The post Self-Drive or Get a Chauffeur Service in Dubai: Which Is Better? appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

You’re in Dubai for a week. Of course, you wish to see as much of the city as you can. Instead of relying on public transport, you decided you’d rather get around in a private car.

 

Good choice. You won’t need to wait around for a taxi. Go anywhere you want, leave anytime you find convenient, and never be subject to the whims of public transport.

 

The question is: Do you rent a car and drive yourself around the city, or is a Dubai chauffeur service better than a self-drive?

 

Read on and find the answer to this question.

 

Why Self-Drive?

Do you enjoy driving? Rent a car and drive yourself. Dubai has beautifully maintained roads and an extensive road network. You can have so much fun exploring Dubai the city, Dubai the emirate, and the rest of the United Arab Emirates.

 

Self-driving also lets you be alone in the car with your thoughts. You won’t have to contend with an intrusive presence that may mar your enjoyment of the moment. You can even rent a sportscar and enjoy the power of its engine, revving up and responding to the slightest change in pedal pressure.

 

Why Rent a Car With a Driver?

There are many reasons you may need to rent a car with a driver instead, and below are four of them:

 

1. You don’t have a license to drive in Dubai.

Driving in Dubai requires that you have an international driving permit (IDP) plus a driver’s license from your home country. You must obtain the permit from your home country.

 

This means preparing the required documents and lining up at the government agency responsible for issuing IDPs in your country. You must get your IDP before you leave for Dubai.

If you do not have the time to do this, you have no choice but to rent a car with a driver in Dubai.

 

Note: By the way, there are countries exempted from the IDP requirement. These countries include the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.

 

If you hail from an IDP-exempt country, your driver’s license from your home country is enough to authorize you to drive around in the UAE.

 

1. You don’t want to run afoul of the local law.

Dubai’s traffic fines can be steep. Dubai is also quite vigilant in monitoring its roads and strict in enforcing its laws.

 

What do these things mean for you? Unless you’re very careful, you can find yourself violating Dubai’s traffic laws and getting slapped with an expensive fine.

 

Even if you were the most conscientious driver, you may still slip up in Dubai. You’re a visitor; you’re unfamiliar with the traffic rules, so you do have a high chance of breaking at least one of them.

 

In your home country, you might occasionally pass a solid yellow line to overtake another vehicle in front. Is that a violation of your country’s laws? Yes. Wherever you are, passing a solid yellow line is likely to be a violation of established rules.

 

The difference lies in enforcement. In your home country, you may be slapped with a warning. You may not even be apprehended, and the authorities may not even notice your transgression.

 

It’s a different story in Dubai. The roads are actively monitored by cameras and advanced systems that automatically tag traffic violations, including the failure to adhere to lane discipline.

 

Pass a solid yellow line? That’s an automatic AED 400 fine.

 

You may be wondering. “But I’m a tourist. Isn’t it okay if I don’t pay the fines?”

 

Well, the rental company will be notified of your violations, and they will pass on the penalty to you. If you don’t pay the fines, you may face issues getting out of the UAE or returning to the UAE on a future date.

 

1. You want to make the most of your trip.

If you drive in Dubai, you’re likely going to waste some time getting lost. You’re unfamiliar with the city; even with navigation, you can lose your way in Dubai.

 

A car rental in Dubai with a driver is the way to go if you don’t want to lose any of your vacation time to losing and finding your way. Having a rental car with a driver enables you to plan your itinerary with the greatest amount of precision. You won’t have to lose your dinner reservations at that must-try restaurant or miss a show you’ve been looking forward to catching.

 

1. You want to avoid the stress of getting stuck in traffic.

Dubai roads can get highly congested at peak times. If you want to avoid the stress that comes with getting stuck in traffic, rent a car with a chauffeur.

 

Having a driver means it won’t matter how long you remain on the road. You can spend the time scrolling on your phone, reading, working, or doing some other productive thing instead of feeling anxious and stressed as you wait for the traffic to move.

 

Self-Drive or Get a Rental Car With a Driver?

If you’re renting a car in Dubai, it’s better to hire a chauffeur service. It empowers you to go where you want to go when you want to do so, but without the stress of driving on unfamiliar roads and getting stuck, lost, and potentially fined for traffic violations.

