THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2018

Get your motor runnin’ in the Empty QuarterAdesert road trip just south of Abu Dhabi will transport you far from the city’s skyscrapers and malls and add a cin-

ematic, sensory dimension to your UAE adventure. Here you’ll find vast open spaces lidded by cornflower skies,waves of sandy dunes shimmering in shades from silver to cinnamon, lonesome camels by the roadside and lushdate palm groves. Impressions seem to get more magical with every mile of tarmac. For an in-depth experienceof this part of the world, take a 500km loop around to Liwa, an oasis on the edge of the Rub Al Khali - the ‘Empty

Quarter’. The Empty Quarter is the world’s largest uninterrupted sand desert, and it’s draped over an area roughly threetimes the size of the UK. British explorer Bertram Thomas was the first Westerner to cross this giant sandbox in 1931, andWilfred Thesiger made the region famous in his travelogue Arabian Sands. Reflect upon these epic journeys, done entirelyon foot and by camel under the blistering sun, as you tool around on modern wheels in air-conditioned comfort.We have seen that travel

trends in the past fewyears have been evolv-

ing and have brought manychanges too. Adapting to thesechanges is now a necessity toremain relevant. As technologyis continuously evolving, we canexpect a lot of changes in thefuture which will benefit both sell-ers and travelers. Before wemove to what 2018 has to offer,let’s take a look at current eventsas they are going to determinethe future of the travel business-es. We know last year was allabout keeping travelers happy byproviding fast, simple and effec-tive travelling solutions. Sellershave been doing the best theycan to thrive in the overbearinglycompetitive travel market, and it’stime they ask the right questions,like:

How would travelers prefer totravel in the coming future... Howto adapt to the changing needs ofthe market... How can we providea unique and personalized travel-ling experience... How to incorpo-rate the latest technology into ourexisting business model... How toconvert future travelers into hap-py customers?

With the help of artificial intelli-gence and big data, sellers canlook forward to personalizingoffers for higher revenue genera-tion. However, with effortlessaccess to advanced technolo-gies, it is easy to get misled bypotential ideas that can bringbusinesses on top of the table.Having a clear roadmap andfocusing on suitable technologieswill help companies to bring ben-eficial changes to their cus-tomers’ journeys.

The current topic of the indus-try is NDC (New DistributionCapability) and OTA (OnlineTravel Agency). IATA’s NDC hasbeen debated for a couple ofyears now and we are still strug-gling to wrap our heads around it.It’s not just us, but the entire trav-el industry is struggling to under-stand the impact it will have onthe travel market. With the NDCin place, commercial airlines willbe able to distribute their com-plete product including ancillar-ies. At present, airline companiesare offering a wide variety ofproducts and services on theirwebsites such as early boarding,preferred seating, vouchers foran airline lounge etc to appeal tothe business traveler.

At the same time, a travelagent using GDS (GlobalDistribution System) may not beaware of the full potential the air-line products have to offer and atthis point distribution throughNDC will be handy in customizingthe requirements of a businesstraveler. We have seen legacyairlines investing huge amountsin improving their products byintroducing private cubicles,flatbeds, on board Wi-Fi, mobileconnectivity and new state-of-the-art aircraft, but fail to con-vince the end user in differentiat-ing the product. This may resultin showing similarity in premiumclass seats and economy classseats without any differentiation.

However, the GDS providerssay they have the capabilities todisplay rich content with imagesand info, and it’s up to the airlinesto supply them with the relevantdata. The reprehension carrieson between both sides. Somepeople in the industry believe thatultimately NDC means the air-lines can charge more if there is

less transparency with fares, andthe ability to compare is limited.

There is the possibility that air-lines might start charging TMCsfor queries as well as bookings.Some TMCs (TravelManagement Company) haveraised this point, but it’s worthnoting that there will always benew routes to market in anyindustry.

TMCs will have more informa-tion about the travel offers avail-able than the current indirectchannels. This, in turn, couldincrease the potential valueagents can provide to their cus-tomers. A new way for them toconnect with airlines could openup innovative solutions to delivercontent to clients.

Travel is indispensable totrade, commerce and businessexpansion in a global economy,resulting in new opportunitiesopening up in the markets aroundthe world for companies willing toinvest in business travel to drivethe growth. The present world isbased on digital applications.

Organizations and customers,both are now equipped with com-puters and PDAs (PersonalDigital Assistant) powered byhigh-speed Internet service. Thistechnology change created newgateways of one-to-one relationsand mass population reach. Thismutual benefit boomed OTA mar-keting in the 21st century. Themost valuable importance of OTAbusiness is its accessibilityaround the globe and its massappeal.

Recently, the ATM (ArabianTravel Market - Middle East’slargest travel exhibition) was heldat the Dubai InternationalConvention and ExhibitionCentre. This year, it took placefrom 22 to 25 April 2018, and ithad a lot to convey and teach usabout products and services, witha blend of different languages,cultures, cuisines, visions etc.You could see the whole worldunder one roof. A series of usefulconference sessions took placeacross the four days of theArabian Travel Market. From sell-ing, using social media for adviceon developing your business,NDC and OTA were among thetopics discussed.

The tourism industry in theGCC has grown tenfold and moresince 1994. Today, we have thetallest buildings and tallest hotels;revolutionary transport infrastruc-ture; theme parks and leisureattractions that are the envy ofthe rest of the world. ATM 2018visualized for us the reflection onthis success while exploring howthe industry will shape up overthe next 25 years, in light of con-tinuing geopolitical tensions, eco-nomic uncertainties, tremendoustechnological advances, and ofcourse, the increasing trend ofresponsible tourism.

Travel is part of the Arabianculture (I would say it’s part ofthe human civilization). The loveto travel wi l l keep people tomove around and motivate sell-ers to be innovative and exploremore which is guest friendly andcompatible. Being in the travelindustry for more than 25 years,we at Caesars Travel Group gothe extra mile to facilitate therequirements of our passengerswith a human touch added to it.We manage the emotions andexpectations of our beloved cus-tomers while extending servicesin order to be in line with evolv-ing travel trends.

The future of travel industry

By Maneka VargheseProduct Manager Caesars Travel Group

From Abu Dhabi follow Hwy E11 west and, just beforeTarif, point your wheels south on Hwy E45 towards

Madinat Zayed. This small town is the administrative cen-tre of the Al Dhafra Region, which makes up about two-thirds of Abu Dhabi emirate. It’s usually little more than apit stop for visitors, but people arrive here in droves comeDecember for the hugely popular Al Dhafra Festival. Over11 days, this event celebrates Emirati customs and tradi-tions with camel races, a camel beauty pageant and othercompetitions involving falcons, classic cars, Arabian hors-es and salukis (Arabian dogs) along with heritage activi-ties and a traditional souk and food.

Shams 1With an eye towards a post-oil future and a new commitment to

shrink its carbon footprint, the oil-rich emirate has made hugestrides on renewable energy. Just south of Madinat Zayed, you’llpass by Shams 1 (‘Sun’ 1), a 100-megawatt concentrated solarpower plant spread across 2.5 sq km. It has harnessed rays since2013 and now generates enough energy for 20,000 households,moving toward Abu Dhabi’s goal of creating 7% of its power viarenewable energy by 2020. If you have time for a side trip, followyour GPS to the Tiwal Liwa Hotel, a fort-like luxe pile sitting in splen-did isolation on a rise some 11km east of Hwy E45. Even if you’renot spending the night, it’s a nice spot for lunch or a cold juice.

Madinat Zayed

Aside from a star-lidded night in a desert camp, the mostbeautiful place to hang your hat in the Empty Quarter is

Qasr Al Sarab, a dune-cradled luxury resort that’ll move youeven when standing still. A nearby desert locale doubled as thedesert backdrop for much of Star Wars: The Force Awakens(2015). The resort too, whose towers and turrets mimic thegrandeur of a desert fortress, exudes an otherworldly feel.Luxury is taken very seriously here: think villas with privateplunge pool, four restaurants and a fine spa. There’s also along menu of activities and excursions, including sunset walks,sand boarding, camel treks and trips to ancient forts.

Tearing yourself away from Qasr Al Sarab ishard, especially considering the sparse

150km of road facing you on your way to the nextstop. It’s worth it though - the kooky EmiratesNational Auto Museum is a giant roadside pyra-mid that shelters around 200 cars from the eclec-tic private collection of Sheikh Hamad BinHamdan Al Nahyan. This collection includes rac-ing cars, prototypes, military vehicles and off-roadclassics. Among the highlights: the sevenMercedes Benz 500 SELs, custom-painted in thecolours of the rainbow, which garnered theireccentric collector the nickname ‘RainbowSheikh’. But his ‘biggest’ obsession seems to be

with monster trucks. Parked outside is his prideand joy: a replica 1950s Dodge Power Wagonscaled up eight times the size of the original(housing a four-bedroom apartment).

From the museum, it’s only another 40kmbefore Abu Dhabi’s skyline comes back intoview. The 500km route could theoretically bedone in a very long day, but for a more memo-rable experience, plan to spend the night. If youdon’t venture off road, the trip can be managedin a regular passenger car and also be followedclockwise. Petrol stations are surprisinglyscarce, so make sure you’re not ‘runnin’ onempty’ in the Empty Quarter!

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort

Emirates National Auto Museum

Liwa OasisFrom the hotel it’s about 60km to Mezaira’a, the commercial

gateway to the Liwa Oasis. This is the ancestral homeland ofthe Bani Yas, the Bedu tribe that engendered the ruling families ofboth Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Some 300 years ago, their forebearsbegan cultivating dates and trading with other tribes in this cres-cent-shaped oasis with dozens of nearby villages. This networkstretches along Hwy E90 over 100km between Umm Hisin in thewest and Hamim in the east. A fun time to visit is during the LiwaDate Festival in July, which elevates the humble fruit to cult status(don’t sweat; events are held inside air-conditioned tents).

Moreeb DuneFrom Mezaira’a, drive about 30km south to the shapely 300m

high and 1.6km long Tel Moreeb, one of the tallest sand dunesin the world. Consider stopping at Dhafeer Fort on the way there -it’s one of several restored centuries-old defensive forts tuckedamong the dunes. Although Tel Moreeb translates as ‘scary hill’,the massive sand pile actually looks quite peaceful, despite itssteep slope. Locals like to drive up to the top in their 4x4s but it’salso possible to climb - just pack plenty of sunscreen, water and ahat. Those who brave the trek will be rewarded with a sublimepanorama that extends across the unmarked border into SaudiArabia. Just plop down and savour the mystical views and inter-play of shadow and light, ideally at sunset.

THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 201804

... for cultureBedecked with opulent palaces and museums

and brimming with a captivating history and her-itage, St Petersburg is already a cultural power-house. But in June the city truly erupts with a med-ley of opera, ballet and music for the White Nightsfestival. Similarly dazzling under summer skies isDubrovnik, Croatia, where you’ll find timewornmarble streets, peaceful bays with tumultuouspasts and rustic island escapes.

Time travel in Armenia, the world’s oldestChristian country, as you journey from the capitalYerevan’s laidback cafe culture to the mind-bog-gling Khndzoresk cave village and age-old monas-teries lurking in the shadow of the CaucasusMountains. June is a great time to explore Iran’sextraordinary cultural offerings before tempera-tures peak at unbearable! Discover intricateIslamic artistry and architecture, magnificent ruinsand bustling bazaars where modern life melds withan old-world mysticism..

.. for wildlife and natureJune’s animal encounters embrace all crea-

tures great and small, from mighty whale sharks tominuscule turtle hatchlings. Have a superlativeadventure in Western Australia exploring NingalooReef, a favourite haunt of the world’s largest fish,the whale shark. Keeping these hefty creaturescompany you’ll find a rainbow variety of dazzlingreef fish, swooping manta rays and humpbacksslowly cruising the turquoise waters. In Borneo,the beaches are erupting with tiny turtles makingtheir first bid for the ocean. Though small instature, these determined hatchlings are an equal-ly epic sight to behold.The adventures continue inland where you can

take a walk on the wildside in Rwanda’s rainforestto lock eyes with mountain gorillas. As the dry sea-son sets in over Zambia’s vast plains, the wholecast of the Lion King make their appearance for awildlife spectacular.

... for relaxationJune marks the sweet spot in the Caribbean’s

ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao), mean-ing balmy days and shoulder-season prices.Located just outside the hurricane belt, theseislands are a safe bet at this time of year, andyou’ll have the run of the region’s idyllic beachesbefore the high-season crowds descend. The mixof silky sands, lush national parks and abundantwildlife make Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelagoa strong contender for inclusion among the mostbeautiful tropical islands on earth; Bora Bora’sswaying palms, crystal waters and luxuriousresorts are equally tempting for anyone looking forsome R’n’R.If beautiful beaches are what the heart desires,

then look no further than Sardinia in Italy.Sparkling jade waters lap against a sugar-softsandy coastline that also boasts ancient history,exquisite food and - at this time of year - fineweather without the crowds.

