I love credit cards so much! v6.0 - 2023 (see first page for add'l details)

[happ]

I originally posted about the notification in red that stated “We are unable to show your bonus tracker”, and the notice is still appearing on the app. I thought it would eventually disappear and I would be able to use the tracker, but it appears not. That’s strange that some have the tracker, some don’t, and others, like me, have this red notification.

I have that message too instead of the bonus tracker. I've been using the "spending report" function to track my spend.

 

[calypso726]

For those of you that have been to Ireland, did you buy waterproof shoes? I have Keen sandals but I’m not sure if I can wear those. Ds has crocs, but again, not sure if those will work. He also doesn’t have any kind of rain jacket so we’ll have to get him one

Yes. I originally bought them for Scotland but also brought them to Ireland and any place I think I may need waterproof/hiking shoes that are comfortable. Most recently in the Galapgos for walking/hiking across sharp lava fields. My preferred brand is Salomon. I have yet to find a pair of Merrel shoes that are comfortable on my feet, but many swear by them. I find the Sorel shoes super comfortable right off the bat in any style.

 

[Minnie368]

I'm having post-trip blues so trying to distract myself by planning our vacation for next year. The family has requested a beach destination at an all-inclusive property. Anyone has recommendations for AI properties in the Caribbean (preferably I can pay with points)?

I haven’t stayed there personally but I used my Hilton points to book the Hilton la Romana in the Dominican Republic for DD and her fiancé for their honeymoon in July. Booked their airfare with southwest RR.

 

[Haley R]

Yes. I originally bought them for Scotland but also brought them to Ireland and any place I think I may need waterproof/hiking shoes that are comfortable. Most recently in the Galapgos for walking/hiking across sharp lava fields. My preferred brand is Sorel. I have yet to find a pair of Merrel shoes that are comfortable on my feet, but many swear by them. I find the Sorel shoes super comfortable right off the bat in any style.

I have plantar fasciitis and flat feet so I have to have shoes on all day long with high arch supports, even in the house. I’ll have to check out different brands before we go to see what’s the most comfortable. Thanks!

 

[punkin]

I have plantar fasciitis and flat feet so I have to have shoes on all day long with high arch supports, even in the house. I’ll have to check out different brands before we go to see what’s the most comfortable. Thanks!

I bought the Brooks Ghost. They are not boots, but trail shoes. They are extremely comfortable and very light weight. Waterproof gore tex.

 

[Haley R]

I bought the Brooks Ghost. They are not boots, but trail shoes. They are extremely comfortable and very light weight. Waterproof gore tex.

I currently wear Brooks. I’d prefer trail shoes over boots so those might be good ones. Thanks!

 

[lsutigers03]

I originally posted about the notification in red that stated “We are unable to show your bonus tracker”, and the notice is still appearing on the app. I thought it would eventually disappear and I would be able to use the tracker, but it appears not. That’s strange that some have the tracker, some don’t, and others, like me, have this red notification.

This was also the case for me yesterday but now the tracker is back for DW and I.

 

[disneybirds]

Do you remember which boots you got?

We bought Vionic ankle boots. She says they are really comfortable.

 

[djmeredith]

I have plantar fasciitis and flat feet so I have to have shoes on all day long with high arch supports, even in the house. I’ll have to check out different brands before we go to see what’s the most comfortable. Thanks!

You might want to check out the Hoka One One hiking shoes/boots (pronounced "onay" - its a Hawaiian brand). They are the only sneakers I buy and they make weatherproof hiking shoes/boots that also has a lot of cushion. Like PP, I also have not found Merrells that work for me (I've had 2 foot surgeries on my left foot and need A LOT of cushion). Definitely try a few different brands.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

I have plantar fasciitis and flat feet so I have to have shoes on all day long with high arch supports, even in the house. I’ll have to check out different brands before we go to see what’s the most comfortable. Thanks!

I have had fasciitis issues as well and no matter the shoes I have to have arch support. I usually buy 1/2 size larger than my actual size and add Dr Scholl’s inserts. I have Merrell hiking shoes with inserts.

 

[Haley R]

I have had fasciitis issues as well and no matter the shoes I have to have arch support. I usually buy 1/2 size larger than my actual size and add Dr Scholl’s inserts. I have Merrell hiking shoes with inserts.

Once I added high arch supports I had to go up a whole size from 8 to 9 lol. The podiatrist told me it’s the hard tile floors we have here in Florida. This didn’t start until last year.

 

[Haley R]

You might want to check out the Hoka One One hiking shoes/boots (pronounced "onay" - its a Hawaiian brand). They are the only sneakers I buy and they make weatherproof hiking shoes/boots that also has a lot of cushion. Like PP, I also have not found Merrells that work for me (I've had 2 foot surgeries on my left foot and need A LOT of cushion). Definitely try a few different brands.

