I hope everyone had a warm and fulfilling holiday. I just noticed that many of the television shows and newspapers were doing their "Year in Review" segments and I thought I should recap what my points earning efforts attained for me in 2017.
While I purposely didn't go on a major trip because of my upcoming sojourn to Africa, I did manage to squeeze in quite a bit of airline and hotel awards for my efforts. 2017 began with my booking two roundtrip tickets to South Africa for myself and a travel companion valued at $3,600. March, provided an opportunity to stay at the Willard Hotel in Washington, DC, thanks to my annual IHG free night award; approximate value, $350. April, had me on an overnight stay at the Plaza in NYC (read here) - thanks to the now defunct Fairmont rewards Visa card; value -$750. In August, I spent two free nights in Pittsburgh: one at the Hyatt Place North Side, close enough to the stadium to walk to a Pirates' baseball game and the other at the Fairmont - value: $390 total.
My daughter must have sensed I had a boat load of points just sitting waiting to book so in September it came as no surprize when she declared she wanted to go on a humanitarian trip to Africa in the Summer of 2018 and could I help her with acquiring a ticket. One roundtrip ticket later, I had her booked on United for less than $100 in taxes and fees for an award valued at $1,950. In November, I booked a future trip to Costa Rica to include a week at the luxurious Hyatt Andaz Papagayo along with roundtrip flights for two on Southwest valued at $2,250. Peppered throughout the year the majority of the hotels I'll be staying at on my upcoming trip to Africa were booked paying entirely with my points stockpile. I estimate those nights to be worth about $1150. Only 3 nights on the entire trip remain unbooked since we wanted the flexibility to be without a schedule and for those stays we will be frequenting Air B&B's.
All in all for what I would call an off year I managed to secure about $10,540 worth of award nights and airfare. Hardly any of this I would have been able to afford outright. I ended 2017 by applying for the American Express Premier Gold card and have my $100 Southwest gift card for future travel as part one of a three part travel credit (read here). And I couldn't help myself so I applied for one last credit card yesterday: the Citi American Airlines Platinum MasterCard. That card will earn me 60,000 American Airlines reward points for a trip I have my eye on for 2018 (more on that in a future post).
And for you doubters and naysayers I checked my credit score yesterday, it fluctuated between 804 and 807, down from 812 because I applied for the American Express card. It will go down to 799 in January because of the credit checks for the two new card applications, then back up into the low 800s for February.
I hope by reading this post you can see the value in what I do to travel the world in a way I never would deem possible. Yes, there is effort and discipline involved, but in the end when I review what I earned in 2017 why would one not make the most of what these credit card sign up bonuses could potentially offer?
Saturday, December 30, 2017
Saturday, December 23, 2017
Financial Affairs and Travel
Today's pre trip preparations include financial matters. On a broad scope everyone should have their financial world in order because as we well know things can change in an instant. Leaving for an extended trip to an exotic locale is all the more reason to update wills, trusts and talk to loved ones. Fortunately, I took the time years ago to get everything organized. Lately, I have been educating those not joining me on this trip exactly what to do if life takes a turn in the wrong direction with me involved. And now that that unpleasant but necessary discussion has taken place I turn my attention to daily life issues like paying bills, credit cards needed and other incidentals. I'll be gone almost 3 weeks, so I took the time to set all my bills to autopay, that way I won't need to worry about being in a place with accessible wi-fi or waking up in the middle of the night trying to remember if its Thursday or Friday and if the electric bill is due. I then sat and reviewed the benefits of my many credit cards to determine which will accompany me on the trip.
I decided on two Chase Sapphire Reserve and American Express Premier Gold. Neither have foreign transaction fees and Chase Sapphire Reserve offers primary car insurance (I'm renting a car in South Africa) - bell goes off in head...I forgot to check if I needed an international drivers license (whew, I don't). This is why I start thinking about my trip two/three weeks before departure.
Back to the car rental insurance...if my rental is involved in a collision or is involved in a theft I'm covered for up to $75k without needing to go thru my private auto insurance carrier first. Both myself as the cardholder and my additional driver are covered. This is a huge benefit. I printed the section on the Collision Damage Waiver to take with me.
My Reserve card also comes with a $300 travel credit (I did a double dip with this card, still kicking myself that I missed out on the triple dip) meaning up to $300 in travel expenses will be reimbursed in the form of a statement credit. I used the first $300 credit when I signed up for the card to pay for airline fees on booking my award tickets. When I return from Africa the $450 credit card fee is due, so I'll just cancel the card. My $600 in travel credits more than covered the annual fee.
