While AmEx/Delta doesn't have the best redemption rate, I would put AmEx's customer service above almost every company I've ever dealt with, regardless of industry. Just called and for the 2nd time since I've had the card they just credited my skymiles account 500 miles for free just for being a loyal customer, paying my bills on time, etc. Had to sweet talk the lady a little bit, but that Bama charm gets em every time. Flight from Hanoi to Seattle fucking booked
Anyone spent any time in or around the costal cities between Porto and Lisbon? Looking at possibly going there in December for 7 to 10 days and hitting Nazare, Peniche and Ericeira for a few days and backpacking/surfing. Cold water, but less crowds and good waves.
Lesson Learned: I booked my trip to India on skymiles in May or June for a trip over New Years. There were a lot of options for 140k miles but they were all "multiple cabins" and generally amounted to business class over the atlantic and coach from Paris to Mumbai, or vice versa. Same for return. There was also going to be a super long layover in Paris, and we were going to have to leave Mumbai on a flight at 2:30am, which I didn't even know was possible. I called once and spoke to a rep who said she "saw" the same thing on her end that I did on mine, so I went ahead and attempted to book it online. I got to the checkout page and hit submit, and it came back saying "these fares are no longer available." I tried a few more times and the same thing happened. I called Delta back and spoke to someone else. She immediately asked for my GF's skymile # so that she could book instantly if she found something. After a lot of silence and a lot of typing, she offered me business class for all legs going both ways with only a 2.5 hour layover in Paris each way, which was just enough time to eat and shower in the lounge. I don't know how she made these flights appear that weren't available online and weren't available to the other rep, but she did. For the trip back, she had us in first class on Jet Airways (Indian airline) from Mumbai to Paris leaving at 11am, not 2am. I still can't figure out Delta is connected to Jet as Jet isn't even a Skyteam member (or wasn't then). Anyway, I swore then that I will always do Delta award booking over the phone, and I will call at least 5 times to try to find an agent who knows all of the tricks to make magic happen. I recommend doing the same.
In Osaka go to Shinsaibashi and walk towards the canal. There's a shopping arcade right off the main road that empties out into Dotonbori. Absolutely loaded with good things to eat, and most of the places on Dotonbori have the option of ordering some food right from the street. Makes it easy to get a bit of everything. There's a chain place called Zauo where you sit on a fake boat and catch fish that they then prepare for you. I don't know if I'd go out of the way for it, but if you run across one it's a neat experience. Meiji shrine in Harajuku is cool, wouldn't waste time on going to Asakusa as it is pretty much a big tourist trap.
So you can drive up most of the way, the last 30% or so you have to take special busses that communicate with each other because the pass is one in, one out, with one wide spot in the middle where they pass. So they have to go up and down at the same time. With the tour we did it included all transportation with theses busses, but there were people standing at the midpoint 'bus stop' that took it to the top. You can also hike the last little bit (is steep but the views would be awesome). Recommend going and walking around Berchtesgaden that day, it's a cool little town with plenty of places to eat and such. As for Munich - you need to at least go see Augustiner Keller, the biggest beer garden. Will be NUTS during oktoberfest, but it is amazing and quite a site. Serves the beer from the Augustiner you will see in Salzburg. Since you are going with your gf, you might both be interested in going downt o Neuschwanstein (the Disney castle) of mad King Ludwig. If you do, DO THIS TOUR - Mike's Bike Tours it's amazing, and they handle literally everything. Get to do a bike ride around the town of Hohenschwangau in the morning, see the city and awesome views of the castle, go through the castle, they even have you order food while on the bus out there so when you roll up to the restaurant it's waiting, and you don't waste any time waiting on anything. Worth every penny.
I prefer Berlin but Prague is awesome too. It's kinda like other eastern european cities where after a certain hour all the partying goes to the big clubs which can be difficult to find because they aren't clearly marked. I can't remember specific names of places I've been, but have a couple cheap liters of delicious cold pilsner and stumble around and you'll find stuff. On that note, Pilsen is worth a day trip. Went to the pilsner urquell brewery and the town is a cool place to walk around and drink some beer. I think it was only about a hour and a half by train.
We spent a week in Munich for Oktoberfest when I was there for a bachelor party and had no trouble staying busy. I've stayed in Munich 3-4 nights on my other trips. That said, we didn't spend that much time at Theresienwiese (Oktoberfest grounds) because there's a lot to do around the city. We'd do the big breakfast in Viktualienmarkt, then throw the frisbee/football/aerobee around English garden, then hang around other beer gardens/halls that weren't such a zoo. We'd then get dinner (Schneiderweisse is dope http://www.schneider-weisse.de/index.php?lang=en&tpl=brauerei.brauhaeusser try an Aventinus, but only a half liter because it's rich...but SOOO good), then go to the tents at night. If you don't have a reservation, make sure to get there as soon as it opens so you can get a seat at a table. Two full days at the tents would probably be enough. Or you could do one day of seeing the rest of Munich, go to the tents at night, and then spend the whole next day there. I highly recommend seeing the rest of Munich and the other beer gardens/halls there - it's a great city.
