I love credit cards so much! v6.0 - 2023 & 2024 (see first page for add'l details)

[magickingdomprincess]

Oh dear. I didn’t realize that about the smoking. Plus we have a rental so definitely no smoking in there either. I’m just not going to tell him until we arrive so he won’t be complaining about it the whole way there. I guess I should ask where would your DH smoke? Mine won’t make it if he can’t smoke and I definitely don’t want to be around him if he can’t. The rest of my family would be so miserable around him. It’s a really bad habit that controls his life, although he would disagree with that.
Thanks for clarifying about PH. That’s exactly what I needed to know.
I really wanted to go do the Kuoloa Ranch tour, as I’m a big Jurassic Park fan, but I just can’t force myself to pay the cost for it. DH says just pay the money and let’s go, but since I handle all of our finances, I just can’t commit. The cost just seems too high to me. Plus DS would have to buy 3 tickets for his family and I don’t want him to have to spend so much either. It’s the same with the Aulani luau… I’d like to have gone to it, but that cost was just too high for me. I try to be a little frugal sometimes.
I did read about the sparkle DVC wristbands and the free popcorn refills.
Thanks for all the tips! I’m so excited for this trip!

My DH just made sure to smoke before we got back to the resort. He might have snuck one or two in the Island Gourmet parking lot too. He thought about getting a vape just to tide him over but decided it wasn't worth it. Hopefully your DH isn't too upset about it. My DH is a total rule follower too, so maybe your hubby can find somewhere on a sidewalk or something out of the way.

I hear you about Kuola Ranch. Not something I'd feel like we'd have to do every time we visit, but it was a fun and scenic experience. Maybe if you go back with a smaller group you can check it out.

Let us know how the trip goes! It's a beautiful resort. I kind of wished we'd spent more time there. Hopefully we get to go back sometime in the next few years.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

You’re not wrong. Same with Alaska so the Hawaiian card(s) and MR transfer to Hawaiian are in the works. If Barclay loses AA cc partnership it makes earning those miles even more difficult.

How many MRs are folks here speculatively transferring to Hawaiian? We've got ~$800K MRs. I know I want to transfer 100K because of a specific trip need but not sure how much more to do for later. I do know we want to travel to Asia more

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

Can anyone share DPs on the Barclays AA Aviator Business card churning? Last opened 10/2022. Is this card even available? I can't seem to find an application/SUB for this?

No, it's so sad, you can't get the business one anymore

 

[havaneselover]

Tickets home from London are booked on Virgin with points plus money. Virgin is weird--since it's one way starting in London the money is quoted in pounds (no big deal). Also, you have to pay to select a seat before boarding. I paid a little extra to get an exit row. Now I get to figure out what show we are going to see We saw Mama Mia last time and it was so good!

 

[babyready]

I am looking forward to driving around and just seeing where we end up. I would like to do some kind of a hike to see the waterfalls, as long as my grandson can walk it. He’s 4 so we have to keep that in mind with anything we do.
DS wants to tour the sub at Pearl Harbor. I guess we will decide when we get there exactly what we are doing. I don’t know why the ticket options have me so confused on the website. I could definitely spend all day there because I love history stuff like that.
I’ve seen a lot of people say the Dole Plantation wasn’t worth it so we decided not to do that. I do love a good Dole Whip though.

Do not feel bad about being confused by the Pearl Harbor tickets. We went last summer and the whole process was really confusing. I was not at all clear on what was included and what we were doing. It became a bit clearer once we were there.

Also, google maps took us to the Pearl Harbor base instead of the memorial entrance. You can't just turn around and leave, they have to register you as visitor and then watch you turn around and exit. It was a little embarrassing, even though they say it happens to them all day long. It is a bit of a time suck. Also, parking takes a while. So just give yourselves plenty of time to get there!

Tickets home from London are booked on Virgin with points plus money. Virgin is weird--since it's one way starting in London the money is quoted in pounds (no big deal). Also, you have to pay to select a seat before boarding. I paid a little extra to get an exit row. Now I get to figure out what show we are going to see We saw Mama Mia last time and it was so good!

I noticed that the Virgin site was being a little wonky yesterday. And I was looking at trips to London and Paris and it was showing the prices in pounds and euro, which was different.

