Is Up3 the best way to roam in Europe? Upgraded to Economy, November 1, 2024November 1, 2024 eSIMs are amazing, but most eSIM prepaid plans don’t include talk or text, which becomes a problem when you have to call somebody in Europe. If you want to get a local phone number, you usually have to waste time going to a shop, buying a SIM card, swapping it… Continue Reading
How to affordably call while abroad Upgraded to Economy, October 29, 2024October 29, 2024 In today’s connected world, new innovations in international telecommunications have made communication while traveling abroad easier than ever. The advent of eSIMs in the past few years have enabled a significant number of consumers to avoid hefty data roaming fees charged by their home carrier, only requiring them to pay… Continue Reading
Travel How to add a second passport to your Trusted Traveler Program profile Upgraded to Economy, October 16, 2024October 16, 2024 For those of you who have more than one passport that needs to be added to your Trusted Traveler Program profile, ever wondered how to do it? Typically, the website only allows you to have one passport. When your old passport expires, you simply replace the old passport’s info with… Continue Reading
Travel Is it possible to be a seasoned traveler on your first trip? Upgraded to Economy, October 16, 2024October 16, 2024 You may think that the first time you visit a new country is always going to be trial by fire. I’m happy to share that, with enough research and learning from good resources, you’ll be able to feel like a seasoned traveler on your very first trip to a new… Continue Reading
Write a guest post for Upgraded to Economy! Upgraded to Economy, October 4, 2024October 5, 2024 Are you interested in sharing your travel experience on Upgraded to Economy? Whether you have a trip review to post or some tips and tricks, you are cordially invited to write a guest post for us. Drop a message with the below contact form! Continue Reading
Flights Flight review: Japan Airlines 787-8 business class (Seattle to Tokyo–Narita) [SEA to NRT] Upgraded to Economy, October 4, 2024October 4, 2024 In late August 2024, I had the opportunity to fly to Japan from Seattle and back in business class on Japan Airlines. I started and ended my time in Japan with trans-Pacific business class on JAL. Here is my experience onboard! How I booked this flight I booked my original… Continue Reading
Flights How to use an Alaska Airlines MVP Gold Guest Upgrade Upgraded to Economy, September 29, 2024September 29, 2024 Want a cheap way to be upgraded to first class on Alaska Airlines? You’re in luck, as Alaska Airlines provides each Mileage Plan member who reaches MVP Gold with four MVP Gold Guest Upgrades that expire at the end of the year after your qualification. These can be used to… Continue Reading
Some unspoken rules in Japan Upgraded to Economy, September 1, 2024September 1, 2024 In my guide for first time Japan visitors, I spelled out the basic ground rules. However, there’s a lot more unspoken rules that you’ll want to know if you want to be respectful. Don’t eat or drink while walking This is something I do very often, especially when I have… Continue Reading
Flights Flight review: Condor A330neo business class (Seattle to Frankfurt) [SEA to FRA] Upgraded to Economy, August 26, 2024August 26, 2024 In December 2023, I took a business class flight to Germany for a business conference. I wanted to take a direct flight from Seattle to Frankfurt. There were two airlines offering this route: Lufthansa and Condor. Lufthansa’s business class remains uninspiring and resembles domestic first class in the United States…. Continue Reading
Travel Checklist for traveling to Europe Upgraded to Economy, August 11, 2024August 11, 2024 After forgetting my power adapters during my last business trip to Germany, I became determined to never let that kind of oversight happen to me again! Here’s a checklist to read before traveling to Europe. Things to bring Things not to bring Things to do before boarding your plane Continue Reading
Travel Checklist for traveling to Japan Upgraded to Economy, August 10, 2024October 6, 2024 Even I can forget what I need to do before going to Japan. Here’s a list of things to keep in mind. (Last updated October 6, 2024.) Things to bring Things not to bring Things to do before boarding your plane Things to do immediately after arriving in Japan By… Continue Reading
Travel Why I applied for a second U.S. passport Upgraded to Economy, August 9, 2024August 9, 2024 A little-known fact is that U.S. citizens can in fact hold two valid U.S. passports simultaneously. (To emphasize: this is not dual citizenship—they are both U.S. passports.) U.S. citizens are usually not permitted to have more than one passport. However, the State Department has the legal authority to make exceptions…. Continue Reading