Non-Rev > Positive Seat

I am so lucky, blessed, fortunate, that I have access to inexpensive flights to so many places around the world. I fly standby, which means if there is an open seat on the plane I will get it, based on seniority. So, if there isn't a seat available for me, I have to stay where I am or find another route to get where I am going next. I have purchased plane tickets before and it is such a hassle to know if I'm getting a good deal, making sure my dates are correct, and committing. Other than it being inexpensive there are so many more perks.

I can change my plans at any time, without a change fee. I scheduled myself to go to Ecuador for two weeks and explore Quito and Banos. I enjoyed Quito and a bit of Banos, but I struggled with the language and it was raining, I just wasn't feeling it. Instead of being "stuck" there I booked a standby ticket to my next destination and left that evening. I didn't have to pay a change fee to switch the date of my ticket or wait there until my already scheduled departure date.

First Class... if available. I once flew First Class from Kona, Hawaii to Paris France, stopping in LAX and JFK. I chose to fly over Thanksgiving, missing our family dinner, but it was worth it! You get a full, delicious meal most of the time, complimentary adult beverages, and the best sundae! And most importantly on most international flights you get a lie flat seat, making sleeping so much more comfortable. Ohh and the service is significantly better.

I can check 2 bags weighing up to 50lbs each to my destination. So, my mom found a urinal on the mainland, for my dad, and wanted to put it in their house in Hawaii. She put it in a plastic bin, surrounded it with clothes and blankets to keep it from breaking, and checked it out to Kona. My dad gets great use out of it in his bathroom.

Another difficult thing about flying standby is checking luggage. If I check my bag with all of my clothes to my final destination and I don't get on the flight, my bag goes to the destination and I don't. I have learned how to best pack my carry on suitcase with the bags that you can take the air out of, use miniature shampoos and soaps, and determining what I will really need on my trip. I went from Kona - Ecuador - Orlando - Chicago - Cincinnati - Singapore - Phuket - Bangkok - Honolulu with just a carry on backpack. I thrifted in some of the cities, when I needed a coat or a cute dress, then donated it back when I was done.

I can't complain when I sit in coach, hell I'm traveling the globe at my own leisure. There is a great community of standby-ers that are helpful, supportive and will commiserate when you have to spend the night on the floor in the airport. Or open their home to you so when you are stuck, you have a couch to sleep on. There are great Facebook pages that the airline community will answer questions like, "Can I carry on a 32" TV or do I have to check it?" or "Where should I take my family of 3 on a weekend getaway?" They have all the answers!

I love the flexibility that my privileges allow me to have, even if I have to sit in coach from MSP to NRT (Minneapolis to Tokyo, Japan). It can get tricky if you have to be somewhere NOW, but thats how this all works. If you need to be there NOW... buy a positive seat.

So, how do you get these amazing benefits? Convince a best friend or family member to work for an airline, OR you could work there yourself and reap the benefits!


Happy Flying!

San Francisco

This is one of my favorite cities in the United States because of its charm, diversity, architecture and weather. I visited San Fran in February and the weather was beautiful, a little cool at night, but sunny and sweatshirt weather during the day. I love the public transportation system here, the history, Chinatown and Japantown. The city is a bit expensive, but well worth it... at least a weekend trip.


Getting from the airport (SFO) to downtown
As I always suggest use your google maps app, this is the best and easiest way to navigate your way around.


Take the BART (train) to get downtown. If you are coming from the Air Train in the airport, buy a ticket as you exit the train on the upper level. There are ticket vending machines in the middle of the floor. You must have a valid ticket in order to exit BART and descend on the escalator. For those of you traveling with Children under the age of 4, they can ride free on the San Francisco BART trains.

A 1-way BART ticket to downtown San Francisco costs $8.10 . Alternatively, if you know you will be returning to the airport via BART, you can buy a ticket for $16.20, and keep it with you for reuse at the end of your stay in San Francisco. The automatic ticket vending machines accept United States dollars, credit and debit cards. Keep your ticket handy, you'll need it when you exit.


From the BART you will need to exit the train station then transfer to the MUNI transportation system, bus or train.

MUNI (the bus) fairs are $2.25 per adult; $1 for ages 5-17 and include a transfer up to 90 minutes. They only take cash! There is a month pass, but not a day or week pass, so use those transfers wisely. The MUNI will take you all around the city and is very reliable and safe. My advise is to pick up a map at the airport or at your hotel/hostel and use your Google Maps App.


What to see and do
If this is your first time to SF, of course you have to visit Alcatraz Island, Pier 39 and the Golden Gate Bridge, but here are a few things off the beat and path that are fun to see and do in SF.

