We learn about hidden airline mile program gems, the end of Hyatt Diamond Challenges, travel on the Trans-Siberian Odyssey, marvel at the shots taken by a drone over Mexico City Airport, check out some not well know Google products, make fun of too long CVS Receipts and some other irrelevant nonsense as usual 🙂
TBB Blog Mission: To Entertain. Educate. Inspire. In That Order
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BREAKING – No more Hyatt Diamond Challenges  – The Trip Sherpa   Here was the first blog I saw the reporting of one of the best deals remaining to be killed. Or maybe they are reevaluating the program. I really enjoyed the Diamond treatment in the Andaz Maui, the full breakfast for four was just awesome. Other than that, not surprised at all as so many blogs kept raving about this. I left a comment there, did not show up immediately. And that is one of my pet peeves 🙂
‘Seat 22 – A Trans-Siberian Odyssey’: Take a Monumental Journey From Moscow to Beijing by Rail [VIDEO] – Dashburst   If you are going to only click on one link today, please make it this one. I thought this is…epic!
Drone Pilot Films Mexico City’s International Airport from Above – Twisted Sifter   If you are into flying/airports/airplanes this video is a must see! WOW, soooooo beautiful!
16 Incredibly Useful Google Products And Services You Didn’t Know Existed – Some of these are actually very cool and useful!
This is a picture from our trip to Beijing in 2009
 Why CVS Receipts Are So Long?   I always wondered about that, I bet you did too!
Looking forward to spending the weekend in Phoenix at the #WestCoastDO! Sadly, two speakers had to cancel, Amol (of Travel Codex) and the Miles Professor. This will be my first time staying at a Kimpton hotel. Yes, I matched to Inner Circle and, to everyone’s dismay, I managed to snag the Presidential Suite already #winning
Frugal Travel Guy (the blog) wrote about the best time to buy a ticket, the Cranky Flier article we featured here a long time ago here. Zzzzz.
I think reader Karen is right, I don’t feel like criticizing the pumper bloggers now that I added a credit card tab. Or it’s because this Monday was just a crazy day, starting at the dentist at 8 am. Like 6 am flights, they appeared to a good idea at the time! And then I had an awesome game on the soccer court with my “Gasping for Air” team scoring 2 goals in a 3-2 win so I am just a little tired. Or the pumping has subsided a little. It is the beginning of the month….watch what happens near the end of the month, and especially near the end of the quarter/year.
Delta Points blessed us all with his nice commentary calling yours truly a pimp yesterday which immediately was followed by my giggles. Then he followed up right away with another nice comment at Flyer Talk (post #236). Thank you for enhancing the TBB mission DP! I miss Ingy 🙂
I finally applied and was approved for a targeted Business Gold Rewards Amex card for 75k Membership Reward points after $10k spending and no annual fee in the first year. I think I can handle it, I am a very responsible person when it comes to money habits. I wanted to crack a joke here and insert a reference to my credit card tab but I won’t as I still feel weird about it. Just fyi, the AmexBusiness cards do not have the “one card for life” limitation. Instead they have the “have or have had the card in the previous 12 months”. That makes 5 Amex cards for moi.
I updated WordPress to 4.0. It looks nicer but the darn pics uploading is very different! Before I could resize pics to a specific size percentage but not anymore. This blows!
I think these shorter blog posts reviewing the previous day action are a better fit for me. I spend too much time trying to fix the darn formatting in WordPress when I add section headlines. Or…until the next format change. #evolving
Check out my updated blog lists: Blogs I Love, Blogs I Like, Blogs I Ignore
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First? 🙂
134th
Hola from Cancun on the last night, third? Thanks.
Glad to be #4… Can’t stay up till 2a these days…
Nice pic in Beijing, like the EMU shirt! Oh those WP miles were gold weren’t they…
I got an AMEX biz app for 50k, $5k spend… Thinking… Thinking
Was thumbing thru the web, happened upon a post from Disgruntled Cookie Pudge (view from the bank)…writing about Argentina. Now anything paid with cash can get a steep 25%-35% discount by bringing $US, exchanging it on the blue market for ARS (pesos), and using those. A real no-brainer.
