Maui Sights and Activities

When we checked in to the Marriott here on Maui, the BUG proceeded to get an alphabetical list of things to do on the island. She gave it to me and I listed the ones I wanted and then she did her list and we compared. We only had one match, but after careful negotiation picked four or five things we wanted to do on our first trip to the island. When we leave she plans on putting our marked up list back in the hotel directory for somebody else to use. Once a nurse, always a nurse.

We saw the marker where the native fisherman drop off the first fish of the catch (no big deal) and today we headed down the coast for a view of the Makena area and possible snorkeling sites. We came across a nice quiet cove and that is where we will be while you are reading this post on the 30th.

We also picked the I'OA valley for the scenic view of a 2250' spire and surrounding landscape. It was about a half hour drive from the hotel and although beautiful, nothing like some of the things we have seen on this trip. I was underwhelmed but am afraid I may be on sensory overload. Two months worth may be more than my brain can wrap itself around. I do not want to sound ungrateful or unappreciative of the view but I am concerned. That is another reason for snorkeling tomorrow. maybe we need to spend some time in the under sea world for a change of perspective.

Our last day will be spent on the drive to Hana. It is supposedly one and one half hours each way through winding roads with waterfalls and views to an original Hawaiian town. We will report later.

My Impressions of Maui

We have never been here before as my impressions were that it was high end and snotty with condos everywhere. It is high end, that is for sure. The people are friendly and we do not feel out of place or less than .( of course we are not at the Four Seasons either) And the landscaping is beautiful. The flowers are in bloom and everything is alive and prospering. We will come back here again particularly if the snorkeling is as good as I think it will be.

Kauai is more basic and not as developed. The Big Island is unique onto it self with all the lava and black rock and Oahu to me is Waikiki and the rest of the island showed nothing to me that I was impressed with in the time we drove around it. So I've got three favorites now, all for different reasons.

I will go back to the Big Island to stay at the Hilton Waikoloa Resort. Kauai for the scenic views and rugged landscapes north of Hanelai and Maui for the snorkeling opportunities that abound all over the island and beautiful landscaped resorts. By the way Fat Daddy's BBQ in Kihie has a mean pulled pork plate and the BBQ beans with Garlic are to die for.

And I just could not resist the car photo. This fresh crash (notice the solid rock wall opponent)was photographed on our way back from the days tour. A sign in the back window is scribbled with lipstick "Already Reported" If you look carefully at the photo, this guy just forgot to follow the road which took a well marked turn to the right. I wonder if alcohol was involved? He spelled all the words right?

Restaurant.com Extends Sale until May 31st That is Tomorrow

SPECIAL is the coupon code to save 80% on coupons good for one year. Get $25 Off your participating restaurants for only $2. Do you want to save $23? Order yours today. Remember that they are good for one year from date of purchase.

Canada for Fewer Miles this Summer on United

o
Dear Frugal Travel Guy:

This summer, travel to Canada for only 20,000 Mileage Plus miles* when you book your travel at united.com by June 21, 2009. That’s a 5,000-mile savings! This offer is valid for roundtrip travel in United Economy® on United® and United Express® operated flights. Travel now through September 2, 2009. For more information, visit united.com/canadasaver (copy and paste please)

Promo Code MPD449

Canada Sounds Good Today

The weather has been hot and very humid the last 5 days. In addition, the vog from the volcano on the Big Island is producing hazy skies and a slightly biting taste to the air. This is not typical Hawaii weather, and not expected to break for another few days. Usually the breezes are soft and feel moist against your skin. Not that I'm complaining. Looking at the picture above this is a pretty soft life. Just noting the difference from normal.

Restaurant.com Extends Sale until May 31th

SPECIAL is the coupon code to save 80% on coupons good for one year. Get $25 Off your participating restaurants for only $2. If you haven't tried this program, try it today and feel the savings.





Don't Forget to Email me for your Free $30 Off from Expedia Coupon

Well, almost $30. It is really a 20 Great British Pound coupon good in the USA. My email is ingy104@gmail.com

Can You Help the Frugal Guy Out and Marriott Wailea Maui

I'm sure you know that I pick up a few pennies when you buy a restaurant.com coupon or sign up for the Travelzoo newsletter , but here is one you don't think of that helps both of us everyday.

