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Switzerland and Netherlands March 2024

March trip to Davos, Switzerland and Netherlands including:

Zurich Airport Hyatt Regency Review: Always a pleasant stay with consistent quality and service. Read more...

Davos Ameron: One of my favorite hotels in Europe with great food, service, and wonderful rooms. The best value hotel in Switzerland. Read more...

Schiphol Amsterdam Hilton Airport Review: Convenient hotel at the airport within about 10 minute walk to terminal. Really nice rooms with a view, but awful showers on 11th Executive Floor. Read more...

Schiphol Amsterdam Hilton Airport Review (stayed twice on this trip): Another nice stay, but once again awful shower, this time on the 10th Executive Floor. Read more...

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Mexico February 2024

Cancun Mexico trip including:

Conrad Tulum resort review: Wonderful stay at this resort which is only one year old. Conrad has a very consistent quality of product and service. Read more...

Banyan Tree MayaKoba Resort Review: The Banyan Tree is a world-class resort with an amazing setting. Read more...

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The Netherlands American Cemetery December 2023

The Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial stands as the sole American military burial ground in the Netherlands. This site is steeped in history, situated close to the renowned Cologne-Boulogne road, originally constructed by Roman engineers. This road was historically significant, having been traversed by Julius Caesar during his military campaigns in the region. It also served as a route for notable historical figures such as Charlemagne, Charles V, Napoleon, and Kaiser Wilhelm II. In May 1940, this ancient route was overtaken by the forces of World War II, marking a significant advance into the Low Countries. By September 1944, the same road witnessed the retreat of German troops who had occupied these nations for four years.

Keep Reading…

ABMC Commemorative Sites Booklet

American Battle Monuments Commission

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October 2023 Lucerne, Berchtesgaden, Austria, and Davos

Burgenstock Resort: October visit to the Burgenstock.

Burgenstock Palace Suite 2321 2023 Fall

ZRH Hyatt: Convenient airport Hyatt.

ZRH Zurich Airport Hyatt Regency Suite 920

ZRH Zurich Airport Hyatt Regency Suite 535

Kempinski Berchtesgadan Resort Beautiful fall weather at my newest favorite resort in Europe

Suite 258

Area History

Alders Hotel Innsbruck: Nice hotel with great location but has black mold issues.

Alders Hotel 704

Ameron Hotel in Davos One of our favorites.

Suite 309

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September 2023 Lucerne and Zermatt Switzerland

Burgenstock Resort: Early fall visit to the Burgenstock. Burgenstock Palace Suite 2321 2023 Fall

ZRH Hyatt: Convenient airport Hyatt. ZRH Zurich Airport Hyatt Regency Suite 531

Riffelalp Resort: Wonderful Riffelalp experience just before the fall closure until winter. Zermatt Riffelalp 2222 Suite 101

Hyatt Regency at the Zurich Airport: Super comfortable and modern hotel at the airport. ZRH Zurich Airport Hyatt Regency Suite 713

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Late Summer 2023 Olbia Sardina and Davos

Hilton Airport Amsterdam 2023 August: Hilton Honors AMEX with Diamond card benefits to get upgrades. Early checkin and breakfast included with access to executive lounge. Short visit day prior to Sardinia. Review

Sardinia Olbia Felix Hotel: In the middle of the city. Review

Cala Cuncheddi Olbia: NIce resort with some drawbacks. Review

Davos Ameron Hotel: Another fantastic stay at modern hotel with wonderful rooms and buffet. Great Pinza for dinner. Review

Suite 438 and 436 Review

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Summer 2023 Including Rhodes | Dalaman | Ankara | Zermatt | Interlaken | Davos

Hilton Airport Amsterdam 2023 July: Hilton Honors AMEX with Diamond card benefits to get upgrades. Early checkin and breakfast included with access to executive lounge. Short visit day prior to Rhodes. Review

Rhodes Greece Atrium Plantinium Resort: Seaside resort just outside of the port of Rhodes. Review

Ankara Turkey: Hilton Diamond Status with free upgrades, access to lounge and free breakfast. Business meeting for renewable energy. Wonderful Turkish hospitality with lower prices than Europe. Stayed using Hilton Honors Points. Review

Hilton Resort in Dalaman Turkey: Beautiful expansive oceanside resort with some of the best buffet food as an all-inclusive resort. Review

Zurich Airport Hyatt Regency: My favority hotel located at ZRH with easy access to airport supermarkets, and Swiss rail service. Stayed there three times including business meetings. Suite 509 Review |

Suite 438 and 436 Review

Zurich Airport Hilton: Outdated Hilton with poor buffet. Stayed using Hilton Honors Points. Review

Swiss Travel Pass and Half Fare Card: Used both 8 day Swiss Travel Pass and Half Fare Card. Barely used full Swiss Pass over 8 days, but recovered half fare card within first use. From now on will use half fare card which gives you most flexibility (but must purchase rail tickets day prior for SuperSaver fares, which are then half price, compared for standard point-to-point fares.

