BLACK FRIDAY TRAVEL DEALS

How to Get the Best out of Black Friday Travel Deals

Nothing gets more exciting for the online shopper than discount sales. And at a time when money seems generally tight, discount sales and promotional offers are like manna from heaven. Enter Black Friday, widely regarded as the beginning of Christmas shopping. Many take advantage of Black Friday sales to replace old gadgets, home appliances, shop for new outfits and generally purchase items they have been coveting for a while.

But while many regard Black Friday sales in terms of products and items from Phones to laptops, fridges to TVs, clothes to jewelry, the massive rush for these items may undermine the availability of travel deals on Black Friday that the businessman or regular traveler would love to take advantage of. Amazingly these travel deals are also available for vacationers and honeymooners and not restricted to the business traveler as resorts and destination vacation spots are also in on offering promotional discounts to cap off the end of an eventful business and calendar year

So how exactly can you get the best out of Black Friday Travel Deals?

Well, first there is your destination and area of business to consider. Are you off to Abuja for a government function? Or to Lagos to meet up with a bunch of investors or to Port Harcourt for an alumni reunion? From Warri to Calabar to Lagos and Port Harcourt there are unbelievable discounts on luxury hotels for as much as 80% off.

Study the terms and conditions. Promotional offers aren't always a straightforward affair. They aren't necessarily complex either. Usually, terms and conditions for Black Friday Travel deals as with other products and services usually involve time frame and is generally subject to availability. So before you make your bookings for these hotel deals on Black Friday, be sure to confirm that your stay is during the period which the hotel of your choice is offering the offer and that there is an availability of the room or Black Friday vacation package deals that you wish to take advantage off.

Another sure way to get the best out of Black Friday Travel Deals is to book early. There is usually a long ‘online queue' for offers like this and the system works on a sort of first come, first serve basis. Therefore the real trick to this is to get in and to get in early. Make all your travel plans early, do not leave anything till the last minute and you will be well in position to get the best out of the travel deals available.

Honeymoon Destinations In Nigeria

So you liked it, and you put a ring on it. Awesome. Congratulations on getting married, soon-ish. Now for perhaps the first step in the series of a very memorable journey for you both, your honeymoon. I have always wondered about the origin and real meaning of the word Honeymoon, but rather than bore you with my findings after a bit of research I’d just say it refers to ‘the first month’ after a wedding. First month. An entire month guys, not one brief weekend spent hurriedly gulping food, skimming beaches, taking couplies – that’s selfies for couple-, checking in and out of hotels and back at work on the Monday after your wedding.  So if you have to do your honeymoon, its best you do it right and trust me, there’s no better way than taking the entire month off doing nothing but feeding your better half grapes and making babies all the time enjoying the luxury of choice hotel destinations and tourist attractions in your favorite cities. And more making of babies. 

So because we know the options are inexhaustible, and if you could you would spend your entire life on one long never ending honeymoon, we put together a quick list of top Honeymoon Destinations. This recommended by our happily married friends who have explored some of these places, others by awesome event and vacation planners and others still by starry eyed, dreamy romantics like myself.

Yankari National Park

The Yankari Mational Park is one of the nations jeweled tourist and vacation destinations and an ideal getaway for Honeymoon destinations in 2016. The entire park measures about 860 sq miles, and aside from the host of flora and fauna it plays host to, it also has the Wikki Warm Springs that runs through it. The Wikki Camp is the accommodation wing of the park and has a variety of suites ranging from luxury and exotic Presidential Suites to the Youth Hostel. Wikki Camp also has a range of restaurants and bars as well as a museum that displays stuffed game from hunts in the park. What makes the Yankari National Park an ideal honeymoon destination in Nigeria? You know when Bruno Mars said ‘you and me baby, making love like gorillas...’, yes, that.

Obudu Mountain Resort

Used to be known as the Obudu Cattle Ranch, and sometimes still called that is nestled at the top of the Sankwala Mountain 1576 meters above sea level offering a very temperate climate that is suitable for hiking, camping, vacationing and leisure. The resort provides luxury rooms such as the Presidential suite to affordable accommodations built in circular African hut patterns and chalets for an entire family. Restaurants offer, international and continental cuisines. The resort also boats of a 9 hole golf course where golfers can take a swing on at their leisure. The high point for many is the cable cars that lift guests from the base of the mountain to its top offering a breathtaking and serenading view on the way up. Packed your bags? Confirmed your reservations? Don’t forget your camera, you’ll be freezing lots of memories while you are up there.

