A Picnic on the Melting Sea Ice by a Hagglund

Hagglund Experience If you’re ever in Christchurch, New Zealand, be sure to visit that Antarctic center. They have this crazy Hagglund ride that shows off all the amazing things these machines can do. Did you know they can even float and move forward in water? Daily Photo – A Picnic on the Melting Sea Ice […]



from Stuck in Customs http://www.stuckincustoms.com/2015/02/12/a-picnic-on-the-melting-sea-ice-by-a-hagglund/

I canceled my order from Sam’s Club but they took my money anyway

from Elliott http://elliott.org/problem-solved/canceled-order-sams-club-took-money-anyway/

Braunau Am Inn Journal: In Adolf Hitler’s Hometown, Trying to Overcome a Legacy of Evil

An Austrian city is struggling, still, with what to do with the house where Hitler was born in 1889.

















from NYT > Travel http://rss.nytimes.com/c/34625/f/642561/s/434dabcb/sc/38/l/0L0Snytimes0N0C20A150C0A20C120Cworld0Ceurope0Cin0Eadolf0Ehitlers0Ehometown0Etrying0Eto0Eovercome0Ea0Elegacy0Eof0Eevil0Bhtml0Dpartner0Frss0Gemc0Frss/story01.htm

What if humans disappeared?

"Would the planet be better off without us, human beings?"



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/life/watch-happen-human-disappeared-off-face-earth/

Hyatt Launching Two New Diamond Benefits March 1: Gifting Status on Award Nights, and Lounge Access

Hyatt Gold Passport is introducing two new benefits for top tier Diamond members. Ability to Make Your Friends and Family Diamond for an Award Stay Hyatt calls the program ‘Guest of Honor‘ — starting March 1 when a Diamond member redeems points for someone else’s award stay, that person will receive Diamond benefits for the […]

The post Hyatt Launching Two New Diamond Benefits March 1: Gifting Status on Award Nights, and Lounge Access appeared first on View from the Wing.

from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2015/02/11/hyatt-launching-two-new-diamond-benefits-march-1-gifting-status-award-nights-lounge-access/

Amazing feature length Parkour flim

Follow athletes Gian Marco Oddo, Massimiliano Takacs, and Luigi Lorenzi as they jump, flip, spin, and handspring their way across Southeast Asia.



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/tv/art-flight-parkour-amazing-feature-length-parkour-flim/

6 Discoveries from Near and Far: Volume XXXII

Things I found on long walks in foreign cities, or perhaps when someone posted them on Twitter



from The Art of Non-Conformity http://chrisguillebeau.com/6-discoveries-from-near-and-far-volume-xxxii/

3.5 min music video shot in 5 secs.

Shot over the course of five seconds along 80 meters of road, this three-and-a-half minute music video features 80 people and a flying cat.



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/tv/watch-insane-3-5-minute-music-video-shot-just-5-seconds/

Starwood Corporate Now Involved In W Barcelona Investigation

For those of you not up to date on the saga of my mom getting robbed/lots of creepy stuff happening at the W Barcelona, here are the previous posts:

-- My Mom Got Robbed In Our Hotel!

-- Pick Pocketing Or Premeditated Crime? You Tell Me!

-- The W Barcelona General Manager Chimes In -- You Won't Believe This

It goes without saying that I've lost faith in this hotel. It's one thing if you have an apathetic duty manager. It's another thing if you have an apathetic director of rooms. But when the general manager is possibly the most apathetic of all, that tells you all you need to know about the hotel.

To clarify, while I've vowed never to return to the W Barcelona, this doesn't impact my love of the SPG brand otherwise, because I don't think what happened at this hotel is in line with the values of the chain.

The post Starwood Corporate Now Involved In W Barcelona Investigation appeared first on One Mile at a Time.

from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2015/02/11/starwood-corporate-now-involved-in-w-barcelona-investigation/

United Voiding All Those Cheap Business and First Class Tickets They Issued Today

This morning flights originating in the UK were pricing in Danish Kroner at a price that’s pennies on the dollar what they normally run. You could fly from the UK to pretty much anywhere in the world in business or first class at price hovering around $100 or less. This wasn’t a United-specific glitch, but […]

The post United Voiding All Those Cheap Business and First Class Tickets They Issued Today appeared first on View from the Wing.

from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2015/02/11/united-voiding-cheap-business-first-class-tickets-issued-today/

Are you as traveled as James Bond?

Can you beat 007's travel record?



