NFT collection of 3D aircraft models will provide owners with benefits and support procurement of sustainable fuel
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, today announced the upcoming release of the airline’s first non-fungible token (NFT) collection, ‘EY-ZERO1’.
The utility-driven series features ten highly detailed 3D aircraft models, each one showcasing a unique Etihad Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner livery. A total of 2003 limited-edition collectibles, symbolising the year when Etihad Airways was established, will go on sale at 6pm UAE time on 21 July. The collectibles include Etihad’s Manchester City FC and Greenliner-themed aircraft, among others.
“We’re excited to launch our first NFT collection, EY-ZERO1, which not only offers collectors, aviation enthusiasts and travellers a unique work of art, but provides real-world travel and lifestyle benefits with Etihad Airways,” said Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group.
“NFTs and other metaverse technologies are revolutionising the digital economy, and we are proud to be one of the first airlines in the world to explore their potential to provide additional utility for our customers.”
Purchasing an NFT will give owners immediate Etihad Guest Silver tier membership for one year, with 10 lucky NFT holders winning complimentary flight tickets with Etihad. NFT owners will also be given advance access to upcoming NFT collections as well as future metaverse products which the airline has planned as part of its Web3 strategy.
To celebrate the new collection, Etihad will be giving away 20 NFTs to people who pre-register on etihad.com/zero1 by 16 July. Each NFT will be priced at US$349 plus tax on etihad.arcube.io, and the sale will close on 18 August at 6pm UAE time.
The NFTs will also be available to purchase through the Etihad Guest Reward Shop, meaning the airline’s 7 million loyalty programme members can redeem their Etihad Guest Miles to acquire an NFT.
EY-ZERO1 is set to be minted on the energy-efficient Polygon blockchain, and Etihad Airways will be partnering with Aerial.is to track the CO2 emissions of the NFTs. In addition to offsetting the entire carbon footprint of the project, the airline will allocate all proceeds from the collection to purchase sustainable aviation fuel in 2022.
“As well as recognising the artistic value of our aircraft liveries, our NFT collection has been designed to be as efficient as possible and support our wider sustainability and decarbonisation efforts at Etihad Airways,” said Mr Douglas.
For more information, follow Etihad’s dedicated NFT Twitter account (@etihadNFT) and Discord channel (https://discord.gg/etihad).
The most advanced camera system powered by MariSilicon X and two outstanding IMX766 flagship sensors as well as iconic Hasselblad Natural Colour Calibration • Flagship SoC platform with superior 5G performance and industry leading 80W SUPERVOOC Flash Charging and 5000mAh battery • Futuristic design with True billion-colour 120Hz display • OPPO’s launch event was held at immersive art experience, Infinity Des Lumières surrounded by masterpieces of future-oriented and futuristic digital art
Dubai, UAE, 23rd June 2022 – OPPO announces the launch of its cutting-edge flagship Find X5 Series, raising the bar on smartphone imaging and premium design.
Bursting with industry-leading highlights, the Find X5 Series boasts a futuristic aesthetic that exudes clean, modern sophistication and world-first imaging experiences. These include a dedicated imaging Neural Processing Unit, which overcomes smartphone video capture’s greatest challenge – nighttime recording. This is matched with an incomparable dual flagship IMX766 camera system, unrivalled performance and ultra-fast 5G connectivity, and incredible SUPERVOOC Flash Charging technology.
Ethan Xue, President of OPPO MEA said, “We are excited to launch the Find X5 Series in the region, supported by a number of strategic partners including Hasselblad, and Dolby Atmos with a launch event at Infinity Des Lumières. The new addition to the Find X Series is the first smartphone series to be powered by OPPO’s MariSilicon X imaging NPU and other industry-leading features. It was only fitting to unveil the Find X5 series to stakeholders at Infinity Des Lumières, creating an immense, futuristic digital experiencewith their current theme of DESTINATION COSMOS, showcasing the vastness of the universe. This synergetic collaboration allowed us to pay homage to Hasselblad’s most iconic moment, being the cameras that were sent to document the historical moment of the first men on the Moon.”