I was in Prague over the winter but didn't spend a ton of time there. It really is a beautiful city to walk around in. I do remember the club Karlovy Lazne, a five story mega club with different music on every floor.
Oh yeah, forgot about Neuschwanstein - it's actually super tight. I'm not that into churches and castles in europe, but this was sweet because of the surroundings. One more note on Augustiner: legend has it that the beer is so magically good, that the monks gave it to a blind woman hundreds of years ago and she regained her vision. Also, you're drinking beer from a wooden barrel that they roll into the room.
tank. It's what the "boat" is floating on. Also, be sure to get a rail pass. Have to get it before you go, but it will save you a ton of money. http://www.jrpass.com/?gclid=CjwKEA...C_jpTJ46wmcLPCU-cAwVksWC76cTcCqb8PxoCiqLw_wcB
For sure. I'll be in Tokyo for 4 days - I'm assuming the subway is fairly navigable (I live in NYC so used to subway transit). Is there an unlimited pass I should get or just pay by the ride? Are there any other temple passes? I've been in other cities where I could buy a single ticket that got me into everything.
The train system is top notch and I'd use it to get everywhere. The one thing that can be confusing is the different train operators. JR is the major one, but there are local lines that run through the same stations. I'd definitely recommend the JR Rail Pass as they go all over and include the shinkansen. For comparison sake, a one way ticket on the shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka is $190, the 7 day rail pass is only $282 and will cover that trip. The tricky part is you have to order the JR pass before you leave the country. They send you a document that you then take with you to Japan and redeem at a JR office to get the pass. It's pretty painless, but a little strange. As far as temples go I'm not sure. I don't think I paid to go into any of the temples or historic sites there. Also, you should go to Yokohama and check out the Cup of Noodles Museum. It's actually pretty awesome, and yokohama has some other cool stuff going on.
I only rode the Shinkansen once so it was cheaper for me to buy tickets individually rather than the rail pass. If you are riding the shinkansen more than once within a week the rail pass is likely the way to go. Most of Tokyo is their metro, which is not covered by JR. JR has train lines in tokyo but for most of the movement around town, the metro was much more convenient. I think it was about $2 each way if I remember correctly.
Seems like a good thread to put this in other than random thoughts.... Marriotts purchase of Starwood Hotels should hit legal close tomorrow morning. Will stay Marriott International and all Starwood brands will stay the same but will be under the Marriott umbrella. So Westin will be Westin and Sheraton is Sheraton. Marriotts luxury and Full Service brands should be unrivaled.
Anything in particular or just thoughts? Of course loyalty programs whether airline or hotel will continue to make changes which will increase money spent from the consumer or how much revenue a consumer is bringing in before hitting different tiers. That's never going to go away but I think that Marriott went too aggressive in their 2016 changes and devaluation. I don't think it's going to preserve membership that way or strengthen the program like you're being told. 27% of hotels now costing more than 2015 is crazy when Hyatts change was only 4%. In regards to the merger I think Marriott will push out another update in 2018 probably similar to what happened this year around 30% of hotels changing category unless something crazy happens, but until then things stay status quo because Ritz Carlton/Marriott Rewards and SPG are remaining separate until 2018 new program launch. They will be integrated and tier matching will happen will happen from day one. I think memberships will be up and continue to rise based on the sheer value that the merger brings. 1.1 million rooms, 5700 properties in 110 countries. From select service to Luxury many of the brands travelers are choosing will now fall under that Marriott bubble which will work in Marriotts favor. Not too mention that as of right now membership between the 3 programs is 85 million, probably double HHonors. I think we will see some program changes for HHonors and Hyatt Gold Passport which will offset some of the Marriott devaluation in order to bring more guests to those properties and maybe force Marriott buy I doubt it just because of the amount of market share they are going to have. I think from a consumer standpoint I'm probably reaching out to the programs I'm not on and having them tier/point match me and keeping my options open to the best deal.
Gf got a job booking travel for AMEX Platinum members. Quite the array of travel benefits they give to new employees making an hourly wage.
Just off the top of my head, comped 2-3 night stay at a Fine Hotels & Resorts property annually and 2-3 night stay at a Hotel Collection property annually. Auto Hertz Gold status. Travel agent number that I'm told opens up some great rates.
Nice. I've considered looking for a job that gives me freedom to travel and /or nice travel perks for my next gig.
i know someone who works for a US airline. She and her spouse fly free (pending availability) anywhere. Some benefits extend to her empty nester parents as they are 'family'. I need this perk in my life.
Airport shower access locations for Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders who have activated their Priority Pass membership. Read the terms on their site (included in spoiler) before making any hard plans. Spoiler
Me too. I got about 95k with the CSP and then will hit the 100k with the Reserve soon. 160k would get us to Singapore and back on United then we would have close to enough left over for a short flight (Carribean or Hawaii). this card.
Did you do organized tours for these? Is there anyway to do that stuff without a tour? Do you recommend staying in Reykjavik and doing day trips or trying to find an airbnb somewhere else? I'm trying to decide whether to rent a car and do stuff on my own, or just stay in Reykjavik and do tours. There will be 8 of us in my group so we're looking into trying to book private tours/group rates as well.
If you search the thread I have s long write up on how we did it. It would be in the first post if Jax Teller didnt hate all fellow travelers
It's my revenge for not being able to travel this year. Actually work's been kind of crazy and I've been addicted to the new DLC for Destiny when I've been home. I'll work on it the next couple days. I promise.
Okay back from 3 nights in Sapporo and 2 at a hot springs an hour south of there. Hotel at the hot springs included great breakfasts and dinners, every room of guests gets their own dining room and the same attendant for each meal. And in between shopping and gorging in Sapporo, time out for a little pachinko Spoiler
just got back from my second trip to iceland. a lot has changed in a year. place is overrun with chinese tourists and its going to get worse next year. If you ever thought about going, go now. It really is a lot of fun
Heading to Portland, Maine for some relaxation and lobster. Flights are booked but back and forth on accommodations. Anyone have advice on where to stay? Downtown looks good but is expensive. I'll be renting a car so not sure if it's fine just to stay in Freeport? Anything else I'm missing just looking at maps?
Fore Street is pretty good restaurant. A chef friend in Boston told me to get their grilled chicken, not the sexiest food but it was some of the best I've had. You really don't need to stay in downtown Portland. Driving into and out of the city is easy and there is plenty of parking to be found. I've never had a problem finding street parking during my visits. We used to own a place in Cape Elizabeth and always brought our out of town folk to the Lobster shack. It's not the best food you will ever eat, but it's lobster and Maine and the views are great.
Heading off to Europe for 15 days later this month for work though will be getting to enjoy some time for fun and festivities. I have some items planned out (visiting and staying with local friends in Liverpool and Prague) but would greatly appreciated any guidance anyone has for a Sunday afternoon in Cork, Ireland.
Awesome. If I didnt stay in DT Portland, where is a decent town? I looked at Elizabeth and theres one hotel there and its sold out (too bad, it looks really nice). The prices are all pretty much the same, so may just stay in DT Portland anyway but didnt know of any other specific places worth staying. Lobster Shack looks
You said you were going to Freeport, you could always stay around there. Not sure where you are driving from but at the outlets in Kittery (just over the border from NH), hit up Bob's clam hut, literally, some of the best fried clams you will get anywhere. When my wife and I traveled, we just stayed at the cheapest. In Portland, a good local brunch/lunch place is the Front Room. Away from downtown (in the East end section) a tad but pretty good. I actually saw Michael Emerson from Lost there. A decent pizza joint is flatbread company down in the piers. Great place to sit on the pier and have a pizza and beer with a bit of a hippy vibe. If you want a great local bar, right in downtown, check out the the thirsty pig. Food is extremly limited but they are known for the housemade sausages. A couple of home made sausages with some local brews is simply great. I always stop by and have an allagash with a blueberry sausage. Usually that is my appetizer before I head to Fore Street restaurant.
Yea i mentioned Freeport as an option...but we havent booked anywhere yet. We are flying into Portland and flying out a few days later. thats the extent of our plans so far. Unfortuantely Fore Street is booked solid during our stay but i know theres plenty of other places.
I had a friend on FB that went to East Africa recently for her Honeymoon I believe. Her pics are fucking awesome. Spoiler It may be a public album https://www.facebook.com/kristintatum3/media_set?set=a.10154470759767020.1073741830.597487019&type=3
Heading to Nashville for the weekend, never been before. Don't have much planned other than to eat some hot chicken and booze, probably check out some local breweries. Die Antwoord concert on Sunday night.
I think my next big adventure after India and Vietnam, in a year+ time, is going to be Africa. I really, really want to see east and central Africa (Zambia, Congo, Zimbabwe, and obviously South Africa). But I think South Africa is enough for its own trip, rather than just getting a taste of Cape Town and then going somewhere else.