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/life/traveled-countries-james-bond/

I Heart My City: Melissa’s Miami

Despite her many travels, Melissa Mederos cannot imagine calling any place but Miami home. The Magic City native is as up for an urban adventure as she is exploring the abundant natural splendor that surrounds her city (think Everglades and the Keys). Here are a few of Melissa's favorite things about her hometown paradise.



from Intelligent Travel http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2015/02/11/i-heart-my-city-melissas-miami/

Girl cannot prove her US citizenship

Alecia Pennington is an undocumented American citizen. Here is her plea for help to prove her identity.



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/life/19-year-old-girl-cannot-prove-american-citizenship-pleads-help/

50,000 Mile United Business Card Offer Now Publicly Available

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 50,000 Mile United Business Card Offer Now Publicly Available appeared first on View from the Wing.

from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2015/02/11/50000-mile-united-business-card-offer-now-publicly-available/

Knickerbocker Hotel to reopen more than a century after its debut

The Knickerbocker in New York City opens its doors to guests on Thursday, more than a century since John Jacob Astor IV built the hotel.

from CNN.com - Travel http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/11/travel/knickerbocker-hotel-reopening-new-york/index.html

In Transit Blog: On JetBlue, Passengers Can Use Apple Pay

Starting this month, JetBlue will allow customers to use Apple Pay for in-flight purchases.





from NYT > Travel http://rss.nytimes.com/c/34625/f/642561/s/434c11c0/sc/15/l/0Lintransit0Bblogs0Bnytimes0N0C20A150C0A20C110Con0Ejetblue0Epassengers0Ecan0Euse0Eapple0Epay0C0Dpartner0Frss0Gemc0Frss/story01.htm

TripAdvisor sees its expenses spike, may need to bid for controlling interest

TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel reviews platform, has placed a bet on becoming an alternative to online travel agencies for both travelers ...



from Tnooz http://www.tnooz.com/article/tripadvisors-bet-instant-booking-earnings-drag/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tripadvisors-bet-instant-booking-earnings-drag

Emirates Chairman Says US Airlines Need To Improve Service

A few days ago I wrote a post entitled "Should The Big Three Middle Eastern Airlines Be Stopped?"

The post was about the US airlines complaining that the Middle Eastern Airlines have an unfair advantage:

-- The Open-Skies agreement has exponentially expanded the international airline industry, and this was something largely prompted by the US

-- At the same time, the "big three" US airlines think it's not fair that the "big three" Middle Eastern airlines aren't running for profit businesses and have access to a lot more capital and lower operating costs

-- But then again, who are the US airlines to judge what "profit" the Middle Eastern carriers are seeking? Profit doesn't have to be directly monetary, but rather could be to expand the infrastructure and tourism of a city/country

The post Emirates Chairman Says US Airlines Need To Improve Service appeared first on One Mile at a Time.

from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2015/02/11/emirates-chairman-says-us-airlines-need-improve-service/

NY surfers in a huge blizzard [vid]

There's cold water surfing, and then there's this...



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/tv/watch-these-surfers-score-epic-waves-in-ny-during-recent-blizzard-vid/

T Magazine: Vienna, City of Dreams

Visit one of Europe’s crown jewels, where ultra-modern design mixes with classical music and historical architecture.

















from NYT > Travel http://rss.nytimes.com/c/34625/f/642561/s/434bc245/sc/10/l/0Ltmagazine0Bblogs0Bnytimes0N0C20A150C0A20C110Cvienna0Ecity0Eof0Edreams0C0Dpartner0Frss0Gemc0Frss/story01.htm

American Airlines Announces First Boeing 787 Dreamliner Routes

Earlier this year, American Airlines became the second U.S. airline (United) to take delivery of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. There has been a lot of speculation about which would the first routes for the new aircraft. Today, American officially announced that the Dreamliners’ first three routes will be the following: Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)-Chicago (ORD) beginning […]



from Frugal Travel Guy http://www.frugaltravelguy.com/2015/02/american-airlines-announces-first-boeing-787-dreamliner-routes.html

Dreamliner lovers rejoice as American Airlines touts new 787s

American Airlines has delivered a small gift to fans of Boeing's advanced jet, the 787 Dreamliner.

from CNN.com - Travel http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/11/travel/feat-american-airlines-dreamliner-routes/index.html

This Liberian man and his homemade guitar should be famous

One stick + one gas can = beautiful music.



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/bnt/liberian-man-homemade-guitar-famous/

Qantas Introduces Bid Now Upgrades — Good Idea?

Qantas' Frequent Flyer program is one of the least lucrative out there, in my opinion. Usually I don't even bother mentioning when they change their program, since even a positive change will only move the program from terrible to horrible. ;)

That being said, Qantas is introducing an innovative upgrade option, and I'm curious to hear what you guys think about it. I'm not sure whether I like it or not, but it's certainly interesting.

