Guinness Book of World Records

This blog may not be about saving you money but it will definitely tell you about something fun to do while on vacation or how to spend part of your weekend.  Monday, I drove with Maria to Davis to visit a friend, Judy.  Once we picked up Judy we drove her to one of my favorite past times.  I admit it.  I love corn mazes.  The largest corn maze in the world is in Dixon, Ca., just outside of Davis. The maze covers 53 acres.  When it got the Guinness Book of World Records distinction the maze covered only 40 acres.

These mazes are really large.  Some are more difficult than others to navigate.  Just read about what happened to a Massachusetts couple last year when they tried to navigate a corn maze.

A family in Massachusetts got an unexpected adventure after getting lost in a corn maze.

Police got a 911 call from a woman who was trapped in the Connors Farm maze in Danvers, Mass., after closing time Monday evening.

She said it was supposed to be fun, but quickly became a nightmare.

On the 911 call, the woman says, "I don't see anybody. I'm really scared. It's really dark and we got a 3-week-old baby with us.

The operator replies, "Just relax, calm down. You husband's with you right?"

She replies, "Yes, but my baby --- "

The operator responds, "I understand. And a police officer is on the way."

"Early Show" co-anchor Jeff Glor reported it didn't take long for police to find the family and escort them out of the maze to safety. As it turns out, they were just 25 feet away from the exit.

Have a great weekend.  Find a corn maze near you!

I will be braving this corn maze next month

Marriott Free Nights

Remember when I stayed in Phoenix last week and I had to change my reservation (See September 20, 2012 blog)?  Well this unexpected change ended up resulting in my getting a free night stay at the Marriott hotel.  Just like you should sign up for all airline emails, the same is true with hotel emails.

Marriott is having a promotion where after your second paid stay you get one night free.  This promotion is running from September 15, 2012 to January 15, 2013.  If I had stayed three nights in Phoenix that would only count as one stay as the matter of nights is not important. For this promotion the number of stays is what is important.  So I spent a Thursday night at the hotel, flew home Friday for the funeral and went back Saturday and spent Saturday night.  That counted as two stays so I earned a free night.

You can earn up to three free nights.  My goal is to earn all three nights.  I am going to Chicago in a few weeks. I have only made one reservation so far and it is definitely a Marriott.  I will be there for one week so I need to start working on my other reservations. So sign up here to take advantage of Marriott free nights.

I Won Again

If you remember my August 20th blog about winning a two night stay at a Westin in San Diego you will realize I am lucky.  Matter of fact we joke that my whole family is lucky. If there is a contest someone in my family will win.  I once won a free computer out of several million people who applied across the United States.  While my "win" this time is no where near a free computer it is technology related.  This time I won a free code for Gogo.  Gogo gives you access to the Internet while flying. If you have work to do or want to play your favorite Internet game you no longer have to wait until you land to access the Internet.  Click here to learn more about Gogo.

The Wandering Aramean had a recent blog on the partnership between Delta and Gogo.  Click here to read the full article.  A few weeks ago I had entered an American Airlines contest and I was one of the first 10,000 people to enter so I got a free Gogo access code.  As I mentioned yesterday I was accidentally on a Delta flight.  I was able to use my free Gogo code on the Delta flight even though I won it through American Airlines as it could be used on any flight that allowed Internet access.  Yesterday I told you my favorite words were "This flight is overbooked."  My single favorite word is "free."

I enter contests because you never know what you will get for FREE.

Round Trip Or Two One Ways?

It used to be that round trip tickets were always cheaper than two one-way tickets.  This isn’t necessarily true today.  Booking two one ways is a little more time consuming but in the end it might be a smarter move. Remember the United Airlines saga where Kathy arrived late to the airport on the departure portion of her flight, missed her flight, which resulted in the cancellation of her return ticket (See August 1, 2012 blog)? 

As I previously mentioned, Tio Felipe passed away last week and the funeral was this past Saturday.  Well Maria, who retired on Wednesday (see below picture), was going to join me in Phoenix and we were going to meet up with friends for an Arizona State football game. Because the reservation was booked as two one ways Maria lost out on the first part of the ticket but did not lose out on the entire ticket as she could still use the return portion to go to Phoenix after the funeral.

