Why Hotels Don’t List Airport Transport Options

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Why Hotels Don’t List Airport Transport Options

If you’ve been reading my Hotel Reviews you will notice that they start with a ‘Getting There’ snippet. I do this for two reasons: 1) If you are landing in a country and google transport from airport, chances are you don’t want to read the entire hotel review before getting to the useful info. 2) Because hotels seldom write the cheapest way to get to the hotel. Instead they sell their car service for $100+ which only an ass clown or someone expensing it on the company would go for.

Currently, I am en route to Athens airport to catch my flight to Egypt. I googled transport from airport and my hotel name. The result was either to book a private car or take a taxi for 30 euros. From there I went on tripadvisor, taxifarefinder.com (a cool site), and others until I found that haggling for a taxi should run around $7. We shall see if that is true but at least I have a point of reference.

Just about everywhere in the world has to have an affordable transport option to the airport to service the local market. The only places I know of without reasonable transport are Mauritius, where the airport taxi went for $100, and Naypyidaw, the capital of Myanmar, where only the rich ruling generals (something perhaps changing as of today) reside.

Before settling for the ripoff option, ask yourself how a local would get from the airport. The answer may be something inconvenient such as taking a bus to a central station only to catch another but at least you are aware that it exists. From there you can make the determination of how best to spend your time/money. Alternatively, you can continue to read my blog.

 

Athens Marathon: Complete

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Athens Marathon: Complete
The medal
The medal
Striking the Usain
Striking the Usain

Time to celebrate but thought a quick post was in order. Despite injury, the hottest day, and crippling LeBron esque cramps I finished with a time of 5:05:59. Try as I might I couldn’t walk/run fast enough to stay in the 4s. Ridiculous how the cramps not the tendinitis proved to be the time killer.

Marathon two is complete nonetheless.

Athens Marathon: One Day More

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Athens Marathon: One Day More

The race is upon us. I picked up my bib and am headed back to the hotel for some water, oatmeal, and biofreeze. Thousands of people have signed up to run this race and most of them seem happy to endure the 42 kilometers. Luckily for Americans the race is only 26 miles, a decided advantage for finishing near the front of the pack.

Still, as I gimp along with my tendinitis, I wonder why I or anyone signs up to do this. For fun, my friends play bar trivia or do fantasy football. Others enjoy blacking out from Gentlemen Jack. It takes an ambitious, egotistical person to challenge himself to do something people are not supposed to do- run. And run far, for no reason besides to say they ran far.

Sure there are other romantic reasons for running a marathon of which we can discuss tomorrow if I happen to finish. But today, as was the case for the bar exam, I wonder why I signed up for not one but two of these life ruiners. I’m 2/2 for bars and 1 for TBD for races.

Here’s to keeping positive.

As a side note, please consult the map below and explain how this is the original marathon course. If it is the route that Pheidippedes took to deliver the news of a Greek victory against the Persians then why did he make a circular detour on the way there? I guess I will find out tomorrow what this roundabout is all about.

Stay carb-loaded my friends.

Our Greek hero dies after this route. That's uplifting.
Our Greek hero dies after this route. That’s uplifting.

Killing the Greek Economy, One Swipe at a Time

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Killing the Greek Economy, One Swipe at a Time

2 coffees, a reasonable 7.9 euros considering we are in the National Garden in Athens. One gyro, 2.8 euros, also not bad considering it was dine in.

As Americans and more likely because we are points enthusiasts, we naturally reach for our credit card to pay the check. Yet each time I have done so, the look of despair from the waiter is enough to make me think twice and use cash.

They aren’t angry that I’m using a card to pay for petty charges but they aren’t thrilled either. Besides how long it takes for the chip reader to find the signal, there is the added inconvenice of Visa charging them a percentage. They take these charges personally. I can relate. It’s just like I felt at the airport fx counter yesterday when the tricksters tried to discount my dollars.

Given the feeble economy, margins are slim. A few euros can make a huge difference. Though I’m sympathetic, I still have min spends to meet.

#coldblooded

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Spare Renminbi Prevents Greek FX Gouging

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Spare Renminbi Prevents Greek FX Gouging

If I can just get out of the airport then I’ve made it. That applies to dodging taxis and skipping the exchange counter.

Fresh off of an Easyjet that defines no frills, I am in Athens waiting for my companion to arrive. I reached for my trusty Charles Schwab to withdraw few euros only to find that the damn funds still haven’t transferred. Failing to load Chuck is as big a problem for me as remembering to check visa requirements.

I asked what the exchange would be for $40, enough to make it through the evening, and was told it was 27 euros. That’s more than ten euros short of the interbank trading rate and roughly an $11 fee.

That's my money you fx tricksters.
That’s my money you fx tricksters.

As a master bargainer, I work too hard to quickly surrender my money to the airport fx crooks. All I really needed was 10 euros which would get me and Ms. TPOL on the bus (not the 55 euro ripoff taxi) to the city center. From there I could walk to the hotel.

