UK City Hidden Gems: Things To Do In Manchester

BY  Sibashree Sep 2, 2025

Discounts! Deals! Special Rewards! Membership Rewards! All these are music to our ears when we plan a trip. However, as not all that glitters is gold, these offers on random platforms can make you a victim of the biggest scam.  You click on a discount link, and your system or online data is hacked. You lose your banking credentials, credit card data, and whatnot! This is where platforms such as Travelzoo step in with: Outstanding Club Offers Weekly Vacation Giveaways Early Access to Our Famous Top 20 Lounge Access for Delayed Flights And all this for just $40/year. But is Travelzoo legit? Does it really offer what it promises? We will figure out in this Tour and Travel Blog.  The key areas covered in this blog are:What Is Travelzoo?How To Join Travelzoo? 1. Assistance From A Global Expert Team2. It Caters To A Select Group3. Exclusive Club offersWhat Kind Of Trips Can I Plan With Travelzoo?1. Discounted Vacations 2. Bucket-List Destinations What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using Travelzoo?Who Should Use Travelzoo?Is Travelzoo Legit?Hear It From The Real PeopleWhat Are The Alternatives To Travelzoo?Is Travelzoo Legit? Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What Is Travelzoo? When you visit a Kayak or Expedia, you see deals and discounts like the messiest grocery bills. Travelzoo, on the other hand, is a platform that only enlists deals and discounts that are carefully curated, tested, and hand-picked.  It works closely with the leading hotel chains, cruise lines, airlines, and more to enlist the best deals. Furthermore, it offers deals and discounts for shows, restaurants, spa dates, etc.  The deals here are available for a limited span. Furthermore, they have a dedicated “Early Access to Our Famous Top 20” section.  This section has everything from concert tickets at over 80 places to the most adventurous Jamaica trips. Also, as the “This Week’s Top 20® Deals” section mentions,  “Since 1999, our weekly Top 20 list presents the very best deals and ideas, rigorously vetted and negotiated for us travel enthusiasts.”  How To Join Travelzoo?  Here is the step-by-step guide for signing in to Travelzoo.  1. Click on the “Join Today” Link on the Right Side of the Home Page.  2. Then, enter your email ID.  3. Click on the Get Started button, and you will be redirected to the page featuring a 30-day Trial Offer. The currency will be automatically selected based on your country. Then, you will have to make the payment through the “Pay with link” option or through your card.  What Types Of Deals Will I Get On Travelzoo? Travelzoo offers diverse deals and discounts for you. Have a look at the table below. Types of Vacation Packages on TravelzooWhat is Included?Hotel Deals• Free Breakfast• Free Parking• Welcome DrinksVacation Packages• Excursions• Meals• Hotels• FlightsLocal Deals• Show Tickets• Spa Discounts• Restaurant Offers• All Under $50 OffersCruises• On-Board Credits• Discounts• Free UpdatesFlight Tickets• Flight Deals• Clubbed Offers with Restaurants and Hotels• Specially Designed Vacation Deals  1. Assistance From A Global Expert Team The expert team of Travelzoo has the best travel enthusiasts. So, here, you will find tailored experiences at the best price.  2. It Caters To A Select Group It functions as a select group with passionate travelers as members. So, every deal here is kept secret from any external entity.  3. Exclusive Club offers Travelzoo is a closed platform for members. So, the deals and discounts offered by Travelzoo are exclusive and only for members.  You will not find these deals and discounts anywhere on the internet.  What Kind Of Trips Can I Plan With Travelzoo? From all-inclusive vacation packages to finding an accommodation in a faraway country, Travel Zoo offers the best assistance to travelers.  1. Discounted Vacations  Suppose you are visiting Cancun. Now, you want a plan for your entire vacation, including airfare, other transportation, food, accommodation, etc.  Travel Zoo will tailor a package for you so that you don’t need to pay for hotels, food, or cars separately.  2. Bucket-List Destinations  Suppose you are traveling to the Maldives. Now. Travelzoo will customize your vacation, including your stay at a luxury villa and its combo meal offer.  It will even provide the special offers so that you can adjust your meal expenses and bar expenditures even when the hotel is not directly offering these benefits.  