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

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

  1. RJF-GUMP

    RJF-GUMP Daubert Qualified in Cooler Thermodynamics
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    I wonder if there are any resorts that are open and somewhat normal? Getting a negative test doesn't sound like that big of a hassle. Flying is a whole other question though. I haven't flown since the pandemic hit. I guess having everyone masked up eliminates a good bit of risk but still sounds a bit dicey to me.
     
  2. southside

    southside Well-Known Member
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    How much was your Airbnb? Looking for somewhere in the Caribbean Jan-feb

    Airbnb’s monthly discount is a great product for these times we’re in
     
  3. Where Eagles Dare

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    Buddy did this for a resort in Cabo. Work trip. 12 ppl flew private.

    4 or 5 came back with Covid+. It ain't all fool proof
     
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  4. Fran Tarkenton

    Fran Tarkenton Hilton Honors VIP
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    Just was in Antigua and it was a 7 day test. Then temperature checks upon landing.

    But the blackhole in the process are the people who contract the Virus at an American airport then carry it with them to the island. Really ought to be doing, albeit somewhat unreliable, rapid tests at passport control (but thats still not going to catch everything bc it can take 4/5 days for the virus to reveal itself).
     
  5. Wee Bey

    Wee Bey racially ambiguous
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    How long should I stay in Moab? Using points with Marriott so the 5th night is free, but not sure Moab warrants 5 nights.

    Moving from Seattle to St Pete. Going Seattle > SLC > Moab > Santa Fe > Dallas > Jackson > Mobile > Tampa.
     
  6. pianoman

    pianoman my drinks are free
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    Five days is a lot unless you plan to do a ton of hiking. We just did three there two months ago and that seems perfect. One day for Island in the Sky in Canyonlands, one day in Arches, and one day in the Needles district of canyonlands.
     
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  7. CoastalOrange

    CoastalOrange Well-Known Member
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    No, it's definitely not fool proof. It's all about being smart between the test and departure, then being smart while abroad. That's like the 5-6th story I've heard abt people going to Mexico and getting COVID. Thankfully TCI has either 0 or 1 active cases on the islands. But even then, it's masks all throughout places and hand sanitizer upon entering any place.
     
  8. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
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    Made a last minute trip to Turkey. Been out here for a little over 24 hours and done some exploring around Istanbul.

    Wild to think that my flight landed in Asia, but I’m staying in Europe.

    Explored the Beyoglu neighborhood today. So many small streets lined with cafes and coffee shops with grape vine canopies. Unique European feel.
     
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  9. Oranjello

    Oranjello Well-Known Member
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    Depends on your level of activity and how remote you'd like to get. If you're staying in a hotel and doing day trips, then that may be too much time, but if you're willing to go camp in the middle of no where for a few days then 5 days may not be enough (once you get out there). You can spends weeks/months in and around Moab
     
  10. PJP3

    PJP3 Well-Known Member
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    I haven't been to Istanbul since 2007 so who knows whats changed, but the Taksim area was my favorite to explore.

    Edit: Googled and looks like its the same area.
     
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  11. CoastalOrange

    CoastalOrange Well-Known Member
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    Most of the resorts are open like normal. They might have slightly different hours and might not be doing all the normal things they would do, but the vast majority are open and operating, at least in Aruba and TCI (on Providenciales).

    I have stuck with flying delta during the pandemic when I have flown as I support them leaving the middle seat empty. However, to offset that cost, they have jacked up the prices on their flights, at least from what I have seen. I have status and e-credits with AA so I went with them down here (plus Delta royally F'ed up my Aruba itinerary a few months ago and never notified me). The international flight wasn't bad at all as the plan was maybe 1/3 full. However, AA changed the itinerary and I had a layover in CLT and in MIA before heading to TCI. Those flights were not ideal. Was sitting right next to someone. Yes they were wearing a mask but still, don't like having a random person that close to me.

    I don't recall exactly how much this one was but you can find some really good deals right now. I would suggest deciding the where and when soon and going ahead and booking the AirBnb. Our AirBnb in Aruba was 50% off and this one was around 30% off or something like that. Many of these Caribbean countries (and people living in them) are begging for tourists to visit again so they are willing to offer great deals.
     
  12. RJF-GUMP

    RJF-GUMP Daubert Qualified in Cooler Thermodynamics
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    Sounds like if you did Delta it wouldn't be that dangerous/uncomfortable. And sounds like you could have a relatively enjoyable vacation at one of the resorts. I might start looking into that.
     
  13. CoastalOrange

    CoastalOrange Well-Known Member
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    If you are near one of the major airports then using Delta or AA (or, I assume, one of the other airlines), wouldn't be a big deal. The international flights have all been pretty empty so everyone is spaced out. It's the connection flights that aren't great. In the future, if I am feeling bold, I will book Delta for the connection flight, then, depending on the price, book AA for the international part of the flight.
     
