I was going to say pretty much the same thing. I value URs much higher than that because of the ability to use them for first/business class seats. My calculus is more like $.02 minimum for using URs--and I probably wouldn't even do that--or I pay cash. For our China trip, I converted them for something like $.06-$.08 for our RT in Business Polaris (going west) and First Class Polaris (coming back east). I don't even like transferring them to SWA because the value is typically only $.016-$.017. It is funny how we all do things so differently!
You and I value URs the same way. Generally, I am looking at a .02 value. But, once in a while I will redeem at the .015 because it was convenient and I don’t want to outlay the cash for “that” particular trip. Iceland last Thanksgiving comes to mind. We didn’t spend however many thousand dollars for lie flat seats and used UR points to pay for the flights. But then that left us with the ability to book private tours with Ice Limo instead.
What is going to make you happiest? That’s your answer. I’m, mostly, all about the math when getting a card but in analyzing redemptions (I do get bonuses without plans for them sometimes) I’m all about what will you enjoy the most? Will you have the most fun knowing the dining plan is covered? Do it
I think that is the most important thing to keep in mind. For me that can fluctuate and a redemption based on mathing might make me the happiest. But at another time it might be convenience, and other times it might be, “ Yay, I didn’t have to pay real money for that.”
It's not like you are spending the money out of your bank account or out of your monthly budget. Points are more like 'found' money that can be used extravagantly for experiences that if you were going to use cash for, you would probably deny yourself and be more budget conscious.
This! The main thing that we use points for is to give us experiences that we would not likely pay real money to have. Sometimes it is simply more travel, like this long weekend trip. We would not have chosen to do a weekend in DC if the hotel wasn’t all but free as well as the flights. For our regular big vacations, the points allow us to upgrade our experience and make getting there and back, part of the vacation experience.
@calypso726 - glad to see you are enjoying DC! And sorry you probably have to wear a coat, as the weather can't stay the same for 2 days in a row right now!
I cried my way all through Holocaust when I went with my brother and sister in law years ago. It started when I came to the big pile of shoes. (If they still have?) That's when I lost it. I had always avoided that Museum up until then as I knew it would be hard for me to handle. But I'm always glad that I went.
And the magnolia trees - I don't think I remember them so I'll watch for them first chance I get. One of my neighbors had a beautiful tulip magnolia but when they moved and sold their home a speculator came in and bought it and almost immediately cut the tree down, I guess in his eyes for more curb appeal. I will admit they are kind of messy. But beautiful!
Oh don’t be sorry. We hardly ever get to wear coats and winter gear at home. I actually brought 3 coats for a long weekend! DH brought two.
The shoes are there still and that was rough. My SIL warned us to bring tissues and then immediately go do something fun and lighthearted afterwards.
I imagine they are messy but I wish we had them at home anyway. They are so pretty!
The pile of shoes is what got me too! Only thing that saved me from being a complete blubbering mess is that my oldest was 2 and I was pregnant with my second. I had my hands full trying to keep track of D2 and couldn’t read everything.
The rail car hit me pretty hard. Who am I kidding, the whole thing hit me hard.
Why am I pricing a trip to Disneyland for the end of July to see all the new Pixar stuff... I blame everyone on this board!
Makes two of us. Some of our friends are going so of course I thought, why not. I’m trying to rein the urge back in since we are going next month. Instead, I’m going to try to focus (squirrel!) on where to go next year with IHG. I’m thinking maybe Mardi Gras. Must do some research.
Those have expired and we don't want anybody newer wondering why all the SPG links don't work (or not using a link at all because they think they're all broken). If you have a working 25k link you can definitely leave that up
