Review of Amtrak’s California Zephyr and Coast Starlight: The cross-country train ride of a lifetime

Amtrak’s California Zephyr and Coast Starlight Superliner Roomette offer some of the most breathtaking scenery America has to offer in the comfort of your own private cabin. In this trip report, I travel cross-country from Chicago to Seattle via Sacramento on the California Zephyr (50 hours) followed by the Coast Starlight (20 hours), both in the Superliner Roomette First class cabin. Cabin amenities include two chairs, two convertible beds, full meals, and showers. Where else can you have the luxury of eating dinner with the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains or waking up to the sunrise over the Sierra Nevadas? Amtrak Guest Rewards is one of the hidden gems of Ultimate Rewards transfer partners. While mainstream travel hacking is all about flying international First Class, slow travel can be quite rewarding as well.

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Review of Cathay Pacific’s The Pier First Class Lounge

I had the opportunity to visit Cathay Pacific’s newest First Class Lounge, the Pier, which recently opened at Hong Kong International Airport. Like Cathay’s other First Class lounge, the Wing, the Pier offers travelers all the luxurious comforts they have come to expect from Cathay: from an exceptional dining experience to relaxation suites, all with world class hospitality. It’s located near Gate 63, which is about a 15 minute walk away from the immigration. Since my flight to Singapore was out of Gate 67, I couldn’t pass up the chance to check out the new lounge.

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