Lessons from Istanbul → Frankfurt → Chicago → Minneapolis Between staffing issues, policy changes, and unpredictable security delays, even the most seasoned travelers can get caught off guard. What matters isn’t just what goes wrong—it’s how prepared you are when it does. Here’s what happened on our journey home—and the hard-earned travel tips that could save you hours (or even days) of stress. 🚨 Issue #1: The SSSS Surprise (and Forced Bag Weigh-In) We couldn’t check in onli

8 Days: Nairobi, Amboseli, Lake Naivasha & Masai Mara ITINERARY SUMMARY Begin your incredible safari adventure as you explore the most captivating landscapes in Kenya! 🏙️ Start in Nairobi – Kenya’s vibrant capital and your gateway to the wild. 🐘 Venture through Amboseli – Marvel at herds of elephants with the stunning Mt. Kilimanjaro in the background. 🌅 Soak up views at Lake Naivasha – Admire the Great Rift Valley and watch hippos lounging by the lake. 🦁 Explore Maasa

4 Days: Amsterdam HOTEL (4 nights + 1 night) Kimpton DeWitt AMS 163,000 points total for 4 nights (4th night free). For the second room, we used a Free Night Certificate + 7000 points for one night. This is a gorgeous hotel, excellent location, free room upgrade to very large corner King with great views, and free daily happy hour. Avenue Hotel $162 (incl tax/fees) for one night. This hotel was next door and great for the price. DAY 1: PARIS to AMSTERDAM The four of us arr

4 Days: Paris & Normandy DAY 1: ETRETAT to HONFLEUR to CAEN Sienna and I landed in Paris, picked up our Sixt rental car and drove to the hotel to pick up Toy and Lexi for our Normandy adventure. We drove just under 3 hours to the beautiful seaside town of Etretat . From there, we headed 45 minutes to the port city of Honfleur , stopping at a boulangerie (French bakery) in Saint-Arnoult on our way. We continued on for another hour until we reached Caen, our final stop for th