Alan 
Hilton Podgorica Crna Gora Review Podgorica is the capitol of Montenegro and accessible by the Montenegro Express train from Belgrade. Montenegro is a “new” country; formed in 2006 when Serbia and Montenegro split apart. The Hilton, which opened in 2016, is a complete update of the 1953 Crna Gora Hotel, … Read more
Tips for Visiting Belgrade as a Solo Traveler Belgrade is known as a party destination for Western Europeans. Most Americans probably wouldn’t even think to consider a visit. The Serbian capital (and formerly part of Yugoslavia) was bombed during the NATO campaign of 1999. Today it is a modern city … Read more
Montenegro Express – Belgrade to Podgorica Train Opened in 1976 (but in development for much longer), the Belgrade to Bar train runs through Serbia and Montenegro (with a short portion in Bosnia and Herzegovina). The entire route 476 km long; though I started in Belgrade and got off in the … Read more
Hyatt Regency Belgrade Review Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, has come a long way since being the target of NATO bombings in 1999. It is a lively and modern city that still has a bit of Yugoslavian grit. The Hyatt Regency opened in 1989 and has 282 rooms and suites … Read more
Primeclass Lounge Frankfurt The Primeclass Lounge Frankfurt is located in Terminal 2 in the E Gates area. It is at the end by Gate E9; you’ll pass by a number of other lounges to get there. Note that you must go through security after the lounge, so make sure you … Read more
Hyatt Regency Mainz Review Mainz is a city located on the Rhine River and just a quick train ride from Frankfurt. I had a 36 hour layover at Frankfurt so I decided to book the Hyatt Regency Mainz for one night. A category 3 property, I booked one night for … Read more
Condor 757-300 Business Class EVN-FRA In looking for options to get to Western/Central Europe from the Caucasus, I found that Condor has a flight from Yerevan, Armenia (EVN) to Frankfurt. When I checked the prices; I was able to book Flight 847, a one way ticket in Business Class, for … Read more
Converse Bank Business Lounge Yerevan EVN Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan is a small but modern airport 15 km outside of the city. There is just one lounge that is used by airlines and also accessible for those with Priority Pass. I was flying in Condo Business Class and was … Read more
Primeclass Lounge Tbilisi TBS Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport is located 17km outside of Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi. It is a small airport with five (or so) gates. There is one lounge, the Primeclass Lounge, which is accessible through Priority Pass membership. The lounge is located to the right just after … Read more
Tips for Visiting Baku as a Solo Traveler Baku, Azerbaijan is a popular destination for travelers coming from Russia and the Middle East but not well known among American tourists. Azerbaijan is a predominantly secular Muslim country. You won’t see women wearing head scarves or burkas. You won’t hear call … Read more
Hyatt Regency Baku Review I started my travels through the Caucasus in Baku, Azerbaijan. Wizz Air flies direct from Abu Dhabi. Baku is located on the Caspian Sea and has a historic old town as well as a ton of unique new architecture. Someone accurately described it as a mix between … Read more
Abu Dhabi Lounge AUH Currently there is only one Priority Pass lounge at Abu Dhabi International Airport and it is in the older Terminal 1. I’m not sure how such a large airport has no Priority Pass in their main modern terminal. Fortunately (or unfortunately) for me my flight on … Read more
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island Review Crowne Plaza hotels reminds me a lot of Hilton’s DoubleTree hotels: it seems to be the catch all brand for IHG. There is no common thread that makes the brand mean anything. After staying two nights at the Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi, I … Read more
Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Grand Suite Review I visited Abu Dhabi in July; which is just about the worst time to go. However the summer heat means that hotel rates tend to be lower. I was able to book two nights at the Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi through a Best … Read more
Tips for Visiting Jordan as a Solo Traveler I just finished a quick trip through Jordan by myself. I spent a total of 5 nights in the country. The one thing I didn’t do is see Wadi Rum; but it seemed like you’d really have to join a tour to … Read more