I love credit cards so much!

[linzjane88]

I was where you are for a long time. Major chicken churner when it came to Biz cards. I believe I started several apps and changed my mind and didn't finish. Finally, earlier this year I had major FOMO on the high offer of the SPG biz. It was so easy that made it easier to try for CIP several months later. I dont know that I will ever do as many cards as most do here, but it is a start. And I hate to say it aloud, but I am still in the "thought of a business" stage. I do have lots of stuff I could sell on ebay/fb yard sale so that was my initial "business", I just have not gotten around to actually listing anything. My DH was firmly in the no biz cards until I got my 2nd one. Then he said do whatever you want. lol He now also has SPG biz and doesn't know it yet, but will get a Southwest biz in a few months.

I'm very lucky to also have a DH who doesn't care what I do churning wise. As long as I provide him with excellent vacations and keep my points talk to a minimum he's all for it .​

 

[wendow]

Thank you for sharing. I'm reluctant to get a business card and still thinking about it. Good to know I'm not the only one. And really great to see that it's working for you.

I was hesitant with the whole biz card thing as well. And now...oh golly, I have more biz cards than I can remember. I think 2 chase and 5 amex. And that is just me. Dh has his own. It's so easy! Unbelievably easy. I kind of feel guilty. I only occasionally sell on ebay yet here I am with all these biz cards!

 

[wendow]

I'm very lucky to also have a DH who doesn't care what I do churning wise. As long as I provide him with excellent vacations and keep my points talk to a minimum he's all for it .​

Pretty much same dh! It's wonderful

 

[Albort]

Pretty much same dh! It's wonderful

your family looked very chill.

 

[Haley R]

I was hesitant with the whole biz card thing as well. And now...oh golly, I have more biz cards than I can remember. I think 2 chase and 5 amex. And that is just me. Dh has his own. It's so easy! Unbelievably easy. I kind of feel guilty. I only occasionally sell on ebay yet here I am with all these biz cards!

I agree, it's so easy! My "business" is that I babysit/nanny all summer long. I used to babysit during the school year some, too, but that was when I was working at an after school care program. I don't have as much access to kids anymore. Dh's business is our band that we play in.

 

[Haley R]

I also posted this on my Japan Itinerary thread, but wanted to see what you guys think:

We started looking at a hotel room for Hakone. We would only need a room for one night and are booking through the Chase portal so only have a couple of options. Right now our plan is to leave Tokyo early in the morning, go through Odwara to Gora, and hike in the Gora park. We would then stay that night and wake up to go to Kyoto the next day. Here are the two hotels we can choose from and the room types we can choose from:

1. Hakone Sengokuhara Prince Hotel (seems to be about a 15 minute commute from the end of our hiking trail)

• No views of Mt. Fuji or a lake, this one has a golf course instead
• Can only book a Superior Room = 11,373 points

2. The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko (seems to be about a 40-50 minute commute from the end of our hiking trail)

• Views of the lake and Mt. Fuji
• Double Room = 14,848 points (not sure what the view would be of)
• Twin Room, Garden View = 19,796 points
• Superior Twin Room, Partial Lake View = 20,362 points
• Twin Room, Lake View = 22,624 points
• Twin Room, Mountain View = 25,453 points

Obviously, we have a lot of options. It would make the MOST sense to go with the first one because it costs less and is closer to our hike, but the views at the other hotel are so pretty. What do you guys think?

 

[wendow]

your family looked very chill.

Yup, 'chill' is thy middle name lol. I always tell my kids...let it roll off your back like water off a duck's back...

 

[Albort]

I also posted this on my Japan Itinerary thread, but wanted to see what you guys think:

We started looking at a hotel room for Hakone. We would only need a room for one night and are booking through the Chase portal so only have a couple of options. Right now our plan is to leave Tokyo early in the morning, go through Odwara to Gora, and hike in the Gora park. We would then stay that night and wake up to go to Kyoto the next day. Here are the two hotels we can choose from and the room types we can choose from:

1. Hakone Sengokuhara Prince Hotel (seems to be about a 15 minute commute from the end of our hiking trail)

• No views of Mt. Fuji or a lake, this one has a golf course instead
• Can only book a Superior Room = 11,373 points

2. The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko (seems to be about a 40-50 minute commute from the end of our hiking trail)

• Views of the lake and Mt. Fuji
• Double Room = 14,848 points (not sure what the view would be of)
• Twin Room, Garden View = 19,796 points
• Superior Twin Room, Partial Lake View = 20,362 points
• Twin Room, Lake View = 22,624 points
• Twin Room, Mountain View = 25,453 points

Obviously, we have a lot of options. It would make the MOST sense to go with the first one because it costs less and is closer to our hike, but the views at the other hotel are so pretty. What do you guys think?

do u have a hotel night with bath house? Japan is famous for their bath houses... its super relaxing and great for the skin.

 

[Haley R]

do u have a hotel night with bath house? Japan is famous for their bath houses... its super relaxing and great for the skin.

