I love credit cards so much! v5.0 - 2022 (see first page for add'l details)

[LynnTH]

Last 4 has always worked for me

Thanks. I will try that!!

 

[mmmears]

I wouldn't recommend delaying any longer on this, as you want to go over St. Patrick's, and I can only assume that will mean a higher demand. I would really recommend paying the $12 and getting a month of the point.me membership. You'll be able to search a variety of routes with actual availability, without getting stuck in the decision paralysis that can plague these types of trips. BOS seems to have good non-stop availability and there didn't seem to be an issue with 3 biz class seats on Aer Lingus. That Chase transfer bonus is pretty sweet. But are you prepared to pay those hefty fees? I assume you already have these points already and a card you want to put the fees on? If there were several people sitting in economy, that'd be one thing, but it seems wrong to put your mom in economy alone.

View attachment 683869

I'm always surprised when I see how short the flights to Europe are from the East Coast. I think I'd be ok with economy to Europe if the flights weren't over 11 hours from here. At that point, it's just far too long to sit upright in a squishy seat.

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

About a month ago I decided I wanted to do an easy summer trip before I have a procedure and will have to be extra protective of my face for awhile. With so much going on with travel right now, I felt very comforted doing something familiar. So we booked a quick trip to the Cayman Islands, even though we were just there in April. Stayed at the Kimpton Seafire again, just us and the 2 lils.

We were welcomed with rose wine or choice of fresh juice, our IHG status (Platinum) acknowledged, and the choice of points or $15 f&b credit. We WERE upgraded to a one-bedroom suite and it was ready at our 1pm arrival time, which was so appreciated. This suite had a great view overlooking the pool and the ocean, and a massive balcony. The Seafire gives amazing balcony space, though the furniture is a little sparce.




*pics from their site, but exactly our room




A few updates from our stay, just a few months ago:
- no masking requirements
- Evening social hour from 5-6 has returned to wine and appetizers. Juice boxes and fruit snacks for the kids. During COVID, it was a grab n go canned alcoholic beverage.
- AM coffee service still remains a bit modified- there is no iced coffee offering.
- The kids splash park is open. I believe the hours are 10-4. If you are familiar with WDW's Polynesian kid's splash area, it's probably very similar. I'd say the target age is maybe 4-7, though there are certainly older and younger kids there.
- I was quoted $299 for a cabana around the pool (but I got the impression this may be negotiable)
- The Hotel Indigo being built next door (also IHG) is set back very far from the beach. Actually, it's being built behind the public beach. I do wonder how this will affect the Kimpton and if there guests will attempt to use Kimpton pools and beach facilities. It will be nice to have additional dining options available in walking distance.
- There seemed to be more resort activities. We did a family paint handprint, bracelet making and hair braiding. Love that these things are included. As always, there's complimentary kayaking, SUP, bicycle rentals, water bicycles, etc. It's such a great resort to be active, but a boutique size to relax. They've also added anchored platform out in the ocean which you can swim to, with a netted ocean pool to sit in. We used it as a good base to put our snorkle gear on. Not much to see, but it was a good chance for my youngest to get more familiar with snorkeling.

A few things we did this trip which we hadn't before:
- We rented a car onsite at Hertz. This is the way to go if you want to rent a car. It was SO easy- she had the paperwork ready and waiting; and the car pulled up to valet services. Upgraded to a BMW X1 with Amex Plat code. We returned the car to the Hertz at the airport upon departure- also easy, but very busy. About $230 for four days, with partial insurance. Pretty cheap during Carmaggedon.
- We shopped for a few grocery staples, like muffins, variety chips, beverages, etc at the nearby Foster's. We've previously done grocery delivery from Foster's, and I would recommend that as well. Probably more.
- Complimentary Go-Pro rental at Red Sail kiosk on the Seafire beach. We brought our own micro-SD card. The kids really enjoyed snorkeling with the go-pros, which they could also attach to their full-face mask snorkels (brought from home). You can rent kids and adult snorkels included.

