My Travels

I found cheap airfare on United to Newark International Airport . With the current United promotion to achieve 1K status, I opted to make a trip and visit friends living in New Jersey. My second trip to the New York area for the year, it was remarkable how quiet Newark International Airport has become. The last time I was here was in 2019! I did get upgraded to the United Polaris Business seat but I don't think it would have qualified to get into the Polaris Lounge at the airport. Bummer deal but what can you do? I haven't realized how many "Orange" city names there are until now. It's a cute locale in the suburbs of New Jersey. About half an hour west of Newark, I'm reminded how green and foresty the area is outside of Manhattan. I was able to spend and afternoon in Manhattan. The vibe seems quieter in these pandemic times. There were still people out and about but not to the levels I'm used to. It was nice to get into places that would have obnoxious li

Originally, I had booked this trip with a friend for a first time ever visit to Hawaii. The friend couldn't make it and so the trip ended up being for fun. Flew on Southwest Airlines to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport . Luckily, I did the Safe Travels precheck before landing into the airport. The lines for checking was huge and somewhat chaotic. It was nice to flash the wristband and walk through the hordes to baggage claim. I definitely recommend doing the precheck if the airline has that option. For Southwest, it isn't near the gates so make sure you ask when you check your luggage the location of the precheck.  Checked into the Hokulani Waikiki Hotel by Hilton Grand Vacations . The last time I was in Waikiki, things were barely opening up and so I was curious how things have changed with Governor Ige warning travellers away. The hotel was empty enough that they were willing to even give me a late checkout option upon arrival. I was