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Guide to Route 66 (During the Pandemic)

Susan Weston / June 21, 2020 / Leave a Comment

Let’s face it. Our international summer plans are over. But with the US opening up, we will be able to (responsibly) explore the US and Route 66 during the pandemic. Route 66 has been on my bucket list since I saw the original Disney-Pixar movie, “Cars.” My boyfriend and I had the chance to take Route 66 from Chicago to New Mexico, and we wanted to share our favorite attractions.

Route 66 During the Pandemic

By no means is this list an all-inclusive guide to Route 66. Many attractions and restaurants are closed. And each state has different guidelines regarding COVID. All of the recommended attractions in this article are promoting social distancing. Many are outside and those inside are at low capacity. Please call before visiting these attractions as regulations are changing daily.

TRAVEL TIP:
Route 66 and the towns along it died with the building of a faster and more convenient route. Many of these towns are still there hanging on by a thread. Downtowns are almost empty. Hotels and gas stations closed and falling apart.
To get the true story of Route 66, don’t take any shortcuts. Drive through town, visit that one restaurant left and talk to the locals about the past.

Route 66: Illinois

(Due to Illionois state regulations, a majority of attractions were closed.)

Original Route 66 Brick Road

After Springfield, there is a 1.40-mile long brick section of the original Route 66. Not very long but a great piece of history. Directions: Between the towns of Chatham and Auburn on Snell and Curran Road.

Atlanta, IL

Although the businesses and attractions in this small town were closed, it was worth a stop. There are several giants including, The Nuyan Giant and The Giant Hotdog. Murals and historical markers cover the town. There were several Route 66 antique and collectible shops that looked interesting. The COVID shut down regulations really put a new perspective on “window shopping.” I will go back someday when the world returns to normal.

Nelly’s On Route 66 (Wilmington, IL)

Fun Route 66 interior. Awesome food. Try the Reuben or the Chicago Dog. It was one of the few Route 66 restaurants we found open in Illinois.

Guide to Route 66 During COVID — Nelly’s on Route 66

Chain of Rocks Bridge (Madison, IL)

The Chain of Rocks Bridge was part of Route 66 from 1936 to 1968. It was built with a 22-degree bend to appease boat traffic. As the cars grew in size, the curve became a point of congestion and travel delays. A new bridge was built, and the Chain of Rocks Bridge was decommissioned. Today, it is a hiking and biking trail. It is a convenient point to stop and stretch the legs. We had a snack and enjoyed a glass of wine we had packed (passengers only).

Guide Book: EZ66 GUIDE For Travelers
If you want to follow the original Route 66, this is the guide. Written by a Route 66 historian, it contains turn-by-turn directions along the oldest sections of Route 66. It looks complicated at first, so I suggest you familiarize your self with it before taking it on the road.
The author gives his personal recommendations for the trip, including places not to go, unlike the Lonely Traveler or other big name travel guide who tend to recommend places based on hearsay instead of personal experience.
I do suggest getting a comprehensive guide book as a supplement. I used the Moon Route 66 Road Trip.

Route 66: Missouri

Wagon Wheel Motel (Cuba, MO )

I am obsessed with Disney. I first got the idea to travel Route 66 after watching “Cars.” Please watch it before you start on your journey. Although “Cars” is based on a fictional town, Radiator Springs, many of the characters and locations are based on the real Route 66. Do you remember the Wheel Well Inn that Sally and Lightning McQueen re-open at the end of the movie? It was based on the Wagon Wheel Motel.

The rooms are small and basic but affordable and clean. Check out Missouri Hick BBQ place (located next door) for dinner and the Cuba Bakery and Deli downtown for breakfast. The donuts are amazing.

The Ozark’s through Missouri

I hope you plan to stick to the original Route 66 from Chicago to LA. But if you don’t (Shame on you), I highly recommend at least driving the section through the Ozark’s in Missouri. Beautiful green rolling hills away from I-40. A real sense of what Route 66 was about in its heyday.

If you are still not convinced to take the original Route 66 route, remember the road less traveled allows for social distancing. The goal is to navigate Route 66 during this pandemic safely.

Uranus Fudge Factory and General Store (St. Robert, MO)

Who doesn’t want to say they had fudge in Uranus? Uranus is a great place to stretch your legs and get a little laugh. See the world’s biggest belt buckle. Visit the strange museum or shop in the general store. There is even an escape room (closed due to pandemic). As they say, “Everything you need is in Uranus.”

