# Beautiful World Beautiful Life


## Posts

- [Iceland and Norway Packing List: Both for Land and Cruises](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2026/01/04/nordics-packing-list/): Planning a trip to Iceland or Norway means packing for rapidly changing weather, outdoor adventures, and cool coastal climates even in summer. This complete Iceland and Norway packing list covers year-round essentials, season-specific items, and cruise-specific must-haves to ensure you’re always ready for your Nordic adventure. Clothing Essentials My favorite and a very apropos Norwegian saying is that there is no bad weather, only bad clothing. When traveling through the Nordics, it’s a matter of being prepared and this means layers. Layering Basics Why? Layering with carefully chosen pieces is important because it allows you to adapt by adding or […]
- [7 Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route Hike: Complete Guide to Tanzania’s Ultimate Trek](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2026/01/02/guide-kilimanjaro-machame-route/): Learn everything you need to know about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro on the 7-day Machame Route. Detailed day-by-day itinerary, altitude tips, best seasons, FAQs, and planning advice for Tanzania’s most iconic hike. I can vividly recall watching an IMAX film about the snows of Kilimanjaro as a child – it was one of those memories that just sticks with you. Something that seemed so magical – that you could see African animals wit After seeing the IMAX movie so long ago, Kili had haunted my dreams. I am so grateful that I was lucky enough to have been able to see […]
- [Cruise Port Stop Guide: Oranjestad, Aruba](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2026/01/01/cruise-port-guide-aruba/): Need help planning your cruise stop in Aruba? Welcome! You’ve come to the right place – this complete Aruba Cruise Port Guide covers best tours, top attractions, beaches overview, shopping, souvenirs, seasonal tips, FAQs and much more for Oranjestad cruise passengers. Discover why Aruba is also known as “One Happy Island.” With its walkable port, world-class beaches, reliable weather, and friendly atmosphere, Aruba consistently ranks as many people’s top cruise port in the Caribbean. Whether you choose adventure, relaxation, or shopping, Aruba delivers an effortless and memorable cruise stop. LOGISTICS PORT: Oranjestad | CURRENCY: Aruban Florin (Afl) DOCK | Arrival: […]
- [Guide and Review: Ultimate 3 Day Uyuni Salt Flats and Lagoons Tour (Bolivia)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/12/30/bolivia-uyuni-3-day-tour/): Was it social media that first introduced me to the Salar de Uyuni? The largest salt flats on the planet do make for some incredible photos and videos. So I knew that I wanted to experience it for myself as I made my way around South America. I have been very lucky when traveling to make friends who are so gracious to help with travel planning by passing on tips and recommendations (especially useful since I am so by the seat of my pants with my trips!) Otherwise I would not have known to book a multi-day trip through Uyuni […]
- [Rakuten You Can Now Earn Bilt Points - What Are You Waiting For? Do it!!](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/12/28/rakuten-bilt-points/): You know that I love shopping portals AKA how to earn cashback/points or miles for online (and some in-person) shopping. I use both the AA shopping portal (to earn AA miles) and Rakuten which allows you to earn cashback or Amex Membership Reward points! But Rakuten recently upped their game and announced the opportunity to now earn Bilt Points as well. Let’s dive into why I think this is a huge opportunity that most shouldn’t miss! What is Rakuten? Rakuten is a shopping portal that allows you to earn cash back when booking travel, doing your holiday shopping or even […]
- [US National Parks - Changes, Free Days & More: 2026](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/12/22/nps-changes-free-days-2026/): “National parks are the best idea we ever had. Absolutely American, absolutely democratic, they reflect us at our best rather than our worst.” So wrote author Wallace Stegner in 1983. When President Ulysses S Grant signed the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act in 1872, the United States established the world’s first national park. Not only was this the first time that a large area was set aside by a state for public use alongside with the goals of conservation and preservation, it also inspired the worldwide national park movement. US National Parks System U.S. National Parks are protected federal lands managed […]
- [2026 Free Days at Museums, Zoo, Parks, and More in Colorado](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/12/21/co-free-days-2026/): Want to save some cash in 2026? Not only are there many free activities and events that happen throughout the state throughout the year, did you know that there are certain days that museums and institutions as well as national and state parks waive admission?!?! Dive in to find out where and when! Denver Art Museum Free Day at the Denver Art Museum (DAM): engage with art, explore onsite activities, and experience exhibitions on view all while enjoying free general admission! Free Days include access to the entire Denver Art Museum campus, including the Hamilton Building, Martin Building, and The […]
- [Guide and Review: Premium Catamaran Morning Sail: Snorkeling with (Unlimited) Drinks and Bites - Aruba](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/12/18/aruba-morning-catamaran-snorkeling/): The sole reason for choosing this itinerary was that I would be able to finally visit Aruba! I knew that I would want to experience Aruba’s calm, crystal-clear Caribbean waters. This is one of the best snorkel destinations in the region and so I opted for a tour that sailed in the morning. I had heard that mornings offer the very best conditions with lighter winds, gentler currents, and fewer boats on the water and a catamaran tour would visit top sites like the Antilla Shipwreck and Malmok Reef. Why Consider a Morning Snorkel Tour in Aruba Aruba’s calm, crystal-clear […]
- [American Airlines Unannounced Change to Basic Economy Tickets Effective Immediately (Following Delta's Lead)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/12/17/aa-basic-econ-change/): I am even more thrilled that I took up Frontier on their fast track elite status challenge since it appears that the lines are starting to blur between the low cost carriers and legacy carriers. Take this unannounced change that American Airlines made that also took effect immediately! Basic Economy fare tickets purchased after 12 AM CST on December 17, 2025 will now not earn any AAdvantage® miles or Loyalty Points! This is another step down for these fares as change fares were added last year but you were still able to earn 2 AA miles&LP/$1 of the fare. You […]
- [How To Get Rewarded For Shopping (ie at Walmart) or Booking Excursions (with GetYourGuide) with TopCashback](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/12/16/topcashback-gyg-walmart/): I have shown you how it is possible to earn cash back and/or earn points+miles when shopping (at retailers such as Safeway, Target, Sam’s Club and many more) using Rakuten (read my guide on Rakuten here) and AAdvantage eShopping Mall (and here’s my insight on why this is my go-to) But there is one more shopping portal that I have used that I have neglected to write about so let’s get that sorted now – here’s a quick intro to TopCashback! How does TopCashback work? If you’ve never used a cash-back shopping site or are just curious in general, you […]
- [Mt. Dalsnibba and Eagle Road Bus Tour - Geiranger, Norway (Guide and Review)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/12/14/mt-dalsnibba-and-eagle-road-tour/): I found that planning this multi-generational family cruise was tough in that I had to balance varying ages, fitness levels, interests, etc to consider so I went with a number of bus tours including for our Ålesund port day. Why? First is that transportation is covered which can be challenging for big groups but I like that in picturesque locales like Norway, being able to relax and just admire the views makes the experience more enjoyable. Secondly, we were able to see and learn so much from fun and engaging tour guides to really maximize our time in port. And […]
- [Marriott Bonvoy 1 Point Drop: Cruise the Caribbean with Outdoors Ambassador Dylan Efron + Stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/12/13/marriott-1-point-drop-12-17-2025/): Did you know that there’s another way that you can use your Marriott Bonvoy points besides redeeming for free nights? Marriott Bonvoy Moments gives members the opportunity to book exclusive experiences using your points. Unless you have a LOT of points and the experience isn’t attainable otherwise, this is not something that I would say benefits most…except for the following situations: And those are these golden opportunities: when Marriott offers a 1-Point Moment Drop. This is a promotional event that allows Marriott Bonvoy members to redeem just 1 point for those exclusive experiences and the next one is coming up very […]
- [RIB Fjordsafari Geirangerfjord, Norway (Guide and Review)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/12/12/rib-fjordsafari-geirangerfjord-norway/): Friends in the know had raved about how Geiranger was THE “do not miss and/or prettiest place in Norway” so it had been on my wanderlist for some time and was actually the reason I booked a specific itinerary for our family cruise. This is a place so renowned for its beauty, that Norway’s own Princess Märtha Louise chose this location for the site of her nuptials in 2024! The question would be would this place live up to that hype? I decided the only way to accurately judge this would be to see it from all of the angles. […]
- [TARGETED: Marriott Delight With More: Stay Twice, Earn A Free Night](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/12/11/marriott-stay-twice-earn-a-free-night-targeted-2025/): Another day and there’s another loyalty program email that is too good to pass up! Marriott Bonvoy – TARGETED Delight With More: Stay Twice, Earn A Free Night Promotion Promotion Terms & Conditions My Experience Signing Up for Delight With More: Stay Twice, Earn A Free Night Promotion Marriott Bonvoy 35K Points Free Night Award Earned Via This Promo Marriott Bonvoy Free Night Award Valued at 35,000 Points Important Note: Marriott Free Night Awards covers the room and related room taxes only so if there is a resort, destination or other mandatory fee, you are responsible for these. And yes […]
- [Guide and Review: Ålesund Shore Excursion: From Fjords to Trolls (Norway)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/12/10/from-fjord-to-trolls-excursion-alesund-norway-2/): I found that planning this multi-generational family cruise was tough in that I had to balance varying ages, fitness levels, interests, etc to consider so I went with a number of bus tours including for our Ålesund port day. Why? First is that transportation is covered which can be challenging for big groups but I like that in picturesque locales like Norway, being able to relax and just admire the views makes the experience more enjoyable. Secondly, we were able to see and learn so much from fun and engaging tour guides to really maximize our time in port. And […]
- [TARGETED: Frontier Airlines Offering Fast Track for Elite Status!](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/12/09/frontier-fast-track-elite-status-targeted-2025/): I opened up my email and almost forgot about this offer that is too good for me to pass up! Get Frontier’s top Elite perks faster than ever and see what it means for us to be your new airline, with First Class on the way and huge rewards to match. Book and fly to earn Elite Gold with just one round-trip or Elite Platinum with only two more Frontier Airlines – TARGETED Fast Track to FrontierMiles Elite Status Promotion Promotion Terms & Conditions Terms and Conditions: Earn Elite Status with Round-trip Flights Earn Elite Gold Status when you purchase […]
- [Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Cappadocia - Türkiye (Guide and Review)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/12/08/turkey-cappadocia-sunrise-balloon-ride/): After doing my first ever hot air balloon ride in Bagan, Burma, I would take my second flight in as magical of a location: Cappadocia, Türkiye. Even better was that this ride would begin early enough that I would be able to watch the sun slowly light up the horizon and illuminate the volcanic landscapes and fairy chimneys. Would this experience match what I had seen on Instagram and truly be a Wanderlist item or would I find that it was another example of highly edited and manipulated images not matching up with reality? Come take a look to see […]
- [Cyber Monday: World of Hyatt 15% Cash Back + Best EVER $50 Referral Bonus to Join](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/12/01/rakuten-woh-cyber-monday-deal/): World of Hyatt has FINALLY joined a shopping portal with an especially tempting 15% cash back! Cyber Monday – World of Hyatt 15% Cash Back On Monday, December 1, 2025, you can book your rooms via Rakuten for 15% cash back at World of Hyatt! About World of Hyatt World of Hyatt is Hyatt Hotel’s loyalty program and is my favorite for hotels for many reasons but one of the most important is that there is still a published award chart with reasonable rates. Rakuten World of Hyatt Offers Terms & Conditions / Exclusions Posting Time Will You Receive Elite […]
