The Bilt Obsidian Card Could be Perfect For Families
The new Bilt Obsidian Card is a new credit card that allows the cardholder to unlock points earned on rent or mortgage payments. While complicated, if the cardholder adopts a one-card-for-everything approach, this could be an excellent choice for everyday spending for families who wish to earn points for travel.
The Bilt Blue Card is Disappointing, But is Still a Good Option
The Bilt Blue card is the no-annual-fee replacement for the Bilt Card, which was issued by Wells Fargo. While it is clearly inferior to the old Bilt Card, it could still be the best option for people whose income goes largely to housing.
The Confusing and Rewarding World of Bilt Cash
When the new Bilt credit cards launched on January 14th, 2026, there was a lot of confusion about Bilt Cash. A week later, Bilt explained what it is used for. Most of the uses are not that interesting, but the point accelerator seems to be the clear best use of Bilt Cash.
A Busy Stayover in Dublin
During a brief stopover in Dublin, we explored the city, enjoying its rich pub culture and historic sites. We visited classic taverns, the Jameson Distillery, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, indulging in local brews and traditional dishes. Dublin is a great place to pack in a lot in a short time.
Jameson Irish Whiskey Tour
During a recent visit to Dublin, I toured the Jameson Distillery, opting for it over the Guinness Brewery. The experience included a historical overview, sensory demonstrations, and a guided whiskey tasting. I was pleasantly surprised by Jameson’s quality, finding it enjoyable and a great value for its price. Highly recommended for whiskey enthusiasts.
Points check December 2025
As 2025 came to a close, we looked back at what turned out to be a fairly hectic year of travel. In March, we went to Portugal and Spain, to hike six days on the Portuguese route of the Camino de Santiago. In July, Jenn went with Emma, her sister, and her niece to Munich…
Hotel Credit Cards that are Worth it For Free Night Certificates
Credit cards offering free night certificates can significantly reduce vacation costs. Various hotel chains provide cards with different benefits, including elite status and annual fees, yet the value often surpasses the fee. Noteworthy options include Hyatt, Marriott, and Hilton cards, which enhance travel experiences through redeemable certificates and points.
Points Check November 2025
November is the beginning of the holiday season and apparently, the beginning of the winter season for those of us who live in the Midwest. On the weekend after Thanksgiving, we were handed a foot of snow, which will probably be covering the ground until March. The last few years, we’ve managed to avoid significant…
Yacht blocked in Monaco
Monaco is a beautiful, yet tiny country along the Mediterranean Sea, surrounded by France. The wealth of its residents and visitors were apparent by the Monaco Yacht Show which blocked our view of Port Hercule.
Thanks to our Travel Companions
As long as I can remember, I was fascinated by geography. When I was a child, we had a driftwood-framed color map of Puerto Rico that my parents brought home from a trip before I was born. I stared at that map for hours, imagining what it would be like to live on a Caribbean…
Vacasa and Wyndham are Divorcing, Now What?
Starting November 30, 2025, Wyndham points will no longer be redeemable for Vacasa vacation rentals due to the termination of their partnership after Vacasa’s acquisition by Casago. This change leaves Wyndham point holders seeking alternatives, as the previous redemption option was highly valued.
Forget Destin – We’re Going to the Canary Islands for Spring Break
The Canary Islands are an unusual choice for a Spring Break destination, but with low prices and a lack of crowds. It might just be ideal. Getting to the Canary Islands can be difficult, but if you add in stops in European cities, it can be even more rewarding.
Points Check October 2025
There wasn’t much going on for us in October. We were recovering from our trip to Nice and Dublin. For me, it was literal recovery. I had finished my first ultramarathon in Nice, a 50K which was a part of the UTMB World Series. The combination of training and the actual race had left my…
Colline du Chateau
Colline du Chateau is a picturesque park in Nice, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean and the Port. Once a military fort, it was transformed into a park in 1822. Today the park offers visitors a great place to relax with amazing views of the Nice area and the Mediterranean Sea.
Points Check September 2025
September was a fun month. We took a trip with our friends Bill and Theresa to Nice, France, to compete in the UTMB Nice Côte d’Azur ultramarathons. Obviously, that wasn’t the only reason we went there. We also took a day trip to Monaco and spent quite a lot of time walking the beautiful streets…
United Airlines adds European Routes for Experienced Travelers
United Airlines is expanding its seasonal routes in Europe, targeting experienced American travelers seeking unique destinations. New flights include daily service to Glasgow, Scotland; four weekly flights to Bari, Italy; and seasonal flights to Split, Croatia and Santiago de Compostela, Spain. These locations offer authentic experiences beyond traditional European cities.
Testing my Limits at UTMB Nice Côte d’Azur 50k
The UTMB Nice Côte d’Azur 50K was my first ultramarathon. It takes place in the impossibly beautiful Maritime Alps overlooking the French Riviera. It pushed me to my absolute limit.
An Evening at Klunkerkranich
Klunkerkranich is a unique rooftop bar and cultural center in Berlin’s Neukölln which offers eclectic vibes and stunning city views. The ambiance and atmosphere make it an enjoyable spot for drinks and watching the sunset.
Simplify Your Travel in Germany with the Deutschland Ticket
The Deutschland Ticket, introduced in May 2023, is a subscription service allowing public transport access across Germany for 58 Euros. It simplifies travel by consolidating ticketing, covering most local transportation.
Points Check August 2025
August was a month when we spent considerable time preparing for our trip to Nice, France, at the end of September. Unlike most trips, this didn’t mean finalizing trip details or finding places we would like to visit. Instead, it meant training – lots and lots of painful training. Our trip is based around participating…
Newby to Expert Traveler 