Category Archives: Trip Reports

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Chase Freedom + Uber in Europe = 5x Chase Ultimate Reward Points + Foreign Exchange Fees

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Good morning everyone, I’m here in Munich, Germany, today and flying to Venice, Italy, this evening.  I’ve had a few chances to use Uber in Europe (UberX both times) and wanted to share my thoughts.  Unfortunately, Uber is not as widespread as it is in the United States and is only available in a few European cities.  I have only taken UberX rides in Nice, France, and Munich, Germany.

UberX is always cheaper than traditional taxis (excluding surge pricing) and it can sometimes be cheaper than public transportation (buses and trains).  For short trips with multiple people, I would use UberX every chance I can.  Unfortunately, you need WiFi/data to access the Uber app.  I don’t have an international data plan, but I can connect to various free WiFi hotspots in airports, hotels, and cafes.  As long as you can request an Uber pickup, you do not need WiFi/data for the duration of the trip.  Your credit card will automatically be charged when your ride is over and you will receive an emailed receipt, like the one below.

Uber Receipt Munich

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Hotel Review: Hotel Indigo Paris (Located near Opera & Vendome)

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Good evening everyone, greetings from Nice, France (Nice is pronounced “niece”).  I always seem to be a day late and a city behind in my trip reporting.  Before reviewing the Radisson Blu Nice and my day trip to Monaco, I want to share my thoughts on my recent 2 night stay at the Hotel Indigo Paris.  I used 2 anniversary night certificates from my Chase IHG Credit Card to book the stay.  In essence, I “paid” $49 for each night since that is what the annual fee is for the Chase IHG Credit Card.

Getting from CDG Airport to Paris is easy.  For €10 per person, you can go from CDG Airport to Châtelet Les Halles station (I have no idea how to properly pronounce this station) on the RER B (blue line) and connect to Opéra/Auber on the RER A (red line).  From Opéra/Auber station, the hotel is a short 5 minute walk.  Just make sure you know which street to turn on to so you don’t wheel your suitcase around Paris aimlessly like I did.

Getting around Paris can be kind of tricky since there are 2 overlapping train networks (RER and Metro) that share most of the stations. When in doubt, ask the information booth for assistance and they will be happy to help.

Paris Metro Map CDG to Opera Station

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6 Free Things to See in London (After you Buy an Underground Day Pass)

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Good evening everyone, hello from the Park Hyatt Paris Vendome Hotel Indigo Paris (almost as nice).  Since I am already in Paris, I have to get this post published of free things to see in London before all the memories disappear from my mind.  I purchased a 1 day London Underground pass for 12 Pounds and you can basically go anywhere around London.  Here are some pics that I took, in chronological order.  Most of these places have a free aspect along with a paid aspect, without further ado…

Emirates Stadium – Home of the Arsenal Football Club

The stadium is beautiful, but you would be surprised to know that there are several small houses all around the stadium.  Quite the dichotomy when you first walk out of the Underground station.

London Arsenal Stadium Emirates

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Hotel Review: Radisson Blu Edwardian Mercer Street in London

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Good evening everyone, I am writing to you from the Radisson Blu Edwardian Mercer Street in London.  I spent the last 2 days at the hotel, wandering around London, and getting pretty accustomed to the Underground.  First thing’s first, getting from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to the hotel is a simple Underground train ride to Leicester Square in the heart of the city.  A one way train ticket from LHR is 6 Pounds and takes about an hour from end to end.

London Underground Map LHR to RBE

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Hotel & Flight Bookings for LHR, CDG, NCE, MUC, VCE, and DUB

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Good morning everyone, happy TGI Friday!  First, I wanted to thank everyone for voting in my poll (Reader Feedback Needed: Which Blog Posts Should I Write First?).  I was busy this week with 2 free movie screenings in SF (13 Hours and Pride & Prejudice & Zombies) and the SF Travel Hackers Meetup, but I’m finally getting around to writing about my upcoming trip to Europe.  That was the overwhelming winner and since my trip starts tomorrow (1/16), I better write about it before I fly out of town.

Blog Topic Poll 1-14-2016

I will share my thought process and booking experience with my flights and then about my hotels.  Since I planned most of this trip back in March/April/May 2015, I was able to find award space to/from SFO very easily.  Here is an overview of my paid and award flights:

  • SFO-LAX (AA First) and LAX-LHR (AA Business) = 50,000 AA miles + $5.60 in taxes/fees
  • LHR-CDG (British Airways economy) = 2,500 BA Avios + $57.50 in taxes/fees
  • CDG-NCE (Air France economy) = $56.76
  • NCE-MUC / MUC-VCE (Lufthansa economy) = $99.99
  • VCE-LGW-DUB (British Airways / Aer Lingus economy) = $138.60
  • DUB-SFO (Aer Lingus economy) = 25,000 BA Avios + $106.76 in taxes/fees

GCM Eurotrip 2016

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