Stop Over Paying For Last Minute Travel

[@sharonvickers146]

Consider getting a PC Mastercard, so you get Optimum points on purchases. Then when Shoppers Drug Mart have their "spend your points" event, load up on pasta, peanut butter etc., which you can then take to your local food bank. My local food bank also accepts baby formula and diapers etc. You do not have to be rich to give... just something to think about.

[@MGE9436]

Credit card points are excellent, but if you don't have heaps of money after you retire, banks won't approve one. So maybe get the card b4 you retire and start accruing. My bank, who I also happen to work for, gives free travel insurance and points, so an even bigger saving. It's a win-win. Thanks for your lovely, friendly advice 😊

[@TrekkingwithMikeandDeb]

We enjoy the perks from our Chase credit card. The hotels actually have given us upgraded rooms on the floor with a special breakfast and happy hour. Love the points.

[@rebeccagutierrez1960]

Norm and Tina, thanks for all your tips. I was born and raised in Chicago by the way. Take care. Guys.

[@susanacton5007]

Way to shop smart you guys! Have been playing with credit cards for many years - why not?! As long as you have the means and self discipline to pay the card off every month - woo hoo! Go for it!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We pay it off in full every month Susan Cheers 🌺🍷

[@landb3893]

We use the WestJet card for the companion voucher and we also earn WestJet dollars for flights. We usually get our flights for almost free for our annual Mexican holiday. We also collect aeroplan points but only when we fly, don’t have a points card. Will keep our eyes open for future card deals. I do not like airmiles. We also have a card with no foreign exchange charge and use that when we travel.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

That’s great thanks for sharing Cheers 🌺🙂🍷

[@danielodonoghue3529]

We are using points to pay to fly Melbourne to Singapore and returning from Hong Kong, so we can take a paid cruise between the two (via Vietnam and Thailand). Total cost for the flights was just taxes!

[@sulemanpiracha8123]

Hi Tina & Norm, American Express Platinum card gives up to 150000 points and has many other rewards and benefits, like lounge access at the airport, hotel/resort points, Uber/Uber eats credits every month, Sacks Fifth credit twice a year (almost enough for buying my After Shave lotions) . Also, Gold Membership for Marriot, and Hilton hotel. You can ear 7X points if you buy your flight with the card. Delta Amex card gives companion certificate once a year. Chase offers similar card as American Express Platinum.

[@johnyjsl9219]

How do you actually book the room with points? Do you need the hotel's reward card membership? Do you book via your credit company’s website? A video on the specifics would be interesting

[@RoseGrace100]

You 2. So fun. “We’re old and poor.” What a great retirement.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks for watching Cheers 🌺🙂

[@sylvial3815]

Blue line for Chicago OHare (ORD) to downtown, Orange line from Chicago Midway(MDW) Airport to downtown. And yes, that's Chicago summer road construction for you every year. It's never ending.

[@annethall]

I have been manipulating the credit cards for miles for many years. Other than paying a small amount of tax for air we have flown free SFO to Bangkok, Paris, Tel Aviv, Australia, and the list goes on. I always find the good miles deal and make sure to cancel the card after one year and then find another card. Yes it takes time and remembering to cancel to avoid a card fee but it has been great. Now I just started with points and need to figure that system out also, as I make another free trip to Europe soon. I have told many friends about this and they still don't do it.

[@marcelmed4574]

You could also call up Visa at renewal and tell them that you’ve charged 20 or 30 thousand on the card in the last 12 months and they’ve made 2.5% on every transaction and you’d like them to waive the fee. They will do it or sometimes send you gift cards for restaurants for the equivalent amount. If you charge most things on your credit card it doesn’t take long to rack up charges.

[@marie-louisewcislo6519]

I buy absolutely everything I possibly can using my credit card that earns me Air Canada Aeroplan points: food, gasoline, booze, gifts, transportation, insurance premiums, restaurants, etc. The points add up quickly and I use them just as quickly on Air Canada flights!

[@dianegravesable]

I do Costco point(cash) and has been great for travel or more shopping... or a cash card to my children when they need to gas up for college or their starting year for work.. yes... gift cards can be used at Costco gas stations. Travel was great. 👍

[@billyb5057]

no question you have to be very wise when it comes to air fares *fully watched🥸Au🦘have a great week 💯thumbs up👍*

[@IamaDutch-Kiwi]

I've accummulated a number of point on my CC and have only just recently looked at what my options are. A new savings possibility. Happy travels. Booked another LONG distance trip- it'll be. awhile but plans are made. Have a great 'Hump'day! 🌞🇳🇱🙋‍♀🇳🇿👌🍷🍷

[@patdennis2586]

Thanks!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks so much Pat have a great weekend Cheers 🇺🇸🍻🇨🇦🍷

[@tonysomewhere5920]

Great information... I haven't been using points all of these years. I think I am going to follow up on this matter. I have points with Delta for several years. I think I am going to check on them. I haven't driven and parked at the airport in a long time. Now is Uber or Lyft scheduled in advance. Sometimes they drive me to the airport as early as 3 or 4 in the morning. Cheers.

[@dellnichols4625]

Very informative! We have been traveling a lot this year and have been accumulating points but not using them. We need to make a list of the points we have so we can easily reference just what we have and then remember to use them!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

You should! it can save a lot Dell Cheers 🌺🙂🍻

[@paulhunter6652]

There are lots of different ways of earning cash or points. We use our Costco credit card and get two fat cheques a year. Visa Passport(six airport lounge credits). Plus the Visa has some included travel insurance. I do well by winning vacations and I have won many trips for the two of us over the years. Cheers!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

That’s wonderful Paul how do you win trips 🤔🤔thanks for watching Cheers 🌺🙂🍻

[@RetiredLovingIt]

Great information! Thanks guys! Have a great week!

[@traceynewdeck8526]

I love your new top Tina! Looks lovely. Your Chicago adventure sounds great. Me and my husband only ever take carry on luggage.. it saves time getting out of the airport as well. Stay safe and well and rhabks for another great video

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks so much Tracey have a wonderful weekend Cheers 🌺🙂🍷

[@christopherbarker976]

Hi Tina & Norm thanks for the tips I will pay more attention to the senior discounts Regards. Christopher Barker

[@ginacolumbarabanal4936]

Thanks for that info.

[@richardbernhard3373]

I enjoy your video, and this topic is exactly what I need. I will listen all the way through to the end. Thank you both very much once again for doing what you do.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Our pleasure! glad you enjoyed it Richard Cheers 🙂🌺

[@patrickthibeault]

We miss your old (sign off) " We hope you are staying safe and keeping well, until next time, bye bye". Please bring it back!!!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Noted thank you Patrick 🍻

[@wrongwayconway]

I do that credit card switch etc whenever there's point or some kind of cash reward. I also sign up for all the hotel membership cards so I can get freebies when I stay there.

[@Jacquie_Kirk_111]

Great information! Tina you look fabulous in the top!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thank you so much cheers to Giant Tiger 🌺🙂🍷

[@iniabellepaz445]

Great videos as always.

[@andrewbilton5993]

Enjoyed this guys!

[@caroleanne8529]

Thank you for such an informative video. Great ideas!

[@krazytrainguy]

Thanks for providing some great tips on how to earn points and avoid those last minute travel costs. The Aeroplan card at TD is there an annual fee on that card? I am looking to ditch my Amex as nobody seems to accept them anymore and change to something with better benefits.

[@bking0220]

You two are amazing! I love following your adventures. Have you done a video telling why you moved from UK to Canada?

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Yes we have kzbin.info/www/bejne/kH-cp3WdaLF1bJY

[@sandihunter1260]

We have used the UP from Union to Pearson in the winter and it's fantastic. Great idea on the points cards. How do you know who is offering deals at the moment?

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

You can Google who has the best deals and they all come up Sandi Have a great week Cheers 🌺🙂🍷

[@patriciawallace957]

We have the Amex Aeroplan Card and we do have a lot of points. Going to use them for a trip to Scotland!!! We quite often get the e upgrades as well!!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

That’s great Patricia have a wonderful trip Cheers 🌺🙂🍷

[@cann9155]

Soo cute Tina! Norm you guys nailed it, yet again. Thanks so much. Cheers 🍷🍺

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thank you! Cheers! 🙂🌺

[@grandpa_eric]

Hey 👋 Norm & Tina! That’s some good strategerie. How long can that continue though? We once vacationed with a couple who were so obsessed with couponing and points that it became disruptive and diminished our good time and devalued our friendship. We love our AMEX Hilton Honors points! Currently 250,000. 👍

[@krism4139]

We have only one no annual fee credit card and redeem our points a couple of times each year for cash directly into our bank account. Easy!

[@jimbertrand2499]

Aeroplan miles sure aren't what they used to be... Norm is this your new look 😮 Tina - nice top 😊

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Non of the points are what they used to be!