- [Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Bagan Temples - Burma (Guide and Review)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/11/16/burma-bagan-sunrise-balloon-ride-2/): As the sun rises over thousands of ancient pagodas, the warm light transforms the landscape into a glowing sea of temples and mist. Floating quietly above the Bagan plains offers a perspective no temple climb or viewpoint can match. There is a reason why a hot air balloon ride in Bagan Burma is one of the world’s most iconic travel and was one of my wanderlist experiences – here’s what it was really like. The History of Bagan: A Thousand-Year-Old Kingdom Bagan’s story begins more than 1,000 years ago, during the height of the Pagan Kingdom (9th–13th century). It became […]
- [Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise (Wanderlist Activity - US, New Mexico)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/11/15/us-albuquerque-sunrise-balloon-ride/): There’s nothing quite like floating over the high desert as the sun rises behind the Sandia Mountains. With its calm winds, wide-open skies, and nearly perfect year-round flying conditions, Albuquerque is known as the hot air ballooning capital of the world. I have been so fortunate to have taken a few hot air balloon rides now and each one has been different and interesting – see how the ride in ABQ went. Why Albuquerque Is the World’s Ballooning Capital Albuquerque’s reliable weather patterns (especially the unique Albuquerque Box, a wind phenomenon that allows balloons to drift in a predictable loop) […]
- [Rooftop Aperitif at Reichstag Käfer Restaurant (Berlin, Germany)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/11/14/berlin-germany-apertif-reichstag-kafer/): I was able to still visit the Reichstag even with all of the free slots taken thanks to GetYourGuide! While not a free option, I thought it was money well spent as I was able to skip the line and also had a reservation at the only restaurant open to the public inside a parliamentary building in the world. The Käfer Dachgarten Restaurant sits atop the Reichstag, offering locally sourced meals, pastries, and coffee with sweeping skyline views. I love unique experiences and this was one of the best things that I did not only in Berlin but during my […]
- [Unique/Eco Architecture with Great Views AND it's FREE*? Count me in! (Guide: Reichstag, Berlin, Germany)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/11/11/berlin-germany-reichstag-guide/): One of the top sights to visit in Berlin is free! *Well this can be free if you learn from my mistake and plan ahead. Whether you’re captivated by Berlin’s skyline, intrigued by German history, or inspired by transparent governance, the Reichstag is a must-see highlight of any Berlin itinerary. Learn all about this very cool experience that I had in Berlin before the start of my comped MSC Baltics cruise! BERLIN Logistics Language / Communication: GERMAN: Hallo – hello – informal (hâ-loh) | Guten Tag/Abend – good day/evening (gooh-ten tahk/ah-bent) | Auf Wiedersehen – good bye (ouf vee-der-zey-en) | Entschuldigung– excuse me […]
- [Port Stop: Finding Myself Exactly Where I Needed To Be In Colorful and Vibrant Willemstad, Curaçao (MSC Divina - Southern Caribbean Cruise)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/11/06/port-stop-curacao-msc/): Curaçao combines the beauty of the Caribbean with some European influence mixed in and is highlighted by the colorful buildings, friendly locals, and clear blue water everywhere you look. It is funny that I was looking forward most to Aruba on this itinerary but found myself instead falling in love with Willemstad. So much so that I am constantly plotting when I can return to Curaçao. I love that travel is about discovery and surprise and that many times, if you allow yourself to be open – you find yourself exactly where you should be and that was definitely the […]
- [Cruise Port Stop Guide: Willemstad, Curaçao](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/11/05/cruise-port-guide-curacao/): If your Caribbean cruise includes a stop in Curaçao, you’re in for one of the most colorful and vibrant destinations in the Dutch Caribbean. Curaçao blends Caribbean relaxation with European charm. As you stroll through colorful Willemstad, sip Blue Curaçao on a beach, or snorkel/dive in turquoise water, you’ll begin to see why this island is a top highlight on any Caribbean cruise itinerary. This island offers so much – so let’s dive in and discover the best things to do, eat and buy whilst ashore. For more on the discount code specifically, read this and on GetYourGuide in general, […]
- [The Best Walking Tour Willemstad, Curaçao (Guide and Review)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/11/03/curacao-walking-tour/): That’s a bold statement to make and call yourself the Best Walking Tour Willemstad right? Well, I have been so fortunate to have seen and done so many walking tours around the world and I will say that this is one of the top walking tours I have ever taken anywhere! So yes, it does live up to the hype =) This tour was a fantastic way to soak in the authentic island vibe while learning about Curaçao’s unique blend of European and Caribbean cultures and shed light on what made Curaçao the vibrant and colorful place it is. Why […]
- [How to Save Money On Travel: Activities/Excursions/Tours Edition (Using GetYourGuide and Viator)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/11/01/save-money-travel-activities-tours-edition/): The reality is that traveling can still be expensive even if you have used miles for your flight and points for your hotel with money spent on activities and excursions quickly adding up. I have talked about it before but here I will do a deep dive into what I mean when I say that I am maximizing my spend which is really is how I save money and earn miles/points on the things I see and do whilst on my trips. Why Use Viator or GetYourGuide Viator is a platform that allows you to book tours, excursions, museum passes […]
- [REVIEW: Icelandair Saga Lounge - Keflavik Airport, Iceland](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/10/28/review-icelandair-saga-lounge-kef/): There are many reasons why I am so grateful for my American Airlines Executive Platinum status (ie this $500 basic economy turned flagship business flight, a nearly perfect streak of complimentary domestic upgrades last year!) but airport lounge access with my corresponding oneworld Emerald status may be my favorite one. I love that even when flying economy, I am able to access some nicer airport lounges for free and how oneworld makes it so easy to access lounges (as opposed to Star Alliance where it can feel like pulling teeth getting my SA Gold recognized!)
- [REVIEW: Hilton Reykjavík Nordica (How A Hotel and Elite Status Help Make Iceland a Lot More Affordable!)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/10/26/review-hilton-nordica-reykjavik/): Another spur of the moment trip made possible by points and miles AKA the story of my life. But that is the plain and simple truth of the matter – that I am able to travel so much because I use travel hacking to cut down on my travel costs! Remember how I have told you that travel hacking is a combo of strategies and/or techniques adopted to allow one to travel for cheaper, better and/or more often? It’s the only way that I have been able to go to Iceland (one of the most expensive places I have ever […]
- [Icelandic Horse Riding Tour in the Red Lava Fields near Reykjavík, Iceland (Guide and Review)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/10/20/reykjavik-icelandic-horse-riding-red-lava/): Looking for a unique Iceland adventure just minutes from Reykjavík? A horse riding tour through the red lava fields lets you experience the country’s volcanic beauty from the saddle of a purebred Icelandic horse — one of the most iconic animals in the world. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, this small-group horseback tour near Reykjavík combines stunning scenery, gentle horses, and authentic local culture. I have been so fortunate to have seen and done so much while in Iceland (also helps that I have been back a number of times!) but this was one of my top […]
- [Reykjavík: Northern Lights Small Group Tour (Guide and Review)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/10/18/northern-lights-small-group-tour-reykjavik-iceland/): There’s nothing quite like standing beneath Iceland’s Arctic sky as waves of green, pink, and purple light shimmer above you. The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are one of the most spectacular natural displays on Earth — and joining a small group Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik gives you the best chance to witness them. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, this intimate tour experience combines science, storytelling, and pure magic under Iceland’s winter skies. One of the main reasons I booked this return trip to Iceland was to go Northern Lights Hunting. Unfortunately my first […]
- [Reykjavík: Evening Lava Tunnel and Northern Lights Hunt (Guide and Review)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/10/15/iceland-lava-tunnel-tour/): Even though I have been to Iceland a few times now, I love how there is still so much more for me to see and do in this super safe Nordic country! I was looking for unique things to do near Reykjavík and was told that the Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel tour should be part of my upcoming Iceland itinerary. The spectacular lava tube, formed over 5,000 years ago, offers a fascinating glimpse into Iceland’s volcanic landscape and since there’s no hiking expertise required, it wouldn’t be too taxing on my knee. So I opted for the evening tour that not […]
- [How To: Showcase of Flexible Points for Award Redemption (United Economy Transatlantic Flight)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/10/06/flexible-points-credit-cards-star-alliance/): When people are first starting with travel hacking, many assume that the initial learning curve of how to earn points will be the hard part. Which can take some time to wrap your head around how to maximize spend / sign up bonuses / different bank’s rules, etc. But you will quickly come to learn that the more difficult thing to learn/master is what comes next: when you go to use those points for award travel. And as with all things in life, I promise that it does get easier as you do it more often. First set up accounts […]
- [Rakuten Big Stack 2025 Event + Best EVER $50 Referral Bonus to Join (AKA How To Get Rewarded For Shopping)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/10/05/rakuten-2025-big-stack/): Did you know that there’s a way to earn cash back when shopping (at retailers such as Safeway, Target, Sam’s Club and many more)? Rakuten 2025 Big Stack Event is starting from October 6 – October 8, when you can earn even higher cash back amounts! And by joining Rakuten now and spending at least $50, you can earn the best ever $50 referral bonus! What is Rakuten? Rakuten is a shopping portal that allows you to earn cash back when booking travel, doing your holiday shopping or even opening bank accounts! If you are doing any of these activities, […]
- [Hilton For Business Offering Fast Track for Diamond Status!](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/10/02/hilton-for-business-diamond-fast-track-2025/): The Hilton for Business program is offering a fast track to Diamond status for those enrolled in the program after staying only 10 nights by December 15, 2025! The Promotion Promotion Terms & Conditions Here are the key details you need to know about the Hilton For Business Diamond Fast Track Deal: Hilton For Business Hilton Honors Diamond Status Benefits Typically requires staying 60 nights in a calendar year so this is a great opportunity to earn top tier status with only 10 elite night credits. Why You Should Do This Typically earning Hilton Honors Diamond status requires staying 60 […]
- [How to Get From/To Keflavík Airport To/From Reykjavík - Shared Transfer Option (Guide and Review)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/09/22/shared-transfer-keflavik-reykjavik-2/): The reality is that traveling in Iceland is expensive. And that is further compounded when traveling solo as there is no one else to split costs with. For example, the updated 2025 costs for taxis from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík are between $170-200, if you are traveling between 8:00 – 16:00 on a weekday (and can go up from there for holidays, evening, weekends)! And private transportation is typically nearly as expensive. On my this recent solo trip to Iceland, I booked what has become my standard: the shared transportation option from/to Keflavík Airport to/from Reykjavík and realized I needed […]
- [Limited Time: Chase's BEST Offer on 2 of the Business Ink Cards is BACK! ($900 or 90,000 Points!)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/09/14/chase-business-ink-90k-2025/): The sign on bonus for Chase’s Ink Business Cash® and Ink Business Unlimited® have returned for a limited time to the best-ever $900 or 90,000 points!
