In Zimbabwe right now, pit stop as part of a work trip to Cape TownHeaded to beautiful Lubbock, TX next week for an overnighter.
Then a couple of overnight car trips to San Diego / Imperial County Cali and Fresno in October.
I get the most luxurious locations!
I've been all over this great country of ours but my only time spent internationally has been in Mexico and Canada. I'd jump at the chance at a trip to Africa, work or otherwise!In Zimbabwe right now, pit stop as part of a work trip to Cape TownHeaded to beautiful Lubbock, TX next week for an overnighter.
Then a couple of overnight car trips to San Diego / Imperial County Cali and Fresno in October.
I get the most luxurious locations!
I do mostly US as well, for sure try to extend the international when they happen.I've been all over this great country of ours but my only time spent internationally has been in Mexico and Canada. I'd jump at the chance at a trip to Africa, work or otherwise!In Zimbabwe right now, pit stop as part of a work trip to Cape TownHeaded to beautiful Lubbock, TX next week for an overnighter.
Then a couple of overnight car trips to San Diego / Imperial County Cali and Fresno in October.
I get the most luxurious locations!
Cost saving?They haven't said it yet but all travel other than essential will be cancelled until further notice or May 1, 2025, whichever comes first. Doesn't break my heart, that trip to MN was going to be a fun one.
Yes, usually happens when business slows down but it's usually later in the year or January. First time I can remember it happening this early in the year.Cost saving?They haven't said it yet but all travel other than essential will be cancelled until further notice or May 1, 2025, whichever comes first. Doesn't break my heart, that trip to MN was going to be a fun one.
Ouch, that's not fun.Yes, usually happens when business slows down but it's usually later in the year or January. First time I can remember it happening this early in the year.Cost saving?They haven't said it yet but all travel other than essential will be cancelled until further notice or May 1, 2025, whichever comes first. Doesn't break my heart, that trip to MN was going to be a fun one.
One of the cooler areas of the world I have been. Table Mountain is a must. Drive down to Southern most point of the continent is cool as well. If you get a chance to go a bit north to the wine area it is worth it. Enjoy that!In Zimbabwe right now, pit stop as part of a work trip to Cape TownHeaded to beautiful Lubbock, TX next week for an overnighter.
Then a couple of overnight car trips to San Diego / Imperial County Cali and Fresno in October.
I get the most luxurious locations!
Going to Vegas on Sunday for a conference. Four nights. That's a lot of nights in Vegas.
Holy crap man, 17 days? Do you do laundry while you're on your trip? I assume you must. I would be worn out. I dig the 2-3 nighters.Going to Vegas on Sunday for a conference. Four nights. That's a lot of nights in Vegas.
I have been here since last Friday. KMN. Heading home tomorrow morning.
Ending a 17-day road trip. I'm wore out.
But I head out again on Sunday night for a quick two nighter - Cleveland and New York City before taking some PTO.
I did laundry once at a laundromat after 6 days and then in lieu of using the hotel laundry for my underwear/undershirts in Las Vegas, I just went across the street to Ross and bought more. It was a lot cheaper.Holy crap man, 17 days? Do you do laundry while you're on your trip? I assume you must. I would be worn out. I dig the 2-3 nighters.Going to Vegas on Sunday for a conference. Four nights. That's a lot of nights in Vegas.
I have been here since last Friday. KMN. Heading home tomorrow morning.
Ending a 17-day road trip. I'm wore out.
But I head out again on Sunday night for a quick two nighter - Cleveland and New York City before taking some PTO.
lol. Cape Town was awesome, did Tabletop, Cape of Good Hope, Wine area...never knew it was such a spectacular location. Got to see the South Africa vs New Zealand Rugby championship match as well...amazing experience!One of the cooler areas of the world I have been. Table Mountain is a must. Drive down to Southern most point of the continent is cool as well. If you get a chance to go a bit north to the wine area it is worth it. Enjoy that!In Zimbabwe right now, pit stop as part of a work trip to Cape TownHeaded to beautiful Lubbock, TX next week for an overnighter.
Then a couple of overnight car trips to San Diego / Imperial County Cali and Fresno in October.
I get the most luxurious locations!
ETA: I just noticed this is weeks old
You are probably back and already over the jet lag.
I am so sorry. I lived in Lubbock for 2.5 years. It is the least interesting place on Earth.Headed to beautiful Lubbock, TX next week for an overnighter.
Then a couple of overnight car trips to San Diego / Imperial County Cali and Fresno in October.
