Embracing Solo Travel | SingleFlyer

Hyatt Credit Card through Chase Bank

March 26, 2015February 23, 2015

Today I received my brand spanking new Hyatt Chase Visa Card. My Hyatt credit card was hand delivered this afternoon by a lovely UPS woman in a package that reminded me of an awards show envelope. I had been considering the Hyatt credit card for the past few months, and finally decided to apply after reading about the 20% points back promotion. I have a couple of trips coming up where I will be staying at Hyatt properties (The Pike Long Beach, Grand Hyatt San Diego, Regency Vancouver) and one stay at Aria Las Vegas (an Mlife partner) that made the credit card seem like a no brainer. Plus there are some amazing sign up bonuses right now that are rumored to be disappearing in the future.

Royal Kona Resort Hawaii Review

July 23, 2022February 20, 2015

I recently was in Kauai and stayed at the Waimea Plantation; a rustic resort that I said you must know what you are getting into. The Royal Kona, in the town of Kona on the Big Island, is another place that you will enjoy if you have realistic expectations. It is not fancy, it is not over the top, it is not modern. If you want somewhere that is uber deluxe, there are probably better options north of Kona. However, the Royal Kona Resort, and Kona in general, is a great casual place to relax and have fun.

I have stayed at the Royal Kona Resort three different times. The price cannot be beat. The first time I stayed was for my sister’s wedding and they treated everyone right. Now it feels like a second home.

Moral Travel: What does your dollar support?

March 23, 2015February 19, 2015

I recently watched a horrifying yet compelling documentary, Hunted: The War Against Gays in Russia (available on HBO). It chronicles the rising tide of assaults on LGBTQ people by both fellow Russians and the government.

Screen Shot 2015-02-18 at 7.41.39 PM — Copyright HBO, Hunted: The War Against Gays in Russia

While I would love to see Russia, I do not think I could travel there at this time in good conscience. I do not want my money to go to a regime that openly discriminates and scape goats a minority population of its own citizens. As consumers (which includes tourism), we vote with our dollars (or Euros, or Pounds or…) whether intentional or not.

M life Explained – Las Vegas

July 25, 2022February 18, 2015

Welcome to SingleFlyer.com! Your source for news about Las Vegas and other relevant travel info. Be sure to subscribe to my email updates and follow me on Twitter. MASSIVE UPDATE: As of February 1, 2022, M life will now be known as MGM Rewards. I will be updating this … Read more

First Mileage Run: From Seattle to DC

June 20, 2021February 15, 2015

Mileage run. This is a term that travel hobbyists use frequently that I did not know the full definition of until last week. I know can count myself a member of the elite (or crazy…) who partake in the infamous mileage run! This is the account of my first mileage run.

A mileage run (or MR if you are hip to the lingo) is when you book a flight just for the loyalty points you earn with the airline (or hotel for that matter). Usually this is done when you find an extremely low fare on an airline you like to earn status with.

Living in Seattle, my airline of choice is Alaska. I have been MVP for the past few years, but this year I am aiming for MVP Gold. The benefits of MVP Gold are extensive; most important to me are upgrades to first class and ability to change a flight with no penalty. You must earn 40,000 “elite qualifying miles” (or EQMs), which usually means actual miles flown. Miles you earn through using your Alaska Airlines Visa Card, for example, do not count towards elite status.

Double Miles – Alaska Airlines

October 9, 2018February 13, 2015

Alaska Double Miles

I have benefited from Alaska Airlines promos in the past that offer double miles for certain routes from Seattle. However, the email I received today has more routes eligible than in the past.