The Reserve card will also allow me and my travel companion to enter Priority Pass lounges for free in the varies cities we will be flying in and out of. Several credit cards come with Priority Pass membership, but very few allow a guest to accompany the card holder without a fee. I have a list of all the airport lounges added to my important paper pile. I applied for this card specifically with this trip in mind since so many benefits were available. I'll also be covered for trip cancellation insurance and baggage loss if necessary.
With regards to cash, in Zimbabwe only American dollars can be used for currency. The local currency is worthless and the acceptance of credit cards is almost unheard of so I'll need to have cash in small denominations. Withdrawing from an ATM is not ideal. Fortunately, cash is only needed for small incidentals since everything has been prepaid. Once I'm out of Zimbabwe I'll switch back to using credit cards for activities and food. Everything else was previously paid ahead of time.
I have made copies of my passport, drivers license, medical card and credit cards, one copy goes with me another stays at home. This way if anything is stolen I'll have access to telephone numbers, my passport number etc. Copies of our itinerary have been produced and given to loved ones not traveling - these itineraries contain very detailed information so they can track our whereabouts in the event we cannot communicate with regularity. Lastly, the trip has been registered with STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) thru the State Department web site. This information is provided to the US Embassies of Harare, Johannesburg and Cape Town so they know our whereabouts. It's an exhaustive process but makes for a much smother time away.
I decided on two Chase Sapphire Reserve and American Express Premier Gold. Neither have foreign transaction fees and Chase Sapphire Reserve offers primary car insurance (I'm renting a car in South Africa) - bell goes off in head...I forgot to check if I needed an international drivers license (whew, I don't). This is why I start thinking about my trip two/three weeks before departure.
Back to the car rental insurance...if my rental is involved in a collision or is involved in a theft I'm covered for up to $75k without needing to go thru my private auto insurance carrier first. Both myself as the cardholder and my additional driver are covered. This is a huge benefit. I printed the section on the Collision Damage Waiver to take with me.
My Reserve card also comes with a $300 travel credit (I did a double dip with this card, still kicking myself that I missed out on the triple dip) meaning up to $300 in travel expenses will be reimbursed in the form of a statement credit. I used the first $300 credit when I signed up for the card to pay for airline fees on booking my award tickets. When I return from Africa the $450 credit card fee is due, so I'll just cancel the card. My $600 in travel credits more than covered the annual fee.
The Reserve card will also allow me and my travel companion to enter Priority Pass lounges for free in the varies cities we will be flying in and out of. Several credit cards come with Priority Pass membership, but very few allow a guest to accompany the card holder without a fee. I have a list of all the airport lounges added to my important paper pile. I applied for this card specifically with this trip in mind since so many benefits were available. I'll also be covered for trip cancellation insurance and baggage loss if necessary.
With regards to cash, in Zimbabwe only American dollars can be used for currency. The local currency is worthless and the acceptance of credit cards is almost unheard of so I'll need to have cash in small denominations. Withdrawing from an ATM is not ideal. Fortunately, cash is only needed for small incidentals since everything has been prepaid. Once I'm out of Zimbabwe I'll switch back to using credit cards for activities and food. Everything else was previously paid ahead of time.
I have made copies of my passport, drivers license, medical card and credit cards, one copy goes with me another stays at home. This way if anything is stolen I'll have access to telephone numbers, my passport number etc. Copies of our itinerary have been produced and given to loved ones not traveling - these itineraries contain very detailed information so they can track our whereabouts in the event we cannot communicate with regularity. Lastly, the trip has been registered with STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) thru the State Department web site. This information is provided to the US Embassies of Harare, Johannesburg and Cape Town so they know our whereabouts. It's an exhaustive process but makes for a much smother time away.
Friday, December 22, 2017
Wait...What?..Rabies?
I'm in final preparations for a trip involving a safari in Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls adventures and South African cities of interest - its been almost a year in the planning and booking. Now with a few weeks before departure -it's time to start getting ready for departure. Don't worry, this post has nothing to do with packing (its been covered relentlessly in thousands of other blog entries) we are going to focus on travel medications. Approximately 5 years ago, I went to Thailand. I detailed in this blog about having to receive 8 inoculations and a variety of oral medications. Some of those inoculations are still protecting me today and some need boosters. A month ago...I went to my regular doctor to review what was needed for this trip. The list included yellow fever, malaria, typhoid, hepatitis, tetanus and RABIES!! I also requested a prescription for the antibiotic ciprofloxacin.
