Another Excuse To Travel

01/04/2026

✈️ Flight Review: ITA Airways Premium Economy (Rome FCO → Bangkok BKK)

Just completed a 12+ hour journey from Rome to Bangkok on ITA Airways Premium Economy.

Was the upgrade worth it? I broke down everything: • Seat comfort and space • Meal service and drinks • Entertainment and amenities • Priority services at the airport

If you're considering Premium Economy on this route, here's exactly what to expect before you book.

📖 Read the full review with photos: https://anotherexcusetotravel.com/ita-premium-economy-review-fco-bkk/

Have you flown ITA Airways long-haul? What was your experience? 👇

Premium economy can be a variable experience and often disappoints. Would the ITA premium economy experience prove to be any better?

31/03/2026

Transiting through Helsinki on Finnair? Here’s what to expect from the Schengen-side lounge.

It’s a straightforward, functional space that does exactly what you need: comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and light refreshments. It’s not a luxury resort, but it’s a great place to relax for a couple of hours before your next flight.

Perfect for short layovers where you just need a quiet spot to recharge.

📖 Read the full review with photos: https://anotherexcusetotravel.com/finnair-business-lounge-schengen-review/

Have you flown through Helsinki recently? What was your experience like? 👇

Crowded and cramped, or a place to relax and recharge? We decided to check out the Finnair Business Lounge (Schengen).

28/03/2026

I tested everything—food, seating, showers, Wi-Fi—so you know exactly what to expect.

Full review here: https://anotherexcusetotravel.com/finnair-business-lounge-non-schengen-review/

Before flying to Seoul in Premium Economy, we took the time to try out the Finnair Business Lounge (non-Schengen). Was it worth the visit?

26/03/2026

After 5 years of Priority Pass membership, I made the tough call to cancel. And honestly? It was one of the best travel decisions I've made.

In this post, I break down: ✨ Why the cost no longer matched the value ✨ How lounge quality has changed (for better or worse) ✨ The credit card perks that made me rethink everything ✨ Who should still keep it (and who should walk away)

If you're on the fence about your membership, this one's for you.

📖 Read the full article: https://anotherexcusetotravel.com/why-im-cancelling-my-priority-pass-membership/

After 5 years, I'm cancelling Priority Pass. The question is, do I regret my decision and does Priority Pass really offer good value?

18/03/2026

Air Europa Business Class… fine, but forgettable ✈️

I flew their Boeing 787 from Madrid to Córdoba, not knowing what to expect — and honestly, that sums it up pretty well.

Nothing was bad… but nothing really stood out either.

✔️ Comfortable seat (slept ~7 hours 😴)
✔️ Friendly service throughout
✔️ Decent dinner (and surprisingly good coffee ☕️)

But…
❌ Outdated 2-2-2 layout (not great if you’re solo)
❌ Zero privacy compared to newer cabins
❌ One of the worst lounge experiences I’ve had in Madrid

In the end, Air Europa gets you there comfortably — just don’t expect anything memorable.

👉 Worth it? Yes… but only if the price (or points) are right.

Full review on the blog (link in bio)

We checked out Air Europa business class from Madrid to Argentina. Having been disappointed before, would this experience be any better?

24/04/2024

✈️ Flying short-haul on a long-haul plane is never a bad thing! We tried out Air Europa's 787-9 business class on a flight from Madrid to Barcelona.

Currently, Air Europa is in the SkyTeam alliance, although that might change soon if IAG are successful in their attempts to acquire the airline.

🛂 Air Europa doesn't operate their own lounge in Madrid, even though it's their hub. Instead, they use the airport-operated AENA lounges. These are fine, although not as good as Iberia's lounges in Madrid Barajas.

🛫 Air Europa have done a great job with their business class cabin! Despite missing individual doors and not adopting the more modern 'suite' concept, the seats provided ample comfort and privacy.

🍽️ Surprisingly, the in-flight service surpassed expectations. Breakfast was served, even on a brief 40-minute flight - and it was very good!

💼 Head over to the website to read our review.

19/04/2024

What's the most important consideration for you when booking a business class flight?

Price? Airline? Seat? Food & Drinks? Or maybe something else? 🛫

We found a €600 flight in business class from Spain to São Paulo with Aeromexico. For the first part of our journey, we travelled from Madrid to Mexico City on their 787-8 aircraft.

While it's starting to look a little dated, and definitely won't win any awards, the cabin boasts lie-flat seats and thoughtful extras in a 2-2-2 layout.

Overall, service was good and felt friendly. We started our trip with a welcome glass of champagne, and enjoyed the meals we were offered during our journey.

Although there's definitely room for improvement, for the price we paid, it was an extremely good experience.

Feel free to take a look at the in-depth review on our website.

18/04/2024

What's the best benefit you've received from a hotel loyalty scheme?

Choosing the right hotel loyalty scheme that's tailored to your travel habits and preferences is important. Over the past decade, we've opted for Accor, usually achieving ALL Platinum.

Accor Platinum offers perks like complimentary room upgrades, early check-in/late check-out, and suite night upgrades, among other benefits. Achieving Platinum status can be attained through spending or nights stayed at Accor properties.

The benefits of Accor Platinum, though substantial, vary depending on factors like the locations you're visiting and the hotel brand you're staying in. While it shines in Asia Pacific with perks like lounge access and complimentary breakfast, its value can be less useful elsewhere, although room upgrades and points bonuses tend to be consistent.

Ultimately, whether Accor Platinum is worth it hinges on your travel frequency, destinations, and accommodation needs. For frequent travelers planning extensive stays, it can definitely be worth exploring and can help to enhance your hotel experiences.

Feel free to explore the full breakdown on our website to make an informed decision for your next trip and to decide your loyalty scheme strategy.

17/04/2024

What's the best view you've had from a hotel?

During our trip to Phuket, we decided to stay at the Novotel Kamala Beach. ⛱ This time, we received a free upgrade to a pool villa - not bad! 🌟

We've stayed at the Novotel Kamala Beach Phuket through four times over the last few years and have witnessed how Kamala Beach has changed, as well as how the Novotel has developed.

Nestled at the quiet end of Kamala Beach, Novotel boasts a prime location, ensuring relaxed beachfront experiences away from the crowds. With various room options ranging from ocean view to luxurious pool villas, there's plenty of different options.

Accor Platinum Status perks elevate the experience, with some impressive upgrades and thoughtful amenities. A particular highlight is the hotel's rooftop bar where you can enjoy some stunning sunsets each night.

While the breakfast quality may have declined and the hotel is starting to show its age, the overall value and service remain very good.

05/07/2023

Cathay Pacific lounges are some of my favourite. Sophisticated spaces, good food and drink, and a relaxed ambience. Having tried a number of their lounges across the world, including their First Class lounge in Heathrow, I was excited to return to their lounge in Bangkok. Location and Access The Cathay Pacific lounge Bangkok is located in Concourse G. Bangkok Airport isn't the easiest to navigate, so it can be a little hard to find....

The Cathay Pacific Lounge Bangkok offers a sophisticated space to relax. In fact, I'd go as far as to say it's my favourite lounge in Bangkok.

29/06/2023

If you have a long layover in Doha, you might be wondering about sleeping facilities. Doha Airport has sleeping rooms, which are branded as Sleep 'n fly. They have two spaces in the airport. One in the South Node, and the other in the North Node. We tried both, although this review is mainly about the South space. Location Perhaps an unpopular opinion, but I'm not the biggest fan of either Doha Airport or Qatar Airways....

If you have a long layover in Doha, the Doha Airport Sleeping Rooms: Sleep 'n fly offer a private space to sleep. But is it worth the price?