Each city is a treasure to be discovered. We have compiled a list of top cities to be discovered and explored. The list will be expanded and updated over time. It is loosely based on the MasterCard´s Global Destination Cities Index, as well as the Airport Council International´s airport passenger traffic figures. We also take into account other factors that help us to capture changing trends and preferences of global travellers. The list is constantly expanded and reviewed. Come back for new updates on a regular basis!
#1. Bangkok, Thailand
Why we like it: with more than 20 million of international travellers Bangkok tops our list. Key sites include the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Grand Palace, as well as numerous markets, including Damnoen Saduak, a famous floating market located outside of Bangkok.
Tips for travellers: Trains connect Suvarnabhumi Airport with the Bangkok city centre every 15 minutes. If you have luggage, take a taxi. The airport is about 30 km from the city centre.
#2. London, the United Kingdom
Why we like it: one of the most multicultural and diverse cities in the world. Great sites, notably, the British Museum, the National Gallery, Tate Modern, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the list goes on.
Tips for travellers: arrive at the Heathrow Airport and take the Heathrow Express. Arrive in Paddington in 15 minutes. Buy a Travelcard or even better Oyster card. With Oyster card you will be charged on a per journey basis, but a daily maximum will apply. This means you will be saving money most of the time.
#3. Paris, France
Why we like it: great for culture, fashion and haute cuisine. Some of the world class sites include the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Palace of Versailles, the Gothic Notre-Dame cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe and the list goes on.
Tips for travellers: take a train RER to the city. It is by far the most reliable way to reach the city. If you have luggage, take a taxi. Once in Paris, take a metro. Tickets are not expensive and we recommend a carnet of 10 tickets, which is cheaper than single tickets.
#4. Dubai, UAE
Why we like it: with the busiest airport for international travellers in the world, Dubai is among five top cities in the world. Key sites include Burj Khalifa, the highest tower on Earth, the Dubai Mall, the Palm Islands, as well as the Arabian Desert.
Tips for travellers: Dubai has a modern metro system that connects the Dubai International Airport with the city centre. If you have luggage or arrive at odd hours, take a taxi. The airport is only 5 km away from the city centre.
#5. Tokyo, Japan
Why we like it: with almost 12 million international visitors and the 4th airport by passengers, Tokyo is among one of our top favourites. Key sites include Sensoji Temple, the Shrine of the three Gods, as well as the Imperial Palace, among many others.
Tips for travellers: Tokyo Narita International Airport is located some 60 km east of central Tokyo. Take JR Narita Express (NEX). The journey is about one hour. It is by fat the most comfortable way to reach Tokyo Station.
Tip #1. Use public transport
Most global cities have excellent infrastructure developed with international travellers in mind. In many cases (not always, though), taking a train from the airport can be both much faster and much cheaper than taking a taxi. If you are familiar with the city, then use public transport as your default option. The exceptions would be in those cases when you are new to the city or have bulky luggage that you cannot carry around, seek other options.
Tip #2. Airport shuttle can help
An alternative to taking a taxi can be the airport shuttle. The advantage of the airport shuttle is that you save time and go non-stop to / form the airport. In some cases, the airport shuttle can be arranged at the airport itself. However, in many cases, it is simpler and more cost efficient to arrange for an airport shuttle in advance of your arrival.
Tip #3. Carry light luggage / don´t overpack
Take it easy and don´t overload yourself with an unnecessary luggage. If you have a short trip, try to have only a carry-on luggage on you. In such a way you will save both time at the airport, as well as money carrying your luggage around. When you travel light, you also spend less time worrying about your belongings and more time enjoying the visit itself.
Tip #4. Be nice to people
When you are in a new city, you might feel lost and uneasy about your surroundings. In most cases, people will be ready to help you. Don´t forget to smile and politely ask for directions or other help. The same applies at the airports. At peak times, checking-in and security clearances might be exhausting even for experienced travellers. Losing temper, shouting and aggression is a big no-go. It will probably make things worse and might lead to delays and further disruptions. Whenever in doubt, remember that by being nice and by acknowledging the good work of the airport staff you will make a small contribution to making travelling a more enjoyable experience to everyone involved, including yourself and fellow travellers.
Tip #5. Choose hotels you can trust and recognise
If you have a specific hotel brand, then stick to it. Most of the time, you will be happy to recognise the familiar details, including the reception area, hotel check-in process and the hotel room layout, that will make your entire stay more relaxed and calm. This is in particular important for business travellers, who have limited time for adapting to new environment, and need to keep focused on business at hand. An additional bonus for sticking with the same hotel brand is, you guessed it right, loyalty points that you can accrue over time. Such loyalty points can be converted into free night stays or upgrades, and other perks.
Tip #6. Learn a few words in a foreign language
Let´s assume you are visiting Paris. Not knowing how to say bonjour and how to ask for directions in French, can be a handicap. You will notice that some people either don´t understand you, or don´t want to understand you. For simple things, this should not be the case. Before you go, or even during your stay, make an effort and learn a few words and basic expressions. You can do it also online for free or at a little cost. Once you learn the language, you can always improve with time and a little practice.
Tip #7. Check the expiry of your travel documents
It can be frustrating to learn (at the airport) that your passport has expired and you have to postpone your trip. Or even worse, when you travel in a larger group, learn that your child´s passport is no longer valid, and that all your family has to cancel their long awaited holiday. Be smart and check your travel documents at least a few days in advance, especially if children are joining the trip.