This weekend, we’re learning about how American tourists may be getting ripped off in Parisian cafes, an Avios-only flight to Cape Town, and the costs of hiking the Appalachian Trail.
The great Paris tourist rip-off exposed by a fake American
Complaints have been mounting about suspiciously jacked up prices for American tourists in Parisian restaurants. To investigate the validity of these claims, Le Parisien sent one of its reporters to pose as an American tourist with a fake American accent, a touristy t-shirt of the Eiffel Tower, and a ball cap. They sent a real Parisian and their fake-American tourist to the same cafe on the Champ-de-Mars near the Eiffel Tower and had them order the same meal. (After this meal, they visited a second restaurant where the experiment continued.) Indeed, the fake-American tourist had a noticeably different experience (and bill) in a few ways. For one, they were given only the option of a more expensive medium or large Coke, while the local was given the option of a cheaper can of Coke. Then, the local was offered a free carafe of water while the “tourist” was not offered this and had to order and pay for his water instead. And finally, no tip was requested of the local (since a 10% service charge was automatically added to the bill). Instead, the “tourist” was told that service wasn’t included and was invited to add a tip. When the “tourist” said they would like to add a 10% tip, the server instead added a 15% tip.
None of this surprises me, and I doubt Paris is unique in this behavior. I can’t help but think of another recent Saturday Selection where we learned of over-tourism protests in Paris. Maybe this is a kind of payback?
(If you don’t have a subscription to The Telegraph, you can use this link to access the above article, clicking the “I’m not a robot” box to enter.)Â
A Flight Only Bookable With Points Offers Amazing Winter Sun
There’s an Avios-only flight available on British Airways’ website which can only be booked with points, and you might be surprised to find out what a desirable flight it actually is. This Avios-only flight is from London Heathrow to Cape Town on December 20th on BA43, then Cape Town back to London Heathrow on January 2nd (2026) on BA42. Who wouldn’t want to spend their winter break in Cape Town?
How Much Does It Cost To Hike The Appalachian Trail?
Growing up in Ohio, I was close enough to the Appalachian Trail to hear a few stories, and eventually, watch a friend or two complete the 2,000+ mile trail. (One friend even completed the more extended Eastern Continental Trail starting in Florida and ending in Canada.) Each friend I talked to had their own stories to share, but one common discussion point was the staggering amount of calories it takes to fuel your body for 20+ miles of hiking a day, and how much those calories cost. Traveling by car or by plane, the cost of fuel is obvious, but for some reason, the cost of fueling your own feet had never occurred to me until my friends shared their Appalachian Trail experiences.
Greenbelly (a company that creates backpacking meals primarily, but also has a healthy blog and YouTube presence) tackled this topic in a recent YouTube video, discussing not only food costs, but also accommodations, transportation, and everything else. Their conclusion? It can cost anywhere from $5,000 – $10,000 to hike the Appalachian Trail. This may sound like a lot, but keep in mind, hiking the AT usually takes anywhere from 5-7 months. So that’s not just a $5-$10K vacation, that’s $5-$10K for more than half a year of life. (And undoubtedly an incredible half year of life at that.)
I used to have the Appalachian Trail on my bucket list…and then when I heard folks describe it as “the green tunnel”, I thought maybe it would be too boring…and now I’m back to thinking that’s exactly why I should want to do it. (How interesting to imagine what my mind might do with 7 months of “too boring”.)
I’m dying to know – have any of our readers hiked the AT? I know many of you are luxury travelers primarily, but I’ve been paying attention to how many of you perk up when I slip a few hiking-related posts in these Saturday Selections. I’m betting we have at least one AT hiker in our readership. And if so, what was the most surprising part of the experience for you? (And was it “too boring”?) Asking for a friend.
Want to learn more about miles and points? Subscribe to email updates or check out our podcast on your favorite podcast platform.
You successfully demonstrated that there are plenty of hikers reading FM!
I have zero interest in hiking or camping (when I was a kid camping was our only real option). But I am interested in the cheater form of the Camino Santiago, for religious reasons. You get dropped off at the final leg and walk that to the church.
