Tag Archives: Hotels

a close-up of some currency

Common Travel Scams & How to Avoid Them

Posted on by . 10 Replies

There are travel scams and then there are travel scams. You don’t need to fall victim to any of them. Here are some scams you’ll face and how to avoid them.

As experienced travelers we think we’re savvy when it comes to travel scams and how to avoid them. However, since the busy travel season is upon us, reviewing the most common scams and how best to avoid them can’t hurt, right? After all, these scams happen to the best of us.

Knowledge is power, so here are some of the most common scams you’re likely to deal with. The more you know about these scams, the less likely you’ll fall for them. Continue reading →

a blue and red credit card

When Does the AMEX Hilton Aspire Free Weekend Night Certificate Post to Your Account?

Posted on by . 17 Replies

Good morning everyone.  A few months ago, I was approved for the American Express Hilton Aspire Credit Card (referral link).  As part of sign up bonus, you get 100,000 Hilton Honors Points after spending $4,000 in 3 months, you get Hilton Diamond Elite Status as long as you have the credit card, $250 airline fee credit every calendar year, and a Free Weekend Night Certificate every cardmember anniversary (good for a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday night stay at qualifying Hilton properties).

A few days ago, I received the following email from Hilton with the subject line of “Your Rewards has arrived!” with details of my Free Weekend Night Certificate.  In today’s post, I will share how long it takes to get the Free Weekend Night Certificate and where you can see the code.

a screenshot of a computer

Continue reading →

a blue and red credit card

Does the $450 Annual Fee Count Toward AMEX Hilton Aspire Minimum Spend? Maybe Yes

Posted on by . 3 Replies

Good morning everyone.  On May 15, I received my 100,000 Hilton Honors Points from my new American Express Hilton Aspire Credit Card (referral link).  This credit card requires $4,000 in minimum spending within 3 months to get the 100,000 Hilton Honors Points.  The strange thing is, I think I got the 100,000 Hilton Honors Points before I completed the full $4,000 in minimum spend.  I believe I was a few hundred dollars short by May 15, but it looks like the $450 annual fee counted toward the $4,000 minimum spend.  My friend recently got his 100,000 Hilton Honors Points and noticed the same thing.  Let me see if I can dig a little deeper and see what is going on.

a screenshot of a travel program

Continue reading →

a woman with blonde hair and a green shirt

PSA: Most US Bank “Travel Cards” Charge FOREX Fees

Posted on by . 5 Replies

Good morning everyone, I hope you had a great Father’s Day Weekend. As I mentioned a few days ago, I’m getting ready for my Greece and Malta vacation. As part of my packing process, I call my banks and credit card companies, tell them I’m traveling internationally, and ask them to put travel notifications on my cards. During my recent call to Discover, I “discovered” 3 surprising facts about using Discover credit and debit cards internationally. In today’s post, I discovered some disappointing information about using US Bank credit cards internationally.

Continue reading →

blue letters on a white background

United Airlines & IHG Buy Miles/Points Flash Sales: 100% Bonus

Posted on by . 12 Replies

Updated at 3:15pm PT on 6/12: The 100% bonus on United Airlines miles is gone, but there are a few 70% bonus packages still left.

a man sitting on a couch

(Hat tip to Kal for the United Airlines email)

Good afternoon everyone.  I have 2 buy miles/points flash sale deals to share.  United Airlines is offering 20,000 bonus miles when you purchase one of their 20,000 mile packages.  IHG is also offering a 100% bonus on the number of IHG Points you purchase, with a minimum purchase of 5,000 IHG Points.  If you are short on a few United Airlines miles or IHG Points for your next redemption, take a look at these promos and take advantage of the deals.  I have added both offers to our Buy Miles/Points Page.

a man sitting on a couch

Continue reading →