- [Best EVER $50 Referral Bonus to Join Rakuten AKA How To Get Rewarded For Shopping](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/09/13/rakuten-2025-best-ever-50-bonus/): Did you know that there’s a way to earn cash back when shopping (at retailers such as Safeway, Target, Sam’s Club and many more)? And by joining Rakuten now and spending at least $50, you can earn the best ever $50 referral bonus. If you don’t use a referral bonus to join Rakuten, you will earn a welcome bonus of $10 vs the typical $30 bonus that using a referral will get you. Sometimes there are elevated welcome referrals of $40 but this is the highest bonus that Rakuten has ever offered! So you are asking yourself what Rakuten is […]
- [What My FREE Princess Cruise Was Really Like (or How I was Able to Chase the Northern Lights in a Mini-Suite)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/09/08/overview-pcl-aurora-search-minisuite-cruise-2024/): From the beginning, the goal was always to see how far I could maximize my Casino Status Match Jackpot. To parlay the statuses, comp cruise and comp stays obtained in Atlantic City for as many comp cruises as possible. I had no idea how far it would go and was pretty surprised and impressed that I was able to counter offer my way to this specific sailing. I had been hearing about us entering the max of the 11 year solar cycle with indications that we were due for some epic storms (which proved correct!) so seeing the Aurora Borealis […]
- [TRIP REPORT: My FREE Princess Cruises Mini-Suite Comp Cruise (Caribbean Princess 14 Night Search for the Northern Lights ~$120/day!)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/09/08/trip-report-pcl-northern-lights-comp-cruise/): I continue to be amazed that the Casino Status Match Jackpot has paid off so handsomely for me (here’s my full haul)! But my proudest single parlay was for this cruise – a mini-suite aboard the Caribbean Princess for the Search for the Northern Lights Sailing that was going for over $10,000 and I did hear from many on my floor that was what they spent! And my cost was $105 for taxes and port fees! So how did I spend less than $2,200 for the entire 19 day trip INCLUDING flights, hotels, food, activities, etc? Let’s dive in and […]
- [What Did My FREE Princess Search For the Northern Lights Mini-Suite Cruise Really Cost?](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/09/07/cost-princess-mini-suite-comp-cruise/): When I think of all the time and effort put forth into the Casino Status Match Jackpot, this is the cruise that I think best illustrates why it was worth it and as importantly makes a resounding argument for how these cruises are as close to free as you can get. The going rate for my cabin on this specific sailing was over $10,000.00 which I had a couple people tell me was that this was what they paid for their mini-suite! I have had some argue that these comp cruises aren’t free but the cabin was $0 and I […]
- [How I Negotiated/Parlayed My Way to a Princess Mini Suite Comped Cruise Worth Over $10K! (Search For the Northern Lights Sailing)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/09/06/parlay-to-princess-comped-mini-suite-comp-cruise/): How was I able to parlay a single Atlantic City trip into tens of thousands of dollars in free travel? First step was to complete the casino status match jackpot – read this for all the details. I then took it further and directly matched to cruise lines – this post covers the specifics with matching to Princess Cruise Line (PCL) – and crazy enough, this was my third comp cruise booked via matching and ended up being the most insane / lucrative parlay from that AC trip!
- [Day Two - Virgin Voyages Casino Comp Cruise: Santorini  (Resilient Lady)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/08/28/vv-resilient-lady-greek-glow-day-2/): How it (my Virgin Voyages Greek Isles Glow Cruise) started. Oof it’s the second consecutive cruise not off to a good start and again just a bit of an understatement. And this is excluding the gaslighting by the VV casino department (that’s another post for another day)…friends, this is the cautionary tale of how when things go wrong, they can go south quickly. I do acknowledge that some of this was of my own doing by changing my flight into Athens. Yes this was a classic example of do as I say not as I do that came back to […]
- [Day One: Travel Day + Embarkment of my Virgin Voyages Casino Comp Cruise (Resilient Lady)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/08/25/vv-resilient-lady-greek-glow-day-1/): How it (my Virgin Voyages Greek Isles Glow Cruise) started. Oof it’s the second consecutive cruise not off to a good start and again that’s quite the understatement. And that isn’t even accounting for the gaslighting by the VV casino department (which will be another post for another day)…friends, this is the cautionary tale of how when things go wrong, they can go really wrong. I do acknowledge that some of this was of my own doing by changing my flight into Athens. Yes this was a classic example of do as I say not as I do that came […]
- [Amex & Chase Offers: Don't Miss Out on Potential (Big) Savings](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/08/23/amex-chase-offers/): You know by now that I am all about maximizing spend. Start by putting everything you can on your credit cards (and opening new cards for sign up bonuses). Then taking it a bit further with looking at all the ways to earn more points/miles or save with every swipe. Another way to offset the annual fee (or on those no annual fee cards – have the bank pay you for your card) that takes a little bit of work but can have some outsized gains is with the offers you can find on your credit cards. What Are Credit […]
- [Revamped Chase Sapphire Reserve: Look at the Benefits and NEW 125,000 Points Sign Up Bonus!](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/08/21/revamped-chase-sapphire-reserve/): The Chase Sapphire Reserve card(CSR) was completely overhauled in July and Chase combined that rollout with what it termed as their best ever offer on this card with a sign up bonus (SUB) of 100,000 points and $500 Chase TravelSM promo credit! Which has since expired as of 9 AM EDT on August 21, 2025 BUT one of the most interesting things happened when that offer expired was that Chase immediately started offering a sign up bonus of 125,000 points with a $6,000 spend requirement and many would consider that to be the best ever offer for this card. So let’s […]
- [What My FREE Virgin Voyages Cruise Was Really Like (or How I was Able to Get My Greek Isles Glow on for ~$100/Day)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/08/12/overview-vv-resilient-lady-comp-greek-isles-cruise-2024/): As if getting comp cruises through my Casino Status Match Jackpot wasn’t enough – I decided to really stretch the value by booking two side to side European cruises (transferring between two different cruise ships) as things seemed to be falling perfectly into place with the comp cruise offers. Typically, the two biggest expenses for a trip are flights (especially if they are international) and lodging so this plan saves on having to fly across the Atlantic multiple times and the comp cruises would take care of accommodations for a more than half the nights whilst traveling to some very […]
- [TRIP REPORT: My FREE Virgin Voyages Sea Terrace Cruise (Resilient Lady 8 Day Greek Island Glow for ~$100/day!)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/08/11/trip-report-virgin-voyages-greek-islands-comp-cruise/): I continue to be amazed that the Casino Status Match Jackpot has paid off so handsomely for me (here’s my full haul)! I have heard so many incredible things about Virgin Voyages so I’m really excited for this comp cruise. As if getting a free cruise sailing the Mediterranean wasn’t enough, I was able to really maximize my travels by timing my comp cruise bookings: after wrapping up my Holland America Nordics Comp Cruise and a couple days in Reykjavik, I would head to Athens and then down to Piraeus to board the Resilient Lady. So how did I spend […]
- [Amazon Prime For Young Adults + Prime Access (Discounted Prime Programs!)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/08/10/prime-for-young-adults-prime-access/): Did you know that you might be eligible for a discount Prime membership? Let’s take a look at the two programs that Amazon offers! What is Amazon Prime? Prime is a subscription service from Amazon that offers a variety of benefits Membership Details What is Amazon Prime for Young Adults? Those aged 18 – 24 years old or in school received a discounted Prime subscription with almost the same perks and benefits as Amazon Prime! Notable differences are you cannot share your membership but you do earn 5% Cashback! You must sign up for Prime for Young Adults and verify […]
- [Chase Sapphire Reserve Benefit Alert! Limited Time Offer: Get a FREE 5,000 point Aeroplan® Flight Reward Certificate](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/08/08/2025-csr-free-5k-aeroplane-certificate/): Amazing travel news continues for my birthday =) First Hyatt and American Airlines offered reciprocal elite status matching/challenges, I received this wonderful email from Chase about how they are rewarding Sapphire Reserve holders with a FREE 5,000 point Aeroplan® Flight Reward Certificate. Woohoo – happy birthday to me indeed! Who is Eligible for the FREE 5,000 point Aeroplan® Flight Reward Certificate? To be eligible for this offer your Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card account must be open and not in default and your Aeroplan account must be in good standing at the time of registration and fulfillment. How Do I […]