Ashim Mathur, Senior Regional Director, Japan and Emerging Markets, Dolby Laboratories said, “We have had a long-standing relationship with OPPO, and will continue to work together in order to provide a best-in-class on-the-go entertainment experience to consumers. Consumers in UAE can bring the cinematic experience into their pockets and now enjoy the latest shows and movies in Dolby Atmos on the Find X5 Pro. Dolby Atmos creates a detailed, engaging listening experience that connects you more deeply with your favourite entertainment. It makes you feel like you’re inside the story with a rich, expansive sound that flows all around you and reveals every detail.”
4K ULTRA NIGHT VIDEO AND CAPTIVATING PHOTOGRAPHY
Night video presents a major challenge for smartphones, so countless beautiful moments remain either uncaptured or saved in low quality. That’s why OPPO has designed a dedicated imaging NPU, MariSilicon X, to unveil the details at night.
Based on a 6nm process crafted for top-tier imaging performance, the MariSilicon X not only packs the most powerful AI computing power available today, it also runs an advanced AI noise reduction (AINR) algorithm designed by the OPPO Research Institute. This means it can detect and reduce noise in each frame, pixel by pixel, while preserving finer detail, skin tone, colour accuracy.
The result is a four times improvement in perceived night video resolution, less grain and superior colour reproduction, making 4K Ultra Night Video possible for the first time on an Android smartphone, with each frame as clean as a still photo.
Of course, OPPO’s MariSilicon X is just one key element of the Find X5 Pro’s advanced imaging system. The wide and ultra-wide angle cameras both feature Sony’s advanced 50MP IMX766 flagship sensors, with a sensor size of 1/1.56”, 2um large pixel size after binning.
The wide-angle camera also features a first-of-its-kind Five-axis OIS system, which when combined with proprietary algorithms, improves with every use to counter handshake, reduce noise and sharpen scenes. The result is ultra clear snap shots and more stable videos than ever.
With superior 4K Ultra Night Video capturing across wide and ultra-wide cameras, the Find X5 Series boasts the best wide and ultra-wide imaging quality across both stills and videos in the industry.
Working closely with Sony to customise an IMX709 sensor for Find X5 Pro’s front camera, OPPO has integrated MariSilicon X to ensure selfies look better than ever, with more texture and more accurate colour reproduction – even in challenging light conditions. And when more friends jump in the frame, the selfie camera automatically switches from an 80- to a 90-degree wide-angle, making sure nobody’s left out.
The Find X5 Pro also features Hasselblad Natural Colour Calibration in Pro Mode and a range of creative Master filters, bringing iconic natural colour, professional colour profile and style to mobile photography.
FUTURISTIC DESIGN WITH PREMIUM LOOK AND FEEL
The Find X5 Pro embodies a futuristic design to express a sense of calm and timeless beauty that cannot be matched.
The ultra-hard, true ceramic back of the Find X5 Pro is available in Ceramic White and Glaze Black to reflect its clean, modern sophistication at its finest. This seamless ceramic back panel is two times stronger than any conventional glass panel, and double as effective for heat dissipation. And of course, the Find X5 Pro is splash, water, and dust resistant with a IP68 rating.
The Find X5 Pro’s display is just as impressive, featuring a 6.7-inch ultra-clear curved AMOLED screen that continues the gentle curves and flowing lines from the smooth, pristine back, all the way around to the front. With a WQHD+ resolution, and 100% P3 colour gamut coverage, the Find X5 Pro’s 10-bit screen displays more than 1 billion colours, creating smooth tonal and colour gradations, displaying the full depth and range of even the most subtle shifts in colour.
The Find X5 Pro also boosts display performance with the first multi-brightness colour calibration of its kind, creating colours that are consistent, whether you’re looking at the screen under dim artificial light or under a bright summer sky.
Excessive amounts of specific types of light can impact sleep and result in eye strain, so OPPO has introduced an 8192-level screen dimming to the Find X5 Pro, to match pupil adjustment speeds across different lighting conditions. The result is a more comfortable viewing experience, and amongst the most advanced eye care available on a smartphone.
