5 Reasons to Consider Solo Travel

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 5, 2023

Long-haul flights are dreadful. The stark, urbane terminals and the long nights of tiresome, cram-y seating sure work you up just thinking about it. The flights that roll over to the next morning always have some drama up their sleeves. Then came the rescue team from Taiwan- EVA Air, which is currently one of the 10 Skytrax 5-star airlines in the world. Would you believe it if I told you it was little known even up until a few years back? It was founded in 1989. However, I started hearing about this flight in the early 1990s when my extended family would talk about this new carrier with non-stop flights on B747-400 jets. Back then, it sounded like a story from another realm. I would hear them talk about the aroma of delicious noodles when woken up from sleep by a flight attendant as a late-night snack. I also heard of the very non-conforming Sanrio aircraft that were Hello Kitty Jets, decked out completely from the headrests to the meal cutlery. Everything featured the widely adored character. I finally had the chance to board it. Despite all the different things that this airline was revolutionizing, the most exciting part as a young traveler still remained the all-new cabin category between the economy and the EVA Air business class. This change was surprisingly affordable, and I was willing to upgrade for my 14+ hour flight home. Here I am going to share my experience of flying from New York to Taipei. Stay tuned because you are about to find out the hype behind Eva Air flights and a pretty up-close EVA Air Premium Economy review. The Beginning Of EVA Air Premium Economy Image Source: www.evaair.com The press releases from the airline say that AVA Air’s first trans-Pacific debut took place on December 12, 1992. It had four cabins, which was a first at that time. The four cabins included Super First, Super Deluxe, Economy Deluxe, and Economy. With Economy Deluxe, the airline became the first to introduce an improved economy cabin that is the Economy Deluxe. It became a benchmark for the airline as most others took two to three decades to introduce this cabin to their list of offerings. Recently (last summer), KLM debuted its premium economy. The seat prices are reasonable with business class-like perks. My Taipei experience was very endearing to me because of its convenient pair-up of high quality and affordability. The street food, the stationery, and the convenience stores all added to my love for Taipei. The EVA Air flight was a big cherry on top because all of that now comes in an aircraft. Read More: Here’s What I Found Out About Aha Airlines! A New Version 30 Years Later Image Source: www.evaair.com Three decades since its first flight, I booked the Premium Economy class for my way back to Taipei from NYC. The perks of this flight began even before I boarded it. This airline offers free shuttles from 2 Pennsylvania and 5 New Jersey locations toward JFK Airport. Dallas to Houston Airport also offers a free shuttle service. It has successfully removed one of the biggest issues of international travel, which is simply getting to the airport. I took a $20 Uber to the Jersey City stop, which would have otherwise been a $130 Uber ride all the way to the airport. Being a part of the Star Alliance, I was granted access to the lounge with my United Gold status. It allowed me to upgrade my boarding from Zone 4 to Zone 1. As soon as I got into the cabin, it felt luxurious. They used sweet endearments with my name in Mandarin. They helped me settle in my seat and confirmed my meal selection, which I had previously made online. The seats had a 2-4-2 arrangement, and I had managed to secure a front-row seat, which meant no under-seat coverage but plenty of leg space. On my seat, there were slippers, a water bottle, noise-canceling headphones, and a cozy blanket that felt like a cloud. The blanket was quilted on one surface and had faux fur on the opposite side. How It Went An attendant soon came and gave me an overnight bag. It was a Kipling amenity kit consisting of Hudson Made New York products. It had the brand’s trademark monkey keychain with a scene of Taiwan’s Yilan on the bag. My entire EVA Air flight felt like a warm, pamper session with juice, fruits, and snacks while suspended at 30,000 feet mid air. The breakfast was amazing, with Chinese-style scallop congee with egg & Chinese sausage. There was an option for another Western version that comprised smoked turkey accompanied by cheddar cheese. There was also a “leisure delight” meal in between the meals with BBQ chicken-filled brioche roll. The restrooms were clean, and I can say so because I went three times, and it was clean each time. To clarify, I took a private plane recently that got filthy by the last hour of the flight, which was one-third the duration of the EVA Air. When I took the return journey, I wanted to take things further, getting myself the business class name Royal Laurel. It featured 6.5-foot-long lie-flat seats, a retractable armrest, a cocktail table, and a shoe cabinet. This cabin had a 1-2-1 configuration with dated seats compared to other airlines. EVA Air raised the bar, however, with their Rimowa & Salvatore Ferragamo branded care kit and a complementary Jason Wu pajama set. All the passengers ended up wearing it, and I, too, could not resist it. I wore it all the way home. The plaid duvet was so snug and comfy I asked where I could buy one. At one point, I fell asleep and dreamt of those noodles. But it was not my dream… they did bring noodles in between our slumber, and it just completed the experience all around. Wrapping Up Have you flown EVA Air before or recently? What was your experience like? What do you think about the Premium Economy class? If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: This Is What I Felt About Aruba Airlines! Fly In Style: Your Ultimate Guide To Lot Polish Airlines Adventures! Journey To The Skies: Exploring The Legacy Of Northwest Airlines!

