Karyn read an article in my hometown paper, the Traverse City Record Eagle, about our frugal travel experiences and decided to join us gang of crazies. From her mail below, it sounds like the project has been successful so far.

Hi Rick,

Thanks for your tips and for getting me into this frugal travel stuff. What luck to have read the article about you and a year later book a FREE FLIGHT TO AUSTRALIA! weeeeeeeeeeee

I had an awesome rep on the other end of the line. He had me on the phone for 40 min. I kept complimenting him on how thorugh he was as he really did make a lot of suggestions.
The first thing out of his mouth was, hum, it’s “kind of late for award tickets around a holiday- but lets see what we can find”. I only asked about partner airlines once and he said- yup, we’ll check them all if we have to. What a guy. I think he deserves a letter!

Anyway, I told him the dates were a little flexible but we only had to comprise on the start date- he leaves 2 days earlier which is cool.
Plus on the way back he has a 2 day layover in LA on Thanksgiving day and weekend. My sister lives there so I think my daughter and I will go there for Thanksgiving and we’ll all be there. How cool is that?

Ok, I’m rambling.

What luck…..thanks Rick!

And Another One a Day Later

Hi Rick,

I have to share another success….

I spent my lunch hour at Chase. I wanted to open the business checking account. It went without a snag, plus, to eliminate a monthly fee he suggested I open a Continental Business CC ..for another 25000 bonus points (85 dollar fee but worth the 25k). Then on top of that I’ll get another 2500 bonus miles when I use the debit card for the first time.

I walked out 52500 cont. miles richer, even though I was only expecting 25000.
Plus they had free popcorn!

Nice!

The great thing about Karyn’s story is she worked at her goals with multiple programs and asked lots of questions to get where she wanted. With some judicious points transfers and effort on her part, her son is off to Aussie land for a Thanksgiving break.

Katybug actually has worked with for Karyn in the past, they met up again at the Ann Arbor DO, and it feels great to be able to help out one of Katy’s past acquaintances.

Next time Karyn, it should be you on the road to somewhere.

Congrats

Off to The Pacific Coast Highway

As you read this odds are, we are on our way courtesy of the Chase/Continental checking account deal for the price of the $25 debit card.

After a free night tonight at SAV Four Points hotel via a previous transaction, we are flying SAV-ATL on Delta, ATL-IAH and IAH to SJC on Continental arriving shortly after 2 PM tomorrow.

We pick up our Priceline Hertz Rent a car and head off to Monterey, CA for our free night at the Comfort Suites in Pacific Grove.

The next day, the 27th, is down the PCH to San Simeon to hopefully hook up with Peter and his group of Frugal travellers and the Hearst Castle the following morning the 28th. Our accommodations are the San Simeon area are courtesy of the Expedia Refer a Friend promo, thank you very much.

Returning from Hearst Castle we stay at the Courtyard San Jose Airport via my new member bonus ( Don’t ask me, I’m just enjoying the free night) Maybe I had more than one Marriott account?

The next morning it is a Southwest flight at $49 each down to San Diego for the Padres game and hopefully meet up with Dave Winfield again.

After the game, we spend the night at the Courtyard Liberty station on a buy two get one free promo and return the next morning via SAN-IAH, IAH-ATL, ATL-SAV freebie ticket with CO and DL providing the transportation.

Frugal Travel at its Best. California Here We Come.