Author: glenn

After Action Report (AAR): Iceland, April 2019 (Part 3 of 4)

Greetings, Fellow Travelers!   BLUF: This four-part AAR covers the journey, destination, and activities of our trip to Iceland. Iceland is full of amazing wonders: waterfalls, geysers, wildlife, and fresh air. Over the past five years, Iceland has become one of the most popular destinations for tourists. In turn, Iceland’s tourism infrastructure has risen to…

After Action Report (AAR): Iceland, April 2019 (Part 2 of 4)

Greetings, Fellow Travelers!   BLUF: This four-part AAR covers the journey, destination, and activities of our trip to Iceland. Iceland is full of amazing wonders: waterfalls, geysers, wildlife, and fresh air. Over the past five years, Iceland has become one of the most popular destinations for tourists. In turn, Iceland’s tourism infrastructure has risen to…

After Action Report (AAR): Iceland, April 2019 (Part 1 of 4)

Greetings, Fellow Travelers!   BLUF: This four-part AAR covers the journey, the destination, and activities of our trip to Iceland. Iceland is full of amazing wonders: waterfalls, geysers, wildlife, and fresh air. Over the past five years, Iceland has become one of the most popular destinations for tourists. In turn, Iceland’s tourism infrastructure has risen…

Mandatory Fun (Travel Inspiration Edition)

ALL HANDS: Mandatory Fun (Travel Inspiration Edition).   Greetings, Fellow Travelers!   BLUF: Anything can inspire you to travel. Whether it be price, a movie, schedule, or word-of-month, traveling is about having a great adventure and an enjoyable time on your terms and no one else’s.   Today’s ALL HANDS focuses on how to inspire…

Techniques, Tactics, and Procedures (TTPs): Positioning Flights for Business Class Tickets

Albert has found time on his vacation in Thailand to send in a couple more posts:   Greetings, Fellow Travelers!   BLUF: Many times, the most affordable business class airfare is not from your home airport to your desired travel destination. Often, an inexpensive positioning flight to another location can save you $100s.   Today’s…

A Little Known Trick to a Free Upgrade on an Alaska Award Ticket

Even old hands like me occasionally learn new tricks. This is why it is worthwhile to experiment when searching for flights. Recently, my wife needed to make a flight with less than a week’s notice which made paying for it with cash extremely pricey. This is why it is always a good idea to keep…

ALL HANDS: Loyalty Status Levels, Hotels

ALL HANDS: Loyalty Status Levels (Part 2, Hotels).   Greetings, Fellow Travelers!   BLUF: Marriott Bonvoy Platinum (or higher) level is one of the most useful hotel status levels when traveling around Europe.   Today’s ALL HANDS will review which hotel status level brings the most value with it as you travel around Europe.  …

ALL HANDS: Loyalty Status Levels, Airlines

ALL HANDS: Loyalty Status Levels (Part 1, Airlines).   Greetings, Fellow Travelers!   BLUF: While most folks have a favorite airline, airlines which confer Star Alliance Gold (*G) status are among the most beneficial when traveling around Europe.   Today’s ALL HANDS will review which airline status level brings the most value with it as…

Frankfurt Airport Travel Tip

Techniques, Tactics, and Procedures (TTPs):  Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) AirRail Check-in Center.   Greetings, Fellow Travelers!   BLUF:  The FRA AirRail Check-in Center is conveniently located between the FRA Fernbahnhof (long-distance train station) and Terminal 1.  Here, you can check-in and drop your luggage before making your way to the gate.   Today’s TTP is…

Albert’s Trip to South Africa, Finale

AAR: The Western Cape, South Africa, June 2017 (Part 6…the end)   Greetings, Fellow Travelers!   BLUF: This six-part AAR covers the journey, the destination, and activities of our trip to South Africa (our second!) while stationed in Germany. This trip focused almost exclusively on wine and food. While far from almost everywhere, the Winelands…