Alaska Airlines 40K Uses

Posted on July 28, 2011 by Brad Christensen

Update:  This offer has expired.  Check our “Free-Travel Credit Cards” page for the latest deals.

The Bank of America card that offers the Visa Signature card associated with Alaska Airlines is a great deal.  They offer you some things that most other cards don’t offer.  Let me show you some of them.

  • 40,000 miles upon approval.  I emphasize this because it normally would require a spending requirement to get a bonus like that.  40,000 Alaska Airlines miles really have great value.

The miles can be used to fly to either Mexico or Hawaii for free as long as you use the Alaska Airlines miles to fly on their “Super Saver Coach” option.

Award Requirements to Hawaii

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Like I mentioned above, you could also use the miles to secure a free trip to Mexico.  Alaska flies into a lot of great places in Mexico.  Brad made a post once about his family trip to Xtapa and Ziuatenejo.  They loved that place.

Award Travel to Mexico

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’ve never been to Alaska either, but this card is great for people who live in the Western United States.  If you watch it and get the right deal, then you can fly within those states for 15,000 points.  This means that this card would get two people to Alaska, and you would still have miles left over.

Award travel to Alaska Air Destinations

  • $99 Companion Ticket is given annually. This means that if you bought a ticket to go to Oahu for $400, then you could take along a spouse, friend, or whoever for an additional $99.  The best part about this offer is that you can use the companion ticket to fly to Hawaii or Mexico.  Most companies exclude places like that, but this one allows you to fly to anywhere that they fly.
  • This card offers an unlimited amount of miles that can be accumulated.  For the most part credit cards will have an earning cap of 50,000, or 60,000 miles per year.  I’m not that big of a spender so this isn’t a big deal to me, but some people might see a value to this point.
  • You can also combine this card with the SPG American Express for an amazing stay in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  You could fly into Puerto Vallarta, stay five nights at the Westin Puerto Vallarta, and soak up the sun during cold winter months.  This would cost you $75 for the annual fee on the Alaska Airlines card, maybe some baggage fee, and your food.  Where else can you get a vacation for this price?

What other value do you see to this card? Let me know what I’ve missed.

I know I’ve had a few people tell me that they put an inquiry with two of the credit reporting agencies, which is a bummer, but if you are only hitting a couple of cards a year, it should be no big deal.

Airfare Tax Holiday

I was browsing on their website and I found this information: For tickets sold beginning July 23, 2011, the following taxes will not be collected:

  • The 7.5% tax generally applicable to domestic transportation (as well the 7.5% tax on amounts received from the sale of “frequent flyer miles”.)
  • The $3.70 domestic segment tax.
  • The $16.30 international arrival/departure tax.
  • The $8.20 departure tax for flights between Alaska/Hawaii and the mainland US.

The expiration occurs based on the date at the location where the ticket is purchased. Taxes/Fees not specifically mentioned above will continue to apply. (Source for this information was the Alaska Airlines website)

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Before You Apply

Posted on July 27, 2011 by Brad Christensen

Because we are extremely sensitive to the importance of keeping your credit and your financial well-being in good shape, there are a few considerations we’d ask you to make before taking advantage of credit card reward bonuses. We have other great posts from the past that talk about the importance of credit.  Browse through them and ask us questions.  We are here to help.

We might seem overzealous at times to encourage you to get a new credit card, but our purpose is for you to do it with caution.  We understand that your credit is necessary and it could negatively affect you if you don’t manage it properly.  For that reason we’ve come up with a few very important items to discuss today.

First, never, never pay interest. You’ll notice that we never talk about the interest rates on the cards we’re discussing. It’s because we pay the statement balance in full each month. We are using the cards as if they were debit cards.

Second, never, never charge something that you wouldn’t otherwise buy. You must refrain from the temptation to make those kinds of purchases. If you don’t have that kind of discipline, then using credit cards to secure free travel might not be the best option for you- Because it wouldn’t be free in that case.

Third, always, always pay on time. Mint.com is a phenomenal resource to ensure that your balances are organized and paid on time. It’s a free service, so don’t hesitate to use it.

Fourth, always, always be sure that you can meet spending requirements before applying. For instance, if a card requires $4500 in spending over three months, and you won’t have $4500 in chargeable expenses, don’t put yourself in the predicament of having to charge things just to meet the obligation to get the bonus.

If you follow these simple rules, you’ll win the game. But remember that the moment you become reckless with your finances, you’re no longer taking advantage of these amazing bonuses, you’re being taken advantage of.

Wanderlust with us.



Posted in Credit Advice | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

Starwood Preferred Guest 25,000

Posted on July 26, 2011 by Brad Christensen

This is the promotion that we’ve all been waiting for.  American Express has just sweetened the pot.  The Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express has just lowered the spending requirement on this card.  It is a great card to use when looking for luxury hotels that won’t cost you a fortune.


This is the best way to earn Starwood points, and stay in nice hotels for free!  If you compare this to staying nights in Starwood’s properties, I can guarantee that this is a much better option to accumulate Starpoints. The offer changes from time to time, so watch for the best offer.

