Jan 11

Earn Miles without Flying: Rocketmiles

rocketmiles

Another airline partner program that I want to highlight is Rocketmiles, an online hotel search engine where you earn miles instead of hotel loyalty points. Rocketmiles offers different earning rates per hotel per night, so it’s a good idea to check online if you have a paid hotel stay planned as you could earn thousands of miles.

Generally, I don’t like to pay for my hotel stays, rather I redeem points for free nights. However, there are occasions when paying cash is worth the value of the points earned. For example, I linked my United Airlines account to Rocketmiles on my last paid reservation and earned 6,000 miles for a $100 one-night stay (1,000 miles/night + 5,000 sign-up bonus). Not bad for only one night.

 

How Does This Work?

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Jan 09

Prize Giveaway! 2 Weeks Left to Enter

Enter to Win a Hawaiian Airlines Gift Card!

Enter to Win a Hawaiian Airlines Gift Card!

It’s been one week since my official launch and I want to remind everyone that there’s two weeks remaining to enter to win an awesome prize.

Enter for a Chance to Win a $100 Hawaiian Airlines Gift Card!

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Jan 08

Earn Miles without Flying: United Airlines MileagePlus X

mileageplus x

I recently wrote about how to earn miles by participating in partner programs. One program in particular that I want to highlight is United Airline’s MileagePlus X, an app available for Google, Droid and Apple mobile devices. I have used this app since it was launched early last year and I enjoy earning hundreds of miles for purchases I normally make.

You can earn up to 5 miles per $1 spent at participating restaurants and retailers. The earning rate for restaurants is sometimes better than using reward credit cards that only offer 2 miles per $1 or Dining Rewards Network, unless you’re at VIP level. For retailers, sometimes online shopping portals may offer better promotions, but if you prefer to shop in-store, this is a good alternative if the store participates in the program.

 

How Does This Work?

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Jan 05

Mistakes from a World Traveler: Wimbledon Fiasco (Plan Ahead)

wimbledon

If you’ve read my trip reports, especially my recent Round The World trip, you’re probably thinking how methodical and meticulous I am when planning a vacation. It may appear that way now, but I’ve experienced a lot of mishaps along the way that helped me become better prepared before I travel.

In my series Lessons Learned, I want to chronicle the mistakes I’ve made in the hopes that others will not make the same errors as well. Some of my experiences aren’t so bad, although others may seem catastrophic at the time.

My first post in this series reflects an incident that occurred a decade ago. Planning ahead may seem like common sense, but sometimes things slip through the cracks.

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Jan 04

My Top 5 Must-Have Travel Gadgets

travel gadgets

There are certain travel gadgets and accessories I need to have with me on every trip, items I never go without. I make sure it’s always packed in either my carry-on or check-in bags. I honestly don’t recall a trip I forgot any one of these items, which is a good thing because I’d be lost without them.

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Jan 03

Barclaycard 2x Bonus Spending to Earn Hawaiian & American Miles

Barclaycard 2x Bonus

If you have Barclaycard credit cards, you may have received a targeted offer to earn 2x bonus points for purchases at Supermarkets, Movie Theaters, and Utilities (electric, gas, water, TV, telephone). This offer is valid January 1-March 31, 2016. Activation deadline is February 15th.

I personally received the offer for my Bank of Hawaii/Barclaycard Hawaiian Airlines card, while my family received the offer for their AAdvantage Aviator cards (no longer available for new applicants). I’m not entirely sure how Barclay determined who was targeted and for what card, but I’m glad I’m earning extra miles.

Is This a Good Deal?

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Jan 02

Earn Miles without Flying: Partner Programs (Cars, Surveys, Flowers, Wine, etc.)

partner programs

There are many ways to earn miles without actually flying in a plane. As I’ve mentioned previously, I’ve earned the majority of my miles and points through partners such as shopping portals, dining rewards, and credit cards. There are many more partners available and I’ll describe some of them here.

 

What Programs are Available?

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Jan 01

Official Launch of Getting Off The Rock & Win a Prize!

logo design

Happy New Year and Welcome to Getting Off The Rock!

I did a soft launch a few months ago to get a feel for web design and blogging, as this is my first time doing both. You can read all about me and my goals in my first blog post so I won’t reiterate the same message here.

Before I continue, let me say a big MAHALO to the people who have helped me with this new endeavor. First, my Mom who has always supported my travel goals. Second, my cousin who drafted my logo and provided the impetus for my blog (she saw me typing in my journal about our trip to Argentina a few years ago and asked me, “Are you writing a blog?”). Third, my friend who took my cousin’s draft logo and created an awesome design on Photoshop. And last, my friend who gave me some his photos to use on my site. I couldn’t have done this without you all.

This blog has been a long time coming: years writing in my journal, months learning how to create a blog, and countless hours writing and editing each and every post, not to mention, rummaging through hundreds of pictures to create collages. It’s a long, arduous process, but worth my time and effort. I enjoy travel and want to share my passion with all of you.

 

Enter for a Chance to Win a $100 Hawaiian Airlines Gift Card!

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Dec 15

Disney World & Universal Studios Florida

disney world

 

Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida is the “Happiest Place on Earth,” filled with a million strollers and crying babies. I’m just kidding, of course (kind of). I was actually surprised to see many adults at the theme parks without kids, even couples getting married or on honeymoons. I guess it’s true, you’re never too old to visit Disney. It’s a great place for children and adults alike, with many rides, restaurants and events catering to all ages.

My travel goals didn’t include a trip to Disneyland last year or Disney World this year, but my little cousin’s performing arts group was invited to perform in the parades and on the Disney stage. What a great experience for the kids and the adults tagging along to support them.

Most of the trip was part of a group package with hotels, park tickets, and activities included. However, I did research on a Disney vacation prior to the trip so I’ll provide some insight as well for anyone who has the desire to travel to the place “Where Dreams Come True.” Read the rest of this entry »

Dec 10

AMEX Membership Rewards 25% Transfer Bonus to HawaiianMiles

MR 25% transfer bonus to HA

 

For a limited time, American Express Membership Rewards is offering a 25% bonus when transferring to Hawaiian Airlines. This offer expires December 21, 2015.

 

What is Membership Rewards?

Membership Rewards (MR) is a rewards program offered by American Express (AMEX). By using credit cards enrolled in the program, you can redeem points for travel, shopping, gift cards, statement credits and more. Even better, if you have these specific credit cards such as the Premier Rewards Gold (I have this one), Platinum Card, Green Card or Everyday Card, they earn full MR points which allow you to transfer points to partner airlines. Read the rest of this entry »

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