Latest news with #DennisBunnik
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
A traveler who has taken more than 325 business-class flights shares 1 thing he's surprised other passengers don't take advantage of
Dennis Bunnik has been on more than 325 business-class flights. Lounge access and meals are beloved perks, but he's surprised that some skip wearing the complimentary PJs. Some airlines give travelers pajamas for long-haul flights, which are relaxing and keep your clothes clean. In the past decade, Dennis Bunnik has boarded more than 700 flights, nearly half of which have been in business class. Those flights — especially a long-haul business-class flight — have come with plenty of amenities. Bunnik, a CEO for the travel company Bunnik Tours and an aviation YouTuber, told Business Insider that he's enjoyed everything from suite-style seats to multi-course meals. Still, there's one thing he said he's shocked passengers don't use enough. And that's the complimentary pajamas. Bunnik said the first time he boarded a flight that offered pajamas, he didn't think twice about throwing them on. Hundreds of flights later, pajamas and loungewear are a favorite perk of Bunnik's. "There are a number of airlines that offer them, and they're fantastic," he said. The loungewear sets are typically simple. They often include a pair of pants, a short- or long-sleeved shirt, and slippers. While pajamas are common in first class, travel outlet One Mile at a Time reports that about a dozen long-haul carriers stock them for their business-class passengers. Emirates, Qantas, United Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic are among those carriers. If they're offered, it's typically on overnight flights, although passengers can request a pair during a daytime flight as well. On a recent Qatar Airways flight in its business-class Qsuites, Bunnik received grey-and-blue loungewear for the 12.5-hour flight between Hamad International Airport in Doha to Adelaide, Australia. The top featured a gray long-sleeved shirt, dark pants, and comfy slippers. "They're great PJs," Bunnik said in the video documenting the flight. Bunnik said the passengers who skip out on wearing their pajamas are missing out. "One, it keeps your clothes crease-free and clean," he said. Even more importantly, pajamas help shift a traveler's mindset. "It helps you relax," he added. Bunnik said once he's wearing his pajamas, it's easier for him to forget about the outside world and settle on the plane. Bunnik added that he doesn't change into the pajamas until after takeoff. Once the seatbelt sign is off, he'll head to the restroom to change. Before landing, he'll put his regular clothes back on. "If there's an emergency evacuation, you don't want to be the one standing there in your pajamas," he said. Read the original article on Business Insider
Business Insider
3 days ago
- Business Insider
A traveler who has taken more than 325 business-class flights shares 1 thing he's surprised other passengers don't take advantage of
Dennis Bunnik has been on more than 325 business-class flights. Lounge access and meals are beloved perks, but he's surprised that some skip wearing the complimentary PJs. Some airlines give travelers pajamas for long-haul flights, which are relaxing and keep your clothes clean. In the past decade, Dennis Bunnik has boarded more than 700 flights, nearly half of which have been in business class. Those flights — especially a long-haul business-class flight — have come with plenty of amenities. Bunnik, a CEO for the travel company Bunnik Tours and an aviation YouTuber, told Business Insider that he's enjoyed everything from suite-style seats to multi-course meals. Still, there's one thing he said he's shocked passengers don't use enough. And that's the complimentary pajamas. Some airlines on long-haul flights offer passengers pajamas Bunnik said the first time he boarded a flight that offered pajamas, he didn't think twice about throwing them on. Hundreds of flights later, pajamas and loungewear are a favorite perk of Bunnik's. "There are a number of airlines that offer them, and they're fantastic," he said. The loungewear sets are typically simple. They often include a pair of pants, a short- or long-sleeved shirt, and slippers. While pajamas are common in first class, travel outlet One Mile at a Time reports that about a dozen long-haul carriers stock them for their business-class passengers. Emirates, Qantas, United Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic are among those carriers. If they're offered, it's typically on overnight flights, although passengers can request a pair during a daytime flight as well. On a recent Qatar Airways flight in its business-class Qsuites, Bunnik received grey-and-blue loungewear for the 12.5-hour flight between Hamad International Airport in Doha to Adelaide, Australia. The top featured a gray long-sleeved shirt, dark pants, and comfy slippers. "They're great PJs," Bunnik said in the video documenting the flight. The frequent traveler said pajamas serve two purposes Bunnik said the passengers who skip out on wearing their pajamas are missing out. "One, it keeps your clothes crease-free and clean," he said. Even more importantly, pajamas help shift a traveler's mindset. "It helps you relax," he added. Bunnik said once he's wearing his pajamas, it's easier for him to forget about the outside world and settle on the plane. Bunnik added that he doesn't change into the pajamas until after takeoff. Once the seatbelt sign is off, he'll head to the restroom to change. Before landing, he'll put his regular clothes back on. "If there's an emergency evacuation, you don't want to be the one standing there in your pajamas," he said.
