The New Travel Thread: Now with write ups in the OP

Discussion in 'The Mainboard' started by Jax Teller, Apr 8, 2015.

  1. CoastalOrange

    CoastalOrange Well-Known Member
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    I hate to ask for further help so soon after the fantastic guidance for Hawaii above (thanks Why?Pokes ) but has anyone spent any time in Maine? I am planning a bachelor party to visit Bar Harbor and know next to nothing about the area, or really even the state (apparently the capital is Augusta, wonder if they have a large gypsy population like Augusta/Aiken areas). The bachelor really enjoys hiking and fly fishing which is what led me to Bar Harbor with Acadia National Park right there.

    Tentative plan is:
    - Wednesday night: Fly in
    - Thursday: fly fishing
    - Thursday night: Drink at the hotel/airbnb
    - Friday: Hiking in Acadia
    - Friday night: Out and about
    - Saturday: ???
    - Saturday night: ???
    - Sunday: Profit


    Is Bar Harbor a good time for that rough itinerary or should we look to stay else where and drive in to Acadia for a hike?
     
  2. Nelson

    Nelson Can somebody please get Ja Rhule on the phone
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    Anybody got a rec for best flight search engine that would let me do NYC > anywhere in Europe on a particular date?
     
  3. Lyrtch

    Lyrtch My second favorite meat is hamburger
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    Google flights
     
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  4. Arkadin

    Arkadin inefficiently efficent and unclearly clear
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    Yeah google flights or kayak both do that
     
  5. Det. Frank Bullitt

    Det. Frank Bullitt God Bless Texas
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  6. 941Gator

    941Gator TMB's resident beach bum
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    https://www.the-mainboard.com/index...rd-portland-boston-new-england-thread.141885/
     
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  7. Arkadin

    Arkadin inefficiently efficent and unclearly clear
    Donor

    TO:

    Amsterdam (AMS)

    Barcelona (BCN)

    Brussels (BRU)

    Dublin (DUB)

    Luxembourg (LUX)

    Madrid (MAD)

    Oslo (OSL)

    Paris (CDG)

    Stockholm (ARN)

    Zurich (ZRH)


    FROM:

