If you’ve ever tried to book a reward flight using points, you’ll know the struggle: endless searches, zero availability, and the creeping suspicion that those “dream redemptions” only exist on blogs. That’s exactly why Qantas introduced the Flight Reward Finder – a surprisingly powerful tool that can turn frustration into actual, bookable trips. Here’s what…
During a recent short stay in Bali I was stunned by the number of foreign tourists riding rented scooters recklessly, often without helmets and frequently with little understanding of the local traffic conditions. In just one day I witnessed two separate parents riding scooters with infants strapped to their bodies. One rider had no helmet…
For close to 15 years, I’ve been making an almost annual pilgrimage to the land of the rising sun, and a large part of my reasoning is to take on what has recently been called “Japow”. Japan ski resorts are blessed by some of the driest, fluffiest, and most reliable powder snow on the planet….
Since 2015 I’ve put in serious effort to collect Frequent Flyer Miles, mostly Qantas, so that I could fly more regularly in Business or First class. In the near future I’ll write another post or two with tips and tricks in collecting and spending Qantas Frequent Flyer points (QFF) but now I want to talk…
It’s been over a year since my last Independent Adventures blog post which was partly due to a hectic work schedule and partly due to a breakdown in my relationship with my partner. Anyway, work has quietened down and it’s time to move on from the relationship so you can expect a trickle of posts…
When foreigners plan a ski holiday in Japan they often head straight for the obvious choices – Niseko and Hakuba. Both deserve their reputations, but there are plenty of excellent alternatives worth considering. On my most recent trip I based myself near the small city of Iiyama in Nagano Prefecture. That proved a great choice:…
In 2003 I took my first of several trips to South America, with Peru near the end of the journey. While many travellers pass quickly through the capital on their way to Cusco & Machu Picchu, Lima is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you enjoy great food. In fact, Lima has become one of the…
Airline alliances — groups of airlines that cooperate through formal agreements — began in the late 1990s. They exist so carriers can share resources, expand networks, and offer a better experience to passengers while reducing costs. How alliances help airlines Lower costs: Members share operational staff (ground handling, check-in), facilities (lounges, maintenance), and other services….
Date: July 2023 Airport: Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) Title: LATAM VIP Lounge. Location: Terminal 2; 4th floor. Airline/Alliance: LATAM have select partnerships with airlines such as Delta and Qantas. Access: LATAM and partner business class passengers and elite frequent flyers traveling any class. Note that LATAM has left the Oneworld alliance which means…
Flights out from El Calfate to a major city were expensive at the time of our visit (~$1000) and there was some doubt as to whether there was a cheaper way out that didn’t involve a 20-hour bus ride to Bariloche. Looking for alternatives, I perused a map of Patagonia and notice the Chilean town…