The Kayak link on the right hand sided column of this blog is tied to my name and I get credit every time you do a Kayak search, regardless if you buy anything or not.

If you can click on that link and make it one of your favorites, bookmarks or whatever your browser calls it, I will be remembered every time you do a hotel, airline or car rental search. I was reminded of this because the Expedia.com.uk certs are one time only and Kayak is a great place to do your comparative shopping before trying your coupon.

If you can make Kayak a bookmark or favorite from my link, thanks, for thinking of me.

Marrriott Wailea Maui

We got as far as a map today and made it to the adult pool. Over 18 years of age only. It is one of those reveal pools that you just lean against the side and look at the scenery of ocean and mountains. It is mid 80's and sunny with a warm breeze blowing.

This Marriott has one great thing going for it. Location, location, location. By that I mean there is a shopping mall right adjacent to the hotel with an ABC store, restaurants, drugstore etc. Although the prices are higher than normal, they are not as steep as the hotel prices and the laundry saved us a ton.

It seems normal room rates are about $189 per night right now which although more than I'll ever pay, seems to be considerably less than in the past when travel was booming.

If you get a chance to get out and explore the world, the prices are the best I've seen in years.

Restaurant.com Extends for One More Day

SPECIAL is the coupon code you need at checkout to get your $25 off coupons for only $2. The last day is May 31, 2009

Restaurant.com Extends Sale until May 31th

SPECIAL is the coupon code to save 80% on coupons good for one year. Get $25 Off your participating restaurants for only $2. Take a friend or enemy to dinner and save $23.

Narita to Maui and the Marriott Wailea on Maui

The flight was only 7 hours, not 9+ as I had expected. We rode on an old JAL 747-400 on the lower level. The upper deck was for economy class? This bird was so old the business class armrests still had ashtrays. The seats were more like domestic first class but had more legroom. Inflight entertainment in the armrest and tray table in the other armrest. We had spent four hours in the JAL Lounge and when we boarded the old 747, the first attendant to approach us apologized for the bad seat on the previous flight. How did she know? That was a nice touch and much appreciated. There must have been 8 attendants for the business class section and no more than 20 passengers in the two cabins. There were 6 of us in the rear business class section. We were in row 9, seats J and K.

I fell asleep just after the meal of steak and mustard sauce. It looked and tasted exactly like the steak and red wine sauce on the previous flight??? Mr. Ambien to the rescue again.

I woke up on my own and looked out the window to see Midway Island per the attendant. We were 1 hour and twenty minutes from landing.

My first look at a US state was of the western most island of Li'hune (sp). It felt good to be home. We flew right over Kauai and made our approach in Honolulu past the Arizona Memorial.

Customs was a breeze and we waited for our free flight (5K UA miles) on Island Air.

We left Narita at 9 PM on May 25th and arrived in Honolulu at 9 AM on May 25th thanks to the International Date Line.

The Dash prop plane took off to the east over downtown Honolulu, Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head crater (photo above). The flight was all of 39 minutes passing Lania and Molakai islands.

Our Alamo rent a car was $151 from Priceline for the week, and things were busy at the Maui airport. The was no sign of economic slowdown there.

It took 1/2 hour to drive to the Marriott at Wailea Beach where we were given a parking lot view room for our award points stay. Nice room with tile floors, with plenty of space and ample sized bathroom.

I asked at the front desk about my Marriott Gold benefits and was told I would receive none as I was on another base member's points stay. (swap) I was informed that the resort was not owned by Marriott just managed by them and even Platinum members did not receive free breakfast or internet. Somewhat surprised I questioned the statement and proceeded to inform the receptionist that I had just receive free breakfast in Phuket on a gifted stay and was surprised by her position. I also called the party I had traded with and he was also unaware of such a policy although he is not a regular Marriott user.

The receptionist then went to, (or pretended to) go see a supervisor and came back with free parking and internet, about a $30 per day saving. I thanked the agent and proceeded to introduce her to President Jackson for her efforts on our behalf.

The order of the day was nap, shower and laundry and we were grateful to find on site facilities that took care of our laundry needs for all of $10. We will make it home now without another laundry stop.

I made it to the pool but just briefly and we did not explore the resort yet, but that's what tomorrow is for.

