2022-08-13 18:43
The Amex Cobalt and Scotiabank Gold Amex are the only cards in Canada that offer 5x the points on dining and grocery spend, which equates to 5% cash back if redeemed for a travel credit… Read More
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Practical travel hacks and tips from a Canadian who is always planning her way to another dramatic landscape
2022-05-14 01:33
As travel restrictions and public health measures loosen around the world, more and more people are ready to travel. Unfortunately, it looks like airport staff have not been able to keep up… Read More
2021-10-01 02:18
Business Class flights come with so many perks. More leg room, better meals, lounge access - if only those flights didn't cost thousands of dollars!That doesn't mean you have to pay Bus… Read More
2021-09-28 02:06
When it comes to credit cards, many people prefer simple cash back cards that provide 1% or 2% of your overall spend as a statement credit. I totally get it - cold, hard cash sounds more tan… Read More
2020-11-24 23:10
Airport lounges. I love them.If you haven't been to an airport lounge, you may not understand my love for them. Just think of it as a peaceful all-you-can-eat-and-drink affair right before y… Read More
2020-10-10 13:00
A big concern for many people is that signing up for multiple credit cards will impact their credit score, which will result in them not being able to get a mortgage, loan or some other cred… Read More
2020-08-15 12:00
Air Canada released details of the new Aeroplan program launching on November 8th, 2020 this Tuesday. Existing members win some and lose some in the updated program, which will ultimately ch… Read More
2020-03-05 12:30
With several COVID-19 related travel advisories in effect, upcoming travel booked months ago might not look like such a great idea anymore. If you're planning on cancelling or postponin… Read More
2020-02-26 00:38
While you can pay with credit card almost anywhere you go nowadays, most cards come with an annoying 2.5% "foreign transaction" fee that is charged on any purchase that isn’t in Canadi… Read More
2020-02-21 12:30
Aeroplan remains once of the most accessible flight rewards programs to Canadians, though the value of your rewards might get killed by pesky carrier surcharges (YQ), depending on the airlin… Read More
2020-02-14 13:00
For those of us who want to fly business class from Canada to Europe on points and don't mind a layover, Iberia Airlines has a great loyalty program for doing so. Compared to other airline l… Read More
2020-02-01 17:39
Image Credit: Marriott.comUnless you travel frequently for work, it is highly unlikely for most people to get status with airlines such as Air Canada or WestJet. Different tiers of airline s… Read More
2020-01-26 18:11
If you're a student or senior just starting to get into credit card rewards, you may find that the really lucrative credit cards require a really high income level to get approved. For examp… Read More
2020-01-10 13:00
While redeeming points for my own travel aspirations is fun, I occasionally like to redeem points for my family as well.Most credit card reward programs and travel loyalty programs allow you… Read More
2020-01-03 19:01
Another year, another post on how to get the most out of an RBC credit card!Today, I'll be focusing how to get the most out of the RBC WestJet World Elite MasterCard. As the name suggests, t… Read More
2020-01-01 07:23
Many premium travel credit cards offer welcome bonuses for new customers, but they are usually contingent on meeting a certain level of spending in a certain period of time. Most cards requi… Read More
2019-12-28 18:26
While I was able to spend quality time with my family and relatives over the Christmas break, some of those around me have not been so fortunate. When the illness or death of an overseas fam… Read More
2019-11-07 13:00
A lot of the credit cards recommended here give amazing sign up bonuses for the first year, but not necessarily on an ongoing basis - I'm talking the Amex Platinum, Marriott Bonvoy Amex, RBC… Read More
2019-11-06 01:57
Last year, Air Canada and WestJet made a few changes to their fares and fees to compete with low-cost carriers:Air Canada and WestJet hiked checked bag fees on economy flights from $25 to $3… Read More
2019-11-05 01:41
More often than not, American Express cards offer better welcome bonuses and travel rewards than their Visa and MasterCard counterparts. The only issue? Not every place takes Amex due to the… Read More
2019-11-01 12:00
Many premium travel credit cards offer welcome bonuses for new customers, but they are usually contingent on meeting a certain level of spending in a certain period of time. Most cards requi… Read More
2019-09-29 19:10
As I was passing through Terminal 1 of Pearson Airport this weekend, I stopped by the CIBC kiosk past security and noticed that the representatives were offering promotions for new customers… Read More
2019-09-28 12:00
As I was passing through Terminal 1 of Pearson Airport this weekend, I stopped by the CIBC kiosk past security and noticed that the representatives were offering promotions for new customers… Read More
2019-08-22 12:00
While I've previously sung the praises of the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card to earn points for hotel redemptions, there are actually credit cards that can help you earn free AirBnB… Read More
2019-08-14 23:24
One of the biggest complaints about premium travel credit cards are the annual fees. While I personally think the value of the rewards far exceed the annual fee, some people just can't shake… Read More
2019-06-11 12:30
One of the biggest complaints about premium travel credit cards are the annual fees. While I personally think the value of the rewards far exceed the annual fee, some people just can't shake… Read More
2019-06-10 17:15
One of the most elusive continents to get to (aside from Antarctica) is Oceania, which includes countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Papa New Guinea among others. The biggest… Read More
2019-06-06 12:00
Last year, Air Canada and WestJet made a few changes to their fares and fees to compete with low-cost carriers:Air Canada and WestJet hiked checked bag fees on economy flights from $25 to $3… Read More
2019-06-01 12:00
Canadians love visiting Europe, but the weak Canadian dollar can make it a very expensive vacation indeed - especially in the summer!However, if you're armed with the right deals, credi… Read More
2019-05-10 18:27
On my most recent trip, I started off with a 14-hour flight in Economy Class from Toronto to Shanghai. Even though I ended up with the dreaded middle seat, I found that this flight was actua… Read More
2019-02-17 14:00
More often than not, American Express cards tend to offer better travel rewards than their Visa and MasterCard counterparts. Amex is known for their generous welcome bonuses and flexible rew… Read More
2019-01-09 13:00
New year, new credit card promotions!I have gone through all of my credit card posts and updated for new offers and/or new links.More to come on how to maximize frequent flyer programs and h… Read More
2019-01-07 23:37
Disclaimer: Some of the links below are referral links, which means I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This post is not sponsored by any of the companies mentioned. All… Read More
2019-01-05 14:00
So far on this blog, I've been singing praises of using travel reward credit cards to save money on flights, hotels and other travel expenditures.However, banks and credit card companies are… Read More
2019-01-01 21:33
Happy New Year!For the first post of 2019, I'll be continuing the theme of how to travel more and pay less. This time, I'll be focusing on a specific card (the RBC Visa Infinite Avion) inste… Read More
2018-12-28 22:13
Wang Long Bay, no filter. Image Credit: Me.When traveling to developing countries that depend heavily on tourism such as Thailand, you typically don't have a ton to worry about since mo… Read More
2018-12-21 02:45
With the Marriott-SPG merger, we got a whole bunch of redemption rate changes to Marriott and SPG portfolio hotels effective August 2018. Many hotels actually went down in terms of points re… Read More
2018-12-04 13:30
On my most recent trip, I started off with a 14-hour flight in Economy Class from Toronto to Shanghai. Even though I ended up with the dreaded middle seat, I found that this flight was actua… Read More
2018-11-30 03:48
Between the strong U.S. dollar and relatively more expensive flight, Las Vegas wasn't exactly at the top of the destination list. I mean, you can fly for $260 CAD to Iceland in the summer!It… Read More
2018-11-29 23:49
I'd categorize Australia as a relatively low maintenance destination for packing, compared to places like Iceland or Asia. I would still do some pre-trip preparation because - well, it's so… Read More
2018-11-28 00:12
A Well-Rounded SuitcaseAfter the wheels on my Swiss Gear suitcase stopped working, I started hunting for a new suitcase. I had been eyeing up the Muji hard shell suitcases as a replacement… Read More
2018-11-07 09:03
A Decent Budget Option The AmazonBasics 20-inch Hardside Spinner is only $62.50 on Amazon.ca, with occasional sales that can make it even cheaper. I snagged mine for only $46.88 plus ta… Read More
2018-11-01 04:18
Using Credit Cards for Travel: Part FiveOne of the most elusive continents to get to (aside from Antarctica) is Oceania, which includes countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Pa… Read More
2018-11-01 04:15
As I prepare for my upcoming three week trip to Asia in November, I started unconsciously compiling a whole laundry list of things I need to do before we leave (super Type A, I know - but I… Read More
2018-10-21 19:17
I often find myself traveling to the U.S. due to its close proximity to Toronto. Unfortunately, the unfavourable exchange rate the last few years hasn't been so friendly on the wallet. As a… Read More
2018-10-17 00:44
Quanzhou, Fujian, China. Image Credit: Me.Using Credit Cards for Travel: Part FourI have decided to start my "travel more, pay less" examples with East Asia, as I travel there every other ye… Read More
2018-10-02 23:56
Using Credit Cards for Travel: Part Two Do you meet most of the prerequisites in my previous post to sign up for travel rewards credit cards?Are you intimidated by the sheer choice of t… Read More
2018-10-02 23:53
Watching the sunset in Vancouver. Image Credit: Me.Using Credit Cards for Travel: Part ThreeWhen it comes to credit cards, many people prefer simple cash back cards that provide 1% or 2% of… Read More
2018-10-02 03:21
Using Credit Cards for Travel: Part One The (not-so) secret to how I afford all my travel is this: I subsidize my trips through signing up for the right credit cards and accumulating en… Read More
2018-09-20 03:26
An Oceania Trip: Part 1This is Part 1 in a series of blog posts about our November 2017 trip to Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji.When revisiting all my vacation photos, I find myself constan… Read More
2018-09-20 03:23
An Iceland Guide: Part 3This is Part 3 in a series about Iceland. Read tips for packing and how to save money in Part 1 and Part 2 respectively.So after all that pre-trip preparation, we are… Read More
2018-09-16 22:26
Airport lounges. I love them.If you haven't been to an airport lounge, you may not understand my love for them. Just think of it as a peaceful all-you-can-eat-and-drink affair right before y… Read More
2018-09-16 02:03
If you work a full-time office job, chances are you get some kind of paid time off (PTO). Taking a proper break in the form of a vacation is incredibly important for your health and work pro… Read More
2018-09-12 02:19
Vegas baby!When I was in Las Vegas five years ago, we drove from Las Vegas to Los Angeles and stopped by the Grand Canyon on the way. The Grand Canyon is a stunning work of Earthen art itsel… Read More
2018-09-02 17:07
An Oceania Trip: Part 4This is the fourth post in a blog series about our November 2017 trip to Oceania. Read about Sydney in Part 1, Cairns in Part 2, or Auckland in Part 3.Frankl… Read More
2018-08-30 12:00
An Oceania Trip: Part 5 (Bonus)By a stroke of luck or misfortune (depending on how you see it), our flight from Nadi to Los Angeles was scheduled to land around 11:30 AM on Sunday. Our fligh… Read More
2018-08-25 18:20
So I'm a little obsessed with YouTube videos on packing at the moment. For some reason it's so satisfying to see people neatly organize their things into packing cubes and pouches into their… Read More
2018-08-21 00:03
If you decide to cross borders and travel to other countries, you might be required to pay for things in a foreign currency. This can result in a ton of additional hidden fees and charges, e… Read More
2018-08-17 02:08
An Oceania Trip: Part 2This is Part 2 in a series about our November 2017 trip to Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji. Read about Sydney in Part 1 here.Time to say goodbye to lovely Sydney. Ove… Read More
2018-08-17 02:07
An Oceania Trip: Part 3I want to preface this by saying that other than transportation and the Lord of the Rings tour, most of the places that we went to in New Zealand were free or very che… Read More
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