I get the most luxurious locations!
Haven't been to Austin in 10+ years but would like to get back there. Just a good vibe (and great BBQ).Off to Texas for a few days. Up bright and early after hardly sleeping. Headed to San Antonio for the night, hangin' with some fantasy football related buddies there tonight, site visit in the morning, then up to Austin (site visit there on Friday) until Sunday! As it turns out, a bunch of my old crew from Austin will be out of town this week/weekend so was gonna try to change my flight and come home early, but there was a decent change fee and my stupid hotel there is prepaid without the ability to cancel w/ refund. So I may be cavorting around Austin by myself on Friday night unless some of my other friends (that I'm seeing on Thursday night) can hang. I do miss that city, that's for sure.
Was there earlier this year. Still one of my favorite cities in US. I do have to say it has gone through some changes. Rainey Street (spelling) is wild. Totally wrecked that area, I would be curious to hear from some locals.Haven't been to Austin in 10+ years but would like to get back there. Just a good vibe (and great BBQ).Off to Texas for a few days. Up bright and early after hardly sleeping. Headed to San Antonio for the night, hangin' with some fantasy football related buddies there tonight, site visit in the morning, then up to Austin (site visit there on Friday) until Sunday! As it turns out, a bunch of my old crew from Austin will be out of town this week/weekend so was gonna try to change my flight and come home early, but there was a decent change fee and my stupid hotel there is prepaid without the ability to cancel w/ refund. So I may be cavorting around Austin by myself on Friday night unless some of my other friends (that I'm seeing on Thursday night) can hang. I do miss that city, that's for sure.
Wrapping up a quick jaunt to rainy Sacramento. Luckily, I can fit in a stop to my favorite burger joint in town. Mmm... burgerrrr...
It's called Monsoon Burger (which is fitting because it was absolutely pouring on Friday when I was there). Right off Del Paso and Natomas in a little shopping center. Totally unassuming place but the burgers are absolutely outstanding.Wrapping up a quick jaunt to rainy Sacramento. Luckily, I can fit in a stop to my favorite burger joint in town. Mmm... burgerrrr...
Which one? Lived there for a bit like 20 years ago, but I still get down that way regularly.
I assume Concur is some kind of business travel agent thingy?Aaaaaaaand something got really screwed up on Concur. Somehow my Etihad flights got booked with no baggage allowance. Despite taking my bag at the check in counter, I heard my new called to come to the gate. Turns out they wanted to charge me per kilogram of weight on my checked luggage. I was livid. It was extortion. They had my bag and the plane was boarding. Either I pay $450 on the spot or they throw away my check luggage. I called Concur and they confirmed that the ticket has no baggage allowance. I have no idea how they booked it with no chceckdd bags. My company is now $450 lighter...
I have never lost my **** at a gate agent before but I was Piiiiiiiiised off. Anyway, I'm on board and I'll tell at Concur that they ****ed up big time here.
Yeah it's SAP's business travel portal and stuffI assume Concur is some kind of business travel agent thingy?Aaaaaaaand something got really screwed up on Concur. Somehow my Etihad flights got booked with no baggage allowance. Despite taking my bag at the check in counter, I heard my new called to come to the gate. Turns out they wanted to charge me per kilogram of weight on my checked luggage. I was livid. It was extortion. They had my bag and the plane was boarding. Either I pay $450 on the spot or they throw away my check luggage. I called Concur and they confirmed that the ticket has no baggage allowance. I have no idea how they booked it with no chceckdd bags. My company is now $450 lighter...
I have never lost my **** at a gate agent before but I was Piiiiiiiiised off. Anyway, I'm on board and I'll tell at Concur that they ****ed up big time here.
We have something called Navan and it's been decent... only bug is that I've had my card declined two separate trips trying to pay my way out of the parking garage at my local airport. Had to put it on my own card and get reimbursement, which isn't a huge deal but still....
We use it for both travel booking and expense reports. I really wish I could book directly with the airlines, but no... we need approvals from senior VPs to book travel. Its total ******** though. Like, what you're gonna book a boondoggle and your boss is gonna sign off on the expense report but the senior VP who is like 4 levels above me knows why I'm going to China? It's dumb.Yeah it's SAP's business travel portal and stuffI assume Concur is some kind of business travel agent thingy?Aaaaaaaand something got really screwed up on Concur. Somehow my Etihad flights got booked with no baggage allowance. Despite taking my bag at the check in counter, I heard my new called to come to the gate. Turns out they wanted to charge me per kilogram of weight on my checked luggage. I was livid. It was extortion. They had my bag and the plane was boarding. Either I pay $450 on the spot or they throw away my check luggage. I called Concur and they confirmed that the ticket has no baggage allowance. I have no idea how they booked it with no chceckdd bags. My company is now $450 lighter...
