Travel - Page 131

No matter where I am or who I am with, the conversation eventually turns to travel. It’s what I’m passionate about, it’s what I know the most about, and it’s what I do for a living. Travel is also something…

Everyone loves a good quote. At Upgraded Points, this is especially true when it revolves around travel, adventure, wanderlust, different cultures, new cities, old cities, nature, experiences… you get it. Whether you need an inspiring photo to set as your…

Hawaii is America’s tropical paradise, a group of islands, each with something unique to offer. From the natural wonders and 5-star resorts of Maui to the jungle paradise of Kauai, the Hawaiian islands will take your breath away. There are…

Offering everything from ice-age glaciers to sun-soaked beaches, the North American continent has some of the most extreme landscapes in the world. From the famous steep cliffs of the Grand Canyon to the vast and desolate ice fields of Alaska,…

Nothing can start your trip off on the wrong foot quite like a confusing and frustrating boarding process before you even get on the plane. Airlines, however, don’t seem to recognize this issue. Either that, or it’s not a major…

Uber has become the go-to ride service for many travelers in the last several years. The ability to quickly request a ride from a mobile device has made navigating cities across the world so much easier. With so many miles…

If you’re new to TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, you may be wondering what a Known Traveler Number (KTN) is, how it works, and why there’s a KTN box when booking flights, but there isn’t one for your TSA PreCheck…

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are both very popular programs that can help you breeze through airport security checkpoints. You might have even heard of Mobile Passport or CLEAR — but have you heard of a Redress Number? While a Redress Number won’t…

As the sporting and cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne has plenty to offer visitors from all over the world. From the rooftop bars and designer boutiques that give the city a cosmopolitan feel, to its plentiful array of historical buildings…

Have you ever nodded off in your seat only to jerk your head up in alarm, wondering if your neighbor saw that drool on your chin? Or been frustrated because you needed that inflight shuteye, but you just couldn’t get…

Southwest Airlines is an extremely popular U.S. low-cost carrier for a number of reasons. They regularly offer cheaper fares compared to other airlines, and they’re very transparent about their fees. Southwest doesn’t charge for most of your luggage (your carry-on and…

Update: Some of the offers mentioned below may not be available. For our recent around the world trip in October 2017, my wife and I wanted to fly every long-haul segment in first or business class — something we could…

Basic Overview Airline: Emirates Aircraft: A380 Flight #: EK215 Route: DXB > LAX Date: October 25, 2017 Duration: 16hr 15 min Cabin & Layout: First Class, 14 seats, 1-2-1, lie-flat Seats: 2E, 2F Miles Used: 80,000 SPG Points per person (transferred to JAL, total of…

Basic Overview Airline: Etihad Airways Aircraft: Airbus A380 Flight #: EY 455 Route: SYD>AUH Date: October 23, 2017 Duration: 14hr 45min Cabin & Layout: Etihad Apartment, 9 Apartments on the upper deck, all aisle access Seats: 4K, 5H Miles Used: 91,000 Amex points per…

Airline: Singapore AirlinesAircraft: Boeing 777Flight #: SQ 227Route: (SGN>)* SIN>MELDate: October 15, 2017Duration: 7hr 25 minCabin & Layout: Business Class, 12 seats, 1-2-1, lie-flatSeats: 11D, 11FMiles Used: 46,750 Singapore KrisFlyer Miles per person (including SGN>SIN* since this was 1 booking)Taxes & Fees Paid: $212…

Basic Overview Airline: Singapore AirlinesAircraft: A330Flight #: SQ177Route: SGN>SIN (>MEL*)Date: October 14, 2017Duration: 2 hrCabin & Layout: Business Class, 30 seats, 2-2-2, angledSeats: 12H, 12KMiles Used: 46,750 Singapore KrisFlyer Miles per person (including >MEL* portion since this was 1 booking)Taxes & Fees Paid: $212 USD per personTypical Retail Cost:…

Basic Overview Airline: Singapore Airlines (SQ)Aircraft: A380Flight #: SQ025Route: JFK>FRA>SINDate: October 2, 2017Duration: 21hrs 35mins (7hrs 35mins, 1hr 50mins layover in FRA, 12hrs 10 mins)Cabin & Layout: Singapore Suites, 12-seat capacity on the lower deck, 1-2-1Seats: 3C, 3DMiles Used: 93,500 Singapore KrisFlyer Miles…

One of the best things about credit card points and frequent flyer miles is that by using them, you can experience some incredible and luxurious travel that would otherwise be totally unaffordable. The catch is that it usually takes advance…

One of the most frustrating parts of flying can be the time it takes to get through security screening at TSA checkpoints. First, you have to deal with long lines; then you have to take out laptops, take off jackets…

London: the heart and soul of the UK is a vibrant and eclectic city with plenty to offer every visitor. Historically important and culturally diverse, modern-day London is a hub of famous landmarks, iconic buildings, and innovative attractions on every…

It’s not surprising that boutique hotels have risen in popularity over the last few years. These spots offer unique environments, quirky design, and an edgy atmosphere you just don’t usually get on a corporate level. However, while these little gems can…