How to Fly First Class on a Coach Budget

Always wanted to fly first class?! Are the fully reclining seats and gourmet meals calling your name?!

source: onebigphoto

Who wouldn't want extra leg room, complimentary wines, beers, and cocktails, in-seat massages, flat screen LCD screens, USB connectors, and numerous other perks of first class?

You can always pay for these elite upgrades. But that usually means shelling out thousands of extra dollars. Even if you are loyal to a specific airline and have priority status, it always seems like 20, or even 50 other people do as well. With that, there's not much chance of getting a free upgrade. Bummer.

However, you may just be able to achieve your in-flight dreams, all while paying less than a coach fare. WHAT?! Less than the price of a last minute coach ticket?! Does this sound too good to be true? It's not anymore with the purchase of a y-up.

Who  wouldn't want a bowl of exotic fresh fruits for dessert?  source: Flickr via archangeli

What's a Y-Up anyway?!

Y-ups (pronounced why-ups) are airlines best kept secrets. They never, ever advertise them (and most likely wont in 100 years), and therefore most people have never even heard of them. I hadn't either until I started researching for an e-book I was contributing to.

In other words, they are insider speak for discounted first class airline tickets. Getting excited again?!

source: Flickr via plequere

Why do airlines offer y-ups?

Since first class fares are so overly expensive, they hardly ever sell out. Even the rich people don't want to pay the price of a first class ticket, so there are many left. Instead of having empty seats (and therefore losing money), airlines offer these discounted first class seats to those in the know.

It's kind of like last minute deals you find on a cruise ship or other vacation package. While they don't make a ton of money on these fares, it's better than not making any at all.

How to find a Y-up:

Since these are not advertised, the airlines make you dig a little (or a lot). If you are using a travel agent, ask for her to search for "y-ups" or "discounted first class tickets". Searching for flights without the assistance of a travel pro? Use websites such as fare compare which has a tool that specifically tracks Y-Ups. There are over 100,000 of these, you just need to find them.

And those are just the appetizers.
source: Flickr via plequere

But realize something- Y-Ups are not dirt cheap, nor are they even sometimes relatively cheap. They are usually less expensive than booking a last minute coach fare, beneficial for business travelers or those traveling due to an illness or death in the family. Y-Ups are also good to look for when traveling on leisure, for a honeymoon or anniversary trip perhaps.

Another added bonus! Y-Up tickets do not say "first class" on them, so for those companies who do not allow upgraded seats for business travel, this is a way to get around that. The code on Y-Ups and coach fares literally look exactly the same, so there is no way to differentiate. A win-win for everyone!

While this may not work every time, it is definitely worth a shot. Go ahead, give it a try, you never know what you may come out of it. You may just be that person reclining in first class smirking at those sandwiched between two sumo wrestlers in coach.

Read More

10 Things to do in Amsterdam (Besides Smoke Up)

Many people have an idea of what Amsterdam should be like. When I visited, I found it to be more than I expected.

source: eathalalamsterdam

One my friends is a local in Amsterdam and after taking advantage of an airfare sale, we flew in for a weekend. He happened to be away, but lent us his apartment - what a great guy.

He left a couple of bikes for us two, which brings me to the number one tip:

 
1. Get a bike and cycle

The city is compact and flat so you don't need to be ultra fit. It's so popular you will find bikes all along the streets and canals. There's also some great parks to visit.

2. Explore the canals
Winding around the city, you can cruise on plenty of boats or just continue on your cycling around on your bike.

3. Fill up on food
A couple of popular options are their fries and mayonnaise or the little Dutch pancakes called "poffertjes". Both are delicious, but if you're after something completely different, try Dining in the Dark.

source: Streetcuisine

Dining in the Dark is not a restaurant with dim mood lighting. It is pitch black. The waiter guides you to your table and explains where the knives and forks are, where the water is and if you need to go to the bathroom, the waiter guides you (not in to the bathroom, that part has lights). The waiters are actually vision impaired, so working in total darkness is a breeze. You don't know what you're eating either. At the beginning you choose from the meat or seafood menu. They ask if you have any allergies and that's about it. Quite an experience trying to guess what you're eating. A friend has experienced this type of dining in another city and chose a vegetarian meal. I'm sure you could do the same here.

4. Experience the "other" type of food
For the more, shall I say, alternative types, you can explore the coffee shops for some space cake or something a little lighter. The rules have changed on selling to tourists, so be sure to check up on the regulations so you don't get yourself in to trouble. The licensed coffee shops all have a little sign in the window, not that you need a sign, you can often smell the smoke when you walk past.

