I started using Uber only this year, after becoming so fed up with taxis in many cities I’ve lived in and visited around the world. Let me explain my conversion as simply as I can. When I get into a taxi, I expect all of the following: (1) clean passenger seats with functioning seat belts; […]
Japan tax free items now include cosmetics, food and beverages
October 20, 2014 by
As of 1 October 2014, tourists in Japan can get a tax refund for cosmetics, skin care, food and beverage (e.g. sake) purchases in department stores and other shops offering tax-free shopping. This is big news for tourists who come to Japan to buy high-end Japanese cosmetics brands such as Shiseido, Cle de Peau, Lunasol, […]
Norwegian Air Shuttle 787 Dreamliner: Oakland, California to Oslo
September 6, 2014 by
This is a review of a Norwegian Air Shuttle flight in August 2014 from Oakland, California to Oslo, Norway, specifically the Premium Economy cabin and services. Norwegian began flying from Oakland airport in California to Oslo and Stockholm this year. Although it is a “discount” airline, Norwegian flies the latest Boeing 787 Dreamliner, unlike traditional […]
Top 10 travel tips 2014 edition
September 4, 2014 by
Here are Mapplr’s updated top 10 travel tips. (1) In Italy (and other countries with a rich history, food culture and tradition of hospitality, like Japan) go off the beaten track. You will avoid the crowds, pay much less for hotels and restaurants and still see unique sites. (2) Don’t waste your money on renting […]
Etihad, Turkish Airlines to start flying to SFO
August 4, 2014 by
San Francisco, the tech capital of the world, has sub-par international connections, especially for passengers traveling to Latin America, Southern Europe, India and the Middle East. Of the four BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China), non-stop flights from SFO are offered only to China. Tech entrepreneurs in Tel Aviv, Bangalore, Helsinki or Santiago de […]
Pros and cons of flying Air China from Europe to Japan via Beijing
October 4, 2013 by
This article lists the pros and cons of flying Air China to Asia via Beijing airport. Air China is one of the major airlines of the People’s Republic of China. It flies to many cities around the world. Advantages of flying Air China with stopover in Beijing (1) Inexpensive business class compared to other airlines: […]
Oman Air: the ultimate in business class?
February 21, 2013 by
Is Oman Air the best business class airline out there? According to World Airline awards, Oman Air has the best business class for 2012 followed by Cathay Pacific and Qatar Air. I recently flew from Paris to Bangkok on Oman Air via Muscat, Oman, and it was the best business class flight that I can remember […]
