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Author Topic: Scoop Airport/Hotel/Travel Thread  (Read 197544 times)

pbiflyer

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Re: Scoop Airport/Hotel/Travel Thread
« Reply #425 on: February 23, 2020, 07:16:07 PM »
Italy in October gang.

Any special thoughts. Never there so all ears

While there are lots of travel guides, my go to place for vacation info is a forum called Flyer Talk. They have boards for everything and one dedicated to Italy. Ask a question or search previous posts for a wealth of info. People that live there or are frequent visitors often will answer questions in minutes for you.
Link to Italy forum: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/italy-634/

My 2 cents as a multi time visitor. There are no wrong places to go (well maybe Pisa for more than 15 minutes). Pay to skip lines, especially in Rome. Pay to get a guide. Makes everything so much more interesting. Usually a guide and skipping lines go hand in hand.

And since this is a Marquette board, if you are in Rome, there is a great beer bar in Trastevere (just across the Tiber river (literally that is what Tastevere means). called Ma Che Siete Venuti A Fà. Means "what am I doing here" but more commonly known as the Football Pub. As a Marquette person, you will feel at home in this place. https://www.football-pub.com/


A general tip. You're going to too many cities. Almost everyone (myself included the first time) try to cram too many stops in one trip.  Pick a place or two and relax and enjoy just being there.

jsglow

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Re: Scoop Airport/Hotel/Travel Thread
« Reply #426 on: February 23, 2020, 08:00:49 PM »
While there are lots of travel guides, my go to place for vacation info is a forum called Flyer Talk. They have boards for everything and one dedicated to Italy. Ask a question or search previous posts for a wealth of info. People that live there or are frequent visitors often will answer questions in minutes for you.
Link to Italy forum: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/italy-634/

My 2 cents as a multi time visitor. There are no wrong places to go (well maybe Pisa for more than 15 minutes). Pay to skip lines, especially in Rome. Pay to get a guide. Makes everything so much more interesting. Usually a guide and skipping lines go hand in hand.

And since this is a Marquette board, if you are in Rome, there is a great beer bar in Trastevere (just across the Tiber river (literally that is what Tastevere means). called Ma Che Siete Venuti A Fà. Means "what am I doing here" but more commonly known as the Football Pub. As a Marquette person, you will feel at home in this place. https://www.football-pub.com/


A general tip. You're going to too many cities. Almost everyone (myself included the first time) try to cram too many stops in one trip.  Pick a place or two and relax and enjoy just being there.

pbi,

chick and I are heading to a Med Cruise in 9/2021 embarking from Rome.  We'll fly in at least a couple days before.  We'll talk (outside scoop) as we get to the planning stage later this year.

pbiflyer

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Re: Scoop Airport/Hotel/Travel Thread
« Reply #427 on: February 23, 2020, 08:25:45 PM »
pbi,

chick and I are heading to a Med Cruise in 9/2021 embarking from Rome.  We'll fly in at least a couple days before.  We'll talk (outside scoop) as we get to the planning stage later this year.
We can chat Saturday!

Hards Alumni

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Re: Scoop Airport/Hotel/Travel Thread
« Reply #428 on: February 23, 2020, 10:59:03 PM »
While there are lots of travel guides, my go to place for vacation info is a forum called Flyer Talk. They have boards for everything and one dedicated to Italy. Ask a question or search previous posts for a wealth of info. People that live there or are frequent visitors often will answer questions in minutes for you.
Link to Italy forum: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/italy-634/

My 2 cents as a multi time visitor. There are no wrong places to go (well maybe Pisa for more than 15 minutes). Pay to skip lines, especially in Rome. Pay to get a guide. Makes everything so much more interesting. Usually a guide and skipping lines go hand in hand.

And since this is a Marquette board, if you are in Rome, there is a great beer bar in Trastevere (just across the Tiber river (literally that is what Tastevere means). called Ma Che Siete Venuti A Fà. Means "what am I doing here" but more commonly known as the Football Pub. As a Marquette person, you will feel at home in this place. https://www.football-pub.com/


A general tip. You're going to too many cities. Almost everyone (myself included the first time) try to cram too many stops in one trip.  Pick a place or two and relax and enjoy just being there.