What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using Travelzoo? Here are the pros and cons of using Travelzoo. Pros of Using TravelzooCons of Using Travelzoo• Special Perks for Upgrades and Meals• Hand-Picked Deals• Some Deals are Refundable• Deals Sell Out First• Not a Free Platform• You cannot Earn Rewards or Points Here.  Who Should Use Travelzoo? If you have flexible travel dates and you want to save money, Travelzoo is the ideal platform for you. Furthermore, it is ideal for all-inclusive bundle deals and budget-friendly local experiences.  However, if you have a fixed schedule for traveling or you want to earn reward or loyalty points, Travelzoo is not an ideal platform. It is also not meant for those who have very specific demands about each booking.  Is Travelzoo Legit? Yes, Travelzoo is a legit company with more than 25 years of operation. It was founded in 1998 and helps subscribers achieve significant savings on travel expenses by providing exclusive deals and discounts.  The Consumer Affairs has many positive reviews about the platform. Rhyder, a subscriber, wrote on 21st July, 2025, “Have been a member of Travelzoo for years. Always get spectacular deals no one else offer. The money you save on one trip pays for years of subscription rates. This is a no Brainer. Other travel websites give discounted rates. Travelzoo gives discounted trips.” However, all the reviews about Travelzoo on the Consumer Affairs platform are not that great. It is more like a mixed bag.  Still, it is great that Travelzoo responds to all the reviews and tries to fix the issues when needed.  Moreover, Travelzoo follows a well-defined privacy policy with a detailed declaration about the use of cookies, Travelzoo Affiliates, and Ad Networks.  Hear It From The Real People When you check out the Home Page of Travelzoo, you will find reviews from many happy customers. Here, I am quoting some of them.  “I got access to their Cyber Monday deals – and got a screaming deal! I have already covered the cost of membership easily, ten-fold!” - Gary.  “I have had at least 10 trips through Travelzoo and have no problem paying the fee. Especially now that they are trying to add more exclusive deals.” - Kay. “They sent me a notice that my flight was delayed today, and I got the lounge pass. Well worth the fee I paid today to renew my membership.” - Jenna. What Are The Alternatives To Travelzoo? Luxury Escapes, Expedia, and Groupon are some popular alternatives to Travelzoo.  Comparing Travelzoo with Its CompetitorsWhat’s the Difference? Travelzoo vs. ExpediaThough Expendia allows you to book a specific hotel or flight, it requires you to do more planning. With all-inclusive deals, Travelzoo hand-picks the offers and curates your entire experience. Travelzoo vs. GrouponGroupon has diverse local offers. Still, the local deals offered by Travelzoo are more premium and exclusive. Travelzoo vs Luxury Escapes Luxury Escapes and Travelzoo are quite similar in the way they offer the best discounts and deals. However, as the name suggests, Luxury Escapes focuses more on high-end properties, and that might not be exactly what you were looking for.  Is Travelzoo Legit? Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Travelzoo.  1. Is Travelzoo Free To Use? No, Travelzoo is not free to use. You will have to pay a subscription fee of $40 every year. Furthermore, right now, it has a limited-time offer. Now, you can get a 30-day trial by paying $1. After that, the subscription will get renewed automatically with a subscription charge of $40 every year. 2. How Can I Cancel My Travelzoo Membership? You can visit the My Account section and cancel the auto-renewal option of your membership. You can also contact the customer service team by calling 1-877-665-0000. Member services are available from 9 AM to 6 PM ET from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays and Sundays, these same services are available from 12-5 PM.  3. How Can I Renew My Subscription? Your subscription will get automatically renewed at the end of every year. If you want to stop it, you will have to go to the My Account settings or contact customer service.  4. Does Travelzoo Offer Family Or Household Membership? No, Travelzoo does not offer a family or household membership. The membership benefits here are for individuals. To purchase club offers, you will need an individual membership account and an individual email ID.  5. What Will Happen If I Am Not Happy With Travelzoo Subscription?  Travelzoo has a transparent 14-day refund policy. So, if you are not satisfied with its service, you can reach out to the customer service team to address your concern within 14 days of purchasing the subscription. They will help you through the subscription cancellation and refund process.  Read Also: HopTraveler.com Review: About HopTraveler.Com, The Best Features, How To Use, And More Traveltweaks Com: Why Is It A Trustworthy Resource For Travel Planning? Hopper Flights Review- Login, Services, And Travel Experiences

