SPG Nights & Flights vs. Marriott Travel Packages
When Marriott announced their acquisition of Starwood Hotels, most SPG (Starwood Preferred Guest) loyalists were not happy. Where SPG is often regarded as one of (if not the) best loyalty programs, Marriott’s program is...
To and from Santiago Chile, my favorite Diamond upgrade ever, and a weird Centurion...
On October 8th, my wife and I were discussing options for Thanksgiving week travel. She and my son would be free from work and school as of Monday afternoon before Thanksgiving. Maybe we should...
How to book a free week on Necker Island
Richard Branson’s Necker Island is available to rent in-whole for a party of up to 30 people for an astronomical sum. Or, one can book an individual room on Necker Island for two people...
Hyatt Diamond status: the first benefit of the Marriott SPG merger
Early last week, Marriott announced its acquisition of Starwood Hotels and Resorts. And, even though Marriott says that they will preserve the best of both loyalty programs, I’m not too optimistic. Mergers like these...
Convert SPG points to miles? How to play the Marriott merger.
On Monday we learned that Marriott will be buying Starwood in 2016. Under the assumption that Marriott’s rewards program will be the surviving program after the merger, I made a plea to Marriott: Hey...
SPG: Two free nights (cat 1-5) after two stays!
Every now and then I learn something cool about the miles & points hobby from my son. For example, I previously reported a way to get targeted for Amex business card offers based on...
Hey Marriott: Here’s how to keep SPG loyalists loyal
Yesterday, Marriott announced its acquisition of Starwood Hotels and Resorts. The transaction is expected to close “mid 2016”, but we have no information yet about how or when the loyalty programs will merge. My...
More than 40,000 IHG points for more than $46 and a cramped hand
Last week I wrote “Between 23,000 and 40,000 points for $46 and a cramped hand.” The idea discussed in that post was that you could enter the IHG and MasterCard® Priceless Surprises® Promotion by...
1,200,000 miles for Necker Island: Not easy. Not free.
Yesterday I reported my success in earning 1.2 million Virgin Atlantic miles which I plan to use for a week on Sir Richard Branson’s private Necker Island. In response, a number of readers wanted...
Necker Island, here we come!
7 months ago I decided that it would be cool to use miles to book a week on Sir Richard Branson’s private Island. Virgin Atlantic lists this award on their website under Partner Offers…...
Between 23,000 and 40,000 points for $46 and a cramped hand
Finally, a fun(ish) promo that doesn’t require flights or nights…
On Monday, Deals We Like published a cool idea in the post “Spend $46 and Earn at Least 47,000 IHG Points!” IHG (Intercontinental Hotels Group)...
The earn and burn fallacy. Shall we give hoarding and cherry picking a try...
“Don’t save your money. Spend it as fast as you can.” Can you imagine anyone giving that advice? And, if they did, would you listen to them? No way.
What if the types of things...
Necker Island and the 30% transfer bonus dilemma
Oy. Amex is offering a 30% Membership Rewards transfer bonus to Virgin Atlantic this month, but the offer is targeted. I was targeted for the offer, but my wife was not.
Why does this matter? ...
Arches, Bryce, Grand Canyon, Zion, and more via trains, planes, and automobiles
Here it is. Our fantastic trip west to visit four national parks and the Hoover Dam…
Amtrak Wolverine to Chicago
Nine of us (across two families) began our trip west in business class on Amtrak’s Wolverine...