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  14. Wee Bey

    Wee Bey racially ambiguous
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    Appreciate your and pianoman's input, it confirmed my priors. 5 nights may be too long but I think we're just going to play it by ear. There has to be some work done as well so it may just be right.
     
  15. RJF-GUMP

    RJF-GUMP Daubert Qualified in Cooler Thermodynamics
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    I may just wait for vaccine before getting back on an airplane. I'm torn. We might not have a decent one until mid 2021. All my weekends are starting to blur together since the pandemic. Just sit at home with my wife and cook and drink. At least we have football now. Getting really tedious though. Travel would sure be nice.
     
  16. BayouMafia

    BayouMafia Thought Leader in Posting
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    Took my second plane trip since COVID started week before last. Flew DFW-RDU and back on AA. Was upgraded on the way there, then on the way back I was in a window seat in Main Cabin Extra and no one was in the middle seat, so I was able to stay fairly socially distanced.

    Leaving tomorrow for some meetings in Costa Rica. Chances of an upgrade are pretty good, but the flights are pretty empty so distancing should be easy. The Costa Rican govt just rescinded their requirement of a negative COVID test before entry, so I just had to register with the government and buy COVID-specific travel insurance for the 3 days I'm there.

    Maybe it's false confidence, but my experiences so far were that everyone took things seriously and I felt fairly safe. We're flying to Chattanooga for Thanksgiving though and I'm worried that holiday travelers are going to be a shit show
     
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  17. Whammy

    Whammy Donde es
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    Finally pulled the trigger - going to CR for a week in December...very psyched to go on vacay for the first time in a long time
     
  18. tjosu

    tjosu This is kind of like the breakfast club, huh?
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    False confidence, yes. I went out to Oregon at the end of July and on the way there a family going on vacation was sitting right behind me. I was in the window and multiple times through the flight I felt the breath from the dad coughing behind me and pulling down his mask to do so. People are just as dumb as always
     
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  19. Room 15

    Room 15 Mi equipo esta Los Tigres
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    sounds like a free neck warmer ?
     
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  20. CoastalOrange

    CoastalOrange Well-Known Member
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    If flying is concerning, maybe a road trip somewhere? It's fall so maybe some place in the mountains? Rent a mountain house for a week and relax there (or if you are working remotely, do it there for a few days) and enjoy the changing of the leaves.

    I was going insane sitting at home all week working and then doing the weekend thing. I am still working during the work day but now I am doing it some place beautiful. Still being smart and wearing a mask, using hand sanitizer at every turn, and eating outside as much as possible.
     
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  21. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
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    It looks like that’s a short walk across the bridge from where I’m staying. We got an Airbnb near the base of the Galata Tower.

    My buddy knows a local chick who showed us around this evening. Always nice seeing a city through a local POV. We had some traditional food and liquor before hitting up a couple bars afterwards.
     
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  22. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
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    My flight to Frankfurt was about 5% full. 48 seats in first class and only 7 were occupied.

    Granted that’s most likely due to the fact that Americans can’t actually have Germany as their destination, only a layover.
     
  23. Eathan Edwards

    Eathan Edwards Well-Known Member
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    Jackson Hole weather is pretty rough - honestly not much different than how Alaska was.

    Back to LA
     
  24. Dale Doback

    Dale Doback Well-Known Member
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    Worried about my Paris trip in March. Anyone ever done Ireland using Chase points? dont see any real options to use them there
     
  25. PJP3

    PJP3 Well-Known Member
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    I've been booking an Ireland trip next August and trying to use up chase points. Can pretty much only use them through the travel portal as theres pretty much none of the major hotel companies with properties outside of a few in dublin.
     
  26. Dale Doback

    Dale Doback Well-Known Member
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    Whats your rough itinerary?
     
  27. PJP3

    PJP3 Well-Known Member
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    I've got pretty much everything booked so its relatively set
    2 nights dublin
    3 nights Sheen Falls Lodge by Ring of Kerry
    1 night Ballybunion
    2 nights Galway
    3 nights Donegal
    3 nights Belfast
    1 night Dublin
     
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  28. southside

    southside Well-Known Member
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    Where Eagles Dare just got to Tulum and was looking forward to hitting up Chamicos again. Permanently closed :(
     
  29. Where Eagles Dare

    Where Eagles Dare The Specialist Show On Earth
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    That sucks
     
  30. tjosu

    tjosu This is kind of like the breakfast club, huh?
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    I looked at flights back before Covid. There used to be pretty good award availability booking on Aer Lingus through United (transfer to United from Chase) but I know United de-valued partner awards this year so not sure how good it still is
     
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  31. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
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    Been a while since I’ve enjoyed international travel, so you bet your ass I’m crushing beers in the lounge at 6AM.
     
