Sand Surfing Dubai

I’m not good on skis.  Even worse on a snowboard.  And downright pitiful sand surfing.  This sport is not new, but clearly I am not going to be an Olympian at it.  The object:  Take a snowboard and slide down a giant sand dune in the middle of the desert.  I went for a ride in Dubai recently, and let’s just say it’s not as easy at it looks.

First, check out my attempt, then see how the real pros do it in a clip from NBC’s Today Show:

 

Now watch how the pros do it:

 

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Don’t Forget: USAirways 100% Buy Miles Bonus Ends Tomorrow

USAirways Deal

Jet-setters: This is a great deal for those of you who want to stock up on USAirways Miles, which, of course, can be used for travel on Star Alliance partners like Lufthansa, Swiss International Airlines, Singapore Air and United.  Right now, you can buy 50,000 miles and they will be doubled.  100,000 points in all for around $1,800 all in.  That’s enough points to get you Business Class to Europe and almost all the way to New Zealand in Business Class.  But this deal ends mañana, so get on it quickly.  One thing though, if you don’t have a USAirways account or you have one but it hasn’t been opened for 12 days or longer, you’re outta luck this time — not eligible.  Don’t worry though! USAirways tends to do promotions like this a few times through the year.  Click here for more information!

 

Angkor Wat and Siem Reap, Cambodia

One of the most fascinating places I have ever been is Cambodia in South East Asia, specifically the temples around Angkor Wat and the small city of Siem Reap. I took advantage of traveling here after spending some time in Thailand. (Siem Reap is only around 40 minutes by air from Bangkok.) This is a place I only had a couple of days in, so I took advantage and hit the ground running.  Here’s a look:

British Airways 100,000 Miles Credit Card

A few years back, I signed up for a sweet promotion. Actually, not just me, but my entire family! At the end of the day, we were able to net around 500,000 British Airways Miles (now called Avios Miles) through this promotion. All we had to do was each sign up for a Chase BA Visa Signature Card (fee free for the first year,) and spend around $3,000 on the card within 3 months. We did just that and our points posted quickly. My wife and I used the points to get back from Australia on Qantas in First Class one way.  We only had to pay the taxes of around $100, for a ticket valued around $25,000 each!)  We also used the miles to book a flight from New York to LAX in business class on partner airline American and one, one way ticket to Bali on Cathay Pacific in First Class. That’s just to give you an idea how powerful the points are. And my family still has points remaining. Now, Chase is back with another offer, not nearly as good as the one we got, but still something to think about: 100,000 Avios Miles for signing up with it’s BA Visa Card at this link and doing the following according to the website:

  • You will get 50,000 bonus Avios after your first use of the card
  • 25,000 bonus Avios after you make $10,000 in purchases within the first year of account opening
  • Plus an additional 25,000 bonus Avios after you make an additional $10,000 in purchases also within the first year of account opening

Would I sign up for that deal now if I didn’t already have the card? Possibly.  I like that you earn [Read more...]

Amazing Sushi In Tokyo

IMG_0890 2

I still think about that tiny sushi restaurant in Tokyo, the one on the 4th floor of the Mark City Mall, across from the Shibuya train station. We ended up there one day because every other sushi spot we could find was closed.  It was called Midori Sushi, and I have to say it was absolutely worth the flight over the water.

Amazing Sushi!

The chutoro — the medium fatty tuna — melted in your mouth.  My friends and I made a pact that no matter what, we would return the following day before our flight back to America to try again. But this time when we arrived, the line was, well, you take a look.  By the way we waited, almost missed our flight, but man it was worth it!

British Airways 50% Bonus on American Express Transfers

For a limited time, transfers of American Express Membership Rewards points into British Airways’ Avios frequent flyer program will earn you a 50% Bonus.  Avios points are fantastic for short-haul flights in Europe and domestically in the United States.  For long-haul flights, specifically in first and business class, expect to pay a major fuel surcharge for flights going through London.  Here’s the fine print from American Express’ Membership Rewards:   To transfer points, click here.

“Receive a 50% bonus when you transfer Membership Rewards points into Executive Club through May 31, 2012. For the period of the promotion you will receive 1,500 Avios when you transfer 1,000 Membership Rewards points into your [Read more...]

Breeze Through Security At The Airport

TSA Pre Check


Remember those days when you could walk through security without taking off your shoes? I just returned from the east coast this week and had the most incredible experience at the airport.  I didn’t have to remove my shoes at security, and my laptop stayed in my bag. I even got to leave my jacket on.  It was a breeze!  So how’d I get to skip those “pain in the rear” security checks at the airport?  I’m a “Trusted Traveler” and thus eligible for the TSA’s Pre Check  program.

The program has launched in several airports around the country, and it allows you to breeze through security saving time. I was automatically enrolled because I’m a Global Entry member. This program allows for expedited entry back into the United States after international trips. To become a [Read more...]

Your Favorite Travel Destination Is???

I’d love to know what your favorite travel destination is and what makes it so special.  Fell free to chime in!

Favorite Hotels: The Rees in Queenstown, New Zealand

“Favorite Hotels” is part of an ongoing segment on Mr. Jetsetter.com in which I showcase properties around the world that stand out.

I just returned from a week in New Zealand. First thing you need to know: a week is not nearly enough time to see this magnificent country.  We spent the bulk of our time in Queenstown, in the south island, which is the area where a lot of The Lord Of The Rings films were made. Breathtakingly beautiful doesn’t even begin to describe it. Our hotel in Queenstown was the perfect place to begin our exploration:  The Rees Hotel and Luxury Apartments.  Think cool, 2-bedroom apartment with all the luxuries of a hotel: Spa, gourmet restaurant, housekeeping.  Here’s a look!

Dubai Fireworks WILL Blow Your Mind

Special thanks to Jet-setter Johny Marsden who shares his incredible video with us of  New Years Eve in Dubai and an awesome sight at the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.  This is really something that just has to be seen.