We don't have any brand loyalty. We go with whoever is giving us the best deal in each location. And sometimes the cash rate is better. But if you get the credit card you'll get every fourth night free when you use points, so factor that in. Cheers and happy travels!

We have cards for IHG (actually two), Wyndham, and Choice Hotels - all gave us Platinum status and sweet initial spend bonuses. Also a Hilton branded AMEX Platinum to get all those perks. Now, to spend all those points! Where's our globe...?

It was a limited time offer where they increased the limit to 250k points max. Generally, the limit is 150k.

You purchase 250,000 and get 250,000. They each have an IHG account so they ended up with 1,000,000.

We try not to reveal our specific travel itinerary until after we have completed our travel (for safety reasons), but here goes: When we booked the Holiday Inn Panama Distrito Financiero six months out, the points rate was 14,000 per night with every fourth night free, bringing the average cost to 10,800 points or $54 with purchased points. (we actually used the free points from the credit card offer for this stay) The cash rate with taxes and fees was $82.24. It's a little bit higher to book now, at 15,166 pts/night.

Overall, we were happy with the quality of the scans. Unfortunately, we had already disposed of all the decent photos before thinking to make the video. The photo we used to demonstrate was indeed a blurry 1970s vintage thumbnail size.

That's what I understand, too

That does indeed look to be the case at their Iberostar and Six Senses branded resorts. We don't have any experience with resorts, so we can't comment on how much those fees might be. But if we get hit with extra fees at any hotels, we will post an update!

It's very limited but can happen. The main thing is avoiding the tourist taxes which I generally do avoid.

@@Flipvirtual When you've run into these, could you see the fees at booking, or was it a gotcha at check-in? We've heard some rumblings about surprise VATs in some places...

@thepodojils the IHG hotels sometimes have a $5-10 "amenity fee" on points reservations which is manageable. You can see this on the search results page so its not a surprise. However, I recently stayed in Athens, GR at the Intercon where the VAT was 13% on paid nights. This is why I typically avoid the paid nights unless its a very low rate. The math almost always checks out to buy points and avoid that alltogether.

Great job getting the 185k! We aren't locked onto any one brand... we will stay wherever we get the best deal overall, and that includes some amazing VRBO deals in South America. In parallel with IHG, we are working status using credit cards from Hilton, Wyndham, and Choice Hotels. Hyatt was being poopy and wouldn't give us a card, but we'll try again next year because their loyalty program is really good.

YES! We should have mentioned that. Actually, these cards are currently closer to 30% interest, so DO NOT CARRY BALANCES!!!

💯 And to add to your point. With Charge cards like American Express, you're expected to pay off the card at the end of the month. They have started allowing you to hold a small amount, but they set you up on a payment plan. But the benefits are great IF you are going to travel a lot. Or wanted to and want to save money when you do. . You just live your life through it They reimburse you for this and that. 30 off my insurance bill. Free Walmart plus. Pay 30 every month on Hulu. Very interesting, and very different to anything I had ever known about credit until about 3 years ago . Anyway.. good point

Thanks for the tip!

That is simply not true. We have already booked international stays this way, and many other nomads have made this a lifestyle for years. Actually, it makes MORE sense to use your points overseas because the deals are better. If you are planning international travel, particular to cheap areas like Asia, Central and South America, I encourage you to read the terms carefully, and enjoy your travels!

I can attest that it's all real!

We haven't been disappointed here yet! Wish our Cleveland Metroparks would develop something like Oak Openings.