Lake Jocassee

The past 15 years we have driven past Jocassee Gorges entrance located in North and South Carolina. Many times we pulled off to view the seasonal colors at Upper Whitewater Falls, but never traveled into the area.

Adventurous friends asked last week to join them for a Driving Tour and Sunset Picnic on Jumping-Off-Rock within the gorge available from Jocassee Lake Tours Company. Concerns about the chilly weather, we bundled up with jackets and layers of warm clothing.

Jumping-Off-Rock, an iconic viewpoint above Lake Jocassee in northern Pickens County, can now be accessed all year round. We stopped at several overlooks along the 9-mile ride to one of the most beautiful views of Lake Jocassee and the Blue Ridge Mountains with few signs of human development.

National Geographic Magazine identified Jocassee Gorges as one the top 50 of "The World's Last Great Places." Visitors can grasp a true sense of the vast extent of undisturbed countryside.

Several non-governmental organization‘s connected the 200,000 acres to protect 60 species of rare plants including Oconee Bells. Designating Jocassee Gorges as an internationally important bird area, there is a fund raising campaign underway to build an observation tower on the highest mountain.

While we only saw wild turkeys the article went on to explain falcons, bald eagles, black bears, bobcats, and the highest number of salamanders found anywhere in the world reside in these hills.

As you can see from our photo, Lake Jocassee 9000 acres and a 385 foot deep reservoir offered a stunning sunset. The lake was named after the Cherokee Princess Jocassee ("Place Of The Lost One"), who, legend has it, drowned herself upon learning of her lover's death.

Ironically, Duke Energy flooded the valley in 1974 and constructed a hydroelectric power station impounding the waters of the Whitewater, Thompson, Horsepasture and Toxaway Rivers.

If you’re in the area, JocasseeLakeTours.com has a variety of boating and hiking opportunities on the lake from morning to sunset. Next time I think we will try the monthly full moon relaxing pontoon ride to enjoy the pristine wilderness with waterfalls from of the Appalachian Mountain Rivers that feed the lake. Guided kayak and adventure tours are also available most of the year. We also found information on the dnr.sc.gov website as well.

While neighbors spoke of the beauty and wilderness only twenty minutes away, I wish we had explored this scenic expanse sooner.

RCI

As one of the 3.8 million timeshare members, with 35K exchange options in 108 countries I recently contacted their corporate office with a few questions about our RCI coupon credit due to a cancellation the first weekend in September. 

This was our second attempt to visit Edisto, South Carolina. Last year it was Hurricane Matthew and this time Hurricane Irma blew away hopes of seeing the natural environment after the governor of South Carolina declared a mandatory evacuation the night before our September 9th arrival.

In 2006 we purchased a two bedroom lock-off on eBay for $26. The seller had paid the $900 annual fee and we were responsible for $350 in transaction / closing fees. I understood very little about RCI, Resorts Condominium International, now owned by Wyndham Resorts Worldwide with an annual $99 fee available only to timeshare owners.

One ponders how RCI decides the trading value of the week like we own at Vacation Villages. Some years it's 39 points, the following year could be 37. With questions about my coupon credit the customer service rep passed me on to a supervisor.

She told me point values are reviewed every year or two based on amenities, unit size, access, membership ratings/reviews and returning owners contribute to the resorts supply and demand. Each resort has a point system based the time of year and an exchange fee of $239. This has gone up from the $169 we paid in 2006.

RCI offers a Hold service for a unit, about 24 hours. If one has not confirmed / paid for the unit, your points are refunded and the week returned to inventory. Our preference is a 1 or 2 bedroom unit with a full kitchen and a balcony. This photo was taken on Fairfield Lake at the Wyndham Resort in Sapphire Valley, NC.   

We haven't attempted to use RCI's services to book a cruise, car rental, special hotel deals, guided vacations, theme park and attractions. I am curious about the destination activities & Last-Minute Vacations starting at $199 per week (no points required).

Out of curiosity I looked up prepay full size auto rental on a pending trip next spring. I found RCI was $50+ per week less than other quotes like Expedia. While not a huge savings, it still adds up.

Other timeshare companies include Hilton, Marriott, Holiday Inn, Wyndham, Interval International, and Diamond Resorts. While we have enjoyed quite the variety of 2.5 - 5.0 star resorts each is a new adventure that keeps planning another journey using our RCI membership. 

EU Airline Compensation

Chatting with a friend recently, she mentioned their 6 hour delay departing London due to engine repairs. When they finally arrived in Orlando she was handed an airline apology letter with a $25 Planet Hollywood gift card. 

