Our week in French Polynesia was set into motion by the announcement of the devaluation of the IHG credit card free night certificates. Previously these free night certificates could be used to book any property in IHG’s portfolio, but the devaluation capped the rewards to properties costing 40,000 IHG points or less. We immediately set our sights on Bora Bora, … Read More
How We Booked a Week in Bora Bora for Less than $200 Per Person
Most Bora Bora itineraries suggest a $10,000 budget! Find out how we booked a week in paradise for only $400.
5 Budget Things to do in Stone Town, Zanzibar
While some may be visiting Zanzibar Island for its pristine beaches, we opted to stick around historic Stone Town during our relaxing 6 day vacation. The old maze of buildings that make up Stone Town are a lesson in architectural and cultural history. Pair this with delicious food, talkative locals and perfect weather, and you have the beginnings of a … Read More
Park Hyatt Zanzibar Review: Luxury in the Heart of Stone Town
Following our trek to Everest Base Camp, we were looking to spend a few days resting and recuperating before heading home, and Zanzibar caught our attention as a beach destination with great award flight availability and hotel options we could book with points. Scanning our options, the Park Hyatt Zanzibar stuck out for its great location in the heart of … Read More
Hyatt Regency Kathmandu Review: A Bargain for Award Stays
Our Everest Base Camp trek booked through Mosaic Adventures included a couple nights on either side at a local hotel in Thamel, but our flights were scheduled to arrive a day soon, and we went ahead and booked a couple of nights on the other end in case unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather delayed our trek. It was easier … Read More
Review: Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack After a Two Week Europe Trip
In my previous post about the Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack, I detailed its features and how I was liking the backpack so far on the short trips I had taken it. I recently returned from a two-and-a-half week trip to Spain and Portugal and now have a much better idea on how to backpack performs for extended travel. Many … Read More
Review: Iberia A330-300 ORD to MAD Business Class Review
Last summer Iberia launched a promotion that awarded 9,000 Iberia Avios with every flight purchase. They capped it at a total of 10 awards, or a total of 90,000 bonus Avios that can be earned. Some bloggers read the fine print and discovered that the points would be awarded after booking the flight, not after taking the flight which is … Read More
3 Holy Sites to Visit in Kathmandu
If there’a any site that’s considered a “must-see” in Kathmandu, it’s on this list! In addition to the old palace Durbar squares, these three stupas and temples make up the heart of the capital city. Getting around is easy enough with taxis or ubers, though you can also book a day tour with Mosaic Adventures and receive loads of information about the … Read More
Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack First Impressions
My go-to travel backpack has been the Osprey Farpoint 70L for the last several years, and I’ve written before on its features and why I think it makes a good international carry on backpack. However, I always keep up with the latest offerings from the travel backpack space, and Peak Design‘s Kickstarter-funded Travel Line caught my attention. Encompassing a 45L … Read More
The 3 Ancient Kingdoms of Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu Valley used to be divided into the three kingdoms of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. The heart of each of these kingdoms was the Durbar Square, around which the royal palaces and temples were arranged. Today, the sprawl of the capital city of Kathmandu has nearly swallowed all three of these Durbar Squares, so it’s possible to visit them all … Read More