After many hoops and months of games by Chase I finally got my IHG card. I am getting them on a plan so I can qualify for the bonuses. Card 1 done. Thanks for all your info on this. Next year I'll be doing some of the same things.
I am super stoked that you are also in Manila. My husband and I are staying at IHG Ortigas for 8 days beside Crowne Plaza. I got the ihg card through your link. Thank you for your detailed videos on maximizing credit card points. No one else explains the system the way you and Rob does. BTW, Rob is a super funny guy. Again, thank you for your amazing work. You guys are phenomenal. I hope to meet both of you. My husband and I are fans of your channels.
Welcome to the Philippines!!! I guess your fellow Americans are now touring the islands. There are many Americans here. Whenever I go to different places I do come across Americans. Enjoy your stay!!!🥰
I stayed at the Grand Hyatt Manila in April in a club access room; I used a Club Access award. The experience was awesome! I'm coming back in January as a Globalist. I'll probably use a Suite Award for that stay. Best Hotel in Manila in my opinion!
Allie & Rob! My heroes! Thanks a bunch for sharing what's possible and how to pay for it. Cheers! Consider doing a video on the technicalities of making quality videos for hotel reviews based on your analytics.
There are many places in the world where hotel life is inexpensive and sustainable... it would be interesting to know how this could work in the USA / Canada...
Just FYI, it sounds like the AC is running in the background, or is that outside traffic? it's kind of distracting. But love the video and content! 😊 Can you show where you do the laundry? Do they sell detergent for sensitive skin? Thank you😀
Just the video I needed! I feel like all the travel budget videos Ive seen are staying in hostels/air bnbs. Currently deciding if a world trip is “doable” staying in hotels!
That is an amazing room! Awesome for you guys. We might have to get an IHG card! We got a Chase Sapphire Reserve due to your review, and it has more than paid for itself for us in just a few months! Thank you for sharing!
I love you guys! Thank you for sharing with us your winning strategies for a wonderful retirement life. June and July are usually the low season for hotel stays in Manila and they usually give great hotel rates and perks. You came at the best time of the year for those perks but you're entering the rainy season too. But i know you guys roll with the punches so I dont think the wet season will bother you so much. But get an umbrella!
In a typical year we have about 21 free hotel nights and about 4 paid nights. With our status at Hyatt and Marriott about 80% of those nights are in suites, and they include free breakfast, lounge access, waived resort fees, and free parking. It's really hard to beat free.
Be careful of pickpockets there. My uncle was a missionary there for most of his life. He was near Quezon City. The outer villages would be interesting to visit, but be careful, please. Look forward to seeing what peaks your interests there. Stay safe❤😊
You look so enjoy your hotels. Well done dudes! What happens when all your points run out? Do your points ever run out? Plus I looked at the cards you suggested and it needs me to spend $10.000 before they give you points… any comments? Thanks. Plus, do you ever get fed up about worrying about money and payments?
I just discovered you guys, great videos! I have a question. How do you receive new credit cards when you're traveling? Do the banks send them to the hotels you're staying in? I'm an American permanently living in Europe, with a European address, and sometimes the banks don't like sending cards overseas. (I'm looking at you, Chase) It seems you have to have an American address to qualify for American cards, and that American address is where they'll send the cards. I've spent a lot of time in Asia, but not lately. Asia, the Philippines, would be a nice change of pace from Central Europe where I live, which by the way, I love. Anyway, thanks for your great videos!
Another Great Video! So please tell us... In the beginning you said you had to buy lounge access. That seems reasonable. But please tell us what was the price!!?? As always, the devil is in the details. Thanks.
Love your videos don’t miss one of them. I have a question though we got the IHG card on your suggestion, but it seems like we should be saving our points for Asia and not Europe. Am I correct in that?
This is quite amazing! Certainly a better deal than Airbnb's, with all the perks and amenities. Our challenge was to implement a strategy to maintain Globalist status every year.
Love to hear how you plan to do that! We just earned Globalist today! I think our plan is to get 30 days in Bali at the Grand Hyatt, for a head start next year.
@GroundedLifeFinances A BIG congratulations to you! We spend about 21 nights at Hyatt and about 2 nights at Marriott each year. Almost all on points or certificates. We get 5 Qualifying nights with the WOH visa card. That's 26 Q nights (21+5). We get another 34 nights on credit card spend. It's hard because most of our travel purchases are now on the CSR card (especially cruises), but we pay our federal tax, groceries, etc with the WOH card and those Q nights help to get us to the 60 night Globalist threshold. Unfortunately, you have to pay a small fee to pay federal tax with a visa, but the end result is worth it. If we were living on a budget of $4K/month (plus income tax), we could still make Globalist, but we'd have to stay more nights at Hyatt and put almost all of our credit card spend on the WOH card.
Hello! I did also apply the card 3 months ago through your link as well. My question is when will they give me the 160000 points when i met my requirements? Thank you
Thanks for the solid info. As a Canadian unable to get an IHG card, is the IHG strategy still a good one? Also, in the 11.11 sale, do you pay 45% less in points per night, or is that just 45% off of the cash rate only?
It was cash rate only, no points, but it was really good. The points strategy isn't as good, due to not getting the 4th night free with points, but still might be cheaper as you don't pay fees when you use them vs a cash rate.
The question about new cards and the points offered - does it hurt your credit score if you keep collecting many cards . ? Is there a downside to this ?
They mention in another video (something like What You Don't Need Outside the US), when you're not living in the US, you're credit score literally doesn't matter at all, besides applying for more cards. If you only open a few a year, and everything else is good on your credit, you probably won't get denied for them.
I plan on getting the IHG credit card (I will use your link in the description) but I’m wondering if I should just get a separate card of my wife vice setting it up as a joint account. If we do two separate IHG credit card accounts will we each get the 75,000 bonus points? Most of my credit cards are set up as joint. I’m thinking that I should stop setting up our credit cards this way and let her file for her own credit card under her name. Good idea?
Question--I have tried looking up IHG hotels in Vietnam and Thailand and Japan 9-10 months out and everything seems to be in the 20L+ range for points. You can buy 250K points with IHG and get a 100% bonus until the 29th, but is it worth it if the price has gone up hotel stays?
I'm a Marriott man and what I do is look for videos showcasing hotels for possible trips. Needless to say there is a need on UA-cam. Especially for how big Marriott footprint is. Keep up the info.
Great video thanks extremely motivating. 👍 If you're still in Manila you should reach out to Mom Duty and Always be changing / Live in Philippines on UA-cam, to do a colab. 😊
We didn't think so, because you already have platinum, and we think the upgrade only applies to cash rates. The only reason would be if you are paying lots of cash rates at the intercontinental.
I don't know how feasible it would be to re-distribute free food from the apps or wherever, to the needy. Is it possible perhaps to arrange with hotel staff to help you with this? This would be such a God-send to literally starving people out there in cities like Manila.
Hi. goggle history of Philippines Spanish and British America, Philippines was 51 state, colonial spain and British America, colonial Spain 1565 to 1896 colonial 2 years British 1762 to 1764 colonial America 1896 to 1946 after world war 2 American setup school and Goverment, Philippines become wester country also Mexico they come to Philippines ask well,
Staying in a hotel eventually becomes souless. You notice that guests come and go like ghosts. You have no sense of home as it is a temporary residence.
I disagree with your observations, because you're not going to connect with everyone but those special people that want to talk can become good friends for years to come. Exploring the world is so exciting and those that can do it while working or retirement usually are in awe all the time. Do you remember the old George Pierrot travel shows in the Detroit area in the 1950,1960's. Google him. He helped a generation of all classes reach out to the world . If it gets old for different people. Stop and grow some roots for a while
Do you guy miss being able to have pets living this way? Maybe you guys weren't big animal people to begin with i have no idea. Its just something that obviously is unrealistic doing full time travel and its a con I think about when considering this lifestyle
Most hotels these days take dogs, that wasn't my point. My point is it would be EXTREMELY difficult if not impossible, to bring a pet with you while constantly traveling especially internationally. The paperwork alone would be a nightmare so it would just be impractical, and arguably mean to the pet depending on its size and temperament, to always be on the move and constantly stuck underneath on flights
@@hardchooligan I am a full time nomad traveling with my two terriers. Asia is much more difficult, but Europe, Mexico and A. America are all very doable. Sometimes you do need to adjust the methods
I love you guys! Thank you for sharing with us your winning strategies for a wonderful retirement life. June and July are usually the low season for hotel stays in Manila and they usually give great hotel rates and perks. You came at the best time of the year for those perks but you're entering the rainy season too. But i know you guys roll with the punches so I dont think the wet season will bother you so much. But get an umbrella!
Thanks, yes, we didn't plan on low season here, it just worked out after Japan with the flight. We are really enjoying it so far. We are amazed with some aspects of it already.
When you get a chance, refresh us on how you do laundry. Thanks!
Most hotels have laundry room available for guests
I am so happy that you two get to live your travel dreams. The room is beautiful.
Thank you so much!
After many hoops and months of games by Chase I finally got my IHG card. I am getting them on a plan so I can qualify for the bonuses. Card 1 done. Thanks for all your info on this. Next year I'll be doing some of the same things.
Awesome!
I am super stoked that you are also in Manila. My husband and I are staying at IHG Ortigas for 8 days beside Crowne Plaza. I got the ihg card through your link. Thank you for your detailed videos on maximizing credit card points. No one else explains the system the way you and Rob does. BTW, Rob is a super funny guy. Again, thank you for your amazing work. You guys are phenomenal. I hope to meet both of you. My husband and I are fans of your channels.
Living in the UK we don't have this opportunity to get any of these credit cards, so it's going to take years to get a good amount of points 😢
I LOVE the format of this video! It is awesome to hear all the ins & outs of how you do your hotel stays.
Welcome to the Philippines!!! I guess your fellow Americans are now touring the islands. There are many Americans here. Whenever I go to different places I do come across Americans. Enjoy your stay!!!🥰
Amtrak is offering 30,000 points now for new card holders. Woooohooooo!!!
When you find time, visit the US cemetery beside BGC, its epic.
What an incredible journey you guys are having! We love hearing about your adventures and upgrade surprises!!! Yay!
Thanks so much!
I stayed at the Grand Hyatt Manila in April in a club access room; I used a Club Access award. The experience was awesome! I'm coming back in January as a Globalist. I'll probably use a Suite Award for that stay. Best Hotel in Manila in my opinion!
Yes, it's the best, next time we will use a suite upgrade too! We just earned Globalist today! We would love to hear how you like the suite.
What other countries on the western hemisphere can you find these great opportunities? These are great tips! Thank you!
Great video. So much clear transparent information. Thanks for all the travel hacks.
I hope you visit some of the islands in the Philippines, very beautiful places.
Hope you two will re-start your Sunday live broadcasts.
We are going to pretty soon now that we are out of the Japan time zone! We haven't picked a date yet though.
Thanks for another great video!
What is the tipping culture in Asia? Is it standard/frowned upon to tip room service/the lounge employees?
Thanks!!
It is welcomed except in Japan, where people don't usually tip.
Allie & Rob! My heroes! Thanks a bunch for sharing what's possible and how to pay for it. Cheers!
Consider doing a video on the technicalities of making quality videos for hotel reviews based on your analytics.
Beautiful rooms! Looks like the Service was too!
There are many places in the world where hotel life is inexpensive and sustainable... it would be interesting to know how this could work in the USA / Canada...
You too are really living it up.
I am glad you guys had a great experience in the Philippines 🇵🇭! Enjoy your travels!