Travel Tip:
Pack lunch and drinks. There were a lot of excellent places to pull over and eat. It saved money and our stomachs. Greasy roadside food is excellent but can get old. Remember, you need to sit in a car for hours with your road partner. Maybe frank and beans are not the best option.

Gary’s Gay Parita Sinclair Station (Ashgrove, MO)

We happen upon this stop by accident, but I highly recommend it—a 1930 Route 66 gas station recreation with restored cars, signs, and other memorabilia. Although Gary died in 2015, his son in law took over, and he was excited to answer any questions we had about Route 66. The attraction is free, but there is a small gift shop if you feel like contributing to the future of the Sinclair Station.

Route 66: Kansas

CARS on The Route (Galena, KS)

On the right when you enter the town, there is a great place to pull over and eat lunch that is decorated based on the movie “Cars.” Drive further into town and look out for “Tow Tater,” the inspiration for ‘Mater.

Travel Tip:
Illinois, Missouri, and Kansas are well marked with Historic Route 66 signs. Oklahoma and Texas only had sporadic signage and did not always follow the original route, so be sure to have your guide book handy.

Route 66: Oklahoma

Hotel Indigo (Tulsa, OK)

Awesome hotel downtown. It had a rooftop bar that overlooked Tulsa. The hotel was in a great area if you are looking for nightlife. It was surrounded by bars and restaurants. The staff was friendly. The hotel was clean. The food was excellent. Due to COVID, the included breakfast was delivered to our room. Free breakfast in bed. Yes, Please.

Original Route 66 Concrete Road

Even though Route 66 follows the interstate for a large portion of the drive, don’t cheat and take the I-40. A large section of Route 66 in Oklahoma is on the original concrete. The light yellow roads with tiny curbs give a sense of original Route 66. It is slowly being replaced with asphalt, so drive it while you can.

1913 Pope Bike (Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum)

Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum (Chandler, OK)

The owners have an extensive collection of old motorcycles, dirt bikes, and other memorabilia. Worth a stop even if you are not into motorcycles. It is free (they ask for a donation).

Rock Cafe on Route 66 (Stroud, OK)

I met Sally from Disney-Pixar, “Cars!” If you saw the movie, you will understand my excitement. The character of Sally is based on Dawn Welch, owner of Rock Cafe. I recommend stopping for lunch. Get the bread pudding.

Blue Whale (Catoosa, OK)

The Blue Whale is one of the first pictures that pop up when you google Route 66 attractions. It was built as a play area for the creator’s grandchildren and is an excellent spot for a photo and a picnic lunch. It was recently sold to the town and is being renovated (at time of writing). I spoke to the son of the original owner. We both hope the town keeps the original charm. Note: You can not swim in the pond.

Route 66: Texas

U-Drop Inn (Shamrock, TX)

You can’t drive by this restored art deco gas station without feeling like you have seen it before. If you have watched Disney-Pixar “Cars,” you have. Seriously, someone did stop because they recognized the building, but they couldn’t figure out where they had seen it. I am glad I was there to educate them. The U-Drop Inn was the inspiration behind Ramone’s House of Body Art. It is now a tourism office. Stop by for a photo and while in Shamrock, kiss a piece of the Blarney Stone.

Amarillo, TX

First, stop and visit Crocodile Lile. His studio, Lile Art Gallery, is on 6th street. The day before, while driving, I was calling places on the route to see what was open. I called a number in the guide book, and I met Croc. I was just calling to see if his studio would be open the next day. After confirming it was, I went to hang up. Croc stopped me, “Wait, not so fast. Who are you? Where are you from? Where are you headed?” He said to call him if we had any questions about places to go or stay. He was serious. I felt like we were old friends by the time I made it to his gallery. After you visit him, have some lunch or a drink at one of the bars on 6th street. Also, check out the Bug Farm, which is a bunch of VW Bugs buried halfway in the ground. Less busy than the famous Cadillac Ranch.

NOTE: We planned to stay at The Big Texan Motel, a famous route 66 attractions. Croc told us that they, among other things, did not financially support Route 66. We decided to stay elsewhere. Please do your own research.

