Kangaroos & Kimonos

Stay free like me!

Planning a Trip is Easy with Tripit

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Traveling is never easy but worth it!

Planning a trip is really easy with Tripit – a user-friendly app that helps organize travel.  Tripit is an app that allows you to organize all your travels plans in one place.  The basic version is free and offers many benefits – including conveniently importing travel plans, sharing plans with fellow travelers and offering suggestions for travel options – to name a few.

The paid PRO version is $49 per year but offers a free trial to see if it’s worth it for you.  I use the free version and haven’t felt the need to upgrade yet.   PRO does offer some really convenient benefits like real time travel alerts (but you can get free with your airline), shows security wait times (but you can also get free through TSA) and several others that would offer a one-stop travel shop for convenience.

I think if you travel frequently it may be well worth the PRO paid app.  If you try, let me know what you think.  Anything that makes travel easier and less stressful is a winner in my travel playbook!  So next time you are planning a trip – Tripit!

Stay Free Around the World with Trusted Housesitters

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Did you know you can stay free around the world with Trusted Housesitters?  Recently there was a great article in the Washington Post,  Traveling the World While Taking Care of Others’ Pets.  The article is a nice story of how a reporter went to Peru to housesit and care for a dog.

Wolf pups are so cute – can I housesit for them?

Oh wait, I would rather sit for a joey in Australia!

TrustedHousesitters.com allows you to stay free in someone’s home in exchange for taking care of any pets.  Your transportation there and back is not covered but the host may throw in use of their car or food in house.  The host and guest set up what is expected in the agreement.

I have traveled the world and my favorite thing is staying in homes!  My daughter had always wanted a cat – this might be a great way to “give her a pet for a while” without the permanent responsibility.  Living like a local – walking with a dog, for example, really allows a perspective into the neighborhood that you wouldn’t have in a hotel.

Don’t Travel a Tourist, try housesitting and let me know how it goes!

 

Who doesn’t love Carpinchos?

Roundtrip Ticket to Buenos Aires for Under $100

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How do you get a roundtrip ticket to Buenos Aires for under $100?  Let me tell you how.  I was in desperate need of a retreat from the impending cold of January.  I had been to Argentina twice before (along with Uruguay) and greatly enjoyed them both.  I researched Google Flights and found flights to be about $1100US to Buenos Aires – I knew I could do much better with points.  Google Flights is a great tool for research but you cannot book on the site.

Google Flights

After finding flights on United’s website for only 30,000 points each way, I knew I had my “ticket to sunny skies”.  We had some Chase points through use of the Chase Sapphire and Chase Ink and they are so easy to transfer to partner airlines (including United).  I called Chase and because I am an authorized user on my husband’s card, they quickly transferred 48,000 points to my personal United account.  I had accrued the other 12k points through the United MileagePlus Shopping portal.   It really is the easiest way (apart from sign-up bonuses) to accrue airline and hotel points.

United’s website

I personally like to call the airlines to be sure there are no partner flights I missed online and found a decent flight in the Miles Saver category for 30k each way – quite a good deal.  January/February is high season in Argentina/Uruguay because it is their summer. The usual price in points is 60-70k each way.  I booked the round-trip ticket to Argentina for $94.73 in taxes and fees and 60,000 points.  I even found some business class seats for 60k one-way but decided to save points for another trip.

Less than $100 to Buenos Aires!

So why are you complaining about that cold, snowy weather?  Book a roundtrip ticket now to Buenos Aires for less than $100 and you’ll be soaking up the sun in no time!

Shopping in Buenos Aires

 

FREE American Airline Points with Kiwi Co

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Do you want free American Airline Points?  American Airlines (AAdvantage) Shopping is offering 12x points on their shopping portal with Kiwi Co.  I mention this because I love Kiwi Co and so does my daughter (7 years).  It’s a great site with hands-on learning activities for kids.

If you don’t know what a shopping portal is – you are missing out on free frequent flyer/loyalty points.  I have flown free for several years using many points I gained through shopping portals.  You don’t get hardly any points for actually flying.

Shopping portals are basically sites you “go through” to get points with Airlines, hotels, Amtrak etc.  Here is a step-by-step guide to getting this deal:

1.  Type “American Airlines Shopping” and it will take you to the AAdvantage Shopping page (portal).

2.  Then you put in your American Airlines (Aadvantage) frequent flier number.

3.  In the search box type whatever store you want to shop (Kiwi Co).

4.  The portal will take you directly to the Kiwi Co corporate website (or somewhere else if you need to shop elsewhere).  You can find almost every major store – Nordstrom, Macy’s, Kohl’s, etc.  From there you can search for whatever you want to buy.

5.  The THING TO REMEMBER is that the amount of points you get changes regularly!  One day it could be 2x points per dollar – the next day it could be 10x points!  That really adds up especially if you are spending a large amount of money!

