#16 – Washington D.C. – 25 World’s Best Places to Visit – U.S.News & World Report®

Posted on May 17, 2013 | Leave a comment

16. Washington DC - WEB

16. Washington DC - XLS

 

Trip Rating: A-

Lonely Planet Guide: Washington D.C.

General Thoughts:
Washington D.C. is one of the jewels of America.  Not is it location of so many monuments and museums, but it is also known for its incredible food.  Many people try to make it out during Spring time when the cherry blossoms are blooming.  It is one of the most beautiful things you will ever see.

Best Roundtrip Economy Airlines Value: British Airways® (20,000), traveling on American Airlines®, if you can find the reward

Best Roundtrip Business Airlines Value: British Airways® (40,000), traveling on American Airlines®, if you can find the reward

Best 5 Star Hotel Value: Ritz Carlton – Washington DC (50,000 Marriott Rewards® Points Per Night)

Best 4 Star Hotel Value: The Westin Georgetown, Washington DC (12,000 Starwood Preferred Guest® Points Per Night)

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#17 – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – 25 World’s Best Places to Visit – U.S.News & World Report®

Posted on May 10, 2013 | Leave a comment

17. Rio de Janeiro - WEB

 

17. Rio de Janeiro - XLS

 

Trip Rating: A-

Lonely Planet Guide: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

General Thoughts:
Rio de Janeiro “Rio” is known for its amazing beaches, culture, and food.   Personally, I am a huge fan of churascarias, so I can’t wait to go.  There seem to be plenty of airline options to getting to Rio.  However, I am unimpressed by the amount of major hotel chains there.

Best Roundtrip Economy Airlines Value: US Airways® (35,000) off peak

Best Roundtrip Business Airlines Value: Several airlines are 100,000 miles.

Best 5 Star Hotel Value: N/A

Best 4 Star Hotel Value: JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro (35,000 Marriott Rewards® Points Per Night)

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#18 – Budapest, Hungary – 25 World’s Best Places to Visit – U.S.News & World Report®

Posted on May 7, 2013 | Leave a comment

 

18. Budapest - WEB

 

18. Budapest - XLS

Trip Rating: B+

Lonely Planet Guide: Budapest, Hungary

General Thoughts:
Budapest is known for their pastries, architecture, and of course, bath houses.  It is a must see in Europe and can fit almost any budget.

Best Roundtrip Economy Airlines Value: British Airways® (50,000), traveling on American Airlines®, if you can find the reward

Best Roundtrip Business Airlines Value: Several airlines are 100,000 miles.

Best 5 Star Hotel Value: Le Meridien Budapest (7,000 Starwood Preferred Guest® Points Per Night)

Best 4 Star Hotel Value: Courtyard Budapest City Center (20,000 Marriott Rewards® Points Per Night)

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#19 – San Diego, California – 25 World’s Best Places to Visit – U.S.News & World Report®

Posted on April 22, 2013 | Leave a comment

 

 

19. San Diego - WEB

19. San Diego - XLS

 Trip Rating: B+

Lonely Planet Guide: San Diego, California

General Thoughts:
San Diego has so much to do.  There is the world famous San Diego Zoo® as well as many other attractions including some really nice beaches.  The only major downside for me is that it backs up to the Pacific Ocean so the water is a little colder.  All in all, it is a good solid trip for an extended weekend.

Best Roundtrip Economy Airlines Value: British Airways® (20,000), traveling on American Airlines®, if you can find the reward

Best Roundtrip Business Airlines Value: British Airways® (40,000), traveling on American Airlines®, if you can find the reward

Best 5 Star Hotel Value: The US Grant San Diego  (12,000 Starwood Preferred Guest® Points Per Night)

Best 4 Star Hotel Value: San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter (30,000 Marriott Rewards® Points Per Night)

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#20 – Miami Beach, Florida – 25 World’s Best Places to Visit – U.S.News & World Report®

Posted on April 18, 2013 | Leave a comment

20. Miami Beach - WEB

20. Miami Beach - XLS

 Trip Rating: B+

Lonely Planet Guide: Miami Beach, Florida

General Thoughts:
Miami Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the US.  There are amazing hotels and a world famous night life.  Based on the flight and hotel values,  I think this is a great trip.

Best Roundtrip Economy Airlines Value: British Airways® (20,000), traveling on American Airlines®, if you can find the reward

Best Roundtrip Business Airlines Value: British Airways® (40,000), traveling on American Airlines®, if you can find the reward

Best 5 Star Hotel Value: The St. Regis in Bal Harbour Resort  (30,000 Starwood Preferred Guest® Points Per Night)

Best 4 Star Hotel Value: Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach (35,000 Marriott Rewards® Points Per Night)

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#21 – Bahamas – 25 World’s Best Places to Visit – U.S.News & World Report®

Posted on April 11, 2013 | Leave a comment

 

 

21. Nassau - WEB

21. Nassau - XLS

 

 Trip Rating: B-

Lonely Planet Guide: Bahamas

General Thoughts:
I do not like the hotel offering in the Bahamas for the big 4 hotel programs.  Based on that, I do not consider this a great trip.  If you are just looking for an award flight, however, this is a good option.

Best Roundtrip Economy Airlines Value: British Airways® (20,000), traveling on American Airlines®, if you can find the reward

Best Roundtrip Business Airlines Value: British Airways® (40,000), traveling on American Airlines®, if you can find the reward

Best 5 Star Hotel Value: N/A

Best 4 Star Hotel Value: British Colonial Hilton Nassau Hotel (50,000 HIlton HHonors® Points Per Night)

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#22 – Beijing, China – 25 World’s Best Places to Visit – U.S.News & World Report®

Posted on April 9, 2013 | 1 Comment

 

 

22. Beijing - WEB

22. Beijing - XLS

 Trip Rating: A-

Lonely Planet Guide: Beijing, China

General Thoughts:
Beijing was one of my favorite trips.  We went during Christmas time, so it wasa very unique experience with Tianemen Square completely frozen over.  No matter when you go, Beijing is full of history and will not disappoint.  The dollar is relatively strong there, so it goes a long way.

Best Roundtrip Economy Airlines Value: US Airways/United Airlines® (60,000)

Best Roundtrip Business Airlines Value: US Airways/United Airlines® (90,000)

Best 5 Star Hotel Value: InterContinental Beijing Financial Street  (30,000 Priority Club® Points Per Night)

Best 4 Star Hotel Value: Four Points by Sheraton Beijing, Haidian Hotel (4,000 Starwood Preferred Guest® Points Per Night)

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