[@charlescash6841]

I have always heard that cancelling credit cards hurt your credit rating…. Did you notice this in your case since it appears that your cancel them when they no longer meet your needs?

[@lindad6223]

My upcoming trip was paid for in miles!

[@karryhuston1321]

Hi guys...love the GT boutique, always great deals.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Yes they do Karry we love shopping there Cheers 🌺🙂🍷

[@randolphh8005]

I think I heard you say you paid 59 thousand points each for the flight. We got 2 round trips to Lisbon/Madrid for almost the same. Also retired. We try to plan ahead, and haven’t paid cash other than taxes for flights in 18 months, unless the fare was very low. Trying to spend points till gone over the next 2-3 years.

[@murraytown4]

I never book last minute. I usually book months in advance (particularly Escape fares on VIA) for not only best price, but best selection. As a retiree, I’ve maximum flexibility. For Pearson to downtown (or the opposite direction) I always take the subway/bus. Much cheaper than UPS.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks for sharing! Cheers Murray 🍻🙂

[@rosiej9231]

Seniors rate on the UPS for $6.20 is a deal.

[@hermacoutts8587]

Hi Tina and Norm, great to see you twice a week now. Do you book hotels on their websites or do you use a booking app? ❤️🇨🇦

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Most times we book direct sometimes we use booking.com or Expedia Herma Cheers 🌺🙂🍷

[@lorenemeyer1409]

Always book direct with the hotel. You will get a better room and if anything happens, you can work direct with the hotel to straighten it out. As well, the hotels will often offer a bonus to you if you book direct with them cause they have to pay to use those sites.

[@Jvang102]

Can you use points when booking directly with the hotel?

[@Jvang102]

Love your videos Tina and Norm ❤, is there sites that you go to to find these deals . Also do these credit cards have a minimum wage cut off, how does that work for retirees?

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We in the past have looked at Greedy rates, Nerdwallett.com, Credit card Genius , they usually talk about 20 or so cards then we go on to the main sites for more info or to apply . They do talk about income required to qualify, hope that helps Cheers 🌺🙂🍷

[@gordduncan5859]

If your TD VISA gets compromised 3 times in 11 months like mine, the points aren't worth the hassle!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Yikes 😱 we can understand that Gord Cheers 🌺🙂🍷

[@alzadventurz]

Love your videos. I'm just outside Toronto, where in Canada are you

[@rustykatt3870]

Hi guys, very smart to take a train to the airport. Smart. If people can do that, why not?

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We enjoy it Rusty Cheers 🙂🍻

[@123scanman]

I saw a TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite card that gives up to 70,000 pts once the $139 yearly fee is paid (+$75 for additional card). Is there any way to get rebated the yearly fee ?

[@tombills2821]

Like your video's and your love for each other

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thank you so much Tom 🙂🍻

[@clnelson321]

Do you both have a credit card that gets you airport lounge access? Lounge access makes travel so much more enjoyable 🎉

[@freedomlife3623]

Totally agree with you, worth every penny.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

No we don’t but we do pay for lounge access and as you say it is so enjoyable before a flight Cheers 🌺✈️🙂

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We agree 🙂

[@kamidsjournee]

We each got credit cards for the points, but there was a yearly fee. Is that configured into your calculations?

[@lmr691]

I just don’t spend enough to get points on my cards. Otherwise that is a great idea. I am lucky to get 15.00 cash back. I get to enjoy travels through your posts!😊

[@melindalindsey9414]

The idea of travel hacking is to put all spend on the card to get the points. Until I tied, insurance, grocery or dining out, fuel, just all every day spend. Then pay it off in full each month.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks for watching Cheers 🌺🙂🍷

[@melindalindsey9414]

Until I tied? 🤦🏼‍♀️ **Utilities.

[@kristinj7173]

Did you find the hotel in SF easy enough to manage ground transport from Amtrak and then to airport?

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

The hotel was great we took the Amtrak bus then an Uber to the Hotel . When we went to the airport we took a Taxi 🚕 it was Pride weekend and very busy Kristin Cheers 🇺🇸🍷🇨🇦

[@liztops1761]

Love giant tiger

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We do too ❤️

[@CarolFox-ut2fg]

I just searched in Australia and all the cards with “free” start up points want you to pay a fee ($295 to $465 Aud). So you get the new card with bonus points and NO initial fee? Also, do you cancel the old card first? And then apply for anew card? Or do you have both cards for a month or so?

[@celiakulrich255]

How does switching cards affect your credit score?

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

If your credit score is high, it's no problem, especially if you don't need to borrow money.

[@ElizaPiekut]

I wonder why you paid $10 for the blue line from O’Hara to downtown since for seniors is only $1 .25.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Not sure as the machine said $10 each for seniors to go downtown ( guess they knew we were tourists LOL 😂Cheers 🇺🇸🍷🇨🇦

[@jocotti]

Hello my friends. You may want to edit this video. Something in the back ground. Love your kids

[@skyluke4972]

I use to collect Airoplan until they changed and expired my points..... typical Air Crap aka my nickname for air Canada

[@freedomlife3623]

If you use a Aeroplan credit card, your points will never expire as you will continue to rack in points.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks for sharing Cheers 🌺🙂🍻

[@georgeiancu2242]

Hi Tina and Norm! 👋.Thank you for this video! Do we need to pay the annual fee if we're cancelling the credit card before the one-year anniversary?

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

No need we didn’t cancel before it’s due George 🙂🍻

[@kristinpayne1825]

The credit cards you get for travel. Are you paying an annual fee?

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

No we don’t 🙂🌺

[@kristinpayne1825]

@@ThisIsOurRetirement the travel cards that I look at with over 50000 points have a fee. Any suggestions on where to look?

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We watch for deals where the first year is free 🙂try Googling best credit card deals lots come up 🌺

[@tanyajohnston8262]

How do you find out what cards are offering? Is this on line somewhere?

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Just Google there are lots of sites that give all the updated info Tanya Cheers 🌺🙂🍷

[@rustykatt3870]

Please stay away from alcohol stores. Save money and save your health.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks 🌺🙂

[@rustykatt3870]

@@ThisIsOurRetirement 🤗

[@hermacoutts8587]

Hi again, do you pay annual fees on the credit cards that you’ve used? Thanks. ❤️🇨🇦

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

No we don't

[@melindalindsey9414]

Some are worth it. Example - Chase Sapphire Preferred has a $95 annual fee. Then you can book a hotel through their portal and receive a $50 credit. You get a large sign up bonus and can transfer the points to airline or hotel partners. Another would be a Chase Hyatt card. $99 fee I think. And each year, you get a free night certificate that would be worth more than the annual fee. Then with meeting the minimum spend on the card, you receive a bunch of points that can also be redeemed for multiple free nights.

[@ceciliapetrowsky2572]

I have a question which might seem ridiculous. We are in the U.S. and have two VISAs with a ton of points. How exactly do you use the points? Do you have to book your flights and hotel through the credit card company or can you do that on your own and just apply the points later. Sorry for the silly question.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Yes you book with the company first either for hotels or flights Cecilia Cheers 🌺🙂🍷

[@melindalindsey9414]

The credit card portals are using a middle man, so not recommended to use them in case there are issues with the airline or hotel. Recommended to transfer points directly to airline or hotel to book.

[@ceciliapetrowsky2572]

@@melindalindsey9414 I guess I’m dense. Still don’t get it. I guess I’ll google.

[@ketiswasisa3666]

Tina looks beautiful ❤

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thank you 🌺🙂🍷

[@freedomlife3623]

Tina, you looks lovely.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thank you so much that’s very kind Cheers 🌺🙂🍷

[@sudburydrone466]

👍👍✌️

[@patrickstarnes2355]

Take trains not planes. Stop global warming.

[@dominickdibella8830]

Sorry guys, I disagree with opening a credit card to obtain points. You might be normal, i.e. pay your bill monthly, but millions of people carry a balance monthly. Remember, the next time you get cash back or points, someone else is paying the bill. Just my thoughts. Cheers!

[@celiakulrich255]

Using a credit card and paying it off is important to building a good credit score.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Yes it is Celia 🌺🙂

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Yes!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Yes

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks for watching have a wonderful evening you have to be aware paying it off saves money Cheers 🙂

[@sjwitts1]

Thanks!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks Stephen have a wonderful day 🌺🍻

[@sjwitts1]

​@@ThisIsOurRetirement . Am going to do the Sunset ltd from Maricopa to New Orleans, so this info is so useful! New Orleans is on the bucket list . Now I can afford that Zeiss lens lol ! btw can you put up the link for credit cards re travel/health insurance . Cheers

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We buy a separate policy for full medical and travel insurance on our BMO credit card it’s with Allianz Stephen we pay $326 a year for the two of us it will go up when Norm turns 70 . Cheers 🌺🙂

[@sjwitts1]

@@ThisIsOurRetirement perfect thanks guys !! One more year to 70 lol