonder of the Seas stretches across a colossal 1,188 feet, spanning 18 decks. With the capacity to host nearly 7,000 passengers alongside 2,300 crew members, it remains an iconic vessel. Notably, the forthcoming Royal Caribbean ship, the Icon of the Seas, is poised to outsize the Wonder when it enters service in 2024.

This incident marks the sixth instance of a passenger going overboard from a cruise ship in the past three months.

These incidents have unfolded on various cruise liners, including the Carnival Magic, Carnival Elation, Spectrum of the Seas, Emerald Princess, and Mariner of the Seas. Regrettably, successful rescues have been few, with only one passenger being recovered in these previous cases.

13/08/2023

August Exclusives for those Late - Summer Getaways 😎
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22/07/2023

19/07/2023

Which type of packer are you? Be Sure to like our page for travel updates!

17/07/2023

🌍 Hey friends! 🌍

I wanted to share a little something with you today about the benefits of using a travel advisor. 🧳✈️

We've all heard stories of travelers who end up disappointed with their vacations due to a lack of research and preparation. Let's face it: planning a trip can be overwhelming, and it's easy to overlook important details or get lost in a sea of information. But fear not! There's a solution to avoid becoming an entitled, uninformed traveler who complains about their lack of research.

I came across this post about this entitled traveler complaining about the Amalfi Coast in Italy and the amount of walking and transportation options in the area. Listening to her rambling complains got me thinking about how unprepared for actual travel this person really is. it is vitally important to properly understand the country and area you plan to be travelling to, and lets be honest most travel videos and youtube or Instagram "influencers" only give you a part of the total travel picture.

Enter the travel advisor! 🙌

1️⃣ Expert Guidance: Travel advisors are professionals in their field. They have extensive knowledge and experience in the travel industry, and they keep up-to-date with the latest trends, regulations, and insider tips. They can guide you through the entire planning process, from choosing the perfect destination to finding the best accommodations and activities that suit your preferences and budget.

2️⃣ Time-Saving: Let's be honest, life can get busy, and researching and planning a trip can be time-consuming. Travel advisors can take that burden off your shoulders by handling all the necessary arrangements, saving you precious time and energy. They know where to look for the best deals, how to optimize your itinerary, and can streamline the booking process, leaving you with more time to dream about your upcoming adventure.

3️⃣ Personalized Recommendations: Travel advisors take the time to understand your unique needs and desires. They can recommend hidden gems, local hotspots, and tailor-made experiences that you might not find on your own. Their expertise and connections allow them to craft a personalized itinerary that reflects your interests, ensuring you have an unforgettable journey that suits your individual preferences.

4️⃣ Assistance and Support: From the moment you start planning until you return home, travel advisors have your back. If anything unexpected happens during your trip, such as flight cancellations or changes in plans, they can assist you in rebooking and finding alternatives. You can travel with peace of mind knowing that you have someone knowledgeable and reliable in your corner.

So, let's ditch the entitlement and embrace the benefits of using a travel advisor! 🌟 They can help us avoid common pitfalls, create unforgettable experiences, and ensure we make the most of our precious vacation time.

Next time you're planning a trip, reach out to a trusted travel advisor and let them work their magic. Your stress levels will thank you, and you'll become a well-informed traveler ready to soak up every moment of your adventure! 🌴✨

Contact me today for help planning your perfect personal travel itinerary: [email protected]

Don't be this person 👎

Click the twitter link below 👇

09/05/2023

High on the Europe Bucket list 😍

From sampling traditional Bavarian beers to trying out local cheeses and pretzels, this tour is a true feast for the senses. Not only can you get to indulge in some of the best food and drink that Bavaria has to offer, but also you get to learn about the rich history and culture of this beautiful region.

I highly recommend this tour to anyone who is looking to immerse themselves in the local Bavarian lifestyle and experience all that this amazing part of Germany has to offer. Prost! 🍻🇩🇪

👉 Don't forget to to like and share our post with other foodie lovers

03/05/2023

Happy National Travel Advisor Day 2023

29/04/2023

Always fun to look back on past travels, and plan for future adventures.