Like a points hustler who realizes he has a spare lounge pass saving him from commingling with as Sir Richard Branson calls them, them, ‘the riff raff’, I remembered that I keep my trusty currency baggy with me at all times. In it, I have coins and papers from all around the world that I keep for situations like this instead of exchanging it back to my home currency.

The bag of goodies continued 3 euros and 20 cents and small denominations of RMB. After haggling with the fx counter person, I managed to walk away with less RMB than I had started but enough euros to take the bus.

Curiously, the RMB rate was far truer to the interbank rate than the USD.

So next time you think to exchange your scraps of rupiah or tugrik I suggest you only do so for the latter. Otherwise, the fx boogeyman will catch you slippin’.

 

No 1 Lounge Gatwick: Bloggers Not Allowed

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No 1 Lounge Gatwick: Bloggers Not Allowed

Doing my blogly duties I found myself taking the same awkward photos of macaroni salad, beer offerings, and Greek wraps made-to-order. After feeling self-conscious like I always do when I take photos of lounges, I sat down to lounge before my flight to Athens.

I fumbled for my UK adapter and plugged in my BlackBerry before a gentlemen approached me with a stern look. I thought I was going to be told that this Priority Pass lounge doesn’t allow free-riding of electricity. Instead, he said, “Due to security concerns you are not allowed to take pictures in the lounge. Please erase them.”

I’ve heard of the ban on photographs without permission on airlines. I understand the prohibition of photos at immigration. But I’m at a loss for why I can’t take pics of a lounge that is nothing more than membership restaurant.

The reasoning is more absurd than the ban. Had he said you’re creeping everyone out then I would’ve agreed. Had he said you are infringing on IP of our tuna casserole spread then maybe I could’ve conceded the point.

Instead, all I got was a polite scolding and the occasional awkward look from the bartender who undoubtedly observed me modeling my pita wrap.

Other than this curios inicdent, I’m rather impressed with this Priority Pass Lounge though that review will have to wait since bloggers are banned from working this corner.

Stock photo. Not taken by tpol.
Stock photo. Not taken by tpol.

Is It Irresponsible to Go to Sharm el-Sheikh?

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Is It Irresponsible to Go to Sharm el-Sheikh?

I initially wrote a post about how I’m still going to Sharm. Today U.S. Intel. suggested that an ISIS bomb was placed on the Russian plane. Based on information from the initial reports, I didn’t consider that there was a possibility of a bomb on board. Now, with more details emerging it seems like a plausible explanation.

The world has entered a new depth of darkness if this proves to be true. It can only mean more war, more bloodshed, and more terror is on the horizon. ISIS like al-Qeada has severely miscalculated the resolve of the civilized world. Russia will no doubt go about after ISIS much like the US retaliation after September 11th. Hopefully, some good can come of this as Russia and the United States work together to eradicate the plague of radicalism.

For the short-term, I am wondering if I should bother going to Sharm next week. I don’t fear for safety because I am assuming the Egyptians will step up their efforts to protect itself and tourists following this incident. The reason I am considering not going is because Sharm is a place where people go to enjoy the beach and unwind. It’s tragic that I will be going to the same place that many had enjoyed just a few days ago unaware of the evil that was being plotted against them.

At the same time, what will the atmosphere there be like? Will security be so strict that there is a chance that my return flight could be cancelled interrupting my travel plans? Is there a chance that ISIS could be emboldened to try again? Indeed, some Western air carriers are suspending flight to Sharm. This makes me further question what to do.

The whole situation is sickening. I’m still leaning towards going because the civilized world doesn’t change plans based on the actions of cowards. The question is whether this philosophy is responsible.

 

Simply the Best: October 2015

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Simply the Best: October 2015

October 2015 was TPOL’s greatest month, equaling the readership in one month from when the blog began in March 2014 through December 2014. Thank you all for reading, commenting, and telling me what you like and dislike.

This month I introduced what I believe to be the most clever part of the blog, the Let’s Eat! Libations Travel Menu and added even more cities to the Guns & Butter Travel Guide.

Here are the best posts from October:

  1. My Response to American Airlines CEO Parker’s Letter to Me

    Hi Doug, Many thanks for the email. Unlike the email from United’s CEO Munoz to whom I wish a speedy recovery, this one will remain positive though I do have a few recommendations as to how you can make American the best airline in the world.
    Hi Doug,
    Many thanks for the email. Unlike the email from United’s CEO Munoz to whom I wish a speedy recovery, this one will remain positive though I do have a few recommendations as to how you can make American the best airline in the world.
  2. Conrad Maldives Airport Lounge: Fear the Hungry Wolves

    I assumed that these people were part of high society and would conduct themselves with grace. That wasn’t the case.
    I assumed that these people were part of high society and would conduct themselves with grace. That wasn’t the case.
  3. Deep Throat Confirms the Death of REDBird 

    “According to my sources,” a phrase that I’ve always wanted to say, REDBird is dead.
    “According to my sources,” a phrase that I’ve always wanted to say, REDBird is dead.
  4. Hong Kong Layover = Lan Kwai Fong