Wait...did I just write rabies? I pride myself on reading the fine print. After all, if I didn't read the fine print I'd hardly be able to travel the world for practically nothing, so how did I miss this? From my inoculation list I was still covered for yellow fever, all the hepatitis (A,B &C) and tetanus. Typhoid was borderline so I chose to have it prescribed as an oral medication (I hate shots). Malaria is also oral. As for the rabies - I declined. That involves a series of painful shots I just didn't want to endure. I was also confused as to why it was needed. Apparently, because of monkeys.
Monkeys are everywhere in Victory Falls and very bothersome. If a monkey bites me I'm gonna wish I had those rabies shots! If I do get bit then not only will I have to endure my worst nightmare (shots), I'll have to have them administered in a third world country - more worry!!! So after the initial oh how cute you look Mr. Monkey, I'll be over it and outta there real quick. Advisories are posted not to have food in your bag or food scented items like lipgloss as they will attack your bag. Don't think I haven't thought about an old hunters trick to disguise human scent; dousing oneself in deer urine (I found it in my dads hunting bag) to keep monkeys at bay. Note to self: check if monkeys like deer meat first.
Wait...did I just write rabies? I pride myself on reading the fine print. After all, if I didn't read the fine print I'd hardly be able to travel the world for practically nothing, so how did I miss this? From my inoculation list I was still covered for yellow fever, all the hepatitis (A,B &C) and tetanus. Typhoid was borderline so I chose to have it prescribed as an oral medication (I hate shots). Malaria is also oral. As for the rabies - I declined. That involves a series of painful shots I just didn't want to endure. I was also confused as to why it was needed. Apparently, because of monkeys.
Monkeys are everywhere in Victory Falls and very bothersome. If a monkey bites me I'm gonna wish I had those rabies shots! If I do get bit then not only will I have to endure my worst nightmare (shots), I'll have to have them administered in a third world country - more worry!!! So after the initial oh how cute you look Mr. Monkey, I'll be over it and outta there real quick. Advisories are posted not to have food in your bag or food scented items like lipgloss as they will attack your bag. Don't think I haven't thought about an old hunters trick to disguise human scent; dousing oneself in deer urine (I found it in my dads hunting bag) to keep monkeys at bay. Note to self: check if monkeys like deer meat first.
Thursday, December 21, 2017
The Triple Dip.....
Every now and again in the points world we are rewarded with a triple dip.
I love triple dips. I especially love them when they put money in my pocket. American Express recently sent me a targeted credit card promotion to sign up for their Premier Rewards Gold Card. This card typically comes with $195 annual fee, but the fee is waived for the first year. I was also targeted to receive 50,000 membership rewards points after only a $2,000 spend in three months. That's a relatively easy spend threshold for me to meet, but I really wasn't in the mood for a new credit card. However, as I reviewed the promotion material more closely, I noticed that the card offered a $100 Airline Fee Credit that was renewable on a calendar year basis... that's when the light bulb went off.
Due to the timing of the card's promotion I was able to sign up, be approved and have the card arrive in less than a week. I was approved on the 15th and the card arrived on the 18th of December. You are required to designate an airline from a list provided by American Express. I easily chose Southwest. American Express fine print clearly states that the purchase of gift cards are excluded from the $100 reimbursement credit, however and this is a huge however, there are blogs that detail how airlines code their charges and that my friends is where the magic happens- in the coding.
Southwest and American Airlines code their gift cards like other miscellenous travel expenses such as upgrades and baggage charges therefore, it is easily seen by Amex as a reimbursable expense. This does not work for all airlines on the list. I have upcoming plans to visit Nashville and with Southwest servicing that area the choice of airline was a no brainer for me. The day the new card arrived I immediately linked it to my existing online Amex account and selected Southwest as my airline of choice. The next day I ordered two Southwest e-gift cards; one for $68 and one for $32 therefore, utilizing all of my $100 airline credit for 2017. Today, Amex credited my account for $68 and $32 respectively. As soon as the calendar changes to January 1, 2018, I will essentially do the same thing with different numbers totaling $100. Then on January 1, 2019 I will do this for a third and final time and if all goes as planned I will have amassed $300 in Southwest gift cards before the $195 Amex fee comes due.
When I am billed for the annual fee I will promptly cancel the card and walk away with a substantial Southwest credit plus 50,000 membership rewards that I'll eventually turn into something fabulous to write about here. This is why triple dips are so cool.