  32. CoastalOrange

    CoastalOrange Well-Known Member
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    Looking at a trip to Mexico from Dec 27-Jan 5/6 with the GF. Leaning towards Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Good idea or bad idea? Any suggestions?*

    *I plan on searching the thread once I'm not on mobile.
     
  33. Nug

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    I imagine Tulum and those areas will be crowded for NYE, it's still a party hot spot and MX has little covid restrictions. But there are plenty of places along that Coast where you could stay secluded.

    I'm going to be on the Oaxaca coast during that time, on the Pacific side. Supposed to be a little less crowded.
     
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  34. Lyrtch

    Lyrtch My second favorite meat is hamburger
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    i just cancelled my cancun trip for the first week of december

    i have other reasons for being extra conservative that aren't applicable to everyone else though so your risk tolerance may be different

    excellence playa mujeres is where we were planning to go and is the place we'll go when i reschedule it, i've done lots of research and for our price point it's one of the best all inclusives if that's what you're looking for
     
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  35. pianoman

    pianoman my drinks are free
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    Excellence is so incredible. I can’t wait to go back.
     
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  36. CoastalOrange

    CoastalOrange Well-Known Member
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    I did Oaxaca area last NYE so looking for something different.

    Not sure we want to do much of an all inclusive as I think we would want to get out and do exploring and use the hotel more as a jumping off point with maybe a day or two of relaxing.
     
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  37. Nug

    Nug MexicanNug
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    Did you do the beach or Oaxaca city?
     
  38. CoastalOrange

    CoastalOrange Well-Known Member
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    Beach. I'd like to do Oaxaca the city and experience it but want to do something different this new year's.
     
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  39. southside

    southside Well-Known Member
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    I'm in Tulum right now for a month. It's going to be way more crowded over New Years than it normally is and it's already a hotspot destination.

    For reference, rentals are going for 2x-3x the typical prices Dec-Feb this year because there is so much increased demand.
     
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  40. southside

    southside Well-Known Member
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    We're staying in town in Tulum and it took over an hour taxi ride just to get down to the beach clubs on Saturday...it's only mid November. Some of the taxi drivers were straight up quitting because it wasn't worth it to them.
     
  41. mb711

    mb711 West Coast Barner
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    Been to excellence playa mujeres with my wife(we're not the biggest all inclusive types) it was fantastic.
     
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  42. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
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    Returned from Turkey on Monday. Flew from Kayseri (Cappadocia) > Istanbul > Frankfurt > SF > SD on the way back. About 36 hours door to door. Not fun.

    However, Cappadocia was well worth it. Amazing. Did an ATV tour. Woke up at 5AM one morning to do the sunrise hot air balloon. Don't know how to describe it other than it felt like I was in a painting.

    Stayed in the same hotel pictured here. Enjoyed sunrises and sunsets on these pillows.

    [​IMG]
     
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  43. Where Eagles Dare

    Where Eagles Dare The Specialist Show On Earth
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    Big fan of Tulum.

    But lol fuck going there right now. Y'all crazy
     
  44. Where Eagles Dare

    Where Eagles Dare The Specialist Show On Earth
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    Hoping late spring might be a good time to dip my toes back into the travel waters.
     
  45. Whammy

    Whammy Donde es
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    Booked a week in Costa Rica (Nosara) from December 10-16, really need it after the year I’ve had. Gonna just relax with the woman for 2-3 days, then figure out some excursions.

    Praying we’re still able to get in the country in three weeks, they’re making all visitors buy insurance in advance through the country in case you get COVID and they have to treat you which is totally reasonable.

    Super psyched about the hotel

    https://www.lagartalodge.com/

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  46. RJF-GUMP

    RJF-GUMP Daubert Qualified in Cooler Thermodynamics
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    "Cloud forrest" was an answer in Wheel of Fortune recently and got you a trip to Costa Rica.
     
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  47. BayouMafia

    BayouMafia Thought Leader in Posting
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    Since you're going for 6 days, buy insurance with Sagicor. Theirs is $11 per day while INS is a flat fee, so it's a better deal if you'll be there for 2 weeks or longer.

    For my work trip last week I bought with Sagicor and it was only $33 for my 3 days. Also make sure you have the questionnaire filled out and the QR code on your phone before you fly. Lots of people were confused on what to do and were trying to fill it out in the customs line.
     
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  48. Room 15

    Room 15 Mi equipo esta Los Tigres
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    Our CR consigliere
     
  49. pianoman

    pianoman my drinks are free
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    How many days are needed for Iguazu Falls? Looking at October down there next year as a flight deal came through from Scott's Cheap Flights that's too good to pass up.
     
  50. Whammy

    Whammy Donde es
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    Two is fine - one on the Brazilian side and one for Argentina. Both have unique views and are worth doing IMO. There are some other things around there, but we didn’t do them
     
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