Coming from Australia and living in Norway, where its illegal to smoke (anything) inside, it was a shock to be around people smoking. So if you plan to visit one of the coffee shops, be prepared to stink. Something I avoided as I was about to head to the airport and didn't want any sniffer dogs thinking I was a smuggler.

source: Tokeofthetown

5. Take a walk through The District
Although it's full of tourists, a walk through the red light district at night is certainly an eye opener. It's not dangerous at all. Everyone is just out having a bit of a look around (some, I'm sure are looking for more) and there's a overall happy vibe about the place.

6. Find a cosy pub
There were plenty of cosy pubs around Amsterdam. On our way home from The District, we happened upon a pub with a three-piece band. The place was tiny, but the beer was good. I must say I didn't like that people could smoke cigarettes inside as it made my clothes stink. But like I said, I'm not used to people smoking inside anymore.

7. Wander through the Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum was being renovated when we were there, but it is now fully open and has a lot of good reviews. I watched a NatGeo special on the new museum and was impressed.

source: adamakistravel

8. Discover another kind of museum
We were feeling a little thirsty and in need of a pick-me-up. So we headed to the House of Bols Cocktail & Genever Experience. You learn a little about the liqueur company, some flavour tasting and smelling, but the real reason why we spent 12euro is for the two liqueur shots and a cocktail at the end. They have tried to make it as interesting and interactive as they can, but I think it's a great brand marketing execution. Hell, I bought a bottle on my way out!

9. Find some treasure in the Negen Straajes
If you're interested in a bit of boutique shopping, I'd recommend the Negen Straajes or nine little streets in Dutch. Some great little stores with unique clothes, decor and other nick-nacks.

source: usnews

10. Check out I AMsterdam.com before you go to see what's happening.
After we booked flights, we were thinking what we could do when we got there. We found out Restaurant Week was on and that's how we ended up in Dining in the Dark. Plus we paid a discount price as part of a promotion. Another useful site include Time Out. Both offer a range of activities and restaurant ideas to suit your taste.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THIS POST WAS WRITTEN BY:

Lew Waterfield, author of Planetlew

Did you enjoy this post? If so, please consider sharing on Facebook, Twitter, or via Email. Also, I’d love to keep sending you updates about my adventures around the world, so please subscribe to A Passion and A Passport via RSS or by email!

Read More

100th Post = Some new additions to the Blog!

In honor of my 100th post on A Passion and A Passport - (wow 100, already?!), I have decided to introduce two new series...

Top Ten Tuesday.  Each and every week a new country or city will be featured, with either the top ten things to do, or the top 10 foods not to be missed.  If you have complete wanderlust like me, these will be a valuable tool in the future when planning your dream trip!  Might as well get advice from travelers who have already been there, right?!   RIGHT!

AND...

48 Hour Friday.  Guest writers will say how they would spend 48 hours in their favorite city.  What activities they would do, what/where they would explore, foods they would eat, etc, all in a time span of only 2 short days.  Hey, maybe I'll even chime in every now and then!

Can you tell I just love cupcakes?! Haha.

These two series will not only bring plenty more valuable information to the site, but will also be a fun addition to the blog!  Both series will be featured on the top of the blog so they are easily accessible to all.  Fun fun fun!

If you would like to participate in either (or both) series, please e-mail me at apassionandapassport@gmail.com to discuss further details!

Enjoy!

Did you enjoy this post? If so, please consider sharing on Facebook, Twitter, or via Email. Also, I’d love to keep sending you updates about my adventures around the world, so please subscribe to A Passion and A Passport via RSS or by email!

Read More

10 Things to Do in Ireland - Some Amazing Irish Experiences

While the recent economic woes and the defeat of the Celtic Tiger might be bad for locals, it has opened up opportunities to travel affordably through Ireland. Prices are lower than they were 5, or even 10 years ago, and the crowds haven’t increased. Now is the time to discover Ireland – and there’s something for everyone!

1. Visit Dublin’s Historic Abbey Theatre: Born of the Gaelic Revival, this legendary venue is now Ireland’s National Theatre, offering world class productions alongside homegrown talent. Search their website to find preview and early bird prices and you can save 50% or more. Learn more about this fine institution.

  

2. Take Part in A Taste of Dublin: Irish cuisine is so much more than stew and soda bread and A Taste of Dublin lets you really sink your teeth into the new, cosmopolitan flavors of the city. Take advantage Dublin’s fine restaurants, markets, cafes, and microbreweries.

3. Tour the Guinness Storehouse: Sure, this is a touristy recommendation. I’ve been there twice and loved it – and I hate beer! The history of Guinness production is fascinating, from how the hops are selected to how the barrels are formed. A captivating advertising display is an entertaining crash course in Irish political history.

4. Visit Jerpoint Abbey:  Just outside of Thomastown and quite close to Killkenny, Jerpoint Abbey is the well preserved ruins of a Cistercian abbey founded in the second half of the 12th century. Come here to get a real appreciation for the unique history of religious life, architectural design, and literary tradition that has done so much to form Ireland’s identity.

5.  Visit the Blarney stone: You’ll love it! Arrive early in the morning, before the worst of the crowds, and give yourself extra time to explore the surrounding grounds. In my opinion, the nooks and crannies of the castle gardens are the best part of the attraction.

6. Visit the communities of Baltimore, Schull, and Cape Clear Island: You can take the ferry from Baltimore, across to Cape Clear Island, and then back to Schull. Small town, big heart Ireland at its best, with rugged coastal scenery that you’ll love. Schull’s planetarium and observatory will make a nice break from history and landscapes and will give you an evening activity other than the pub (in case you needed a change!)

7. Want more time in the pubs after all? Visit Limerick! This once gritty town has a thriving university and literary scene and the pub scene is friendly, lively, and musically inclined.

8.  Visit the Aran Islands: Get in touch with old, authentic Ireland by spending a few days on the Aran Islands. John Millington Synge found the inspiration for his greatest masterpieces here and it would be hard not to find creative inspiration for any writer, poet, playwright, painter, or sketcher.

9. Skip Galway - in favor of Sligo and Donegal. Galway might be the commercial center of Western Ireland, but Sligo and Donegal have real soul, some amazing literary connections, and are close to beautiful coastal scenery and wind-whipped beaches begging for a long walk.

10. Don’t forget Northern Ireland: A tumultuous, troubled history has given way in favor of a youthful, fresh feel with a focus on cultural revival.  There are ancient castles and historic sites to easily rival the south. Derry/Londonderry is not be missed – this walled city made my list of the top 10 places for a female solo traveler.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THIS POST WAS WRITTEN BY:

Vanessa Chiasson is TurnipseedTravel - an ocean loving Maritimer now settled as a freelance writer in Ottawa. Her diverse travels include Paris, where she ran a marathon, the coffee farms of Hawaii, and the national parks of Malawi. Next up? A round-the-world trip with 9 stops, including Turkey, Myanmar, and Australia. When not on the road, she loves to read, bake, garden, & spend time with her family (dashing husband, jaunty black lab, disgruntled cat.)

TurnipseedTravel.com is passionate about great value -getting the absolute most for your hard earned dollars and days off. Our value travel philosophy tells you where to save, when to splurge, and how to make every moment count.

Twitter @Turnipseeds


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TurnipseedTravel


Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/turnipseedtrav/pins/


Instagram: http://instagram.com/turnipseeds


Google + https://plus.google.com/109140883890610126239/posts?hl=en


Tout: https://www.tout.com/u/turnipseeds

Did you enjoy this post? If so, please consider sharing on Facebook, Twitter, or via Email. Also, I’d love to keep sending you updates about my adventures around the world, so please subscribe to A Passion and A Passport via RSS or by email!

Read More

Cafe du Monde - A Sugary Treat in the French Quarter

It's nearly impossible to have a true New Orleans experience without indulging in some beignets at Cafe du Monde. World famous for it's cafe 'au lait, beignets, and the opportunity to people watch.

Being so popular, this place is always so super crowded!  We lucked out and found an open table a few minutes after we arrived & it was beignets & hot chocolates for 2!  We each ordered beignets, and got this delivered to our table:

It was the most delicious, yet powdery (and therefore super messy and super sticky) doughnut I have ever consumed.  I was in a sugary hot cocoa coma that day too. 

Being open 24 hrs a day/7 days a week, this is as good as it gets! Go anytime you like, for breakfast, lunch, an afternoon snack, or a midnight craving after you experience the thrill of bourbon street (if you're lucky enough to be able to stand afterwards!) They mostly only serve beignets, coffee, and hot chocolate, but the beignets are just THAT good, there's no need for anything else. 

They've been around since 1862...so they're obviously doing something right!  Look at them go!

The beignets are light, just fluffy enough, and the powdered sugar .. ohhh, the powdered sugar. Pure Love.

Piping hot beignets, delicious hot cocoa...what more can a girl ask for while on vacation?  You can even take some beignet mix home and attempt to make the powdery goodness yourself!

But it's a "must-do" in NOLA, so stand in the to-go line or hang around waiting for a table, and enjoy the delicious smells. You'll get powdered sugar all over you, but whatever.

Believe the hype. It's that good.

TIP: Go at "off" hours- meaning when most other people are not eating.  We went around 2/3pm, when others were full from their large lunches of po-boys or gumbo.

Did you enjoy this post? If so, please consider sharing on Facebook, Twitter, or via Email. Also, I’d love to keep sending you updates about my adventures around the world, so please subscribe to A Passion and A Passport via RSS or by email!

Read More

How To Spend A Long Weekend in the Poconos, PA

What could be more fun than a long weekend away with good friends, a lake house, some good old-fashioned card games, and a whole 'lotta laughter?

Yea, not much.

When our friends asked if we would be in on renting out a house in the Poconos Mountains over Labor Day, it wasn't too difficult to convince us.

We spent our days mostly laying out by Lake Harmony, contemplating whether or not to rent a kayak.  I had never realized just how beautiful Pennsylvania could be. Sure, I'd been to Hershey, PA before, but besides the chocolate and roller coasters, I never envisioned the state to be much more.  Let's just say that I was pleasantly surprised, and now know to treat each new destination with an open mind.

As I said before, we rented out a condo, equipped with a balcony and 3 separate bedrooms for us lovebirds.   And we had a great view of the lake, which was great for some alone time with a good book.  Basically, our condo was cuter than cute.

And I mean, just look at that lake!  It was gorgeous.  And oh so relaxing.  The little kids didn't even make much noise.  It seemed like Lake Harmony was a place where families come every year, so the kids must be trained to keep quiet.

The boys had a great time basking in the sun, as did us girls.

We spent a few hours hiking along the trails of a nearby park inside it's lush greenery.  Had some trouble following the yellow markings on the trees, but figured it out eventually.

And gambled beneath the fireworks at the casino nearby by night.

If you want some cheesy fun, or are just looking to waste some time (like we were after our hike), you can head on over to Country Junction, the World's largest general store!  The store is full of quirkiness, such as old fashioned nickel candy to the Wizard of Oz playing on repeat.  You can find just about anything here- from jams and jellies to live baby chicks at the petting zoo.  Go have some ice cream in the shoppe nearby, or try some homemade fudge if you're craving some sweets.

Did you enjoy this post? If so, please consider sharing on Facebook, Twitter, or via Email. Also, I’d love to keep sending you updates about my adventures around the world, so please subscribe to A Passion and A Passport via RSS or by email!

Read More

Sunrise at Mount Masada: A Bright and Cheery Photo Essay

It was 3am when we were awoken by our guides. Not having much sleep in our "sleeping bags" in our bedouin tent (1-2 hours at the most), we all rolled out of "bed". It was our own fault for partying too hard the night before. Guess this was just part of the bedouin experience.

We were given crackers and tea for breakfast.  Anything more at that hour of the day, and I don't think my stomach would have been able to take it.  I was actually still pretty full from our authentic bedouin dinner the night before, which was delicious to say the least.  We piled into the bus yet again, leaving Jerusalem, this time off to Mount Masada.

Once we arrived at the foot of the mountain, it was still pitch black out.  The group was half asleep, but ready to make this treacherous ascent to the top of Masada in the abyss of the darkness.

Climbing up the mountain wasn't as difficult as I envisioned, even after my tragic experience on the donkey the day prior.  888 steps later, we were greeted with the most beautiful sunrise overlooking the Dead Sea...

The first glimpse of the bright shining sun was magical.  We stood there in awe.  Not looking at anything else in sight.  It was like the sun had never risen before.

Here comes the sun... (think the Beatles)

I remember it like it was just yesterday.  The entire group stood at the edge of the mountain in awe.  The sun rises each and every day, but today was different.  We were in Israel.  On top of Mount Masada.  In each others' company whom, just a few days prior, were complete strangers.  Things were just different.  Very different.  And I'm more than confident that all my new friends would agree. No one can take that day away from us.

Little by little other groups started appearing in the sunlight, and it was evident we were not alone at the top of the mountain.

It's hard to say which sunrise was better, this one in Israel, or the bright yellow one I witnessed in the Dominican Republic.  The sunrise at Haleakala this summer may  beat them both! Although the sunset overlooking the Caldera in Santorini may beat them all!  We'll see!  I'll keep you posted!

Where have you seen the sun rise?

Did you enjoy this post? If so, please consider sharing on Facebook, Twitter, or via Email. Also, I’d love to keep sending you updates about my adventures around the world, so please subscribe to A Passion and A Passport via RSS or by email!

Read More