Edition 1 | Earning 8x points on Airbnb, Australia flight deal, Japan reopening, and more.
TMT | EDITION 1
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Welcome! You've found your way to the first edition of my weekly(ish) newsletter, The Multidimensional Traveler (TMT).
Why I'm starting this. My philosophy, of sorts, is to always strive to be a more well-rounded traveler. That means being more savvy: Leveraging credit card points, finding cash deals, what to do when the unforeseen arises, etc.
But I also want to be open to connection and soak in my surroundings: Connecting with locals, learning more about a destination, and have experiences that are unique.
No matter how you travel, I hope the things that I've learned (and continue to learn) helps you in some way.
Here's how I plan to break up each edition of TMT:
Quickie guide. A quick blurb on a destination that I'm in currently or recently visited.
Currently on my mind. A recap of some major travel, loyalty, or credit card news.
Deal alert. An incredible deal that's live as of this email's send time.
Travel trick. A relevant travel hack or points trick that I've used.
Now, let's get into it.
Quickie guide: Antigua, Guatemala.
Getting here. First, this is the Antigua in Guatemala, not to be confused with Antigua and Barbuda in the Caribbean. There are a number of nonstop flights from the U.S. (JFK, EWR, MIA, IAH, DFW, etc.) to Guatemala City (GUA). An Uber from GUA to Antigua takes about an hour, depending on traffic, and costs about $20-$25.
First impressions. Incredibly charming, surprisingly international...and swallowed by volcanos in all directions. (I sat in awe watching an active volcano do its thing.)
Cafes, cafes, cafes. There are dozens upon dozens of cafes here. It's a remote worker's paradise, honestly. Favorites included Cafe Cafe Guatemala, Union Cafe, and Pitaya. (Strong Wi-Fi, good coffee, and variety of food.)
Notable highlight (coffee tour). I took a coffee tour with a local nonprofit called De la Gente and it was...awesome. The tour takes you into the home of a local coffee farmer where they explain the intricacies of how to plant, harvest, roast, and grind the beans. You also go into the fields on the base of a volcano.
But best of all, you are transported into the family's shoes and learn about what it's like to live in a village outside Antigua. (Also, you get to sample as much of their single-origin coffee as you want. Coffee lovers, rejoice.)
Hike. While I wanted to hike Acatenango (this is THE volcano to do), tours were unfortunately sold out on the only day I was available. I'll definitely be back to do a hike with Wicho & Charlies.
Honorable mention. Go to Caoba Farms on the weekend for live music, farm to table cuisine, and some of the best vibes around.
I can go on and on about Antigua, so feel free to ask q's!
Currently on my mind.
Favorite links this week.
Japan is reopening to tourists?! The government is expected to make a final decision in the next two weeks, but June is the tentative date right now. I'll believe it when I see it.
Free inflight Wi-Fi is coming (or already here). More and more airlines will soon offer free Wi-Fi. JetBlue has long offered this perk, but others will follow their lead. For instance, the American flight I was on yesterday had free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes after watching a 30 second ad. But I agree with AFAR's Katherine LaGrave -- I miss the old days when you could truly disconnect onboard.
ICYMI (what I've written recently).
After attacks on Asian Americans, traveling to Asia allowed me to be myself - The Washington Post — www.washingtonpost.com After attacks and racism against Asian Americans like myself at home, I found a sense of relief on the other side of the world.
The Complete Guide to Qatar Airways First Class — scottscheapflights.com Doha-based Qatar Airways has an enviable reputation in the airline world, with an onboard experience that is often ranked as one of the best
Deal alert.*
Okay, with summer travel getting increasingly expensive, perhaps it's time to start thinking about fall, winter, and even next spring. How about Australia during its peak summer season?
The deal. ~80,000 Delta Skymiles roundtrip in economy (usually ~150,000 miles) + about $100 in taxes and fees
When. June 2022 through March 2023
Where. Dozens of U.S. cities to Sydney (via LAX)
Yes, I understand this a long way to go in economy but this is pretty WIDESPREAD availability and Delta doesn't have an award chart so deals like this come and go.
*As first seen on Thrifty Traveler Premium.
Want more deals in your inbox regularly? Thrifty Traveler Premium is a service that I use for cheap flights, mistake fares, and award flash sales. Get $10 off a yearly plan (from $59 to $49) with code CHRIS10.
Full transparency: I earn a commission if you sign up for a subscription.
Travel trick.
Here's how I earned 8x points on my recent Airbnb stay in Antigua.
Two things to call out here.
First, did you know you can earn airline miles when booking Airbnbs?
Use this Delta link to earn 1 Delta mile for every dollar spent on Airbnb stays.
Use this British Airways link to earn 3 British Airways Avios for every dollar spent on Airbnb stays.
Second, I have a Chase Freedom Flex card (no annual fee). This card offers rotating quarterly categories where you earn 5x points (or 5% cash back).
From now through June 30, the 5x categories are Amazon and streaming services.
Steps.
I used my Chase Freedom Flex to purchase Airbnb gift cards from Amazon. (This triggers 5x Chase points.)
I used the British Airways link above to earn 3x points on the Airbnb purchase while redeeming my gift cards at checkout. (This should trigger 3x British Airways Avios)
Total = 8x points
Credit card and affiliate plug.
If you're looking for your next credit card, shoot me a message. I don't get paid if you apply using my link, but I do have referral links galore (meaning I usually receive points if you apply) so I'd appreciate your support.
Top card bonus right now IMO: Chase Sapphire Preferred with an 80,000-point bonus
Alright, feedback time. Hate it? Love it? Just want to chat travel? Let me know. Respond to this email or shoot me a DM (@thechrisflyer) on the socials.
Until next time.
-CD