It's common for airlines to want to generate as much incremental revenue as possible, especially given how "perishable" goods in the airline industry are. One of the ways they've been doing that is by selling last minute cash upgrades. Different airlines have different ways of doing it -- some only sell them at the airport, some at online check-in, some invite select passengers by email, or some let you bid on upgrades in advance. But those last minute upgrades are almost always for cash.

Qantas is introducing new "Bid Now" Upgrades, described as follows:

The post Qantas Introduces Bid Now Upgrades — Good Idea? appeared first on One Mile at a Time.

from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2015/02/11/qantas-introduces-bid-now-upgrades-good-idea/

Shopping Portal Bonuses For Valentine’s Day Gifts

We’re yet again nearing Valentine’s Day, so if you’re hoping to get that special someone in your life some flowers, candy or jewelry (or more), make sure that you’re earning miles and points on these romantic presents by purchasing via an online shopping portal! A Bit About Online Shopping Portals Many of the major airline...



from The Points Guy http://thepointsguy.com/2015/02/shopping-portal-bonuses-for-valentines-day-gifts/

Does Thailand’s Government Want to Ban Orgies, Save on UK Departure Tax from These Cities, and 4 Ways You’re Using Miles Wrong…

News and notes from around the interweb: New day room booking site and app Hotels By Day is giving away free day rooms. There are surprisingly few entries, so your chances of winning are good. So enter. The inside scoop on United’s ellusive Global Services status. In addition to everything mentioned there, Global Services members […]

The post Does Thailand’s Government Want to Ban Orgies, Save on UK Departure Tax from These Cities, and 4 Ways You’re Using Miles Wrong… appeared first on View from the Wing.

from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2015/02/11/thailands-government-want-ban-orgies-save-uk-departure-tax-cities-4-ways-youre-using-miles-wrong/

Notes on falling in love on the road

Have you fallen for someone while traveling?



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/notebook/why-its-so-easy-to-fall-in-love-on-the-road/

What $100 will get you in London

"Say you’re planning a trip to London, and are trying to keep your budget for particular things under $100 -- how can you possibly do that in this most expensive of cities?"



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/trips/100-travel-money-will-get-london/

How Families Can Save on Lodging

Collecting points and miles is easy when you’re doing it for yourself, but add two or more children to the mix and it becomes a lot more difficult. The biggest expense is often lodging. Suddenly, the thought of transferring your entire Chase Ink Plus sign-up bonus to Hyatt Gold Passport to cover two rooms for […]



from Frugal Travel Guy http://www.frugaltravelguy.com/2015/02/how-families-can-save-on-lodging.html

How Many Hyatt Diamond Members Are There?

LoyaltyLobby had an interesting post last week with some fascinating facts about how many elite members Hyatt has, what percent of revenue they contribute to the company, etc. This kind of stuff always intrigues me, though it's very rare for information like this to leak.

So how much revenue do Gold Passport members contribute to the company annually, according to this document?

How many Hyatt Gold Passport members are there?

The post How Many Hyatt Diamond Members Are There? appeared first on One Mile at a Time.

from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2015/02/11/many-hyatt-diamond-members/

Is Airbnb responsible for the softening in New York RevPAR?

A recent analyst report from Credit Suisse suggests that Airbnb has put downward pricing pressure on hotels in New York City. The ...



from Tnooz http://www.tnooz.com/article/airbnb-responsible-softening-new-york-revpar/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=airbnb-responsible-softening-new-york-revpar

Island Edens: Europe’s Carless Paradise

A landscape sliced by streets where horse-drawn carriages roll by and locals go about their daily errands on foot or bicycle may call to mind a bygone era. But, in fact, a journey to a simpler time is exactly what many car-free islands in Europe offer amid the clamor of modern life.



from Intelligent Travel http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2015/02/11/island-edens-europes-carless-paradise/

Book American’s Brand New 787 Starting This Saturday

American has released details of its plans for the Boeing 787. As hinted previously, The plane will be based at DFW. Its initial domestic revenue flights, before it begins international service, will be Dallas – Chicago starting May 7 It will fly Dallas – Beijing June 2 And Dallas – Buenos Aires June 4 The […]

The post Book American’s Brand New 787 Starting This Saturday appeared first on View from the Wing.

from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2015/02/11/book-americans-brand-new-787-starting-saturday/

How to use science to avoid jetlag

Jetlag can ruin a trip. Fortunately, we know the science behind it, so here are a few lifehacks to make jetlag less painful.