You never know when your plans might change so if the price is the same, I recommend two one ways versus a round trip when booking your flights. Of course, if you have a coupon or promo code good only for a round trip ticket you must weigh your options.

CONGRATULATIONS MARIA

My Favorite Words.....

Alaska Airlines is unique in that it is partners with both the OneWorld Alliance (American) and SkyTeam (Delta) alliance.  When my travel agent booked my return flight from Phoenix to Los Angeles I was looking to earn American Airline miles through an Alaska codeshare flight.  Instead I was booked on a Delta airlines flight with an Alaska codeshare.  If you didn't understand what I just said it is very important to read the blog on the importance of airline alliances (Click here for the July 3, 2012 blog).  Flying Delta was not what I had wanted but what the heck it would help me get enough miles in my Alaska account for a free ticket.

While waiting for the flight, the gate agent said my favorite words, "This flight is overbooked."  Before she could finish her next sentence of, "I need one (volunteer),"  I was already at the podium.  I was offered $300.00 towards my next Delta flight and the voucher was good for one year.  I don't fly Delta that often but I am planning a trip to Ireland next June and I knew that Delta flies into Dublin and out of Shannon, which is my itinerary.

The next direct flight was also overbooked so I was booked on a flight from Phoenix to Salt Lake City then on to Los Angeles.  I am able to earn approximately 500 extra airline miles due to this indirect routing.  

Unfortunately, I have no elite status with Delta so when I asked for a meal voucher I only got $6.00.  Previously, with American Airlines I had received $20 per meal. Had I not asked, I would not have been given a meal voucher at all.  Know what to ask for.  Also, it helps to travel light because when choosing who to bump the airlines are looking for someone with carry-on luggage as they don't want to have to remove your luggage from the flight.

The extra free time while waiting for my flight also gives me time to write this blog.  If your schedule is flexible take the "bump," as it is called in airline terminology, and earn a free airline voucher.  

American Airlines Search Engine Toolbar (No Longer Available)

Remember the June 28, 2012 blog that talked about earning airline miles by installing a toolbar?  This is a great way to keep your miles from expiring.  Well, I got an email yesterday, September 20th, telling me that American Airlines has a new toolbar and as of September 20th the old toolbar will no longer earn airline miles. So for those of you who followed my advice and installed the American Airlines search engine make sure you upgrade.  For those who failed to listen and are now reading this...What are you waiting for?  Start earning miles.

Have a great weekend!

Why Status Matters

I was scheduled to attend a three day conference in Phoenix flying out this morning.  I still plan to attend the conference but I am going to fly home for Tio Felipe's funeral on Saturday and then fly back to Phoenix after the funeral.  This meant changing my hotel reservation from three nights to two nights.  The host hotel for the conference is the Embassy Suites but I am trying to maintain my platinum status with Marriott so I booked the three nights at the Residence Inn.  

I am allowed to cancel my reservation up until 6 PM so everything seemed fine except the rate had gone up from $89 per night to $129 per night.  Three nights would have cost me $267 now two nights was going to cost me $258.  For eight dollars more I would not have to vacate the room and could return the following day.  But being the frugal person I am I called Marriott and explained the situation.  I mentioned that I was not staying at the host hotel as I am loyal to Marriott.  The reservation specialist stated, "I see your are platinum.  Let me see what I can do."  I now have two separate nights booked at the $89 rate.

Status does matter.

Don't leave home without.....

I spent the entire day going over funeral plans for Tio Felipe.  Death is not your typical topic for a travel blog but prior to traveling you need to think about medical emergencies.  What if something happened while traveling and you were unable to tell someone about your medical history, medical allergies or even worse-your final wishes?  

When you travel you should carry with you an advance health care directive, also known as a living will.  A living will is a document that specifies what actions should be taken regarding a person's health if they are no longer able to make decisions due to illness or incapacity.

