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

[DrFacilier]

Baha Mar is the Bahamas I think. It’s the Hyatt Regency Aruba. Also look into the Hyatt Zivas. With 4 people you’d need 2 rooms a night a 50k but they are all inclusive. I believe there are a few in Mexico, one in Jamaica and a brand new one opening this fall in Punta Cana. I believe @Andysol had done a few

Oops. I’ve been looking all over the place and ended up in Nassau lol. My bad. The Hyatt Regency in Aruba looks amazing though. Definitely going to look into it. Thanks!

 

[Andysol]

Personally, China is one I won't do alone but then again I don't think I'll ever get there anyway, so ABDs super high prices don't worry me. I'd love to go, but have breathing issues so it's not a great place for me.

I haven’t researched enough about China yet, but that’s my big trip planned for 2021. I’m having a bit of second thoughts though, with it being a communist country.

I only say that because of my awareness with the increased itineraries of Americans going to Cuba. Not to get into the political realm, but we have 2 separate groups of friends who are Cuban (from Cuba) who fled the country and each hate the fact Americans go to Cuba as it doesn’t benefit the people, just the country/government they escaped from.

I’m sure a simple google search would yield me the results I’m looking for, but is China pretty much the same way for those who have been? After speaking with our Cuban friends personally, we won’t go to Cuba. So I’d hate to support a repressive government with my dollars simply because I’m unaware of the political/individual repercussions.

Cc @calypso726

 

[GlamMistress]

Well, I’m guessing this is a repeat question. What is Plastiq?

Okay, so I’m completely clueless I guess. Sorry! I just googled it. Is it popular among users here? Are there any downsides? I can’t see using it all the time, but might be worth it to meet a MSR.

Are you on our Dischurners reddit? There is a thread about using Plastiq there. I suggest you read up on it. There are fees, etc.

 

[AmyAnne]

I have re-created ABD itineraries as well. However, I will say that I was very glad to be traveling with ABD in China when I began to have stroke symptoms. I cannot imagine the logistical nightmare of seeking medical attention in a country where you don't speak the language. ABD did not send me to a Chinese hospital, I was escorted to a clinic after they got a doctor they know to leave her conference and open up said clinic. Everything was top notch and I was so glad I was with ABD. Fortunately the facial paralysis was only Bell's Palsy but that didn't make it any less scary at the time.

We traveled to China with a friend who runs a small tour group every year for big $$ donors and alumni (we are neither lol). I usually recreate/expand commercial tours, but the only way I wanted to go to China was with a tour group or with a native speaker we knew. Dh feels that way about India--and we have a friend lined up

I'm planning two DIY trips right now, Rome for the fall (using those fat AA vouchers ) and a massive Australia/NZ trip for next fall.

ABD sounds amazing and if I had the funds I’d love to jump in that direction.

But me being the cheapo, a ton can be recreated, including China. I regularly just jump on their itineraries and mirror them, usually down to the hotel (if point applicable). Even the activities can often be booked via UR portal. Well, back before Expedia all but ruined it.

It's also possible to create a partially guided, partially self-directed trip (although probably not up to the standards of ABD). When my son was living in Taiwan, we went over for a few weeks to visit and part of the time I booked a guide to transport us around. Having a native was really helpful in terms of navigating the highlights--we wanted to see a lot in a pretty short amount of time, and none of us felt up to driving (or parking). Also, this is kind of weird to say, but we got a lot of special treatment from hotels and especially mom-and-pop restaurants, partly because we were with our guides, who were really outgoing, and partly because we were sort of an oddity in a lot of places.

 

[Haley R]

But all I ever watch on Netflix is friends and I love it but I decided I need to branch out a little. I just started Gilmore girls which I’ve never seen before and so far I like it a lot!

 

[elgerber]

But all I ever watch on Netflix is friends and I love it but I decided I need to branch out a little. I just started Gilmore girls which I’ve never seen before and so far I like it a lot!

Omg I can pretty much recite every episode of both of those shows

 

[marsh0013]

But all I ever watch on Netflix is friends and I love it but I decided I need to branch out a little. I just started Gilmore girls which I’ve never seen before and so far I like it a lot!

