How does DirectTV help me travel?

I am looking into getting DirecTV.  You may be wondering what this has to do with traveling.  Well, DirecTV is offering 25,000 American Airline AAdvantage miles for signing up for their service.  That is enough miles for a FREE round trip domestic ticket. If this is something that might interest you call 1-877-569-9752 and be sure to have your AAdvanatge number ready.  I am already thinking about where I would like to travel to....any suggestions?

Have a great weekend!

Sync Your American Express Card and Save $ Traveling and more

Today I was speaking with one of my readers and she mentioned how she liked the Small Business Saturday deal.  She wondered if it was only once a year and unfortunately the answer is, "yes."  But I then asked her if she synced her American Express card with her Facebook account and she had no idea what I was referring to so I said it would be the topic for today's blog.

Check out the American Express Link, Like, Love program.  There are various offers but two examples are: Spend $250 on Travelocity hotels and get $50 back.  Even better, spend $100 at Skyauction and get $50 back.  Skyauction allows you to bid on travel packages.  I have used this site before and have saved a lot of money on a whitewater rafting trip in Chile.

Gotta love the American Express deals.

My Points

In the July 2, 2012 blog I previously talked about different web sites I like where you can earn cash or miles.  Today I want to talk about My Points.  My Points is similar to some of the other cash/point earning web sites but what makes this website different is that you can earn points without making a single purchase.  You can earn 5 points for just looking at an ad.  While it may take a while to earn a gift card this way, if you make any purchase it speeds up the process to getting free gift cards.

Today I got an email that I can earn 500 My Points for purchasing a $75 Marriott gift card.  If I earn1600 points I can cash them in for a FREE $10 gift card.  Purchasing three Marriott card almost gets me the free gift card and you already know how I feel about Marriott.  If the cards come in time I will use them in New York next month.

If you want to join My Points send me an email to invite you as I get credit.  If you prefer to join on your own just click here.  You have nothing to lose, so what are you waiting for?

Traveling With Your Pet

For Thanksgiving  I was thankful to be able to spend time with my family in Washington. This was my first time driving to my parents house.  I always fly and accumulate my airline miles.  But I wanted to take my dog Molly with me and I wasn't sure that she would do well flying. My original plan was to stop at a friend's house the first night and then drive the next day to Washington.  But I wanted to get a little further north so day two would not be so long a drive the day before Thanksgiving.  That meant having to find a hotel that was pet friendly.

Beware pet friendly doesn't meant pet FREE.  I stayed at a Marriott branded hotel, Fairfield Inn, as this hotel only charged $25 for Molly.  Some hotels even let your pets stay for free.  I definitely was not going to spend a night at the Hyatt as they wanted $150 a night just for Molly, the hotel room was an additional $139.  The Hyatt pet fee was more than I spent for the hotel room at the Fairfield Inn, including the pet fee.

I decided to stick with the Fairmont as it was centrally located where I wanted to stay and had a FREE breakfast, that was really pretty good.  

I like using Priceline's feature that under hotel amenities you can select "Pets allowed" when searching.

When traveling with a pet be prepared to spend a little extra. But they are worth it!

Cyber Monday is Here

Hope everyone enjoyed the long Thanksgiving weekend.  I loved Black Friday.  I got some great deals and earned a lot of American Airline miles in the process. I earned my $25 credit on Small Business Saturday and now Cyber Monday is here.  There are travel deals to be had on Cyber Monday.  I recently flew to Cuba with the tour company, Friendly Planet.  They are having a Cyber Monday sale giving between $100 and $400 off per tour package.

On the right hand side of my blog is a company a friend recommended called Book It.  I get credit if you use my link.  Book It is having a Cyber Monday sale along with Travelocity and Expedia.  Cyber Monday is a great day to plan a trip.  Have fun.

Let the Entertainment Begin

I have been traveling all day on my way to Washington so I am going to keep this short.  Remember the July 26, 2012 blog about the Entertainment book and all the travel deals?  Well the 2013 Entertainment book is out and you can now get it for 30% off plus if you go through the Ebates portal you get an additional 17.5% savings. There are lots of travel deals including airlines, hotel and car rental discounts. 

