Guide: IHG Rewards Club
The IHG Rewards Club is part of InterContinental Hotels Group (“IHG”). IHG has 12 brands and more than 5,000 properties in nearly 100 territories and countries. The most prominent in brands, in my opinion, being Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza and Intercontinental.
The IHG Rewards Club rewards you for every night you spend with the IHG Group; from enjoying the complimentary internet, earning points and most importantly, providing you with a great night’s sleep!
Guide Contents
IHG Rewards Club guide will cover:
- Status levels
- Earning points
- Reward points expiry
- Redeeming Reward points
IHG Rewards Club – Status Levels
The IHG Rewards Club has four status levels:
- Club: basic membership
- Gold Elite: 10 nights or 10,000 points
- Platinum Elite: 40 nights or 40,000 points
- Spire Elite: 75 nights or 75,000 points
The Intercontinental brand also has an Ambassador program
- Ambassador: paid membership ($200 USD)
- Royal Ambassador: by invitation only
To see the Status Level benefits, including that of the Ambassador program – click here. I have to say it never wears off feeling like an elite, room upgrades, drinks, free drinks etc!
The status levels are upgraded as you reach the required level of qualifying nights or points, which resets annually based on what you achieved in the last twelve months. To be honest, it’s much easier moving up in Status Level through the points than purely on the number of qualifying nights.
IHG run a number of accelerate offers which can reward you (with points) significantly so definitely register for these offers when they come along. It is also worth noting that you generally only receive the recognition and benefits of the IHG Rewards Club if you book directly on the IHG website.
IHG Rewards Club – Earning Points
Earn points through the IHG® Rewards Club family of brands listed below; points are earned on all qualifying spend and stays within the properties.
In addition to the room rate, you generally also earn points on charges charged to your room (except when staying at an InterContinental Hotel brand). The eligible charges include food and beverage, telephone, laundry, and in-room movies.
- Club: 1x base points per eligible $1 USD
- Gold Elite: 10% bonus earnings on top of the base points
- Platinum Elite: 50% bonus earnings on top of the base points
- Spire Elite: 100% bonus earnings on top of the base points
10 IHG® Rewards Club base points per eligible $1 USD spent at:
- Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts
- InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
- Hotel Indigo
- Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts
- Holiday Inn Express hotels
- EVEN
- HUALUXE
5 IHG® Rewards Club base points per eligible $1 USD spent at:
- Staybridge Suites
- Candlewood Suites
2.5 IHG® Rewards Club base points per eligible $1 USD spent at:
- The Residence Suites Dubai F.C,
- InterContinental Doha Residences
- Asiana Reside Saigon Residences.
ANA Co-branded hotels and ANA Partner Hotels in Japan, point earnings vary by hotel; however, you will receive 10 IHG® Rewards Club at ANA InterContinental®, ANA Crowne Plaza® and ANA Holiday Inn® per $1 USD dollar spent and either 600, 1,300 or 2,000 points depending on the specific ANA partner hotel for qualifying stays.
The remainder of the brands do not earn IHG® Rewards Club; the Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants operate their own loyalty program called Karma Rewards (not covered in this guide), Holiday Inn Club Vacations is a program for owners of these properties, and Avid Hotels is a non-earning budget brand within the portfolio.
Reward points expiry
Elite members points do not expire, but if your membership moves back to Club, your points will expire after 12 months if there’s no account activity.
To sum it up, it’s easy to maintain your points balance. Just earn or redeem once a year through any of the IHG hotels or partners within the 12 month period.
Redeeming Reward points
You’ve earned some Reward points and not sure what next? Luckily IHG provides you with a range of options, from saving you money to making you feel good through a charitable donation.
Below is a short list of some of the redemption options:
- Reward Nights
- Points & Cash bookings
- Gift Certificates
- Airline Miles
- Merchandise
- Rewards Concierge
- Digital Rewards
- IHG® Foundation
- Gift Cards (Amazon, Starbucks and more)
- InterContinental® Ambassador Memberships
In my opinion, it’s by far the best value to use your reward points on PointBreaks hotels, by far the biggest real savings compared to the alternatives. But if you only occasionally stay with IHG and don’t have enough points for a PointBreaks hotel, the Points & Cash bookings are a great alternative to reduce the cash cost of your stay.
Basically, the PointBreaks hotels provide you with ridiculous value, with frequent promotions the list of properties can be redeemed for either 5,000, 10,000 or 15,000 points. Tip: add this to your favourites as the list is refreshed every couple of months!
Le Club Accor Hotels Loyalty Program
If you’re considering reward programs, why not also consider the Le Club AccorHotels loyalty program.
Leave a comment if you have anything you would add
That’s our quick guide to IHG Rewards Club, what would you add? Do you have any hints, tips or tricks to share in the comments below?
Located on the Coral Sea in Tropical North Queensland is the beautiful town of Port Douglas. Known for its beautiful beach resorts and being a base connecting you to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree National Park.
What to see in Port Douglas
Macrossan Street
If you’re looking for boutique shops and lovely restaurant and cafes, then head to Macrossan Street.
Four Mile Beach
Port Douglas is famous for Four Mile Beach. It was a really hot day so we decided to head to the lookout and look at this beautiful beach from above! Especially given you can’t swim in the ocean, particularly in the summertime because of the stingers.
Hemingway’s Brewery
We stopped in at Hemingway’s Brewery and it was a lovely way to relax after a day of exploring The Daintree! The brewery is a Gastro Pub son the marina in Port Douglas. It was the first of its kind up in FNQ and you can pick from a range of handcrafted beers!
Visiting the Daintree & Cape Tribulation
No doubt you’ll be planning to visit the Daintree & Cape Tribulation during your stay in Port Douglas. Click here to view all of our posts for Tropical North Queensland.
Packing for Tropical North Queensland
You definitely need to be prepared for your trip to FNQ (Far North Queensland). There are a few essentials in my mind, one of which is, of course, mosquito repellent!
Click here for a printable packing guide for your trip.
Where to stay in Port Douglas
We stayed at the Pullman Sea Temple Resort for our 4 nights in Port Douglas. The hotel and grounds are lovely and located a short drive from the main town of Port Douglas. Click here for our full review including a short video.
Do you have travel insurance?
Before travelling, make sure you get a travel insurance policy – you never know when you might need it! Click here for information on travel insurance, what company we recommend and a link to get an instant quote.
Alternative accommodation
If you’re looking for alternative accommodation to either save some money or share with friends or family, click here for information on Air B&B ($50 discount on your first booking), hotel price comparison websites etc.
“Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.” – Anonymous
Hotel: Pullman Sea Temple Port Douglas
Location: Port Douglas, Tropical North Queensland
Room: Studio Spa Room
Perfect for: Couples
Category: 5 Star
The luxurious Pullman Sea Temple is exactly that, a luxury resort located in a tropical paradise; arriving at the foyer, you’ll instantly fall in love with this property.
Our welcome experience at the Pullman Sea Temple Port Douglas…
Fantastic service, everyone seemed happy to be working, why wouldn’t you when you work at a place like this! We did arrive mid-morning and whilst our room wasn’t ready, we were offered towels and provided access to the lagoon style pool where we enjoyed a few drinks and a meal while we waited. Make you sure remember you Accor Plus membership to receive a 50% discount for lunch at the poolside restaurant.
The Room…
We booked a Studio Spa room and as you walk in, you can’t help but notice the gigantic spa bath. It has to be the largest bath I’ve ever seen in my life, no exaggeration. It was massive and gives you plenty of room to enjoy and relax after a day of exploring!
The king size bed was really comfortable there was plenty of room for our suitcases either on the ground next to the bed or in the cupboards in the hallway.
The balcony overlooked the pool which was a lovely way to wake up each morning.
Meals…
We enjoyed breakfast, some lunches and all of our dinners at the hotel and made use of our 50% discount using our Accor Plus membership card.
Breakfast was a full buffet and you could enjoy it inside or outside by the pool. You are able to order eggs the way you like it and coffee (coffee is an additional charge).
Lunch by the pool can be deceiving, the food is delicious and not definitely above our expectations. I loved the fact that once we ordered our food, we opened up the pool gate and enjoyed a quick swim until our meals arrived.
Dinner was delicious- we loved it so much we enjoyed dinner at the hotel every single night.
We ordered room service on our first night as it was late and the restaurant was fully booked (if you haven’t got the hint yet, the food here is delicious and the restaurant is often fully booked so if you’re interested then be sure to make a reservation).
Having made reservations for the remainder of our stay, we ate in the restaurant, both inside as well as outside by the pool, we really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere next to the pool and would highly recommend it. Again, the food was lovely and everything was cooked to perfection.
To read more about Accor Plus and the benefits, click here.
Hotel Grounds
The grounds are lovely and the lagoon style pool is inviting.
Direct access to the beach is available and although we didn’t make it out there for sunrise, we have been told it is spectacular!
The pool is one of the best I’ve seen! Plenty of pool inflatables and other bits and pieces to keep you or the kids entertained.
Health and Fitness…
For those who like to stay active on holidays, there is a fully equipped gym located on the grounds. The gym is split into two rooms, one is for cardio and the other is for weights. Both equipped with everything you need and a TV to keep you entertained while working out.
Good to know…
There is no set parking per apartment, you can just park in any of the outdoor or undercover parking, whichever is free and closest to your unit. We never had an issue finding a park. What’s great about this hotel is that we had friends visit for a couple of hours and there was plenty of parking for them as well.
