u/roaming_reader

Hello folks,

I don’t know if I’m misremembering but didn’t Hobbii discounts used to be really good earlier and now are just not?

For instance, I usually buy Cotton Kings from them.

Until a few months ago, at any given point, of the seven products under the brand, at least three would be flat 50% off while others had quantity-based discounts going up to 40% IIRC.

Now, only one has a flat discount at any given time (and usually just 30%) while others have quantity-based discounts maxing out at 30%.

And honestly, the Thanksgiving sale of 2025 didn’t seem that great either.

It has been a real bummer.

I just want to make sure that I’m not the only one who has observed this.

(Also posted in r/creditcardsindia)

Hello,

I would like some advice on which frequent flyer programme to opt for within Sky Team and One World. I am confused between Flying Blue and Virgin Flying Club for Sky Team, and Cathay and Avios for OneWorld. I stick to Maharaja Club for Star Alliance.

Considerations:

1. Most of my (and my family’s) travel is to US and Europe with very little travel within Asia. Might plan Japan and S. Korea trips over the next three years. Practically no travel to UK. At least three US trips between the four of us in a year so always looking for good deals there. In the past, have flown KLM, Air France, Virgin, Cathay, Air India/United to the US. Unfortunately didn’t set up FF accounts at that time so miles for a bunch of trips have gone poof.
2. Wouldn’t have minded transferring via West Asia/Middle East hubs but have had to cancel two family trips since March because of the war.
3. Have 7K miles in Virgin Flying Club already. About 3K miles are stuck in Etihad.
4. Would prefer (but not bound to) FF plans that allow for family pooling across four adults. I know Flying Blue restricts it to two adults.
5. We usually travel economy or PE. Wouldn’t mind travelling via Business if we have enough miles.
6. I have Infinia and Amex Platinum Travel, and happy to transfer cc points as and when needed.
7. We usually stay in chain hotels and have memberships (points) across Marriott, IHG, Hilton, Accor and Hyatt so happy to choose an FF programme that allows for such transfers.

Would really appreciate some advice. Thanks!

Hello folks!

I am visiting Nairobi and then heading to Amboseli and Masai Mara in a couple of weeks. I have two full days in the city. Seeking recommendations for:

1. Which cafés should I visit? Looking for great, local coffee to try.
2. Which (great quality) coffee beans can I buy for home and gifting? From where? I prefer medium to dark roasts.
3. I am thinking of doing a coffee tour (bean-to-cup). Any recommendations within or close to Nairobi or on the way to Amboseli or Masai Mara? Any particular coffee company and or tour company/guide that you’d recommend?
4. Good places to shop in Nairobi/Masai Mara/Amboseli? I am thinking of getting a couple of Masai blankets, some batik fabric, and a few wooden sculptures. Is that a good idea? Anything else you’d recommend?
5. On that note of shopping, is bargaining expected or are most shops fixed price?
6. Since I am doing many safaris in Amboseli and Masai Mara, is it worth going to Giraffe Centre and Sheldrick’s Trust in Nairobi or would that be too repetitive? If not these two, what other unique or a very Kenyan experience can I try in Nairobi?
7. Any restaurants in Nairobi that you’d recommend?

Any food, snacks, grocery food items that I should definitely try?

Asnate!

Edit: added another question to point 7

Hi,
I’m planning on visiting Amboseli for two nights, three days. Couple of questions:

1. Is it better to book the hotel and transport (for road transfer to and from Nairobi, game drives) through a travel agent as a package or book them directly myself? There’s a difference of about $500 ($3900 through agent and $3400 directly).

2. I’ll be in Amboseli for less than 48 hours total as I’m reaching in the afternoon on first day and leaving late morning on the third day. Will I need to pay park fees for two days or three days?

3. Has anybody used Allanofleet for safaris. Any experiences that you can share?

Hi,
I’m planning on visiting Amboseli for two nights, three days. Couple of questions:

1. Is it better to book the hotel and transport (for road transfer to and from Nairobi, game drives) through a travel agent as a package or book them directly myself? There’s a difference of about $500 ($3900 through agent and $3400 directly).

2. I’ll be in Amboseli for less than 48 hours total as I’m reaching in the afternoon on first day and leaving late morning on the third day. Will I need to pay park fees for two days or three days?

3. Has anybody used Allanofleet for safaris. Any experiences that you can share?