Scoop Airport/Hotel/Travel Thread

[dgies9156]

Just finishing up a trip to Italy for Ms. Dgies' mine delayed big anniversary. Trip has gone extremely smoothly with limited Covid-19 concerns. A few thoughts:

1) Until the US government lifts a pre-return Covid-19 test requirement, make sure you have scoped out where you will have your test done. We were in Venice yesterday and scrambling to get the test completed. Out hotel (AC Marriott Venice) was essentially worthless. If you are staying at a hotel with a good concierge, work through them to get it.

2) A CDC vaccination card works like magic to get you into public places.

3) For now, expect to wear masks on trains, other public transit and airplanes as well as everywhere inside. It's the law in Italy as well.

4) I've lived in the USA too long. The train service here is excellent. Inefficient, but excellent. But good God, don't ever give Amtrak this kind of money. They'll blow it worse than an Illinois politician.

5) The museums were spectacular. Got in more than a little trouble with Ms. Dgies when I pointed out that the five day old Baby Jesus didn't weigh 30 pounds and He didn't bless magi. Also noticed one depiction of the Magi and Jesus where one of the Magi was painted with an African face and arms but Norwegian legs. I guess the artist ran out of black paint and figured no one would notice.

6) Didn't do anything special for meals but everything was really good.

7) A special call-out to La Cortosa di Maggiano in Siena. It's a small resort just out of town managed by Michelle from Philadelphia. Michelle is one of the warmest, most focused hotel managers I've ever met. The resort is a converted 13th century monastery and it was the most comfortable, pleasant place we stayed in Europe. Would very highly recommend it. Michelle also arranged three winery tours, including a winery lunch at a family owned winery. She loves Americans to get views from "back home."

[Galway Eagle]

Just finishing up a trip to Italy for Ms. Dgies' mine delayed big anniversary. Trip has gone extremely smoothly with limited Covid-19 concerns. A few thoughts:

1) Until the US government lifts a pre-return Covid-19 test requirement, make sure you have scoped out where you will have your test done. We were in Venice yesterday and scrambling to get the test completed. Out hotel (AC Marriott Venice) was essentially worthless. If you are staying at a hotel with a good concierge, work through them to get it.

2) A CDC vaccination card works like magic to get you into public places.

3) For now, expect to wear masks on trains, other public transit and airplanes as well as everywhere inside. It's the law in Italy as well.

4) I've lived in the USA too long. The train service here is excellent. Inefficient, but excellent. But good God, don't ever give Amtrak this kind of money. They'll blow it worse than an Illinois politician.

5) The museums were spectacular. Got in more than a little trouble with Ms. Dgies when I pointed out that the five day old Baby Jesus didn't weigh 30 pounds and He didn't bless magi. Also noticed one depiction of the Magi and Jesus where one of the Magi was painted with an African face and arms but Norwegian legs. I guess the artist ran out of black paint and figured no one would notice.

6) Didn't do anything special for meals but everything was really good.

7) A special call-out to La Cortosa di Maggiano in Siena. It's a small resort just out of town managed by Michelle from Philadelphia. Michelle is one of the warmest, most focused hotel managers I've ever met. The resort is a converted 13th century monastery and it was the most comfortable, pleasant place we stayed in Europe. Would very highly recommend it. Michelle also arranged three winery tours, including a winery lunch at a family owned winery. She loves Americans to get views from "back home."

Glad you enjoyed yourself sounds like a wonderful trip.

Can you elaborate on CDC card? That's the same as the horrible sized paper card they've been giving out right?

[JWags85]

Headed to Vegas in January, while not an ideal time of the year I know, can’t control my buddies b-day.

Is the Venetian still a solid option for a great stay?  Happy to take Sportsbook recs, brunch recs…

Yep its still solid.  The fact that every room is a suite is nice, especially since they are fairly proactive about sending out discounted rooms if you sign up.  Stayed there for a few nights last month and it was consistent as always.  Its not my favorite in terms of casino or restaurants but its close to everything.  That being said, Palazzo has a great stadium seating/theater style sportsbook.  The new sportsbook at Circa is also supposed to be amazing

Brunch...Wynn's brunch buffet across the street is STELLAR. 

[dgies9156]

Glad you enjoyed yourself sounds like a wonderful trip.

Can you elaborate on CDC card? That's the same as the horrible sized paper card they've been giving out right?

Yeup, the CDC card is what you get when you are vaccinated.

A very important piece of paper. Guard it like a Social Security card or a Passport.

[Galway Eagle]

Yeup, the CDC card is what you get when you are vaccinated.

A very important piece of paper. Guard it like a Social Security card or a Passport.

Mines not in great condition... fml hopefully enough time to replace it before I leave in December. Thanks!

[Dr. Blackheart]

Mines not in great condition... fml hopefully enough time to replace it before I leave in December. Thanks!

