We travel to amazing beaches, help you book Star Alliance awards, get more Delta award space, show you how to pool Hilton points, play around with maps, visit Chernobyl then and now, welcome a new writer to the blog scene, just go off for a few paragraphs and more!
TBB Blog Mission: To Entertain. Educate. Inspire. In That Order!
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Reminder: TBB Blog reader meetup in Fort Lauderdale on April 29 at the Westin Beach Resort
I thought this was pretty good, a review of the different programs in Star Alliance to book an award with pros and cons. More on this in the BLOG BUZZ section.
This is not not a big deal but hey, blog action is slow these days so it may interest a few of you: How to Pool Hilton Points.
United announced 10 major changes to avoid another violent passenger incident. We can all agree that these are great. Lets move on.
24 Amazing Beaches in the United States. An AFAR list. Some good looking beaches in here.
This is fascinating as geography always fascinated me. But I got into business because I wanted the finer things in life. Ok, that was a joke. Kind of. Oh, wait…here comes the fascinating link: 15 overlay maps that will change the way you see the world. These blew my mind:
Australia can fit inside Brazil
India can fit inside Canada three times
The Nile is longer than the distance from New York to London
These are fascinating stories about people who were there…โHe took only his white suit and his radioโ: How the people who escaped Chernobyl first reacted to news of nuclear disaster.
Ok, that was too serious. And sad. Lets get back to silliness here. How about the new “The Bold and The Babbling” soap opera starring Sean Spicer.
Personal Finance link of the day: How to know if you ‘re underfunded in your retirement account. Amazing what can happen with “spend less, save more”.
I know, I know. Here we go again. The nuts at North Korea are flexing their muscles again. Here are some new photos from its founder’s 105th birthday celebration:
What Chernobyl looks like today. I guess I like harrowing places…
This section is for advanced level hobbyists and veteran blog readers & personal rants & stuff
Fun with Delta award space. This is more like root canal to me but hey, we are all different. Interesting stuff.ย The conclusions:
- where SkyTeam partner award space is available, it’s best booked using Delta SkyMiles since (with a few exceptions) they don’t pass along fuel surcharges;
- when Delta makes premium cabin award space available, it should be booked using SKYPASS miles, since Delta doesn’t charge fuel surcharges for SKYPASS to pass along!
So there is a new writer introducing himself at Point Me To The Plane, he wrote the first article featured in today’s post at the top. He says a lot of what I have been talking (okay, sometimes screaming) about, how this small obscure hobby has morphed into a giant blog circus, to put it mildly. He does not want to be “another thought leader in credit card affiliate links” and says he will not add to a “dozen nearly identical posts about a man being forcibly removed from a flight does nobody any good but the bloggers who posted them“. And then he links to View From The Wing while writing in Boarding Area. And of course never calls out anyone by name. And this is a fresh voice, seriously?ย I have been following this space since it started and every once in a while we get bloggers like this who want to stick with quality until they all get…perverted and succumbed to the establishment and the business. Good luck but this is what you call one and done link here most likely, thank you! What I do for you guys…It must be because I have no integrity lol!
TBB Management Editorial: You want to write good quality content in an independent blog that is not afraid to speak its mind? A blog proud to be your “BS filter” and “light in the darkness” (not my words, thanks)? I will post good stuff here. I am okay to pay for quality, my readers ALWAYS come first. Contact me. Do not be afraid ๐
Also contact me if you have inside information and too much on the line to put it out there because the TBB staff (of one) likely will if it satisfies the mission of the blog. Because I truly don’t give a damn about Alexa rankings and clicks. If they come, so be it. You get me here. And the raw, unvarnished truth. No kissing asses. Freeeedom baby. Ok, I must come down from up high, thank you for reading. This is fun to just let go sometimes and type my thoughts. And people read it and comment, #wow!
I guess there are new 60k Citibank American AAdvantage mile offers for the Citibusiness and personal AAdvantage Platinum Select, in case you missed them. If you are reading this blog’s section, I am pretty sure you know where to find them ๐ย Just please remember to help a blogger you find worthy and help him continue. Reward good content. Avoid atrocious fuckery! Ok fine, here are the direct links.
Speaking of atrocities, I almost injured myself laughing this morning as a reader sent me a screen shot of something that appeared in RenesPoints blog. Long time readers of this blog know that this blog gets me violently ill. But this one had the opposite effect because he said something like…before you blast me in the comments. Which is so atrociously hilarious…because it is a standard practice of that blog to delete such comments. Proudly he adds. There are no words…
I see more bloggers pushing this new app named Dosh. For a product that is not even out yet!. That has serous privacy concerns. From people involved in MLMish previous ventures. From an aggressive marketing staffer pitching to me how I can pump my referral link to my readers. And I tell you. HOW THE PHUCK WOULD BLOGGERS PROMOTE THIS NOW? They have not even tried it yet, for God’s sake! STAY THE HELL AWAY. I am! Maybe I am wrong but I trust my judgment. This shit makes me angry.
