Film Noir Buff Style Forum / FNB Travelogue

Oliver · 2014-10-12 14:24:05

Oliver · 2014-10-12 14:46:24

Oliver · 2014-10-12 14:50:54

PS - the hotels are mostly for the bars

doghouse · 2014-10-12 16:14:40

Well, not paying for an international trip every two years is obviously a lot different than not paying at all for plane tickets, so easily doable and generally the most common use of rewards points. But I'm still not positive how you'll get 200k rewards points for one trip without a plane ticket purchase unless you plan on spending 100k on the trip on meals and hotels.

The one single restaurant I'd say hit is Ristorante Ai Barbicani. Probably one of the top three dining experiences I have ever had. The place has about 5 tables, one table right by and open door to a canal, and the proprietor was the cook and his grand daughter the waitress.

I'd also follow BobJ's advice on FT and hit Harry's Dolci instead of Harry's Bar.

Oliver · 2014-10-12 17:02:17

Thanks for the tip.

I use different points for different flights. I don't ever pay for domestic travel either but I also don't ever fly business class within North America because it's not worth the miles or added cost; I'd rather save it for long hauls. I've racked up enough points and status with Star Alliance (mostly through Air Canada and UA) as well as Virgin to fly wherever we need to on cheaper economy fares for free. I haven't paid for a flight in years. I also plan and book early enough that I can get cheap rates and low miles; ie. RT from SFO to JFK next April for $400 p/p through Virgin (Elevate points are based on fares rather than miles so low cost ticket = low milage spending on rewards redemption).

Half of the points I stack on credit card sign up bonuses and spending. This is one of the highest bonus I've seen on an Ultimate Rewards earning card in years; 70k on approval just for signing up: https://applynow.chase.com/FlexAppWeb/renderApp.do?PID=CFFD2&SPID=FBGY&CELL=6LDQ&MSC=1503643749

Last edited by Oliver (2014-10-12 17:07:03)

doghouse · 2014-10-12 17:08:35

Status without paying a fare is impossible unless you are being comped.

CC bonus seem to be on the way out, 70k is certainly high these days, good deal. I really don't go in for churning myself, it does get noted on credit reporting.

fxh · 2014-10-12 17:17:51

Oliver · 2014-10-12 17:31:43

doghouse · 2014-10-12 17:44:24

fxh · 2014-10-12 18:07:06

Oli - on FF points
https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=RD8NeqZOce1fE&v=Si9gZc0vouE

4F Hepcat · 2014-10-13 01:52:25

You won't get attacked by mosquitos this time of year, but with the rain, you may need wellington boots (seriously).

Sammy Ambrose · 2014-10-13 03:15:26

4F Hepcat · 2014-10-13 06:35:55

That's what my sources tell me, and my experience of Milan, Bergamo and Trieste is that north Italy can be rather foggy and wintery from here on in. But in saying that, the mosquitos on that Venetian coast are horrendous in the summer, no wonder a lot of it has only recently developed, it must have been a dreadful malaria infested swamp in the past.

If in doubt, move up to 100% DEET and spray liberally everywhere, nothing quite like the taste of it with your pizza.

Sammy Ambrose · 2014-10-13 06:52:04

4F Hepcat · 2014-10-13 08:04:50

It's a bugger for your love life though!

doghouse · 2014-10-13 08:11:57

Armchaired · 2014-10-13 08:18:42

doghouse · 2014-10-13 08:38:56

RobbieB · 2014-10-13 08:41:44

I like Lisbon and would recommend the Hotel Britania. A hotel built in the Art Deco style. It has a modest hotel bar that is good for a port nightcap. The barman prefers an early night and will direct you to the library where the Port and Ginja is available free of charge.

RobbieB · 2014-10-13 08:44:47

I like Venice. When you get too much of an overdose Of the architecture I would recommend the Guggenheim Art gallery. An oasis of the modern in the ancient.

woofboxer · 2014-10-13 14:45:09

Armchaired · 2014-10-13 15:29:32

doghouse · 2014-10-13 15:34:13

I always say trip advisor is best for mosquito reporting.

Armchaired · 2014-10-13 16:11:13

doghouse · 2014-10-13 17:08:45

#51 2014-10-12 14:24:05

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#52 2014-10-12 14:46:24

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