 

[GZanta77]

Although I suspect the Barclays AAviator Red might be around for a while yet, FOMO got the better of me and didn't want to miss the chance to top up my AA miles as they have been depleted for a Japan Airlines redemption - Instant approval

 

[Limes96]

I am looking forward to driving around and just seeing where we end up. I would like to do some kind of a hike to see the waterfalls, as long as my grandson can walk it. He’s 4 so we have to keep that in mind with anything we do.
DS wants to tour the sub at Pearl Harbor. I guess we will decide when we get there exactly what we are doing. I don’t know why the ticket options have me so confused on the website. I could definitely spend all day there because I love history stuff like that.
I’ve seen a lot of people say the Dole Plantation wasn’t worth it so we decided not to do that. I do love a good Dole Whip though.

We were there in May (Pearl Harbor) and it was confusing enough to plan for that I took pics of the signs in the plaza next to ticketing in case we go back someday. If you pm me your email I can send them to you if you think it might help.

 

[hsmamato2]

Kato Lampo waterfalls — you have to queue for 30 mins to get the photographer to get some pics, but so worth it. No cost, just tip — I was generous because they are just so nice, kept the line moving swiftly and took really good pics. I’m old and hate bathing suit pics, but if you don’t wear a bathing suit here you’re going to get soaked because you’re standing and sitting UNDER the falls.
View attachment 896125
This dinner of Nasi Goreng was $5.00 at Cafe Wayan in Ubud (it was delicious)
View attachment 896127

Traffic — it’s like this from early morning to late at night. Much better off walking everywhere (I averaged 20k steps / day).
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Bali is AMAZING — I cannot wait to come back.

love your pics- you look amazing! (kind of reminds me of the vibe from my Fiji trip photos,just happiness!)

 

[hsmamato2]

Alaska miles are super valuable;

They are? I haven't paid a lot of attention, but maybe I should have last month on my Alaska flights, they offered a cc with 60k points.....should I have been listening more closely?

 

[elgerber]

App'ed for CIU on September 2nd.
Instant Approval!
Beefed up the available credit to 7K so I could pay taxes in one shot.
Received the physical card September 7.
Finished the last few $$ of spend on September 15.
Points in account and available September 18. This is the reason for my post - fastest points I've ever received.

Same with P2, CIP instant approval, upped the credit line, used it the day we got it for a deposit on our furnace, two days later for insurance, and had the points in a couple of days. Now just waiting for the match.

 

[elgerber]

Oh yeah, even though we have gotten 4 cards in the last two months, we need a new one. Gotta lay off Chase for a bit and would rather stay biz. Thoughts on something with little or no fee? I have had all the Delta Biz accept the highest fee, had a gold, have a BBP. AA miles aren't great here, but I am almost out of them, and it's been several years since I had an AA card. Which is the best option there? Any other suggestions?

 

[570traveler]

We just book a cruise to Alaska now I need to book flights to Vancouver. This will be our first time flying internationally. How much time is needed to clear customs if we don’t have a direct flight? Some flights I saw connected in Toronto. Just want to be sure we have enough time to make the next flight. Air Canada and WestJet look to be the cheapest options right now.

 

[Twilghtsprkle]

The Chase Sapphire Reserve would be an easier one to keep long term. Annual fee is $550, comes with a $300 credit that applies to any travel. So he can just set and forget, then the effective AF is $250. Comes with Priority Pass for lounge access and there are a few Chase Sapphire lounges now. Earns 3x dining and any travel. Has great travel insurance just for charging it to the card.

Unique transfer partners are Hyatt (where most of my points go), Southwest, and United. Can be cashed out easily for 1 cent per point. Or 1.25 cpp if you do Pay Yourself Back for specific categories that change.

If he's interested in Centurion Lounges, then the Amex Platinum. AF $695. There are benefits to recoup that, but it's not as straightforward as the CSR. For example, the airline credit is for incidentals, but there are loopholes around that.

He applied for the Sapphire Reserve and got an instant approval with a $27.5K credit line.

Amex seems more complicated so I didn’t think that would work. There isn’t a Centurion Lounge in our home airport so Priority pass is good enough. He doesn’t want to work to get the most out of his points. I will be managing the doordash credit on the CSR so they actually get used. When it comes to using them that’ll also be on me.

I’m not worried about making the spend for the sign up bonus. He has to book a flight for Las Vegas this week (so we’ll get the $300 credit back almost immediately). I’ll just have to remind him to change the card on file when he goes to Orlando in October for the Gartner conference.

 

[havaneselover]

We just book a cruise to Alaska now I need to book flights to Vancouver. This will be our first time flying internationally. How much time is needed to clear customs if we don’t have a direct flight? Some flights I saw connected in Toronto. Just want to be sure we have enough time to make the next flight. Air Canada and WestJet look to be the cheapest options right now.

