Main Image via WanderLuxe – The Luxe Nomad
From the sound of fireworks marking the new year, to going home for the season of festivity, to celebrating 60 years of our country’s independence, three-quarters of 2017 has gone by in a blink of an eye.
But, even as the year races to its end without a care in the world, it’s hard to be too broken up about it because it’s time to spread our wings and go on our next memorable trip.
This year, maybe the winds of adventure will take us to Tokyo, maybe New York, or maybe it’s about time we widened our horizons by visiting somewhere new and exotic. Coincidentally Qatar Airways, seem to share the same sentiment.
As if not spoiled for choice already with over 150 travel destinations around the world, the four-time winner of Skytrax Airline of the Year Award will now give Malaysians a chance to set foot on new exciting locations such as Dublin, Nice, Prague, Sarajevo, and more.
But, new and exciting doesn’t mean much if the experience isn’t up to par. On that end, Qatar Airways has you covered as well with minimal deviations to flight routes and a 100% compliance with IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) 2017 which verifies Qatar Airways’ reputation for being one the world’s safest and most secure airline.
Now that we have that out of the way, let’s talk about the new travel destinations…
Dublin, Ireland
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Dublin is an example of city building done right. Party and drinks are always just around the corner, and museums such as the Irish Museum of Modern Art and The National Gallery of Ireland injects a little culture to your trip.
Image via Nomadic Pursuits
Image via twistedsifter
But a trip to Dublin is also a trip back in time with visits to Dublin Castle and Christ Church Cathedral, a medieval-era cathedral that still retains its Romanesque interior. Fans of nature and pop culture can also take a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher, a breath-taking natural wonder that’s been featured in movies such as Harry Potter and Princess Bride.
Nice, France
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Nice is what you get when you mix old-world charm with lush greenery and a stunning view of the wide-open Mediterranean Sea. It’s no wonder the city is nicknamed Nice the Beautiful.
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More than just to soak up the atmosphere of serenity, Nice also has a wealth of attractions to offer including Cours Saleya, a huge market square pulsing with energy. Get ready to part with your Euros because here, you can find everything from flowers and food to fresh produce and antiques.
Image via EE24
After a day of shopping, take it easy with a stroll along Promenade des Anglais, the most famous stretch of seafront Nice has to offer. Here, walkers, cyclist, skaters, and even Segway riders are welcome.
Prague, Czech Republic
Image via The Telegraph
Whichever angle you see Prague from, it’s hard not to feel like you’ve just hopped off a plane and into a city that could have possibly been the filming location of every fantasy movie set in the medieval era; and it looks absolutely stunning.
Image via Travel Corner
First up on the itinerary is probably something that’s impossible to miss when in Prague thanks to its many towers and spires. The Prague Castle is a magnificent monument of gothic-style architecture that’s worthy of its entry in the Guinness World Records as the largest ancient castle in the world.
Image via Culture Trip
Past its walls are historic towers and gatehouses, gardens, and museums aplenty. But, one attraction that should not be missed is the ominous yet breath-taking Saint Vitus Cathedral, home to beautifully crafted stained glass windows and art.
Image via The Telegraph
Next up, walk the length of Charles Bridge, a popular tourist attraction lined with hawkers, buskers, and beautifully sculpted baroque statues.
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Anybody born in the ‘80s will undoubtedly have heard of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The country was frequently featured on the news for the 1992 to 1996 siege on its capital city, Sarajevo.
Image via TripAdvisor
Today, the city has risen from the devastation of war and is on the path to becoming a favoured tourist destination. Top sights include Baščaršija, an old town of narrow cobblestoned streets lined with shops and cafes. It you’re looking for a souvenir, seek out Coppersmith Street for some copper wares. Qatar Airways is set to launch this spectacular destination in October 2017. Do keep an eye out!
Image via Flickr
As far as city bridges go, the Latin Bridge over the river Miljacka may not score the most points for aesthetics, but this bridge has played a significant role in the historical landscape of our world. It was on the Northern end of this bridge that the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Franz Ferdinand, was killed. The assassination then sparked World War I.
For us living in Malaysia, getting to travel destinations in Europe, the Americas, Africa, or the Middle East will of course involve a long-haul flight, but when flying with Qatar Airways, your layover can be turned into a stopover.
This gives you the opportunity to explore Hamad International Airport, a 5-star airport awarded by Skytrax featuring amenities such as showers and 24/7 duty-free shopping with pleasantly low prices on luxury items. You can also receive a 10% discount voucher to be redeemed at Qatar Duty Free outlets when you check-in for your flight online.
A stopover at Qatar also allows you to discover Doha and experience city tours, souqs, desert safari adventures, and a dinner cruise aboard a traditional dhow. With a unique stopover package in partnership with Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), transit passengers will receive a complimentary four- and five-star hotel accommodation when including Qatar in their travel itinerary. To top it all off, this offer is available for both premium and economy flyers.
Also, register to be a new Privilege Club Member and automatically receive 2,000 Qmiles when booking a travel destination online. For the best way to keep up with the latest promotions, visit qatarairways.com/my and subscribe to their weekly e-newsletter.
So, what are you waiting for? Book that flight today!