BY  Abdul Aziz Nov 22, 2023

AirTran Airways was an American low-cost airline originally headquartered in Orlando, Florida, which ceased operations after the acquisition of Southwest Airlines. AirTran Airways was founded in 1993 as Conquest Sun Airlines under the management of two small airlines, Destination Sun Airways and Conquest Airlines. They operated mainly Boeing 717s and 737s. It shuttled flyers around the US Midwest as well as the East Coast and stayed in business for 21 years. Why does it not operate anymore? What happened to AirTran? AirTran: A Brief Look Back Conquest Airlines' co-founder Victor Rivas was one of the founders of Conquest Sun. Who bought AirTran? AirTran Corporation in 1994 purchased the airline and renamed it AirTran Airways. It later exited from AirTran Corporation's new holding company, Airways Corporation. The holding company of ValuJet acquired the airline, and the holding company of Airways Corporation in 1997, which owned the struggling ValuJet Airlines. ValuJet's holding company became AirTran Holdings and merged with ValuJet Airlines' AirTran Airways. ValuJet Airlines, in turn, became "AirTran Airlines" before merging with AirTran Airways. Southwest Airlines acquired AirTran Airways and parent company AirTran Holdings on May 2, 2011. It gradually integrated them with AirTran's last revenue flight on December 28, 2014. It operates nearly 700 flights per day, primarily in the eastern and midwestern United States, with its main hub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport serving nearly 200 daily departures. AirTran's fleet consisted of Boeing 717-200 aircraft, of which it was the largest operator in the world, and Boeing 737-700 aircraft. AirTran History Image Source: community.southwest.com This was founded in 1993 as Conquest Sun Airlines and began operations as an original Boeing 737-200 that flew to and from Orlando. AirTran Airways was founded by the management of both Destination Sun Airways and regional carrier Conquest Airlines. The founding of Destination Sun Airways is unclear. Which claims Destination Sun was founded in 1991 by former Northeastern International Airways CEO Guy Lindley and that the airline was formerly known as SunExpress and was based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Another source claimed that Destination Sun was founded in 1990 by a group of pilots, presumably former Eastern Air Lines pilots, as AirTran management later claimed that it was founded by former Eastern Air Lines employees. Rafael Rivas and Victor Rivas founded Conquest Airlines in April 1988 in Texas. Victor Rivas, one of the founders of Conquest Airlines, was also closely involved in the founding of Conquest Sun Airlines. In 1994, AirTran Corporation, the holding company of Minneapolis-based Mesaba Airlines, acquired Northwest Airlink from Northwest Airlines, with hubs in Minneapolis and Detroit. After the purchase, the airline changed from Conquest Sun Airlines to AirTran Airways to match the name of the holding company. The airline moved its headquarters to Orlando and grew to 11 Boeing 737s serving 24 cities in the eastern as well as midwestern United States, offering low-cost vacations to Orlando. In 1995, AirTran Corporation established a new subsidiary called Airways Corporation and placed it under the new subsidiary; AirTran Corporation then separated from the new Airways Corporation, becoming an independent holding that also owns AirTran Airways. After the separation, AirTran Corporation became Mesaba Holdings after its subsidiary Mesaba Airlines separated from AirTran Airways. AirTran Corporation/Mesaba Holdings then became MAIR Holdings, which liquidated in July 2012. Latest Developments On September 27, 2010, Southwest Airlines announced the acquisition of AirTran Airways and parent company AirTran Holdings for a total of $1.4 billion. The deal gave Southwest a significant presence in many AirTran hubs, including Atlanta (at the time the largest US city without Southwest service) and Milwaukee, as well as expanded service to Baltimore and Orlando. With the