What do Indian airport security guards, Virgin Atlantic cabin crew, an airport hotel in Rome, and a cucumber have in common?
The answer is that they’ve all made the cut for superstar travel expert Nicky Kelvin’s review of the year.
We asked Nicky, the Editor at Large of travel site The Points Guy, to name his best travel moments of 2024, his worst travel moments of the year – and to pinpoint what he’s most looking forward to in 2025.
Nicky’s most memorable moments list serves as a useful guide for the planes, hotels and activities travellers should consider booking.
While his worst moments hall of shame will help globetrotters avoid frustrations in 2025.
And the cucumber? Read on to find out how that particular fruit figures in the world of travel…
Best moments – a cockpit landing, a race to Paris, and the last flight of a round-the-world trip
‘Sitting in the cockpit [left] for a landing into New York’s JFK [right] on an El AL 787 Dreamliner with incredible views of the Manhattan skyline was a standout,’ says Nicky
‘My best moments of 2024 were those where my inner aviation geek was indulged,’ declares Nicky.
‘Sitting in the cockpit for a landing into New York’s JFK on an El AL 787 Dreamliner – click here – with incredible views of the Manhattan skyline was a standout.
‘As were some joyous Olympic activities, including pitting British Airways, Vueling and the Eurostar against each other in a race between the London Olympic pool and the Stade de France with Olympic champion Matty Lee.
‘And flying the Olympic flag from Paris to Los Angeles with Delta after the games.’
Nicky flew the Olympic flag from Paris to Los Angeles with Delta after the games – it was one of his 2024 highlights
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Nicky also picked out the final leg of a nine-flight, 12-day challenge to fly round the entire world with SkyTeam.
He says: ‘It was incredible but tough going on the mind and body, but the final flight was with Virgin on an A330-900 neo in the large and comfortable “Retreat Suite”.
‘Getting on board a broken man, it felt like a homecoming and I almost wanted to fall into the arms of the crew.
‘It was the most incredible way to end a gruelling trip.’ Watch Nicky’s video of the trip here.
Best plane – Korean Air Boeing 747-8
Nicky’s favourite plane of 2024 was this Korean Air Boeing 747-8. Pictured right is the economy food on board
‘My favourite plane in the world is the Boeing 747,’ says Nicky, ‘but increasingly they are being taken out of service.
‘Some airlines fly the newer 747-8 like Korean, and I got the chance to fly with them to Seoul.
‘Even though it was in economy, flying this iconic aircraft was a dream.’
See Nicky’s full review here.
Best cabin tried – Japan Airlines A350-1000 first class
Nicky loved the Japan Airlines first-class cabin (above), which features headrest speakers
Nicky says: ‘Japan Airlines (JAL) has included a world-leading product in all cabins on its newest Airbus A350-1000 aircraft.
‘I flew in its first-class cabin between Tokyo Haneda and New York JFK.
‘The huge cabin features technology such as speakers in the headrest.
‘This product will now also fly to London.’
See Nicky’s full review here.
Best airline food – Air France La Premiere
A first-class Air France flight proved to be a mouthwatering experience. Nicky says: ‘The selection and quality were incredible’
A first-class Air France flight proved to be a mouthwatering experience.
Nicky tells MailOnline Travel: ‘Flying first class with Air France has been at the top of my bucket list for years, so when I finally had a chance to fly La Première from Paris to Dubai, I knew I’d be in for a treat.
‘Both the selection and quality were incredible but the food in the lounge was also standout, especially the roast chicken served with a measure of drama from an elaborate trolly.’
See Nicky’s full review here.
Best airline crew – Virgin Atlantic
Nicky with Luquesha, the Virgin Atlantic JFK ‘fan favourite’ Clubhouse manager
‘No one in the industry does it quite like Virgin Atlantic when it comes to crew,’ says Nicky
Sir Branson’s crew get the double thumbs-up from Nicky.
He says: ‘No one in the industry does it quite like Virgin Atlantic when it comes to crew.
‘From the iconic uniforms, to the cheeky, relaxed but professional service you’ll receive consistently from the staff, they are the reason I’ve often chosen to spend my money with Virgin this year.
‘They are also standout on the ground too. Luquesha, the JFK Clubhouse manager is a fan favourite and makes customers feel so special they decide to fly Virgin again and again.’
Best overall flight – Abercrombie & Kent’s private jet
Nicky describes Abercrombie & Kent’s private jet as one of the most unique aviation experiences he’s ever had
Given Nicky’s 2024 itinerary, this must have been one special flight.
He explains: ‘Getting the chance to fly on Abercrombie & Kent’s private jet was once-in-a-lifetime experience.
‘Tickets on this flight sell for hundreds of thousands as the jet whisks well-to-do passengers off on adventures around the entire globe.
‘Our positioning flight from Reykjavík in Iceland, where the aircraft is based to Portland, Oregon, where the aircraft was picking up its passengers for their global tour, was one of the most unique aviation experiences I have ever had.’
Best travel hack – Global Entry
Nicky’s favourite travel hack of 2024 is Global Entry, which allows members to skip immigration lines. He’s pictured above explaining the scheme in an Instagram video
‘Brits love a trip to the United States,’ says Nicky, ‘less so the queues at immigration on arrival.
