La Compagnie: A Quick Review

On a recent trip to the South of France, my wife and I decided we wanted to fly comfortably without paying a crazy amount of money for a last-minute flight, especially in the peak of summer.

I had heard of La Compagnie on and off, an all-business-class airline that advertised some incredibly attractive fairs from Newark to Nice. We ended up paying $2400 from Newark to Nice, and we were excited to experience an all-business transatlantic airline.

Once we got to the airport, we were pleasantly surprised that the check-in encounters were almost empty, and we could get our boarding passes quickly. After clearing security, we were also then escorted over to the airline lounge. One of the unique features of this particular lounge is that food is not available buffet style – instead, you can order off the menu. After experiencing the meal service on the flights, I highly suggest you take advantage of this offering.

Once we boarded the flight, we were very impressed with how big the aircraft seemed, even though it was a single-aisle, narrow-body aircraft. The other feature we loved on board was that the entire flight had free Wi-Fi – which even full-service airlines don't offer.

After takeoff, we had a few menu options on the screen, which were very limited. Unfortunately, the food was not up to par. The flight itself was effortless and pleasant overall. We landed in Paris for a quick crew swap and then took off to Nice.

The flight was on time, the cabin crew was accommodating, and because of the aircraft's seat density, everyone was on and off very quickly.

The only negative comment about this experience is the fact that on the way back from Nice to Newark, there was no meal service for nearly 4-5 hours.

Overall, I would not hesitate to retake this particular airline, especially as we continue to explore Europe and try to travel there as much as possible in a premium cabin.

Alaska: The Midnight Sun in Denali

For as long as I can remember, my heart has been set on Alaska to experience the midnight sun. This year, our stars aligned and granted us the chance to witness this on summer solstice. The anticipation had been building all day as we indulged in backcountry ATV rides and white water rafting. But nothing could have prepared us for the incredible evening that awaited us.

As the sky began to turn shades of pink and orange, we eagerly set out to explore the town of Talkeetna under the never-ending light of the midnight sun. Our initial plan was to find the perfect spot for photos, but our curiosity led us down winding roads and we ended up at 49th State Brewing.

With a beer in hand, we anxiously watched the clock tick closer to midnight, we were relieved to see that it was a clear sky - a rare occurrence in Alaska. And then it happened - at exactly midnight, the sun still shone brightly in the sky, casting an orange and pink glow over everything in sight. We piled into our rental van with heads swiveling in every direction, trying to take in every moment of this extraordinary experience.

The Hurricane Turn

As soon as we arrived at the Talkeetna train station, my son's eyes lit up with excitement. We showed our tickets and climbed aboard The Hurricane Turn train - the last flag-stop train in the United States.

The train was surprisingly empty, which made it easier for us to find a seat and settle in for the 7+ hour journey. The conductor, who welcomed us on board, gave us a brief history of the train and its route as we rode along.

Throughout the day, we stopped at various scenic spots - including rivers, streams, an abandoned hotel and an art gallery - all accessible via the train tracks. The train would pause for a few minutes at each stop, allowing passengers to get down and take pictures of the breathtaking views.

One fellow passenger was reliving her trip from 25 years ago to visit a cabin her husband had stayed in during a hunting and fishing trip. To our surprise, she was able to locate it along the tracks!

The most striking feature of the train was its Adventure Car - a beautiful car with all-glass windows that provided panoramic views of the Alaskan backcountry.

Although it was a long day on the train, filled with sights and stories, we were glad we took The Hurricane Turn ride. We're already considering trying out the winter version of this unforgettable journey in the near future.

Review: Major Marine Wildlife Cruise in Alaska

Many travelers think of Alaska as a destination best experienced through an "Alaska cruise," but there is much more to explore in this vast state. From day cruises to scenic drives, there are endless options for exploring Alaska.

Our journey began with a full-day Major Marine Wildlife Cruise from the charming town of Seward, located about a 4-hour drive from Anchorage. The drive itself was a highlight, as we were treated to stunning views of diverse landscapes along the way. Plan on spending quite a bit more time on the road for photos and breaks.

After spending the night in Seward, we were well-rested and eager to embark on our 8-hour cruise into the Alaskan waters. While there are numerous companies offering this tour, we chose Major Marine Tours and were impressed by the seamless process from booking to disembarking.

As we set out into the water, we encountered some rough seas, but the breathtaking scenery made it all worth it. Every hour brought new sightings of various marine life, thanks to the knowledgeable crew's efforts to provide us with the best experience possible. We were not disappointed with the abundance of wildlife we encountered.

For those considering a similar cruise, I highly recommend packing sea-sickness bags and snacks to make the journey more comfortable. There are moments of monotony as you sail through different bodies of water, but they are easily forgotten amidst the excitement of spotting wildlife.

If Seward is unfamiliar territory for you, I urge you to take some time and explore this charming town. From unique coffee shops nestled in old church buildings to delicious garlic-infused seafood dinners, there is something for everyone here.

K2 Aviation: Glacier Landing in Denali

Airplanes and the vast wilderness of Alaska go hand in hand. And when you add the breathtaking experience of landing inside the Denali mountain range, all I want to do is hit pause and savor the moment a little while longer.

During our trip to Alaska, we had splurged on a glacier landing excursion with K2 Aviation. It was expensive, but it was worth every penny for the unforgettable experience it provided.

We began our day at K2 Aviation's offices in Talkeetna. After checking in and slipping on shoe covers, we climbed aboard the plane that would take us into the heart of the mountains. The weather was ideal - partly cloudy and calm air - setting the scene for a truly magical flight.

Following a brief safety briefing, we embarked on our journey from Talkeetna towards Denali. As we entered the mountain range, the views were absolutely jaw-dropping. The land below us was untouched and pristine, and we were fortunate enough to catch a rare glimpse of the peak of Denali.

Once we landed on the glacier, I was surprised by how warm it was - perfect conditions for an impromptu snowball fight with my 3-year-old son in just a t-shirt. We took some time to admire the natural beauty surrounding us before returning to Talkeetna airport.

Given the chance, I would happily repeat this incredible experience over and over again. The sheer awe and wonder of it all is something I will never forget.