In the typical American telling of our individual stories, we tend to equate nationality with citizenship, not with ethnicity. Most of us descend from people who came from somewhere else, and many of our families have not -- in the grand sweep of time -- been here all that long. What makes America great?
Read moreReview: Great experience in AirBerlin business class Berlin to New York... with wine tasting notes
I rarely pay to sit in business or first class, though I don't love a good experience up front, which I take via upgrade or use of miles when the stars align. My recent flight in AirBerlin business class from Berlin to New York was one such moment, and it was quite good. This was a fun post to write for its rare opportunity to bring together my geeky love of wine and commercial aviation in a single piece for, yes, I have tasting notes below!
Read moreLast chance for 100,000 points and $1,500 of free travel with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card
If you've been putting off signing up for the new(ish) Chase Sapphire Reserve (dubbed CSR) credit card released in 2016 -- and the 100,000 point signup bonus (ahem, a minimum of $1,500 worth of free travel) that comes along with it -- now is the time to get it done. Highly reputable The Points Guy reports this week that Chase plans to end the 100k signup promotion this coming Wednesday, 11 January 2017.
Read moreFrugal travel tips as you make plans for a new year
Guest blog post by Jason Mueller, of Things to do in Santa Cruz (CA) and Costa Rica Vacation Rentals, on this second to last day of December when plans are being laid for adventures in the year to come. Some will work for you, and some may suit you less well. Travel should be an adventure that is uniquely yours. Enjoy!
Read moreImprove your airport experience by knowing what you like, and making a plan to do it
I board my last airplane of 2016 a few days after Christmas, joining the throngs of people who make this one of the busiest times of year for air travel. I'm OK with these high volume travel periods in part because I employ these five strategies that take the stress out of airports and air travel, but also because -- when it comes to airports -- I know what I like, and I go in with a plan.
Read moreWhere are you a local?
It's tough for me to define "where I'm from". How indeterminate, for it only begs more questions. Is being from a place is about having been born there? Having grown up there? Having one's family roots there? Is it the place one chooses as an adult? Several years ago, author Taiye Selasi helped answer some of these questions in her TED Talk during which she suggested that the question "where are you a local" is far more valuable than the question "where are you from".
Read moreHow to get away with thirty-six wonderful hours in beautiful Grundsund, Sweden... winter or not
Sweden is a wonderful country to which I plan to return next year. I am a big advocate of modern city dwellers taking the time to get out of the city and into the beautiful country the world has to offer; thirty-six hours in Sweden certainly fits the bill, though is not nearly long enough. Grundsund on Skaftö is about as far away from tourists as you'll find. You'll be pleased with the quiet, the people, and the sea.
Read moreNavigating Lisbon Airport: A mixed bag with some great deals on trans-Atlantic flights
Lisbon Airport (LIS) is relevant for intra-European and trans-Atlantic travelers alike because it's home and hub of the airline TAP Portugal, and TAP is rather good at offering competitive prices to, from, and inside of Europe... if you are willing to take a layover in Lisbon, often times at roundtrip fares from the U.S. to various European destinations offered at less than $500.
Read moreReview: AirBerlin economy class Sweden to Germany is solidly functional, but don't expect frills
Recent experience flying AirBerlin economy class within the European Union - Gothenburg, Sweden to Berlin, Germany - says the airline's economy experience is a good option. OneWorld Alliance membership adds extra convenience. Numerous destinations throughout Europe, combined with service to eight American cities and a smattering of others in Latin America and Africa make it a compelling option for cost-sensitive travelers to / from / inside of Europe.
Read more"Your Guide to Washington, DC-Area Airports" out in the "Washingtonian" last week
Washingtonian magazine was out last week with a DC-area airports guide that we want to share. We've made no secret of our love for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), we think one of the nation's very best, but there's great history and interesting things happening in the near future for travelers through all three of the airports serving Washington, DC. Locals and passers through read on.
Read moreReview: Great Tumi Alpha 2 International Carry-on suitcase fits 17 days of stuff into the overhead bin
We field tested the Tumi Alpha 2 International Expandable 4-Wheel Carry-on as my only suitcase through four four countries over 17 nights. The verdict? This thing is both an excellent and stylish performer whose expense you'll make up in reliability and the money you'll save not paying for to check your luggage. It deserves a spot on your Christmas list. Our review and tips for packing it for 17 nights are below.
Read moreThe spectacular city case for Madrid, Spain, Part 1: Plazas, restaurants, and the best spots to visit
I'll open with a bold statement: Madrid is the most spectacular western city that most readers of this blog have never been to. Wide avenues and narrow streets, outdoor plazas and taverns tucked away, the most intimate of neighborhoods in the European Union's third largest city... Madrid is the next city to which you should plan to say hello. Betting odds say that you'll fall in love with it, just as I once did years ago.
Read moreReview: Norwegian Air is a solid low-cost airline for European and some North American travelers
Norwegian seems (mostly) a higher quality low-cost airline in the mold of jetBlue and Southwest. With nine destinations from New York alone, the airline may be a compelling alternative for some cost-conscious travelers. You won't fly luxuriously, but I think you'll fly comfortably… and you'll have some money leftover to spend when you get to wherever you're going.
Read moreInsight and tips for your trans-Atlantic American Airlines flight on aging but reasonable Boeing 767
As I write, we're flying from New York JFK International Airport to Madrid Barajas International Airport (MAD) aboard an American Airlines Boeing 767-300, the smaller of the Boeing wide body long airplanes. We're spending this leg of the journey in Economy Class, so we're able to offer worthwhile tips to anyone flying similar American routes on this plane.
Read moreWhen to book free travel with credit card points vs transferring to airline miles
There are really two ways for travel-oriented credit card holders to use their points towards free travel: Use those points like cash to purchase airline tickets directly through the credit card issuer, or
transfer those points to your airline account so that you can purchase tickets with miles. Which will give you the best deal?
We're off to wineries, capitals, and small towns of Spain, Portugal, Sweden, and the UK!
We're off to Europe, specifically to Spain, Portugal, the UK, and Sweden where we'll visit capitals, wineries, and small towns. We're making a point of sticking (mostly) to wineries that distribute in the United States, so that you can find what we're sharing even if you don't plan to travel yourself. We really hope that you'll follow along and share with your friends!
Read moreFour countries, 17 nights, one Tumi international carry-on and a backpack. Your advice?
Next week we depart on a journey through four European countries -- Spain, Portugal, the UK, and Sweden -- that will take us from the city streets of Madrid, Lisbon, London, and Gothenburg to the wine country of Ribera del Duero, Rioja, and the Douro Valley. I'll boldly shoehorn 17 nights worth of kit into a Tumi International 4-Wheeled Expandable Carry On suitcase and their Knox Backpack. Any recommendations or packing tips as we take this on? What works for you?
Read moreThese are our Northern Virginia (and surrounding) wine, dine, and travel favorites right now
It's Columbus Day in the United States -- you know, that quasi-holiday that might be the federally recognized holiday that your employer is most likely to expect you to work on anyway? It's also an absolutely beautiful time in the Northern Virginia region that we (and a lot of great wineries) call home. These are some of our top regional recommendations right now.
Read moreTouching down in Phoenix for a little taste of Arizona wine and absolutely beautiful country
Returned from Phoenix, AZ with good things to say about the local Arizona wine, newly renovated American Airlines Admirals Club at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), and -- of course -- the beautiful scenery. It is absolutely beautiful country.
Read moreCathedrals, Marvels, and Great Spots: Why America's airports aren't "like a third world country"
There's a rumor afoot that America's airports "are like from a third world country". Listen, not all airports are created equal. Some are better than others. Each excel at different things. There are absolutely stunning airports the world over (including in some developing nations), and also some pretty terrible ones. Book your next layover at one of our favorites to see for yourself.
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