Generally, I disagree.  You may have been more than a few times, but most people take trips like these once in a lifetime.  Three to Four days in most of these cities is more than enough.

pbiflyer

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Re: Scoop Airport/Hotel/Travel Thread
« Reply #429 on: February 24, 2020, 10:06:06 AM »
Generally, I disagree.  You may have been more than a few times, but most people take trips like these once in a lifetime.  Three to Four days in most of these cities is more than enough.

Fair enough. I was really thinking of those folks that try and do 4 cities in a week. They spend way too much time traveling between cities checking in and out of hotels. 2 places per week is a nice pace, I agree.

Hards Alumni

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Re: Scoop Airport/Hotel/Travel Thread
« Reply #430 on: February 24, 2020, 10:20:34 AM »
Fair enough. I was really thinking of those folks that try and do 4 cities in a week. They spend way too much time traveling between cities checking in and out of hotels. 2 places per week is a nice pace, I agree.

I guess I was making assumptions as well.  I don't know how long he is going to be there.

FWIW, I'd skip Milan because overall, it is kind of a boring city.  Cathedral is cool, couple of nice pieces of art... but then what?  Spend all day at the Sforzesco Castle?  Check out the massive  Cimitero Monumentale?  We sort of ran out of things to do.  One thing I did like was that it was a large diverse modern city... but that isn't why I would go visit... that is more a QoL thing for me.  Great metro and aperitivo culture were great too.

Personally, I liked Naples the best of the places we went in Dec/Jan.  With Naples, you get the city (not a ton to do in fairness, and it is very dirty... but great pizza!), Capri, Herculaneum and Pompeii, Mt. Vesuvius, PLUS Sorrento and the Amalfi coast are a short car/boat ride away. 

JWags85

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Re: Scoop Airport/Hotel/Travel Thread
« Reply #431 on: February 24, 2020, 10:28:25 AM »
There are no wrong places to go (well maybe Pisa for more than 15 minutes).

Cant emphasize this enough.  Went to Italy a number of years ago for the eldest of my younger sisters' college graduations.  Were in Florence but for some reason, flights to London (our hub for getting back to the US) were insane, so we found good fares out of Pisa which was a quick 50 min train ride away.  Thought we could check off another "famous" Italian spot as we did so we planned a full day there.  Talk about disappointment.  City was basically a dump, the Tower was tremendously underhwelming, and the Duomo was under heavy restoration so it was covered in scaffolding.  Was pleasantly surprised by the cuisine and we had a nice lunch and a fantastic early dinner, but otherwise, my feelings on Pisa are not kind.

Oh, don't get me started on Galileo Galilei Airport.  The airport design and operations may have been designed by Galileo himself, lack of knowledge about the invention of flight 250 years after his death included.

I guess I was making assumptions as well.  I don't know how long he is going to be there.

FWIW, I'd skip Milan because overall, it is kind of a boring city.  Cathedral is cool, couple of nice pieces of art... but then what?  Spend all day at the Sforzesco Castle?  Check out the massive  Cimitero Monumentale?  We sort of ran out of things to do.  One thing I did like was that it was a large diverse modern city... but that isn't why I would go visit... that is more a QoL thing for me.  Great metro and aperitivo culture were great too.

Personally, I liked Naples the best of the places we went in Dec/Jan.  With Naples, you get the city (not a ton to do in fairness, and it is very dirty... but great pizza!), Capri, Herculaneum and Pompeii, Mt. Vesuvius, PLUS Sorrento and the Amalfi coast are a short car/boat ride away. 

Milan is a cool cosmipolitan city, but for sight seeing/history, I agree.  It feels more like NYC compared to the other great Italian cities that have modern and historical seamlessly blended.

Did you like Naples or Naples as a central point for those other places?  Cause its so dirty it makes Rome look clean and everyone I spoke to, locals in Amalfi or otherwise, didn't downplay its reputation for pickpocketing and other petty crime.  I saw a purse snatched at the train station at 2 in the afternoon on a Saturday that was so blatant I thought it was a movie being filmed.

Hards Alumni

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Re: Scoop Airport/Hotel/Travel Thread
« Reply #432 on: February 24, 2020, 11:40:01 AM »
Cant emphasize this enough.  Went to Italy a number of years ago for the eldest of my younger sisters' college graduations.  Were in Florence but for some reason, flights to London (our hub for getting back to the US) were insane, so we found good fares out of Pisa which was a quick 50 min train ride away.  Thought we could check off another "famous" Italian spot as we did so we planned a full day there.  Talk about disappointment.  City was basically a dump, the Tower was tremendously underhwelming, and the Duomo was under heavy restoration so it was covered in scaffolding.  Was pleasantly surprised by the cuisine and we had a nice lunch and a fantastic early dinner, but otherwise, my feelings on Pisa are not kind.

Oh, don't get me started on Galileo Galilei Airport.  The airport design and operations may have been designed by Galileo himself, lack of knowledge about the invention of flight 250 years after his death included.

Milan is a cool cosmipolitan city, but for sight seeing/history, I agree.  It feels more like NYC compared to the other great Italian cities that have modern and historical seamlessly blended.

Did you like Naples or Naples as a central point for those other places?  Cause its so dirty it makes Rome look clean and everyone I spoke to, locals in Amalfi or otherwise, didn't downplay its reputation for pickpocketing and other petty crime.  I saw a purse snatched at the train station at 2 in the afternoon on a Saturday that was so blatant I thought it was a movie being filmed.

More as a central point, but I did enjoy the city.  If they can figure out their litter problem it could be a much better place to visit on its own.  FWIW, I saw zero crime, but we stayed down by the Caste dell'Ovo right along the water.  Having said that, we comfortably walked around the entire central city, even at night through some questionable neighborhoods, and we were never bothered.  Walking with purpose and confidence is usually the key... not stopping and checking your phone every half block, and not looking all over the place like a lost child will keep you safe almost anywhere.  If you have to stop, duck into a store and have a look around and then check your phone before you leave. 

One interesting story was that My FIL did get hit by a car while we waited for pizza at L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele... luckily just the side mirror caught his side, and he was fine.. but the locals around us FLIPPED OUT at the car driver.  One flaw while we were there was that the Metro wasn't functional, and being massively expanded.  So we had to taxi... which was harrowing.  They drive like absolute maniacs, and traffic signs, and lanes are mere suggestions.  Having driven in France, Netherlands, Germany, I would NEVER consider driving in Italy.

Galway Eagle

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Re: Scoop Airport/Hotel/Travel Thread
« Reply #433 on: February 24, 2020, 11:59:33 AM »
New Orleans for a Bachelor Party. Suggestions?
Maigh Eo for Sam

JWags85

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Re: Scoop Airport/Hotel/Travel Thread
« Reply #434 on: February 24, 2020, 12:11:45 PM »
More as a central point, but I did enjoy the city.  If they can figure out their litter problem it could be a much better place to visit on its own.  FWIW, I saw zero crime, but we stayed down by the Caste dell'Ovo right along the water.  Having said that, we comfortably walked around the entire central city, even at night through some questionable neighborhoods, and we were never bothered.  Walking with purpose and confidence is usually the key... not stopping and checking your phone every half block, and not looking all over the place like a lost child will keep you safe almost anywhere.  If you have to stop, duck into a store and have a look around and then check your phone before you leave. 

Makes sense.  And I didn't personally feel worried.  Ive traveled enough, in far dicier places in Asia or Mexico or Athens, to always keep my head on a swivel and actively avoid looking like a tourist.  Hell, years ago, before I travelled 100K+ miles a year for work, I remember visiting London for the first time and taking pictures of maps on my phone because I knew I wouldn't have to look at a physical map.  That was as much for pride as it was for safety.  Its just something I keep in mind when I recommend places for less experienced travelers.

New Orleans for a Bachelor Party. Suggestions?

Abso-fricken-lutely.  By happenstance, I had 2 BPs there within a year and change.  One we rented a house in Marigny, which is the neighborhood just east of the French Quarter, and the other we stayed near the casino.  Both were walking distance which was key.

Biggest reco for me, rent a balcony on Bourbon St.  Variety of companies and ways to do it.  We got one for 3-4 hours one night.  Its basically a big open space with a bar and your own private balcony.  Ours was combo BYOB and stocked, with a bartender.  Amazing way to drink, hang out, observe the street, etc...  We had 10 guys, space for probably 40 people up there, so we ended up inviting people we met up and having a mini party.  Great time.

One of the trips, we did a airboat bayou tour.  That was awesome, saw a bunch of gators, heard some cool stories from a great Cajun tour guide, beat the summer heat in NO and got away from the hustle and bustle for a few hours.

CreightonWarrior

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Re: Scoop Airport/Hotel/Travel Thread
« Reply #435 on: February 24, 2020, 06:34:04 PM »
Anyone have any input on Sandals resorts in the Caribbean? We are currently shopping for our honeymoon in September and am curious to see some firsthand reviews.

Jables1604

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Re: Scoop Airport/Hotel/Travel Thread
« Reply #436 on: February 24, 2020, 06:41:10 PM »
New Orleans for a Bachelor Party. Suggestions?
Don’t answer any questions without counsel.

Hards Alumni

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Re: Scoop Airport/Hotel/Travel Thread
« Reply #437 on: February 24, 2020, 08:44:35 PM »
Anyone have any input on Sandals resorts in the Caribbean? We are currently shopping for our honeymoon in September and am curious to see some firsthand reviews.

Don't?

But for real, where are you looking?

ZiggysFryBoy

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Re: Scoop Airport/Hotel/Travel Thread
« Reply #438 on: February 24, 2020, 08:46:03 PM »
Anyone have any input on Sandals resorts in the Caribbean? We are currently shopping for our honeymoon in September and am curious to see some firsthand reviews.

Check out Hedonism II.  Can pack light.

Benny B

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Re: Scoop Airport/Hotel/Travel Thread
« Reply #439 on: February 24, 2020, 10:56:00 PM »
Anyone have any input on Sandals resorts in the Caribbean? We are currently shopping for our honeymoon in September and am curious to see some firsthand reviews.

The only one I can recommend is Sandals Whitehouse Jamaica (it’s been renamed something else by now, I’m sure).  It was spectacular as far as all-inclusives go, but the bus ride from MB is about 2-3 hours.  Also, we were there in 2008, i.e. one year after its grand opening.  So YMMV.

Sandals - in general - isn’t horrible.  People give them a bad rap for being greedy and overcharging the customer, but guess what... that’s also true if THE ENTIRE TOURISM INDUSTRY.  Most people who enjoy all-inclusives will enjoy Sandals.  Anything can go wrong at any time while you’re on vacation... if you’re worried about a bad experience, the question to ask yourself is which operator is more likely to help you out of a disaster should it arise... the awesome boutique place ran by the hot lady with big tits, or the multi-million dollar corporation with resources and connections around the world?
Wow, I'm very concerned for Benny.  Being able to mimic Myron Medcalf's writing so closely implies an oncoming case of dementia.

CreightonWarrior

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Re: Scoop Airport/Hotel/Travel Thread
« Reply #440 on: February 25, 2020, 12:24:53 AM »
Thanks for the info. We’re looking at Caribbean for honeymoon in September. We’ve never traveled there. Budget about $5k for 5 nights. A lower range sandals room is right there but doesn’t leave much room for other activities so I’ve been looking elsewhere. Curious what other places people have been there for all-inclusive.

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Re: Scoop Airport/Hotel/Travel Thread
« Reply #441 on: February 25, 2020, 05:45:44 AM »
Thanks for the info. We’re looking at Caribbean for honeymoon in September. We’ve never traveled there. Budget about $5k for 5 nights. A lower range sandals room is right there but doesn’t leave much room for other activities so I’ve been looking elsewhere. Curious what other places people have been there for all-inclusive.

For five days, keep it easy. Direct flight into Cancun, stay at one of the newer all-inclusive a north of the city.

reinko

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Re: Scoop Airport/Hotel/Travel Thread
« Reply #442 on: February 25, 2020, 06:00:51 AM »
Thanks for the info. We’re looking at Caribbean for honeymoon in September. We’ve never traveled there. Budget about $5k for 5 nights. A lower range sandals room is right there but doesn’t leave much room for other activities so I’ve been looking elsewhere. Curious what other places people have been there for all-inclusive.

Checkout Iberostar Grand properties, they are top tier, adults only, generally a bit smaller with better food and drinks, butler service in your room...many include golf too.  We stayed at the Grand Bavaro in Punta Cana, and it was fantastic.

PM for details.

MUWarrior2007

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Re: Scoop Airport/Hotel/Travel Thread
« Reply #443 on: February 25, 2020, 08:29:44 AM »
Checkout Iberostar Grand properties, they are top tier, adults only, generally a bit smaller with better food and drinks, butler service in your room...many include golf too.  We stayed at the Grand Bavaro in Punta Cana, and it was fantastic.

PM for details.

Second this.  My wife and I did our honeymoon at Iberostar Grand Bavaro in Punta Cana.  Great resort, great amenities.  Highly recommend.

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Re: Scoop Airport/Hotel/Travel Thread
« Reply #444 on: February 25, 2020, 08:50:39 AM »
Big fan of the Excellence Resorts.

https://www.excellenceresorts.com/

Benny B

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Re: Scoop Airport/Hotel/Travel Thread
« Reply #445 on: February 25, 2020, 09:57:54 AM »
For five days, keep it easy. Direct flight into Cancun, stay at one of the newer all-inclusive a north of the city.

Or you can stay anywhere else in the world and not have your drink diluted with methanol.
Wow, I'm very concerned for Benny.  Being able to mimic Myron Medcalf's writing so closely implies an oncoming case of dementia.

ZiggysFryBoy

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Re: Scoop Airport/Hotel/Travel Thread
« Reply #446 on: February 25, 2020, 10:00:48 AM »
We did sandals in st lucia years ago.  It was nice.  Food was average but not bad for being on a small island.  The local beer was good.


CreightonWarrior

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Re: Scoop Airport/Hotel/Travel Thread
« Reply #447 on: February 25, 2020, 11:15:52 AM »
thanks for the suggestions

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Re: Scoop Airport/Hotel/Travel Thread
« Reply #448 on: February 25, 2020, 11:19:58 AM »
Or you can stay anywhere else in the world and not have your drink diluted with methanol.

Uhh, that's the good stuff.

For a shorter trip, why spend more than half a day traveling? Direct 3.5-4 hours into Cancun or Cabo, on the beach in 45 minutes.

jsglow

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Re: Scoop Airport/Hotel/Travel Thread
« Reply #449 on: February 25, 2020, 02:15:53 PM »
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding.  Chick and I are well traveled throughout the Caribbean although it's been years since we did all-inclusive.  Make sure that's what you want to do and research the various AI brands.  Personally, we went to Cancun for our honeymoon many years ago.  I remember thinking it was so exotic because it was my first time outside the country with the exception of Canada.

Agree that for 5 days you want air travel to be efficient, which means US based jet only service.  But I'm going to encourage you to dig just a bit deeper than the standard Mexico or Jamaica all-inclusive if you are a touch more adventurous.  Two easy access air destinations I'll point to are St. Thomas via STT and St. Maarten via SXM.  If a little research of those places and something slightly more exotic like that floats your boat after some reading let me know.  I can make some suggestions.

You may also consider a 5-6 day cruise on a variety of lines.  It's wonderful to hop a beautiful ship in Florida and sail away to some really nice cruiseport destinations.  And you'd be hard pressed to spend your budget even on a very nice line with a beautiful cabin even including your excursion and bar bill.  Plus it would give you a sampling of places to visit on future land based vacations.