Her husband was researching European Union Airline laws and she asked if I was familiar with the policy. I told her about our situation when we were bumped off an Air France compensated €300 each.

The irony was we had booked our flights using Delta points. Delta reassigned us to Air France and they bumped us back to the original Delta flight so we had a profit of $742 US in addition to the free flights. Thankfully we were given our refund at Charles de Gaulle airport before boarding.

Online I found information on European Union passenger rights regulations. EU and non-EU registered airlines are liable for monetary damages for lengthy delays over 2 hours or cancellations provided they are arrivals, departures, or flights within the European Union.

One may file a claim up to €250 on a flight fewer than 1500 km or up to €400 for a flight of 1500 to 3500 kilometers. For a flight more than 3500 kilometers one may claim up to €300 for a delay of 3 to 4 hours up to €600 or £509 for delay more than 4 hours. If you don't wish to file the paperwork yourself there are plenty of companies online to assist.

If an airline rejects the claim, a complaint may be lodged with the National Enforcement Body regarding your passenger rights in the case of a long delay, cancellation, denied boarding under regulation (EC) 261/2004. The NEB will then give a ruling explaining why a damage claim should or should not be paid.

My friend boasted they might be receiving £300 each. I told her I believed it would be close to twice that and offered to take only a 10% surcharge on anything over the £509. Her response, How about lunch?

180,000 Hilton Honors Points Richer

Thanks to the two American Express credit cards. Here is an update from my June 2nd blog.

It’s amazing how those bills come around like auto insurance(s), home insurance, electricity (we pay ahead), vacation expenses, rental car, gasoline, meals, etc. Yes, every monthly statement is paid off.

We used the Hilton Surpass Card for the first $3K in purchases within 3 months. The second Hilton Honors card does not have an annual fee or other perks and only required $2K in purchases within 3 months.

Biggest surprise... Foreign Transaction Fees! In the past my AmEx card waived Foreign Currency Charges. I assumed it was a universal policy throughout the company. I had not done my homework. After the first Login I found all those Canadian dollars converted to USD for a 2.7% fee.

Reviewing the small print terms, my favorite clause, ˜The conversion rate we (AmEx) use is no more than the highest official rate published by a government agency or the highest interbank rate we identify from customary banking sources on the conversion date or the prior business day.’

While my fees did not exceed $12, would have been nice to know...

In the August issue of Travel and Leisure Magazine I read a sidebar on Hilton Setting a New Standard. Apparently the author didn’t check with IHG MasterCard. Many of the same benefits, first year free, then $49 afterward, no foreign transaction fees, but they missed the best perk, no category restrictions on the anniversary night unlike Hilton and Marriott.  

Yesterday I attempted to use my Hilton Points to book multiple hotel stays for next spring. What a challenge, not only were they twice the points of an IHG Crown Plaza or Holiday Inn Express I could not find one of the 50 properties to work with Points and Money as the article boasted.

Curious I pulled up IHG for the same dates and locations. As little as 10K points I found multiple places to sleep. My sidebar, always sign up for the Accelerated Programs. Once I qualified for 50K bonus points above the basics. Hubby still talks about the free IHG anniversary night at the Crown Plaza Kensington UK, a value of 499 BPS as mentioned in my May 8th blog.

Now I am pondering if it will be difficult to use the Hilton anniversary night next June. Hopefully we’ll be pleasantly surprised and enjoy a delightful room in the perfect location. 

Touristy Taxes

My Tip! The server proclaimed to a table of four adults beside us in an upscale pizza restaurant. The small credit card machine printed out the customer's receipt. All four looked unfazed, and did not leave a monetary token behind.

Adjusting to the newest way to pay using a chip technology machine has probably cost many a wayward waiter their proper percentage. A few weeks ago in Canada we enjoyed numerous meals and not a duplicate handheld machine. Some wait staffers were over compensated while others had an extra few dollars as we miscalculated a gratuity.

The first meal we charged I thought the tip was included due to the 15% Canadian Tourist Tax on goods and services. Even the hotel parking fee had the additional 15% HST tax. Later that week, we were charged an even higher tax percentage on our lobster roll at Peggy's Cove.

In the US bold letters remind us 'Gratuity Not Included' on the lower half of the dinner checks in touristy beach areas. Last week we saw it in Tifton, Georgia. Then there's the Hotel Room Occupancy Tax in larger US cities like New York City (19%), Miami (6%) and San Francisco (14%).

By far the biggest tax surprise was the one paid to 'leave' Prince Edward Island. Entry is free and departing via the new toll bridge between New Brunswick and PEI listed $49 CDN. I am still trying to calculate the rate by way of Northumberland Ferries Ltd from Woods Islands, PEI to Caribou, Nova Scotia which included a 75 minute ride, 2 adults with vehicle for only $77 CDN.

BFL Digby, Nova Scotia to Saint John, New Brunswick, a 2.5 hour ride was $188 CDN. I used Ferries.ca to book both trips. They run promotions in April and May. If you use them for a crossing, the sofa and cushy seating were a pleasant surprise in addition to the chowders and fish dish. 

One never expects to pay for the convenience of an information kiosk or visitor center. So smile and graciously accept the free beautiful brochure and area map, if you need it. Realizing your tourist tax contribution is going to inform future visitors about the place you just enjoyed.

America the Beautiful - National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass Price Increase

US citizens have a variety of options. There are passes for Military, Volunteers, 4th Graders, Access/ Disability, and Seniors to enjoy our 2,000 US Parks. Children under 15 are admitted free.

On August 28, 2017 the Lifetime Pass for US citizens or permanent residents 62 years or older will increase from $10 to $80. Golden Age Passports are no longer sold and will continue to be honored according to the provisions of the pass.

Each pass includes entry fees at national parks and wildlife refuges as well as standard amenity fees and day use fees for a driver and all passengers in a private non-commercial vehicle up to four adults at sites that charge per person OR one motorcycle OR pass holder up to four adults at sites that charge per person.

A new Annual Senior Pass is available for $20, valid for one full year from month of purchase (through last day of that month) in federally operated recreation sites across the country.

At many locations the Senior Pass provides the pass owner a discount on Expanded Amenity Fees (such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours). The pass program is managed by six Federal agencies that operate under different regulations and have different fees. Therefore, the discount program for the Senior Pass is not handled in the same way on all Federal recreation lands.

Photo identification will be required to verify ownership. Passes are non-refundable, non-transferable and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen. FREE Annual Pass for current US Military and their dependents, Volunteers who contribute 250 or more hours and US 4th Grade Students

100% of sale proceeds go back into improving and enhancing federal recreation sites. More details are available NPS.gov or Recreation.gov for state site locations. Be sure to check out the Share The Experience Photo Contest.

Thanks Canada and Happy 150th!

Researching our 8 day trip from Portland, Maine making a loop through Canada's Maritimes south eastern coast, I overlooked an important tidbit.

The 2017 Canadian 150 / Discovery Pass available to all visitors. This included free admission to all national parks, marine conservation areas and historic sites administered by Parks Canada through December 31, 2017.

With the small green hang tag one may enter Canada’s national treasures from the Prince Edward Islands to British Columbia's Pacific Rim National Park. Find out about Canada 150 events and activities on the Passport 2017 App or Canada.pch.gc.ca online.

We enjoyed this beautiful country and the friendly people from New Brunswick’s Saint John with reversing tides, on to photographing the Bay of Fundy Coast line's 47 feet tidal changes and Hopewell Rock formations.

Three days in Prince Edward Island staying in Charlottetown. The second morning one of the Rendez-vous Naval 2017 Tall Ships docked at the end of Queen Street just beyond our hotel. Over a hundred of sailors suspended from the ship’s masks sung French melodies.

PEI was everything we had read about, miles of bike trails though green meadows and along the beach. Our Canada 150 pass allowed free entry to these parks with red clay and white beaches. On the southern part of the island, Victoria’s artsy community glowed in the afternoon sun.

Next we traveled by ferry from the Wood’s Islands to Caribou, Nova Scotia and into Halifax for another three days. Peggy’s Cove, Lunenburg, and the Halifax Maritime Museum gave us even more photo opportunities. The waterfront boardwalk was swamped as we meandered between restaurants and the Farmer’s Market.

An evening ferry took us from Digby back to Saint John as we returned to Portland. If you have some spare time, take advantage of our northern neighbor’s generous offer and help Canada celebrate 150!  

Avoiding Credit Card Surprises

Many times we have witnessed travelers with piles of merchandise at the checkout counter have their credit cards declined. They did not alert their card company prior to an international departure.

On a business trip to Venezuela several years ago I notified MasterCard of our plans. Two days after our return I had an odd cell call as the voice read off my full name. Stopped in my tracks this individual had my attention as I rarely share this tidbit with anyone.

Her position was with the MasterCard fraud department. She inquired if I had returned from Venezuela as scheduled. Yes, we did. Therefore I did not purchase $1800 at a men's store in Medellin, Colombia earlier today, correct?

I assured her I had not, but there was a brief layover in Medellin on our return flight to the states. I purchased a novelty pen for my father in an airport Khios. The retailer had difficulty with the transaction and I should have walked away. Instead I allowed her to printing my number on the store receipt.

Making a mental note to check my bill later, in retrospect I should have snapped a picture of the nice older lady. My credit card was canceled and a new one in route. The following months I was asked to review each statement and sign affidavits concerning the bogus charges.

Another issue, the individual has pin ready to with drawl a stash of local currency from the ATM but the financial institution prompts an alert of unusual activity in a foreign location. The ATM does not return the card holding it hostage until the bank reopens. 

This occurred before Smart Chip Technology. Today I login to MasterCard and Visa / Chase, Citi, Barclay, etc. to search for the travel notifications category. It's so convenient to use the calendar and type in the countries one plans to visit. I also double check each card for any mention of foreign transaction fees.

We usually speak to an American Express representative that assures us there is no need to inform them of our upcoming international plans. I will carry their card on this next trip, and hope not to experience an embarrassing declined card situation while purchasing numerous native knickknacks. If so, I’ll pull out my informed MasterCard. One does not wish to deprive friends and family a functional souvenir trinket like a pen.  

Is TSA Pre✓® for Domestic and Global Entry only for International Returns?

Last year we applied for Global Entry online, did face-to-face interview, was given a ‘Known Traveler Number’ and received our cards within two weeks. The whole process took several months. Our priority was to use it on a return from a Middle East trip with a tight layover in Philadelphia.

Re-entering the US one simply heads for immigration and the Global Entry kiosk which usually has a shorter line. Insert your passport into the slot, apply fingertips to the scanner, smile and answer the customs declaration questions on the screen. Take the transaction receipt, gather your bags and head for the Global Entry baggage line where another agent will collect the printout.

This year I pondered if a TSA card could expedite domestic check-in lines or would the Global Entry one be acceptable. I reviewed the cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs website.

How It Works

Global entry members are eligible to participate in U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents enrolled in NEXUS or SENTRI are also eligible to participate in, as well as Canadian citizens who are members of NEXUS.

If you are a Global Entry member or eligible NEXUS or SENTRI member, enter your membership number (PASS ID) in the “Known Traveler Number” field when booking reservations, or enter it into your frequent flyer profile with the airline. The membership number enables Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Secure Flight System to verify that you are a legitimate CBP Trusted Traveler and eligible to participate in.

Where You Can Find Your Membership Number

You can find your Trusted Traveler member number by logging into your Global Online Enrollment System (GOES) account. Your membership number is listed toward the bottom of the page. Your membership number is also located on the back of your Trusted Traveler card in the upper-left corner.

What is TSA Pre✓®?

The program expedites traveler screening through TSA security checkpoints. For a complete list of participating airports in or for more information, visit www.tsa.gov or call the TSA Contact Center at 1-866-289-9673.

Our credit card(s) covered the Global Entry $100 per person fee OR the TSA $85 per person fee. Be sure to check with your card company for a rebate or waiver offer.

My Global Entry card expires in 4 years, and hubby’s has 5 year expiration. The same face-to-face interview day, my guess is he just had a birthday prior to our applications.  

One last point, after we received our ‘Known Traveler Number’ or ‘Trusted Traveler’ I went into each airline frequent flier program and updated our profiles.

Using frequent flier miles for a domestic airline reservation, and the reason for this post, I had to re-enter the Known Traveler Numbers again!  

Quiet Hidden Rooms tucked away in 500 Major Airports - Priority Club is Celebrating 25 Years of Airport Luxury

To my knowledge this is the largest independent airport lounge membership in more than 130 countries, allowing access regardless of the airline or class of ticket.

Prior to our departure we use their mobile app to check out directions to the airside locations. Many cities have multiple options giving Priority Club over 1000 sites.

In April, Gatwick had five choices, three in the North Terminal and two in the South Terminal. We chose Pier 1 (upper level) between Dixons and JD Sports to reach the 'No1 Lounge' entrance.

The snazzy coffee bar was self-service, nearby a buffet of fresh fruit and pastries. Special order breakfast menu was available. We chatted with several stylish travelers happy to share past experiences and future plans.

The second south terminal listing was Grain Store Cafe & Bar, the first offshoot of Bruno Loubet's award-winning London restaurant, located opposite the lift. Cardholders and guests receive a £15 discount off the final bill per person per visit valid on any type of meal and/or drinks upon presentation of a valid card. All Priority Club locations we have visited, this was a first discount/charge.

