by Trav | Jan 7, 2014 | Credit Cards, Uncategorized
[offer expired]
Barclays is at it again, giving us yet another awesome travel credit card and continuing to challenge the big boys of Chase, American Express, and Citi.
This time, it’s a near perfect card for people who travel domestically.
Introducing the Barclays Frontier Airlines World Mastercard®.
The Details for the Barclays Frontier Airlines Card
Here are the details of the current offer (bolding mine):
- Earn 40,000 bonus miles after spending $500 in purchases in the first 90 days
- Earn up to 10,000 bonus miles on balance transfers (1 mile per $1 transferred) in the first 90 days
- Earn DOUBLE miles on purchases at FlyFrontier.com and 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases
- No blackout dates! Book any roundtrip award flight on Frontier starting at 20,000 miles (subject to fees/taxes from $5)
- Cardmember Exclusive! Redeem roundtrip companion award tickets for 5,000 less miles (from 15,000 miles plus taxes/fees from $5)
- 0% Introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 months after account opening. After that, a variable APR, currently 15.99% or 24.99% based on your creditworthiness
- $69 Annual Fee
Click here to apply —> Barclays Frontier World Mastercard®
Why I Love the Barclays Frontier Airlines Card
Reason #1: 40,000 mile sign up bonus
40,000 miles is a good sign up bonus nowadays, especially considering the Frontier airlines award chart.
The 40k sign up bonus can get you 2 free roundtrip tickets anywhere in the US, including Alaska!
Check it out:
Or, since they allow one way tickets, you could use it for 4 free one-way tickets.
It can also get you 1 free roundtrip ticket to either Mexico, Costa Rica, or Jamaica and you’d have miles to spare!
Most airlines charge 25k miles roundtrip for a domestic ticket, so the fact that Frontier only charges 20k is huge.
This is a great sign up bonus for domestic travelers.
Reason #2: The Low Minimum Spend
In order to get the sign up bonus, you’ll only need to spend $500 on the card in the first 90 days.
Most other cards require much larger minimum spends, such as $3,000 or $5,000 in the first 90 days.
The $500 minimum spend means that this is a card that ANYONE can meet the minimum spend on.
Reason #3: Frontier Airlines Flies From Lots of Smaller Airports
For people who don’t live near large hub airports, this is a MASSIVE benefit.
Here is a map with all the places that Frontier flies to:
This is especially good for people out in the west and midwest, as Frontier flies to places like Jackson Hole, tons of places in Kansas and Nebraska, and even 5 different airports in North Dakota (wow!)
It’s even really great for people who do live near major airport.
For example, I live about 45 minutes from Philadelphia International (PHL).
Frontier flies out of PHL, but also flies out of 3 other airports in the area, including Wilmington (ILG), Trenton (TTN), and Harrisburg (MDT).
Not only does this give me a ton of options, but flying out of a smaller airport is also oftentimes a better experience.
It’s usually easier to get to, not as hectic to go through security, and parking is cheaper or even free!
Reason #4: Companion Tickets are 5k Less
With the Barclays Frontier Airlines card, you’ll receive a companion ticket. Here’s how the Frontier Companion Ticket works.
If you purchase a ticket with cash on Frontier, a companion can fly using miles for 5k less than the normal price.
This means that instead of paying 20k for a domestic roundtrip ticket, you’d only pay 15k.
And it can be used on one-way tickets as well!
Since a one-way domestic ticket is only 10k, you’ll actually only pay 5k miles + $5 using the Companion Ticket.
That’s a sweet deal!
Just remember, you can only use the Companion ticket if you PURCHASE your ticket with cash.
So if you have two people traveling and find a cheap ticket on Frontier, consider purchasing it the first one and having the companion fly on miles for cheap!
Reason #5: Cheap Changes on Award Tickets
One way most airlines really gouge you is when you have to make changes to an award ticket after you’ve booked it.
Luckily, Frontier isn’t like most other airlines.
Any change you want to make to the itinerary of an award ticket that is more than 8 days before you leave is free.