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/life/use-science-avoid-jetlag/

Hertz launches digital concierge in Ireland

Hertz has partnered with a local Irish company to create a technology solution for drivers seeking things to do. It’s a Web-based ...



from Tnooz http://www.tnooz.com/article/hertz-launches-digital-concierge-ireland/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hertz-launches-digital-concierge-ireland

36 Hours: What to Do in Koreatown, Los Angeles

Just blocks from Hollywood is a newly hip community that offers a vibrant mix of Korean and Latino cultures.

















from NYT > Travel http://rss.nytimes.com/c/34625/f/642561/s/434a3d55/sc/10/l/0L0Snytimes0N0C20A150C0A20C150Ctravel0Cwhat0Eto0Edo0Ein0Ekoreatown0Elos0Eangeles0Bhtml0Dpartner0Frss0Gemc0Frss/story01.htm

T Magazine: Jewelry Designer Irene Neuwirth Goes to the Gem Show

Fifteen years after her first visit, the native Angeleno still makes the trip to the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase to collect treasures for her line.

















from NYT > Travel http://rss.nytimes.com/c/34625/f/642561/s/434a3d5a/sc/10/l/0Ltmagazine0Bblogs0Bnytimes0N0C20A150C0A20C110Cirene0Eneuwirth0Egem0Eshow0Ediary0C0Dpartner0Frss0Gemc0Frss/story01.htm

Airline Industry Performance Is Getting Worse, Says DOT

Poor service, baggage mishandling and overbooked flights are among the problems.



from Travel Feedly http://www.ibtimes.com/complaints-about-airlines-reach-13-year-high-says-dot-1812966

American Announces First Boeing 787 Routes

American recently took delivery of their first Boeing 787, which was a bit later than expected. They were originally supposed to take delivery of their first 787 in 2014, though that delivery slipped to late January 2015, which wasn't a big deal in the grand scheme of things.

As is the norm when airlines take delivery of a new type of aircraft, it doesn't immediately go into passenger service. Instead they work on finalizing the interior, crew familiarization, pilot training, etc.

Anyway, American has finally announced their first 787 routes, which include the following:

The post American Announces First Boeing 787 Routes appeared first on One Mile at a Time.

from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2015/02/11/american-announces-first-boeing-787-routes/

How dumb does Delta think you are?

from Elliott http://elliott.org/advice-you-can-take/dumb-delta-think/

What language should you learn? QUIZ

Should you learn Mandarin? French? Spanish? Find out which!



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/life/language-learn-quiz/

Update: The MobileSuites App Big Hotel Point Giveaway!

The Mobile Suites app will let you order room service, request housekeeping, set up transportation, and reserve restaurant and spa services at your hotel, regardless of where you’re staying. They’re working with the major hotel chains and rolling out quickly across their portfolio of full service hotels. The first 2000 signups that enter an email […]

The post Update: The MobileSuites App Big Hotel Point Giveaway! appeared first on View from the Wing.

from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2015/02/11/update-mobilesuites-app-big-hotel-point-giveaway/

What Do People Say At the End of Their Lives?

If given the chance, what do people choose for their last reflections and comments? A veteran hospice chaplain gives an unflinching answer: “They talk about the love they felt, and the love they gave. Often they talk about love they did not receive, or the love they did not know how to offer, the love…



from The Art of Non-Conformity http://chrisguillebeau.com/what-do-people-say-at-the-end-of-their-lives/

6 lies when you move to New Jersey

Stop pretending: You aren't going to be able to limit your pork roll intake.



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/life/6-lies-move-new-jersey/

The W Barcelona General Manager Chimes In — You Won’t Believe This!

For those of you not up to date on the saga, see these posts:

-- My Mom Got Robbed In Our Hotel!

-- Pick Pocketing Or Premeditated Crime? You Tell Me!

Long story short my mom was robbed at the W Barcelona, and it got a lot more creepy than that -- the guy made fraudulent charges to our room, and based on how much information he knew this wasn't just a random pick pocketing.

Was the theft itself the hotel's fault? Nope. But in my opinion the hotel has a duty to take the situation seriously and to investigate when it happens on their premises, involves several security breaches, involves someone that claims to work for their brand (even if that was a lie), and they're part of a major global hotel brand, presumably with global safety standards/procedures.