MOST POWERFUL OPPO FLAGSHIP TO DATE
Powered by the latest-generation, multicore Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, the Find X5 Pro is supercharged to handle even the most demanding games and applications. Based on a compact, 4nm manufacturing process, Qualcomm’s integrated 2022 flagship GPU offers 30% higher performance, and 25% more power efficiency than the previous generation, in addition to enhanced AI capabilities.
Despite its class-leading power, OPPO has doubled down on efforts to boost battery life on the Find X5 Pro and level-up power management. The large, 5000mAh dual-cell battery reflects a capacity increase of more than 11 per cent over the Find X3 Pro.
The Find X5 Pro also introduces Battery Health Engine, which helps maintain optimal battery life over a longer period of time – up to 1600 charging cycles, roughly two times the industry standard lifespan.
With the support of enhanced 80W SUPERVOOC Flash-charging technology, the Find X5 Pro can be charged from close to empty to 50 per cent in just 12 minutes, and with 50W AIRVOOC, it powers up to 100 per cent wirelessly in just 47 minutes.
INTELLIGENT AND SECURE
OPPO’s human-centric interface, ColorOS 12.1 is its most beautiful, intuitive and personal experience ever. Combining with Google’s Android 12 operating system, it delivers incredible experiences and class-leading privacy features, while maintaining full access to the Google Play Store and its 3 million+ apps.
For ColorOS 12.1, time has been spent refining the aesthetics, from iconography to patterns, elevated with light and shadow to create a more real, three-dimensional feel. Maintaining the privacy and security of your data – whether personal or for business is also a top priority and a key focus for ColorOS.
With version 12.1, users can easily make the most of their new Find X5 Pro. And when multitasking on your phone alone isn’t enough to get things done, a new Multi-Screen Connect feature enables seamless working across a Windows PC and phone.
Maintaining the privacy and security of your data – whether personal or for business – has always been a top priority and a key focus for ColorOS. These efforts have been recognized by third party organisations including ISO, ePrivacy, and TrustArc. In addition, the Find X5 Pro is the first device in the world to be certified by the most recent version of the MDFPP.
INTRODUCING OPPO’S FIND X5
The Find X5 has an understated, yet ultra-premium finish, with frosted, matte glass and fingerprint-resistant chassis. Available in Black or White, the fine grain of this 90% frosted texture creates a beautiful, almost silky lustre that plays with light and feels incredible in the hand.
The Find X5 also includes the outstanding dual IMX766 camera system, powered by MariSilicon X, 4K Ultra Night Video, Hasselblad Natural Colour Calibration in Pro Mode and creative Master filters, a 6.5” 120Hz billion-colour display, support for 80W SUPERVOOC charging, 30W AIRVOOC wireless charging and more.
MARKET AVAILABILITY
The Find X5 Pro will be available to purchase in store from 23rd June 2022, priced at 3,999 AED and the Find X5 will be priced at 2,999 AED.
Customers who purchase the Find X5 Pro before 30th June 2022 will receive a complimentary OPPO AIRVOOC 50W Wireless Charger and OPPO Watch together worth AED 898 AED. Customers who purchase the Find X5 before 30th June 2022 will receive complimentary OPPO Enco Air wireless earbuds and an OPPO Band.
UAE customers who purchase a Find X5 Series smartphone will enjoy access to the exclusive OPPO Premium Service, including an international warranty, complimentary engineer fee as well as exclusive engineer access and free disinfection service etc.
To celebrate the launch of the Find X5 series, OPPO is inviting customers to participate in the #EmpowerEveryMoment competition to win a Find X5. To enter users are asked to capture their most empowering moments and share with OPPO using the hashtag and tagging @OPPOArabia on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.
Gold Wing Road Riders Association founders Paul Hildebrand and Shirley Stevens-Garcia announced last week during Wing Ding opening ceremonies that the organization will be closing. American Honda is saddened by the news and thanks the GWRRA for its dedication to one of Honda’s most iconic models.
