The Lazy Traveler's Handbook

What Is Sheraton Grand?

Posted on August 24, 2015 by Andy Shuman • 0 Comments

Last week, Starwood announced the introduction of its new brand, Sheraton Grand to Sheraton properties in Bangalore, Beijing, Dubai, Edinburg, Miyazaki, Seoul, Taipei, Bangkok, Tokyo, and Rio de Janeiro. And that’s just the beginning. Business Travel News reports: The new brand is part of the hotelier’s Sheraton 2020 program, a new program intended to… Continue Reading

Filed Under: Miles and Points

I’m Back from Paris, What Did I Miss?

Posted on August 21, 2015 by Andy Shuman • 0 Comments

We flew non-stop from JFK in new lie-flat business class on American. Pretty good! The crew on the way there was OK, but on the way back—excellent! The food was decent, especially fish, although the steak was a little tough. The bed is a weak link. It was a little narrow for me, which was to… Continue Reading

Filed Under: Credit Cards, Manufactured Spend, Miles and Points

Free $1,000 Swipe from Amazon Local Register

Posted on August 17, 2015 by Andy Shuman • 3 Comments

Just a quick shout out. Amazon Local Register (a poor reincarnation of Amazon payment) offers a $25 credti on your swipe between now and August 31. Amazon already charges less than others at 2.5%, so if you have waited for an excuse to get on the program, this might be the time. New Customers only. Customers… Continue Reading

Filed Under: Bargains, Credit Cards, Miles and Points

Toilets in Paris and Disabled Travelers

Posted on August 16, 2015 by Andy Shuman • 0 Comments

I know what you’re thinking. Eiffel or Monparnasse? Notre Dame or Sainte-Chapelle? Pont des Arts or Pont Neuf? Well, no. When you are a reduced-mobility traveler (or if you’re accompanying one), your main challenge is to make sure you can get to a restroom in time. Reduced mobility is usually not the only health problem, an… Continue Reading

Filed Under: Trip Reports

Going Places Again: Paris, Iceland, Hamburg, Asia, and More!

Posted on August 9, 2015 by Andy Shuman • 2 Comments

It looks like my dry summer travel spell is coming to an end. My last long-distance trip was at the beginning of May to Llorett de Mar and Girona Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 and Barcelona (still can’t get around to finish my Barcelona trip report—pathetic!); since then my day job(s) have gotten the best… Continue Reading

Filed Under: Miles and Points, Miles and Points Trip Ideas

3 Wonders of the World for Under 85,000 Miles: Machu Picchu, Easter Island, and Iguazu Falls

Posted on August 5, 2015 by Andy Shuman • 6 Comments

Yesterday I spent quite a few hours writing singing praises to the wonderful AAdvantage miles. And I promised to build up on that because, well, when you are talking about the best frequent flyer currency in the world, one post is never enough. So I began working on this one, and then I realized: in order… Continue Reading

Filed Under: Bargains, Miles and Points, Miles and Points Trip Ideas

How Far Can You Stretch Your AAdvantage Miles Value?

Posted on August 3, 2015 by Andy Shuman • 12 Comments

I’ve been thinking about it lately, and I believe we don’t fully realize what an awesome program AAdvantage is. And let’s forget business and first class for a moment, shall we? I’ve been researching Galapagos for another blog I write for, and I’m still in awe how freakishly easy it is to get there on an… Continue Reading

Filed Under: Bargains, Miles and Points, Miles and Points Trip Ideas

Insane Sale to LA: $115 from Chicago, $144 from New York and more cities ROUNDTRIP! Hurry up!

Posted on July 29, 2015 by Andy Shuman • 0 Comments

As per Flight Deal and Thrifty Traveler, American Airlines has an incredible sale between LA and a few other cities: Minneapolis – $158 New York – $150 Chicago – $115 (Non-stop) Balitmore – $166 Washington (DCA) – $186 Boston – $150 Philadelphia – $150 Use ITA Matrix software or Google Calendar to search for these… Continue Reading

Filed Under: Bargains, Cheap Travel

Fantastic Deal at an SPG Miami South Beach Hotel

Posted on July 29, 2015 by Andy Shuman • 0 Comments

I used to love TravelZoo, but I’ve been disappointed with their pickings lately, and by lately, I mean the last couple of years. This deal, however, seems to be a real McCoy. The cheapest $119 rate is not the best offer here, although it is a fantastic deal for an oceanside South Beach resort—you won’t find… Continue Reading

Filed Under: Bargains, Cheap Travel

Deals, Miles, Points, and Credit Cards: Weekly Recap

Posted on July 26, 2015 by Andy Shuman • 0 Comments

My lists of best credit cards for Free Flights and Free Hotel Stays are updated Best Credit Cards for Miles — Free Flights Best Credit Cards for Points — Free Stays Spirit Air Business Credit Card 15,000-Mile Offer Despite what you might think you know, Spirit miles are extremely valuable if you live in a… Continue Reading

Filed Under: Bargains, Credit Cards, Miles and Points

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