[Mazie]

The big thing to know is that the Northern Lights depend on the sun’s activity, so there’s no way to be 100% sure you’ll see them.

Fairbanks, Alaska is a popular spot because it gets really cold and clear in the winter.

That means there’s a much lower chance of cloudy weather blocking your view of the lights.

It’s not as sure-fire on the West Coast.

If you’re going to Fairbanks, a lot of people recommend Chena Hot Springs for seeing the Northern Lights.

[Mazie]

Those two spots are awesome.

Here are some pointers:

Don’t skip the Abu Dhabi mosque!

Catch the Dubai Fountain from a restaurant or bar with a view.

If you’re into it, make sure to snag tickets to the Museum of the Future ahead of time.

[Mazie]

I canceled 30 minutes before boarding and received a full refund.

[Mazie]

Can buy whatever the minimum amount is to keep them active if you can’t transfer in points from somewhere else.

[Mazie]

Doesn’t matter where you book, you just need to make sure you decline any optional additional insurance.

I almost always use AutoSlash, but every now and then you’ll find a better price somewhere else when you shop around.

Renting directly through Hertz or through an online travel agency is fine.

[Mazie]

Not all Hyatt properties have gift cards for sale.

Of those that do, many times the front desk staff are untrained about gift card sales and they may be unaware that these cards exist.

It’s best to call ahead and speak with a manager before driving to a location.

[Mazie]

Three of us flew in business class from JFK to Nairobi this past June.

We thought it was absolutely fine and the seats were a flatbed.

I would fly them again.

[Mazie]

It’s cutting it close but doable.

We had a flight from Porto to DFW on American with a layover in Madrid last month.

We missed our flight but it was in part due to the language barrier and our first flight was delayed.

American was willing to rebook the following day free of charge with an additional layover.

Iberia had a flight available the same day so we took that and paid the flight difference.

[Mazie]

It is cheap because you need to pay for carry on baggage, seat selection, food on board.

Add all the normal stuff and it is like $200 more per ticket.

Still cheaper than the others, but now about 25% less as opposed to 50% less

[Mazie]

Yes, you can cancel Booking.com reservations for free in 24 hours!

I had the exact same issue today and was able to cancel for free.

My stay was non-refundable and then I found the exact same place on Airbnb for way cheaper a few minutes after I had booked it.

Since it was less than 24 hours since I booked, Booking.com does allow you to cancel your reservation for free, even if it is non-refundable.

Just go to Manage Your Bookings and you will see the option there.

[Mazie]

Pay all utilities, internet, cell phone, grocery, streaming, insurance, etc.

If you get to the end and are desperate to hit the minimum spend, you can use a company like Plastiq and pay your mortgage, but it will cost you 3%, which will eat into your bonus.

[Mazie]

It would be best to file a police report because then they would take it seriously.

Also this happened to me years ago and they never did anything about it so in hindsight…

[Mazie]

To me, yes it’s worth it to switch to Hyatt Regency.

Better location and just a nicer place.

Even though both hotels are dated.

It would totally be worth it to me. (I’ve stayed at both)

[Mazie]

I had a luggage with the wheels broken.

I contacted the company for the part but instead, they gave me a full refund.

Went on Amazon and bought a universal wheelset for about $10.

Then went on YouTube on how to install it

[Mazie]

Agreed.

Far simpler to pick one of the hotels within walking distance of the SkyTrain.

There’s also a Tru Hilton open there now for a clean, cheap, no-frills option.