Founded in 1977, the GWRRA grew through the heyday of motorcycle touring to the point that it eventually had approximately 80,000 members in 53 countries, and with over 800 active chapters managed by 4,000 volunteer leaders. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, the GWRRA has called itself “the world’s largest single-marque social organization for owners of Honda Gold Wing/Valkyrie motorcycles,” and it adopted the motto “Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge.” A dedicated, family-like group that published its own magazine (Wing World, whose September issue will be the last), the GWRRA worked hard to improve the image of motorcycling and prided itself in being a not-for-profit, nonreligious, non-political organization whose members covered a broad spectrum of backgrounds, but who were unified by a love for owning and riding Honda’s legendary touring model, the Gold Wing.
“We would like to thank our members, vendors and advertisers for 45 years of unwavering support,” said Abel Gallardo, COO of GWRRA. “We truly could not have made it this far without all of you. To our rider-education program, we cannot begin to place a number on the lives touched by your efforts. To our leadership-training and motorist-awareness programs, thank you for educating our members, officers and public to keep our riders safe and enjoying the ride.”
The GWRRA will officially close on July 31. In the interim, it will offer prorated refunds on prepaid memberships.
“For nearly five decades, the GWRRA has set the powersports standard for a grassroots organization based on a single model, and Honda will be forever grateful for the enthusiasm the club’s members demonstrated and generated for the Gold Wing,” said Bill Savino, American Honda Senior Manager of Customer Engagement. “While the GWRRA’s closure is undeniably the end of an era, we want to make sure their members and all Gold Wing enthusiasts know that Honda remains committed to the Gold Wing model and these customers for years to come.”
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About American Honda American Honda Motor Co., Inc., is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and Side-by-Sides in the United States. American Honda’s Powersports Division conducts the sales, marketing and operational activities for these products through independent authorized Honda retail dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to powersports.honda.com.
“Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons” Bows October 18
(Burbank, CA) – Legacies must rise to unearthly challenges as the children of Batman and Superman are charged with saving their famous fathers – and the world – in Batman and Superman:Battle of the Super Sons. Warner Bros. Animation’s first-ever all-CG animated, feature-length film will be available from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack (USA $29.99 SRP; Canada $34.99 SRP), Blu-ray (USA $24.99 SRP; Canada $29.99 SRP) and Digital on October 18, 2022.
Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, DC and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, the PG-13 rated Batman and Superman:Battle of the Super Sons begins as 11-year-old Jonathan Kent discovers he has superpowers, thrusting the half-Kryptonian into the complicated world of Super Heroes and Super-Villains – who are now under attack by a malevolent alien force known as Starro! It’s a race against time as Jonathan must join forces with assassin-turned-Boy-Wonder Damian Wayne to rescue their fathers (Superman & Batman) and save the planet by becoming the Super Sons they were destined to be!
Jack Dylan Glazer (Shazam!, Luca, It) and Jack Griffo (The Thundermans) lead the voice cast as Jonathan Kent and Damian Wayne, respectively. The supporting cast features Troy Baker (The Last of Us, Batman: The Long Halloween) as Batman/Bruce Wayne, Travis Willingham (Critical Role, Sofia The First) as Superman/Clark Kent, Laura Bailey (The Legend of Vox Machina, Naruto: Shippûden) as Lois Lane, Darin De Paul (Overwatch, Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge) as Lex Luthor & Starro, Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants) as Green Arrow & Penguin, Zeno Robinson (Big City Greens, Pokémon) as Jimmy Olsen & Melvin Masters, Nolan North (Uncharted video game franchise, Young Justice, Pretty Little Liars) as Jor-El, and Myrna Velasco (DC Super Hero Girls, Star Wars Resistance) as Wonder Girl & Lara.
Matt Peters (Justice League Dark: Apokolips War) directs Batman and Superman:Battle of the Super Sons from a script penned by Jeremy Adams (Mortal Kombat Legends franchise). Producer is Jim Krieg (Batman: Gotham By Gaslight) and Supervising Producer is Rick Morales (Injustice, Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders). Executive Producer is Michael Uslan. Sam Register is Executive Producer.
Batman and Superman:Battle of the Super Sons – Special Features (4K, Blu-ray and Digital)
Rival Sons: Jonathan and Damian (New Featurette) – Legacies collide as Jonathan Kent and Damian Wayne set aside their differences, forming an unlikely alliance to save the world.
Samsung Electronics today announced its earnings guidance for the second quarter of 2022.
Consolidated Sales: Approximately 77 trillion Korean won
Consolidated Operating Profit: Approximately 14.0 trillion Korean won
The above estimates are based on K-IFRS. Please note that Korean disclosure regulations do not allow earnings estimates to be offered as a range. To comply with such regulations, the above figures represent the median of the estimate ranges provided below.
Sales: 76 ~ 78 trillion Korean won
Operating Profit: 13.9 ~ 14.1 trillion Korean won
※ 2022 1Q and 2021 2Q consolidated figures based on K-IFRS are as follows
Today, the largest online payment company in Finland, Paytrail, and Mastercard announce that their collaboration has reached new heights as they’re now enabling more than one million open banking payments every month, led by European open banking leader Aiia, a Mastercard company. Since 2019, Paytrail and Aiia have been collaborating to accelerate open banking powered payments in the eCommerce checkout flow.
Powered by Mastercard’s open banking platform, Paytrail enables eCommerce for more than 20,000 merchants and online shoppers, providing greater choice with new payment options and providing a more hassle-free online checkout experience. Unlike more traditional payment options, open banking allows anyone with a bank account to initiate swift and secure digital payments which arrive as soon as technically possible and in some countries almost immediately to a retailer’s account. Compared to other methods, this open banking solution requires fewer steps to complete a payment, as the payment is initiated directly from the bank without the need to manually fill in payment details or switch between applications or interfaces. Through this collaboration, merchants can also offer a solution that is fully integrated in the checkout environment and aligns to Paytrail’s and Mastercard’s shared vision of continuously increasing convenience for consumers and enhancing security.
Commenting on the collaboration, Joni Rautanen, Chief Operating Officer of Paytrail, said: “We’ve been working with Aiia for some time and we’re happy to see the results of the collaboration today. Without the corporation, we would have had to build the interface integration with the banks ourselves and it would have been a very challenging task. The simple integration with Aiia has made it possible for us to get the solution up and running fast to offer thousands of merchants the opportunity to leverage open banking powered payments.”
Katharina Luschnik, Vice President, Product Sales of Aiia, a Mastercard company, says:
“Open banking eCommerce payments are convenient for consumers as they enable a faster checkout process, paying through an interface that the consumer trusts with their bank. The flow itself holds embedded SCA (Strong Customer Authentication) and therefore reduces steps in successfully getting a transaction through when shopping online. Paytrail is a perfect example of a payment service provider that is leading the change for a best-in-class online shopping experience and fitting their solution towards customer demands. We’re thrilled to empower Paytrail on their future journey towards increasing convenience in the eCommerce landscape”
Holidays by flydubai is providing passengers with incredible last-minute deals and the chance to explore its summer destinations this Eid al-Adha.
Passengers can enjoy special holiday packages including flights and hotels to selected destinations around the network such as Dubrovnik, Izmir and Pisa. Eid packages are available for booking by 10 July for travel between 08 July and 17 July.
Dubrovnik from AED 2,899 per person
Dubrovnik’s ancient architecture and glistening limestone streets have become particularly famous as a backdrop for popular film productions. This Croatian city also provides beach lovers with a gateway to the Adriatic coast.
Eid packages to Dubrovnik start from AED 2,899 per person including return flights and a hotel stay. All prices are based on two adults sharing a room.
Izmir from AED 2,399 per person
As Turkey’s third-largest city, Izmir is an ideal destination for travellers wishing to unwind by the Aegean coast. Filled with stunning beaches, mesmerising coastal villages and archaeological sites, this Turkish gem has something for everyone.
Eid packages to Izmir start from AED 2,399 including return flights and a hotel stay. All prices are based on two adults sharing a room.
Pisa from AED 3,299 per person
Situated in the Tuscany region, the Italian city of Pisa has become a must-see due to its famous Leaning Tower.
