2020 – Page 3 – Cafes and Alleyways

Adding to the Mix – Four Credit Cards to Consider In a Points Earning Strategy

Post author:CafesandAlleyways
Post published:April 17, 2020
Post category:General Points+Miles
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We recently wrote in article in which we compared a cash back card to a card that earns transferable, but cashable points. For the cashback card we used an imaginary 2% card. For transferable points we used the Chase Freedom Unlimited. The article prompted some good discussion. People brought up cards such as… The Discover it Miles Card at 3%The Amex Blue Business Plus which has the potential to cash out at 2.5%The Citi Double Cash at 2%The Bank of America card at 2.625% Those are four great cards. Each offers an appealing overall value to the cardholder. We personally use all four of the above-mentioned cards. Any of…

Shimmers on the Beach- Dubai, UAE

Post author:CafesandAlleyways
Post published:April 7, 2020
Post category:General
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We took a cab from the Ritz Carlton Hotel to Jumeriah Mina A’ Salam. It’s one of the Jumeriah Group properties, also home to Shimmers on the Beach. Taxi Ride to Shimmers on the Beach Our cab driver was a little confused as to specifically where we were going. The Jumeriah properties are very close together so it can be confusing. Try and have a map if possible to show your driver. Map to Shimmers on the Beach It’s quite a walk from the front of the hotel to Shimmers, so allow yourself enough time so you aren’t late. Jumeriah Mina A’ Salam is…

Placing Our Bet: Deciding Between Cash back or Transferable (But Cashable) Points in Today’s Uncertain Environment

Post author:CafesandAlleyways
Post published:April 6, 2020
Post category:General Points+Miles
Post comments:9 Comments

In light of current circumstances we’re looking at shifting credit card spending away from cards which earn program-specific points, and aiming them towards either… Cards which earn cashbackCards which earn transferable currencies that can be converted to cash. The common theme being the ability to go to cash. With non-essential travel on hold, cash is an appealing option. But we also like premium travel, and normally get outsized value with transferable currencies. So, as someone who prioritizes travel, but wants the fallback option of cash, which of the two above options is the best path forward, transferable but cashable points, or…

Earn Points Through Credit Card Sign Ups- Part 1: Count the Cost

Post author:CafesandAlleyways
Post published:April 5, 2020
Post category:General Points+Miles
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Do you want to earn a large number of points and miles for travel? If so, the single best piece of advice may be to sign up for a credit card with a big welcome bonus. To learn more, read on! Welcome to the world of points and miles! We’re sharing how ordinary people can travel to extraordinary places with the use of airline miles and hotel points. This post is part of a series on “Getting Started with Points and Miles”. Here are the topics: Getting Started with Points and MilesLook and Learn Before You LeapDecide What Type of Reward Points…

Archery at the Al Maha Resort in Dubai

Post author:CafesandAlleyways
Post published:March 29, 2020
Post category:Destinations General Travel
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A stay at the Al Maha Resort includes two activities each day. During our stay, there were seven complementary activities from which to choose. FalconryNature WalkGhaf Tree WalkWild Life DriveCamel TrekSundownersArchery Below is a handout that guests will receive upon arrival. We requested the document ahead of time in order to plan our activities. As you can see, Horse Riding and Desert Drive are also available for an extra charge. We picked archery for one of our activities. We meet our field guide, Shabaz at the Hotel Lobby and he took us in an SUV to the archery range. Our guide helped…

How Buying Airline Miles Reduced Expenses On Our Trip To Dubai

Post author:CafesandAlleyways
Post published:March 20, 2020
Post category:Points+Miles
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Buying miles is not part of our normal strategy for award flights, but on our recent trip to Dubai, it made sense. We decided to fly Emirates business class, and considered two options for how to pay for the award tickets. Two Options Option #1 - Use Emirates Skyward miles to book the Emirate flight. This is the most straightforward path. The total cost for two tickets would be 247,500 Skyward miles plus approximately $1750 in taxes and fees. In this scenario we would generate the Skyward miles by transferring 247,500 American Express Membership Rewards points, which convert into Skyward miles at a 1:1 transfer ratio. …

Ritz Carlton Dubai- Review of Club Lounge and Lobby Lounge

Post author:CafesandAlleyways
Post published:March 19, 2020
Post category:Destinations General
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During our recent trip to Dubai, we stayed at the Ritz Carlton in Jumeirah Beach. Upon arrival we were upgraded to a Club Level room, and as benefit, enjoyed access to Club Lounge. In a previous post we reviewed the room and the grounds. In this post we’ll review the Club Lounge and the Lobby Lounge. Every morning we had breakfast at the Club Lounge. We found the lounge to be clean, modern and it was never crowded. Club Lounge at the Ritz Carlton Dubai We chose the same table every day, by the glass doors that led to the balcony. Every morning was…

La Mer Beach Street Art – Dubai

Post author:CafesandAlleyways
Post published:March 14, 2020
Post category:Destinations General Travel
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Do you enjoy street art? If so, LaMer Beach in Dubai is a fun stop. There's an open-air shopping area with street art sprinkled throughout. In between shops and restaurants, you'll find artistic expressions on the walls, around corners and up above your head. Here are pictures from a recent visit to La Mer. Eateries are sprinkled throughout La Mer. Consider Visiting La Mer Beach If you're in Dubai, consider visiting La Mer Beach. To see more about La Mer check out our post on the La Mer Beachfront. You may also enjoy the following posts on Dubai Ritz Carlton…

Hilton Extends Weekend Night Certificates

Post author:CafesandAlleyways
Post published:March 14, 2020
Post category:General Points+Miles
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With everything going on, this may be the least of your worries. But in case it effects you, Hilton extends Weekend Night Rewards through August 31st, 2021. These are the free nights earned by holders of the American Express Hilton cards. Here's the text of the email. Dear__________, I wanted to follow up on the recent message you received from our CEO, Chris Nassetta. In addition to the enhancements Hilton communicated, we are extending the expiration date of the Weekend Night Reward(s) you earned as a Hilton Honors American Express Card Member. We appreciate that you choose to travel with us and…

Earn Your First Points

Post author:CafesandAlleyways
Post published:March 11, 2020
Post category:Points+Miles
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Welcome to the world of points and miles! We’re sharing how ordinary people can travel to extraordinary places with the use of airline miles and hotel points. In this series we lay out steps to save money and travel more. These steps include: Getting Started with Points and MilesLook and Learn Before You LeapDecide What Type of Reward Points You Want to Begin EarningSign-Up For a Frequent Flyer AccountEarn Your First PointsEarn Points Through Credit Card Sign Ups- Part 1- Count the CostEarn Points Through Credit Card Sign Ups- Part 2- Nine Steps to FollowEarn Points Through Credit Card SpendingEarn…