Scoop Airport/Hotel/Travel Thread

[pbiflyer]

It stinks.  Depending on the connecting airlines, you have to get on people movers (aka huge bus/tram hybrids that drive from terminal to terminal on the actual tarmac.  Other than that, its just a dated airport.  Its not hellish other than the people movers but its not anything splendid at all.

Since he's  saying a direct flight, I am assuming it is United. It is one of their major hubs. If you have access to the United clubs that helps. There are several options for Priority Pass as well but often times there's a wait to get in or the clubs are only open during certain hours.
There could be a significant hike from a domestic gate to an international gate.
I've never gone through passport control there so I don't have any experience on that. I guess that would be my biggest consideration. Some airports like Miami can be a nightmare returning from international flight.
As noted, it is a pretty dated airport with mediocre amenities.

[pbiflyer]

So our group has chosen Athens, but for me, it will be at the end of a long trip. I head to Milwaukee for 4 days before that to celebrate daughter's birthday and National Marquette day. Hungover jump on a plane to Berlin, get off the plane head to meetings, 2 more days of meetings and events.
So waking up the next day and head to the airport for a three hour flight to Athens for three days of sightseeing, then a 20 hour trip home doesn't sound appealing.
Instead was thinking of just hanging out in Berlin for a few days. I've been there once before and did the quick tour. But maybe just hang and eat and drink. Berlin basketball team is playing while I'd be there.
But since it's February, it will be freezing. Where Athens would be a much more temperate climate. And a few bucket list sites.
Berlin would be a three hour shorter trip home with a reasonable 10am departure versus a 7am departure from Athens.
Am I making a mistake passing up Athens?

[MU82]

So our group has chosen Athens, but for me, it will be at the end of a long trip. I head to Milwaukee for 4 days before that to celebrate daughter's birthday and National Marquette day. Hungover jump on a plane to Berlin, get off the plane head to meetings, 2 more days of meetings and events.
So waking up the next day and head to the airport for a three hour flight to Athens for three days of sightseeing, then a 20 hour trip home doesn't sound appealing.
Instead was thinking of just hanging out in Berlin for a few days. I've been there once before and did the quick tour. But maybe just hang and eat and drink. Berlin basketball team is playing while I'd be there.
But since it's February, it will be freezing. Where Athens would be a much more temperate climate. And a few bucket list sites.
Berlin would be a three hour shorter trip home with a reasonable 10am departure versus a 7am departure from Athens.
Am I making a mistake passing up Athens?

I'll be interested in hearing Athens-related answers, too, as we will be spending 3 days there ourselves in early June.

[rocky_warrior]

Both, but more time on the South Island

I only really spent time south, so can't really speak to north.  I'd say you honestly can't go wrong in planning - the entire place is beautiful, and folks are friendly. 

I'd absolutely say you should plan a boat tour of the Milford Sound.  Of course the glaciers are cool, you could do a fancy helicopter tour, but we really enjoyed hiking up towards the Franz Josef glacier. 

Queenstown was a beautiful spot to relax for a couple days.  Head to the Dunedin area if you want to hang around with some sea lions on the beach (that was cool).  We closed out our trip with a couple days staying on the water at Akaroa, which was also stunning.

[Hards Alumni]

I'll be interested in hearing Athens-related answers, too, as we will be spending 3 days there ourselves in early June.

A couple of us have already chimed in a few posts back.  You'll have a better time in June, but it will be very hot.

[MU82]

A couple of us have already chimed in a few posts back.  You'll have a better time in June, but it will be very hot.

Not sure how I missed that. Thanks for steering me back to that conversation. Very helpful.

Like you, we will be going to Athens for 3 days - actually the first 3 days of June, so hopefully the hot hot heat of summer won't have set in quite yet.

[Hards Alumni]

Not sure how I missed that. Thanks for steering me back to that conversation. Very helpful.

Like you, we will be going to Athens for 3 days - actually the first 3 days of June, so hopefully the hot hot heat of summer won't have set in quite yet.

Might be perfect.  Do the Acropolis first thing in the morning or it will be overcrowded.  Be sure to get tickets ahead of time despite what you may read online.

[WarriorFan]

Dulles is a terrible look for our Nation's capitol; Outdated small, crowded and dingy. Awful place to arrive from overseas pass through Global Entry and still have to stand in line for an agent. Long overdue for a replacement that reflects better on D.C.

This is exactly what I needed to know.  If arriving and clearing immigration there is bad, I just won't go there. 

Lately I've done int'l arrival in JFK T4 several times.  The 10k hike to immigration is annoying but the Global Entry is so poorly signed noone knows where it is, so those of us who do know just walk straight through!

[jutaw22mu]

So, you guys rocked my socks off when I asked for some food recommendations when I visited Phoenix.

I'm headed to Orlando for the next few days and was hoping you guys could give me some great suggestions for that general area.  Holes in the wall, any type of cuisine is welcome!  Thanks!