... for food The USA isn’t short for foodie hotspots but

June’s seasonal selection is particularly mouth-watering. Cape Cod may be relatively crowd-freeat this time, but it is still packed to the gills withartistic events and whale-watching excursions.Not only that, ‘tis the prime season to chow downon the freshest catch of the day from meaty lob-ster rolls to piquant clams and oysters. Forencounters in the great outdoors, head to thePacific Northwest to sip on the region’s world-class coffee.Across the pond in Europe, a feast can be

paired with a captivating blend of history and localculture. Explore magnificent castles, cathedralsand chateaux in Normandy, France, before diningon a picnic of gooey Camembert and crisp cider.Portugal’s capital Lisbon serves up a plethora oflocal delicacies (from dried ham to cherry liqueurand creamy pasteis de natas) that won’t break thebank, leaving you plenty of spare cash to go sar-dine crazy during the Feast of St Anthony festival.

Where to go in June?With nearly half the year behind you, it’s time to reflect, reset and start dreaming up your next batch of epic travel

escapades. Sitting pretty just outside of the soaring peak-season prices, June’s sunny summer days in the north-ern hemisphere are ideal for exploring ancient ruins in Iran, grand castles in Normandy and scoffing lobster rolls

on Cape Cod’s stunning coastline. This is also prime time to get an eyeful of the animal kingdom, from aquatic adventureswith whale sharks in the clear waters of the Pacific to stalking lions, giraffes and elephants on Zambia’s savannah as thedry season sets in.

Check validity of travel documents (passport, IDexpiry date) Ensure obtaining all the mandatory documents

needed to enter the country you plan to visit (valid visa,medical check etc.) Deal only with approved travel agents (authorized

by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of the Stateof Kuwait) Do not do more than one booking for the same

flight/date to avoid cancellation of both bookings. Ensure that air ticket details and hotel booking are

correct as per your request (air ticket includes 13 dig-its, passenger name as written in his/her passport,travel date, departure time, air carrier, flight numberand route) Ensure that passenger name inserted in the air tick-

et is identical to the passenger’s name that is written inhis/her passport. Keep all documents pertinent to your travel includ-

ing: receipt, fare conditions, contract, air ticket andhotel booking to reserve your rights. Provide your airline or travel agent with your phone

number and a valid email to enable them to communi-cate with you regarding flight information or any unex-pected changes. Ensure reading air fare’s conditions in case of can-

celation or refund before completing your booking offlights and hotels. In case of reaching your final destination and unable

to check-in at your hotel because of booking inexis-tence please get a stamped document from the hotelmanagement stating the reason of unacceptance ofadmission. In case you voluntary want to cancel your travel,

inform your airline or your travel agent immediately. Arrive at the airport 3 hours prior to flight depar-

ture time. Attend at airline’s check in counter before passen-

gers’ acceptance deadline, and make sure you reachthe right check-in zone. Arrive at the boarding gate on time according to

boarding time as printed in your boarding pass. Check your baggage allowance stated by the airline

you travel with. You are not allowed to have more than one piece of

carryon luggage (handbag) with 7 kg maximum weight,and total dimensions of 115 cm. In case of losing your luggage, file an irregularity

report before leaving the customs area at the arrivalhall, and refer to lost & found section of airport opera-tions department.

GENERAL GUIDELINESMany passengers’ greeters cause crowdedness at

the airport, which hinders the smooth passengers’movement and efficient operations.Do not accept carrying anything from people you do

not know for your own safety and security.Do not leave luggage unattended at any part of

airports.When experiencing a suspicious activity please con-

tact airport authority or security staff at the airportimmediately.Smoking is not allowed at the airport except at the

designated areas.

Advices & guidance to air passengers

Most visitors to Florida’s coasts plop down onthe beach, soak up some sun, and call it aday. And hey - nothing wrong with taking aload off. If there’s a state for that sort of

relaxation, Florida is basically it. But if you’re keen to geta little more adventurous, there are plenty of ways tospice up Sunshine State waterfront activities. Diving,windsurfing, and epic paddles are all on the menu onboth of the state’s coasts, from the choppy Atlantic to therelatively serene Gulf.

Diving and snorkeling in Biscayne National ParkThe thing about Biscayne National Park, located near

the southern tip of the state on the Atlantic Coast, is youcan drive right there and not know you’re, well, there.Sure, there’s the Dante Fascell visitor center and a park-ing lot, but the park itself? All you can see iswater...which is kind of the point. Biscayne National Parkis a full 95 percent underwater, meaning you need to get

out on a boat - or beneath one - to truly appreciate whatthis place is all about.The most unique activity at this park is the Maritime

Heritage Trail. This is a diving trail that connects sixfamous shipwrecks, all marked with mooring buoys. Parkstaff can provide brochures with detailed descriptions andplans of each wreck, but you do need a boat to get outhere (and pretty much anywhere else in the park). Checkout this list of outfits that can help you access Biscayne.Note that some wrecks are for divers, but a few, especiallythe Mandalay, can be appreciated by snorkelers.There are two islands off of the mainland, Boca Chita

and Elliott Key, where visitors can camp. Beyond theappeal of waking up on a subtropical island, there’s excel-lent snorkeling to be had among the mangroves (trees andshrubs that grow in brackish and saline water).

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State ParkIf you have a thing for coral reefs, John Pennekamp

State Park in Key Largo is the largest reef in the continen-tal US. As with Biscayne National Park, the real draw hereisn’t the land (170 dry acres), it’s the water.There’s a fair bit to do in the ‘dry’ section of this park,

including a mangrove trail and a visitor cen-ter complete with a small aquarium.Kayaking and SUP are also populararound Key Largo, which, like theother Florida Keys, is a coral caycut through with countless chan-nels. If you want to get on orunder the water, Pennekampdoes not disappoint. There

are tons of snorkeling and SCUBA adventures here, aswell as a popular glass bottom boat tour. Contact the parkfor information on local concessions, which can easily befound in Key Largo proper.

Windsurfing at Key BiscayneLocated just offshore from Miami (and not to be con-

fused with Biscayne National Park), Key Biscayne is anisland with a small-town, residential feel just minutesfrom the frenetic pulse of South Florida. For all the tran-quility to be had on Key Biscayne, the road that con-nects the island to the mainland, the RickenbackerCauseway, is subject to high winds and is the jumpingoff point for some truly legendary windsurfing. If you’relooking to rent equipment, head to Hobie Beach, other-wise known as Windsurfer Beach.

Sailing the Panhandle and the Forgotten CoastMost of the activities we list here are based in South

Florida, but there’s adventure to be had in the northernhalf of the state as well. The Florida Panhandle, andparticularly the ‘Forgotten Coast,’ which encompassesGulf, Franklin and Wakulla counties, is an off-the-beat-

en path place largely ignored by tourists. Out inthese stretches you’ l l f ind miles of

windswept, sugary beaches andstrands of piney woods.