BY  Sibashree Jan 13, 2026

Along with the cultural richness of Tucumán, what hooked me was the community bonding and development. For the longest time, grape growing has been a part of local life. Now, in 2016, the Bodega Los Amaichas built the Amaicha del Valle community to take the local tradition and use it for the benefit of local people. It is the first indigenous community-owned winery in South America. Furthermore, Mendoza may get all the spotlight as the home of world-class Malbecs. But for travelers like me, who want a more rugged and authentic experience, Tucuman is the ultimate destination in Northern Argentina. Also, the wine tour in Tucuman is almost like a time capsule. The viticulture here is defined by family legacies, indigenous roots, and vineyards that touch the clouds.  In this Tucumán wine tour guide, I will talk about why Tucumán is an alternative to Mendoza, the route, the top wineries, and the specialty of local wines. For more on this beautiful province in Northern Argentina, you can check out my Tucumán Argentina itinerary. Why Is Tucumán The "Untouched" Alternative To Mendoza?  The flat plains of Mendoza are ideal for massive production. However, the vineyards of Tucumán are in the narrow folds of the Calchaquí Valley. So, the experience in Tucumán is more like a boutique. Furthermore, there are very few crowds in Tucumán, and the terroir is not just about the soil. Here, people celebrate a 10,000-year-old connection to the land. As Visit Argentina says, “The dry climate, the wide temperature range, the gentle winds, and sunshine 350 days a year create the characteristics of Tucumán wine: intense colors, simple and spicy aromas, and ripe, sweet, and fruity flavors.”  The Concept: "Vinos De Altura"  Wine is a high-altitude sport in Tucumán. Grapes are grown under extreme conditions at an altitude of 2000 to 3000 meters. Also, the struggle is here with intense UV radiation and a dramatic jump in temperature between sun-scorched days and freezing nights. As a result, the grapes here have thicker skins to protect themselves. The thicker skin further leads to intense tannins and deeper colors. In addition, the aromatic profile here is more concentrated than in the lowlands. The Route: From Jungle To Vineyards (Route 307)  The drive to the wine country of Tucumán is one of the most spectacular road trips in South America. The journey from San Miguel to Amaicha del Valle starts in the subtropical and humid rainforest of the Yungas. Then, you will climb Route 307 to witness a radical transformation of the landscape. Your eyes will settle down with the lush ferns and moss-covered trees of the Quebrada de Los Sosa. Wait for 2 hours, and the Calchaquí Valley will appear with an arid landscape and cactus. Then, you will cross the Abra del Infiernillo at an elevation of 3000 meters before you descend to the Amaicha del Valle wineries. Visit Argentina promotes the "Ruta del Vino" as a cultural corridor, linking the wine not just to gastronomy, but to the Pachamama (Mother Earth) festivities in February.  Map Of The Ruta Del Vino Tucumán (Ruta 40 Connection)  Technically, Tafí del Valle is the beginning point of the Tucumán Wine Route. Then, it continues to the Amaicha del Valle and Colalao del Valle. Finally, there is a link with Ruta 40, and then it advances to the ruins of Quilmes and the border of Salta. What Are The Top Wineries To Visit In Tucumán?  The top wineries of Tucumán offer a diverse experience. While Bodega Comunitaria Los Amaichas offers an authentic local experience, Finca Albarossa is more about a boutique feel. 1. The Indigenous Icon: Bodega Comunitaria Los Amaichas  This is the only winery in Argentina and one of the few in the world that is owned and operated by an indigenous community.  