I know you don't want to be lugging some 3-5 page document with you everywhere you go.  My suggestion is keep all vital information and your living will in two places:

• a flash drive attached to your car keys
• a website such as Dropbox or iCloud

A flash drive is small and can store lots of vital information, e.g., driver's license, medical insurance card, medical records.  Dropbox, iCloud or a similar application scan store information that can be accessed anywhere there is Internet access.  For international travelers I would also suggest keeping a copy of your passport accessible.

500 FREE Hilton Points

Thanks to "Hack My Trip" for the information on the 500 FREE Hilton points.  Follow the easy steps below:

1) Click here.
2) Like Hampton Inn on Facebook
3) Watch the video about the girl's softball team. It is a pretty cute video.
3) Share the video with friends
4) Earn 500 FREE Hilton Honors points.

Remember the blog about keeping you airline miles active?  The same is true for hotel miles.  Hilton has a 12 month expiration if there is no account activity. So go get your 500 points to keep your account active or if you don't have an account open one now by clicking here. 

USC or UCLA fan?

I am a USC fan and very disappointed in my football team's playing Saturday night (Stanford 21 vs. USC 14).  We have discussed in several blogs the need to subscribe to all airline emails (see July 7, 2012 blog).  Here is a copy of the email I got last week from JetBlue.

Unfortunately, I will be out of town and not able to take advantage of JetBlue's offer of free food and drinks.  If you are accessing this blog from a phone click here and in the comment section tell me if you are a USC or UCLA fan.  If you are accessing this directly from the website add a comment below.  I am hoping there are more USC than UCLA fans.  Go Trojans!!

This past Saturday would have been a difficult day for Tio Felipe to decide which team to root for. Tio Felipe was a USC fan but his niece and nephew, (Laura and Jose), attended Stanford. If he had to choose between USC and UCLA he would choose USC even though his niece, Teresa, attended UCLA.  Sadly, Tio Felipe passed away Friday night.  He had a very strong emotional heart but the physical heart took its toll.  Felipe will be missed.  Pray for the family members to get through this difficult time.

I Almost Did Not Take My Own Advice: $7.00 Flight

Just yesterday I blogged how Laura had not checked her emails and missed out on double American Airline Miles.  I have still been busy with the family medical emergency and not reading emails.  It was only when I got a text did I realize Jet Blue was having a deal that I needed to jump on.  Jet Blue sent out emails stating "Mystery offer.  Reveal your deal.  Save between $20-$300."  The email then had a code.  My code was good for $50.

Dans Deals sent me a text.  The text gave a $50 code that could be used more than once.  So I called several friends to tell them about the deal.  I ended up purchasing tickets to San Francisco. All I had to pay was the $7.00 in taxes, each way.  Sherri and Pete also jumped on the deal.

I really like Dansdeals.com. It is more than just travel and I am always about the deal. Use this code  8W2DQ3S4 and make sure you book your flights as one ways.  This deal expires today 9/14/12.

I might not be able to blog during this family emergency.  Thanks for those who are praying for Tio Felipe.  His condition has worsened so please keep up the prayers.

Have a great weekend!

Laura Definitely Did Not Read My Blog

Due to a family medical emergency part two of the 10 best travel apps will have to wait.  This is going to be a very short blog.  Today while sitting in a hospital lobby I was speaking with my cousin, Laura.  She had recently traveled to Mexico on American Airlines.  I asked if she had signed up for the double miles promotion from American Airlines.  She did not know what I was referring to.  She had another upcoming trip to Mexico in the very near future so she opened her computer and signed up for the promotion right then.

Go back and read the July 17th, 2012 blog titled "Why you should subscribe to all airline emails."

American Airlines is celebrating 70 years of service to Mexico by offering double AAdvantage miles when you fly between the U.S. and any city they serve in Mexico between September 4th and November 13th, 2012. Click here and sign up now.  You might not be planning a trip to Mexico but I have found that if I don't sign up for a promotion then almost invariably something happens where I need or want to go to the destination.

Please pray for Tio Felipe who suffered a stroke and due to a recent diagnosis of colon cancer and a leaky heart valve doctors are having difficulty treating him.

My Top 10 FREE Travel Apps I Like (Part 1 of 2)

As I mentioned in Monday's blog there is an app for everything.  While you may have thought the app Sit or Squat was a funny application  I bet it's not so funny when you are traveling abroad and can't find a restroom.

