Mando Travel

When is the best time to book award travel?

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 19:14:11 GMT

Travel Tip Tuesday #8

Like most things in travel there isn't one sure fire answer to finding great award availability.

That said, most airlines open seats up about 11 months prior to flight date. Generally flights will have a couple of low priced award seats on these dates. So if you're a planner (like me) mark your calendar for that 11 month window.

Otherwise airlines generally open up space quite close in, within a month. That can be a bit nerve wracking, but most domestic carriers now let you cancel for free so it can be worth holding a flight and waiting on a better option.

In between those dates I suggest you look regularly 1-2 times a week to try to find the right award space.

The number one tip here is award space is LIMITED. When you see a good price (in miles) grab it, especially for business class. Don't wait a day or two it will most likely be gone.

Use a credit card that earns points not miles

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 19:12:07 GMT

Travel Tip Tuesday #7

I've mentioned this before but I just had a great example of why this matter so much I thought I'd share it again.

My friend and client Crys needed to get home from Mallorca and wanted to use miles. They have Alaska Miles, Delta Miles and Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Getting home from Mallorca proved challening in general but flights to Barcelona are about $25 so we turned our search from Barcelona. Using Alaska miles it would have been 32.5K miles and $257 each with a stop in London and San Francisco. Delta wanted 66K miles each (yes this is coach). So I did a magic search and found Air France had availability Barcelona-Paris-Seattle for 20K and $125 each. Score!

Crys doesn't have Air France miles. But, Chase allows you to transfer Ultimate Rewards points Air France Flying Blue on a 1:1 basis. She quickly transferred 40K miles and within a minute they were in her Air France account and the flight was booked!

Chase, Amex, Citi and Capital One all have transferable currencies (with the right cards) and can make the difference between 20K miles and 66K for the same booking!

Getting Cash Abroad!

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 19:09:05 GMT

Travel Tip Tuesday $6

I get this question a lot. Should I get cash before I travel? The answer almost universally is no.

First, in most countries European countries you're going to need a lot less cash than you think. You could easily travel to Europe without any cash. It's nice to have some Euros for tips and the occasional trinket but almost everyone is going take (and expect payment via) credit card.

That said I usually like to have some local currency with me for tips or small purchases. Personally, I find it rude/insensitive to pay in US dollars. Imagine if someone here tried to pay in Euros or Yen...There are some exceptions to this in countries with volatile currencies, but that's my general rule.

Anyway, here's the tip: Get cash when you land at the airport from an ATM (not a currency conversion place). ATM fees will generally not be different in an airport than anywhere else. The currency conversion in the airport will almost always rip you off.

Here's my approach: I have a checking account with Charles Schwab Bank. They do not have foreign transaction fees, they do not charge any ATM fees. AND if the other bank charges a fee Schwab refunds it, anywhere in the world. This essentially makes every ATM everywhere in the world "in network!" Suddenly I don't worry about getting "enough" cash, or too much cash. I just get a bit of money when I land and then more as needed.

Note: I do not work for Schwab, nor would I get any referral fee for you signing up with them

What are Global Airline Alliances (And why do I care)?

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 19:05:35 GMT

Travel Tip Tuesday #5

I read a report recently that 95% of all miles earned on Alaska Airlines are redeemed on Alaska Airlines. While perhaps not shocking it isn't the best way to maximize your travel miles!

Enter airline alliances. Most major full service airlines in the world are members of one of 3 global alliances. These alliances are Oneworld (American and Alaska) SkyTeam (Delta) and Star Alliance (United and Air Canada).

So why should you care? When flying on these airlines you can earn miles on your preferred program. Flying on British, American or Cathay Pacific? Earn Alaska miles. Flying on Air France or Korean, earn Delta miles. This can really help you have one pool of miles when it comes time to redeem for awesome travel.

When it comes time to redeem you can use these miles to fly on any of these airlines as well! Use your American miles to fly Qatar in the world's best business class to South Africa for your safari, for example.

Global Airline alliance miles earned also count toward your airline's elite status too. Last year I earned Alaska MVP for one paid round trip flight on Qatar from Chicago to Tblisi!

The point is think of you airline as a global partner and not just a domestic airline. This makes it so much easier to explore while earning/redeeming miles!

Airport Lounge access part two!

Wed, 31 May 2023 16:05:47 GMT

Travel Tip Tuesday #4

While they've become a lot more popular as of late airport lounges can still be a great oasis of calm to escape the chaos of airports.

There are 3 general types of lounges: Airline, Credit Card and private lounges. In this week's tip I'll discuss credit card and independent lounges.

Most larger airports have independent lounges for a break with snacks and a quiet area to work or relax. The biggest of these is called "The Club" but there are many other brands. Almost all of these are members of a group called Priority Pass. Luxury credit cards generally come with a Priority Pass membership (These cards have annual fees of $400+ and the priority pass membership is big reason for that).

Further American Express has a network of lounges in most major airports in the US and is expanding abroad as well. Capital One just opened their first lounge in Dallas and Chase is going to partner with The Club to open Chase branded lounges as well.

In general these lounges are much nicer than the airline lounges or the private lounges with better food, higher and cocktails, some even have massages and other perks. Nearly all the food and alcohol is included with access.

If you travel regularly the high annual fee for these cards can make it worthwhile to enjoy the respite and save a bit of money off high priced airport food and drinks.

As part of my credit card analysis service I can help you determine which cards are right for you and to balance annual fees and high earning rates/benefits. Please let me know if you have any questions!

Tell Me about Airport Lounges and how I can get into them!

Wed, 31 May 2023 16:04:01 GMT

Travel Tip Tuesday #3

While they've become a lot more popular as of late airport lounges can be a great oasis of calm to escape the chaos of airports.

There are 3 general types of lounges: Airline, Credit Card and private lounges. In this week's tip I'll discuss the airline owned lounges:

These are lounges owned by the airlines themselves. In the US 4 airlines operate lounges: Alaska, American, Delta and United. There are generally two ways to access these lounges (there are more but I'll keep it simple here). All four of these offered paid memberships on an annual subscription basis for around $500 per year. This gets you unlimited access to these lounges whenever you're flying their airline.

The second access option is when flying International business class (or Domestic first for Alaska airlines). While these are generally not the nicest lounges in the airport one advantage of these lounges (with the exception of Alaska) is they can help you rebooking or other flight issues without having to stand in the customer service lines or calling in.

Alaska and American have a reciprocity agreement where members can use the other's lounges in most cases.

Delta has an agreement with Amex where you can use the Delta lounge when flying on Delta and you carry an Amex Platinum card (more on that next week).

Finally, all four of these airlines are part of global alliances (more on that in a future post). If you're traveling in business class abroad you can use the partner lounges for each of these airlines.

American and United have special lounges in their hub locations for International business class passengers that feature free alcohol, better food, showers, etc. Otherwise the general lounges will offer basic alcohol and snacks

The airline lounges can be helpful on layovers and for a break from the airport, but can be expensive to join. Delta is finally adding improved lounges in LA and NYC soon.

What to do when your flight gets delayed or canceled (TTT #2)

Wed, 31 May 2023 15:55:53 GMT

Travel Tip Tuesday #2

Tip number 1 Don't panic! Take a breath and assess the situation.

Tip number 2 Always use the airlines's app when flying. If you don't want to keep it long term just delete it afterwords. Especially for the domestic airlines many of these changes can happen automatically right in the app. Delta and United are have particularly good app in case if irregular operations (irops). Often your problem can be solved with one click of a button to accept the proposed changes.

Tip number 2. If the app doesn't solve the problem get in line for the gate agent or at the customer service desk. But, while you're waiting in line call the airline's 800 number. In case of irops the Customer service agents can rebook just like the agents in front of you. You're essentially standing in two lines at once. Whether reach a phone rep or the desk agent they will do all they can to get you rebooked quickly.

Tip number 3 if the options they are giving you don't seem very reasonable, ask if they can book you on a different airline. Most airlines can but they wont' always do it without you asking. (I suggest looking at flight options on google flights to know your options before you reach a human).

Finally, tip number 4. Be extra nice to the agents you speak to. They didn't cause the problem and have probably been getting yelled at by every passenger. It's their job to help you, but if you're nice they will work harder for you! The Golden Rule definitely applies here!

In summary keep calm, hedge your bets and be prepared with options.

Travel Tip Tuesday #1

mdandesea@gmail.com (Mark Anderson) — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 17:49:14 GMT

Why and how you should (almost) never check a bag

Over the years I've learned to travel more and more compactly. This has helped me not worry about lost or delayed bags and get to my destination and home quicker. This is especially nice after a long travel day. Adding 30+ minutes to wait for a bag is not my idea of a vacation.

Not checking a bag has never been more important. Especially if you're traveling through Europe right now. London, Amsterdam and Frankfurt (the largest transit hubs in Europe) are all having a terrible time with luggage. The stories are really terrible about bags being delayed 4-6 days. People buying plane tickets to be able to go back to the baggage hall to find their bags, etc. This is all avoidable by keeping your bag with you.

I know your first thought -- I could never, I really need XYZ with me. Let's think about it a little though. The first and most obvious is liquids:

Transition as many liquid things to solids
Use a bar deodorant and bar sunscreen
You can buy deet mosquito wipes
Heck I even have toothpaste in tablet form!
You really don't need shampoo with you on most trips it will be provided at every hotel and most AirBnBs
Unless you have really sensitive skin you can buy moisturizer when you land
Get creative!

Other items to save space:

Men, if needed just wear your sportscoat on the plane
Women, think creatively with any dress up attire. Light dresses as opposed to the pant suit
You really don't need a hair dryer anymore. Any hotel I'd book for you would have one :)
Get creative with shoes, I am a big fan off Allbirds, certain styles can dress up or down and are super comfortable. If you need hiking shoes or other "clunky" shoes wear them on the plane. I try to limit myself to the shoes I'm wearing and one more -- but maybe one other small pair as well (flip-flops for example).

You can do laundry abroad! Really, you can. Of course you can spend a fortune to do laundry in the hotel. But most places around the world have wash and fold services easily found. I've done laundry in Thailand, Mexico, and India for for just a few dollars. In Europe, of course, it's a bit more but knowing you'll do laundry abroad takes the stress of having to bring underwear for 2+ weeks!

So when would I check a bag? I don't mind checking a bag home. On my trip last fall to Tblisi, Georgia, I was so concerned about not checking bags home I missed out on buying amazing Georgian wine. I definitely regret that. Checking a bag home can absolutely make sense. My advice here is outside of liquids, pack your new purchases on your carry on. Check the dirty clothes.. if they get lost it's not really such a big deal when you're home (I assume you have clean undies at home!)

Just a reminder when you do check bags, don't put anything valuable in checked bags. Passports, computers, prescription drugs, credit cards (and cash) and anything else you really can't live without should be with you at all times!

What are your best tips for not checking a bag?

Booking a Virtuoso trip to Greece

mdandesea@gmail.com (Mark Anderson) — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 17:20:41 GMT

When you find the right properties for your clients it feels like a home run!

I had some new clients that had a rescheduled bicycle trip (thanks Covid) through Greece in September. They wanted to add some time in Athens and Mykonos before and after the tour. We were able to get together in person to talk about what they wanted and their budget. Each client is so different and it's important to me that we make the right match in properties and experiences.

This couple wanted to have a great location "simple" property in Athens and then splurge in Mykonos. But location really mattered for Mykonos as well. I was able to fine a really cool property in Athens called Dave Red. It's hip and fun and has a great location and was right in their budget. In fact I was able to get a better balcony room and breakfast included and still stay under their budget.

For Mykonos I knew that using a Virtuoso would be the right answer for them. They wanted to be near Elia beach. I was able to find the Myconian Village for them in their price range. As a Virtuoso agent I was able to get them a room upgrade, round trip transfers from the airport, complimentary breakfast and a $100 resort credit. They are just a ten minute walk (or complimentary shuttle) from Elia beach and even have private beach chairs for guests right on the beach.

We were able to find a great rate on Turkish Airways (Seattle-Istanbul-Athens) and they are good to go!

It truly brings my join when a client says "you nailed it" and I'll ask them for pics and reviews once they return.

Can I help you with a dream trip as well?

What's a Mando anyway?

mdandesea@gmail.com (Mark Anderson) — Fri, 08 Jul 2022 18:47:18 GMT

That's a funny name isn't it?

So why did I call my business Mando Travel?

It's VERY hard to come up with a unique name that is interesting and that you can get the URL in a "Dot com" format. I tried quite a few names and they were all taken. Honestly the name was probably the single hardest thing about setting up the business.

Ultimately Mando is a play on my name: M ark AND ers O n. Some friends call me Mando and it has a nice ring to it (I think). Mando also evokes Monde in French and Mundo in Spanish both meaning world. It also evokes strength which is something I needed to start my own business. Mando also is short for Mandolin which is just a fun side note.

So in the end it felt "me" and while I wasn't sure at first it's definitely grown on me.

As a cool side note my cousin Jack, who's a senior in high school created the logo and branding. Pretty cool, right!

Paris Dreaming

mdandesea@gmail.com (Mark Anderson) — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 16:28:12 GMT

Planning a dream trip to France with my mom!

Last fall my mom declared: I'm XY years old and I've never been to Paris and we need to change that! Challenge accepted mom! (Not sure mom wants me to post her age to the world!)

She wanted to go in the Spring of 2023 but I wanted to follow my mantra "why postpone joy" and convinced her this fall would be better (It wasn't a hard discussion).

