What’s Your Total Cost of Travel?

May 17, 2013 By 14 Comments
Total_Cost_of_Travel_Infographic

Hipmunk issued an infographic to people on its mailing list today, and I found it interesting. It outlines all the little ways you can get dinged by airlines, hotels, and associated merchants along the way when you travel. I enjoyed it because it highlights how important it is to take a holistic view of travel and look for lots of ways to save money when traveling. When people ask me where's a cheap place to visit, I might suggest Bangkok as one idea. Sure it's expensive to get there, but once you arrive everything is pretty cheap. Contrast this with Las Vegas. You can drive from Southern California, but many of the fancier hotels (and everything is moving upscale there) can cost $200-300 a night on weekends. If you don't pay attention … [Continue reading]

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Answers to Reader Questions: Recommendations on Award Travel

May 17, 2013 By 6 Comments

Here is the final post answering some reader questions on booking upcoming award travel. I don't operate an award booking service, so I had to do a little more research on these topics rather than pull the information off the top of my head. However, I hope you find some useful inspiration. If any readers think they have a better suggestion, please feel free to add to the discussion in the comments. p993: I have 220,000 Membership Rewards points and would like to use them to fly to Santorini. We are open to making a stop at another country and spending a day or two. We would appreciate your recommendation on which airline and route to book. Avios may be your best bet. Through June 7 you can transfer Membership Rewards to Avios points … [Continue reading]

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Third Thursday Tomorrow at Monsoon East

May 15, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Wow, this snuck up on me. Remember, I said I'd be organizing a happy hour every third Thursday if you want to come join me and talk travel -- or anything else. Well, that third Thursday happens to be tomorrow, on May 16. This is exactly why I said to keep the day open on your calendar. We are alternating every month between Seattle and the Eastside, so this month is on the Eastside at Monsoon East, near Bellevue Square. The exact address is 10245 Main Street, Bellevue, WA. Happy "Hour" runs from 3-10 PM and I will show up around 5 PM. There's no real plan, private room, or any of that. Think of it like this: I'm getting a beer. You know where I'll be and you're welcome to join me. And if you can't make it this time, there's always … [Continue reading]

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Time to Cancel the MileagePlus Club Visa After All

May 15, 2013 By 26 Comments
MileagePlus Club

I wrote about a month ago that my annual fee was coming due on the United MileagePlus Club card from Chase. I decided at the time that I was going to keep the card, but I changed my mind after thinking a little more. Fortunately, Chase provides a limited window to cancel a card after the annual fee actually posts to an account. (American Express doesn't refund the entire fee but rather a pro-rated portion depending on how far you are through the year.) Why am I canceling? I like having access to the United Club. I like it enough that I am willing to pay for it. But my Club membership is good through July 31 even if the credit card has been cancelled. And I have no domestic travel booked after that. As a Premier 1K and Star Gold member, I … [Continue reading]

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New Hyatt 48 Hour Sale with Participating Properties

May 14, 2013 By 6 Comments
C48MAY

Hyatt has a new 48 Hour Sale, providing the opportunity to save up to 20% on select properties in the U.S. and abroad. Use the code C48MAY today or tomorrow before 11:59 PM Central Time on May 15. Hyatt PR generously contacted me with a list of participating properties. Remember, this list may not be exhaustive and there could be other participating properties not included. Not all properties on this list will offer the same discount on all days. But it is better to have something to work with than nothing. You should still check other discounts like AAA, AARP, and COSTCO to see if you can obtain a similar savings. Many of those discounted codes provide refundable rates, while the 48 Hour Sale provides only nonrefundable rates. Read … [Continue reading]

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