1. Erik H, PHX
2. Use rubber bands to bundle up loose power, USB and other cabling so it's not floating around in your baggage
3. Whether you feel status running is viable in 2012 for the leisure and/or frugal traveler.

Carol K, SJC
Always roll your clothes for packing in the suitcase. Saves a TON of space. My partner and I have done this with one carry on for BOTH of us for 1 week!
Tips on getting successful upgrades as an AA EXP

Mark S. / IAD
Tip: Put all of your metal things in your luggage to avoid setting off metal detector
Topic: Non-credit card ways to earn lots of points. I get tired of reading an ad for Chase everyday, but love the blog.

1. Nancy M, ACK
2. Put address stickers on all your cords and anything you plug in. Include your email address if you don't want to include your "if found, contact telephone #". Put scotch tape over the label so it lasts.
3. Quick roundup of what hotel offers the best breakfast benefit in major US cities where a chain might have a bunch of hotels. I guess readers will have to provide this info?
ie.
Boston Hilton Back Bay offers a bare-bones continental breakfast in a windowless room off the lobby to their elites. Thank Hampton-lite.

Boston Financial District offers a full-on hot and cold buffet in their main dining room to their elites. Think European Hilton type breakfast.

Rick, Re; Pearl, pls see cruise critic review summary below (77% like the pearl, just click on
hot link to 809 review posted to get access to the most recent reviews)

http://www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/review.cfm?ShipID=378

This link below will give u access to over two dozen Alaska Pearl reviews from last season:

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/getreviews.cfm?action=ship&ShipID=378&sort=date_newest&StartRow=51

You may also enjoy reading this thread on the Pearl and Alaska:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1505534&highlight=alaska

Ian S, PHF

Use the delta app or other smartphone app to record your parking location so you can easily find the car whenyou return!

How about a post talking about some of the best food you've had in all your travels.

Not a contest entry here, but a comment about visiting Hot Springs in April / May. I live in Little Rock, so we travel to Hot Springs frequently. It should be nice and warm by then. Not quite hot yet, but nice and warm still. I love to go down and visit the state parks in that area. They have lots of activities (hiking, water sports, etc) or just peaceful enjoyment.

Charles C. DEN

Pack extra zip lock bags. Poor man's waterproof case and useful for collecting small items or possibly messy items.

Since you are doing a cruise, how about accumulating and using points for cruises?

Quintin S. PHL
Don't pack so much stuff.
Would love to learn how to score a trip to Iceland using points.

Hey Rick!

The Austin MegaDO starts on April 19, so you could combine it with a visit to San Antonio. We'll be happy to show you some Texas hospitality…and great BBQ!

The Alamo is only 50 mins from my house!

Did you say BBQ? See here for ideas (which I can help you accomplish in 1 day): http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/communitybuzz/986695-austin-texas-mega-do-february-26-28-2010-a.html

or here for this April: http://www.ausmegado.com/index.cfm

April in Texas is much more than the Alamo … The wildfowers should be awesome … which you see on the way to all the BBQ joints!

David B AUS

Use the 3oz cough syrup bottles from the pharmacy (ask for the kind they fill) to hold 3 ozs of liquor for your travel needs. They are indestructable AND you can get 3 or 4 in that quart zip lock bag!

How do we use those Avios with British Air? I never see availability.

Kim H, XNA
If you have kids between 6 and 12 consider doing Junior Ranger programs at National Parks. They are free, educational, and my kids love them.
How to use the cc system if your credit isn't great.

Dan H. HPN

My travel tip is to take the chip 'off' your shoulder when you travel. Stuff happens. Let it slide.

I'd like to read more about redeeming miles/points for credit cards.

Rick, San Antonio is a great idea – just try not to wait until the middle of summer as it just gets way too hot for my tastes. Both the Grand Hyatt and the Hyatt Regency San Antonio are Cat 4's so that could be a way to use your 1-4 certs. The Hyatt Regency is a slightly better location for the River Walk (heck, it runs right through it), but I have heard the Grand Hyatt is a bit nicer. If you want another extra day or two in San Antonio, you might want to use some SPG points to go to the Westin La Cantera Resort – it is in another part of SA and is a great resort. I think it is a SPG Cat 4, and often does have cash and points awards.