The Lines Have Already Begun...Black Friday is Just a Few Days Away

I can't wait for Friday.  "Black Friday" is my favorite shopping day of the year but "Cyber Monday" is a close second.  My friend Russ texted me last Thursday to tell me that people were already lining up at the Best Buy in Los Angeles, more than a week ahead of time.

Besides getting great deals, this is when I try and do my Christmas shopping and earn lots of points and miles.  It is important that I maximize my cash and miles for all my purchases.  For example, my Alaska Airlines credit card will give me 2500 airline miles if I spend $500 at book, sporting good, toy and electronic stores.  I have another credit card that will give me 3x the airline miles for gas, grocery, drug stores and restaurants.

Discover card sent me an email saying they had special benefits for the holidays.  The best is price protection guarantee.  They will refund the difference if I find a lower price within 90 days of my purchase.  I hate the idea of buying something only to later find it go on sale and I am unable to return the item   See below for the other discover card benefits.

My Citibank credit card has Citi Price Rewind.  If I register my purchases Citibank will search retailer's websites for 30 days to see if they can find a better price.  If they find a price that is at least $25 lower I get money back.  What I like about this is Citibank does all the work checking for a lower price.

If you plan to do some shopping make sure you know what benefits your credit card(s) offer and maximize your points and miles.

Am I Crazy? I Am Doing My First Mileage Run

Am I crazy?  I am going on my first mileage run.  I am flying strictly to earn airline miles with no other purpose.  Read below and tell me would you be willing to do the same.

As I mentioned in my November 7, 2012 blog I want to get platinum status this year with American Airlines.   I thought about flying to Japan to get some chocolate but an $800 flight seemed too expensive when I only needed 9438 miles until platinum status.  I subscribe to the Flight Deal.  I love getting the daily emails as it tells me the cheapest places to fly and on which airlines.  Last week I got an email that stated I could fly to Fort Lauderdale for $220 round trip.  It is hard to believe I can fly all the way across the United States for $110.00

To plan this trip I first I logged in to MrRebates (See July 2, 2012 blog) which gave me $1.00 off (not much but I will take it) then I applied my 5% off promotion code (9612DD- Good for all flights through 12-31-12). This gave me $5.00 off each way for a final price $209.60.  I will earn 2343 each way but since I signed up for the double miles promotion I will get 4686 each way or 9372 round trip.  I paid for my ticket with my American Airlines credit card so I will get double miles for the cost of the ticket.

I realize I am 66 miles short but I have a one way flight from Los Angeles to Las Vegas (236 miles) the first week in December which will get me to my platinum status. Yea I will make it!

Am I crazy?  My flight leaves LAX at 12;15 am and arrive in Florida at 7:55 am.  I leave Florida an hour later at 8:55 am and arrive back in Los Angeles at 11:45 am.

Platinum status is going to guarantee that I earn a 100% bonus on all my flights next year versus the 25% I would get with gold.  The 100% bonus this year earned me enough for two free flights within the United States or one free ticket to Europe.  I know I will be doing a lot of traveling so I think it is worth it but would you be willing to do the same?

Did you remember to sign up for Small Business Saturday with American Express  (See Friday's blog)? My mom even called to say she was all signed up.

American Express Small Business Saturday FREE $25

I love "Black Friday" and "Cyber Monday" but American Express Small Business Saturday (November 24, 2012) is the best yet.  Who doesn't love free money?  American Express Small Business Saturday gives American Express card holders $25 credit on their statement for purchases at small business locations nationwide. I like to frequent a small local grocery store to get my $25 credit.  Some people have even bought $25 gift cards at small businesses.  But Maria, your local Starbucks is not considered a small business.    

Click here to register your American Express credit card to get the credit.  Enrollment opens this Sunday, November 18, 2012 at 12:00AM MST and continues until November 24, unless the maximum number of enrollments is reached.  Last year some of my friends did not heed my advice and delayed in trying to register and by the time they got around to it the registration was closed.  

The best part about Small Business Saturday is you can register more than one American Express credit card, so I will register both my Costco and SPG American Express cards. Below are the terms and conditions:

1. Limit one (1) $25 statement credit per American Express Card. To be eligible, Cardmembers must enroll an eligible American Express Card in this offer at ShopSmall.com. Prepaid and Corporate Cards are not eligible.
   
