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Welcome to another episode of Travel Tip Tuesday.  This is Kerwin with Cruisinaltitude.com

Today’s travel tip is about checking out of your hotel room.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Welcome to another episode of Travel Tip Tuesday.

This is Kerwin with Cruisinaltitude.com.

When you’re booking a…

Today’s Travel Tip is about booking hotels.

When you’re booking hotels, one of the key thing is to ensure that its actually close to where you want to get to or at least have transportation that will get you to where you want to go.

So for example, I was in Bordeaux once and booked a, I think it was Holiday Inn and they said that they were downtown, except they weren’t really downtown, they were near the main train station but they were actually on the other side of town.

So lots of hotels will put information that they are so far from the city. Just get their address, get to Google Maps put it in so you can be familiar with exactly where they are. This way when you get to your destination, you are not surprised and have to pay like a mega cab fare just to get back downtown.

Sometimes it’s even worth it just to stay downtown if you are going to have to do a lot of things in the city, the downtown area ‘cause going with a cab back and forth to your hotel will actually be quite costly.

So that’s your travel tip for today, this is Kerwin with Cruisinaltitude.com, Have a great trip.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Welcome to another episode of Travel Tip Tuesday.

This is Kerwin with Cruisinaltitude.com.

Today’s tip is going to be about Hotels. (Join the hotels Loyalty Programs).

So, when you travel, its always good that you are a member of the Frequent Stayer Programs of the hotels.

And the reason for this is tantamount. Let’s say you were arriving in a destination first thing in the morning for example.  Most hotels will charge you an extra amount to check-in early or they won’t allow you to check-in until 3:00p that day.  Well usually, if you are a member of the frequent stayer program, they’ll let you check-in early (subject to availability of course).

Another thing too is that they’ll let you check out late which is sometimes very key if you have a late afternoon flight from say an international destination or just from anywhere.

Another thing they will let you do is that some of the hotels have these Clubs and you can get complimentary breakfasts at the clubs, cocktail hour at the clubs in the afternoons, and complimentary WiFi.

So when you think about it, the rates that you pay might not be so much as you get all these little amenities added to it.  So the key is when you travel, make sure you become a member of the hotel programs.

Now there’s lots of them out there, see the list below this video.  There’s the Starwood program, Marriott Rewards, Hyatt Regency program and the list goes on and on.

So when you go make sure that you sign up for the hotel frequent stayer programs and ensure that you get credit for every stay.

This is Kerwin with Cruisinaltitude.com, have a great trip and its the Holiday season so have a great Holiday.

Happy Hanukkah.

Happy Kwanza

and have a Merry Christmas.

Hotel Loyalty Programs

• Accor Hotels A|Club
• Best Western Reward Points
• Choice Privileges
• Hilton HHonors
• Hyatt Gold Passport
• IHG Priority Club Rewards
• La Quinta Returns
• Marriott Rewards
• SPG
• Starwood
• Wyndham By Request

Amsterdam, Netherlands (AMS) 31 Oct. 2009.  This my second time staying at this hotel and like the first time (on a trip from Hannover to Amsterdam), I was not disappointed.

I was having difficulty finding a place to stay in the heart of Amsterdam and decided on just trying to find a place once I got there.  One deciding factor was the schedule of the train from the airport to the city.  As I found out it runs 24 hours with hourly service between midnight and 5:00a.  Outside of that it is 6 times per hour at a cost of 7.20 EUR round trip (http://www.amsterdam.info/airport/train).  Once I cleared that up, I walked over to the hotel which is located just about 5 minutes walk from the airport terminal.  Basically exit the terminal and turn right on the arrivals level.

Once there, I was greeted by a guy who asked me if I wanted to check-in.  I told him I had no reservation and asked what was the cost for one night.  99.00 EUR he replied.  A bit more than I had expected so I asked a few more questions and then he mentioned that if I booked online it would be cheaper.  And so it was, it was 69.00 EUR plus taxes which brought it to 72.91 EUR, so in the end, I paid 72.91 EUR plus 20.00 EUR early check-in fee plus there was a 2.25 EUR fee for not using a PIN card (which I think is so wrong); a total of 95.16 EUR, quite a savings from the 99.00 EUR walk in fee plust the early check-in fee.