Seward Street Slides- The best way to ride the slides is to go down sitting on a piece of cardboard – you might find some at the foot of the slides, but bring your own just in case. Plunk down on your cardboard, and push off from the top. Pro tip: if you want to go really fast, throw a few handfuls of sand down the slide before you set off. Technically adults are supposed to be accompanied by children, but no one will begrudge you a joy ride if you're quick and quiet about it.
Address: 30 Seward St. Ask around if you can't find it, people will be happy to help. Best part... it's FREE!


Walt Disney Family Museum - A museum that features the life and legacy of Walt Disney. The museum is located in The Presidio of San Francisco, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in San Francisco. The museum is a great walk through Walt's life from growing up in Missouri to the creation of Steamboat Willy and Mickey. It took me half a day to walk through and read every piece of history I could. There is even a list of food items that Walt liked and didn't like for his wife that is on display. The museum also has some spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge! They also offer film screenings of classic Disney movies every day. Check their website for more details. Address: 104 Montgomery Street. Open daily 10am–6pm, except every Tues, Jan 1, Thanksgiving & Dec 25. Adult tickets are $20 for admission; $7 for film screening.


Japanese Tea Garden - is a popular feature of Golden Gate Park, originally built as part of a sprawling World's Fair, the California Midwinter International Exposition of 1894. The oldest public Japanese garden in the United States, this complex of many paths, ponds and a teahouse features native Japanese and Chinese plants. The garden's 5 acres contain many sculptures and bridges. It is a beautiful and relaxing place to be at peace in. You can also purchase Japanese tea to enjoy while exploring the garden. Get there before 10am Monday-Friday and enter for free, otherwise the fee is $8 for adults.image credit: www.innsf.com


Japantown - is a neighborhood in the Western Addition district of San Francisco, California. It comprises about six squarecity blocks. San Francisco's Japantown is the largest and oldest such enclave in the United States.Visit in April for the Cherry Blossom Festival, this event features dazzling display showcasing the color and grace of the Japanese culture and the diversity of the Japanese American Community.


Just up the street is The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption at 1111 Gough St. Its a very interesting architectural building and the inside is even more beautiful. Take a walk up from Japantown to visit this amazing building.image credit: gawker.com








Ferry Plaza Farmers MarketSaturday 8am–2pm; Tuesday 10am–2pm; Thursday 10am–2pmThe Ferry Building Marketplace is open every day, but these are the days to go when the local farmers display their beautiful vegetables, fruits, sprouts, and other yummy foods. They do free walking tours and start at noon on Saturdays and Tuesdays. Tours coincide with the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market.

Where to Stay
I stayed at the Green Tortuous Hostel, which I highly recommend. I stayed in a 4 bed all female dorm for $40 per night. Seems a bit pricy, but it was convenient to the bus, BART, Chinatown, downtown and I even walked to the pier to catch the boat to Alcatraz Island. What you get: Free WiFi, free breakfast every morning (bagels, fruit, OJ, eggs, continental style), free dinner 3 times a week and its pretty delicious, a fully equipped kitchen with a stove and oven, and a discount at the liquor store around the corner. I met so many fun people there, it is a "Party Hostel", so there are many more young people around. They had hostel events such as a dinner out, pub crawl, and a few tours available most nights of the week. They do have private rooms too. Check them out!


Enjoy your time in San Francisco! The only reason I didn't stay was because the cost of an apartment is an arm and a leg!

Google Maps & Public Transportation

Traveling around the world I have my favorite Apps that are really useful, and Google Maps app is one of them. Because I use public transportation as much as possible when traveling its a great tool. I have used it to get around Barcelona, Honolulu, Paris, Singapore, Bangkok, Chicago, NYC, Cincinnati, San Francisco and so many other cities.

If you aren't familiar with the app, here are the steps to make your life so much easier while traveling using public transportation.
First, download the app. Its available on android, iOS, and web. I use it on my iPad and iPhone.

Touch the blue circle with the arrow in it.

It will bring you to the directions page. Select the train image then type in your destination. You can use the address, but I usually type in the name of the place. Google is very smart.


It will give you route options and length of trip to choose from.


Once selected it gives you directions, including walking to your destination.

If it doesn't have an option for public transportation, it will give you a quote for how much it will cost you to take an Uber.

I don't have data available in other countries, so I use it while I'm on wifi, screen shot it and follow the route. Google Maps will download the city you are in while you are on wifi, just open google maps and your GPS in the phone will move the blue dot around to show you where you are on the map.

Good luck circling the world!