Yeah we won't be doing that lol. We aren't AT ALL comfortable with going in our birthday suits. The onsens look super relaxing, but we just wouldn't enjoy ourselves in them.

 

[Albort]

Yeah we won't be doing that lol. We aren't AT ALL comfortable with going in our birthday suits. The onsens look super relaxing, but we just wouldn't enjoy ourselves in them.

i wasnt either... but trust me, its worth trying one night. :]
there are some hotels that have their own private bathhouse within the rooms too... but its more expensive.

 

[wendow]

Yeah we won't be doing that lol. We aren't AT ALL comfortable with going in our birthday suits. The onsens look super relaxing, but we just wouldn't enjoy ourselves in them.

Do you have to go in your birthday suits with other people?? If so, I ain't doing that and 'chill' is no longer thy middle name lol!

 

[Haley R]

i wasnt either... but trust me, its worth trying one night. :]
there are some hotels that have their own private bathhouse within the rooms too... but its more expensive.

I just can't do it lol. Sorry. I won't stay at a ryokan either because I'm a super picky eater and what they serve is what you get. Also, like you mentioned they can be pricey. Which one out of the two I gave would you choose?

 

[Haley R]

Do you have to go in your birthday suits with other people?? If so, I ain't doing that and 'chill' is no longer thy middle name lol!

Yep.....lol. They normally are split between men and women so you don't share in that regard which actually I would like even less because I wouldn't get to do the experience with DH. I just could not go into a bath house with other women I don't know and be naked. I would sit there awkwardly and have no idea what to do. I couldn't be relaxed and that's the whole point lol

 

[Albort]

I just can't do it lol. Sorry. I won't stay at a ryokan either because I'm a super picky eater and what they serve is what you get. Also, like you mentioned they can be pricey. Which one out of the two I gave would you choose?

whats wrong with a ryokan? Those rooms are pretty awesome... its like sleeping on a blanket! I actually prefer those over than regular hotel rooms.
Id pick #1 too. Im usually the type of person who likes to travel and only go back to sleep. I think having a view is nice, but like, u can just sit outside the other hotel and enjoy the view there... lol.

what about this? --> https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/yunessun-spa-resort

 

[Albort]

Yep.....lol. They normally are split between men and women so you don't share in that regard which actually I would like even less because I wouldn't get to do the experience with DH. I just could not go into a bath house with other women I don't know and be naked. I would sit there awkwardly and have no idea what to do. I couldn't be relaxed and that's the whole point lol

womens rights in Japan is pretty good. There are dual sex bathhouses... men are required to be in their birthday suits, women are allow to be wrapped in towels...
There is usually someone there that will explain what u need to do. Its pretty straight forward.

source: i went on a bathing tour once...

 

[Haley R]

whats wrong with a ryokan? Those rooms are pretty awesome... its like sleeping on a blanket! I actually prefer those over than regular hotel rooms.
Id pick #1 too. Im usually the type of person who likes to travel and only go back to sleep. I think having a view is nice, but like, u can just sit outside the other hotel and enjoy the view there... lol.

what about this? --> https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/yunessun-spa-resort

I’ll have to see what Dh thinks. I agree that we could just go outside the hotel to see the same view and we will only be there for one night. But how many times can you go to Japan and have a room with a view of mt Fuji? Lol

The spa resort actually looks kind of cool since you can wear bathing suits. I’m not sure if we would have time but I’m gonna add it to our list. It might be nice after hiking all morning.

 

[Lain]

Tagging @Lain @striker1064 - I know you guys are some of our top "Strategists" - would love to hear your thoughts

I’ll need to circle back to you on that. A weekend with the kiddo impairs my higher brain functions. And I get to plan a last minute trip to Disneyland next weekend. Yay!

 

[amalone1013]

I should just focus on planning our Nashville weekend now that our anniversary trip is over. But I feel the itch to book another trip!

I think part it I'm still debating if I should book those last 3 nights with Marriott for Platinum status. I'm debating between hotels in Nashville now for Friday night and points vs cash (really since I'm in early today, I should be doing some weekly testing as it's my week to do it... but I just don't feel like it You should hear the latest news on my supposed raise It totally has nothing to do with these feelings ). I also poked around a bit at hotels for a weekend back home, but the Marriott options are pretty extreme - by the tiny airport, complete opposite side of town, or downtown - which would be silly as we wouldn't be doing anything downtown. But it's crazy how they inflate prices for events - downtown location on a normal weekend, $93/nt. Home football game? $364/nt.

But it's hard to book that location (or any other Marriott) for $265 for the weekend (or 50k pts) when my little not-too-sketchy Quality Inn by the prison is $145, and I could use discounted Hotels.com gift cards to pay. So it's like, is Platinum worth an additional $120+ plus parking fees, plus being 15-20 mins farther away from where we'll spend our time (vs 5 mins away)...
Maybe I just need to plan another weekend away

Yep.....lol. They normally are split between men and women so you don't share in that regard which actually I would like even less because I wouldn't get to do the experience with DH. I just could not go into a bath house with other women I don't know and be naked. I would sit there awkwardly and have no idea what to do. I couldn't be relaxed and that's the whole point lol

Me too!

 

[striker1064]

CSR vs. CSP

I know a few people have mentioned this recently - now that you can ONLY get one of these cards is our consensus that if you don't immediately need to use your URs (and the 3x dining isn't a game changer for you) that CSP is the better card to get?

I believe the advice I've read (and somewhat agree with) is...

• Apply for CSP 50,000 point offer
• Probably still add your dog or kid or middle name as an AU and hope to get the 5,000 bonus (if it doesn't post, who cares - worth a shot)
• Meet the $4,000 spend
• Earn 54,000+ URs
• During the next 12 months earn a bunch of other URs too
• After a year (and I think you have to wait this long due to the laws) upgrade to CSR
• Pay the $450 and double dip the Travel Credit - a $150 gain over the next 12 months
• Use all your URs in all their CSR Glory while you hold a CSR.
• Downgrade to CSP or CF...wait awhile and then repeat the CSR TC Double Dip in the future

I know this sounds somewhat complex for a newbie (who are typically the people we'd be advising to do this). I'm thinking about it for myself actually when I get eligible for a Sapphire card in March 2020 (yes that is CRAZY far away, haha!). Any thoughts on this? Good Plan...Bad Plan...Do you have a better plan or reason why you'd just get the CSR?

This is exactly what I've advised a few people to do since the double-dip ended. I don't think it makes any sense to sign up for the CSR now with that high AF unless you have a plan to use all of your URs immediately and need the higher redemption rate (or you spend an otherworldly amount on dining). Otherwise, just sign up for the card with the same bonus and no AF the first year, and still get all the benefits of the card.

 

[calypso726]

It's our favorite resort overall! We liked it a lot more than AKL.

DH's favorite is GF. Mine is AKL. Sitting out on the balcony in the morning and watching the animals on the savanna is one of my favorite things to do there. I also like that there are tons of activities and things to experience at the resort itself. The Wanyama safari is probably my second favorite tour experience with Keys to the Kingdom being my favorite. I like the lobby at Jambo better than Kidani but love staying at Kidani because the Okapi are on the Pembe savanna. Okapi are my favorite animal. I was in tears of joy when we did the Senses of Africa tour because I got to be up close to one and pet her. I could happily stay at AKL for a week and never leave the resort.

I'm very lucky to also have a DH who doesn't care what I do churning wise. As long as I provide him with excellent vacations and keep my points talk to a minimum he's all for it .​

I know some folks have challenges with reluctant Player 2's. I feel extremely lucky to have a P2 that is "all in" and happy to discuss strategies, articles or blogs we read on travel hacking. He has no idea how to find and book the trip or how any of that side of it works beyond booking a simple flight or hotel directly and I'm ok with that.

I also posted this on my Japan Itinerary thread, but wanted to see what you guys think:

We started looking at a hotel room for Hakone. We would only need a room for one night and are booking through the Chase portal so only have a couple of options. Right now our plan is to leave Tokyo early in the morning, go through Odwara to Gora, and hike in the Gora park. We would then stay that night and wake up to go to Kyoto the next day. Here are the two hotels we can choose from and the room types we can choose from:

1. Hakone Sengokuhara Prince Hotel (seems to be about a 15 minute commute from the end of our hiking trail)

• No views of Mt. Fuji or a lake, this one has a golf course instead
• Can only book a Superior Room = 11,373 points

2. The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko (seems to be about a 40-50 minute commute from the end of our hiking trail)

• Views of the lake and Mt. Fuji
• Double Room = 14,848 points (not sure what the view would be of)
• Twin Room, Garden View = 19,796 points
• Superior Twin Room, Partial Lake View = 20,362 points
• Twin Room, Lake View = 22,624 points
• Twin Room, Mountain View = 25,453 points

Obviously, we have a lot of options. It would make the MOST sense to go with the first one because it costs less and is closer to our hike, but the views at the other hotel are so pretty. What do you guys think?

I am big on scenery and will usually go for the view. However, I would check to see what the expected weather will be like that time of year. It would be a shame to use a bunch of extra points for a view if you can't see Mt. Fuji due to fog or cloud cover.

i wasnt either... but trust me, its worth trying one night. :]
there are some hotels that have their own private bathhouse within the rooms too... but its more expensive.

ABD has this as one of the experiences which I'm willing to try. As they say ... when in Rome (Japan whatever). It's actually one of the reasons I am yet again, putting off the idea of getting a tattoo. I've been saying I'm going to get one for years and haven't pulled the trigger. I was thinking about doing it for my 50th but then found out that some Onsens will ban you if you have a tattoo. So there is that to consider.

I’ll have to see what Dh thinks. I agree that we could just go outside the hotel to see the same view and we will only be there for one night. But how many times can you go to Japan and have a room with a view of mt Fuji? Lol

That would be my thought too. But in light of the may or may not be visible depending on the time of year, and only for one night I'd be inclined to do the commute to the hotel with the view and book the double room for the least points.