I love triple dips. I especially love them when they put money in my pocket. American Express recently sent me a targeted credit card promotion to sign up for their Premier Rewards Gold Card. This card typically comes with $195 annual fee, but the fee is waived for the first year. I was also targeted to receive 50,000 membership rewards points after only a $2,000 spend in three months. That's a relatively easy spend threshold for me to meet, but I really wasn't in the mood for a new credit card. However, as I reviewed the promotion material more closely, I noticed that the card offered a $100 Airline Fee Credit that was renewable on a calendar year basis... that's when the light bulb went off.
Due to the timing of the card's promotion I was able to sign up, be approved and have the card arrive in less than a week. I was approved on the 15th and the card arrived on the 18th of December. You are required to designate an airline from a list provided by American Express. I easily chose Southwest. American Express fine print clearly states that the purchase of gift cards are excluded from the $100 reimbursement credit, however and this is a huge however, there are blogs that detail how airlines code their charges and that my friends is where the magic happens- in the coding.
Southwest and American Airlines code their gift cards like other miscellenous travel expenses such as upgrades and baggage charges therefore, it is easily seen by Amex as a reimbursable expense. This does not work for all airlines on the list. I have upcoming plans to visit Nashville and with Southwest servicing that area the choice of airline was a no brainer for me. The day the new card arrived I immediately linked it to my existing online Amex account and selected Southwest as my airline of choice. The next day I ordered two Southwest e-gift cards; one for $68 and one for $32 therefore, utilizing all of my $100 airline credit for 2017. Today, Amex credited my account for $68 and $32 respectively. As soon as the calendar changes to January 1, 2018, I will essentially do the same thing with different numbers totaling $100. Then on January 1, 2019 I will do this for a third and final time and if all goes as planned I will have amassed $300 in Southwest gift cards before the $195 Amex fee comes due.
When I am billed for the annual fee I will promptly cancel the card and walk away with a substantial Southwest credit plus 50,000 membership rewards that I'll eventually turn into something fabulous to write about here. This is why triple dips are so cool.
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Qatar's Impact
Yikes..... so a little Middle Eastern country named Qatar is impacting my life. It appears several surrounding countries have cut ties with Qatar because they believe Qatar supports terrorism financially - that's the definition in the most simplistic terms. I have a flight to Doha, Qatar in January that eventually will take me to South Africa. Many of the countries surrounding Qatar have closed their airspace to planes coming in and out of Doha. Because my flight isn't until January, I will sit patiently for now. I have debated telling my travel partner as she tends to get nervous over these types of activities. Worst case, the flights will be canceled, I'll get my points back and we will have to pay for tickets to South Africa out of pocket and fly a route other than via the Middle East. Again, the trip isn't until January and I know that many others in my travel and points world have the same flights booked so I will see how they manage the work around. Stay tuned to see how this crisis resolves itself. I know I haven't really written about my upcoming Africa trip since it is so far out but trust me more is on the way.
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Flotation Therapy
Today's post has nothing to do with travel, but rather a new experience. Recently, I had the opportunity to try float therapy for the first time. Basically, you enter a sensory deprivation tank and float in water about 18 inches deep that has a higher content of salt than the Dead Sea. The session lasted one hour and I was surprised at how long an hour can be with no sense of time or distractions. I meditate and practice yoga and believe those exercises helped me to relax enough to enjoy the session. Several people who also tried the therapy with me ended up leaving their tanks (everyone has their own tank to float in) after 15 minutes because they could not get their minds to calm and they were too wired to relax. I had no such issue. Inside the tank which is completely dark (you do have the option to have a night light or overhead light on and play music (I did not use any option other than complete darkness). You enter the tank and you are completely naked except for ear plugs. The temperature is a heavenly 93 degrees. There are pages of requirements that must be signed off on before you can float. For example: you must not have open wounds or cuts, no recently dyed hair, no recent tattoos and you must wash off your perfumes, make up and hair products before entering the tank using products provided by the facility.
The experience reminded me of being in utero, not that I remember. Sometimes you even forget that you are lying in water. I was good for about 45 minutes and then I was obsessed with when the light was going to come on to alert me that my session had ended. I did need to use a head cradle (provided) because I could not get my neck to relax. Once in the head cradle I started to doze off - when my body would touch the side of the tank the movement was magnified 100 times over the initial slight touch. I would be startled enough to move and water would roll up my body ever so slightly feeling like a ripple with a tickle. My stomach reacted to the tickle like the feeling of being on a roller coaster ride. I would recommend trying this therapy and found it odd two days later parts of my body were sore like after a workout. I'm certain the next time I try floating it'll be even better as I won't have to deal with the anxiety of not knowing what to expect.
