Monthly Archive: October 2025
On my recent flight back from Singapore there was an incident that caused concern. A man sitting in an aisle seat was hit on the head by a bag with duty free items that had fallen from the overhead bin. I heard a large bang and looked around and saw an older man holding his head and another man picking up a sealed duty free bag with two cartons containing alcohol, one was clearly identified as a bottle of Scotch. The overhead bin was open and I could see it was full of roller cases and when the man who picked up the duty free bag tried putting them back in the locker there was no room. They were sitting on the edge just...
What is a hotel pre-authorisation? Many ask this when booking a hotel direct and whether they are paying at the time of booking or at arrival or check-out at the hotel. First let’s explain what an pre-authorisation is. A hotel pre-authorisation is a temporary authorisation hold placed on a guest’s credit or debit card to confirm the card is valid and has sufficient funds to cover room charges and potential incidental expenses. It’s not a final charge but a temporary hold on funds, typically processed at check-in on arrival at the establishment, that is then released or adjusted to the final bill upon checkout. This process helps hotels prevent fraud and ensures payment for the stay.
Traveling alone can be liberating — every decision is yours, every moment is yours. But it can also trigger stress, uncertainty, and emotional fatigue. From airport rushes to language barriers, solo travelers face unique anxieties that, when unmanaged, can overshadow even the most beautiful destinations.
The European Union’s new digital border control system for non-EU citizens entering and leaving the Schengen zone—the EES (Entry/Exit System)—will come into effect from Sunday 12 October. The system will be rolled out over a period of 6 months until 10 April 2026. When fully implemented it will streamline movements of non-EU travellers, monitor visa-free stays and strengthen border security. What can we expect with the roll out? At first some confusion and a few bottlenecks at the EU entry points: airport immigration and border crossings. Seaports where travellers may be coming from countries outside the EU, such as the UK, North Africa, Turkey and the Middle East will also be affected as well as passengers on the Eurostar train service from London to...
Planning a surprise trip for your partner can feel like juggling secrets, logistics, and love letters all at once. It’s equal parts thrilling and nerve-wracking — one wrong move and the surprise is toast. But when done right, the moment of reveal becomes a shared memory that lives longer than the vacation itself. The key? Foresight, empathy, and a stealth-level planning game. It’s not just about booking flights and picking hotels — it’s about anticipating reactions, dodging spoilers, and crafting a mini-experience before the actual journey begins. Here’s how to pull off a romantic getaway they’ll never see coming.