But Leff didn’t inform his valued readers of this, instead role modeling paying with plastic at the much lower “official” rate.
VFTW’s advice to its valued readership: forgo a ~35% discount and instead use your credit card. THAT’S exactly what’s wrong with supporting the card pushers, for those of you that question why.
How many of you think “pay ~35% MORE” is valued travel advice?!
I didn’t get that from his advice at all, although he didn’t do circles and arrows on exchanging on the unofficial market he wrote about the difference in rates.
I don’t have the time and patience to wade through VFTW. I will note, however, that a good source of pesos at the blue market exchange rate is Flyertalker Gaucho100K, who also sells top-flight wines.
Yes I know him form FT, he is a good guy!
Buzz, thanks for highlighting the Drew post. I had missed it. But just a week or so ago you were complaining about bloggers recommending Korean Air’s program, without mention of its call centers or frustrating booking process.
@ Charlie: We always remember our first First 🙂
@ Erik: lol
@ Nguyen: It’s bronze. Are you staying in a hotel with points in Cancun? If yes, which one and would you recommend it?
@ Mr Nice: Looking back I miss Northwest Worldperks so much. Compared to what we have now it seems surreal! I think I was batting 100% on upgrades and a phone call to Chisholm, MN always got me the awards I wanted, ALWAYS. Oh those were the days, sigh.
@ DiffPaul: I find trip reports of VFTW boring but a better read than OMAAT (which is not saying much!). I just skip them.
@ No Way Jose: You are correct and I left a comment in that post at TIF indicating exactly that!
WP 4.0 is so easy. Just drag photos/images from your computer into your web browser when you write the post. It will upload the images and then click the insert image button. You can resize the image by dragging the corner toward the middle. What other WP issues do you have? I can provide Tech Support at #westcoastdo 🙂
Cool to know, thanks!
I have many issues lol!
ok, disgruntled cookie pudge is cruel, but SO funny! Cant stop giggling DP-style ever since I read that comment. Bravo.
I am going to start giggling a ton. Or bunches. Gosh! 🙂
Timely reporting on TPG sale 29 months after the fact? Guess that brings into question what you really DO know about the hobby and the blogs you review?
Two year anniversary and finally chooses a affiliate link program. Interesting to see George align with an affiliate program that pumps secured credit cards for those with lousy credit scores and payday loan sites that charge outrageous rates. (402%APY Wow) Always looking out for his readers for sure 🙂 But he “really” appreciates your support.
And the speakers you tried to coerce not to go to seminars, do go, in spite of your efforts, and enjoy the crowd, their fellow speakers and the event?
#CredibilityFalling
IdHATE2BGeorge
Rick right?
If so, here’s you linking to the same affiliate program that pumps secured credit cards….
http://www.frugaltravelguy.com/2013/07/my-recent-credit-card-applications.html
Everyone’s credit is FTG’s most important asset.
If Rick and DP were not around TBB would have folded 21 months ago. So thanks for the inspiration you guys.
Thank you for taking the time to comment!
Talking about credibility….lol. Thank you for enhancing the TBB mission to entertain!
#biteme
“Guess that brings into question what you really DO know”
Not a whole lot…. which you know…. is kind of his point
I bet TBB does know how to use Avios – so he has that edge over FTG.com
Thought about crashing the Chicago seminar presentation on Avios and repeatedly asking the same question in numerous ways:
“Are you…sure?”
🙂
Well ingy, how many people know that TPG sold out? Not the numerous newbies that click the links. Do they also know that the credit card affiliate market is a giant business and that most bloggers sold out long ago?
Rude Travel Guy (FTG),
Why do you post here under fake names? I guess you’re just rightfully ashamed of the unethical character that you really are.
