Uncovering the Hidden Gems 7 Overlooked Classic Reward Routes for Savvy Frequent Flyers
Uncovering the Hidden Gems 7 Overlooked Classic Reward Routes for Savvy Frequent Flyers - Albania's Coastal Route Flying Tirana to Saranda
From Tirana to Saranda, this scenic journey along the Albanian coast offers a wealth of hidden gems for savvy frequent flyers.
The city of Shkodër, one of Europe's oldest, serves as a gateway to the stunning Albanian Alps, while the often-overlooked beaches like Bunec provide breathtaking scenery and stunning sunsets.
To reach this up-and-coming beach destination, travelers can take a ferry from Corfu to Saranda, then explore charming towns and villages along the coast.
The town of Saranda is home to the ancient ruins of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once a thriving Greek and Roman city, boasting well-preserved archaeological remains dating back to the 4th century BC.
The Llogara National Park, situated along the coastal route, is known for its rare and endangered Bosnian Pine trees, some of which are over 1,000 years old and have become a symbol of Albania's natural heritage.
The scenic Llogara Pass, reaching an elevation of 1,043 meters, is considered one of the most breathtaking driving experiences in Europe, offering panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and the towering Albanian Alps.
The town of Himara, with its charming Mediterranean-style architecture and white-washed houses, is home to the Himara Castle, a well-preserved 13th-century fortress that offers stunning vistas of the surrounding coastline.
The Gjipe Canyon, accessible only by boat or a strenuous hike, is a hidden gem along the Albanian Riviera, featuring crystal-clear turquoise waters, dramatic limestone cliffs, and a unique microclimate that supports a diverse array of plant and animal life.
What else is in this post?
- Uncovering the Hidden Gems 7 Overlooked Classic Reward Routes for Savvy Frequent Flyers - Albania's Coastal Route Flying Tirana to Saranda
- Uncovering the Hidden Gems 7 Overlooked Classic Reward Routes for Savvy Frequent Flyers - Matera Italy Loop Using Bari and Naples Airports
- Uncovering the Hidden Gems 7 Overlooked Classic Reward Routes for Savvy Frequent Flyers - Uruguay's River Plate Circuit Montevideo to Punta del Este
- Uncovering the Hidden Gems 7 Overlooked Classic Reward Routes for Savvy Frequent Flyers - Mongolia's Steppe Explorer Ulaanbaatar to Ölgii
- Uncovering the Hidden Gems 7 Overlooked Classic Reward Routes for Savvy Frequent Flyers - Japan's Wakayama Wanderer Osaka to Shirahama
- Uncovering the Hidden Gems 7 Overlooked Classic Reward Routes for Savvy Frequent Flyers - Open-Jaw Adventure Stockholm to Helsinki via Tallinn
Uncovering the Hidden Gems 7 Overlooked Classic Reward Routes for Savvy Frequent Flyers - Matera Italy Loop Using Bari and Naples Airports
By utilizing Bari and Naples airports as gateways, savvy frequent flyers can seamlessly incorporate this UNESCO World Heritage Site into their Italian itinerary.
The unique topology of Matera allows for natural air conditioning in its cave dwellings, maintaining a constant temperature of around 15°C (59°F) year-round.
Matera's landscape has been used as a filming location for numerous movies, including Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" and the 2021 James Bond film "No Time to Die."
The city's water collection system, dating back to the 6th century BC, includes over 3,000 underground cisterns capable of storing up to 5 million liters of rainwater.
Matera's Crypt of Original Sin, discovered in 1963, contains Byzantine-style frescoes from the 9th century, earning it the nickname "Sistine Chapel of rupestrian art."
The Palombaro Lungo, Matera's largest underground water cistern, was hand-carved in the 16th century and can hold up to 5 million liters of water.
Uncovering the Hidden Gems 7 Overlooked Classic Reward Routes for Savvy Frequent Flyers - Uruguay's River Plate Circuit Montevideo to Punta del Este
Uruguay's River Plate Circuit from Montevideo to Punta del Este offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and coastal relaxation.
Punta del Este, known as the "St.
The journey also includes a stop at the charming UNESCO-protected Colonia del Sacramento, adding a touch of history to this scenic coastal route.
The Río de la Plata estuary, which borders this circuit, is the widest river in the world, measuring 220 km (137 miles) at its mouth.
Punta del Este's iconic "La Mano" sculpture, a giant hand emerging from the sand, was created by Chilean artist Mario Irarrázabal in just five days during a 1982 sculpture competition.
The Punta del Este lighthouse, built in 1860, stands at 45 meters (148 feet) tall and its light can be seen from up to 21 nautical miles away.
Punta del Este's Casapueblo, a sprawling white sculptural building, was constructed by Uruguayan artist Carlos Páez Vilaró over 36 years without any architectural plans.
The José Ignacio Lighthouse, near Punta del Este, was originally built in 1877 and still uses its original Fresnel lens, a marvel of 19th-century optical engineering.
The circuit includes Garzón, home to South America's first floating solar power plant, which generates electricity while reducing water evaporation from the reservoir it covers.