The photos are the western most Hawaiian Island and the crater in Diamondhead.

Priority Points for Purchase with 25% Bonus thru 5/29/09

I like this one particularly if you can find a few pointsbreak redemptions at only 5 K per night. And if I'm not mistaken 60,000 points per year requalifies you for Platinum status.

Read On:

Purchase Priority Club Points

Want to get to your next reward even faster? Priority Club Rewards® members can purchase additional Priority Club points to redeem a reward.* Purchase up to 40,000 Priority Club Points. The more points you buy, the more you'll save.

Hurry! Three Days only: 25% more points!

Buy Priority Club points before midnight on May 29, 2009 and automatically receive a 25% bonus on the number of points purchased. Top up your account and buy your Priority Club points today!

It's simple. To purchase points you must purchase:
a 1,000 point minimum and a 40,000 point maximum
no more than a 40,000 point maximum per rolling 12 month period
in 1,000 point increments for

1,000 - 9,000 points US $13.50 per 1,000 points
10,000 - 19,000 points US $12.50 per 1,000 points
20,000 - 40,000 points US $11.50 per 1,000 points

Your points will be posted to your account and will be ready for redemption within 48 hours of your transaction.

Need immediate assistance? In the USA contact our service center toll-free at 1-866-366-7855 to conduct your transaction Monday-Friday between 6:00AM and 9:00PM Mountain Standard Time. All you need to do is:

Restaurant.com Extends Sale until May 31th

SPECIAL is the coupon code to save 80% on coupons good for one year. Get $25 Off your participating restaurants for only $2. Take a friend or enemy to dinner and save $23.

Expedia $30 Off Coupons

Email me if you need to book hotel rooms in the near future. Expedia will allow me to send you a 20 GBP (Great British Pound) or about $30 coupon for your next hotel stay. And then you can set up your own referral network.

ingy104@gmail.com

Business Class Two for One to Europe Last Day

A reader forwarded this info to me from a paid subscription site. Thought you'd like to know. Ends today.

Eight airlines are dumping excess inventory through this Tuesday, for travel through Oct. 1, for travelers flying in pairs, who can book 42days in advance.
The players: American, British Airways, Continental, Delta, Lufthansa,United, US Airways, and Virgin.
Fares are available from many cities around the U.S. to London.
From the East Coast, round-trip fares for two start at $775 round-trip(plus taxes) each;
from the West Coast, $1,154.
Fares can be tricky to find; ask your reservations agent to look for these "fare-basis" codes:
American: IR42CN
British Airways: IRC6CN
Continental: AR42CNSE
Delta: IR42CMA
Lufthansa: ZR42CN
United: ZR42CN
US Airways: ZHE42CN
Virgin: ZR42CN

Narita Japan and Our Flight on JAL

We left without incident and paid our bills with the Australian currency that Andrew paid back on his 0% interest car loan. The car payments are now covered til February and dear old Dad took the exchange hit at the airport. He's worth it and I'm proud to be his dad.

With his new job at the hospital, they have now sponsored him in Australia for the next four years, and unless he gets an exemption for more than one sponsor at a time, his flying as a flight nurse for Care Flight is over. I hope he can keep that job with a great daily rate of pay and some great stories and travel experiences as well.

The Sheraton on the Park was elegant and pricey. I did cash and points and my share came to $105 AU plus 29.95 AU for internet. Yes I checked for stealing a wireless signal to no avail.

The cab ride was quick and check in went without a hitch. We spent about an hour before the flight in the Qantas lounge and then headed off for Japan. I spotted my first A380 as we taxied out. The photo is lousy so I'll find another one somewhere. It really wasn't as big as I thought but did look kinda pregnant if a plane can look that way.

The business cabin was 60% full and the cattle section had less than 50%. The aircraft was brand new. I mean brand spanking new. I slept til we were almost over Cairns and then had breakfast of steak and shrimp before dozing off again.

The business class seat has 58" of pitch and accomplishes almost lie flat, by tucking your feet under the back of the seat in front. I slept ok at 170 degrees but woke up with issues of the deepest concern. When I straightened my seat for a can of soda, it would no longer recline after setting it upright. The response was immediate and full force. I had about 4 ladies working on my seat and they even called the maintenance barn at Narita for instructions on repairing my problem. There was one seat in the same row but other aisle vacant and I was relegated to that area for about 3 hours during repairs and the apology phase where I was assured I would receive proper compensation for my inconvenience.