I was just about to suggest this! We did the last 120km of the camino portugues last summer, it was great. Probably not as cheap as the AT, of course – apart from the need for Iberia flights – but so beautiful and fascinating. And while I love to camp, eating freeze dried food for months is not my idea of a good time.
I haven’t hiked large sections of the AT, but growing up and still living near the Great Smoky Mountains, I’ve had a few friends attempt portions or all of the trail. I enjoy the sections that run through the parks near me and have hiked several of the trails. I think many of us would love to see more non-luxury focused content come to the frequent miler and other points blogs. I’m often looking for ways to make national park or other outdoor based vacations more affordable with points and miles, but that content seems to be few and far between when compared to the (often overly sponsored) luxury points content on Instagram and across the web. I’m sure part of it is the algorithm… you click one reel on luxury properties in the Maldives and it’s on from there. I’ve even found myself shying away from places if there’s not a good point value hotel close enough. As a family who owns and camps in a pop-up regularly and occasionally tent camping with my 3-year old just for the experience of it, take it from me – this game can lead you astray from what you truly enjoy in a vacation. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the luxury of the Andaz Tokyo and Park Hyatt Niseko last March, but give me beautiful weather, a book and a stream and I am just as, if not more, content. All that to say – I am here for the hiking/outdoors content and mentions. Keep em coming!
I’m with you on travel priorities, but we are clearly outliers!
People travel for different reasons. I travel to see natural beauty and to fully experience the culture and people where I am going. The popular points properties rarely work for me because most high end places bookable by points aim to isolate the traveller in a luxurious bubble. It works for most people, but I get bored.
I do use a lot of points on business class tickets because I am getting old and like to arrive rested (even if the first thing I do on arrival is destroy myself with a long hike). I sometimes use points on hotels before I catch a flight, and I find I can use things like Delta Stays credits on some unusual lodgings. (Underground hotel in the Outback, anyone?) But if I can find a little vacation rental in the perfect location near great rock climbing, a national park lodge in the middle of the wilderness, or a super funky independent hotel, I don’t give a second thought to points.
I find I have to do my own appraisal of points value. For example, I never use Chase points on Hyatt, so that changes the math for me. And I don’t place much value on the high point value hotel certs. One thing I really appreciate about FM is that they always show their math and their reasoning, so I can make the valuations my own. Not to mention the great Carrie posts on her recent adventures outdoors!
Jimmy and Jennifer, my family have gone to many national parks using points and miles. We love the hiking, the wildlife and all the outdoor activities available. Our favorite was Zion NP. You can either camp or stay in the Cliffrose Springdale (Curio Hilton) and literally walk into the park. For us, we chose the latter. Amazing hotel and scenic views. Best vacation ever.
Thanks for the tip! I occasionally find points booking I like in wild areas, so always good to know of another option. For a lot of national parks there is no substitute for staying within the park and in those cases I don’t even try to find something with points. And as Jennifer pointed out going for the points bookings first can lead you astray. For example, I can’t count the number of posts I have seen on various blogs about trips to New Zealand on points, and in almost every case I wonder if they realize just how much they have missed by sticking with points properties.
With the new Under Canvas and auto camp options, I’ve been looking more closely at some of those options as well. But ultimately looking at more erasing costs with points and other cash back deals. Will save the points for Europe or other city heavy destinations if we can. Even for the cities though, it’s a great point to think outside the “points box”. That being said, sometimes you just need a vacation and points make it possible. Like you said, we all travel for different reasons and different priorities depending on time of life!
Yeah, agree for sure. Points can be easier to use in cities, but even then I tend to look for walkable neighborhoods that aren’t too touristy, and sometimes that limits options for points bookings.
Absolutely love Zion NP. We’ve done camping once and hotel once. I agree this is a fantastic park for folks looking to stay in a hotel. We did the same thing – walked from the hotel into the park. It was perfect for us that trip.
Great tip about Delta stays. I hadn’t even considered that option! It’s tough not to get sucked into the luxury life. I appreciate your perspective!
Hike the Camino Santiago instead. Way more fulfilling and less costly.
