More Parking Discounts, Not Just in Seattle

May 9, 2013 By 8 Comments
WallyPark 1Day

I’ve been paying less than $5 a day on airport parking for about a year now, going back to a post I wrote in June in which I discussed how to stack half-price gift cards and my AAA discount. WallyPark has locations in Seattle, Los Angeles, San Diego, Houston, Denver, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Newark, and Philadelphia. At the Premier Garage in Seattle, the cheapest published rate is $12.95 a day for the rooftop, but I prefer the $14.95 rate for covered parking inside the garage. In the winter, it can take a while for my windows to defrost, which is the last thing I want to wait around for after landing. Anyone can sign up for AAA and get 25% off. They even store your membership information in your account profile so you can pay more … [Continue reading]

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How Did I End Up Here?

May 8, 2013 By 5 Comments

This post is self-serving, so don’t read it if you are looking for a travel tip or deal. But a student still progressing through my former graduate program operates a blog of her own called Branching Points. Liza’s focus is on non-academic career paths for those with a graduate education, something I’ve struggled with in the last couple years as I figure out what I’m going to do with my life. What was particularly interesting about her interview request is that we’ve only briefly met, and she actually found my blog -- originally -- through a Google search looking for cheap travel. That’s the same way I stumbled across Flyertalk all those years ago, and it amuses me that we are so close yet don’t really know each other. I … [Continue reading]

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From the Computer to the Host’s House: A Guide to Airbnb

May 8, 2013 By 5 Comments

Thanks to Angie from NerdWallet for today's post expanding on how to use Airbnb to book apartments, homes, or just an extra room as an alternative to traditional hotel stays. Eric surveyed Airbnb and similar services like Couchsurfing and VRBO last week, but Angie volunteered to go into more detail on this particular option. Airbnb -- the popular short-term travel site -- has been in the press recently for their over-the-top invitations to a Gatsby themed party in the Hamptons. In some ways Airbnb represents the East Egg-West Egg phenomenon; it allows you to see a different side to a city with a dose of charm and even grit that a traditional hotel could not encapsulate. To ensure you have the most fulfilling and courteous of experiences, … [Continue reading]

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Answers to Reader Questions: Where to Book Fuel Dumps?

May 7, 2013 By 2 Comments

I've discussed fuel dumps in the past following a simple strategy: point the reader in the right direction without actually sharing any specific solutions. The emails I usually receive are evenly split between people who thank me for opening their eyes and those who have worked on it for hours and still don't get it. And that's a sign my approach works. People who want to do this will do it anyway. People who want a handout aren't going to find me to be very helpful. You will have to work at it to make these tricks work, and it is not something everyone can do. Ren Hoek: I’m new to fuel dumping. I’ll figure it out eventually, but tips and hints are appreciated to speed the process. What online travel agencies come to mind when you … [Continue reading]

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Answers to Reader Questions: Strategies for Closing Credit Cards

May 7, 2013 By 6 Comments

Today I'll answer some reader questions about credit cards. Many of us apply for several rewards cards over the course of each year, and it can be difficult to know when to trade off between cards with similar benefits or how to strategically apply for a new card while planning to close an old account. 3LeftTurns: I have the American Express Platinum Card with a December renewal date. What would be the process to transition to the Mercedes-Benz version of this card, drop the “normal” Platinum Card, and earn the new bonus while keeping the lounge access benefits. Most offers I’ve seen for an American Express card offering Membership Rewards points (e.g., Platinum, Gold, Green, or Zync) stipulate that you will not receive the … [Continue reading]

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