I have never lost my **** at a gate agent before but I was Piiiiiiiiised off. Anyway, I'm on board and I'll tell at Concur that they ****ed up big time here.
We have something called Navan and it's been decent... only bug is that I've had my card declined two separate trips trying to pay my way out of the parking garage at my local airport. Had to put it on my own card and get reimbursement, which isn't a huge deal but still....
I need two more years of platinum for lifetime. I'd need to get the marriot card to achieve it and spend a decent amount on it...just not sure its worth it. On positive note hit Delta 360 this year, but the bene's are just sorta ok on that too.With the annual elite night stay credits having just posted, I officially hit 600 nights with Marriott and triggered Lifetime Platinum today!
It's not amazing, but theoretically: guaranteed 4pm checkout except at resorts, breakfast sort of sometimes depending on hotel (they really made this confusing the past few years), lounge access, and some other useless stuff.
That's a nice perk. Now to keep working on lifetime Globalist with Hyatt, which is far more valuable.
Damn that's impressive. I'm "only" Silver Elite with Marriott. I only travel once/twice a month and usually just an overnighter. 2 nights at very most at a time.With the annual elite night stay credits having just posted, I officially hit 600 nights with Marriott and triggered Lifetime Platinum today!
It's not amazing, but theoretically: guaranteed 4pm checkout except at resorts, breakfast sort of sometimes depending on hotel (they really made this confusing the past few years), lounge access, and some other useless stuff.
That's a nice perk. Now to keep working on lifetime Globalist with Hyatt, which is far more valuable.
Yeah it's an artifact of their merger with SPG that I have "10 years". i think I really only have 8 years of actually reaching high status with them or SPG, but two years they double counted when they matched SPG but weren't done or whatever. Still, 600 nights in 2016 + 2018-2024 is a lot.Damn that's impressive. I'm "only" Silver Elite with Marriott. I only travel once/twice a month and usually just an overnighter. 2 nights at very most at a time.With the annual elite night stay credits having just posted, I officially hit 600 nights with Marriott and triggered Lifetime Platinum today!
It's not amazing, but theoretically: guaranteed 4pm checkout except at resorts, breakfast sort of sometimes depending on hotel (they really made this confusing the past few years), lounge access, and some other useless stuff.
That's a nice perk. Now to keep working on lifetime Globalist with Hyatt, which is far more valuable.
I'll lose Concierge Key on AA in a couple months, and I will really miss it. Last year from the moment I got it, travel was instantly somehow even easier and smoother.I need two more years of platinum for lifetime. I'd need to get the marriot card to achieve it and spend a decent amount on it...just not sure its worth it. On positive note hit Delta 360 this year, but the bene's are just sorta ok on that too.With the annual elite night stay credits having just posted, I officially hit 600 nights with Marriott and triggered Lifetime Platinum today!
It's not amazing, but theoretically: guaranteed 4pm checkout except at resorts, breakfast sort of sometimes depending on hotel (they really made this confusing the past few years), lounge access, and some other useless stuff.
That's a nice perk. Now to keep working on lifetime Globalist with Hyatt, which is far more valuable.
driveStill absolutely LOVING my Cotopaxi Allpa 28L backpack.
"PERSONAL ITEM" Status:
Got put to the test with an overzealous RyanAir bag sizer nazi in Warasaw this spring... passed much to homeboy's visible dismay This thing plus Carry-on sized roller is a stellar combo for longer runs where you're still trying to pack kinda lean.This alone is solid for 2 day runs / weekenders where you don't need a suiter (garment folder will not fit).
LAPTOP POCKET:
Wish the laptop pocket would hold my Thinkpadand 16" Portable LCD display but I've got to lay the screen down in the large compartment. It does hold my Thinkpad and 13" Macbook Air... or Macbook Air and 13" Ipad Pro (second screen for personal laptop) without issue. Tablet pouch (inside laptop pouch) holds the ipad pro that's pushing it.. definitely designed for 12" or less tablets.
RAINFLY:
Had to put the rain fly to the test in Ronda Spain that same trip and it works perfect. Packs right back in easily without 30 mins of Origami.
Still waiting on them to drop one with a Del Dia Dark colorway, but the tan is a great look. Gets tons of compliments.
