Author Archives: Brad Christensen

How to Make $135 by Taking a Cruise Vacation

I know.  You clicked on this article because the title was too utterly intriguing to pass up – a little bit like the “one weird trick” that will turn your flab into washboard abs – though I can guarantee that … Continue reading

Posted in Chase Ultimate Reward Points, Cheap Honeymoons, Credit Cards, Cruises | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Using Chase Ultimate Rewards: Six Roundtrip Tickets to Panama for $261

Any good points-hoarder has a good stash of bank points – travel rewards that can be transferred to other programs OR spent as cash.  For example, the much-extolled Chase Ultimate Rewards program not only lets you transfer to a variety … Continue reading

Posted in Central America, Cheap Honeymoons | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Ten Reasons to Take Your First International Trip

There is surprisingly so much nervousness over taking that first big leap – leaving the country.  There are dozens of excuses, few of them valid.  I hear them all the time, but the reality is that international travel is not … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Las Vegas Anniversary with a $20 Upgrade and a Hike in Zion

Just last month, my wife and I celebrated our eleventh anniversary. We met in a dance class at Boise State, and ballroom dance has always been an interest for us, though four busy kids and too many other hobbies have … Continue reading

Posted in About us, Cheap Honeymoons, Fun Travel Stories | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Why You Should Never Buy a Timeshare: RCI, Trendwest, and the others

Go ahead, buy a $1800 vaccum.  Succomb to the “we’ll give you a discount if you put our home security sign up on your lawn” pitch.  Overpay for more meat than you can fit in your freezer. But please, please, never-ever buy … Continue reading

Posted in Hotels, Starwood Preferred Guest | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Stay Free Nights in SE Asia Sheraton and Le Meridien Hotels

This site has to be one of my favorite wanderlusting websites.  What is it? It’s the list of Starwood Preferred Category 2 hotels (Usually Four Points by Sheraton, which are very nice) – hotels and resorts around the world that … Continue reading

Posted in Asia, Starwood Preferred Guest | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Staying 8 Free Nights near Universal Studios Orlando

What if I told you that it costs $15 just to park at Universal Studios Orlando or one of the Disney Theme Parks?  If you’re like me, you’d say that a free shuttle from your hotel is a necessity.  Well how … Continue reading

Posted in Club Carlson, Hotels, Starwood Preferred Guest | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment