Deal of the Day: Hotel Card Winner & JetBlue Fare Sale

March 6, 2012 - FrugalTravelGuy

Our winner from yesterday’s contest is Christine B whose home airport is BWI (Baltimore, MD). Her tip was “Book the best car rental you can…then let Autoslash do it’s thing. I saved $250 on my last trip” and her topic suggestion was “The best hotels for families with small kids, especially ones that have suites so the little ones can be in their own space”. Don’t forget to enter in today’s for another $50 at TheHotelCard.com. Christine please email rick@frugaltravelguy.com to get your voucher.To Christine and everyone that left comments thank you and keep entering for another change to win. Expect to see some of these topics written about in the near future. We’re also going to add some new pages to help make content easier to find.

On to the deals …

JetBlue is having a March-For-Deals sale today only, starting at $54

[Mattress Run] – Sheraton Herndon Dulles – $59 all in.

If you’ve got a newer BlackBerry smartphone with OS7 or higher RIM is giving away a bunch of free apps.

Ruelala currently has rentals on Nantucket offered up. These are definitely not Frugal deals at all; nothing on Nantucket is, but it is an opportunity to save a few bucks if you’re planning a trip.

Make sure you’ve signed up for Hyatt’s promotion where you earn more bonus points the more you stay. If you spend 16 nights at a Hyatt, you will earn 44,000 bonus points.

You can get up to double miles on American on nonstop flights between Chicago and either Shanghai or Beijing as well as between Los Angeles and Shanghai.

Club Carlson is running a triple points promotion.

Andrew Manosca

-Andrew Manosca from SFO
-Start building points early. Upon turning 21, I have signed up for Credit Cards with miles and built up miles via Airline reward programs. Although so far its only Vegas, I cannot wait until I graduate and can use the points for something better.
-I want to read more about cruise ships. I've never been on one yet
Anonymous

Day trip or overnight to Brugge.

dh53
Anonymous

"Not on My Dime" Howie is not posting about travel on his own dime? Seems like someone has run out of content to write about.
Anonymous

1. Liz E., DTW
2. Get a spinner suitcase, they're awesome
3. Avoiding award booking/fuel fees
ucsdmark

Can't fnd that fare no more

1) Mark C

2) I put all my metal in my jacket, with only boarding pass n pass port in my hand and place the jacket to be scanned
That way nothing will be left behind in the box
3) I do like to hear more about how you get commissions frOm the credit card links? Did u cOntact them or vice versa
Anonymous

Tina, C GRR
Roll clothes in suitcase to save space.
Read Frugal Travel Guy Handbook and keep handy for reference.
Anonymous

Leonidas for chocolate and no trip to Brussels would be complete without going to see Manneken Pis. The museum of the City of Brussels displays several of the hundreds of costumes that he has received over the years (about 800 total).
tassojunior

Antwerp !
Anonymous

Perhaps I missed it, but this would have been the type of deal that I'd hoped would have been posted (quickly) onto this blog so that readership might have taken advantage of it.
Anonymous

Howie sounds cool and I like the behind the scenes view of how the "magic" happens. We plan on getting to Bruges sometime, and we did the "chunnel" from Paris to London, it is great. Enjoy!

1. packing tip- put as much in your main compartment as possible and use the compression straps to help reduce bulk, then minimize the size of the items you place in your outer luggage pockets. This can really help ensure your bag fits in the overhead bins

2. I would like to see articles on good value redemption destinations for my United/CO miles

Gary P/STL
Ken

In Bruge make a stop at Cambrinus for a fantastic beer selection (including the not-for-commercial-sale Westvleteren 12 which is considered by many the best beer in the world). They have an excellent food menu as well, with many items brewed with beer. Enjoy!
Susan

Take a Flanders Field/Ypres tour. You won't regret it. Tack it on to your Bruges trip. And Bruges really needs an overnight.
Howie

@Anonymous -

Definitely not out of content … but considering Air Canada is effectively paying for this whole trip … $500 for two to Europe; can't really consider this on my dime (even if I am paying for it).
Anonymous

Who's Sara?
This looks like it will be expensive in the end adding on Eurostar and award travel to JFK. A $300 isn't that "cheap" unless you live in JFK and go to an exciting destination. So much for being frugal. Why not go to Paris. London is like New Jersey. Paris is the city of Love.
As for Belgium, try a Kwak. Great beer.
Mommy Points

