Travel to unexpected places with your Velocity Points
5 minute read
Words by Cris Cali - published 13 September 2022
10 unexpected international places you hadn’t guessed your Velocity Points could take you
In celebration of our ever-expanding international airline partners and network, with Qatar Airlines the latest airline partner in the flock – Virgin Australia now offers over 500 destinations. We’ve compiled 10 somewhat unexpected places your Velocity Points can take you.
Stop blocking your friends’ overseas holiday pics on Insta. Book your flight now. Better yet, redeem your flight booking with your kitty of Velocity Points.
1. Budapest, Hungary - Qatar Airlines
With something for everyone, Budapest offers an unbridled blend of deep history and architecture alongside world cuisines, an abundance of hot springs, a thriving nightlife, and festivals. Explore the city by foot and soak up the treasure trove of architecture – a blend of art nouveau, eclectic, baroque, and neoclassical. When the feet get weary soak up at one of the many bathhouses – there for relaxation, but also famous as a cure for a hangover if sampled a little too much of that tasty Hungarian wine.
2. Casablanca, Morocco - Qatar Airlines
You don’t have to trace the romantic and harrowing steps of Humphry Bogart in 1942 film ‘Casablanca’ to love all there is about this Moroccan city. As diverse as the culture, Casablanca’s food scene offers everything from incredible street food to fine-dining restaurants, patisseries, and cafes. Soak up the medieval magic in one of the Moroccan medinas, visit the opulent Hassan II Mosque, or shop up a storm in one of the Souqs, or malls. Less known is Morocco has fast become a top destination for music festivals – from Oasis Festival in Marrakesh to Jazzablanca in Casablanca.
3. Calgary, Alberta, Canada - Air Canada
Famous for the Calgary Stampede, uncover the hidden gems of Calgary, exploring craft bars, cool eateries, artisan bakeries and unique tourist must-dos. Music junkies, you simply must visit the National Music Centre, a journey that takes you through Canada’s musical history with cool artifacts, rotating exhibits, and a sound-recording room to test your skills. Shopping is different in Calgary – learn how a cowboy hat is made at Smithbilt Hats, or visit Alberta Boot Co factory to see boots made over 200 hours. And don’t miss the impressive Glenbow Museum to view the incredible array of contemporary collections to satisfy art lovers and pop-culture fans alike.
4. Big Island, Hawaii, United States - Hawaiian Airlines
Flying into Kona, you’ll almost find it hard to leave the coast, dotted with its mesmerising white-sandy beaches such as the postcard perfect Makalawena Beach, sparkling bays, and historical parks. Caffeine-kick-start the day sampling a Kona coffee at one of the many Coffee Plantations before embarking on an action packed day exploring Hulihe’e Palace, St Benedict’s Painted Church, and an afternoon snorkelling at Kua Bay. On day two indulge your spirit of adventure on a Big Island Volcano tour to Kilauea volcano, the most active of the five volcanoes, to see where lava meets the sea.
5. Tel Aviv, Israel – Etihad
A city of constant renewal, Tel Aviv has something for every type of traveller. Home to glimmering beaches stretching 14 kilometres along the Mediterranean coast; nonstop nightlife – from beachfront chill to international DJs at underground clubs; culture on tap with world-class Tel Aviv Museum of Art, and street-art alleys; Bauhaus architecture style buildings; and energetic flea markets to explore. Take a stroll along the renovated Tel Aviv boardwalk and soak up this blooming city.
6. Siem Reap, Cambodia - Singapore Airlines
Fly with partner airline Singapore Airlines to Siem Reap, the gateway to the temples of Angkor, and see for yourself how the city has reinvented as the epicentre of chic Cambodia. It’s no surprise Siem Reap has witnessed the rise of world-class wining and dining, it’s also an adventure mecca offering trekking, diving, ziplining, quad biking and caving. Take a Vespa scooter tour deep into the rice fields, join the After Dark Foodie Tour, and don’t miss catching the contemporary Cambodian Circus offering nightly shows.
7. Chennai, India - Singapore Airlines
Formerly known as Madras, Chennai offers a non-flashy wonder across its cuisine, arts, and film industry. A city rich in elaborate spicy cuisine, with spectacular street food, walking tours, and fine dining on offer. Visit one of the South India filming locations, take in the soaring San Thome Cathedral founded by the Portuguese in 1523, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and Music Academy to see the latest performance.
8. Rio De Janeiro, Brazil - United Airlines
Famed for its Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, the iconic 38-metre Christ the Redeemer statue atop Mount Corcovado, and Sugerloaf Mountain – Rio De Janeiro’s real secret is the friendly people and multicultural society. Spend the day on 4-kilometre-long Copacabana Beach, a tourist hot spot since the 1960s, and party at lively beachfront bars when the sun drops. Take the historic tram to the hilltop neighbourhood of Santa Teresa, known for its 19th-century plantation mansions, cobblestone streets, and picturesque views of the city.
9. Memphis – Tennessee, United States - United Airlines
Sitting on the Mississippi River, best known for the influential sounds of soul, blues, and rock n roll, lies the magic of Memphis. Memphis draws music-lovers to the recording home of Elvis Presley, B.B. King, and Johnny Cash. Elvis fanatics pay their respects at Graceland, and at night devour smoky pulled pork and dry-rubbed ribs. Visit Stax Museum of American Soul Music, tour the National Civil Rights Museum, the kitschy boutiques, microbreweries… and soak up all that live Memphis music.
10. Panama City, Panama – United Airlines
Vibrant and cosmopolitan, Panama City is a cultural cocktail mix – urban chic offering a gateway to the tropics. Steeped in history, a must-visit museum is Museo del Canal Interoceanico – once the original French canal company. See a production in Teatro Nacional - an ornate theatre built in 1907, and visit Museo de Arte Contemporaneo to view the best Panamanian art. One of the biggest drawcards however is nature – tropical forests, cruising the Panama Canal, and exploring one of the many beaches nearby. Sip a sundowner at LOST Urban Beach Club, sunbake on Playa El Tuco, and surf the waves at El Palmar.
Why wait? Redeem your International flight on one of Virgin Australia’s partner airlines using Velocity Points now!
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