This winery has a cactus wood and stone architecture. The Amaicha del Valle community governs it, and every custom here respects the Mother Earth or Pachamama. I have seen people offering wine to Mother Earth before drinking. Furthermore, the Sumak Kawsay Malbec, meaning the good living, is the best wine to taste here. It offers the most authentic wine experience. The wine gere is robust, unfiltered, and has a deep, earthy taste. 2. The Heritage Player: Bodega Chico Zossi  This winery is family-run and located in Colalao del Valle, and it has been operating since 1900. As you walk through Chico Zossi, you will feel like you are at a family home. The production level is small and artisanal. Furthermore, the wine-making technique here has been passed down through four generations of the Zossi family. 3. The Modern Estate: Las Arcas De Tolombón  Las Arcas De Tolombón is the most awarded winery in the province. It has a Siete Vacas or Seven Cows label. There is a local legend behind the name. It is about the seven cows that would appear in the desert in prosperous times. The wine you will get here is a standout. You will love the floral and crisp flavor of it, along with the sweet perfume. 4. The Boutique Stop: Finca Albarossa  Finca Albarossa exudes sheer Italian elegance with a touch of Andean ruggedness. It is a boutique winery and hotel. So, it is an excellent experience to enjoy a glass of Malbec while watching the sunrise. Thus, it completely justifies its name, Finca Albarossa, where Albarossa means the “Red Dawn.” Understanding Tucumán Wines: What To Drink?  Amanda Barnes of the South America Wine Guide often highlights that the Calchaquí Valley doesn't stop at the Salta border. She praises Tucumán for its "extreme terroir" and the preservation of the Criolla grape varieties.  Tucumán Wines are different with a diverse flavor. From the signature purple to white wines, here are the varieties you can try. 1. Torrontés  If you want the quintessential wine experience of the north, you can try Torrontés. I would rather call it the flagship white of the North. It stands out with a refreshing aroma of peach and jasmine. However, the palette of this wine is dry and refreshing. Tim Atkin, the British Master of Wines, regularly scores Northern Argentine wines highly, noting that the Torrontés from this region is the most aromatic white wine in the world.  Even if you are a red wine drinker, you must try the Torrontés here. It is the only grape variety native to Argentina, and the Tucumán expression is floral and unique.  2. High-Altitude Malbec  I was looking for an alternative to the jammy Mendoza Malbecs. The high-altitude malbec, standing on the opposite spectrum of the flavor profile, comes with a spicy and structured flavor. This wine comes from the grapes with Soun-toughened skins. So, these have a signature dark purple hue. 3. Vino Patero  Vino Patero is an experience. It has an intense, sweet, and fruity flavor. This boutique wine was made traditionally by pressing the grapes by foot. The “Patero” part in Vino Patero comes from " pata " or foot. This wine is artisanal, and it is unfiltered. Vino Patero is a frequently served beverage at the local festivals, and you will have it along with empanadas. Things To Remember For Planning Your Tucumán Wine Tour  Best Time to Visit • February/March - Harvest Season, and for the Vendimia Festivities• August - Pachamama Festival Mode of Transport• Rental Car  Vendimia festivities are a celebration of the grape harvest. The Pachamama Festival, on the other hand, is a sacred week-long celebration to sink into the local culture. You will not get any Uber services here. Buses are available, but they do not take you to the remote areas. Where To Stay On The Wine Route In Tucumán?  Do you want to sleep in a vineyard? Estancia Río de Arena on Ruta 40 is the perfect place, exuding a rustic "hacienda" feel. Get out of our room, and within a minute, you will walk into the tasting room. If you need a budget option, look for Hospedajes in Amaicha del Valle. These locally run facilities are clean and authentic, and they will even guide you on which Vino Patero is the best in town. Expert Tips On The Best Tucumán Wine Tour Guide  The Sacred City of Quilmes is just 15 minutes away from the wineries. Also, the early mornings are the ideal time to explore the ruins. Do you want more such insights about exploring the wineries of Tucumán? Check out the following points. 