Loads of insight from watching your content. Thank you so much for sharing ❤❤
Can you discuss how you clean your clothes. Do you send them out. Are there washers and dryers in the hotels.
There are most of the time, sometimes the hotel will do it for you depending on the rate and status that you have.
You guys are amazing. So much valuable information. Thank you!
Really enjoy your videos! Love your resourcefulness & sense of adventure.
Thanks so much!
Just FYI, it sounds like the AC is running in the background, or is that outside traffic? it's kind of distracting. But love the video and content! 😊 Can you show where you do the laundry? Do they sell detergent for sensitive skin? Thank you😀
Is it possible you are getting upgraded so often b/c of you are content creators? It’s great no matter the reason.
Just the video I needed! I feel like all the travel budget videos Ive seen are staying in hostels/air bnbs. Currently deciding if a world trip is “doable” staying in hotels!
Great for a digital nomad or remote worker.
How fast is the hotel's wifi?
You should stay longer in Singapore, love it there!
That is an amazing room! Awesome for you guys. We might have to get an IHG card! We got a Chase Sapphire Reserve due to your review, and it has more than paid for itself for us in just a few months! Thank you for sharing!
That is awesome! Yes, it's worth it.
I am just getting started with this journey what would be 1, 2, 3rd steps you would recommend to get started??? Thanx in advance for your help!
Thanks for sharing your experience. I will explore new credit cards.
With all of this food, are you gaining weight?
Happy travels. 😀
I love you guys! Thank you for sharing with us your winning strategies for a wonderful retirement life. June and July are usually the low season for hotel stays in Manila and they usually give great hotel rates and perks. You came at the best time of the year for those perks but you're entering the rainy season too. But i know you guys roll with the punches so I dont think the wet season will bother you so much. But get an umbrella!
Does focusing on hotel brands like IHG, Hyatt, and Marriott cause one to overlook some nifty "local" hotels that might actually be better and cheaper?
In a typical year we have about 21 free hotel nights and about 4 paid nights. With our status at Hyatt and Marriott about 80% of those nights are in suites, and they include free breakfast, lounge access, waived resort fees, and free parking. It's really hard to beat free.
I Heart NY Onion Ring Mug? Thanks for sharing. Robert in NYC.
Yes, in Manila! There are tons of NY themed restaurants here!
The IHG card rewards is giving us a week in Singapore, with points to spare on our sign up offer.😊
Be careful of pickpockets there. My uncle was a missionary there for most of his life. He was near Quezon City. The outer villages would be interesting to visit, but be careful, please. Look forward to seeing what peaks your interests there. Stay safe❤😊
Thanks
This is exactly what I wanted to do when I retire, but what do you do during the day..
very useful I may consider more
You to are so adventurous and amazing!
I want to stay 2 months in the Orlando area, help!! My grandchildren are there!
Wow,have been thinking about this.👌👌👌
Wait, housekeeping comes and cleans every day? That status really is worth it
Thank you both for all the wealth of information. Just wanted to confirm can Canadians apply for these credit cards.
This method works great in Asia but what about locations where hotels aren't so cheap?
Great question, I am sure it will cost much more in Europe look forward to Rob & Allies reply
Thank you for all the great information! Is there laundry available at the hotels? Anna
wow how wonderful is that. Thank you for let us know.
Great video !! Question can you guys do a video on how much is it to live on a cruise ship for a month ? Thanks !
Buy a condo ..Philippines..many many choices and places in manila as your base..bgc is great..ortigas ..makati..etc
You look so enjoy your hotels. Well done dudes! What happens when all your points run out? Do your points ever run out? Plus I looked at the cards you suggested and it needs me to spend $10.000 before they give you points… any comments? Thanks. Plus, do you ever get fed up about worrying about money and payments?
I get points for stuff I have to buy anyway like groceries, restaurants, vacations, and Amazon shopping. It adds up.
Would you please share how do you manage to do your laundry?
Take your clothes to a laundromat, or a truck stop that has laundry machines.