-- Review over ----
Work Travel question:
Living in Chattanooga now means lots of drives to Memphis. Whats you guys thoughts on a 5 hour drive vs a two leg flight of at LEAST the same duration. I've been getting a rental and making the drive but I ponder the easy button.. albeit subjecting myself to the usual airport / air travel ********.
Since cost isn't an issue (that would be my first look of it was my money)driveStill absolutely LOVING my Cotopaxi Allpa 28L backpack.
"PERSONAL ITEM" Status:
Got put to the test with an overzealous RyanAir bag sizer nazi in Warasaw this spring... passed much to homeboy's visible dismay This thing plus Carry-on sized roller is a stellar combo for longer runs where you're still trying to pack kinda lean.This alone is solid for 2 day runs / weekenders where you don't need a suiter (garment folder will not fit).
LAPTOP POCKET:
Wish the laptop pocket would hold my Thinkpadand 16" Portable LCD display but I've got to lay the screen down in the large compartment. It does hold my Thinkpad and 13" Macbook Air... or Macbook Air and 13" Ipad Pro (second screen for personal laptop) without issue. Tablet pouch (inside laptop pouch) holds the ipad pro that's pushing it.. definitely designed for 12" or less tablets.
RAINFLY:
Had to put the rain fly to the test in Ronda Spain that same trip and it works perfect. Packs right back in easily without 30 mins of Origami.
Still waiting on them to drop one with a Del Dia Dark colorway, but the tan is a great look. Gets tons of compliments.
-- Review over ----
Work Travel question:
Living in Chattanooga now means lots of drives to Memphis. Whats you guys thoughts on a 5 hour drive vs a two leg flight of at LEAST the same duration. I've been getting a rental and making the drive but I ponder the easy button.. albeit subjecting myself to the usual airport / air travel ********.
Damn that's impressive. I'm "only" Silver Elite with Marriott. I only travel once/twice a month and usually just an overnighter. 2 nights at very most at a time.With the annual elite night stay credits having just posted, I officially hit 600 nights with Marriott and triggered Lifetime Platinum today!
It's not amazing, but theoretically: guaranteed 4pm checkout except at resorts, breakfast sort of sometimes depending on hotel (they really made this confusing the past few years), lounge access, and some other useless stuff.
That's a nice perk. Now to keep working on lifetime Globalist with Hyatt, which is far more valuable.
Wow! Lots of questions: What’s the typical week look like for you? Leave Monday and back midweek to Friday? You have a family at home? How long you been doing this schedule? Do you hope to be at home more regularly at some point?For those years I have traveled between 3-5 nights a week almost every week, then add in all our vacation time was heavy travel around the world too.
I hit lifetime Platinum with Marriott a couple of years back. It's kind of an "eh" so far but I do like the guaranteed 4p late checkout and the very occasional upgrade.With the annual elite night stay credits having just posted, I officially hit 600 nights with Marriott and triggered Lifetime Platinum today!
It's not amazing, but theoretically: guaranteed 4pm checkout except at resorts, breakfast sort of sometimes depending on hotel (they really made this confusing the past few years), lounge access, and some other useless stuff.
That's a nice perk. Now to keep working on lifetime Globalist with Hyatt, which is far more valuable.
How did you get Concierge Key? That's a rough benefit to lose.I'll lose Concierge Key on AA in a couple months, and I will really miss it. Last year from the moment I got it, travel was instantly somehow even easier and smoother.I need two more years of platinum for lifetime. I'd need to get the marriot card to achieve it and spend a decent amount on it...just not sure its worth it. On positive note hit Delta 360 this year, but the bene's are just sorta ok on that too.With the annual elite night stay credits having just posted, I officially hit 600 nights with Marriott and triggered Lifetime Platinum today!
It's not azing, but theoretically: guaranteed 4pm checkout except at resorts, breakfast sort of sometimes depending on hotel (they really made this confusing the past few years), lounge access, and some other useless stuff.
That's a nice perk. Now to keep working on lifetime Globalist with Hyatt, which is far more valuable.
How do you get the iPad Pro to work with your personal laptop as a second screen? Software? I bought a second screen that works pretty well but I don't lug it along on every trip.Wish the laptop pocket would hold my Thinkpadand 16" Portable LCD display but I've got to lay the screen down in the large compartment. It does hold my Thinkpad and 13" Macbook Air... or Macbook Air and 13" Ipad Pro (second screen for personal laptop) without issue. Tablet pouch (inside laptop pouch) holds the ipad pro that's pushing it.. definitely designed for 12" or less tablets.