Swiss Travel Pass ZRH to Brunnen, Rutli, and Fluelin Switzerland: One of my favorite day excursions from Zurich airport. Review

Interlaken Merkur Hotel: Overpriced and awful stay next to train station. Review

Davos Ameron Hotel: Wonderful stay at modern hotel with wonderful rooms and buffet. Review

Zermatt Riffelalp Resort: Two stays within a week at the wonderful Riffelalp located high above Zermatt on the Gornergrat. This is my favorite resort in Europe, with incredible staff, location, and a true Swiss mountain resort and spa experience. Hike, cogwheel, or cable car from this resort with the most amazing view from any resort in Europe of the iconic Matterhorn. Suite 42 | Suite 403

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Europe Spring 2023

Hilton Airport Amsterdam 2023: First time in a while not on Diamond Status - so applied for AMEX with Diamond card benefits to get upgrades. Charged me 45 Euro for early checkin under Gold Status. Short visit touring Amsterdam prior to Lisbon cruise. Review

Aurea Lisbon 2023: Beautiful hotel near cruise ship docks. Review

Venice Hilton Molino Stucky 2023: Diamond Status with free upgrades, access to lounge and free breakfast. Toured Venice. Review

Beau Rivage Weggis Switzerland Suite 304 2023: Finally a good break in the weather for this wonderful hotel in the heart of Switzerland. Fantastic breakfast and great service. Perfect location for lake boats, Mt. Rigi and Lake Lucerne. One of my favorite hotels in Switzerland. Review

Burgenstock Palace Suite 2321 2023: My 14th stay since 2017 at what I consider the best high-end resort in Europe. Review

Hyatt Place Suite 857 Zurich Airport 2023: More expensive and less quality than Hyatt Regency at same location. Review

Hyatt Regency Suite 929 Zurich Airport 2023: Best value for modern airport hotel experience. Clean, organized, and one of my favorites. Review

Swiss Travel Pass Weggis and Rutli Switzerland: Touring local Lake Lucerne destinations. Review

Swiss Travel Pass ZRH to Brunnen to Andermatt Switzerland: One of my favorite day excursions from Zurich airport. Review

Lake Lucerne Switzerland Steam Powered Uri Paddlewheel Boat: Vintage steamer from Lucerne to Fluelen. Review

MSC Fantasia Suite 131126 Embarkation: Boarding the cruise in Lisbon. Review

MSC Fantasia Suite 131126 Le Havre Day 04: Visit to Le Havre France on cold windy rainy day. Review

MSC Fantasia Suite 131126 Antwerp ZeeBrugge Day 05: Visit to the port city. Review

MSC Fantasia Suite 131126 Copenhagen Denmark Day 07: Sunny spring day in Copenhagen. Review

MSC Fantasia Suite 131126 Kiel Germany Disembarkation: Leaving the ship after a week cruise. Review

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Mexico February 2023

Cancun Mexico trip including:

Conrad Tulum resort review: Wonderful stay at this resort which is only one year old. Conrad has a very consistent quality of product and service. Review

Fairmont Mayakoba resort review: Awful stay including product and service shorting. Review.

Banyan Tree restaurant resort review: The Banyan Tree is a world-class resort with an amazing setting. I'd rank in the top three resorts in the world. Review.

Hotels.com website: I tried to write a review on the website and was unable to. I spend and hour with Hotels.com staff online chat and on the phone. They were unable to locate any link other than website feedback. They were unable to tell me where the review link was. They staff gave me Google as a place to write a review. All I can say is that the Hotels.com reviews are either fake, or they are not able to substantiate where they come from. Shame on you Hotels.com Review.

