Just a Word About Points and Cards

 

Just another little bonus blog for you travelers out there.  I'm no expert on playing with points and cards, but I do know a few things.  I've been around the block and I've learned that sometimes cards are worth it and sometimes they are not.

There is no such thing as free.  You will always pay for what you earn when it comes to points.  Should you accept an offer for a Chase or Capital One credit card that offers you a pile of points for signing up?  Sure, as long as it fits your needs and budget.  

Here's what I mean.  Sometimes you'll earn up to 80,000 points when you sign up.  There are rules.  You must spent X amount of dollars in the first one to three months.  You may find that the card has a yearly membership fee upwards to $695.  It's part of the program.  No one wants to give you stuff for free.  Remember that.  It's a business for profit.

That being said, consider your choices carefully.  Does this mean you shouldn't do this?  No.  Points can be useful and they should be taken under consideration.  However, do you really want to spend $4,000 in three months?  Here's my advice.

Consider what your monthly bills are.  Take into consideration how many of those bills you can pay with a credit card.  Consider how much you spend on groceries, gas, fun, clothes and everything else.  Here's what I did.  I didn't buy anything that I wouldn't normally have purchased to meet the amount charged.  I figured out what I spent, and then I put it all on the card and paid it at the end of the month.  NO UNNECESSARY OUTRAGEOUS PURCHASES!  I just put them all in one place and paid that one bill.  I cannot stress enough that you should not put yourself in unnecessary debt to earn points on a credit card.

Therefore, things you should consider while shopping for a points card.  How big is your monthly budget, and will you meet the financial spending requirements to earn the points on the card in the time allotted?  If not, keep shopping for a card.  

Another thing to consider is how easily transferrable the points are.  You can easily find yourself pigeon holed.  What I mean by this is that you may only be able to use the points on the credit card's travel program or you may only be able to use the points on certain deals with the card.  I've seen both of these situations over the years and avoid them like a plague.  There are great cards you can get that allow you the flexibility to use them on their travel program, transfer them to other travel options or even just cash them in.  Flexibility is key, so read the rules carefully before applying.

One of the more obvious things to consider is the yearly fee.  How much do you want to pay each year for your program?  Some of the cards have no fee.  I've seen fees as high as $695 a year.  This is a personal choice.  Make sure you pay attention to the fee that may be required each year for the card.

And finally, check out the fees.  All credit cards have them.  I don't mean interest fees.  You should never charge enough that you have to make payments to catch up anyway.  That's always a huge mistake.  What I'm talking about, in addition to yearly fees, is international fees.  That's right.  It's a huge one.  If you have a card that charges you 3% to 5% transaction fees in foreign countries, you could be paying a fortune while you travel.  The last two countries I visited didn't use cash much if at all.  When choosing a card, find one with no international transaction fees.  You'll save a ton of money, particularly if you're visiting western Europe.

Hopefully my basic advice will help you with your travel bug and the points you desire to collect to help you fund your dream trips.  I can't stress enough that you may want to let your budget guide you more than your dreams, however.  Dream locations tend to be expensive.  That's why they are our dreams.  If you really want to see the world, be practical.  There's so much to see.  Some of my very best trips have been the ones that I planned for a reason other than it was on my bucket list.  Maybe pick an off season or as I always say, "Look at the most popular location in an area, take a hard left and go to a less popular venue."  You'll almost always be surprised.

So, check out the card game, but don't let it become a shell game.  Go ahead and use credit cards for points.  Just make sure you read carefully, choose carefully, don't overspend to get points, and enjoy!

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/l/best-travel-credit-cards-v2/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=20929645143&accountid=9033979427&utm_content=157289040403&utm_term=kwd-327472849838&network=g&device=c&placement=&location_physical=9003419&device_model=&creative=693308188533&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAmMC6BhA6EiwAdN5iLQUq9to0vWSV7A2_2owyO2Eo6iNJ-U6MQM5AivkV7-_BZTBqG4US1BoCjX4QAvD_BwE