- [It's BACK! Hyatt and American Airline Elite Status Members Eligible For Free Status Match/Challenge for AA or Hyatt Status!](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/08/06/aa-woh-recriprocal-elite-status-match-2025/): Well Happy (early) birthday to me and a wonderful present for American Airlines (AA) and Hyatt elites in general – the reciprocal status match/challenge is back for the third year in a row! AAdvantage® – World of Hyatt® Partnership AA and Hyatt’s partnership has been constantly evolving (RIP to the dual accrual that elite status members earnings that ended last year) but does still have some nice perks. Individuals who are both World of Hyatt members and AAdvantage® members can earn benefits and rewards, including: Linking AAdvantage® account & World of Hyatt accounts Participating in the benefits and rewards described on […]
- [NEW! GetYourGuide Discount Code for New Users Booking Via App](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/08/04/getyourguide-discount-code/): I have been showcasing how I have used GetYourGuide to book some incredible activities and now have a discount code to share so you can experience the same! What is GetYourGuide? GetYourGuide is a platform that offers a variety of tours and excursions (that offer significant savings over booking directly with a cruise line). But they go beyond that with also offering other travel options like skip the line museum passes, airport transportation, Hop On Hop Off bus tickets and what I especially love -many unique physical activities (why walk up the steps on Mount Askla when you can instead […]
- [Virgin Hotels The Know London Giveaway: 4 Night Stay at London-Shoreditch PLUS 100,000 Virgin Points!](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/08/03/virgin-hotels-the-know-london-giveaway/): Virgin Hotels + Virgin Red are showing how loyalty can pay off big time with their new The Know London Giveaway. What is Virgin Hotels The Know London Giveaway? Win the ultimate London getaway with Virgin Hotels & Virgin Red Virgin Red members in the United States who sign up to The Know for the first time between August 1, 2025 and August 31, 2025 and enter ‘The Know 2025 London Giveaway’ have the chance to win a whirlwind trip to London for a 4-night stay at Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch. Plus, Virgin Red will throw in 100,000 Virgin Points. How Do You Enter? Terms & […]
- [Southwest Early Access to Great American Beer Festival with $10 discount!](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/07/28/2025-gabf-southwest-early-access/): Finally – some positive news coming from Southwest (sorry too soon?!) Mark your calendars and set an alarm for Monday, August 4, 2025 as Southwest Rapid Reward members will have early access to Great American Beer Festival tickets! What is Great American Beer Festival (GABF)? The Great American Beer Festival is an annual beer festival hosted by the Brewers Association, held in Denver, Colorado and boasts an impressive lineup of over 800 breweries presenting a diverse selection of 4,000 beers. This year it will run from Thursday October 9 – Saturday October 11, 2025 and will be held at the Colorado […]
- [What Did My FREE Virgin Voyages Cruise Really Cost? (Resilient Lady 8 Day Greek Islands Glow)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/07/27/true-cost-of-virgin-voyages-direct-match-greece-comp-cruise/): How do you define “free” travel? Many have argued with me that even if the cruise fare for two (or not having a single supplement fee added when traveling solo) is $0, there are all of these other costs so I should not call this a free cruise. One of the reasons why I am so transparent about my trips is to show what my ACTUAL costs and TRUE savings look like so you can make truly informed decisions as to whether this type of travel hacking would be worth it for you. As there are other costs associated with […]
- [July 30, 2025 Rakuten Big Deal: SoFi - $400 Cash Back or 40,000 AMEX MR Points (With Potential Stack of up to $300 More)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/07/26/rakuten-sofi-big-deal-2025/): Mark your calendars and set a reminder for Wednesday, July 30, 2025 as Rakuten’s weekly Big Deal is with SoFi! What is the Weekly Big Deal? A couple of months ago, Rakuten introduced their weekly Big Deals – each Wednesday, you will earn an elevated cash back amount at a specific merchant. I posted on social media but forgot to write a post for this Wednesday, July 23 as the Big Deal was 22% Cashback for Viator (which was the largest cash back % I have seen for them!). June 30, 2025 Big Deal: Sofi Banking On June 30, 2025, […]
- [REVIEW: HAL Nieuw Statendam (11 Night Iceland, Faroe Islands and Norway / Oceanview)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/07/20/hal-nieuw-statendam-nordics-2024-oceanview/): I have shown you what I did and ate while on my cruise through the Nordics but let’s do a deep dive about the ship: Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam that I called home for twelve days. Before I dive in to the specifics about the ship, here are other HAL Nieuw Statendam posts that might interest you.
- [Earn 1,000 Turkish Airlines Miles + 500 Status Miles on Your Next Hilton Stay! (Register and Stay by Septembers, 2025!)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/07/13/milessmiles-hilton-promo-q3-2025/): Another quarter so time for another promotion from Turkish Airlines and Hilton Hotels! And this one is better than the one from earlier this year! Hilton Honors + Turkish Airlines Promotion Details Terms & Conditions for Hilton Honors + Turkish Airlines Promotion Here are the key details you need to know: For examples and further details, please see the promo’s FAQ page. Why You Should Do This This is an easy peasy way to double dip if you have an eligible stay at a Hilton property by September 30th to earn 1,000 Miles&Smiles. One of the questions that I had was […]
- [Why I am Attending a Timeshare Presentation (Hilton Grand Vacation 100 K Points Offer!)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/07/12/hilton-grand-vacation-100k-offer/): Hot take: timeshares can be an integral part of travel hacking. Remember that I define travel hacking as strategies and/or techniques employed to allow you to travel for cheaper, better and/or more often What is a Timeshare? The premise behind timeshares is that they allow people to own vacation property – basically you pay $XX for the right to live in a property for a specific number of days – there are others that also partially own the holiday home. Vacation clubs work in the same way but instead of paying $XX for one specific vacation property, that money allows […]
- [Hyatt Exclusive Offers Are Back! (July 2025)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/07/07/hyatt-exclusive-offers-july-2025/): And they’re backkkkkkk – Hyatt continues to showcase out loyalty can be oh so rewarding! Exclusive Offers Overview They’re back! Hyatt’s loyalty program, World of Hyatt (WoH) has released another set of targeted offers to their members so time to check your WoH to see what yours is! Please let me know what it is so we can get a list going seeing what the full campaign looks like Fine Print for All Exclusive Offers Free Night Award with 3 Night Stay Fine Print for this Exclusive Offer Beautiful tip: Free Night Awards expire 6 months after they are issued […]
- [Definitive Cruise Port Stop Guide: Copenhagen, Denmark](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/07/06/guide-cruise-port-stop-copenhagen-denmark/): Colorful architecture, foodie heaven, canals, hygge, Danish/Scandi minimalist design, environmentalism, the Little Mermaid statue – yeah it’s all of that and so much more. So let’s dive in and plan how to best spend your time in Copenhagen, Denmark! For more on the discount code, read this LOGISTICS PORT-Ocean Quay | CURRENCY: Danish Krone DOCK | Arrival: 8:00 | Departure 17:00 | 1 USD = 6.91 DKK (CURRENT EXCHANGE RATE) LANGUAGE: Danish Hej – hello (high) | Hej hej / Farvel – good bye (high high / fa-vel | Undskyld – sorry (oon-skool) | Være så venlig – (be so kind) – There is no […]
- [Chase Sapphire Reserve Revamped with BEST OFFER EVER 100,000 Points + $500 Promo credit](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/07/04/revamped-chase-sapphire-reserve-best-offer-ever-100k-offer-2025/): The Chase Sapphire Reserve card(CSR) has been completely overhauled. And with the rollout of the latest iteration of this card, Chase has their best ever offer on this card with a sign up bonus (SUB) of 100,000 points and $500 Chase TravelSM promo credit! That offer expired August 21, 2025 but currently the welcome bonus is 125,000 points with a $6,000 spend requirement! Let’s take a look at why this card may still make sense for you especially when looking at why flexible points are so important in travel hacking.
