Saudia is a tough sell for many. Setting aside religious and political issues, the assumption of many travelers is that they are not allowed or not welcome to fly Saudia. It is more accurate to say most travelers are not welcome to Saudi Arabia, and getting even a transit visa is a pain. It is… read the rest
Marriott has re-added American Airlines to its large stable of mile-earning airline partners. I did some hunting to figure out what it might mean by traveler type. The tradeoff is earning 10 or 5 points/$ versus 2 or 1 miles/$, depending on brand. Outside bonus time, avoid miles at Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill… read the rest
1. The security bin rollers system. So efficient! Yes, this is at many airports in Europe. The more the better. Compare to my dreadful Montreal (YUL) US pre-clearance security screening this weekend where glacial Canadian staff insisted everything, even rollerboards, be placed in bins, constantly disrupting flow, and bins were never in sufficient supply. 2…. read the rest
I flew Onur Air and Turkish Airlines on my brief stop in Turkey. My three flights boarded from bus gates, or at northern Cyprus’ Ercan (ECN), by walk-up. All boarded and deplaned like lighting from the front and back. Very slick!
I generally eschew additional insurance for my travel beyond what my credit cards provide. When I stay within SkyTeam my Delta Diamond status usually resolves issues. When I passed through Turkey and on to northern Cyprus, I flew Onur Air and was offered their Traveller Assurance Program. For 3.5 TL (USD 1.85) per segment, the… read the rest
Chase is promoting National Small Business Week with increased offers on its business Ink lineup of cards. I am no fan of the often valueless, derivative hyping of credit cards to gain referral commissions. I have learned, though, that in the internet world you have to speak up to receive, so if you are in… read the rest
I just posted about a rare moment where Delta flyers can, briefly, feel like they are on American or United with reasonable award pricing. I have been to most of the destinations in the sale in the past couple years, so some quick thoughts: Belize City, Belize: the city itself is to be avoided, the… read the rest
I seldom pay attention to Delta’s fare sale emails. Today’s caught my attention for 5,000 mile discounts on award trips to Latin America & Caribbean. Santiago, Chile is included for 10,000 miles off. UPDATE: see my post on where to go. For Delta to quote anything based on low award prices seems disingenuous. But I… read the rest
See also in the Andaman Islands series, Where, Why and Sherlock, Practicalities, and Ross & Viper Islands, the ‘Angkor Wat of British Rule.’ Port Blair feels nothing like a tropical island town. Standing in its center feels like any other tumultuous Indian city. The prison is a relaxing gem. Built in the opening of the… read the rest
On a special day for us, I share a cherished memento of Mrs RTC’s and my early days together in Shanghai. It took time for her to build up the courage to trust this infidel with the serious task of shopping at the local wet market. She did not let me embark on the test… read the rest
