You hear it over and over again, but packing light is truly one of the keys to a successful vacation. It means getting to your destination faster, not having to worry about losing your luggage on the flight, navigating public transportation easier, less sweat, less trouble. Here’s a few tips to help free yourself from the burden of an overpacked bag. … Read More
Hotel Review: Conrad Istanbul
To start off our three week trip to the Holy Land, we spent a few days in one of our favorite cities in the world, Istanbul. Since we were booking this trip on credit card reward points, we got to splurge on a fantastic hotel with a stunning room, great views of the Bosphorus, and a breakfast buffet to write home … Read More
Hotel Review: Intercontinental Amman
It’s likely your trip to Jordan will have you entering or exiting through Amman if not both, so if you’re looking for a hotel with lots of style and a great location, you may want to check out the InterContinental Amman. And if you have a stash of IHG Rewards points, this is a great option to take a look at. … Read More
Hotel Review: Crowne Plaza Jordan Dead Sea Resort & Spa
The Dead Sea is a popular destination for those seeking some spa treatment and pampering while in Jordan. After hiking all over Petra and climbing sand dunes in Wadi Rum, we were glad to have a few days to slow down at the Crowne Plaza Jordan Dead Sea Resort & Spa. Crowne Plaza Jordan Dead Sea Resort & Spa | from … Read More
Camp Review: Wadi Rum Luxury Camp
Every traveler to Jordan knows it’s a must to visit the otherworldly Wadi Rum Desert. Even better than that is to stay the night in one of the many camps set up by the local bedouin tribes to sleep under the incredible desert night sky. Even better than THAT is to glamp it up at the Wadi Rum Luxury Camp. Wadi Rum Luxury Camp | from … Read More
Hotel Review: DoubleTree Aqaba
Our first stop in Jordan was Aqaba, crossing from the Israeli border. We needed a place to recuperate before heading on to Petra and beyond. Since we booked this trip using points and miles, our options were limited. Fortunately, Aqaba had a DoubleTree hotel, a Hilton property, that we were able to book for 10,000 points. With a great location … Read More
Hotel Review: Ararat Hotel Bethlehem
When planning a trip exclusively with points and miles, you have to get creative when you’re trying to stay in a place without major international hotel chains. Such was the case for our Christmas Eve overnight trip to Bethlehem. Options were limited, and we were going on the busiest day of the year for Bethlehem. But after some searching, I … Read More
Hotel Review: Crowne Plaza Jerusalem
The second of our two stays in Jerusalem, the Crowne Plaza proved to be more comfortable and accommodating than the first. As part of the InterContinental Hotels Group, it’s available to book using IHG Rewards Club points. Crowne Plaza Jerusalem | From $88/night Location: The Crowne Plaza is located close to the Central Bus Station which also has a light rail stop … Read More
Hotel Review: Ramada Jerusalem
We typically like to stay at budget-friendly AirBnbs or boutique hotels when traveling, both for the savings and for the immersion. But when you’re planning a trip paid exclusively by points and miles, your choices are limited to international chain hotels. Such was the case when we stayed at the Ramada in Jerusalem. Image above: the view from our room. Ramada … Read More
How We Took a Three-Week Trip to the Holy Land for Less Than $300 Per Person
We’ve just returned from three weeks in Turkey, Israel, and Jordan, and we will have lots of posts and pictures to share. But first we wanted to discuss our itinerary, and how we were able to go on a nearly $6,000 trip for less than $600. The short answer is, of course, credit card reward points. You are probably familiar … Read More