The Gate with Brian Cohen
Return to AirAsia: My Latest Experience With a Recent Flight
I had no reason to hesitate to return to AirAsia based on past experiences with the airline, whose slogan is Now Everyone Can Fly — but what was my latest experience with a recent flight with the “low fares no-frills” airline that operated as Thai AirAsia?
Although AirAsia was...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Viroth’s Villa in Cambodia: My First Stay at a Mr & Mrs Smith Hotel Property — and The Verdict Is…
My first stay at a Mr & Mrs Smith hotel property occurred while I was at Viroth’s Villa in Siem Reap in Cambodia. The acquisition of the carefully curated and growing collection of greater than 1,500 boutique and luxury properties was officially announced by Hyatt Hotels Corporation on Friday, April...
Wild About Travel
Crystal Balling
If that disruption lasts six months, it becomes a cash-flow problem, not just a flight problem. If there is a ceasefire next week, the first impact on travel will be operational, not emotional: flights should start normalising, but passenger behaviour will lag behind. The Gulf aviation system is enormous —...
2PAXfly
HONG KONG: Transit just got riskier for Australian travellers
If Hong Kong has been your go-to transit hub for Asia or Europe, You need to know about some recent changes. Hong Kong’s National Security Law, and how it’s enforced, are raising fresh concerns for travellers, including Australians, even if you’re only transiting through the airport. New powers on electronic...
Altitude Yes
Amtrak’s NextGen Acela, Boston to New York: How Have They Held Up? (Business Class)
I recently got a chance to take Amtrak's NextGen Acela again after riding them for the first time back in September 2025.
The post Amtrak’s NextGen Acela, Boston to New York: How Have They Held Up? (Business Class) first appeared on Altitude Yes.
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Old French Bridge in Luang Prabang in Laos
I walked across the Old French Bridge in Luang Prabang in Laos after dining on a meal at Khua Kao, which is an open-air restaurant that is located on the western bank of the Nam Khan River adjacent to the southwestern entrance to the structure.
The...
Hawaii Calling
6 Amazing Boutique Hotels on Oahu (2026)
If you’re looking for boutique hotels on Oʻahu, you’re probably not trying to book another massive resort—you want something with more personality, better design, and a stay that actually feels connected to the island. I’ve stayed at several of the hotels on this list and spent time exploring the rest,...
Frequent Miler
The bright side of Hyatt’s (potential) Globalist shake-up | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep351 | 3-27-26
In today’s podcast episode, we’ll talk about who we would want to buy JetBlue, how Amex missed the mark with its new business card, and the key to preserving our loyalty if Hyatt “mile-stone-ifies” elite benefits. The bright side of Hyatt’s (potential) Globalist shake-up Watch the full episode below, or...
Hawaii Calling
Bar Parasol Wynn Las Vegas Review: A Stunning Pre-Dinner Cocktail Lounge
First Impressions Bar Parasol at Wynn Las Vegas feels more like stepping into a theatrical set than a typical hotel lounge. From the moment you walk in, the space is layered with color, texture, and detail—ornate lighting, rich fabrics, and those signature parasol-inspired fixtures that immediately set the tone. It’s...
Live and Let’s Fly
My First “Flight to Nowhere” On United Airlines With Starlink
In what was a first for me, I experienced a “flight to nowhere” on Monday…on United Airlines. But unlike most fights to nowhere, this was one was a deliberate two-hour journey from LAX to LAX to showcase Starlink high-speed internet onboard. My United Airlines Starlink Flight To Nowhere United Airlines...
2PAXfly
NEW ROUTES 2026 #9: Finnair launches Melbourne to Helsinki via Bangkok
Savvy travellers have been picking up fares that are mainly flown on Finnair between Australia and Helsinki for some years. They have been marketed at competitive prices, especially in Business Class. This has been very attractive, if you don’t mind a stop in Asia, and possibly another in Helsinki, if...
No Work All Travel
Lounge Review: Primeclass Lounge Ankara
Feeble excuse time– I was in China for the past two weeks, and had predictably erratic VPN access. WordPress loaded, but would not post anything. Nevertheless, let’s see how the Primeclass Lounge Ankara stacks up. Given the ongoing situation in Persian Gulf, to get from Berlin to Beijing, I worked...
2PAXfly
AIRLINES: How to travel with GLP-1 medications
Travelling with GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro is very manageable on long-haul trips, but it does pay to understand how they handle temperature and how best to carry them onboard aircraft. Let’s start by saying DON’T ASK THE CREW TO STORE YOUR MEDICATION IN A REFRIGERATOR ON...
Miles For Family
Spring Break in St. Maarten with the help of Miles and Points
Last week, my family of 5 spent a week in St. Maarten in the Caribbean. The island is unique because it is half-Dutch and half-French. We first visited the island first in 2014 and fell in love with it, especially Mullet Bay Beach. Then in 2023, I returned to St....
2PAXfly
QANTAS: Boosts Europe flights as fares surge
If you’re trying to get to Europe right now, then Qantas is stepping up its international game. It’s ramping up flights to Europe as travellers scramble to avoid disrupted routes through the Middle East. But expect significantly higher prices. But while more seats are coming, it’s not quite the relief...
Eye of the Flyer
Is Norwegian Viva’s Complimentary Dining Any Good? An Honest Review Plus Photos
Norwegian Cruise Line’s “free” dining used to be a highlight—but on the Viva, things feel a little… smaller. Here’s what’s still worth ordering (hello, perfect poached eggs and shrimp scampi), what to skip, and a few smart pro tips to get the most out of your meals at sea.
