The Great Wall of China is essential on any trip to Beijing and probably any trip to China. Visiting the Great Wall can be complicated. There are so many sections of the wall, tour providers and ancillary attractions to consider that it can make your head spin. The options and the cost can add up …
We love a good business class rewards redemption, but we love it even more when we get to try out a newly revamped business class product. We were super excited to try out the refreshed Japan Airlines Business Class Sky Suite on a Boeing 767 from Beijing to Tokyo. After a round of economy flights …
If I believed in jinxes, I’d be worried right now because I’m starting this post on booking the Etihad Apartment from Australia to Abu Dhabi before I’ve completed the booking. But whatever happens, this post will either be a tale of epic success in travel hacking (okay, that might be overstating it) or epic fail. …
I didn’t think I ever really cared about monkeys that much until I came to Thailand. I’ve had more hands-on experiences with monkeys during a month in Thailand than I ever thought I’d have in my entire life. These charismatic and energetic little cuties have completely stolen my heart and cracked my top three favorite …
Angkor Wat calls to backpackers like Paris calls to lovers. I understand that it’s not only backpackers who go to Angkor Wat (in fact, they’re probably the minority, especially given the price tag lately), but it feels like a rite of passage. You have not completed the “Banana Pancake” Southeast Asia circuit if you haven’t …
Having finished up our stay in Hanoi (including an awesome two-day one-night Bhaya Cruise on Ha Long Bay), it was time to see the rest of Vietnam. We have been consistently impressed by the quality and efficiency of trains in Vietnam, and highly recommend it as a transport option as you make your way through …
After a few lovely nights in Hoi An, it was time to continue our southward journey through Vietnam. Next up was Nha Trang, a beach destination (with great snorkeling!) about ten hours south by train. In this post, we cover how we got from Hoi An to Da Nang (the nearest train station) and then …
Let’s get this over with. You’re going to say “You love Starbucks and you love credit cards! You must love the new Starbucks credit card!” And when you do, I’m going to roll my eyes and tell you to read this post (but also fully appreciate the fact that you think of me when you …
Our interest in saving money for and on this trip runs deep. We were intense budgeters before we even had the idea to travel the world (making the decision that much easier with some money already in the bank), and that carried over into our trip planning and everyday life abroad. We’re always looking for …
Before we even left the US last summer, we had our first six months of travel fully planned: flights booked and accommodations reserved. As we enter the second half of our trip, we’re back on the travel-planning train as we try to figure out where we’re going, when and how much it’s going to cost. …