29/04/2023

If you haven’t already, Please like and follow our page: Omand Travels
https://www.facebook.com/omandtravels?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Would appreciate it if you can share it to your family and friends too👍 Thank you🙏

Independent Luxury Travel Advisor working under FORA Travel to provide bespoke luxury travel planning

28/04/2023

Working in the office - starting planning for a new client travelling to Italy and Greece, fully customized for the client no cookie cutter out of the box trips here 😃

26/04/2023

Are you wondering how some travelers seem to score the best perks and upgrades when booking hotels? The secret is simple - they work with a travel advisor instead of relying on online booking apps like Expedia.

As a travel advisor, I have access to exclusive partnerships and insider knowledge that you won't find on any online booking app. I work closely with hotels to negotiate on your behalf to get you the best deals and extras, so you can enjoy the VIP treatment you deserve.

Don't settle for a free breakfast as your only perk. Let me help you find the perfect accommodation with amenities and perks like room upgrades, early check-in, complimentary spa treatments, and dining credits - all at no extra cost.

Plus, I'll handle all the details of your booking, from room preferences to special requests. And if anything unexpected comes up during your trip, I'm just a phone call away to help you resolve any issues.

Stop wasting time scrolling through online booking apps and missing out on the best deals and upgrades. Contact me today to get the VIP treatment you deserve and experience the benefits of working with a travel advisor firsthand.

📷 Courtesy: Intercontinental Grand

25/04/2023

Are you dreaming of the perfect family vacation that everyone will love and remember for years to come? Or perhaps you're looking for a luxurious escape to indulge in some well-deserved relaxation and adventure?

Are you tired of spending countless hours online trying to plan the perfect family leisure or luxury travel experience? Let me help you take the guesswork out of planning and create a vacation that exceeds all your expectations.

As an experienced travel advisor, I specialize in crafting personalized itineraries that cater to your unique needs and interests, whether you're looking for a fun-filled family adventure or a luxurious escape. With my exclusive partnerships and insider knowledge, I can secure the best rates and VIP treatment at top hotels, resorts, and destinations around the world.

But that's not all - I handle all the details, from accommodations to activities and dining reservations, so you can relax and enjoy your vacation. Plus, I'm available to answer any questions or make any last-minute adjustments to ensure your trip is seamless and unforgettable.

No matter where you live in the world or where you want to travel, I can help you plan the ultimate family leisure or luxury travel experience.

Don't settle for a cookie-cutter vacation you found online.

Contact me today to get started on creating the trip of a lifetime.

03/02/2022

Unwind in an overwater villa after an energy-balancing massage at the Maldives’ newest wellness resort, Joali Being.
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01/02/2022

For a refined take on last summer’s tie dye trend, look to Florentine paper marbling. Click for whimsical Italian decor inspiration.
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27/01/2022

At these urban wellness resorts, travelers retreat from city buzz in favor of hydrotherapy, meditation pods, and more.
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25/01/2022

Sustainable travel means making long-lasting social, cultural, and environmental impacts wherever you go. Click for responsible tourism inspiration on every continent.
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20/01/2022

After a booking crisis, the Wades ditched DIY and enlisted a Virtuoso advisor for travel planning. They’ve never looked back. Click to read their story.
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18/01/2022

Make tracks to southern Montana for ski country’s marquee debut this season: Montage Big Sky.
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13/01/2022

Take a page out of Sweden’s book this winter: break for afternoon coffee paired with something sweet.
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11/01/2022

Seven resolutions for a healthier, happier new year – that hopefully includes more travel.
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23/12/2021

Every region in Italy does aperitivo differently, but the pre-dinner ritual is perfect no matter where you sip.
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21/12/2021

New ships from Ponant, Viking, and Quark Expeditions set sail for the Arctic and Antarctica soon.
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16/12/2021

Pets are part of the family at these hotels that make pampering your pooch a top priority.
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