Wanderfolk: Scoot Removes Payment Processing Fees Globally, TransferWise Launches Debit Card Perfect for Frequent Travellers

PUBLISHED October 22nd, 2019 07:00 am

This edition of Wanderfolk, make a behemoth of savings with the sheer number of travel goodies available: Scoot takes processing fees off all flights, and TransferWise launches the TransferWise Debit Card. Get in on new cruise offerings in Portugal by luxury cruise operators Uniworld or splurge on a stay in the sweet Cookie Suite at Phuket’s DoubleTree resort. And with Belmond’s latest Good Living concept to round things up, everything’s coming up daisies.

The First-Ever Cookie Suite at DoubleTree By Hilton Phuket Banthai Resort

If you’ve never heard of a Cookie Suite before, you’re not alone. Perfect for a sweetheart (with a sweet tooth), the Cookie Suite Experiential Package by DoubleTree by Hilton Phuket Banthai Resort is every sugar fiend’s dream come true. The brand celebrates its 50th Anniversary by paying homage to its famous DoubleTree Welcome Cookie. A dedicated cookie bar decked out with freshly baked cookies, cookie-scented candles and body-scrubs, and customized cookie bathrobes extend the themed experience throughout a King Deluxe Suite. There’s also a one four-course set dinner at The Port for two and a 20 percent discount on all food and beverage at the resort, so you’ll still get your balanced diet in check – sort of.

The bespoke package will be available from September 15 until December 31, 2019. More details here.

TransferWise Makes Foreign Exchange Six Times Cheaper Than Average

In a move to make travel more affordable, TransferWise has launched the first debit card in Asia that uses the real exchange rate (the one found on Google). The TransferWise Debit Card avoids high foreign exchange fees, making payments up to six times cheaper than the Singapore market average of 4% per card or cash transaction abroad. This allows users to enjoy a much lower global average price of 0.67% when making cross-currency transactions. What’s more, the TransferWise Platinum debit Mastercard is accepted by merchants in over 150 countries, and comes with a multi-currency account that allows you to hold and convert money in over 40 currencies.

More details here.

Scoot Removes Payment Processing Fees Globally

Budget airline Scoot’s comprehensive range of payment options across its network of 67 cities in 17 countries and territories have always included global payment methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay, and local payment methods like AXS and PayNow for customers in Singapore. But since March last year, the airline has progressively removed payment processing fees in selected markets, and more recently waived fees for selected local payment methods, so travel just got way more affordable!

Ready to jet? Start your next adventure here.

Belmond Launches ‘Good Living’ Wellness Concept

For luxury, authentic escapes, look no further than Belmond’s portfolio of one-of-a-kind experiences in some of the world’s most inspiring and enriching destinations. Their 46 properties across 24 countries include three safari lodges, two river cruises, and seven luxury trains. Belmond has recently unveiled Good Living – a celebration of art de vivre that goes beyond pure wellness. Good Living ‘Experience Makers’ curate one of a kind experiences that enrich the mind and body and stir the soul. Enter the World of Flowers by Simon Lycett and connect with a world of flora and fauna at the Gardens of Belmond. Or have a chat with Sisters Nadia and Katia Narain, authors of Self Care for the Real World and Rituals for Every Day.

More details here.

Uniworld Unveils New Super Ship S.S São Gabriel

Award-winning boutique river cruise brand Uniworld has released a sneak peak of new Super Ship, the S.S. São Gabriel, set to debut in Portugal on 9 April 2020. One of four in the fleet launching next year, it joins the S.S. Sphinx, Mekong Jewel, and S.S. La Venezia. Inspired by the jaw-dropping landscapes in Portugal and its rich cultural history, the ship embodies the beautiful Douro River Valley region through its décor and delectable food and wine, including adornments of gorgeous Portuguese tiles. And to top things off, the top deck features lavishly appointed suites with butler service for maximum opulence.

More details here.