- [Fly Turkish Airlines to Six Continents and Earn 1 Million Miles!](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/07/01/turkish-airlines-one-million-miles-promo/): Another day, another million miles promotion from another airline…this time it is Turkish Airlines offering 1 Million Miles! SAS started off this recent trend with its Million Mile promotion last year (which I am still kicking myself for not doing) and since then Eithad and JetBlue have offered their own versions. Turkish Airline 1 Million Miles Promotion Details For the campaign, Turkish Airlines’ Miles&Smiles members can earn one million bonus miles for flying with the airline to all six continents that it serves. Here are the key details/terms: For more on the campaign including a chart to show where countries are […]
- [Limited Time Offer: AAdvantage eShopping® New Member 1,000 Bonus Miles Opportunity (With Proof Why These Miles Are So Valuable!)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/06/28/aa-shopping-2025-new-member-1k-bonus-miles/): If you are a new user to AAdvantage eShopping®, you can join and earn 1,000 bonus miles when you spend $75+ from now until July 14, 2025. AAdvantage eShopping® New Member 1,000 Bonus Miles Promotion Details Terms & Conditions of New Member 1,000 Bonus Miles Promo How to Maximize This Offer If you need to make a CVS run, do it by 6/29 and you can get an additional 500 bonus miles when you spend $50 or needing to make some photo gifts through Shutterfly? Spend $50 and receive a bonus 1000 miles! Thinking that you will finally sign up […]
- [Cruise Port Stop Guide: Bruges, Belgium](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/06/24/cruise-port-stop-guide-bruges-belgium/): A beautifully preserved medieval town commonly referred to as a fairytale locale with charming canals, Bruges (as it is called in French) or Brugge (in Flemish / Dutch) is often referred to as the Venice of the North. Lets take a look at what you can see/do/eat/drink in this UNESCO Heritage site. For more on the discount code, read this LOGISTICS PORT-Zeebrugge | CURRENCY: Euro (EUR) DOCK | Arrival: 9:00 | Departure 18:00 1 USD = .88 EUR (CURRENT EXCHANGE RATE) LANGUAGE: FLEMISH (DUTCH)* Hallo – hello (hah-low) | Goedemorgen – good morning (thoo-der-mor-hern) | Tot ziens– good bye (toat seens)  | Alstublieft […]
- [Cruise Port Stop Guide: Gdańsk, Poland](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/06/21/cruise-port-stop-guide-gdynia-gdansk-poland/): The first port on my MSC Baltics Cruise is Gydnia where we have opted to visit Gdańsk Gdańsk is one of Poland’s most beautiful and historically rich cities, located along the Baltic Sea. As a popular Baltic cruise destination, Gdańsk offers cruise passengers colorful architecture, medieval streets, amber shopping, and a powerful World War II and Solidarity movement history. For more on the discount code specifically, read this and on GetYourGuide in general, read this LOGISTICS PORT: Gdynia | CURRENCY: Polish Zloty (ZŁ/PLN) DOCK | Arrival: 10:00 | Departure 19:00 1 USD = 4.02 ZŁ/PLN (CURRENT EXCHANGE RATE) LANGUAGE: Polish […]
- [Fly from Multiple US Cities to Europe for 90 Miles and less than $250!](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/06/20/us-to-europe-flights-for-90-miles-and-less-than-250/): Here’s another example of how dynamic pricing and elimination of award charts doesn’t mean that award flight prices will skyrocket – this showcases how the opposite can happen and really how low they can go (as actually I found a few flights for 45 miles!). Which Program? Lufthansa Group’s Miles & More loyalty program Are There Really 90 Mile Award Flights? Yes! That was not a click bait headline at all! Take a look at a couple that I quickly pull and still available for peak travel time this summer! On the left side, we have a flight from New […]
- [Cruise Port Stop Guide: Geiranger, Norway](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/06/19/cruise-port-stop-geiranger-norway/): Small – mighty – impressive. Geiranger knows how to captivate and is a place so renowned for its beauty, that Norway’s own Princess Märtha Louise chose this location for the site of her nuptials in 2024! Even in a country renowned for its fjords, Geirangerfjord stands out with its towering high waterfalls, the emerald-green scenery and near-sheer fjord walls. You made the absolute best decision in choosing a cruise itinerary that includes sailing through the Norwegian fjords with a stop in Geiranger. And here’s my cruise port guide on how to maximize your day in what very well may be […]
- [Finding Awe and Inspiration from HAL's Cruise and Travel Director Clare Adams](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/06/18/inspiraton-hal-clare-adams/): One of my favorite things about traveling is the ability to connect and learn about people/things that you would never have had the opportunity to if you hadn’t ventured out. So many people have such fascinating life stories and histories. And then there are those people who are so extraordinary that they serve as reminders on how life should be more than surviving. I don’t want to ignore or shy away from acknowledging that there are times, and for far too many, that they can only concentrate on surviving but for those of us that have the choice or chance, […]
- [Review: What Makes Holland America Different and How That Sets Them Apart](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/06/16/holland-america-line-review/): I hadn’t thought much of it when people warned me that it would matter which line I chose to cruise with – how different can they really be? Very. Maybe it is more apparent with cruise lines due to the amount of time that you are on the ship so what makes each line unique is a lot more noticeable than say with an airline or even a hotel. Here being a captive audience showcases the good and bad of each cruise line as there are many times literally stuck on a boat in the middle of an ocean. Here’s […]
- [Current Hyatt Promotions (June 2025)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/06/14/hyatt-promos-june-2025/): This serves a great reminder that if you have any hotel stays coming up this summer to enroll in any promotions that the hotel’s loyalty program is offering! This post focuses on Hyatt and their World of Hyatt (WoH) program – where 500 bonus points equals bigger potential for redemption. Remember that Hyatt is the only hotel chain that still has a published award chart that really does start as low as 3,500 points for a free night (off-peak, Category 1)! Hyatt & Peloton (Earn 500 Bonus Points per ride or row) As I shared when this was first partnership […]
- [The Ultimate Cruise Port Stop Guide for Reykjavík, Iceland](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/06/09/guide-cruise-port-stop-reykjavik-iceland/): Here’s all you need to know when your cruise ship makes a stop to Reykjavík, Iceland! For more on the discount code specifically, read this and on GetYourGuide in general, read this LOGISTICS PORT-Skarfabakki | CURRENCY: Icelandic Krona (ISK) DOCK | Arrival: 8:00 | Departure 17:00 | 1 USD = 138.19 ISK (CURRENT EXCHANGE RATE) LANGUAGE: Icelandic Halló – hello (Hah-loh) | Bless – good bye (bless) | Því miður – sorry (thvee mi-thur) | Vinsamlegast – please (vin-saam-leh-gast | Takk – thank you (tak) MONEY MATTERS Credit cards were widely accepted (we were able to use Visa and Mastercard throughout Iceland but […]
- [Top 18 Reykjavík, Iceland Tours + Shore Excursions](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/06/07/top-reykjavik-iceland-tours-shore-excursions/): I will share with you the top eighteen shore excursions you can book while your ship is visiting Reykjavík with info on why and who should book each tour – it was too hard to narrow down to eight or ten so here we are 18! Are you are wondering why I am recommending so many long tours? For many, this may be your only visit to Iceland and Reykjavík, I know that most will be happy looking back that they were able to maximize their time here and see as much as they could! Even for me, having been […]
- [Port: Ísafjörður, Iceland (Day Ten of HAL Nieuw Statendam Nordics Cruise)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/06/06/hal-ns-2024-day-ten-isafjordur-iceland/): This is an overview of my tenth day of my Holland America Nordics cruise aboard HAL’s Nieuw Statendam. If you are wanting to see more details on how I spent my day in Ísafjörður, read this post about my day in the remote Westfjords region. THE DAILY DAY IN PORT Day and night experience between the two other cruises I had been on and Holland America especially contrasted against the NCL Prima cruise that also went to Norway and Iceland. There is so much more communication and education with HAL I personally really benefited from the port overviews and Q […]
- [Cruise Port Stop: Gorgeous Views in Ísafjörður, Iceland (HAL Nieuw Statendam Nordics Cruise)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/06/05/cruise-port-stop-isafjordur-iceland-hal/): After an overnight port visit to Akureyri, the Nieuw Statendam cruise heads to Ísafjörður and this is how I spent my day here. LOGISTICS PORT-Ísafjörður | CURRENCY: Icelandic Krona (ISK) DOCK | Arrival: 8:00 | Departure 17:00 | All Aboard 16:30 1 USD = 137.68 ISK (CURRENT EXCHANGE RATE) LANGUAGE: Icelandic Halló – hello (Hah-loh) | Bless – good bye (bless) | Því miður – sorry (thvee mi-thur) | Vinsamlegast – please (vin-saam-leh-gast | Takk – thank you (tak) MONEY MATTERS Credit cards were widely accepted (we were able to use Visa and Mastercard throughout Iceland but I couldn’t always use my AMEX). […]
- [Cruise Port Stop Guide: Ísafjörður, Iceland](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/06/04/guide-cruise-port-stop-isafjordur-iceland/): Ísafjörður serves as the gateway to Iceland’s remote and stunning Westfjords (Vestfirðir) region. The small charming fishing town of 2,600 surrounded by towering mountains and tranquil waters offers breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and some memorable excursions. For more on the discount code specifically, read this and on GetYourGuide in general, read this LOGISTICS PORT-Ísafjörður | CURRENCY: Icelandic Krona (ISK) DOCK* | Arrival: 8:00 | Departure 17:00 | 1 USD = 138.19 ISK (CURRENT EXCHANGE RATE) LANGUAGE: Icelandic Halló – hello (Hah-loh) | Bless – good bye (bless) | Því miður – sorry (thvee mi-thur) | Vinsamlegast – please (vin-saam-leh-gast | Takk – […]
