Yearly Archives: 2021

Read more about the article A Visit Through the Souqs of Dubai

A Visit Through the Souqs of Dubai

Our trip to Dubai included a half day at the Souqs of Dubai. These markets are a fun place to wander through the old part of Dubai. We caught a taxi from the hotel which dropped us off right outside the Spice (or herbs) Souq. The sights and smells of the spices abound Upon leaving the spice souq we walked towards a road with many small shops. The shops were filled with souvenirs and saturated with bright color. If you're interested in buying, haggling for a good price is part of the shopping experience. Whatever you are shopping for you,…

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Read more about the article Timeless Spa at the Al Maha, A Marriott Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai

Timeless Spa at the Al Maha, A Marriott Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai

It was our time to relax at the Al Maha Luxury Desert Resort and Spa. Nestled among the sands and palm groves outside of Dubai you will find this serene and majestic place. Al Maha Luxury Resort and Spa It's considered among one of the best hotels in the world. It is situated on the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve about 70 minutes from Dubai by car. Wild life are free to roam to and fro, so be on your guard. Entrance to Timeless Spa and Main Pool The spa has an exotic feel and we experienced exceptional customer service, not…

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Read more about the article La Mer Beach Dubai – Beachfront

La Mer Beach Dubai – Beachfront

La Mer Beach is a great stop when visiting Dubai.  It includes a collection of restaurants, shops, a water park, and of course… a beach.  In an earlier post we covered the street art at La Mer,  in this post we look at the beachfront. A variety of restaurants line the beachside walkway Beachfront Coffee Shop We Decided To Try Out Turkish Food at Kaftan Le Mer Beach Offers a Construction Themed Activity Park. See More On Diggers Lab Here. Le Mer Beach Is Divided Into Two Separate Sides. All The Photos In This Post Was Taken on the South Side. (Pictured in…

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Read more about the article Remember That a Trip to Rome Was Not Built in a Day

Remember That a Trip to Rome Was Not Built in a Day

Travel blogs can portray a picture of non-stop travel in luxury hotels and first-class flights.  These trips are certainly possible, but like the fine print regarding the person in the weight loss commercial who lost 50 pounds, in small print it says “results not typical”. Miles and points do allow ordinary people to travel to extraordinary places, but it takes time and effort to earn those miles.  Dream of where miles and points can take you, but also be realistic as you get started.   We'll help point you in the right direction if you want to travel more using points…

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Read more about the article Which Credit Card Should We Get?

Which Credit Card Should We Get?

Points and Miles have allowed us to travel in a way we couldn't do on our own. Many of these points have been earned through credit cards. Our travel plans have been put on hold during the last year, so we've pivoted to earning cash back for our credit card spending. We’re looking to sign up for a new cash back credit card and we’ve narrowed it down to two options.  Card Number #1 - This card earns a sign-up bonus of 40,000 points for spending $3000 in the first 90 days. The 40,000 points can be cashed in for…

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Read more about the article Points, Miles and the Waldorf Astoria Versailles, France

Points, Miles and the Waldorf Astoria Versailles, France

Our upcoming trip to Europe will include a stay at the Waldorf Astoria Versailles - Trianon Palace. The hotel is located right next to the Palace of Versailles, about a 30-minute train ride to the west of Paris.  In order to minimize our out of pocket expenses, we are looking to maximize points and miles on our journey. Palace of Versailles Gardens of Versailles Mixing Points and Miles into the Equation  Travel has been limited over the past year and a half. As a result we’ve accumulated a number of free night certificates and hotel rewards that come from holding…

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Read more about the article Covid Testing During our Stay at the Hyatt Zilara in Cancun

Covid Testing During our Stay at the Hyatt Zilara in Cancun

Those who travel abroad are currently required to complete a Covid-19 test within 72 hours of returning to the United States.  The PCR test detects the presence of a virus if you are infected at the time of the test.  On our recent trip to Cancun, Mexico, we had to factor this requirement into our trip planning.  Our choice of hotel made this relatively simple.  The Hyatt Zilara is our go-to hotel in Cancun, Mexico. As we found out, the Hyatt Zilara offers a Covid-19 nose swab test free of charge for their guests.  The test meets the requirement for re-entry into the…

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Read more about the article Chair Lift up Monte Solaro in Anacapri, Italy

Chair Lift up Monte Solaro in Anacapri, Italy

As part of our visit to the Island of Capri, we went to the town of Anacapri and rode the chair lift to the highest point of the island – Monte Solaro.  The Marina at Capri Getting to the Island of Capri We took a ferry from Marina Piccola in Sorrento and after a 30 minute trip, we arrived at the marina in Capri. From the Marina we took the funicular up the hill to Piazza Umberto I. At the piazza we hired one of the multicolored, open air taxis to bring us to the town of Anacapri. The ride…

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