acquisition, Southwest added international service to several leisure destinations such as Cancún, Montego Bay, and Aruba. Southwest integrated AirTran's Boeing 737-700 series fleet with the Southwest Airlines brand and design, after which the Boeing 717 fleet leased out to Delta Air Lines beginning in mid-2013. The airlines planned to complete as well as close the deal within two years, with the two airlines operating as separate carriers in the interim. The deal closed on 2 May 2011, and the airline won a license on 1 March  2012. The full integration of all employee groups between the two airlines ended in 2015. On February 14, 2013, Southwest Airlines announced that it had entered into a codeshare agreement with AirTran. They took the first step on January 25, 2013, launching joint routes in five markets. As of February 25, 2013, Southwest continued to launch joint routes with 39 other markets. By April 2013, joint routes were to be available in all Southwest and AirTran cities (both domestic and international). Southwest announced that the integration would end on December 28, 2014, when AirTran Airways Flight 1 will be the airline's last Boeing 717-200 (N717JL) departure from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) to Tampa International Airport ( TPA). The flight used the call sign "Critter" as a nod to ValuJet. This route and flight number was Valujet's first flight. Read More: Top 10 Airports In The USA: Navigating Excellence In Air Travel Reviews From AirTran Flyers Image Source: chestertravels.com AirTran has had quite a journey in all these years, and so did its passengers. Here are some of the reviews from people after their flight with AirTrans. 1st Review "I was given business class, which I was quite thrilled about. The seats are much bigger in this area and I felt comfortable the entire time. The arm rests were actually big enough for me to use as well. I was given a drink and a snack as soon as I boarded the plane - I did not have to wait like the people in coach. I was also offered more drinks and snacks throughout the flight. It is a small perk, but it is nice. It was also nice to be the first off the plane. I did not have to wait for everyone to debark first." - SharonSaver 2nd Review "I loved it! The employees were great and they even offered several snacks while in the air. It was my very first time riding on a plane, so I was kind of nervous. The Flight Attendant made me feel so relaxed and offered to sit with me if I needed it, then. Although I declined the offer, it was nice to know that an airline would go the extra mile for their customers. Every time I travel, I go with AirTran because they know how to treat you." - mrsyoung1983 3rd Review "I fly to Orlando and LAX several times a year and the only company I'll fly with is Airtrain! They are one of the few airlines that offer convenient non-stop flights from my local airport. And their flights are always more than $100 cheaper than the other airlines. Their flights are ALWAYS on time. Knock on wood here, but I've never had a delayed Airtran flight. In fact, most of my flights arrive at their destinations a few minutes early. The staff is outstanding!" - jenniandtonyx1 Wrapping Up AirTran Airways was a beloved low-cost airline that operated for 21 years. It offered affordable flights across the US Midwest as well as the East Coast. The airline's history overlaps with that of several other airlines, including Conquest Airlines, ValuJet Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. They ultimately acquired AirTran Airways and its parent company, AirTran Holdings. AirTran Airways is no longer in operation. But its legacy lives on in the hearts of many who fondly remember their journeys on this iconic airline. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, then please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: This Is My Experience With Eva Air! This Is What I Felt About Aruba Airlines! Flair Airlines Review: This Is How I Feel About Flair Airlines! Fly In Style: Your Ultimate Guide To Lot Polish Airlines Adventures!