Everyone has their own favorite apps.  I will tell you my favorite 10 FREE apps in this two part series.

1. Onthefly-this is my favorite app for getting the lowest airfare.  This is the app for the matrix software discussed in the July 5, 2012 blog

iPhone screen shot

2. AwardWallet-(iPhone/android) keeps track of the loyalty programs you participate in, such as your frequent flyer miles, hotels and credit card points.  This gives the user fast access to their balances and reward numbers even in locations where there is no Internet connection. The website version was discussed in the July 12th blog.

3. TripIt-Keeps all hotel, flights, car rentals and even restaurant reservations in one easy and convenient place.

4. Kayak- Onthefly looks up the best pricing for flights but you can't book from this app.  Kayak allows you to book hotel, flights and car rentals.

5. Gas Buddy- Find the cheapest gas on the go.

Tomorrow I will give you my next five FREE favorite apps.  See if your favorites made my top ten list.

National Day of Service and Rememberance

I think we can all remember where we were and what we were doing 11 years ago September 11, at 8:46 AM (EST) when terrorists hijacked four commercial airliners to strike targets in the United States.  Nearly 3000 people died as a result of the attacks.  My mom was supposed to board a plane that morning bound for LAX from Portland airport.  When I called her to tell her the flight was cancelled she had not heard the news.  She ended up staying in Portland for several days before flights were resumed again.

On 9-11-12, by Presidential proclamation, Americans are called to participate in a moment of silence at 8:46 AM (EST).   After my September 6, 2012 blog I think everyone should know how I feel about volunteerism.  Many Americans will serve in their communities in honor of 9/11 as part of the National Day of Service and Remembrance.  Service projects range from food drives to neighborhood cleanups to disaster preparation activities.  In many areas, volunteers will honor veterans, soldiers or first responders by collecting donations, assembling care packages and writing thank you letters.  Click here to see how you can participate in public service on the National Day of Service and remembrance.  I am thankful for the hard work of my friends who are first responders as well as veterans and soldiers.

Today take a moment out of your busy day and pray for the family and loved ones of those who died on this day eleven years ago.  Sometimes on the blog I may say something about how I am displeased with the service of a particular airline but on this day eleven years ago the crew of United flight 93, United flight 175, American flight 11 and American flight 77 gave their lives along with the passengers on those flights.

Sometimes we complain at the airport when we have to take off our shoes, can't carry liquids over 3.4 ounces through screening and are subjected to body scans.  But if these measures can prevent a day like 9-11 then I will gladly comply with the requests of the overworked TSA agents.  It only takes one look at the following link as a reminder of how how our lives were forever changed because of that tragic day.

Please take a minute of your time and click on this link and share a moment of silence with me at 8:46 AM (EST).

The Hollywood Bowl And What I Missed

I am lucky.  I live close enough to the Hollywood Bowl in California that I can buy my tickets at the ticket window.  Remember the August 30th blog about Spirit airlines and all the extra fees?  I feel there needs to be the same set of rules when purchasing any type of tickets.  Have you ever tried to purchase $25 tickets from Ticketmaster only to find out by the time all is said and done those $25 tickets with additional fees are now $35?  

Last week I went to the Hollywood Bowl with Maria and a friend from Oakland, Christine.   We met up with a co-worker, Russ, and his wife, Alma and had a wonderful picnic dinner.  Then this week I am reading the Los Angeles Times newspaper and realized the Hollywood Bowl was voted as having one of the top ten places to visit in the country for a particular reason.

People travel all over the United States for different reasons.  Some travel to visit National Parks, some travel to places with beautiful views or to visit historical locations and some like to do "food trips" such as the best BBQ sites in the United States.  So I wondered what was at the Hollywood Bowl that I had missed?  Are you ready?  The Hollywood Bowl has one of the ten best public restrooms in the country.  I didn't even know there was such a contest.  The below information was taken from the September 7, 2012 Los Angeles Times article:  

"Restroom cleaning supplier Cintas of Cincinnati has run this contest for more than a decade and inducts worthy loos into its Hall of Fame each year. The company invites anyone to review photographs and profiles of each site and then cast their vote for the top spot online.