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The post Business (Not) As Usual: US Policies Shake Up Global Travel and Business Outlook appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The latest GBTA Business Travel Outlook paints a sobering picture: optimism is fading fast, and travel budgets are taking a hit. New data from the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) shows that the US government policies are causing ripples across the globe—shrinking travel volumes, slashing supplier revenues, and forcing meetings to go digital or relocate altogether. The July 2025 poll, which surveyed 950 stakeholders worldwide—including travel managers, suppliers, TMCs, and intermediaries—reveals a downward shift in sentiment compared to April. Industry optimism now stands at 28%, down from 31% in April and a dramatic plunge from 67% in November 2024.

Revenue fears among suppliers have sharply escalated. Nearly half (48%) of global travel suppliers expect a drop in business travel revenue this year, compared to 37% in April. On average, they’re forecasting a 17% decline. Lodging suppliers are particularly alarmed: 58% anticipate revenue losses, making them the most affected sector. This divergence in expectations is stark—while some buyers still see moderate stability in volumes, suppliers are preparing for a harsher reality, especially in international bookings.

Meetings Cancelled, Budgets Cut

Companies are increasingly pulling out of US-based events and replacing in-person meetings with virtual formats. Since April, there has been a marked rise in cancellations and relocations: 18% of respondents say they have cancelled US-based meetings (up from 13%), while 17% have cancelled events held in the U.S. (up from 10%). Meanwhile, 24% have shifted meetings online (compared to 19% previously), and 20% have cancelled plans to send employees to U.S. events (double the 10% reported in April). Additionally, 12% to 13% of organizations have moved meetings and events to destinations outside the US, reflecting a broader trend of travel realignment. Meanwhile, one-third of buyers (31%) anticipate reduced business travel spending, while 34% foresee a drop in travel volumes. International travel is hardest hit, with nearly half (49%) of respondents expecting declines—compared to 23% for domestic travel.

Admin Fatigue & Border Anxiety on the Rise

The most persistent long-term concerns are soaring travel costs (55%) and increased admin burdens (47%), but July’s poll surfaced new fears. Safety and duty of care concerns have climbed by 9 points to 46%, and worries over border detentions (31%) are also up significantly. Budget cuts remain a key concern (44%, up 4 points), and employee willingness to travel to the U.S. is waning—41% of non-U.S. employees now show reluctance, also up by 4 points. As US travel grows more uncertain, companies are actively seeking alternatives. A notable 35% of non-U.S. businesses say they’re traveling (or plan to travel) to meet new trade partners outside the U.S.—with Europe (70%) and Asia-Pacific (53%) emerging as top targets for building fresh connections. This isn’t just about strategy—it’s personal. Nearly 1 in 5 travel buyers (18%) report that employees have declined U.S.-based trips due to political or safety concerns. Even more striking: 35% of respondents say they personally know someone whose business travel was directly impacted by U.S. policy actions—up sharply from 23% in April.

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The post No Cards, No Stress: Expedia TAAP Launches 365-Day Deferred Payments, Flexible Booking Changes & Bank Transfers for Travel Agents appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Expedia’s Travel Agent Affiliate Program (TAAP) has launched a slate of new features aimed at giving travel advisors more control over bookings and payments. The changes—shaped by direct feedback from advisors—include extended deferred payments, booking flexibility with a new Hard Change feature, expanded bank transfer payment options, and an agency fee tool now available in over 20 markets.

Travel advisors can now offer clients deferred payment terms of up to 365 days, up from the previous 280. This change allows them to lock in early-bird rates and long-term bookings without immediate payment—providing a valuable advantage when managing complex travel plans or group itineraries. The Hard Change functionality enables advisors to modify bookings—such as changing dates, room types, or occupancy—without having to cancel and rebook. This cuts down on time-consuming admin and offers a smoother experience for both agents and travelers.

New Payment Options and Revenue Tools

Expedia TAAP is also expanding its payment options, now allowing bank transfers for hotel bookings in seven European countries: Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Belgium, Finland, and the Netherlands. This addition meets the growing demand in card-averse markets and simplifies the process for many EU-based clients. Meanwhile, the agency service fee tool has gone global, live in 20+ countries including the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, France, Mexico, and the UAE. Advisors can now apply a fee of up to 30% of the lodging total, giving them a way to monetize their service directly within the TAAP platform.

