1) My reader Lisa let me know that application for Barclaycard Arrival MasterCard (no annual fee) is no longer available. When she called to downgrade her Arrival Plus ($89 annual fee), she was actually offered the option of Barclaycard Rewards MasterCard. This, in fact, is better than regular Arrival because redemption starts at 1,000 points and you can use them to get cash or statement credit.
Here are some additional details on this card:
- 2X points on gas, utility and grocery store (excluding Target and Walmart) purchases. 1x points on all other purchases
- No annual fee
- Points don’t expire as long as account is open, active and in good standing
- Redeem points for deposits to a U.S. checking or savings account, statement credits or gift cards, starting at 1,000 points for $10
You can read about my recent experience with converting Barclaycard Arrival Plus here If you prefer to downgrade to regular Arrival, apparently, the option is still available according to comments on this DoC post, though YMMV. Personally, I would get Barclaycard Rewards MasterCard when given the choice. Barclaycard Arrival Plus version is still available for new sign-ups and you can read about it on my page of best credit card deals
2) Virgin Atlantic has launched a 30% off sale on economy and premium economy awards. You have to book by September 22nd. If you are planning a trip to Europe next summer, definitely look into this option. Outbound flights from USA to England don’t have very high surcharges. For example, Orlando-London route will set you back $130 per person in fees.
Availability is usually pretty good on most routes, a huge factor if you have a large family. Prices start at only 12,250 miles one-way from cities like Boston, New York, Chicago and Washington DC. You can transfer to Virgin Atlantic 1:1 from Chase UR program, Amex Membership Rewards, Citi Thank You (via certain credit cards) and SPG. The first two go through instantly.
3) A decent checking account bonus from HSBC. I might go for it myself because the requirements aren’t very difficult and there aren’t too many hoops to jump through. If everything goes right, I’ll be $350 richer.
4) Southwest is having a sale on flights as long as you book by September 19th. Details here
5) You may have noticed that my site has been running super slow after I transferred it to the new host. Apparently, I had too much traffic for the plan I picked. Who knew? And here I thought my traffic was pitiful. Anyway, I’ve upgraded to a more expensive plan, and things should go smoothly (I hope). Let me know if you ever experience problems with my site.
6) Nancy has suggested that we start an Instagram account for the blog, so I broke down and agreed. Check it out here I’m not sure how often we’ll update it, but follow along if you want to see our latest travel adventures. My promise to you: no pictures of feet, coffee mugs, narcissistic poses or other ridiculous Instagram cliches. 🙂
7) Just wanted to share a photo with you. I was clearing out some expired/canceled credit cards, and here is my remaining stash:
And that doesn’t even include four cards I have in my wallet. As you can see, some credit cards still have stickers on them. They never get to go outside, poor things! Does this look like a normal person? I think not.
If you’ve found this content beneficial, please look at Support the Site page for ways you can help keep the blog running. Also, subscribe to receive free updates through email and recommend me to your family and friends. You can follow me on Twitter, like me on Facebook and download my free e-book
Author: Leana
Leana is the owner and founder of Miles For Family. She enjoys beach vacations and visiting her family in Europe. Originally from Belarus, Leana resides in central Florida with her husband and two children.
