(This is part of a summer trip report using miles and points to fly first class on Emirates from JFK to Dubai/Paris, costing $41 and 100K Alaska miles; the cost of these flights would have been $23,914! I pinch myself to think I got such an unbelievable value for my miles!)
My blog is two years old now and it’s time to celebrate! I have two United Airlines lounge passes and a gift card for $25. Just comment about the most scenic place you’ve ever visited or want to visit. If you can’t use the United passes by 9-30-16, just note “no UA.” I will make a random drawing on Friday, December 18 and get two prizes mailed out! Thanks for being awesome readers and I just love writing my blog!
Austria was absolutely stunning, of course, it helped that we had picture perfect weather! We took an early train, using our Eurail pass, from Prague to Salzburg, and used IHG points to book two free nights at the Crowne Plaza (sorry, no photos). IHG is one of my favorite hotel credit cards – the $49 annual fee more than pays for all the perks with the card. It’s easy to get points AND you get one annual free night at ANY hotel in the world!
That morning we strolled through the park, and slowly made our way to Hohensalzburg Fortress, which is perched high on the hill, with a wonderful view of the city. The castle is the largest, fully preserved medieval castle in Europe and was used as a prison in WWI. We took the cable car, which was built in 1892!
Salzburg is a city of music and we loved listening to the musicians outside performing.
The next day, we took a day trip to Hallstatt via train (again using our Eurail pass) which took about two hours, but what an amazing ride! The picture at the top of the post was taken out the train window! I LOVED Hallstatt; Rick Steves rates it highly and I agree. To me, it’s a hidden gem of Europe, and one of the most scenic places I’ve ever been! We rode the ferry over, then just walked around and enjoyed another beautiful, sunny day! Hallstatt is known for its’ salt production, and I bought some locally mined salt for one euro, which I’m still enjoying. You can do a tour of the salt mines, but we weren’t interested in that. We enjoyed a lovely lunch, caught in the lake that morning, and then took the train back “home.” 
Next up, a break from my summer trip, with a post about my Christmas trips (yes that’s plural)!
Wow, beautiful photos! Where is your next trip.
Love all your trips and photos. We enjoyed the inside passage to Alaska this year on a 7 day cruise. We really want to see the state of Alaska, the interior, as a trip some day. Would love to be entered in your drawing. Thank you!
Mike and Lois Kramer
Great post Ellen! I’m at the Park Hyatt in Tokyo now. Asia has been incredible, but Jerusalem is still my favorite locale.
Alaska is the most scenic place I’ve visited.
Ellen,
I’m so glad you love writing your blog, because seeing a post from you always makes me excited! I “save” it for just the right time to sit down and read it thoroughly. And because of that, I almost missed this giveaway! 🙂
So… the place I want to visit? I think just about everywhere you’ve posted about! 🙂
Big hugs and love,
– Dori –
Ellen,
Thanks for all your efforts in sending “the world” to us – your pics are beautiful and we appreciate you.
Maybe one day we can visit some places.
All the best and love from “Durstons”