Benjamin J Travel – Page 6 – Benjamin J Travel

Merry Christmas From Benjamin J Travel

Merry Christmas From Benjamin J Travel

25 December, 2016 Benjamin J Travel Comments 0 Comment

[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] Merry Christmas from Dallas, Texas! I’ve made it back to Dallas just in time for Christmas day after spending a few days out in West Texas with family. I don’t consider myself to be particularly sentimental about particular holidays, but I have to admit there’s something special about spending time with loved ones over the Christmas holidays. In the days leading up Christmas Eve, traveling can be hectic and the…

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Trip Report: Upper Deck Club World on British Airways' 747 | DFW to London

Trip Report: Upper Deck Club World on British Airways’ 747 | DFW to London

20 December, 2016 Benjamin J Travel Comments 7 comments

[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] Bound for Ireland for the Thanksgiving holiday, this particular trip was extra special to me. My Dad has done so much for me throughout my life. Raising me, taking care of me, and helping mold me into the person I am today. In decades past, my dad has traveled to Mexico and Canada with the US Navy but this truly was going to be his first “overseas” trip. I travel…

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Travel Style: JORD Wood Watches

Travel Style: JORD Wood Watches

18 December, 2016 Benjamin J Travel Comments 0 Comment

[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] So maybe it’s not specifically travel gear, but who doesn’t need a stylish timepiece to wear on the go? The folks over at JORD wood watches gave me an opportunity to try out one of their beautiful wood watches so I though I’d share my impressions. Let’s just say I’m impressed with the Frankie watch! I received my Frankie watch via mail in one of JORD‘s custom mailing cartons. The…

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Soft Opening: Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge at London Heathrow

Soft Opening: Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge at London Heathrow

1 December, 2016 Benjamin J Travel Comments 2 comments

[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] While not officially opening until the grand opening on December 7th, I had the lucky chance to visit the newly refreshed Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge at London Heathrow on only their second day of operation! Thanks to the heads up from a fellow travel geek, I happened to be transiting through London Heathrow Terminal 3 on American Airlines on this day. Chris, my Dad, and I were headed back…

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Back From Ireland and a Mini Blogging Break

Back From Ireland and a Mini Blogging Break

30 November, 2016 Benjamin J Travel Comments 3 comments

[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] While a week and a half may not seem like long, I’ve been missing my blog for the last week or two. Partially unplanned, my blogging break has been a bit nice. I’ve been traveling with Chris and my Dad on an Ireland road trip. Although I haven’t taken a break from taking photos and documenting my travels, my writing took a brief pause. Now I’m back and it feels good to get back to…

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One Tip for Breezing Through London Heathrow Security

One Tip for Breezing Through London Heathrow Security

15 November, 2016 Benjamin J Travel Comments 4 comments

[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] For most travelers, the thought of a connection at London’s Heathrow airport doesn’t appear to be the most pleasant idea. As one of the busiest airports in the world, LHR is often prone to long lines, delays, and a few cranky passengers. Admittedly, I enjoy air travel far more than the average person but flying through LHR doesn’t have to a nightmare. The number one spot to get tied up is the security queues. And…

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Lounge Review: Returning to the Iberia Velázquez Sala VIP Madrid | Terminal 4S

Lounge Review: Returning to the Iberia Velázquez Sala VIP Madrid | Terminal 4S

13 November, 2016 Benjamin J Travel Comments 2 comments

Terminal 4S is the primary terminal for Iberia, American Airlines, and other OneWorld carriers. It’s a fantastic, award-winning terminal design with some striking architectural features. Despite all this lovely design, I do find the fact that the Velasquez lounge entrance is located inside the duty free shop. The bright silver hues of the perfume section blend in with the stainless steel doors of the lounge. The Iberia staff was polite and I was promptly checked in. The lounge is very…

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Trip Report: Back to DFW From Madrid in AA Premium Economy

11 November, 2016 Benjamin J Travel Comments 12 comments

After experiencing American Airlines’ Premium Economy on the 787-9 just 2 days prior, it was time to make the same trip home. Same aircraft, same cabin and even the same crew! As a travel blogger, it was an interesting experience to compare identical travel products just 2 days apart. I had a pretty good experience on the outbound so I was hoping for an experience as good or better. The AA Premium Economy product has been introduced on their new…

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Hotel Review: NH Zurbano Madrid

Hotel Review: NH Zurbano Madrid

10 November, 2016 Benjamin J Travel Comments 0 Comment

This was my second stay at an NH Hotels property in Madrid with my last stay being at the NH Collection Madrid Eurobuilding whichI I really greatly enjoyed. I snagged a great rate this at the NH Zurbano Madrid on Hotels.com for about $85 USD which was a pretty good cash rate for Central Madrid. Overall Rating: 4 of 5 Stars Location: 5 of 5 Stars Service: 4 of 5 Stars Comfort: 3.5 of 5 Stars Cleanliness: 5 of 5 Stars Location I’d arrived from…

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Launch of American Airlines 787-9 Premium Economy DFW to Madrid

Trip Report: Launch of American Airlines’ 787-9 Premium Economy | DFW to Madrid

7 November, 2016 Benjamin J Travel Comments 42 comments

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] After the fanfare of American Airlines’ first official 787-9 flight domestically from DFW to LAX, it was time for American to take 787-9 for the long haul. I had booked my ticket well in advance in anticipation of the launch of American Airlines’ 787-9 Premium Economy product. Plus, I love Madrid and I’m happy to visit any time! American is currently offering Premium Economy seats complimentary to elite members…