Checking out…
Quick and easy and no dramas on our end of this process.
Above and beyond…
When we arrived, the staff on reception were so welcoming. They not only offered to look after our luggage until our room was ready but provided us access to the pool, provided us with towels and toiletries in case we wanted to use the amenities block in the pool area. The service was fantastic!
The not so good…
I have nothing to report here.
The verdict…
Yes, absolutely yes!! If you’re heading up to Port Douglas, definitely look at staying here.
Here is a video of the pool area and room! Remember to turn up the quality to 1080p prior to watching!
Do you have travel insurance?
Before travelling, make sure you get a travel insurance policy – you never know when you might need it! Click here for information on travel insurance, what company we recommend and a link to get an instant quote.
Packing for Tropical North Queensland
You definitely need to be prepared for your trip to FNQ (Far North Queensland). There are a few essentials in my mind, one of which is, of course, mosquito repellent! Click here for a printable packing guide for your trip.
“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta
If you’re anything like me, you will agree that Italy has some of the best food in the world! Each time we visited Italy, we learnt something different about what to expect when it comes to eating and drinking in this special country.
These 7 tips will help prepare you for your visit.
#1 Be prepared to pay coperto [koh-PEHR-toh]
You may notice coperto [koh-PEHR-toh] on your bill, this is a per-person fee, due in many restaurants in Italy. It’s basically a cover-charge and from our experience, averages around €2 per person. You can expect this just about everywhere, except Rome. I have been told that the Lazio region is legally not allowed to charge a coperto and Rome is part of the Lazio region.
#2 Ordering coffee in Italy
Our first trip to Italy, I asked for milk to go with my cappuccino. Well, let’s say my coffee taste improved over time and thankfully I learned how to enjoy espresso so ordering coffee in Italy is a breeze for me. Give it a go, after all, you’re ordering coffee, not a cup of milk with a dash of coffee, right?
#3 Be prepared for 5-course meals!
I remember our first trip to Italy was with a tour and each meal consisted of 5 courses. Antipasto, primo, secondo, contorno and dolce. This translates to appetizer, first course, second course, side dish and dessert. You will find that primo is usually a pasta option and secondo meat. This amount of food is normal for the Italians, but for a tourist, it’s quite tricky to get through!!
#4 Pizza should have minimal topping
Living in Australia, the more toppings on your pizza the better. WRONG!
Traditional Italian pizza’s in our opinion, are just the best. The bases are so thin and often so soft that you need to fold the slice in half just to get it in your mouth without the topping sliding off. The topping is usually minimal, but buffalo mozzarella is a must in my opinion. If you go asking for extras on your pizza, especially tomato sauce or mayo (yes, apparently some people do this!!?), it is considered rude to the cook and shows bad taste (I tend to agree!).
Look for where the locals buy their pizza and order it there. You’ll find you won’t need to add anything to it! We did it Naples and this was the result (the best pizza we’ve EVER had)
#5 Visit a family owned Trattoria outside of the tourist area
The hotel Concierge can be extremely, helpful- ask them where they would recommend eating and where their family would go. You’re really looking for a restaurant or trattoria a few blocks away from the main tourist area. I guarantee you will have a much nicer meal and probably half the price.
Highly recommended, but don’t expect the menu to be in English!
#6 Gelato options!
Firstly, you have to get Gelato, there is no way around that. But, if you are noticing the colours are a bit bland it is because they don’t put any artificial colours or flavours in their ice cream. It is natural and pure quality. As an example, if you see a banana gelato, it may look greyish rather than bright yellow. My personal recommendation is a lemon sorbet – on a hot Italian summers day, you can’t go past it!
#7 Visit a local food market
Even if you don’t buy anything, it is a great experience. However, if you have some time you will be able to explore and get some delicious local goodies. Some vendors will offer you free samples of cheese, pieces of bread, olives etc. Why not check it out!
Visiting Italy
If you are looking for some Italian inspiration, check out our Italy page for some suggested itineraries and holiday ideas.
Do you have any other suggestions on this topic? Let me know in the comments below!
“It is not down in any map; true places never are.” – Herman Melville
Hotel: Pullman Cairns International
Location: Cairns, Tropical North Queensland
Room: Harbour View Queen Room
Perfect for: Couples
Category: 5 Star
Not to be confused with the Pullman Reef Hotel & Casino which is located directly opposite the Pullman Cairns Internation, the hotel is, however, a typical Pullman hotel, which in our opinion is fantastic.
There was one hiccup and I’ll mention that below.
Our welcome experience at the Pullman Cairns International…
Great service, absolutely felt welcome when we arrived. We arrived a few hours prior to check-in, however, the team mentioned our room was ready and kindly took our bags to our room.
Having rented a car, we also asked about parking and were offered two choices, the valet at the hotel, alternatively, self-parking across the road at the casino for a flat rate of $12 for the night. For up to date parking prices, click here.
The Room…
A beautiful and spacious room overlooking the harbour. Fully equipped with everything you would expect from a 5-star hotel, including a mini bar, safe, robe and slippers and more.
The bed was extremely comfortable and the bathroom was well stocked with complimentary toiletries.
Meals…
Breakfast is served in Coco’s Restaurant and is a full buffet. If you have an Accor Plus membership, you will be entitled to 50% off the breakfast rate!
We also decided to have dinner at Coco’s. This was where the ‘hiccup’ comes into our review, the quality of the food was good, but the service was atrocious, it took at least 20 minutes before someone came to take our order, nearly 50 minutes for the bread to arrive and another hour for our mains. Admittedly, we were surrounded by a tour group, which we didn’t know when we made the reservation, our tip would be to ask how busy they are and if they are expecting any tour groups!
Our dessert on our first night was designed to look like the Great Barrier Reef. What do you think? I think the dessert chef is very talented!
The following night we ventured out to town, however arriving back at the hotel we noticed the restaurant and bar were quiet so decided to give the service another chance; having eaten earlier we ordered sticky date pudding for dessert and am I glad we did, the service was good and the sticky date pudding was absolutely delicious. I mean, just look at it, it was heavenly and I would recommend this to everyone!
Again, at 50% off, we really should have gotten one each and not shared!
Hotel Grounds
The pool area of the hotel was inviting. Two pools separated by a bridge and filled with heaps of floating bags – kind of like bean bags, but for the pool.
Health and Fitness…
For those who like to stay active on holidays, there is a gym onsite. It has your basic cardio and weight equipment as well as a sauna to relax in after your workout.
You will find a small fridge here with waters and you can help yourself.
Good to know…
Parking is available at the Casino across the road for a much cheaper rate than valet parking at the hotel. Thank you to our concierge at the hotel who recommended this!
Checking out…
Nice and simple! The staff offered to hold our bags or call a taxi, but as we had our own hire car we didn’t need this service.
Above and beyond…
Nothing particular to note here.
The not so good…
The property is somewhat dated and due for renovations; however, the quality of the bedding and furniture is still good. The main thing for us would have to be the service at the restaurant on our first night. Otherwise, everything else including the food quality was perfect!
The verdict…
We would stay here again; it is conveniently located and within walking distance to everything you need in Cairns.
Take a look at our short video of the hotel. Remeber to put the movie quality up to 1080p for a better viewing experience!
Visiting North Queensland?
For tips and ideas for what to see and do when visiting Cairns, click here.
Packing for Tropical North Queensland
You definitely need to be prepared for your trip to FNQ (Far North Queensland). There are a few essentials in my mind, one of which is, of course, mosquito repellent!
Click here for a printable packing guide for your trip.
Do you have travel insurance?
Before travelling, make sure you get a travel insurance policy – you never know when you might need it!
Click here for information on travel insurance, what company we recommend and a link to get an instant quote.
“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta
The Captain Cook Highway – the highway to paradise!
Driving from Cairns to Port Douglas is one extremely picturesque drive and if you continue heading up towards Cape Tribulation you will be in awe of the beauty that surrounds you – rainforest on one side and the ocean on the other. This is what Tropical North Queensland is all about.
The drive to Port Douglas from Cairns is just over an hour, however, I would absolutely recommend taking your time with stops at a few beaches along the way.
Packing for Tropical North Queensland
You definitely need to be prepared for your trip to FNQ (Far North Queensland). There are a few essentials in my mind, one of which is, of course, mosquito repellent!
Click here for a printable packing guide for your trip.
Where to stop between Cairns & Port Douglas
Trinity Beach
A very beautiful beach with a lookout at the top of some stairs. Although, if you miss the lookout it’s not the end of the world as the trees have grown and you can’t see a great deal!!
Instead, drive down towards the end of the beach as there is a short walk you can do and look back on the beach!
Clifton Beach
Beautiful beach, perfect water (that you can’t swim in) and soft sand.
Palm Cove
This place is amazing! I just loved the vibe in Palm Cove. There were people everywhere, plenty of cafés and the stunning palm trees hugging the beach. This spot is truly paradise!
Rex Lookout
Driving along the Captain Cook Highway, you will come across Rex Lookout. You can easily pull over as there are a few car spots and it’s a quick dash across the highway where you’ll be able to enjoy the view!
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures
I’d recommend stopping in here for a couple of hours if you have the time. We were able to see an adorable baby Koala, check out the Wallabies, feed Cassowaries and jump on a croc cruise where we can see the Crocodiles being fed. All of that was included in the entry price!
Four Mile Beach
One of the best known and most popular beaches in North Queensland, you will find Four Mile Beach! If you’re wanting a nice view over the beach, check out Four Mile Beach Lookout and you will get views like this!