The Starwood Hotels include Sheraton, Four Points, Westin, Aloft, W, St Regis, Element, and Meridien.  Their hotels are usually very luxurious, and can be found all over the world, so you can wet your world-wanderlust whistle with this card.  They have hotels on every continent (except Antarctica).

Redemption awards start as low as 2000 points.  That means that if one of those hotels fit your destination you could technically stay there for 17 nights!!  I realize that you might be hard up to find one of those hotels and stay there for 17 nights, but either way this card is useful because the redemption awards are so generous!  The Starwood points are much more valuable than those of Hilton.

If you’ve been weighing a hotel rewards card with an enormous initial bonus,  I think this is your shot.  I’m not sure we’ll get a better hotel card offer than this one.  If you don’t mind, use our link and tell anyone you think might be interested.

Watch for special deals from Starwood from other places like TD Ameritrade.

They also tote a Cash and Points option, but I’m such a cheap guy that I figure that I’m getting the card for free hotels, not paying $100 for a hotel and using points.  I’d rather just spend $80 on a hotel somewhere (Definitely not the Howard Johnson Inn Express).  Everyone sees it differently though.  If you normally spend $200 on a hotel and the points will last you longer, then that is great for you.


Posted in Starwood Preferred Guest | Tagged | 5 Comments

Frequent Flier Deals

Posted on July 25, 2011 by Brad Christensen

Every once in a while I want to evaluate some of the best deals available right now. Here is the list in my order of value:

This card has been great to me.  I’ve scored this deal three times amongst my wife and I.  We have enough miles that will carry us for days.  We are still always watching for the next best deal though.

Downside:  Man, it is tough to have a downside when they are offering so much.  It is an over the phone application, and they could end the promotion at any time.

  • Chase Sapphire Preferred-No annual fee for the first year-50,000 Bonus points that can be transferred to Continental or a few other carriers-Awarded once you’ve spent $3000 within 3 months.

The additional 50,000 is dead at this point.  I don’t see them brining it back.  At one point they were bonusing people up to 100,00o points mark, but they have stopped that at this point.  This is a great deal on 50k miles.  The card itself actually looks really cool.

Downside: Points aren’t transferable to all airlines.

This offer either must be referred to you, or wait until the 26th and we should have the link for this offer.  If you’ve thought of any hotel card, this is the one to get.  Their hotels are very nice, and using the points can take as little as 2000 per night.

Downside: You have to wait until this offer comes out, and then you have to spend up to $4500 in six months.

This usually would equate to 2 free flights within the US.  Great deal.  Southwest takes your bags without charging and they still offer snacks and drinks.  Something that nobody else does.

Downside: First year fee.

  • Bank of America Alaska Airlines– $75 Annual fee- You are awarded 40,000 bonus miles upon approval.  You also get a $99 companion certificate that can be used on flights to Hawaii or Mexico.  This is an annual benefit.

Great deal for people who love to go to Hawaii or Mexico.  You’ll easily get your value each year out of the $75 annual fee.

Downside: First year fee.  Bank of America also has a lame process where they put inquiries into multiple credit reporting agencies.  On top of all that, if you are not instantly approved for their Visa Signature card, but approved for one of their lesser cards, they will send you the lesser card.

Am I accurate?  What would you change? Where do you see value or downsides that I haven’t included?

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Location and Currency Picture Quiz?

Posted on July 24, 2011 by Brad Christensen

 

Where is this active volcano, and what currency is used there?

 

 

Posted in Travel Quiz | 2 Comments

10 Reasons I Love Costa Rica

Posted on July 22, 2011 by Brad Christensen

I’ve compiled a list of ten reasons why you should want to visit Costa Rica.  Let me share them with you.

  1. If you’ve got AAdvantage miles it will only cost you 30,000 per person if you choose the Mile SAAver option.  This is totally reasonable to find flights on this option as long as you plan far enough in advance.  I know that my most recent trip to Costa Rica only cost me 20,000 AAdvantage miles, but you can read more about that in a post from the past. This is great because it only costs you 5,000 more than taking a trip inside the US.  Lets be honest; I have a world wanderlust, not so much as US wanderlust.
  2. The Food:  Gallo pinto for breakfast is an amazing option.

    Gallo Pinto with Scrambled Eggs

    Somehow they cook rice and beans together mixed with the Costa Rican favorite Salsa Lizano.  This blend of flavors is accompanied by fried eggs, or other side dishes as well.  One plate of this stuff will have you coming back for more.  Try having home made pizza with fresh cut pineapple.  Going to Pizza Hut will never be the same when you order a Hawaiian pizza.  My wife couldn’t resist eating the

    Casado with Tilapia

    pizza.  Everywhere we went she was trying to get me to order the pizza and share it with her.  It was great.  The Casado is the Costa Rican staple for breakfast and dinner.  It is your choice of beef, chicken, pork, or fish accompanied with rice, beans, salad, and fried plantains (really good).  You can get these in any restaurant.