In the profiles, the Hollywood Bowl's refurbished restrooms get props for 1920s-style curved lines and large round mirrors that echo the shape of the band shell and, in the largest restroom, a system that uses red and green lights to signal which stalls are free.

The $1.2-million bathrooms at Vanity nightclub on the Las Vegas Strip wins high marks for the lighted individual vanities with red-velvet seats and a $40,000 chandelier made from glass globes in the women's room (the men's room has "faux reptile-skin walls" and flat-screen TVs over the urinals).

Other contenders include Mie N Yu Restaurant in Washington, D.C., which features a unisex washroom with copper basins inside large wooden barrels, and Asian accents, and the loo in the lobby of Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel in Chicago, which dazzles with sparkling glass mosaic tile wallpaper and sleek fixtures.

Top honors in 2011 went to the men's and women's rooms at the Field Museum in Chicago.

Voting for this year's contest will continue until Oct. 26 with a winner and runner-up to be announced later in fall. " Leave a comment in the comment section what location you voted #1 and why.  I guess I don't have to spend a lot of money to visit a top 10 location in the United States.

There are apps out there for everything.  There is even an app out there entitled Sit or Squat.  In its database there is information on over 105,000 toilets in the world.   Wednesday we will talk about apps that can help you while traveling.

38 Days

Thirty-eight is the number of days it took United Airlines to answer my complaint letter.  Remember the August 7th blog? In that blog I talked about what to do if you experience a travel problem.  In my particular situation the movie did not work on my United Airlines flight.  Here is there response I received from United Airlines:

"Dear XXXXXXX;

We are experiencing a high volume of email and I apologize for the delayed response to your message.

Thank you for taking the time to contact United Airlines Customer Care; we welcome this opportunity to address your concerns.

We realize that any type of malfunction can impact your perception of our overall operation.  Please know that we place a great deal of emphasis on proper maintenance of all equipment in our cabins.  In fact, our maintenance division has recently completed an audit of each fleet type and taken inventory of problems.  Based on that, we have established a program to check the cabins of each aircraft every 400 to 1,000 flight hours.  We will be identifying and repairing seats, carpets, galley equipment, lights and audio and video equipment.  In addition, another maintenance team is concentrating on cleaning methods,audio and video functionality and improved cabin condition monitoring.  

Still, your disappointment with your flight is understandable, and I will give your constructive feedback to our maintenance and onboard management because we are committed to providing you a positive in-flight experience.

As a gesture of goodwill, I have added 5,000 goodwill miles to your Mileage Plus account and 2,000 miles to XXXXXX's account, which will be posted in the next 10 business days. 

Your business is appreciated and we hope that you will choose United Airlines again when your personal or business travel plans include air travel.  We would consider it a privilege to welcome you onboard your next flight.

Regards,

LeMarkus Jones

Customer Care Manager

5653505/5653530"

In the August 7th, 2012 post I mentioned that if you need to write a letter make it short and to the point.  Don't get mean or nasty as that won't get you anything.  Explain the problem and state what you are asking for, e.g. miles, points or financial compensation.  I have found it easier to ask for points and miles versus financial compensation.  

I found it interesting that United gave me 5,000 miles but only gave my travel companion 2,000 miles.  I can only surmise the difference is due to my gold status with United.

Bottom line.... don't be afraid to write if the service provided is not up to your satisfaction.  

Have a great weekend!

Help the Red Cross and Earn American Airline Miles

I love this quote by Ronald Reagan:

"No matter how big and powerful government gets, 

and the many services it provides,

 it can never take the place of volunteers." 

I truly believe that every person has an obligation to volunteer.  Volunteerism can take on many forms.  It might be the parent who is involved in the PTA or it might be something such as swinging a hammer for Habitat for Humanity. While I had a wonderful 30 year career it still never gave me the same satisfaction as when I have volunteered.  I have several organizations I volunteer for.  One is the American Red Cross.  In 2005 I used two weeks of my vacation time and took off work so I could go to Houston to help the American Red Cross during Hurricane Katrina.  I have also been to Haiti after the earthquake and Japan after the Tsunami.  