Blarney Stone Shamrock Texas — A piece of the Blarney Stone, Shamrock, TX

Midpoint Cafe and “Flo”

Congrats, you made it halfway on your Route 66 journey. Stop and take a photo at the official sign. Then visit the Midpoint Cafe for the coconut pie. The original owner of the MidPoint Cafe, Fran, was the inspiration for the “Cars” character, Flo. Look for a red truck covered in autographs. I didn’t find out about the truck until after my visit.

Route 66: New Mexico

1865 Brewing (Santa Rosa, NM)

On the way out of town from Santa Rosa, on the right side, was a small brewery. Cliff spotted it, and the door was open. Screeching breaks. U-Turn. The brewery wasn’t open for dine-in, but they were selling growlers of their lager. Check it out and support local breweries.

Joseph’s Bar and Grille (Santa Rosa, NM)

Santa Rosa, NM is known for the Blue Hole, a popular diving spot. During our trip, it was closed, but we were able to get take-out from Joseph’s and sit in the park. Great Food.

Russell’s Travel Center (Glenrio, NM)

If it weren’t for Croc’s recommendation, we would have driven right by this travel plaza. From the outside, it looks like your typical highway plaza with a gas station and convenience store. In the back corner of the store is a doorway that leads to a classic car and memorabilia museum. Free and worth a visit. Although, I was upset to learn that floppy disk’s, flip phones, and handheld TVs are now considered “classic.” The Travel Center also has a Route 66 Diner and a Chapel.

The Ghost Town of Cuervo, NM

We were following the original dirt Route 66 through New Mexico when we stumbled upon this Ghost Town. Many of the buildings, including a church and schoolhouse, are still intact and look like people just left a few months ago. Cuervo is one of the “newer” ghost towns on the route. It was an incorporated town until 2011 when the post office shut down and still has 58 residents.

The Castaneda Hotel (Las Vegas, NM)

Six miles east of Route 66 near Romerioville, NM is the town of Las Vegas. There are no casinos or flashy lights. But they do have a Moth Infestation. (Yes, moths) Despite the moths, I recommend staying at The Castaneda hotel. Originally built in 1898, it was recently restored and is beautiful. You feel like you are transported back in time. They also do tours if you don’t have time to stay the night.

REVENGE OF THE MOTHS

Now about the moths. Imagine. I am in a creepy old hotel. Due to COVID, we were one of the only guests. I am going to take a shower. Everything is pretty standard at this point. Until I turn on the water, and I see two moths flying around. I kill them. Then I turn around, and I see three more. As I try to kill them, two more appear and then two more. I don’t know where they are coming from. Clif hears the commotion and knocks on the door. He opens it to find me standing in the middle of the bathroom, crying and swatting moths. Long story short, I made him stand in the bathroom while I showered and then held my pee for the rest of the night.

Munger Moss Motel, MO (Pull over for a picture opportunity)

Sadly, we ended our trip in Las Vegas, NM, and headed up towards Colorado but do plan to finish the route this summer. Please comment if you have any suggestions for the rest of the journey. I hope this article motivated you to explore Route 66 during the pandemic.

Route 66 Resources

For more Disney-Pixar “Cars” references: https://www.route66news.com/2006/06/09/a-route-66-guide-to-cars-movie/
Guide Books: EZ66 and Moon Route 66 Road Trip
Stay up to date on everything Route 66: https://www.route66news.com/
Check out this guide to Route 66 in Illinois: https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/route66/illinois_road_segments.html

This page contains affiliate links, and I may receive compensation if you click on a link. You can read my full advertising disclosure here.

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Top 10 Travel Accessories That You Can’t Live Without

Susan Weston / May 3, 2020 / Leave a Comment

I love travel accessories. I would preferably buy a new airplane pillow over a new pair of shoes. Throughout my travels, I have found items I hated and some that I can not live without. I own every item recommended on this list. And I promise these items will change how you travel.

#10 Folding Bag

A folding bag is a must-have travel accessory. We have all heard the motto: Leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs. Well, I have never been able to do it. No matter how big or small my bag is, I will fill every corner. A folding bag takes up little space to pack and can be used for all those shot glasses, magnets, and “I was here” t-shirts that you know you are going to buy. I bought the RuMe cFold Downing bag, and it has lasted many trips.

I also love to use it as a beach bag instead of getting sand in my pocketbook or carryon. You can fold it up at the end of your vacation and do not have to worry about sand getting everywhere.

#9 Anti Theft Pocketbook and Purse

I go on a lot of solo trips and very rarely feel unsafe when I travel. The one thing I do look out for is pickpocketers. Areas with a large number of tourists looking up at the surrounding and not paying attention attract thieves.

One time in Barcelona, a girl at my hostel had her phone taken right out of her hands while she was texting. I even had a friend get her phone stolen from her pocket on the beaches of Thailand.

I carry a travel anti-theft bag with me when I know I am going to be in a tourist area. I like to use the Travelon Women’s Anti-Theft Tailored Convertible Crossbody Clutch Cross Body Bag for going out at night. It can be used as a wristlet or a crossbody bag. The larger, Travelon Anti-Theft Active Tour Bag is perfect for the daytime. It will fit your camera and all the other touristy things people carry. Both bags have lockable pockets, slash-proof straps, a slash-proof body, and RFID blocking pockets.

It might sound like overkill, and in most cases it is, but I highly suggest this travel accessory for big tourist traps like La Rambla street in Barcelona or the Colosseum in Rome.

#8 Packing Cubes

I love organization, and I love to squeeze as much as I can into my suitcase. Packing cubes are a must-have. I have small ones for makeup and large ones for my winter snowboarding gear. I don’t have to dig through my suitcase looking for that one sock I can’t find. I just pull out the packing cube with my socks and underwear in it.

There are two types of packing cubes I use: regular cubes and compression bags. Compression bags have an extra zipper that allows you to squish your clothes down to half the size.

My only complaint with the compression bags is that I have trouble zipping them up. It is entirely my fault as I try to put too many items in the bag, but I still do it. It might have played a role when I missed my Air Asia flight.

Both sets of cubes I recommend have not ripped despite all the overpacking I do.

#7 PodSox

Thankfully a friend introduced me to PodSox. They are compression sox that are fun to wear. There are tons of fun prints. My favorite is unicorns.

I was flying home from Peru after hiking to Macchu Pichu. I slept most of the nine-hour flight. When I woke up, I looked down and saw elephant feet. I was only 30 years old. The only people I knew that wore compression stockings were people having surgery and old crotchety nurses.

More importantly than being travel accessories, they are great for your health. Long flights increase your chance of getting a blood clot. Compression socks help prevent blood clots and those ugly varicose veins. I never fly without them.

#6 WANDF Expandable Toiletry Bag

Everyone has a toiletry bag in one form or another for traveling. I’ve used every size and shape imaginable, including a gallon zip-lock bag, more than once.

I bought this bag in 2017, and I have been on over 30 trips with it. It ripped for the first time last month; however, I consider that excellent for a reasonably priced toiletry bag. I can stuff full-size bottles and 20 tubes of lip gloss (I’ll lose 19 of them throughout my trip) into the bag. It isn’t fancy, but more importantly, it works and will last.

Now that it ripped, I did look at other bags. Two things I wish it had were an area for the wet stuff. It would come in handy when you get right out of the shower and have to leave for the airport, but your loofah is wet. Also, It would be nice if it could sit on a counter. I will update you if I find one.

#5 Travel Blanket

I need a travel blanket for the airplane because I get freezing, plus I love to feel all cozy. I have had many over the years. My main complaint is how bulky they are. Sometimes you need a whole other bag for your blanket. And if they are not bulky, they are barely big enough to cover your legs. I was looking for something very compact and big enough to tuck under my chin and my toes. I found it.

Not only is the cocoon Coolmax Travel Blanket compact, but I can also get it back into the bag without a problem. How often can you get your sleeping back into the bag it came into?

Never.

I must stress that this is a very thin blanket. I usually fold it in half. It is still big enough to cover your body. I debated buying a thicker one, but I really like how big and compact it is.

#4 Lumbar support pillow

I have a pretty good back (knock on wood), but there is something about airplane seats that make my lower back hurt. It doesn’t matter if it’s Spirit or British Airways. I always ended up using my neck pillow as a back pillow.

I found this blowup lumbar support pillow, and it works perfectly. It is compact and easy to inflate and deflate. It doesn’t look like much; however, I guarantee it will make your flight more enjoyable. Plus, it can be used as a pillow if needed.

#3 Hydro Flask

My name is Susan, and I am addicted to ice. I can not drink fluids that are not on the ice. Well, Except beer. I do drink my wine with ice, though.

I love my Hydro Flask. I sleep with my Hydro Flask. My boyfriend is jealous of my Hydro Flask.

My Hydro Flask will sit on the front seat of my car all day in the Las Vegas sun and still have ice in it. It’s magic. Ice is hard to find outside of the US. People look at you like you are crazy if you ask for it. Therefore, if I do find some, I want it to last.

Hydro Flask makes a large selection of sizes, and I own most of them. I like the Hydro Flask standard mouth water bottle for travel because it fits in most water bottle holders. They even have a pint glass that will keep your beer at the perfect temperature.

#2 The Best Travel Pillow Ever

I am that person that likes to sleep with their head on the tray table. I am sure it is not the cleanest, but when I am tired, I don’t care.

I have tried every type of travel pillow, and this is the only one that works for me. I was hesitant at first because it is pretty silly looking. Now I don’t care because I can sleep for long periods. My back doesn’t hurt. If you are a side or stomach sleeper, you need to get this. You might look silly, but who cares when you are snoring away on a 7-hour flight.

My only complaint is the area where you put your face is a little rough. I bring a pillowcase with me to wrap around it.

#1 TSA Approved Clear Travel Toiletry Bag

The number one travel accessory I can not live without. I am horrible with my liquids. I need different hair products, lip glosses, bug spray, sunblock, and I never leave home without Poop-Pourri. If you have never used Poop-Pourri, you need to try it. It works. Your poop will not smell.

TSA requires all liquids to be in a clear 1-quart size bag. That is insane. Especially when I am only taking a carry on, a 1-quart zip-lock bag will barely fit a shampoo, a conditioner, and some makeup. This bag can fit at least 50% more. It is also well made, and I have been able to overstuff it without the zipper breaking.

I didn’t believe TSA would actually count it as a 1-quart bag, but I have not had any questions. I was traveling in Europe, and security made everyone empty their liquids into 1-quart zip lock bags that they supplied. My poor boyfriend had to throw out several items. Finally, when it was my turn, they looked at my bag and let me go through. I couldn’t believe it.

Nor could my boyfriend, who now always uses this bag when traveling. Of course, I don’t want to make empty promises. I can’t guarantee this will work every time; however, I can just say I have been using this travel accessory since 2017 and have never had an issue.

Top 10 Travel Accessories That You Can’t Live Without Read More »

Thai Airways A330 Business Class Throne seat.

I used my American Express Platinum Card to travel to Bali for $244… In Business Class.

Susan Weston / March 20, 2020 / 1 Comment

Last summer I took an extended vacation to Bali, Indonesia. On first glance this may sound like an expensive trip. But I was able to use my American Express Platinum Card along with some travel hacking to book a round trip ticket for $244. And the best part was the return ticket included 3 business class flights. The whole trip should have cost over $10,000.

Travel Hacking

I have been preaching travel hacking to anyone who will listen. How to get cheap tickets. What credit cards to use. It seems complicated, and it did to me, but it became an addiction.

I spend hours reading blogs and searching for deals. I have flown to Boston for less than $10. I flew round trip to Hawaii for $33. Round trip to Barcelona for $52. Round-trip in business class to Japan for $400. Round trip to Europe for $370 and round trip to Las Vegas for $12.

American Express Membership Rewards

I was able to book my flight to Bali through Aeroplan (Air Canada’s reward program). Did I fly Air Canada or use miles I acquired flying Air Canada? No. I have never flown Air Canada. It was thanks to my American Express Platinum card and some travel hacking tricks.

Aeroplan has excellent reward availability on partner airlines to Asia for a fixed redemption of 45,000 miles in economy and 77,500 miles in business class. And they do not charge high fuel surcharges.

Aeroplan is also a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards. This means miles I earn using my American Express Platinum Card can be transferred to Aeroplan.

I was able to secure enough miles for my trip through the initial bonus offer. Voila. I booked a flight to Bali for 45,000 miles and $12 in taxes/fuel charges.

On the way home, I found a trip with three business class segments. These flights cost me 77,500 miles and $181 in taxes. I used more of my Membership Rewards points along with travel hacking tricks to acquire enough miles for the purchase.

Travel Hacking American Express Aeroplan — Photo by H W on Unsplash

One mistake I did make was that I initially picked a window seat. Closer to my departure date, I decided I wanted an aisle. I get pee anxiety. I can go 12 hours at work without peeing, but the minute that Fastens Seat Belt sign goes on, I’m crossing my legs and wishing I had a foley. Changing my seat assignment cost me $50. We all make mistakes.

