Category Archives: Trip Reports

US Airways Dine Fresh Lunch Boxes are Deliciously Overpriced

Dine Fresh Logo

US Airways Dine Fresh Lunch Boxes are Deliciously Overpriced

Good morning, it is currently 4AM PST, gotta love jet-lag and time zones, right?

Before my flight from Amsterdam to Philadelphia, I received an email from US Airways about purchasing a Dine Fresh meal before boarding. When I clicked on the email to learn more about their food options, I was immediately shocked at the price of 1 meal was $21.99!

I decided I would bite the bullet and order this meal so I could test how the food tasted and whether or not I should purchase another Dine Fresh meal in the future.

Fast forward to a few minutes after takeoff, a flight attendant brought a big black box (not that “Black Box”) full of food. It looked a lot fancier than other (free) meals I had received on other flights.

Dine Fresh Box

After opening up the box, I was surprised by the variety inside.

Dine Fresh Meal

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(Hotel Review) Park Plaza Amsterdam Airport (Club Carlson 55 Euros/Night)

Park Plaza Logo

(Hotel Review) Park Plaza Amsterdam Airport (Club Carlson 55 Euros/Night)

After a short flight from Rome, I stayed at a very affordable airport hotel. The hotel has a complimentary airport shuttle to/from the hotel and the airport that leaves every 30 minues. It runs from 6AM to midnight every day. Unfortunately, my flight landed after midnight and the airport shuttle was no longer running.

Park Plaza Amsterdam Airport Shuttle

I ended up taking a taxi from the aiport to the hotel that cost 25 Euros, which seems like a lot for such a short trip.

Park Plaza Amsterdam Driving Direction from Schiphol

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(Hotel Review) Radisson Blu Rome (44,000 Club Carlson Points/Night)

Radison Blu Front Sign

(Hotel Review) Radisson Blu Rome (44,000 Club Carlson Points/Night)

After a short, windy walk from Hotel De Monti (hotel review), we arrived at the Radisson Blu Rome.  It is right next to Termini Train Station.  I booked 2 nights at this hotel a few weeks ago with my Club Carlson points (planning/booking process).  After my stay last week at the Radisson Blu Amsterdam (hotel review), I didn’t know what to expect.

Radisson Blu Rome Map from Hotel De Monti

In the lobby, you can see the old Roman building that used to exist where the Radisson Blu is currently located.

Radisson Blu Rome Ancient Building

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(Hotel Review) Hotel De Monti in Rome with Breakfast in Bed for 64 Euros/Night

Hotel De Monti Logo

(Hotel Review) Hotel De Monti in Rome with Breakfast in Bed for 64 Euros/Night

Good evening from Rome!  I am going to give a hat tip to Trip Advisor for this one.  I found this gem of a bed and breakfast for 64 Euros a night.  Room rates are even cheaper now, only $55 for tomorrow’s stay.  Don’t let the price fool you, this bed and breakfast is one of the best hotels in Rome.  According to Trip Advisor, it is the 24th best hotel, out of more than 1,200 hotels in Rome!

Hotel De Monti Trip Advisor Ratings

The coolest part of this hotel is that they bring you breakfast to your room every morning.  This is what we had for breakfast the first morning: biscottis, croissants, yogurt, hot cocoa, 2 glasses of orange juice, cappuccino, toast, prosciutto, Nutella, and marmalade.

Hotel De Monti Breakfast Platter

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The Best Universal Travel Adapter Under $5 and a Funny YouTube Video Review

No Foreign Plugs

The Best Universal Travel Adapter Under $5

If you travel internationally with electronics, you need to be aware of any voltage differences and the type of plugs used at your international destination.  The US uses the 100 volt standard, while most of Europe uses the 240 volt standard.  In the US, most modern electronics are capable of supporting 100 volts through 240 volts.  My laptop, iPhone, and iPad are all compatible in Europe.  Look at the small print on your battery chargers or power adapters to see what the voltage requirements are (see photo below).  If they look like this photo, all you need is an adapter to plug into European outlets.

100-240-volts

But first, a warning…

If your electronics say 100 volts only, then stop reading this post and get a step up/down voltage converter.  I don’t have a voltage converter to recommend, but I think I got mine at Radio Shack a few years ago.  Don’t get a cheap voltage converter, since a cheap one might kill your electronics.

Now back to the best travel adapter under $5…

To read the entire article, please click here.