It’s free, it’s digital. They provide a QR code to scan and validate. I just linked mine to Advocate Aurora and my records appeared. Or you can scan your card.

https://www.clearme.com/vaccine-validation

[warriorchick]

Headed to Vegas in January, while not an ideal time of the year I know, can’t control my buddies b-day.

Is the Venetian still a solid option for a great stay?  Happy to take Sportsbook recs, brunch recs…

Lastly, anyone ever use SnapTravel before?  It’s an AI-based messaging travel service, looks like look like can save some pretty significant cash on hotel rooms.

Venetian still good.  Don't know if you have done any pricing; rates are through the roof right now, especially on the weekends.  Everyone who has want to go to Las Vegas in the past year and a half is trying to make up for lost time, and not all of the hotels are fully open yet.

If you are planning to do sports betting, you have to check out the new Circa hotel downtown.  It's sportsbook is amazing, and even their pool has a ginormous Jumbotron dedicated to sports betting.

[Galway Eagle]

It’s free, it’s digital. They provide a QR code to scan and validate. I just linked mine to Advocate Aurora and my records appeared. Or you can scan your card.

https://www.clearme.com/vaccine-validation

Neat thanks! My booster won't link since I got it at a sketchy polish clinic in the city but my first two linked fine.

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

Mines not in great condition... fml hopefully enough time to replace it before I leave in December. Thanks!

Vaccination Card Protector
https://www.amazon.com/Pack-Vaccination-Immunization-Waterproof-Resealable/dp/B08YNJRD8G?th=1

[Dr. Blackheart]

Neat thanks! My booster won't link since I got it at a sketchy polish clinic in the city but my first two linked fine.

Freedom!

https://www.yahoo.com/news/exclusive-u-partly-lift-international-123538136.html

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

I'm coming up on 2 years without being on an airplane.  I can't say I miss it though I could use a good vacation.

[jesmu84]

Freedom!

https://www.yahoo.com/news/exclusive-u-partly-lift-international-123538136.html

So, if I'm reading correctly, this doesn't change anything for US citizens.

[dgies9156]

Sitting in Rome waiting to get a plane home tomorrow. Tuned in the TV and found Romania's Got Talent!

For those of you who remember Lavergne and Shirley, it's the equivalent of Lenny & Squiggy have talent. The best performer of the night even dressed like Lenny.

Was followed by the Romanian version of Conan. Andy is dressed in plaid pants, plaid vest and a riding hat. Brown tie and velvet shirt. Only thing missing is a riding crop.

Conan looks like a well-dressed Ray Romano on this show.

Who says my horizons have not been expanded?

Time to come home!!!!!

[🏀]

Spending a night in Lexington next month, anyone got any recommendations?

[tower912]

Don't.   But if you must, bourbon. 

[🏀]

Don't.   But if you must, bourbon. 

Far NW Chicago suburbs to Charleston. Lexington is about the perfect halfway stop, figured drop into Buffalo Trace then Lexington.

Any other locales on that path that are recommended?

[warriorchick]

Far NW Chicago suburbs to Charleston. Lexington is about the perfect halfway stop, figured drop into Buffalo Trace then Lexington.

Any other locales on that path that are recommended?

We loved going to Woodford Reserve.  One of the tour guides gave us bourbon balls with the insides scraped out and refilled with bourbon.

[ZiggysFryBoy]

Spending a night in Lexington next month, anyone got any recommendations?

Just 1 night?  Where are you staying?

Keeneland runs in October, so you'll miss the ponies, unfortunately.

Can go see the bomb shelter that is Rupp Arena.

Otherwise bourbon.

[MuggsyB]

Far NW Chicago suburbs to Charleston. Lexington is about the perfect halfway stop, figured drop into Buffalo Trace then Lexington.

Any other locales on that path that are recommended?

If you need a Dulcimer stop in Berea, KY. 

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

Spending a night in Lexington next month, anyone got any recommendations?

And Concord.

[🏀]

Just 1 night?  Where are you staying?

Keeneland runs in October, so you'll miss the ponies, unfortunately.

Can go see the bomb shelter that is Rupp Arena.

Otherwise bourbon.

No idea on lodging, just passing though.

[pbiflyer]

Don't.   But if you must, bourbon.

This.

[pbiflyer]

Atlanta breweries and a local cuisine staple I gotta try? Maybe include a place that makes it well?

Skip this Atlanta area establishment.

Waffle House waitress allegedly pulled gun on customer

https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/man-says-waffle-house-waitress-pulled-gun-on-him

[Uncle Rico]

Skip this Atlanta area establishment.

Waffle House waitress allegedly pulled gun on customer

https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/man-says-waffle-house-waitress-pulled-gun-on-him

I expect a gun to be pulled on me at a Waffle House

[ATL MU Warrior]

I expect a gun to be pulled on me at a Waffle House

I’ve always said Waffle House is fine if you just don’t look around too much.