    Albany (ALB) - $468

    Albuquerque (ABQ) - $518

    Allentown (ABE) - $468

    Anchorage (ANC) - $469

    Appleton (ATW) - $468

    Asheville (AVL) - $518

    Atlanta (ATL) - $468

    Austin (AUS) - $468

    Baltimore (BWI) - $468

    Billings (BIL) - $516

    Birmingham (BHM) - $470

    Boise (BOI) - $513

    Boston (BOS) - $473*

    Bozeman (BZN) - $518

    Buffalo (BUF) - $518

    Burbank (BUR) - $492

    Burlington (BTV) - $518

    Cedar Rapids (CID) - $518

    Champaign (CMI) - $511

    Charleston (CHS) - $518

    Charlotte (CLT) - $466

    Charlottesville (CHO) - $518

    Chattanooga (CHA) - $518

    Cheyenne (CYS) - $486

    Chicago (ORD) - $468

    Cincinnati (CVG) - $468

    Cleveland (CLE) - $468

    Columbia (CAE) - $518

    Columbus (CMH) - $468

    Corpus Christi (CRP) - $472

    Dallas (DFW) - $468

    Dayton (DAY) - $468

    Daytona Beach (DAB) - $472

    Denver (DEN) - $456

    Des Moines (DSM) - $518

    Destin (VPS) - $493

    Detroit (DTW) - $478*

    Duluth (DLH) - $468

    Durango (DRO) - $475

    El Paso (ELP) - $470

    Eugene (EUG) - $468

    Evansville (EVV) - $468

    Fargo (FAR) - $518

    Fayetteville (XNA) - $518

    Fort Myers (RSW) - $518

    Fort Wayne (FWA) - $468

    Fresno (FAT) - $475

    Ft. Lauderdale (FLL) - $468

    Grand Junction (GJT) - $484

    Grand Rapids (GRR) - $518

    Great Falls (GTF) - $497

    Green Bay (GRB) - $493

    Greensboro (GSO) - $518

    Greenville (GSP) - $463

    Harrisburg (MDT) - $468

    Hartford (BDL) - $518

    Honolulu (HNL) - $460

    Huntsville (HSV) - $518

    Indianapolis (IND) - $468

    Jackson (JAN) - $518

    Jackson Hole (JAC) - $493

    Jacksonville (JAX) - $518

    Jacksonville NC (OAJ) - $470

    Kansas City (MCI) - $468

    Key West (EYW) - $483

    Killeen–Fort Hood (GRK) - $472

    Knoxville (TYS) - $470

    Las Vegas (LAS) - $468

    Lexington (LEX) - $518

    Lincoln (LNK) - $518

    Little Rock (LIT) - $518

    Long Beach (LGB) - $481

    Los Angeles (LAX) - $473*

    Lynchburg (LYH) - $509

    Madison (MSN) - $511

    Manchester (MHT) - $468

    McAllen (MFE) - $472

    Memphis (MEM) - $468

    Miami (MIA) - $465

    Milwaukee (MKE) - $518

    Minneapolis (MSP) - $473*

    Minot (MOT) - $468

    Missoula (MSO) - $497

    Mobile (MOB) - $500

    Moline (MLI) - $493

    Montrose (MTJ) - $486

    Myrtle Beach (MYR) - $471

    Nashville (BNA) - $517

    New Bern (EWN) - $481

    New Orleans (MSY) - $469

    New York City (JFK) - $453*

    New York City (LGA) - $461

    Newark (EWR) - $469

    Norfolk (ORF) - $468

    Oakland (OAK) - $472

    Oklahoma City (OKC) - $518

    Ontario (ONT) - $472

    Orange County (SNA) - $488

    Orlando (MCO) - $468

    Panama City FL (ECP) - $493

    Pasco (PSC) - $468

    Peoria (PIA) - $483

    Philadelphia (PHL) - $467

    Phoenix (PHX) - $468

    Pittsburgh (PIT) - $468

    Portland (PDX) - $483*

    Portland ME (PWM) - $468

    Providence (PVD) - $518

    Raleigh (RDU) - $468

    Rapid City (RAP) - $493

    Redmond (RDM) - $518

    Reno (RNO) - $475

    Richmond (RIC) - $470

    Roanoke (ROA) - $468

    Rochester (ROC) - $518

    Sacramento (SMF) - $468

    Salt Lake City (SLC) - $478

    San Antonio (SAT) - $468

    San Diego (SAN) - $468

    San Jose (SJC) - $493

    Sarasota (SRQ) - $502

    Savannah (SAV) - $518

    Seattle (SEA) - $473*

    Shreveport (SHV) - $470

    South Bend (SBN) - $468

    Spokane (GEG) - $470

    Springfield (Missouri) (SGF) - $518

    St. Louis (STL) - $468

    Sun Valley (SUN) - $472

    Syracuse (SYR) - $518

    Tallahassee (TLH) - $470

    Tampa (TPA) - $468

    Tucson (TUS) - $518

    Tulsa (TUL) - $470

    Twin Falls (TWF) - $596

    Washington DC (IAD) - $541*

    Westchester (HPN) - $468

    Wichita (ICT) - $470

    Wilmington (ILM) - $518

    Worcester (ORH) - $463

    Yuma (YUM) - $512


    * - nonstop / direct


    WHEN: Varies depending on route. Generally February through March and October through December 2019
     
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  8. bwhit21

    bwhit21 Well-Known Member
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    Yea.. have a weekend to kill between work trips to Mysore and Hyderabad. Not ideal, but the alternative is flying home to HK and back.

    Planned to meet a family friend in Bangalore but that might not work out. Hampi looks interesting if I can figure out the logistics. Thanks man.
     
  9. Arkadin

    Arkadin inefficiently efficent and unclearly clear
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  10. Gin Buckets

    Gin Buckets Well-Known Member
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    Anyone got some good dinner reccos for Paris? This is for this coming Sat and Sun.
     
  11. Oranjello

    Oranjello Well-Known Member
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    Did you ever find out much about Bora Bora?

    Starting to kick around some ideas for my honeymoon (January 2020), and Bora Bora has been a thought. Crunched some numbers today, and with points I already have accrued (not to mention churning over the next few months) it's far less expensive than I ever imagined.

    My biggest concern is lack of things to do aside from diving/snorkeling and lounging on a beach. Part of me simply wants to spend my honeymoon being served endless frozen drinks on a beach somewhere, but the other part of me would at least like some options.
     
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  12. Det. Frank Bullitt

    Det. Frank Bullitt God Bless Texas
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    It's looking like I will cancel my Maldives rez (Conrad Rangali Island) and switch to Tathiti (Split between Moorea + Bora Bora). Tahiti is soo much easier from a travel standpoint. 9hr flight to PPT vs 29 hrs to MLE, which then requires a semi-private seaplane transfer to the property.

    The redemptions for the properties in Tahiti are about 3x-4x more than the 78k/night Hilton rate I was getting, but I think I can swing 7-8 nights in premium rooms/suites (read: Lagoon and Over-water Villas) using points, free night cert and about $2.5-3K USD. The full cost would be close to $9K paid if paid in cash only. I also have free bfast at the properties I will stay at, which would likely be another $700 or so at a resort.