While you can find a ton ofbeach rentals and condos, thisis one of the less developedparts of the state. You canindulge a real feeling of

discovery and adventure by sailing between some of themore beautiful spots on the Forgotten Coast, includingseverely beautiful St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, near-by St. George Island State Park, and Grayton BeachState Park, located further west in the more developedSouth Walton/30A section of the state.

Paddling 10,000 IslandsMost people hear ‘Everglades’ and think ‘swamps and

alligators,’ but the western edge of the park is taken up bythe 10,000 Islands, a fringe of coral cays and mangroveislands off of Florida’s southern Gulf Coast. In the quiet,so-laid-back-it’s-comatose town of Everglades City, findthe Gulf Coast Visitor Center for Everglades NationalPark. Rangers can give you tips on concessions and trav-el advice for paddling the 10,000 islands. If you want a truly epic adventure, head out on one of

the world’s great kayaking trips and paddle the WildernessWaterway: a 99-mile aquatic trek from Everglades Citydown the Gulf Coast to the Flaming Marina at the south-ern (mainland) tip of the state. Along the way you cancamp in chickees (raised platforms on the water), saygood morning to dancing dolphins, and watch sunsets thatwill sear themselves into your memory forever.

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While all of the well-known wonders in the world are definitely worth visiting, it’s sometimes nice toget a bit off of the beaten path and experience secret places that are also the cultural and naturalwonders of the world - especially if it means fewer crowds. Some of the world’s best places to visit

aren’t limited to the same old hot spots that have been mentioned in guidebooks for ages. So for your nextvacation, instead of trekking off to that place you’ve heard a million people talk about, strike out for one ofthese secret places in the world and discover unique experiences all your own. Many cool places on Earthare among some of the most hidden. However, stumbling upon pretty places in the world is not as difficultas it seems. In fact, while everyone has their own secret vacation spots, giving these places deserved pub-licity is something long overdue. The most beautiful places in the world to visit are often not the most wellknown, but the lack of notoriety doesn’t keep them from being the most amazing places to visit.

Church of San Juan Parangaricutiro, Michoacan, MexicoYou’ve probably heard of the famous ancient Roman ruin ofPompeii, but what about the ruined villages of Paricutin and SanJuan Parangaricutiro? Destroyed in the early 1940s by the sud-den emergence of Paricutin volcano, all that remains are thesecathedral ruins.

Visby, Gotland, SwedenWith its medieval ruins, exquisite Old Town, fragrantrose gardens and expansive views of the beautifulBaltic Sea, it’s little wonder that Visby is one of theworld’s best places to visit.

Plitvice Lakes, CroatiaOf all of the waterfalls in the world, none are quite asextraordinary as those at Plitvice. Of course, I shouldsay “series of waterfalls,” as this amazing naturalensemble is composed of 16 different terraced lime-stone lakes, with crystal clear water flowing from oneto the next.

The Dazu Rock Carvings, ChinaStretching out through the mountainous domain of DazuCounty, these extraordinary rock carvings pay homage to multi-ple religions, from Buddhism to Taoism, and date back over1,000 years.

St. Michael’s Mount, Cornwall, EnglandPerhaps you’ve heard of Mont Saint Michel, but what about itsEnglish cousin? With its castle and gardens rising proud fromthe waters of Mount’s Bay, St. Michael’s Mount is a belovedCornish gem.

Samarkand, UzbekistanHistory, legend, and beauty weave themselves together like a magical mirage in one ofthe most amazing places to visit, Samarkand. Home to ancient mosques and the mau-soleum of the famous Tamerlane and titled by UNESCO as the Crossroads of Culture,this city exemplifies the wonders of the Silk Road.

Kakslauttanen Hotel, FinlandThe Arctic typically conjures up images of cold, starklandscapes, yet even among secret places thisshould be a pleasant surprise. Leaving bleaknessbehind, this hotel has created these beautiful glassigloos in the midst of a forest, perfect for viewingclear Northern nights and their dancing lights.

Smoo Cave, ScotlandThis massive seaside cave looks like somethingstraight out of Jurassic Park, but don’t worry, the onlything lurking within its depths of one of the mostinteresting places in the world is a hidden waterfallthat cascades 80 feet into the placid waters below.

Garajonay National Park, Canary IslandsLike something out of a dream, this park is almostalways shrouded in mists that drift in from theAtlantic, making this land of twisted laurisilva trees,delicate flowers, and carpets of moss seem like acompletely separate reality.

Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, MaldivesA dining experience unlike any other you could prob-ably find in the world, this underwater restaurant sitsbelow the Indian Ocean and thrills visitors with every-thing from schools of colorful fish to graceful sharkswhich easily makes it among the most beautifulplaces in the world to visit.

THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2018

There can be few places on earthchanging faster than Doha right now -in true Gulf style, the cityscape ofQatar’s capital is rising as steadily asa plume of shisha smoke. A short

jaunt around town will pass all-new luxuryhotels, art complexes and lofty skyscrapersdesigned by the world’s finest architects, not tomention the unique five star island retreat andreplica Venetian town complete with canals.Doha is a tiny city, and most of its major attrac-tions, from souqs to art galleries, are within ashort taxi ride of each other, making it easy tosqueeze them all in on a short stopover.

Sports stadiums, green spaces, malls andhotels are springing up as Qatar readies itselfto host the FIFA World Cup 2022. But despitethe international appearance of all this devel-opment, it would be a mistake to think thatQatar was drifting away from its own culture.A strong sense of identity and heritage infus-es every experience here, whether that’shearing the dawn call to prayer through thewindow of a five-star suite, or watching a tra-ditional dhow boat sail past the contemporaryMuseum of Islamic Art. This place may bemoving quickly, but it seems determined notto leave anything behind.

The CornicheA drive, cycle or walk along Doha’s long,

horseshoe-shaped Corniche is the perfect wayto introduce yourself to the city. The man-made bay stretches for four miles, past palmtrees, iconic architecture, grassy parks andtraditional wooden dhow boats, depending onwhich area you find yourself in. On coolerevenings, families and couples congregate in

Hotel Park at the West Bay end of theCorniche, a serene and undulating greenspace complete with water features and playareas set amidst the skyscrapers and bustle ofthe business district - join them to admire theviews and get your bearings.

