Re-Branding OFOS

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When I created this blog over four years ago, I had no idea what I was doing. Frankly, I was bored on a Saturday morning back in April 2011, and thought it’d be cool to start a blog.

I’ve had this blog for over four years now, and in that time, I’ve used this space primarily as a platform to share my thoughts on a variety of topics: everything from self-motivation, to marketing, to goal setting, to of course my favorite topic: travel. Since then, I’ve seen friends and countless others start blogs, then completely take their website offline just months later. Given that, I’m honestly quite surprised that I still keep this blog up and running, even after all these years of sporadic posting.

As I think about what I’d like to use OFOS for going forward, I’m hoping to be more purposeful with this blog. Rather than using it really as a public diary, my goal is to transform this little space on the interwebs that I call my blog to a resource for those looking to travel more, spend less, and still keep their full-time job.

I hope to do that by focusing on a few things where I can bring a unique perspective based on travel style, which can generally be defined as:

  • Traveling as a solo male, though more recently have started traveling with others
  • Preferring to travel 4-5 days at a time, rather than taking several weeks off
  • Travelling generally during the off-season whenever possible to avoid the crowds
  • Taking pictures, though not with any fancy camera; my iPhone6 will
  • Traveling frugally, though I’ll happily burn my miles and points to enjoy an amazing flight or hotel experience
A scene from my first ever solo travel experience: the rice terraces of Longsheng, Guangxi, China

A scene from my first ever solo travel experience: the rice terraces of Longsheng, Guangxi, China

I also realize that there are A TON of people in the DC area that love to travel, and so my goal is to also make this blog more DC-centric, such as by integrating my other website, DCMetroTrip into this blog, to provide more tips and ideas on how to travel more, even if it’s just a few stops away on the Metro.

Alright, so there you have it. I’m looking forward to refocusing this blog from just a jumbled up mess of thoughts into something more useful and relevant. Hope you’ll follow me along on my new(-ish) journey!

How to Travel More, Spend Less, and Keep Your Full-Time Job

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Over the past few months, I’ve gotten questions from friends and acquaintances on how I’m able to travel so much while still having a full-time job. I’m by no means an expert at what some term “travel hacking,” but here are some helpful tips and tricks that I think anyone can adopt to start traveling more and spending less, all while keeping their full-time job.

Tip #1: Find a workplace that values travel and offers a generous vacation policy.

My old office, near Dupont Circle in DC.

My old office, near Dupont Circle in DC.

Although two weeks of paid time off (PTO) is typically the norm for most workers in the U.S., there are many businesses across the country that offer vacation policies that are much more generous than the standard. If you’re on the job market or currently exploring new opportunities, be sure to get as much clarification as possible on the vacation policy from your future employers. Aside from asking how much PTO your potential employer provides, I’d suggest asking these other questions to get a better sense of how much your potential employer values vacation time:

  • How often do people generally take vacation at this company?
  • Are there any “blackout” periods where vacation is generally frowned upon?
  • How many days, if any, can you roll over from a previous year?
  • What’s the company’s policy regarding leave without pay?

These questions have greatly helped me understand how flexible a company is with regard to personal travel. Moreover, it’s important to get a sense of what your prospective boss’ and team’s viewpoints are towards travel. For instance, you might come across a company that offers extensive vacation time, but your boss and immediate team might frown upon time off. Conversely, you might be at a firm that offers limited time off, but might be on a team and have a boss that’s more flexible with your travel goals.

In my case, these questions have helped me identify and work for companies that highly value vacation, offering me anywhere from 15 days of paid time off (my current employer) to one that offers an open vacation policy (my previous employer).

Tip #2: Plan ahead in order to combine federal holidays with paid time off.

Hanging out at the Americana at Brand in Glendale with my family over Christmas 2014.

Hanging out at the Americana at Brand in Glendale with my family over Christmas 2014.