With that I checked in using the kiosks and taking a key card, holding it next to the reader/writer so that my room information could be written to it.  I wanted a higher floor facing the airport so the agent took care of that for me.  As a matter of fact, I think I got the same room I had the first time I stayed there.

So what is so special about this hotel?  Well, it has free WiFi, which you cannot beat, and if you don’t have your own computer, there are four MacIntoshes in the main lobby for your use.  There is even a printer so you can print your boarding passes for your flight.  The lobby also has a bar and about four or five elegantly decorated lounge areas with TVs, chairs and couches.

The rooms are cool as well, with a bed that spans the length of the room with a fantastic quiet airport view.  There are many preset settings for the window shades, the lights, etc. in the room.  There is also mood lighting above the toilet and shower which are surrounded by circular glass doors.   Here is a video for you to enjoy:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Here is a review by a traveler from India, Sugarto:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Enjoy the pictures of the room and hotel below:

Please leave your comments below.

I did achieve my goal of the nine new airports, you can take a look at them below.

I had a friend of mine interview me about the trip so you can listen to it below:

[podcast]http://www.cruisinaltitude.com/audio/aycjinterview.mp3[/podcast]
Right click here to download this audio file

Trip Statistics

Please feel free to comment.

You can always follow me on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/mskonfa1990 as I continue to fly the world one weekend at a time.  Also, you read what others are saying about All you can jet on twitter at http://twitter.com/#search?q=aycj.

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I got ready, called down to check on a shuttle then headed downstairs to checkout and have a quick breakfast before heading to the airport.  The ride to the airport was short as the airport is across the street.  I had a good talk with the driver who was from Dallas, TX and says he misses his son who lives there.

At the airport, Robert checked me in after waiting about ten minutes behind five people.  He only checked me in for that leg though.  I asked for the other leg, but he said I had to do it at JFK.  I then headed to the TSA and cleared without any incident.

I remembered that the last time I was here, there was a US Airways Club.  I am a Presidents Club member with Continental Airlines and I know that as a new Star Alliance member on Oct. 27, 2009, Presidents Club members can use the US Airways Club come October 27, 2009.  I popped into the Club and the nice lady there said I could use it early.  Cool .

The Club is pretty nice with some muffins, juices, a bar and a Flavia coffee/tea machine and the usual airport Lounge stuff.  Wi-Fi is provided by T-Mobile at a charge.  I stayed there for a while and chilled just before the flight. I headed out at 7:44a just before brewing some lemon tea, but not before taking this picture.

At the gate, everyone was getting ready for the flight.  At 7:48a, a guy came running up to the gate for his flight to Boston at 8:00a.  Only that flight had the jetbridge pulled already.  He was none too happy.  When the agents came up from the jetway, I could see him trying to get onboard.  It was kind of fun to watch.  They did eventually re-book him on my flight at 8:20a via JFK.

I boarded late and took my seat after saying hello to the flight attendant who looked very familiar.  I got settled in on N763JB, an Airbus A320 called “Unforgettably Blue.”

Before we left the gate, Captain Tom told us that our flying time was 1:03 and that we should make it to JFK early.  I was skeptical though as arriving at JFK does not really happens.  He continued to introduce his co-pilot Jason and the cabin crew, Anthony, Nick and Susan.  They were the same ones from my flight from Orlando to Buffalo yesterday.  He concluded by saying that we would cruise at 21,000′.

The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge joining Staten Island, NY to Brooklyn, NY

We pushed back at ontime at 8:20a and was airborne by 8:31a.  It was absolutely beautiful while heading down to JFK.  We passed right over the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge which connects Staten Island with Brooklyn, then we passed over Far Rockaway and came in for a landing into JFK at 9:36a.

As we taxied up to the gate, I noticed sixteen airplanes waiting for takeoff; good grief.  Our Captain had said that JFK was experiencing fog, but it should not affect us on landing.  Although I did get a tweet from @wanderingarmean saying that his flight was taking on extra fuel in case of delays coming into JFK from Houston-Hobby.  Unfortunately, he would arrive after I departed, so we would miss each other. I told him I’d wave to him as we passed each other.

A Cathay Pacific (CX) Boeing 777-300ER at the gate in JFK

We got to our gate at 9:49a, eight minutes late as we had to wait for an airplane to get pushed back.  The final leg of this All you can jet venture is at hand in less than two hours.

How is your Sunday morning going?

Follow me on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/mskonfa1990 for constant updates.  Also, you read what others are saying about All you can jet on twitter at http://twitter.com/#search?q=aycj.

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I got ready and made it downstairs for the shuttle to the airport. I greeted the front desk clerk who said he is the driver and will be ready in a few minutes.

At 5:30a, we departed the hotel and had a great conversation on the way to the airport. Once there, I checked-in for the flight without any issues. The agent Stephen was really cool as he noticed my button. We had a short “All you can jet” conversation as he checked me in, also printing my boarding pass for the Orlando to Newburgh flight later that day.

I spent the next few minutes walking around the airport. I was really looking for a “Welcome to Rochester” sign, but did not find one.

I then went through security meeting a TSA guy who had the same birthday, but not the same year as I do.  I inadvertently chose the security line with the new X-ray machines. I had to take everything out of my pockets including paper items. I then held my arms above my head and then got zapped with rays. This is the new machine that shows your anatomy to the viewer. I asked if I could see the image and was told no. There was some person in a back room looking at it. Apparently, my “All you can jet” button showed up so they had to pat down my upper body.

I used this once before in London-Heathrow and I was able to see the picture. It does show every contours of your body, just so you know.

I completed the process and then made my way to the main area of the terminal. It is a beautiful new terminal; they have a clock in the middle with 12 countries names around it. They also have the first air traffic control tower as well as models of a few airplanes.

I was a bit hungry due to the lack of dinner last night, so I had a breakfast burrito minus the sausage from McDonald’s. I then made my way down to the gate and checked e-mail using the free airport Wi-Fi.

Boarding started soon and I boarded saying hello without any All you can jet recognition. It was the same airplane from last night’s flight, an Embraer ERJ-190, “Mi Corazon Azul,” N307JB.

I sat next to a gentleman who was returning home after visiting his son to help with a project. It was a great conversation indeed. As it turns out he lives in the same town in which I did my Masters.

We were out of there at 7:01p after leaving the gate early. It was already light out and one could see all the frost as we reached for the skies. I’m a pro at jetBlue’s offerings now and chose tea and water with some Animal cookie, my favorite. I wanted some cashew nuts as well, but I don’t think the lady heard me.

I fell asleep as I was really tired, but awoke for the landing into Orlando International at 9:16a and was at the gate at 9:24a. I said my goodbyes and exited what was a pretty decent flight.

Orlando International airport
As I’d been here last week, I knew exactly where to go to plug in my computer and phone.  I checked e-mail, checked out the photos I had taken as well as information about Newburgh airport as it concerns ground transportation.

Soon, it was time to board flight 576 at gate 101.  I had a window seat on this one and my efforts to get a better seat were rebuffed by the gate agent when I asked.

Once onboard N629JB, “Bright Lights, Blue City” an Airbus A320, I took my middle seat.  Soon, a couple arrived, the wife taking the window seat and the husband the aisle.  In a few minutes, the wife asked me if I wanted the window or the aisle.  I chose the window of course.  What a nice couple.

We then chatted for a bit about a similar situation I had on a flight from Sydney, Australia to Vancouver, BC Canada.  On that occasion, the couple talked across me the entire 14.5 hours!  It was a nightmare flight.

We closed up at 11:34a , six minutes early and headed out for the runway taking off at 11:44a.  It was a great flight up to Newburgh with LiveTV as well as cookies, chips and cashew nuts plus some drink.

It was beautiful seeing Newburgh as we started our descent.  One could also see the Hudson River off in the distance.  It was 2:10p when we touched down.

I could see a Kuwait Airways govt. Airbus A310 airplane at the old terminal.  It seemed so huge next to everything else.  We pulled up to the gate at 2:14p.

I deplaned and headed out to the arrivals area. I made my way outside and found the bus stop.  The next bus was at 4:57p which won’t work.  I went back inside and asked the clerk about alternate means of transportation.  She indicated that it was necessary to take a cab to the Beacon train station.  The next train was at 2:57, but I was not going to make that one.  Instead I had to wait for the 3:57p.

The cab showed up eventually.  Apparently, they cannot wait at the airport due to some issues they had a few years back.

The cabbie was pretty cool and laid back.  We chatted all the way to Beacon as he told me about his town.  Adding that the guy with the TV show about the choppers was just up the road.

At the station, I bought my $13.00 ticket to Grand Central station and waited.

Have you been to Newburgh, NY?  What are your thoughts on Newburgh, NY?

Follow me on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/mskonfa1990 for constant updates.  Also, you read what others are saying about All you can jet on twitter at http://twitter.com/#search?q=aycj.

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I called the front desk to check on the time for the shuttle and found out it was on demand.  Good deal.  I then got ready and went downstairs picking up three mini muffins at the complimentary breakfast bar.  In about 10 minutes or less I was at the airport arriving at about 5:50a.  The airport is literally right across the street.  I could have walked.

I checked in at the kiosk and got my boarding pass for the the flight to Orlando; a middle seat .  All other seats were taken or cost extra for the legroom.  I noticed that I did not get a boarding pass for the flight from Orlando, FL (MCO) to Syracuse, NY (SYR), but figured I’d just get one in Orlando later.

I went to the security lines and had a pleasant experience with the initial ID checker.  Once through the metal detectors, my bag was stopped for further scrutiny.  I had forgotten that I had a bottle of water from last night’s flight in it.  I asked the guy if I could drink it and he said, yes, but I’d have to go back through security.  So I asked why, I’m sanding right here you can see me drink it, I continued.  He said no and quoted rules/procedures, saying I could spit it on him, geez…  I know that I’ve drank the water before the agent before so I don’t know what gives with BUF’s TSA.  Anyway, he threw it in the thrash as I did not feel like going back outside security – too much hassle.

I gathered my belongings and headed to the gate area.  As I milled around, I was able to get a picture of my plane from last night, “Bippity Boppity Blue” as it was doing the JFK run at 8:00a or so.  I also took a picture of the closed Anchor Bar and our plane for today “I Got Blue Babe.”

After a few minutes of checking e-mail, etc. I went up to the counter and asked the agent if there were any non-middle seats available.  She indicated no, but they had premium seats available that I could pay for if I wanted.  I told her that I would keep my middle seat.  I then told her that I had no seat for my next flight and that when I checked-in, the kiosk never gave me an opportunity to pick one, no print my boarding pass.  She scolded me for not going to an agent and asking them to do it.  Saying that she is busy at the gate.  Strange she did not seem busy when I approached her.  She then gave me an aisle seat at the front of the plane and printed a boarding pass; I think this is one of the premium seats.

When it was time to board, I did so, said hello to the flight attendant and took my middle seat.  There was this guy in front of me who was arguing with his girlfriend, sometimes loudly.

I greeted my seatmates, to my left was a lady with an infant and to my right the father of the two kids behind me who were sitting with their mother.  The guy who was on the phone sat at the window in front of me at the window and continued talking.

I made small talk with the folks in my row as we waited for departure time.  The guy kept on his phone even while the boarding door was closed and the safety demo was going on.  After the demo one flight attendant passed him and did not see that he was on the phone.

The next one was more vigilant and asked the guy to hang up and turn off the phone.  Reluctantly, he hang up but did not turn off the phone.  The flight attendant requested once more for him to turn off the phone and acknowledge that he understood.  He refused to acknowledge that after a few tries on her part.  She noted his seat number and left.  I just knew that he was not going to Orlando today.

Sure enough, the airplane stopped after pushback, and the Captain announced that we were going back to the gate to take a passenger off.  The cabin was silent, but everyone in that area knew who it was.  We pulled back to the gate, a gate agent came onboard and beckoned him to follow her.  He did peacefully, the door closed, we pushed back and departed only 15 minutes late.  This was my first time seeing a passenger ejected.

It was a nice flight down with the usually jetBlue offerings of drinks and snacks.  As I was tired, I managed to get some zees.  The guy at the window went to sit with his family, so I moved over to the window for landing.

We actually landed early, but due to a long taxi made it to the gate two minutes behind schedule.  Not to worry, the next flight is not until 12:45p and it was now 9:47a.

Follow me me on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/mskonfa1990 for constant updates.  Also, you read what others are saying about All you can jet on twitter at http://twitter.com/#search?q=aycj.

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