The crew was extremely concerned about my problem and very apologetic. I mean it was only a seat. I had to fill out a form for inflight entertainment problems (not exactly the case) with my address and phone as I would be receiving compensation by mail. My choices were JAL travel credits or Oneworld miles and they had my AAdvantage number. Not knowing the trade value of JAL $$$ I opted for the AA miles and will be closer to my 2 million mile goal shortly. I have no idea the amount of miles, but it will be nice to move closer to the bar.

Katy through all this, was sawing logs and was quite surprised upon awakening with her hubby gone and two or three gals climbing all over the seat with manuals in hand. They seemed to be looking for some mysterious lever that would reset the seat. Katy had slept off the first 6 hours of the flight.

We were served a ham sandwich and pasta salad with about 3 hours to go in the flight, and tea, coffee and ice cream were also available. Sorry no pictures :)

The Japan Airlines Lounge is spacious with decent food choices and free internet. Princess Katybug is now awake and enjoying the offerings. We have a 4 hour layover to get up stretch our legs and clean up. The air is acidic and some of the locals are wearing masks. Katy tells me they are only good for 1/2 hour until they are dampened by your breath. For the first time in my life I was given a mask as part of the amenity kit, along with a pair of slippers. Two lucky people will win those kits in Ann Arbor this July.

So we are chilling out, charging our computers and cell phone, as we can talk to people again tomorrow ( or is it today)? when we hit Honolulu.

It has been a great two months. I was thinking about the best part of it last night and it was a pretty simple choice. I took the trip with the BUG. That made it all worthwhile.

Photo of the BUG in the JAL lounge at Narita airport and the Industrial Japan from 25,000 feet.

Restaurant.com Extends Sale until May 31th

SPECIAL is the coupon code to save 80% on coupons good for one year. Get $25 Off your participating restaurants for only $2. Take a friend or enemy to dinner and save $23.

Sydney Cricket Grounds and Australian Football League

Finally. Bright sunshine and a warm breeze greeted us as we checked out of the Parramatta Courtyard and headed for our breakfast rendezvous with Andrew and the gang. Today was our first experience with Aussie Football Rules and game like none other. No helmets, No pads and resembling a playground keep away game at first, the game started to grow on me.

The Sydney Swans were playing the Port Adelaide Power in the third match of the year between the teams. The Power were the odds on favorite, but the Swans had beaten the Power in the last matchup. The announced attendance was 22,239 fans, mostly dressed in the Swan Red colors.

The field is shaped like a very fat football with goals on each end. Kicking the ball through the inner most posts scored 6 points and between the center goals and the outer goals 1 point per score. You do not run the ball across the line. It must be kicked. The Swans entered the stadium to the sounds of the Notre Dame theme song, but the words appeared to be more Swannie.

Each quarter lasts 30 minutes of non stop play and the breaks between quarters are short as was the halftime. No halftime show. No cheerleaders to be seen anywhere.

Each team advances the ball towards the goal by either kicking the ball, running or passing after hitting the ball like a volleyball serve. If you kick the ball 15 meters or more and it is caught by any player they then have a free kick or can run or pass the ball to a teammate as described above. If the ball is moved along the ground or is dropped it is a free for all with tackling the ball carrier as the primary goal it seems.

We had what I thought were great seats 6 rows from the field. But higher up and towards the center would have been preferable as the field is so large that action at the far end is too far away to observe except on the video screen. The game was dominated by the Swans so our up close action was in the second and final quarters. We left with ten minutes to go and the score at that time was Swans 104 and the Power 65. We felt comfortable that the outcome was already set in stone. Our tickets cost $24 AU each. The top notch ticket was $79 AU. We never saw a scalper and there was about a 75% crowd to stadium capacity. The crowd, the load at times, was very well behaved and actually picked up their trash as they left their seats.

And of course, members of the Cricket Club had the best seats and appeared to be dressed as well as those that showed up in their finest for yesterday's horse racing event, on the far side of town.