I toyed with the idea of thru-hiking the AT about 25 years ago, but could never find the time. I’ve grown older now and like my comfort as much as anyone, but I haven’t forgotten about hiking. If you’re considering the hike, read Bill Bryon’s book “A Walk in the Woods” Very entertaining.
The time investment is the real dilemma – I love my job, so I can’t envision pausing it for 5-7 months. I could chip away at the trail one week at a time, but that undermines some of the appeal for me (of feeling like I’m really living in the woods for a while.) Ultimately, I feel so grateful that I’ve lived many of my dreams in real life, so I won’t be disappointed if a few of them have to stay dreams.
I have hiked most of the long trails (AT, PCT, CDT, AZT, PNT…) and have found that the points game actually does a great job of supporting the long distance hiking world. My biggest surprise on the AT was how much slower and tougher going it is versus the trails out west. I wouldn’t worry about getting bored. Most people embrace the walking meditation side of the experience early on, but there are plenty of folks who also swear by enjoying podcasts and audiobooks when it becomes a grind. And for many people, the social scene further keeps the boredom at bay. All that being said, the green tunnel is real, and if you’re worried about the lack of views, the PCT is probably the better option for somebody’s first long distance hike.
My son (trail name “Snowman”) completed a full NOBO on the AT this July. He is 30 and started in February accompanied by his cousin for a few days in Georgia. I met him halfway in Harpers Ferry in earlty May and walked a few miles around the town with him. He is an Eagle Scout and I am a long retired Scouting High Adventure Leader. We both have many years of hiking and camping experience around the world as well as advanced First Aid training (as former Lifeguards and Divemasters) and he is in very good shape. His advice is to travel ultralight, really read up on the trail.and watch for ticks in the southern portion when breaking trail in storm damaged sections. My advice is to get a GPS tracker that will let the folks back home track your progress and be sure to check out the various AT websites.
I’ve sectioned all of the NY AT and am working on NJ/CT. I don’t think I would do the whole thing at once. I did a 2.5 week section of the Colorado Trail last year and can verify: about 4-5k calories per day is pretty necessary after the first week. To get that in a lightweight form, you are probably spending $15-$20/day in food. There are some ways to reduce the cost, but not by a lot. When you add the cost for hostels and the occasional treat, $1000-$1500 a month is probably a pretty good cost estimate.
To answer the other question regarding why or why not: 2000 miles of hiking is a long goal. I like to hike alone. Being alone with your own thoughts is pretty harrowing after a few days. Hiking the CT, I had to listen to long podcasts and records mid-day to keep negative thoughts from creeping in. I also took breaks every 5-ish days (with pool time and family). This may be different if you hike with a group. We were out in Killington, VT last week and saw about 15 people that were hiking the whole trail (the tags ID them). Most were clustered together. It is clear that having some social time is probably crucial to keep spirits up.
That psychological element is so fascinating to me – thank you for sharing!
I’ve hiked a few sections, including both ends, but nothing close to a through hike. The northern part can be pretty brutal. The southern part is easier and much more peaceful, but it is super crowded in the spring with through hikers. Given that you are in WV you could be perfectly positioned for a flip-flop route, either going from the middle first north and then south, or going south to the middle and then north to the middle. I would love to section hike more parts, although my knees are probably getting too old for the White Mountains and Maine with a loaded pack.
Hiking sections of the AT is probably most realistic at this point, and like you said, WV does put me in a good position for accessing different sections. I have done that final section in the White Mountains, but the wind was too high that day to actually reach the peak, so I may have to give that another try someday.
I would love to see an FM style review of the White Mountain Huts.
I’ve hiked Maine and 2/3 of NH. Went North to South, so didn’t have the experience of community, or a trail name, because most thru hikers go north. Very memorable experience,however Maine is very technical, with plenty of steep, wet mossy rocks that made my knees shake uncontrollably. Cliffs, four point climbing, check. Lost a friend for 10 hours in the Whites. Had some trail magic, missed a lot. Nearly walked into a moose on a foggy bald summit. Met tuba man, a professional tuba player who hiked the A.T. and had to play each day to keep his facial muscles tuned; played at a lean-to I was at and a loon replied in song! Met several thru hikers eager to finish in Maine, popping ibuprofen like it was candy. Best unsolicitied advice: wear correct socks and broken in shoes/boots before starting.