2. The number of enrollments is limited. Enrollment opens at 12:00AM MST (“Mountain Standard Time”) on November 18, 2012, and will continue until 11:59PM MST on November 24, 2012 unless the enrollment limit is reached sooner.
   
3. To receive the $25 statement credit, the Cardmember must use his or her enrolled Card to spend $25 or more in a single, in-store transaction at a qualifying small business location on Saturday, November 24, 2012. To receive the credit, the transaction must equal $25 or more (for example, if your transaction is only for $15, you will not receive a credit). Multiple transactions of less than $25 will not qualify even if the combined total of those transactions is over $25. You may purchase multiple items that together equal $25 or more, but you must purchase them in a single transaction to receive the statement credit.
   
4. Qualifying small business locations are those identified on the Shop Small® Map, available at ShopSmall.com. In addition, small business locations that accept American Express through Square also qualify and can be found on the Square Directory at https://squareup.com/directory/?cmpId=amex or from your mobile phone using the Square Wallet app. Small business locations that do not appear on the Shop Small® Map or that do not accept American Express through Square will not qualify for the $25 statement credit offer. Please note that business location information provided on the Shop Small® Map and Square Directory may contain inaccuracies or errors, including as a result of information provided by third parties. Transactions with political campaigns or political action committees are not eligible, regardless of whether they appear on the Shop Small® Map or in the Square Directory.
   
5. If American Express does not receive information that identifies a transaction as having occurred in-store at a qualifying small business location, the transaction will not qualify for the statement credit. For example, the following transactions will not be eligible for the credit: transactions made using an electronic wallet or any other transaction made through a third party; and transactions not made directly with the merchant.
   
6. Statement credit will appear on your billing statement within 8 weeks after American Express receives information from the merchant about your qualifying purchase. Note that American Express may not receive information about your qualifying purchase from the merchant until all of the items from your qualifying purchase have been provided or shipped by the merchant.
   
7. The Card Registration Terms and Conditions will also apply at enrollment. 
   
   
   Have A Great Weekend!
   
   
   
   
   

B of A Credit Card = Free Gift Card

I have talked about how I love my Bank of America Alaska Airlines Credit Card, so much so I recently got an Alaska Airlines debit card.  Alaska Airlines is great as it belongs in both the One World alliance and the Sky Team alliance (See July 3 Blog-Why Alliances Are Important).

Today I checked the balance on my Alaska Airlines credit card account and as I was logging out I saw this wonderful message:

I got a FREE $10 gift card just for being a Bank of America credit card holder. I didn't have to jump though hoops or do anything special but click on the link that said, "Choose your gift card."  There is also a link that says, "No thanks."  If you are the type of person to click on this link please consider mailing me your FREE gift card.

If you have any B of A credit cards, this is not limited to Alaska Airlines credit card,  log in and check your account and hopefully you will see the message as you are logging out.  If this doesn't work try clicking on this link and then click where it says, "Dont have one?" located right below where you are asked for the registration code.  

If you have more than one B of A card enter each one as different offers may come up.  I also received an offer for a $15 gift card if I established a reoccurring credit card payment.

Put a comment in the comment section and let me know if you too got lucky with a B of A credit card.

(My mom and sister better be reading today's blog!)

I Won A Free App-Wiki Offline

I won something again. By now you are probably wondering why I don't play the Lottery.  My luck runs out when it comes to the lottery but I am going to keep putting in for other contests because I know I have the luck of the Irish.

What did I win? It is an app called Wiki Offline. If you have ever used Wikipedia (a free collaboratively edited, encyclopedia) then you know what this app is all about.  The full text of all Wikipedia articles are stored to your apple device.  You will hold the world's knowledge in the palm of your hand.  I don't have to worry about slow Internet connections.  How often have you traveled, wanted to look something up but not had Internet access? Well the beauty of this app is you don't need an Internet connection.  The app costs $9.99 (I won mine in a contest for naming my favorite beach...Bora Bora).  

For those of you that don't want to spend the $9.99, or want to test the app before purchasing it, there is a Lite version that covers the 1,000 most popular Wikipedia articles compared to the full version's 10 million full length articles.  

The next time I forget to check the website Route Happy (See November 8, 2012 blog) and end up on a flight without Internet or in a country without Internet access (e.g. Cuba) at least I will have my Wiki Offline.