Sydney Morning Herald
16-05-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘Traveller' or ‘tourist'? These days you can be both at the same time
Are you an independent traveller, or do you prefer to travel in an escorted group? Those who prefer to travel solo or with a chosen partner usually reject the idea of barrelling around a country with groups of strangers on rigid itineraries. They like to take it slow, dive deep into a culture, hang out with locals and follow their instincts. They don't want to do that with 40 other people and a tour guide in tow. On the other hand, some travellers are happy to allow others to make the arrangements for them. They feel more secure in a group with experienced leaders and a good ground game that smooths out unexpected events such as transport delays, natural disasters and even political upheavals. These days, you don't have to be in one camp or the other. Independent travellers might choose to travel in a group to more complicated or risky destinations, while those who like the safety of escorted tours find opportunities for private experiences during, before and after the main event. The world is so complicated now that it's natural for travellers to feel some uncertainty, which might explain the resurgence in group touring, certainly since COVID-19 taught travellers what it was like to be stuck far from home or have plans massively go awry. Recent geopolitical events have created another level of anxiety. Among reasons for the increased popularity of escorted tours is that 'touring is not what it was', says Dennis Bunnik of family-owned Bunnik Tours, an Australian company that has specialised in small group tours since 2004. 'For a long time, the Australian touring market was dictated out of North America because that is the largest market,' Bunnik says. But touring has developed beyond that, especially for the Australian traveller, he says. 'Australians travel further and longer than anyone else, so we don't have to be rushed,' he says. 'We want to know what's around the corner. We're naturally curious and natural explorers. We don't want to take a bubble of Australia with us.'
The Age
16-05-2025
- The Age
‘Traveller' or ‘tourist'? These days you can be both at the same time
Are you an independent traveller, or do you prefer to travel in an escorted group? Those who prefer to travel solo or with a chosen partner usually reject the idea of barrelling around a country with groups of strangers on rigid itineraries. They like to take it slow, dive deep into a culture, hang out with locals and follow their instincts. They don't want to do that with 40 other people and a tour guide in tow. On the other hand, some travellers are happy to allow others to make the arrangements for them. They feel more secure in a group with experienced leaders and a good ground game that smooths out unexpected events such as transport delays, natural disasters and even political upheavals. These days, you don't have to be in one camp or the other. Independent travellers might choose to travel in a group to more complicated or risky destinations, while those who like the safety of escorted tours find opportunities for private experiences during, before and after the main event. The world is so complicated now that it's natural for travellers to feel some uncertainty, which might explain the resurgence in group touring, certainly since COVID-19 taught travellers what it was like to be stuck far from home or have plans massively go awry. Recent geopolitical events have created another level of anxiety. Among reasons for the increased popularity of escorted tours is that 'touring is not what it was', says Dennis Bunnik of family-owned Bunnik Tours, an Australian company that has specialised in small group tours since 2004. 'For a long time, the Australian touring market was dictated out of North America because that is the largest market,' Bunnik says. But touring has developed beyond that, especially for the Australian traveller, he says. 'Australians travel further and longer than anyone else, so we don't have to be rushed,' he says. 'We want to know what's around the corner. We're naturally curious and natural explorers. We don't want to take a bubble of Australia with us.'