Sidecar. It used to be hit or miss for me but it's been working well the past year or so.How do you get the iPad Pro to work with your personal laptop as a second screen? Software? I bought a second screen that works pretty well but I don't lug it along on every trip.Wish the laptop pocket would hold my Thinkpadand 16" Portable LCD display but I've got to lay the screen down in the large compartment. It does hold my Thinkpad and 13" Macbook Air... or Macbook Air and 13" Ipad Pro (second screen for personal laptop) without issue. Tablet pouch (inside laptop pouch) holds the ipad pro that's pushing it.. definitely designed for 12" or less tablets.
Congrats! I got mine today too!With the annual elite night stay credits having just posted, I officially hit 600 nights with Marriott and triggered Lifetime Platinum today!
It's not amazing, but theoretically: guaranteed 4pm checkout except at resorts, breakfast sort of sometimes depending on hotel (they really made this confusing the past few years), lounge access, and some other useless stuff.
That's a nice perk. Now to keep working on lifetime Globalist with Hyatt, which is far more valuable.
When I started, typical week was Monday morning to Thursday afternoon, and you could fly Sunday night if you preferred (I often did, extra hotel night, delays less of a big deal, and a full nights sleep usually). I was newlywed and my wife was at a FAANG company at the time. Stayed about the same the whole time i was an individual contributor, and basically the same when i became a team leader too.Damn that's impressive. I'm "only" Silver Elite with Marriott. I only travel once/twice a month and usually just an overnighter. 2 nights at very most at a time.With the annual elite night stay credits having just posted, I officially hit 600 nights with Marriott and triggered Lifetime Platinum today!
It's not amazing, but theoretically: guaranteed 4pm checkout except at resorts, breakfast sort of sometimes depending on hotel (they really made this confusing the past few years), lounge access, and some other useless stuff.
That's a nice perk. Now to keep working on lifetime Globalist with Hyatt, which is far more valuable.
Wow! Lots of questions: What’s the typical week look like for you? Leave Monday and back midweek to Friday? You have a family at home? How long you been doing this schedule? Do you hope to be at home more regularly at some point?For those years I have traveled between 3-5 nights a week almost every week, then add in all our vacation time was heavy travel around the world too.
I got CK because in my new role, I went from a round trip every week to like 3-6 flights a week. Often first class too (domestic, so there's no business class just first and economy). So I racked up something like 5x the requirement for Executive Platinum.How did you get Concierge Key? That's a rough benefit to lose.I'll lose Concierge Key on AA in a couple months, and I will really miss it. Last year from the moment I got it, travel was instantly somehow even easier and smoother.I need two more years of platinum for lifetime. I'd need to get the marriot card to achieve it and spend a decent amount on it...just not sure its worth it. On positive note hit Delta 360 this year, but the bene's are just sorta ok on that too.With the annual elite night stay credits having just posted, I officially hit 600 nights with Marriott and triggered Lifetime Platinum today!
It's not azing, but theoretically: guaranteed 4pm checkout except at resorts, breakfast sort of sometimes depending on hotel (they really made this confusing the past few years), lounge access, and some other useless stuff.
That's a nice perk. Now to keep working on lifetime Globalist with Hyatt, which is far more valuable.
Edited to add: After typing this post I got up and went to the kitchen to get a snack to eat with my beer. I just bought some mixed nuts from Aldi so I threw a handful into a pan and heated them up on the stove and served them to myself in a square ramekin.
I miss my warm nuts in 1st class!
It's good to hear it's getting better again. It went way downhill ~2 years after the SPG merger. It was AMAZING with SPG. When it went downhill is when I swapped to being primary Hyatt and hitting Globalist each year - their concierge was better and more consistent for me. And I LOVE the Park Hyatt DC a lot more than either Ritz. When you spend 80+ nights in just one hotel it's good to pick the one you like most!Congrats! I got mine today too!With the annual elite night stay credits having just posted, I officially hit 600 nights with Marriott and triggered Lifetime Platinum today!
It's not amazing, but theoretically: guaranteed 4pm checkout except at resorts, breakfast sort of sometimes depending on hotel (they really made this confusing the past few years), lounge access, and some other useless stuff.
That's a nice perk. Now to keep working on lifetime Globalist with Hyatt, which is far more valuable.
The last two years I’ve been Ambassador Elite with Marriott. That’s a pretty damn cool status - I’m upgraded to one of the best rooms in the hotel almost every trip. It doesn’t suck!