Archives November 2024

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Last Updated 2 weeks ago

When it comes to Europe, it’s almost impossible to pick just one place to visit.

It’s a beautiful, culturally diverse continent where almost every city has its own unique look and feel. 

Europe is also a destination with a reputation for knowing how to get your wallet out of your pocket! 

But visiting Europe doesn’t have to be expensive. You just have to choose the right destination!  

Spending time in London, Paris, or Copenhagen isn’t going to come cheap.  

But according to new research from Omio, the best low-budget destination for travelers in Europe is the beautiful and historic Spanish city of Granada.  

Free Things To See And Do 

One of the main reasons Granada ranked so highly in the Omio report is the abundance of free things to see and do in the city. 

In fact, the report states that there are a whopping 112 free attractions in the city. This includes 10 free-to-enter museums.  

The best of these include The Federico García Lorca Center, which is an arts and culture center hosting regular events and changing exhibits.

The center also includes a permanent exhibit of one of Granada’s most famous sons: The poet Federico Garcia Lorca.  

Close to the Alhambra you will find the Carmen de los Mártires which is a beautiful building with an orchard and European-style garden. A great place to take a moment of calm and relaxation.  

The Outstanding Alhambra

The most significant thing to do in the city is visit the iconic Alhambra: by far the most famous building in Granada.  

The Alhambra is a palace and fortress complex. It is built in Islamic style, and is the best and most well-known example of Islamic architecture not only in Spain but in Western Europe.

There is an entrance fee to see the main palace complex in the Alhambra (with prices starting from 10.60 euros or $11.50 per person) but if you only visit one sight in Granada, this should be it!  

The Palace is famous for its stunning fretwork, perfectly maintained courtyards, and numerous fountains.

But the Nasrid building, which is considered the heart of the complex, is where the royals actually lived and is the most ornate as a result.  

If you want to visit the site without spending a penny, then you can visit The Palace of Charles V, which houses the Alhambra Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts within the Alhambra complex, completely free of charge.  

Incredible Architecture 

The architecture in Granada is so outstanding that it should be considered an attraction in its own right.

Granada was the last city to be reconquered by the Catholic Monarchs in 1492 so many of the buildings here have a distinctive Moorish influence.

In fact, you’ll wonder if you’re in Europe or in North Africa at certain points!  

Be sure to see the Catedral de Granada, even if you only admire the exterior architectural details.

Then go inside the Monasterio de San Jerónimo, which was built in a Renaissance style and is as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside.  

This was the first Christian monastery to be constructed after the reconquest of the Catholic Monarchs and it exudes a spirit of celebration.  

You will need a ticket to enter, which you can buy in advance and each ticket is priced at 6 euros ($6.50) 

Granada isn’t the most walkable city in Europe. But the good news is that you can get a sightseeing bus tour ticket for just 6 euros ($6.50), meaning that you can hop on and hop off between all the city’s main attractions.

This is one of the most affordable sightseeing buses in Western Europe.  

Granada’s Nightlife 

Finally after all that sightseeing, it’s time to hit the town. Because Granada has a very active (and affordable) nightlife scene. According to Omio, there are a whopping 86 bars and nightclubs in the city where you can buy a beer for just over $2.  

What’s more, there’s no need to fork out for a pricey meal before you hit the bars.

Granada has a long-standing tradition of offering free tapas with each drink ordered, adding to the value of your night out even more!  

In most bars, you won’t have a choice of the tapas you are offered: a small plate will just be brought to your table with your drinks.

Other bars will have a chalkboard on a bar, and you can choose from several options, which often change on a regular basis.  

Some of the best free tapas dishes to try in Granada include calamares (squid), gambas (shrimp), Jambon iberico, or croquettes.  

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Last Updated 2 months ago

As someone who took 106 flights in 2023, most of them with a carry-on bag, I would consider myself both a travel and luggage expert. 

I’ve gotten super picky about my luggage, as I’ve realized it’s one of the most important factors of a smooth trip, and I’m not in the mood to compromise.

Low-quality luggage is a nightmare and there’s no way I can grit my teeth and bear it with a cheap bag. 

I’ve been a die-hard fan of TravelPro bags for the last decade, because I truly believe they have the best bang for your buck, but they’re not the most stylish kid on the block. 