Day Trip from Bangkok to Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya, pronounced "Ah-you-tie-ah", is an ancient capital and modern city in the Central Plains of Thailand, 85 km north of Bangkok. It is the Capital City of the Province of this name. The city is scattered with ancient ruins and beautiful temples. It was so exciting just thinking about what the city must have looked like in the 17th Century. I was walking in the footsteps of royalty and peasants in this magnificent place. The city has so much to see, so if you can stay the night, if not plan a whole day visiting Ayutthaya.

To get to the train station in Bangkok to Ayutthaya:
Take the MRT to the Hua Lamphong stop. Exit the MRT and follow the signs for Hua Lamphong train station. You will exit right at the train station. 

Each train has a designated ticket booth, I advise to ask the information desk, as you enter the station, what number ticket booth to purchase your ticket. Go to that booth and ask for a one way ticket to Ayutthaya. It should be about 20 BAT for a 3rd class ticket. This doesn't have AC, but the wind is nice. Be sure to ask what train track to go to from the clerk. There is a small convenient store inside the great hall to pick up any last minute waters or snacks you may want for the 2 hour plus ride. I picked up some water and snacks for the trip and glad I did.

Once on the train I asked a fellow westerner if they were headed in the same direction as me, just to be sure I was on the correct train, and we became quick friends. That's the fun part about traveling is meeting new people. My new friends and I decided because I only had 4 hours to explore the temples we would share a tuktuk. 

Once we arrived at the Ayutthaya stop we were greeted by many Tuk Tuk drivers and given a map of all the temples and attractions. We negotiated a price at 800BAT (about $22) for 3 people for 4 hours. We told him the places we wanted to go and he suggested a few more of the must see places. It was great! He waited at every stop for us and even dropped us off at a nice place for lunch on the river. He brought us back to the train station just in time to catch the train back to Bangkok.


Once at the train station in Ayutthaya purchase your ticket back to Bangkok and they will tell you what track to be on. Once again chat with some westerners to pass the time because the train may be late.

Once back in Bangkok catch the MRT back to your hotel or hostel.My day trip cost $20, including food, admission into each temple, water and transportation (train and tuktuk).

I do suggest that ladies if you are wearing a tank top to bring a shawl or scarf to cover your shoulders. Out of respect, they ask you to dress modestly. I wore shorts and a tank top and draped a scarf over my shoulders.

Here is a list of the must see temples:
Wat Phra Mahathat
Wat Phra Si Sanphet / The Grand Palace
Wat Chaiwattaranaram
Wat Buddhaisawan

Chicago

Getting There

From Ohare Airport

The blue line will take you into the city. At the O'Hare station the train only goes one way (it's the last station in the line), so watch for the signs for which train is departing next. From the blue line you can connect to any of the elevated or L train lines. 

From Midway Airport

The Orange line will take you into the city and can connect you to any of the L trains. 

The Chicago transpiration system is one of the easiest I have come across. The system is designed like spokes on a wheel. So if you are downtown you can get just about anywhere in the city on the L. 

Where To Go - There is so much to see and do in Chicago, so here a couple of places that I have enjoyed when visiting the Second City.

John Hancock Observatory (now 360 Chicago). Open every day from 9am to 11pm you get an unbelievable view of the city. Adult admission for the ride up and the view is $19.

Or you can visit the Willis Tower and walk out on the ledge of Chicago's tallest building. At 1,353 feet in the air, the Ledge’s glass boxes extend out 4.3 feet from the Skydeck. Day of tickets will set you back $30, order online and get a discounted rate of $19.50 for adults.

Free architecture walking tours are a great way to get some general knowledge of the city and appreciate the beautiful and not so beautiful buildings in the city. Free Tours By Foot has many types of tours to choose from such as food, ghost and the Lincoln Park Zoo. Be sure to book ahead of time and tip your guide!!

Wrigley Field

Book a tour of Wrigley field for only $25 per person. Stroll through the home of the Chicago Cubs and get the chance to see what happens behind the scenes of the Friendly Confines. This 70-90 minute tour will take you behind the scenes and see the visitors clubhouse, Cubs clubhouse, Cubs dugout and the historical Wrigley Field. Catch a game if you can!

NPR's Wait Wait Don't Tell Me taping

See the live taping of the radio program taped in the Chase Bank auditorium. $30 will get you a ticket to two of the funniest hours on your trip. Click the link for more information and tickets. 

Chapel in the Sky

Visit the Methodist church at the Chicago Temple Monday through Saturday a free tour is offered at 2pm.  At the corner of Washington St and Clark St on the 23rd floor is the tallest church building in the world. The views aren't spectacular, but it's an interesting and historical chapel.  

