Vacations and World Travel Visiting our beautiful city? Come stay at the Arbutus Vista - Vancouver's Bed & Breakfast.
How was your trip? Which tour packages would you recommend/avoid? Must do's and must eats? Share tips, photos and experiences with other senior RS members who just want to get away.. |
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01-26-2016, 11:58 AM
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#26 | | 14 dolla balla aint got nothing on me!
Join Date: May 2013 Location: Richmond
Posts: 619
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Originally Posted by DaFonz  Do your Asian suppliers charge in CAD or in forex currency? If the latter, you're doing a disservice to your profits by charging to a CapitalOne. Easy to save 2.5% right off the bat with a chase card. | My suppliers are all local so CAD. My goal is to skip the middle man here and go directly to the source in the future
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01-26-2016, 01:24 PM
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#27 | | My homepage has been set to RS
Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Canada
Posts: 2,327
Thanked 1,645 Times in 446 Posts
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Originally Posted by DaFonz What's a "ton"? 100k? 200k?
Your best redemption by far is to suck it up and get the Avion card and convert to AAdvantage, NOT Avios.
Cathay pacific business class = 100k return to Asia
Cathay first class = 125k return to Asia
This is assuming you can get your shit together and book everything before March 21, 2016. | Can you explain why AAdvantage is better than avios?
I've always transfered to avois from my rbc because of the 50% bonus.
Now for my Amex. I don't think I can transfer to AA
I've heard before that AA is better but wasn't sure why
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01-26-2016, 03:45 PM
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#28 | | WOAH! i think Vtec just kicked in!
Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Y
Posts: 1,604
Thanked 1,399 Times in 396 Posts
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Originally Posted by skiiipi Can you explain why AAdvantage is better than avios?
I've always transfered to avois from my rbc because of the 50% bonus.
Now for my Amex. I don't think I can transfer to AA
I've heard before that AA is better but wasn't sure why | 1) Used to be extremely great rates for redeeming long-haul CX F (67.5k o/w) but it will go wayyy up soon to 110k/ each way.
2) No fuel surcharge, but most airlines are eliminating it to $0 soon - due to obvious reason.
But again, Avio's chart has been recently devaluated last year too.....
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01-26-2016, 03:59 PM
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#29 | | RS has made me the bitter person i am today!
Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: In your head
Posts: 4,591
Thanked 376 Times in 176 Posts
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Originally Posted by skiiipi Can you explain why AAdvantage is better than avios?
I've always transfered to avois from my rbc because of the 50% bonus.
Now for my Amex. I don't think I can transfer to AA
I've heard before that AA is better but wasn't sure why | Avios has its place too. The key is knowing when to redeem Avios vs AA.
Avios is good for shorter haul flighs. For example, BLI to HNL is 25k pts vs more for other airlins.
On the other hand, AA might win depending on your redemption. Right now,
YVR->HKG in Cathay Busines class is 180000 Avios
The same rouet is 100000 AA.
Even with the 50% bonus, you're better off with AA.
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01-26-2016, 04:16 PM
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#30 | | WOAH! i think Vtec just kicked in!
Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Y
Posts: 1,604
Thanked 1,399 Times in 396 Posts
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YVR-HKG in J
- 120,000 Asia Miles
- 180,000 Avios
- 110,000 AAdvantage (current)
- 140,000 AAdvantage (post-Apr)
YVR-HKG in F
- 180,000 Asia Miles
- 240,000 Avios
- 135,000 AA (current)
- 220,000 AA (post)
But the beauty of AA is it's region based instead of mileage based. So it's from "US/Canada" to "Asia 2" aka, you can do Yellowknife-YVR-HKG-SIN for the same mileage as YVR-HKG.
JFK-HKG on CX J: 210,000 Avios
JFK-HKG on CX F: 280,000 Avios
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01-26-2016, 08:21 PM
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#31 | | Banned (BBM)
Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: None
Posts: 3,135
Thanked 667 Times in 265 Posts
Failed 86 Times in 39 Posts
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So far im reading that Avios is better? Is RBC the only CC with Avios?
Also, does anyone know how I can possibly get the Chase Sapphire Preferred card or am i SOL since it's American?
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01-26-2016, 08:39 PM
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#32 | | My homepage has been set to RS
Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Canada
Posts: 2,327
Thanked 1,645 Times in 446 Posts
Failed 19 Times in 10 Posts
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So is the only way to get AA points fTom Amex MR is to transfer MR to Starwood points then to AA?
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01-26-2016, 09:23 PM
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#33 | | RS has made me the bitter person i am today!
Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: In your head
Posts: 4,591
Thanked 376 Times in 176 Posts
Failed 11 Times in 9 Posts
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Originally Posted by skiiipi So is the only way to get AA points fTom Amex MR is to transfer MR to Starwood points then to AA? | There's also the esso extra backdoor.
MR->Aeroplan->Esso Extra->Avion->AA
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01-27-2016, 02:08 AM
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#34 | | Captain Happy Bubble is my Homeboy
Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Richmond,BC
Posts: 303
Thanked 32 Times in 22 Posts
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Originally Posted by v_tec YVR-HKG in J
- 120,000 Asia Miles
- 180,000 Avios
- 110,000 AAdvantage (current)
- 140,000 AAdvantage (post-Apr)
YVR-HKG in F
- 180,000 Asia Miles
- 240,000 Avios
- 135,000 AA (current)
- 220,000 AA (post)
But the beauty of AA is it's region based instead of mileage based. So it's from "US/Canada" to "Asia 2" aka, you can do Yellowknife-YVR-HKG-SIN for the same mileage as YVR-HKG.
JFK-HKG on CX J: 210,000 Avios
JFK-HKG on CX F: 280,000 Avios | AA is changing the redemption rate? Do you know starting when?
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01-27-2016, 03:14 AM
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#35 | | WOAH! i think Vtec just kicked in!
Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Y
Posts: 1,604
Thanked 1,399 Times in 396 Posts
Failed 147 Times in 59 Posts
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Originally Posted by urban.boi AA is changing the redemption rate? Do you know starting when? | March 22, 2016 American Airlines award chart | |
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01-29-2016, 07:50 AM
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#36 | | Banned (BBM)
Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: None
Posts: 3,135
Thanked 667 Times in 265 Posts
Failed 86 Times in 39 Posts
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I've been collecting Aeroplan only... With my FYF ending soon, should I scrap it and switch to another card? Which one would you guys prefer?
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01-29-2016, 10:39 AM
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#37 | | My homepage has been set to RS
Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Canada
Posts: 2,327
Thanked 1,645 Times in 446 Posts
Failed 19 Times in 10 Posts
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Originally Posted by G I've been collecting Aeroplan only... With my FYF ending soon, should I scrap it and switch to another card? Which one would you guys prefer? | Amex gold
Fyf
2 points for every dollar spent on travel hotel grocery and gas
Transfers 1 to 1 to aeroplan
Good insurance benefits for travel, car rental, purchase protection etc
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01-29-2016, 01:59 PM
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#38 | | Banned (BBM)
Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: None
Posts: 3,135
Thanked 667 Times in 265 Posts
Failed 86 Times in 39 Posts
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^Not a lot of places accept Amex though, have you ever ran into problems with that? I also heard going for the Amex Gold biz is better for the welcome bonus
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01-29-2016, 02:42 PM
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#39 | | 14 dolla balla aint got nothing on me!
Join Date: May 2013 Location: Richmond
Posts: 619
Thanked 676 Times in 228 Posts
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If you have a bigger purchase in mind, go with the Amex. $1500 in first 3 months to get the bonus. Pretty much cancel right away since like above poster said, not many people take Amex because of the super high processing fee
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01-29-2016, 04:36 PM
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#40 | | My homepage has been set to RS
Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Canada
Posts: 2,327
Thanked 1,645 Times in 446 Posts
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Originally Posted by G ^Not a lot of places accept Amex though, have you ever ran into problems with that? I also heard going for the Amex Gold biz is better for the welcome bonus | I've honestly never had a problem with it.
I get my groceries at Save On
Gas at Shell
And all my flight hotel and car rental places takes Amex
So I get all my 2x points where possible.
For the rest of my purchases I use my Amex plat which is 1.25x points.
I do also have a rbc west jet world elite MC for the odd places that don't take Amex. .and for my 1st free checked bag when I fly west jet and the $99 annual companion fare is nice.
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01-30-2016, 01:30 AM
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#41 | | Captain Happy Bubble is my Homeboy
Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Richmond,BC
Posts: 303
Thanked 32 Times in 22 Posts
Failed 8 Times in 1 Post
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Originally Posted by G ^Not a lot of places accept Amex though, have you ever ran into problems with that? I also heard going for the Amex Gold biz is better for the welcome bonus | I never really had trouble with using AMEX plat; mind you I only really use it for gas and purchasing work related stuff.
These are the other cards that I use, RBC Avion Infinite, RBC Business Avion, and Marriott Visa
Anyone here know if the BMO World Elite Mastercard worth while in getting? A friend working in BMO keeps nagging me to open one saying it's really good but I had a look at it and doesn't really seem all that good? Any feedback ?
