I love credit cards so much! v4.0 - 2021 (see first page for add'l details)

[Shannon G]

I’ve been reading all these posts about sore arms from the covid vaccine - has anyone had the Johnson & Johnson single dose vaccine? I’m scheduled to get it this afternoon and I’m wondering if the effects are similar to the others.

 

[Killer Fish]

I was able to get about 6k SW points back for Memorial Day weekend travels with changing flights around.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

The Courtyard Foggy Bottom is about a block up from a few big federal buildings - OPM, GSA, and DOI. Normally this would be great, but my understanding is that area is pretty dead with everyone working from home. I used to work there and there were tons of nice little restaurants, but I doubt most of them are still around. They relied primarily on weekday lunch crowds to stay in business. Also, despite having Foggy Bottom in the name, it's still a bit of a walk to the metro. The closest stop is Farragut West and it's about a 15-20 minute walk depending on traffic. One upside is you are very close to Lafayette Square, the White House, and the National Mall, and since the monuments are pretty much all you can see right now this might work out just fine.

Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill - Avoid. Calling this one "Capitol Hill" is a bit of a stretch by Hyatt, but I respect the hustle. You are not too far north of some Senate buildings so I guess that's what they mean. This Hyatt is very close to Union Station and I'll be frank, this is not the best area. It also suffers from the same problem as the above hotel, in that it's largely a few federal buildings driving the area and with those closed, I am not sure what's still around. However, even in the before times, there was less to immediately walk to here. We lived nearby up until last year and it was always a neighborhood to walk through, not to stop in. It is close to Wiseguy Pizza though, so that's something.

I know you want to do a split stay, but I am noticing that these two hotels are essentially on opposite north sides of the National Mall. DC is not that big - you can walk the length of the Mall a few times in a day and be fine.

I did a search of the points value of the two hotels you selected to try to see what else I could come up with.

Hyatt - Consider the Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall. This one is south of the Mall but still easily walkable there, 5-10 minutes. It's sandwiched between the L'Enfant Plaza and Federal Center SW metros. Again, has the issue of being near lots of federal buildings so the daytime is kind of dead, but you can walk in the other direction to the newly-constructed Wharf in Southwest to find shopping and plenty of places to eat. It's also within walking distance of the International Spy Museum and the Museum of the Bible, two of the few places actually open. Downside - it's next to a fire station, so it may or may not be loud. Not sure how that may work.

Marriott - I second the above suggestion of the Residence Inn Washington DC/Dupont Circle, or the Residence Inn Washington DC/Downtown. The pandemic has left Dupont Cicle a little worse for the wear, but it's a largely residential area and there's no shortage of neat shops and restaurants, including the famous Kramerbooks. Also, you'll be close to the Red line, so you'll have easy access to NW DC and Embassy Row, and the Zoo (if it reopens). The Downtown RI is not as close to a metro - it's betweenish Farragut North and Mt Vernon Square - but it's another mostly residential area. You'll be walking distance to Logan Circle, and a little further away U Street and Shaw, so again, lots of restaurant options.

I also just want to point out what was previously mentioned that everything in DC remains closed. Indoor dining is still very limited and there's not much outdoor dining available because of limited space. Many restaurants went into hibernation for the winter and we still don't know what will come back. The Smithsonian museums also remain closed and have not said when they will reopen. Everything I've heard is the Smithsonian itself is being overly cautious and they do not want to close back up after reopening if at all possible, so it may be quite a while before they're back. And it doesn't take 4 days to see the monuments - you can see most in a day. Just a few things to consider.

Thanks for such a thorough reply. I do realize things are closed now. Looking to Plans A, B, C & D in case things start to open up. Plan A is Disneyland which is looking bleak, plan D is cancel everything, which seems most likely. It is for end of June so there is a little time to watch and see. Not booking anything yet.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Yep, mid-30s Pfizer shot 2 coming Thursday... I'll keep you posted. Not looking forward to it but it beats the alternative!

I had Pfizer back in December. Sore arm for 36 hours the first time, sore arm and general achiness for 48 hours the second. And yes far better than the alternative. DH got an appointment for this Thursday at Walgreen's. BIL also got an appointment this week. Both are tobacco users. I was concerned with them getting in as our state is opening vax to everyone April 12. In February when it opened to seniors it was like Hunger Games, I figure April will be worse.

Congrats! DS’s school is going back full-time beginning 4/19 to close out the year and the seniors are even having their prom! So glad life is returning to some normalcy although that means more running around for me but more opportunities to MS since I’ll be out.

Our k-8 going back FT 4/12, for the last 30 days. But they have no plan, no idea how lunch will work, how lockers or changing classes will work. DS staying remote. Local HS started in person 2 days per week yesterday, after Spring Break going to 4 days per week, which really seems counterintuitive. After people travel for Spring Break, bring them all back together every day?

 

[happ]

Just got this email promo from SW. Looks pretty good for folks traveling soon, if prices aren't inflated.


Because I was curious, I did a little searching. I could go PVD to MCO nonstop in April for 2,787 points! Soooo tempting.

 

[WVMomof3]

Thanks for such a thorough reply. I do realize things are closed now. Looking to Plans A, B, C & D in case things start to open up. Plan A is Disneyland which is looking bleak, plan D is cancel everything, which seems most likely. It is for end of June so there is a little time to watch and see. Not booking anything yet.

We have stayed at Hyatt Place White House, Hyatt Place National Mall and the Grand Hyatt. I liked the National Mall one the best out of the 3, but they were all fine. And you could definitely hear the Fire Department. I don't believe we used the Metro at all from any of those, we just walked everywhere. I think when we went to the zoo it was from the White House one and we rode a bus. I think it was free or maybe $1? I don't remember why we picked the bus over the metro. I think I did reviews of them on the hotel thread.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

What card would you recommend for someone who wants "the best card to go to WDW every other year?" My initial response is CSP, especially with the elevated offer right now. I know cashback not always the best option but for someone who wants only 1 card, CSP seems pretty good. They do stay offsite, so potentially could book thru Chase travel portal.

 

[disfanforlife]

Just got this email promo from SW. Looks pretty good for folks traveling soon, if prices aren't inflated.
View attachment 564680

Because I was curious, I did a little searching. I could go PVD to MCO nonstop in April for 2,787 points! Soooo tempting.

Fantastic! Wish I could take advantage of this. Still waiting for them to open dates for flights in the fall.

 

[Lain]

What card would you recommend for someone who wants "the best card to go to WDW every other year?" My initial response is CSP, especially with the elevated offer right now. I know cashback not always the best option but for someone who wants only 1 card, CSP seems pretty good. They do stay offsite, so potentially could book thru Chase travel portal.

TBH, I hate these what’s the one, best card for everything kind of questions. How far is $1,000 in travel rewards going to last your friends if they want to go to WDW every other year? They could do worse than a CSP, but they could be doing a lot better.

 

[punkin]

Just got this email promo from SW. Looks pretty good for folks traveling soon, if prices aren't inflated.
View attachment 564680

Because I was curious, I did a little searching. I could go PVD to MCO nonstop in April for 2,787 points! Soooo tempting.

Oh My! That's so tempting for DH's birthday...and we should be vaccinated by then.

 

[havaneselover]

I had Pfizer back in December. Sore arm for 36 hours the first time, sore arm and general achiness for 48 hours the second. And yes far better than the alternative. DH got an appointment for this Thursday at Walgreen's. BIL also got an appointment this week. Both are tobacco users. I was concerned with them getting in as our state is opening vax to everyone April 12. In February when it opened to seniors it was like Hunger Games, I figure April will be worse.


Our k-8 going back FT 4/12, for the last 30 days. But they have no plan, no idea how lunch will work, how lockers or changing classes will work. DS staying remote. Local HS started in person 2 days per week yesterday, after Spring Break going to 4 days per week, which really seems counterintuitive. After people travel for Spring Break, bring them all back together every day?

We are back 4 days but none of the high school kids wanted to go back. Now they can go have lunch with friends and if they went back they couldn't even walk to the restroom unsupervised. I talked to a guy at the gym today whose wife is a middle school teacher and she has a total of 14 kids in person. It's a mess.

On the phone with Costco who is on the phone with DCL. I got right through to Costco at 10 AM. The woman wanted to transfer me to the group at Costco which handles placeholders. She said they would get back to me in 1-2 days. After I explained how that wasn't ideal, she called her supervisor and asked for permission to stay with me. So she is still on hold and I'm monitoring cabin availability while working.

 

[Babars_Wife]

I’ve been reading all these posts about sore arms from the covid vaccine - has anyone had the Johnson & Johnson single dose vaccine? I’m scheduled to get it this afternoon and I’m wondering if the effects are similar to the others.

My partner got it. He had really bad flu symptoms and arm pain for a day or so. I would say you can expect symptoms similar to others - although many people have none! So have hope.

 

[platamama]

I had Pfizer back in December. Sore arm for 36 hours the first time, sore arm and general achiness for 48 hours the second. And yes far better than the alternative. DH got an appointment for this Thursday at Walgreen's. BIL also got an appointment this week. Both are tobacco users. I was concerned with them getting in as our state is opening vax to everyone April 12. In February when it opened to seniors it was like Hunger Games, I figure April will be worse.


Our k-8 going back FT 4/12, for the last 30 days. But they have no plan, no idea how lunch will work, how lockers or changing classes will work. DS staying remote. Local HS started in person 2 days per week yesterday, after Spring Break going to 4 days per week, which really seems counterintuitive. After people travel for Spring Break, bring them all back together every day?

DH and I are scheduled to get our 1st Pfizer shots today. He hurt his back a few days ago, but he's been staying away from ibuprofen and acetaminophen for the past couple of weeks since there's some thought those will impede the immune response. So poor guy has had to make do with heat/shiatsu massager.

