Trip Report Hall of Fame: My Top 10 Reviews
All of my international travel happens to be in the last quarter of the year, so it’s been nearly a year since my last big trip. I’m excited to hit the road so that I’ll have new travel experiences, both in the air and on the ground, to write about.
The process of “trip reporting” has always been a passion of mine. In fact, one of main reasons that I started this blog in the first place was to share thoughts around my travel experiences.
Reflecting on past trip reports
As I start to pack my bags, I took a moment to reflect back on the hundreds of reviews that I have written. Two things in particular jumped out to me.
First, it was interesting to see which reviews have been the most popular by view count. Not surprisingly, the top reviews have generally been for aspirational flights and hotel stays.
But given my love for food and the focus of my blog around that topic, I was pleased to see that a couple of restaurant reviews also made it into the top 10.
And second, it was great to see how my trip reporting skills have improved incrementally over time. Although, it was painful to read some of the earlier works!
Trip Report Hall of Fame
So without further ado, here are my top 10 trip reports, as judged by your views:
1. ANA Business Class: Tokyo to San Jose, CA
I was surprised to see this unassuming Business Class flight as the most popular (by far) review of all time. But as I thought about it more, this ANA flight aboard one of its new Boeing 787 planes was the prototype for what a Business Class product should be.
2. Kaiseki Dinner at 3-Michelin Star Kikunoi
One of the most memorable meals that my wife and I still talk about to this day. This traditional kaiseki dinner was set in a private traditional dining room in the heart of Kyoto and featured unique dishes such as spiny lobster and turtle.
3. Singapore Airlines Suites Class: Los Angeles to Tokyo
No surprise here since for a time, Singapore’s Suites Class was considered the ultimate aspirational First Class product.
4. Singapore Airlines First Class: San Francisco to Seoul
Singapore’s standard First Class is nothing to sneeze at either, and in many ways, I actually prefer it to the Suites.
5. The BEST STEAK EVER at DONS de la Nature in Tokyo
Even though I’ve had more memorable meals, to this day, the Wagyu steak at DONS is the most memorable bite of food I’ve ever had.
6. Etihad (Jet Airways Config) First Class: Abu Dhabi to San Francisco
This report provides perspective on the Jet Airways-configured version of Etihad’s First Class product. Worth noting that currently, the San Francisco to Abu Dhabi route has been replaced with the standard Etihad offering.
One of the best urban properties in the entire Hilton portfolio of hotels, and a great place to use points in the expensive hotel market of Tokyo.
8. A 23-courseLunch at El Celler De Can Roca
I travelled to Barcelona just to eat at the world’s best restaurant and it was worth the trip.
9. Alaska Airlines First Class: San Jose to Maui
My primary frequent flyer program is Alaska Airlines, and for that reason alone they are my airline of choice for trips to Hawaii. You can also use the companion pass from the Bank of America credit card to score a second ticket for just $121.
10. Cathay Pacific First Class: Hong Kong to New York
Cathay Pacific and Singapore are often looked at as 1a / 1b in terms of the best Asian airline. I was able to fly both in the span of 24 hours, and I’d give a slight edge to Cathay.
Honorable mentions
While the two reviews below didn’t make it into the top 10, they both have a special place in my heart:
1-night stay at the Burj Al Arab
By far the most ridiculous hotel I have stayed at, which was made even more outrageous with an upgrade to a 3,600 square ft. 2 BR suite.
Truffle hunting in Piedmont, Italy
Thanksgiving is almost here, which means that it is white truffle season in Piedmont, Italy. This time last year I was road-tripping with friends around Italy, eating and drinking everything in sight!