2022

Changing Cards With American Express

#budgettravel

Changing Cards With American Express

This has been an unusually active month between me and American Express. I have upgraded one card, opened up a new card, and am having another replaced after a fraud alert.  An Old Personal Platinum Card Business Platinum Card Upgrade First, I upgraded the AMEX Business Gold card to a Business Platinum card. When I first got the Gold card, I was ce

Dec 10, 2022 6 min read

Embassy Suites by Hilton McAllen Convention Center Hospitality

McAllen

Embassy Suites by Hilton McAllen Convention Center Hospitality

We recently booked a stay at the Embassy Suites by Hilton McAllen Convention Center to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We had never stayed at this property. However, we had visited their bar and restaurant when we have gone out on dates. We generally like Embassy Suites hotels. We enjoy their evening Happy Hours, their attentive staff, and the l

Oct 15, 2022 7 min read

Taking a Break

McAllen

Taking a Break

Taking a Break I have been reading about uric acid and its effects leading to diabetes and other maladies. I originally intended to get a haircut. But, as it is Independence Day, the shop was closed. I decided to stop for a beer. Ironically, beer can increase uric acid levels in your blood. But, I haven’t finished reading the book, so I’m OK. 🤪

Jul 4, 2022 1 min read

AMEX Wish List

#budgettravel

AMEX Wish List

We have written about our relationship with American Express over the years, the good and the bad. We fell out of their good graces for a while. Now we are rebuilding our relationship. At the moment, we have opened four cards with them since April 2022. We expect that we will open more cards at some point. But, before going into that, let's go over

Jul 3, 2022 8 min read

Watermelon Festival in Falfurrias, Texas

Texas

Watermelon Festival in Falfurrias, Texas

The City of Falfurrias, Texas is a small community in South Texas. It is a two-hour drive south from San Antonio, and a one-hour drive north from the Texas border with Mexico. Falfurrias is on the way between many destinations. But, it is not often a place people intentionally choose to visit. Falfurrias Historical Marker Admittedly, Falfurrias is

Jun 17, 2022 3 min read

Choice Privileges Visa Earning Breakdown

McAllen

Choice Privileges Visa Earning Breakdown

As travel is starting to bounce back after two years of lockdowns, I decided to take a closer look at the Choice Privileges Visa card, which we have had for several years without scrutiny.  About Choice Privileges Choice Privileges is the Choice Hotels loyalty program that awards points for stays, which can be redeemed for free stays. As with most

Jun 16, 2022 3 min read

We visit On The Border   to test credit card

McAllen

We visit On The Border to test credit card

Today, Mrs. TWM and I went out to the local Embassy Suites Hotel restaurant named On The Border. The hotel is in McAllen, Texas. Our motive was to try out the Hilton Honors Business Card by American Express. The card earns 12 points per dollar of spending at Hilton properties. Of course, it’s better to verify. So, we had lunch and some drinks.

Jun 8, 2022 1 min read

I Got The AmEx Green Card

#traveladvice

I Got The AmEx Green Card

Image from AmericanExpress.com Yesterday, I decided to apply for the American Express Green Card. I made the decision for several reasons. First, I have never had the Green Card, which means that I still qualify for the signup bonus. Second, I have an American Express card through my job. One of the benefits of having a corporate card is that I get

May 30, 2022 5 min read

Fort McKavett, Texas

Texas

Fort McKavett, Texas

I used to joke that you have to go to San Angelo, Texas. You don't end up there by accident. That was before we visited Fort McKavett, Texas. If you are looking for remote destinations, this historic site is definitely for you.  Our family traveled from Junction, Texas to Fort Stockton, Texas last year. We saw signs on the highway advertising Fort

May 27, 2022 4 min read

Hilton Honors Fifth Night Free Benefit

#budgettravel

Hilton Honors Fifth Night Free Benefit

The Hilton Honors loyalty program has a benefit that can prove useful for long stays. The benefit is that you can get a fifth night free stay when you book with points. This means that you are getting a 20% discount on your stay with points.  The only requirement to take advantage of this benefit is that you need to pay for the full stay with Hilto

May 9, 2022 3 min read