Best Travel Blogs: 09/08/14

September 8, 2014

Well, it’s not quite a full refund, but it’ll do — or will it?

from Elliott http://elliott.org/is-this-enough-compensation/well-quite-full-refund-itll-will/

Bayernhof Music Museum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Bayernhof Museum

A lighting executive's Bavarian-inspired mansion in the north of Pittsburgh has become a museum hosting his rare collection of automatic musical instruments.

Charles B. "Chuck" Brown III collected antique automatic musical instrument players, early jukeboxes, phonographs, and music boxes. When he died in 1999, he willed that his mansion become a museum to show his eclectic collection to the public, opening in 2004. Bayernhof Museum now offers pre-arranged guided tours for interested visitors. Among the highlights of the tour are "reproducing pianos," which work similar to a player piano but captured closely how the artist played the composition in tempo and volume. Some of the 150 instruments are played for tours, including a Wurlitzer 125 Military Band Organ meant for outdoor use, and thus sounding very loud even when played in a spacious room. The museum's curator, Tony Marisco, maintains the instruments in working order.

The mansion also contains secret passages, a gigantic pool surrounded with greenery, and a wine cellar made to look like a cave. Throughout the mansion-now-museum, Chuck's eclectic tastes come through in every knickknack and chord played through its halls.

from Atlas Obscura http://atlasobscura.com.feedsportal.com/c/35387/f/665719/s/3e45cba4/sc/10/l/0L0Satlasobscura0N0Cplaces0Cbayernhof0Emusic0Emuseum/story01.htm

Arrowtown in the Autumn

Composition Tricks Here’s a little trick with composing photos. As you know, it’s usually bad form to put major things (like the sun) in the middle of the photograph. But, if you turn the camera sideways (said in a Raising Arizona voice) into portrait mode, you can suddenly center anything and it looks good! You […]

from Stuck in Customs http://www.stuckincustoms.com/2014/09/09/arrowtown-in-the-autumn/

Keep Your Data Yours While Traveling

Experts share methods for maintaining security on electronic devices at hotels, airports and other places.

from NYT > Travel http://rss.nytimes.com/c/34625/f/642561/s/3e458125/sc/10/l/0L0Snytimes0N0C20A140C0A90C0A90Cbusiness0Ckeep0Eyour0Edata0Eyours0Ewhile0Etraveling0Bhtml0Dpartner0Frss0Gemc0Frss/story01.htm

Free $5, Get Better Food from Restaurants, and Make the Most of Marriott Points

News and notes from around the interweb: Get $5 free from Paypal A simple rule for making every restaurant meal better The most lucrative way to use Marriott Rewards points is travel packages. Miles Professor offers a good introduction. Pluses and minuses of each of the American Express prepaid products The 20 Most Annoying Things […]

The post Free $5, Get Better Food from Restaurants, and Make the Most of Marriott Points appeared first on View from the Wing.

from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2014/09/08/free-5-get-better-food-restaurants-make-marriott-points/

Booked On Inaugural Etihad A380 Flight!

Earlier in the year, Etihad unveiled the details of their A380s, which they will begin taking delivery of later this year. Even though there are several other airlines that already operate the A380, Etihad's are truly unique, both in terms of how they're marketing them and in terms of the actual cabins.

In terms of premium cabins, they're introducing The Residence, First Apartment, and Business Studio. The Residence is a completely new concept for a commercial plane, consisting of a private living room, bedroom, and bathroom, plus a personal butler.

The post Booked On Inaugural Etihad A380 Flight! appeared first on One Mile at a Time.

from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2014/09/08/booked-on-inaugural-etihad-a380-flight/

On the Road: In-Flight Rage? Understandable, but Rare

Cramped conditions in the back of a plane can severely test passenger equanimity, as recent episodes over reclining seats illustrate. But such incidents are actually not common.

from NYT > Travel http://rss.nytimes.com/c/34625/f/642561/s/3e44aa9f/sc/36/l/0L0Snytimes0N0C20A140C0A90C0A90Cbusiness0Cin0Eflight0Erage0Eunderstandable0Ebut0Enot0Ecommon0Bhtml0Dpartner0Frss0Gemc0Frss/story01.htm

India Concerned Israelis Could Be Targeted During Holidays

A week after Al Qaeda said it was setting up shop in the subcontinent, India says Israeli travelers could be targets.

from Travel Feedly http://www.ibtimes.com/india-concerned-israelis-could-be-targeted-during-high-holidays-rosh-hashanah-yom-kippur-1682152

Double Redeemable Miles for Six Months! From Qantas…

I was sure excited to see a double redeemable miles promotion. I wonder whether my preferred frequent flyer program will match? Hah. At double miles, that makes Qantas’ long haul award chart almost reasonable. Registration is required and tickets must be purchased by September 12 — this is for new tickets purchased between September 5 […]

The post Double Redeemable Miles for Six Months! From Qantas… appeared first on View from the Wing.

from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2014/09/08/double-redeemable-miles-six-months-qantas/

Restaurant Story, Chiltern Firehouse, Gymkhana and Barnyard

On a trip to London last spring, Mark Bittman ate at Restaurant Story, Chiltern Firehouse, Gymkhana and Barnyard

from NYT > Travel http://rss.nytimes.com/c/34625/f/642561/s/3e441a73/sc/26/l/0L0Snytimes0N0C20A140C0A90C10A0Cdining0Crestaurant0Estory0Echiltern0Efirehouse0Egymkhana0Eand0Ebarnyard0Bhtml0Dpartner0Frss0Gemc0Frss/story01.htm

White Lyan in East London: A Bar Beyond the Status Quo

A motivation for the White Lyan in East London was ingredient and production control, born of the question, “Is this the best version of the drinks we want to put out?”

from NYT > Travel http://rss.nytimes.com/c/34625/f/642561/s/3e441a6f/sc/7/l/0L0Snytimes0N0C20A140C0A90C10A0Cdining0Cwhite0Elyan0Ein0Eeast0Elondon0Ea0Ebar0Ebeyond0Ethe0Estatus0Equo0Bhtml0Dpartner0Frss0Gemc0Frss/story01.htm

Trip Experience: Cathay Pacific First Class

This post covers our experience in Cathay Pacific First Class on our recent trip to Asia Picking the Destinations Cathay Pacific First Class Cambodia & Le Meridien Angkor Bangkok Airways (Bangkok to Siem Reap & Maldives) Bangkok & Le Meridien Bangkok Maldives & Sheraton Full Moon Resort Hong Kong & Ritz Carlton Cathay Pacific First […]

from Frugal Travel Guy http://www.frugaltravelguy.com/2014/09/trip-experience-cathay-pacific-first-class.html

Maximizing TripAdvisor: How To Find Your Perfect Hotel

TPG Foreign Correspondent Lori Zaino stayed in nine different hotels and Airbnb rentals during her recent five-week trip to Southeast Asia. When I asked her which properties were the best and the worst, she said that all of them exceeded her expectations. I was surprised to hear that and asked how she managed to find […]

from The Points Guy http://thepointsguy.com/2014/09/maximizing-tripadvisor-how-to-find-your-perfect-hotel/

There’s No Such Thing As A Free Flight

I've addressed this in passing, but I figured I might as well address this head on, since it's something I feel strongly about -- there's no such thing as a "free" flight (well, unless you're Marilyn Hartman). On a plane you paid for whatever cabin you're flying in, whether you're on a revenue ticket, award ticket, upgrade, or taking advantage of flight benefits.

Let me provide some context. I recently wrote about my Etihad flight from Abu Dhabi to New York in first class where they ran out of food. That was actually the lesser of the two issues I had with the flight -- the bigger issue was with Abu Dhabi's horrible US pre-clearance facility.

I have my fair share of trolls on this blog -- I take it as a compliment that they dislike me enough to keep coming back -- but sometimes they make points that are so ridiculous that they're actually worth sharing. And in this case the reason I'm sharing them isn't to actually point out the ridiculousness of them, but rather to address what they're trying to get at it in theory (which is easier to respond to when they make it amusing).

The post There’s No Such Thing As A Free Flight appeared first on One Mile at a Time.

from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2014/09/08/theres-thing-free-flight/

The summertime beauty of Utah

Matador filmmaker Scott Sporleder captures Utah in all its summer glory.

from Matador NetworkMatador Network http://matadornetwork.com/tv/summer-beauty-utah/

Monday Travel Update – Soon in Cancun

It has been a while since I’ve done a general update on my travels. This year has been pretty busy with several months in Africa an a 2.5 month road trip across Western Canada and the United States. Things start to slow down a bit as of now, although slowing down is a bit of [...]

from Everything Everywhere Travel Blog http://everything-everywhere.com/2014/09/08/monday-travel-update-soon-cancun/

Southwest modernizes look with new identity, Internet reacts

44 years after its first flight, Dallas, Texas-based airline Southwest has unveiled a modern refresh to its brand. Much of the rollout ...

from Tnooz http://www.tnooz.com/article/southwest-modernizes-look-new-livery-refreshed-identity/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=southwest-modernizes-look-new-livery-refreshed-identity

Etihad Airways Arrivals Lounge Abu Dhabi

Etihad Airways is improving their ground experience for first and business class passengers arriving at Abu Dhabi International Airport, with the introduction of a new Etihad Airways arrivals lounge.

