Travel Guide - ThePointsOfLife

Recap! Punxsutawney TPOL Trip Report

thepointsoflife

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July 21, 2023

Recap! is the end of the Punxsutawney TPOL Trip Report. Here’s everything that happened: Punxsutawney TPOL: Leaving My Basement Trip Report a man with a white eye patch on his face Becoming Hyatt Globalist Again: TPOL’s Masterpiece Strategy a cup of coffee on a window sill overlooking a body of water

2022: The Year of Status a large building with a statue of a lion

Come See TPOL Perform in Vegas in June! a group of people posing for a picture

11 Reasons Why I Still Don’t Want to Travel capture

North Korea – Level 4: Do Not Travel a man standing in front of a car

We’re All In This Together, So Long As You’re Miserable a group of maps on a wall

Miami Booked! American Airlines Reinstates My Voucher a screenshot of an e-voucher

Booking Miami: I’m as Frugal As Ever a man standing on a sidewalk with his arms raised

Air TPOL Retiring From Travel a group of people in a pool

Hyatt Regency Miami: You’re Not Staying Here Anyway cars parked cars under a building

No Vegas for TPOL a golf bag on a beach

Nothing to Rent in Tuscany, But Maybe I’ll Buy a House in Italy a room with a bed and windows

Kayak Answers, “Can I Travel to…?” a group of glasses and bottles on a table

Don’t Route Via Panama a building with a red roof and a gate

Breakthrough Infections: Another Reason Not to Travel a man standing on a bridge

COVID Test for Return Travel Is Stupid a glass of wine on a table with a city in the background

Booked! One Way to Madrid…No Return in Sight a bull in a arena with a man in a cape and a bull in a red cape

VeriFLY: What’s My Favorite Word? “Stupid!” a screenshot of a passport

TPOL Forgets How to Travel a man standing in front of a check in counter

Uber Is Illegal in Colombian Airports, Unless Your Brother Is Picking You Up a group of cars parked in a parking lot

ATM Issues Abroad a group of small statues on a bench

Where to Feast: Medellin, Colombia food on a plate

IQKhameleon in Medellin for the Final Stretch a table with clothes on it

Hostel v. Hotel v. Friend’s Home a statue of a man with a beard and a city in the background

Guns & Butter: Medellin Travel Guide Happy in Medellin

Priority Pass Registration: Remember Not to Forget a bottle of alcohol on a counter

TPOL’s Tip: Use Skype for 800 #s Abroad an airplane at an airport

Back in a Lounge: Priority Pass Medellin Review (Domestic Side) a room with chairs and tables and a window

Viva Air Colombia: Discount Carriers & Baggage Fees a yellow airplane on a runway

Welcome to Bogota: Almost Robbed in Broad Daylight a sign on a building

Bogota, a Party City? Who Knew? a staircase with neon lights

JW Marriott Bogota: My Father Would Stay Here a building with a sign on the front

Room Service: I’m Here with Your Covid Test a person in a blue uniform sitting in a chair in a living room

Guns & Butter: Bogota Travel Guide a group of men in a room with a green and purple light

If I Get Covid, I Get Covid: TPOL’s Out of the Basement Travel Philosophy a man taking a selfie

El Dorado Lounge Bogota: Halfway Open Review a room with glass walls and a chair

Finally Using the Amex Airline Credit As Intended a close up of a piece of paper

Like the Vaccine, Why Not Get TSA PreCheck? a sign with a snail on it

Keep America Great: Blue Monster at Trump National Doral a golf course with a body of water and a building

STK Miami: Noisy Delicious a plate of food on a table

Bills Mafia v Fins: Hard Rock Stadium Review a football game in a stadium

Guns & Butter: Miami Travel Guide a beach with palm trees and a body of water

Post Lockdown Dream Fulfilled? Deep Dish Pizza in Chicago a pizza in a pan

Hyatt Place Madison, Wisconsin: Clutch for College Football a group of people walking in front of a building

Old School Partying in Madison, Wisconsin a wall with a cartoon character on it and a sign with lights

Michigan v. Wisconsin: Formerly Camp Randall Stadium Review a football stadium with a crowd of people

Guns & Butter: Madison, Wisconsin Travel Guide a mosaic sculpture of a raccoon mascot

Hyatt Regency Chicago: Bedtime a city with trees and water

Incremental Progress: A Recap of My 2021 Travels a screenshot of a phone

Admirals Club Chicago O’Hare: Masked Lounge Experience airplanes parked on a tarmac

Iberia Business ORD-MAD: Mask Jokes Literally Don’t Fly a plane parked at an airport

Guns & Butter: Ribera Del Duero, Madrid Travel Guide (Vino Edition) a glass of wine and a bottle on a table

Terminal 4 Priority Pass Madrid: Here to Hydrate a display case with bottles of juice

Radisson Blu Scandinavia: Launching a Copenhagen Adventure Church Office Building with a sign in front of it

Punk Royale Copenhagen: Michelin Restaurant on Acid a person's hand on a table with wine glasses

Guns & Butter: Copenhagen Travel Guide boats on the water next to a dock with buildings in the background

Moxy Edinburgh: Not My Favorite Hotel a neon sign on a building

Pho Edinburgh: Disappointing Adventure a bowl of soup with meat and vegetables

Guns & Butter: Edinburgh Travel Guide a stone railing with a city in the background

Priority Pass Edinburgh: Perfect Boothing a table with a lamp in a booth

Scam Covid Test #1: Entering the UK a green package with a white label

AC Marriott Belfast: It’s OK a building with glass windows and a sign

Troubles Tour Belfast a mural on a brick wall

Guns & Butter: Belfast Travel Guide a red wall with graffiti on it

Hyatt Regency Manchester: Best of All Worlds a tall glass building with a person walking on the street

Guns & Butter: Manchester Travel Guide a street with people walking on it

Guns & Butter: Conwy, Wales Travel Guide a man standing in front of a stone wall

Scam Covid Test #2: Leaving the UK a sign next to a flag

Priority Pass Manchester: Do You Have a Reservation? a white mug and a glass of wine on a table

100 GBP Carry-On Bags? Scammed by Ryanair & Trips.com luggage on a conveyor belt

Late Night Bite in Milan a bottle of wine next to a glass of wine

1 Euro Italian Villa: Would She Be Mine? two men standing in front of a building

Hyatt Centric Milan: Cert Worthy? a multicolored building with many windows with Canterbury Cathedral in the background

Guns & Butter: Milan Travel Guide a man sitting on the floor in a large building

“Tickets, Please, Tickets”: Train Anxiety a group of people wearing face masks

In Search of the Priority Pass Milan Malpensa Airport a group of pizzas in plastic bags

easyJet: The World’s Best Low-Cost Carrier an airplane parked on a runway

Did TPOL Buy a 1 Euro Italian Villa? a plant with a city in the background

Il Picciolo Etna: Hotel Review, Golf Review, But Not a Future Home Review a golf ball on a golf course

Guns & Butter: Mt. Etna, Sicily Travel Guide a man pouring wine into a glass at a table outside

Hyatt Regency Malta: Back to Beautiful a building with a stone wall and a stone wall

Guns & Butter: Malta Travel Guide

Remember When? Scam Covid Test #3: Leaving Malta

Priority Pass Malta: Almost Home

Air Malta: Malta to Munich, 2 Hours & 20 Minutes for $50

Lufthansa Business Lounge Munich: Dry as Their Pretzels

a pretzel and two beer bottles on a table

Lufthansa Munich to Newark Business: Basically Basic

No More Mobile Gym No Matter What

Punxsutawney TPOL: Travel Lessons

two brown bottles with white labels on them

Bus-Ted: Punxsutawney TPOL Points & Cash Summary

Bus-Ted: Punxsutawney TPOL Trip Report Points & Cash Summary

thepointsoflife

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July 20, 2023

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This is the Points & Cash Summary for the Punxsutawney TPOL Trip Report. The post is appropriately called Bus-Ted given its semblance of a bus schedule and because of the money and points burned on this trip. See all the other Bus-Ted compilations on my Trip Reports page.

