Billionaire bought $170M painting with his Amex for the points

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Using your credit card to buy a multimillion-dollar painting to collect Amex points? Priceless.

Christies-ModiglianiChinese billionaire Liu Yiqian used his American Express card to buy Modigliani’s “Reclining Nude” at auction for $170 million on Nov. 9, according to reports.

He’ll use the points to fly himself and his family around the globe for free, his wife told the New York Times.

Source: Billionaire bought $170M painting with his Amex for the points

Looks like I really need to step up my rewards point game.  Anyone have a few hundred million dollars so I can rack up some points?

Jason [Does Not] Get Around

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As much as I travel, I really don’t have too many problems usually, however, there are those days I just can’t control.

Finishing up a trip in Austin, Texas with a number of my coworkers from the Portland office, we ended up being stranded due to flash flooding from some terrible weather around the Austin airport.

I went to bed Thursday night enjoying some good weather in the later evening, but woke up to threats of flooding and tornadoes around the city. (more…)

Let’s Rank Airline Programs

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What makes a frequent flier program standout? No loyalty program is ideal for everyone, but choosing one that best matches your lifestyle can help you maximize your chances of earning and redeeming meaningful rewards.

U.S News has given their ranking of the different airline programs out there.  As a travel hacker based in Portland, Oregon, my ranking is a good amount different and I’ll explain why. (more…)

Travel is a Privilege

Not everyone is able to travel. No tip, mindset change, or advice can help many who dream of travel achieve it. Those of us who travel are a privileged few.

My last post, I enjoyed that science has confirmed it’s okay to spend all your money on travel.  I’ve been lucky enough to travel much of my adult life and I’m privileged to do so; however, I worked hard to get here. (more…)

Bridge Pedal 2015: 3rd Friendiversary

Chris Devon Michael Rubbo Teri JasonLast Sunday, I enjoyed my fourth time biking over all the bridges that cover the Willamette River in Portland in a bicycle ride called the Bridge Pedal.  I love bringing new people on this ride and sharing it with old ones.  Rubbo and myself met on this ride through our friend Paige in 2012 making this mine and Rubbo’s fourth ride together and our three year friendiversary!

Thanks to Chris, Devon, Michael, Teri, Ilona, and Corey for doing this ride with us!  You are awesome.  36 miles, 11 bridges, and one sore ass later, we did it! (more…)