Loyalty Programs.

Today's letter is L.  I've written about Lake Erie here, a favorite spot for Ohioans.  And one must talk about Luggage for all kinds of travel, but I already wrote about that too, HERE

So today, I'm going to talk a bit about "loyalty" programs.  Everyone has one and it pays to take advantage of them when you can.  There are loyalty programs connected to your charge cards, example Eddie Bauer Charge Cards get connected to Delta Airline Miles.  Chances are your bank has one connected to their charge card.  Chase for example has a cash back program, and they have a 2nd program that gives you more points on certain types of purchases IF you go through their webpage.

Marriott has a rewards program and their rewards points can be used to book flights, and or hotel stays, you get more points if you're using their card.

Airlines have loyalty programs so it pays to be able to book most of your flights through one carrier.  You're not always able to, but if you're know you're going to be traveling for business and or pleasure, think about where you're going ...is there one particular airlines that generally goes where you go?  Make that your primary airlines and you'll be more inclined to earn enough miles to get free flights.  

Many grocery stores have loyalty programs where you can save money by purchasing gift cards through them and earn money back on your groceries, some are tied into free gallons of gas as well.  

Loyalty programs can indeed save you money; but you need to be willing to invest some time to check several programs out and determine which one works best for you.  Don't try to do too many different programs...not only is it confusing; but you'll be spreading your earnings/savings in too many directions to quickly reap the rewards.

Save money on your flights, and your hotel stays by seeing what loyalty programs you can take advantage off.

**Though Sunday is a free day, I did write a post yesterday, wanted to thank all my visitors, check it out HERE**

Pop in Often, remember Menu Mondays for dining tips, Traveling Tips on Thursday, and any day for vacation destinations.

Lake Erie, Put in Bay

Brutus Buckeye, you're bound to see him almost anywhere. Here he is spreading Buckeye Love on a boat anchored off at Put in Bay. A fun summer time destination in Ohio at Lake Erie. No doubt Brutus was left to guard the ship, as his mates headed to perhaps The Round Bar or Frosty's. For those who don't know, Brutus is The Ohio State University Mascot. Here's the famous Frosty's. I remember the place when I was a kid and vacationed on the Island with my parents....and that was YYYYYYYYYYYYYears ago. Good pizza, loud music, an awesome wooden bar, and yes fabulously good rootbeer.......however adult beverages are plentiful too.

A pretty sunset coming back on the ferry after a long day having fun on the Island. We often are on the last ferry out. You can rent golf carts, bikes or walk around the Island. Lots of shopping, eatting, drinking for those of any age. For the young ones an historic merry go round. Somewhere....I know I have a picture. One in a book, you know, not digital. I must find and scan it sometime. A great playground in the park, people walking up and down the docks to see all the boats, ships, a yacht club. So much to see and do.

"I have met the enemy and they are ours." Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry is famous for that quote. The battle of Lake Erie during The War of 1812, something every Ohio school child learns about; comes alive with a visit to this beautiful memorial. Once you reach the top of this memorial the view rewards you for the time it took to get there. I can't count the number of times I've been to this memorial; but I enjoy each and every time.

Hard to see in this picture, but look closely. Click to enlarge it. This house is made from a ship. Everyone who visits the Island, stops to photograph this house. Sometimes it's hard to find though with the trees completely filling in and providing camoflauge.

We didn't make it last summer to Put in Bay; so it's definately on the list of things to do next summer.

Get there early if you want a golf card, otherwise they're gone and you'll need to rent bikes.

Leave cool beverages in your car when you park for the ride on the ferry; so you'll have something when you get back.

SunScreen is a must!

Have fun