Confession: I have a Trekky-level obsession with Gilmore Girls and the fictional town of Stars Hollow. I’ve watched every episode countless times – even the much-hated season 7. I got into Gilmore Girls around 2005 and have been an avid fan of the show since. Needless to say, I was thrilled when news broke about the Gilmore […]
A visit to Real Life Stars Hollow (aka Unionville, Ontario)
The ethics of traveling to countries with human rights violations
Is it ok to travel to countries with dubious human rights records? In an increasingly unstable world, travelers often find themselves asking this question. It always comes up when I mention traveling to Turkey or Saudi Arabia. Between the ethnic cleansing and murder of a journalist, these two countries have […]
Waldorf Astoria Maldives boat transfer
The Waldorf Astoria Maldives boat transfer cost a whopping $862.40 when I stayed at the resort, which is more than what most resorts charge for a seaplane transfer. That being said, the resort will be dropping the fee to $600 per adult and $300 per child, starting in 2020. With […]
My week in manufactured spending: 38,615 points and $87.30
It’s been a while since I’ve shared one of these manufactured spending reports. I’ve slowed down a bit with both blogging and MS, so the posts have been on hiatus. But I’ve got some 2020 travel plans I need to save up for. Also, I work from home now, which […]
How to redeem an American Airlines travel voucher
Are you confused about how to redeem an American Airlines travel voucher? If you’ve ever been on an oversold AA flight, you’ve probably been offered a travel voucher. It’s one of the easiest ways I’ve ever received “free travel”. I offered to get bumped off my flight to Chicago last […]
Holiday gift ideas for frequent travelers
We’re two weeks away from Christmas (and my birthday, for those who know me and are reading this). I’m surprised at how many people I’ve talked to still haven’t finished their holiday shopping. If you’re looking for holiday gift ideas for frequent travelers, there are lots of great options. We’re […]
Review: Etihad Business Class A320 Abu Dhabi to Male
After a six-hour layover at the Etihad lounge in Abu Dhabi, it was time to fly to Male. My flight departed from the same terminal, but the gate was a bit of a walk from the lounge. On my way to the gate, I made the mistake of stopping at […]
Review: Etihad Business Class Lounge Abu Dhabi
The Etihad business class lounge in Abu Dhabi is located at Terminal 3. I had heard that this lounge had deteriorated in terms of food quality and even described as a “cattle call.” That’s a definite exaggeration, though the lounge did on occasion get very crowded. Etihad Business Class Lounge […]
My travel goals for 2020
How fast did 2019 fly by? Not nearly as fast as December. In three short weeks we’ll be making New Year’s resolutions we’ll forget about and settle into the boredom of January. Hopefully, we can all liven things up with some fun travel plans. January 2020 In January, I’m going […]
Review: Etihad Business Class 787-9 Washington to Abu Dhabi
During a recent trip to the Maldives, I flew Etihad business class on the 787-9 from Washington (IAD) to Abu Dhabi (AUH). While I’ve flown Etihad business class before, this was my first time on the 787-9, with the newer seats. Say what you want, but Etihad has one of the […]