Earning and using points and miles to fly business class might be the best travel hack I’ve ever learned. Not only do I save thousands of dollars on flights each year, but I also get to kick off my trips with an incredible experience before I even set foot at my destination. But here’s the thing: when I first started, I made a lot of mistakes. And over the years, I’ve seen plenty of travelers make the same ones, costing them points, money, and missed opportunities for free travel. To help you maximize your points, I’m breaking down some of the biggest points and miles mistakes travelers make, and how to avoid them. Quick disclaimer: I’m not a financial advisor, and this isn’t financial advice. Everything here is based on my own experiences and research. This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these…
Have you ever felt that pang of jealousy scrolling past Instagram photos of business and first-class flights? Or maybe you’re just looking for ways to save money when you travel. Either way, I’m here to show you how to earn points and miles and use them strategically. I haven’t paid for a flight in years and have gotten over $100K worth of flights all with points. So, where do you start? With a list of the best travel credit cards for beginners to help you maximize your points from day one. Disclaimer: I am not a financial expert and this is not financial advice. This is based on my own experiences and research. This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read my disclosure for more information. Thanks for supporting the blog! Table of ContentsFirst,…
This is how I flew first class in a lie-flat seat for 20 hours, got driven to the aircraft in a Porsche (wild, right?), and was offered caviar 40,000 feet in the air (which I politely declined because, vegetarian life). Lufthansa First Class has been on my bucket list for years, especially because it’s one of the best deals out there if you can find availability using points. If it’s on your bucket list too, this post will walk you through exactly how I booked Lufthansa First Class and how you can do it too! This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read my disclosure for more information. Thanks for supporting the blog! Table of ContentsWhen can you book Lufthansa first classHow to Book Lufthansa First Class: A Simple Step-by-Step GuideStep 1: Know Your…
Montreal is truly a foodie’s paradise with an abundance of diverse restaurants. I just went to Montreal for the third time, and I can tell you that I plan on returning over and over to try all the different restaurants. If you’re a foodie like me, here’s a perfect Montreal itinerary for 2 days to help you eat your way through the city. This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read my disclosure for more information. Thanks for supporting the blog! 👉 Don’t have time to read the whole post? 🍴Foodie experiences: Do a food tour with Secret Food Tour (Great overview of food history + Mile End) Eat dinner at Sushi Momo (My favorite restaurant in Montreal) Lunch at Dépanneur Le Pick Up (Incredible sandwiches. Must try the veggie pulled pork) Explore…
Portland, Maine is hands down one of my favorite cities in New England. Having explored this charming city numerous times, I’m excited to share some of my favorite things to do in Portland. Whether you’re drawn by the historical landmarks, the vibrant art scene, or the mouth-watering restaurants, this coastal city will easily find a place in your heart. 👉 Looking for where to stay in Portland? I highly recommend staying at The Francis Hotel & Spa or The Press Hotel Table of ContentsThe Best Things to Do in Portland, MaineIndulge in Portland’s Culinary SceneMarvel at the Portland Head LightStroll Down Commercial StreetTry a Potato Donut from Holy DonutExplore Old PortVenture on a Food Tour with Maine VenturesGet Your Caffeine FixDive into the Art SceneSip Wine at Friends & Family Wine BarGo Shopping at the Various BoutiquesSample Craft BeersConsider a Maine Brews CruiseEnjoy a Cocktail at Blyth & BurrowsOther Helpful…
Portland is one of those places that effortlessly makes its way into your heart. With cobblestoned streets, a picturesque coastline, and a vibrant arts and food scene, it’s a city you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. As I live in New England, I’m lucky to be just a little over two hours away from the city, so I’ve been to Portland a handful of times over the last few years. There’s so much to see and do here, but if you’re short on time, this travel guide covers the perfect way to spend one day in Portland, Maine. 👉 Planning on spending the night in Portland? I highly recommend staying at The Francis Hotel & Spa or The Press Hotel Table of ContentsHow to Get to Portland, Maine from BostonDrive to PortlandTake the Amtrak Downeaster TrainTake the Concord Coach BusHow to Spend the Perfect Day in PortlandHead…
When you think of Portland, Maine, you may immediately conjure images of lobster rolls and clam chowder. And yes, Portland is famous for its seafood, but beyond that, the city boasts a vibrant culinary scene with plenty of diverse options, including some truly exceptional vegan and vegetarian restaurants. One of my best friends lives in Portland, and I love any excuse to drive the short two hours from Boston to come visit and, of course, eat my way through this awesome city. In this post I’ll take you through some of my favorite vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Portland. Table of ContentsWhy Trust My Recommendations?Sur LieGreen Elephant Vegetarian BistroFlatbread CompanyVia VecchiaRoma PortlandHoneycomb CafeTaco TrioThe Friendly ToastLB KitchenUnion RestaurantFinal ThoughtsPin this post on the best vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Portland, Maine for later This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may receive compensation at…
Portland is one of my favorite destinations in New England, perfect for either a quick day trip or a leisurely weekend getaway. Matching its renowned culinary offerings, Portland’s bar scene is equally impressive, catering to every taste. From cozy wine bars and sophisticated cocktail spots to innovative breweries, this guide highlights a few of my personal favorites. Dive into my curated list of the best bars in Portland, Maine, and discover where to enjoy some truly memorable drinks. Table of ContentsFriends & Family Wine BarNovare Res Bier CafeBlyth & BurrowsRigby YardLiquid RiotShipyard Brewing CompanyRestaurants with excellent drink optionsWhy is a bar or brewery that I love not on this list?Final thoughts on the best bars in PortlandPin this post on the best bars in Portland, Maine for later This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may receive compensation at no…
Greece is a country that will forever hold a special place in my heart. I’ve been to Greece five times now, and I swear I fall more in love every visit. On our last trip to Greece, we decided to check out the island of Paros and I’m so thankful that we did because it quickly became one of my favorite Cycladic Islands. There is SO much to do on this island: from wandering around the traditional villages to enjoying crystal clear waters and beautiful beaches. I think three full days is enough time for your trip (though you could easily spend much longer!). With this 3 day Paros itinerary you’ll get a great taste of what the island has to offer. 👉 Looking for where to stay in Paros? Check out Parilio which is renowned for its amazing food and stunning design Table of ContentsWhere to Stay in ParosParos…
If there’s one thing I recommend for your trip to Japan, it’s spending the night (or multiple nights!) at a Buddhist temple in Mt. Koya, especially if you’re a vegan or a vegetarian as temple food is all plant-based. We did a temple stay on our trip to Japan and loved every minute of it from our room to the food to the peaceful surroundings. Read all about our experience and why you should add a Mount Koya temple stay to your Japan itinerary, especially if you’re looking to get a bit off the beaten path. 👉 Don’t have time to read the whole post? We stayed at the Koyasan Shukubo Saizeni temple and loved our experience! Table of ContentsImportance of Mt. KoyaGetting to Mount KoyaOur experience doing a Mount Koya temple stay Reserving our temple stayThe room + facilities What to do before dinner at the templeWhat to expect for dinnerCurfewMorning…