1. Respect The Siesta Amaicha and Colalao del Valle turn into ghost towns between 1 PM and 5 PM. Most wineries shut their door during these hours. So, schedule your trip at 10 AM or after 5:30 PM. 2. Designated Driver Is Essential, And Check The Fuel Route 40 has narrow roads and even gravel. The route also often has goats/llamas and other stray animals. So, professional expertise and familiarity with local road conditions are important. Fill your tank in Tafí del Valle. There are long stretches on Route 40 without reliable gas stations between Amaicha and Cafayate. 3. Book "Los Amaichas" In Advance  The local people run "Los Amaichas. These people also work in the field. So, you must keep them informed about your arrival via WhatsApp so that a guide is available to open the cellar for you. 4. Cash Is King Smaller wineries rarely accept credit cards, and if you want to buy bottles from them, you will need to pay them in cash. Also, the ATMs in Amaicha often run out of cash. So, you have to bring a stack of Pesos from the city. 5. Try The Mistela  Along with the signature Tucuman wine, you can also try Mistela. It is a fortified wine with a very sweet taste. It is a cultural staple. So, you have to sip it slowly and savor its strong taste. 6. Get Enough Sun Protection The wineries are at a height of more than 2000 meters. So, the UV index is high, and within 10-15 minutes, you can get sunburned. So, wear a hat and sunscreen if you are doing the wine tasting outdoors. 7. Ask For The "Reserva"  In small boutique wineries like Chico Zossi, the "Reserva" bottles are often only $2-$3 more than the table wine but are aged significantly better.  Tucumán Wine Tour Guide: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Tucumán wine tour guide. 1. Can I Visit Wineries Without A Tour?  Yes, you can go on a self-drive tour on Route 40 and explore the wineries. However, you will have to book an appointment via WhatsApp. Booking is crucial as these wineries are small, family-run operations. 2. What Is The Best Winery For Lunch?  Bodega Río de Arena near the Quilmes Ruins is the best winery for lunch. It has a hotel and restaurant on-site. You can have excellent llama meat and empanadas there.  3. How Far Is The Wine Region From Tucumán City?  The wineries are around a 3.5 to 4-hour drive from the city.On the route from the city to the wineries, you have to cross a mountain range. So, it is not your usual day trip in Argentina. It is best to plan an overnight stay in Amaicha or Tafí del Valle.  4. Is It Safe To Drive Route 307?  Route 307 is a paved and scenic route. However, it is a mountain road and has many curves. Furthermore, the road is often misty. So, you must avoid driving at night. 5. Are The Wine Tours In English?  Yes, you can attend wine tours in English in larger wineries like Las Arcas de Tolombón.  However, if you want a tour of the smaller family wineries or the community wineries, the tours will be mostly in Spanish.  6. Can I Bring Kids For The Wine Tours In Tucuman?  Yes, you can bring kids for the wine tours in Tucuman. This is where the wineries of Tucuman are different from the wine estates in Mendoza.  The Tucumán wineries are more like farms, and they are very family-friendly. In fact, Río de Arena even has a petting zoo with llamas.  7. When Is The Harvest Season In Tucuman?  Late February to March is the harvest season in Tucuman. However, it is the busiest time in the Tucuman wineries. So, you will have to book the facilities in advance.On the other hand, August is the month of the sacred Pachamama Festival. 8. Why Is The Community Winery Famous?  Bodega Los Amaichas is the first winery in Argentina and the third winery in the world owned entirely by an indigenous community. The Bodega Los Amaichas tour reflects the Diaguita worldview of "Sumak Kawsay" (Good Living).  Read Also: The Best Places To See Northern Lights In The USA: When And Where To Watch Aurora Borealis Jaffna Travel Itinerary For 5 Days: What Are The Places To Visit And Local Transport What Are The Best Places To Visit In December In The USA? Vote For Your Favorite

BY  Abdul Aziz May 19, 2023