Did you report on TPG’s sale 29 months ago or even know about it? Why isn’t the sale mentioned anywhere on TPG’s site. He has advertiser’s disclosures, a Press page, an About page; but no mention anywhere of being sold to Bankrate.com as it would divulge the obvious conflict of interest.
As you well know, TBB has no control over the cards offered in his creditcards.com link. But on TBB’s credit card tab he discloses the fact that the cards may not be the best offer and he says one can email him or ask in the comments about any cards. He also links to a page that shows the current best offers for comparison. By the way, some of the cards in his link are the best current offers.
George you went with Bankrate for links?
Wonder if TPG himself will be able to track your revenue or that of other bloggers on the Bankrate network.
Yes, is there any other company? I don’t deal with CK because they totally ditched me after promising they will get back to me and ignoring my messages (via Linkedin, email and phone). If you know of any other one I am all ears. I am going to see how this goes first.
I would hope the revenue information of bloggers is private information…but who knows!
Sorry, I got to call BS here. When a blogger posts or has links to inferior offers we scream foul. When George links to something that doesn’t have best offers he gets a pass? I think we are all sounding like a bunch of hypocrites.
For the nth time: I have no control of the offers that show up! My readers are advanced, they know the better offers. Or they can check out Mile Nerd’s link I provide or email me with any questions. I don’t know how to make it more clear, come on! This is all they gave me dude.
That is such a cop out and you know it. Creditcards.com is only slightly better than the blogs you “ignore” because they at least don’t put on a charade of “doing it for friends and family.” But lets be clear this is a website that doesn’t give a rip about anything other than earning commissions for selling credit cards, better offers be damned. You have given endless amounts of shit to blogs for doing this very same thing. You now are directing traffic to and profiting from one of these sites. For the record, I actually don’t care, I think we should just call a spade a spade. The irony is actually quite comical.
Dude, did you read what I said or are you just messing with me?
Ok, then, I should go back to making 32 cents per day. It is 1 am I started writing at 9.45 pm and spend at least another 2-3 hours going through Feedly blog posts. Sometimes I really want to say JUST FUCK IT.
Unbelievable!
I am giving you shit to some degree but you have to acknowledge the irony. Today I made a $1.62. When you are in Portland I’ll buy you coffee at Panera or better yet a beer at one of our outstanding breweries.
I’m humming the old country music song:
“How Can We Miss You When You Won’t Even Leave?”.
By Johnny Cash? Oh wait…cash lol.
WHICH CREDIT CARD IS THE BEST FOR ELECTION DAY? THE CHASE SAPPHIRE PREFERRED, OF COURSE!
Yeah, but which credit card should I use for dining purchases this upcoming Friday?
This is my joint bitch, get the hell out of here!
You know that the correct answer is:
The New Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite MasterCard®
Every day 24/7, 365
You make a strong case.
Ok you convinced me…. i will use The New Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite MasterCard® this Friday for all my dining purchases
Glad to see you got credit card links. I’m tired of all the ads on the other blogs. Here is my question.
I went to your credit card ad and then to your Best Credit Cards by Category tab. It lists mostly Capital One cards as the best? None of the other bloggers even mention Capital One cards. On your site, they are listed as the Best Rewards Credit cards and the Best Cash Back cards?
Why is 1.5% cash back from Capital One better than 2% or 2.2% back from the Barclays card? Or 2% from the Fidelity card? What is it you know that the other bloggers don’t?
Or is this a commission thing like I see on the other blogs?
Thanks
What could be smart is for TBB to list the only good cards on his creditcards.com link. IOW, “GUYS, FOLLOW MY LINK BUT KNOW THAT THE GOOD ONES ARE ONLY….”
I don’t like that he says to contact him for guidance if you are not sure it is the best link or not.
TBB, maybe you can say whether or not you can even be open about (1) which offers on your link will be good/bad and (2) how much money you make. (Is it pennies or are we talking 200 dollars?) (or, as Loyalty dude says, “first rule of fight club is don’t talk about….”
