[Beatrice]

I’m in Tenerife right now.

I know how to drive a manual, so I booked a manual car.

When booking, you’ll need to reserve an automatic if that’s what you want.

Be aware that the car rental lines were very long.

Hertz was shorter, but it still took us about an hour to pick up the car.

Another company called Top Car had a line of at least 25-30 people, which probably took them 2-3 hours to get their rental.

Spain requires mandatory auto insurance for rentals, which was causing problems for many people in line ahead of us.

Hertz gave us the option to either place an ~$800 hold on a credit card instead of buying extra insurance or buy the extra insurance.

I opted for the hold and used my AMEX Platinum card since it provides additional car rental insurance.

[Beatrice]

So, none of those things you mentioned are really close to any of the hotels I’d suggest.

The Hyatt Regency Chicago is a good choice because it’s within walking distance of Maggie Daley Park and Millennium Park, which we really like. Also, the Chciago Art Institute is world class art museum has a free Ryan Learning Center where they have some toys and a simple art project, depending on what your kid likes.

If you’re up for spending a few more points, you can get a Club Access room at the Hyatt Regency and enjoy free breakfast (plus appetizers, which can basically serve as dinner).

Otherwise, if you’re after free breakfast, go for the Hyatt Place Chicago.

To save on parking, I’d recommend checking out spots on SpotHero or ParkWhiz near whichever hotel you choose!

[Beatrice]

I don’t know the answer, but you can check the earning rate by going to the Rewards Activity section in your account.

Every transaction should be listed there along with how many UR points you’ve earned.

[Beatrice]

In a similar situation, I hold Gold status with American Airlines and will be flying back from the UK on British Airways flights that I booked through American Airlines.

It’s a bit confusing because my Gold status grants different perks on British Airways than on American Airlines.

My 8-year-old is on a separate reservation, and British Airways informed me that they couldn’t confirm if I could select her seats 7 days out, which is one of the perks, for an 8-hour flight.

I’m just hoping it all works out at this point and looking forward to traveling with points next year

[Beatrice]

Switch to the Freedom Visa with Ultimate Rewards which isn’t open for direct applications.

You can only get it by switching products.

It’s similar to the Freedom Flex but with a Visa card.

[Beatrice]

I love this Hi Bar conditioner.

I have long, fine hair and this works great.

hellohibar.com

Plastic Free Shampoo, Conditioner, Face Wash and Deodorant

We’re on a mission to help rid the world of plastic pollution. All of the items we sell on our site use plastic free packaging and shipping.

[Beatrice]

I pre-ordered trackers from PebbleBee.

They won’t ship/work until Google opens their new Find My network, supposedly happening soon.

They will work just like Airtags, but with the Android phone network.

[Beatrice]

Another trick is to have all your credit cards billing period end on the same date.

I use the first of every month.

That way I know that at the beginning of every month, I need to settle up.

But even so, just in case, everything is on autopay.

[Beatrice]

I *think* AMEX Business Gold gets 4X points because you are buying directly from a software company, but definitely go through a portal.

[Beatrice]

Let them be late and collect the compensation.

The worst thing is that you make your flights.

[Beatrice]

Location wise your best options are going to be Hyatt Regency Tokyo and Hyatt House Shibuya.

Both are easy to get to from Haneda via the subway.

While I haven’t stayed at the Hyatt Regency Tokyo specifically, I’ve stayed around that area a couple of times and the immediate area is more business-like and a little sleepy at night.

However, Shinjuku is only one subway stop away so it’s still super convenient.

Looked at a map and Hyatt House Shibuya looks to be very close to Shibuya station, but it’s located on the side away from most of the nightlife stuff, so a little more walking, but still looks to be a good spot.

I personally would be fine with either, but staying at Hyatt House Shibuya will save you a couple of subway rides, while staying at Hyatt Regency Tokyo will save you some walking steps.

Definitely a hard no for me though to Hyatt Regency Yokohama or Hyatt Regency Tokyo Bay for just a one-night overnight stay.

[Beatrice]

We were so glad that we rented a car, we loved exploring.

We stayed in Airbnb’s in Cahuita, La Fortuna and Rio Celeste area.

Such an awesome trip.

There were a few times that driving was challenging, so it was great to have an extra set of eyes in the front seat watching out.

We did pay for full coverage, gulp, it was a lot but we decided it was worth the peace of mind.

We always video at pickup and drop off too.

Hope you have the best time!

[Beatrice]

Haven’t seen any Barclays, AMEX, Chase, or Citi business cards count against 5/24 since they don’t report to personal credit (unless you’re in default).

Not sure about the rest (Capital One, Bank of America etc)

[Beatrice]

If you refer someone to a Southwest credit card, the referral points count toward the Companion Pass!

[Beatrice]

Depends on the time of year.

If you’re more in that June/July/August period, it’s a good price.

If it’s May or September, it’s an ordinary price.

I have a Princess Alaska balcony booked for May 2024. (7 day Seattle loop. Not my preference– my first choice was a southbound out of Whittier but I wanted to visit someone in Seattle, and it was too clunky to get there from Vancouver.)

The actual balcony cabin itself ran $3,236.00 for two people.

The taxes/fees/port expenses were another $653.76.

I did internet-for-one for $105.00.

No drink package, no plus or premier package.

Pre-paid gratuities ran $224 for two people.

If I had booked more in peak season, it probably would have run an extra $1000/each just for the room.