Trip Report: Pacific Coast Highway

By aanarav on March 12, 2012

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The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most scenic drives in the world. The mountains, the coastline and the journey is jaw dropping for those who have experienced the drive. In this trip-report, I'll focus on the 3 components of the trip:

New York and San Francisco
Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Los Angeles
Los Angeles and New York

Stay tuned. In the meantime, check out our photos!

Around in 120: Singapore to Newark

By aanarav on March 3, 2012

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After spending nearly every moment awake in Singapore, it was time for us to head to the airport at 2:00am for our early morning departure to Newark, via Hong Kong. Fortunately, both my friend and I had been upgraded to First Class thanks to my elite status, so the flight wasn't as dreadful.

As we got to the airport, the United check-in counters were still closed. We hung around the area for a few minutes before the agents started arriving. In 5 minutes, we had checked in all our bags, received our boarding passes, lounge invitations and were on our way to security.

Singapore airport has 2 levels of security -- the first one is right after check in, where they just scan your bag and verify your passport and the second one is right before you board where you and your bag both go through the scanner.

At 3:00am, we managed to clear security in a manner of seconds and were on our way to the Singapore Airlines lounge. The lounge was empty, but they still had a few food items, which was welcome since we had barely had dinner at that point.

After resting for a few minutes, we made the trek to the gate to catch our first flight to Hong Kong.

After arriving in Hong Kong, we headed to the United lounge to freshen up before spending nearly 16 hours on an aircraft -- in coach since my upgrades didn't clear for the segment.

The United lounge, compared to most international airline lounges isn't spectacular. They have a basic selection of food and a few drinks. Nothing out of the ordinary. We spent less than 30 minutes in the lounge and then proceeded to board the aircraft. This flight segment also happens to be one of the longest flights in the world and sitting in coach was no fun. Fortunately, I slept nearly all the way (much to my friend's annoyance).

We landed in NJ, collected our bags and found our way home, ending one of the best trips I've had in a very long time.

Around in 120: Singapore - Sentosa, Nightlife and Sights

By aanarav on February 23, 2012

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For those that haven't been to Singapore, it's worth visiting just for the airport. The airport features a movie theater, video games, a fish pond, a butterfly garden and has more shopping options than some of the most malls.

After landing in Singapore, I picked up the free pay phone at Changi Airport and called my Aunt to let her know that we had arrived.

Our plan was straight forward for the day settle down in our hotel, have a drink or two and then head over to my family's place for drinks and dinner.

As soon as we cleared immigration, which took all of 5 minutes, we collected our bags and headed towards the tourist area to convert some remnant Indian currency to Singapore dollars and to get a map.

We then lined up in the taxi line to take us to our hotel.

Given that I'm a big proponent of loyalty programs (heck, this entire site is built upon loyalty programs), I wanted something different for the 2 nights we were spending in Singapore.

So, I booked the Hotel Fort Canning. And it was worth every single penny. More on that a bit later.

We had to take 2 taxis to our hotel since we had a few too many bags to fit in one cab.

A S$20 taxi ride later, we arrived at the hotel and were promptly escorted to the check-in area. Unlike most hotels, the check-in area is seated and you're given a run down of the hotel and its amenities. The rate we had booked (via Expedia) included free breakfast and a happy hour. The hotel also had free WiFi on the property.

As soon as we walked into our room, our jaws quite literally dropped. The room was gorgeous! The bedroom was separated from the bathroom. In fact, the bathroom was on a balcony which was enclosed by glass windows. In order to get some privacy, you had to activate the drapes via a switch on the wall.

Hotel Fort Canning, Singapore

Hotel Fort Canning, Singapore (image courtesy of the property)

In all my years of luxury traveling, this was a room to remember!

Hotel Fort Canning, Singapore

Hotel Fort Canning, Singapore (image courtesy of the property)

We decided to walk around the property and at Fort Canning just to get an idea of the area. We weren't disappointed. Right next to the hotel was a park that featured various types of plants and trees with explanations regarding the significance of each one.

While walking, we were also invited to someone's 21st birthday! Sadly, the timing wasn't right as we had to change and head to my family's place.