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Beautiful Halloween Sunrise UFO Clouds from the Palace Hotel at the Burgenstock Resort above Lucerne Switzerland

Beautiful Halloween Sunrise UFO Clouds from the Palace Hotel at the Burgenstock Resort above Lucerne Switzerland

Switzerland October 2022

Annual fall trip to Switzerland in October using 4-day Swiss Travel Pass and the Swiss Travel Pass App to show huge savings. Typically in the fall, the SBB offers a Swiss Pass Autumn discount. Standard price for 4-day Swiss Travel Pass for 1st Class is 447 CHF. Discounted price is 317 CHF. For my 4 day journey throughout Switzerland, I was able to accumulate 666 CHF of value.

Burgenstock Palace Hotel near Lucerne Switzerland Fall Colors

Lake Lucerne cruise and Vitznauerhof in Vitznau Switzerland

Hyatt Regency The Circle in ZRH and quick visit to Bern Switzerland

Using the Swiss Travel Pass over Four Day SBB Autumn Promotion showing savings using App

Swiss Travel Pass App from Cruising Review

SBB Swiss Travel Pass Info Link to Swiss Train Site

September Lauterbrunnen Valley in Switzerland looking up towards Jungfrau

September Lauterbrunnen Valley in Switzerland looking up towards Jungfrau

Switzerland September 2022

Annual fall trip to Switzerland in September using 6-day Swiss Travel Pass and the Swiss Travel Pass App to show huge savings. Beautiful fall weather and even some snow up in Zermatt on 17 September. Beautiful Lauterbrunnen Valley with spectacular views of the alps.

Burgenstock Palace Hotel near Lucerne Switzerland

Riffelalp Resort Suite 203 Zermatt Switzerland

Oberland Hotel 7 in Lauterbrunnen Switzerland

Zermatt to Lauterbrunnen using the Swiss Travel Pass by train and lake boat

Lauterbrunnen to Geneva using the Swiss Travel Pass

Using the Swiss Travel Pass over Six Days showing savings using App

Using the Zermatt Matterhorn Peak Pass over three days showing savings using App

Swiss Travel Pass App

Matterhorn in Zermatt Switzerland. The Riffelalp is my second favorite resort in the world. A must-see in Europe.

Matterhorn in Zermatt Switzerland. The Riffelalp is my second favorite resort in the world. A must-see in Europe.

The Best Kept Secret in Europe

Welcome to the Riffelalp Resort. With the Best View in the World The Riffelalp Resort at 2222 meters  above Zermatt, Switzerland.

The most amazing view in Europe, of the iconic Matterhorn. Resort is above Zermatt. Located half way up the Gornergrat, it has the best view of the western sky and sunset than anywhere in the region.

The Matterhorn is in the foreground. Please follow the link below to read about this epic resort.

Updated in September 2023.

Still the best. Amazing staff, location, and suites.

Most recent visit during September 2023 (Suite 403).

Keep Reading…

Riffelalp Resort Website

Riffelalp Room 501 from 2021

Riffelalp Room 102

HyperTravel is the new post-pandemic way to explore quickly and saving money

HyperTravel is the new post-pandemic way to explore quickly and saving money

How to HyperTravel

Have you ever wanted to travel to the max in the shortest amount of time ? We're all limited in time, but with huge price increases in the travel industry, making the most of your travel time has become even more important.

The goal of HyperTravel is to see as much as you can, and then you can revisit the places you like the most when you have more time.

In this case, my first HyperTravel was in Switzerland, where I could take advantage of the amazing Swiss Travel Pass, which allows you to take advantage of unlimited transportation (rail, boat, bus) and many lifts (or at a huge discount) and 500 museums. Events not included are generally at a 50 percent discount.

Day One: Lucerne Home Base to Zermatt Matterhorn

Day Two: Lucerne Home Base area alps and museums

Day Three: Lucerne Home Base to Engelberg and Zurich

More details are at the dedicated HyperTravel page link below.

For More Info…

Burgenstock Resort above Lucerne Switzerland is my Favorite Resort in the World

Burgenstock Resort above Lucerne Switzerland is my Favorite Resort in the World

Top Pick for World's Best: The Burgenstock Resort

This is my all-time favorite resort, located above Lake Lucerne in Switzerland.

After undergoing a multi-hundred-million dollar facelift and renovation, the result is nothing short of spectacular. The staff is the best in the world.

The views, food, atmosphere and wonderful feeling will leave you spellbound. The hiking and views from around the resort are world class and provide stunning vistas of the alps and nature.

