I love credit cards so much! v2.0 (see first page for add'l details)

[speedyfishy]

Yeah but what are you MSing?

Ebates. Finished my Gold so starting on SOs Gold and will try and finish Hyatt 15k this month.

I think that means you need another card!

I’m running out of cards!!

 

[wendow]

Thanks! I’m planning to see if my parents and brother want to be added to get TSA or Global Entry. They don’t care about it taking up a 5/24 slot. I’ll be closing my Platinum when the annual fee comes due in August so trying to squeeze these in. I also have a promo for 5K MR for each AU added that spends $500. I would plan on spending the $500 for them but it’s a nice little bonus in addition to getting them GE for no fee.

I added not only my dd's as Gold card AU'ers but my mom and stepdad as well. All were able to take advantage of the TSA/GE credit. I did not have the promo when I did it for our fam but we were traveling soon and wanted it in place. With the promo, it's a really great deal!

 

[tink1970]

We’re hoping to use the excursionist perk next summer for our Europe trip. Nice deal! Free flight within another continent when you book a transcontinental round trip on miles. I have no idea if it’s the same perk for paid fares.

My plans are still in flux but I am definitely doing Europe. But I am concerned about the availability of business savers awards. We are going late August early September so maybe I can afford to wait to book since it's generally a slower time.

I'm hoping to use the excursionist fare as well next August-our cruise leaves from Copenhagen so I've been playing with other places in Europe to visit before/after. I have enough for business saver fares RT but DH needs to finish his CIP MSR to earn his SUB or he'll be flying like a peasant.

 

[wendow]

Do you have a Saks near you? I'm thinking online gift cards won't work... I was trying to remember for myself as there is no Saks near me.

I think the online gc's work but the lowest denomination is $150. Since we don't have a store by us, and the Saks Off 5th (which we do have) doesn't trigger the credit, I just order beauty products to use my credit.

 

[Limes96]

I'm hoping to use the excursionist fare as well next August-our cruise leaves from Copenhagen so I've been playing with other places in Europe to visit before/after. I have enough for business saver fares RT but DH needs to finish his CIP MSR to earn his SUB or he'll be flying like a peasant.

This will be our first Europe trip together (DH was actually born in London and has been several times, and I went once during my college years...a few years ago lol). Was thinking of spending a couple nights in Edinburgh. What do you recommend as a nice place to stay, @tink1970 ? Do you have a favorite?

 

[gottalovepluto]

Does anyone know if ETSY ever shows up on a shopping portal? Or, does Etsy have gift cards available for purchase at brick and mortar stores that may offer a higher points per dollar for purchase? I see a growing addiction to Disney inspired Minnie Ears headbands coming my way.

I've seen them pop up on Amex offers once in a while

 

[gottalovepluto]

-

 

[gottalovepluto]

-

 

[punkin]

This will be our first Europe trip together (DH was actually born in London and has been several times, and I went once during my college years...a few years ago lol). Was thinking of spending a couple nights in Edinburgh. What do you recommend as a nice place to stay, @tink1970 ? Do you have a favorite?

We did an air bnb in Edinburgh when we went a couple years ago. It was lovely but away from the tourist attractions. Bring warm clothes and an umbrella. Lol.

 

[tink1970]

This will be our first Europe trip together (DH was actually born in London and has been several times, and I went once during my college years...a few years ago lol). Was thinking of spending a couple nights in Edinburgh. What do you recommend as a nice place to stay, @tink1970 ? Do you have a favorite?

