Sunday, August 26, 2018

American Airlines Flagship Business Class from Hong Kong to LAX

American Airlines Flagship Business Class Filght From Hong Kong to LA

Hong Kong is one of the most dynamic places on the planet. This vibrant city has a culture unlike anywhere else I have ever been (along with fantastic food!).

While it’s a place that I think deserves a spot on every traveler’s bucket list, it is also incredibly far away. I’m talking around 13 hours in the air.

Whenever I have a long haul flight, I think it is always worth upgrading to business class (remember always to keep saving those travel miles). On my recent trip from Hong Kong to California, I boarded American Airlines in Flagship Business Class!

“Flagship” is the name of American Airline’s international Business class. Booking a Flagship Business class ticket allows you priority access throughout the airport (plus your bags will come out first at your destination!) and many other in-flight benefits.

Want to fly home in style? Here is what you should know about American Airlines Flagship Business Class from Hong Kong to LAX.

Hong Kong Flight

What to Expect

The perks of American Airlines Flagship Business class starts when you arrive at the airport. Keep your eyes peeled for the “priority” signs at the American Airlines counter, at security, and at the gate.

You can bypass the lines and make your time at the airport fly by a bit faster.

If you have got some time to kill in the airport, it is worth finding the airline lounge. American Airlines has different lounge options depending on where you are flying from.

In Hong Kong, you can use the Plaza Premium (West Hall) Lounge and Club Bauhinia. You can eat, drink, shower, relax, and get ready to continue on your journey.

Casper Items

Amenities

AA changes up their goodie bags every so often, but, at the moment, it’s Cole Haan amenity kits. They feature all of the essentials to keep you feeling fresh like an eye mask, earplugs, socks, tissues, toothbrush, toothpaste, pen, and a travel kit.

One of the coolest new features of AA’s Flagship Business Class is the Casper bedding that is provided. Each seat gets a Casper mattress pad, duvet, pillow, pajama set, day blanket, lumbar pillow and slippers. The items were so cozy and above and beyond what I’d expect on a business class flight!

Ammenities on Hong Kong Business Class

Screen on Hong Kong Business Class

Storage on Hong Kong Business Class

Entertainment

The Hong Kong to LAX trip on American Airlines is on a Boeing 777-300. The plane is equipped with Wi-Fi, live TV streaming, and hundreds of movies.

There’s a good size screen and, with American Airlines Flagship Business class, you get Bose headphones (not the noise canceling kind though, so I’d still recommend bringing your own in the case that you’ve got noisy neighbors or like to use them to fall asleep).

Seat on Hong Kong Business Class

Seating

In Flagship Business class, seats are all set up in a 1-2-1 configuration, so there is plenty of room to spread out. Every seat in AA Flagship Business class has a USB port, universal power plug, and a reading light.

The seats lie fully-flat, which is always a must for flights this long. There is just the right amount of storage space around you so you will have plenty of room to stash away your essentials and spread out.

For me, this is what makes all of the difference. While economy class is totally fine for short trips, it gets pretty miserable after eight hours (especially if you fly often!).

Being able to lie down for a nap and spread my stuff out makes a world of difference when the journey is as long as Hong Kong to Los Angeles. Not only is my trip better, but getting some much needed zzz’s also means that I can arrive refreshed and not lose any travel days.

Menu on Hong Kong Business Class

Food on Hong Kong Business Class

Food + Drink

On the way from Hong Kong to Los Angeles, American Airlines offers three meals throughout the flight. They also have a snack station you can pop up at any time to hydrate and refuel.

Their menu for each meal includes a starter, salad, main, and a dessert. You will have the choice between four entrées and, of course, you will want to contact them in advance if you have any dietary restrictions.

Just log into their site at least 24 hours before you go and they will make accommodations to offer you a meal that suits your diet.

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Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Jumping Crocodile Cruise in Darwin, Australia

Jumping Crocodile Cruise in Darwin, Australia

Attention, adventure lovers! If you are looking for the trip of a lifetime, you need to get to the Australian bush. While the cities down under are incredible, there is nothing like getting out of town and seeing the natural beauty and wonder of Australia.

I spent two months on the Australian east coast and completely feel in love with the country. From diving the Great Barrier Reef to hiking the Outback to soaking in the sun on the Gold Coast, I had so many unforgettable experiences here. In fact, Sydney is the official birthplace of “The Blonde Abroad.” Looking out over the Sydney Harbour, I realized just how deep my wanderlust ran.

Are you ready for a trip that will turn you on your head? Here’s what you need to know about exploring the Northern Territory and my experience on a Jumping Crocodile Cruise in Darwin, Australia!

Northern Territory Australia

Northern Territory Australia

Visiting the Northern Territory

While it is a bit out of the way, the Northern Territory is well worth the trip. I highly recommend exploring Alice Springs and hopping on the old school Ghan Train. I adore train travel and that is one trip I recommend for anybody’s bucket list.

Of course, you have got to get to the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory, Darwin. This tropical city has a lot to offer and it’s a perfect stopover if you are traveling on to Asia.

You can easily spend a few days exploring but my all time fave experience in Darwin was the crazy Jumping Crocodile Cruise.

Northern Territory Australia

Crocodile Cruise

Jumping Crocodile

The Jumping Crocodile Cruise

Going on a Jumping Crocodile Cruise is an essential experience for any visitor in the Northern Territory. You hop on board at a spot that is just over an hour drive from Darwin and the cruise goes down the Adelaide River.

There are usually four cruises per day during the dry season, which runs from May to October in the Northern Territory.

