Add to Queue #3: Streamline Your Travel
In this issue I share the things I do to make the most of my travel, from itinerary planning to maximizing flight deals.
Hey there reader, welcome back. A few of you shared your go-to fragrances after reading last week’s issue and I gotta say…great tastes all across the board. This week we’re doing a little bit of a pivot and I figured I’d share my approach to travel—the things I do to maximize time and money. That being said, the beauty of this newsletter is that there doesn’t need to be a rhyme or reason to what gets covered…as long as it’s something you can add to your queue.
With that, let’s dive in 👇
Set travel efficiency to 100
Using Google Maps
As much as I’d like to have all my travel planning done in a single doc, being able to visually see my itinerary on a map is so useful. If you’re not already familiar with it, Google Maps has a handy little map creation tool to do so.
To access it, go to Google Maps, open the menu, under Your Places → Maps. Click the Create Map button at the bottom and you should be able to begin editing. There’s a decent amount of customization so you can get as granular as you’d like: icons, colors, separating via layers. You can even go so far as to create walking/driving routes specific to your trip.
Note: you can only edit your maps on desktop for now (mobile is view-only).
I personally find this really helpful beyond something like Yelp because you can include non-business/restaurant establishments. That and being able to share and collaborate with other people makes this worth adding to your planning toolkit⚡️
Traveling Internationally
Another great resource that I learned of recently from a friend is Mobile Passport Control. Think Global Entry…but free. As soon as you touch down, you open the app and follow the instructions—it’s everything you would normally do on paper or in-person, minus the wait. Instead of the usual customs line, you can wait in the dedicated MPC or Global Entry line and be done much quicker.
So why even bother with Global Entry? I probably wouldn’t recommend it unless you already have a travel credit card that offers it, such as the Capital One Venture X. It’d be $100 you’re saving and you don’t have to deal with waiting/making an appointment. That being said, select airpots are now offering Global Entry enrollment on arrival (vs. having to wait months for an appointment). So the next time you’re coming back from an international flight you can get it done then and there instead of making it another trip.
Again, if Global Entry is offered as a card perk I’d consider using it but if not, you could probably skip out and still streamline your return experience. Speaking of travel cards…
Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Card With Points)
Travel credit cards aren’t for everyone and I totally get that. But, if you’re already planning to make some big purchases in the near future (for me, it was planning my wedding 😵💫), I would recommend investing in one. Outside of earning points towards travel (2–10x bonus), perks and access to additional planning tools help to maximize your travel experience.
My two favorites are the Chase Sapphire Preferred (good beginner card) and the Capital One Venture X (a bit more intermediate). Outside the full list of perks for the Sapphire Preferred and Venture X, here’s why I love these two cards:
Travel credit ($75 for Sapphire Preferred + $300 for Venture X): book through the travel portal and you get those respective amounts back on your statement. Also, the Venture X has price alerts + price match.
Priority Pass + Premier Plaza membership (Venture X): honestly it feels great not having to wait for my flight at the gate—there are a ton of lounges available worldwide. Free food and drink + cozier seating + better wifi = good vibes.
No foreign transaction fees (both): obviously some places still take cash but this is super helpful and convenient when traveling abroad.
Some of my friends know too well that I could talk all day about finding ways to optimize points but at a glance, here are some other things I keep in mind when booking travel:
Transfer to travel partners: for cards such as the Capital One Venture X and Chase Sapphire Preferred/Reserve, you have the option to transfer your points to specific airline/hotel partners. Usually it’s 1:1, but deals are occasionally offered for a limited time (ranging from a 20–50% bonus)—keep an eye out!
Lazy to search for deals? Point.me is a great tool for finding flight deals with points. The search is incredibly powerful and outlines in detail how to book the right flight for your needs. It’s a subscription model but offers $5 single-day use if you just need it once.
To use points or dollars: the Points Guy has an awards vs. cash calculator that helps you decide whether or not it makes more sense buying a flight outright or using your points. Comes in handy, especially for higher priced travel.
Connect with dining rewards: if you’re a member for airlines like Southwest or United, you can earn additional points through participating restaurants. Usually you’ll just need to write a review, but they have welcome offers of a couple thousand points for your first dining experience. Plus, you can link multiple cards to your account. If you’re already eating out, why not check right?
Check for retention offers: even if you’re not considering closing your card, call or email about a retention offer when your annual fee rounds the corner. Worst case it’s 5-10 minutes out of your day, and offers usually span annual fee reductions, bonus miles, or even statement credits.
Now, the decision to get a travel card differs for everyone and it really is up to your financial situation—your mileage may vary! Every card has its pros and cons, annual fees, etc., and I’m simply scratching the surface here so please do your own research. The only other thing I’d recommend, especially if you’re still waiting to pull the trigger, is to keep an eye out for personalized offers. Marketing emails or mailers tend to offer the highest bonus point value.
For example, I recently got a mailer offer from American Express for their Platinum card for 150,000 points…if you go online right now it’s only 80,000 points (same required spend in 6 months). So definitely worth considering and waiting!
Miscellaneous Mentions
What I’m adding to my meal prep rotation: beef enoki rolls
With all meal prep things, I love me a good ratio of “great flavor, small time to cook,” and these beef enoki rolls do just that. Flavor profile-wise it’s very much like eating either sukiyaki or gyudon, but a lot easier to prep. Throw on some freshly cooked rice? Sheesh.
What I’m currently wearing for the cold: Abercrombie Ultra Puffer
I recently wore this to a weekend trip to Seattle and boy it did hold up. Mind you, it’s a little big to lug around (especially on a plane) but you really don’t need to pack additional jackets as a result. There are a couple color/fabric options and even the corduroy one is water resistant. I’m talkin’ max cozy, you can’t go wrong with it.
I’m by no means some travel expert but I do hope some of this is useful, especially if you’re planning an upcoming trip. I’ll admit, I’ve definitely spent way more hours than I’d like to looking up deals or trying to make sure I’m maximizing my funds—maybe now you won’t have to as badly.
If there’s anything I missed or you wish to share about traveling, I’d love to hear in the comments. And as always, thanks for reading.
-Alex