Saw Spain in the tweet so, an instant response.

It is said that the torrero _may_ be injured during a bullfight but the bull is going to die. Rarely they live due to an injury and extremely rarely, a brave bull can be spared (extremely, extremely rarely). Even if the torrero gets injured and removed, the bull is still killed by another of the three torreros.

Season starts in March. Las Ventas on the east side of Madrid is the center of the art. The Festival of San Isidro is May-June and is the biggest bullfighting festival in the country, so your timing is perfect for that – fights every day for 3-4 weeks.

Tickets can be expensive, $100+ if you want a good seat (sombra, or in the shade). Sol (in the sun) sets are more expensive. Get the shade (it's closer to the action) and bring/rent seat cushions. And don't forget binoculars. SLR cameras get you dirty looks because of the noise if you're rapid-fire shutter-happy.

Madrid has lots to see and experience and May is great for weather – warm but not yet the blistering heat of summer.

You asked: "Is it really a fair fight [?]". Er… not surprisingly, the answer is "no". Interestingly, both afficionados and opponents would argue that it isn't really a "fight". One side seems to see it as an art form, the other as simple cruelty. A good summary of arguments for and against, including both good and weak arguments on each side, is here: http://debatepedia.idebate.org/en/index.php/Debate:_Bullfighting

Basically, go see it if you like the idea of a gang of armed men taking on a single farmyard animal.

1. Bob M, TPA
2. If traveling in the US and willing to go light, you can keep yourself to a carry-on suitcase by not bringing as many toiletry items as possible when you depart. Just wait till your arrival, then visit the nearest pharmacy to stock up on the mini bottles of mouthwash, deoderant, toothpaste, etc. Sticking to a carry-on gives you the flexibility to cash in on flight bump opportunities.
3. Do a blog post on how, when and where you get foreign currency for your international leisure trips. I can't imagine you go into a foreign land with only your CC's.

Have you been to the Lake District in Italy? What about Sorrento and the Amalfi coast? Taormina in Scicily? You could go to Andorra while visiting Spain or Biarritz in Southern France.

Marc W, JFK
My travel tip is to use distinctive luggage so it is easily recognizable and there is no chance someone else will take it.
I would like to see an article written on the best way to get upgraded on flights and in hotels.

Jonathan H, MCI

It never hurts to ask… hotel upgrades, car rental upgrades, cruise cabin upgrades. I've asked, and received. I've rarely received without asking.

More about the CCs that aren't for one hotel or airline. Like Venture card. I don't have any of those… do they convert to points or essentially just cash?

While in Madrid, go outside the city to Cuenca, Toledo, Avila, and Segovia. Each is a beautiful, quaint town with rich history.

1. Heather A, ATL
2. pack lots of ziplock bags to organize small stuff
3. topics: how to use thank you points.

1. J.R. S, BKK
2. If you are traveling to Bangkok and want to save money without sacrificing location, stay at the Sheraton Four Points, it's less than $100 per night, right next to the Sukhumvit MRT and Asoke BTS train stops, and has the best selection of beer (at non-hotel prices) in the city.
3. I would like to read about ways to use airline miles for non-traditional redemption like Eurorail passes, African safaris, Antartica trips, and charter boat trips.

Ben G DTW
Buy the maximum size carry on suitcase so you can bring all of your belongings without paying the baggage fee. You also won't have to deal with the baggage claim.
More info about getting miles without credit cards

1. Charlotte A (TYR, IAH, SHV)
2. Manchester is a great city to base out of for low cost flights and trains to smaller cities (I loved visiting Chester for example).
3. I am with Emily above- how do you book an award ticket to Iceland??

I've stayed at Le Meridien in Barcelona and the Westin in Madrid. I can recommend both. Le Meridien, especially, is a great location, right on La Rambla.

Ken K. BWI
Carry on lip balm and a sunscreen sample.
Converting non-UR points.

Thanks!

If you want to see a bullfight, check to see if it's bullfighting season where you're going in Spain. It is not a year round event. I equate a bullfight as a artistic deadly dance. While the bull dies 99.999% of the time, the matador is not immune from the same fate although not at the same frequency. The "fairness" of this pageantry is in the eye of the beholder – Rich A
P.S.: Best bullfights are in Sevilla, the most beautiful city in Spain.

Christina S edit to EWR!

1. Mary R, MSY

2. If you have a special interest, find out about a local club and see if you can meet up. For instance, I have met the members of a local birding club in Sacramento and in Sydney; this gave me a chance to see birds and places I would not otherwise see. I met with some members of a rock club in Sacramento, and this gave me a chance to purchase some cheap specimens I could not otherwise afford to buy. Most hobbies have clubs in most cities, so check it out. If an event is planned, such as a bird tour or a mineral sale or who-knows-what, as an out-of-towner, you are likely to be invited even though you're not a club member.

3. Would love an update on American Express Membership Rewards as I think the program has lost a lot of value and I'm thinking of dropping this card, but if there's a reason to keep it, that I'm overlooking, I'd love to hear about it.

Spain is so different from the rest of Europe, and there’s even quite a bit of variation from region to region, so you might want to consider just staying on the Iberian Peninsula (hitting up Portugal too, of course). In Spain, Madrid, Barcelona and Seville are the major tourist cities, but there’s many other gems too: Alicante, Oviedo, Santiago de Compostela, La Coruña, Bilbao, San Sebestian, Toledo, Salamanca, etc. For the best flamenco and bullfighting, Seville is the city to go to. Bullfighting might take a little research to more fully appreciate, but it will surely enrich the experience. You may consider bussing (check out ALSA) or taking the train (check out RENFE) to get around it Spain. It could be considerably cheaper than flying. I agree with whoever said that Lisbon and Sintra are excellent places to visit in Portugal. I’d love to answer any questions you might have; feel free to email me!

