Spring Break In Europe - Flights, Hotels, Practical Advice & Gratitude
Mar 21, 2024
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A discussion on a recent Spring Break trip to Lisbon and Paris, including flights, redemptions, and highlights. Topics include one-way car rentals, AA Business Class, exploring Lisbon, free walking tours, Hyatt Regency Lisbon, day trips, Paris accommodations, Disneyland Paris, Eiffel Tower, Louvre, returning to places, and Air Tahiti Nui Business Class. The podcast concludes with reflections on travel, gratitude, and family memories.
Family travel is both difficult and rewarding, especially when squeezed into a tight timeframe.
Exploring local culture through free walking tours in Europe adds a unique experience to travel.
Returning to iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre infuses trips with nostalgia and new perspectives.
Deep dives
The Exhausting Return Journey from Paris to the US
After an eventful trip from Paris to the US, including airline lounge access confusion and a chance encounter with a podcast listener, the return journey with Air Tahiti Nui was comfortable but lacked lounge access upon arrival in LA. Despite the minor frustrations, the trip overall was an incredible experience that showcased the significance of using miles and points to create lasting memories.
Exploring Paris and Recognized at the Worst Time
While in Paris, Sean and his family climbed the Eiffel Tower, visited the Louvre, and experienced iconic landmarks. Despite a little frustration for lounge access upon returning, the trip was a mix of sightseeing and memorable experiences, highlighted by an unexpected podcast listener recognition at the airport, making for a unique conclusion to an eventful journey.
Immersive Adventures in Portugal and Beyond
From Lisbon's historical charm to day trips to Cintra and Cash Case, Sean's family explored Portugal with a blend of history, culture, and culinary delights like codfish cakes and sardines. The new Moxie Val de Europe Hotel proved welcoming, making international travel accessible while savoring local cuisine and scenic wonders in a family-friendly setting.
Reliving Childhood Memories at Theme Parks and Museums
Revisiting childhood memories at amusement parks and iconic museums, Sean's family enjoyed the serene Hardin Daclionation garden and embraced art at the Louvre. Balancing classic tourist activities with local experiences, they relished exploring art, culture, and leisure spots across Paris, infusing their trip with nostalgic charm and unique perspectives.
Valuable Lessons and Gratitude from a Whirlwind European Adventure
Through the whirlwind adventure that spanned multiple countries, Sean's reflections highlight the priceless value of family travel, using miles and points to unlock extraordinary experiences, and embracing cultural immersion and local exploration. Despite the challenges and fatigue, the trip underscored the essence of creating indelible memories and the immense gratitude for enriching travel opportunities.
Captivating Memories Amidst Travel Challenges and Unexpected Encounters
Navigating travel challenges, engaging with historical landmarks, and sharing unexpected encounters, Sean's journey weaves a tapestry of adventure, cultural discovery, and personal connections. From Paris to Portugal, each destination reveals unique facets of exploration, showcasing the transformative power of travel experiences shared with loved ones.
On this episode Shawn discusses his recent family Spring Break trip to Lisbon and Paris. Learn about the flights and redemptions plus some of the cool things seen along the way. Family travel can be difficult, but it is so rewarding, even if it is squeezed into a tight timeframe. Shawn & Joe also discuss the power of returning places, where to stay at Disneyland Paris & how a drone show inspired the whole thing.
Episode Notes
3:38 One-way car rentals for repositioning
4:45 AA Business Class to Europe
6:40 How cool is Lisbon?
8:53 Why you need to start doing free walking tours in Europe & elsewhere
10:50 Hyatt Regency Lisbon
13:22 Daytripping from Lisbon - Stunning coastline, castles and more
18:50 Onward to Paris & why we didn't redeem miles for our flight
22:33 A great hotel for visiting Disneyland Paris
25:36 Paris hotel struggles & why we chose Hyatt Regency
33:51 Eiffel Tower & Louvre - Why we returned
36:50 Air Tahiti Nui Business Class
40:42 Takeaways from the trip
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