Dh wears Hoka but I’ve tried them and don’t like them. I currently have Brooks Glycerin GTS. It has a hard back shell around the heel because I have tiny heels that always slip out of my shoes. I love them!

 

[sinnika]

I have plantar fasciitis and flat feet so I have to have shoes on all day long with high arch supports, even in the house. I’ll have to check out different brands before we go to see what’s the most comfortable. Thanks!

Another vote for the Brooks ghost! I wore them for my Norwegian fjords cruise and had sprayed them with weatherproofer before the trip. They are my favorite go to shoe that I wear to work most days. I even purchased a new pair for this trip. I purchase my shoes from a shoe store owned by 2 podiatrists and have loved all of their recommendations! I also purchase an arch support from them to replace the ones in the tennis shoe. I also have to wear my vionic slippers in the house. I keep a pair at my DD ‘s home in Germany so I don’t have to pack them.

 

[elgerber]

My bonus tracker is back this morning too. It says I am $300 closer to the bonus that the spend report says.

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

Happy tax day In good news, bad news, we are both self-employed so no tax withholding leads to big tax bills. I use my Amex Bus Plat to get 1.5x (and a little on DH's Business Blue Pref to get 2x), but I've now had my guest privileges extended to 2025.

We have some frequent London travelers here, so I am hoping for some advice. What is the best way to pay for travel on tube/bus? I am SO confused by the sites that try to compare the options for visitors.

For the tube, we just used a credit card to tap but it won't let you use one twice in a row, so each person needs a CC to use. I just gave DS one and he gave it back as soon as we went through so he didn't lose it.

I second CyndiLouWho--we have a time share in London so we visit frequently (4-5 times a year). You will get the best rate for the day automatically by just using your credit card to tap in and out. As Cyndi said, just give each person their own card and have them use that for the trip. You will see a temporary charge amount and then around midnight it will update to the daily. It used to make sense for us to get a one-week travel pass when we got there, but we don't do that anymore. It used to be a really good value, but the last time I looked it was just slightly cheaper. I'm not sure they even offer it anymore.

I have plantar fasciitis and flat feet so I have to have shoes on all day long with high arch supports, even in the house. I’ll have to check out different brands before we go to see what’s the most comfortable. Thanks!

It kind of depends on what you will be doing. I've been all over Ireland, Scotland and England in my Dubarry's for walking in the countryside (they are country boots), but I go frequently so I can justify the price If it's rainy season when you go, Wellies are another option but they aren't my thing. In the cities (London, Dublin, Edinburgh), I typically just wear regular tennis shoes when it's raining or waterproof crossover shoes (hiking/running). Something like these although not a great color: https://www.adidas.com/us/terrex-voyager-21-canvas-travel-shoes/GX8688.htmlFor serious hiking, I've been through numerous hiking boots, but by far the best for my feet are Salomon Quests (just wore them to do the West Highland Way last May and Everest Base Camp in November). I highly recomment going to a place like REI to get fitted though. Moab's didn't work for me at all. https://www.switchbacktravel.com/best-hiking-boots If you are walking through water, I personally despise water sandals, and I need them for an upcoming trip. I'm looking at these https://www.salomon.com/en-us/shop/product/techamphibian-5-li3108.html#color=77560rather than the recommended Teva or Chaco brands.

Oops. Edited to say that the adidas above are wrong. I have these in a much older version: https://www.amazon.com/adidas-outdo...women+crosstrainer+waterproof,aps,153&sr=8-10

 

[Haley R]

Happy tax day In good news, bad news, we are both self-employed so no tax withholding leads to big tax bills. I use my Amex Bus Plat to get 1.5x (and a little on DH's Business Blue Pref to get 2x), but I've now had my guest privileges extended to 2025.





I second CyndiLouWho--we have a time share in London so we visit frequently (4-5 times a year). You will get the best rate for the day automatically by just using your credit card to tap in and out. As Cyndi said, just give each person their own card and have them use that for the trip. You will see a temporary charge amount and then around midnight it will update to the daily. It used to make sense for us to get a one-week travel pass when we got there, but we don't do that anymore. It used to be a really good value, but the last time I looked it was just slightly cheaper. I'm not sure they even offer it anymore.