The region in Central Italy is also home to incredible works of art and architecture from the Renaissance including Michelangelo’s “David” statue and Florence Cathedral.
Eid packages to Pisa start from AED 3,299 including return flights and a hotel stay. All prices are based on two adults sharing a room.
Travel requirements
Passengers are required to make sure that they are up to date with the regulations for their whole journey, and follow the guidance issued by the authorities and the airline. They can visit the COVID-19 information hub on flydubai.com for more information.
The Santa Fe Ministry of Security has awarded Motorola Solutions (NYSE: MSI) to deliver a state-of-the-art, integrated end-to-end emergency management system for multi-agency coordination and to shorten response times to emergency calls from the public.
Comprising advanced software, voice communication and video security technologies, the new integrated system, called Control, Attention and Dispatch System for Police Emergencies (SiCAD), will provide 17,500 police officers of the Province of Santa Fe to be fully coordinated and connected across 10 cities including Rafaela, Reconquista, Rosario, City of Santa Fe and Venado Tuerto.
“Modernizing our 911 emergency system is an important step in further reducing our crime rate and achieving our community’s goal of building a safer environment,” said Omar Perotti, Santa Fe Province Governor. “Our police officers rely on clear real-time communication to keep people safe and we are confident that the new deployment will enable faster and more informed decisions.”
Motorola Solutions will manage the integration of all technologies within the police agency’s command and control room center, creating a single, comprehensive real-time viewpoint of incidents, collating data from multiple sources including 911 calls, emergency dispatch functions, video analytics, evidence and community inputs.
Included within the new emergency management system are Motorola Solutions’ DIMETRA TETRA Consoles, which provide always-on digital radio voice communication and constant connection between police officers in the field and the command and control center. As the ‘eyes and ears’ over any operation, command and control center workers can dispatch additional resources wherever they are needed for quick and effective emergency response.
Police officers can also establish interoperable communication instantly and over any network or device, including communication between radios and smartphones with Motorola Solutions’ WAVE PTX On Premises.
Motorola Solutions’ VB400 body-worn cameras provide objective evidence when an incident occurs and increase the transparency of interactions between officers and citizens. The footage is securely uploaded viaVideoManager evidence management software and integrated into the new emergency system.
“Motorola Solutions’ global experience in deploying a unified ecosystem of technologies enables us to package together the essential solutions that public safety agencies depend on every day. Used together, these technologies help to increase incident awareness, visibility across entire operations and safety for every frontline users as well as citizens,” said Henry Bateson, territory director South of Latin America, Motorola Solutions.
About Motorola Solutions Motorola Solutions is a global leader in public safety and enterprise security. Our solutions in land mobile radio communications, video security & access control and command center software, bolstered by managed & support services, create the most integrated technology ecosystem to make communities safer and help businesses stay productive and secure. At Motorola Solutions, we’re ushering in a new era in public safety and security. Learn more atwww.motorolasolutions.com.
HIROSHIMA, Japan — Mazda Motor Corporation announced that the Mazda 787B, symbol of Mazda’s “never stop challenging” spirit, will do demonstration laps1 at Le Mans Classic 2022 to be held from June 30 to July 3.
1991 Le Mans winner, Mazda 787B, at Le Mans drivers’ parade on June 10, 2011
Equipped with a four-rotor rotary engine, the Mazda 787B became the first Japanese automobile to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race in 1991. For the first time in almost a decade, spectators will be able to witness the thrilling and distinctive sound of the Mazda 787B’s rotary engine at Le Mans Classic 2022. The last two opportunities to see the legendary vehicle being at the 90th anniversary of the 24 hours of Le Mans in 2013 and the 20th anniversary of Mazda’s victory at Le Mans in 2011.
The Mazda 787B was due to run at Le Mans Classic last year to mark the 30th anniversary of its victory, unfortunately the event itself was postponed to this year due to Covid-19.
Thanks to support from model car company, Spark, 29-time competitor in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Yojiro Terada dubbed as “Mr. Le Mans” in Japan, will drive the Mazda 787B during demonstration laps on July 1 and 2 when Group C racing will be held.