Travel advisor Mando got to work. I've found us great flights to Paris using Flying Blue miles (Air France) transferred from a variety of credit card sources. I'm not in love with our flights back but I have 90 days to figure that out. This year is the hardest I can remember to get great flights for low points but I just check regularly. We have something that will work booked, but I am hoping for something amazing!

Mom had some specific requests: Paris, Normandy, Lyon and the Riviera. As part of my ongoing training with my host agency (Uniglobe) I learned about AmaWaterways, a river cruise that sails from Lyon to Avignon, the timing was perfect and we're both excited to try our first river cruise.

In the end we're Flying AirFrance to Paris, then 4 nights in Paris, 2 nights in Normandy, 2 nights in a Chateau in the Loire valley, a one week river cruise, and 2 nights in Nice. After the trip I'll share some of the places we stayed, but for now I'm very excited to have our plan in place, even if it changes a little. Now we just need brush up on our French and keep dreaming of crepes and Champagne!

Managing points and cash with a travel Mando Travel

mdandesea@gmail.com (Mark Anderson) — Sun, 26 Jun 2022 20:58:23 GMT

How I can help you get the most out of your travel budget.

It seems most people have some sort of points and miles, but they don't always know exactly what to do with them. Here in Seattle "everyone" has the Alaska Airlines credit card. That means they have a pile of miles they don't always know how to use and so they end up using those miles to book a trip to Mexico or Southern California. Not that those are bad choices either to use your miles or to visit. However, you can gain a lot more value using those miles on one of Alaska's many partners. For example, you can use 40K Alaska miles to fly economy one way anywhere in Asia on Singapore Airlines or 57,500 miles to fly in Business class on American Airlines. Those represent much more bang for your buck.

While Alaska is a fine airline and has a great frequent flyer program, I am a big believer in variable use currencies. What I mean by this is earning points with one of the credit card companies own currency. Capitol One, Chase, Citi and Amex all have amazing programs that can earn a lot more miles than that Alaska card can due to category bonuses and promotions. You can then transfer these miles to one of the many airline partners (each banks program has different partners) to maximize value across airlines and not tie yourself to one program. Because when you want to use miles to Europe you may not want to be tied to Alaska and it's partners, for example. There are nine airlines that fly nonstop to Europe from Seattle. 4 of them are Alaska partners, 5 of them are not. Using an Amex card I could use miles to book 8 of them (sorry Condor -- gotta use Alaska miles for that one).

Does this all sound terribly confusing? Well, it can be. Just like fly fishing is confounding to me because it's not an interest or hobby of mine, the points world is not confusing to me because I take the time to understand it. When I am able to make a sweet spot award booking (for me or for someone else) it's like finding a hidden jackpot and it's so fun.

This is why I've added a points consulting aspect to my business. If you're looking to use points as part of a bigger trip you're booking with me for a nominal $50 fee I will help work with your current points stash to help you find a flight that works for (almost) free.

If you just want a points consultation and some recommendations on how to build up a nice stash of points (including help with elite status) so you're ready to book when the time comes, that's a service I also offer.

In future blog posts I'll discuss some of my best points redemptions and how I combined them with cash for other items to create an amazing trip!

So I decided to turn my passion into a career

Fri, 27 May 2022 21:29:35 GMT

You want to be a travel agent in 2022?

I'm sitting in cafe at the San Jose, Costa Rica airport waiting for some friends arrive from Peru. I arranged their trip to Lima, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. I am really a travel agent. It's something I've been thinking about for a long time. Studied for a year through the Travel Institute, found a host agency to work with and quickly found my first clients.

This is my second trip out of the country since the pandemic started and boy do I miss travel! I'm cautiously optimistic that we can slowly begin a return to a new normal. Whatever that might be.

I am new to being an agent but I am definitely not new to travel or travel planning (you can read more about my experiences on the About tab). I love travel and I love experiencing cultures, learning from the challenges and generally the growth I get from it. But I also love travel planning ~it's like a puzzle I must solve. I love it almost as much as the travel itself.

I'm trying to create a little different type of full service travel agent. I understand what it's like to be a traveler, I understand sometimes you'll want to save money and use your points, sometimes you'll want to splurge on a once in a lifetime experience. Often those can be on the same trip! I want to work with you to create the travel adventures of YOUR dreams, not mine. I don't want to provide a set package of items "everyone" does -- unless that's what you want. Let's partner and come up with a solution that will work perfectly for you!

I'll be updating my adventures, my struggles and my solution here. My goal is to do this weekly, we will see how well I do. In the meantime thanks for finding me and let me know if I can help you!