American Express Platinum Card

The American Express Platinum card currently has a bonus offer of 6 0,000 miles if you spend $5,000 in 3 months. The annual fee is steep at $550. But hear me out. I promise it is worth it.

American Express Centurion Lounge Access

The Centurion Lounge is one of my favorite domestic lounges. (You can read about my favorite here.) Currently, there are lounges in Miami, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Hong Kong, Houston, Dallas, New York, Philadelphia, and Seatle. Future plans include Denver, JFK, LAX, Heathrow, Pheonix, and Charlette Douglass.

You can expect a full buffet of hot food, unlimited craft cocktails, internet, and plenty of outlets. All customized to the location. For example, in the San Francisco lounge, guests can do Napa Valley inspired wine tasting, while in Houston, the menu is Tex-Mex.

One downside is that the lounges tend to be overcrowded. Expect to search for a seat. New lounges being built are larger, so I hope the overcrowding will improve. Either way, just having this perk makes up for the high annual fee.

Priority Pass Select Lounge Membership

The Priority Pass is the #1 reason to get this card. The priority pass gives you and two friends (subject to change by lounge) access to more than 1300 lounges worldwide. That means free food and drinks anytime you fly. How much does a beer at an airport cost? $8. A burger? $18

If you take three trips a year and have a couple of beers and food, you have already saved over $100. And let us be honest. It’s never just a beer. That shot of whiskey they give you a “deal” on seems always to hit the spot.

Travel Hacking Tip: The American Express Platinum priority pass does NOT include restaurants, unlike the Chase Sapphire Reserve. At airports where there are no or few lounges, the Priority Pass will partner with restaurants. The pass gives you $28 (plus $28 for a guest) towards your meal, including drinks. Check your home airport and see what Priority Pass offers. If it is restaurants, you may want to get the Chase Sapphire Reserve instead.

American Express Platinum Card and Priority Pass

Delta SkyClub Access

The Platinum card gives you access to all Delta Sky Lounges when flying Delta. To enter, just show your valid Platinum Card, valid ID, and same-day boarding pass for a Delta flight. You may purchase guest access for your spouse or domestic partner and a child under 21, or up to two other traveling companions for $29 per person.

Travel Hacking Tip: Ok, this is not the most ethical tip, but it is entirely legal. Delta has a 24-hour cancellation policy. The policy includes same-day travel. In fact, per customer service, you can cancel your reservation after the flight takes off for a full refund. This means you can purchase a random Delta ticket on the day of your scheduled flight and enter a Delta Sky Lounge. Then cancel your Delta ticket and continue with your travel plans. I don’t want to 100% promise it will work, but I have done it. And I spoke on the phone with two delta representatives who confirmed the cancellation policy. I suggest calling and confirming the policy before purchasing the ticket, as airlines are also changing their rules.

The Global Lounge collection

Several other lounges can be accessed with the Platinum card. The Escape Lounge brand is located at smaller airports, including Reno-Tahoe (RNO) and Providence (PVT). Another lounge company that cardholders have access to is Airspace, which has locations in San Francisco (SFO) and Cleveland (CLE). For a full list of available lounges, see The Global Lounge collection. In total, the American Express Platinum card gives cardholders access to lounges in 130 countries. That is a lot of free food and alcohol.

Earn 5x Points on Airfare Booked Directly Through the Airline or Amextravel.com

Earn 5x Ultimate Reward points for travel booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel. 5x points are the best point earnings on travel for any credit card currently. The catch is if you are not booking through American express, cardholders must book through the airline’s website. You can not use Expedia or Kayak.

Trip Delay and Trip Cancellation Coverage

Starting January 1st, 2020, American Express began offering trip delay and cancellation coverage. If you pay for your round-trip flight with the Platinum Card you will be eligible for:

Trip Cancellation Insurance: You can get reimbursed for up to $10,000 of nonrefundable expenses – and up to $20,000 a year total – if your flight is canceled due to weather, an injury, or illness, and other “covered reasons.”
Trip Delay Insurance: A flight delayed by more than six hours is eligible for up to $500 in reimbursement for lodging, food, and other associated expenses.

Travel Hacking Tip: Coverage is only available on round-trip tickets. Round-trip reward flights are covered if taxes and fees are charged to the card.