[pbiflyer]

Not Specific recommendations, but a couple ideas.
If you are staying downtown, stroll around the lake, Iola. Several dining and drinking choices. Sit have a drink and enjoy the nice winter weather.
Downtown winter park has several options. Strolling down there, Main Street, Park Ave.. Look and see if something strikes your fancy. Keep an eye out for doc's family.
It takes a while to get anywhere in Orlando, so it depends where you are and what transportation you have.

[4everwarriors]

To add to the list in Athens

A Little Taste of Home Restaurant

Little Kook (fun themed dessert place)

Y'all see Giannis, hey?

[JWags85]

So, you guys rocked my socks off when I asked for some food recommendations when I visited Phoenix.

I'm headed to Orlando for the next few days and was hoping you guys could give me some great suggestions for that general area.  Holes in the wall, any type of cuisine is welcome!  Thanks!

T-Rex Cafe at Disney Springs...2 star Michelin restaurant according to my two year old 

[Lennys Tap]

I'll be interested in hearing Athens-related answers, too, as we will be spending 3 days there ourselves in early June.

We spent 2 days in Athens on the front end of a cruise last July. Did the Acropolis and a long private walking tour. It was OK, lots of interesting history, but very hot. Also, I think I might have had unrealistic expectations as Athens had been on my bucket list forever. We also spent 2 days in Barcelona on the back end of the cruise - loved it!

[pbiflyer]

Barcelona is one of my favorite cities ever. Was there last year as our SKO side trip.

[21Jumpstreet]

So, you guys rocked my socks off when I asked for some food recommendations when I visited Phoenix.

I'm headed to Orlando for the next few days and was hoping you guys could give me some great suggestions for that general area.  Holes in the wall, any type of cuisine is welcome!  Thanks!

If an hour or so drive to the coast is in the general area, head to my sleepy surf town, New Smyrna Beach 😁

[jutaw22mu]

If an hour or so drive to the coast is in the general area, head to my sleepy surf town, New Smyrna Beach 😁

Is that close to Cape Canaveral?  Headed there today.

Annoyingly most of the golf courses in this area are mandatory carts which always adds strokes to my game.  Thankfully, Streamsong allowed me to walk 36 holes yesterday..,red then black.

[RJax55]

Is that close to Cape Canaveral?  Headed there today.

Annoyingly most of the golf courses in this area are mandatory carts which always adds strokes to my game.  Thankfully, Streamsong allowed me to walk 36 holes yesterday..,red then black.

Streamsong is great. However, most golf in Florida sucks. Nothing but carts.

[pbiflyer]

Is that close to Cape Canaveral?  Headed there today.

Annoyingly most of the golf courses in this area are mandatory carts which always adds strokes to my game.  Thankfully, Streamsong allowed me to walk 36 holes yesterday..,red then black.

An hour away.
If you are going to the space center I also highly recommend Valiant Air Command, Inc. Warbird Museum https://www.valiantaircommand.com/
Awesome collection of planes.

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

Is that close to Cape Canaveral?  Headed there today.

Annoyingly most of the golf courses in this area are mandatory carts which always adds strokes to my game.  Thankfully, Streamsong allowed me to walk 36 holes yesterday..,red then black.

It's the next city south of Daytona Beach.  My longtime neighbors have had a condo there for a long time.

[jutaw22mu]

An hour away.
If you are going to the space center I also highly recommend Valiant Air Command, Inc. Warbird Museum https://www.valiantaircommand.com/
Awesome collection of planes.

Nice!  I need to go back because 3 hrs wasnt enough time for Kennedy Space Center.  Plus I would like to check out the Space Force Museum!

Thanks for the recommendation; that's on the list for next time too.

[jutaw22mu]

Streamsong is great. However, most golf in Florida sucks. Nothing but carts.

I alway ask them to rationalize it and they claim pace of play.  Orange County National GC should allow walking though...they literally have the Q school there.  I asked if the wanna-be pros had to ride in carts during Q-school.

Playing a muni course called Dubsdread tomorrow that allows walking (called and confirmed).  Let's see how it compares to Cog Hill's Dubsdread course...

[WarriorFan]

I alway ask them to rationalize it and they claim pace of play

Carts don't improve pace of play.  Go to any club in the UK and if you're not walking 18 in 2.5 hours or less you will be "spoken to" during and after the round. 

[tower912]

Carts don't improve pace of play.  Go to any club in the UK and if you're not walking 18 in 2.5 hours or less you will be "spoken to" during and after the round. 

Agree and disagree.   There was an era in American golf architecture where courses require carts.   Either due to extreme elevation changes or to long distances between a green and the next tee box.  The classic UK links courses generally don't do that.
   Having said that, I walk as much as I can.   Jutaw22, did you have a caddy or were you carrying your own clubs?

[Uncle Rico]

Agree and disagree.   There was an era in American golf architecture where courses require carts.   Either due to extreme elevation changes or to long distances between a green and the next tee box.  The classic UK links courses generally don't do that.
   Having said that, I walk as much as I can.   Jutaw22, did you have a caddy or were you carrying your own clubs?

Cart paths are great value to golf courses

[pbiflyer]

Cart paths are great value to golf courses

I love using CPA when the ball bounces in the right direction.

Also regarding carts: