I answered a question earlier today that I realize could be useful to others — it’s basic stuff for the seasoned international traveler, but worth sharing for the first-timer going abroad: power adapters and converters. A converter alters the power so that it matches the needs of your device. For instance, Europe runs on 220 volt electricity while the US is 110 volt. Most devices do not need a converter. Nearly all modern electronics are dual voltage meaning they work on both 110 and 220 volts. You do not need a converter just an adapter so you can plug them straight into the wall. This almost certainly true for your laptop and mobile phone. On the other hand hair devices (curling irons, flat irons, hair dryers) that aren’t dual voltage [and most aren’t] will need…
General
Category Archives for General.
How Your Kids Can Help You Earn Miles… Once You Divorce
It’s said that, evolutionarily, engagement rings are diamonds because less expensive items would be given out by men much more frequently. Since they’re so expensive, most men can only give them out to a but one woman. And by handing over a large portion of one’s net worth, it serves as a hostage to ensure fidelity. On the contrary, I always thought that Diamonds were for buying online from Costco and returning in-store. Well it turns out that engagement, and marriage itself, has a back-end approach to mileage-earning if things don’t work out. And I don’t mean lawyers who take compensation in the form of gift cards purchased at office supply stores, or who take payment directly by credit card. Now I’ve done a lot of crazy things in my life to earn miles. I…
The Truth Behind UberX, Restrictions on Using American Miles to Hawaii, and an Illegal Drone Over Beijing
News and notes from around the interweb: 24 Hours as an UberX driver. Worth a read. Relatedly, UberX cuts prices by 10% in Dallas. The Ultimate Guide to Booking Award Tickets Using American AAdvantage Miles needs to be updated to reflect that American’s partner Hawaiian Airlines cannot be combined with other airlines on a single award “to/from Central, South America or Transatlantic”… same source also flags that Cathay Pacific awards cannot be changed within four hours of flight. New discount airline launches between the US and UK in October, with prices currently from $545 roundtrip. An illegal video of Beijing using a drone A private jet with no windows that boasts panoramic views. A riddle wrapped inside an enigma… Qantas has been making big changes due to big losses. Still, they’re expected to lose ~…
When Do Hotels Make Their Rooms Available On Points?
We know how it generally works for airlines. They make seats available as ‘saver’ awards when they don’t expect to sell those seats for cash. A year in advance they’ll have some idea what seats those might be, and may make some award seats available when the flights are loaded into the schedule. Very close to departure they’ll have a pretty good idea which seats that haven’t sold will go out empty, which is why the very last minute can be about the best time to book awards (but also a gamble, because sold out flights – which many are nowadays – won’t be bookable at saver award prices). Hotel programs generally work differently. The economics aren’t always the same but in general most now offer a room for points whenever the base or ‘standard’…
When It Makes Sense to Spend Your Miles for Magazine Subscriptions
Using miles for things other than travel has been an increasing trend, the loyalty programs have been offering several new options over the past few years — whether it’s redeeming miles for other travel like hotels and rental cars, or for LCD toasters. The idea is that miles are a general currency, they can be spent like money. Heavy travelers may not want more flights. And if there are limited award seats available getting members to spend miles on other things satisfies those members rather than frustrating them. But frequent flyer programs can buy saver awards (likely to go unsold, spoiling inventory) at a deep discount, a much deeper discount than they can buy toasters — especially since mileage programs aren’t usually the ones in the fulfillment business actually warehousing and shipping the toaster. So…
Get Visa Expediting Services for Free (or Discounted) Through Next Month!
I do my own visas where needed, and I’ve never used a service. But it can be a pain in the bum and having a professional handle it can save time and hassle that many consider worth the money. One company offering this service is Allied Passport & Visa and they’re points and miles community members who participate in and even write for blogs at times. Since I haven’t used the services I haven’t written about them, but they came up with a great offer for readers of the blog that I couldn’t resist passing along. I like that their website has examples of how to fill out forms. Often the forms aren’t really clear and I worry that I’m answering a question wrong, that I’ll run into problems getting approved or worse. They’ve offered…
Woman BUSTED for Using Her Breast Implants to Smuggle Cocaine
Get it…? Spanish police have arrested a 43-year-old Venezuelan woman who landed in Madrid’s international airport trying to smuggle 3.7 pounds of cocaine via her breast implants. She appeared nervous going through customs, was searched, and eventually ‘copped’ to smuggling cocaine in her breast implants. Just replace saline with cocaine (they even rhyme) and you’ll usually get through (airport security mantra, “you don’t get on until we get off” notwithstanding). You just have to hope that the cocaine doesn’t leak, or the mule may die of one massive overdose. (HT: Alan H.) You can join the 40,000+ people who see these deals and analysis every day — sign up to receive posts by email (just one e-mail per day) or subscribe to the RSS feed. It’s free. You can also follow me on Twitter for…
The Card That Earns More Than 2.6% Back on All Spending (Beats Fidelity and Arrival by 20%+)
Cash back credit cards: KL shares the link to a new card offer that will provide a bigger rebate on general spending than pretty much anything out there. It’s bigger than the 2% cash back on everything with the Fidelity Investment Rewards American Express. It’s bigger than the 2.2%+ rebate towards travel from all spending on the Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite MasterCard. But you have to have $100,000 in cash and investments that you can deposit with Bank of America to take advantage of the offer. Bank of America Travel Rewards gives you 1.5 points per dollar on all spending. That equates to a 1.5% rebate (2500 points = $25). Bank of America Preferred Rewards members earn an additional bonus of 25%, 50%, or 75% depending on the volume of assets on deposit with…
Airport Strategies, Uber and Uber for Planes Behave Badly, and Boeing’s New All-Coach Planes
News and notes from around the interweb: ‘Uber for private planes’ is probably illegal. Because you can’t charge for a seat on a plane unless you have federal permission to do so. The real Uber… behaving badly (HT: Reid F) Pittsburgh is no longer a US Airways hub, so the airport is struggling. In search of new revenue they’re turning to… fracking. Who would have guessed? Southwest Airlines interested in all-coach configured Boeing 737s. The best airport perks. Can tall grass prevent bird strikes? You can join the 40,000+ people who see these deals and analysis every day — sign up to receive posts by email (just one e-mail per day) or subscribe to the RSS feed. It’s free. You can also follow me on Twitter for the latest deals. Don’t miss out!
Why Would ANYONE Do This When Renting a Car?
The line at the Dollar Rent a Car counter was nearly endless this morning at Miami International airport. I genuinely don’t understand why anyone would wait in such a line. If you’re a member of a car rental company’s frequent renter program, you don’t need to in the first place. There are many other rental car companies in Miami. None had lines like this. Outside of Priceline and Hotwire rentals there are still very few prepaid rental rates. There’s generally no penalty for failing to pick up a rental car you’ve reserved. (And you can be nice and ring them and just cancel in any case.) Walk to another counter. Or even if you’re concerned about rate, book a new car on your phone while standing in the Dollar line. At least research your alternatives.…
