It was just last August, when mostly on a whim - two friends and I flew to Amsterdam for a long weekend. If you’ll remember correctly, you are not supposed to tell that to the customs agent - this makes them suspicious of you for some reason. Let’s call this “Lesson Number 1.”

This trip was booked with a little more forethought - meant to be a bachelor party for our friend who for a few reasons couldn't make it as it turned out. It is not without a good story however…we booked these tickets while sitting in the New York City bar, Employee’s Only while on a bit of a tour or the World’s top cocktail bars and lounges. On our last stop of the night (err…morning) we quickly agreed on some dates and booked on the United Airlines mobile app - I woke up with three tickets to Amsterdam. Don’t book tickets to Amsterdam (or anywhere probably) on your phone after several cocktails at who know’s what time in the morning - let’s call this “Lesson Number 2.”

Anyway - we blast off from Chicago’s O’Hare in Business First on United…full on great service. Cocktails, dinner, dessert - the whole lot. What a way to start a trip. Arrive in Amsterdam feeling decently well rested and Uber into the city center.