As a matter of fact...I do, LOL. There are a lot of very nice hotels in Edinburgh, disclaimer here. There are a lot of very nice points/miles hotel in Edinburgh overall. That said, I really enjoy The Grand Sheraton Hotel and Spa because I'm a spa person

If you stay in a concierge level room there, you have access to their OneSpa suite which is a lot like the rainforest room on DCL (steam rooms/showers/sauna/jacuzzi/heated loungers) plus the outdoor hot tub is awesome-even TPG writers think so (I know I know but I agree, lol).

https://thepointsguy.com/2017/07/amazing-pools-around-the-world/
I love spa-ing and looking out my window at the castle-it's a sight that never gets old to me! The location is about 3/4 of a mile from Waverly Station (train) so if you don't have too much luggage, that's convenient. The airport bus also ends near Waverly (I've done this before but honestly usually take a cab). There's a Tesco and a Sainsbury's not too far (grocery stores) and basic restaurants around.

There are many other Marriott properties available around town, if spas aren't your thing-some like the Glasshouse (Autograph Collection) look nice but I can't give up my spa, lol.

The Waldorf Astoria is down the street from the Sheraton Grand if you're a Hilton person (it's where ABD stays so you know it's nice!), and the nonaffiliated Balmoral is gorgeous and right next to Waverly Station. I have no doubt there are several small hotels/inns/B&Bs as well. Edinburgh is such an amazing city, I am excited for you

 

[speedyfishy]

At Disney this week staying at the Yatch Club. Out of the 3 hotels the Epcot area SO prefers the Yatch Club. I felt very out of place refilling my mug this morning in sweatpants and a hoodie. We also signed up for a DVC tour and the person asked if we are over 18. SO turns 25 tomorrow lol.

 

[elgerber]

We stayed at the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton. We loved it. Cool very old building but modern on the inside. The location was perfect.

 

[punkin]

My 80k UR points from my CIP should post on June 14th.

 

[ten6mom]

@ten6mom, were you in this?

I couldn't find us in your photos, but if that one at the turnstiles was taken between 0545 and 0600, probably! We set alarms for 5, mobile ordered Starbucks for breakfast, and probably waited 15 minutes or so before they opened the gates. We checked in at Launch Bay, did a little shopping upstairs, went on Hyperspace Mountain (got in line for that maybe 3 minutes before they actually opened the line at 7 for MM/EMH), and then leisurely made our way to Fantasyland. We ended up getting held right outside the Dumbo queue for the majority of our waiting.

 

[Limes96]

As a matter of fact...I do, LOL. There are a lot of very nice hotels in Edinburgh, disclaimer here. There are a lot of very nice points/miles hotel in Edinburgh overall. That said, I really enjoy The Grand Sheraton Hotel and Spa because I'm a spa person

If you stay in a concierge level room there, you have access to their OneSpa suite which is a lot like the rainforest room on DCL (steam rooms/showers/sauna/jacuzzi/heated loungers) plus the outdoor hot tub is awesome-even TPG writers think so (I know I know but I agree, lol).

https://thepointsguy.com/2017/07/amazing-pools-around-the-world/
I love spa-ing and looking out my window at the castle-it's a sight that never gets old to me! The location is about 3/4 of a mile from Waverly Station (train) so if you don't have too much luggage, that's convenient. The airport bus also ends near Waverly (I've done this before but honestly usually take a cab). There's a Tesco and a Sainsbury's not too far (grocery stores) and basic restaurants around.

There are many other Marriott properties available around town, if spas aren't your thing-some like the Glasshouse (Autograph Collection) look nice but I can't give up my spa, lol.

The Waldorf Astoria is down the street from the Sheraton Grand if you're a Hilton person (it's where ABD stays so you know it's nice!), and the nonaffiliated Balmoral is gorgeous and right next to Waverly Station. I have no doubt there are several small hotels/inns/B&Bs as well. Edinburgh is such an amazing city, I am excited for you

I knew you’d have suggestions! I’ve been doing thread searches on Edinburgh. Also maybe @calypso726 and @Calfan ? I read a little about getting a Radisson card for Europe but it seemed like a lot of trouble to get.

We stayed at the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton. We loved it. Cool very old building but modern on the inside. The location was perfect.

Awesome! I’ll definitely have Hilton points.