We flew Westjet in 2018 to Vancouver. I believe we had two connections on the way there (I was on a tight budget and the tickets were really cheap) and barely made it through customs in Toronto because the flight was a bit late. I'd say > 1 hour. I don't remember the details but it was super stressful. Westjet was great though. And Alaska is one of my two favorite cruises so far. So beautiful!

 

[disneylover81]

I am certain you'll have a great trip. LOL, Hawaii, Alaska, Cozumel, Bahamas and WDW are "extravagant" trips. They're just more US/US adjacent so probably feels less exotic. Super jealous you get to stay at Aulani; I have wanted to for a long time.

I've only been to Oahu once, but we used the Shaka audio self-guided tour app on Maui and really enjoyed it. It gives a nice mix of culture, history and information on different destinations. Since you are a history buff, it might be right up your alley.

I feel you on the smoking thing. I helped my mom get through some pretty serious health stuff and a couple surgeries, and it was a tough recovery. It was challenging for her to go through that and for me to be a caretaker. And then she went right back to smoking. I told her though, if she chooses to return to smoking, it will limit my travels with her. But she is the parent and she chose to return to smoking and I have to respect that's her choice. We'd already had Iceland planned in 2023, so of course I honored my previous commitment and we traveled together. Her mobility was severely limited on that trip, compared to the previous Italy trip when she wasn't smoking (smoking and COPD don't mix well). I haven't booked any trips which have included her since and she is literally DEMANDING I take her on a trip. FYI, not just invite her along, but finance the expense. Not kidding, demanded it, lol. It's really hard. I want her to quit and when she won't, it feels like she is choosing to have less of a lifetime with us and a poorer quality of life. And I love her and want her to have more time with us and our kids.

I hope your DH can get onboard with Alaska. I, of course, don't know the family dynamic, but it would be heartbroken if my DH didn't want to support/share in a big family event with me.

You are exactly right. It’s not a good way to live. My godfather died 2 years ago from COPD and he was very regretful that he chose to smoke his whole life. That was a horrible way to live/die and he was the best, most fun person we knew! I can’t believe your mother would demand you pay for the whole trip. That’s too much to ask!

I actually downloaded the Shaka app yesterday so I am planning on using it.

I hope he will get on board with Alaska too. I’ll go without him, but like you I’d be upset if he doesn’t go. My whole family gets along wonderfully so, it’s just the being gone for 7 days that’s got him so upset and not wanting to go.

 

[disneylover81]

My DH just made sure to smoke before we got back to the resort. He might have snuck one or two in the Island Gourmet parking lot too. He thought about getting a vape just to tide him over but decided it wasn't worth it. Hopefully your DH isn't too upset about it. My DH is a total rule follower too, so maybe your hubby can find somewhere on a sidewalk or something out of the way.

I hear you about Kuola Ranch. Not something I'd feel like we'd have to do every time we visit, but it was a fun and scenic experience. Maybe if you go back with a smaller group you can check it out.

Let us know how the trip goes! It's a beautiful resort. I kind of wished we'd spent more time there. Hopefully we get to go back sometime in the next few years.

I’m sure he will be in the parking lot most of the time. And DH is not a rule follower at all. He gets very upset when his smoking time gets interrupted or delayed. It’s so serious to him.. like when WDW took all the smoking sections out of the inside of the parks, I thought he was gonna have a come apart and never go back. It’s so inconvenient to have to go all the way to the exit, but he’s gotten used to it now so hopefully he can handle this set back.

I’m so excited to go. I could stay at the resort the whole week and never leave and be perfectly content, but I do want to go out and explore the island in case DH never wants to go back. We are heading out to Nashville in about an hour!!

 

[disneylover81]

We were there in May (Pearl Harbor) and it was confusing enough to plan for that I took pics of the signs in the plaza next to ticketing in case we go back someday. If you pm me your email I can send them to you if you think it might help.

Thank you. I just sent my email address to you.

 

[sky13]

I'm looking at spending a few days in Taipei next May before taking the train down to Kaohsiung. For those who have been to Taiwan, what area of Taipei should I be looking at for hotels? Suggestions of places to stay, things to do, how many days?

I went to Taiwan last year and this year and loved it! Though the full disclaimer is that I'm from Singapore which is only a 5 hour flight away, and I speak relatively fluent Mandarin. Although I did make all my bookings (hotels, tours, rail tickets) using English based websites/etc, which is great as I take forever to read things written in Chinese...

