Miles For Family
Approved or Denied: My Latest Credit Card Application
I’ve got some major expenses coming up–namely, my home insurance and property taxes. You know what that means: It’s time to sign up for a new credit card and get some bonus miles from paying these expenses! But which card? (See Beginner’s Guide: 7 Steps to Free Travel with Miles...
Miles For Family
Visiting Guatemala’s Hobbitenango: Bizarre and Beautiful
On my recent trip to Guatemala, my daughter and I visited Hobbitenango, a Lord of the Rings themed attraction in the mountains above Antigua. In 2019, on a trip to New Zealand, we visited Hobbiton, the OG set of the movies. How would this experience compare? Getting to Hobbitenango Hobbitenango...
Miles For Family
Sick During or After Travel: Still Worth the Trip?
Full disclosure: I returned from Guatemala last week, and I got sick on the last day. After 4 days of severe stomach issues, I went to the doctor and was prescribed an antibiotic for my presumed traveler’s ailment from consuming contaminated food on my trip. And I thought I was...
Miles For Family
New Transfer Bonus, New 90k Credit Card and More!
Catching up on recent miles and points news: New Mid-Tier Citi AA Card: Citi just launched the new Citi AAdvantage Globe Mastercard (non-affiliate link) with 90k welcome bonus after spending $5000 in the first 4 months, $350 annual fee. I’m going to consider this card for myself since I fly...
Hawaii Calling
Where to Stay on O’ahu: Comparing Waikīkī, Ko Olina, and the North Shore
Growing up on O’ahu and reviewing dozens of hotels across the island, I’ve come to realize that the question “Where should I stay on Oʻahu?” doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. On its own, the question means well, but it’s a terrible question in practice. And I see it on social...
Miles For Family
Pros and Cons of Visiting Guatemala
My daughter and I just returned from a trip to Guatemala. This was technically my 4th time visiting Guatemala, but it had been over 30 years since my last visit. Traveling in Guatemala is always an adventure! But, I don’t recommend it to everyone. Pros of Visiting Guatemala Scenery: Guatemala...
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
Flight Attendants Stop Parents From Using FAA-Approved Baby Safety Harness — The Same One Their Union Says Could Save Lives
A family that went out of their way to make sure their child traveled as safely as possible, spending extra money on a separate seat and the only FAA-approved safety restraint system for infants, were barred from using it by a flight attendant who contradicted the advice of her own...
Hawaii Calling
Best Time to Visit O‘ahu: Weather, Crowds & Culture
If you’ve ever tried to figure out the best time to visit O‘ahu, you’ve probably realized there’s no single right answer — it really depends on what kind of trip you want. Maybe you’re dreaming of calm beaches and clear snorkeling water, or maybe you want to see the legendary...
Hawaii Calling
What Not to Do When Visiting Hawai‘i (And No, Staying in Waikīkī All Week Isn’t a Crime)
If you’ve spent even five minutes on social media before your Hawai‘i trip, you’ve probably been told — usually by someone holding a coconut in front of a drone shot — exactly what not to do here. Don’t go to Waikīkī. Don’t eat at chain restaurants. Don’t stay in a...
Miles For Family
Last stop: Shanghai Shenanigans
This is a continuation of my Japan/China trip report. See also Back from China and Japan Trip! 5 Takeaways, Worth it: JAL Premium Economy Award Seats, Better Than Expected: AA Premium Economy Shanghai PVG to DFW, Hits and Misses from our day at Tokyo DisneySea, Take this Line and Shove...
Miles For Family
Getting a Consent Letter from Non-Traveling Parent
This week, I contacted American Airlines through X (Twitter) to have them add my AAdvantage account number to my upcoming flight reservation. Since I booked the flight with Alaska Airlines miles, I couldn’t add my AA number myself online. If my AA number isn’t on my reservation, I won’t get...
Miles For Family
Why My Travel Habits Raise Some Eyebrows
As a frequent traveler, my travel habits raise some eyebrows in my friend and acquaintance group. Mostly, it’s due to the sheer number of times my family travels each year, which seems crazy to “normal” people. If they don’t know that I use miles and points for all our flights...
Miles For Family
Capital One Venture Rewards 75k Miles + $300 Travel Credit
One of my favorite credit cards that I recommend often is the Capital One Venture Rewards Card (my personal referral link). It’s super easy to use because you earn 2X miles on every purchase. Now, through referrals only, the offer is 75,000 bonus miles plus a $300 travel credit. See...
Hawaii Calling
10 Best Things To Do On O’ahu In November (2025)
Aloha, are you ready to explore the best things to do on O’ahu in November? With warm weather, fewer crowds, and an array of exciting events and activities, there’s no better time to discover the island’s hidden gems and unique Hawaiian culture. From attending captivating cultural festivals to embarking on...
Miles For Family
Hitting the Easy Button: Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai International Tourism and Resort Zone
This is a continuation of my Japan/China trip report. See also Back from China and Japan Trip! 5 Takeaways, Worth it: JAL Premium Economy Award Seats, Better Than Expected: AA Premium Economy Shanghai PVG to DFW, Hits and Misses from our day at Tokyo DisneySea, Take this Line and Shove...