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

[WaltsMartini]

Mini trip report from last weekend. Took the kiddos and DH to see the Pirates play the Phillies in Pittsburgh. Used Bonvoy points for a free night at a Springhill Inn and Suites across from the stadium.

Location was GREAT (and the Pirates won - even better!) We have decided it is a new family tradition. For those into baseball, we also figured out that there is a kids fan club that kids can join for free that gives you access to BOGO tickets and food coupons, not sure how many teams might do this. We will do this next year for sure! We also went on kids day, they had the street next to the stadium blocked off with all sorts of free stuff - games, balloons, Photo Booth, mascots (and the pierogies - it is Pittsburgh!) and kids got a free plush.

We are now scheduling some trips for next year that we were going to take anyway around where the Pirates are playing so we can experience different ballparks. Never would have started this fun new tradition without churning - thanks Disers!

 

[orangecuse]

1. Random but- Do anyone have a ranking/preference system for airport lounges?

2. Suitcase advise- we ended up going with a Samsonite spinner that was on sale to use up some Saks credits and its really nice! So nice I think thats what our next Saks credit will go toward as well haha

 

[WaltsMartini]

I'd love to know about travel hacks through them... I feel like you guys have talked about cruises, or rental cars, saving through Costco? and maybe even things like car insurance? Please inform me of what I don't know!

Forgot to add to earlier post - not a travel hack but we got very reasonable term life insurance through an affiliate link with Costco. They also have good deals on home products if you are redoing a room - flooring, lighting, appliances. We literally bought the kitchen sink at Costco during our kitchen reno two years ago

 

[Nala83]

the refundable card is discontinued i thought.

From what I read, this is a temporary pause on Suica cards due to a chip shortage. They are limiting new cards to only monthly commuter passes. I don't know if you can still get the Welcome Suica card (the non-refundable version for travelers) during this interim period. They should be back...but not helpful if your trip is soon.

The iphone app works great and is way easier than a suica card. No Android version yet, unfortunately.

 

[mmmears]

We’re packing our suitcases for Germany. Dh wants to take a large, medium, and small suitcase (the small as a carry on). We’ll also have 2-3 backpacks to take on the plane as personal items, a stroller (checked), and a car seat (checked). It seems like so much to me. We will have a rental car there so we won’t be lugging all of it on a train or anything. Does it seem like too much to anyone else? He’s convinced we need it all. We do have the large and medium suitcases pretty much full.

We did 3 weeks in Europe this summer with carryons only, so yeah to me it seems like a lot, but when DD was little we lugged a giant suitcase with us when we traveled.

 

[punkin]

That’s a good idea! I’ll look into it.

ETA: Dh reminded me we need the car seat to and from the Orlando airport because we’re renting a car instead of parking our car.

Can you legally use an American car seat in Europe? I think they have different requirements.

 

[ten6mom]

Hawaii advice please

Let's say this is our first time to Hawaii (I've been, but it was 35 years ago. Husband has never been).

For first timers, would we be OK spending the whole week at a Waikiki area hotel?

Would we need a rental car to get from the airport (HNL) to that area? Do most hotels have airport shuttles, or no?

We don't need fancy, but I honestly don't even know where to start! We are OK mostly relaxing, enjoying beach time, and just chilling, but I don't know if Waikiki is the best way to do that or if we should look elsewhere.

For info, I am looking at January but that's only because I happened to check the BA site and I could get there on American entirely on points. I'm not tied to those dates but I don't want to pay OOP for tickets.

Bonus if I can use Chase URs/IHG points for a week's worth of hotel but that doesn't seem feasible right now (I have about 134K IHG and maybe 170K URs).

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

I know someone who just graduated in May from St. George’s university with their masters degree. They really enjoyed their time there. If you need any specifics I’d be glad to ask them.

Haven't been but my sister is a vet and my friend graduated from a caribbean vet school so if you have questions about other schools I am happy to pass them on!

Where did your sister go to vet school? In or out of state? How many tries did it take her to get in? Dd has a GPA in 3.7 range, just sciences GPA is a bit higher. She still has a few semesters to go, so should be able to pull it up to high 3.8 range. But she didn't do well in physics II and isn't willing to take it again, so she is pretty limited to which US schools she can apply to.

Her primary concern with SGU is that it's a for-profit school. I've tried explaining the difference to her, but she thinks that they don't care as much about the student as they do about the $$. She's young and idealistic, sigh. I'm more in the school that as long as the school is AVMA accredited and she gets in, then she should seriously consider it.

 

[orangecuse]

Where did your sister go to vet school? In or out of state? How many tries did it take her to get in? Dd has a GPA in 3.7 range, just sciences GPA is a bit higher. She still has a few semesters to go, so should be able to pull it up to high 3.8 range. But she didn't do well in physics II and isn't willing to take it again, so she is pretty limited to which US schools she can apply to.

Her primary concern with SGU is that it's a for-profit school. I've tried explaining the difference to her, but she thinks that they don't care as much about the student as they do about the $$. She's young and idealistic, sigh. I'm more in the school that as long as the school is AVMA accredited and she gets in, then she should seriously consider it.

My sister went to University of Tennessee for vet school! We are from the state. She was on the equestrian team and did a lot of large animal volunteer work so I know that bolstered her app- she got in on her first try. She wanted to do large animal bet med but she landed in the ER after school and loved it. Shes been an ER vet for over 10 years now!

 

[Limes96]

Hawaii advice please

Let's say this is our first time to Hawaii (I've been, but it was 35 years ago. Husband has never been).

For first timers, would we be OK spending the whole week at a Waikiki area hotel?

Would we need a rental car to get from the airport (HNL) to that area? Do most hotels have airport shuttles, or no?

We don't need fancy, but I honestly don't even know where to start! We are OK mostly relaxing, enjoying beach time, and just chilling, but I don't know if Waikiki is the best way to do that or if we should look elsewhere.

For info, I am looking at January but that's only because I happened to check the BA site and I could get there on American entirely on points. I'm not tied to those dates but I don't want to pay OOP for tickets.

Bonus if I can use Chase URs/IHG points for a week's worth of hotel but that doesn't seem feasible right now (I have about 134K IHG and maybe 170K URs).

Never been to Waikiki myself either, but just today I booked the Waikiki Hyatt Regency for 20k UR (xfer to Hyatt) per night. You should be able to get a week with 170k UR.

 

[eticketplease]

Hawaii advice please

Let's say this is our first time to Hawaii (I've been, but it was 35 years ago. Husband has never been).

For first timers, would we be OK spending the whole week at a Waikiki area hotel?

Would we need a rental car to get from the airport (HNL) to that area? Do most hotels have airport shuttles, or no?

We don't need fancy, but I honestly don't even know where to start! We are OK mostly relaxing, enjoying beach time, and just chilling, but I don't know if Waikiki is the best way to do that or if we should look elsewhere.

For info, I am looking at January but that's only because I happened to check the BA site and I could get there on American entirely on points. I'm not tied to those dates but I don't want to pay OOP for tickets.

Bonus if I can use Chase URs/IHG points for a week's worth of hotel but that doesn't seem feasible right now (I have about 134K IHG and maybe 170K URs).

I saw Hyatt place was going for around 12k a night plus $35 resort fee per night. So that would be 84k Chase points that you could transfer to Hyatt. I’m not sure about that hotel’s location but the regency was 20k and $50 a night and looks to be a good location.

Personally I would Uber or pay for a shuttle to the hotel as the parking fees will really add up and in our experience Waikiki was pretty walkable.

 

[ten6mom]

Never been to Waikiki myself either, but just today I booked the Waikiki Hyatt Regency for 20k UR (xfer to Hyatt) per night. You should be able to get a week with 170k UR.

I saw Hyatt place was going for around 12k a night plus $35 resort fee per night. So that would be 84k Chase points that you could transfer to Hyatt. I’m not sure about that hotel’s location but the regency was 20k and $50 a night and looks to be a good location.

Personally I would Uber or pay for a shuttle to the hotel as the parking fees will really add up and in our experience Waikiki was pretty walkable.

This is why I come to this thread.

I ALWAYS forget about transferring URs to partner programs.

THANK YOU! Wow... I might actually be able to do this and only have to pay resort fees and for food.. and maybe an airport transfer/Uber/whatever.

Thanks!

 

[reliev]

From what I read, this is a temporary pause on Suica cards due to a chip shortage. They are limiting new cards to only monthly commuter passes. I don't know if you can still get the Welcome Suica card (the non-refundable version for travelers) during this interim period. They should be back...but not helpful if your trip is soon.

The iphone app works great and is way easier than a suica card. No Android version yet, unfortunately.

the trip is soonish fingers are crossed I can get one.