In Taipei we stayed at the W both times, which is in the Xinyi district. I really liked the area/location - the W was directly connected to a shopping mall and an MRT station, which made it incredibly easy to get around using public transport. Additionally, a lot of the Xinyi district is connected by underground links and covered overhead bridges, and the W (at City Hall MRT station) was connected all the way to Taipei 101. This is especially amazing if it rains - as there is just no need to go out into the rain because everything is connected!

Xinyi is also really new as an area, so everything there is modern and shiny. Great for me as I love modern and shiny, but may not be what everyone is looking for. It's also full of shopping malls - again, great for me as I love shopping and they had a lot of food I liked, but I know this isn't what everyone wants. It's also a bit further out away from a lot of the typical tourist places like Ximending, but we didn't find it too hard since the MRT was so easy to use.

The other hotel I booked (then cancelled) was the Doubletree Zhongshan, which is a lot closer to the Ximending area.

Otherwise I know quite a lot of people who stayed around the Ximending area, as well as the Taipei Main Station area. Have heard good things about Hotel Resonance (which was also on my shortlist).

Taipei is really convenient to get around with the MRT and even the bus system so wouldn't be too worried about staying at other places too. Uber also works really well within the city area (less so if you are outside the city).

Things to do - can't completely remember all we've done (over a few trips) but what I remember

• Eat - all the food is amazing there. Beef noodles, oyster noodles (we liked the one at Ay Chung), bubble tea everywhere, pineapple tarts (we liked ChiaTe and Little Pan ones and brought back lots, Sunny Hills also gets good reviews), sunny cake (Ruyi sunny cake was great - everyone who walked in automatically got given tea and samples of their snacks and you could ask for more to try with no obligation to buy anything), Addiction Aquatic Development (amazingly good sushi), coffee, tea, gua bao, all sorts of fruit (especially loved the red guava), dried fruit (especially dried red guava), nougat, this snack they have with spring onion biscuit and nougat filling that sounds weird but works so well...
• Night markets are particularly famous so definitely go wander around one at some point...
• Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall
• Ximending - just wandered around the area, ate a bit, saw the red house
• Dihua Street - again just wandered around the area
• National Palace Museum
• Xinyi District - wander around, see Taipei 101 up close
• Maokong - took the gondola up as well, and there are tea plantations at the top
• Jiufen - really lovely little area in the hills where you get really nice views, has a very long/narrow/atmospheric/busy/crowded shopping street with lots of food/souvenirs, and a really lovely tea house (A-Mei) where you can drink tea with very picturesque views. It's rather touristy but still fun provided it's not crazy crowded, try to go earlier in the day if possible as I think a lot of tourists go there for lunch...
• Shifen - two areas, first one is the village and the other is the waterfall, but these two areas are quite close by. The village is where you can buy a giant lantern, write stuff on it, and then release it as a sky lantern - it's really rather fun and not too pricey. The waterfall is a nice waterfall to look at...
• Houtong - lots of cats. And a small mining exhibit.
• Yehliu - though we went on an extremely hot day a long time ago, and I haven't been back for a while.
• Tea area visit

Some of this was done as a day or half day tour from Taipei, there are quite a lot of companies that organise tours that combine Yehliu/Jiufen/Shifen or Jiufen/Shifen/Houtong or similar. We got a private tour for a day (around US$200) to see Jiufen/Shifen/Houtong and a couple of other things that we thought would be a little harder to get to on our own by public transport. We've also done Jiufen/Shifen by public transport, though this is a bit more inconvenient and takes longer to do.

What I would have liked to do but didn't have enough time

• Yangmingshan - massive nature area near Taipei
• Xiangshan (elephant mountain) - this is inside Taipei, apparently you can climb up and get amazing views of Taipei 101
• Going up Taipei 101 to the top
• Beitou hot springs

 

[mmmears]

I tried to apply for a Chase biz card this morning and it seems like Chase is down and can't process apps. Anyone know if it's working now?

 

[CyndiLouWho]

GMy whole family gets along wonderfully so, it’s just the being gone for 7 days that’s got him so upset and not wanting to go.

Is it the time away from home that bothers him or being "stuck" on a boat? Alaska is port heavy with lots of stops in 7 days. We barely had time to explore the ship in 7 days. Loved Alaska and would love another 7 or 10 day cruise.