Le Mans Classic is a very popular event in which numerous famed racing cars that have previously competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans2 gather and make an appearance every two years on the Circuit de la Sarthe. In Group C, entry vehicles are divided by historical period and compete in 60-minute races. This year’s entries will include cars that have cemented their names in history such as the Toyota Tom’s 85C, the Porche 962, the Jaguar XJR and the Peugeot 905.
If you feel the urge to seek “revenge” and travel after the pandemic kept so many stationary and separate for so long, you’re not alone. More than half of respondents to a recent travel survey said they want to book a once-in-a-lifetime vacation this year. It reflects changes to travel protocol and restrictions allowing people to travel more freely, however, concerns about inflation and rising costs are giving some people pause.
Travel expert Oneika Raymond travels the world with her family.
Travel expert Oneika Raymond, who has visited more than 100 countries and has been travelling since 2021, says that people itching to reconnect with loved ones can get away—they just need to be more strategic about managing expenses.
After being stuck at home during the pandemic, she ditched her New York City apartment to experience the world with her husband and their young daughter, learning ways to stay cost-conscious on the go. She’s visited Colombia, Italy, Germany, and more, sometimes meeting up with friends and having extended family join her.
“It’s very important to be conscientious of what you and others are spending,” she said, suggesting using bill-splitting tools or apps like PayPal to conduct transactions and track and split expenses. Planning ahead, researching deals and being upfront with fellow travelers about your budget also keeps vacations affordable – while avoiding any awkward discussions about money later on. Whether you’re getting away with a partner, immediate family, or other loved ones, Oneika has tips for your summer trips.
Planning Your Trip
Where, when, and how you plan to travel are the foremost ways to save money. Being flexible about the destination but firm on the budget is key, as is communicating with fellow travelers in advance about logistics, including how you’ll split expenses.
“A lot of issues stem from mismatched expectations,” said Oneika. “Have an honest discussion from the jump about what your expectations are for the trip and what your budget is. It will help avoid a lot of friction along the way.” For example, Oneika doesn’t drink alcohol, so she makes clear she won’t share those costs.
Plan for and communicate about where you prefer to save or splurge so you can make intentional choices throughout your trip without getting blowback from others.
Choose trip destinations based on the most affordable airfare and activities – you might be surprised to find a fun, new location. Being flexible about travel dates could yield more savings, especially for airfare and lodging.
Earn points on your bookings and travel costs, then spend those rewards—to update your wardrobe, suitcase, or have some nice meals—using a service like Pay with Rewards.
If you need an extended schedule that works for you to pay for larger purchases, such as flights or accommodations, Oneika recommends options like Pay in 4, which let you conveniently break purchases into four interest-free payments.
During Your Trip
Oneika budgets closely to keep travel affordable.
Group trips provide an opportunity to take advantage of group offerings and logistics, but you’ll need to track shared expenses so they’re accurately settled. For example, when dining with friends, Oneika has found that she can reimburse PayPal friends who handled the bill. “I can go in and see what I owe, or keep track of my spending very easily, and have alerts on my phone or computer,” she said. Plus, with PayPal being available around the globe, it makes it easy for friends and family to settle up when you’re travelling.
Assign different group members to pay certain expenses upfront—such as someone who books a tour and another who books shared accommodations—then settle up after.
Book larger vans, shuttles, or rental cars and split the cost instead of paying individually for taxis.
Ask for group rates for tours where possible to see and experience more together.
Keep careful track your transactions, what others owe you, and what you owe, preferably somewhere visible to everyone.
Don’t carry too much cash, which can get lost or stolen. Instead, send or request payments digitally via reliable payment services to securely split costs.
After Your Trip
Keep your post-vacation glow, and help fellow travelers do the same, by settling any outstanding payments owed. PayPal is an easy, safe, and reliable way to split payments because of features like simple, quick navigation and fraud monitoring protection.
The best route toward cost-conscious vacations is to be open-minded about all the ways to enjoy destinations. After all, revenge travel is all about creating distance from a period where no one could get out and about. And wherever you go, with your family and friends “you’re able to bring home to you,” Oneika said.
