Hiking Trip Update

I got the confirmation from ATG Oxford today.  It includes the details on our hotels, a Checklist for Packing and also our luggage tags.

Check out the hotel links on the right.  They look pretty cool.  We have to get to our first hotel mid afternoon so that we can sit by that pool.  Wow!

I'll scan the Checklist in soon so that you can start packing...

Credit Cards

Krisann had some trouble using her Visa credit card when she traveled to Africa.  In Europe, there was a place where a credit card with a mag strip was not accepted.  Europe has been using the "chip and pin" credit cards for some time now.

I have done some research on this and it turns out they are not used much in the US.  The cards cost about $15 to make compared to $2 for a mag strip card so US banks are not excited about converting all there current cards.  I found a site that compares credit cards.

http://creditcardforum.com/blog/chip-and-pin-credit-cards-usa/

After reading this site I decided to get the Chase Marriot Premier Card.  It's the one that is number one on their list right now.  Here are some comments. 

• It's a chip and pin card.
• The first year is free and then $85/year. (which includes one free night at a Marriot each year) I may just get rid of it after we travel and not keep it after the first free year.
• The foreign exchange cost is 0%. Some cards charge for using other currencies.
• The site mentioned above talks about getting a free night for signing up now.  I did not see that when I signed up.  I'll let you know once I get the cards if that is part of the current deal

I don't think it's a huge issue.  The travel sites I have been reading say that for the most part a mag strip card will work in Europe.  There are just some kiosk locations that require it.  And Krisann's experience of not being able to use it at a coffee place she was at. 

Krisann and I would be glad to have our card available to use for all of us if others don't want to get a chip and pin card.  Just thought I would share this.

Dave

Airfare Tracking

Here is the itinerary that I have been using to search for airfare.

Seattle to Venice - Sept. 6th
Naples to Seattle - Sept. 22nd

As of today the fare has been showing up around $1300 on Expedia.

Please use this post to add comments of airfares you may find going forward so we can track and know when it's time to book.