‘For not much more than £100, British passport holders can secure Global Entry for five years, which in my experience trades a one-hour wait in line to a 10-second rapid clearance through U.S immigration.’
He adds: ‘There are two parts to the fee. There is an initial one-off fee of £42, a UK processing fee – you don’t need to pay this again when you renew after five years – and the main fee of US$120/£95.
‘You will pay this again after five years to renew. I believe it represents excellent value for anyone visiting the U.S once or more per year. Even a couple of visits in five years would make sense.’
Best hotel – Four Seasons Nam Hai
The Four Seasons Nam Hai ‘was an absolute stunner’
Nicky was bowled over by this ‘breathtaking’ hotel.
He says: ‘Vietnam is an increasingly popular destination with a wide range of excellent hotels, but the Four Seasons Nam Hai by the gorgeous Unesco World Heritage site town of Hoi An was an absolute stunner.
‘Huge multi-room pool villas, one of the best hotel spas I’ve ever seen, a breathtakingly gorgeous communal pool and incredible service made this my standout stay of the year.’
Best activity in 2024 – Abercrombie & Kent safari in Kenya
On an Abercrombie & Kent safari, Nicky got up close and personal with the last two remaining northern white rhinos in the world
Nicky’s favourite activity of 2024 was wildly special.
He says: ‘There is no experience quite like a safari and no one does it quite like Abercrombie & Kent.
‘I’ve been on a number of safaris before, but this one was particularly special because of the access that A&K arranged to be able to get up close and personal with the last two remaining northern white rhinos in the world at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in northern Kenya.’
THE WORST OF 2024
Worst cabin tried – Air India A319 economy
Nicky explains: ‘Taking a 16-year-old Air India A319 domestic economy flight between Bangalore and Delhi did not scream luxury, but on this flight I was met by a dirty, broken seat right at the back of the plane.’
Worst airline food of 2024 – Virgin Atlantic premium economy brunch
Nicky is a huge fan of Virgin Atlantic, but not its brunches.
He explains: ‘Whilst I sing Virgin’s praises most of the time, Virgin Atlantic’s new attempt at brunch was not a great experience and not up to its usual high standards.
‘Poached eggs are hard to execute on a plane! I’m hoping little nudges from crew and passengers will spell the end of the brunch service.’
Worst airline crew – Indian airport security
Nicky is reluctant to single out a disappointing crew, but security at India’s airports have room for improvement.
He explains: ‘I adore airline crews and the hard work they do. I would never pick a “worst”.
‘That being said, on three separate trips to India this year, involving multiple flights on each trip, I had consistently terrible experiences with the staff policing the doors of the airport and also the officers at the X-ray security points who were rude, unforgiving and forced entire unpacking of every item in my bag every single time.’
Worst hotel – Hilton Rome Airport
Nicky is not a fan of Hilton Rome Airport, which is a long walk from the terminal, and ‘dated’
Nicky says: ‘I usually love an airport hotel.
‘But the Hilton Rome Airport, in theory easy to reach from the terminal, involved a very long and very sweaty walk with a disappointing dated hotel meeting us at the end of the trail.’
MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2025
Cabins – Lufthansa Allegris and Swiss Senses
Lufthansa’s Allegris cabin (above) is on Nicky’s bucket list for 2025
Nicky says: ‘The reimagined cabins of both Lufthansa and Swiss will take off in 2025 and it is what I am most excited to experience and fly as soon as I am able.
‘The two airlines have really pulled out all the stops, especially in first class with products that look like they will compete on the global stage as one of the very best products available.’
Flight routes – Easyjet expansion, Tbilisi and more
Nicky says: ‘Easyjet has been firing out announcement after announcement of new routes. I’m a big fan of any route announcement – it is a win for consumers, both in terms of connectivity and also competition.
‘Particularly exciting for me is the addition of Tbilisi, Georgia, which has been on my hitlist for many years, with Cape Verde and Tromso other top adds.’
New aircraft – Emirates A350
Emirates’ new Airbus A350 aircraft have got Nicky excited
Nicky says: ‘This is the first time that Emirates has introduced a new aircraft type since the Airbus A380 came into service in 2008.
‘This alone makes the addition of the A350 exciting.
‘However, we are looking even further to the future and awaiting a new business class product, which will be included on future deliveries of the A350 at some point.’
New hotels – Six Senses London
Nicky remarks: ‘London is my hometown and so it’s always exciting to see new and interesting properties land in the area.
‘Six Senses London is even closer to home for me in West London, and with a focus on wellness and a very interesting team behind the project, this is my watch for the coming year.’
New travel hacks – food as hydration
Quenching your thirst by eating is set to be big in 2025, says Nicky.
He explains: ‘One hack, which was revealed at the end of this year, I believe will take off in 2025 after its viral success – using food as hydration.
‘For example, the trusty cucumber. Restrictions on liquids are still in place and you cannot take large bottles of liquid through security, however, you can take food like cucumbers. They are low calorie, tasty, and will give you all the hydration you need on a flight.’
For more from Nicky and The Points Guy team visit thepointsguy.com/uk-travel.
Follow Nicky on Instagram here.