The Advertiser
14-05-2025
- The Advertiser
Worried about overtourism? Here's how to travel responsibly
Not wheeling your wheely bag on cobblestone streets early in the morning is just one thing you could do to be more respectful as a tourist with anti-tourism sentiment spreading around southern Europe. Travel has become more accessible but certain areas are also being overrun with visitors affecting local residents' lives. Anti-tourism demonstrations have been held across southern Europe in the past year and another is slated for June 15 when activist groups are reportedly floating the possibility of protests in cities including Venice and Palermo in Italy, and Lisbon in Portugal. There has even been speculation protestors could target tourists at popular sites with water guns. Bunnik Tours joint-CEO Dennis Bunnik said the protests are mainly occurring in cities that have allowed uncontrolled tourism. Intrepid Travel managing director Brett Mitchell said tourism should be a positive experience for tourists and locals. But in places like Venice, tourism has become "almost insidious". "There's some people that have been living for generations in their local towns and now can't afford to. The cost of some of these cities have just risen so much and the growth of the short-term rental market, it's really kicked a lot of locals out," he told Explore. "That's a pretty bad thing for the character of a place. It's loss of culture." In some cities, overtourism has become a burden on infrastructure, traffic and the environment. "For locals, it almost just lowers their standard of living," Mr Mitchell said. He believes overtourism in cities that don't manage it will become worse before it becomes better, and he implored local councils and governments to start looking after their residents just as much as their tourists. More taxes and policies are being introduced to combat overtourism in popular cities. These include Venice taxing day visitors who are not staying in the city and a ban on cruise ships, and Barcelona banning Airbnb from 2028 and curbing new hotel construction. Amsterdam is planning to cap hotel rooms and not build new hotels unless they replace existing stock. Tour companies are altering itineraries and offering more departures in the shoulder and low seasons. There is also a move for smaller group sizes that have less impact on the local community. Yes. In fact, Mr Bunnik said Australians are some of the most welcome tourists in Europe because we often stay longer and provide a positive economic investment. "Also, Australians travelling through Europe seek connection and tend to be more culturally aware and sensitive," he said. Mr Bunnik recommended avoiding travelling during peak school holiday times unless necessary, and travelling beyond the main tourist centres, such as beyond the Gothic Quarter or Las Ramblas in Barcelona. "Continue to be respectful and follow local customs and laws. And please don't wheel wheely suitcases over cobblestone streets at 6am (take a taxi or uber instead)," Mr Bunnik said. "Avoid the 'Insta-famous' places, especially restaurants, cafes and bakeries. Generally you'll have a better experience (and better food) only a couple of streets away." Mr Bunnik recommended putting Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan on your must-see list. These places have fewer tourists, friendly locals, incredible food, wine and history. He also recommended eastern Europe including Helsinki, Prague, and the Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania as well as Poland which offer "Beautiful old towns and cities, friendly locals and affordable prices." Mr Mitchell of Intrepid recommended having an open mind and being empathetic and curious, respecting local culture. "It'll allow you to push out of your comfort zone so you can start to talk to more locals and learn a lot more about their life ... the benefit of travel should go both ways, it should not just be for visitors," he said. He also recommended taking small group tours which are more intimate, spending your money at local restaurants, travelling in the shoulder season which is becoming a "huge trend" and getting out of the major cities. "I'd get up at sunrise to go and see things ... so try and beat the main traffic periods of the day," he said. Not wheeling your wheely bag on cobblestone streets early in the morning is just one thing you could do to be more respectful as a tourist with anti-tourism sentiment spreading around southern Europe. Travel has become more accessible but certain areas are also being overrun with visitors affecting local residents' lives. Anti-tourism demonstrations have been held across southern Europe in the past year and another is slated for June 15 when activist groups are reportedly floating the possibility of protests in cities including Venice and Palermo in Italy, and Lisbon in Portugal. There has even been speculation protestors could target tourists at popular sites with water guns. Bunnik Tours joint-CEO Dennis Bunnik said the protests are mainly occurring in cities that have allowed uncontrolled tourism. Intrepid Travel managing director Brett Mitchell said tourism should be a positive experience for tourists and locals. But in places like Venice, tourism has become "almost insidious". "There's some people that have been living for generations in their local towns and now can't afford to. The cost of some of these cities have just risen so much and the growth of the short-term rental market, it's really kicked a lot of locals out," he told Explore. "That's a pretty bad thing for the character of a place. It's loss of