Museum of Islamic ArtThe treasures in this world-class museum

have been sourced from across the Islamicworld, with displays as diverse as a ruby-stud-ded golden falcon from India, Ottoman-erapointed steel helmets and exquisitely paintedPersian pottery, not to mention the rare andancient collection of Quranic manuscripts. Thenof course, there’s the building, a work of art initself. Before creating it, architect IM Pei trav-elled through the Middle East for months onend, searching for ways he could convey ‘the

essence of Islamic architecture’. The result isutterly inspired, its bright white cuboid edgesreflected in the surrounding sea by day and illu-minated against the sky by night. Look out forIslamic details incorporated in the design - thecurved openings in the top tower resemble theeye slit of a burqa, and the museum’s ceiling isa traditional geometric pattern. Outside, thepark that the museum sits within is no lessimpressive, curving away from the mainland onan island of its own, with a breathtakingpanoramic view of the city from the quaint cafeat its farthest point. It’s no overstatement to saythat this heart-stirring place alone would make avisit to Doha worthwhile.

National Museum of QatarThis much-anticipated museum, which is due

to open its doors to the public in December2018, aims to give voice to Qatar’s heritage,while celebrating its future. It will be a place forvisitors to learn about the country’s uniqueplace in world history, and will wow with its mod-ern displays and interactive technology. Despitenot being open yet, the museum is still worth aquick visit, to take in Jean Nouvel’s awe-inspir-ing sprawling architecture of interlocking disks,inspired by the desert rose. This building issurely soon to become one of the Middle East’smost iconic landmarks.

Souq WaqifSouq Waqif, or ‘the standing market’ was

built on the site of an old Bedouin marketplace,and in 2004 it was completely renovated and

restored using wood and stone to recreate tra-ditional Qatari architectural techniques. TheSouq Waqif’s animal market is the most exoticcorner, with everything from plastic tubs ofbaby terrapins to cages full of tropical parrots,rabbits, kittens and lizards. Drop in to the near-by Falcon Souq to check out the highly prizedhunting birds too.

In other corners of the souq, there areplenty of more packable souvenirs for sale,such as colourful fabrics; traditional home-wares, lamps and trinkets; dates, teas andspices. Do as the Qatari families do and strollthrough for an evening’s entertainment, takingin the scent of sweet Arabic perfumes, the lowbuzz of market negotiations and the steambillowing from the food stalls. There are plentyof casual cafes and restaurants around toohere, so grab an outdoor table if you want tosit and soak up the atmosphere.

Desert safariFor a total change of pace, book a half day

tour for a dune-bashing drive into the desertmight be just the thing. Once you’re strappedfirmly in the seat of a 4WD, you’re at the driv-er’s mercy, hurtling up and down steep duneswith sand spraying against the windows - it’sadrenaline pumping stuff. Survive that, and thereward is a photo-op in one of the desert’smost scenic viewpoints - if you’re lucky, just asthe sun is setting.

If you have time, ask the driver to include astop at the inland sea, a Unesco recognisednatural reserve, and squint over at the Saudiborder on the other side. Desert safari pack-ages can also include camel riding, BBQs andquad biking, and you can even opt to stayovernight on a traditional Bedouin campsite.

The Pearl QatarNo visit to Qatar is complete without a visit to

The Pearl, a manmade island comprised of twointerlinked horseshoe-shaped pieces of land,spanning almost forty-three square feet. A pop-ular place for expat residences, the bustling‘Porto Arabia’ encompasses an impressivemarina of yachts, and is a great place for a qui-et stroll along the promenade, taking in thesights, or for a stop at one of the numerouscafes or restaurants for a bite to eat. Take awater taxi (at a very reasonably-priced QAR 25for a day pass) from Tower 1 through to QanatQuartier, where pretty pastel houses border aVenetian-inspired winding network of canals, orhead to Medina Centrale, the central shoppingzone of the island, with 600,000 square feet ofretail and restaurants.

Where to stayQatar is becoming better known for its afford-

able luxury. Doha, an emerging cosmopolitancity, has some of the best 5-star hotels in theworld, and they’re all available at affordableprices. Travellers can book a hotel room at RitzCarlton, Shangri-la, Four Seasons, the W, orthe St. Regis for a low as $200 a night.

For a luxurious but more local experience,choose one of the nine Souq Waqif BoutiqueHotels. These smaller properties give theimpression of staying in an (extremely wealthy)Arab home and are based right in the heart ofall the market action. Anantara’s Banana IslandResort is another excellent option. The islandlies about 20 minutes’ away from the mainlandby boat (or you can use the helipad if you’drather), and there’s a range of resort-styleaccommodation here, including rooms with pooland beach access and oversea villas.

With 284 days of sunshine everyyear, clinquant deserts, scintillat-ing pools, natural hot springs,

organic workouts and unwinds fit for thestars, Southern California is the idealplace to unplug.

Even the LA urban megalopolis haswellness weaved into its municipal veins;there is rugged hiking just miles fromdowntown as well as plenty of oasesinside the city (think legendary Koreanspas and rock star-level pampering).Southern California is the paradigmaticplace to rest and reset. Here are our toppicks for SoCal places where you canescape the grind.

Palm SpringsDe-stressing is particularly easy in

Palm Springs. It’s only 100 miles fromLos Angeles but the desert wonderlandboasts an entirely different climate. Addthe soul-soothing symmetry of mid-centu-ry modern design and a Hollywood star-studded history and you have bliss.

Dip into 600-year-old natural mineral-rich hot springs, which are a perfect 99degrees at Two Bunch Palms. The spaand chic resort are sheltered by ancientpalms and giant tamarisk trees and offerwellness programs and holistic dining. It’sthe first carbon neutral wellness resort inthe country and in addition to hydrothera-py it offers shaman journey sessions,Watsu water sessions, hypnotherapy andspiritual counseling classes.

Try fasting at We Care Spa in DesertHot Springs, a mother-daughter run spiri-tual fasting retreat. Teas, supplements,scrubs and wraps leave you feeling fresh,clean and light.

Los AngelesLos Angeles is a wellness city.

Healthy, organic, raw and vegan food isfound easily, fitness is everywhere fromiron pumping on Venice Beach to the lat-est bespoke fitness fusion trends. ThePacific Ocean is an instant zen fix and aperfect place for jogging, surfing or yoga.Trails and hiking nearby provide much-needed nature refuge.

As always, insanely innovative fit-ness classes are offered for your well-ness needs. Check out OUE SkyspaceL.A. which hosts R&B yoga, Pilates andspiritual meditation with 360-degreeviews and a fully transparent “Skyslide”where yogis can propel 1,000 feetabove the city as a thrilling adrenalinefilled finale to the class.

Thinking about getting centered haveyou up all night? Korean spas have beencalming and comforting Angelenos foryears and Wi Spa is one of the best forround-the-clock comfort. There are fourlevels and five sauna rooms open 24/7.Stay a few hours or all day and get anacupressure, mineral and salt massage.Must tries are their Korean treatments likea slimming massage which uses exfoliat-ing pads and cloths and a milk bodyscrub to remove dead skin. This is fol-lowed by a Swedish massage with aro-matherapy oils and topped with a goldpowder and serum wrap. After the wrap,a hydro-comfort cream is applied andfinally, a firming facial mask is set while

your hair is shampooed and conditioned,which sounds like a pretty pleasant wayto lose weight, even if all your shedding isthe day’s grime.

Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara is called the American

Riviera for a reason, it’s mediter-raneanesque climate, world-class winecountry and stunning gardens lend them-selves to a relaxed coastal lifestyle for apopulation dedicated to yoga, organic liv-ing and getting its zen on.

The White Lotus Foundation is amountain retreat center located in a steepcanyon overlooking the city of SantaBarbara, the Pacific Ocean and theChannel Islands. Master yogis GangaWhite and Tracey Rich started the foun-dation in 1967 and still lead the yogateacher training. On campus, participantscan choose to stay in yurts, private cabinsor pitch a tent on a plateau overlookingthe ocean. Retreats are offered through-out the year to deepen your pranayama,asana and meditation. A retreat includesgourmet vegetarian meals, hikes, dance,ceremonies and yoga philosophy classes.There are hot tubs and Western andEastern bodywork available as well as anunderground Hopi-style Kiva temple.

If you only have a day or even a fewhours to search for calm, Salt is thelargest underground salt cave in NorthAmerica and it is stunning. Caves filledwith pink Himalayan salt imported fromPakistan offer instant relaxation to visitorsand also serve as venues for drop-inyoga and shamanic sound healingamong other calming rituals. Salt is alsofamous for their boutique with take-homecrystals, edible salts and homemadeessential oils.

San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo - nicknamed

SLOtown - is more Central than SouthernCalifornia but it offers so much to well-ness seekers we’ll consider it SLOCal.

Immerse yourself in “butterfly therapy”at Monarch Butterfly Grove in PismoBeach. An average of 25,000 butterflies ayear come to spend the winter at thissanctuary - one of the largest in thenation. Volunteer docents provide twice-daily talks to introduce the science andbeauty of the ocean-side butterfly grovewhere the black and orange Monarchscluster in the limbs of Eucalyptus trees.

To soak your worries away, try the nat-urally warm mineral waters of the leg-endary Sycamore Springs Resort & Spa -located on over 100 wooded acres nes-tled in the pristine Avila Valley. There are23 open-air mineral hot tubs hidden alongthe hillside and rentable by the hour. Ifyou want to stay overnight and we thinkyou should, each room has its own soak-ing tub. Take yoga, Pilates or tai chi in theHealing Arts dome, relax under the oasiswaterfall lagoon and book a white algaebody mask, hydrating pear sugar scrub ordeep sea custom facial at the spa.

How to unplug in Southern California

First timeDoha:A stopover for souqs, skyscrapers

Qatar is a conservative Muslim country, and soalcohol is only served in 5-star international hotels.

To show respect to the country’s religion and cul-ture when out and about, women should avoidwearing revealing clothing (it’s expected that shoul-ders and knees stay covered), and men shouldstick to long shorts or trousers. It’s OK to wear whatyou like within the walls of your hotel and swimwearis fine on hotel beaches and by pools, but not onpublic beaches.

The best time to enjoy Qatar is between Octoberand March when the weather is warm and dry, but notquite hot. The temperatures might be scorching in thesummer, but air conditioning in malls, hotels and taxiscan be fierce, so it’s worth packing light cardigans orjumpers as well as the sunhats.

Taxis are the easiest way to getaround the city, and they are rela-tively cheap. Uber is the most com-monly-used option here, but there arealso light green colored ‘Karwa’ taxiswhich can be flagged down on the street.DohaBus runs day-long ‘hop-on, hop off’ double-decker tours around Doha, which is an easy way tocapture all of the sights. For greater independence,hiring your own car or ‘limo’ (smart saloon) with driv-er are two possibilities. Keep an eye out for theupcoming Doha Metro system which is due to opento the public in 2020, transforming the way that peo-ple travel across the city.

Need to know

08 THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2018

The Middle East may not be on the top of every-one’s list of cruise destinations, and for those whowant to loll about and sip drinks on a sandy

beach, the Middle East would be a poor choice. It mayhave sand, and it’s certainly got plenty of sun, but thisis not the place for Western-style sunbathing.Rather, the region is a culturally rich destination that

amply rewards those savvy travelers who do make thetrip. Chockablock with historic sites, the Middle East, ofcourse, is home to the geographic starting points forChristianity, Judaism and Islam, and over the centuries,the Middle East has provided a stage for some of histo-ry’s most dramatic and significant moments. For theseand other reasons, Holy Land cruises, as MiddleEastern itineraries are known, deserves the considera-tion of any experienced traveler who hasn’t sampledthis region of vast deserts and fertile river valleys.The luxury cruise lines frequently incorporate the

Middle East into their world cruise itineraries, transitingthe Suez Canal to connect the Red Sea with theMediterranean, and some lines, such as PrincessCruises and Holland America Line, will make a seriesof roundtrip cruises that include the EasternMediterranean ports in Turkey and Greece. Beyondthat, though, there is not an abundance of cruise shipcapacity to the Middle East. To help you choose thebest itinerary for your trip, we present here our list ofTop Five Attractions for Middle East Cruising.

Aqaba, JordanIf you are familiar with the classic film Lawrence of

Arabia, you may remember Aqaba as the destination ofLawrence’s first campaign across the desert. But formodern travelers, Aqaba is probably best known as adiving and beach resort, with gorgeous coral reefs, thatprovides access to the remarkable archeological sitesat Petra and the Wadi Rum Desert. While in Aqaba,visit one of the many coffee shops for sumptuousJordanian dishes such as mansaf, knafeh or baqlawa,but don’t tarry long as both Petra and the Wadi Rum(pronounced Ramm) deserve plenty of your attention.Wadi Rum is a valley cut into the sandstone and

granite rock in southwest Jordan. The dramatic land-scape attracts many rock climbers and hikers, and theBedouin tribes there have done well promoting adven-ture sports. Petra is renowned for its rock-cut architec-ture from more than 2,000 years ago. A UNESCOWorld Heritage site, Petra is described in several Biblepassages as the “cleft in the rocks,” and it served asLawrence’s base of operations during his World War Ioperations against the Turks.