  3. Fresh Fruit: Everywhere you go in Costa Rica you can see people growing all types of fruits.  My wife and I love fresh fruit, and Costa Rica is the destination that will satisfy your taste buds.  On our most recent trip we bought strawberries, pineapple, mangoes, oranges, and bananas.  The Mangoes were absolutely amazing.  Luckily the man selling them on the side of the road instructed us on how to cut them.  We had been buying them for a couple of years, but never knowing how to eat them.  I’ll have to do a drawing sometime to show everyone the secret.
  4. Low Costs:  Costa Rica is a very affordable destination.  Keep it mind that it isn’t the cheapest place that I’ve ever gone, but it isn’t too expensive either.  I usually spend about $4-5 per plate at a meal.  That is great especially considering that the food is prepared for you and is much healthier than McD’s.  Our hotels were all very affordable as well.  They have very large ranges, but you can usually get a hotel room that has air conditioning for under $60.  Sometimes you might only pay $20.  Just look around.
  5. The Beach:  The whole Pacific coast is amazing.  I know that lots of tourists use these beach towns for prostitution and other bad things, but if you get out of the towns and see some of the more secluded beaches you can see some amazing places.  Manuel Antonio is a national park and it is absolutely beautiful, but it isn’t the only beautiful beach in the country.  Ask around and we would be more than happy to share some amazing spots with you.
  6. The Volcanoes– Volcan Poas, Volcan Arenal, and many more are not too far from San Jose, and they are absolutely amazing.  I believe that both of the volcanoes are active and you can actually see lava coming out of Arenal during most months out of the year.  When you are lucky enough to have the clouds move from the top you might be able to see the smoke billowing out of the top.  I know that my parents were staying at a hotel at the base of the hotel and when my mom awoke in the middle of the night they saw orange lava pouring down the side of the mountain.  They snapped a sweet photo for a good memory.
  7. The Mountains:  The country albeit small, is filled with volcanoes and mountains.  Driving and seeing the countryside is breathtaking.  You drive from the high  mountains, to the low valleys time and time again.  They are working hard to upgrade their mediocre roads to some serious highways.  There are advantages to both, so I recommend both.  Driving from La Fortuna down to San Ramon had some amazing miradores (lookout points).  It also takes you over some cool bridges and through some small towns.
  8. The People:  One thing that I loved about Costa Rica, which was totally different than the Caribbean is the people.  I feel like they are a very friendly people, who really want you to have a good time visiting their country.  The people in the Caribbean seem to just want your money.  I also felt like the Costa Ricans were really industrious.  They were growing fruits and plants in the mountains and on the plains.  They cultivate all types of fruits and vegetables, and totally take care of their land.  Pura Vida is a very common saying down there, which translates to “Pure Life.”  After any transaction or walking in the street people will say “Pura Vida.”
  9. Waterfalls:Almost Paradise.  There are many waterfalls all across the country.  The two favorite ones that I’ve visited are the Nauyaca waterfall and the La

    La Fortuna

    Fortuna waterfall.  Both of them allow you to swim in the water right below the waterfall, which is really recommended.  The fresh water feels rather cool and refreshing after spending most of your day in the sun.  They both also require  quite a hike to arrive, so the water feels even better once you’ve achieved your destination.  They charge you a couple of bucks to see each of them, but the Colones are well spent.  I know that they have other waterfalls too, but these are the two that I’m most familiar with.  I recommend both of them to anyone.

  10. Wildlife:  This place is stocked with all types of wildlife.  We visited the La Paz Waterfall Gardens and it felt like you were at a zoo, but at the animals’ natural habitat.  Seeing a Jaguar in the jungle is different than seeing one at your local zoo. They have an aviary, butterfly garden, monkey, snakes, jaguars, frogs, hummingbirds, and tons of other animals too.  They even let me feed a Tucan some fresh fruit from my own hand.  Many people visit Costa Rica just to do birdwatching.  I commend these people and I’m sure that they see some amazing birds, but I just pay a few bucks to see them in an aviary instead.

I’ve been to 24 countries and there are very few that I have visited more than once.  Usually my thoughts tell me that I shouldn’t be going to the same place more than once until I’ve traveled a great percentage of the world.  Sometimes I give in to my world wanderlust and I visit a country more than once.  Costa Rica is one of the countries that I’ve visited twice, and I’d even consider traveling there again.

Wanderlust in Costa Rica with us.

Posted in Central America, Fun Travel Stories | Tagged | 2 Comments

Flight Vouchers Update

Posted on July 21, 2011 by Brad Christensen

I posted a while ago about secondhand vouchers.  People with less of an urge to travel than you and I will often sell their vouchers well below their value, particularly when they’re getting close to expiration.  Technically they’re non-transferrable, but as long as you have the voucher number and the name of the person it was issued to, you shouldn’t have any trouble booking yourself a flight.

I try to update this page periodically with vouchers out there for sale on Craigslist. I like to use www.searchtempest.com to search all Craigslist postings at once.  Please pursue these opportunities at your own risk, as with every transaction, there’s a chance these people could be scammers.

United vouchers at 70% of face value: http://saltlakecity.craigslist.org/tix/3209949546.html

$300 American Voucher: http://saltlakecity.craigslist.org/tix/3137937439.html

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments