GLO Hotel Kluuvi Helsinki Review Over three years ago I did a status match to GHA Discovery Black elite status. Somehow I have kept my status since then; I am assuming due to extensions from COVID. The GHA Discovery Loyalty program has gone through some changes and now their top … Read more
Finnair A350-900 Business Class AMS-HEL I needed a way back from Europe after my summer trip and had been wanting to try out Finnair’s new Business Class product. I was able to find an award flight with the new product HEL-DFW. For the same price, I was able to add … Read more
Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam Review Amsterdam is one of my favorite cities. Previously I had stayed at the Andaz and Hyatt Regency; both of which are fantastic hotels. This time I had an IHG Chase free night certificate. It was good for a night at 40,000 point property. The Kimpton … Read more
Crowne Plaza Brugge Review Brugge (or Bruges) was, in the 15th century, one of the most important cities in Europe. It was a port city until the harbor silted up; leaving the city in a state of decay for centuries until it reinvented itself as a tourist destination in the … Read more
Aspire Lounge Zurich (ZRH) Zurich Airport, or Flughafen Zürich, is a modern airport and the hub for Swiss International Air Lines. I ended up with a six hour layover between Tivat, Montenegro and Luxembourg after one of my flights was canceled in the chaos of summer 2022 travel. The Aspire … Read more
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
