Frequent Floaters
Amazing Alaska Cruise, Avoid Cruise Buffets, Crazy Carnival Damage Video, RCI Special Needs Requests and Sweet United Card Offer!
I still can not get over how simply stunning my Alaska cruise was. It exceeded my every expectation and I need to return and do it again with other ports in view. My next one I will do later in the season to experience both the winter “look” and the...
Eye of the Flyer
Chris Was Spot-on With His Review: Delta’s New Chicago O’Hare Sky Club is Fantastic!
On my way to my first-ever Alaska Cruise (which was simply amazing and I will be covering on Frequent Floaters), I had the chance to visit the new Chicago Delta Sky Club in Terminal 5 and it really is fantastic. Chris had a chance to visit the club pre-open as...
Dots, Lines, & Destinations
DLD 435: An eye on the future
New planes, new routes, and new seats all bode well for the future. And some lines being dropped might not be so bad, either.
Frequent Floaters
Introduction: My First Cruise Vacation to Alaska on the Norwegian NCL Jewel
Introduction and overview of my Alaska adventure Delta Award Flight – eking out value from SkyPennies Booking my Norwegian NCL Alaska cruise and stacking fail The Hilton Anchorage across from the Alaska Railroad station The Alaska Railroad GoldStar ride from Anchorage to Seward How to use your Norwegian Diamond free...
Eye of the Flyer
One of the Best Lunches Ever — with Great Views in Washington, D.C.
A few days before departing for this year’s Freddie Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., I found a great tidbit in one of Gary Leff’s posts. He mentioned the Hotel Washington (formerly the W Washington D.C., formerly the Hotel Washington the first go around) and its “rooftop lounge which features one...
Travel Codex
Review: The Brown Hotel, Louisville, Kentucky
I picked The Brown Hotel Louisville for my one night stay in the city. The Kentucky landmark serves up plenty of gilded age opulence, along with a Louisville original, the Hot Brown. My stay was marred, though, by the typical cost cutting masquerading as hygiene theater prevalent in late 2021....
Eye of the Flyer
Should Hotels Be Forced to Warn You if They Are Remodeling? What About a Discount? A Review of the Chicago Staybridge Suites in Oakbrook Terrace 2023.
I recently stayed at the Chicago Staybridge Suites in Oakbrook Terrace near O’Hare airport on a soon to expire free night cert from my Chase IHG card. Maybe not the best value for the cert but using a cert is always a better value than seeing them go away. I...
Eye of the Flyer
Oh, BOI! Our Stay at the Holiday Inn Boise Airport [Review]
My family recently returned from a quick trip to Boise, Idaho, where we celebrated the high school graduation of our nephew Jake and our close family friend Justice. I’ve written why IHG properties — especially Holiday Inns — are (generally) great for families. So, I was pretty happy when I...
Michael W Travels
Check Out This Incredible McDonald’s In San Antonio, Texas!
While visiting Austin a few months back, we took a trip to San Antonio. At just a little over an hour away, it makes for a great day trip. As we drove (and wandered) around the downtown San Antonio, we noticed how the shops maintained a certain style, looking like...
View from the Wing
Why British Airways Business Class Is Mediocre (But Totally Worth It Spending Miles)
One of the controversial views I hold in miles and points is that – as much as I believe fuel surcharges on award tickets are offensive and destructive – I will pay them when there’s good premium cabin award availability at a reasonable mileage price. I’ve flown British Airways from Austin...
View from the Wing
Forget Food And Amenities, Business Class Is All About The Seat: Air France Trip Report, Paris – Dallas
Business class is about the seat. You have more space, and an available bed, so you can be more comfortable and well-rested rather than beaten up by the time you reach your destination. None of the 'above and beyond' business class products are offered by U.S. or European airlines. At...
Eye of the Flyer
Let’s Talk OFF THE RECORD
One of the best parts about the annual Freddie Awards being held in Washington, D.C., this year was that I could indulge my inner U.S. history and politics nerd. Someone on a cable TV political talk show said something about “getting a drink at The Hay-Adams (Hotel).” I looked it...
Dots, Lines, & Destinations
DLD 434: Trust buster
JetBlue and American Airlines have a lot of work to do if they're going to keep the NEA alive. A judge ruled it illegal last Friday, setting up all sorts of challenges for the carriers.
Frequent Floaters
How Much Clothing Can You Stuff in a Cruise Ship Laundry Bag?
Whether you’re a “take everything home clean” sort of traveler or a “wash everything after getting back home” sort, one of the nice perks you can get with status in a cruise line’s loyalty program at some point is a free bag of laundry. They also run special deals toward...
Eye of the Flyer
Oh, Suite! My Surprise Upgrade at the Grand Hyatt Washington
I attended the Freddie Awards in the Washington, D.C., area last month. The event was held at the amazing Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Dulles International Airport (IAD). But the trip presented me with a special opportunity: to stay at the Grand Hyatt Washington. Yes, even though it’s sort of...