Wow, what an adventure!
Do a section of the AT and get a feel for it – and THEN decide. – I did a hundred miles give or take, and decided that was enough ( luckily, I had only commited to that section). I too thought it would be a way to focus on “grander thoughts” and come up with that brilliant business plan or idea. Nope. I was bored to death and mostly thought about running into (another! (first night!!!)) bear and how much my feet hurt and how much I wished for some views or sunshine. Now if I’m planning a long hike -I’ll go to the southwest Or MT/WY – where the views are plentiful AND epic! – and I live in Virginia!
Life and obligations never let me like the AT and PCT, but I did get away from work long enough to do the JMT. It was an unforgettable experience. I kept myself well-fed the entire time. The workout paid me dividends for months.
I have not hiked the entire trail but have hiked many different sections in GA, NC, TN, VT, NH and ME. Wish I had the time to do so. Maybe one day.
I am personally not a luxury traveler. I just need cheap/almost free travel and thats why I love the blog. Wish there was more content around hiking and outdoor activities but I understand that is not the main focus of FM.
Going to Switzerland for my 50th birthday next week do do some hiking in the alps. Can’t wait!
The question is: who would fill your shoes here for 5-7 months if you decided to give it a shot? Not sure we can handle that:)
Just hit 50 myself Bob and hiked in Switzerland about 10 months ago doing the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland to get around. Enjoy!!
Not sure of your style but my wife and I happily “cheated” a few times using the abundant ski/chair lifts to avoid some of the steepest climbs like in Pontresina. That allowed us to hike more at the peaks (where the view is!) and not put so many miles on the knees with the climbs. Your call but we have no regrets!
As you probably know, Switzerland isn’t exactly known for budget travel (I don’t understand travelers who go to Zermatt and never leave the posh village pushing up prices further?) so be prepared on that note, but it was truly spectacular!
FYI, we brought our hiking poles (in a janky poster tube we had to check) and so glad we did. Do hit up the charming little coffee/strudel houses on some of the trails before they close for the fall/winter. Those are some of our best memories especially on days when the weather was foggy/rainy!
Thanks JW!!
I plan to “cheat” on at least a few trails no doubt. To be honest though, I don’t have much of a problem going uphill, its the downhill that kills my knees these days. Hiking poles are a must. The Swiss transportation system is incredible and they make it very easy to see some amazing scenery with one catch which you alluded to. It ain’t cheap!
This will be my second trip to CH. I visited the towns of Zermatt, Kandersteg and Wengen on the first trip and had a wonderful time. This go round I’ll be visiting the regions of Appenzell, Engadin and Lucerne. There is no shortage of amazing trails throughout the country and I tell people every chance I get its totally worth the extra $$$ required to see this spectacular place. Points and miles help a lot! Maybe I will see you on the trail one day:)
Ah, the Yoder family originates from Switzerland, so that’s one of the first international destinations I got to see as a kid. Perhaps Gimmelwald is in your Swiss itinerary? (I believe there’s a skylift option if you don’t want to hike both ways, up and down.)
And that 5-7 month time commitment is the likeliest reason I won’t do the whole AT, at least at this point in time and at least not as a through hike. I love my job too much for that. I could, however, see chipping away at various sections here and there as I’m able, since I’m now living right in the area.
Doesn’t get much better than WV as far as being centrally located along the AT.
When I stayed in Wengen for 5 nights in 2018 I took a day trip to the opposite side of the Lauterbrunnen valley over to Murren where I visited the Schilthorn. Afterwards I hiked down from Murren through Gimmelwald on an absolutely picture perfect day mid-June. I found this random bench somewhere along the way where I sat for awhile watching the hang gliders flying overhead on their way down to the valley floor and received a visit from a group of cows with their cowbells ring-a-linging. A memory I’ll never forget:)
If I had family over there I would try to find any excuse imaginable to visit as often as possible!!!
PCT ’22. The AT is next!
Very nice.
Lovely photo of you and the pups!
Thank you!