    “There’s more to Hong Kong than LKF,” every local will advise. While this is true, there’s no better place to spend a few hours before your next flight than LKF.
    “There’s more to Hong Kong than LKF,” every local will advise. While this is true, there’s no better place to spend a few hours before your next flight than LKF.
  5. Finalized! 5 Nights at Hilton Moorea for 280k Points

    In the end it all came together. 8 nights in Tahiti for $103 + the incidentals like $1,000,000 for a burger.
    In the end it all came together. 8 nights in Tahiti for $103 + the incidentals like $1,000,000 for a burger.
  6. Welcome to St. Tropez! Thanks to Avios

    This is the debrief for the Trip Report: That Champagne Lifestyle which evolved from a mileage run to London, to frustration at not getting in on the British sale quick enough, to despair from dealing with British customer service, to…champagne.
    This is the debrief for the Trip Report: That Champagne Lifestyle which evolved from a mileage run to London, to frustration at not getting in on the British sale quick enough, to despair from dealing with British customer service, to…champagne.
  7. Guns & Butter: Cape Town Travel Guide

    Cape Town is my second favorite city in the world next to Shanghai, China. There is too much to do and see in this city making TPOL’s Travel Philosophy of staying for 3-4 days inapplicable.
    Cape Town is my second favorite city in the world next to Shanghai, China. There is too much to do and see in this city making TPOL’s Travel Philosophy of staying for 3-4 days inapplicable.
  8. Where to Party? New Year’s Eve 2016

    If you take a look at the New Year’s Roll Call Trip Report you’ll notice that the tradition of being out of the country for New Year’s Eve began in 2000 in Cancun, Mexico. From there it increasingly improved until last year’s destination which undoubtedly was the lamest place to ring in the New Year.
    If you take a look at the New Year’s Roll Call Trip Report you’ll notice that the tradition of being out of the country for New Year’s Eve began in 2000 in Cancun, Mexico. From there it increasingly improved until last year’s destination which undoubtedly was the lamest place to ring in the New Year.
  9. The Park Hyatt Saigon: Peace Be With You

    It’s perfect. There’s no other way to describe the Park Hyatt Saigon than by using that word. Everything about the hotel is 5-star.
    It’s perfect. There’s no other way to describe the Park Hyatt Saigon than by using that word. Everything about the hotel is 5-star.

a-live to Athens!

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a-live to Athens!

The time has come to go to Athens via London. I will continue to blog via my Blackberry over the coming weeks in the a-live section so the TPOL community knows that I’m a-live. Upon my return I’ll have too many lounges, hotels, and flights to review in the Trip Reports section but the random posts won’t be put on hold.

I’m also working on improving the Country Count List so that everything that happens in a country from the Let’s Eat! Menu to the Travel Guide Directory is all in one spot.

Before I go I’ll publish the Simply the Best: October 2015 which was the greatest month in TPOL’s history. The blog began in March 2014 with 70,000 views for the year. I matched this number for the month of October thanks to the readers and my permanent move to BoardingArea.

Happy times everyone, happy times!

Thanks,

TPOL

Hopefully no more fog in London.
Hopefully no more fog in London.

Virgin vs. Delta: The Conclusion of My Climb Through the Fog

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Virgin vs. Delta: The Conclusion of My Climb Through the Fog

And now for the dramatic conclusion of my Virgin vs. Delta episode and more importantly the travel advice from the lessons I learned.

Virgin unfortunately has no European codeshare partners that go to Athens. I tried to see if I could pull anything off with Singapore Airlines but no such luck. In the end I booked Easyjet and hope that I don’t miss the connection going from Heathrow to Gatwick. Seriously London, why do you have so many airports? I’m hoping Virgin reimburses me for my missed time in Poland and this flight. It remains to be seen if Wizz Air and Aegean will issue a refund based on weather. When I called neither centers had a supervisor on duty so they said nothing could be done.

Delta, Delta, Delta surprised the hell out of me. I explained the situation to them and somehow they agreed to add-on London to Paris and Paris to Athens. Initially they wanted $200 in taxes + 25,000 Skypesos. Instead, the flight that originates in Montana, connects in Minneapolis, goes through Detroit, heads to London, flies through Paris, and terminates in Athens all in business/first will cost the original $5.60.

I commend you Delta for being so accommodating in the wake of this foggy incident.

Capture
That’s 6571 miles of business/first for $5.60. TPOL does it again.

The lessons I learned are as follows:

  • Booking directly with Virgin Atlantic should be avoided unless you are only going to London. In the event of a weather delay there won’t be any alternatives that you can add-on to your miles ticket.
  • Delta really could be a great airline if they showed consistency in customer service.
  • Booking points tickets results in greater flexibility than paying for the fare. As a result, I would hold off on the add-on tickets (LHR-WAW-ATH) until the very last-minute because plans always change and that’s probably money lost.
  • I’m glad I didn’t book the bus from LHR to London’s Luton Airport as now I’m going to Gatwick. Again, as obvious as it sounds, anything that is paid for is always harder to change than when it’s free.
  • Airlines do have the power to reconcile tickets. They’ll say no to just about everything but when it comes to weather the conditions of carriage allow for greater flexibility.

 

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