Most employers recognize most federal holidays. In 2015, there were 10 of them :

  • January (2 days: New Years Day & MLK Day)
  • February (1 day: Presidents Day)
  • May (1 day: Memorial Day)
  • July (1 day: Independence Day)
  • September (1 day: Labor Day)
  • October (1 day: Columbus Day)
  • November (2 days: Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day)
  • December (1 day: Christmas Day)

It’s important to make sure you’re planning ahead, because prices on flights and accommodations tend to be higher around holidays. In my case, as a rule of thumb, I start travel planning for my three-day weekends up to six months in advance.

Even if your company doesn’t recognize all federal holidays, by planning ahead, you can easily squeeze out a couple three- or even four-day vacations over the course of the year from just a handful of paid days off.

Tip #3: Sign up for credit card bonuses:

My "seat" in Singapore Airlines' Suites Class flight from L.A. to Tokyo.

I used points earned through credit card bonuses to fly in Singapore Airlines’ renowned Suites Class on a flight from L.A. to Tokyo.

Credit card bonuses are a huge part of how I’m able to travel so often so cheaply. Here are my thoughts on this tip:

  • If you have credit card debt, or have a FICO score below 650, don’t even try to do any of this. Your credit is precious, and if you’re not able to regularly pay off your bills, opening up multiple credit cards can be a slippery slope to exponential credit card debt.
  • Most credit cards that come with a relatively lucrative bonus offer (anything more than 50,000 points) have at least a minimum spend requirement of $3,000 over 3 months. Sometimes the minimum spend can be as low as $0 or as high as $10,000. In order to make sure I’m not overspending due to an artificial need to hit the minimum spend requirement on multiple cards, I apply for one credit card once every 90 days, working towards achieving the minimum spend on each card over the next three months.
  • Once you’ve hit a year on your credit card, either cancel it or downgrade it to a no annual fee credit card.

In the three years I’ve been “travel hacking” credit cards, I’ve signed up for 14 credit cards, closing or merging two of them. For the record, my current FICO score is 795. That’s out of a total 850. This has netted me several hundred thousand miles spread across a variety of programs. Currently, the top five programs in my “miles portfolio” look as follows:

  • United: ~150k
  • British Airways: ~125k
  • American Airlines: ~145k
  • Alaska Airlines: ~45k
  • Chase Ultimate Rewards: ~35k

And another ~30k points spread across a variety of programs including Starwood Preferred Guest, Korean Air, Delta, Qantas, Virgin America, Singapore Airlines, Hawaiian Air, and Hyatt.

I haven’t been able to burn the miles as fast as I’d like to due in large part to my next tip, but generally speaking, I’ll redeem my points as follows:

  • United miles for international flights in economy
  • British Airways points for short flights under 500 miles, domestic or international
  • American & Alaska for business or first class flight redemptions
  • Chase points to top off an account at a partner airline for an award

A lot has already been written on this topic, so I’ll try to keep my two cents as brief as possible on this.

For more information on this topic, I’d highly suggest following a few of my favorite blogs: OneMileAtATime, MillionMileSecrets, and TravelIsFree. If you prefer to listen to your content, I’d recommend listening to The Daily Travel Podcast and the Extra Pack of Peanuts Podcast. For those willing to go even further, I’d suggest browsing the forums on FlyerTalk. Loads of fun!

Tip #4: Follow the theflightdeal.com and create kayak.com alerts.

Some flights I've been tracking for Thanksgiving 2015.

Some flights I’ve been tracking for Thanksgiving 2015.

If you haven’t already, I encourage you to follow theflightdeal.com on Facebook. It’s basically a blog that regularly publishes cheap deals from your city. In the past, it periodically published “mistake fares,” which essentially were computer glitches in airlines’ reservations systems that offered fares at heavily discounted rates. Over the past three years, I’ve been able to snap up several amazing deals, including roundtrip flights from DC-Mumbai for $330, from DC – Abu Dhabi for $215, and from DC to Beijing in business class for $440.

While as of early May 2015 “mistake fares” are potentially a thing of the past due to changes in DOT regulations, the website still publishes pretty good deals. For example, earlier this year I went to Australia for the very first time on a roundtrip ticket from Philadelphia for $1,120, and will be heading to Sao Paulo from New York over Thanksgiving for only $592 roundtrip.

