Etihad adds LAX to its route map

That's right folks - another option to get to the Middle East will soon be here!

USA Today article

What I like about this option is it presents another fantastic way to utilize American Airlines miles - up until now, the only reliable redemption option was through New York (JFK). 

It also means that I have another option to consider when looking to book flights back to Doha.  I'd prefer to stay on United if at all possible, but I won't rule out going this direction if the price (and miles) are worth it.

Flights are slated to begin June 1st.

Place of the Day: El Oriente

I had a blast last year visiting South America for the first time, and couldn't beat the price I found to fly me round trip from LAX to Lima ($250).  It was worth the time, as I was able to visit Cuzco and Machu Picchu and really get a first had view of the forested mountain areas of that region.   There are many more places like that to visit in South America, and I wanted to highlight another that takes you much closer into the Amazon:

El Oriente - Ecuador

Known as "the East", El Oriente is Ecuador's wild region of tropical Amazon rainforest.  It's probably best to visit one of the eco-lodges on the first trip, where you can see a variety of animals and plant life, including monkeys, tree frogs, and birds of all kinds.

There are always flight deals (it seems) over Thanksgiving to reach this region, so keep your eyes out for deals.  It's high on my list for another visit!

Place of the Day: Medina

During our first trip to Qatar, we had the opportunity to visit the Fanar where we had a chance to explore and learn more about the Muslim faith.  As part of that experience, besides visiting the mosque and prayer areas, we heard about the holy sites that are revered in that religion and are part of a collection of historical locations.  One of those sites I'd like to highlight is in Saudi Arabia:

Medina - Saudi Arabia

The al-Nabawi Mosque is considered to be the second holiest site in Islam after the Holy Mosque Al-Masjid al-Haram in Mecca (probably the most well-known site).  Built in 632 A.D., it is built over the site of Mohammed's tomb and house and is visited by many people every year.  The sheer numbers of people that frequent this place should put it high on your list to visit if you're in the region and looking for some history.  Other places to see in Medina include the Old Bazaar and the Madain Saleh Tombs, which some have called a smaller version of another famous site, Petra. 

Getting to Medina might be a bit of a challenge, but airlines such as Saudia will get you there in good order.  Make sure to check visa and cultural restrictions before going.

Good luck!

US Airways Buy, Share, Gift miles and 100% bonus - limited time!

It's been the talk of the blogosphere, so I'm sharing it here as well.  If you have a US Airways account, this could be a very valuable way to top off your account for a trip you have coming up.  Just transfer up to 50,000 miles and get 100% additional.  The fee breaks down to $567.50, so it's a minimal per-mile assessment.

You can find the link here.

Don't forget your US Airways account has to be open for at least 12 days in order to take advantage of this offer!

A favorite dish when I travel

If there's one particular dish I search for when I'm traveling, I'm proud to say it's Mac n Cheese.  There are so many varieties out there that I can't help myself in trying new concoctions. Add some meat?  Sure!  Try a different cheese?  Why not!

Travel and Leisure is highlighting the best Mac and Cheese across America:

Best Mac!

I'm proud to say I've tried the Mac N Cheese at The Old Fashioned, and it was amazing...prepared just right, not overly cheesy, and with a lot of flavor.

What's the best you've had?