In recognition of 25 great years, Priority Pass is offering up to 25% off membership for airport lounge access. Choose from three plans to access quiet, comfortable spaces with complimentary refreshments, free internet, fax and Wi-Fi, newspapers and magazines, with conference facilities, wait service and showers available in selected lounges.

Earlier this week PP was offering the below discounts...

STANDARD Annual Membership price is US$99 plus a Member visit fee US$27 Guest visit fee US$27

STANDARD PLUS 10 lounge visits runs US$249

PRESTIGE Unlimited lounge visits price is US$359

If you wish to escape for the crowds, enjoy a preflight bite and relax while glancing at the airline departure board, take a look at the PriorityPass.com. The online video may answer more questions. The ‘Find A Lounge’ for international and domestic locations have some fun corky comments.

In JFK, the Wingtips location was listed. A note on a limit of six guests per Cardholder - Children under 3 years are admitted free - Dress code applicable (shoes and shirts required for entry - no baseball caps allowed). Safe Travels!

The Cruise Excursions are sold out, now what?

A friend was happy with her last-minute cruise purchase as we were with our transatlantic in April. Until it was time to sign up for excursions.

Our one day stop in Bermuda, and a primary reason for this itinerary over other cruise line routes was sold out. We asked to be waitlisted; her cruise line did not offer this option.

We chatted about her scheduled stops and I was able to help with half of them as we had traveled in the British Isles several times. The other stops were secondhand comments from past passenger discussions.

I suggested WhatsInPort.com, offers information on 1200 ports of call organized by country and then city. Click on the city and the topics cover transportation options, currency, sightseeing, printable maps, festivals, events, climate, and shopping. Click on Cruise Ship to see where your favorite is cruising right now. The Interactive World Cruise Map along with Hints and Tips are worth a visit.

Another favorite is CruiseCritic.com with their registered Message Board Forums, Reviews, Weekly Contest, Roll Calls, Special Interest Categories, Ports of Call, and Newsletters.

In the past we used these two primarily for transportation options as we like to arrive a early for international departures.

I think I’ll look up the port cities in our upcoming Canadian road trip for any additional tidbits I missed.

Organizing the Next Trip

We admire millennials proceeding to the departure gate, the airline staff scans the hand held device and they slip it back into a pocket or purse. The rest of us offer up paper copies of boarding passes.

Several weeks before our next trip, I review all information. Any recent updates from the airlines, confirm times/dates on museums, area festivals, shows and on our upcoming Canadian trip print a tide chart for the Bay of Fundy.

I have a calendar with one inch squares and make a copy for the weeks we will be traveling. Each date notes the airline, hotel and tentative plans. Behind this page in the file are sheets with flights, seat assignments, auto rental details and price, hotel addresses with confirmations, and ferry tickets.  

On the bottom right corner I pencil in a brief description (hotel 6/16) and arrange by chronological date. I can easily pull as needed and file to the back as used. Sprinkled in (with the proper dates) will be my printed AAA Drive Trips by area and travel magazine articles referencing our various destinations.  

When cruising, I use the same calendar method noting the port city and scheduled hours, excursions etc. On sea days we list special events, lectures, classes, movie times and dining reservations.

It's an easy glance at the day ahead and reminders of what to be prepared for on the next one. 

On road trips, we bring downloaded (library) audio books on a separate USB drive to help pass the time. To save funds we bring our GPS instead of depending on cell service. 

My favorite car charger offers multiple plugs for an IPhone, key pad for a tablet and IPOD. The last trip I forgot our USB wall adapter, glad we had the car charger as a back-up!  

Overlooked Offer

Delighted to find an American Express offer for a Hilton Honors credit card with 80K points, respectable bonuses on the basic purchases and no annual fee, I applied and my card was on the way. 

The next morning I was checking my point balance. On the Hilton website was an American Express offer the Hilton Honors Surpass Card available with 100K points, twice the bonus points on restaurants, supermarkets and gas stations. Included was a complimentary Priority Pass membership, with a $27 per person per visit fee, an annual anniversary weekend night for free with $75 fee.

I promptly phoned American Express. I inquired if they would ‘Honor’ the same program as I had been approved for yesterday?

I promptly phoned American Express. I inquired if they would ‘Honor’ the same program as I had been approved for yesterday?

No. The supervisor explained if I was sent an AmEx solicitation he could match it, but because I applied on my own, there was nothing he could do.

He offered to refer my complaint (and disappointment) to their marketing people. His last comment was they would probably not be able to help me either.

Five days later I am happy to report good news from an American Express email. I was approved. Now I’m pondering since I haven’t heard from marketing, they probably issued a second card! 