Our HS is going back to 4 days in-person after spring break too; DD has been remote this year with the exception of three days where she gave it a try. I have to agree that it seems counterintuitive. We canceled our spring break travel plans, but she's been texting with her school theater mates and a lot have said they're traveling or on vacation. Really, to then have all of high school come back for in-person full time? I think there must be parental pressure on the admin for this approach. I wish that she could go in for just the one class that is hands-on (biotech engineering) and take her other classes from home, but the school is not allowing for pick-n-choose. I find it aggravating.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

TBH, I hate these what’s the one, best card for everything kind of questions. How far is $1,000 in travel rewards going to last your friends if they want to go to WDW every other year? They could do worse than a CSP, but they could be doing a lot better.

Well, I'd love to get them into churning or at least getting multiple cards, but it's a hard no. The most they can hope for is one card, put all spend on it, use the travel portal for offsite hotel. I haven't even been able to talk them into CSR. Even $1000 off is better than they have now, which is cash for everything.
I have tried to explain how I have free flights, free hotel and free tix for 8 nights with 5 park days. They just feel having more credit cards is risky and even if their credit score is fine, identity theft is too risky with so many cards. At this point, I've been trying to convince them for 4 years. Maybe once they see what one card can do, they will be more open, especially since this time they asked me.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

We are back 4 days but none of the high school kids wanted to go back. Now they can go have lunch with friends and if they went back they couldn't even walk to the restroom unsupervised. I talked to a guy at the gym today whose wife is a middle school teacher and she has a total of 14 kids in person. It's a mess.

DS is middle school and they are hybrid right now, some kids in person, some remote, teachers live-streaming. There is 1 kid in person in his class. But they are throwing out the 6 ft distance and going with 3 ft, so can put a lot more kids in. Plus school board approved full in person without a plan in place and when questioned, they are saying it is up to each school because they all have different needs. We have 8 schools in district, 2 middle schools and 6 elementary schools. No plan.

 

[Albort]

I’ve been reading all these posts about sore arms from the covid vaccine - has anyone had the Johnson & Johnson single dose vaccine? I’m scheduled to get it this afternoon and I’m wondering if the effects are similar to the others.

i think any kind of vaccine shots will cause a sore arm for a couple days. I got my chicken pox one not too long ago and i had a sore arm for a couple days as well.

 

[Judique]

Just got this email promo from SW. Looks pretty good for folks traveling soon, if prices aren't inflated.
View attachment 564680

Because I was curious, I did a little searching. I could go PVD to MCO nonstop in April for 2,787 points! Soooo tempting.

I sent the $49 fare to daughter plus this. Told her to transfer UR's to Southwest.

She's going to Colorado mid april and the return trip on Southwest is $49, or 2510 points if she gets it booked. Flying in and out of DEN. So, with the 20% points would be 2008.

I once flew all three to MCO from here for 1777 points, but that was a January when it's usually cheap.

She actually bought Spirit flights some time ago ($40 return) and the airline just changed them. So, she's ditching the flights.

 

[Judique]

DH and I are scheduled to get our 1st Pfizer shots today. He hurt his back a few days ago, but he's been staying away from ibuprofen and acetaminophen for the past couple of weeks since there's some thought those will impede the immune response. So poor guy has had to make do with heat/shiatsu massager.

Our HS is going back to 4 days in-person after spring break too; DD has been remote this year with the exception of three days where she gave it a try. I have to agree that it seems counterintuitive. We canceled our spring break travel plans, but she's been texting with her school theater mates and a lot have said they're traveling or on vacation. Really, to then have all of high school come back for in-person full time? I think there must be parental pressure on the admin for this approach. I wish that she could go in for just the one class that is hands-on (biotech engineering) and take her other classes from home, but the school is not allowing for pick-n-choose. I find it aggravating.

Here they are doing hybrid (2 in person days per week) plus all remote if chosen. Huge school system and so far more than half are choosing to stay remote. Buses will run at max 1/3 capacity. They go to that system in April.

There is/was extreme parental pressure on some of the school systems around here. Parents demonstrating and all that. But not on the one local to me. Some areas of Maryland have been back in the classroom in the more rural areas for some time now.

 

[Judique]

I’ve been reading all these posts about sore arms from the covid vaccine - has anyone had the Johnson & Johnson single dose vaccine? I’m scheduled to get it this afternoon and I’m wondering if the effects are similar to the others.

I had it. No effects whatsoever. No sore arm. Didn't feel the shot. Business as usual. Age 68.

Same with daughter age 42.

Younger daughter age 28 - 2-3 days of misery. Headache, sore arm.

All JandJ.

 

[Lain]

I had it. No effects whatsoever. No sore arm. Didn't feel the shot. Business as usual. Age 68.

Same with daughter age 42.

Younger daughter age 28 - 2-3 days of misery. Headache, sore arm.

All JandJ.

Why are millennials so dramatic?