Category Archives: Travel

Hotel X Brisbane Review: Amex Hotel Collection Gem in Fortitude Valley

Iris Rooftop Bar at Hotel X Brisbane with ambient purple lighting and views of Story Bridge

With Delta’s new LAX to Brisbane route–this Queensland capital city is now accessible to American tourists. So, with your flight already booked—where are you planning to stay in Brisbane, Australia? If you’re after a walkable, design-forward boutique hotel in Brisbane, this one’s worth a stay. I was thrown off when locals at Black Hops Brewery […]

The Smart Traveler’s Guide to Booking Flights to Australia with Airline Rewards

So you want to go to the land down under? Well first brace yourself for the—no not the cost—the flight duration. Even from LAX to Brisbane it will be around 14 hours. When you add your origin flight-in my case Seattle–that’s adding an additional 3 to 4 hours to your total trip time. So realistically […]

Navigating LAX for Transfer from Australia to USA (Plan for 1 Hour)

Air France A350 taxiing at LAX with LAX airport shuttle bus in foreground under overcast skies.

You’re an Aussie (or Kiwi) who’s just landed in the U.S. on Delta Air Lines new Brisbane to LAX route and need to transfer to another U.S. or Canadian city. Did you know, before you board your next flight, you must clear U.S. customs and immigration, claim your luggage, recheck it, exit the terminal, then […]

How to Get to Bali for FREE Using Points (and Avoid Dumb Layovers)

Delta Airlines arriving at Incheon International Airport

The Short: There are no direct flights from the United States to Bali, Indonesia. The Long: Flying from the U.S. to Bali is challenging with no direct flights available. You’ll need to fly to Denpasar International Airport (the main airport in Bali), which usually requires a layover in Asia or the Middle East. But Delta […]

One Day Layover Brisbane: Why You Should Spend Christmas “Gravy Day” in Brissie

Imagine it’s nearing Christmas, but instead of Eggnog, dressing, rolls, and warm apple pie—you’re eating gravy. Yes, Gravy. You haven’t heard of Gravy Day? Brisbane just became more accessible to Americans thanks to Delta’s new route from LAX to the river city. Whether you’re visiting the Queensland capital city as a layover or for an […]

Australia’s Gold Coast: Where Bali Meets San Diego’s Surf

Imagine hearing the sounds of crashing waves filling your apartment. A mix of pine trees that you’d find in the Pacific Northwest. The only thing? This is Australia. Australia’s Gold Coast is something to be admired. The sun, weather, waves and over 70km of sprawling beaches make it one of the hottest surf and travel […]

Renting a Car at Brisbane Airport: The National-Car-Rental Playbook for American Travelers

Ahh you touch down off that new Delta flight from LAX to Brisbane. Now you need to make your way to the Brisbane Airport car rental area and get going. So what should you know? Head to the car rental area in the International Terminal, which is to the right after you exit customs and […]

Your Perfect Dallas Layover: Food, Art & Brews in 24 Hours

Arriving in Dallas on layover? Work conference? Or maybe you want to look around before you head to Fort Worth. Did you have a cereal bar on your menu? Well, keep reading… this guide covers the essentials you’ll want to check out. Getting Started (Hour 0–1) Touch Down & Refresh You’ve just landed on your […]

Best Gym in Bali: Why Bali’s Hybrid Gyms Are Changing How Digital Nomads Work and Train

I never thought working shirtless was cool until I went to Bali. It might give off a ‘let’s just be hot and do nothing’ vibe, but there’s more to the story. Introduction: The Evolution of Gyms in Bali The challenge of maintaining fitness while traveling has led Bali to reinvent the gym experience. This fusion […]

Hotel Review: The Four Seasons at Westlake Village, CA

Imagine indulging in fresh Sea Urchins caught less than two-hours ago. You’re sitting at the dinner table on the restaurant’s outside patio, at night, overhead heaters on, surrounded by the Santa Monica Mountains. The catch? Getting there. Arrival & Check-In Getting to the Four Seasons in Westlake Village is the challenging part. I arrived from […]