Airline Miles vs Hotel Points

Last night I found a great price on a 15 day transatlantic cruise for later this year. Looking at the one way air fares a whopping $1295 per person, twice the price of the cruise.

I clicked on miles; the same flight was 30K per person, a value of $.04 per mile. Our only additional expense was $17 pp for taxes and fees. Using our Delta Airline’s credit card the first checked bag is free.

In the past I’ve seen Delta’s roundtrip fares were close the one way price and the same with using miles. Many credit card companies calculate by percentage, redeem 25K in points for a $250.00 airline credit. In this example it would take 120K+ points for the same 30K miles Delta flight.  

In a recent conversation with a fellow traveler, we discussed the use of hotel points verses airline miles. She preferred to gather hotel points and shop for cheat airfares. I shared our recent good luck at the Crown Plaza in Kensington London for a free anniversary night plus points and $110 USD was our price for two nights in a two-story suite.

I hope she will look into an airline credit card’s sign-up bonus with minimum purchase requirements. Companion certificates are another option on anniversary renewals for certain levels. Again, as long as one pays off those credit card balances every month, they are a great deal.

You may start checking prices and miles 330 days prior to departure. We have found great deals six months beforehand when excess seats available. Of course a little luck with supply and demand doesn’t hurt any time of year you choose to travel.

Another note… years ago I noticed once I returned to a site the fares were always higher. This wasn’t my imagination and confirmed by major travel magazine. Now I use C-cleaner after an inquiry to remove cookies from the search engine.  

Prioritize your needs, work on those accruals and enjoy redeeming them for safe travels!

Intl Text Charges on Free Wi-Fi

We have avoided the high price programs of slow cruise ship’s internet service for years. Instead it’s an adventure to seek out other Wi-Fi options in a café or port shops once on land.

I chose not to delete nor respond to the Verizon text(s) that kept appearing as we used a restaurant’s Wi-Fi service, free with the purchase of food, in the colorful port city of Cobh, Ireland.

Several weeks later our monthly bill was higher than usual and I scrutinized it carefully. Under ‘sent’ texts was a US area code 513. It appeared Verizon was billing me to receive their messages and auto-replies since I did not respond.

I chose to ‘chat’ with a rep and was told Verizon reads your device as long distance because no international feature was active.

Correct, I never agreed to a plan. The rep said, “When you travel international and there is no international services on the device and messages are not sent through iMessage it would attract a charge.”

He removed the expense and gave us an additional $12 for my trouble. I was surprised to find out while using a private Wi-Fi service; I am not protected from my carrier’s text charges.

One last note… in south Florida we found if one sees land while cruising out to sea expect to pay big bucks on that cell call. I don’t know how it works, but that tower in view is most likely not part of your program. 

Using Hotel Points

Fellow travelers have shared their many friends and family perks from the national chains. Years ago I started to accumulate hotel points, using an anniversary night or combinations of points with dollars can go a long way.

My favorite hotel credit card is IHG through Chase because the $49 annual fee does not have category restrictions. The one free anniversary night each year may be used in any of their worldwide locations, Intercontinental, Crown Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn Express and others.

IHG offers their customers creative accelerated point programs with stays and using the Chase card for double points on 'everyday purchases' like groceries, gasoline and restaurants. Hotels offer tier pricing (most of the time) or a free night for 15K+ points depending on the locations and time of year.

Customer Preferences List exceeds those of the others with the exception of Marriott inquiring as to ones pillow preference. IHG's website is easy to search and as with most membership check-ins there is free Wi-Fi and bottled water or bonus points.

Two weeks ago we used an anniversary night at the Crown Plaza, Kensington in London and then paid $110 USD with 40K points for the second night, booking a basic hotel room.

After making to two separate reservations on line, I emailed Crown Plaza asking if we could remain in the same hotel room for both nights. A prompt reply with a person's name said they made a note of it.

Standing in line to check-in we overheard the receptionist quote the nightly rate of 399 BPS, over $550 USD. The pleasant surprise, as IHG members we were upgraded to a two-story suite with a posted price of 499 BPS.

Accessible by elevator on both floors, the lower level had a sofa, desk, table to seat four, TV, stocked mini-bar fridge (additional fees applied) and a stairway up to the second floor to the sleeping quarters complete with coffee/tea set ups, biscuits (cookies), a safe, USB outlet, multiple 110V and 220V plugs. The pleasant staff and an excellent location near the Glouster Road Tube stop would be our first choice again on a return trip to London.