The Whispering Palms Resort

Tucked away in the outskirts of Lagos in Badagry, The Whispering Palms Resort and embodies the definition of serenity. Situated in over 8 acres of land just beside the Atlantic, The Whispering

Palms is awash with breeze, sand and sun dotted beautifully with palm trees. Accommodation at the resort cover both ends of the spectrum with luxury and high end rooms and suites available as well as cheap and affordable rooms. If you think looking at the sea and playing in the sand are all there is to the Whispering Palms aside from chasing your partner round a palm tree recreating Nollywood movie scenes, think again. A zoo and an art gallery are also within the premises offering guests and honeymooners a break from fawning over themselves.

Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort

Built in the serene community of Ikogosi, named after the warm and cool springs that simultaneously flow side by side, the Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort is a tourist haven and an amazing honeymoon destination in Nigeria. The natural beauty of the landscape is a sight for sore eyes, enchanting and at the same time breathtaking. The waters of the swimming pools are directly channeled from the spring source. Accommodations are luxurious and classy, such as the Deluxe Standard room that has its own private balcony and the Executive lodge that features a dining area and a portable terrace. The resort has two revolving cocktail bars and 4 restaurants. Airport pick up service is also available on request.

Kajuru Castle

Built in 1989 by German architect, Kajuru Castle in Kaduna is a medieval styled luxury villa. A mix of architectural grandeur and magnificent display of nature the Kajuru castle is built on ground encamped by mountains and hills, as the castle offers an amazing view of the idyllic village of Kajuru naturally fortified by the mountains. Rooms are designed like dungeons and the swimming pool is made of stainless steel. Because it is essentially a private property, residence in the Castle is self catering. It makes an ideal honeymoon destination, if having a castle to yourself and your knight in shining armor is your dream honeymoon.

Kamp Ikare

Only accessible by boat 25 minutes from  Victoria Island, Kamp Ikare offers amazing twin views of the Atlantic Ocean in front and the Lagos Lagoon behind. A self catering resort, Kamp Ikare ofers aquatic sports and various camp activities that allows its guests to engage and socialize with each other, and if you are on your honeymoon, what better way to enjoy it other than in the presence of other newlyweds.   Scouts and guides are available to take guests on tours to the neighboring islands of Ibeshe and Ilashe. Rooms are exquisitely designed, beautifully adorned and furnished, the perfect getaway for a honeymoon in Lagos.

La Champagne Tropicana Beach Resort

Located on the coast of the Atlantic on one side and sharing boundary with the fresh water of Ikegun lake, La Champagne Tropicana Beach Resort is the getaway destination for honeymoons that dreams are made of. Luxury rooms encased in beautiful African designs, the beach resort offers an experience that is better lived than described. With 29 exotic chalets and specially designed suites built on trees and suites built on water, La Champagne is wonderful honeymoon destination. Activities on the beach resort include quad biking, swimming, water volleyball, table tennis, basketball, snooker and board games.  The restaurant offers a mouth watering cuisine of international and continental dishes. Room services also comes with a great massage offering that would leave you relaxed and feeling brand new.

Le Meridien Ibom Golf Resort

Beautifully adorning the city of Uyo, capital of Akwa  Ibom state is the Le Meridien Ibom Golf resort a playground for businessmen and executives taking time off work, and vacationers basking in the warmth of the Ibom sun and taking in the lovely sights and sounds of the city as well as love drunk newly weds on their honeymoon. The golf resort is built atop of a ridge that offers an astonishing view of the rain forest that extends to the mountains in Cameroon. Rooms speak luxury and opulence, treating guests to comfort and a lifestyle they could get used to. E resort boasts of a Rotunda bar, a night club, a piano bar that plays live music and jazz. With 24 hours room service, you are sure to be adequately catered to in an experience that would make you never want your honeymoon to end

Author,

Celeb  Maiye

10 MOST CHEAPEST AND SUITABLE HOTELS IN ABUJA

10 MOST CHEAPEST AND SUITABLE HOTELS IN ABUJA

The Independence week is upon us. 56 hearty cheers to Nigeria my people. Come on, there’s so much to be excited for. Lets not let current economic outlook dampen our spirits. Now if you have made plans to be in Abuja for the Independence Day celebrations or for any other business, or pleasure for that matter here is a list of the 10 Cheapest Hotels you can stay in during the anniversary celebrations. Now, you would know that Cheap Hotels does not mean, bad, or not good enough, it just means the rates are budget friendly and suitable work with if you want to enjoy your stay but cut down on excesses regardless, considering the fact that there’s still school fees to pay and company accountant isn’t even going to approve some kind of monies spent anyhow in this period of trial.

Everyone, new comers into the city can easily get scared about hotels in Abuja and their rates but there are good hotels in Abuja that offer good value for money. Now, these hotels, despite being called cheap, offer some of the best services available and hold the highest standard possible in hospitality, giving their guests nothing short of a memorable stay that often guarantees repeat visits and excellent reviews and recommendation.

Tranquil Mews Boutique Hotel

Price: N12, 000

Tranquil Mews located in Utako is a tastefully furnished and designed hotel located right behind the Julius Berger head office, making it a prime stay for construction expatriates in the city on business. The hotel is a 38 minute drive from the Airport. With room service, free internet, air-conditioning, airport shuttle, laundry services, safety deposit boxes. Tranquil Mews Boutique Hotel is a great bargain for your stay in Abuja.

Newland Luxury Hotel

Price: N11,400

Just as their name implies,  Newland provides Luxury on a budget. Nestled in the Wuse Zone area of Abuja, Newland Luxury Hotel is accessible from vantage points around the city. 9 minutes away from the Federal Secretariat, 7 minutes from the International Stadium and a little of 30 minutes from the Nnamdi Azikwe Airport, Newland is ideal for guests with multiple destinations within the city.

Kanem Suites

Price: N14,662

Kanem Suites located in Utako provides comfort and luxury for guests at an affordable rate making it one of the most recommended hotels for stays in Abuja. Room rates come with a complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner. Kanem Suites is a 5 minute drive to Jabi Lake, where visitors can escape the noise of the city for a while and commune with nature and if you are in the city for business the Federal Secretariat is just 10 minutes away from the hotel.

Royal Tropicana Hotel

Price: N18,000

Royal Tropicana has the advantage of being very close to the International Airport in Abuja making it a prime choice for traveling visitors and guests. The hotel has a swimming pool, sauna, gym and spa for recreational, general body wellness and fitness. Offers free internet to guests. Room rates also come with complimentary breakfast. Rooms are air conditioned and the on site restaurant and bar .

Ajoy Hotel and Suites

Price: N12,000

Ajoy Hotel and Suites in Gwarinmpa is the model budget friendly hotel. Great accommodation offerings at just the right price and the necessary essentials. Free internet, Cable Television in rooms, en-suite bathroom and toilets, complimentary breakfast, room services, complimentary copies of National newspapers and above all a courteous and friendly staff.

The Weavers Hotel

Price: N12,000

Located in the Central Business District of Abuja, the Weavers Hotel is the businessman’s cabana bargain. Facilities include on site parking, airport shuttle, air-conditioned rooms, complimentary breakfasts, on site restaurant that prepares meals at the request of guests and free internet access.

The hotel also offers airport pickup services which can be arranged when booking and reservations have been made. He Weavers hotel is close to the Eagle Square and the Federal Secretariat.

Trafford Hotel

Price: N14,000

What do you want your average hotel to provide you? What are the basics that would guarantee a comfortable stay? Lets cross check them. Internet. Gym, cant afford to lose form in one trip. Air-Conditioned rooms. Well stocked bar. TV with cable stations, can’t also afford to miss out on Football action on weekends you are away from home. What else? Trafford Hotel has everything covered.

Ritman Hotels

Price: N9,500

Ritman Hotel is in close proximity to the Abuja Zoological Park and the National Stadium so if and when you are in the city for sightseeing, it is certainly a place you want to lodge in. The hotel has internet facilities made available for guests, sufficient parking space, air conditioned rooms, on site restaurant that provides guests with meals and a bar that serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Laundry services are also available at an extra fee.

Purple Tulip Hotel

Price: N10,000

Purple Tulip offers guests an amazingly good experience with dedicated staff on hand to ensure visitors get the best out of their stay at the Purple Tulip.  Rooms come air conditioned, with great bed furnishings in a neat and comfortable space. There is free internet service available to guests. A swimming pool and fitness is also on ground for relaxation and fitness regime of guests. Purple Tuip also has facilities for business meetings and events hosting.