BY  Abdul Aziz Sep 17, 2021

As a sweet and flavorful snack, cinnamon rolls are an all-time favorite. The moist and yummy sheet rolled layers of buns with cinnamon and sugar mixture. With every bite, this lovely, sweet snack melts in your mouth.  Are you on a culinary tour in Las Vegas? Do you want to try the best cinnamon rolls in Las Vegas? Here is a curated list for you. However, before that, let’s unfold the sweet mystery of cinnamon rolls. Why Cinnamon Rolls Are The Best? So, why are we crazy about cinnamon rolls? The pillowy dough is enriched with warm spices such as nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon. The best part is the frosting on the rolls, which looks like icing on the cake. The combination of savory and sweet components creates a perfect item for breakfast or lunch! Cinnamon is special, especially when added to the proprietary blend with freshly baked dough, cream cheese frosting, and icing. There is also the rich cream with cheese frosting along with Indonesian cinnamon that creates the signature taste of cinnamon rolls! Cinnamon rolls can sometimes be considered junk food because they are large and dense! It is rich in carbs and fat and comes with 880 calories (about 70 minutes of running) for every roll!  However, I would still not say it is very unhealthy, especially when there are other carb-based items! 8 Destination Of Best Cinnamon Rolls In Las Vegas Are you feeling happy or sad no matter what happens? But each time, whenever you start tasting this sweet snack, it can charge your mood with every single bite. Las Vegas is a prime tourist destination. From every corner of the world, the people are visiting here to explore the place and food. You should always keep a single day from your travel routine to hunt for the best cinnamon rolls in las Vegas. Las Vegas has multiple best cinnamon rolls counters which are serving this delicious snack. Check out the top eight picks from our best cinnamon roll destination in Las Vegas. 1. Homies Cinnamon Rolls When searching for the best cinnamon rolls in Las Vegas, the Homies instantly comes to mind. Undoubtedly, the Homies are the best destination for cinnamon roll lovers.  This is because the taste of the cinnamon roll is so delicious. Hence, from your first bite, the cinnamon flavor makes your mood fresh.  The soft texture of the cinnamon rolls and the taste of sugar is starting to melt in your mouth. Along with the cinnamon roll, every dish tastes good. And this place is the perfect hanging-out space for everyone. Address: Shop no.3035 Block E, Tropicana Avenue, Nevada, Las Vegas 89121 2. Mr. Mamas Breakfast And Lunch Mr. Mama’s breakfast and lunch serve almost every popular Vegas dish, like steaks, homemade gravy, and biscuits. The cinnamon rolls get the maximum points from pastry lovers among the long list of serving menus. Whenever you visit this place, always order some sweet, flavorful cinnamon rolls to satisfy your mouth and mind. Even the sweet dishes taste delicious, especially the pastry and biscuits. Address: Shop No.5693 S Jones Blvd #106, Nevada 89118, Las Vegas 3. The Henry View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Henry (@thehenryrestaurant) This place should be your top pick when you want to find some delicious breakfast in Las Vegas. This smart, cozy restaurant is serving one of the best cinnamon rolls in Las Vegas. So, making the plan to dine here is never going to be boring. Make a plan to dine here with a small group of friends. And do not forget to add the cinnamon roll to your food order list.  80% of breakfast finders order the delicate taste of French toast and the soft cinnamon rolls in their order. So visit there and enjoy the lovely tasting dishes and warm service. Address: Boulevard Tower, Las Vegas Blvd Street Level one, Las Vegas 4. Cinnaholic https://www.instagram.com/p/C95U64kxZ8L/ Cinnaholic of Las Vegas serves some of the top delicious sweet dishes and the best cinnamon rolls in Las Vegas. Among these dishes, most customers order cinnamon rolls for their friends and families.  You will get huge roll collection options from their menu list. And every roll and the pastry that is served here are gluten-free. So, when you are in Las Vegas, plan to visit this place with your friends to enjoy the friendly atmosphere and the best cinnamon rolls in Vegas. Address: Las Vegas,4165 Grand Canyon Dr., Suite 103 5. Cinnabon https://www.instagram.com/p/C8FRBiBRzOh/ Who does not love the refreshing smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls right from the oven? This place is one of the top picks for the cinnamon roll lovers.  