Points + Cash = Great Deals

I think by now everyone knows I like Marriott but when Marriott blows it I am not afraid to tell them so.  Marriot came out with a points and cash program and I got excited until I found out what they meant by points and cash.  Marriott's definition of points and cash is you can book one night with points while maintaining your reservation and booking another night with cash.  Previously, you had to book your points night under one reservation number and your cash night under another number. You then had to call and get the reservation consolidated so you didn't have to check out of the room.  Ughhh.

SPG (Starwood, Westin, etc) and IHG hotels (Holiday Inn, Intercontinental, Crown Plaza, etc.) know the true meaning of points and cash.  With these hotels you can book part of your stay with points and the other point with cash, even if it is just for one night.

Next month I am going to New York and so I was looking at the best way to make hotel reservations.  I am spending the first night at a Marriott hotel because it is near the airport and I get in late.  It offers a free breakfast, free shuttle from the airport and is the only JFK hotel to provide transportation to the subway.  The following night I will be staying in Times Square on a 2 for 1 coupon.  The big decision was where to stay the final night.  

Right now Ebates (See July 2 Blog or click on right side of website) offers 13.5% back for IHG Hotels.  If you are making  a reservation with points plus cash you will receive 13.5% back on the cash part.  My friend Russ is also going to New York.  If he had points with IHG he could use the points and cash option to stay three nights at the Candlewood Suites in Times Square.  Instead of paying $324 per night he would use 30,000 points (10,000 per night) plus $210 ($70 per night).  Another option is 20,000 points per night which gets the hotel room for FREE.  Based on this I know that 10,000 points is valued at $70.00.  What does all this mean?  For a $140 a night value Russ could get a room that would normally cost $324 a night just by using the points and cash option.

The best way to get lots of hotel points is to get a hotel branded credit card.  If you check on the right side of my blog you can compare travel credit cards.  Your credit is very important so take this in to consideration when applying for any form of credit.

Say Thank You to Our Military

Yesterday was Veteran's Day.  I have friends in the military and I want to take a moment to thank them for their service.  Even if you're not in the military don't stop reading this blog as in some cases family members may qualify for travel benefits.  

I love the website Veteran's Advantage.  Below is a list of the various locations where discounts are offered. A one year membership is $59 but they offer a 30 day free trial.

If you fly United Airlines you will receive a travel code that gives you 5% off your flights.  As you can see from the list, in addition to United Airlines, there are discounts for car rentals, train travel and hotels. The thing that differentiates this website is that in addition to U.S. Veterans and active duty military, National Guard and Reservists can join but also next of kin: fathers, mothers, sons or daughters. 

Each year businesses honor veterans and service members, as well as their families, with Veterans Day discounts on goods, services, and dining.  Some discounts extend beyond Veteran's day.

Keep in mind that most businesses require proof of military service, which can include a VA Universal Access Card, Military I.D., DD-214 (Discharge Papers), Veterans Service Organization Card (VSO's include groups like the VFW, DAV, AmVets, MOAA, FRA, and the American Legion), or in some cases businesses will accept a picture of the veteran in uniform.

The following is a list of 2012 Veteran and military discounts and Buy One Get One (BOGO) offerings. This year's offerings even include some honest-to-goodness free meals.

Note: Not all franchise locations participate in their national chain's Veterans Day programs -- be sure contact your nearest establishment to make sure they are participating.

Veterans Day Restaurant Offerings:

Golden Corral – Golden Corral Restaurants' Military Appreciation Monday free dinner will be available on Monday November 12, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Military retirees, Veterans, active duty, National Guard and Reserves are all welcome.

Little Caesars® Pizza – Little Caesar's will honor members – past and present – of the armed forces on Monday Nov. 12, 2012, by providing veterans and active military members with a free Crazy Bread® with proof of military status or proof of service at participating stores nationwide.

Lone Star Steakhouse – On Monday, 11/12/2012, all veterans and active duty military will receive a FREE entrée from our Stars & Stripes Menu. See your local restaurant for details. Be sure to call ahead to verify local participation. Be sure to call ahead to verify local participation.

O'Charley's – O’Charley’s will thank veterans and active duty military personnel, celebrating their service, by providing them with a complimentary meal on Monday, November 12. With their military I.D. or other proof of service, servicemen and women will receive their choices of meal from the O’Charley’s “$9.99er” menu.