Visiting more of Queensland?
Be sure to keep an eye on our Queensland page for all of our posts on Tropical North Queensland as well as Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Do you have travel insurance?
Before travelling, make sure you get a travel insurance policy – you never know when you might need it! Click here for information on travel insurance, what company we recommend and a link to get an instant quote.
Alternative accommodation
If you’re looking for alternative accommodation to either save some money or share with friends or family, click here for information on Air B&B ($50 discount on your first booking), hotel price comparison websites etc.
“Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.” – Anonymous
IHG Hotel Brands
InterContinental Hotels Group (“IHG”) has 12 brands covering more than 5,000 properties in nearly 100 territories and countries.
The most common, for us at least, would have to be the InterContinental, the Holiday Inn and the Crowne Plaza. This posts will provide you with a quick overview of each brand and what you can expect – leave a comment based on your experience and thoughts!
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts: a luxury brand
Located in large cities or beautiful beach locations, the Intercontinental brand can be found in more than 180 locations; each offering their unique touch of luxury and experience.
The InterContinental brand also has a separate loyalty program called the InterContinental Ambassador providing additional benefits to the IHG Rewards Club loyalty program.
We enjoyed the #InterContinentalLife at the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia- click on the link to read more about our experience.
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants: a luxury boutique brand
The Kimpton properties are individually designed and positioned boutique hotels; providing unique guest experiences to match.
I love the fact that the Kimpton properties allow pets at each of their hotels for no extra charge; however, if you don’t have pets, you’ll still be allowed to love the Kimpton Hotels!
Kimpton was recently acquired by IHG and still operate their own loyalty program called Karma Rewards.
Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts: an upscale business brand
The brand is all business, mostly.
Targeted at the business traveller, the properties have it all, so even if you’re travelling for pleasure, you’re likely to find the facilities you want for a city escape. Most importantly, you’ll receive a consistent service and quality throughout more than 400 properties.
Targeted at business travellers, the properties generally provide desks in the rooms, as well as conference and meeting facilities.
Holiday Inn: an upscale brand
The Holiday Inn can be found in more than 1,100 locations and one of the most popular brands within the IHG portfolio. The brand is for everyone, delivering an affordable, enjoyable hotel experience where guests are always welcomed warmly.
Travelling as a family, then this one is for you! Children under 12 generally stay and eat for free when sharing a room with two adults!
We enjoyed our stay at the Holiday Inn Orchard City Centre, Singapore – click on the link to read more about our experience.
Holiday Inn Express: a simple and smart brand
Holiday Inn Express properties keep it simple and smart.
It’s a great choice if you need a simple place to rest, recharge your batteries before heading back to explore (or work!). The brand is quite new and growing rapidly, the positive being that the properties are quite consistent and the complete opposite of boutique, so once you’ve stayed at one, you’ll know exactly what to expect at the next.
Hotel INDIGO: an upscale boutique brand
The properties are found in culturally diverse locations all over the world, no two properties are the same. Every aspect of the property is focussed on the local area.
With more than 80 properties, this might be the perfect choice if you’re looking to immerse yourself in the destination’s culture.
HuaLuxe Hotels & Resorts: an upscale Chinese brand
The brand has been designed specifically for Chinese guests; with acknowledgement of Chinese culture and heritage, with an emphasis on the Chinese values of etiquette, rejuvenation in nature, recognition of status and enabling spaces.
The decor is different to all the other brands and being an upscale brand, the service is there to match.
Best to learn some Chinese before visiting!
Holiday Inn Resort: exactly as the name suggests
Family resorts in more than 46 great locations; on the beach, by the theme park or next to the golf course.
The resorts offer a variety of activities and comforts from kids’ clubs and swimming pools to informal restaurants.
EVEN hotels: a wellness brand
The properties have wellness at its core, focused on meeting the needs of the ‘age of the healthy traveller’.
With a strong lifestyle offering, the properties provide more options stay healthier and happier away from home with a best-in-class fitness experience, healthier food choices and natural, relaxing spaces.
Staybridge Suites: a midscale brand for extended stays
Perfect for families and people who are planning extended stays. The properties can be found in more than 250 locations and each provides exactly what you would want on extended stays.
The properties include well-equipped kitchens, the obvious appliances such as a fridge, dishwasher, stove, microwave, laundry facilities; best of all, the properties are pet-friendly!
Candlewood Suites: a budget brand for extended stays
Candlewood Suites offer a more casual kind of longer stay (think of it as a budget version of the Staybridge Suites).
The properties include well-equipped kitchens, the obvious appliances such as a fridge, dishwasher, stove, microwave, laundry facilities; best of all, the properties are pet-friendly!