Walking through the front street, you start to smell the aromatic smell of the best cinnamon rolls in Las Vegas. For the takeaways and sweet cravings, this place is the best choice. You do not have to wait for long. The staff is friendly. After placing your order for the cinnamon rolls, they will deliver you the freshly baked packed cinnamon rolls within a few minutes. Address: 4300 Meadows Mall, Las Vegas 6. The Bagel Cafe https://www.instagram.com/p/CRwfvCvtWfJ/?hl=en The bagel cafe is one of the best hangout spots for breakfast option finders. From varieties of smoked fish and meats, they are famous for their comprehensive collection of types of bagel and cinnamon rolls. If you love to explore the different cinnamon rolls and pastries, this will be your best option. So do not hesitate to start your day with these bursting, delicious-tasting cinnamon rolls and pies. Hence, every calorie is worth earning, especially for cinnamon rolls. Address: N Buffalo Dr, 301, Las Vegas 7. Pastry Palace Pastry Palace is not only a pastry shop. This is the place where you can experience the artistic side of the sweet dishes. This means along with the taste, they serving many unique-looking pastries. Moreover, they specialized in serving elegant gorgeous-looking cakes for different occasions. Along with the best wedding cakes, they are also serving the best cinnamon rolls in las Vegas. The pastry, varieties of different flavors, cookies, and soft, freshly baked cinnamon rolls are the best attractions of the place. Address: Las Vegas W Sahara Ave 4523 8. Humboldt Sweet https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw5n-WovKU1/ You will notice their cozy dining place when you first enter the restaurant. Humbolt serves one of the best sweet snacks in Las Vegas. So, if you are searching for various tasty, sweet snacks, this will be your best hangout place. All your requirements, especially for the sweet dishes, will be fulfilled from this single place.  The most favorite dish of the place is the chilly cinnamon roll. Based on my opinion, this specific type of Humboldt cinnamon roll is the best I’ve ever tasted. Address: Green Valley Pkwy #110, 670 S, Henderson 9. Cafe Cuto https://www.instagram.com/p/DBPQoSfgRM2/ Address: 2777 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, United States Cafe Cuto serves the best cinnamon rolls in Las Vegas. Further, while researching them, I found a lot of craze about their jasmine tea. In addition, people love having Italian coffee here.  Moreover, along with cinnamon rolls, they serve another dessert with a hint of this fragrant spice. The cinnamon crumble blueberry muffin here is just drool-worthy.  Foodie Corner “Nice place to stop by and grab a fresh coffee. Coffee was okay I've had better but the highlight of this place is their cinnamon crumble blueberry muffin it is out of this world. Try it do not bypass this item.” - GG M.  10. Capital One Café https://www.instagram.com/p/CWbqgH-LPzY/?img_index=1 Address: 3200 Las Vegas Blvd South 1110 Ste 1110 Las Vegas, NV 89109 Capital One Café stands out for its comfortable ambiance. Lavender latte and cinnamon ginger latter are the biggest crowd pullers here.  Further, having the best cinnamon rolls in Las Vegas feels better due to the 50% discount on Capital One credit or debit cards. The cafe ambassadors will help you use the card and find the best deals. Foodie Corner “This was my first time in any Capital One cafe, and they set the bar high. Bank employees greeted me at the door and helped me deposit my check. They comped me a latte since it was my first time in the branch. Customers must have been happy because everyone was smiling and networking. Great space to work remotely as well or plan a business meet-up.” Rain Bow T. Do You Know Many People Who Eat Their Cinnamon Rolls With Chili? Sounds confusing? But guys, it is quite a popular combination followed by a distinct Iowan tradition. However, the origins of eating cinnamon rolls and chili are a little murky.  The combination of sweet and salty pairing reminds me of other food items such as pineapple on pizza, apple pie, and cheddar cheese!  The combination of these items might be questioned. A lot of people divide tasters and incite chaos among food enthusiasts! However, several individuals love this combination.  Cinnamon rolls, a decadent pastry, are mostly eaten as breakfast, but how does it taste with the savory dish, chili? It goes back to the 1960s when an article was published by the Des Moines Register referring to this dish. The pairing started in school lunchrooms.  This is a product of budget food because it is not expensive! Another reason, such as ordering limitations, is also a factor, especially through Iowa historians who inform the theory of combining the two items, a cost-effective meal that appeals to the students.  The cinnamon roll was a crowd-pleaser, so it is prevalent in schools now. There was a mandated guideline of “one serving of a bread or gain product” and “two ounces daily of protein-rich foods,” which was easily followed with this combination.  This combination became such a huge hit that when the cinnamon roll and chili menu were offered, students' and teachers' attendance and participation went up. It became a staple for the Iowa school scene! Wrapping It Up: All of these eight places serve the best cinnamon rolls in Las Vegas. We are giving the whole idea about these places. The taste of cinnamon rolls and pastries is uncompromisable.  When you are in Vegas, you will get plenty of options. But investing in these places is worth every single penny of investment. So which one are you going to choose? Do not forget to share your Vegas tour experiences in the comment section. Read More: 10 Best Things To Do In San Diego (USA) A Guide To National Parks In Wisconsin – Latest Guide Batista Restaurant Las Vegas – Restaurant Info, Ratings & Reviews