https://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/travel-and-miles/?external_id=WWW_XXXXX_ZZZ_ONL-SE_ZZZZZ_T_SEM2_ZZZZ_c_Zg_a7136ead-dba5-4140-bd6d-1957cc7386ef_686552190634_771949&target_id=kwd-2862791295&oC=CO5w44SUmn&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAmMC6BhA6EiwAdN5iLVxx2TxsaTg2FZeeidCxTUoJDXhvLhWOWEQMksqFF-BpKOHWaMMIwBoCLSsQAvD_BwE

https://www.comparecredit.com/credit-cards/tips/best-airline-credit-cards/?utm_source=adwords&utm_campaign=9123840126&ad_group_id=97900334571&utm_content=722470581115&utm_medium=search&acquisition=prospect&ad_position=&network=g&ad_extension_id=&placement=&geolocation=9003419&kw=credit%20cards%20with%20travel%20points&kwid=kwd-3604483153&kwmt=e&product=credit_cards&glcid=CjwKCAiAmMC6BhA6EiwAdN5iLXj3elhrCFpGUtPvOR-z7h1GvDug2slDfvvDH0v1xokU--1jWUmCNhoCm3gQAvD_BwE&gclid=CjwKCAiAmMC6BhA6EiwAdN5iLXj3elhrCFpGUtPvOR-z7h1GvDug2slDfvvDH0v1xokU--1jWUmCNhoCm3gQAvD_BwE

https://money.usnews.com/credit-cards/travel

https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/credit-cards/travel

https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/travel/

https://www.fool.com/money/credit-cards/landing/top-travel-credit-cards/?advertisingadgroupid=129825492419&advertisingadgroupname=ta-cc-co-adw-na-travel-5-na-na&advertisingcampaignid=15229637448&campaign_group=643982279418&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAmMC6BhA6EiwAdN5iLZYi5H7tLRp68wvZFYVdm5TqXbwOnwnBFHcUsFs5XrRfHOz_mhlwCRoCzDIQAvD_BwE&publisher=ta-cc-co-adw-na-travel-5-na-na&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&testId=ta-cc-travel&cellId=2&campaign=the-ascent&source_system_name=fool_splitter

https://financebuzz.com/top-travel-credit-cards-f?utm_source=GoogleAdWords&utm_medium=paid-native&utm_campaign=SG-FBZ-PM-CreditCards-Consolidated-tROAS_21175616867_&utm_content=&utm_term=&mt=&device=c&devicemodel=&targetid=&target=&keyword=&campaignid=21175616867&adgroupid=21175616867&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAmMC6BhA6EiwAdN5iLUSiSN63mLQCmYIfDsewSiPZUwegKF1fCdJ6iWZS58xucWjEQCyY3RoC8x8QAvD_BwE

https://karaandnate.com/travel-credit-cards/

I Always Enjoy the Plumbing When I'm in Europe...Portugal was No Exception!

 

This is just a short bonus blog this week.  I've spent a good amount of time in Europe over decades, and one of the things that always intrigues me is the toilets.  I'm not joking.  Everywhere you go, the toilets are different.  They are a form of art in Europe, and I'm always fascinated.

I've seen so many kinds of toilets, that I can't cover it all here.  I've pushed buttons, stepped on floor buttons, pulled chains, held valves open, flushed, and even dealt with bidets.  Some have water in the bowl, some don't.  Some have seats, some don't.  It's always an adventure.  In public toilets be prepared to pay a half Euro or a Euro to go.  It's the way it is.  I love the toilets in apartments and hotels; they normally have a toilet and a bidet, with a sprayer for the toilet.  It's wild to us Americans.

One of the things that I rarely saw was an automatic flush toilet.  They aren't popular in Portugal at any rate.  Some of the toilets I saw were as old as plumbing itself, but few automatic modern models.  I actually only saw automatic flush at the airport.  While it is true that I didn't visit every toilet in Porto, I saw a good sampling and no automatic flushes.  I even saw some that asked you not to flush the toilet paper and had a receptacle next to the toilet for the paper. 