6.  By subscribimg to the (frequent flier) shopping site, you will receive regular emails informing you of the daily point specials.

7.  Even better, there are often point bonuses around certain times of year – back to school, Christmas etc.  I have gotten quite large bonuses for buying things I had to buy anyway!

8.  DON”T leave FREE TRAVEL on the table.  It’s yours for the taking.

TRAVEL FREE like me! 🌎

 

 

Frequent Traveler University

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Frequent Traveler Univerity (FTU) is a great weekend seminar for frequent travelers.  After I attended my first Frequent Traveler University DC event I was hooked.  If you like traveling it is definitely worth the money and time.  I think all in total I spent about $500 for hotel and event fee.  You can recoup that easily in one trip!

Frequent Traveler University events are held around the world with several in the US.  They have a weekend full of informational classes on everything from “the best credit cards” to expert panels on manufacture spend.  If you don’t know what that is – you will after a weekend at FTU!

The event arranges for a good rate at the host hotel (this year the DC FTU was at the Marriott Crystal City) with rates of $109 a night.   I made a little “vacation” out of it and took my daughter to DC for the day.  On Friday night there was a social dinner.  I find these are the best use of time as you learn so much from what works for other frequent travelers!  Also, I always meet some great people from around the country.

There are usually two different classes to choose from starting from 9 am until 5/6 in the evening.  Then again on Saturday night there is another get-together.  This time we headed to a sports around the corner from the hotel.  The food and drink was nothing to remember but the exchange of information and building of relationships was for sure!

After my first FTU I learned so much that I couldn’t sleep for days.  All I thought about was how could I use all the information I absorbed and where were my “free trips” going to be.  Since that seminar a couple of years ago I have taken my family on free flights and cruises around the world and stayed free in great hotels as well.  I have saved thousands and thousands of dollars with free travel.  My 7 year old has even been to 48 countries.

I am planning on attending the FTU in Chicago – which I hear is different than the DC one.  There is also a “Travel Awards Expo” that I am strongly considering.  Will I see you at one of these events?  I promise one thing – it will be worth it!

 

 

Did You Know There’s a Site Where You Can Book Free Stays Around the World?

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GUesttoGuest

GuesttoGuest Travel Site

Did you know there’s a site where you can book free stays around the world? GuesttoGuest is a site that allows you to book free home exchanges through the use of points instead of money.  It’s brilliant!  I have been using so many other home exchange/rental sites and this fills some voids.  I hear many people say I can’t rent my place not allowed.  Well, it’s not renting with this site.  I’m going to give it a try, here’s how it works:

  1.  Sign up and complete profile
  2.  Find a place
  3. Contact hosts & organize exchange
  4. Firm up all travel plans
Homes on GuesttoGuest

Homes on GuesttoGuest

GuesttoGuest claims over 300,000 homes in 187 countries.  That’s quite a portfolio for such a new site.  The best part is that it’s legal for renters because your not subletting.  Each place to stay is based on “Guest Points” per night.  There are no fees for membership – you only pay for optional services if you want them.

They offer optional insurance, which is not only on the property but also trip cancellation insurance in case of a last minute emergency where the property owner or traveler is unable to follow through with the exchange.  As a host you can demand insurance or make it optional for the guest.  Check the website for more information about insurance.

The site also offers security deposits and the company takes 3.5% as a commission for facilitating the transaction.  The homeowner decides how much of a deposit, if any, is required.  The company then acts as an intermediary in case of any incidents.   I have been doing home and hospitality exchange for years and the worst I had was a broken (cheap) vase and a hole in an outside chair cushion.  I believe most people are considerate but if an accident happens you are covered.

One other thing I really like about the site is the verification process.  You make a one time 25€ payment and submit a valid ID and proof of home occupancy/ownership such as electric bill.   I know I really feel comfortable doing such an exchange when there is some verification process.

Get traveling

Get traveling

So, in summary I would say that this GuesttoGuest is a good site for travel.  It allows you to travel and explore the world, while saving money and feeling comfortable about it.  So what are you waiting for, pack a bag and travel!

 

Review of Luxx Lounge, Frankfurt Airport

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LUxx Lounge

Luxx Lounge at Frankfurt Airport

This is my review of Luxx Lounge, Frankfurt Airport.  We passed through Frankfurt the other day on a connection from Baltimore to Dubrovnik.  I was really dreading the long layover but the departure was delayed so much, that we only had a couple of hours to spend at the lounge.  I am an American Express Platinum card holder, and as such, have access to all Priority Pass Lounges including Luxx Lounge at Frankfurt Airport.