Yay! So glad to play a small role in your Brussels trip! (Now if only I could have taken advantage myself……….ha ha).
Anonymous

I can't find that fare either! I see where mommypoints contacted you on Feb. 2nd and you post this on Feb. 5th. Guess you got yours and we're left wondering. Nice! You and Ingy have done a nice job in sharing!? — Rich
Anonymous

I stayed at the Le Meridien in Brussels about a month back (took a weekend road trip from Frankfurt)with a $149/night rate. It is more centrally located IMO and more access to restaurants and things around.
IPBrian

You make me wish I would have hopped on that one myself.
Anonymous

Dirk F, MCO
Pay no ATM fees worldwide with Schwab Bank ATM.
I would like standby traveling tips & unique suggestions for when flight is delayed or overbooked.
Joel

Joel J, MCI

I recommend not checking your bag(s) during a mileage run, especially if there are a number of layovers and/or you switch carriers. There's a good chance the luggage could stay back and you won't receive it until a week after your return…like what happened to me. That said, the compensation could be worth all the hassle, or not.

There are a number of frugal travelers who blog on a regular basis. You could go through a refresh, filtering the best bloggers from those who post copy content from other bloggers. You could also categorize them by interest.
Jenny from SLOTown

1. Jennifer C, SBP
2. Use colored paper to print different parts of itinerary: white for airline reservations, green hotel, yellow car, etc. for easy sorting
3. Best tips for using the "new" UA/CO to search award inventory
Anonymous

Ray G., JFK
Bring nuts on the plane with you. They throw salted peanuts at you sometimes (or pretzels or chips) but nuts like almonds are a great source of energy and nutrition along with satisfying those hunger pangs when the airline isn't feeding you.
I'd like to read more about booking rail travel in South America using points. Thanks!
Anonymous

I for one am glad to see a blogger that didn't post it. Love you Mommy Points, but the more publicity a mistake fare gets, the quicker it dies.
Anonymous

1. Derek W., SAN
2. Always bring a book or e-reader to make layovers, delays, and lulls in between your departure and arrival go faster.
3. The best way to use points for a tropical vacation.
Jordan

1. Jordan R, RIC
2. Instead of redepositing foreign currency when you get home (my bank, and most as far as I know, charge a hefty fee) save it to have converted upon arrival at your next foreign trip. That way you're saving some cash and have at least some money on arrival.
3. When do redeeming miles for hotel stays make sense (how to value this as an option)
Anonymous

1. Terry H., CID
2. Make use of local supermarkets.
3. Restaurant savings.
Anonymous

1. Dustin W
2. Check out restaurant.com before you leave for your trip, you might save some money on food.
3.Avoiding fuel fees and air passenger duty/taxes
Anonymous

Get to Bruges as early as possible or stay as late as possible. The city is beautiful with less people around. Go see the swans at Minnewater lake and get frites from the frite stand next to the belle tower. I was there in the fall for 3.5 days and love Bruges. The tour of the brewery is good also and you get a free beer at the end.
Anonymous

Reuven M TLV
Bring a neck cushion
How to receive updates when award tix open up
Anonymous

1.Fredrik A, CHS
2 Talk to your local bank and they will be happy to give you free foreign ATM Withdrawls.
3. Using rewards points travelling in Asia.
Anonymous

1. Nadja A, CHS
2. When flying from a small regional airport you should try to book the earliest flight out. The planes are usually serviced overnight and you run less of a risk missing your connection.
3. A list of top reward hotels in the major cities in Europe. Maybe have readers contributing.
Eddy C

1. Eddy C, ORD

2. If you're traveling internationally, make a copy of your passport and carry that with you while you're out and about and leave your actual passport in your hotel safe.