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Tomorrow’s Adventure: American Airlines’ Inaugural DFW to Madrid 787-9 Flight

3 November, 2016 Benjamin J Travel Comments 2 comments

[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] Well the day is almost here and tomorrow, November 4, I’m aboard another inaugural flight with American Airlines. I’m pleased to be on the inaugural DFW to Madrid 787-9 flight with AA, featuring Premium Economy. This tags onto the inaugural domestic 787-9 flight I took from DFW to LAX this last month. It’s quite excited that American is introducing a new aircraft, the 787-9, to their fleet. This is the first plane with…

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Lounge Review: British Airways Galleries First Lounge | LHR Terminal 5

Lounge Review: British Airways Galleries First Lounge | LHR Terminal 5

31 October, 2016 Benjamin J Travel Comments 9 comments

[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] Fresh off our Virgin Atlantic flight in Upper Class from Detroit and a refreshing visit to the Virgin Atlantic Revivals Lounge, it was time to head to Terminal 5 and spend a bit of time in the Galleries First Lounge. Even after 90 minutes in the Revivals lounge, we still had 3 hours to pass before our British Airways flight to Santorini. Obviously Virgin Atlantic and BA aren’t partner airlines so…

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Eastern State Penitentiary One Day In Philadelphia Instagram Adventures

From The Archives: One Day in Philadelphia and Eastern State Penitentiary

28 October, 2016 Benjamin J Travel Comments 0 Comment

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] I’m sharing one of last year’s post from my previous blog, Avion Addiction. This post features one of my mileage run and one day adventures we took last Spring. Check out more of my travel photos on the Benjamin J Travel Instagram. Like many of you fellow travel geeks, I enjoy traveling as much as I can squeeze into my wild schedule. Some of my friends call me crazy but…

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NH Collection Barcelona Constanza

Hotel Review: NH Collection Barcelona Constanza

24 October, 2016 Benjamin J Travel Comments 2 comments

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] Located just north of Central Barcelona in the Les Corts neighborhood, the NH Collection Barcelona Constanza is a hip 4-start hotel. Part of the NH Collection portfolio, the location offers relative convenience yet the peace and quiet of a residential neighborhood. We had booked the NH Collection Barcelona Constanza through Hotels.com and secured a great rate of $117 USD per night during a very busy weekend in Barcelona. The weekend we…

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Benjamin J Trave: Carry-On Essentials

What’s In My Overhead Bin? Ben’s Travel Carry-On Essentials

22 October, 2016 Benjamin J Travel Comments 10 comments

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] Traveling about 200,000 miles per year, there’s a lot of packing (and un-packing) in my routine. Over and over. Every trip is a little different from climates to occasions, but the majority of the time, my carry-on essentials are the same every time. So what carry-on bag do I use? Depending on the length of trip, I have three go-to carry-on bags in my closet. Each one well…

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Lounge Review: Lufthansa Senator Lounge Frankfurt | Concourse Z

Lounge Review: Lufthansa Senator Lounge Frankfurt | Concourse Z

19 October, 2016 Benjamin J Travel Comments 2 comments

[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] While the First Class lounges and the dedicated First Class Terminal get all the attention at Frankfurt Airport, I think the Lufthansa Business Class Senator Lounge in Frankfurt is worth more than just an honorable mention. After connecting from my BA CitFlyer flight from London City, I had about 2 hours to transfer terminals and explore the lounge. Fortunately, I avoided checking a bag at London City with British Airways to make the transfer…

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Delta A330-300 on Tarmac at Barcelona El Part Airport Economy Class Review Delta Announces New Service From New York JFK to Lagos, Nigeria

Trip Report: Delta A330 Economy Class | Barcelona to New York JFK

11 October, 2016 Benjamin J Travel Comments 0 Comment

[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] After a nice extended weekend in Barcelona, it was time to head back home. We’d flown Air France on the outbound journey and had a less than great experience. I wasn’t quite ready to go home after such a short visit to Barcelona but alas it was back to work. As part of our super cheap SkyTeam fare we scored for this trip, our return flight was aboard Delta’s A330…

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Trip Report: Air France A340 Economy Class | Minneapolis to Paris

Trip Report: Air France A340 Economy Class | Minneapolis to Paris

9 October, 2016 Benjamin J Travel Comments 1 comment

[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] After traveling in the comfort of Virgin Atlantic Upper Class and American Airlines Business Class to Greece and Italy two weeks before, it was time to back get to basics for an extended weekend in Barcelona. We had snagged a super cheap SkyTeam flight. It was time for a ride in Economy Class aboard the Air France A340! Our trip started with a Delta flight from Dallas to Minneapolis for our…

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Lounge Review Escape Lounge MSP Airport

Lounge Review: Escape Lounge at MSP Airport

8 October, 2016 Benjamin J Travel Comments 0 Comment

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] With a decently long layover before our Air France flight to Paris, we had some time to pass at the Minneapolis airport. MSP is a pretty nice airport in itself and probably my favorite US Delta hub. We decided to have some lounge time at he Escape Lounge which is located on the upper or Mezzanine level of the terminal, right at the entrance to Concourse E. We gained…

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Trip Report: American Airlines’ Brand New 787-9 Premium Economy

7 October, 2016 Benjamin J Travel Comments 51 comments

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] I had the pleasure of flying aboard American Airline’s inaugural domestic 787-9 flight this week from Dallas to Los Angeles, as well as the return to Dallas on the same aircract. Sitting in the 787-9 Premium Economy cabin, I was fortunate enough to be one of the first passengers to try American’s Premium Economy seat. American was not only launching a new aircraft type with 787-9, but it’s also the first…

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