This past weekend we stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Hixon, TN outside of Chattanooga using points for another reward night. The new ‘Formula Blue’ concept has a bright lobby and updated breakfast area. Across from check-in is a computer/business center and on the lower level a fitness room and square pool with round hot tub.   

The contemporary hotel room design was fresh, including the basics, min-fridge, Keurig coffee/tea station, microwave, USB and multiple power outlets. Another wonderful staff made this a nice experience, especially when one is reminded to pick warm cookies in route to your room.    

That's Not My Passport!

    As I showed my passport to the agent, I joked how it was a better hair day for that photo than the one I was sporting this afternoon. She smiled.

    I've told many strangers about my late-1990's surprise. Recently married, I needed to update my passport. Then in January we won an all-expense trip to Germany to visit two companies we represented. We started our passport application at once for the May departure.

    For some reason the Miami passport office took forever and in late April my hubby's arrived. My envelope showed up days later. The outside correctly addressed. The inside was a passport of a 7 year old cute kid, but not me.

    I found the unusual name and called. I explained to her mother this surprise, did she have my passport? No, she did not. The family was leaving for vacation in a few weeks, could I mail it to her? I quickly took it to the post office that afternoon.

    I called the Miami office number, reported the mix up. The next day I had a message from a woman explaining she received my passport by mistake and agreed to mail it to my home address. Unfortunately, I did not have hers.

    A week later I checked on the actual date it was sent. She said after our conversation she decided to phone the Miami office and told to mail it back to them. They would sort it out.

    Frustrated I yelled, "These are the people that didn’t double check the outside of the envelope with the contents to begin with!" Days passed, nothing showed up. Finally, right before our departure it arrived via US Postal.

    Fast forward two decades and my travel writing buddy told us how a family member did not realize their child's passport expired after 5 years until packing for their trip. Both kids were under 16 years of age.

    Others are surprised to find many countries will deny entry if a visitor's passport has less than six months prior to expiration.

    The good news is my passport photo will continue to have a good hair day and expire in 10 years. For international trips consider a Global Entry Card to save time in long lines when returning to the US. It could make the difference between catching a connecting flight or rescheduling a later one!

What’s in my Backpack?

     I am the first to love a nice expensive handbag. Last year as the four of us were planning a trip to the Czech Republic, my friend asked what I use as a carry-on for airline flights. My answer was a backpack.

    Raised eyebrows, a shrug and that was the end of the discussion. Our meet-up in Prague proved to be a perfect example why.

    The checked luggage did not make the Charles de Gaul connection. It should be at our hotel sometime the next day. When my friend phoned they had arrived, I mentioned the delayed bags situation. How awful to be in the same clothes for two days she commented. Did we need to go shopping? Not a problem was my reply.

    We always pack a drip-dry shirt, clean undies and socks. Toiletries are TSA compliant, prescriptions with printed pages from the pharmacy to correspond with each med, extra tote for stuff, alarm clock, spectacles, an empty spray bottle to spritz my wrinkled shirt or attempt to restyle my bed head the next morning, blow-up neck pillows, ear plugs/buds, cell cords, camera, and small cross-body purse.

    The purse is large enough to hold our passports. In a small wallet I have our GeoBlue Trekker card (when traveling outside of the US), AARP for Budget auto rentals, corresponding airline and hotel credit cards  change per trip depending on which airline(s) we booked or hotel(s) we are staying, Priority card for airport clubs and just recently our blood donor cards.

    The four of us met up the next morning, spent the entire day sightseeing and returned to find the luggage waiting for us at the hotel. I understood we could filed a claim, but all worked out.

    A postcard in the front of our luggage has arrival destination details including complete address, dates and contact info. Thankfully we've only had delayed situations and never lost a bag!

Unexpected Request Over The Intercom

 
    At 4:15 pm on our fifth consecutive day at sea on a recent transatlantic cruise, an unusual request. A critically ill passenger needed Type A Positive Blood. Anyone on board with this blood type please bring their mandatory Blood Donor Card, and report to the Medical Center.

    Neither of us qualified. My heart went out to this individual on Deck 4 in a nightmare situation, two days from the next port in Cobh, Ireland. 

   

    Instead I prayed for him or her, as I often do at home when an ambulance passes our car or I hear one in the distance. A stranger I will never know needs all the help they can get at that moment.  

    The next day we heard an announcement the passenger was doing much better. Many thanks to those who helped.

    If you are traveling and healthy enough to give blood, consider carrying your blood donor card. Prior to this, we had left it at home. The next trip we'll bring it along. There may be someone in the future that will be grateful you helped save their life.

Travel Medical Insurance... Is yours a Primary or Secondary Policy?