So, remember when in Europe, pay attention.  We hear all the time about the extremely modern toilets in Japan.  We haven't flushed a public toilet in ten years here in America.  Europe is an experience.  Germany is home to the largest toilet in the world.  Europeans have kept all of their history alive and we should experience and enjoy it; toilets are no exception.  While you're making plans for museums and wonderful views, don't forget to notice the evolution of plumbing in Europe that's right in front of you all day. I promise, it will enrich your trip and it's something to fully enjoy!

https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/health/toilet-tricks

https://www.ourescapeclause.com/toilets-in-europe/

https://medium.com/@nathanschen/thoughts-on-european-bathrooms-f775f66788ff

https://ortonbaths.com/the-significance-of-wc-in-european-toilet-terminology/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyepcOa0-j8

https://algarvedailynews.com/readers-views/5004-world-s-cleanest-bathrooms-are-in-portugal

Hot Waters, Mud Volcanos, and a Rift as Old as Time on This Week's Fast Five!

 

1.    Laugavallalaug Hot Spring (or Hot Pot), Highlands of East Iceland.  Iceland is famous for a lot of things and all things thermal head that list.  The highlands of Iceland are a beautiful but wild place and this is one of those times that most people will want to take a tour.  The one that comes to mind is traveling with Bliss Mobil.  This is the luxury way to take a trip in the highlands, with luxury RV's specifically created for overlanding a country like Iceland.  You can choose from a variety of sizes and styles of RV and there will always be a support group with you as you make your way along your route.

That being said, you can always make other arrangements for traveling in the highlands.  I've done it on a budget just by taking the bus to a stop and renting a farmhouse in the interior; hiking on day trips from that location and then returning to Reykjavik.  So don't think you have to book a luxury tour.  

The thing about finding a natural hot spring in the highlands is that these are the most pure and natural settings.  The Blue Lagoon (If you can find it open between volcanic eruptions) is fine.  The local pool complexes and seaside hot tubs are great.  But, if you want to visit a truly natural setting hot spring, Laugavallalaug is a great spot, because not only do you have a strictly natural view, you have a waterfall to see and swim under.

https://guidetoiceland.is/travel-iceland/drive/laugavallalaug

https://www.blissmobil.com/

https://icelandtravelguide.is/locations/laugavallalaug-hot-spring/?srsltid=AfmBOorZMClSoGkCdQqXohw0S1Qw87JHRe5EYx8vFvOwl69AqMQAYu31

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsbNhK2Kpw8

https://anywhereweroam.com/iceland-highlands/

2.    The Hebron Dual Tours, Jerusalem, Israel.  That's right, I said it.  I know it's dangerous to visit Israel these days, but that always provides a conundrum for me.  How can you understand anything without learning about it first hand?

There are a couple of companies that provide the Dual Tour; one of them is AbrahamTours, but there are more.  This gives you a day with the morning on the Israeli side and the afternoon on the Palestinian side.  Sounds like a true adventure, right?

I believe that tolerance is only gained through education and understanding.  This tour provides meetings and visits to different areas that allow you to learn about both sides of this age old controversy.  It gives you the chance to make up your own mind about the issues that this part of the world live with 24/7 365 days a year.  I highly recommend it as one of the most educational tours you'll ever take.

https://www.abrahamtours.com/tours/hebron-tour/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g293983-d2422852-r682321636-Abraham_Tours-Jerusalem_Jerusalem_District.html

https://www.musement.com/us/jerusalem/hebron-dual-narrative-tour-48668/

https://www.viator.com/tours/Jerusalem/Hebron-Day-Trip-from-Jerusalem-Israeli-Palestinian-Sites/d921-6540HEBRON

https://www.arwtravels.com/blog/hebron-dual-narrative-tour-most-divided-city-middle-east

https://www.gojerusalem.com/items/994/Hebron-Dual-Narrative-Tour/

3.    Mount Entoto Natural Park and Kuriftu Resort and Spa, Bishoftu, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.  That's a mouthful, but basically what I'm talking about is an amazing natural area with more activities and magnificent views than you can possibly imagine, and all not far from Ethiopia's capital.

The spa is everything you can imagine from luxury services and luxury accommodations to adventure and nature.  There's a hotel, and there's also camping facilities (more along glamping).  You can take part in so many excursions and activities, you'll never run out of things to do.  And all in a natural African setting that is unmatched.

