About me first...
Hi there! My name is Christine Mousa. I'm someone who's always had a deep passion for travel - exploring new places, experiencing different cultures, and finding those hidden gems that make a trip unforgettable.
Over the years, I've learned how to travel smart - uncovering the best deals on flights, accommodations, and activities. Now, I'm here to share what I've learned to help YOU do the same.
Whether you're a solo adventurer, planning a family vacation, or booking for business travel, the tips, tools and resources on this site are designed to make your travel smoother, more affordable, and more enjoyable. I am a fan of cruising so you may see lots of those photos!
You'll find personal reviews, tried-and-true travel tips and the websites I personally use - all aimed at helping you make the most of your journey. Everything here is completely free - no subscriptions, no paywalls, just helpful info from one traveler to another.
If you find the content valuable, the best way to support this site is by using my referral codes. They cost you nothing extra, but they help cover the cost of running this website so I can continue to share free content with fellow travelers like you.
Thanks for visiting - and wherever you're headed next, I hope it's an amazing trip!
TRAVEL REVIEWS
London
Airline - Virgin Atlantic (Economy Class)
I transferred Chase Points to Virgin
13,000 points each way = 26,000
Taxes = $355 roundtrip
Hotel - Hilton Paddington Station
Loved this hotel. It is right in front of Paddington Station. I am a Hilton Diamond member so I was upgraded to the Tower Room. As a diamond member, I also had access to the Executive lounge which was opened from 7am-10pm. It offered breakfast, drinks all day, high tea and a light dinner. The dining room offers a buffet breakfast with an. omelet station. Everyone in this hotel was friendly and went out of their way to be helpful. My flight arrived early. I was at the hotel at 7am. They contacted housekeeping and had my room ready by 10am. I would definitely stay at this hotel again. I used Hilton Honors points of 75,000 per night.
Transportation used: Underground and Heathrow Express
The Heathrow Express is a 15 minute train from the airport to Paddington Station. You do not need to purchase advanced tickets, however, it is cheaper if you do. I paid $13 each way
Underground - You can use your credit card to swipe when you enter and exit. I didn't pay more than $12 per day.
Sightseeing:
I spent 3 nights in London
- Attended Mass at Westminster Abbey $0.00
- Changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace $0.00
- Sky Garden with beautiful views - Reservations are need
in advance but there is no entry fee
- Harrods for shopping
- Fortnum and Mason - You can purchase whatever you
want and the shipping was $23 to the US. Totally worth
not carrying the items around with me.
- Borough Market - Shops and food in a lively atmosphere
- Princess Diana Memorial $0.00
- Big Ben
Ireland
Cruise Excursion Ports of Call:
Cobh - Cute little town. Walked around and visited the Titanic Museum. This was the last port of call before the Titanic sailed across the Atlantic.
Dublin - Purchased the Hip On-Hop Off bus. Enjoyed seeing the city. Took the route around once and then got off an explored on my own.
Belfast - Took a city bus tour and then visited the Titanic museum. The Titanic was built in Belfast so the perspective at the museum was different. It was based on the community and the ship building progress. Picture above is the museum which is shaped like a ship and the same height as the ship.
Scotland
Cruise ports of call:
Glasgow - Purchased the Hop On-Hop Off Bus $28
Took the route around once to see everything.
The Willow Tree Room - Booked an afternoon tea in advance $30. Wonderful experience. Great tea and food
Visited the University of Glasgow
Invergordon/Inverness - Purchased the Hop On - Hop off Bus $15
CRUISING
Cruising often gives you just a glimpse of a city - enough to sample its sights, flavors, and atmosphere without fully diving in. It's like a movie trailer; you get a sense of the main attractions, the vibe, and the people, which can spark curiosity or confirm it's not your scene. Sometimes that brief encounter is enough to know you want to return for a deeper stay, and other times it satisfies your curiosity in one visit.
I have sailed the following cruise lines:
Premier (a long time ago - not going to date myself)
Radisson Diamond (also a long time ago)
Royal Caribbean
Holland America
Norwegian
Princess
Next Stop: Anywhere but here!
What’s on your Bucket List?