- [Port: Akureryi, Iceland (Day Nine of HAL Nieuw Statendam Nordics Cruise)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/06/02/hal-ns-2024-day-nine-akureyri-iceland/): This is an overview of my ninth day of the Holland America Nordics cruise. If you are wanting to see more details on how I spent my day in Akureyri, read this post about my days in this charming Northern Iceland town. THE DAILY DAY IN PORT While I have been to Akureyri before, it was still unbelievably helpful to have been given this map with so much info. I am able to use my T-Mobile plan internationally otherwise I would have really relied on this resource. Akureyri Botanical Gardens (Lystigarður Akureyrar) – Breakfast @ LYST + Explore So many […]
- [Definitive Guide: Akureyri, Iceland Cruise Port Stop](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/06/01/cruise-port-stop-guide-akureyri-iceland/): Often referred to as the capital of the north, Akureyri sits at the base of the Eyjafjörður Fjord. It is Iceland’s second largest city with 19,000 residents and is known for its cultural attractions and the incredible surrounding natural wonders. For more on the discount code, read this LOGISTICS PORT-Akureyri | CURRENCY: Icelandic Krona (ISK) DOCK | Arrival: 18:00 | Overnight | Departure 17:00 | Itinerary change | 1 USD = 138.19 ISK (CURRENT EXCHANGE RATE) LANGUAGE: Icelandic Halló – hello (Hah-loh) | Bless – good bye (bless) | Því miður – sorry (thvee mi-thur) | Vinsamlegast – please (vin-saam-leh-gast | Takk – […]
- [Comprehensive Guide to Forest Lagoon (Akureyri, Iceland)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/05/31/guide-forest-lagoon-akureyri-iceland/): Iceland is known as the land of fire and ice due to the number of volcanoes and glaciers located on the island. One of the most enjoyable things is to go to a lagoon and take a dip in the geothermal heated water which is a truly must do experience the country (in the same way you should sauna when visiting Finland or eat pasta and gelato in Italy – I don’t make the rules folks but I gladly will follow these ones). In Akureyri, there is an especially wonderful lagoon you can visit (and probably my favorite in all […]
- [Cruise Port Stop: Falling in Love ~ Akureyri, Iceland (HAL Nieuw Statendam Nordics Cruise)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/05/30/cruise-port-stop-akureyri-iceland-love-hal/): Do you believe that you end up where you should be or is it making the most of what hand you’re dealt? Still trying to figure out which is was in Akureyri, Iceland. LOGISTICS PORT-Akureyri | CURRENCY: Icelandic Krona (ISK) DOCK | Arrival: 17:00 | Overnight | Departure 17:00 | Itinerary change | 1 USD = 137.68 ISK (CURRENT EXCHANGE RATE) LANGUAGE: Icelandic Halló – hello (Hah-loh) | Bless – good bye (bless) | Því miður – sorry (thvee mi-thur) | Vinsamlegast – please (vin-saam-leh-gast | Takk – thank you (tak) MONEY MATTERS Credit cards were widely accepted (we were able to use […]
- [Day Eight of HAL Nieuw Statendam Nordics Cruise: Scenic Cruising + Evening Arrival Akureyri, IS](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/05/29/hal-ns-2024-day-eight-akureyri-iceland/): Here’s the overview of my eighth day of my Holland America Nordics cruise including what I did on the ship. If you are wanting to see how I spent my time in Akureyri, read this post about my days in this charming Northern Iceland town. THE DAILY DAY ON THE SHIP A City on the Sea A behind the scenes look at life onboard that covers the logistics of the cruise ship from how toilets function to how electricity is produced to how waste is handled. Having worked at a large hotel, I am well aware of the immense amount […]
- [Cruise Port Stop Guide: Ålesund, Norway](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/05/24/cruise-port-stop-alesund-norway/): Ålesund is a picturesque coastal town in Norway, known for its Art Nouveau architecture and breathtaking natural surroundings –known as where the fjord meets the mountains. A popular stop on many Nordic cruises, there’s so much to do and see in and around town, the hard part is deciding on what! So I’m here to help with this cruise port guide that covers everything you need for your Ålesund cruise stop, including the best things to do, shopping, food recommendations, seasonal tips, time zone info, and FAQs as well as links to reviews/guides on the activities I have done here. […]
- [Port: Ålesund, Norway (Day Three of HAL Nieuw Statendam Nordics Cruise)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/05/23/hal-ns-2024-day-three-alesund-norway/): Our first port stop of my Holland America Nordics Cruise is to the picturesque port city of Ålesund in Norway. THE DAILY One of the things that Holland America does extremely well is with informing/education and that’s on various fronts. As you can see on the front page of the Daily, there is info about Global Blue Tax Refund – what it is, who is eligible and what steps are needed to claim it. And they take it further by bringing a Global Blue Representative onboard to make it even easier to process refunds! DAY IN PORT I am in […]
- [Aksla Panorama for the Best Views of Ålesund, Norway](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/05/22/aksla-alesund-norway/): It’s nice when you don’t need a drone to be able to see social media famous photos of locations…here’s how to see the iconic photo of Ålesund in Norway. Why Should You Go? For the absolute best view of Ålesund, you need to head to the viewpoint atop Mount Aksla which is conveniently located in town. There is a reason why this panorama is so widely photographed – really showcases why this area and Ålesund is known as where mountains (Sunnmøre Alps) meet the fjord. Plus it’s easily accessible and free (if you are able to make the physical journey). […]
- [Cruise Port Stop: A Return to Beautiful Ålesund Shows Me How Much Progress I Have Made](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/05/21/cruise-port-stop-alesund-norway-hal/): The first port stop (and only stop that wasn’t changed) on my 11 Day HAL Nieuw Statendam Nordics Cruise was to Ålesund in Norway. LOGISTICS PORT: Ålesund | CURRENCY: Norwegian Krone (NOK) DOCK | Arrival: 8:00 | Departure 16:00 | 1 USD = 10.08 NOK (CURRENT EXCHANGE RATE) LANGUAGE: Norwegian Hei – hello (hi) | Hadet – good bye (hah-deh) | Unnskyld meg – excuse me (een-shool my) | Vær så snill – please (var soh snil | Takk – thank you (tahk) MONEY MATTERS Credit cards were widely accepted (I have been able to use American Express, Visa and MasterCard throughout Norway). […]
- [It's All Fun and Games...until - wait oh and Books Aboard Holland America's Nieuw Statendam](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/05/19/hal-ns-2024-library-games-2/): What to do to pass the time on a cruise ship? Some people come prepared with decks of cards and I have even seen some who packed games to pass the time. Others will bring books to read whilst sailing. And for the others like myself that either pack lightly or did not think to bring those things…Holland America has a couple of places around the ship that can help stave off boredom, sharpen your mind and occupy the days. Here’s what HAL’s Niuew Statendam had to offer: LIBRARY Recently added to the Nieuw Statendam, the library is located on […]
- [Embarkment + Disappointment on Day One of my Holland America Nieuw Statendam Nordics Cruise](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/05/18/hal-ns-2024-day-1/): How it (Holland America Nieuw Statendam Nordics Cruise) started. And well, things are not off to a good start. That’s a bit of an understatement – it’s going terribly and it’s making me feel like even if this is a free cruise, it is NOT worth it. GUARANTEE ROOM First off, my worry about the casino comp being a guarantee room proves to be warranted. While not the worst possible outcome of not having a stateroom and being denied boarding, it is a different type of nightmare scenario. I am not given any information on the room until the night […]
- [Rakuten (+ T-Mobile) Early Access to Live Nation's $30 Ticket to Summer Series (with extra $30 for signing up!)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/05/17/rakuten-live-nation-30-ticket-to-summer-2025-2/): Mark your calendars and set an alarm for Tuesday, May 20, 2025 as Rakuten and T-Mobile users/customers have early access to $30 concert tickets this summer! What is $30 Ticket To Summer? LiveNation is running a promotion that allows you to buy $30 tickets to select events – but only while supplies last. Note that the $30 price includes all service fees, before taxes. Any taxes will be added as applicable by city, state and/or venue. How Do I Get Tickets? For further details: read up on the FAQ: https://www.livenation.com/feature/tickettosummerfaq Which Artists and Shows? Whilst LiveNation has not released the […]
- [What I Wish I Knew Before Booking My Holland America (Comped) Cruise](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/05/16/before-booking-hal-comp-cruises/): This post covers specifics re my casino comp offer, some tips, status matching and other ways to save with HAL Cruises. Note: this will be updated as I book, plan (maybe, lol probably cancel) and finish up cruises.   For information regarding the completed cruise: check out the completed cruise section for related posts. Interested in how I got the comp offer in the first place? read this for all the details re my casino status match jackpot, and this one for the incredible haul.
- [REVIEW: Pleasantly Surprised With My SAS Bombardier CRJ900 Business Class Flight (ZRH - CPH)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/05/12/review-sas-crj900-biz-zrh-cph/): Even though the SWISS flight was probably the worst business class flight I have taken to date, I do not regret booking this itinerary as it allowed me to have a long layover and explore Zürich. So I was definitely not expecting to have such a wonderful short flight…what a contrast.
- [REVIEW: Can A Just Okay Flight (SWISS A330-300 Business Class: BOS - ZRH) Still Make For A Good Award Redemption?](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/05/11/review-swiss-a330-300-business-class-bos-zrh-2024/): Don’t do it – do not fly SWISS – you will regret this. A few of the things, friends told me when I was mulling over flight options to get to Europe for the start of side to side cruises. Not encouraging at all but I still went ahead and booked the flight – would I regret it?