Updated after late spring visit at the WaldHotel 2022.

Burgenstock WaldHotel Suite 4512 and 4801 May 2022

Burgenstock Palace Hotel Suite 2402 Easter Spring 2022

Burgenstock Palace Hotel Suite 2202

Burgenstock Palace Hotel Suite 2222

Burgenstock Palace Hotel Suite 2309

Burgenstock Hotel

For More Info…

Burgenstock Resort Website

Private Helicopter Charter from Zermatt Matterhorn to the Burgenstock Resort via Air Zermatt

Bugenstock Booking Tips

Apple AirTag installed on my luggage

Apple AirTag installed on my luggage

Using Apple AirTag for Travel

The Apple AirTag is a small electronic device which allows you to track where it is. It occurred to me that this would be perfect for luggage, so I bought a set of four with optional holders.

The key features of the AirTag are that if it is paired with your recent iPhone (11 or above) it can give you precision directions to the item using FindMy app, beep on command, or put into Lost mode to allow other iPhones to send you anon updates, or even assign a phone number to it to help locate. The Bluetooth device (5.0) is estimated to have a range of 800 feet.

May 2022: Now traveling to Switzerland and the UK and will update after the trip...

For More Info…

Apple AirTag Website

Conrad Bora Bora Nui is the best resort in the Western Hemisphere (and Pacific) and tied for second best resort in the world.

Conrad Bora Bora Nui is the best resort in the Western Hemisphere (and Pacific) and tied for second best resort in the world.

Conrad Bora Bora Resort February 2021

February 2021: Just returned from a wonderful trip to French Polynesia and the Conrad Bora Bora Nui. The Conrad has now reopened as of May 2021 (mostly to Americans who are more free to travel due to the huge drop in Covid cases due to the vaccines).

Bora Bora Travel Review

Conrad Bora Bora Nui Website

July 2021 Sunset from the Riffelalp Resort

July 2021 Sunset from the Riffelalp Resort

Riffelalp Resort July 2021

The most amazing view in Europe, of the iconic Matterhorn. Resort is above Zermatt. Located half way up the Gornergrat, it has the best view of the western sky and sunset than anywhere in the region.

Keep Reading…

Riffelalp Resort Website

Riffelalp Room 501

Riffelalp Room 102

Air Zermatt offers sightseeing and charter flights for the Matterhorn and transfers to other airports and resorts

Air Zermatt offers sightseeing and charter flights for the Matterhorn and transfers to other airports and resorts

Air Zermatt Fall Tour 2021

After staying at the wonderfull Riffelalp Resort at 2222 Gornergrat above Zermatt, Switzerland we decided to do a fall tour from the helicopter. Our original goal was a transfer directly to the Burgenstock Resort above Lucerne, but they were in a cloud that day, so we did a quick tour of the Matterhorn and surrounding alps, then over to Visp, where we landeded and took the train for the rest of the journey.

For More Info…

Riffelalp Resort and Spa

Air Zermatt Helicopter Flights and Charter

Burgenstock Resort and Spa (including the Burgenstock Hotel, Palace Hotel, Waldhotel, and Taverne 1898)

MSC Bellissima Persian Gulf Cruise

MSC Bellissima Persian Gulf Cruise

Cruise News

This section will be for current travels, upcoming flights and cruises.

The big news of the day is moving the website from WordPress to our own proprietary web site generation program we developed using FileMaker database, which allows us to use all of our past cruise ship reviews from 2001 onwards.

Trip Advisor

For More Info…

YouTube Cruising Review Channel

Charter Jet from Barcelona to Zurich OKJFA

Charter Jet from Barcelona to Zurich OKJFA

Why Charter A Jet

On a recent cruise, our group chartered a small business jet from Barcelona to Zurich.

Not only was it super convenience, but an amazing experience.

Most locations in Europe are an easy 1.5 hour flight or less point to point. Chartering a jet provides a very economical way for 6 people to travel First Class, avoiding airport hassle of long lines and waits. It also provides a customized service to your destination direct. In this case, we were leaving the cruise ship on a Sunday, and wanted to spend a few days at the Burgenstock Resort near Lucerne, Switzerland. There is actually an airport next to the resort, but unfortunately closed on the weekends, so we had to fly into Zurich, then take a van (weather was not good enough for a helicopter transfer) to the resort.

For More Info…

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