Quick $200 Giveaway – Leave a Comment Here

by Gary Leff

Quick giveaway: $200 (2 prizes of $100 gift cards)

I received 5000 Starwood Starpoints from a complaint that I didn’t feel was a great idea for me to take. Rather than trying to get them to claw back the points, I feel better giving something away in its place. A few readers had proactively suggested (I didn’t ask for advice… 😛 ) that I give away Starpoints, but I can’t really transfer them and they’re expensive to buy. So a $100 gift card seems appropriate there.

And in addition I had an extra $100 card I had purchased to do a few experiments with, and that I don’t wind up needing. Obviously it’s money, and I could either use the card or manage to get the funds back into a bank account. But the card was purchased in the name of frequent flyer ‘science’ so I figure it’s worth giving away here as well.

So that’s two good reasons to give away $100, and I thought I’d give away 2 x $100 gift cards. It’s not a monster big prize, so we’re not going to do a multi-day multi-post extravaganza on it. Just a quick giveaway over the course of the next 24 hours. (I’m leaving it open that long to ensure everyone following by email subscription, or regardless of time zone, has a change to participate.)

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post that answers any of the following:

  • What you will do with a $100 gift card?
  • What is the best travel tip you know?
  • What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned from this blog?

Any of these work.

You may enter one time only. By entering you agree that I’m trying to do something reasonably nice and you won’t give me a hard time over the nuances of rules, complain in any way, and agree to be bound by any and all of my judgments are they relate to this offer (and agree that those judgments are final and are not appealable).

Fire away in the comments, I look forward to drawing winners and sending out the prizes.

About Gary Leff

Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel - a topic he has covered since 2002. Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »

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Comments

  1. I’ve learned the Gary knows as much about the point and travel industry as anyone and enjoys imparting his knowledge upon others.

  4. Your blog has taught me about the relative rather than absolute value of points! Always first class — no. Buy points — yes but only sometimes. It’s the grey areas that make travel rewards interesting. Thanks

  10. I was just accepted to a grad program in Washington state! Woo hoo!! Because I live in colorado, I’d use the gift card towards my hotel stay in Washington when I’m looking for housing. Every little bit helps considering how much I’ll be spending on tuition 🙂

  11. The best travel tip I know is that in the event of IROPS, you should be both on the phone and line up at the gate/in the club so that you can quickly rebook before alternative flights are taken up.

  13. I would use the 100 gift card for my dogs upcoming surgery. I love her, but pets are expensive.

  14. The answer to #2 and #3 is the same — hang up, call again. I just HATE doing this because it takes SO much time, and I don’t like being evasive (um,lying), but it’s the only way to find out the possibilities/probabilities of what you’re trying to do and then achieve the trip you want to make happen.

  15. 100 $ means a good dinner for my next trip to NYC! The best travel tip: to read your blog ! What I´ve learned from your blog: be smart and use the right credit card

  18. What is the most valuable thing I’ve learned from this blog? Keep reading! 🙂 Seriously, this miles/points/travel game changes all the time, like all the devaluations. The best way to stay current is to read, read, read. I know the 2nd most valuable is not required, but I’m going to say it anyway, and that’s sharing. This blog (along with many others) is so good because readers contribute to the pool of knowledge.

  19. $100 would help me purchase my ticket to TPA on US, for a last opportunity to earn Star Alliance miles for Gold status with A3, Great Blog, Thanks

  23. What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned from this blog?

    A: That a penchant for details about travel, loyalty programs and airlines goes a long way towards making your life more fulfilled!

  24. Best travel tip is if hotels are sold out in a city to take a look on Airbnb to see what is available. We did this when hotels were $700+ in Austin for the F1 race. We found a house with 2 rooms for $800. Great deal!

  25. $100 would be put towards my trip to South Pacific! Perhaps a new bathing suit and snorkel gear! I think the most valuable thing I learned from your blog is about myself…I’m inspired to be a travel writer!

  27. > What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned from this blog?

    Chase Sapphire card. I love having flexible points that aren’t tied to one carrier or one hotel chain!

  28. Best thing I learned from this blog is you Can Travel anywhere in the world with points and patience.

  29. I would use the $100 gift card towards a deposit on an eastbound transatlantic cruise, using frequent flyer miles for the return flight home

  32. The best advice I have gotten from the blog is your credit card strategy for 2014 and the 3 reasons to get a credit card (good sign on bonus, good benefits, and rewarding spending)!

  36. I would buy my wife something nice with the $100. My best tip is using avios for short distances. The most valuable thing ive learned is to never say never and beleive you can travel to anywhere you wish.

  37. This blog always gives me ideas of how to burn miles and points in the most efficient way. In addition, Gary’s travel reports are better than Samantha Brown’s. Enough said.

  38. When staying in a hotel for more than a few days, I find out who will be servicing my room and I tip them up front. Without fail, I have been left extra ammenities, a bottle of wine, even flowers.

  39. My wife travels out of ORD. Not sure when winter will end, so I’ll get her a couple of United Club passes.

  40. I would use the $100 gift card to enter a marathon in a race out of state – travel required. I also think when traveling to be respectful of others and their cultures by doing your homework before your trip. Thanks. And finally I know that this website keeps me up to date on the latest travel deals. I also have learned that there is so much more to learn. Thanks for everything.

  41. $100 gift card: would help supplement my travel budget for my London and Prague Trip to celebrate my 30th Birthday in 2 weeks, especially after just moving from the west coast to the east coast (DC)!

    Best travel tip: always get miles or points!

    Most valuable thing learned: How to travel more! Really have learned SO much (too much to list or pick what was best!)

    I know I didn’t have to answer all 3 but I wanted too!
    Thanks 😉

  43. I would go to dinner if i won!
    My tip would be to reuse amenity kits for future use.
    I learned how to utilize my points.

  48. 1. Trip to Maui in May.
    2. Bring ziplocs, lots of ziplocs while traveling.
    3. How to burn miles wisely.

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