“Nearly half of travelers now rely on travel advisors for most or all of their trips,” said Robin Lawther, Vice President of Expedia TAAP. “These enhancements were built with advisors’ real needs in mind—and this is only the beginning.”

The post No Cards, No Stress: Expedia TAAP Launches 365-Day Deferred Payments, Flexible Booking Changes & Bank Transfers for Travel Agents appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

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The post Langham Pink Run unites people across ten cities for global charity initiative appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) recently concluded its inaugural Langham Pink Run, a global series of charity walks and sprints blending wellness, connection and giving. Launched to mark the 160th anniversary of LHG’s flagship brand, The Langham Hotels and Resorts (“The Langham”), the initiative brought together more than 1,600 participants – all clad in The Langham’s signature pink – to raise proceeds and awareness for eight charities focused on health, education, or environmental causes.

“The Langham Pink Run was more than a tribute to our past – it was a reflection of who we are today,” Langham Hospitality Group CEO Bob van den Oord said. “We’re incredibly proud to have united people around causes that truly matter, through a programme that clearly showcases what The Langham’s culture is all about: bold steps, shared purpose, and lasting impact.”

From the picturesque East Coast Boardwalk in Hong Kong to Sudirman Avenue in Jakarta, Clapham Common park in London, Central Park in New York, and the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne, Pink Run events were held across 10 of the many gateway cities that are home to one of The Langham’s hotels.

Event participants, which included hotel guests, colleagues, and local community members, each received a specially designed pink jersey, a commemorative medal and the opportunity to earn 16,000 Award Points and a Diamond Tier upgrade under LHG’s Brilliant by Langham loyalty and experiences platform.

 

 

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The post Vietjet entices global travellers with US$0 fares for the season appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

This summer, Vietjet makes international travel more exciting and affordable with a major promotion.

Intrepid travellers may avail of economy tickets from only US$0, plus 20kg of free checked baggage for all international flights. 

The promotion offers unbeatable value and flexibility for passengers; note that terms and conditions apply.

From 00:00 on Wednesday, 23rd July, to 23:00 on Friday, 25th July (GMT+7), thousands of economy tickers are up for as low as US$0 on the official Vietjet website and the Vietjet Air mobile app.

These promotional fares apply to all domestic and international routes with travel dates from 4th September 2025 to 20th May 2026, allowing passengers to plan their dream trips in advance and secure significant savings.

Other exciting benefits

In addition to the attractive ticket prices, Vietjet offers passengers an extra 20kg of free checked baggage for economy ticket holders of all international flights. 

This generous offer helps travelers avoid additional costs while enjoying more comfort and convenience on their journeys.

Moreover, from now until 30th September, Vietjet also offers free SkyFi eSIMs to all Business and SkyBoss passengers on international flights departing from Vietnam to Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. 

This added benefit ensures seamless connectivity from the moment passengers land, enhancing the overall travel experience.

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The post ANA Future Frontier Fund” Invests in  XPERISUS appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

ANA HOLDINGS INC. (ANA HD), through its corporate venture capital  (CVC) fund “ANA Future Frontier Fund L.P.,” announced its investment in XPERISUS, Inc. (XPERISUS), a startup delivering exclusive travel experiences for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) primarily from overseas．

With the recent surge in international visitors to Japan, attracting high-spending HNWIs has become  a key focus for maximizing economic impact. In recent years, affluent travelers’ preferences have  shifted from material goods to impactful experiences, fueling more sophisticated and diverse  demands for travel. With its mission to establish social infrastructure that attracts the world’s HNWIs  to every corner of Japan, XPERISUS curates premium excursions ranging from traditional cultural  activities at shrines to unique offerings developed in collaboration with local governments and  partners, all aimed at boosting regional tourism and sharing Japan’s rich culture globally.

ANA HD invested in XPERISUS to meet the growing demand for bespoke, immersive offerings across Japan’s regions. The partnership comes at a critical time, as inbound tourism is emerging as  a key driver for foreign currency acquisition and economic revitalization, particularly in regional  areas. By partnering with XPERISUS, the ANA Group will promote international travel to Japan as  well as domestic travel within the country.

 

 

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