Here is the money and points spent:

Here is the Great Circle Mapper.

Overall TPOL does it again.

126 Countries Left, If I Go

thepointsoflife

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July 19, 2023

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How many countries are in the world? When I am asked that question, I usually refer people to this controversial post: Is Hawaii a Country? Today, I will refer everyone to the best and most overlooked feature of my blog, the zoomable world map:

The map has 240 countries which is 47 more than the UN list of 193 and 90 less than the Travelers’ Century Club list of 330. Per the map, I have been to 114 countries or 47.5% of the world. This leaves me with 126 countries to go, if I go. The good news is that there are still many on the list that pique my interest. The other good news is that I Don’t Want to Visit Every Country. As far as what is or isn’t a country, that debate rages on. This zoomable world map is literally another way to look at it. TPOl’s Tip: Bookmark Where I’ve Been to stay up-to-date with where I’ve been on all 3 lists.

Breaking 90: Week 1 (Delayed) + New Excuse(s) Added

thepointsoflife

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July 18, 2023

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Disclaimer: I may receive a commission if you click and buy a product listed.

Breaking 90, Week 1 (Delayed) is part of the TPOL to LIV PGA Trip Report (read the Introduction Inspiration).

My quest to break 90 was delayed by an unexpected trip to Detroit and an unexpected bag fee on Spirit (see Scammed! Or Stupid? Spirit Takes Me for $99 (Part 1)). While the hitting net has arrived (The Rukket training net costs $320 and is available here), I have not taken it out of the box. Fortunately, my nemesis choked in his golf tournament. His quest to break 80 looks to be as hopeful as my mission to break 90.

a golf bag on a golf cart — Junior clubs look easier to use.

Amalfi Coast: My Take Was Taken on TikTok

thepointsoflife

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July 17, 2023

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Amalfi Coast: My Take Was Taken on TikTok

TPOL tried to join TikTok (see The End of Days: TPOL Joins TikTok). And failed. It’s too stupid of a platform for a person of my intellect. Having said that, it is the only way to go if you want to make a name for yourself in this business. Recently, every blog has referenced this traveler’s rant about the overrated Amalfi Coast. https://www.tiktok.com/@millenniallex/video/7254561358065323310?referer_url=viewfromthewing.com%2Fthe-unvarnished-truth-about-the-amalfi-coast-roundup%2F%3Futm_source%3DBoardingArea%26utm_medium%3DBoardingArea&refer=embed&embed_source=121352282%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_pause_share&referer_video_id=7254561358065323310 This video clip has received millions of views. While I agree that this place should not be on a ‘must travel’ list, it’s not for the reasons she gave. As I wrote in my post on the Amalfi Coast, the reason to avoid it is because it is an unconscionable tourist trap. Here’s an excerpt from that post: I believe the phrase ‘when in Rome’ was coined to make tourists feel fine for the ripoff they experience in Italy. I say this after spending 13 euros on too much Gelato and a double espresso in the town of Amalfi. And also for 6 euros for a double espresso and 7 for a Gelato which included the 1 euro service fee for sitting down at this little table. Amalfi is a bigger tourist trap than Capri. I asked the waiter if he was a millionaire and he said that he just worked there. I guess I’m supposed to shut up and enjoy the moment and do as the Romans do. If only I could duck tourists when they come to the States. Sadly, no one reads anymore. Sadly, the world takes for granted the creativity and humor that only words can provide.

a body of water with trees and a hill — Gold Jerry! Gold!

Scammed! Or Stupid? Spirit Takes Me for $99 (Part 1)

thepointsoflife

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July 14, 2023

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Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye, hear ye! Now comes forth a bitter Spirit customer number 1,287,878,964

I flew Spirit for the first time en route to Carnival in Jamaica. I didn’t mind it (see Spirit: Thankfully Not Awful Like Frontier). Having to go back to the D, I flew Spirit direct from Puerto Rico for $100. Knowing Spirit charges bag fees, I used my new Amex Business Platinum to pay for a bag, Wi-Fi, and a seat near the front of the plane. That charge would be reimbursed thanks to the yearly $200 airline credit. Things did not go according to plan. After leaving the Priority Pass SJU Lounge, I went to the gate. The agent scanned my ticket but said I couldn’t bring my carry-on. I told him that I paid for the ‘just for you’ bundle which included a bag. He said, step aside. His colleague took over and immediately went into Ryanair indifference mode (see 100 GBP Carry-On Bags? Scammed by Ryanair & Trips.com). Jerk: You have no bag on your reservation. Me: Yes, I do. See here. Jerk: I have bad vision so I can’t read your phone. I can tell you what I see on my computer. Me: What? Jerk: You can either pay or not go on the plane. It will be $99. Me: You’re a piece of shit bleepity bleepity bleep. Have you no decency! Have you no soul! . . . This is what I wanted to say. Me: Here’s my Amex.

a yellow airplane parked at an airport — Howdy? Go Duck Yourself Spirit!

Punxsutawney TPOL: Travel Lessons

thepointsoflife

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July 13, 2023

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Punxsutawney Travel Lessons is part of the Punxsutawney TPOL Trip Report.

I always make mistakes when I travel. I openly confess such mistakes. Instead of thanking me, some readers like to criticize me. Here were my lessons from this trip:

Order at least a medium deep dish pizza, well-done crust (see Post Lockdown Dream Fulfilled? Deep Dish Pizza in Chicago).
Order a medium pizza. Even if the small is more than enough for two, I contend that a medium is required for the synthesis of the deep dish crust, mounds of cheese, and pepperoni to come together perfectly.
Register and activate your Priority Pass before travel (see Priority Pass Registration: Remember Not to Forget).
The Priority Pass membership number alone is not enough to access the Priority Pass app. A pin is also required. When I tried to generate the pin using my cc as validation, it did not work. I ended up having to call Priority Pass from the airport terminal to obtain the pin.
Use Skype for toll-free calls (see TPOL’s Tip: Use Skype for 800 #s Abroad).
The best way to avoid roaming calls and, more importantly, be able to get through to 800 numbers is to use Skype. It’s free and it works.
Pay for bags in advance or avoid discount carriers (see Viva Air Colombia: Discount Carriers & Baggage Fees).
Smuggling bags worked out for me this time, but I refuse to endure the stress of wondering if I’ll be slammed with bag fees and would rather be responsible and pay in advance.
Buy wine on your final stop only (see Guns & Butter: Ribera Del Duero, Madrid Travel Guide (Vino Edition)).
I bought two bottles of Gran Reserva. I stupidly did not think of what I would do with the bottles since I had many stops left on my trip, and I didn’t have a checked baggage allowance.
Buy souvenirs when you see them (reference futbol scarfs, see Guns & Butter: Conwy, Wales Travel Guide).
Don’t Dilly Dally on the Way to the hotel. Restaurants were closed upon late-night arrival in Milan (see Late Night Bite in Milan).
I thought I had plenty of time. It was not until I got to the room that I realized that my watch did not sync to the new time zone. It was in fact 11:30PM and the kitchen was closed.
Don’t bring any workout equipment (see No More Mobile Gym No Matter What).
I can’t work out in the hotel room, I refuse to work out at hotel gyms. The problem remains: how can I stay relatively healthy while I am gone?
Don’t Book Open-Ended Itineraries: It is too stressful and too time-consuming to figure out where I am going next and how I am getting home.

No More Mobile Gym No Matter What

thepointsoflife

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July 12, 2023

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No Mobile Gym is part of the Punxsutawney TPOL Trip Report.

I used to bring TRX with me when I traveled. I would do it the first two days and feel good about myself. The rest of the time, it would take up valuable space in my carry-on (see What to Pack: Take 1/4 of the Clothes, 1/2 the Money). For a while, I decided that working out at all on vacation was pointless. The problem with no exercise is that I end my trip feeling uncomfortable from seeing all my muscles turn to mush. During this trip, I thought I would give the mobile gym another shot. It was a complete failure. I used the ropes once in the beginning of my trip at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. The rest of the time, the equipment was here:

I can’t work out in the hotel room, and I refuse to work out at hotel gyms. The problem remains: how can I stay relatively healthy while I am gone (see A Holiday of Healthy, Tipsy, & on Budget? Basically Impossible)?

Lufthansa Munich to Newark Business: Basically Basic

thepointsoflife

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July 11, 2023

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Lufthansa Munich Newark Business Class Flight Review is part of the Punxsutawney TPOL Trip Report.

I booked a flight from Munich to Newark using precisely 62,760 Lifemiles in business on Lufthansa. The last time I flew Lufthansa long-haul was my inaugural business class flight on points in 2012 (see Angle Flat Lufthansa: My First Points Flight Review). Back then I was blown away by ice cream on a plane. Fast forward to 2021, those tricks do not impress me. And neither did this basic flight from Munich to Newark.

a sign with an airport name and an airport name

Seating There’s plenty of space in the business-class cabin, especially when sitting by the window.

a person's feet on an airplane with a tv

Upright/Lie-Flat Whether upright or lie-flat, I was comfortable.

Champagne While it will not make the list for best airline champagne (see Get Ready to Takeoff: The World’s Best Champagne), in the midst of Covid nonsense, it was nice to see that it was served.

Amenities Kit It was also nice to see an amenities kit with a mask as the featured item.

a group of toothpaste and toothbrush on a tray

Food I was impressed by the selection of food. I traded my original order with Ms. TPOL.

Dessert I take it back. I am still impressed with ice cream on a plane.

Overall This flight was boring. The question is why it was boring. Have I taken too many business class flights that I require a silent disco to come away impressed (see Emirates A380 Silent Disco!)? Perhaps, Germans do things so well that I take the regimented routine for granted. Or, as I have said before, business class simply can’t compare to first (see Cathay A350 HKG-BKK: I Miss First Already). What I do know is that I found the experience to be basic. Maybe that’s a good thing. I have no idea.

Lufthansa Business Lounge Munich: Dry as Their Pretzels

thepointsoflife

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July 10, 2023

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Lufthansa Business Lounge Munich is part of the Punxsutawney TPOL Trip Report.

I can attest that Lufthansa first-class lounge in Frankfurt is awesome. I snuck in by convincing the agent that the roman numeral “I” on my boarding pass meant first. That trick worked in 2012, but I guarantee it won’t work today. Since then I have been to two Lufthansa lounges. Both were in business. Both were in Munich. Both were stale. I wrote the title of this blog post before checking the title of the other. It was called Lufthansa Business Class Lounge Munich: Pretzel & Nap. Either I’m not creative or I am spot on. Either way, due to my compulsive nature of documenting each part of the trip, I have to share some photos of this lounge. Going forward, I will make a better effort to document the gate location of the lounge, in the event that the pretzels in one are better than the other.

a bar with a counter and a group of people sitting in the background

a group of pretzels on a wood board — The pretzels were displayed more nicely here than the other Senator Lounge.

a pan with potatoes and a spoon — Are these meatballs or potatoes?

a group of people sitting in chairs in a room with large windows — Remember masks in a lounge?

a group of people sitting in chairs — Jam packed seating.

Overall Lufthansa business class lounges are worse than Delta’s.