$200 in Annual Airline Fee Credits

The credit does not include actual tickets. It only applies to any incidentals, such as baggage fees and online wifi. It also includes memberships to discount clubs, such as Frontier Airlines’ Discount Den.

Travel Hacking Tip: It seems that Southwest Airlines gift cards purchased through Southwest’s website also trigger the credit. If you fly Southwest Airlines a lot, I suggest using the Platinum card to buy a $200 gift card. Then you can use use the credit towards actual tickets. I have used this trick for two years on several American Express credit cards with no problem. Again, I can’t guarantee 100% that it will work for you. If you fly Southwest a lot, then you will spend the gift card anyways, even if you don’t get the credit.

Using American Express Platinum card to fly Southwest — Photo by Oliver Engel on Unsplash

$200 in Annual Uber Ride Credits

$200 in Uber credit is an excellent deal if you use Uber a lot, which I do. The catch is the credit is spread over the year. $15/month January-November and $35 in December. And remember, Uber is cheaper than a DUI.

Travel Hacking Tip: Although it says Uber ride, the credit also applies to Uber eats.

$100 in Annual Saks 5th Ave. Credits

I don’t shop at Sak’s 5th Avenue, but I will always take free money. Think of it as a $50 gift card January-June and another $50 gift card July- December.

Travel Hacking Tip: Check out this article for tips on what and how to spend your credit. Whenever buying anything, it is best to try and buy through cashback websites. Accessing Rakuten (formally Ebates) on the way to the Saks website can give you up to 11% cashback. Check out the link for some great tips.

$100 Application Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck

If you don’t have Global Entry and TSA PreCheck, get it now! I am sure you have seen people at the airport walk past you and go right to the front of the line. Not only is there a shorter security line, wait for it… Travelers who have TSA Precheck do not have to take off their shoes nor take out their laptops or liquids.

Travel Hacking Tip: Several credit cards come with this benefit. If you already have TSA Precheck and Global Entry, the credit can be used for anyone. It would be a great Christmas gift for someone. They do not need to know it was free.

If that is not enough, Global Entry allows US citizens to fly right through immigration. No one wants to wait in the immigration line after a long international flight.

Travel Hacking Tip: For anyone who does not have TSA Precheck and Global entry, there is a way to shorten the time spent in the immigration line. Mobile Passport is an app that allows passengers to fill out their immigration forms online. There is a separate line for Mobile Passport users at immigration in most airports/cruise terminals. The line can be just as short as the Global Entry line. I am sure you have disembarked the plane and walked by signs advertising this service. Most people don’t pay attention to them. It can be done at any time right up to getting into line. And it’s free.

TSA Precheck/Global Entry is easy to get. You just go online and fill out some information. Pay with your American Express Platinum. You will get a credit on your account. Next, you will need to set up an appointment with the TSA Precheck office. Voila. No lines for four years.

Travel Hacking Tip: Currently New York residents can not apply for Global Entry, but can still apply for TSA Precheck.

Instant Marriott Gold Elite and Hilton Honors Gold Status

I very rarely stay in hotels when I travel. I use Airbnb or stay in hostels, but earning status with these hotel brands have a lot of perks.

Instant Rental Car Agency Status with Hertz, Avis, and National

Another great perk if you tend to rent cars a lot. Depending on the company and the level of status, perks include skipping the line and the ability to earn free rentals.

Several other benefits come with the platinum card, but I just touched on the major ones that I use.

Bottom Line

I was able to fly across the world in business class for next to nothing because of my American Express Platinum card. Yes, it does have an annual fee of $550, but as you can see from above, you get your money back and then some.

The American Express Platinum offer of 60,000 Ultimate Reward points after spending $5,000 in 3 months is a great deal. $5,000 may seem like a large number, but there are many ways to hit the spending limit. Check out this article from The Points Guy. The Points Guy is one of my favorite travel blogs, and I recommend joining his email list if any of this interests you.

If nothing else, I hoped I piqued your interest into the world of travel hacking. Safe Travels.

*** DISCLAIMER: This post does contain some referral links. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by my advertising partners. The information is up to date and factual to the best of my knowledge but is subject to change at any time. I am not an investment advisor, financial planner, nor legal or tax professional and articles here are of an opinion and general nature and should not be relied upon for individual circumstances.***

I used my American Express Platinum Card to travel to Bali for $244… In Business Class. Read More »