One of the most impressive properties inside both Kimpton and, thusly IHG, is the Kimpton Seafire Resort in Grand Cayman. I have been excited to try it from the moment it was announced that IHG Rewards Club points could be used to stay at Kimpton hotels. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new […]
Review: Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa
As I reflect upon my time at the Miraval Resort & Spa in Arizona, I am thankful for the great food, amazing massage, and luxury accommodations. Service was great and I enjoyed the time with my wife. That said, I don’t think this is a resort for me. This trip was a last-minute decision. I’ve […]
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: May 27, 2018
Los Angeles has been experiencing “May Gray” all week and I love it! Every year around this time I am reminded of how I should be living in London or Seattle…but I digress (while hoping for “June Gloom”). This week, we learned that Sun Country will cut first class, Delta announced new transcontinental service to […]
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: December 03, 2017
I’m in LA tonight…the question is for how long. I’m hoping I’ll be able to stay home this week, but I may be on a plane to New York tomorrow, then Hong Kong, then Zurich…maybe even Las Vegas. We’ll see how the week unfolds… Last week the big story, for me at least, was the […]
Review: Aeromexico Lounge Cancún (CUN)
My connection turned out so quick that I had plenty of time to relax prior to my Aerolineas Argentinas flight to Buenos Aires. The airline uses Aeromexico’s Salon Premier in Terminal 2. The lounge is small, but access is limited to Aeromexico and SkyTeam premium passengers and elite members. The lounge was not crowded. But’s let […]
Setting Up Shop in Pretoria
Heidi made arrangements for us to stay at an Airbnb in Pretoria for our first few nights in South Africa. This would allow us time to request the police clearance certificate in person and become acclimated to the new season (though the time zone was the same as in Germany, we had gone from autumn […]
First Look at the Super Cool New United Club at LAX
I had the privilege of attending a special opening ceremony of United’s brand new United Club at LAX yesterday. Underscoring the significance of this event, both CEO Oscar Munoz and President Scott Kirby were present and their remarks were noteworthy. The new lounge is 20,000 square feet and is beautiful — sleek, modern, and quintessentially LA: […]
Review: Park Hyatt Guangzhou
Park Hyatt has opened its fifth property in China in the heart of Guangzhou. With five-star amenities, three restaurants, and well-appointed guest rooms, the Park Hyatt is a compelling choice in a city full of new luxury hotels. Open for just five months, the hotel is located in the center of Guangzhou’s “new city” a […]
Several Surprises in Aruba
This year for my 30th birthday my amazing husband, The Trip Sherpa, surprised me with a long weekend away to Aruba. I was excited to check off my second of the “ABC Islands”(Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) and have a nice and relaxing time. Getting There We flew Southwest Airlines using points and the Companion Pass which […]
Megabus, TSA, and the 57th U.S. Presidential Inauguration
Let me tell you about my day yesterday. It started when my alarm went off at 4:00a and I hit snooze every five minutes until 4:25a, rolling out of bed with a sigh and doubts over what I was about to do. No time for breakfast—just enough time to wash my face and comb my […]
Frankfurt to Denver in Lufthansa First Class
In July 2009, I journeyed to Israel and Egypt with my brother and uncle. My uncle and I traveled together in first class and the trip report below will highlight some of the flights we sampled. New York to Zürich in Swiss International Air Lines First Class Zurich to Tel Aviv in EL AL Israel […]
Accused of Being a Terrorist: SAL to IAD on TACA
This is the last of a six-part recount of my recent trip to Central America. Washington Dulles to San Salvador on TACA My Adventure in San Salvador Aborted Landing on TACA: SAL-PTY 24 Hours in Panama City Short-Haul Flying on LACSA: PTY-SJO-SAL Accused of Being a Terrorist: SAL to IAD on TACA —————————– Be wary of […]
Washington Dulles to San Salvador on TACA
This is the first of a six-part recount of my recent trip to Central America. Washington Dulles to San Salvador on TACA My Adventure in San Salvador Aborted Landing on TACA: SAL-PTY 24 Hours in Panama City Short-Haul Flying on LACSA: PTY-SJO-SAL Accused of Being a Terrorist: SAL to IAD on TACA —————————– Last April I […]
Escape to the Madrid Airport Hilton
Day 0: Introduction: Perfecting My Trip to Europe Using United Miles Day 1: LAX-YVR on Air Canada, Vancouver, and YVR-LHR on Air Canada Day 2: BD Number One Lounge at Heathrow and London to Lisbon on TAP Portugal Day 3: A Day of Sightseeing in Lisbon Day 4: An Unexpected Extra Day + New Years […]
You Might Want to Avoid Connecting in Denver if You are Traveling in United First
I grimaced when I saw this thread on FlyerTalk today: The FDA has changed the classification of LSG Sky Chefs’ Denver facility from “Approved” to “Provisional” based on an inspection that turned up some real stomach turning findings, such as Cart wash area – Live and dead roach-like insects too numerous to count (TNTC) Silverware […]
Day 5: Cusco to Lima on LAN Peru + Lima + Lima to Bogota on Avianca
Day 0: Introduction: My quest for Machu Picchu and why I chose Mexicana + Avianca + LAN Peru Day 1: Los Angeles to Bogota via Mexico City on Mexicana + Bogota to Lima on Avianca Day 2: Lima to Cusco on LAN Peru + Cusco Day 3: Cusco to Aguas Calientes on Peru Rail + […]
Day 4: Machu Picchu + Aguas Calientes to Cusco on Peru Rail
Day 0: Introduction: My quest for Machu Picchu and why I chose Mexicana + Avianca + LAN Peru Day 1: Los Angeles to Bogota via Mexico City on Mexicana + Bogota to Lima on Avianca Day 2: Lima to Cusco on LAN Peru + Cusco Day 3: Cusco to Aguas Calientes on Peru Rail + […]
Day 2: Lima to Cusco on LAN Peru + Cusco
Day 0: Introduction: My quest for Machu Picchu and why I chose Mexicana + Avianca + LAN Peru Day 1: Los Angeles to Bogota via Mexico City on Mexicana + Bogota to Lima on Avianca Day 2: Lima to Cusco on LAN Peru + Cusco Day 3: Cusco to Aguas Calientes on Peru Rail + […]