Reception at Luxx Lounge

Reception at Luxx Lounge

Ellie Relaxing at Luxx

Ellie relaxing at Luxx Lounge

The Luxx Lounge is located airside in Terminal 1 between B and C.  First off, I would rather relax airside but the only other Priority Pass lounge is in a different terminal which airport staff advised against.  I have been to several lounges around the world and would rate it as ok.  The best part was the receptionist who helped my daughter leave a love note for her daddy, who happened to be coming through the next day.  The lounge is very boring for kids but thank goodness for iPads.

bar at Luxx Lounge

Drinks at Luxx Lounge

The lounge is split into three main areas. The front area that is supposed to be quiet (one guy obviously didn’t read or care about the no cell phone signs).  The middle area has the food and two tables for seating.  The third part is in the rear with more comfy seats.  There aren’t enough receptacles in the back room so we sat in the front quiet area.  Another thing I disliked was that there are only two toilets – one each for men and women. It is certainly not enough for the amount of customers they have coming though.  Later on I found out that if the showers are not occupied (which they were frequently), you can use any of the toilets in the shower rooms.  They have two shower rooms which you need to request a key from the staff.

SNacks at Luxx Lounge

Snacks at Luxx Lounge

The food was ok.  We arrived after breakfast and before lunch.  There were a few pastries and some fresh fruit but not much else to eat.  Later there were lots of frankfurters, rolls, a small crudités selection and some more fruit.   Maybe they have more selection in the evening.

If you are looking for a quiet place to relax and have a drink between flights – it’s a great place.

FLY FREE ON SOUTHWEST

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You can fly FREE on Southwest Airlines, want to know how?

Fly FREE on Southwest

My daughter flies free with me on the Southwest Companion Pass.  That means that anytime I book a flight on Southwest she pays nothing but a minor tax fee for the rest of this year and ALL of next year.  The easiest way to get the 110,000 Southwest points needed to earn the Companion Pass is through Southwest credit card signup bonuses.

We LUV Southwest

We LUV Southwest

Now it’s easier than ever with a very generous 60,000 point bonus on the Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card Plus with Chase Bank. You need to spend $2000 in three months – which is easy if you focus on using that one card for all your expenditures to hit the minimum spend. I have heard of several people who have 2 of the same card or get one for personal use and one for business.  If you hit the minimum spend on both cards you will earn 120,000 Southwest Rapid Reward Points, more than enough for the Southwest Companion Pass.

southwest Route Map

Southwest Route Map

60,000 Sign Up Bonus on Southwest

60,000 Sign Up Bonus on Southwest

Then you pick one person to fly free with you for up to two years.  The best strategy is to earn the pass as early in the year as possible so you get two full years of travel.  The timing is important – don’t let your bonus hit late in the year.  Did you know that Southwest flies to locations like Costa Rica, Mexico and soon Hawaii?  Also, there are no restrictions on your companion pass – fly whenever you like! So what are you waiting for?  Get a free companion like ME!

FLying FREE on Southwest

My Daughter Flying FREE on Southwest

Free Stopover in Doha, Qatar

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Qatar Airlines and Qatar Tourism Authority are offering a free stopover in Doha, Qatar for transiting passengers.  This can be quite a value depending on the type of ticket you purchase.  You can choose from one of three options:  a two-night stay in a 4 or 5-star hotel (first night is free, second is $50); one free night in a 5-star hotel for business and first class passengers; or 1 free night stay in a 4-star hotel for economy passengers.  You can even apply directly through the site for a free visa to use for this promotion.

So if you are planning a trip and you will cross over the Middle East – why not stop and enjoy a free stay!  I’m all about free!  Check on this link for more information.  Don’t wait because the offer is only good from 7 May to 30 September.

If you can’t spend the night at least take advantage of a FREE city tour during your layover – click here for more details.  I’ve been to the Middle East but not to Doha, if you go, let me know about your experience.

Qatar Airlines Website

Qatar Airlines Website

Daughter’s Ashes Lost in Checked Carry-On Bag

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carry-On

Traveling with a Carry-On

Recently a daughter’s ashes were lost in a checked carry-on bag with American Airlines.  Travel & Leisure ran an article about this devastating occurrence and I am interested in this topic because I was forced to check my bag on Wednesday.

A woman was reportedly traveling with her deceased daughter’s ashes in her carry on.  Upon arrival at the gate she was asked to check her carry-on by an American Airlines Agent.  The woman claims that she had no choice and after checking her bag, it was never found – ashes and all.  She is now suing AA for $10 million.

VIew from our seat on American

View from our Seat on American

The airline states that they request that you remove all valuables before checking a bag.  I can say for certain that no one asked me to remove anything when they took my carry-on against my wishes either.  I didn’t lose my bag – nor did I have anything so horrific happen – but I didn’t want to check my bag and I wasn’t asked to remove anything either.

So next time you are traveling with a carry-on be prepared, as you might have to check it after all.  Most importantly, be sure to remove any valuables, as you might not get them back!