Category: My Journey

Algarve, Portugal
My Journey

Algarve, Portugal

ahoyne9 5 mins read

Our Algarve adventure started with a scenic drive from Lisbon to Lagos, a tranquil town known for its historic charm and stunning sea cliffs. We rented a car from Green Motion, which was affordable but had a slow check-in process due to aggressive insurance upselling. Once in Lagos, we enjoyed Praia Dona Ana beach and a delightful dinner at Ala do Castelo. We also explored Praia do Amado, a great spot for beginner surfers. On my 34th birthday, we took a cave tour with Algarve Discovery, but found it less impressive compared to other cave experiences. Our stay ended with a pleasant evening in Lagos before heading back to Lisbon for our flight to Malaga.

Lisbon, Portugal – 1 Day Trip
My Journey

Lisbon, Portugal – 1 Day Trip

ahoyne9 2 mins read

After a scenic train ride from Porto to Lisbon, navigating the city’s metro proved challenging, leading us to opt for the surprisingly affordable and convenient Uber service. With just a brief stay in Lisbon, we focused on exploring the iconic Praça do Comércio and delving into the vibrant neighborhoods of Alfama and Bairro Alto. While our time was limited, we enjoyed the rich history of Alfama, the lively atmosphere of Bairro Alto, and a delightful meal at the Italian restaurant, Bottega Montiroli. Next up, we’re heading to Malaga, Spain!

Porto, Portugal
My Journey

Porto, Portugal

ahoyne9 3 mins read

After a thrilling two days in Madrid, my girlfriend and I headed to Portugal for a new adventure in Porto. From enjoying luxury lounges at the airport to exploring iconic landmarks and savoring local cuisine, our journey was filled with memorable experiences. We stayed at the Boeria Garden Hotel Porto, enjoyed a local delicacy, and marveled at Porto’s stunning architecture and bridges. Our adventure continued with an exhilarating canyoning trip and ended with a scenic train ride to Lisbon.

Madrid, Spain
My Journey

Madrid, Spain

ahoyne9 5 mins read

On July 2nd, 2022, I finally decided to use my travel points accumulated over the past five years for an exciting trip. With over 1 million points across various credit cards, airlines, and hotels, I rarely use them and often for budget stays or economy flights. Thanks to a tip from travel blogger Max Miles Points, I snagged a business class flight with Iberia from Chicago to Madrid for just 36,000 points and $123. The experience was a luxury, with lie-flat seats, gourmet meals, and excellent service, despite a minor cockpit security concern. Upon arrival, we stayed at the Crowne Plaza near the airport, used convenient unlimited data SIM cards, and explored Madrid with a relaxed itinerary. Highlights included visiting Plaza Mayor, Parque de El Retiro, and the Royal Palace. Our day in Madrid was fulfilling, though I felt it could be managed in a single day without splitting the trip before heading to Porto.