After getting back to the hotel, we got ready and headed downstairs for happy hour, which consisted of champagne, red wine and white wine.

A drink later, we hopped in a cab and headed to my family's place for dinner.

Dinner and drinks were both excellent, along with the awesome company. My brother and I had visited Singapore in 2009 for New Years and had a blast.

After dinner, my friend and I were both ready to crash. However, as soon as we got on a cab to head back to the hotel, we decided that we weren't going to waste our time in Singapore by sleeping.

So, we went to 1 Raffles Place to visit the world's tallest open rooftop bar, 1-Altitude. The views, music and the atmosphere were spectacular.

After that, we walked around and explored the area. When we were completely exhausted, we got in a cab and headed to our hotel.

Everything about that night was perfect and captures the essence of why I travel so much and advocate adventure. Getting lost in a strange country and pursuing adventure with good company makes everything an adventure.

We got up early the next morning and headed to the hotel's restaurant for a quick breakfast. After that, we hopped on a train and headed to Sentosa.

I should also mention that Singapore's public transport is one of the best in the world. It's hard to get lost on the transit system.

I had visited Sentosa in 2009 and wanted my friend to experience the same adventures. Sentosa is like Disney for adrenaline junkies. The rides are fun and the prices are reasonable.

Sentosa Island

Sentosa

Sentosa

Sentosa

By the time we were done with the adventure portion of Sentosa, we went to watch 'Songs of the Sea,' which in my opinion is one of the best live performances in the world. Quite simply stunning.

Sentosa Island

Songs of the Sea - Sentosa, Singapore

Sentosa

Sentosa at Night

Sentosa

Sentosa at Night

After 'Songs of the Sea,' both my friend and I started heading back to the hotel. Since we were once again taking public transport, we had to cross through a mall, where we decided to eat Sushi for dinner. I ate at the same restaurant last time I was in Singapore and it did not disappoint.

After eating, we headed back to our hotel, changed and went out to Clarke Quay. Since it was a Monday night, most things were closing early, but we found a few bars that were open till 1:00am.

With that, it was time to wrap up our time in Singapore and head back to New York.

Truly one of the best travel memories.

Around in 120: Mumbai to Singapore via Bangkok

By aanarav on February 21, 2012

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After spending a relatively quiet day in Mumbai with family, it was time to pursue our next adventure -- Singapore.

Unfortunately, there were no direct flights available via United miles to Singapore, so we had to do a layover in Bangkok.

I arrived at the airport nearly 4 hours before scheduled flight time. Airports in India are a zoo on most days and this wasn't an exception, especially it being a Saturday night.

However, my friend arrived almost 2 hours later, making me quite nervous. Once she arrived, we proceeded to the Thai Airways check-in counter. Since she had spent almost a month in India, she had a lot of stuff that she was carrying back with her to the United States.

Despite using my Star Alliance Gold credentials, Thai Airways was stringent about baggage allowances. 30 minutes later, we had to reduce 10kgs from her bags (22lbs).

Ladies -- a tip for you -- take your shoes out of the bag and you'll be fine :)

After checking in, we finally proceeded to immigration and security. India, like many Asian countries, has an outbound immigration queue, which is why it is a good idea to arrive well before your flight is ready to depart.

Clearing immigration and security took roughly 30 minutes and by then it was time to board our aircraft. However, we stopped by the contract lounge to freshen up before our flight to Bangkok.

As soon as we entered the lounge, the attendant looked at his watch and told us to hurry up. By the time we had gotten a single drink, it was time to board.

The aircraft was parked at a remote gate, which meant that we had to take a bus to the gate.

Once we reached the bus, the driver was apparently waiting for everyone to board the bus since it was a fairly empty flight. However, after waiting around for over 20 minutes, a passenger had to knock on the driver's door to ask what was going on, at which point, the driver finally moved the bus and made it to the aircraft.

Upon boarding, we turned right. Yes, we were sitting in coach. Sometimes, even the best of us have to do so :)

Despite being in coach, there was hot-towel service, a meal service and full alcohol service. Given the short duration of the flight, it was great to see that international air-travel still has class, unlike the United States.

After napping for a while, we woke up during our initial descent into Bangkok Airport (BKK).

As soon as we landed, we found the nearest Thai Airways business-class lounge so that we could shower and freshen up. Spending a few evenings in planes and hotels back to back on vacation barely gives the body a chance to stay awake.

The shower rooms were well appointed for and there was no rush.

Shower room - Thai Airways Lounge, Bangkok International Airport

Shower room - Thai Airways Lounge, Bangkok International Airport

15 minutes later, my friend and I were both done and we headed straight to the buffet to enjoy some food and drinks.

When we came back to our seats at the lounge, we were informed that our Singapore Airlines flight to Singapore was delayed. On most days, this would have been annoying, but not on this day. We hung around the lounge, had a few drinks and when the flight was ready, we headed to the gate for our flight to Singapore.

Once we reached the gate, the agents inspected our bags and paperwork and upon scanning in our boarding pass, gave us a bottle of water and a snack.

A few minutes later, boarding began. Once again, we turned right and went to coach. I was seated in the window seat and my friend was stuck in the center. Too bad for her :)

Once again, there was a full meal service on board, most of which I declined given that I had been eating at-least 3 full meals at each meal time, due to me hopping around from one time zone to another.

An uneventful flight later, we landed in Singapore and thus began one of the most memorable days I've had in a very long time.

Around in 120: 24 hours in Mumbai

By aanarav on February 17, 2012

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After landing in Mumbai, the first thing I did was to turn on my iPhone and let my family know that we've arrived at the airport. Due to the circumstances of the trip, my friend and I had decided to stay in a hotel vs. sleep at my grandparent's house. Given that I have been visiting Mumbai nearly every year for the past 20+ years, this was the first time staying I was staying at a hotel in Mumbai.

Prior to departing New York, I had enabled international data roaming via AT&T. It's not the most cost efficient solution, but for short stays it works out pretty well.

Immigration was painless and in less than 5 minutes, I had reached the baggage claim area. Since I am an elite member on United, my bag was one of the first ones to reach the carousel. However, my friend is not an elite member and didn't get his bag for quite a while. In fact, we had time to purchase duty-free items before it came out. Unfortunately, this isn't a first time or a new occurance at Indian airports. Indian airports are horribly inefficient at handling baggage.

Since we both had 1 bag each, we were waved through customs, making it a quick getaway.

We had booked a room at the Hilton Airport Hotel in Mumbai. However, the hotel wanted Rs. 750 to pick us up from the airport. That's US $15. While it's not a lot of money, the hotel is less than 2km away from the airport, so it made no sense. As soon as we exited the airport, we hopped in a regular taxi which only cost us Rs. 400.

Hilton Airport Hotel, Mumbai

When we reached the hotel, we were surprised to see that there was more secuirty at the hotel than there was at the airport. The hotel secuirty opened up the taxi's trunk and scanned all our bags before letting us enter the hotel. As soon as we checked in, I found my Uncle and cousins waiting for us and ready to party.

We left our bags in the hotel and got ready to hit the town.

The first club that we went to was called Elbo Room. Despite its name, there is quite literally no elbow room to move around. It's packed. And expensive. In fact, the prices match New York City prices. A few drinks later, the jet lag and the alcohol was starting to hit us, so we left the club and headed out to find some food. Given that it was already 2am, very few places were open. However, my Uncle found a restaurant which appeared closed from the outside, but was open as long as you ordered via drive-thru, which was interesting given that there is no drive-thru lane.

A few chicken rolls later, we decided to call it a night.

None of us slept due to the jet lag, so we just dozed in and out. Not entirely fun, but not too bad either.

In the morning, my friend had another flight to Chennai, so he went to the domestic airport and I decided to head to the Executive Lounge for breakfast. I am usually the laziest person in the morning, but I was the first one for breakfast and had a few servings of nearly everything.

I wanted to check out the spa since the prices were reasonable, but the spa was completely booked.

So, I picked up my bags and head to my grandparents' place. That was also the first time I had been in an Indian taxi all by myself. After a few minutes of getting lost with the cab driver, we finally arrived.

Spent the rest of the day with my family before it was time to meet another friend at the airport and continue our adventure.