3. How to negotiate with the airlines when they ask you to voluntarily give up your seat
Anonymous

I agree with a previous poster. Think you got caught up in "the deal" here. You are using 50000 miles for RT SAV-LGA (valued at >$500) and Sara is taking unpaid vacation. Don't fool yourself… it's not frugal any more.
Evelyn

Evelyn F, BHM/ATL
I have a stuff it bag from LL Bean that I use for dirty laundry, freeing up space for souvenirs coming home. The bag is sturdy and it becomes a checked bag.
I would like to hear more about when to find ff seats and if there are good times of year to book fares to Europe.
Anonymous

$250 for flight. $250 for hotel. $250 for eurostar fare. $250 for food… and other assorted other costs. $1,000+ out of pocket qualifies as being "not on my dime"?
But if you're just referring to the flight and hotel, yes, that is definitely a great deal but still not exactly free. Hopefully one day I'll have your perspective but as for now, I still consider $500 at least a couple of dimes.
Rudy R

Day trip to Bruges will hardly do it justice. We're going in June and spending six days there.
Joe

If you've never been to Bruges I would recommend an overnight stay there. Antwerp and Ghent are also great towns. Unless you are already going to be near Mannekin Pis it is nothing special.
Carol H.

Carol H. MSP

Tip: To save money on snacks and beverages at the airport, bring granola/snack bars and an empty water bottle that you can fill at a drinking fountain. Nice to have on the plane as well.

Would love to have more ideas/suggestions on how to maximize CC sign-up bonuses, use of miles and points, and tips for travel for a single, retired woman!
Kurt

Howie – this is what I would do if I were going back to Brussles

Rent a car, drive the hour to Watou in West Flanders. Spend a night or 2 at the St Bernardus brewery B&B. USe their free bokes to ride wound the are, sample the excllent local food and beer, and just relax. Take a short ride to the Westvleteran brewery/Abbey up the road, read a book, drink lots of great beer and enjoy being in a little visted part of the country.

A FWIW, Brugge is an easy drive from there. Maybe 75 min?
Anonymous

Nick J AUS

Call your credit card provider so they are aware of purchases outside your home area

your favorite hotels to stay at on points!
Lisa

Lisa T (LAX)

If possible, exchange currency (if traveling internationally) before you leave home. Sometimes it is cheaper here than there.

I would like to read more about seat upgrades. I am in the process of during this and it is giving me a headache
Debbie K

Debbie K
Tip: If trying to get a large group to one location. Try Airports that are close by – but arrive near the same time.
Suggestions – More tips on using delta points
Debbie K

Debbie K
alway an colapsable cooler for the hotel room or for carry to the beach
More usair articles
Rich (Maryland)

http://www.chocolatierdumon.be/ is a chocolate place to check out in Bruges.

Don't forget about the waffles and fries.

The Royal Palace and Gardens near it are nice to see in Brussels. Personally I enjoyed the eats and drinks more than the city (it wasn't bad but not as interesting as others).

A day trip to London seems kind of excessive to me but everyone has their own likes/dislikes.

I'd take a day trip somewhere closer.
FG

Brussels is a great food town and the old town always gave me the mediterranean feel with a more sophisticated flair.
We all know about the beer, try many, especially the ones with a hint of cardamom. Also, they are famous for the seafood. Moules et frites (Mussels and Fries) are a national dish and you can get them in many many varieties. Also their cold mussel/snail/oyster platters (again, with the beer) are to die for. The snails are kinda spicy and fun to eat (completely different from the "escargot smothered with garlic butter stuff" you get elsewhere.

Weather will be cool unfortunately so not much sitting outside, but there will be plenty of restaurants in the old town with awnings and heat to enjoy.
And for the tourist …Maenneken Piss, not to be missed.
Anonymous

Arlyce M MSP
Tip: Grab your hotel's business card when leaving (especially in a foreign country where you do not speak the language) so you can simply hand it to your taxi drive when you want to return.
Topic: Diversification of miles/points when your home airport is 80% controlled by one airline.
foreverforgotten

1. Emily C MSN
2. packing clothes in plastic comforter bags and then sitting on them before you zip them up to make them unbelievably tiny
3. how to get an award ticket to iceland (i'm serious)
Anonymous

Ivan W.
1. SNA
2. Once you book car rental, check everyday for lower rates and re-book or modify existing reservation to get lowest rate!
3. Best use of Amex MR points
Dan

Dan R JFK

AA offers to Europe for 40,000 and $10 bucks in taxes is sweeeeeeeet ! Jump on it !

Hilton HHonors ? Devalued. Should I keep using my HH Amex ?