The post The W Barcelona General Manager Chimes In — You Won’t Believe This! appeared first on One Mile at a Time.

from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2015/02/11/w-barcelona-general-manager-chimes-wont-believe/

Hilton HHonors Lifetime Diamond Status Revealed

Hilton has made details of their much-anticipated lifetime Diamond status available. The requirements are: 10 years of Diamond status (does not have to be consecutive) 1000 paid nights Diamond status is normally achieved for a single year through any one of: 30 stays in a calendar year 60 nights in a calendar year 120,000 HHonors […]

The post Hilton HHonors Lifetime Diamond Status Revealed appeared first on View from the Wing.

from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2015/02/11/hilton-hhonors-lifetime-diamond-status-revealed/

Tito's yearly mota-run across Oaxaca

"Twice a year he made the pilgrimage through the barren Oaxacan desert, dotted with mezcal plants and cartoon-inspiring cacti forests, to stock up on marijuana that he purchased from his friend in Mitla."



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/bnt/titos-yearly-mota-run-across-oaxaca/

How to become the next big flamenco star

It may be driven by insanely tricky rhythms, but experts insist anyone can learn -- so long as they come to Seville.

from CNN.com - Travel http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/11/travel/seville-flamenco-cnngo/index.html

Need a quick romance fix? Head here

Over Paris? These 10 little-known spots across the planet are equally dreamy but much less trafficked.

from CNN.com - Travel http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/10/travel/romantic-destinations/index.html

Visit Arizona for Spring Training

Baseball’s Spring Training is of course the main draw, but that’s not the only reason a March trip to Phoenix makes sense.



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/trips/8-reasons-visit-arizona-mlb-spring-training/

Hilton Lifetime Diamond Status Requirements Revealed

Last December I wrote about how Hilton HHonors would be introducing lifetime Diamond status as of 2015. Well, it looks like this is now official, as the terms have been published.

Hilton HHonors lifetime Diamond status will require the following:

-- 10 years of Diamond status (non-consecutive is fine)

-- 1,000 paid nights

The post Hilton Lifetime Diamond Status Requirements Revealed appeared first on One Mile at a Time.

from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2015/02/11/hilton-lifetime-diamond-status-requirements-revealed/

Thomas Cook target of half of bookings online looking doubtful

Thomas Cook has admitted it may not hit its ambitious target of 50% web penetration in 2015. Announcing first quarter results for ...



from Tnooz http://www.tnooz.com/article/thomas-cook-doubtful-on-web-penetration/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=thomas-cook-web-target-looking-doubtful

TransAsia Offers $472,807 Compensation For Each Crash Victim

The compensation deal was rejected by victims' relatives, who were dissatisfied with the amount and the "method" of payment.



from Travel Feedly http://www.ibtimes.com/transasia-offers-472807-compensation-each-person-killed-ge-235-relatives-turn-it-down-1812430

American habits I lost in Germany

Fear of nudity? That's so yesterday.



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/life/9-american-habits-i-lost-when-i-moved-to-germany/

$85 Business and First Class Sale Fare, Europe – US on Several Airlines

Hat tip to this Flyertalk thread, it’s possible to purchase tickets between several cities in the UK and several cities in the US — in business class — for under $100 roundtrip. You have to originate in Europe. This works from London, but not exclusively so. This was first discovered on United, but it appears […]

The post $85 Business and First Class Sale Fare, Europe – US on Several Airlines appeared first on View from the Wing.

from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2015/02/11/85-business-first-class-sale-fare-europe-us-several-airlines/

Legal softening for accommodation sharing in London

The UK Government says it is giving a boost to London’s sharing economy through more flexible legislation currently before Parliament. The Department ...



from Tnooz http://www.tnooz.com/article/sharing-economy-accommodation-London/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=legal-softening-accommodation-sharing-london

Taiwan Suspends 29 TransAsia Pilots

Flight 235 crashed near Taipei last week, killing at least 42 people on board.



from Travel Feedly http://www.ibtimes.com/transasia-atr-pilots-suspended-failing-test-local-airlines-review-safety-protocols-1812438

Two Ways to Win a Free DJI Inspire 1 Quadcopter!

Option 1 to win, Comment on this new video I just did with Kai and DigitalRev TV! What can you win? The DJI Inspire 1 Quadcopter! This was a really fun show with DigitalRev TV and Kai in Hong Kong a few days ago. I was quite worried that Kai would fly the quad right […]



from Stuck in Customs http://www.stuckincustoms.com/2015/02/11/two-ways-to-win-a-free-dji-inspire-1-quadcopter/

An Epic Journey to Cambodia: Part II

Our visit to Northern Cambodia and exploring Angkor Wat exceeded our expectations. After leaving the beautiful north, it was time to travel back through the capital city of Phnom Penh where things take a more hectic pace and the surroundings are much grittier. There is still a lot to see and do here, however, and […]



from Frugal Travel Guy http://www.frugaltravelguy.com/2015/02/an-epic-journey-to-cambodia-part-ii.html