I just discovered you guys, great videos! I have a question. How do you receive new credit cards when you're traveling? Do the banks send them to the hotels you're staying in? I'm an American permanently living in Europe, with a European address, and sometimes the banks don't like sending cards overseas. (I'm looking at you, Chase) It seems you have to have an American address to qualify for American cards, and that American address is where they'll send the cards. I've spent a lot of time in Asia, but not lately. Asia, the Philippines, would be a nice change of pace from Central Europe where I live, which by the way, I love. Anyway, thanks for your great videos!
I love the hotel videos! Thank you!
Another Great Video! So please tell us... In the beginning you said you had to buy lounge access. That seems reasonable. But please tell us what was the price!!?? As always, the devil is in the details. Thanks.
Love your videos don’t miss one of them. I have a question though we got the IHG card on your suggestion, but it seems like we should be saving our points for Asia and not Europe. Am I correct in that?
Europe has some good redemptions too, it just depends on the city, so you could use points there sometimes.
So all these cards are for Americans only？
assuming you get gym access and free internet too?
Yes
This is quite amazing! Certainly a better deal than Airbnb's, with all the perks and amenities. Our challenge was to implement a strategy to maintain Globalist status every year.
Love to hear how you plan to do that! We just earned Globalist today! I think our plan is to get 30 days in Bali at the Grand Hyatt, for a head start next year.
@GroundedLifeFinances A BIG congratulations to you! We spend about 21 nights at Hyatt and about 2 nights at Marriott each year. Almost all on points or certificates. We get 5 Qualifying nights with the WOH visa card. That's 26 Q nights (21+5). We get another 34 nights on credit card spend. It's hard because most of our travel purchases are now on the CSR card (especially cruises), but we pay our federal tax, groceries, etc with the WOH card and those Q nights help to get us to the 60 night Globalist threshold. Unfortunately, you have to pay a small fee to pay federal tax with a visa, but the end result is worth it. If we were living on a budget of $4K/month (plus income tax), we could still make Globalist, but we'd have to stay more nights at Hyatt and put almost all of our credit card spend on the WOH card.
Great info! Thank you, thank you ❤
Are the accumulated points has expiration date?
By the way, I got my IHG card and IHG Chase card through your link. Thank you.
Wonderful! Thanks!
Hello! I did also apply the card 3 months ago through your link as well. My question is when will they give me the 160000 points when i met my requirements? Thank you
Our points were loaded into the app very soon after meeting the requirements 🎉😊
@@ThuyTran-vv5bh yes. As soon as you’ve reached the $3K in 3 months from when your card was approved!
Thanks for the solid info. As a Canadian unable to get an IHG card, is the IHG strategy still a good one? Also, in the 11.11 sale, do you pay 45% less in points per night, or is that just 45% off of the cash rate only?
It was cash rate only, no points, but it was really good. The points strategy isn't as good, due to not getting the 4th night free with points, but still might be cheaper as you don't pay fees when you use them vs a cash rate.
The question about new cards and the points offered - does it hurt your credit score if you keep collecting many cards . ? Is there a downside to this ?
They mention in another video (something like What You Don't Need Outside the US), when you're not living in the US, you're credit score literally doesn't matter at all, besides applying for more cards. If you only open a few a year, and everything else is good on your credit, you probably won't get denied for them.
Great info. Thanks
Glad it was helpful!
I plan on getting the IHG credit card (I will use your link in the description) but I’m wondering if I should just get a separate card of my wife vice setting it up as a joint account. If we do two separate IHG credit card accounts will we each get the 75,000 bonus points? Most of my credit cards are set up as joint. I’m thinking that I should stop setting up our credit cards this way and let her file for her own credit card under her name. Good idea?
Love the tips, great channel!
Love your videos
Thanks!
Question--I have tried looking up IHG hotels in Vietnam and Thailand and Japan 9-10 months out and everything seems to be in the 20L+ range for points. You can buy 250K points with IHG and get a 100% bonus until the 29th, but is it worth it if the price has gone up hotel stays?