Thank you sir
Anonymous

1. Bob M, TPA
2. be careful about using corporate rental car discount codes you find on sites like flyertalk that include free insurance coverage in its discount. if you have an accident, this is a prime way for the rental company to invalidate your entire contract. not worth the risk considering all the other codes available that don't include free insurance.
3. Why travel insurance may or may not be worth the cost
the caldwell’s

1. janet c. las vegas
2. pack a few lg ziploc for wet, dirty clothes.
3. would love to see a tutorial on using ana, aeroplan…
thanks!!
Christine B

1) Christine B, BWI
2) When I book flights on Southwest, I check back again every Tuesday/Thursday to see if the rates have gone on sale yet, and immediately rebook at the lower fare. Traveling with a family of 4, even $20 savings a ticket makes a big difference!
3) Tips for renting cars in South America.
Anonymous

-Nick H – DFW
-Always make sure you are earning points/miles with credit card spends… always.
-Guest Writer/Blogger series on "the most remote place(s) that you have been too because of miles"
Anonymous

1. Denis R, JFK
2. Capital One's Venture card lets you spend your 2% earned "miles" on any travel-related expense charged to your card — air, hotel, restaurants, museum tickets, ski lift, etc. Last year, my bonus miles paid for my entire European vacation.
3. I'd like to read about trip insurance.
Anonymous

Brett D. PIT

Tip: When packing contact lenses, always store them in a ziploc bag in case it leaks due to pressure changes.

Request: I'd like to see more case examples of setting up a mileage run or award booking. Not just the end product, but the process, too.
Anonymous

Leigh R., PHL

Use sites like homeaway and flipkey to save tons of money on vacations when traveling as a group. House rentals can be found almost anywhere (I just found one in Istanbul right next to the Blue Mosque). Added bonus, you have extra space and a kitchen if you want to stay in one night.

How to use BA avios miles to book AA flights.
muflyer

Chris C, MCI
Do as many promos/offers as possible…you never know when or how you can use those points/miles later.

I would like to see a discussion on "Are the best days of travel hacking (for lack of a better term) behind us?
Anonymous

Richard S – TLH

When traveling abroad, many hotels do not provide a wash cloth; so, take your own in a ziploc-type bag.
Anonymous

1. Allen K, EWR
2. check with your primary car insurance carrier if they cover car rentals
3. thank you and ultimate reward points usages
Anonymous

1) Marc W
2) My travel tip is to use Priceline Name Your Own Price when it comes to rental cars. They use only 5 big name brands and I have always saved money by naming my own price. The earlier you start the bidding the better the chance you save money as you can try every day until you get your price.
3) I would like to see an article written on the best way to avoid fuel surcharges and extra fees when traveling abroad.
Carl

In addition to Bruge, I highly recommend a visit to Bastogne.
Anonymous

Kim Z.

Use a large envelope for each trip to keep all your confirmations and trip info in one spot. I even copy the calendar for when I'll be gone and glue it to the front of the envelope. I then write my travel details. It also helps to quickly get an "at glance" of your upcoming trip.

Cruises
Somsubhra Maity

1. Somsubhra M, RDU
2. This clever trick always helps me pack my suit in any luggage without worrying about wrinkles.
3. I would like to know more about transferring miles between different airline programs.
Anonymous

1. Denis R, JFK
2. Use Tripadvisor.com to search for available hotel deals in your destination city. It allows you to search many travel sites (Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity, Hotels.com, etc.) with one click.
3. I'd like to hear about people's experiences using a website like lastminutetravel.com for discounted cruise deals.
The Travel Mutt

Cantillon Brewery and Lambic museum, in Brussels, is worth the walk/subway trip. Walking self-tours are cheap, and include samples of the traditional lambic beer. It is very sout.

Cantillon is considered by many to be one of the best breweries in the world.
daniel

Dan C
BUF
consider which cards you take on your trip, thin out the wallet, take only the ones you need looking out for foreign transaction fees, and rental car coverage, and travel insurance issues.

I would like to hear more about long term inflationary aspects of miles/points, and how it might influence my long term strategy
Anonymous

1) John W, ORD
2) Hostels often have cheap excursions since they cater to the young and thrifty. They can still be fun when you are old and thrifty.
3) Would like an update on Revenue based award travel.
Anonymous

For a delicious snack or dessert, get some Belgian waffles from a small restaurant w/ window opening on the sidewalk. Ask for fresh strawberries and Belgian chocolate on them. They are incredibly light, fluffy, and frugal. Puts American waffles to shame.

Deal of the Day: Hotel Card Winner & JetBlue Fare Sale

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