- [What My FREE Holland America Cruise Was Really Like (and how I spent ONLY $89/day for this 22 day vacation through the pricey Nordics)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/05/09/overview-hal-nieuw-statendam-comp-cruise-2024/): As if getting comp cruises through my Casino Status Match Jackpot wasn’t enough – I decided to really stretch the value by booking two side to side European cruises as things seemed to be falling perfectly into place with the comp cruise offers. Typically, the two biggest expenses for a trip are flights, especially if they are international and lodging so this plan would save on having to fly across the Atlantic multiple times and the comp cruises would take care of accommodations for a more than half the nights whilst traveling to some very pricey locales. First up in […]
- [REVIEW: Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal + How I Ended Up in A 2 Bedroom Villa (that is larger..and nicer than my house!)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/05/08/review-waldorf-astoria-cabo/): I had decided on this Waldorf Astoria property because I wanted to get the most value from my Hilton free night award but also keep other travel costs to a minimum. This would be the first proper holiday that I would be taking after a brutal 3.25 year knee injury/recovery that I was still in the midst of (plus no travel due to Covid the year prior) so there were some high hopes coming into the trip and especially to this property. I was well rewarded for my choice and somehow scored a massive upgrade. The only downside is that […]
- [ResortPass: How to Upgrade Your Cruise Port Stop, Vacation or Staycation](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/05/07/resort-pass-review/): Whether you’re a traveler passing through or a local looking for a luxurious escape, ResortPass offers a game-changing way to enjoy the perks of a luxury hotel—without needing to book an overnight stay. See how I use this as a way to travel better (and cheaper!) What is ResortPass? ResortPass is an online platform that gives you access to day-use amenities at top hotels and resorts. What’s offered? Think access to sparkling pools, plush daybeds, private cabanas, massages, spa facilities and even day room (options vary by property). Why People Love ResortPass How It Works Some Examples of What’s Offered […]
- [Is The Hype Around El Farallón Justified? Here's what my dinner was really like...](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/05/05/el-farallon-cabo-2024/): You know of those restaurants that set in unbelievably scenic places with the most beautiful views? Where you wait to go to celebrate something big…because it’s fancy or because it’s a bit pricey – the type of place that is set in the cliffs near Cabo San Lucas with the Pacific ocean dramatically crashing table side – if you are lucky enough to get one of those tables? Yeah, this is that type of place – the one where the hype starts to build and it can be hard to snag one a desirable reservation…and made even more “interesting” being […]
- [Rakuten Big Give Week is Coming Back: 15% Cash Back at 500+ Stores May 5 - 13, 2025 (With an extra $40 for signing up!)](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/04/29/rakuten-big-give-week-2025/): I am always advocating that you want to make your money work harder for you. What does that even mean? It is simply looking at ways to maximize your spending such as getting a LOT of points for putting everything on a credit card or what we’ll dig deeper into now: using Rakuten. What is Rakuten Rakuten is a shopping portal that pays you cashback when you shop starting on rakuten.com, their app or with their browser! How does it work? Beautiful Tip: Get in the habit of checking Rakuten before making a purchase (or having the extension installed) to […]
- [Travel Better: Here's How To Streamline Your Airport Experience for FREE](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/04/28/clear-reserve-mpc/): The Best Free Alternatives to CLEAR, TSA PreCheck, and Global Entry – CLEAR Reserve and Mobile Passport Control. Travel hacking isn’t just about free or cheaper travel, I am serious when I say that it also means traveling better and here’s a couple of things that can make the airport and flying experience so much smoother! When it comes to speeding through airport security and immigration, programs like CLEAR, TSA PreCheck, and Global Entry dominate the conversation. However, you have to pay for these premium services and go through lengthy enrollment processes. Fortunately, there are free alternatives that can offer […]
- [TRIP OVERVIEW: Here's What My $600 Cabo Holiday Worth Over $13K Was Really Like. Part Two - Cabo San Lucas](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/04/21/trip-overview-los-cabos-mexico-2024-part-2/): After spending a couple of quiet days around San José del Cabo, I was ready for a little more action in Cabo San Lucas. One of the interesting things about travel hacking is that I end up traveling in ways that I wouldn’t if I didn’t have points/miles/etc and this trip epitomizes that reality. I was able to stay at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal (WA) strictly because I had two Hilton free night rewards as there was no way that I would pay almost $6K for a two night stay. I always say that there is no wrong […]
- [TRIP OVERVIEW: Here's What My $600 Cabo Holiday Worth Over $13K Was Really Like. Part One - San José del Cabo](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/04/20/trip-overview-los-cabos-mexico-2024-part-1/): Los Cabos is located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. It comprises two main towns with distinct vibes to each area so I opted to split my time and experience a bit of both. I would start in San José del Cabo which is the quieter, artsy colonial town with a more authentic Mexican charm before heading to Cabo San Lucas which is known for its lively nightlife, luxury resorts, and the iconic El Arco. Just a heads up that this post covers the specifics on what I […]
- [How to Go Whale Watching in Cabo San Lucas for Only $1!](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/04/19/whale-watching-cabo-2/): Yes you read that correctly – I really did pay just $1 for a Cabo whale watching tour! (*see below for what I really spent) How? With Viator – one of my favorite ways to make my money work harder for me and allows me to travel for cheaper! WHAT IS VIATOR? Viator is a platform that allows you to book tours, excursions, museum passes and much more around the world – they are similar to Etsy in which they host the tour companies that provide these services or goods (but they do not directly provide the tours as Etsy […]
- [TRIP REPORT: The Secret To How I Spent $600 For My Posh Los Cabos Mexican Holiday Worth $13,500!](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/2025/04/15/trip-report-los-cabos-mexico/): Yes you read that correctly that I saved almost $13K on a vacation – how?! Travel hacking. Playing the Game. Making your money work for you. Award Travel. Whatever you want to call it, it is how I was able to spend less than $600 when I visited Los Cabos, Mexico for a pretty epic 5 day vacation. Travel hacking is simply the ability to travel for cheaper, better, more often and/or (now as importantly for me) with added flexibility. Making my money work harder involves a combination of credit cards (including sign up bonuses but also leveraging all my […]

## Pages

- [Tanzania](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/tanzania/): Mount Kilimanjaro Complete Guide to Tanzania’s Ultimate Trek 7-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route Hike Eight Things You Should Know Before Climbing Kilimanjaro Kilimanjaro: Machame Day One: I learn Swahili: “Pole, Pole” or “Slowly: Starting Our Trek On Mount Kilimanjaro Kilimanjaro: Machame Day Two: Lessons continue and today we focus on Respect The Mountain Kiliminjaro: Machame Day Three: It’s The Company You Keep (and in this case, you hire/seek) Kiliminjaro: Machame Day Four: Musings on What Travel Can (Should?) Be – Light hiking day but does include the Barranco Wall Kiliminjaro: Machame Day Five/Six: Alas there’s a problem whilst attempting our midnight […]
- [Bolivia](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/bolivia/): Uyuni / Salar de Uyuni 3 Day Uyuni Salt Flats + Lagoons Tour Multi-day 4×4 journey combining adventure, photography, wildlife, and dramatic scenery in one unforgettable experience, if Bolivia is on your travel list, Uyuni should be at the very top. – read all about it in my review/guide
- [Aruba](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/aruba/): While my trip here was a cruise stop and the guide/day recaps reflect that, anyone traveling to these locales can benefit from these posts with information on what to do, where to eat, pricing and more! Oranjestad Cruise Port Guide Highly rated activities/ excursions/tours & info on logistics including cruise port, transportation options, & top attractions/points of interests & food + shopping recs & FAQ/good to know and so much more Catamaran Morning Snorkeling Experience Aruba’s clear waters snorkeling two top sites: the Antilla Shipwreck and calm Malmok Reef aboard a catamaran whilst enjoying unlimited drinks – read my guide […]
- [Belgium](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/belgium/): While some of my trips here were cruise stops and the guide/day recaps reflect that, anyone traveling to these locales can benefit from these posts with information on what to do, where to eat, pricing and more! Bruges Cruise Port Guide Highly rated activities/ excursions/tours & info on logistics including cruise port, transportation options, & top attractions/points of interests & food + shopping recs & FAQ/good to know and so much more
- [Türkiye](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/turkiye/): Cappadocia Sunrise Balloon Ride Real life living up to social media hype in this magical experience soaring over volcanic landscapes and fairy chimney at sunrise – here’s what it was like!
- [Burma](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/burma/): Bagan Sunrise Balloon Ride Float above the plains at sunrise and watch the Land of Ten Thousand Temples light up during a hot air balloon ride – here’s what it was like!
- [Links](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/links/): Rosemary Beautiful Life Beautiful World / Beaut Life World
- [Favorite Travel Resources](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/favorite-travel-resources/)
- [New Mexico](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/new-mexico/): Albuquerque Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride Watch the sun light up the Sandias, dip into the Rio Grande and float over ABQ in the balloon capital of the world – here’s what my hot air balloon ride was like!
- [Wanderlist Experiences](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/wanderlist-experiences/): wan·der·list /ˈwändərˌlist/ (noun): What a Type A personality creates to cope with a severe case of wanderlust / places to see, things to do, experiences to have whilst exploring this incredible planet while creating your own beautiful life <3 Here you will find links to activities and experiences that I am fortunate to have done along with my reviews/recaps. They are organized by Continent then listed alphabetically by Country – City AFRICA TANZANIA – MOUNT KILIMANJARO 1 of the 7 Summits Tanzania’s Ultimate Trek 7-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route Hike ASIA BURMA – BAGAN Sunrise Balloon Ride Float above the plains […]
- [Germany](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/germany/): While my trip here was a cruise stop and the guide/day recaps reflect that, anyone traveling to these locales can benefit from these posts with information on what to do, where to eat, pricing and more! Berlin Free Activity: Reichstag Building A must see of any Berlin itinerary – here’s the complete guide to the sweeping views over the city, eco-friendly architecture, and Reichstag / Bundestag history. Rooftop Aperitif at Käfer One of my favorite experiences not only in Berlin but on my Baltics cruise trip! Why? Delicious appetizers in a gorgeous location with skip the line access to the […]
- [Best Things Are Free](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/free-gratis/): If you know anything about me, I am all about maximizing my money and spend – so anything free is even better. And unlike the Beatles, I will take the best free things in life AND the money =) Free Resources Beyond free: Earning cashback One of the easiest ways to make your money work for you is using a shopping portal to earn cashback and Rakuten is my go-to there. Plus if you’re new, you can earn $50! Here’s all the info on Rakuten including on the referral. Travel Better For FREE No cost alternatives to paid ways to […]
- [Curaçao](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/curacao-3/): While my trip here was a cruise stop and the guide/day recaps reflect that, anyone traveling to these locales can benefit from these posts with information on what to do, where to eat, pricing and more! Willemstad Cruise Port Guide Highly rated activities/ excursions/tours & info on logistics including cruise port, transportation options, & top attractions/points of interests & food + shopping recs & FAQ/good to know and so much more The Best Walking Tour Willemstad A bold claim but the tour lived up to that name – one of the best that I have ever been on. Learn about […]
- [Virgin Voyages Comped Cruises](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/virgin-voyages-comped-cruise/): Virgin Voyages Traveling Solo? What makes VV perfect for solo travelers Virgin Voyages – Comped Cruises Virgin Voyages: Ship Reviews Virgin Voyages Line Specific Sailings Some notes about the different types of posts you find here Resilient Lady / 8 Days: Greek Islands Glow Trip Overview Master post of my trip including this comp cruise Trip Report Looking at what I spent ($/Miles/points) + how I was able to save so much True Costs What did this FREE VV comp really cost? Valient Lady / 6 Days: Riviera Maya True Costs What did this FREE VV comp really cost?