    I haven't booked, and def haven't made plans, but I will reply as I do so. I believe marcus or someone else was also looking at the Hiltons in Tahiti.
     
    #16312 Det. Frank Bullitt, Feb 6, 2019
    Last edited: Feb 6, 2019
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  13. Todd Bonzales

    Todd Bonzales Sex with old ladies for money aaaand bear traps.
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    French Polynesia/Society Islands, done the way you should, is going to run $10,000 on the lowest end. Now, points may change some of that, but you’re going to need a lot. In 2009, our trip finished off just over $14,000 after spending money was figured in. I’ve said it to multiple guys on here over the years, but I don’t regret a SINGLE penny and would do it again in a heartbeat...but you know, kids and stuff now. 25 year anniversary it is, then.

    If anyone has any questions, feel free to PM me.
     
  14. Det. Frank Bullitt

    Det. Frank Bullitt God Bless Texas
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    :8mm:

    General idea of what you mean by "done the way you should"?

    I'm planning on diving, but hadn't even thought about that yet.
     
  15. FriendsofJtyler

    FriendsofJtyler I strenuously object
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    Did our honeymoon at Conrad Maldives, was an absolutely incredible property. Maybe the most beautiful place I’ve been, but a beast to get there especially in economy (as we did).

    Had a buddy that just stayed at Moorea and Bora Bora Hilton properties and loved both. More to do on Moorea but he liked the Bora Bora Hilton better.
     
    #16315 FriendsofJtyler, Feb 6, 2019
    Last edited: Feb 6, 2019
  16. Oranjello

    Oranjello Well-Known Member
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    I agree about traveling to the Maldives being too far for ~8 days. I looked into it as well. Plus the ~$500 transfer fees suck.

    After crunching numbers I too realized I could get flights and 7 nights at the St. Regis Bora Bora in an overwater bungalow for currently accrued points and about $3-4k. That cash outlay will drop as I open a few credit cards. As I said in my previous post, way way way cheaper than I ever would have guessed.

    Due to the SPG devaluation on March 1st, I have to make a decision in the next few weeks. The answer was easily “go” until I found the weather in French Polynesia in January is potentially hot, humid, and rainy since it’s their summer/wet season. Keep me posted as your trip develops.
     
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  17. Todd Bonzales

    Todd Bonzales Sex with old ladies for money aaaand bear traps.
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    Multiple islands, but finishing with Bora Bora in an overwater bungalow. The most common and easiest combo seems to be Mo’orea and then Bora Bora.
     
  18. Gin Buckets

    Gin Buckets Well-Known Member
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    You're 10 year anniversary is coming up wowee. I remember your trip report after your honeymoon too.
     
    marcus likes this.
  19. Todd Bonzales

    Todd Bonzales Sex with old ladies for money aaaand bear traps.
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    Ohio State BuckeyesCleveland BrownsUSA RugbyTiger WoodsOhio BobcatsCleveland CavaliersCleveland IndiansOlympics

    Made initial attempts to save for this very year and make a trip back, but way too many other life expenses tapped into that fund. Ah well, one day...
     
    Gin Buckets likes this.
  20. Nug

    Nug MexicanNug
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    [​IMG]
     
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  21. Arkadin

    Arkadin inefficiently efficent and unclearly clear
    Donor

    For all you cry baby Atlanta never gets any deal boys. October to December

    TO:

    Berlin (TXL) - $475

    Bucharest (OTP) - $488

    Budapest (BUD) - $496

    Dublin (DUB) - $365

    Helsinki (HEL) - $461

    Luxembourg (LUX) - $475

    Munich (MUC) - $458

    Porto (OPO) - $488

    Prague (PRG) - $464

    Riga (RIX) - $465

    Stockholm (BMA) - $496

    Vilnius (VNO) - $463

    Warsaw (WAW) - $487

    Zurich (ZRH) - $395


    FROM:

    Atlanta (ATL)
     
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  22. Det. Frank Bullitt

    Det. Frank Bullitt God Bless Texas
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    marcus Oranjello

    I just booked two seats on this. Couldn't be better timing.

    https://thepointsguy.com/deals/flash-sale-united-awards-tahiti/

    I did 2 RT Tickets in PE for 98k United points + $407 total. When I looked the other day, it would have been 140k + $407 for the exact same thing. Through some glitch they gave me RT in PE instead of just the return (overnight) leg. Weird. That's about $262 that I didn't pay for, but I'm ticketed in PE already.

