Executive Club News • August 2016
How to earn Avios with BA partners
BA’s airline partnerships, including the oneworld alliance, mean you can earn Avios on hundreds of worldwide destinations – even if you’re not flying with BA. The Club speaks to locals in five destinations on the oneworld network, who share what makes their city worth visiting
Okinawa, Japan
Says who? Yukari Marsh, local tour guide and translator
Discover the secret of long life in Okinawa. Not only do the islands have excellent sandy beaches, they’re also surrounded by coral reefs, popular with divers and snorkellers. Eat like the locals at an izakaya (pub). In addition to fresh fish and tropical fruits, try Okinawan soba (pictured) – wheat noodles in a soup served with pork belly. And the locals live by the principle of yuimaru (mutual aid) helping each other with no payback, so are friendly and helpful.
Get there with: Japan Airlines
Ivalo, Lapland
Says who? Christin Sieppi, hotel director at Hotel Ivalo
Get back to nature in Ivalo. There are ample opportunities to get out on the water, from fishing in the Ivalojoki river to boat trips on Lake Inari (pictured above). Prefer dry land? Pick up the Mukkavuopaja nature trail, or join one of the guided berry-picking or mushroom-picking expeditions. There’s also the Wild Spirit Park – an arctic animal park, open all year round. And make the most of the long summer days with a husky-guided hike.
Get there with: Finnair
Montevideo, Uruguay
Says who? Paula Stellardi of the Academia Uruguay
Montevideo is a haven for foodies and football lovers. Visit Tristán Narvaja market on a Sunday for colourful fruits and vegetables, or head to the Mercado del Puerto to taste Uruguayan beef at a parrillada (steakhouse, pictured above). Want to raise a toast? Go to Roldós and ask for a medio y medio (a blend of sweet sparkling wine and dry white wine). Then make a pilgrimage to Estadio Centenario where the first World Cup football championship was held in 1930. It now houses the Museo del Fútbol.
Get there with: LAN
Sochi, Russia
Says who? Deborah Haines, general manager at the Radisson Blu Paradise Resort & Spa, Sochi
Due to the mild subtropical climate, visitors enjoy 300 days of sunshine a year and a lengthy ski season in the mountains. Swim in the warm Black Sea from April to October, or ski and snowboard from late October until May. Sochi has a reputation for sports and adventure – in addition to its Formula 1 track, there’s a bungee jumping park with the world’s longest suspension bridge and a jump of 207 metres. Sochi is also known for its incredible views (pictured) and relaxing spas.
Get there with: S7 Airlines
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Says who? Shavinda Jinadasa, manager at Cinnamon Grand Hotel
Experience the colours and sounds of the Gangaramaya Temple (pictured), a working place of Buddhist worship, before heading to a different sort of temple – Sri Lanka’s largest department store, Odel. Colombo’s shopping opportunities don’t stop there, pick up a souvenir at Stone ’n’ String, a company that makes jewellery using local gemstones. For gifts, visit Dilmah t-Lounge and sample Ceylon tea blends.
Get there with: Sri Lankan Airlines
This article has been tagged BA, Destination