- We did a day trip to the North side of the island and did the Crystal Cave excursion. It was very hot while we were there, 92 degrees, with a "real feel" 0f 102 degrees. The tour was 1.5 hours. While the initial history was interesting, and we enjoyed the first cave, we felt like the tour had been dragged out. Glad we went, but we wouldn't go again, and I'm not sure I'd recommend it. We'd also hoped to spend some time at Rum Point, but it remains closed (I guess you can access the public beach, but we were hoping for restaurants, then some beach/snorkeling time to follow). We were kind of frazzled by the time we made it back to the resort, as it takes a lot of energy to drive on the left and navigate round-abouts, when those are things you aren't familiar with. For years I thought I was doing roundabouts correctly, but I realize we don't have multi-lane roundabouts, and we certainly were in the wrong lane a few times. But we learned as we went along and feel more comfortable now. Key takeaway: We have rented a car and not on each of our trips. Sometimes we feel handi-capped by not having one, and other times we feel like it's a waste to have one. Maybe the happy medium is to just rent one for a few days from the Hertz onsite.








We did a couple of dinners offsite at Anchor & Den and Aqua. Both were lovely. Probably the same pricepoint as at the Kimpton. We find the food offerings at the Kimpton to be wonderful as well, and perfect for our four night stays.
- We've done a few water excursions of the years, including the Kimpton Seafire exclusive eco-tour through Red Sail sports, which departs from the nearby Yacht Club. This trip, we noticed there are some tours which depart from the Seafire beach. One was a Kittewake snorkel tour and the other a Sunset tour. Concierge services can arrange these for you.

It was a very relaxing stay, as usual. Great weather, with a few showers here and there. Some overcast days, which was actually helpful. as the sun is INTENSE. Love this resort- love the cats and chickens wandering around. We are booked again for next year. Happy to answer any questions.




IHG points: 210k for four nights (70k/nt, fourth night free) + $80/nt resort fee
Southwest: 28k points, 2 companion passes and some random airline incidental credits and LUV vouchers
We also sprang for EBCI, which we NEVER do, using some straggling incidental credits and cash. Boy, was it worth it. Especially when you have two companion passes, and your flights are either at the crack or you don't want to be bothered while on vacay. We got A boarding for all our legs and we only added EBCI about 1 week in advance. Full flights

 

[sinnika]

Just a quick update on my post. I purchased my Broadway tickets using my CF and received the 5X points. It coded as Entertainment. Still looking for hotel recommendations for NYC for August 7-10. Two people-mom and DS 25.

Found a NYC hotel that I’ve stayed at twice before: the Manhattan Club! Got a good rate for a suite. My sister booked for one night, and I booked for the second night. She will be joining us on the trip for the 1st night We each booked on the Capital One travel site to use up our $300 travel credit from the Venture X card plus got 10x the points for the booking. The Manhattan club will link the reservations so we can stay in the same suite.

 

[CookieandOatmeal]

Is there a way to transfer URs to use for American Airlines? Do you have to book through a partner airline?

 

[IFlossU]

Is there a way to transfer URs to use for American Airlines? Do you have to book through a partner airline?

BA Avios, and there has to be availability. I would check the BA website first to make sure there’s availability for the dates and route you want before transferring.

 

[Liquidice]

Curious - I just recently applied for and received the Chase Sapphire Reserve on 7/6/22. It has been almost a week and yet I still do not see any Chase offers on the website. How long should I expect to wait to start seeing Chase offers? Will probably call Chase - but curious if it is normal to expect it to take this long. I would have thought it would have shown up by now.

 

[afan]

Curious - I just recently applied for and received the Chase Sapphire Reserve on 7/6/22. It has been almost a week and yet I still do not see any Chase offers on the website. How long should I expect to wait to start seeing Chase offers? Will probably call Chase - but curious if it is normal to expect it to take this long. I would have thought it would have shown up by now.

It took over a week to get my Hyatt biz and maybe another week before they started showing up. I don't think calling will do anything, you just have to wait.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Curious - I just recently applied for and received the Chase Sapphire Reserve on 7/6/22. It has been almost a week and yet I still do not see any Chase offers on the website. How long should I expect to wait to start seeing Chase offers? Will probably call Chase - but curious if it is normal to expect it to take this long. I would have thought it would have shown up by now.

Usually after first statement closing. The number of offers seems somewhat dependent on how much you use the card after that.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

It took over a week to get my Hyatt biz and maybe another week before they started showing up. I don't think calling will do anything, you just have to wait.

Interesting. I never see any the first month
ETA. I just checked. My newest card just closed first statement today. No chase offers yet.

 

[afan]

Interesting. I never see any the first month

I was surprised to see them so soon. And good ones too and on my msr card. Best buy and CVS both 10%. Been a long time since I've gotten bb so I'll be getting some gc.