You know when stuff makes it on Frugal Travel Guy written by Frugal Travel Guy Staff…you know they are embarrassed to admit who wrote it, it’s my guess.
The latest, very partial, collection of “gems” from the blogosphere. #SellSellSell
And I leave you with this…
Check out my updated blog lists: Blogs I Love, Blogs I Like, Blogs To Ignore
TBB
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Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
De says
First, bitches!
Peteco says
My bot is good at always arriving second
TravelBloggerBuzz says
Will we get an invite to the retirement party of ScottCastle’s bot?
Should I have a contest what time Ingy comments today calling us angries when he is the only one sounding angry?
Going to fast today…I wonder how many hours I last…10 hours and counting.
More United craziness…Now we get play by play of the incident…and wait until these thought leaders get a hold of the decapitated golf clubs incident…oh boy.
If every comment here was a Chase Sapphire Preferred card approved app…I could buy The Points Guy and invite you all in my mansions at the Hamptons and Miami Beach #dreaming
You all have a great day ok!
Ryan says
What did happen to SC by the way?
TravelBloggerBuzz says
No idea, hope he is okay. His groupie is asking too, she is so worried! ๐
Ingy says
I have nothing to be angry about. People clicked on my links and supported my old blog.
Hail George!
All Hail Jealous George!!!!!
Five years and still Whining George!!
Hail George!
TBBTheDude says
Just approved a comment by John in my Asia trip report. No idea why it was caught in spam, sorry!
TBBTheDude says
Breaking: Doctor of Credit links to my blog. And not to View From The Wing. I expect to snow in Michigan today for sure ๐
Ryan says
Some nice beaches in that list. One of my favorites is the green sand beach (Papakolea) on the south side of the Big Island of Hawaii…not the least of which because of the fun 4×4 ride you can take to get to it (or a tortuous 2-3 mile hike in constant blistering wind – your pick!).
Yeah you’re right, the proof will be in the pudding with the new PMTTP writer. We can always hope I guess.
I’m cracking up with the Renessss Points thing! Some people really have no sense of irony!
I’d agree with being quite wary of “Dosh” – which at first I thought was a type about Daniel Tosh’s show.
Wow, those overlays really put things into perspective. I knew the Nile was long but just reading the statistics didn’t ever make it pop in my mind before.
TravelBloggerBuzz says
I remember that Papakolea beach…sounded too adventurous to get to so we passed.
Ryan says
Drive to the parking area is a normal road. Then the easiest option is to go with one of the local guys who hang out with their high-clearance 4x4s and charge you something like $5-$10 to ride out to the beach. It’s fun as there are a lot of huge, deep ruts in the land that they have to drive you over (don’t attempt with a rental car “4 wheel drive” – watched someone try it and they got stuck!) . They go easy, though, it’s not rough – and takes less than 10 minutes. Then your dude waits for you while you frolic on the beach and then drives you back to the parking area.
Down the road from that beach is the southernmost point in the 50 United States (not counting territories).
TBBTheDude says
Sounds oool, thanks.
bluecat says
Amen to that story about not driving there. When I hiked it, we saw a 4 wheel drive that had got a little too close to the edge, and then the road crumbled, and he flipped onto his side.
I think it was a rental. ๐
bluecat says
Just unsubscribed from the Flyertalk newsletter. The silly article about the “heartless flight attendant”, coupled with the links to Frugal Travel Guy at the bottom, sealed the deal for me.
TravelBloggerBuzz says
did the same years ago.
Stayed on the FTG newsletter because I need the material here ๐
MileageUpdate says
Buzz, now that Delta has hit our boycott list. Are we down to Alaska? SW or Jetblue? Soon Im gonna be walking to Hawai’i
TravelBloggerBuzz says
Lol.
Spirit will be the king, I am surprised their marketing dept did not go off on United’s incidents, especially about the bunny one!
Oliver2002 says
Regarding the comparative maps: if you like this kind of stuff, check out the WolframAlpha computational knowledge engine. For example type in Greece vs Michigan or Ann Arbor vs Thessaloniki…
TravelBloggerBuzz says
this is very cool, thanks!
Ok on the Chernobyl pix…I had to reach to get that 2nd pic link!
Oliver2002 says
PS: The Chernobyl pix are old and lame… especially since there seems to be a travel industry growing around it.
Anonymous says
I gave you inside info about SBW, and you said you would rather go with a trip report… You don’t actually want to break stories ๐
Brenton says
https://www.internetslang.com/SBW-meaning-definition.asp
If this is the right SBW, I’m definitely more interested than hearing about how sub-par JAL business was…
Anonymous says
That Anonymous is giving this Anonymous a bad name. Sounds angry, and perhaps quite misogynistic. I’m neither btw.
Going paragliding in รlรผdeniz tomorrow…wish me luck!
Anonymous says
Ha didn’t mean to go “Anonymous” today I guess the autofill cleared, but I am sticking with it for the day.