    Edit: I might cancel and rebook in cash, but that mileage deal is today only.
    Edit 2: Nvm: Cash price for 2 RT in PE is $2033
     
    #16322 Det. Frank Bullitt, Feb 8, 2019
    Last edited: Feb 8, 2019
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  23. FriendsofJtyler

    FriendsofJtyler I strenuously object
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    Saw that. Pretty solid deal although it’s $630 ish from SFO to PPT right now with pretty wide availability.
     
  24. Weedlord420

    Weedlord420 Well-Known Member
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    Shark attack at hanalei bay
     
  25. FriendsofJtyler

    FriendsofJtyler I strenuously object
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    I surfed there with my dad and brother no less than 6 months ago. Crazy!
     
  26. C Yank

    C Yank #WalkOnCoach
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    Just booked a Europe trip for this year. Any recommendations on the following places would be great.
    Madrid: May 7th - 10th
    Munich: May 10th - 13th
    Santorini: May 13th - 16th
    Athens: May 16th
     
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  27. Alshon

    Alshon Well-Known Member
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    Are you set on that itinerary? That’s a ton of moving around in 9 days.
     
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  28. Arkadin

    Arkadin inefficiently efficent and unclearly clear
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    This
     
  29. C Yank

    C Yank #WalkOnCoach
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    eh the last trip we did was more jam packed and this is taking it a bit more slow, but agree its a lot still. girlfriend wants to see like 10 places so this is the compromise.
     
  30. rezy

    rezy Member
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    Munich do the englischer garten and hofbrau, haven’t been to any of the other places
     
  31. Where Eagles Dare

    Where Eagles Dare The Specialist Show On Earth
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    Yikes.

    Thank god my wife doesn't read this board. I will 100% not tell her about this
     
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  32. 941Gator

    941Gator TMB's resident beach bum
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    Florida Gators

    Not sure on that break, but that guy was probably 100 yards away from shore
     
  33. Where Eagles Dare

    Where Eagles Dare The Specialist Show On Earth
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    Yeah, article said he was outside at impossibles/the bowl, which is way out underneath the Princeville resort, from what I've read. Jump off the pier and paddle for a while

    I'm staying a block off pinetrees which is supposed to be fun

    I hope to still surf there, attack now means less of an attack any time soon....right??
     
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  34. FriendsofJtyler

    FriendsofJtyler I strenuously object
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    Yea you will be fine, there's a ton of shore break right off the beach. Lots of places close that rent boards too.
     
  35. Room 15

    Room 15 Mi equipo esta Los Tigres
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    #statistics
     
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  36. Where Eagles Dare

    Where Eagles Dare The Specialist Show On Earth
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    Yeah, I've found a few shops that have a good selection in Hanalei, but can't seem to find shit for rentals in Halewia
     
  37. Weedlord420

    Weedlord420 Well-Known Member
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    Rent a board for a week from a spot in Town and drive it up to Haleiwa.
     
  38. Where Eagles Dare

    Where Eagles Dare The Specialist Show On Earth
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    I get in at 430 and fly out at 9am. Don't think that'll work, unfortunately
     
  39. Where Eagles Dare

    Where Eagles Dare The Specialist Show On Earth
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    Auburn TigersAtlanta BravesWashington Football TeamAtlanta United

    Might try to buy a used board from the lost factory
     
  40. CoastalOrange

    CoastalOrange Well-Known Member
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    So, the GF made an executive decision and instead of Hawaii for her 30th bday, it seems we are doing 5 days in Cuba. I know nothing about Cuba so this should be interesting.
     
  41. Arkadin

    Arkadin inefficiently efficent and unclearly clear
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    It's an island in the Caribbean about 90 miles south of Miami
     
  42. two

    two Hello
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    It’s 90 miles from the southern tip of Key West. It’s like 250 miles from Miami.
     
  43. ohhaithur

    ohhaithur e-Batman
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    Decent chance you get a champions league semifinal to watch. Especially if you switch madrid and Munich
     
  44. FriendsofJtyler

    FriendsofJtyler I strenuously object
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    We're going to do a few days in Maui before heading to Kauai in July and I'm making it my mission to find this waterfall. So far no dice, and I pride myself on my googling skills. :angry:

     
  45. ohhaithur

    ohhaithur e-Batman
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  46. FriendsofJtyler

    FriendsofJtyler I strenuously object
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  47. ohhaithur

    ohhaithur e-Batman
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    I *am* an internet Detective after all

    But nice find. I'm reading a lot that locals hate tourists there and may slash your tires
     
  48. FriendsofJtyler

    FriendsofJtyler I strenuously object
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    CoastalOrange and ohhaithur like this.