Uncovering the Hidden Gems 7 Overlooked Classic Reward Routes for Savvy Frequent Flyers - Mongolia's Steppe Explorer Ulaanbaatar to Ölgii
The journey through the Mongolian steppe from Ulaanbaatar to Ölgii offers travelers a chance to uncover hidden gems and overlooked classic reward routes.
This route provides opportunities to observe wildlife, experience the Golden Eagle Festival, and explore remote nomadic communities and untouched landscapes.
While the 36-hour drive is an option, many international travelers choose to fly, as the journey can be quite long.
The journey through the Mongolian steppe allows for observation of diverse wildlife, including the majestic argali sheep, the elusive Siberian ibex, the impressive saker falcon, and the graceful Mongolian gazelles.
Central Ulaanbaatar is known to have a higher risk of tourist robberies, so travelers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance when exploring the city center.
The 36-hour drive from Ulaanbaatar to Ölgii is an arduous option, with most international travelers opting for the more convenient and time-efficient flight option.
MIAT Mongolian Airlines, the national carrier, offers regular flights connecting Ulaanbaatar with destinations in western Mongolia, including the town of Ölgii.
The Mongolian steppe, a vast region of semiarid grasslands and rocky outcrops, is known for its unique and fragile ecosystem, which has been shaped by centuries of nomadic herding practices.
Ölgii, the westernmost town in Mongolia, serves as a gateway to the Altai Mountains and the Khovd River basin, offering opportunities to discover remote nomadic communities and untouched landscapes.
Uncovering the Hidden Gems 7 Overlooked Classic Reward Routes for Savvy Frequent Flyers - Japan's Wakayama Wanderer Osaka to Shirahama
Wakayama Prefecture, located south of Kyoto and Osaka, is a hidden gem offering a wealth of spiritual legends, rugged mountainous landscapes, and picturesque port towns.
Travelers can easily reach the coastal town of Shirahama from Osaka or Tokyo, where they can enjoy the beautiful Shirarahama Beach and relax in the region's famous hot springs.
The Kii Peninsula in Wakayama Prefecture, where Shirahama is located, is home to the Kumano Kodo, an ancient network of pilgrimage routes that have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since
The Nachi Taisha Shrine in Wakayama is believed to be one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan, with origins dating back to the 3rd century AD.
The Shirahama Onsen, one of Japan's three largest hot spring resorts, is famous for its milky-white, mineral-rich waters that are believed to have therapeutic properties.
Wakayama's Nanki-Shirahama Airport, which serves the Shirahama area, is considered one of the most scenic airports in Japan, with its runway situated right next to the Pacific Ocean.
The Senjojiki Cliff in Wakayama's Kushimoto region is a popular spot for viewing the "green flash" phenomenon, a rare optical effect that can be observed just as the sun dips below the horizon.
The Kumano Sanzan, a group of three Shinto-Buddhist shrines in Wakayama, have been revered as sacred sites since the 8th century and are a major draw for spiritual pilgrims.
Wakayama is home to Nachi Falls, the tallest uninterrupted waterfall in Japan, which stands at an impressive height of 133 meters (436 feet).
The Kuroshio Current, a powerful ocean current that flows along the Wakayama coastline, is known for its high biodiversity and offers excellent opportunities for whale watching and marine life observation.
Uncovering the Hidden Gems 7 Overlooked Classic Reward Routes for Savvy Frequent Flyers - Open-Jaw Adventure Stockholm to Helsinki via Tallinn
Passengers can choose from one-way or round-trip journeys, with the Stockholm-Tallinn route taking approximately 40 hours and the Tallinn-Helsinki route around 2.5 hours.
The Stockholm-Tallinn ferry crossing takes approximately 40 hours, providing travelers with ample time to enjoy the scenic Baltic Sea views and amenities on board the Tallink Silja Line vessels.
The Tallinn-Helsinki route is much shorter, with the journey taking only around 5 hours, making it an efficient and convenient way to connect the two capital cities.
Tallink Silja Line's ferries offer a range of cabin options, from budget-friendly standard cabins to more luxurious suites, allowing passengers to tailor their travel experience to their preferences and budget.
The Temppeliaukio Church in Helsinki, also known as the "Rock Church," is an iconic landmark built directly into solid rock, featuring a unique architectural design and exceptional acoustics.
Helsinki's Hietaniemi Beach is a popular summer destination for locals and visitors alike, offering a scenic stretch of sandy beach with stunning views of the Baltic Sea.
The Suomenlinna Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on a series of islands just off the coast of Helsinki, was built in the 18th century and played a significant role in Finland's history.
The Bad Bad Boy sculpture in Helsinki's Kluuvi district is a quirky and thought-provoking artwork that has become a popular Instagram spot for visitors.
The Linnanmäki amusement park in Helsinki, which has been in operation since 1950, is a beloved family-friendly attraction featuring classic rides and rollercoasters.
The Åland Islands, located midway between Stockholm and Helsinki, offer a unique opportunity for travelers to explore a semi-autonomous region of Finland with its own distinct cultural and linguistic heritage.