Fancy a little more leg rooom?

Fancy some extra leg space and other benefits next time you fly?

Virgin Australia is giving travellers a chance at an upgraded experience starting from $8.

The airline has launched a flash sale offering premium extra legroom Economy X seating, with upgrades from just $8 per person, per sector, across its domestic network. That's 30% off the regular starting upgrade price.

Virgin Australia Chief Marketing and Customer Operations Officer, Libby Minogue, said the sale offers exceptional value for travellers looking to add extra comfort to their journey.

“We know Australians are looking for great value, and this sale delivers exactly that,” said Minogue.

“From as low as $8 per person, guests can upgrade to Economy X and enjoy extra legroom, priority boarding and dedicated overhead locker space on their next Virgin Australia flight.

“For many guests, a little extra space can make a big difference, particularly on longer journeys, and we're pleased to make that experience available from just $8.

“As the first airline in Australia to introduce a dedicated extra-legroom Economy X product, we're proud to continue giving travellers more choice, comfort and value every time they fly,” she said.

Just a word on that "dedicated overhead locker space". On a lot sectors I have flown, the air crew usurp this Economy X lockers as their own personal baggage space. Call them out on it. 

UN Tourism links with Slow Food to boost rural communities

The rise of gourmet travel is relentless and now UN Tourism and Slow Food have partnered to help tourism and agriculture links benefit destinations and communities.

The two organisations will work together to promote gastronomy tourism as a tool for socio-economic development.

In a new Memorandum of Understanding signed on the occasion of Sustainable Gastronomy Day (who knew?), the organisations commited to "strengthening the gastronomy tourism value chain, enhancing the linkages between food producers, tourism service providers, destinations, communities and tourists".

Pretty impressive jargon, but what does it mean?

The two groups says they will focus particularly on the development of value added, and innovative tourism experiences linked to local products, sustainable food systems, inclusivity and rural development.

Areas of collaboration will include research on trends in gastronomy tourism; identifying and sharing of case studies and best practices; training and skills development; as well as the creation of networks in gastronomy tourism.

“UN Tourism recognizes the vital role responsible, inclusive tourism can play in supporting communities everywhere," says UN Tourism secretary general Zurab Pololikashvili.

"The work of Slow Food is fully aligned with UN Tourism values and we trust this partnership will play an important role in advancing the development of a sustainable gastronomy tourism that leaves no one behind, for the benefit of communities and destinations.”

Slow Food director general Paolo Di Croce added: “Tourism can be a powerful force for strengthening sustainable local food systems.

"Our Slow Food Travel program is a sustainable culinary tourism initiative designed to create immersive travel experiences that support rural communities and celebrate local gastronomic heritage.

"In line with our values, it offers a unique opportunity to connect with farmers and producers around the world, while discovering and tasting the rich, often overlooked, biodiversity of food.”

Opening up Suzhou to tourists

Shanghai is a global tourism magnet, while neighbouring Suzhou is much less well known. 

That is why China Eastern Airlines has partnered with Suzhou city to launch the "Suzhou Pass" Co-Branded Card, exclusively available when booking international flights to China through the airline's official website.

Suzhou and Shanghai, two of eastern China's most beautiful cities, are just a short train ride apart. Suzhou city is known for its natural landscape, rich cultural heritage, and modern urban spaces.

The Co-Branded Card is the official benefits programme that provides travellers with access to Suzhou's cultural institutions and exclusive benefits to memorable experiences.

Specifically, it offers free access to Suzhou classical gardens including Humble Administrator's Garden, Tiger Hill, Lion Grove and a total of 14 renowned scenic spots across the city. 

Travellers can also access discounts on over 100 restaurants and hotels and get special prices for events and on public transport.

The tap-and-pay Co-Branded Card allows travellers to pay across multiple platforms. 

Travellers can book flights from overseas to Shanghai via the China Eastern Airlines official website, app or WeChat mini-programs by selecting the "Suzhou Pass Premium Product" package, which includes both the flight ticket and "Suzhou Pass" Co-Branded Card in a single order. 

Once in China, visitors can easily collect their physical card at either Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) Terminal 1 or the Suzhou City Terminal.

See https://pass.jsjfsz.com/suzhoupass/v1/#/

Frequent flyer points for catching the train?

Eurostar is set to become the first non-airline partner of international airline alliance SkyTeam.

The railway network has signed a deal with SkyTeam paving the way for integrated  journeys via air and rail, news hub Travel Mole reports. 

This would enable travellers to combine long- and medium-haul flights and rail journeys in a single reservation – while enjoying SkyTeam benefits.

SkyTeam is one of the world's three major airline alliances, along with Star Alliance and Oneworld. It has an annual passenger count of 624 million flyers.

Eurostar’s network offers options for multi-city journeys between the UK, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.

Customers will be able to fly into SkyTeam’s main hubs in France, the Netherlands and the UK plus other major European airports across Eurostar’s network and enjoy multi-city travel. 

Around 13% of Eurostar passengers currently fly long-haul into one of SkyTeam’s main European hubs and connect to Eurostar destinations by rail.

The two companies will work together in the coming months to create a more "integrated experience" and the partnership is expected to launch in the first half of 2025.