Cairo, EgyptAccessed as part of Nile River cruise packages, or

on ocean cruises from either Port Said or Alexandria,Cairo heads any must-see list simply because of theSphinx and the Great Pyramids of Giza, one of theworld’s Seven Wonders. But the largest city in the ArabWorld has more to recommend it. With its manyminarets, Cairo is a showcase for Islamic architecture,and the Egyptian capital, which dates to the 10th cen-tury, has long been a center of the region’s political andcultural life.The pyramids and the sphinx can be toured on foot,

horseback or camel. Other must-see attractions includethe Ibn Tulun Mosque, which dates to the ninth century,and the Citadel, a massive stone fortress built by Salahad-Din in the 12th century and subsequently crownedwith the Mosque of Mohammed Ali. It now offers amaz-ing views of the city, and, if the smog isn’t too thick,even the pyramids. Also, the Egyptian Museum has theworld’s most extensive collection of artifacts fromancient Egypt, including King Tut and quite a few of histreasures.For shopping, Khan El-Kalili is Cairo’s major open

air market, operating pretty much as it always hassince the 14th century, with many vendors whose fami-lies have done business there for generations.Shoppers work through rows and rows of exotic jewel-ry, spices, perfumes, Bedouin rugs and souvenirs, andas is the case throughout the Middle East, haggling isthe rule rather than the exception.

SafagaSafaga’s main purpose as a cruise port is to dis-

perse passengers to Luxor, 3.5 hours away by car or

motorcoach, and the great temples along the NileRiver. The dock is in an industrial area, with easyaccess to town.

Muscat, OmanThe Sultanate of Oman is a cruise stop that many

will find surprisingly appealing. A pristine and pictur-esque city on the Arabian Sea at the base of moun-tains, the port Muscat, the capital, is Omani’s biggestand most modern city, nicely balancing the need tomaintain tradition while also keeping pace with the 21stcentury.Arriving cruise visitors will notice the three forts the

Portuguese built on the rocky shoreline during their16th century occupation. Oman’s distinguishing fea-ture, however, are its wadis, which are lush oases ofpalm trees, colorful flowers and green grasses. Somewadis have year-round running water, with deep, coolpools where you can swim if currents are slow.Museums worth the visit include, the history-heavyOman Museum, the Sultan’s Armed Forces Museumand the Natural History Museum displaying nativespecimens.Optionally, it would be easy to spend a full day

browsing the fish market and shopping in the souk,where you’ll f ind woven palm fronds and silver.Silversmithing has a long proud tradition in Oman, withits intricately handcrafted silver products, such as jew-elry and coffee pots that could be heirlooms as well assouvenirs. If your ship is staying late in port, make apoint of getting a nighttime view of the sultan’s palace,which is lit spectacularly.

Tunis, TunisiaIf you ever wondered what a place looks like after

roughly three millenniums of foreign occupation, the capi-tal city of Tunisia would be the place to go. Among thewealthiest and most important Arab cities from the 12thto the 16th centuries, Tunis has actually been independ-ent - and thriving - since the French let it go in 1956, butthat ended nearly 3,000 years of occupation by the

09

Cruising e Middle East

Phoenicians, the Romans and the Byzantines, the Turksand then the Spanish and, finally, the French.Given that list of colonial and conquering powers, it

shouldn’t come as a great surprise that Tunis mixes cul-tural influences like a good stew. Tunisia sits on theMediterranean, and visitors will certainly notice strongAfrican influences, such as traditional clothing, often jux-taposed with clothes and behaviors that might be morecommon in great European cities such as Rome or Paris.At the center of the city, not far from the grand

Avenue Habib Bourguiba, known as the TunisianChamps-Elysees, the ancient medina invites visitors toexplore its dense maze of alleys and passages, whereyou can see, taste, feel and haggle over food, produce,trinkets and treasures. Tunis also provides easy accessto Carthage, where three wars with the Romans andanother with the Greeks pretty thoroughly erased acity’s history, although researchers are still striving touncover more clues. Also be sure to visit Sid Bou Said,with its blue and white sugar cube houses perched onthe hillside overlooking the sea.

Ephesus, TurkeyShuffling my feet along a street made from marble

slabs, I am following in the footsteps of the Virgin Mary,who, our guide tells us, lived near this ancient city, nowpart of Turkey, in the final years of her life. The MarbleRoad cuts through the heart of what was the secondlargest city in the Roman Empire. Our guide points to

grooves carved from the frequent traffic of chariots andcarts, and to beautiful mosaic sidewalks alongside theroad. Mark Antony and Cleopatra rode in processionhere. St. John lived nearby.Temples and businesses lined the Marble Road.

Now only ruins remain. The two-storey facade of theCelsus Library boasted 12,000 papyrus scrolls when itwas built in the 2nd century. Across from it, a brothel,now roofless, has traces of frescoes and mosaics onwalls still intact. Ephesus, a crossroads at a criticaltime in the early development of both the Romanempire and the Christian religion, is one of those traveldestinations that manages to live up to all the hype.In the early years of the Roman empire, Ephesus

was second in importance only to Rome, and at thesame time, the city hosted Paul and other earlyChristians who contributed books to the Holy Bible. Asa result, the once-splendid Ephesus, which had a pop-ulation approaching 500,000 in the year 100, containsprobably the largest collection of Roman ruins at theeastern end of the Mediterranean, which is why thearcheological site is a favorite shore excursion.Cruise passengers disembark in Kusadasi to get to

Ephesus, fewer than 30 minutes by bus from the his-toric site, and once they’ve had their fill of ruins,Kusadasi offers several entertaining possibilities. Asmall fishing village up to the recent growth of Ephesustourism, the town has numerous cafes where travelerscan enjoy the sea view and sip on coffee.

THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2018

10 THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2018

Frequent flyer miles are awesome. Use themcorrectly and you’ll save a ton of money ontraveling. But they’re not always easy touse, and getting started may seem more

confusing than its worth. Let’s demystify airlinemiles and figure out how to use them.I’ve always been intimidated by airline miles

and I never flew often enough for it to seem worthit. Nowadays, I’m flying more, and it seemed like itwas a good time to buckle in and learn as muchas possible. It turns out, they’re not quite as com-plicated as they seem, and while there’s plenty ofhacking to be done to get optimal points, most ofus can happily accumulate and spend miles with-out too much thought.

What Are Airline Miles?Airline miles, also known as frequent flyer miles

or travel points, are part of a loyalty programoffered by airlines and/or credit cards. Typically,you accumulate a set amount of miles based onhow far you fly or how much you spend on yourcredit card. You can then use these miles to buytickets.

That’s simple enough on the surface, but airlinemiles aren’t that cut and dry. First off, the term“miles” doesn’t equate to the actual number ofmiles you can fly-it equates to the number of milesyou’ve flown. Just because you get 2,734 miles fortraveling from Seattle to Miami, for example, does-n’t mean you get another free flight. The miles youaccumulate are more like points in a rewards pro-gram. For example, with Frontier’s reward pro-gram, you get a free roundtrip domestic ticket forevery 20,000 miles you acquire. That means it’lltake about four roundtrip flights between Miamiand Seattle to get enough miles for one free flight.Basically, airl ine miles are like any other

rewards program. You get points for buying stuff,and eventually those points accumulate and youget something for free.