Avid Hotels: a budget brand
New to the IHG Group, Avid targets guests who all too often have to pay more for things they don’t need or compromise on the quality they expect. The brand is designed to provide the essentials, nothing more, nothing less.
Holiday Inn Club Vacations: a brand for owners
The Holiday Inn Club is an independently owned and operated exchange program for participating members (ownership program) of the Holiday Inn Club Vacations resorts.
Holiday Inn Club Vacations brand isn’t one you’ll come across very often as they only have just over a dozen resorts around the US and is targeted at an ownership program.
Kerala is known as God’s own country – thanks to its abundance of water bodies, hills, dense forests, and scintillating natural beauty. But perhaps for any visitor, the most iconic destination is the backwaters – a rare geographical phenomenon.
When you hear the words backwaters, it conjures up a paradisiacal vision – of gently flowing waters bordered by paddy fields and coconut trees that peep out to welcome you, swaying in the balmy breeze – and of course, the quintessential houseboats that cruise up and down the brackish waters sedately.
What’s the best way to experience the Alleppey backwaters?
A houseboat cruise is undoubtedly the best way to experience the Alleppey backwaters; the unhurried pace at which it cruises the lagoons, estuaries and interlinked canals, allows you to take in every aspect of the unique ecosystem of the backwaters with its rich biodiversity; it is also a safe abode for several endangered marine species. The backwaters are dotted by numerous tiny islands – which they help to connect; the only mode of transport for many inhabitants of these islands is by boat. You will see several small jetties next to many homes – which have steps leading right into the backwaters – with a boat tied up there.
You can witness breathtakingly beautiful sunsets and mesmerizing sunrises; you can observe the flora and fauna unique to the backwaters; you can bask in the invigorating breeze as you munch on local delicacies on the outer deck of the houseboats; you can even try your luck at catching fresh fish! While on the deck, you may be lucky enough to have close-up views of the aquatic life that is found only in those waters, like mudskippers, certain species of frogs and crabs, the ‘pearl fish’ or ‘karimeen’, and birds like terns, cormorants, darters and kingfishers. If you’re really lucky, you may even catch sight of migratory birds, flying gracefully in intricate formations high above.
The houseboats…
The traditional houseboats of yore, the kettuvallams are an incredible work of art and enthralling to behold, with their intricate upper covering structures of coconut fibre, bamboo poles, ropes and mats. Today, many Alleppey houseboats look like the traditional kettuvallams from the outside but boast modern amenities and luxury on the inside, like fully furnished air-conditioned rooms with attached bathrooms, Jacuzzi, TV, and more. So when it gets too warm for your comfort outside, you can relax in air-conditioned comfort inside and gaze upon the exquisite lush green landscape outside.
If you want to experience the cultural heritage of Kerala while cruising, you can request for Kathakali or Mohiniyattam dance performances on board. If you’d like some pampering in the form of therapeutic Ayurveda massages, that can be arranged also – check with your tour operator beforehand. The onboard cook will prepare Kerala delicacies to suit your palate. Soak it all in; you can enjoy a holistic Kerala experience on board a luxurious Alleppey houseboat.
Whether you’re looking to celebrate a romantic honeymoon or anniversary, spend some quality family time, or have a fun time with friends, Alleppey houseboats are just perfect; there are houseboats of all sizes, and fit for all budgets. You can choose from basic houseboats, or opt for the ultimate in luxury. If you’re hard pressed for time, you may choose the day tour; but we would recommend that you spend at least one night on the Alleppey backwaters for a truly enchanting experience. Allow the gentle rocking of the boat, and the tranquil sounds of the water lapping against the boat and the chirping of birds to lull you into a restful slumber.
Many houseboat tour operators also offer online booking services, making it easy for domestic and international visitors to find what they are looking for and book in advance. We recommend that you do an online search and specify the type of houseboat, the number of rooms, the standard and food you want. Booking in advance means you can avoid disappointment, especially during the tourist season.
Give yourself and your loved ones a visual rejuvenating treat; marvel at the exotic natural beauty of the Alleppey backwaters, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
NB: This post is a collaboration with Tours in India and not written by The Well Travelled Man.
When it comes to packing for your upcoming European holiday, you are probably like us and stare at your cupboard wondering what on earth to pack. It’s hard when you don’t know what the weather is going to be like and if you’ll be able to do any washing or how much space you need to leave in your suitcase for things you may buy along the way.
For the below list in a printable checklist, click here.
If you’re travelling to Europe in Winter, click here to read that post.
Click here for a checklist for carry-on luggage. You can print this off and tick as you pack!
Packing guide for Europe
Clothing
When packing your clothes, try to match everything up before you pack it in the suitcase. Because you’ll be wearing the same clothes a lot, they need to be interchangeable with what you’re wearing to make different outfits. You could always add a colourful scarf on to brighten it up or mix it up a little.
