My Travels

Having hit my miles for the year, I opted to use up some points on other carriers. Unfortunately, I did a boo boo on booking and ended up booking two one way on Southwest Airlines and American Airlines . I haven't flown on Southwest in a long time and it was a very full flight to Salt Lake City International Airport. I had forgotten to check in online and was at the end of the boarding process. Luckily, my companion flies Southwest more often and I was able to get on plane without being stuck at the back. Since I normally don't fly into Southwest terminal, I had forgotten that there is a Popeye's inside the airport. Mental note for the return flight. Had to wait for check-in time at the Sunrise Lodge . I killed some time with some light shopping at Smith's Food and Drug and munching at Murdock's Cafe & Pizzeria . Checked into a standard room (studio) on the third floor. I don't care much for the top floor as there are only 3 or 4 floors to the buildi...

Went up for an overnight trip for a holiday party to San Francisco. It was a quick flight on United Airlines and checked into the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco . Another first for me in terms of hotel chains, I decided to use points and check out the Ritz. Overall, I thought the hotel was nice but I don't know if it overwhelmed me based on its reputation. The hotel was super busy with a lot of holiday parties and I wasn't able to try the hotel restaurant or lobby lounge. I did try to see about their afternoon tea but it was only offered on Sundays. The room was nice and reminded me of the SLS in Las Vegas. Turn down service is still done here and the location in the city is convenient to all attractions from Chinatown to Union Square. Dining The holiday party was held at Pier 48 and the catering was very good. I don't know if the vendors are preselected from the venue or if the host can choose but they did a good job. After the holiday party, nightcap was at Pacific Co...

Spent the holidays on the Big Island. Went out on United to Kona International Airport . The airport has upgraded their restaurant/bar. The offerings and ambiance is improved from the last time I was in town. If you're looking for a drink and a bite to eat, it is a nice distraction from this tiny airport. Checked into the King's Land HGVC and spent a four days absorbing the locale. Since I've stayed many times, I won't reiterate the details. The unit I stayed in was the two bedroom unit in the "bigger" side of the King's Land buildings. On this particular trip, the Hilton Waikoloa Village was hosting a holiday crafts fair and I found very cute jewelry diffusers. King's Land 2 Bedroom Unit Living Room King's Land Master Bedroom At the end of the trip, I switched to the Mauna Kea Hotel for a couple of nights and checked out Kauna'oa Bay. This is my first foray into the Marriott world with the Autograph Collection. I had debated ...

Took a day trip to San Jose flying on  Surf Air . I had visited the company before but this was my first opportunity to see how private planes operate. The company is a service coordinating flight companies and people who are in need of private flying. Works out if you do a lot of frequent travel and you don’t want to deal with commercial carriers. The regional airports are very easy to navigate and the service is quick. The lounges have complimentary drinks and light snacks. I was originally scheduled to land into San Carlos Airport  but was rerouted to San Jose International Airport. It was interesting being in the regional area of the airport and the facility is very nice. The food was limited to drinks only. Due to the reroute, the company gives passengers Uber service to get back to the San Carlos Airport since the return still originates at San Carlos. The facility at San Carlos is basic but they offer snacks and beer! Meals Bill's Cafe  - explored the Willow G...