Trips, Tips, and Tricks

How To Score 50K On Hawaiian Airlines

I was scanning the interwebs the other day and came across a way to get 50,000 miles from Hawaiian Airlines.  Normally they give a reward for 35K miles, but if you go through the process of booking a dummy flight, and before paying for it, you’ll see an offer to get 50,000 Hawaiian Airline miles.  Click the link to apply and you’re on your way.  I did this myself as I am out of Hawaiian Airline miles and am looking forward to relaxing under some palm trees with a drink in hand. (more…)

By Jason, ago

Southwest Companion Pass: Round 2

Companion Pass

UPDATE: It’s been pointed out to me that sometime here in March, Marriott/Southwest (not sure which) is going to stop the rewarding of the Southwest Companion Pass when following the steps below.  Hopefully this will still be of use to peoples before they stop.

Today, I’m writing about how I just got another couple years with the beloved Southwest Companion Pass.  Unlike before, where I received the pass from using credit cards, this time around, I used a bunch of Marriott points that I acquired.  Either way you choose to go about getting the pass, it isn’t too hard.  Let’s dive into the details. (more…)

By Jason, ago
Companion Pass

Year In Review: 2016

Last year, I decided to take the time to look back at 2015 and review how things went, so I decided to take the time to go over this year to celebrate what I’ve accomplished and to make some goals for 2017.  2016 started strong with high hopes and carried that way the majority of the year with a number of lows and some major highs.  I don’t do this as a way to brag, just as a way for me to reflect upon how my year went and perhaps a way to inspire whoever reads this to review your own year.  Away we go… (more…)

By Jason, ago

Netherlands To Switzerland

[mappress mapid=”12″]

If you haven’t heard, the day after Christmas I’m headed off to Europe.  This will be my fourth Eurotrip (one, two, and three) and I can’t wait to go explore this amazing part of the world again.  This time I’m starting on a direct flight from Portland to Amsterdam that I scored for cheap and reining in the New Year with Melissa, Tomas, Ayleen and more.  After the New Year, I’m eventually making my way down to visit my friend Laurent in Lausanne, Switzerland before flying home.  My plans are pretty loose, as is the way I usually travel, so I’m excited to see how the trip comes together.  With the help of the travel hacking work I’ve done in the past and my friends in Europe, I’m hoping to keep my trip quite low on cost.  I’m going to be updating this post with my trip details as best as I can, so bookmark this page and stay updated. Belgium(I ended up splitting off and Switzerland into their own posts.)

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By Jason, ago

Dreading Your Morning? Then Exercise!

Do you ever wake up dreading the fact that you have to get out of bed to get your day going?  Ever wake up thinking that you’ve just got so many things to do, that it’s difficult to focus on any one thing?  Or do you ever wake up, feeling exhausted desiring to chug down an entire pot of coffee?  Well, I’ve got an easy solution to get your day going better than anything else – exercise! (more…)

By Jason, ago

How I Saved Over $3,000 On A Flight!

KLM Airbus 330-200 Foto:KLMThis Christmas, I decided that I’m going to go to The Netherlands for New Years.  I’m not totally sure on my plans, but I knew that I needed to get my flight soon to avoid it getting too expensive.  I’m not sure if I’ll be returning from Amsterdam, so rather than booking a round trip (RT) ticket, I just wanted a one way.  In doing so, I realized that I saved my self over $3,000 on that one-way direct flight from Portland to Amsterdam.  Here’s how I did it. (more…)

By Jason, ago

Time For Festivals

Giant Disco BallSince my trip to Iceland, I haven’t done much international travel.  In fact, I haven’t done much travel at all except for a trip to Georgia early in June.  The last couple months, I’ve spent my time working my day job, spending time with family and friends, going through the pain of buying an airplane, biking all over the place during Pedalpalooza, and going to a number of festivals.

Since the end of May, I’ve attended SOAK, What The Festival?! and this last weekend was Oregon Country Fair.  All three festivals are quite different, but are each quite amazing – and all located in Oregon! (more…)

By Jason, ago
Mývatn Nature Baths

Blue Lagoon Alternatives: Iceland’s Other Hot Springs

There are well over a million visitors heading to Iceland every year these days and the number one tourist attraction is the Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa.  Known for it’s pearl blue water and beauty, it is also known to be quite packed with people (a reservation is recommend), and also comes at a hefty price tag (starts at around $60!).  During my visit to Iceland, I was doing it on a budget, so I didn’t make an appearance at the Blue Lagoon, and instead partook in the numerous other hot springs around the country of Iceland.  Here are a number of the ones I went to soak – avoid the crowds and save some cash. (more…)

By Jason, ago

Iceland: Viewing The Northern Lights

northern lightsMany people don’t realize that this incredible phenomenon (Northern Lights) is elusive and unpredictable. Yes, even in a place like Iceland…

I just recently spent eight days in Iceland attempting to see the Northern Lights, and though it never happened, it was still an incredible trip.  If you end up going to Iceland and planning to see the lights, then follow these tips from Expert Vagabond. (more…)

By Jason, ago