Liz E. DTW
3 words: Carry. On. Only.
How about an Amtrak Rewards story?

Evelyn F BHM/ATL

Don't let your miles expire-order a magazine with a few of them to get another year added to keep them going.

Tips for getting hotel points and upgrades.

1) Rai O, ATL
2) Don't keep all your credit cards, cash, valuables in one place. Having said that, don't forget where you put them!
3) I would like to know more about Autoslash.com, if possible and if there is enough interest.

Mary R., MSY

Oh gosh, the travel tip writes itself: You did not have to hide in your hotel in J'burg. When I was there alone, I stayed at the Backpacker's Ritz and then joined a few other people to take tours of Soweto (and yes one of the tours did include drive through Hillsbro or whatever it's called to see the glue sniffers although I could have just as well skipped that part). I'm sure you could have done the same at any hostel. You could have arranged a private or small tour of Marievale and Suikersbosrand through Birding Africa or EcoTours or probably any number of people willing to drive you the short distance to this fine local park. Right in town is the lovely Walter Sisulu Botanical Park, perfectly safe, with its in-town waterfall and mated pair of Black Eagles.

That said, what I would like to see more of, definitely, is diaries like this that show real people on the ground traveling, reviewing small or medium tours, maybe making some mistakes, but telling us how it really is and what you're really doing with your points.

Ray G., JFK

If you get denied for a credit card, make sure to call the reconsideration line to see if you can get some credit shifted around and get an approval. They may not want to give you more credit, but I've tried this once with Chase and it worked. A little small talk and kindness, and talking about the benefits of the card and why you want it, can go a long way.

I'd love to read more about the possibility of using miles/points to book train travel in Europe. I'm not sure it's possible, but if it is… I know Frugaltravelguy can shed some light on it!

1. Crissy M. JFK
2. When in big cities that you're unfamiliar with wear a money belt, and don't take it out in public.
3. Tips on booking award tickets

1.Fredrik A, CHS
2.When travelling in Europe you need to be careful regarding public transportation to and from the airport if you leave/arrive on a Sunday. The schedule is much reduced.
3.Using miles for Golftrips

Ben G DTW
Pack a garbage bag to keep your dirty clothes separated.
More about getting miles without a credit card

1. Dustin W, DSM
2. Sign up for Livingsocial and Groupon emails for the country to which you are traveling.
3. More about getting the best car rent rates and credit cards that provide rental car insurance

1. janet c, las
2. a great tip is calling ahead to the property you are staying at. talk to the gm or conceirge (someone in charge!) …remind them of birthdays, anniversaries etc. we've always received a room upgrade or a little treat in the room!
3. a tutorial please on how to use ana aeroplan to book tix using chase rewards?

thanks

Cory Z
JFK/LGA/EWR

I always try to travel with carry-ons only, and avoid checking bags (for several reasons). However, since I like to bring a lot of gear, toys, etc., (workout clothes, snorkel gear, etc.), it is tough … So I try to pack dri-fit t-shirts (which are much thinner than traditional t's), wear my bulkiest items (instead of packing them), and attach a few "attach-able" items via carabiners (e.g., sneakers, baseball cap, snorkel fins, etc.)

As for a topic I'd like to read about …

I'd like to see a summary of the information that the different credit card companies/banks request on business card applications …
e.g., whether they request age of business; whether they request revenue or income; whether the business has to have a street address (and, if so, whether the business has to receive bills in its own name), etc…

As always … thanks a million!

1. Terry H., CID
2. Bring extra batteries
3. Finding inexpensive meals abroad.

1. Jesse S, ATL
2. For coach on a plane that is not full, try to be the last one to board so you can find a better empty seat.
3. First timer's guide to collecting points and going on the first trip.

1. Andrew M, SFO
2. Use everything complimentary provided by the hotels. Most hotels have free toiletries at the front desk, if you were to ask politely.
3. I want to see more guides for rookies starting out.

Somsubhra M, RDU
Call your hotel beforehand if they have shuttle service from the airport.
More about airline upgrades.

1. Helina S.OGG
2. A tip for ladies: While using a carry-on only,take along a medium size tote as your handbag. You can fit that nice pair of heels that you would love to take along, but don't have room in your carry-on.:)
3. Tell me if it's better to collect Points&Points in HiltonHhonors,than Points&Miles?

Before you leave the US, take a credit card size of paper and write down:
(1)the international dialing codes of the US and each country you'll be traveling through;
(2)the # to the US Embassy in each country; and
(3) the customer service ##s for each of your credit cards. Give a copy to your travel companion and keep copies for yourself in your wallet and each of your bags. Don't just put it in your wallet or purse because if that's gone, you're out of luck. Do program the info into your phone, but have a hard copy in case your battery dies. I had a bad experience with a rental car company in Fiji last month and I called American Express while on site to prevent a fraudulent charge.
What I want to see: more great advice on how to book award flights to interesting places.

Ted F, ROC

If in the US, remember to register your main dining card on the road with one of the Airline Dining Reward programs! You just may be pleasantly surprised!

How to take advantage of vacation packages and at the same time maximize return on miles

1. Karen L. – SJC
2. Look for Restaurant.com deals in the areas you'll be visiting to cut down on dining costs. ($25 off $35+ deals are best since tax and mandatory tip are calculated on the full bill.) Alternatively, learn how to cook using a clothes iron and coffee pot in your hotel room!
3. I would love to see a post about how to maximize credit card rewards without having to pay anything up front or cancel cards after a year to avoid yearly fees (i.e. credit cards that don't have any sort of yearly fee but still give decent rewards).

Sarah K- TVC
Tip: When shopping for souvenirs, check out a nearby Walmart…contrary to what you may think, many times they stock similar items to what you'd find in a gift shop for much less.
Topic: Ways to exchange/transfer points from one program to another. How to "use up" leftover points.