You can zip line, hike, go off roading with ATV's.  You can do watersports and the list goes on and on.  You can also spend your time getting a massage or hot stone therapy amongst so much more at the spa on site.  It's a great way to be pampered and be in the middle of nature with amazing views, and all just outside Addis Ababa.

https://www.expedia.com/Hotel-Search?selected=18799607&locale=en_US&HotelID=18799607&siteid=1&semcid=US.UB.GOOGLE.PT-c-EN.HOTEL&semdtl=a115093754495.b1130884031602.g1aud-2051518675148%3Akwd-844544804135.e1c.m1CjwKCAiA9bq6BhAKEiwAH6bqoGOHKzYZidt1ickwNC-h36Lt236zX-_gCsx3NSfAD_heYjy3C8_dihoCSWQQAvD_BwE.r149da2b7d0d03af54a5abc265ed7f4c30038d63af6bcb4e09baaad36b7fe5dcc3.c1D7y61b5HhZOc5fIrs7EcvQ.j19003419.k1.d1558125288346.h1e.i1.l1.n1.o1.p1.q1.s1.t1.x1.f1.u1.v1.w1&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA9bq6BhAKEiwAH6bqoGOHKzYZidt1ickwNC-h36Lt236zX-_gCsx3NSfAD_heYjy3C8_dihoCSWQQAvD_BwE&startDate=2024-12-17&endDate=2024-12-18&regionId=6221175&destination=Kuriftu%20Resort%20%26%20Spa%20Bishoftu&theme=&userIntent=&useRewards=true&sort=RECOMMENDED

https://kurifturesorts.com/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1510664-d1813539-Reviews-Kuriftu_Resort_Spa_Bishoftu-Bishoftu_Oromiya_Region.html

https://www.hotels.com/ho602587424/kuriftu-resort-spa-bishoftu-debre-zeyit-ethiopia/

https://www.brilliant-ethiopia.com/hotels/luxury/kuriftu-resorts

4.    The Hargeisa Money Market, Hargeisa, Somaliland.  If this isn't one of the most unique markets I've ever heard of, wow.  Most of the time when we visit a market in a foreign country, we look at crafts, produce and groceries, clothing and art.  It's a way of life for the traveler.  Most of us who travel visit a market to get an idea of the city we've just landed in.  What do they eat?  What do they wear?  It's a good way to get acquainted with your vacation venue.

The Hargeisa Market is unique, and to be fair, came to exist out of inflation.  There was a time when $1 got you 10,000 Somaliland Shillings.  That's a crazy exchange rate.  Nowadays, Somaliland has gone quite digital, so if you have service while in the country, ZAAD is the service that you can use right on your phone.  You can exchange money, and pay with ZAAD.  It's similar to Google Pay or Ally Pay in China.  

However, if you want that cash experience, you'll certainly have it at the market.  You will find vendor after vendor with piles of money just waiting to make a deal.  You'll also feel really rich when you need a wheelbarrow to take your currency with you.  It's not a lot of value, and that's why there are no thieves robbing the vendors in the market.  The Somaliland Shilling is virtually worthless, but a trip to the market can be a hoot.  Just remember, it would take over 100,000 Shillings to buy a Big Mac meal, so it's pretty much just for fun.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g482880-d15685315-i481094030-Somaliland_Travel_Agency-Hargeysa_Somaliland.html

https://saxafimedia.com/money-kilograms-unique-market-somaliland/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QjCBRrd9p4

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20170912-the-surprising-place-where-cash-is-going-extinct

https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/connectivity-for-good/mobile-for-development/programme/mobile-money/developing-a-currency-exchange-functionality-to-drive-mobile-money-usage-a-new-mobile-money-innovation-in-somaliland/

5.    The Mud Volcanos of Azerbaijan.  Azerbaijan is home to the world's largest concentration of mud volcanos.  They have half of the entire world's known mud volcanos and they also have some of the largest mud volcanos.  They are scattered around the country, but the country is small and the landscape is one of a kind.  I say, enjoy the car rental and take some day trips while visiting Baku.

Some of the larger volcanos are Boyuk, Kanizadag, and Toraghai.  The volcanos emit mud, obviously, but some of them shoot flames into the air on a regular basis.  They're mostly found in the desert, because it's a desert country.

If you enjoy natural phenomena, this is a great place to visit.  If you love volcanos, it's a must see.  There are several places to see them, so take your pick.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1071609-d3988978-Reviews-Mud_Volcanoes-Qobustan_Daghlig_Shirvan_Region.html

https://azerbaijan.travel/explore-mud-volcanoes-near-baku

https://nature.new7wonders.com/wonders/mud-volcanoes-azerbaijan/

https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/azerbaijan-mud-volcanoes/index.html

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/mud-volcanoes-of-azerbaijan

And there you have it.  I found some weird stuff this week, but I would love to see any bit of it  I hope you agree and find an adventure that suits you listed here.  I'll be back soon with more potential adventures and some good advice.  In the mean time, pick an adventure and enjoy!

A Wide Variety of Truly Unique Places on This Week's Fast Five!

 

HERE WE GO!

1.    Uzupis.  That's what it's called.  It's an area of Vilnius, Lithuania.  So, this is the perfect quirky way to spend the day if you happen to be there.

Lithuania has a colorful history; belonging to several other countries over time.  Most notably, they were part of the Soviet Union and declared their independence in 1990.  Believe me; I was there for part of that uprising.  But, Uzupis came along a bit later on April 1st, 1997.  Originally a joke, they've grown into a thriving community.

Uzupis arose from a neglected part of the city that became the capital of Lithuania.  There are some 7,000 residents of the tiny self proclaimed country within a city with it's own unsanctioned constitution and government.  They even made their on currency.  Approximately 1,000 of the residents are artists; and that overwhelming vibe, known to be extremely bohemian; is the vibe of this tiny micro nation in training.

What will you find if you visit this place?  It's a little bit like visiting the Conch Republic of Key West.  Friendly people, lots of art and really good food.  If you're in Vilnius, it's a must see.

https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20181014-uupis-a-tiny-republic-of-free-spirits

https://www.govilnius.lt/visit-vilnius/places/uzupis-district

http://www.uzupiorespublika.com/en/home/

https://www.timetravelturtle.com/lithuania/uzupis-vilnius/

https://www.roadiscalling.com/what-to-do-in-vilnius-city-break/

2.    The Lacerda Elevator in Salvador, Brazil.   This goes along with so many of my mantras about travel in general.  First, it's half the price on basically everything to visit Salvador over Rio de Janeiro.  If you're worried about violence as is the latest legend of visiting Brazil, then you'll believe that it's no more dangerous to visit Salvador than to visit Rio, making that no different of a concern.  

That being said, another one of my favorite things is any kind of public transport, and elevators are a great mode of transportation.  They exist all over the world where there are extreme elevation changes in small spaces.  I've used those and funiculars in several locations and just love the view.

But, this one in Salvador is a bit different.  The one in existence today, which is an art deco beauty, isn't the first one.  There's been an elevator there since the 1600's when it was used by Jesuits.  In the 1800's it was replaced by another version and the current one came along in the early 1900's.  This elevator system that rises 72 meters is the oldest continually operating public elevator system in the world.

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/brazil/the-northeast/salvador/attractions/elevador-lacerda/a/poi-sig/1179232/363210

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g303272-d2349194-Reviews-Elevator_Lacerda-Salvador_State_of_Bahia.html

https://www.viator.com/Salvador-da-Bahia-attractions/Lacerda-Elevator/overview/d818-a16547

https://www.salvadordabahia.com/en/experiences/lacerdas-elevator/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g303272-Activities-Salvador_State_of_Bahia.html

3.    Copacabana Beach, Dubrovnik area, Croatia.   While there are over 70 lovely beaches in the area, there's something a bit different about Copacabana (besides the name sounding like a Barry Manilow song).  This beach is not directly inside the famous walled city of Dubrovnik area, and sits on the opposite side of the small peninsula that defines the neighborhood.  While celebrities frequent other beaches, this one is more relaxed, subdued and let's face it; cheaper to spend the day at.

There are resorts and hotels nearby, great restaurants and bars; clubs for the nighttime.  You can rent beds, lounges, cabanas and so on.  You can order a cocktail at the beach.  It's mostly like other beaches in the area.  The one defining thing is that it's not as sandy as most beaches.  It's comprised mostly out of pebbles, so wear your shoes and don't intend to spend your day laying on a towel on the beach.  