Also, if you want to cancel the ticket and have your miles redeposited in to your account, it’s only $75 (most airlines charge you $150).
Click here to apply —> Barclays Frontier World Mastercard®
Downsides of the Barclays Frontier Airlines Card
Overall, I think this is phenomenal card for anyone who is traveling domestically and really is a must-have.
However, there are two downsides.
$69 Annual Fee
The $69 annual fee is NOT waived the first year. I consider it a very small price to pay.
In essence, you’re paying $69 for two roundtrip tickets, which is a great deal.
Still, it’s something to be aware of.
Frontier Charges for Checked Bags
If you do use miles, Frontier charges $25 to check the first bag, and $30 for a second checked bag.
Of course, carry-ons are free, and I always recommend traveling with just a carry-on anyway, so this isn’t a big deal to me.
But if you’re someone who does check baggage, just make sure you are aware of the fees (which are actually less than most airlines).
Final Word on the Barclays Frontier Airlines Card
All in all, I believe the Barclays Frontier Airlines card is one of the best card right now for domestic travel and I HIGHLY recommend it.
The sign up bonus of 2 free roundtrip ticket, even to Alaska, is awesome.
The minimum spend is super low.
You can fly one-way if you want.
And as an added bonus, you can also fly in to and out of some really cool, easy small airports that aren’t serviced by most other airlines.
Add it all up, and you’ve got another great travel credit card from Barclays!
Now that the sign up bonus is 40k, are you going to apply?
If so, what cool city that Frontier flies to do you have your eye on?
If you do apply for the Barclays Frontier card using my links, I’ll receive a commission. Your support allows me to continue to run this site full time and as always, is truly appreciated!
by Trav | Dec 17, 2013 | Podcast, Podcast Interview
Johnny Jet is a travel rockstar.
He’s constantly being interviewed by national media outlets like CNN, USA Today, and MSNBC.
He’s been the host of a TV show on the Travel Channel.
He’s been writing his own travel website since 1995.
And yet, all those things aren’t why he is treated like a rockstar when flying.
Instead, it’s one simple thing that he’s done over the years that has earned him the good graces of airline staff and crews around the world.
In addition to sharing his secret, he’ll also uncover some of his best tips and tricks for traveling cheap but still traveling well, and we’ll geek out about frequent flyer miles.
And believe it or not, Johnny himself used to have severe anxiety when flying, so much so that he gave up a “once in a lifetime trip.”
Learn how he was able to deal with it and how he is now able to travel over 100 days a year with no issues.
Right-click to download this episode directly
In This Episode:
- How to cure yourself of anxiety over flying.
- A few simple tricks to make traveling as easy as possible.
- How to be treated like a rockstar on a flight with one simple gesture.
- The #1 tip for saving money when booking travel.
- Why social media is the key to scoring the best travel deals.
And much more!
Links Discussed in This Episode:
I Need Your Help
It was a pleasure to finally get to interview Johnny, one of the first people I started reading back in the day. Show him some love by clicking “tweet this” below:
@JohnnyJet Thanks for sharing the secret to being treated like a rockstar when flying on the EPoP Podcast w/ @PackofPeanuts. #goodguyswin
Tweet This!
I’m giving away $100 once we hit a 100 ratings on iTunes, so why not take 1 minutes, leave a rating, and enter to win!
Leave a Rating for the Podcast, Win $100! (now fixed so it works).
by Trav | Dec 13, 2013 | Travel Tips
UPDATE: If you want to see even more gift ideas, check out our brand new list for 2014. Of course, all the ones on this 2013 list are still highly recommended as well!
We’re only a couple weeks away from Christmas and you’re still clueless about what to get your favorite traveler.
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
From close to $400 to less than $1, we’ve picked out travel gifts that fit in any budget.
And with gifts ranging from backpacks to fuzzy socks, from noise canceling headphones to scratch maps, there’s something here for everyone.
We even brought in a fashion expert for a section solely devoted to women travelers!
So start shopping, and happy holidays!
A Travel Backpack
This is the most important piece of travel gear you’ll own, and so it pays to spend some money and find yourself a good one.
Personally, I always recommend traveling with just carry-on for a few reasons.
- With almost every airline charging for checked bags, it saves you money.
- It saves you a ton of time. Once the plane lands, you walk off and you’re done. No waiting in line.
- It saves you a lot of hassle while you’re actually traveling. Simply throw your pack on your back and go.
I’ve got two recommendations, depending on what you want.
This is the pack I’ve been traveling with for the last 2 years.
It’s lightweight, roomy, durable and comes with an super handy 15 liter day pack (that can zip on to the main pack).
Also, the backpack straps can be stowed away and hidden so they don’t get caught.
While it’s “technically” too tall for carry-on dimensions, I’ve had it on over 30 flights (including with strict airlines like Air Asia and RyanAir) and never once had a problem.
On Amazon for as low as $159
If you want a great, durable pack that you don’t have to sneak by the gate agents, the Tortuga is the pack for you.
I recently got my first Tortuga, which is produced by EPoP’er Fred Perrotta, and can attest to it’s roominess.
In fact, the Tortuga is the largest legal carry-on pack you can buy.
It’s unique design allows you to maximize the space available while still being carry-on dimensions, and it comes with tons of different pockets and compartments, perfect for keeping your stuff organized while on the road.
It’s also got a heavily padded shoulder straps and hip belt, which makes it more comfortable than most other backpacks on the market.
Bonus: EPoP readers get a special $20 off. Just listen to my podcast with Tortuga founder Fred Perotta for the discount code!
Buy at Tortuga Backpacks for $179 (if you use the discount code in the podcast)
Noise Canceling Headphones
For anyone who flies frequently, this is a must.
Drown out the crying baby or snoring passenger next to you and fly in peace.
Parrot Zik, the gold standard of noise canceling headphones.
The gold standard, both in price and quality.
Not only are they amazing at noise canceling, but they are also wireless and you can sync them up to your music player through bluetooth.
Want to change the settings on your music? Simply touch the headphones.
And if the battery does die, you can plug them in with a standard headphone cord.
If you want the best, grab a pair of these bad boys.
On Amazon for $384.
If you want a cheaper pair that doesn’t have all the bells and whistles but are still noise-canceling, I’ve heard good things about Monoprice’s headphones.
On Monoprice’s website for $113.
Gadgets
Every traveler worth their salt knows that certain gadgets can make their life much easier on the road.
Grab these gadgets and know that you’re prepared no matter where you’re headed.
Work from anywhere with you Macbook Air, the world’s best travel laptop.
Really want to spoil your favorite traveler? Get him the best travel laptop available.
Does everyone NEED a computer for traveling? Probably not, but if you do, there is nothing that comes close to the slim, light, and yet powerful Macbook Air.
As someone who used to carry around a 15″ Macbook Pro, my back thanks me now!
On Amazon for $1,049
Don’t show up in a country unable to charge your electronics. Grab this baby and be safe in over 150 countries.
Bonus: It’s got two USB ports to charge phones.
On Amazon for $24.99
Provides four outlets and also folds up flat, which minimizes the space it takes up.
Combine this with the Tripshell World Adapter and you’ll always have 4 plugs available!
On Amazon for $9.49
Find out exactly how heavy your luggage is BEFORE getting to the airport.
No nasty surprises, no insane baggage fees.
I got this last year for Christmas, and it’s been a live saver on multiple trips since.
On Amazon for $19.95
Perfect for when you can’t sleep and want to stay up all night reading your guidebook, planning your next day’s excursion (and those around you aren’t quite as excited)!
On Amazon for $13.78
Sleep/Health
No one wants to be sick or overly tired when traveling.
Make sure you’re always in tip top shape with some of these gifts.
Blinds not cutting out the early morning sun? Don these puppies and sleep for days!
On Amazon for $23.95
The Packtowl Ultralite dries quickly and takes up almost no space.
When I get home, this is the one item that never gets unpacked, and therefore, I never forget it.