1. Rudy R, JFK
2. If you're visiting multiple cities be sure to stay on your last night in the city you're flying out of. That way there is less that can go wrong (train delays, cab strikes, oversleeping, etc.)
3. More on using miles for economy, rather than business and first class.

I have been going to bull fights since my dad used to take with him and his friends in Venezuela when I was about 10. Not my favorite thing, very bloody and circus type like. Having said that, I think you go there for the experience of witnessing a hundreds years tradition and not for the controversy if it is a fair fight. It is not…the matador is helped by at least 3 "banderilleros" (extra toreros whose function is to place very sharp flagsticks in the back of the bull to make him angry) and then by another one riding a horse, who also soes the same thing with a long stick). After that, then comes the turn of the matador, whose function is to make the bull try to attack him and then confuse him enough until the battle is won by him killing the bull with a sword. Very cruel, but the matador is in clear danger of dying if he get cought by the sharp bull horn. Many have died and is considered a very corageous profesion.
I went to Las Ventas once. It is the most important Bullfight ring in the world. Bought my tickets the same day and got very good seats for about $50 nest to some season tickets holders.

Madrid is one of my favorites cities in the world. I am a native spanish speaker, and love the cultural part of it and also the fantastic food. I have been about ten times to Madrid. We can talk if you want any advice. The Westin palace is very well located, walking distance to el prado museum, Atocha train station and Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor. It is a fantastic city.

1. Christine B., BWI
2. Remember that kids passports expire after only 5 years. And you have to make an appoinment at your local post office and appear in person to renew, so don't wait till the last minute.
3. A breakdown by program of the cheapest/easiest way to get that one mile/point that keeps your account from expiring.

Thanks!

Erik O (LAX)

I always bring flip-flops with me.
Light weight, easy to pack & great for simple runs to the ice machine, downstairs at hotel, etc.

What's best strategy to capture award seats for a family? Book early? Keep re-checking? Many websites don't provide award seat availability so it seems it has to be done over the phone.

How bullfights are acceptable in any culture is beyond me. How anyone can cheer the slow torture of an innocent animal ending in its death is beyond be. Oh wait, it's a really old tradition and part of the culture. I guess that makes torturing innocent animals o.k. then. Right. Let's just say when I see clips of Pamolona's Running of the Bulls, I'm so rooting for the bulls. Although I would be so rooting more for the bulls if all those runners were matadors. Actually, that should be required participation for all those macho matadors.

1. Eddy C, ORD

2. Pack a duffle bag in your carry-on/checked bag for trips when you think you might be picking up a few gifts/souvenirs.

3. Which seats are the best for premium international travel on the various arilines

1. Michael L, ATL
2. If you're going to the beach, use a small, collapsible cooler as a toiletry bag. Then, you have an easy way to keep beers (or other drinks) cold on the beach.
3. The best way to maximize points/miles when you are flying short segments all the time.

1. Kate T, SFO
2. Ship some clothes and stuff in priority flat rate box if you end up buying some local goodies and don't have room in your carryon luggage.
3. what's the best strategy for a full time worker with limited vacation leave to travel frugally.

Anonymous states he/she roots for the bulls in Pamplona (not Pamolona!) hoping humans get gored (even though the bulls are not harmed in anyway). I don't even think PITA would go that fair. Cruel would be an understatement. I can see why this individual would want to stay totally anonymous and unnamed – Rich A

1. Denis R, JFK
2. After you've searched for hotels online using Tripadvisor.com, visit hotelscombined.com to search (some) different sites with one click.
3. Effects of using Amazon Payments to "pay" your friends with a credit card. Now that Amazon is collecting social security numbers, should we be concerned about earning miles for this kind of credit card spend? Will this "income" generate a 1099 for the recipient?

1. Kenya F, JFK
2. Make copies of all credit cards you are traveling with…just in case. Also make copies of your health insurance card.
3. Is it possible to negotiate hotel rates with the hotel directly?

1. Rob C (LGA / JFK)

2. Put all "extras" such as wallet, phone, keys in briefcase when going through security to save time and avoid having to put separately into a bin.

3. Top Iphone Apps for Business Travelers

1.F.Case SBP
2.Pack all clothes in the largest size zip lock bags. Packed all clothes in 1 suit case like this for a family of 4 for 4 weeks in Europe. Worked great!
3.Financial offers that offer miles that don't require large amounts of capital.

For Flamenco, go to Casa Patas. I've seen 3 shows there, they have all been amazing. Not too expensive either. You can get dinner with the show, awesome food.

1Nadja A, Chs

2.Avoid alchol when flying into countries at high altitudes.

3. How to do the Olympics in London on miles.

1.Fredrik A, Chs
2.Breakfast incuded is worth it in Germany, Switzerland and other Northern European Countries. Not worth it in France, Italy and Greece.
3. World Cup in Brazil 2014 on miles. Long term strategy!

2 things…

1. Sol seats are cheaper, sombra are more expensive – mis-typed that one).

2. If you goto Las Ventas, take the tour – forgot that.

1) Joel Y, ORD
2) Travel tip: Get Google Voice especially if travelling internationally. With a Wi-Fi connection, phone calls back to the US are free of charge!
3) Tricks on booking a RTW!