Gilmore Girls is on a constant loop in our house. Great show!

 

[kmc8826]

Sorry I’ve been quiet here lately. I’ve been doing this thing called “work” the past couple of days. It’s not very fun and occupies a lot of your time. I hope this doesn’t last long - way too much effort for me...

I have skimmed through every comment though to keep up.

Stupid work!

I just was skimming and saw someone say “jury is out” and thought “oh someone else has been in a trial too?!?” That’s when you know you have been working too much and not on this thread enough!

 

[afan]

But all I ever watch on Netflix is friends and I love it but I decided I need to branch out a little. I just started Gilmore girls which I’ve never seen before and so far I like it a lot!

I can't even comprehend how it's even possible to have never seen GG. I think it's only on hulu, but if The OC ever gets on netflix or you get hulu, watch it!

Also, Team Logan! I'm aware of all of the arguments of any team and it's still my pick. Also, the Gilmore Guys podcast is fun if you want to go back and listen, though it started off not that great. It's at least good for the interview eps since their review of each episode of GG is well over an hour. They were great for getting through the workday though. I was sad when it ended.

 

[AmyAnne]

I haven’t researched enough about China yet, but that’s my big trip planned for 2021. I’m having a bit of second thoughts though, with it being a communist country.

I only say that because of my awareness with the increased itineraries of Americans going to Cuba. Not to get into the political realm, but we have 2 separate groups of friends who are Cuban (from Cuba) who fled the country and each hate the fact Americans go to Cuba as it doesn’t benefit the people, just the country/government they escaped from.

I’m sure a simple google search would yield me the results I’m looking for, but is China pretty much the same way for those who have been? After speaking with our Cuban friends personally, we won’t go to Cuba. So I’d hate to support a repressive government with my dollars simply because I’m unaware of the political/individual repercussions.

Cc @calypso726

I'll chime in, as someone who has visited China three times (all to visit my kids who were studying or working there). I don't begin to understand the implications of my tourist dollars in China, but I will say that I feel like I have a better understanding of the country after visiting--and although we only saw glimpses of it, it was informative to see how the repression plays out in the lives of even privileged Chinese (for example, needing a VPN to access certain websites, and no official recognition of what happened at Tiananmen Square, and Mao's image everywhere).

If you are looking for alternatives, though, the democracy of Taiwan could use your support (and it's a beautiful place to visit). South Korea was also interesting--maybe the most interesting place I have ever been is the DMZ (where you can stand in a room that is in North Korea).

 

[Haley R]

Omg I can pretty much recite every episode of both of those shows

Gilmore Girls is on a constant loop in our house. Great show!

I can't even comprehend how it's even possible to have never seen GG. I think it's only on hulu, but if The OC ever gets on netflix or you get hulu, watch it!

Also, Team Logan! I'm aware of all of the arguments of any team and it's still my pick. Also, the Gilmore Guys podcast is fun if you want to go back and listen, though it started off not that great. It's at least good for the interview eps since their review of each episode of GG is well over an hour. They were great for getting through the workday though. I was sad when it ended.

Haha I didn’t know so many of you liked it. I’m only on episode 4 but I like it so far. We’ve gone through so many Netflix shows that I feel like I’m running out. Some of our favorites are friends, vampire diaries, parks and rec, and the office

 

[mmmears]

But all I ever watch on Netflix is friends and I love it but I decided I need to branch out a little. I just started Gilmore girls which I’ve never seen before and so far I like it a lot!

Oh, it's sooo good. The first few years are the best IMHO, but there are some good storylines in every season. You found a good one. And that's coming from someone who loves Friends. I've been thinking of watching it all over again, but DH hates it, and GoT is starting soon so I'm rewatching that. Somehow the yelling in GG bothers him but people being burned alive by dragon fire in GoT doesn't faze him one bit.

Omg I can pretty much recite every episode of both of those shows

Same here! Could that BE any better?

 

[DisVegas]

I feel like I keep asking the same questions but we have about 2K in home renovation purchases coming up, plus I’m very intrigued by the whole plastiq busniness 10K thing since we’ll be buying a car in the next week. Could I refer DH for the CIP, pay a 10K auto loan down before May 31 with DH’s CIP via plastiq, then use the other 10K fee free credit with plastiq for a new card for me sometime in June? Bad idea?

