Destinations – Page 2 – Cafes and Alleyways

Saving Our Trip to Paris – Why We Applied for an Air France Credit Card

Post author:CafesandAlleyways
Post published:September 7, 2020
Post category:Destinations General Points+Miles
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As the saying goes, “Paris always a good idea”. We love visiting Paris and had a trip planned for May 2020. The flight was booked with Air France Miles. The trip was cancelled due to Covid 19. We called Air France, cancelled the flight, and the Air France miles were redeposited into our frequent flyer account. So far so good. The problem is, these miles, along with our existing balance, resulted in over 300,000 Air France miles that were set to expire in May 2021. This is over $3000 worth of travel that would evaporate unless we took action. Air France miles expire…

Water Taxi in Venice, Italy (Quick Video)

Post author:CafesandAlleyways
Post published:August 27, 2020
Post category:Destinations General Travel
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On a past trip to Venice we took a water taxi as we left for the train station. We were picked up at the Hotel Gritti and had a memorable boat ride as we left towards our next destination: Firenze. Here's a quick video. https://youtu.be/7XbJRTQ7M6s

Piazza San Marcos, Venice, Italy

Post author:CafesandAlleyways
Post published:August 22, 2020
Post category:Destinations Travel
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On a past trip to Venice we made a stop at Piazza San Marco, or Saint Mark’s Square. Yes, it can be overcrowded, but it’s a must see in Venice. Here's a quick video to give you the feel for an afternoon in May. https://youtu.be/Y-3yTzZzWMY

Gritti Palace Venice

Post author:CafesandAlleyways
Post published:July 18, 2020
Post category:Destinations General
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Our trip to Venice included a stay at the Gritti Palace hotel, situated on the Grand Canal. The building dates back to the 1400’s and is part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection. Rooms run over $1000 a night, but we booked it with points. The following is a pictorial overview of the stay. Catching the Shared Water Taxi at the Airport We arrived at the Marco Polo Airport and caught a shared water taxi to the hotel. Travelers can walk from the terminal to the where the water taxis depart. Journey down the Grand Canal in Venice Arriving at Gritti Palace from the canal Entrance…

Crossing the Dubai Creek

Post author:CafesandAlleyways
Post published:June 12, 2020
Post category:Destinations General
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On a recent trip to Dubai, we visited the old part of the city and had the opportunity to ride across the creek by Abra. Part of the public transportation in Dubai are the Abras, which are boats that ferry people along the Dubai Creek. We hopped on at Deira Old Souk Abra Station, after visiting the Spice and Gold Souks. Our trip would take us from the Deira Old Souk Abra station, and across the creek to the Bur Dubai Abra Station. The cost for a one way trip across the creek is 1 AED, or about 27 cents…

Arabian Tea House- Old Town Dubai

Post author:CafesandAlleyways
Post published:May 7, 2020
Post category:Destinations General
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It was a warm breezy day when we headed off to Old Town Dubai from our hotel in the Jumeriah Beach area of Dubai. We first stopped by the Old Souk Markets, then walked across the street and took a boat over Dubai Creek into Old Town Dubai. Old Town Dubai Souqs Dubai Creek Marina Across the street is the Deira Old Souk Marine Transport Station. Just get in line, buy a ticket, then jump in the boat when it’s your turn. It’s a quick and smooth ride across Dubai Creek to Old Town Dubai. Old Souk Marine Transport Station Dubai Creek…

Archery at the Al Maha Resort in Dubai

Post author:CafesandAlleyways
Post published:March 29, 2020
Post category:Destinations General Travel
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A stay at the Al Maha Resort includes two activities each day. During our stay, there were seven complementary activities from which to choose. FalconryNature WalkGhaf Tree WalkWild Life DriveCamel TrekSundownersArchery Below is a handout that guests will receive upon arrival. We requested the document ahead of time in order to plan our activities. As you can see, Horse Riding and Desert Drive are also available for an extra charge. We picked archery for one of our activities. We meet our field guide, Shabaz at the Hotel Lobby and he took us in an SUV to the archery range. Our guide helped…

Ritz Carlton Dubai- Review of Club Lounge and Lobby Lounge

Post author:CafesandAlleyways
Post published:March 19, 2020
Post category:Destinations General
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During our recent trip to Dubai, we stayed at the Ritz Carlton in Jumeirah Beach. Upon arrival we were upgraded to a Club Level room, and as benefit, enjoyed access to Club Lounge. In a previous post we reviewed the room and the grounds. In this post we’ll review the Club Lounge and the Lobby Lounge. Every morning we had breakfast at the Club Lounge. We found the lounge to be clean, modern and it was never crowded. Club Lounge at the Ritz Carlton Dubai We chose the same table every day, by the glass doors that led to the balcony. Every morning was…

La Mer Beach Street Art – Dubai

Post author:CafesandAlleyways
Post published:March 14, 2020
Post category:Destinations General Travel
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Do you enjoy street art? If so, LaMer Beach in Dubai is a fun stop. There's an open-air shopping area with street art sprinkled throughout. In between shops and restaurants, you'll find artistic expressions on the walls, around corners and up above your head. Here are pictures from a recent visit to La Mer. Eateries are sprinkled throughout La Mer. Consider Visiting La Mer Beach If you're in Dubai, consider visiting La Mer Beach. To see more about La Mer check out our post on the La Mer Beachfront. You may also enjoy the following posts on Dubai Ritz Carlton…

Etihad Business Lounge at Abu Dhabi Airport

Post author:CafesandAlleyways
Post published:March 6, 2020
Post category:Destinations General Travel
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On a recent stopover at Abu Dhabi, we had a chance to visit the Etihad Business Class lounge. Here’s a quick pictorial tour. The lounge is locatedin Terminal 3 at Abu Dhabi Airport. P.S. There is also a smaller lounge in Terminal 1. The lounge was sizable, here's a directional sign. I liked that they had a room to store luggage. Here's one of the seating areas We arrived while breakfast was being served Bread selection Salad Items Fresh Fruit I'm not sure what it's called, but the cheese on the bottom right was good. The breakfast included many hot…