It kind of depends on what you will be doing. I've been all over Ireland, Scotland and England in my Dubarry's for walking in the countryside (they are country boots), but I go frequently so I can justify the price If it's rainy season when you go, Wellies are another option but they aren't my thing. In the cities (London, Dublin, Edinburgh), I typically just wear regular tennis shoes when it's raining or waterproof crossover shoes (hiking/running). Something like these although not a great color: https://www.adidas.com/us/terrex-voyager-21-canvas-travel-shoes/GX8688.htmlFor serious hiking, I've been through numerous hiking boots, but by far the best for my feet are Salomon Quests (just wore them to do the West Highland Way last May and Everest Base Camp in November). I highly recomment going to a place like REI to get fitted though. Moab's didn't work for me at all. https://www.switchbacktravel.com/best-hiking-boots If you are walking through water, I personally despise water sandals, and I need them for an upcoming trip. I'm looking at these https://www.salomon.com/en-us/shop/product/techamphibian-5-li3108.html#color=77560rather than the recommended Teva or Chaco brands.

Oops. Edited to say that the adidas above are wrong. I have these in a much older version: https://www.amazon.com/adidas-outdoor-Terrex-Solid-Purple/dp/B0893MBHGQ/ref=is_sr_s_dp_2?crid=1V9XNVZ83QRVB&keywords=adidas+shoes+women+cross+trainer+waterproof&qid=1681836587&sprefix=adidas+shoes+women+crosstrainer+waterproof,aps,153&sr=8-10

Our plan is to be outside a lot but with ds only being 3 I’m not sure it’ll be any intense hiking. We’ll be spending 5-6 days in Killarney, mostly at the National park, some time in Dingle, Cliffs of Moher. Things like that. I’m mostly worried about having something that can keep my feet dry. Otherwise I have Keen sandals but not sure if having them be open will bother me. We’re hoping to go in August so it “should” be warmer

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

For those of you that have been to Ireland, did you buy waterproof shoes? I have Keen sandals but I’m not sure if I can wear those. Ds has crocs, but again, not sure if those will work. He also doesn’t have any kind of rain jacket so we’ll have to get him one

I bought some fleecey rain boots from Nordstrom Rack. But the weather in March is way different than August, LOL. I guess we'll see if I need them next March!

Yes crazy weather in Chicago. DS had 2 soccer games over the weekend. Saturday 80s and it drizzled on us a bit then stopped. DS drank 2 bottles of water plus a bottle of Gatorade because he was so hot and sweaty. ( TMI I'm sure). Sunday, 40 and pouring rain the whole game plus the field is terribly windy and kept flipping my umbrella inside out. Today, woke to snow on my car and the current temp is "37 feels like 27" according to the weather app.

April 1st, we had a blizzard. April 10th it was in the 70s, the next three days mid to upper 80's (we broke records Wed/Thurs). Friday night it started raining, cool and rainy all day Saturday. 6 inches of snow yesterday. So so over it!

Midwest insane weather unite! LOL

I'm having post-trip blues so trying to distract myself by planning our vacation for next year. The family has requested a beach destination at an all-inclusive property. Anyone has recommendations for AI properties in the Caribbean (preferably I can pay with points)?

I've done Hilton AIs and "Marriott" AIs in Cancun. Hyatt now gives a lot of options to look at!

Dh said he was looking at rental cars for Ireland and it mentioned you have to have insurance. Would the coverage from our CSR count?

Yes. You need to have it dated w/in a certain amount of days check w/ the company. And it needs to apparently spell out "ireland" for the rental companies. Chase said they don't issue country specific ones. Soooooo, I may have used a little PS after Chase assured me it covers Ireland, LOL. Many will say still get the coverage through the company, but we were only going to be there 3 days.

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

Our plan is to be outside a lot but with ds only being 3 I’m not sure it’ll be any intense hiking. We’ll be spending 5-6 days in Killarney, mostly at the National park, some time in Dingle, Cliffs of Moher. Things like that. I’m mostly worried about having something that can keep my feet dry. Otherwise I have Keen sandals but not sure if having them be open will bother me. We’re hoping to go in August so it “should” be warmer

Got it. Love that area. I'm not a sandal outdoor activity person, but if you are, I'd bring those and some waterproof low-hikers. I have the adidas ones I mentioned, and I usually take those as they are more-low key tennis shoe looking than hiking boots. They blend better in the city We did ABD Emerald Isle one of the first years back in 2007. Just looked back through my pictures and we were in that area (Killarney, Dingle, Cliffs of Moher) in July and did have rain. From the pics it looks like we were all in regular tennis shoes except for my son (10 at the time) who happened to have keen low hikers. The kids had rain slickers though, LOL.

 

[calypso726]

I have plantar fasciitis and flat feet so I have to have shoes on all day long with high arch supports, even in the house. I’ll have to check out different brands before we go to see what’s the most comfortable. Thanks!

I had a complete brain fart and wrote Sorel shoes when I meant to write Salomon. Thanks to @CaliforniaGirl09 I realized my error.

 

[TheOneWithTheTriplets]

Any guesses on whether we need to space out upgrading a Freedom to CSR and opening a CIC? Not sure if either is impacted by the other, since the CSR is upgrading an existing line of credit (Freedom has 10k limit already).