I’d like to use Air bnb in London and Paris, but I can’t quite figure out the Air bnb gift card thing. I’ve had Chase offers now and then for a whopping 5% back, but looking for a little better deal. But I’m thinking it counts as travel on the Arrival+...what about for the $300 travel credit on the CSR? Does anyone know about that?

 

[Calfan]

I knew you’d have suggestions! I’ve been doing thread searches on Edinburgh. Also maybe @calypso726 and @Calfan ? I read a little about getting a Radisson card for Europe but it seemed like a lot of trouble to get.

We like the Radisson Blu Edinburgh which has a great location right on the Royal Mile. We will be staying there for 3 nights this August on our university scouting trip for DD.

 

[Alexle2007]

Woot! Totally forgot I had used the Barclay portal for our stay at Fairfield Inn in Hershey in May. Just received 234 miles for basically nothing. Just rebooked our upcoming SeaWorld stay at Renaissance to make sure I had gone through the portal.

 

[amalone1013]

I think the online gc's work but the lowest denomination is $150. Since we don't have a store by us, and the Saks Off 5th (which we do have) doesn't trigger the credit, I just order beauty products to use my credit.

I see some kitchen things we might get...

 

[havaneselover]

Finally finished the lowe's offer on dd's card. And gift card to gift card is still working at Kroger in Central VA.

 

[calypso726]

I knew you’d have suggestions! I’ve been doing thread searches on Edinburgh. Also maybe @calypso726 and @Calfan ? I read a little about getting a Radisson card for Europe but it seemed like a lot of trouble to get.



Awesome! I’ll definitely have Hilton points.

I’d like to use Air bnb in London and Paris, but I can’t quite figure out the Air bnb gift card thing. I’ve had Chase offers now and then for a whopping 5% back, but looking for a little better deal. But I’m thinking it counts as travel on the Arrival+...what about for the $300 travel credit on the CSR? Does anyone know about that?

I can second @tink1970 on the Sheraton Grand in Edinburgh. It was very nice!

IMNSHO the Club Carlson card is absolutely worth the hassle and a keeper card if you think you might go to Europe every few years. Before the Hilton Aspire, this was my favorite sock drawer card. My mom has it and does not travel like we do. She has received more value with the 40k annual card Anniversary points for her redemptions which exceeds the AF. She doesn’t mind paying $75 a year knowing she won’t need to budget for a hotel stay in Europe when she comes with us every few years.

We stayed at a Radisson Blu in Edinburgh on the Royal Mile. The location was perfect. The hotel itself was a bit dated and somewhat dark in decor. This was probably my least favorite Radisson Blu property but I’d stay there again. We are off to Scotland again later this month and have a few nights in Edinburgh at a Radisson Collection hotel that is new to us. I will post a review on the Hotel thread.

Didn’t see the original post so I’m not sure if you are looking for London, Scotland or just Europe in general. We used Marriott points to stay in London at the St. Ermin after a DCL cruise that ended in Dover and it was amazing. We also stayed for a weekend at the Radisson Blu Edwardian Mercer Hotel when we went to see the Harry Potter play in London. It was an awesome stay! The staff was super friendly and it was in walking distance to the theater. We stayed at a Radisson Blu in Dublin which was phenomenal. I’d say it was the nicest of the Radisson properties we have experienced.

We also stayed once at Witchery by the Castle in Edinburgh. I don’t know if it is bookable with points but if so, I’d do it again. It totally appeals to my love for the unique, whimsical, dramatic and absurd. Left to my own devices, I’d stay in each one of the rooms. @PlanePrincess rolls his eyes whenever I mention Witchery by the Castle (it’s a bit on the spendy side) but he has a tendency to do that with most of my suggestions I ignore him and look forward to saying “I told you so” at some point in the future during said trip. Batting a thousand here with that.

Iceland, we used Hilton. We had gold status at the time thanks to the Amex Plat card (before the Aspire card existed) and were upgraded to club level which gave us club access. This saved us a ton of money on food! I always consider elite status, club access and food when deciding what points to use at what hotel if the type of vacation lends itself to that.