Alan 
Delta Airlines “Join the XI” Contest Experience Delta Airlines and their partner Seattle Sounders (MLS team) teamed up to sponsor the Join the XI contest last May. Fans were invited to submit a photo and eleven words to describe how they embody one of eleven positions on the “fan team“. … Read more
The Belamar Hotel Manhattan Beach Review This past weekend I stayed at The Belamar Hotel in Manhattan Beach, California for an event with Delta Airlines and the Seattle Sounders. I didn’t get to pick the hotel; it is the hotel the team had picked for their trip. The Belamar is part … Read more
Alaska Airlines is running a contest to win a seat on the charter flight to view the solar eclipse on August 21. Alaska contests are typically pretty creative, and this one is no different. This is a full solar eclipse and the last one was almost 100 years ago; so … Read more
Hyatt Regency San Francisco Review After my night at the Four Seasons, I knew I wanted a night in the city. As it was Pride weekend, I thought it would be fun to stay close to the parade route. The Hyatt Regency San Francisco fit that bill. I booked the room … Read more
Virgin America First Class Review This past weekend I finally flew Virgin America First Class. My route was SEA-SFO round trip. I booked the flight back in November for 18,048 Elevate Points (+$11.20 taxes/fees). I had booked the Four Seasons Silicon Valley for an amazing $35 and decided to try … Read more
Sneak Peak: Alaska Lounge in Concourse C at Sea-Tac Today I was able to get a sneak peak at the Alaska Lounge located in Concourse C at Sea-Tac (SEA) International Airport. They are still putting the finishing touches on it before it opens to the public. The new Alaska Lounge … Read more
The Sebel Sydney Manly Beach Hotel Review Location The Sebel Sydney Manly Beach Hotel is located on the ocean side of Manly. Assuming you arrive via ferry, you will walk down The Corso and take a right on Steyne. The hotel is one of the last buildings along the beach. … Read more
Four Seasons Silicon Valley with Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts Last November there was an amazing sale on the Four Seasons Silicon Valley in Palo Alto. On select dates they were offering rooms for $35 (+ tax) down from a standard $300/night. I’m not sure if it was a pricing … Read more
Sails in the Desert at Ayers Rock Resort Review Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is the monolithic rock formation at the red center of Australia. It is a place sacred to the aboriginal people who own the land in the Northern Territory. There is very little development any where … Read more
Alaska Elites have access to Qantas Lounges Starting today, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan elite members with MVP Gold or Gold 75k status will have access to 13 Qantas operated International Business class lounges and 24 Australian Domestic Clubs when traveling on Qantas. I flew Qantas this past weekend and it would … Read more
Last week I stayed at the Park Hyatt Sydney for the second time. My first visit was just after Christmas. It is a fantastic hotel with amazing views of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. This trip I was traveling with my mom and wanted her to experience Sydney … Read more
T-Mobile Galaxy S8 Samsung Pay 20,000 Points Promo Samsung Pay is a contactless payment system that rewards you for each purchase you make using your phone. I use it a lot and wrote about it here. UPDATE As predicted, the promotion is now life. Visit https://tmobileoffer.samsungrewards.com/?affiliate_id=samsungpay to find out more. However … Read more
American Express is known for their network of airport lounges. From time to time Amex will also set up temporary lounges at or near events that they are sponsoring. Twice I have been to a floating lounge they set up in Seattle. I am currently in Sydney during the Vivid … Read more
Sometimes some levity is needed. Tonight Alaska Airlines very responsive social media team provided that for us. This post is frivolous but hopefully fun; please don’t read too much into it! Tomi Lahren, an alt-right political commentator, was having some problems with her flight from Spokane to Seattle today. She … Read more
Car2Go vs ReachNow vs Zipcar: Which car share is right for you? UPDATE: As of July, 2019, ReachNow has ceased operation. RIP ReachNow. In the very near future, we are going to see the first decline in car ownership in the US. In fact, in some large cities (like Seattle), … Read more