For avid travelers and investors, the Korean currency rate can be a fascinating topic of discussion. Understanding the fluctuations of the won against other currencies can give insights into its economy. Likewise, it could say much about Korea's political developments and investors' sentiment in the market. This article will explore everything about the Korean currency rate. As such, we will cover the basic conversion rates to the impact of major events on the Korean economy. History Of Korean Currency South Korean currency has rich historical data that dates back to the early dynasties of Korea. It all started with the use of cowry shells and pearls as currency. As time passed, metal coins and paper money became popular. The Japanese occupation of Korea introduced the Japanese yen as the official currency. Yet, in 1945, the Korean won was introduced and became the official currency. Interestingly, the won was initially divided into 100 jeon, but the jeon was eliminated in 1960. The won has undergone many transformations to ensure price stability and economic growth. In modern times, the South Korean won is the official currency used in South Korea. Today, the value of the South Korean won fluctuates with the global exchange rates. It’s one of the world’s top 20 currencies by value. Current South Korean Won Exchange Rate Knowing the latest exchange rate for the Korean won can be helpful in budgeting and forecasting your finances. As of January 2023, the exchange rate for Korean won is fluctuating depending on the global market and demand. Below are some of the latest conversion rates: 1 US dollar = 1,315.29 Korean won (USD to KRW) 1 Australian dollar = 893.35 Korean won (AUD to KRW) 1 Chinese yuan = 192.07 Korean won (CNY to KRW) 1 Japanese yen = 9.90 Korean won (JPY to KRW) However, exchange rates may vary depending on banks' locations and policies. Check exchange rates online through various currency converter websites to ease the currency conversion. Alternatively, download an exchange rate or currency calculator app. With these tools, you can convert your dollars to South Korean won (USD - KRW) or any other currency at the current rate. Banknotes And Coins Banknotes and coins in South Korea are not only used for daily transactions. Yet, they also hold significant cultural value. As such, these banknotes come in different denominations and colors. For instance, the 1,000-won note features a Confucian scholar. Then, the 10,000 won note features Admiral Yi Sun-sin, known for his naval victories against Japan. Meanwhile, the 50,000 won note features Shin Saimdang, a prominent female artist. Besides that, she was the mother of the famous Korean painter Yi I. These banknotes represent important historical figures and showcase various artistic designs. Similarly, Korean coins are equally fascinating, with 10, 50, 100, and 500 won denominations. Each coin features a different symbol that holds cultural significance. The 500-won coin features the portrait of King Sejong, who invented the Korean alphabet. Meanwhile, the 100-won coin features the image of a crane, symbolizing longevity and good fortune in Korean culture. When visiting South Korea, carry some local currency as most stores prefer cash transactions. Foreign exchange markets are available in major cities, but it is crucial to know exchange fees as they vary. Overall, banknotes and coins in South Korea hold monetary value and capture the country's cultural heritage. Visit the Bank of Korea to learn more about their banknotes and coins. Money-Handling And Etiquette As with any country, knowing the cultural norms when handling money in South Korea is good. As such, for Koreans, money is not just a means but a representation of energy. Below are some key points to note: Cleanliness is crucial. Many Koreans believe money represents energy and keep their bills and coins as clean as possible. Hence, you will rarely see crumpled or dirty bills in circulation. Besides that, many Koreans carry cash and coins in wallets and change purses. For them, it is not just a convenient way to have cash but a way to keep it clean and maintain the money's energy. Respectful giving and receiving. When giving or receiving money, using both hands for respect is customary. This act is particularly true when exchanging money with older people or of a higher status than you. No throwing or placing on the floor. Throwing money or putting it on the floor is considered disrespectful. If you drop a coin or bill, pick it up immediately. Likewise, people usually place money on a designated tray or hand it directly to the receiver. Cash vs. Card. Credit cards are widely accepted in Korea. Yet, having some Korean won for small transactions or in areas that only accept cash is always good. Keep this Korean currency rate information. Doing so will allow you to navigate financial transactions in South Korea with ease and respect for the country's cultural norms. Read Also: Traveling To Korea? Here’s Your Must-Try Korean Food 7 Reasons Why Phuket, Thailand Attracts Travelers Worldwide Top Hotels With Jacuzzi In Room In Las Vegas – Travel Guide