I always recommend packing less than you think you need. Most of the time you wear the same things and come home with clean clothes you never wore. Not to mention you’ll probably go shopping and end up with a heap more clothes so keep this in mind!
Waterproof/windproof jacket: Even in summer, Europe can get chilly in the evenings so you are best to take a windproof and waterproof jacket to cover all bases for when you go out in the evening as well as during the day. These jackets also come in handy if you’re on a boat and the wind picks up.
Gym gear: Always comes in handy, so maybe pack one set of gym gear. Either you may want to get in some sneaky exercise, or you may do some hiking – either way, this will be comfier!
Trousers/jeans: It is always a good idea to pack at least one pair, maybe two of jeans. For girls, a dark and a light denim to mix it up.
Tops: Bring a few different shirts that each goes with your bottoms. This way you can mix and match but make it look like a different outfit. Don’t pack a top that you will only wear once, or only goes with one item of clothing. It is just wasted space!
Dresses: For the ladies, dresses are a nice way to keep cool but also look nice!
Vest: For days when it may start out cold, you can always wear a vest!
Scarf: You may not need gloves in summer, but you can always pack a summer scarf just to add a bit of colour to your outfit!
Oslo, Royal Palace
Walking shoes / Hiking boots and socks: You will, of course, be doing a lot of walking so make sure you have some comfortable shoes and that, of course, means socks to go with them! You only need maybe two pairs and you can always wash and re-wear!
Sandals: When you’re not walking around, you may want a pair of sandals/slip-on shoes to wear with shorts or a dress (for the ladies). Minimise the number of shoes you pack as they take up so much space. Try to aim for your walking shoes plus one other pair that you can wear with everything else.
Swimwear: Absolutely pack one or two pairs of swimmers. If you are swimming daily then pack two pairs as they may not dry overnight and there is nothing worse than putting on damp swimmers.
Underwear: I shouldn’t need to mention it, but don’t forget your underwear!! It is better if you get fast drying and breathable underwear. This way you can wash it in the sink of your hotel and it will dry overnight!
Backpack: Depending on the style of your holiday, you may need to take a backpack with you. If you plan on doing some lovely hikes or general site seeing throughout the day, this will come in handy to carry your water bottle, jacket if you decide to take it off and other bits and pieces.
Depending on the size of your backpack, I would recommend using your backpack as your carry on luggage for the flight over. If you don’t want to limit yourself with a backpack as your carry on, then opt for a small backpack that can pack flat in your suitcase and you only take it out on the days you need it.
Travel towel: If you’re heading on a beach holiday, pack a travel towel! These take up next to no space and are super quick drying so you can use it every day.
Toiletries
You will need the usual toiletries plus a few extra bits and pieces. Here is our list.
The usual stuff: Shampoo, conditioner, soap, face moisturiser (preferably one with SPF if you can), toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and a razor.
Sunscreen: An absolute must! But you can always pick this up when you’re over there.
Mosquito Repellent: Something that is often overlooked. It is worth packing this!!!
Medical items: Pack things such as band-aids, medicine for a sore tummy, headache tablets and any other medicine you normally take.
Laundry powder: So you can do some basic washing in the sink (like your underwear!)
Technology
Camera: An absolute must! Don’t forget to pack some spare batteries so you don’t get stuck with a dead battery.
GoPro: If you have one – remember to pack it along with your handles, waterproof floating handle etc.
Laptop: If you’re like me, you will probably take so many photos you’ll fill up your memory card. I like to download my memory card every second night and back up on the laptop and/or external hard drive. Two reasons, I like to keep them sorted as I go as it takes less time when I get home and secondly if something happens to my camera and memory card I haven’t lost an entire holiday, just one or two days.
Headphones: We each have a pair of the Bose noise cancelling headphones – mainly for the plane but you can use it if you’re doing day trips and have a bit of driving!
Headphone splitter jack: If you don’t know what this is and you travel with someone you should get this! It means you can both plug into the jack and watch the same movie or listen to the same music.
Converter power plug: You will need the correct power plug to charge your devices so make sure you have at least one of these, perhaps getting one that has additional USB charges on the side!
Other tips
Travel Insurance: Now you may not need to ‘pack’ this, but you should absolutely get your travel insurance sorted before you go. Click here to read more!
Have we missed something off the list? Let us know in the comments below!
Do you have travel insurance?
Before travelling, make sure you get a travel insurance policy – you never know when you might need it! Click here for information on travel insurance, what company we recommend and a link to get an instant quote.
Alternative accommodation
If you’re looking for alternative accommodation to either save some money or share with friends or family, click here for information on Air B&B ($50 discount on your first booking), hotel price comparison websites etc.
“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” – Gustave Flaubert
Cairns: The gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Getting to Tropical North Queensland will most likely involve a flight to Cairns and if you have a day or so spare, there are a few spots you can’t miss out on!