It's still great, you just need to look for deals and book in groups of 4 nights with the IHG card to get the 4th night free perk.
@@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel But if you buy 250K for 2500 and you are looking at 20K/night, that is 12.5 nights. That's $200/night...
I'm a Marriott man and what I do is look for videos showcasing hotels for possible trips. Needless to say there is a need on UA-cam. Especially for how big Marriott footprint is. Keep up the info.
Exactly, we do the same and there are so many that aren't covered! We are waiting for someone to do the Marriott in Siem Reap! So many opportunities.
Great information
How does the tipping housekeeping service work? Do you tip as you would do in america?
Good idea for a future video. It depends on the country.
so I have 200K IHG points now, which region in the world would you say is the best to spend these points in terms of value? I am thinking Asia?
Asia for sure
If someone applies for one of the credit cards to benefit from the point system. Is it best to use them outside of the USA or in the USA? Thank you
I've watched all their credit card videios and according to them the redemption of points is better outside the US.
@@nncadi1 Thank you for the feedback.
Great video thanks extremely motivating. 👍
If you're still in Manila you should reach out to Mom Duty and Always be changing / Live in Philippines on UA-cam, to do a colab. 😊
Thanks!
Is Ambassador worth an extra $200 if I already have an IHG Premier Card?
We didn't think so, because you already have platinum, and we think the upgrade only applies to cash rates. The only reason would be if you are paying lots of cash rates at the intercontinental.
Buy your own condo In Manila. Bgc or makati
Salute
You are not going to know what to do when you return to the US.
I want to do this but have a cat to take care of, lol!
Asia hotels know how to do breakfast - not lame as US 😂😂😂
I don't know how feasible it would be to re-distribute free food from the apps or wherever, to the needy. Is it possible perhaps to arrange with hotel staff to help you with this? This would be such a God-send to literally starving people out there in cities like Manila.
Hi. goggle history of Philippines Spanish and British America, Philippines was 51 state, colonial spain and British America, colonial Spain 1565 to 1896 colonial 2 years British 1762 to 1764 colonial America 1896 to 1946 after world war 2 American setup school and Goverment, Philippines become wester country also Mexico they come to Philippines ask well,
Staying in a hotel eventually becomes souless. You notice that guests come and go like ghosts. You have no sense of home as it is a temporary residence.
I disagree with your observations, because you're not going to connect with everyone but those special people that want to talk can become good friends for years to come. Exploring the world is so exciting and those that can do it while working or retirement usually are in awe all the time. Do you remember the old George Pierrot travel shows in the Detroit area in the 1950,1960's. Google him. He helped a generation of all classes reach out to the world . If it gets old for different people. Stop and grow some roots for a while
Do you guy miss being able to have pets living this way? Maybe you guys weren't big animal people to begin with i have no idea. Its just something that obviously is unrealistic doing full time travel and its a con I think about when considering this lifestyle
Holiday Express takes dogs!
Most hotels these days take dogs, that wasn't my point. My point is it would be EXTREMELY difficult if not impossible, to bring a pet with you while constantly traveling especially internationally. The paperwork alone would be a nightmare so it would just be impractical, and arguably mean to the pet depending on its size and temperament, to always be on the move and constantly stuck underneath on flights
@@hardchooligan I am a full time nomad traveling with my two terriers. Asia is much more difficult, but Europe, Mexico and A. America are all very doable. Sometimes you do need to adjust the methods
I love you guys! Thank you for sharing with us your winning strategies for a wonderful retirement life. June and July are usually the low season for hotel stays in Manila and they usually give great hotel rates and perks. You came at the best time of the year for those perks but you're entering the rainy season too. But i know you guys roll with the punches so I dont think the wet season will bother you so much. But get an umbrella!
Thanks, yes, we didn't plan on low season here, it just worked out after Japan with the flight. We are really enjoying it so far. We are amazed with some aspects of it already.