Read more about flotation therapy here.
The experience reminded me of being in utero, not that I remember. Sometimes you even forget that you are lying in water. I was good for about 45 minutes and then I was obsessed with when the light was going to come on to alert me that my session had ended. I did need to use a head cradle (provided) because I could not get my neck to relax. Once in the head cradle I started to doze off - when my body would touch the side of the tank the movement was magnified 100 times over the initial slight touch. I would be startled enough to move and water would roll up my body ever so slightly feeling like a ripple with a tickle. My stomach reacted to the tickle like the feeling of being on a roller coaster ride. I would recommend trying this therapy and found it odd two days later parts of my body were sore like after a workout. I'm certain the next time I try floating it'll be even better as I won't have to deal with the anxiety of not knowing what to expect.
Read more about flotation therapy here.
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Shopping to Maximize Points
When travel points collecting becomes a hobby you constantly think of ways to maximize each purchase. I needed a new ceiling fan. Most folks would hop in the car and head to a home improvement store of their liking, pick out a fan, pay using a credit card and happily head home. With a few minutes of effort a simple $200 purchase can generate 1400 points over the hop in the car method of shopping and I don't need to leave my home.
Let me explain....most everyone owns some sort of points per dollar rewards credit card, using one of those cards for a purchase would net 200 points simply by presenting the fan for payment. I have several points earning credit cards and while many give you 1 point per dollar on a purchase like a ceiling fan, others can provide a whole lot more. I carry a Chase Ink charge card and receive 5x the points for purchases at office supply stores or for paying my cell phone, cable TV and internet bills - given that those are my most expensive bills, it's a nice little point perk card to own. Needing a new ceiling fan meant that I brought out the card, opened up my browser to locate Staples.com and purchased a $200 eGift card for Home Depot from Staples' online store. I used my Ink card to pay and earned 1000 Ultimate Rewards points. Those points are the best because they are transferable to several hotel and airline partners that I frequently use when I travel. While 1000 points was nice, I knew I could earn more. I then went to American Airlines shopping portal, logged in and indicated I wanted to make a purchase at Home Depot. The portal showed that any purchase I made from Home Depot would earn me 2x the points, but they are American Airlines specific points. I used my $200 egift card from Staples to pay for my purchase and netted 400 AA points. 1400 points, one $200 ceiling fan being delivered to my door for free. Not a bad way to shop.
Let me explain....most everyone owns some sort of points per dollar rewards credit card, using one of those cards for a purchase would net 200 points simply by presenting the fan for payment. I have several points earning credit cards and while many give you 1 point per dollar on a purchase like a ceiling fan, others can provide a whole lot more. I carry a Chase Ink charge card and receive 5x the points for purchases at office supply stores or for paying my cell phone, cable TV and internet bills - given that those are my most expensive bills, it's a nice little point perk card to own. Needing a new ceiling fan meant that I brought out the card, opened up my browser to locate Staples.com and purchased a $200 eGift card for Home Depot from Staples' online store. I used my Ink card to pay and earned 1000 Ultimate Rewards points. Those points are the best because they are transferable to several hotel and airline partners that I frequently use when I travel. While 1000 points was nice, I knew I could earn more. I then went to American Airlines shopping portal, logged in and indicated I wanted to make a purchase at Home Depot. The portal showed that any purchase I made from Home Depot would earn me 2x the points, but they are American Airlines specific points. I used my $200 egift card from Staples to pay for my purchase and netted 400 AA points. 1400 points, one $200 ceiling fan being delivered to my door for free. Not a bad way to shop.
Saturday, May 6, 2017
An Unintended Vacation
I earn a lot of points and several free night stays annually. I work full time, care for an elderly parent and navigate between two young adult children. Sometimes its difficult to fit in trips between the many things I have going on. I recently found out I had another Fairmont free night to use (see details of previous free night usage here). I wasn't aware I had this free night and now I must use it before September 8, 2017. When I called to check on another Fairmont reservation I was reminded this free night existed and was also informed of a perk that if I pay for two nights I have the third night free at any Fairmont property. In addition, I have a Hyatt free category 1-4 hotel night that must be utilized by August 23. I know, nice problem to have.
