Travels with Llama

30/07/2025

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17/07/2025

for those who worry about traveling and "how to I get to.....", don't worry, there is always a YouTuber who has made a video about it.
I love this one as it is clear, specific, and straightforward. Showing you everything you need to know.
So, moral of the story, just look it up. Oh, and look at a site called Rome2Rio.com for all kinds of options worldwide.

https://youtu.be/aUJJTbNd_lg?si=Llf1SlBaOrOM5LQI

06/07/2025

https://youtu.be/F-ULyN0EpBI

Send a message to learn more

06/07/2025

https://youtu.be/xXbqX3d7sg8

We recently stayed a few nights at the Hyatt Place St. Paul/Downtown. This beautiful hotel in a historic building is the perfect stay for taking in a St. Pau...

02/06/2025

So, on Threads Upgraded Points, Llamas favorite points blog, asked to give your next trip just in emojis. I responded with this
✈️🏨🚆🏨🚆🏨🚆🏨✈️

They guessed Japan. Nope, good old Amtrak! We love Amtrak.

We also like to see how much points allow us to make our travel wishes come true. This also helps reinforce why we do all this credit card stuff (use credit responsibly). (if you ever have any questions about using points to travel, just ask!)

Does anyone else do this?

Also, what is your next trip in emojis? That was a fun exercise.

06/05/2025

Took some thinking, but we have successfully used up every penny of $2400 in airline credit between United and Southwest. We got more than $2400 out of the credit as we also have a Southwest Companion Pass, so closer to $3000.
We received this credit by taking voluntary bumps. Since we are retired and have the luxury, these were easy decisions.
Weirdly, given the fact you have 1 year to use up the credit, it is harder than you think it is to use up that much credit.

21/04/2025

It's okay to use AI in trip planning. We have started using AI, DeepSeek in particular is my current favorite, just to get started. From there we add/delete/research. Sometimes the AI has given us options we didn't even know existed and these turned out beautifully. Utilizing AI will not ever replace my own trip planning work but it now part of the process.

Example: I asked DeepSeek the following prompt: "I need a driving route and itinerary from Lubbock, Texas to Swanton, Maryland covering 4 to 5 days driving no more than 5 hours a day staying on I-44. Include a few sites to see along the way and quirky, fun places to each lunch or dinner. Also recommend an safe, budget accommodation for each night, retro motels are a bonus." I got a detailed itinerary with suggestions. I then asked it to add healthy eating options, got those, then asked to add National Park sites, monuments, and parks along the way. Very cool option to start adding to your trip planning.

Have you used AI in any of your trip planning?

20/04/2025

April 19 - 27, 2025 is National Parks Week.
The 2025 is Parks Playlist!
Show us what is on your playlist.
Protect our national gift, our parks, monuments, sites, forests, and lands.

07/04/2025

Llama had a great three days visiting 3 of the 3 national parks in southern Florida.
We must protect these vital, fragile ecosystems.

30/03/2025

Curaçao is beautiful 🇨🇼🥰 A must see.

25/03/2025

Llama's 12 day cruise is starting off splendidly. New adventures are so much fun with friends.