Second City Theater Troupe

Have a laugh with the best known, first ever, on-going improvisational theater troupe in the United States. Get tickets in advance Check groupon.com and goldstar.com for discount tickets. 

Where To Stay

Chicago Hostel International - located at 24 E Congress Pkwy. A 3-minute walk from Harrison subway station, this trendy hostel in The Loop is a 9-minute stroll from Grant Park, and a 15-minute walk from the observation deck of Willis Tower. Free breakfast buffet, WiFi and two cafe's on site. This hostel also offers private rooms.


Parthenon Hostel - located at 312 S Halsted St, it's just outside of the city center Chicago. A 15-minute walk from the Willis Tower, this modern Greektown hostel is 0.2 miles from an El train stop with 3-minute service to the Chicago Loop. Complimentary breakfast and all day coffee and tea with a restaurant and bar on site. Free WiFi of course.
Aloft - located 515 N Clark St, just north of the river. This contemporary, glass-sided hotel in the trendy River North area is a 6-minute walk from Michigan Avenue's high-end shopping and 1 mile from 360 CHICAGO's observatory. 

Where To Eat

Get your deep dish Chicago style pizza fix at Uno's Pizzeria. It's the best deep dish I've ever had! A small pan will serve two to three people. Or try Deu one block away, the 2nd Chicago style pizza joint. 

Enjoy a night on the town at RPM Italian. Serving traditional and modern Italian food in a sleek urban environment, it doesn't disappoint. Devour a big bowl of Mama DiPandis spaghetti and defiantly have the hazelnut tartufo for dessert. Don't skip on the dessert!!

Celebrate the end of prohibition at Berghoff. Enjoy a beer at the first establishment to get their liquor license after the end of prohibition. 17 West Adams street.  

Have a drink at The Trump Tower. Enjoy a cocktail while overlooking the Chicago river in the heart of downtown. 

View from The Trump Tower

I hope you enjoy The Windy City as much as I do. There is so much to do and see in this town, you wont be bored!

Traveling Solo

For the most part I travel solo all around the world, visiting places that intrigue me or to go visit friends. It can be lonely traveling all alone and sometimes it would be nice to have someone to share my experiences with. But traveling alone has its benefits.

Making new friends

Making new friends on the road is a lot easier than what you think. Think about it, there are thousands of travelers just like you on their own adventures right now. When traveling with others it’s easier to settle in with your own group, but when your traveling solo you must rely on yourself and others, this is when you get to know new people. Don't be afraid to ask others about their adventure, that's what we all want to hear about. Talk about where you have been, where you're going, where you're from and how long you are in the city you're visiting to get the conversation started.

Go where YOU want, when YOU want

My favorite thing to do in cities is to walk the streets and get “lost”. Now, with GPS you're never lost. I walk around the city to see what the locals see, stopping in at interesting bars, shops and grocery stores. You get to decide where YOU want to go and make your own timeline and don't have to worry about when someone else is hungry, thirsty, late, if they walk too fast, or too slow. While walking the streets I love visiting grocery stores to see what the locals eat and how it compares to what is at my local grocery store. I never know what ill find to eat, and its cheaper than going to a restaurant.

Discovering YOU!

Getting to know yourself is a wonderful and empowering byproduct of traveling solo. Like writing in a journal, this is a great stress reliever and a way to remember what you did day to day to tell all of your friends back home. Traveling by yourself allows you to witness how you react to different situations and can gain a deeper understanding of who you are and what actually matters to you. The beauty of traveling alone is to self reflect and have time to yourself and learn to be lonely. Learn to overcome the uncomfortable situations will make you stronger. “What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.”

Challenge yourself

Whats great about traveling alone is that no one knows you! Use this to your benefit because you can make a fool of yourself and you will never have to see these people again. Not good at chatting up that cute guy/girl? Well, first of all if you're rejected, that's their problem they don't want to be with you and second of all you will never have to see this person again, thirdly when you do make that positive connection you may have met your new best friend or husband/wife! Are you a picky eater? Use this time to expand your horizons and taste what the locals love to eat. You never know what you’ll love, I mean that foie gras wont eat itself!

Gain Confidence

The first solo trip I took was a little nerve-wracking. I was in a new city, with people I didn't know and I didn't speak the language. With each trip you take, the more confident you will get with using public transportation, talking to people, reading maps, trying new food and meeting new people. The more you travel the more you know. 

So, book that trip you always wanted to take! Make new friends and discover a new culture and surroundings. Challenge yourself by trying new food and open yourself to meeting new people. Enjoy your time to yourself!!

Check out my friends article on Why Traveling Solo Can Be Good For You. I was interviewed by Maria Walley for the piece. Thank you so much for the opportunity!