Oh, and if he cannot talk, it would be at least funny (and honest) for him to write “Hey, I’d like to tell you which cards on the following link are good and which are ripoffs, but my hands are tied by the nice people (iow, bastards) that run that site so you will have to turn elsewhere for that”
Or add “Thanks for using this link. I make about $100 when you use the link but I can’t tell you the exact number but I’m pretty sure it’s less than what FTG makes.”
THAT kind of disclosure would be a step beyond what the other guys are doing.
Hey, you are a guy to push the envelope. Will you tempt biting the hand that feeds you (for your readers!) or puss out? 🙂
@ bluecat:
This is a weird territory I have entered. Every third word I heard from these guys was “compliance”. I can’t do what you say on the blog post! I will ask if I can add a comment about which ones are the best offers. Remember, this is the lowly creditcards.com links. A big minus is EXACTLY what you are stating!
Regarding the money, nope! If you will be in Phoenix we can talk about this over some beers 😉 That assumes someone has clicked on them! Has not happened yet. I hope the one who clicked on the Black Visa card was by accident LOL.
I can assure it is WAY LESS than what FTG makes 🙂
I thought my disclosures on top were very clear. Yours were funnier for sure 🙂
I like to push the envelopes in general. Watch me…
@ Help Houston: I am copying Karen above, thanks Karen!
“As you well know, TBB has no control over the cards offered in his creditcards.com link. But on TBB’s credit card tab he discloses the fact that the cards may not be the best offer and he says one can email him or ask in the comments about any cards. He also links to a page that shows the current best offers for comparison. By the way, some of the cards in his link are the best current offers.”
Please avoid Capital One cards! If you are seriously asking this question you are probably not my target readers. Or you are just messing with me. 🙂
I repeat. I have no control of the cards showing up there. None! If you have questions you can email me as stated. Or check out the ones at Mile Nerd’s link.
Get informed people!
The MileNerd page is good, but i think you should instead have a similar list on the page, rather than making people click through a link to get to it.
If you can’t say which offers in the link are best offers, at least make a generic list for the best current offers for all current credit cards. So you don’t need to say “the IHG offer on my link is inferior”, but at least point out somewhere on the page that the best IHG offer is 80K. Maybe even provide a link to the FT thread – it should be allowed, I know bloggers like Drew have done so.
Regardless, kudos to you for trying to figure out what is the maximum amount of disclosure you are allowed to provide, as opposed to blogs such as FTG.com which try to figure out the minimum amount of disclosure you are required to provide
I can’t be talking about specific cards with this arrangement.
I thought the link to the Mile Nerd was the best possible solution at this point.
TBB readers here to be advanced, I am sure they can figure it out 🙂
Newbies can always email me with questions. And I will direct them to the BEST offer.
I move slow.
I would recommend visiting the credit card advisor at the FTG website to get recommendations on which cards to apply for. Don’t worry how many they recommend. You should apply for them all.
You guys are in form tonight. So funny, woohoo!
7 cards if you have a business, 5 cards if you do not when you are only looking for a cash back card.
And, of course, apply for all them at the same time…the staff gets paid faster that way lol.
Oh the irony of it all…
great post on Trans-Siberian railroad, what an amazing short form video content from that filmmaker, just 5-stars, two thumbs up! Thanks.
Cheers,
PedroNY
Yeah that video is epic, got emotional watching it, does not happen very often as I am angry all the time…just kidding about the angry part! You ‘re welcome, glad you enjoyed it.
George, we can talk credit cards at #westcoastdo. You have much to learn young jedi…
You know I can be your father!
Oh yeah I have SO much to learn on this stuff…
Bring your note pad and pencil, I’m taking you to school.
Thanks for the comment on my post regarding no more Hyatt Diamond Challenges, and for featuring it on your site. Comments have to be manually approved and I’m sorry I didn’t approve yours quicker. I hope you were able to take advantage of the challenge in the past, though my sources have hinted that it will re-emerge in the future under an altered condition.
Thanks for reading The Trip Sherpa.