travel

know before you go: Copenhagen (CPN)

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I believe that the airport is a window to a city’s soul.  Copenhagen Kastrup (CPN) matches up with its city quite well.  It’s got all sorts of expensive things in a clean, sleek design that’s easily navigable.  Honestly, it looks like a mall when you get deep into the concourse.

It is the largest airport in the Nordic region, serving as a huge hub for Northern European travel.  There are only two terminals, 2 and 3 that encompass ~ 108 gates.  It’s 5 miles away from the city center, and it’s so easy to get there by train (platform 2 if you want to go towards the city, take any gray train).  Security is very efficient and fast, and there’s a focus on self-check in which went a lot more easily than I thought it would.

The food choices are varied and feature a lot of Copenhagen favorites and chains: Joe & the Juice, Lagkagehuset, 7-11, Starbucks, Aamaan’s Smorrebords, Caviar House (!), McDonalds, Burger King.  The shopping is incredible: Hermes, Gucci, Georg Jensen, Paul Smith, Bang & Olufsen, Royal Copenhagen, Peter Beier Chocolates, Mulberry, and Burberry to name a few. And of course, since you’re in Denmark, there’s a Lego store.

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Remember: ✈️ = something rotten in Denmark to ✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️ = everything is awesome!

Convenience to the city: ✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️ (5 miles to city center, so easy by trains that run very frequently to and from airport)

Ease of navigating through terminals: ✈️✈️✈️ (it’s very large, but they provide you free carts for your carry on luggage–HUGE)

Convenience of check in/security lines: ✈️✈️✈️ (there’s a lot of self-check in kiosks to make check in go super fast; security lines are long but go quickly)

Dining: ✈️✈️✈️✈️ (there are 3 lagkagehuset bakeries, multple 7-11s and joe & the juices, many hygge eateries)

Bathrooms: ✈️✈️✈️  (decently clean)

Charging stations/wifi: ✈️✈️✈️ (free wifi available, could have more charging areas)

Amenities: ✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️ (some of the best shopping both local and luxury, did I mention there’s lagekagehuset bakeries, hotel, a replica of the Little Mermaid, airline lounges, very hygge place)

3 days in Vancouver

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I’ve been fortunate to travel to Vancouver, BC multiples times in my life for work; it’s one of my favorite destinations because of it’s ease and modern sensibilities.  And the food!

Sitting on the water, it’s an ideal metropolis that offers everything you could want. Spending a few days here will give you a great sampling of all this city has to offer, and it’ll make you want to come back again and again.  And you totally should…

They’re not canuckin’ around here.

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3 days in Napa Valley

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So I have to confess something here.  I’m not much of a drinker.  I know, I know.  Is it too late now to say sorry?  Just kidding, I’m not sorry.   You’re wondering: how could a light imbiber possibly have anything to say about the most famous wine producing region in the US?

Turns out, there’s a ton of things to do here that don’t necessarily involve spirits, and don’t worry, I will feature some absolutely fantastic wineries on our journey through the beautiful Northern California countryside.  There’s just one question you have to ask yourself:

Wine or wine not?

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know before you go: Austin (AUS)

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Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is small, but sweet.  Even though it isn’t huge (only ~ 25 gates), there’s actually quite a few international carriers that fly out of here, including discount European airline, Norwegian.  There’s not a ton to do here, but there’s local flair throughout the airport, and that’s huge if you’re having a layover where you can’t leave the airport.  It showcases the city and makes the visitor want to return for real.

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can’t fight this feeling of wanting an OREO SPEEDWAGON.  I LOVE PUNS.

There’s only two terminals: the Barbara Jordan is the main and then the much smaller South terminal which only has regional flights (so basically you’re going to see one).

✈️ = get me outta here to ✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️ = texas hold ’em here forever

Ease of navigating through terminals: ✈️✈️✈️  (very easy)

Convenience of security lines: ✈️✈️✈️✈️ (not that crowded, moves quickly)

Dining: ✈️✈️✈️✈️ (barely any chains, yes! Local legendary eateries: Salt Lick BBQ, Amy’s ice cream, Hill’s Cafe, Austin Java)

Bathrooms:✈️✈️  (could be more)

Charging stations/wifi: ✈️✈️✈️ (free wifi available, could have more charging stations)

Amenities: ✈️✈️✈️ (there’s live music and an ACL record shop, otherwise it’s small, so don’t expect that much to see)

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know before you go: Detroit (DET)

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If you’re going to have a layover in Detroit, it will probably be in McNamara Terminal via Delta.  I’ll spoil the surprise, you’re gonna love it.  This airport and I go way back to the times of Northwest being a hub here before it was taken over by Delta.  Loved it then, love it still.

The design is sleek, modern and very open.  It doesn’t feel that crowded because there is a lot of room to move around.  It’s also very clean.  The ceilings are incredibly high because there’s an above ground tram (!) that takes you from one end to the other because it’s so big.  You can walk if you choose, but it is quite a journey.

Moreover, there’s like six different options for coffee, and with the tram, it makes it feasible to have Coffee Bean at one end and make it back for your flight at the other end.

There’s two terminals: McNamara (Delta, Air France, KLM) and North (Air Canada, Alaska, American, Southwest, Royal Jordanian, Lufthansa, Frontier, JetBlue, and United).  McNamara has split into concourses A-C (although B and C are just accessory concourses but there’s like a rave lighted tunnel to get there) with 105 gates.  North has 26.  I’m basing this review on McNamara.

Remember: ✈️ = no town  to ✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️ = detroit rock city!

Ease of navigating through terminals: ✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️ (I cannot stress enough the amazing above ground tram for the one concourse!)

Convenience of security lines: ✈️✈️✈️  (can get crowded, moves quickly)

Dining: ✈️✈️✈️✈️ (lots of variety in type of cuisine, price points and dining level: sit down vs fast vs lounge vs fast casual).  Chic-Fil-A to PF Changs to Tim Horton’s to a Robata to Robert Mondavi experience to Coney Island?  Like, you don’t see those restaurants at any other airports)

Bathrooms:✈️✈️✈️  (very clean and well lit)

Charging stations/wifi: ✈️✈️✈️✈️ (free wifi available, abundance of charging stations)

Amenities: ✈️✈️✈️ (the tram, Delta Sky Lounge, fountains, shopping is a bit random)

lovers in japan: tokyo and mt fuji

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Japan is a special place.  Its culture is unique and traditions well preserved.  Tokyo is probably the most interesting city in the world, as it is a city of contradictions.  There’s an avant garde, boldness to it, but yet there’s also a timid sensibility, too.  It’s both modern and ancient, debaucherous and pious.  The food, the facilities, everything is deliberated over and planned out, but there’s spontaneity around every corner.  It’s edgy, real and fearless.  Yet, for a city of its size, it’s unimaginably safe and tidy.

Japanese citizens have a sense of responsibility in keeping their homeland organized and neat, and proudly show off their incredible technology and forward thinking nature.  I love everything about it.  There’s so much to see and do in Japan, and often times not enough money.

turning japanese

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3 days in Tucson

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IMG_7488.jpgA few years ago, for her birthday, I promised my sister that I would treat her to one of her bucket list destinations, Miraval Spa near Tucson, Arizona (it was one of mine, too).  It took a few years before I became financially solvent enough, but we finally made it.

Started from the bottom, now we’re here.

So, we packed our bags for the vast, arid landscape of the Sonoran desert to enjoy some pampering, national park sights and southwestern culture.  Listen to the Blink 182 song, that you’ll beat to death in Tucson, okay?

In the desert, you can remember your name…

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24 hours in Minneapolis

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Did y’all see that game last night? It was a classic, with the Minnesota Vikings pulling off a miracle last play to win over the Saints.  And since the Super Bowl is happening in Minneapolis this year, here’s a repost of the 24 hour guide to the city of 10,000 lakes to prepare those who are heading that way in February!

 

you’re gonna make it after all…

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36 hours in Vail

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Vail is my favorite winter destination, perfect for the long Martin Luther King, Jr weekend.  Mostly because of the apres ski, as an old injury sidelined me from snowboarding and winter sports a long time ago. There’s so much to eat and do here that even if you’re not partaking in the exquisite powder of the back bowls, you can fill your days and nights enjoying all the sights along the cobblestoned, European chalet lined streets.

Pierce the Vail…

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know before you go: Siem Reap (REP)

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Siem Reap is the airport that serves Angkor Wat, one of the world’s great ancient ruins.  If you ever get the chance, go!  It’s an incredibly humbling place to visit, you will be in awe of the engineering and intricacy of these ancient structures.

Although it is Cambodia’s busiest airport (yes, even busier than that of the capital Phnom Penh), it’s still pretty tiny with only 10 gates.  But, this makes it easy to navigate.  It serves basically every regional Asian airline you can think of, with popular flights to and from Thailand and Vietnam.  It is the hub for Cambodia Angkor and Sky Angkor Airlines.

The design is very classic Khmer with the sloping roofs and when arriving, it makes you feel like you’re already visiting the sacred temples.  And you basically are, as it is located a mere 5 km from Angkor Wat. And about 4 km from the city center where all the restaurants and gem markets are abound.  You will (siem) reap the benefits when you visit this culturally rich area.

Remember: ✈️ = wat’s going on to ✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️ = turn down for wat

Convenience to the city: ✈️✈️✈️✈️ (a short taxi or tuk tuk ride away)

Ease of navigating through terminals: ✈️✈️✈️ (there is just one building)

Convenience of check in/security lines: ✈️✈️ (customs isn’t the fastest and there’s a bit of scrutiny, consider getting an e-visa before you arrive)

Dining: ✈️✈️✈️ (it doesn’t have to be great for a regional airport, but there’s actually a Starbucks, a small Asian food court, Dairy Queen and two other coffeehouses)

Bathrooms: ✈️✈️  (could have more)

Charging stations/wifi: ✈️ (no wifi, sorry)

Amenities: ✈️✈️ (souvenir shops, bookstore, flower shop)