Europe

a seat with a pillow and a table
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Review: American New B767 Business Class Zurich to New York-JFK

BySean

It was quite the chaotic morning.  We awoke in Lucerne and headed to the train station for our scheduled 7:05am train ride from Lucern to the Zurich Airport.  I was going to be simple and easy… in theory. That was until our train broke down. We had spent the previous week taking trains all over…

a large crowd of people in a tent
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Oktoberfest… and Three Days in Munich

BySean

So this past fall was the sixth year straight that I’ve attended the World’s largest festival — Oktoberfest in Munich.   I’ve been accompanied on these Oktoberfest by a varying number of friends over the years — this year was no exception, as there were six of us including my fiancé, who was making her…

a sign on a wall
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First Look: Turkish Business Class Istanbul to Washington

BySean

After a long, Valentine’s Day weekend in Rome, my fiancé and I flew Turkish Airlines in business class back to Washington-Dulles via Istanbul.  While a full-fledged review is forthcoming, I wanted to share some initial pictures and thoughts of the long haul segment of Monday’s trip — from Istanbul to Washington on the Turkish Airlines…

a hand holding a glass of beer in a plane
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Review: American 787 Business Class Tokyo to Chicago

BySean

After  leisurely three hours in the fantastic JAL First Class lounge at Narita Airport, my delayed departure time for my return trip back home had arrived.  I made the pretty long haul from the JAL First lounge all the way to the AA departure gate for ORD.  It was the very last gate in the main…

a seat on an airplane
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Review: Lufthansa Business Class Washington-Dulles to Munich

BySean

We arrived at Dulles much later than previously planned due to some absolutely terribly weather in Washington, DC. What usually is about a 75-90 minute trip to Dulles via taxi and the 5A bus, turned into a 3:15 nightmare of a trip from our home in Dupont Circle out to Dulles Airport. Luckily, we had…

a large crowd of people in a large room
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Ten Tips for Planning an Oktoberfest Trip to Munich

BySean

My favorite trip  of the year is always my annual pilgrimage to Munich for the World’s largest festival — Oktoberfest! This coming year will be the sixth year in a row that I’ve attended the Wiesn in Germany, so I’ve learned on the fly, but at this point,  I think I know what I’m doing pretty…

a green sign with a clover on it
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Revisited: Booking a Transatlantic Flight on Aer Lingus with British Airways Avios

BySean

The cheapest way from the USA to Europe is by using British Airways Avios for a flight on Aer Lingus from Boston to either Dublin or Shannon. At 12,500 Avios for economy or 25,000 Avios for business, this redemption is one of the best mileage values out there!

two beds in a hotel room
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Review: Le Meridien Munich

BySean

For the first time in four years, I opted to stay at a hotel for Oktoberfest not named Four Points Sheraton Munich Central.  And the result? A mixed bag, really. The Le Meridien Munich is located pretty darned conveniently – especially for Oktoberfest.  The property is literally across the street from the south entrance of…

a large crowd of people in a tent
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Oktoberfest… and Six Other Highlights of Munich

BySean

I’ve been pretty open about my love for Oktoberfest in Munich.  As the largest festival in the World, Oktoberfest attracts over 6 million visitors each year during the 17 day event.  The past five years, I’ve spent at least a couple days at the Wiesn, and I’ve always had a blast.  This year was no…