- [Princess Comped Cruises](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/princess-cruises-comped-cruises/): Princess Cruise Line Princess Cruise Line – Comped Cruises How Did I Get Comp? Steps + Info for direct match to Princess How Did I Get Comp? Direct match for 3rd PCL cruise w/higher offer to mini-suite worth $10K!! Princess Cruises: Ship Reviews Princess Cruises Specific Sailings Some notes about the different types of posts you find here Caribbean Princess (15 Days: Search For The Northern Lights) Trip Overview Master post of my trip including this comp cruise Trip Report How did I save over 84%/ nearly $12K on this trip True Costs What did my FREE comped cruise really […]
- [Denmark](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/denmark/): While many of my trips here have been cruise stops and the guides/day recaps reflect that, anyone traveling to these locales can benefit from these posts with information on what to do, where to eat, pricing and more! Copenhagen Copenhagen Cruise Port Guide Faroe Islands
- [MSC Comped Cruises](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/msc-comped-cruise/): MSC Cruises MSC Status Match How to Get Status Match + My Experience w/Diamond MSC Cruises – Comped Cruises Before Booking What I wish I knew prior to booking MSC comp MSC Cruises: Ship Reviews MSC Poesia Oceanview / Baltics comp MSC Cruises Specific Sailings Some notes about the different types of posts you find here MSC Poesia (10 Days: Baltics) Trip Overview Master post of my trip including this comp cruise Trip Report ONLY $89/day for this 22 day vacation in the Nordics True Costs What did my FREE comp really cost?
- [Holland America Comped Cruises](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/hal-comped-cruise/): Holland America Line Review of HAL What sets Holland America apart from other cruise lines Clare Adams Inspiring and extraordinary – Cruise & Travel Director HAL Library One of my favorite spots aboard the ship! Holland America Line – Comped Cruises How Did I Get Comp? Steps + Info for direct match to Holland America Before Booking What I Wish I Knew Prior to booking comp Holland America Line: Ship Reviews Nieuw Statendam Solo Oceanview / Nordics Comp Holland America Line Specific Sailings Some notes about the different types of posts you find here Nieuw Statendam / 12 Days: Nordics […]
- [Poland](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/poland/): While many of my trips here have been cruise stops and the guides/day recaps reflect that, anyone traveling to these locales can benefit from these posts with information on what to do, where to eat, pricing and more! Gdańsk (Gdynia Port) Gdańsk Cruise Port Guide World War II Museum Guide/review of incredible and moving museum MSC Cruise Port Stop Visits: St Mary’s Church, WWII museum + more
- [Anguilla](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/anguilla/): Anguilla Some notes about the different types of posts you find here: Anguilla Travel Guide Zemi Beach House Review of hotel + overview of how I spent my time Trip Report How I spent only $228.33 for a luxe trip worth $8K+ AA E175 Review Business (AXA-MIA) / Bulkhead MCE (MIA- AXA)
- [Mexico](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/mexico/): Some notes about the different types of posts you find here Cozumel Cozumel Cruise Port Guide *under construction Los Cabos (Cabo San Lucas & San Jose del Cabo) Los Cabos Cruise Port Guide *under construction Whale Watching A small group whale watching tour that also includes professional photos – here’s what it was like and how it only cost me $1! Waldorf Astoria Cabo Here’s my review of the hotel including a look at the free upgrade to 2 bedroom villa (that is seriously bigger and nicer than my house!) El Farallón Is the hype around this cliffside restaurant justified? […]
- [Norway](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/norway/): While many of my trips here have been cruise stops and the guides/day recaps reflect that, anyone traveling to these locales can benefit from these posts with information on what to do, where to eat, pricing and more! Cruise Port Guides: These have highly rated activities/excursions/tours with info on logistics including the cruise port, transportation options, & top attractions/points of interests & food + shopping recommendations & FAQ/good to know and so much more! Unsure of what to pack? Oh I’ve got you! Here’s my Iceland and Norway Packing List that covers year-round essentials, season-specific items, and cruise-specific must-haves to […]
- [Iceland](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/iceland/): While many of my trips here have been cruise stops and the guides/day recaps reflect that, anyone traveling to these locales can benefit from these posts with information on what to do, where to eat and pricing. Cruise Port Guides: These have highly rated activities/excursions/tours & info on logistics including the cruise port, transportation options, & top attractions/points of interests & food + shopping recs & FAQ/good to know and so much more! Unsure of what to pack? Oh I’ve got you! Here’s my Iceland and Norway Packing List that covers year-round essentials, season-specific items, and cruise-specific must-haves to ensure […]
- [FREE Travel / Cruise Port Stop Guides](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/cruise-port-stop-guides/): While some of the guides here are geared towards cruise stops (with information on traveling to/from the cruise terminal) anyone traveling to these locales can benefit from these posts with information for highly rated activities/excursions/tours & info on logistics including cruise port, transportation options, & top attractions/points of interests & food + shopping recommendations & FAQ/good to know and so much more! Click on blue text/links + photos to get to the guides Note that *indicates that I have a one-two page PDF version available that I would be happy to send you! EUROPE BELGIUM Bruges, BE* Cruise Port Guide […]
- [Colorado](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/colorado/): Colorado is best known for our amazing mountains, craft brewery scene and outdoor recreation (world class ski resorts – 21 in total! and year round activities) but there’s still so much more to my home state. Here are some of my fave fun facts
- [Loyalty Programs](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/loyalty-programs/): Relevant posts are linked via the loyalty programs and award travel/redemptions (NOTE that for airlines, I have opted to categorize the flights under airline flown rather than the loyalty program used for the posts but will list those flights under the loyalty program here) AIRLINES American Airlines – Aadvantage / AA Award Travel Singapore Airlines – KrisFlyer / SQ Award Travel Turkish Airlines – Miles&Smiles / TK Award Travel United Airlines – MileagePlus / UA Award Travel HOTELS Accor – ALL Hilton – Hilton Honors / HH Award Travel Hyatt Hotels – World of Hyatt / WoH Award Travel Marriott […]
- [about me](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/about-me/): Hi, I’m Rosemary! This started as a blog to keep my friends and family updated as I embarked on my first ever solo trip in 2015. I would chronicle my travels through South America, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Europe and people would be able to follow along. I learned that I would rather be immersed in the moments and was/am not great about writing whilst traveling. Also sadly, due to security concerns (especially while traveling solo), it would be better to write after I was back home. And then the focus evolved as I combined sharing about my […]
- [South America](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/south-america/): SOUTH AMERICAN COUNTRIES VISITED
- [Asia](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/asia/): ASIAN COUNTRIES VISITED
- [Africa](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/africa/): AFRICAN COUNTRIES VISITED
- [North America](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/north-america/): NORTH AMERICAN COUNTRIES VISITED US STATES AND TERRITORIES VISITED
- [Contact Me](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/contact-me/): Did you know? Zoom tutorials IMPORTANT UPDATE: Hi everyone! I was unprepared for how popular the zoom tutorials would be as all sessions have hit capacity – thank you! Please reach out if you are interested in future dates – I am also looking at offering a video series so please let me know if you would be interested in that as well. Interested? Let’s connect Briefly describe what you are looking for (free mini consult / getting started with bank bonuses / guidance on how to start solo traveling ) If you are interested in any of the Zoom […]
- [Europe](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/europe/): EUROPEAN COUNTRIES VISITED
- [Posts](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/posts/)
- [Home](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/): FOR ALL THE INFO on these STATS: READ THIS 2024 Travels Recap How am I able to travel so much? Simple: travel hacking RECENT POSTS hi ~ so glad you’re here! I’m Rosemary ~ Chief Inspiration Officer here at Beautiful Life Beautiful World / Beaut Life World. I believe that travel can be many things: a way to get out of your comfort zone, to see and be awed by all that this incredible planet has to offer, to make and foster connections, to find, empower, discover, transform, grow. Here I share my travels (many of them adventures as female […]
- [Custom Creations](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/custom-creations/): See what I have created ~ For more about the inspiration behind the cakes please go to and follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/blbw_bakes CUSTOM CREATIONS PRICING** 4″: $40 / Tall $55 6″: $70 / Tall $95 8″: $115 / Tall $150 Tiering starts at an additional $25/tier *All custom creations orders require 2 weeks notice & 50% non-refundable retainer when order is accepted/contract is issued. The retainer must be paid within 48 hours or date and contract are forfeited. If I am able to accommodate a rush order (placed less than 2 weeks prior), there will be a $25 rush […]
- [Previous Bakes](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/previous-bakes/): See what I have created ~ For more about the inspiration behind the cakes please go to and follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/blbw_bakes SPECIAL REQUEST INFORMATION If you are interested in ordering a baked good that is not on the menu or on a non-scheduled baking date, you may contact me for a special request. Please note that I may not be able to accommodate your request (I do the baking in addition to my management job) and that the cake pricing is for reference only. I am able to offer cakes at these prices when they are on the […]
- [Bakes](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/bakes/): I like the sound of that. So I’ll be honest, at first I went with this name because I was not looking to not overly complicate my life. Haha well any more than I already do in general and currently am with this latest passion project. And really, it was always more likely I would stay update to with posting if it could happen here. But after chatting with my family especially my aunt, I realized how I could combine many of passions here. I could revisit places or even explore new destinations through my food and baking and invite […]
- [My Home](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/my-home-2/)
- [Food](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/food/): Ok I am obsessed with food and taking photos so why not combine the two and showcase the amazing things I am seeing and eating?! So here is my constantly updated gallery (when I remember to snap a pic before eating!) FYI : it’s not completely chronological as I have Denver/Colorado at the bottom for easy reference Ljubljana and Bled, Slovenia (June, 2016) T: Pop’s Place: I recommend this place to everyone going to Ljubljana ~ why? Great music, good drinks + beers, amazing fries (go with the garlic Parmesan) and legitimate American burgers (as in the only burger I’ve […]
- [Wanderlist](https://beautifullifebeautifulworld.com/about/): wan·der·list /ˈwändərˌlist/ (noun): What a Type A personality creates to cope with a severe case of wanderlust or places to see, things to do, experiences to have whilst exploring this incredible planet (create your own beautiful life). There is nowhere that I would not want to go on this earth (though unfortunately with certain places and the issues there, I wouldn’t be foolish enough to go – you know who you are and I hope you get your act together soon!).  Actually even if I have been somewhere, I will want to go back because there is always something I […]


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