This week's photo comes from December of 2013. While walking along the waterfront in Charlotte Amalie on the island of St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, we happened upon a harbor in an area called Frenchtown while looking for a pizza place called Pie Whole. While taking a moment to rest and enjoy another view of the harbor, we noticed a large and proud iguana hanging on … [Read more...] about Iguana on a Rock, Frenchtown, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
14 Signs You’re Obsessed With Earning Points and Miles
This morning I was setting up a new online account with a credit card provider and I had the biggest sense of deja vu. It occurred to me that I have done this many times before as I used my 10-key to pound in my bank routing number in about 0.002 seconds. Many of you are in the same boat - you are proudly obsessed with earning points and miles! While obsession can become a … [Read more...] about 14 Signs You’re Obsessed With Earning Points and Miles
Avid Traveler and Aspiring Filmmaker? Dominica Welcomes You!
Some of my friends in Minneapolis are behind one of the cooler travel opportunities I have come across in a while. The nation of Dominica in the Caribbean is looking for a handful of groups of two people to come to their nation and experience all that they have to offer. You can learn about the opportunity at the Dominica Challenge website. Note that applications are due by … [Read more...] about Avid Traveler and Aspiring Filmmaker? Dominica Welcomes You!
Funny Video: Using Points in the (somewhat) Mainstream
One of my favorite comedians is Nick Kroll because of the vast array of characters that he comes up with. I have enjoyed seeing him in cameo roles on comedy shows as well as when he guest stars on podcasts like Comedy Bang Bang. He is best known as the character Ruxin on FX’s the League. He’s so good that Comedy Central gave him his own sketch comedy show last year and it’s … [Read more...] about Funny Video: Using Points in the (somewhat) Mainstream
Eye of the Crocodile in Cairns, Australia [Photo of the Week]
While I would like to say that this photo was taken in a naturally occurring setting, the reality is that this Crocodile photo was taken while at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures in Cairns, Australia back in 2011. Come to think of it, maybe it is a good thing that I was not in a place where I was this close to crocodiles, because that would have meant a few too many wrong turns … [Read more...] about Eye of the Crocodile in Cairns, Australia [Photo of the Week]
It’s Always a Good Idea to Keep Hilton or Marriott Points in Your Back Pocket
I have a confession to make. Even though I publicly denounced Hilton after their 2013 Massacre of a devaluation, I still hold points in the program and occasionally stay there when convenient. … [Read more...] about It’s Always a Good Idea to Keep Hilton or Marriott Points in Your Back Pocket
Another Example of Why I Love Points and Miles!
Last month I was in Hungary, speaking at an Internet marketing conference with attendees and speakers from no less than 15 countries in Europe, Asia and North America (and yes, I still need to post trip reports). As is customary with speaking at conferences in my industry, I received a small stipend for speaking and my hotel charges were covered, but I needed to pay my own way … [Read more...] about Another Example of Why I Love Points and Miles!
Park Hyatt Milan Hotel Review
For major cities throughout the world, status symbols are not measured in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), quantity of monuments or other quantitative measures. No, cities gain status in a much more superficial way: the existence of a Park Hyatt hotel. … [Read more...] about Park Hyatt Milan Hotel Review
Rapid Travel Chai Was Right About the Sochi Olympics
Late last year I remember reading Stefan’s trip reports from Sochi and thinking: the Olympics are going to be a disaster. There was hardly any infrastructure in place and winter was approaching. It just didn’t seem like there was enough time to get all of the required construction and accommodations done. There were only 3-4 months until the Olympics and most of the areas still … [Read more...] about Rapid Travel Chai Was Right About the Sochi Olympics
Across the Lake from San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina [Photo of the Week]
There's something about cities situated on lakes and surrounded by mountains that makes me happy. Queenstown, New Zealand is one of those cities - a place that is famous for allowing you to both downhill ski and water ski in the same day. San Carlos de Bariloche in Argentina is another. Situated on a lake, it serves as a gateway for those who want to visit the rugged … [Read more...] about Across the Lake from San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina [Photo of the Week]