I am very blessed in my life.  I have wonderful family and friends.  I have food, clothing and shelter.  When disaster strikes I hope that my presence can help others who have lost what we all hold so dear.  The feeling of helping others is indescribable.

Cleaning the Streams of Debris; Rikuzentaka, Japan

When I was in Japan last year one of the fisherman told us about losing his entire family and oyster business to the Tsunami.  He told us that he had no will to live until the organization I worked for, Volunteers for Peace, started helping out.  We became his family. You never know what type of impact you might have on someone's life.

In Haiti I tossed 20 pound buckets of concrete, 8 hours a day.  I did this for almost two weeks.  That was a lot of lifting.  

Right now you have a chance to help others and all you have to lift is the credit card from your wallet.  You can earn American Airline miles by donating to the Red Cross.  Why not help out volunteer organizations financially? You can even earn airline miles at the same time.  See the below information I received from American Airlines.  

AMERICAN AIRLINES SUPPORTS

DISASTER RELIEF EFFORTS

Hurricane Isaac has caused devastating flooding and wind damage in communities from Florida to Texas. The Red Cross continues an immense disaster response effort that could last for weeks across multiple states, as the now slow-moving Tropical Storm Isaac, continues its march inland, threatening communities farther to the north that have yet to experience the impact of the storm.

Please join us in supporting the disaster victims by making a cash donation, and American Airlines will reward your generosity with an AAdvantage® bonus mile offer. Through October 1, 2012, AAdvantage members can earn a one-time award of 250 bonus miles for a minimum $50 donation, or 500 bonus miles for a donation of $100 or more to the American Red Cross.

DONATE

To earn your bonus miles, access the American Airlines / American Red Cross donation site, and select the box next to the question stating, "I consent to the American Red Cross sharing my contact information and donation amount with American Airlines for the purposes of matching my donation", and complete the form.

Terms and Conditions

• Offer valid on contributions made online at http://american.redcross.org/americanairlines-pub*.
• Minimum donation of $50 required in order to earn bonus miles.
• Members will earn a one time bonus up to 500 miles.
• Promotion dates are 8/31/12 through 10/1/12.
• AAdvantage miles will post to the member's AAdvantage account approximately 21 days after the donation was made. Please check your AAdvantage account on aa.com to verify the AAdvantage miles have posted to your account.
• The name on the donation receipt must match the name on the AAdvantage account.
• You must be an AAdvantage member to receive the bonus miles.
• Bonus miles do not count toward elite-status qualification.
• American Airlines reserves the right to change the AAdvantage program at any time without notice.
• American Airlines is not responsible for products or services offered by other participating companies.
• For complete details about the AAdvantage program, visit www.aa.com/aadvantage
• The American Red Cross name and emblem are used with its permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement, express or implied, of any product, service, company, opinion or political position.
• For more information about the Red Cross, please visit www.redcross.org

Am I Frugal?

I think frugal is a term my friends might use to describe me.  Matter of fact yesterday I went to a Los Angeles Dodgers baseball game for free just for requesting a car insurance quote from Mercury  Insurance.  I also got a free Matt Kemp shirt.

Below is a definition of frugal:


frugal [ˈfruːg^əl]

adj

1. practising economy; living without waste; thrifty

2. not costly;

In terms of the second definition, I definitely want things that are "not costly".  Hence the name of the blog, "Start Traveling for Less" versus Start Traveling for More.  But in terms of the first part of the definition, practicing economy.  I am not sure that defines me.   I will fly economy but I sure prefer business or first class.

One of my readers has a website, Befrugal.com and sent me the following email so I figured I would share it with my readers.

"I saw your miles/cash earnings article and wanted to share a story idea with you:

.               Average American household spending on travel each year: $1,570+ 

.               Annual travel savings the average US family misses out on: $150+

That's an extra night of staying at the hotel!

Many are not taking advantage of available opportunities to save money. Online coupons and cash back are easy ways to stretch your travel dollars.

This can be combined with credit card rewards for more savings:

1.       Shop online & use a coupon code (savings example: 20% off a $100 purchase = $20 saved)

2.       Earn cash back  (5% on your $80 total [after the 20% coupon] = $4 cash back from online shopping)

3.       Pay with a rewards credit card with a great cash back rate (5% on your $80 total [after that 20% coupon] = another $4 cash back from your credit card) The total savings in this example is $28 on a $100 purchase. 

Why not write an article to educate your readers on how they can save on travel, as it is one of the largest household expenditure categories?

Couponing & money saving expert Jon Lal, founder of BeFrugal, can offer insight & advice.

Interested in hearing more on saving money on travel costs via online coupons & cash back plus credit card rewards?

Jen

Jen Dorman

BeFrugal.com Social Media & Online Marketing"

There are lots of websites out there as mentioned in my July 2, 2012 blog that can give you cash back for Internet shopping. So make sure you do your comparison shopping.  If you click this link here I get $5.00 for the referral to BeFrugal.  The best part is you can then start referring your friends and earning cash.

Thank You

Well you probably read the subject line and wondered what I was thanking you for.  I wasn't, not to say I am not thankful for all my readers.  The subject line actually refers to Citibank Thank You points.  Lots of travel blogs write about credit card bonuses as a way to earn points and miles.  And credit cards are one of the top ways to get lots of miles very quickly.  Citibank has some great credit cards but today I want to write about Citibank banking.

Citibank has their Thank You rewards program.  Based on the number of relationships with Citibank you earn Thank You points.  Currently if you open a Citibank Checking account you can earn $300 in gift cards. Click here to see qualifications. The reason I like Citibank is because I earn Thank You points for doing what I do every day...banking.  I earn Thank You points for having a checking account, savings account, direct deposit, and bill pay.  My mortgage was just transferred to Citibank so that gets me even more points.  The below chart shows how you can earn points.

I earn over 1000 points a month without making a single credit card purchase.  Thank You points can be used for travel, gift cards and I just found out this weekend I can use my points for a comedy show at the Universal Amphitheater.  I went to purchase two tickets and the choices were...gift card, voucher code, credit card or Thank You points.I had never seen Thank You points as an option at a major attraction.  The cost for two tickets to the comedy show were $115 or I could use 14,400 points.  

I know that generally 10,000 points can get me a $100 gift card so the 14,400 points was not a better deal than paying $115.  I have purchased two laptop computers with Thank You points and traveled to Africa.  It helps that my Citibank credit card earns points in addition to my savings and checking accounts.

Most people don't like the hassle of changing banks but I recommend Citibank for their Thank You rewards program.

Thank you for reading this.

Where is the Hidden City (Part 2 of 2)

Yesterday we discussed that hidden city ticketing is when you get off the plane before reaching your final ticket destination.  Part 2 of this blog, courtesy of View From the Wing, will discuss how to utilize this information to save money on airfare.

Begin your search by selecting one-way using ITA Software Matrix (Remember the July 5, 2012 blog). Then specify your real starting city, and then let the system find fares to a variety of cities that you know to be generally cheap, and might connect through the city you actually want to go to. Allow your search to include other airports within 300 miles of the one you specified too, why not? To make it easier, limit the search by specifying my connecting point as the city I want to go to.

The cities you’ll try depend on what’s in the same general region of the country as where you’re actually going .  So here’s a real world example. Flying DC to Phoenix almost three months from now non-stop on US Airways without a Saturday night stay is pricing at $1574!

But searching for DC through Phoenix to Long Beach, Orange County, Tucson, Oakland, San Jose, and Las Vegas I stumble upon the DC-Phoenix flight I want (combined with a Tucson flight I don’t) for $159.

And searching for Phoenix through DC to Charlotte, Raleigh, Orlando, Jacksonville, Atlanta, Providence, Boston, and New York LaGuardia I stumble upon the Phoenix – DC non-stop flight that I want (combined with a connecting flight to Providence or New York LaGuardia that I don’t) for $186.

We see that the $1574 itinerary can be purchased for $345.

Just remember if you plan to use this technique to follow all the guidelines in the August 31, 2012 blog.