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01-30-2016, 05:58 AM
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#42 | | Raping Captured Dolphins since 2002 on EZ board days
Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 6,251
Thanked 658 Times in 191 Posts
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For those of you who are into hotel loyalty, don't forget you can status match from SPG to Hyatt. I am not sure if Hilton is still doing matching, but was able to match my hyatt diamond to hilton diamond a two months back.
__________________ Quote:
Originally Posted by asian_XL apparently, freedom of speech does not exist on RS
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Originally Posted by Alphamale I give a lot of people rim jobs. | My Feedback | |
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02-06-2016, 03:36 PM
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#43 | | My homepage has been set to RS
Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Canada
Posts: 2,327
Thanked 1,645 Times in 446 Posts
Failed 19 Times in 10 Posts
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Originally Posted by RFlush For those of you who are into hotel loyalty, don't forget you can status match from SPG to Hyatt. I am not sure if Hilton is still doing matching, but was able to match my hyatt diamond to hilton diamond a two months back. | Is spg Plat match to Hyatt diamond?
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02-06-2016, 03:38 PM
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#44 | | My homepage has been set to RS
Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Canada
Posts: 2,327
Thanked 1,645 Times in 446 Posts
Failed 19 Times in 10 Posts
| Quote:
Originally Posted by urban.boi I never really had trouble with using AMEX plat; mind you I only really use it for gas and purchasing work related stuff.
These are the other cards that I use, RBC Avion Infinite, RBC Business Avion, and Marriott Visa
Anyone here know if the BMO World Elite Mastercard worth while in getting? A friend working in BMO keeps nagging me to open one saying it's really good but I had a look at it and doesn't really seem all that good? Any feedback ? | Iirc the bmo world elite card gets u 4 lounge pass a year or smth like that....besides that it's a normal premium credit card
If u have Amex Plat. .u don't need it
I have the west jet world elite Mastercard from rbc
1 companion flight a year for 99
And free checked luggage
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02-06-2016, 05:07 PM
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#45 | | Raping Captured Dolphins since 2002 on EZ board days
Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 6,251
Thanked 658 Times in 191 Posts
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Originally Posted by skiiipi Is spg Plat match to Hyatt diamond? | Yes. SPG plat to Hyatt Diamond and SPG Gold to Hyatt Plat.
Hilton was matching status as well before, but ended Jan 17th.
__________________ Quote:
Originally Posted by asian_XL apparently, freedom of speech does not exist on RS
| Quote:
Originally Posted by Alphamale I give a lot of people rim jobs. | My Feedback | |
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02-06-2016, 05:24 PM
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#46 | | WOAH! i think Vtec just kicked in!
Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Y
Posts: 1,604
Thanked 1,399 Times in 396 Posts
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Do they look at your history?
I have SPG Gold, but I had 0 stays with them in the past year  | |
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02-08-2016, 08:59 AM
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#47 | | Raping Captured Dolphins since 2002 on EZ board days
Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 6,251
Thanked 658 Times in 191 Posts
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| Quote:
Originally Posted by v_tec Do they look at your history?
I have SPG Gold, but I had 0 stays with them in the past year | I'm not sure about SPG Gold, but got platinum you need at least 20 qualifying nights in 2015 or 2016 for Hyatt Diamond.
I've switched my stays to Hyatt recently just to use up the 4 DSU. Currently at the Hyatt Shanghai and the suite here is quite nice. Service wise, I still prefer SPG.
__________________ Quote:
Originally Posted by asian_XL apparently, freedom of speech does not exist on RS
| Quote:
Originally Posted by Alphamale I give a lot of people rim jobs. | My Feedback | |
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03-05-2016, 10:46 AM
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#48 | | I came, I saw, I conquered.
Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Vancouver
Posts: 1,881
Thanked 585 Times in 176 Posts
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What is the best way to maximize Amex MR points? I have about 27K points.
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03-05-2016, 01:24 PM
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#49 | | NEWBIE ACCOUNT!
Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Vancouver
Posts: 23
Thanked 19 Times in 4 Posts
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Originally Posted by Slifer What is the best way to maximize Amex MR points? I have about 27K points. | You could transfer to Avios rewards program with British Airways/oneworld alliance. AMEX MR to Avios has a 1.25x promo right now. I find using them for domestic overseas flights gets the most bang for your buck.
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03-05-2016, 01:29 PM
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#50 | | I came, I saw, I conquered.
Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Vancouver
Posts: 1,881
Thanked 585 Times in 176 Posts
Failed 88 Times in 33 Posts
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Originally Posted by learn2manual You could transfer to Avios rewards program with British Airways/oneworld alliance. AMEX MR to Avios has a 1.25x promo right now. I find using them for domestic overseas flights gets the most bang for your buck. | Do they charge ridiculous fees and taxes on their reward flights like Aeroplan?
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