Outback Steakhouse – The week of November 11th- 12th, Outback will be offering Veterans and service members a Free Bloomin' Onion and Coca-Cola product (non-alcoholic) beverage. In addition, Outback is offering all military servicemembers and veterans who present a proper ID* or a photo in uniform, will receive a 10% discount off their entire guest check. 

Sizzler Steak House – Veterans and servicemembers can get a free lunch on Monday Nov. 12, 2012 until 4:00pm. The limited menu includes 3 entrees – 6 oz. Steak, Malibu Chicken, or a Half Dozen Fried Shrimp. Click here to check if your local restaurant is offering the Veterans Day freebie.

T.G.I. Friday's – Veterans and Servicemembers can get a free lunch on Monday Nov. 12, 2012. Contact your nearest location for more details on their Veterans Day offer.

Texas Roadhouse – Texas Roadhouse locations – nationwide – will offer veterans a free lunch on Monday Nov. 12, 2012. Choose from one of 10 free meals, plus sides and a drink. Offer good for ALL veterans – including all active, retired or former U.S. military.

UNO Chicago Grill – Veterans and active military members can get a free entrée or individual pizza with the purchase of an entrée or pizza of equal or greater value. This offer is good from Sunday, November 11 through Monday, November 12. Military ID or proof of service is required, but no coupon is needed.

Veterans Day Travel and Recreation:

Aqua Hotels & Resorts – 10% off for veterans.

Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, US Virgin Islands – Active and retired military get 30% off room-only rates and $150 in island credits. The offer is available on a minimum four-night stay between November 1 and November 30, 2012, subject to availability.

JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa – Special rates for members of the military and first responders for stays beginning Veterans Day (November 11) through January 3, 2013. Active duty and retired members of the military are asked to request the Salute to Service rate (rate code: GOV) when they make their room reservations at www.jwsanantonio.com or by calling the toll-free telephone number, 866-882-4420. A military or service I.D. is required at check-in.

Knotts Berry Farm – Military Tribute Days at Knott's Berry Farm includes free admission for active, veteran and retired personnel and a guest from 1 November - 6 January. In addition, you can stay at the Knott's Berry Farm Hotel for only $84. 

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort – Active and retired military receive special rates and discounts on golf and amenities from November 8 - 11, including resort hotel room discounts, discounts off golf packages, and discounts on beach and umbrella rentals.

Veterans Day Retailer Offerings:

Banana Republic – Veterans, military personnel and their families can get 50 percent off three full-priced items from November 12-15. Servicemembers, veterans and families who shop at Banana Republic on November 13 also can participate in special events geared towards helping veterans find jobs, including interview and resume tips from an HR expert, styling advice and refreshments.

Home Depot  – Offers a 10 percent discount to all Veterans during Veterans Day, Memorial Day and Independence Day. Home Depot offers the 10 percent discount year round to for active duty and retirees.

Lowe's – All Veterans receive the 10-percent discount on Veteran's Day, Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. The offer is available in stores only and is limited to in-stock and special-order purchases of up to $5,000.

Toys "R" Us - Military moms, dads and family members can use a special discount coupon, good for 20 percent off one regular-priced item, valid from Sunday, November 11 through Monday, November 12. A military ID will be required at checkout.

Other Freebies:

National Parks – Veterans Day weekend (November 10-12) Veterans will be invited to visit over 100 National Parks for free.

Year-Round Veterans Discounts:

Foot Locker – Veterans, Servicemembers (Active, Guard, and Reserve), and their immediate families with a Foot Locker Veterans Advantage Card receive a 20 percent discount every day of the year. That offer is good both online and at any store location, including Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Footaction and Champs Sports — even on sale items.

Home Depot  – Offers a 10 percent discount (up to a $500 maximum) to all active military, reserve, retired or disabled Veterans and their family members with a valid military ID. All other Veterans qualify for a 10 percent discount during Veterans Day, Memorial Day and Independence Day.

Lowe's – Lowe's offers a year-round 10 percent discount offer for all active duty, National Guard and Reserve, retirees and disabled Servicemembers and their immediate families. All other Veterans receive the 10-percent discount on Veteran's Day, Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. The discount is available on in-stock and special-order purchases of up to $5,000. The offer can't be used on sales at Lowes.com, on previous sales or on sales of services or gift cards. You must present a valid military I.D. card to receive the discount.