Ray G., JFK
Always bring a compass! Whether in non-grid layout cities or in the outdoors, it always comes in handy.
I'd love to find out more about flights within Eastern Europe and how to book them on points. Thanks!

1. Jared T., MLI
2. Never check a suitcase with a bottle of Pepto inside, no matter how well you have it wrapped up, unless you want to randomly die parts of articles of clothing pink.
3. What are the top 5 credit cards worth paying the annual fee, and why?

Dan R JFK

Take advantage of hotels that offer free bkfst and / or kids eat free (Holiday Inns and Expresses, Marriott Residence Inn, Hiltons for Gold and Platinum Status are options). Great for myself and when traveling with family….

Ryan Air ? Is it worth flying to UK, then connecting with or booking affordable airline like Ryan Air ?

Aaron B. MSP

Get certified for TSA precheck. Its a real time saver.

I'd like to have a list of the 'cheap' hotel redemptions, e.g. cat. 1-3 in decent destination cities.

Arnold S. PHL

Be sure to e-mail yourself where you parked at the airport so that you don't have issues finding your car when you return from your trip!

An interesting topic would be if you are traveling as a couple who's reward # should you use at a hotel

Irene C, EWR
Always pack your things in plastic bags in your suitcase (no real added weight as it prevents your things from getting wet during travel, plastic bags are useful in the longrun as many countries now charge for plastic bags at stores or dont offer them at all)
I love love to get an article on ways to maximize free/cheap travel in economy

Jesus G
ICT
We take (we actually save’m for trips) old, ready to throw away undergarments on the trip, we have more room to bring back souvenirs, trinkets, etc.

Ins and outs of different legacy programs, for example If you use your Avios (Brithish Airways) to book one way travel, instead of round trip, you’ll avoid the ridiculously high fuel surcharges.

Gatlenburg, Tennessee is gorgeous!

We did a Norwegian cruise to Alaska last year. We've only been on 2 cruises, but Norwegian was by far our favorite. You don't need to dress for dinner, the meal options were all wonderful and the relaxed atmosphere for Alaska was just what we were looking for. I wouldn't wait too long for prices to drop on Alaska cruises – we booked well in advance and the prices never came down – only went up.

As for the drawing:

My name is Shelly A MSP
My travel tip is to always take an extra outfit in your carryon bag just in case your checked luggage doesn't make it.
Where is the best place to find out on the credit card point deals. I'm just getting started on this and know I'm missing out on all kinds of deals.

1.Charlotte A. (TYR, IAH, SHV)
2. We took the Amtrak coastal train – it stops off in Seattle, Bellingham (right next to cruise ships) and up into Vancouver, Canada for a visit. Nice view and easy entrance into Canada.
3. Trying to figure out which cards can be churned and at what times.

Doug K SEA

Take a small luggage scale–while it's always easy to weigh bags at home, more than once I've run into a problem with heavier bags on the way home due to purchases. With the scale I can rearrange and avoid overweight fees, and it's much nicer to do the repacking in my hotel than at the airport check-in counter.

Any tips on using points/miles for cruises? Flights, hotels, and cars are all well covered, but cruises seem to be the black hole of rewards travel.

1. Tyler A, YOW
2. Even after you book a car rental, keep checking prices on the company's website. This is one of the few travel areas you can still cancel without a fee. When you find a better rate, just cancel the one you had before and save some money!
3. Making travel in economy just a little more comfortable

1. Jesse S, ATL
2. Wear pants that don't require a belt in the airport for less time involved with security.
3. How to earn and make your first free international trip with bonus points, a detailed example.

It's winter. This means ski season. Nothing beats a quick trip – and flight- to your favorite resort. Here are a couple of my must tips to start the ski vacation off right.

Ski Boots are heavy. Ski boots are personal – there's few things worse than renting alpine boots as they need to be heat molded to the foot for best feel and performance. So, always bring your boots on as a carry-on. If the airlines lose your skis, these are much easier to rent than your boots.

With the extra cost of baggage these days, for a three day trip it's cheaper to demo the best skis of next year at the mountain than bring your own. Just don't forget your boots!

When flying, save your legs with compression leggings. The best can be bought at Walmart or your local pharmacy for $25.

Torin K. EAT

Nancy L, ORD
tip: leave ungrateful tweens at home
request: best use of Hilton points (sitting on 200K and Hilton says they expire in 12 months if I don't have a stay in that time)

Nick J AUS

Bring a sweater or sweatshirt on the plane, it can get cold and if not it can be used as a pillow

which hotels give free breakfast

1. Ben R, SFO
2. Write letters, or email the airlines for compensation when you have a bad travel experience, you will likely receive an e-certificate good for future travel.
3. How first class upgrades clear for the different airlines.

1. Sun K, LAX
2. Wear Aquasocks (Sock/Shoe hybrid) to avoid having to take off your shoes at security.
3. Partner airline redemption advice.

Robert E, BCN

The drinks in the bar fridges at AC Hotels are free, at least in Spain. (Sadly, based on a sample set of one, none are alcoholic however.)

Bar fridges, do's, don't, tricks, etc.

1. Trevor W., OMA

2. Use Eagle Creek zip pouches to color-code your carry-on luggage (e.g. small black for electronics, large green for clothes, etc)

3. Many cards offer additional points for balance transfers. I would like to know which cards offer bonus points and exactly how to do a balance transfer.

Thanks for his giveaway!

Melanie L, BOS
A travel tip you have to share: keep a bandaid or two in your wallet – they are so thin you won't notice it there, and it's great to have one when an unexpected need presents itself!
A suggestion for a topic you'd like to read about: I feel that since Bing's take over of Flight Forecaster it's been less reliable/useful – I'd love some research into the history of the tool, how it has or hasn't changed since being taken over by Bing, and people's experiences/tips/best practices around using it

1) Susan L, IAD
2) For women: Collect samples from Sephora or other high-end cosmetic shops to use as travel-size toiletries. Sephora offers samples on pretty much every product: face cream, cosmetics, even perfume.
3) Success travel stories from more budget-limited travelers, such as graduate student couples

Wear all of your heavy clothes on the plan in order get more into your suitcase. More posts about the best way to take advantage of promotions.

1. Reb G, CLE
2. Roll up your clothes to maximize space in bag.
3. Award redemption know how on Oneworld & Star Alliance airlines.

Sue S, NYC
Travel Tip- Blister bandaids are a lifesaver for any active trip
I'd like to see strategies on avoiding fees for booking award travel

Valerie x, lax
When you take little kids abroad, Make sure to find out where the playgrounds are near your sightseen spots ahead of time.
Best way to cover or reduce cost for meals in expensive cities.

Jill T, GFK

Tip: When packing, double duty as many items as possible (ie. flip flops double as slippers; swim suit cover up doubles as bathrobe; etc.)

I'd like more information on great off peak destinations using fewer award miles & points.

1. Bob M, GRU
2. Call your card providers before a big trip to put a travel note on the card. Also, make 2-3 photocopies of your passport photo page, and stash those copies in various suitcases.
3. Maybe reach out to some credit score experts via interviews to give us a better feel on how various agencies can arrive at vastly different credit scores for the same person. While being considered for the Bank of Hawaii Hawaiian Airlines card, FIA Card Services (the provider) notified me via letter I was approved, and showed the credit score their system brought up for me. It was far lower than any score I've seen from third-party web sites for myself in the last year or two.

while I'm not eligible, I wanted to post this tip:

Check all of your monthly bills / accounts a few days before you leave on a trip and make any payments on them so you don't accidentally miss one.

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'll mention 3 …
1 – A summary of timetables re: how long I'd have to wait before applying for another Citi AA card; how long credit inquiries stay on report as a "hard" inquiry; how long they stay as soft inquiry, etc.
2 – A way to convince the US Mint to resume accepting credit cards; after all, their recent decision not to accept credit cards is presumably reducing even their business from people who want the coins for legitimate mint-sanctioned purposes;
3 – The easiest way (if there are any easy ways) to book award travel on each airline.
Thanks a million!

1) Shelly A NKG
2) Put a fabric softener sheet in your dirty clothes section of your bags as you travel. Smells much better than….
3) Priority Club Rewards vs Starwoods vs Marriot vs Hilton SHOOTOUT! Pros Cons in a table format

Rich B – SAN

Buying and using an Outlets to Go 3 at the airport will make you many friends when outlets are scarce.

I'd be interested in hearing about whether or not it's still valid to try and book fares 11 months out.

Dan R JFK

Book seats in the rear of the plane when traveling, so you can wait for take-off while seating in the plane, rather than waiting on line to board up front (of course First Class, and other exceptions do not apply)

Is it worth using my HH Amex card any longer ? It appears that HHonors points are devalued greatly ? I have flights to PR on hold, and hotels in San Juan (Hilton family) require 50,000 points per night, for a $150 rate in Sept, October (hurricane season)… Terrible I say !

1. Ivan W. SNA
2. Pack a plastic grocery bag to put your dirty clothes in
3. Best use of AMEX MR points

Joel J, MCI

Besides the obvious "read mileage/points blogs and forums", if you're traveling internationally and using a local card, notify your bank beforehand so you won't get a surprise when they put a hold on your account.

I'd really like to get more advice on churning, especially when to cancel a card, the waiting period, etc.

Ben C, MEM

Be sure to get some sleeping pills and fenigren (diahrrhea medicine). You never know when a travel bug comes along.

Off peak award tickets on partners would be nice!

Also, Hot Springs! I think I talked to you and Katy about doing that trip–it's well worth it! A few days in the springs and you could even rent a car and head east to Memphis (3 hours) for Memphis in May, which is a HUGE barbeque festival (probably the best in the US, but I'm biased). 2 birds with one trip, and some good ones at that!

1. Christine B., BWI
2. I have 2 little kids, so I ship a delivery of diapers, wipes, and snacks to the Grandparents and/or hotel through AmazonMom (free shipping), scheduled to arrive the day before I get there (some hotels charge a small fee to hold a package, but it's usually worth it). Much less to pack and carry, and I don't have to shop when I arrive.
3. I book for my parents, too. I'm interested in info on senior fares…what airlines have them and in what circumstances can they be worth it?

Eric R LAX

Use a very simple and lightweight backpack for day trips. Easy to pack, easy to use and clean.

I would enjoy a post on how to create an award trip with a mix of flights using from different alliances.

thanks!

Arlyce M MSP
1. Always carry a mini-pack of facial tissue to use as TP.
2. What airline to concentrate on accumulating points/miles dependent on your home airport.

Victor b ATL
Use the apps on your phone when traveling to new place for finding cool things around you last minute.

I would love to see more about airlines to use points on that are good for reward travel as partner airlines.. I have delta aa united ba miles.

I use vacuum bags to pack clothes to reduce bulk

I would like to see some articles on redeeming reward travel to Iceland, or S Africa,

Gary P

Brett D PIT

tip: If you workout while on the road and have limited space in your carry-on, pack gym clothes that can be used as undergarments the day before you plan to workout.

request: I know nothing about cruises and how to sail the world with through credit cards and other tricks of the trade.

F.Case SBP
TIP: Never pack jeans in your suit case if you are tight on weight. They weigh about 1 pound a piece. One of the heaviest pieces of clothing.
Would like to find ways to earn free travel on European trains via miles/points.

Ashley G. JFK

Always pack extra snacks! You never know when you might be stuck in a delayed plane on the tarmac for hours. This is a must when traveling with kids. Hungry kids=screaming kids= many annoyed passengers! Also, clementines are not only a great portable snack, but instantly freshen stale plane air! Ha!
For traveling with kids, try to plan travel around nap or sleep times. An iPad loaded with kiddie movies and headphones. Pack an extra outfit in carry- on for both of you and travel sized hand sanitizer wipes.

What are some tips to maximize chances for upgrades?

Mary Q, MSP
Tip: After going on car rental websites and not reserving a car, they will e-mail you back great deals.
Topic: Can you post on your website a list of abbreviations that you use?

Manu V SEA
Pick up one envelope and add all your receipts to it at the end of the day. Saves the day when filing expense report later.
Would love to know more about using points to travel on Amtrack

Karen L BWI
Wear your bulkiest clothes and shoes on the plane to save space. That way you can pack a half empty suitcase outbound and fill it up for the return trip!!
I want to go on a cruise out of Baltimore with my BFF. Best way to book; travel agent or site?

Ben G DTW
Bring trash/plastic bags for dirty clothes
More about getting points without applying for credit cards

Erik O (LAX)

Tip: I ALWAYS pack a bunch of supermarket plastic bags for dirty clothes, swimming suits that might still be wet, shoes, etc.

I'd like to learn more techniques about capturing award seats for a family of 5. Easy to capture 1-2 award seats but every year I find it IMPOSSIBLE to capture 5 on the same flight. This year we're paying $2K for one of us when I have lots of miles!