Points Check November 2025
November is the beginning of the holiday season and apparently, the beginning of the winter season for those of us who live in the Midwest. On the weekend after Thanksgiving, we were handed a foot of snow, which will probably be covering the ground until March. The last few years, we’ve managed to avoid significant…
Yacht blocked in Monaco
Monaco is a beautiful, yet tiny country along the Mediterranean Sea, surrounded by France. The wealth of its residents and visitors were apparent by the Monaco Yacht Show which blocked our view of Port Hercule.
Thanks to our Travel Companions
As long as I can remember, I was fascinated by geography. When I was a child, we had a driftwood-framed color map of Puerto Rico that my parents brought home from a trip before I was born. I stared at that map for hours, imagining what it would be like to live on a Caribbean…
Vacasa and Wyndham are Divorcing, Now What?
Starting November 30, 2025, Wyndham points will no longer be redeemable for Vacasa vacation rentals due to the termination of their partnership after Vacasa’s acquisition by Casago. This change leaves Wyndham point holders seeking alternatives, as the previous redemption option was highly valued.
Forget Destin – We’re Going to the Canary Islands for Spring Break
The Canary Islands are an unusual choice for a Spring Break destination, but with low prices and a lack of crowds. It might just be ideal. Getting to the Canary Islands can be difficult, but if you add in stops in European cities, it can be even more rewarding.
Points Check October 2025
There wasn’t much going on for us in October. We were recovering from our trip to Nice and Dublin. For me, it was literal recovery. I had finished my first ultramarathon in Nice, a 50K which was a part of the UTMB World Series. The combination of training and the actual race had left my…
Colline du Chateau
Colline du Chateau is a picturesque park in Nice, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean and the Port. Once a military fort, it was transformed into a park in 1822. Today the park offers visitors a great place to relax with amazing views of the Nice area and the Mediterranean Sea.
Points Check September 2025
September was a fun month. We took a trip with our friends Bill and Theresa to Nice, France, to compete in the UTMB Nice Côte d’Azur ultramarathons. Obviously, that wasn’t the only reason we went there. We also took a day trip to Monaco and spent quite a lot of time walking the beautiful streets…
United Airlines adds European Routes for Experienced Travelers
United Airlines is expanding its seasonal routes in Europe, targeting experienced American travelers seeking unique destinations. New flights include daily service to Glasgow, Scotland; four weekly flights to Bari, Italy; and seasonal flights to Split, Croatia and Santiago de Compostela, Spain. These locations offer authentic experiences beyond traditional European cities.
Testing my Limits at UTMB Nice Côte d’Azur 50k
The UTMB Nice Côte d’Azur 50K was my first ultramarathon. It takes place in the impossibly beautiful Maritime Alps overlooking the French Riviera. It pushed me to my absolute limit.
An Evening at Klunkerkranich
Klunkerkranich is a unique rooftop bar and cultural center in Berlin’s Neukölln which offers eclectic vibes and stunning city views. The ambiance and atmosphere make it an enjoyable spot for drinks and watching the sunset.
Simplify Your Travel in Germany with the Deutschland Ticket
The Deutschland Ticket, introduced in May 2023, is a subscription service allowing public transport access across Germany for 58 Euros. It simplifies travel by consolidating ticketing, covering most local transportation.
Points Check August 2025
August was a month when we spent considerable time preparing for our trip to Nice, France, at the end of September. Unlike most trips, this didn’t mean finalizing trip details or finding places we would like to visit. Instead, it meant training – lots and lots of painful training. Our trip is based around participating…
Berlin’s Lessons from a Troubling Past
Berlin, marked by uncomfortable historical events, confronts its past through impactful monuments related to World War II and the Holocaust. Instead of erasing history, it fosters reflection and awareness. Unlike the U.S., Germany embraces clarity in acknowledging its mistakes, promoting a profound commitment to learning and ensuring that such atrocities are not repeated.
Exploring the Panometer Museum in Dresden
The Panometer in Dresden, housed in a former gasometer, displays immense panoramic paintings by Yadegar Asisi. Currently featuring “Amazonia,” the museum offers immersive experiences through soundscapes and interactive lighting. Located near transport links, it provides a quick and affordable visit to engage with stunning artwork and unique exhibitions.
Points Check July 2025
July was a fun month. Jenn and I took separate vacations. While Jenn and Emma went on a girls’ trip to Munich and Dublin with Jenn’s sister and our niece, I took our son Alex to Berlin and Dresden. It was a little strange being on separate vacations, but with us both being in Europe,…
Beauty and Danger on Malerweg Trail Stage Four
Stage four of the Malerweg Trail, starting in Altendorf and ending at Neumannmühle, showcases stunning views of Saxon Switzerland National Park. Despite encountering trail closures and challenging terrain, the hike offered breathtaking scenery, including sandstone pillars and a waterfall. Rain disrupted plans, but the experience remained rewarding and recommended for adventurous hikers.
American Airlines makes Citi Thank You Points Much More Valuable
American Airlines has partnered with Citi Thank You Points, allowing cardholders to transfer points at a 1:1 ratio to AAdvantage Miles. This enhances the value of Citi points, especially given that they are now the only bank allowing this transfer. Earning AAdvantage miles through points accumulation will become more strategic for travelers.
Stage Two of the Malerweg Trail
The second stage of the Malerweg trail in Germany’s Saxon Switzerland National Park has breathtaking views of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains and Elbe River Valley. Hikers are also treated to lakes, creeks, forests and villages. The second stage of the Malerweg is absolutely epic.
Fear, Hatred and Dresden’s Frauenkirche
The history of the destruction and reconstruction of the Frauenkirche in Dresden is a mirror into the history of Europe for the last 100 years. This history provides lessons about embracing empathy and the importance of protecting the most vulnerable communities within our society.
Newby to Expert Traveler 