Last year we purchased Trekker Choice through GeoBlue with web and mobile support. Prior to our renewal, I decided to do a little research. Articles I read suggested overseas travel insurance should be a primary-payer, purchased directly from a company like GeoBlue, not a tour operator or cruise line.

Online I was asked to answer if we had health insurance in the US. I phoned customer service and was told in order to cover a pre-existing circumstance, the company needs to make sure we had addressed medical concerns at home otherwise it would not be covered.

We always worried about some unforeseen accident like an acquaintance had a tour van back into her. For years I have read about MedjetAssist and Travel Guard, but with a $50 deductible, our ages, zip code, I renewed again 2 adults for $390.

We like how it covers unlimited trips in a 12 month period (70 days max. per trip). Up to $250K for sickness and accidents, $500K medical evacuation benefits, and covers pre-existing conditions for medical services and medical evacuation, also a no hospital pre-certification penalty.  

Pondering the next adventure, does your ‘trip’ insurance cover those additional days before the tour or after a cruise? Remember in most situations Medicare will not pay for health care or supplies outside of the US. Safe Travels!

Informative Traveler’s Magazine is a Black and White Periodical

We found International Travelers News Magazine a few years ago. For a $24 annual print or a $15 digital version, this independent magazine has articles of travelers sharing with other globetrotters their experiences outside of the USA.  IntlTtravelNews.com is located in Sacramento, CA, 800-486-4968

As one who had two articles published, the editor is meticulous about details. You must be a subscriber to participate and cover stories with photographs in the past, received a financial payment on a one-year subscription. All others (like mine) give you the glory of seeing ones journey in print.

The Boarding Pass column may include airport updates, new Visa policies, or cruise opportunities. Travel Brief’s, has details on future festivals, museum updates.

Traveler’s Intercom, readers’ opinions, tips and recommendations. News Watch covers current events and US State Department warnings.

My favorite, Calling All Readers, offers a monthly prompt and there’s an Essay Contest.

Of course the Where in the World category encourages readers to submit a favorite photo of some obscure local and let others try to guess where it was taken. 

Have a look on line, or ask for a free copy, we always learn something in our monthly issue for future travels!  

Over 300 Member Locations

We enjoy photographing botanicals, historical homes, museums, nature centers and planetariums.

Prior to departure I take a look at the American Horticultural Society RAP (reciprocal admission program) on their website AmericanHort.ahs.org

With a current membership, visitors are allowed special admission privileges and / or discounts to over 300 participating gardens, arboreta and conservatories in the US, District of Columbia, and two in Canada. 

Last summer we attended Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Chihuly Exhibit at no charge as it was included in our local membership.  I did call ahead as recommended, and photo ID is required. Also suggested is confirming any 90-mile exclusion policy based on your home address.

In our area a Dual category is $70 a year. This includes unlimited entry, “Members Only” events throughout the year, and educational programs for all ages along with gift shop discounts.

As noted on the site these gardens rely on gifts and donations. Consider supporting your local public centers. We look forward to toting our tripod through the Edison and Ford Winter Estates or Flamingo Gardens.

Rental Car UNOC Coverage

Ever reviewed your Credit Card company's rental car policy?

They often cover the vehicle, not those 'out of service weeks' after an incident the Car Agency expects to be paid. 

Yes, the period of time between an accident and the completed repairs, the rental car is out of commission and your responsibility.

While no one anticipates an accident, we purchase an Additional Use of Non-Owned Auto Coverage (UNOC) through our State Farm agent for about $5 a month for vacation purposes in the US and Canada.

Thankfully we have never had to file a claim, but it's nice to know we're covered. Safe Travels! 

Intriguing Opportunities to Earn Points and Miles

Friends are amazed when we discuss how many expenses we charge on our Visa or MasterCard. As long as one pays the entire credit card statement each month, there can be some nice perks.

Everyone knows about groceries, gas and drugstore double / triple points. We charge our doctor and dentist visits, too.

Bills like electricity and real estate taxes do charge a service fee, but we feel this outweighs the benefit of the airline miles or hotel options toward free travel.

Many people are unaware you may charge your auto, home, and boat insurance on a Visa or MasterCard. Contact the agent directly or check the company's website. Not all insurance companies share this option with their customers.

We received a notice our health insurance company offers a credit card payment service, but we must physically take it to a CVS store the 1st of each month. My neighbors have automatic billing.

Recently I answered an American Airlines e-rewards survey and received 250 miles. We'll see how often I get these and if it's worth the effort.

The next time those bills arrive, ponder which credit card will help in planning a future trip!