Thanks again to those who serve our country!

My Lucky Day: $650 FREE concert ticket and $250 easy cash

Tonight I am going to the Hollywood Bowl to attend a Barbara Streisand Concert.  I will be sitting in a $650 seat for FREE.  You probably wonder how.  I am going to be what is referred to as a seat filler.  Producers of these events don't like empty seats.  It looks bad on camera, especially if the seat is in the first ten rows, which is often panned by the camera.  When a celebrity gets out of their seat (to visit the restroom, accept an award, etc) or if a guest arrives late, the producers want a warm body in the seat.  I have done this a few times before but this is the first time at such a high end event.  I had a chance to attend the Country Music Awards as a seat filler but was unavailable.  You guessed it.  I was too busy traveling.   If you too want to be a seat filler, I use the websites Dynamic People Club and Seat Filler.

But wait, my day gets better, I received a phone call from Ritz Carlton marketing.  I was asked to participate in a two hour group discussion on Luxury hotels.  For my participation I was offered $250 in cash.  Of course I said, "Yes."

Besides currently doing surveys and being a seat filler, in the past I was also a "secret shopper."  I used to evaluate companies and report back on their customer service.  In terms of traveling for free I got to eat at restaurants for FREE, go to amusement parks for FREE, and the best part....stay at hotels for FREE.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

Be Happy

I have been doing so much traveling I haven't had time to blog to my readers about some of the things I learned at last month's Chicago travel conference.

One of the sponsors of the Chicago seminar was a website called Route Happy.  Route Happy has the premise that “All flights are not created equal.”  Route Happy shows you information about airline flights that is helpful before you book, e.g. if the airplane has Wi-Fi or the chance it will be on-time.  

As you can see from the above screenshot had I checked Route Happy first I would have known that flight 252 to Miami had no Wi-Fi. 

Route Happy has integrated with the website Seat Guru which tells you the best airline seats.  Again, this would have been helpful before my Los Angeles to Miami flight.  Based on my American Airlines status I am to get a premium seat.  The seat I selected was described as premium in that the airline as the seats were configured 2-5-2.  Luckily, I got one of the two seats by the window but the pitch of the seat was terrible.  The guy in front of me put his seat all the way back and I had my laptop in my chest trying to type. 

I am definitely going to use Route Happy in the future.

On my way to platinum status and the world's best chocolate

Remember my October 25, 2012 blog where I said I was pondering whether to take an international flight to earn platinum status?  Well, I need to ponder no longer.  I just hit the jackpot.  While in Cuba I got an email from American Airlines that said they were going to be offering double elite qualifying miles and double redeemable miles during the months of November and December.

Some readers may be scratching their heads and asking,  “Isn’t a mile a mile?  What is the difference between elite qualifying and redeemable?”  The difference is elite qualifying miles can’t be used to toward future award mileage trips.  These miles are strictly to earn status.  Redeemable miles on the other hand are as their name implies, redeemable for future travel.  This new promotion is great because it offers both elite qualifying and redeemable miles by registering at this link and entering promo code AATHX.

To confuse my readers even more, American also has mileage points.  Without going into too much detail the higher priced tickets earn more points.  American has two different paths to earning status, by points or miles (See July 18, 2012 blog) .  Since I am frugal and don’t pay for the more expensive tickets I got my platinum status by miles.

The best part of American’s promotion is tickets purchased prior to travel are eligible for the promotion (This has not always been the case).  Thus, I signed up for the promotion before yesterday’s flight home from Miami and earned 4684 elite qualifying miles (2342 miles x 2) and 7026 redeemable miles (2342x 2) plus my platinum status gave me a 100% bonus on the miles.

Maria got her gold status just in the nick of time as current elite members earn double redeemable miles during the entire promotion period. Current non-elite members receive double redeemable miles only between November 16 and November 26.

If I can find a cheap flight to continue my platinum status the value of miles earned for a trip can be equal to the price of the ticket making the trip almost free.

I am really thinking about a trip to where I can get some of the best chocolate in the world (Royce chocolate).  If you were thinking I would be going to Switzerland you would be wrong.  I am considering traveling to Japan.  While Japan may not be known for its chocolate, that’s only because you haven’t tasted Royce chocolate.  As a co-worker, once described it, “It’s like a little slice of heaven” and this from a person that doesn’t even like chocolate to begin with.

My blog statistics show I have a few readers in Japan. If any readers in Japan ever come to the Los Angeles area please bring Royce chocolate in the dark blue box and Royce chocolate covered potato chips and you will have a friend for life.

There is a Coupon for Almost Everything

After my trip to Cuba I am staying two nights at the Marriott South Beach-Miami.  I now earned Platinum status for next year and have also earned 3 free nights as a result of the stay 2 get 1 free promotion.  This is a great hotel with a view of the ocean from the balcony.  I got a great rate of $130 a night and was put on the concierge floor giving me access to the lounge.  Lounge access consisted of a full breakfast, as well as cheese and crackers and a light dessert in the evening.

View from the hotel room

Since I am platinum I was given a wrist band that entitled me to 10% off any food at the restaurant/bar at the hotel.  This is the first time I have seen this at a Marriott hotel.

Marriott 10% off wristband

Last night after eating dinner, while walking back to the hotel, Maria and I stopped to look at the menu of an Italian restaurant.  The manager encouraged us to eat there but we told him we already had dinner and were looking for a place to eat the following night.  He pulled out a business card and wrote, "20% off" and put his initials on it and told us to come back tomorrow and give the card to our hostess.  So tonight we ate at Mi Ami and enjoyed our discount.

Walking home from Mi Ami we stopped by a parking meter.  We saw the parking meter had a full keyboard and wondered why.  When you touch the parking meter it has a display that asks if you have a coupon.  I guess I have now seen there is a coupon for almost everything, including parking meters.

Miami Parking Meter

Don't forget to Vote!

Back in the USA

I love traveling but it is always great to be home, or at least back in the good ol' USA.  The trip to Cuba was amazing.  The people there love talking to Americans.  They hear you speaking English and walk right up to you and ask, "Where are you from?"  When they are told "the United States",  they tell you right away that they love Americans and there are "no problems" between the Cuban people and Americans.  They tell you that any problems between the government of the United States and the Cuban government does not carry over to the people of Cuba who are very happy to interact with Americans.  This was told to me over and over on the trip and made me feel very welcomed. 

I was amazed that I could watch CNN and NFL football on television at our hotel.  Another thing I was not aware of was that Cuban citizens were allowed the right to sell their home.  Our guide pointed out a couple of "For Sale" signs.  Up until one year ago this would not have been possible in Cuba.  Also, there are some businesses that can now be privately owned, such as a barbershop.  Things are changing in Cuba, but slowly.

The group of people I traveled to Cuba with were wonderful.  This was a very well traveled group.  Some were already in the Traveler's Century Club.  The Traveler's Century Club is my goal.  The Traveler's Century Club is for those individuals who have visited 100 or more countries.  One couple in our group had visited 186 countries.

This was not a money saving trip but well worth it.

Below are a few photos from the trip.

Beautiful Church in Havana

One mode of transportation

Another mode of transportation

Cuban Taxi

Chair repair on the street

Police with cigar

Day 8 in Cuba

Depart Havana/Arrive Miami. After breakfast in the hotel this morning, bid farewell to Cuba as you transfer to Havana’s Jose Marti International Airport and check-in for your charter flight back to Miami. Adios Havana!

I can't wait to show you my pictures

Day 7 in Cuba

Havana, Alamar & Cojimar. This morning, drive to Finca Vigia, Hemmingway’s Cuba retreat and visit Cojimar, the fishing village that was the setting for his book, “The Old Man and the Sea.” Then, drive to the district of Alamar on the outskirts of Havana. Started as an expansive social housing project in the 1970’s, these Soviet-style pre-fabricated concrete apartment blocks are now home to hundreds of thousands of Cubans. Meet with some local residents and discuss the process of buying and selling or otherwise obtaining housing in Cuba. Also learn about the tradition of having multi-generational living arrangements.

Proceed to a local Elementary School in Alamar. Interact with the children in their classrooms as part of an English lesson and participate in a discussion session with some of the school’s administrators and teachers about Cuba’s education system and how it compares to that of the United States.

Girls looking through a bus window Photo by Adam Jones

Amongs the buildings in Alamar are community gardens, called Organoponicos, where residents grow fruit, vegetables and herbs for their own consumption and local sale. Similar to co-op and community gardens in the United States, these Organoponicos facilitate community development and offer Alamar’s residents access to fresh produce. Enjoy a visit to one of these Organoponicos, which few visitors to Cuba have the opportunity to do.

Lunch today is an open-air organic feast served by community volunteers and workers from Alamar.
This afternoon, visit Beth Shalom Synagogue Pharmacy, where pharmaceuticals that are donated by visitors from throughout the world are distributed, free of charge, to everyone who needs them, regardless of religion. Afterwards, return to the hotel.

After some well-deserved ‘down time’ at the hotel, join your fellow travelers at the farewell dinner, served in the rooftop restaurant of the Ambos Mundos Hotel, where Hemingway lived in the 1930s and wrote For Whom the Bell Tolls. Be sure to wear your dancing shoes as you enjoy live, traditional Cuban Buena Vista-style music and salsa dancing

Day 6 in Cuba

(Friday) Sancti Spiritus, Santa Clara & Havana. After breakfast, depart from Trinidad and visit the picturesque town of Sancti Spíritus, one of the original seven cities founded in Cuba by the Spanish five centuries ago, and home to Cuba's oldest church, the Parroquial Mayor. Here, you'll visit the Sancti Spíritus Medical University and discuss medical education in Cuba , conditions for medical students who practice abroad after completing their education and the career track for graduated Cuban doctors in Cuba, as well as medical practices in Cuba and the USA, in general.

Continue to the town of Santa Clara. Lunch will be served buffet style in Santa Clara’s Los Caneyes Hotel.
Enjoy a special visit to the Santa Clara Music and Performing Arts School, with dance, theater and music performances by the students. Participate in a discussion with faculty and students about the role of music and education in the USA, and the impact of music on Cuban life and its importance in education in Cuba. Please note that this visit is only possible during the school year (September through early June). Should this school not be available, or in session, during your trip, an equally enjoyable and interesting visit to another community project will be substituted

Day 5 in Cuba

(Thursday) Trinidad. After breakfast this morning, visit the Casa del Alfarero, a pottery house that was founded and and has been managed by the Santander Family for generations. Today you’ll learn the process of ceramic production and have the opportunity to create a piece of your own.

Continue to one of Trinidad’s many “casas particulares” or bed and breakfasts, where you’ll enjoy a tour and a discussion with the owners. Learn how bed and breakfasts are one of Cuba’s new entrepreneurial opportunities in a society where the state typically owns most enterprises. Ask questions and share insights about U.S. businesses, including the ever popular bed and breakfasts that are ubiquitous in the U.S.

Continue to Templo de Yemaya, where a Santeria Practitioner along with some of the religion’s devotees explain the basic principles of Santeria. Discuss the role of religion and religious organizations throughout both Cuba and the US.

Manaca Iznaga Observation Tower

Lunch today is at the beautifully restored Hacienda de Manaca Iznaga, located in the heart of the Valley de los Ingenios, a series of valleys once known as a center for sugar production. Built in the late 1700s, the mansion displays an exhibition of paintings depicting the lives of slaves on sugar plantations.

After lunch learn, through the stories of local families, about the region’s harsh past, where great fortunes were made on the backs of African slaves, and where many descendants of the Afro-Cuban slaves still reside.

Our next visit is a wonderful and enlightening visit to a local Cuban Maternity Home, where we’ll meet with residents and staff members. Tour the home and discuss with residents and staff members the medical services provided to expectant mothers and the role of families in both Cuban and US society.

After time to rest at the hotel, dinner this evening is in a private home and restaurant (known as a Paladar) for a home cooked meal. Meet with the multigenerational family members, and get an intimate look into local Cuban daily life while enjoying one of the best meals you’ll have in Cuba!

After dinner, join Cubans at either Casa de la Musica or Casa de la Trova for a community block party, a celebration where locals from all walks of life and generations come to eat, drink, build friendships, and discuss neighborhood matters. Enjoy the celebration, regarded as one of the best experiences of the trip, and engage in discussions with the locals about community life in Cuba and the US.