However, Carl Friedrik caught my eye, with their 007-type design, masculine and handsome, but I wanted to see if they were also as functional as my TravelPro Elite carry-on bag. 

Straight up, it’s a dang sexy suitcase, but I’m finding it’s lacking in a few small but important areas. 

To inform the reader, the team at Carl Friedrik gifted me a carry-on bag, a perk of being a CEO of a travel news site, but my review below is completely unbiased and my own.

While they gift the bag hoping I will ultimately love it, they have zero say in my published opinion, and I always give our readers both sides of the story. 

Carl Friedrik Carry On X

• Exterior surface texture option: Dotted
• Color: Grey/Chocolate 
• Overall rating = 8/10 

I will break down everything I love, plus the details I think need redesigning. 

Looks & Style

10/10

The Carl Friedrik carry-on X bag is undeniably the best-looking piece of luggage I have ever owned. 

It’s as good-looking as they get.

It oozes luxury and wealth and looks like it has a designer-like price tag of 4-figures plus. 

I simply cannot fault it for anything style-wise. It’s absolutely flawless. 

The shell is German polycarbonate, the framing is aluminum, and it features a beautiful leather trim detail by Vachetta. 

Space

10/10

It’s a wide bag and the space is wonderful for someone trying to get the maximum allowance into a carry-on.

I was able to pack for a two-week trip easily, even though it was to 3 different cities with very different weather. 

I have been using a traditional bag for a while, so I’m hyper-used to the ‘lid on a bucket’ style, but the ‘clam shell’ style was a great way to keep things organized without packing cubes.

Functionality 

8/10

The overall functionality of the bag is good. 

I thought I would dislike the old chest-style clasps, but they are efficient for getting the bag open and closed fast. 

Where it lost 2 points:

1 point was lost for not having many interior pockets. There are two small pockets on the interior spine of the bag, but only large enough for a super tiny item, like a few business cards worth of space. 

There is another interior pocket in the compression pack which flattens and contains clothes on the one side. It’s larger of course, but only for long flat items, like a notebook or perhaps a few undergarments.

The other point was lost for the exterior laptop sleeve.

I’m sorry C.F., but TravelPro does this best. I can unzip and grab my laptop easily with one hand, as the other hand is always busy with TSA people yelling at me.

To be clear, this luggage was not poor for this specific function, but it could be better.

The exterior laptop flap is ‘hard shell’, making it a bit harder to open wide with one hand, plus the lined pocket and little velcro strap is not as smooth and flawless as it could be.

It’s a two-hand design for sure, slowing down my security experience by a few seconds. 

Wheels

9/10

The wheels are really smooth, which is nice on a fully packed case, as it tends to glide nicely on hard floors. 

The sales site mentions they are 360-degree Hinomoto silent wheels, which I’m not sure what that means, but they worked well on tile, hardwood, and concrete. 

I took off one point because they don’t roll as well on carpet as my other luggage. 

Handle 

3/10 

The handle is my biggest issue with the bag.
The luggage set Itself is so luxurious, sturdy, strong, and durable, but the handle feels like it was made by an entirely different brand. 

It’s a kind of hollow plastic that feels very cheap, very light, and it wobbles quite a bit. I imagined them using a kind of titanium or super heavy plastic with chrome or carbon-fiber detailing, but alas it’s just underwhelming. 

The button you push to make the handle go up and down also rattles, adding to the cheap feeling.

I also don’t love the shape of the handle when it’s in my hand and I’m walking with the luggage. Sounds like crazy attention to detail, but as I mentioned above, I’m on a flight at least 2x’s per week, so these little experiences add up for me. 

I have a feeling they may redesign this handle, because I cannot be the only one who has made this complaint. The bag would be PERFECT if they could make an adjustment to this one area. 

Does it fit?

When I packed this bag for the first time, I noticed it was a little wider than my TravelPro, and I got worried about it fitting in the overhead bin. Obviously, a luggage company would check that sort of thing, but I had doubts just by eyeballing the bag. 

I had a few legs on my flight, one with luxurious Emirates on a 777 and one with super low-cost airline Vueling on an A321. 

I knew it would fit on the 777 in business class, but I had doubts on the super low-cost leg. Thankfully it fit like a dream, proving it was just my eye reading the bag wrong, its measurements had been well-researched 

Am I sold? Will I continue to use the bag?

I once said I would NEVER stop using my TravelPro Elite for any reason, but this bag has convinced me to rotate in and out. My TravelPro is more functional, but if we’re being honest it’s a bit of a dog. 

• When I need more style, I will reach for the Carl Friedrik. 

• If I am on 1-direct flight, I will like use the C.F.

• When I am taking multiple legs, let’s say 2-3 flights, I will rotate back to my TravelPro, as it’s just superior for travel smoothness and functionality (mostly because of the amazing handle and one-handed laptop sleeve) 

To conclude, the bag is a gorgeous, show-off piece for a refined traveler, almost perfect really, but it just needs a few small tweaks to have ultimate bragging rights. 

Disclaimer: As I mentioned above, Carl Friedrik provided me with the piece of luggage so I could review it, but my opinion is entirely my own. No payment was made for this article and no affiliate links are used in this article, making it a completely independent and unbiased review.

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Last Updated 7 months ago

Are you planning an Alaska cruise this year?

Cruises to Alaska are extremely popular right now, and 2024 is expected to be a record-breaking cruising season according to Cruise Industry News.

Alaska is a unique and beautiful destination that is well-suited for exploration via cruise.

This is because it’s difficult or impossible to travel between many destinations in Alaska except by boat or by air. It’s a huge state (larger than California, Texas, and Montana combined) so a cruise is a great way to visit multiple destinations in a limited amount of time.

I took my second Alaska cruise last May, and these are the common mistakes I saw many travelers make. Be sure to avoid these mistakes to make sure you have a great Alaska cruise experience!

Choosing The Wrong Cruise

One common mistake that many people make is not considering the itinerary, dates, or cruise line for their Alaska cruise.

The Alaska cruise season runs from late April through early October, but July and August are the warmest and sunniest months for visiting Alaska.

If you want to see lots of wildlife like whales and bears, the best time to go is June through August. If you want to go salmon fishing, that window of time is also your best bet.

When it comes to itinerary, you’ll need to decide if you want to cruise the Inside Passage (usually a week-long cruise starting and ending in the same port) or see more on a Gulf of Alaska cruise (which usually starts or ends in Anchorage.)

As for cruise lines, I went with Holland America, which I really enjoyed — it’s more of an adult crowd (although still family-friendly) and focuses a lot more on the culture, history, and nature of Alaska.

Holland America along with Princess Cruises are considered the two best cruise lines for Alaska cruises.

Packing Poorly

Obviously, an Alaska cruise is nothing like a Caribbean cruise — you’re going to a destination that gets COLD, even during the summer months.

While summer is certainly the warmest time to visit Alaska, it can still be very chilly.

The key to a successful Alaska cruise is packing lots of layers. I often started the day wearing a base layer, a light jacket or sweater, and then my heavier winter coat. As it got warmer, I was able to shed a layer as needed.

One thing you should not forget? Lots of rain gear! I saw so many people who weren’t prepared for the frequent rain in Alaska.

Be sure to pack an umbrella, a rain poncho (this was a lifesaver!), moisture-wicking wool socks, and water-resistant boots or sneakers for your Alaska cruise.

You can also leave most of the formalwear at home. While your cruise might have one or two dressy nights for dinner, Alaska cruises tend to be a lot more casual overall.

Booking Same-Day Flights

A HUGE mistake that first-time cruisers make is booking a same-day flight for arrival day.

You might see that your cruise doesn’t officially depart until late afternoon and think that you can get away with arriving on a flight early in the morning and then heading straight to the cruise port. Wrong!

If your flight is delayed or canceled for any reason, you’ll miss your whole cruise. It’s not worth the risk. Arrive in your departure port city at least a day early.

For Alaska cruises, this will most likely be Seattle or Vancouver.

You can book your departure flight for the same day because you will most likely have to be off the ship early in the morning on departure day. But for arrival day, don’t even think about it!

Not Booking A Balcony Cabin

The temptation to save money and book an interior cabin or an exterior cabin with only a window might be strong, but I highly recommend booking a balcony cabin for your Alaska cruise if you can.

I normally don’t mind just having a window-view cabin on cruises, but I was extremely glad to have a balcony on my Alaska cruise.

This is because a LOT of what you do is scenic sailing. It’s not like your typical cruise where the only view for miles on end is the ocean.

On an Alaska cruise, there will be many times when you’re cruising past jaw-dropping scenery, like in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Yes, you can watch this from the public upper decks of the cruise ship, but it gets really crowded since everyone has the same idea.

It’s so much nicer to have your own balcony where you can relax on lounge chairs and watch the scenery glide by in comfort and privacy.

Waiting To Book Shore Excursions

One big mistake that many Alaska cruisers (including myself) make is waiting too long to book shore excursions.

I booked my Alaska cruise pretty last minute (about one month in advance) and most of the shore excursions through my cruise line were already sold out.

While there are some cruise destinations where you can wait to book your shore excursions, Alaska is not one of them. There’s limited inventory and many of the most popular excursions sell out in advance.

This goes for excursions offered by your cruise line and third-party shore excursion operators. So don’t wait to book excursions!

Overlooking DIY Excursions

Okay, now that I’ve talked about the importance of pre-booking your shore excursions, let’s talk about another option — DIY excursions.

Many cruisers don’t realize that it’s possible to visit many places independently in Alaska, saving you a lot of money compared to booking through your cruise line.

For example, in Ketchikan, I knew I wanted to visit Totem Bight State Historical Park. A guided tour booked through my cruise line would have cost $60 per person, but to visit it independently, it was a simple 25-minute bus ride on the local bus for $2 per person and $5 per person for the entry fee.

Similarly, I paid $45 per person for the Glacier Express bus in Juneau to visit Mendenhall Glacier, which included a round-trip bus ride from the cruise port and the glacier entry fee — a big savings compared to the $80 excursion through my cruise line.

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Last Updated 1 month ago

They say there are two sides to every story, and in some cases, two sides to every town.

But this one is truly a unicorn!

Nestled along the California – Nevada border lies a gorgeous getaway packed with fall splendor and ritzy resorts.

No matter which side of the fence you’re on, there’s plenty to do, see, and eat.

Home to crystal clear waters, even Californians find themselves “stay-cationing” inland away from the Golden State’s renowned coastline, especially as the surrounding backdrop begins to blooms with fall colors.

It’s time to wave goodbye to the ocean, and say hello to the magical mountain town of Lake Tahoe, a rare multi-state destination whose beauty and luxury will leave you speechless this fall.

The North Side Is All The Rage This Fall

No need for another California turf war.

With Tupac gone (or living his best island life) and the Kendrick-Drake beef subsided, let’s just say there’s no need for Tahoe to spark a North vs. South battle.

If anything, Outside Magazine has stoked the campfire, so to speak, claiming Tahoe’s North side is all the rage this fall, and they’re right!

While there’s certainly more to California than pristine beaches and bustling cities, many travelers are seeking out the best spots to ‘leaf-peep’.

For the West Coast, one of the best is surely Lake Tahoe. Already boasting dreamy blue waters, the allure increases tenfold back-splashed by the vast Sierra Nevada mountain range showcasing a kaleidoscope of colors September to winter.

North Lake Tahoe spans across both Nevada and California, and I bet you can guess which side beholds the ‘nude beach’!

While you’re free to show off whatcha mama gave ya, so is Lake Tahoe, as Mother Nature gifted this region with some astounding sites to explore.

There are 12 delightful towns dotted around this side, all offering their own unique flair. Many visitors love going for scenic hikes, with over 100 trails to choose from, or enjoying the pristine water by kayak or SUP.

Outside Magazine calls fall the ‘secret season’ for Tahoe; one key reason being how festive it becomes with fun events like a pair of different Oktoberfests and the Made in Tahoe Festival.

Cozy Cabin Or Ritzy Resorts: Lake Tahoe Has You Covered

For what it’s worth, don’t sleep on the South side, figuratively speaking. But, hey, you literally can sleep in South Tahoe – and in style, too.

There’s a variety are cozy cabins, lodges, and luxurious stays to choose from wrapping around the gorgeous lake.

As you surely may have guessed, Nevada is the side of the lake where you can visit casinos, such as famous names like Hard Rock and Golden Nugget.

The California side is just as splendid but lacking the neon lights and cheesy, over-the-top decor.

Here are some of the most noteworthy luxury stays in Lake Tahoe (all 4-star accommodations or higher):

• Harrah’s Lake Tahoe
• Harvey’s Lake Tahoe Hotel & Casino
• Bally’s Lake Tahoe
• Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
• Marriott Grand Residence Club, Lake Tahoe
• Franciscan Lakeside Lodge
• Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino

And this is just a sample size!

Keep in mind, during the winter months, Lake Tahoe transforms into a quintessential winter wonderland where hordes of tourists visit to hit the Palisades’ slopes, many of which are marvelous ski resorts too, like Heavenly Mountain Resort.

Reaching Lake Tahoe

For some, Lake Tahoe is the ultimate road trip destination to explore the scenic, winding California back roads oozing fall splendor.

For others, we just like to hop on a plane and get there when we get there.

Either way, Tahoe is easy to reach, with ample flights to Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Offering 23 flights through 9 different carriers, the airport is located under an hour away from your next fall escape.

These two providers offer shuttles from the airport, as well as Uber:

• North Lake Tahoe Express
• South Tahoe Airporter

Travel Tip: Warm up from the breezy mountain air by visiting Lake Tahoe’s top hidden gem – Travertine Hot Springs. Free to enter, and no permits required, take a dip surrounded by gorgeous mountain scenery.

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Delicious food, rich culture, and iconic landmarks. It’s no wonder so many American travelers dream of visiting Italy.  

Whether you dream of sailing in a Venetian gondola, marveling at the Colosseum in Rome, or sipping cocktails on the Italian Riveria, there’s an Italian escape for everyone. And next summer, Italy will be easier to get to than ever.  

American Airlines has announced an Italian summer and revealed details of 2 new nonstop flight routes.

Nonstop From Chicago To Naples  

American Airlines will launch a new nonstop route from Chicago to Naples. This service will begin on May 6 of next year.  

This isn’t the first American Airlines route to Naples, but it will be the only route from any airline between Chicago and Naples for the summer of 2025.  

Tickets for this route went on sale on November 4, so I checked to see how much you’ll have to spend if you’re planning a Napoli summer!  

On this route, you can expect to pay $1,334 for an economy class roundtrip flight departing on May 12 and returning on May 19.  

If you’d prefer to travel during the high summer season of August then a flight from August 11 returning August 18 would cost $1,375.  

This is also for an economy-class roundtrip flight, meaning the difference in flight prices between the high season and the shoulder season is negligible.  

Nonstop From Dallas-Fort Worth To Venice  

Good news for Dallas residents: American Airlines will also offer its first nonstop flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Venice next summer.  

American already offers nonstop flights to Venice from Philadelphia, but this will be the first time they’ve connected Dallas to the floating city. This new daily service will begin on June 5.  

Tickets for this route are already on sale, so I got an example price for departure shortly after the flight launch date.

Departing on June 16 and returning on June 23 would cost $1,408. This is based on a nonstop return economy class flight.  

During the August high season, the same flight would cost $1,061.

This is based on a nonstop economy class flight departing on August 16 and returning on August 23.  

Showing that sometimes the best way to save on flights, especially during the high season, is to book well in advance!  

An Italian Summer  

When it comes to embracing the Dolce Vita and enjoying an Italian summer, you’ll be spoiled for choice.  

American Airlines have also announced that their new seasonal flights from Miami and Philadelphia to Rome will now depart on June 5 instead of July as first announced.  

Giving options to explore Venice, Naples, and Rome.  

As well as being a tourist attraction in its own right, Naples is also the gateway to the Amalfi coast. This coastline offers some of the most stunning scenery in Italy and is home to picturesque villages and high-end beach resorts.  

But don’t miss Naples completely. The Archaeological Museum here houses one of the world’s largest Egyptian collections (outside of Egypt, of course). It’s the birthplace of pizza. And its close to Naples and the famous preserved city of Pompeii.  

Venice needs no real explanation, but it’s a city everyone should experience at least once! The floating city famed for its canals and gondolas, you can wander over endless ornate bridges and explore the incredible architecture here.  

Venice has its own unique kind of magic. It’s like a romantic and fascinating living museum.  

Don’t miss the iconic cathedral Saint Mark’s Basilica, and take a batobus or a water taxi to the nearby islands of Murano and Burano, each of which has its own personality and is just as charming and fascinating as Venice itself.  

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