What to see in Cairns & Surrounds
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
If you’re looking for somewhere to cool off whilst in Cairns, take a short walk over to the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon. Given it’s not recommended to swim in the open waters, this is the safest bet for a quick cool down!
The Esplanade
Enjoy a nice leisurely stroll along the esplanade and perhaps pick a few restaurant options for dinner.
Kuranda – Self Drive
We hired a car in Cairns and decided to drive up to Kuranda ourselves and check it all out.
We visited the two local markets – The Original Rainforest Market & Kuranda Heritage Markets.
Barron Gorge National Park & Barron Falls
When you’re in Kuranda, you should stop into Barron Gorge National Park and talk the short walk to view the waterfall from the lookout or walk 1.3km down to the lower platform. I’d recommend taking the short walk for the better view.
Although we visited in the wet season, there hadn’t yet been enough rain to make it as beautiful as the photos! It was still lovely but we left feeling disappointed after seeing the power of the waterfall in other visitors’ photos.
Wright’s Lookout
Further up from the Barron Gorge carpark you will see a sign to Wright’s Lookout. It will only take a few extra minutes and you will come across a lovely view. You will only need a couple of minutes here for a quick stop!
Kuranda Skyrail & Cableway
One of the most popular day-trips when spending time in Cairns! We chose not to do the Skyrail and cableway because we wanted to have more time in Port Douglas. If you are, however, interested in doing this, click here for their website.
Waterfall Circuit
We drove from Kuranda down south towards the waterfall circuit and we stopped in at a few lovely swimming spots!
Malanda Falls
There were a few locals here enjoying a picnic lunch and the kids swimming in the swimming hole.
Millaa Millaa Waterfall
Probably one of our favourite stops for the day! Millaa Millaa waterfall offers a great swim spot with a beautiful waterfall as your backdrop!
You will see when you come out of Millaa Millaa Falls the waterfall circuit – just follow the signs to reach the others!
Zillie Falls
What was exciting about this stop was the walk you can do to get to the base of the waterfall! It is great for a different perspective. This is probably the prettiest walk in the area as well.
Ellinjaa Falls
The last waterfall on the circuit is also a lovely spot for a swim.
The Peanut Place
I know this isn’t a waterfall, but we passed this place and had to stop in! If you’re in need of a snack to keep you going, this place has heaps of different flavours. I got the chilli and lime peanuts!
Fitzroy Island Day Trip
Although we didn’t make the day trip, we have been told Fitzroy island is quite beautiful. If you have a spare day, maybe jump on a tour and check it out!
Photo Credit: traveller.com.au
Green Island Day Trip
Again, this is not something we had time to do. From what we have been told by other tourists and friends, if you’re deciding between Fitzroy and Green Islands, choose Fitzroy!
Photo Credit: greenislandresort.com.au
Where to stay
We stayed at the Pullman Cairns International hotel. The location is perfect and walking distance to everything you need in Cairns. Watch this space for our full hotel review.
Where to eat
Coffee Works Mareeba: If you’re driving from Kuranda down to the waterfall circuit you will probably drive through Mareeba. Coffee Works has some good coffee and a place to grab a bite to eat if you’re needing a rest stop.
Pullman Cairns International: I would absolutely recommend coming here for dessert at the very least! It was absolutely delicious on both occasions. The stand out though was the sticky date pudding and as you can see from the photo, it is very different to the standard one! And, of course, if you have an Accor Plus card, you will get 50% off your meal!
Marina Paradiso: We stopped here purely because they had live music playing and it had a really lovely atmosphere!
The service was really quick and the food came out quickly.
Prawn Star: A catchy name isn’t it! This restaurant is on a boat and has the freshest seafood you can find in Cairns! They are always busy so if you can’t get yourself a table, you can order take away!
Dundee’s Restaurant on the Waterfront: With plenty on the menu and daily lunch specials, you will be sure to find something you like here! We loved it here, the casual dining experience with water views – what’s not to love? The food came out quickly and it was delicious.
Packing for Tropical North Queensland
You definitely need to be prepared for your trip to FNQ (Far North Queensland). There are a few essentials in my mind, one of which is, of course, mosquito repellent! Click here for a printable packing guide for your trip.
Getting around
We hired a car through Hertz. We found their pricing to be competitive and car are always new and clean.
Video Highlights
Check out our highlights video from our trip to Cairns and the surrounding waterfalls! Be sure to put up the video quality to 1080p!
Do you have travel insurance?
Before travelling, make sure you get a travel insurance policy – you never know when you might need it! Click here for information on travel insurance, what company we recommend and a link to get an instant quote.
Alternative accommodation
If you’re looking for alternative accommodation to either save some money or share with friends or family, click here for information on Air B&B ($50 discount on your first booking), hotel price comparison websites etc.