It’s soft, takes up almost no space and dries in a flash. I’d recommend the XL size. Absolutely essential.
On Amazon for $20 (for XL size)
Always confused by whether the water in another country is safe to drink?
Take the guess work out of it and save yourself some serious stomach issues by grabbing this handy tool.
Fill up from a spigot or stream, it doesn’t matter. In 60 seconds, you’ll have a water bottle full of purified water.
I’m certainly hoping to find this in my stocking this year!
On Amazon for $77
Books/Movies/Miscellaneous Must Have
What’s the best thing to do when you’re not traveling?
Watching and reading about other people’s experiences!
If you’re stuck without a trip in the near future, get lost in someone else’s adventures with these books and movies.
The epic story of Ewan McGregor (yes, that Ewan McGregor) and his pal Charley Boorman as they attempt to ride around the world on motorcycles.
I’ve seen each episode at least 3 times, and yet, I still finding myself pining to watch it again.
Be warned: After watching, you’ll want to undertake your own similarly absurd adventure!
On Amazon for $12
If one epic quest isn’t enough for you (and it wasn’t for me), how about a second?
Ewan and Charley are back, this time riding from the very top of Scotland to the very bottom of Africa.
Again, on motorcycles.
And again, with some amazing stories to share while doing it.
On Amazon for $16
To this day, my absolute favorite travel book of all time.
What can get better than a professor cramming a group of students in to a sleeper bus for a 6 week traveling summer course, visiting 30 states and 10 national parks, all while reading some of the greatest writers of the modern generation?
Since the course is no longer offered, take the next best thing and read the book!
On Amazon for less than $1
What better way to reminisce about where you’ve been (or show off to others) than a scratch map?
Every time you go somewhere new, come home and scratch off that area, revealing the map behind it.
All the fun of buying lottery tickets, just less expensive and better for travelers!
I’ve got one of these hanging in my office, and it’s one of the coolest gift ideas I’ve ever seen.
And there are multiple types, ranging from the US to country specific maps.
On Amazon for $20
For Men
These two items have made my travel life infinitely better and saved me tons of room in my pack.
Some sort of sneaker is essential on almost all trips, but they always take up so much room.
That is, until I stumbled upon Merrell Barefoot running shoes.
No, I don’t use them for running at all, but they are perfect travel shoe.
They’re super comfortable, weigh next to nothing, and take up less than 1/3 the space of a regular sneakers.
They’re also semi-waterproof, making them perfect for outdoor activities like kayaking, trekking, or canyoning.
Now, they’re the only sneaker I ever travel with.
On Amazon for as low as $59
Traveling to a hot location? Cotton underwear just isn’t going to cut it!
These will keep you dry all day and can be washed easily in the sink if need be.
On Amazon for $16 (2 pack)
For Women
For the more discerning gender, personal favorites brought to you by world traveler Heather Sherry, the mastermind behind the popular fashion blog Sartorial Stripes.
This is by far the most versatile sweater out there, and is perfect for travel because it is comfortable, lightweight, and warm.
It can literally be worn twelve different ways, and even comes with a book demonstrating the different looks.
On DKNY.com for $195 or $60 if you can find it at the DKNY outlet
If you want a legging that will be comfortable on the lane but can also be worn out to dinner with boots or heels than these J. Crew pixie pants are the perfect choice.
I can personally attest to the versatility of these pants.
You get the best of both worlds; the feel of a leggings but the look of pants!
At J. Crew for $98
Not ready to splurge on the J. Crew pixie pants? Then turn to Target for the best traditional cotton leggings.
Nothing beats cheap and comfortable.
At Target for $6
Whether I was traveling in winter or summer, my feet were always cold on the airplane.
I’ve learned my lesson, and now always travel with a pair of extra warm socks in my tote bag.
On Amazon for $7
Having a functional tote bag is integral to packing light.
With my husband’s encouragement, I have become a savvy traveler, which is why a good tote bag is essential.
It is considered my personal item but I always stuff it with extra things I can’t fit in my carry-on.