 

[Liquidice]

Thanks! Sounds like I just have to keep checking and waiting. Was hoping they showed up sooner (IIRC AMEX Offers show up sooner?). Saw there were some offers for Marriott hotel stays and have some upcoming stays that I could move from my Bonvoy Brilliant AMEX to the Chase for offer

 

[MouseOfCards]

About a month ago I decided I wanted to do an easy summer trip before I have a procedure and will have to be extra protective of my face for awhile. With so much going on with travel right now, I felt very comforted doing something familiar. So we booked a quick trip to the Cayman Islands, even though we were just there in April. Stayed at the Kimpton Seafire again, just us and the 2 lils.

We were welcomed with rose wine or choice of fresh juice, our IHG status (Platinum) acknowledged, and the choice of points or $15 f&b credit. We WERE upgraded to a one-bedroom suite and it was ready at our 1pm arrival time, which was so appreciated. This suite had a great view overlooking the pool and the ocean, and a massive balcony. The Seafire gives amazing balcony space, though the furniture is a little sparce.

View attachment 684086
View attachment 684087
View attachment 684090
*pics from their site, but exactly our room

View attachment 684093View attachment 684094


A few updates from our stay, just a few months ago:
- no masking requirements
- Evening social hour from 5-6 has returned to wine and appetizers. Juice boxes and fruit snacks for the kids. During COVID, it was a grab n go canned alcoholic beverage.
- AM coffee service still remains a bit modified- there is no iced coffee offering.
- The kids splash park is open. I believe the hours are 10-4. If you are familiar with WDW's Polynesian kid's splash area, it's probably very similar. I'd say the target age is maybe 4-7, though there are certainly older and younger kids there.
- I was quoted $299 for a cabana around the pool (but I got the impression this may be negotiable)
- The Hotel Indigo being built next door (also IHG) is set back very far from the beach. Actually, it's being built behind the public beach. I do wonder how this will affect the Kimpton and if there guests will attempt to use Kimpton pools and beach facilities. It will be nice to have additional dining options available in walking distance.
- There seemed to be more resort activities. We did a family paint handprint, bracelet making and hair braiding. Love that these things are included. As always, there's complimentary kayaking, SUP, bicycle rentals, water bicycles, etc. It's such a great resort to be active, but a boutique size to relax. They've also added anchored platform out in the ocean which you can swim to, with a netted ocean pool to sit in. We used it as a good base to put our snorkle gear on. Not much to see, but it was a good chance for my youngest to get more familiar with snorkeling.

A few things we did this trip which we hadn't before:
- We rented a car onsite at Hertz. This is the way to go if you want to rent a car. It was SO easy- she had the paperwork ready and waiting; and the car pulled up to valet services. Upgraded to a BMW X1 with Amex Plat code. We returned the car to the Hertz at the airport upon departure- also easy, but very busy. About $230 for four days, with partial insurance. Pretty cheap during Carmaggedon.
- We shopped for a few grocery staples, like muffins, variety chips, beverages, etc at the nearby Foster's. We've previously done grocery delivery from Foster's, and I would recommend that as well. Probably more.
- Complimentary Go-Pro rental at Red Sail kiosk on the Seafire beach. We brought our own micro-SD card. The kids really enjoyed snorkeling with the go-pros, which they could also attach to their full-face mask snorkels (brought from home). You can rent kids and adult snorkels included.

- We did a day trip to the North side of the island and did the Crystal Cave excursion. It was very hot while we were there, 92 degrees, with a "real feel" 0f 102 degrees. The tour was 1.5 hours. While the initial history was interesting, and we enjoyed the first cave, we felt like the tour had been dragged out. Glad we went, but we wouldn't go again, and I'm not sure I'd recommend it. We'd also hoped to spend some time at Rum Point, but it remains closed (I guess you can access the public beach, but we were hoping for restaurants, then some beach/snorkeling time to follow). We were kind of frazzled by the time we made it back to the resort, as it takes a lot of energy to drive on the left and navigate round-abouts, when those are things you aren't familiar with. For years I thought I was doing roundabouts correctly, but I realize we don't have multi-lane roundabouts, and we certainly were in the wrong lane a few times. But we learned as we went along and feel more comfortable now. Key takeaway: We have rented a car and not on each of our trips. Sometimes we feel handi-capped by not having one, and other times we feel like it's a waste to have one. Maybe the happy medium is to just rent one for a few days from the Hertz onsite.