The SBW I was referencing was “small business week” at everyone’s favorite bank if they have less than 5 apps. Buzz still has the printout no one has posted yet…
TBBTheDude says
When I looked at it when you sent it to me it was in my phone, my eye sights is not that sharp anymore and the trip report had been scheduled.
And I thought by the time I get to it the contact Doc has at Chase would definitely alert him ๐ So, you are saying, it has not been posted yet? I can post it tomorrow and get all the glory? I may get another HT (as Alan H.) from VFTW too?
Will check on it now and will post if not out yet. HT you as “Anonymous” or maybe “Alan X.”? ๐
Anonymous says
Warby Parker glasses are the best $95 spent. docs contact told him there would be offers, he was wrong. And it has been confirmed no bump but nobody has posted the flyer you have.
Anonymous says
Oh and go Alan x please.
TravelBloggerBuzz says
The trip report had already been scheduled!
So many blogs out there breaking stories. Even if I did, not even the Doc would link back to me while others may HT…Alan H. again ๐
Brenton: that was not it. your link is bad bro….Wanted to say about Emily but I think that is REALLY bad so I won’t ๐
Brenton says
Saying that you won’t say something, is basically saying it…
I just came across and article about Lee Abbamonte, which led me to globalgaz.com and the podcasts. Not sure if those have been on here before.
Also, Can someone explain to me why SQ calls something a married segment that I found space for by searching separately? I found space for 2 on a Lufthansa A380 in first, and then today found Swiss First, but a dozen calls over the last few weeks have gotten me nowhere!
TBBTheDude says
I am not saying it explicitly, don’t put words in my mouth ๐
Willl check out this site, thanks.
No idea about the SQ question. All I know is I got 160k in there and the 3 year clock is ticking. But I still have credits and gift cards. And the 50% off Amex rebate thingie…Oh gosh, so hard to make a decision how to keep traveling for free lol.
Brenton says
If you can find last minute availability (less than ten days) 75k krisflyer miles to the middle East via Lufthansa/Swiss first is a good use. I used 70k earlier this year to get my parents to Hawaii, so that’s a good option too.
TravelBloggerBuzz says
I swear…that Live and Lets Fly blogger is getting to be very annoying…he writes about the United incident even more than his idol Gary!
Sam, LLC says
Sorry I haven’t posted more lately-I have been busy studying the President’s tax proposal.
TBBTheDude says
Me too! I am hard at work studying it and I should have a one page summary by late tonight ๐
Anonymous says
Sheesh, why bother? That orange guy told you during the campaign (and is common knowledge for anyone who negotiates)–always ask for more than what you can get then compromise on what you wanted in the first place. Democrats are always such idiots for not approaching issues this way.
This guy gets it! :
โIt seems like heโs sitting at a poker table bluffing rather than making serious decisions,โ said Senator Armando Rรญos Piter, a Mexican legislator. โIn front of a bluffer, you always have to maintain a firm and dignified position.โ
TBBTheDude says
There is so much bluffing going on you would think that he would get his way and get some shit done by now, no?
It’s just sad!
Mr. Microphone says
It’s good to be me.
RIBS
Mr. Microphone says
forgot the picture, my bad
. says
I hope, YOU KNOW WHO, does not report me for using a new name for the thousandth time
Buzz Our 4 year anniversary together is coming up May 4, the day an American Hero saves 3 woman from inprisonment………..please do not buy any gifts, but a card would be nice
Anonymous says
a ramsay by any other name is still but a tool
TravelBloggerBuzz says
That avatar lol
Ramsey says
@anonymous, i do it on purpose. What is your excuse?
William Charles says
Dosh has launched, George. Fact it’s offering 7.5% on American Express GC is worth blogging about IMO (even if it isn’t coding correctly). Would like to hear more about the MLM stuff, feel free to e-mail it over.
TravelBloggerBuzz says
Got email from reader who knows founder and previous ventures like this. I can’t find it. All I can say is that, based in my judgment, not going to support this thing. Just not convinced. I trust my judgment.
Can’t find that email, sorry…been a while.
SB says
Doc is also pumping Robinhood, which is scary. That company is not going to sustain itself. Noobs will get roasted.
ABC says
Fact is “I donโt even see Amex on the app anymore”.
Fact is “Only received 2.25 for one $200 agc.”
Rocking anyonmous today says
Fact is doc got $5 for everyone using his link so that’s way better than your 2.25 for the $200 agc who’s the sucker there. Viva MLM! Herbalife life link available if anyone needs one.
TravelBloggerBuzz says
What a great day to end Thursday! Just got notified reader was approved for Amex Hilton Surpass card! #winning
Thank you! Wow..and I have not whined for the past week too!
Don’t you all find it a little too weird that there are a lot of “Hail”s being thrown out here? Hmmm….
AZTravelGuy says
I’ll guest write about my U2 adventures this summer. At least three shows on The Joshua Tree 2017 Tour, Including Dublin. Should be interesting!
AZTravelGuy says
Also, the AZTravelGuy lives in Illinois now.