Does CIP work for an auto loan via plastiq? Seems to me that mastercard is a better option as there aren’t any limitations but the SUB with CIP is pretty awesome.

 

[Haley R]

Oh, it's sooo good. The first few years are the best IMHO, but there are some good storylines in every season. You found a good one. And that's coming from someone who loves Friends.



Same here! Could that BE any better?

Could I BE wearing any more clothes?

 

[mmmears]

Could I BE wearing any more clothes?

We've bought quite a few pieces of furniture in the past few months, and every time we get a new one it's "P-I-V-O-T!!!!"

ETA - DH got a sunburn and said. "Great, now I'm a 12!"

 

[Haley R]

We've bought quite a few pieces of furniture in the past few months, and every time we get a new one it's "P-I-V-O-T!!!!"

ETA - DH got a sunburn and said. "Great, now I'm a 12!"

Omg both of those are great episodes. We just watched the tanning one like two days ago. Chandler is my favorite out of all of them though. I like the one where Ross cooks the fajitas and grabs the hot pan

 

[Albort]

I haven’t researched enough about China yet, but that’s my big trip planned for 2021. I’m having a bit of second thoughts though, with it being a communist country.

I only say that because of my awareness with the increased itineraries of Americans going to Cuba. Not to get into the political realm, but we have 2 separate groups of friends who are Cuban (from Cuba) who fled the country and each hate the fact Americans go to Cuba as it doesn’t benefit the people, just the country/government they escaped from.

I’m sure a simple google search would yield me the results I’m looking for, but is China pretty much the same way for those who have been? After speaking with our Cuban friends personally, we won’t go to Cuba. So I’d hate to support a repressive government with my dollars simply because I’m unaware of the political/individual repercussions.

Cc @calypso726

i highly recommend u go to china with a tour guide if u dont look asian. china ppl can sometimes be super racist. Other than that, they mostly leave u alone and u dont see much politics going on publicly.
do highly recommend Xi'an, Bejing, Gulling and shanghai. ive been to them all.
china is a place i do really want to go back to.

another idea is Taiwan, although not a whole lot to see compared to China but great foods! everyone ive talk to that went to Taiwan has said they want to go back!

 

[amalone1013]

I feel like I keep asking the same questions but we have about 2K in home renovation purchases coming up, plus I’m very intrigued by the whole plastiq busniness 10K thing since we’ll be buying a car in the next week. Could I refer DH for the CIP, pay a 10K auto loan down before May 31 with DH’s CIP via plastiq, then use the other 10K fee free credit with plastiq for a new card for me sometime in June? Bad idea?

This is my plan. Paying down car loans, using a CIP for at least the $5k MSR towards the $10k for Plastiq deal.

But all I ever watch on Netflix is friends and I love it but I decided I need to branch out a little. I just started Gilmore girls which I’ve never seen before and so far I like it a lot!

I love Gilmore Girls

I can't even comprehend how it's even possible to have never seen GG. I think it's only on hulu, but if The OC ever gets on netflix or you get hulu, watch it!

Also, Team Logan! I'm aware of all of the arguments of any team and it's still my pick. Also, the Gilmore Guys podcast is fun if you want to go back and listen, though it started off not that great. It's at least good for the interview eps since their review of each episode of GG is well over an hour. They were great for getting through the workday though. I was sad when it ended.

Logan might be my least favorite...

 

[kidsfirsttrip]

Hey! I leave for a couple days and now I’m shady

Although I am sitting in the shade on my Swan balcony so maybe that counts...

Better to be shady than shunned!!!

 

[snugglebug]

We did our GE interviews on Monday, yay, that's out of the way now. It was super fast, we had 1 appt at 2, 2 each at 2:15 and 2:30. We were out of there by 2:20.

Anyway, he said we need to make sure to use middle name when booking flights. I have 4 flights (x6 people) booked already not using middle names. Will that affect getting pre-check? Do I need to call Southwest and see if they can change the name or just add the KTN which I can do online and call it good?

I really do not want to call.