Edition 2 | Easy cash back for shopping, Portugal flight deal, a road trip guide, and more.
TMT | EDITION 2
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Welcome (or welcome back) to the second edition of my newsletter, The Multidimensional Traveler (TMT).
As a refresher, here's how I plan to break up each edition of TMT:
Quickie guide. A quick blurb on a destination that I've visited or am currently in.
Currently on my mind. A recap of some major travel, loyalty, or credit card news.
Deal alert. A travel deal that's active 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: Portugal by car.
Flights. If the prices for airfare aren't indication enough, the latest travel data from Google shows that Americans are flocking to Europe this summer (myself included). Five of the top 20 summer destinations are European cities:
London
Paris
Rome
Athens
Lisbon
My trip. Last summer, I flew nonstop from New York to Lisbon on Portugal's flag carrier, TAP. I had an amazing 10-or-so days with time in Lisbon, Porto, and several days on the road.
Between these two popular cities, you can take a slower seaside route or a faster highway alternative.
Since I only had a few days to cover the journey (in addition to reviewing hotels), I went with the major highway.
Where to stop.
My itinerary was just one iteration of an endless number of possibilities.
From rugged cliffs at the westernmost point of continental Europe (Cabo Raso Lighthouse) to perhaps the most beautiful forest in all of Portugal (Bucaco), there are myriad spots that you can see only by car.
Cascais and Sintra are both worth a visit near Lisbon. They’re popular day trips and easily accessible by car or train (but don't try to visit both in one day).
I also spent a day at Galapinhos Beach, about an hour south of Lisbon and part of Arrábida Natural Park. This is one of the most picturesque beaches in Portugal, and some locals even say it’s better than the touristy Algarve.
TMT tip. While driving outside of the cities was a piece of cake, I would not recommend using your car in the main historic centers of Lisbon and Porto. Both areas are highly walkable, and you don’t need a car when visiting either one.
Currently on my mind.
I took the ferry out from Manhattan and am currently exploring the Rockaways (a beach community in New York City). Stay tuned for a full story.
Also, here's my latest guide for Scott's Cheap Flights that describes one of my favorite flight experiences ever: ANA First Class to Tokyo.
(I'm aware I'm light on the news this week but I'll be back at it for future editions.)
Everything to Know About Flying First Class on ANA — scottscheapflights.com ANA has a sterling reputation as only one of a handful of airlines worldwide with a Skytrax five-star rating. Expect top-notch service and a
Deal alert.*
With Portugal on my mind, let's talk flights. While award availability using points and miles is looking slim, there are cash deals aplenty this fall and next spring. Here's the latest finds from my friends over at Thrifty Traveler.
The deal.
How much. From $374 round trip.
When. September 2022 through March 2023
Where. Dozens of U.S. cities to Lisbon (LIS) or Porto (OPO)
Stops. Either nonstop itineraries on TAP or a quick layover on another Star Alliance carrier.
*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 earn lots of points when shopping online.
If you don't use an online shopping portal (there are dozens out there), you're missing out. While the amount you get back varies, it's one of the best ways to earn points on purchases you'd be making anyway.
My go-to portal. Probably my favorite shopping portal out there is Rakuten. That's because you can convert the cash back that you earn from online shopping to Amex points (that you can then use to transfer to travel partners like Delta, British Airways, etc.).
$40 off (or 4,000 Amex points). If you're totally new to Rakuten, here's an easy way to earn $40 back (or 4,000 Amex points).
Sign up for Rakuten using my referral link here.
Make a purchase of at least $40 within 90 days of signing up. (Even gift cards count at a site such as giftcards.com.)
Earn $40 back (or 4,000 Amex points).
Remember, you have to click through Rakuten before going to whatever online retailer you're shopping with. But with just one easy step, you can continuously earn cash back (or Amex points).
Disclosure: By using my Rakuten referral link, I also will earn $40.
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