I have an upcoming extensive trip to Africa booked for January, 2018. I wasn't planning on taking any long trips before then but now it looks as though I'm planning a week long get away before August 23rd to utilize these "forgotten" rewards. My first thought took me to the Fairmont website to see where all their properties were located. I easily narrowed the list down to 5 taking into account I did not want to travel longer than 6 hours to reach my destination. The list included Canada, Barbados, United States and Spain. I realize I listed four destinations as two are located in the United States. I have a daughter with a birthday in August and she has become quite used to a birthday get away. I presented her the list and she narrowed it to Barcelona, San Diego and Barbados. So I am currently pricing where I can receive the most value for my money. At this writing it looks to be San Diego. Future posts will explain my decision making process. Barcelona will remain the runner up destination and Barbados will be dropped from consideration.
To recap, I have potentially 5 nights available to me for the price of 2 - I can't let that deal slip away. I have options for flights that I am considering but because of the Bank of America Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card deal just announced, the flight to San Diego just got more attractive. Stay tuned.
I have an upcoming extensive trip to Africa booked for January, 2018. I wasn't planning on taking any long trips before then but now it looks as though I'm planning a week long get away before August 23rd to utilize these "forgotten" rewards. My first thought took me to the Fairmont website to see where all their properties were located. I easily narrowed the list down to 5 taking into account I did not want to travel longer than 6 hours to reach my destination. The list included Canada, Barbados, United States and Spain. I realize I listed four destinations as two are located in the United States. I have a daughter with a birthday in August and she has become quite used to a birthday get away. I presented her the list and she narrowed it to Barcelona, San Diego and Barbados. So I am currently pricing where I can receive the most value for my money. At this writing it looks to be San Diego. Future posts will explain my decision making process. Barcelona will remain the runner up destination and Barbados will be dropped from consideration.
To recap, I have potentially 5 nights available to me for the price of 2 - I can't let that deal slip away. I have options for flights that I am considering but because of the Bank of America Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card deal just announced, the flight to San Diego just got more attractive. Stay tuned.
Friday, May 5, 2017
Selecting Travel Destinations
Like many I have a travel bucket list but no goals in mind for when I'll reach the destinations I listed. I set one travel goal when I started this points hobby - it was to visit all 7 continents before I turned 60. As of this writing I have 3 continents remaining to visit: Africa, South America and Antarctica. My Africa trip is already booked for January 2018 (I'll be detailing much of that trip via this blog). South America and Antarctica will happen as a joint trip, since the jumping off point for Antarctica is at the southern most point of South America. The timing for the Africa trip will come 4 1/2 years after my trip to Asia. I had to visit Africa before my shots ran out. I hate needles and to visit Phuket, Thailand I was required to acquire seven shots from Hepatitis A & B to yellow fever. Some of the shots have a shelf life of approximately 5 years and I do not plan to repeat having them administered again. When I go to South America I want to visit Mendoza, Argentina and Patagonia therefore, no new shots are needed. I have no desire to see the Amazon, so again, no shots required. Basically, I did all my risky travel previously and what remains on my bucket list are places like, Asheville, NC, Palm Springs, CA, Croatia, and Greece.
Thursday, May 4, 2017
Credit Card Annual Fees
Yes, I pay annual fees on some of my credit card. Meaning this points collecting hobby is not totally free. However, if you are serious about travel and understand the benefits of the cards you carry and how to maximize those benefits you learn to look at fees in an entirely different way.
Yesterday, I received notice from Mint, my personal finance, money manager app indicating I was charged an $89 credit card fee for my Barclays Aviator Advantage MasterCard. It was an expected annual fee however, just because it is anticipated does not mean that it can't be negotiated or ultimately waved. I simply called the customer service number printed on the back of my card and asked if they would consider waving their annual fee. I knew ahead of time how long I had the card
(April, 2012) and the amount I had charged on it in the previous year. This information helped to present my case for having the fee waived or negotiated. I originally applied for the card when it was a Barclays US Airways card, then when US Airways and American Airlines merged it was automatically switched to the Aviator Mastercard. The fee attached to this card is $89 and I have yet to pay it, even once.
Today's call resulted not only in having the entire fee waived, but I was provided an additional spend bonus. If I put $1000 of new charges on the card before August 1st I will earn 5,000 American Advantage miles as a bonus. That's a great deal. I'll simply make a note to use this card until I earn the bonus and I'll then tuck it away until another offer comes along. This card also comes in a fee free version but you lose the majority of the benefits that make the card attractive.
The benefits on my Aviator Red card include....
-Fee free 1st bag check for up to 4 passengers travelling with me - potential saving of $25 per passenger per domestic flights, international flights save more.
-priority boarding
-10% of redeemed miles returned to account up to 10K - this is why I really like keeping the card. If I book an award for 40K points I'l receive a 4K kickback in points.
While these are great benefits I wouldn't necessarily pay $89 for them but once again I have another twelve months fee free to enjoy the card for the price of a 5 minute telephone call.
Yesterday, I received notice from Mint, my personal finance, money manager app indicating I was charged an $89 credit card fee for my Barclays Aviator Advantage MasterCard. It was an expected annual fee however, just because it is anticipated does not mean that it can't be negotiated or ultimately waved. I simply called the customer service number printed on the back of my card and asked if they would consider waving their annual fee. I knew ahead of time how long I had the card
(April, 2012) and the amount I had charged on it in the previous year. This information helped to present my case for having the fee waived or negotiated. I originally applied for the card when it was a Barclays US Airways card, then when US Airways and American Airlines merged it was automatically switched to the Aviator Mastercard. The fee attached to this card is $89 and I have yet to pay it, even once.
Today's call resulted not only in having the entire fee waived, but I was provided an additional spend bonus. If I put $1000 of new charges on the card before August 1st I will earn 5,000 American Advantage miles as a bonus. That's a great deal. I'll simply make a note to use this card until I earn the bonus and I'll then tuck it away until another offer comes along. This card also comes in a fee free version but you lose the majority of the benefits that make the card attractive.
The benefits on my Aviator Red card include....
-Fee free 1st bag check for up to 4 passengers travelling with me - potential saving of $25 per passenger per domestic flights, international flights save more.
-priority boarding
-10% of redeemed miles returned to account up to 10K - this is why I really like keeping the card. If I book an award for 40K points I'l receive a 4K kickback in points.
While these are great benefits I wouldn't necessarily pay $89 for them but once again I have another twelve months fee free to enjoy the card for the price of a 5 minute telephone call.
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
Grand Banks
Taking advantage of a warm spring day by relaxing with a cocktail at an outdoor bar is always pleasurable, but when that outdoor bar happens to be a floating vessel it becomes a divine delight. I knew the weather would be perfect on my overnight to NYC so I researched local blogs to find the best outdoor bars and Grand Banks did not disappoint. From their website you learn: "Grand Banks is a celebrated oyster bar aboard the historic wooden schooner, Sherman Zwicker. Inspired by the floating "oyster barges" that lined Manhattan's waterfront in the 18th and 19th centuries, Grand Banks features sustainably harvested oysters, nautically inspired cocktails, and awe-inspiring views."
This grand old lady sits docked at Pier 25 right on the Hudson River. In the distance you can see Lady Liberty, the New Jersey coast and the NYC skyline in a 360 degree surround all for the cost of a drink. So skip the overpriced tourist boat tours along the Hudson and instead visit here. The clientele consists of well paid, over worked twenty year olds suffering from FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). Just offer to take their selfies' for their Snapchat or Facebook posts and you'll instantly have new friends.
Drinks are in line with Manhattan pricing plus the added bonus of being on the water. If you're drinking wine, buy the bottle for which they'll take an empty clear glass bottle put it under a tap and pour until filled, $64 later you walk away with your wine in an ice water filled pottery wine cooler. Chose to sit at the crowded bar, or along the roped ledge of the ships stern or port railings or on just about anything else you find. Keep in mind the boat is tethered to the dock and there is considerable swaying side to side especially if its a windy day.
This grand old lady sits docked at Pier 25 right on the Hudson River. In the distance you can see Lady Liberty, the New Jersey coast and the NYC skyline in a 360 degree surround all for the cost of a drink. So skip the overpriced tourist boat tours along the Hudson and instead visit here. The clientele consists of well paid, over worked twenty year olds suffering from FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). Just offer to take their selfies' for their Snapchat or Facebook posts and you'll instantly have new friends.
Drinks are in line with Manhattan pricing plus the added bonus of being on the water. If you're drinking wine, buy the bottle for which they'll take an empty clear glass bottle put it under a tap and pour until filled, $64 later you walk away with your wine in an ice water filled pottery wine cooler. Chose to sit at the crowded bar, or along the roped ledge of the ships stern or port railings or on just about anything else you find. Keep in mind the boat is tethered to the dock and there is considerable swaying side to side especially if its a windy day.
Tuesday, May 2, 2017
A different way to visit the Stonewall Inn
One can never tire from visiting NYC. With every passing trip I think at some point this will grow old, but it never does. My most current sojourn was just an overnight but we enjoyed so many new and different experiences. Our area of concentration centered loosely around Greenwich Village. We had just walked the entire High Line trail, a 1.45-mile-long linear park built on an elevated section of a disused New York Central Railroad spur called the West Side Line looking to locate the historic Stonewall Inn. It was early afternoon, the weather couldn't have been more perfect. The bar that started the LGBTQ movement had not yet opened when we arrived. Next to the Stonewall Inn was a brownstone with large steps and wrought iron hand rails. My travel companion suggested we have a seat on the brownstone steps to plan the best route to our next activity. While her suggestion suited me for a few minutes, it dawned on me that to truly fit in we needed one more essential item. A quick trip to the package store and out we rolled with a cold quart of Corona in a brown paper bag. Back on our stoop we mapped out the next stop between sips of beer which was never to leave the brown bag as that was part of the charm. I have to say taking the thirty minutes to sit, relax and watch the city revolve around us was amazing. I could have spent the entire day on that stoop with several more brown paper bag Corona's but an even more amazing bar adventure was waiting.
Monday, May 1, 2017
So You Wanna Get Started in the Points Game?
Spending to earn credit card reward points is a fun hobby, but it's not for all. The game has changed considerably since I started over 5 years ago. Earning the points requires more effort today and sometimes creativity. There are not many shortcuts so right there those thinking of trying out this process bail but if you want to dip your toe into this game I would suggest the Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card as a great place to start.
Earn 100,000 Marriott points after spending $5,000 on the card in the first three months, plus earn a free night (category 1-5 properties) upon annual renewal. There is an $85 annual fee to own this card.
Normally, this card offers somewhere between 50,000-80,000 points, so at 100,000 Marriott reward points you have what amounts to a offer great! The free night upon card renewal is capped at a category 5 hotel, but with some planning you should be able to tweak out a room valued at more than the $85 fee. The card also gives 15 nights towards status annually which comes in handy if you travel for business or have a several pleasure trips planned.
The link to apply for the card is here. I don't have an affiliation with Marriott or any one at this point so by taking advantage of this offer you are NOT padding my pocket.
Sunday, April 30, 2017
The Plaza, Darling...
I know it's not the hotel legend it once was but it still is met with a raised brow to some when mentioning it as my destination for an overnight stay for today's trip to New York City. The iconic 5th Avenue at Central Park South hotel is now a Fairmont managed property. I love Fairmont hotels. I've stayed at their Washington, D.C. and Maui properties previously and loved both.
I'm at the Plaza tonight for one night, for free, of course. Had I booked the room using the flexible stay rate the price quote was for $725. I also could have utilized the full pre-payment rate of $616. I stayed at the Plaza in August of 2015 for 1 night as a rewards benefit for being a Chase Fairmont credit card holder. The card has since been discontinued (January 2017). I canceled my card in April of 2016 and have two free nights I have to use at any Fairmont property in the world. Since I live on the east coast I take advantage of a once or twice yearly visit to NYC. I'm a bit of a foodie, so most of my visits involve eating.
I earned this $700+ stay because I charged $12,000 to my Chase Fairmont Card in one year. I charge everything to a credit card. I don't make charges I wouldn't normally make and I don't carry a balance. This $12K charge was a no brainer and done in one swipe. My mother was having her basement refinished and I offered to pay using my card, then she could pay me when the bill came due and for that I earned a $725 dollar room at the Plaza. It's that easy. It's called making the most from spending money. Many financial blogs chastise those who use credit cards mostly because people are not disciplined but when you use credit cards to your advantage and not the advantage of the issuing bank you can enjoy similar perks.
Friday, April 28, 2017
It's been a while...
Originally, when I decided on the name for this blog I wanted it to best reflect who I am. A dictionary definition states sundry as "made up of different things" and that is exactly me. I was never able to define myself into one role, one type and this blog will be a showcase of why this is true. When I first started writing the blog it was meant to provide knowledge of my travel experiences using credit card and reward program points rather than cash. That still will be a major focus of content but I will also expand to cover financial, retirement, home ownership, mid life challenges and experiences. I'm going to do my best to post frequently but if there is nothing to post I won't force a topic. I hope you will find value in my entries and I hope you will follow along for a great ride.
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