culture." In some cities, overtourism has become a burden on infrastructure, traffic and the environment. "For locals, it almost just lowers their standard of living," Mr Mitchell said. He believes overtourism in cities that don't manage it will become worse before it becomes better, and he implored local councils and governments to start looking after their residents just as much as their tourists. More taxes and policies are being introduced to combat overtourism in popular cities. These include Venice taxing day visitors who are not staying in the city and a ban on cruise ships, and Barcelona banning Airbnb from 2028 and curbing new hotel construction. Amsterdam is planning to cap hotel rooms and not build new hotels unless they replace existing stock. Tour companies are altering itineraries and offering more departures in the shoulder and low seasons. There is also a move for smaller group sizes that have less impact on the local community. Yes. In fact, Mr Bunnik said Australians are some of the most welcome tourists in Europe because we often stay longer and provide a positive economic investment. "Also, Australians travelling through Europe seek connection and tend to be more culturally aware and sensitive," he said. Mr Bunnik recommended avoiding travelling during peak school holiday times unless necessary, and travelling beyond the main tourist centres, such as beyond the Gothic Quarter or Las Ramblas in Barcelona. "Continue to be respectful and follow local customs and laws. And please don't wheel wheely suitcases over cobblestone streets at 6am (take a taxi or uber instead)," Mr Bunnik said. "Avoid the 'Insta-famous' places, especially restaurants, cafes and bakeries. Generally you'll have a better experience (and better food) only a couple of streets away." Mr Bunnik recommended putting Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan on your must-see list. These places have fewer tourists, friendly locals, incredible food, wine and history. He also recommended eastern Europe including Helsinki, Prague, and the Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania as well as Poland which offer "Beautiful old towns and cities, friendly locals and affordable prices." Mr Mitchell of Intrepid recommended having an open mind and being empathetic and curious, respecting local culture. "It'll allow you to push out of your comfort zone so you can start to talk to more locals and learn a lot more about their life ... the benefit of travel should go both ways, it should not just be for visitors," he said. He also recommended taking small group tours which are more intimate, spending your money at local restaurants, travelling in the shoulder season which is becoming a "huge trend" and getting out of the major cities. "I'd get up at sunrise to go and see things ... so try and beat the main traffic periods of the day," he said. Not wheeling your wheely bag on cobblestone streets early in the morning is just one thing you could do to be more respectful as a tourist with anti-tourism sentiment spreading around southern Europe. Travel has become more accessible but certain areas are also being overrun with visitors affecting local residents' lives. Anti-tourism demonstrations have been held across southern Europe in the past year and another is slated for June 15 when activist groups are reportedly floating the possibility of protests in cities including Venice and Palermo in Italy, and Lisbon in Portugal. There has even been speculation protestors could target tourists at popular sites with water guns. Bunnik Tours joint-CEO Dennis Bunnik said the protests are mainly occurring in cities that have allowed uncontrolled tourism. Intrepid Travel managing director Brett Mitchell said tourism should be a positive experience for tourists and locals. But in places like Venice, tourism has become "almost insidious". "There's some people that have been living for generations in their local towns and now can't afford to. The cost of some of these cities have just risen so much and the growth of the short-term rental market, it's really kicked a lot of locals out," he told Explore. "That's a pretty bad thing for the character of a place. It's loss of culture." In some cities, overtourism has become a burden on infrastructure, traffic and the environment. "For locals, it almost just lowers their standard of living," Mr Mitchell said. He believes overtourism in cities that don't manage it will become worse before it becomes better, and he implored local councils and governments to start looking after their residents just as much as their tourists. More taxes and policies are being introduced to combat overtourism in popular cities. These include Venice taxing day visitors who are not staying in the city and a ban on cruise ships, and Barcelona banning Airbnb from 2028 and curbing new hotel construction. Amsterdam is planning to cap hotel rooms and not build new hotels unless they replace existing stock. Tour companies are altering itineraries and offering more departures in the shoulder and low seasons. There is also a move for smaller group sizes that have less impact on the local community. Yes. In fact, Mr Bunnik said Australians are some of the most welcome tourists in Europe because we often stay longer and provide a positive economic investment. "Also, Australians travelling through Europe seek connection and tend to be more culturally aware and sensitive," he said. Mr Bunnik recommended avoiding travelling during peak school holiday times unless necessary, and travelling beyond the main tourist centres, such as beyond the Gothic Quarter or Las Ramblas in