It's a unique experience without sacrificing your beach time.  Once again, it's not a reason to visit Dubrovnik, but it does make a great day trip.

https://beaches-searcher.com/en/beach/191201725/copacabana-beach

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g295371-d3380541-Reviews-Copacabana_Beach-Dubrovnik_Dubrovnik_Neretva_County_Dalmatia.html

https://www.euansguide.com/venues/copacabana-beach-dubrovnik-7508/reviews/accessability-for-copacabana-beach-dubrovnik-6098

https://www.absolute-croatia.com/dubrovnik/parks-beaches/copacabana-beach

https://thebeachdubrovnik.com/

https://thetourguy.com/travel-blog/croatia/dubrovnik/top-things-to-do-in-dubrovnik-this-year/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAgJa6BhCOARIsAMiL7V93vq2Sz7bj-H85V1L30mQObI8gCvMmYN_bgfkqOVy8pcxfyvNZbDYaAqhaEALw_wcB

4.    Sigiriya Fortress, Sri Lanka.   This fortress, also known as Sinhagiri, is located atop a 200 meter high rock column and dates back to the 400's.  It was constructed and carved on the authority of King Kasyapa and overall is indicative of secure fortresses built in ancient times.  But, this one has something that you don't see everywhere.  The entrance to the fortress is a carved area and it is a lion's mouth.  The carved lion is cool and unique.

This amazing place is open daily 5 am to 5 pm and will cost us foreign adults around $35 for entry, which does include the museum on site.  How to get there?  You can drive if you rented a car.  However, it might be nice to take one of the many tours that go to the fortress and not have to worry about transportation and directions in the Sri Lankan countryside.

Once again, this is not a reason to visit Sri Lanka, but if you happen to be there; don't miss it.

https://sigiriyafortress.com/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g304141-d4782530-Reviews-Sigiriya_The_Ancient_Rock_Fortress-Sigiriya_Central_Province.html

https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/202/

https://www.muchbetteradventures.com/magazine/who-built-sigiriya/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/liviahengel/2024/07/16/sri-lanka-travel-guide-how-to-plan-the-perfect-trip/

5.    Our Habitas Caravan, AlUla, Saudi Arabia.    Glamping is something that apparently has caught on around the world.  In Saudi Arabia, in the middle of the desert, you can rent an Airstream and glamp to you heart's content.

Our Habitas is the company and they will give you that one of a kind experience.  This is an all inclusive tour experience.  The Saudi Desert is formidable, and with this company you will be guided, treated like royalty at the site and offered all the luxuries that you'd get with a resort.  But, you'll get to stay in one of their custom designed airstreams and; let's be honest; pretend you're camping.

This is a great adventure anywhere, but Saudi Arabia is an adventure in and of itself, so this is just upping it one more level.

The views are unmatched and the experience of staying in the desert is amazing.  I haven't done it in Saudi Arabia, but desert stays are fantastic.  Keep in mind a couple of things.  Saudi Arabia is a dry country, so there won't be any wine around the campfire.  And, this is a luxury experience with staff, tours, activities and all meals included, plus transportation; that makes this a good $600 per night for the stay.  Not unlike a lot of Caribbean Resorts, however.  If you really want to up your adventure, you can also stay in a mirror house.  That's a whole other level of cool.

As always, this probably shouldn't be the reason you visit Saudi Arabia, but what a cool adventure to take.

https://www.ourhabitas.com/caravan-alula/rooms/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g1802184-d25083308-r938475709-Caravan_By_Habitas_AlUla-AlUla_Al_Madinah_Province.html

https://www.travelandleisure.com/saudi-arabia-inside-alula-7094271

https://www.tripsavvy.com/caravan-habitas-saudi-arabia-5220761

https://www.visitsaudi.com/en

There you have it.  That's this week's fast five.  To look ahead, I have a couple more tips on Portugal coming up soon, and I have some thoughts on European plumbing which always makes a good entry.  I also plan to take some time to share some practical booking and point information which I don't think is readily available from the well known points sites, so keep an eye out for that.  Until then, enjoy the ideas from around the world!  Happy American Thanksgiving!  Enjoy!