The Difference Between Credit Card Rewards and Airline RewardsIn the airline miles world, you can get points

two ways: by signing up for a service through theairline itself or by signing up for a credit card that

offers reward miles. Some credit cards work onany airline, others are for specific airlines. Bothhave advantages and disadvantages. Either way,the good news is that you can use both at thesame time.Every airline has their own frequent flyer pro-

gram usually billed as a loyalty program. Theseare free, and you can accumulate miles by flyingwith specific airlines. You can sign up for a fre-quent flyer account with three different airlinealliances and you’ll earn frequent flyer miles formost flights. When you sign up for an account, you’ll get an

account number that you can use for future flightpurchases. These services are very straightfor-ward: you earn miles for each flight you take, andwhen you accumulate enough, you can redeemthose miles for a free flight on that airline. Typicallyspeaking, these miles don’t expire as long asyou’re using your account.When you first sign up you can also redeem

miles for old flights. Typically, the grace period forthis is anywhere between three months and ayear. It’s a pain to go through all your old tickets,but it’s worth it for the points you’ll get and it’s a

good way to get started. If you need help keepingtrack of all those points, AwardWallet is a prettyeasy way to do so.Credit card rewards with airline miles work a lit-

tle differently. Most credit cards rewards give youa certain amount of points per dollar spent. Youcan then redeem these points for frequent flyermiles, but how much they’re worth depends on thecredit card. As with any credit card, you’ll oftenhave to deal with annual fees, and you onlyaccrue airline points when you pay your card off.Since you probably use your credit card a lot morethan you buy airlines tickets, it’s usually easier toaccrue points through a credit card then it is withjust an airline rewards program.

Other Ways to Accrue MilesFlying and using credit cards aren’t the only

ways to get airline miles. In fact, you can gainmiles by shopping, eating out, and more.We’ve walked you through accruing airline

miles without getting on a plane before, so wewon’t go too in depth here, but here are a few

examples that might surprise you:• You can get points through airline specific din-

ing programs• Most airlines have shopping bonus options if

you use their program as a portal to sites likeTarget or Best Buy. You can get a list of thosebonuses here.

• Banks often offer miles for opening up newaccounts. For example, Fidelity gives you ahefty amount of points if you open an invest-ment account.

• You can often get paid miles for filling out sur-veys on a site like Emiles or eRewards.So, take the example of opening up an invest-

ment account with Fidelity to get miles. Whenyou open up that account, you’re given milesthrough United (the Star Alliance). You’ll enter inyour United account information and they’ll gettransferred into your United MileagePlusaccount. You can only use MileagePlus miles forflights through United. It’s pretty simple, but it’salways good to pay attention to which airlinesthose awards go through, because sometimesthey’ll be useless to you.Accruing miles outside of flying works the same

way with just about any other program. Just enterin your account number, and when you fulfill anagreement those miles will go right into youraccount.

How to Pick a Travel Credit Card That’s Right for YouEveryone should have a frequent flyer account

with the airline that you fly with most often-after all,they’re free. If you fly a lot, it’s worth also getting acredit card that rewards you with bonus miles.Picking the right one is pretty tricky, though.First things first: see what cards are best for

you and your spending habits. Head over toMileCards and fill out their form, which includesyour average monthly spending, where you wantto travel, and more. MileCards wil then breakdown the credit cards that are best for you.MileCards should help you pick out a few cards

that suit your needs, but before you apply for any-thing, do a little research into where you’re accu-mulating points. For example, if your local airportdoesn’t have a lot of fl ights through VirginAmerica, their rewards card is going to be prettyuseless.Typically, the best rewards card is with whichev-

er airline has a “hub” in your local airport or who-ever has frequent flights to cities you often visit.For example, since my family is in Colorado andI’m in Seattle, it makes the most sense for me toget a rewards card with Frontier or Alaska Airlinesbecause those are the flights I’m most often on.That said, some cards, like the Chase Sapphirecard, work with different airlines, so if you take alot of flights to different places, cards like that areworth considering as well.Finally, if you have a lot of options for different

cards, consider ones that give you bonuses.Often, credit cards provide double (or more) milesif you make specific types of purchases. Forexample, the Citi Prestige cardoffers double pointsif you use your credit card for dining out. If you eatat a lot of restaurants, this helps you get moremiles than other cards.It’s also worth pointing out that you won’t accu-

mulate bonus points on these credit cards if youbook through a site like Expedia or Kayakbecause it’s based on where the charge comesfrom. You have to book through the airline itself toget any bonus miles the card might offer. This isn’t

the case with airline frequent flyer programsthough, just credit card miles.

How Redeeming Airlines Miles Actually WorksSo, now you have your travel credit card and

your frequent flyer accounts all set up. You’ve tak-en a few flights, spent some money with thosecredit cards, and you’re ready to redeem thosepoints to get an actual ticket. Here’s how to dothat:• Head to the web site for the alliance you’d like

to book a flight with.• Enter your rewards number, and search for a

flight.• You’ll see a screen like the one above that lists

how many miles you’ll need to book a flight,along with any extra cost per ticket.

Book your ticket!That’s it from a technical standpoint, but it’s not

the whole story. Airlines only release a certainnumber of seats to frequent flyer travelers, sooften your flight choices are more limited than theywould be paying cash. Blackout dates, like theperiod around a major holiday, also restrict yourticket options. Because of that, sometimes it’s bestto use your miles to upgrade seats instead of buy-ing a ticket.Finally, when you book with your frequent flyer

miles, you still have to pay taxes and fees, so thatflight isn’t completely free. The fees depend on theairline and the flight. Some airlines also add a feeif you try and book a flight last minute, so it’s notalways worth it to use your miles unless you’reprepared ahead of time.

Maximize Your Miles and RewardsOf course, this is just the beginning (it is, after

all, a “beginner’s” guide). If you’re willing to spendthe time and brainpower, you can make sureyou’re spending and gaining points in the mostefficient manner. This isn’t necessary for most ofus, but here are a few advanced tricks for makingsure you’re getting the most out of those miles:• Get airline miles when you dine out• The best airlines and travel times to use miles• Buy and sell airlines miles• Earn faster gold status• The best airlines for frequent flyer milesAs with most things involving money, you can

dig pretty deep into airlines miles and score allkinds of bonuses. For most of us, the basics ofusing miles is enough to save a bit of money eachyear, and it’s not hard to keep track of.

A Beginner’s

Guide to

Airline Miles