After taking the shuttle back to the Kings Cross area and a quick dinner, we got dropped off at the Sheraton on the Park, according to Andy, one of the top ten hotels in Australia. It was nice, well located but with a 5 AM wakeup call, the surroundings were not that important to me.

Sydney to Narita to Honolulu on Japan Airlines

Our departure time was scheduled for 8:30 AM and a 9 hour and 50 minute flight to Japan followed by a 3 1/2 hour layover then another 9 hours to Honolulu. It is obviously not the most direct routing but all that was available for free at the time of booking. It was all business class so we really didn't care. Sleep would come easy after 4 packed days in Sydney.

The Qantas Business Lounge offered a nice breakfast of crumpets and cereals with juice and coffee. We are seated in 3 H and K to Narita and 9 H and K to Honolulu. I'll try to report to Seat Guru as the aircraft are new and they ahve very few reports on this extended range 777 of Japan Airlines.

As we left Sydney at 8:30 AM on May 25th it was Sunday evening the 24th at 6:30 PM in New York City. We arrive in Honolulu on the 25th of May at 9 AM, a grand total of 30 minutes after we left Sydney.

I have a feeling, it will be the longest 30 minutes of my life.

Using Your Expedia UK Coupons

There are a few quirks with this program

1. It is a one time only coupon. Do your research first. By this I mean check all your other sources before attempting to use this coupon. Once you use it (plug it in), you lose it so your best bet is to use Kayak or similar multi search engine first. THEN try to coupon to see if it helps with your price and book it then, not later as it will be gone.

2. Each coupon requires a different credit card. If you use the 20 GBP coupon I sent you with your Mastercard from AA, then the nextg coupon you get will need a different credit card.

The limit is ten uses total or about $600 bucks. I plan on getting them all as I'm hoping many of you will have a use for the 20 GBP savings. And don't forget to set up your own network of friends and referrals.

3. The coupons can be used in conjunction with $ off coupons and second night free coupons.

4. Obviously the best use is a room for one night that costs 20GBP or more or if you have 40 GBP coupons then 40 GBP or more. If your room cost is less, then you will only get the value of a one night stay.

I'll provide more info as I get it, and to date I've given out $900 worth of coupons.

Email me at ingy104@gmail.com for your free Expedia UK voucher

Our Day at the Beach Australian Style

The rain subsided somewhat and it was our day at the beach. Well several of them. We headed east out of Sydney to Coogee Beach which is really one of the closest to the city. The wind was howling and the beach fairly empty. A Rugby game was in play just a block from the water and we stopped to watch the aggressive style of play.

Lunch was at an outdoor cafe with Plexiglas curtains to keep out the wind. The temps were fine in the mid 60's again, and we enjoyed the fresh air and Scottish waitress. Everyone else had breakfast. I went for the Steak sandwich minus the lettuce, tomato and beetroot, which is a common garnish here.

Praise be, Andrew picked up the tab of about $65 AU again.

Our next stop was the famous Bondi Beach. There were plenty of surfers in wetsuits and the popularity of the beach had numerous visitors walking about. This is the hotspot in summer for surfing, babes in bikinis and summertime fun.

And lastly we returned to the Gap for another view of the city from afar and the magnificent pounding waves of the Tasman Sea. As we stood high above the Sea we could feel the salt spray covering our faces. It was a great afternoon.

We move tomorrow into the city at the Sheraton on the Park. We'll take in an Aussie Rules football game before retiring. The early flight the next morning makes it more practical to be in town to catch a train to the airport for our really long day of flying. It is over 9 hours to Japan and then 9 hours more to Honolulu. Then the short hop to Maui and the 7 day stay at the Maui Wailea Beach Resort.

Warm weather and sunshine here we come.

Photos of Bondi Beach and the Sydney skyline.

Expedia.com Coupons Don't Forget I've Given Away $500 Already

Let me refer you to this year long hotel promotion. You'll save 20 GBP when I refer you and 40 GBP per referral on your own referral network.

Drop me an email at ingy104@gmail.com

Are You Churning Credit Cards for Sign Up Bonuses?

Just Curious about Your Credit Scores and Credit Report?

Get Your Answers with a 7 Day Free Trial

Restaurant.com 80% Savings

SPECIAL is the coupoin code to save 80% on $25 coupons. You can buy them now for only $2