The lounge actually opened a couple of weeks ago, though Etihad just put out the press release about it yesterday. Here's how they describe it:

The post Etihad Airways Arrivals Lounge Abu Dhabi appeared first on One Mile at a Time.

from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2014/09/08/etihad-airways-arrivals-lounge-abu-dhabi/

Ask me anything you want

from Elliott http://elliott.org/elliotts-email/ask-anything-anything/

What’s Agritourism And Is It Right For You?

When you hear the term agritourism you may think it refers to staying on a farm while you’re on holiday to help with milking the cows. While agritourism could certainly include that experience, the term encompasses so much more. Whether it’s educational, participating in fun activities, or just getting back to nature, you may discover […]

from Frugal Travel Guy http://www.frugaltravelguy.com/2014/09/whats-agritourism-and-is-it-right-for-you.html

American Express Platinum as a Great Business Travel Tool

I receive compensation for many links on this blog. You don’t have to use these links, but I am grateful to you if you do. American Express, Citibank, Chase, and other banks are advertising partners of this site. I do not write about all credit cards that are available — instead focusing on miles, points, […]

The post American Express Platinum as a Great Business Travel Tool appeared first on View from the Wing.

from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2014/09/08/american-express-platinum-benefits-business-travel-tool/

In Transit Blog: Walkabout: Airlines Say So Long to Turbulence, Hello to Cramped Seating

A weekly capsule of travel news curated by our writers and editors.

from NYT > Travel http://rss.nytimes.com/c/34625/f/642561/s/3e4330e7/sc/10/l/0Lintransit0Bblogs0Bnytimes0N0C20A140C0A90C0A80Cwalkabout0Eairlines0Esay0Eso0Elong0Eto0Eturbulence0Ehello0Eto0Ecramped0Eseating0C0Dpartner0Frss0Gemc0Frss/story01.htm

GoPro footage of dog at beach

Walter is a Labrador who lives in the gorgeous town of Siracusa, Sicily.

from Matador NetworkMatador Network http://matadornetwork.com/life/high-speed-dogs-eye-view-sicily-vid/

Southwest’s New Livery Is Official

I don't really follow Southwest all that much. I've flown them once and think they're a fantastic airline all around, but they offer different things than what I look for in an airline (a global frequent flyer program, lots of opportunities for upgrades, etc.).

More than anything they deserve credit for their brilliant marketing. They've convinced flyers that they have the lowest fares, which is rarely the case. Yet I hear over and over "oh I need a cheap last minute ticket, I guess I'll fly Southwest." Being able to create that perception among consumers is invaluable.

Southwest just announced a rebranding, which consists of their new "Heart" livery. Here's how it's described:

The post Southwest’s New Livery Is Official appeared first on One Mile at a Time.

from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2014/09/08/southwests-new-livery-official/

9 first impressions of Cleveland

There’s nothing quite like watching a sweaty, orange 32-year-old in a tiny glittery t-shirt “fight the beat” on a downtown roof bar.

from Matador NetworkMatador Network http://matadornetwork.com/life/9-first-impressions-cleveland/

Earn Double or Triple Starpoints for Your Fall Hotel Stays

Starwood Promotions: Starwood is out with their fall promotion — double Starpoints on eligible stays of two or more nights and triple Starpoints if the stay includes a Friday or Saturday night (Thursday or Friday night in the Middle East) between September 15 and December 15. Where have we seen this before? (No quadruple points […]

The post Earn Double or Triple Starpoints for Your Fall Hotel Stays appeared first on View from the Wing.

from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2014/09/08/earn-double-triple-starwood-promotions-fall/

Redeem American Miles For Virgin Australia

File this under "things that are cool but not necessarily all that useful." ;)

Etihad Airways and Virgin Australia have a partnership (it's certainly one of Etihad's more "premium" partnerships, compared to Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, and Alitalia).

As part of that, Virgin Australia offers three times weekly service between Sydney and Abu Dhabi, as a way to provide "feed" to Etihad flights for passengers connecting to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Because of the way the scheduling works out, the Virgin Australia 777-300ER would be sitting in Abu Dhabi all day on Sunday.

The post Redeem American Miles For Virgin Australia appeared first on One Mile at a Time.

from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2014/09/08/redeem-american-miles-virgin-australia/

Past Forward Amsterdam

The anything-goes Dutch capital has a healthy hold on heritage. A look at Amsterdam through author Russell Shorto's eyes.

from Intelligent Travel http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2014/09/08/past-forward-amsterdam/

40 eco-hotels you have to visit

The hotel industry today is clamoring to create sustainable properties that also look amazing. Here are 40 of the world's most stunning eco-hotels.

from Matador NetworkMatador Network http://matadornetwork.com/trips/40-incredible-eco-hotels-visit/

Up-close view of exploding volcano

"More people have visited the moon than the fiery bottom of this spectacular and deadly place."

from Matador NetworkMatador Network http://matadornetwork.com/abroad/men-explored-exploding-volcano-dont/

Glamping Hub raises $1 million to glamp up camping worldwide

Startup Glamping Hub, which offers a platform for travelers to book “glamorous camping” accomodations, has announced a $1 million Series A. The ...

from Tnooz http://www.tnooz.com/article/glamping-hub-raises-1-million-glamp-camping-worldwide/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=glamping-hub-raises-1-million-glamp-camping-worldwide

Register For Starwood “More For You” Promotion

Starwood has just announced the details of their fall 2014 promotion, entitled More For You. The promotion is valid for stays between September 15 and December 15, 2014. Registration is required by October 31, 2014.

Through this promotion, Starwood is offering:

-- Double Starpoints on eligible stays of two or more nights

-- Triple Starpoints on eligible stays that include a Friday or Saturday night (Thursday or Friday night in the Middle East)

The post Register For Starwood “More For You” Promotion appeared first on One Mile at a Time.

from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2014/09/08/register-starwood-promotion/

The Difference Between Happiness and Meaning

“The things that make you happy are not the same things that make your life seem meaningful.” That’s how Ben puts it, and I agree. I’ve also written about this several times before: in The Tower, for example, or in my first book. To increase happiness, do something fun. To increase meaning, do something challenging.…

from The Art of Non-Conformity http://chrisguillebeau.com/the-difference-between-happiness-and-meaning/

The Happiness of Pursuit with Chris Guillebeau

When I first started blogging, I came across a website called The Art of Non-Conformity. It was by this guy on a personal quest to visit every country in the world before he turned 35 years old. That guy was Chris Guillebeau. I began to follow his adventures intensely – as a traveler, the idea of watching someone visit every country in the world was inspiring (I’m doing the same thing but on a much, much, much slower time scale). […]

The post The Happiness of Pursuit with Chris Guillebeau appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

from Nomadic Matt's Travel Site http://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/happiness-pursuit-chris-guillebeau/

Handcuffed and Detained: Your Next Trip Report Could Land You In Trouble

A man taking photos of his flight’s aircraft and cabin crew was taken off the aircraft in handcuffs, questioned, re-screened, and then let back on before the flight continued. Some passengers claimed air stewardesses were crying and one asked who would look after her children if anything happened. Nick Taylor, 40, from Blackburn, Lancashire, left […]

The post Handcuffed and Detained: Your Next Trip Report Could Land You In Trouble appeared first on View from the Wing.

from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2014/09/08/handcuffed-detained-next-trip-report-land-trouble/

Japan Airlines Osaka To Los Angeles Flight Bookable With Miles

Over the weekend I wrote about some changes that Japan Airlines announced to their network, including the addition of a daily Osaka to Los Angeles 787 flight starting March 20, 2014.

It's a bit odd because the flight doesn't seem to be loaded into the GDS -- it doesn't display on ExpertFlyer or through online travel agencies, though I do see the flight directly on Japan Airlines' website.

Japan Airlines' website does indicate that the flight will initially be operated by a 787 with Japan Airlines' old business class product, which is unfortunate. Over time I suspect it will be operated by a 787 with the new product, though I guess it makes sense to first put the 787s with the new business class product on routes where they have competition.

The post Japan Airlines Osaka To Los Angeles Flight Bookable With Miles appeared first on One Mile at a Time.

from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2014/09/08/jl-787-kixlax/

Five lessons startups can learn from the pivot of a major online travel brand

There have been years of negative news, but there has now been a transformation of Travelocity‘s business model into that of an ...

from Tnooz http://www.tnooz.com/article/startup-lessons-travel-brand-pivot/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=five-lessons-startups-can-learn-new-travelocity

The $32 Billion Airport

Ready in about eight years, Al Maktoum International airport in Dubai will become the world's largest and able to handle 200 million passengers a year.

from Travel Feedly http://www.ibtimes.com/dubai-ruler-approves-32b-plan-make-al-maktoum-international-worlds-largest-airport-1681266