Barcelona. "Continue to be respectful and follow local customs and laws. And please don't wheel wheely suitcases over cobblestone streets at 6am (take a taxi or uber instead)," Mr Bunnik said. "Avoid the 'Insta-famous' places, especially restaurants, cafes and bakeries. Generally you'll have a better experience (and better food) only a couple of streets away." Mr Bunnik recommended putting Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan on your must-see list. These places have fewer tourists, friendly locals, incredible food, wine and history. He also recommended eastern Europe including Helsinki, Prague, and the Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania as well as Poland which offer "Beautiful old towns and cities, friendly locals and affordable prices." Mr Mitchell of Intrepid recommended having an open mind and being empathetic and curious, respecting local culture. "It'll allow you to push out of your comfort zone so you can start to talk to more locals and learn a lot more about their life ... the benefit of travel should go both ways, it should not just be for visitors," he said. He also recommended taking small group tours which are more intimate, spending your money at local restaurants, travelling in the shoulder season which is becoming a "huge trend" and getting out of the major cities. "I'd get up at sunrise to go and see things ... so try and beat the main traffic periods of the day," he said. Not wheeling your wheely bag on cobblestone streets early in the morning is just one thing you could do to be more respectful as a tourist with anti-tourism sentiment spreading around southern Europe. Travel has become more accessible but certain areas are also being overrun with visitors affecting local residents' lives. Anti-tourism demonstrations have been held across southern Europe in the past year and another is slated for June 15 when activist groups are reportedly floating the possibility of protests in cities including Venice and Palermo in Italy, and Lisbon in Portugal. There has even been speculation protestors could target tourists at popular sites with water guns. Bunnik Tours joint-CEO Dennis Bunnik said the protests are mainly occurring in cities that have allowed uncontrolled tourism. Intrepid Travel managing director Brett Mitchell said tourism should be a positive experience for tourists and locals. But in places like Venice, tourism has become "almost insidious". "There's some people that have been living for generations in their local towns and now can't afford to. The cost of some of these cities have just risen so much and the growth of the short-term rental market, it's really kicked a lot of locals out," he told Explore. "That's a pretty bad thing for the character of a place. It's loss of culture." In some cities, overtourism has become a burden on infrastructure, traffic and the environment. "For locals, it almost just lowers their standard of living," Mr Mitchell said. He believes overtourism in cities that don't manage it will become worse before it becomes better, and he implored local councils and governments to start looking after their residents just as much as their tourists. More taxes and policies are being introduced to combat overtourism in popular cities. These include Venice taxing day visitors who are not staying in the city and a ban on cruise ships, and Barcelona banning Airbnb from 2028 and curbing new hotel construction. Amsterdam is planning to cap hotel rooms and not build new hotels unless they replace existing stock. Tour companies are altering itineraries and offering more departures in the shoulder and low seasons. There is also a move for smaller group sizes that have less impact on the local community. Yes. In fact, Mr Bunnik said Australians are some of the most welcome tourists in Europe because we often stay longer and provide a positive economic investment. "Also, Australians travelling through Europe seek connection and tend to be more culturally aware and sensitive," he said. Mr Bunnik recommended avoiding travelling during peak school holiday times unless necessary, and travelling beyond the main tourist centres, such as beyond the Gothic Quarter or Las Ramblas in Barcelona. "Continue to be respectful and follow local customs and laws. And please don't wheel wheely suitcases over cobblestone streets at 6am (take a taxi or uber instead)," Mr Bunnik said. "Avoid the 'Insta-famous' places, especially restaurants, cafes and bakeries. Generally you'll have a better experience (and better food) only a couple of streets away." Mr Bunnik recommended putting Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan on your must-see list. These places have fewer tourists, friendly locals, incredible food, wine and history. He also recommended eastern Europe including Helsinki, Prague, and the Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania as well as Poland which offer "Beautiful old towns and cities, friendly locals and affordable prices." Mr Mitchell of Intrepid recommended having an open mind and being empathetic and curious, respecting local culture. "It'll allow you to push out of your comfort zone so you can start to talk to more locals and learn a lot more about their life ... the benefit of travel should go both ways, it should not just be for visitors," he said. He also recommended taking small group tours which are more intimate, spending your money at local restaurants, travelling in the shoulder season which is becoming a "huge trend" and getting out of the major cities. "I'd get up at sunrise to go and see things ... so try and beat the main traffic periods of the day," he said.