The Jumping Crocodile Cruise is a terrifying but awesome (but terrifying!) experience. Exactly as advertised, these crocs will jump up all around the boat.

In fact, I couldn’t believe how close they got to us!

Jumping Crocodile

We saw massive crocodiles everywhere we went and they all had names. The cruise crew had massive hunks of meat that were very popular amongst the crocs. They jump up to grab a snack, which creates a perfect photo op. Since the boat is small and the crocs aren’t shy, you can easily snap some close-ups.

There was an endless stream of crocs and impressive birds all over as we floated down the Adelaide River. Unfortunately for our four-legged friends, there were always hawks ready to steal the meat away from the crocodiles!

Some of the crocs had unforgettable personalities (like the 80-year-old who had lost one of his legs in a fight with a shark!) which made the trip even more fun.

 

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Tuesday, August 21, 2018

The Best Bachelorette Party Destinations Around the World

The Best Bachelorette Party Destinations Around the World

There are few things I love more than an incredible girlfriend getaway! There’s nothing better than reconnecting with the girls, and, of course, a bachelorette party is the perfect excuse to party.

Got a bestie tying the knot? Here are the best bachelorette party destinations around the world.

Vegas Bachelorette Party

Vegas

I always jump at the chance to get over to Las Vegas. It’s easily one of my fave girls’ trips. On top of the gambling, top notch clubs, and luxe living, there are other cooler lesser known spots like the Seven Magic Mountains, the Las Vegas Art District, and the Neon Museum.

Read More: Las Vegas Travel Tips

Palm Springs Bachelorette Party

Palm Springs

Palm Springs has been every California girl’s favorite weekend escape for generations. I love the retro glamour of the hotels here, and it is an ideal place for a spa getaway. Be sure to save at least one afternoon for strolling down El Paseo Drive for one of a kind souvenirs.

Read More: Palm Springs Travel Tips

Austin Bachelorette Party

Austin

I stopped in Austin during my ultimate southern USA road trip, and fell in love with it. It is such a friendly city with absolutely amazing food.

This impressive Texas city is also the Live Music Capital of the World so nabbing some concert tickets is a must. If your bestie is a music lover, this is an unbeatable bachelorette destination.

Read More: The Ultimate Austin Travel Guide

Tulum Bachelorette Party

Tulum

Easily the most beautiful spot on Mexico’s Riviera Maya, Tulum is the perfect tropical break. This laidback beach town is full of yoga retreats, dining, and boutique shopping.

On the picture perfect Caribbean coast, this is an essential trip for beach lovers.

Read More: The Ultimate Tulum Travel Guide

Nashville Bachelorette Party

Nashville

More than just the ultimate destination for country music fans, Nashville is one of my most beloved destinations in the south. It’s a place where you are always guaranteed a fun night out with the girls.

Just be sure to hit up Broadway!

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Nashville in a Weekend

Amsterdam Bachelorette Party

Amsterdam

This is one of those cities that really does have something for everybody. Amsterdam is definitely one of the most impressive places in Europe, and, from historical sites to insane nightlife, this city has it all.

Read More: The Ultimate Amsterdam Travel Guide

Blonde in New York City

NYC

New York City is undoubtedly one of the most amazing cities in the world. Few places in the United States can compete with the nightlife in the City that Never Sleeps.

And, believe it or not, you can actually do NYC on a budget.

Read More: New York Travel Tips

Bali Bachelorette Party

Bali

For laidback beach bums who are getting ready to walk down the aisle, there is no place on earth like Bali. The island is a tropical oasis straight out of a postcard. Packed with yoga lovers, surfers, and luxe resort goers, I adore the vibe here.

Read More: Bali Travel Tips

Bangkok Bachelorette Party

Bangkok

A dream come true for foodies, shoppers, and backpackers, experiencing Bangkok is a must! This vibrant city is full of heady sights, sounds, and smells that will make you fall in love with Thailand as soon as you set foot off the plane.

Not only is Bangkok an incredible city, it is also a good setting off point for exploring the famous beaches of the Thai coast and islands.

Read More: The Ultimate Bangkok Travel Guide

Tokyo Bachelorette Party

Tokyo

Unlike anywhere else you have ever been, the Japanese capital city has a culture all its own. Tokyo will knock the chic heels off your fave bachelorette. Pick up local high fashion looks in Harajuku then hit up the hip local bars of the Golden Gai.

Read More: Tokyo Travel Tips

Ibiza Bachelorette Party

Ibiza

I absolutely adore Spain. From Madrid to Barcelona to Girona to Bilbao, every region has its unique charms. It really is one of those places that you can go back to year after year while having totally different experiences every single day.

I studied abroad there years ago and it’ll always have special place in my heart.

Ibiza is one of the Balearic islands, an archipelago of Spain located in the Mediterranean Sea. Ibiza is known for it’s wild nightlife which makes it the perfect place for a spicy, tropical bachelorette getaway.

London Bachelorette Party

London

Another place I keep coming back to is London. The British capital just has it all. Whether you want a crazy bachelorette night partying it up on the town or go nerd out over the Harry Potter tours, London was made for girls’ nights out.

Read More: The Ultimate London Travel Guide

Yacht Week

The Yacht Week

I have done four girls-only adventures with The Yacht Week and absolutely loved them. Each route has its own charms, The Yacht Week GreeceItalyCroatia and British Virgin Islands’s, so it totally comes down to your style.

Whichever you go for, it’ll give your girl an unforgettable experience before she ties the knot.

Read More: The Yacht Week Travel Tips

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