Chateau De Trybze

Price: N12,500

Just a minutes walk from the Chateau De Trybze brings you to the Silverbird Cinemas and Shoprite Mall which means, shopping for your favorite and most needed items during your stay at the Chateau De Trybze as well as taking time off from your schedule to see a move would prove no difficulty at all. The rooms at the Chateau De Trybze are comfortable, clean and up to standard. Rooms are also air conditioned and have Flat TV screens that show cable stations. Guests can also request for laundry services, airport pick up and drop off and car hire at considerate price.

NIGERIANS GOT TO FLY, RECESSION OR NOT

A bird has gotta fly.

Recession or not. What is a traveler like you going to do? Travel. You have no choice really. What it now behooves you to do is to find the means to travel on a budget.

1. Book Online. The benefits of making bookings for your flight, bus or hotel stay online can not be over emphasized. You stand to enjoy special discounts rates that are available and save time. And if the old adage that time is money is true then booking online and saving time would invariably save you money too. God is Good bus service offers 10% off rates when you book online.

2. Screen and Substitute. So you want to go skinny dipping in a pool on your trip to Enugu, What you can do is check in at the Vinbecca Hotel and Bar which is less than N5,000 per night and a great hotel to spend your stay in the city despite the lack of a swimming facility, and then when its time for your body to wade in the sun reflected waters of the city, take a walk down to The Gate Luxury Apartment sit at the pool, snap your fingers at the waiter to get you a drink, and swim till the sun goes down.

Travel during the off Season. Avoid traveling on long weekends.  By that I mean weekends that have public holidays attached to. Avoid traveling during any holiday period at all. If you must, make your bookings early enough. Transport services, hoteliers and the likes usually take advantage of cashing in during this period against a long period of lull.

4. Don’t travel alone. Traveling with a partner helps split the cost. Hotel rooms especially.  No, you cannot lap your traveling partner from Lagos to Abuja, haba.

5. Use available public transportation. While in the city of your destination avoid the temptation to go about in a cab or Uber. Hear that sound? That’s the sound of hard coins dropping onto the pavement every time you hail a cab. Talk to locals, ask for directions, enter a bus, or ride a camel if you are up north. You account balance will thank you.

Author,

Caleb Maiye

CASES OF DELAYED FLIGHTS AND CANCELLATION

DELAYED FLIGHTS IN NIGERIA

Domestic airlines operating in Nigeria recorded 16,353 cases of delayed flights between January and June, statistics from the Consumer Protection Department of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have revealed.

A document issued by the department and obtained on Thursday by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, shows that 30,100 flights were operated by eight airlines during the period under review.

According to the document, 601 flights were cancelled for various reasons by the airlines.

It said the airlines in operation were Aero Contractors, Arik Air, Air Peace, Azman Air, Dana Air, First Nation, Med-View and Overland.

Arik, which operated 10,261 flights, topped the chart of delayed and cancelled flights with 5,780 and 156 respectively.

Aero Contractors followed with 2,895 delayed flights and 231 cancellations out of its 4,714 flight operations, the department reported.

Air Peace operated 5,366 flights with 2,328 cases of delayed flights and 12 cancelled flights, the report added.

Meanwhile, the airlines attributed the delays and cancellations to the lingering scarcity of aviation fuel in the country.

A travel and tourism expert, Ikechi Uko, urged the Federal Government to find a lasting solution to the issue.

Mr. Uko, who is the promoter of Akwaaba African Travel and Tour Market, said acute shortage of aviation fuel had disrupted the operations of most domestic airlines in recent weeks.

He said the development was not good for the industry.

“The fuel situation has led to flight cancellations and delays. When an airline has issue of schedule integrity, it affects the brand of the airline.

“So, now almost every Nigerian airline is having problem of brand integrity.

‘’ We are having frequent flight cancellations and delays and passengers are kept waiting unnecessarily. No airline enjoys treating passengers like that.

“The situation will only be helped when the fuel is available.

‘’If it is not available, most foreign airlines will load fuel from other countries but for Nigerian carriers, they do not have such an option,” Uko said.

NAN recalls that in July NCAA advised domestic airlines to scale down their flight operations because of the lingering scarcity of aviation fuel.

The Acting General Manager, Public Relations of the agency, Sam Adurogboye, said NCAA was concerned and would not want passengers to suffer unduly because of the scarcity.