Eurostar and SkyTeam member KLM already have a long-standing relationship.

“Eurostar is a natural fit for SkyTeam," says aid SkyTeam CEO Patrick Roux.

" I look forward to developing our partnership and offering customers greater choice in how they travel across SkyTeam’s global network.” 

SkyTeam members include Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, Delta Airlines, Garuda, China Airlines, Korean, Scandinavian Airlines and Vietnam Airlines.

How to win enough points to take a long, luxurious vacation

I am not much of a joiner.

 I have a couple of frequent flyer cards, a Woolworths Rewards card that I usually forget to scan and that's about it.

I'm not a huge fan of wine clubs - and I rarely use hotel memberships.

So was not 100% certain what the benefits of the global Accor hotel group's Accor Plus scheme are. It turns out it is a subscription loyalty platform that operates separately to the Accor ALL booking system.

Accor Plus apparently offers members up to 50% off dining at participating hotels, discounted accommodation and access to "exclusive experiences".

The program has just launched a referral campaign, where one lucky person could win 1 million reward points (which can be used to redeem free accommodation/upgrades/tickets to events).

As 1 million points is worth around $32,000, it is certainly a prize worth having. There are plenty of Accor hotel properties where I would be happy to spend up big.

From now until June 30, members who refer their friends and family to join Accor Plus and earn 2,000 Reward points for every successful referral as well as an entry to the grand draw.

"We are excited to be rewarding existing and new members with the chance to win big with Accor Plus and thrilled to be launching this campaign today," said Renae Trimble, CEO of Accor Plus.

“There is no limit to the number of successful referrals an Accor Plus member can make during the campaign period and we are excited at the prospect of welcoming many new members to the programme and showcasing all of the extra benefits and privileges they get as being part of Accor Plus.”

Referrals can be submitted through a dedicated landing page on accorplus.com, or via an Accor Plus Consultant or Member Services team member. Fine for online; the other options sound a hassle.

The big prize will be drawn on July 19.

"The campaign is now live and the clock is ticking! We encourage all our members to get onboard and take advantage of this great opportunity to share the ultimate travel, dining and lifestyle program with their family and friends,” says Trimble.

Accor Plus members can enjoy benefits including behind-the-scenes, money-can’t-buy experiences at venues like Accor Stadium and private dinners by Michelin-star chefs, as well as up to 50% off the best available public room rate at over 1,000 hotels, resorts and holiday apartments across 20 countries.

Members also qualify for a minimum of Elite Silver membership status in ALL - Accor Live Limitless, Accor’s global lifestyle loyalty program, and enjoy priority check-in, welcome drink, and late check-out upon request.

There are a range of membership levels, starting from $249 a year - which is attractive to the most frequent of frequent travellers.

To discover more visit www.accorplus.com

Book Accor Hotels via All.com

Why staying on the right tracks can enhance a European travel experience

The last couple of times I have visited Europe, I have stayed on the rails as much as possible.

Trains in Europe are fast, efficient and comfortable - sometimes just a bit too popular. And they take you from city centre to city centre, rather than depositing you at some airport in the middle of nowhere.

I Italy last summer, I used several trains that were fast, efficient and on time - and they didn't lose my luggage..

There are several reasons why one should consider exploring Europe by train and the team from Rail Europe have shared their top reasons to pick trains over planes, buses and cars. They are, of course biased, but make several good points.

1. Hassle Free

With no check-in queues and traffic-related issues, one can simply show up at the train station minutes before the train departs (unless it's the Eurostar or Thalys, which require a little bit more time). The convenience of city centre to city centre connections also ensures one gets to the final destination quicker.

2. Freedom and Flexibility

With the choice of passes and point-to-point tickets, travellers can decide the options that best suit their needs, and go anywhere and at any time across 33 countries in Europe. This also makes day trips and short excursions convenient.

3. Cost Effective

When booking in advance, travellers can save a significant amount of money. And when travelling on overnight trains, there are savings on hotel costs, too. Families can also enjoy savings as children under 16 travel for free when accompanied by an adult in Switzerland, and the Eurail Pass allows free travel for children under 11.

4. Comfort and Convenience

Trains in Europe offer comfortable and spacious seats with lots of leg room across all classes. In addition on-board dining services (trolley or restaurant/bar carriage), most modern trains also have power points available for charging electronic devices - and some offer wifi. And unlike air travel, there is also no baggage limit on trains - which some guests make the most of in annoying ways.

5. The views, the views

One of the biggest highlights of train travel is the exposure to some great views. Try to get a window seat to take in the ever changing landscapes, colours, architecture and more.

6. Environmentally Friendly

Trains, especially the well-established high-speed rail systems such as the Eurostar, France’s TGV, Spain’s AVE, Italy’s Italo and many others, emit a lot less carbon than air and road options.

7. Social

Europe has an extremely efficient rail system used by most locals. To get acquainted with the people and learn more about their culture, or obtain some tips and local insights, travellers can easily strike up a conversation with other fellow passengers in the relaxed environment of a train.

For more information and bookings, check out www.raileurope.com, which has been a partner of train operators for 90 years. International travellers who want to travel by train easily throughout Europe can also book their travel - including Eurail passes - directly through the website and app. Rail Europe is headquartered in Paris.