Not on My Dime: Travel Friends

December 13, 2011 - Howie

We’re all guilty of it at some point in our lives: ducking your head into a book, pretending to be on a phone call, being completely focused on something, or writing that blog post. You know, the “ignore game.” Whether you’re tired, cranky, sick, or just don’t want to talk, there are always times when you just want some alone time. I get it. I need my “me” time. I don’t want to say I regret always keeping to myself, but there are definitely times that a quiet Howie is the best Howie. This past week was a good week to be engaged in my travel world. A good conversation with the General Manager at my home-away-from-home Sheraton, a great flight attendant, and a new travel friend helped fill a week of travel up and down the east coast. Three quick stories…Spending 75 nights at the same property, you recognize a few faces, especially those working behind a front desk. A big smile and a good attitude goes far for making someone’s day a little better. That same attitude helps you get an upgraded room or a suite. After chatting with the GM — him thanking me for my loyalty, and me thanking him for his hospitality and the hospitality of his team — he indicated he’d like to contact the properties where I’ll be staying for my upcoming vacation. He wanted to make sure they take care of me. I’ll report on this next week.

The flight attendant I had on my Thursday flight from Hartford to Atlanta was one of the most genuine people I’ve met. I had mentioned being hungry, and while there was no four-star meal to be served, she put together a dinner of snacks she had a available and brought it to me with a smile. I was hungry, potentially cranky, and a simple gesture from Vicky made my day. And yes, I thanked her, and I wrote a note to Delta thanking her for going above and beyond. Not to mention my glass of Cabernet was never empty.

My story to remember was meeting a fellow travel junkie — twice! On my flight out Tuesday morning and home Thursday night my seatmate was Sherry. A fellow Delta flyer, Sherry told me of a trip she’s got planned this month out to Vegas. The best thing about her trip is that she’s staying in Vegas for four hours and flying home right after. Sounds like a mileage run to me. We spoke about credit cards, diversifying your points across multiple programs, and how points were currency, just like the US dollar. On the Thursday flight we continued our conversation from Tuesday, but with some fresh stories over the past two days.

Meeting people, making friends, sharing stories, and learning from one another makes travel exciting for me. What is the thrill for you?

Travel Tip: Autoslash.com — USE IT!

I hadn’t used this site before, but had heard of it several times and had seen Jonathan speak at the Chicago DO in 2010. Autoslash is a site where you can book rental cars and if the price drops they cancel and rebook you at the lower price. Genius! This week I booked a rental for my mother and another for my brother. Mom saved $15 overnight and my brother $100. Need a free car seat for your rental?

Packing Tip: Pack your toiletries as soon as you return

I’ve started doing this and will never look back. Running out of shampoo, shaving cream, or other needed toiletries stinks whether you’re at home or on the road. By spending five minutes to replenish my travel bag when I get home, I save the hassle and time when I pack to head out again.

Sam

NICE. I just got a room for the first night of CS for about $50 at the excalibur. It showed a higher price, but I went through to chekout and it showed me $32 (plus resort fees).
Alison

Thanks for the tip… Vegas for the holidays? I think so!

Not on My Dime: Travel Friends

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