 

[newski_mom]

Mini trip report from last weekend. Took the kiddos and DH to see the Pirates play the Phillies in Pittsburgh. Used Bonvoy points for a free night at a Springhill Inn and Suites across from the stadium.

Location was GREAT (and the Pirates won - even better!) We have decided it is a new family tradition. For those into baseball, we also figured out that there is a kids fan club that kids can join for free that gives you access to BOGO tickets and food coupons, not sure how many teams might do this. We will do this next year for sure! We also went on kids day, they had the street next to the stadium blocked off with all sorts of free stuff - games, balloons, Photo Booth, mascots (and the pierogies - it is Pittsburgh!) and kids got a free plush.

We are now scheduling some trips for next year that we were going to take anyway around where the Pirates are playing so we can experience different ballparks. Never would have started this fun new tradition without churning - thanks Disers!

We are doing this as well - but trying to see the Cardinals in each stadium. We've seen them play in 6 stadiums and have been to 3 others where we were on vacation and went to random games that we going on at the time. I love visiting baseball stadiums and it is so much easier with churning!

 

[reliev]

We are doing this as well - but trying to see the Cardinals in each stadium. We've seen them play in 6 stadiums and have been to 3 others where we were on vacation and went to random games that we going on at the time. I love visiting baseball stadiums and it is so much easier with churning!

same @WaltsMartini been to 5 this year going for 6. Going to try and do some series next year. But for the orioles.

 

[Jimsig]

Hawaii advice please

Let's say this is our first time to Hawaii (I've been, but it was 35 years ago. Husband has never been).....

My feeling on Hawaii is this. You are traveling so far so why not see more of it. All of the islands have so much to offer. Waikiki is just OK and it's basically a beach in a big city IMO. It's nice to visit but I would not want a whole week there, again IMO. But seeing Pearl Harbor is a must. Maui has the Road To Hana and Haleakala to name two things to do/see and we liked the beaches on Maui better then those on Oahu. If the lava is flowing on the Big Island in an accessible area it's amazing to see. Each of the islands are so different they are worth checking out, thought you would need a lot of time to do them all on one trip.

 

[WaltsMartini]

same @WaltsMartini been to 5 this year going for 6. Going to try and do some series next year. But for the orioles.

Camden Yards is one of the stadiums that is close enough for a day trip for us - it is such a great stadium (and love that you can get crab cakes there!)

 

[Limes96]

My feeling on Hawaii is this. You are traveling so far so why not see more of it. All of the islands have so much to offer. Waikiki is just OK and it's basically a beach in a big city IMO. It's nice to visit but I would not want a whole week there, again IMO. But seeing Pearl Harbor is a must. Maui has the Road To Hana and Haleakala to name two things to do/see and we liked the beaches on Maui better then those on Oahu. If the lava is flowing on the Big Island in an accessible area it's amazing to see. Each of the islands are so different they are worth checking out, thought you would need a lot of time to do them all on one trip.

We are doing 5 nights on Maui and 5 nights on Oahu, 2 of those nights being in Waikiki. I know many on this board have spent time in Hawaii though not so many recently. My DH lived in Hawaii for a few years before I met him but I have never been there. Thought about going to Kauai and the big Island but don't want to devote so much time to Inter island travel. Next time though! I've got our Oahu nights booked. Working on figuring out Maui now. Maybe 2 nights at the Grand Wailea and then 3 nights somewhere where it'll be "cheaper" and more practical to park a rental car ($65 a day valet only at the Grand Wailea). I'm open to advice also. Going early May 2024 right after finals for the adult kids.

 

[havaneselover]

I am about to book Portofino Bay for tomorrow night. The weather in Orlando is super hot right now. I know my first purchase will be refillable cups

My rental car for the week is a 4 Runner (was only $317 for a week through Budget). My son was so excited. Boy do I miss my CRV hybrid!

 

[Mswiza]

Ah, it's a return flight. I would consider booking flights there on Emirates, then come home using a different points currency, possibly in premium economy to save points. I almost never go and come back on the same airline. For a return flight it's a decent value, but I would try to get first class, if possible, for the shower experience and of course the pajamas . Emirates seems to be stingy about releasing first class seats -- I had to stalk their site, then jump on the seat when it opened for the date I wanted.

doesnt first get a shower? to me that experience is worth the points

we could do either way and would probably do on the way there. would really like first class but it sounds like getting 2 seats is nearly impossible.