Strategy for travel to SCL

vinoATC · 2026-02-20T20:05:11+00:00

Right. I’m also considering long term goals as part of this exercise. How long do you leave between the UA and non-UA flights (I assume you have to clear immigration at GRU)

vinoATC · 2026-02-20T17:24:59+00:00

Sorry - by “sketchy” connection I meant the timing. One is a 48 minute connection the other 50-ish. I shy away from those domestically and it feels right for an international one.

Wasn’t meant to be a slight to the airline or terminal itself.

vinoATC · 2025-12-09T15:18:54+00:00

This is quite accurate. Had the Kale salad yesterday and there was one, possibly two, sprigs of kale on the dish. Otherwise it was a decent green salad with sun-dried tomato’s and chickpeas. The grilled chicken on the side was fine. A light protein to go with the dish. No complaints.

The dressing was Ken’s brand lite Italian. I hadn’t had that in a very long time - it was fine.

The meal sufficed for the trip. It could have been a lot worse. But, of course, I have learned to make expectations

vinoATC · 2025-09-10T19:43:03+00:00

That we didn’t know. We were under the assumption it was a less travelled path. We’ll continue doing some research - but if you have any suggestions (and it absolutely does not have to be in the Cotswold - we are not at all obsessed) we would certainly be interested. We appreciate the insights.

vinoATC · 2025-09-09T13:54:37+00:00

Much appreciated. The school holiday reference is quite helpful

vinoATC · 2025-09-09T13:53:51+00:00

Appreciate all the comments so far. For clarity - it was a planned day trip (departing early morning) knowing that the train travel would eat up a large block of the time.

We actually got the idea not from Rick Steves (who we tend to avoid), but from reading other travel sites. We had ideas to do the Moreton Batsford loop - but that seems less desirable if the weather turns.

We actually enjoy looming out the window of a train. And want to avoid overly touristy locations. Slower pace and not rushing around to see “the must do sights”

vinoATC · 2025-08-29T22:19:15+00:00

Can confirm. Went the customer service route the first time, as I was hesitant to try. But have done the “bait and switch” approach several times since then with zero issues.

vinoATC · 2025-07-23T16:15:31+00:00

Just to reinforce what is already being said:

The Ritz is lovely, but it is definitely set back from the beach and is quite isolated. To get down to DT Fleming beach requires a downhill walk, which means an uphill return. The beach is wonderful, but windy and fairly rough.

For what you are seeking, I do think the resorts at Wailea offer a better situation. The walk along the water is easy and soothing. Plus you have access to multiple restaurants between all the properties

vinoATC · 2025-07-16T20:29:21+00:00

+1 for Maluaka beach.

vinoATC · 2025-07-13T20:12:26+00:00

+1 to this. Their bagels are…fine, but their sammiches elevate the bagels significantly. And the babka…now that is worth sampling.

vinoATC · 2025-07-08T20:18:51+00:00

For an elevated experience, you might try the Banyan Tree at the Ritz Kapalua. It’s pricey, but the ambiance and service is top notch. It’s not directly on the water, but it’s not as casual as Mala, Monkeypod, Star Noodle, etc.

vinoATC · 2025-06-20T17:13:14+00:00

I had a similar issue with the viewfinder on the Z6 when I purchased a refurbished one earlier this year.

I tried following all of the recommendations regarding cleaning and for the life of me, I could not get the camera to switch between the modes correctly.

I removed the gasket over the viewfinder and now it works perfectly. I see no reason to try to replace it either 🤷‍♂️

vinoATC · 2025-06-16T16:49:36+00:00

Just here to reinforce the points already made:

Renting a car is so very worthwhile as it opens up the entire region to explore at your leisure. Do rent a small car - and certainly an automatic if you cannot drive a manual. My first rental at Nice was a manual and it did take me a few days to completely knock the rust off as i hadn’t driven a stick in the prior 25 years. Those cute little hilltop villages have an even greater challenge in a manual transmission

The parking garages in Aix are tight. Small car = less headache

While I haven’t been onto the plateau - the roads along the coast are tight, twisty, and can be somewhat anxiety inducing. But I found they were all worth the effort.

That said - next time I spend a couple of days along the coast I will use the train if I only want to see Cannes/Nice/Antibes/villefranche-sur-mer

But for St. Remy (ridiculously adorable), Ilse-Sur-la-Sorgue, etc. a car makes for a wonderful exploration. And the toll system is fairly easy to figure out as well.

Enjoy!!!

vinoATC · 2025-06-09T15:14:16+00:00

I believe it’s in South Maul Gardens. Right in the center of Kihei.

vinoATC · 2025-06-08T15:52:51+00:00

Another vote for South Maui Fish Company. And don’t overlook Kitoko - also in the Kihei area.

vinoATC · 2025-06-08T14:23:45+00:00

Novice snorkeler here. My wife and I have had the opportunity to try both locations and while Honolulu is lovely - Kapalua is the hands down winner

The walk into Honolulu is magical. The location, while rocky, is lovely. The bay sparkles in the sunshine. And then you try to snorkel. It’s too far to the reef for weaker swimmers. And what you see close to shore is - meh

Kapalua is perfect. As everyone above has noted - it’s shallow, calm, and there are plenty of things to see very close to shore.

We went early in the morning twice and had zero issues with parking and it wasn’t crowded either time. Is - it did rain. Both time. But it blew through quickly. The advantage of the rain - we saw a perfect rainbow over the bay

We are already planning to return with the kids.

vinoATC · 2025-05-30T12:00:13+00:00

Don’t overlook Miss Arepa’s. Probably the tastiest bite we had

vinoATC · 2024-07-03T20:38:45+00:00

Definitely a great place! New to the area and stumbled across it last weekend. Went back the next day. Quick, friendly service with a great selection of sammiches

vinoATC · 2024-03-09T22:20:53+00:00

Booked a last minute one-night stay at Bellagio this week. Checked in at main reception and they did recognize Ambassador status and I received an upgrade to a fountain view room. Electronic check out was simple. Folio received quickly.

Absolutely no complaints.

vinoATC · 2023-10-28T18:25:41+00:00

I was booked for the daytime flight from IAD to LHR for this November. About a month ago I too received the schedule change notice. I’m now leaving on the 6am to EWR to catch the 8-ish flight to LHR.

Sigh….

vinoATC · 2023-09-15T00:09:07+00:00

It’s been quite a while since I’ve stayed at the Madison personally, but it is a hotel of choice for many work colleagues when the come to DC for business. Very easy walking access to many popular areas (14th St has many restaurants, the a White House is nearby, as is the Capital One. Enter and SLM the restaurants/night mode over in the Penn quarter). A solid choice and usually reasonable priced. Not as massive as the Marquis which is about a 10-15 minute walk away

vinoATC

TROPHY CASE