This Kate Spade tote is on my wishlist because it’s classic and practical.
On Amazon for $215
If you’re trying to save some pennies or you’ve got a husband who isn’t sold on the need for a Kate Spade tote, check out this faux leather version.
At TJ Maxx for $29
What travel gifts are you giving this Christmas? And which ones do you want to get?
Tell us your favorites in the comments below!
by Trav | Dec 10, 2013 | Podcast, Podcast Interview
How many times have you thought
“Man, I could make something better than this?”
Or
“I can’t believe that this doesn’t exist?”
Probably a lot, huh?
Well, back in 2009, while on a backpacking trip through Eastern Europe, Fred Perrotta had the same thoughts.
But instead of shoving them out of his mind, thankfully for us, he did something about them.
Because now the age-old travel problem that plagues many of us when we travel, the daunted “what should I pack in?” question has an obvious answer.
Introducing the Tortuga Backpack, one of the world’s best carry-on luggage options.
As someone who only ever travels with a carry-on, I am a huge fan of Fred’s and the things he is doing at Tortuga.
Today, we sat down to reveal all our best tips for traveling in just a carry-on, even for trips that stretch weeks or months.
And ladies, if you think this doesn’t apply to you, think again!
My wife, a fashion blogger, and expert has been traveling in just a carry-on for the last year!
Fred also pulls back the curtain on his entrepreneurial journey, discussing the mistakes he made, the successes he’s had, and giving invaluable advice for anyone wishing to create a physical product.
After listening to this podcast, you’ll never travel the same way again.
And you may just be inspired to finally turn that idea of yours into a reality.
Right-click to download this episode directly
In This Episode:
- The 3 major advantages of not checking a bag.
- The one thing everyone overpacks…and how to deal with it.
- The 3 things to look for when buying a backpack.
- How to start a company on a limited budget.
- Where to find “free money” for businesses and startups.
- The biggest key to getting media and press mentions even if your business is super small.
- The 5 sentences or less rule.
- Why you should be embarrassed by your first product.
And much more!
Links Discussed in This Episode:
by Trav | Nov 14, 2013 | Podcast, Podcast Interview
Since starting this podcast, I’ve dreamed of having on Chris Guillebeau, New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur, and one of the few people who has traveled to every country in the world.
And today, it’s a reality!
If you’re interested in creating a lifestyle that is full of passion and purpose, Chris is the man to talk to.
10 years ago, he admittedly wasn’t sure what direction his life should take. Since then, he’s…
Built an incredible online community…
Traveled to every country in the world…
Written a New York Times Bestseller…
…and hosted a conference for 3,000 of the world’s most motivated and inspired world changers (which I’ve attended and written about here).
The Dos Equis “most interesting man in the world” has nothing on Chris!
He’ll touch on how he’s been able to do all that as well as geek out on travel planning in this amazing, informative, and inspiring interview.
Right-click to download this episode directly
In This Episode:
- The importance of “going big”, and how to do it.
- Guinea Bissau, and why it holds a special place in Chris’s heart.
- How the hardest part of completing a big goal might be moving on afterward.
- Turning a “no, you can’t do a book tour” into a 50 state, 10 province bonanza.
- Growing an audience without a magical blog fairy.
- What it feels like to walk around with $100,000 in cash.
- Why a Brief Guide to World Domination was more important than a masters’ thesis.
- The $10 Rule and how it makes your travel infinitely better.
And much more!
Links Discussed in This Episode:
I Need Your Help
Ever since I started a podcast, I’ve wanted to have Chris on the show, so PLEASE show him some love by clicking “tweet this” below:
Just listened to your EPoP Podcast with @PackofPeanuts, and you rock @ChrisGuillebeau! The $10 Rule is a CLASSIC! #thanksforinspiring
Tweet This!
I’m giving away $100 once we hit 100 ratings on iTunes, so why not take 1 minute, leave a rating, and enter to win!
Leave a Rating for the Podcast, Win $100! (now fixed so it works).
Cheers!
Trav