View attachment 684095View attachment 684096


View attachment 684097View attachment 684098

We did a couple of dinners offsite at Anchor & Den and Aqua. Both were lovely. Probably the same pricepoint as at the Kimpton. We find the food offerings at the Kimpton to be wonderful as well, and perfect for our four night stays.
- We've done a few water excursions of the years, including the Kimpton Seafire exclusive eco-tour through Red Sail sports, which departs from the nearby Yacht Club. This trip, we noticed there are some tours which depart from the Seafire beach. One was a Kittewake snorkel tour and the other a Sunset tour. Concierge services can arrange these for you.

It was a very relaxing stay, as usual. Great weather, with a few showers here and there. Some overcast days, which was actually helpful. as the sun is INTENSE. Love this resort- love the cats and chickens wandering around. We are booked again for next year. Happy to answer any questions.

View attachment 684099


IHG points: 210k for four nights (70k/nt, fourth night free) + $80/nt resort fee
Southwest: 28k points, 2 companion passes and some random airline incidental credits and LUV vouchers
We also sprang for EBCI, which we NEVER do, using some straggling incidental credits and cash. Boy, was it worth it. Especially when you have two companion passes, and your flights are either at the crack or you don't want to be bothered while on vacay. We got A boarding for all our legs and we only added EBCI about 1 week in advance. Full flights

Wow, what a wonderful trip! And from your photos, looks like the resort is empty.

 

[georgina]

What did you do for cell data? Did you add an international plan to your existing cell plan or get a local sim card for the trip?

We’re in London now. We added the TravelPass plan to our Verizon family plan as there are 3 of us here, it’s about $10 a day but only charges on days you use it. DD flew in separately and used it to let us know she arrived safely. We got a message of when it was activated and when our 24 hours would end. Only used it the one day so far. We downloaded offline google maps and have wifi at the Airbnb.

my PNC account reimburses me for ATM charges, I got 20 pounds at the airport which DD promptly used for an acroyoga class so I got another bit out to have.

I think our favorites so far have been the Tower of London and Churchill War rooms. Skipped the Crown Jewels because the line was long and it’s been close to 90 degrees here! Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s were nice. DH wants to go up in the Shard which is expensive but we’re doing that tonight. Taking the train to Oxford tomorrow.

 

[KPK02090]

DHs CSP account is coming up on a year this month also. I have one, need to downgrade one. I know CFF and CFU are possible. Is there still a plain Freedom available for downgrade?

I just downgraded my CSR to a plain freedom (visa)- arrived in the mail just a few days ago. To be honest, I wasn’t 100% sure what would show up - CFF or CF. When she gave me my options to downgrade she didn’t say the names of the cards, just what they would earn. I said I wanted the one that was 5% on rotating categories. I was happy to see the plain freedom show up.

 

[AndreaDM]

Global Entry question because I know a lot of you have it as well. I do, my husband does not, but he does have pre-check. Is there any advantage for me to go through the GE line without him? Like would that allow me to get the luggage and then recheck it to our final destination? We are flying CLE-JFK-FRA, then coming home AMS-BOS-CLE. Thanks for any tips, I haven't had the chance to use my GE yet.

 

[elgerber]

Interesting. I never see any the first month
ETA. I just checked. My newest card just closed first statement today. No chase offers yet.

Agreed, I never get any for awhile, usually right after I finish my MSR

 

[Judique]

Agreed, I never get any for awhile, usually right after I finish my MSR

I got 2 last week on my new Disney card and I'm about $55 away from finishing the MSR. Could be done but I'm trying to do the 1% stuff on it and put other spend on my better cards. Still hasn't closed and no closing or payment date showing yet, but I paid the $945 I put on it already. I got McD's and Starbucks. Maybe I'll go get a McD's gift card for when the happy meal people are here.

 

[becauseimnew]

Does anyone here had a Gap Visa now Barclays MC?
I have a $300+ credit on my Barclay account, I can't figure out why.

 

[Albort]

Global Entry question because I know a lot of you have it as well. I do, my husband does not, but he does have pre-check. Is there any advantage for me to go through the GE line without him? Like would that allow me to get the luggage and then recheck it to our final destination? We are flying CLE-JFK-FRA, then coming home AMS-BOS-CLE. Thanks for any tips, I haven't had the chance to use my GE yet.

that should work. ive gone through lax ones, they dont really check if your baggage is yours or not but i do have my stickers just in case.
a lot of times, i can pass through immigration and end up waiting for my bags to come out.