Besides theflightdeal, I also create alerts on kayak.com to various cities from where I’m currently based to track the fares of cities I’m interested in visiting. This is particularly useful when planning ahead, since most airlines begin selling tickets for flights up to 330 days before departure.

Tip #5: Consider hotel alternatives, like hostels, AirBnb or even couchsurfing.

My AirBnb room during my stay in Portland in July 2014.

My AirBnb room during my stay in Portland in July 2014 during the World Domination Summit.

This is my last tip, and one that I think people often tend to forget. If you thought spending a couple hundred dollars for a plane ticket was expensive, depending on when and where you’re visiting, the total cost of a hotel can be several times the cost of your plane ticket. I frequently travel solo, and often opt to stay at hostels, not only to save on costs, but also to meet new people. I know that some people frown upon staying at hostels (the thinking goes: “Why should I share my bathroom or where I sleep with a stranger during my precious days of vacation?”), but in most large cities, many hostels offer private rooms with an en suite bathroom that are still cheaper than staying at a hotel.

Besides hostels, there’s an amazing community of people out on couchsurfing.com that connects travelers with locals willing to let you crash on their couch for a night (or more!) I’ve never done it (opting to stay a hostel in most cases), but a good friend of mine is a frequent host in the DC area, and is encouraging me to be a host or stay with a couchsurfer the next time I travel.

Lastly, when I’m not traveling solo, I’ll also look into staying at a place through AirBnb. The quality of your AirBnb can vary from pretty basic to luxurious, but having used AirBnb in Brooklyn, Portland, and Tokyo, my experiences have all been positive.

Conclusion:

So there you have it: my top five tips on how to travel more and spend less, and keep your full-time job. This post was much longer than I had expected, so I thank you if you made it this far. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a message in the comments, or send me a message at jrbilog@gmail.com. Thanks for reading!

2014 – Travel Highlights

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**This is going to be a long post.**

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always made traveling a top priority. Traveling is the main reason why, despite my ability to afford more, I prefer to live in a living room where I only pay $350 a month for rent and utilities, which I’ve been doing since August 2012. Below is a simple reminder to myself on why I travel.

Travel Highlights 

JANUARY: Nashville / Chattanooga / Huntsville

Eating a “Hot Chicken” Sandwich in Nashville.

Hot Chicken from Hattie B's near Vanderbilt University.

Hot Chicken from Hattie B’s near Vanderbilt University. 

Visiting the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg, TN.

Jack Daniels' Distillery in Lynchburg, TN.

Jack Daniels’ Distillery in Lynchburg, TN. 

Walking along the Tennessee River in Chattanooga, TN.

Bridge over the Tennessee River in Chattanooga.

Bridge over the Tennessee River in Chattanooga.

Visiting the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL.

U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL.

U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL.

 

FEBRUARY: Zurich / Delhi / Jaipur / Agra / Mumbai 

Exploring Zurich on a day-long layover en route to India. 

Lake Zurich

Lake Zurich

Having High Tea in the Imperial Hotel in Delhi.

High Tea at the Imperial in Delhi.

High Tea at the Imperial in Delhi.

Overlooking Rajasthan atop Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur.

View of Jaipur from Nahargarh Fort.

View of Jaipur from Nahargarh Fort. 

Gazing at the Taj Mahal in Agra.

Visiting the Taj Mahal.

Visiting the Taj Mahal.

Walking along the “Pearl’s Necklace” in Mumbai. 

Pearl's Necklace at Chowpatty Beach in Mumbai.

Pearl’s Necklace at Chowpatty Beach in Mumbai.

 

April: New York City / Shenandoah 

Chilling with friends during a weekend in NYC.

Hanging out on the steps of the library at Columbia University.

Hanging out on the steps of the library at Columbia University. 

Hiking in Shenandoah, VA.

Hiking in Shenandoah Valley.

Hiking in Shenandoah Valley. 

 

May: Annapolis

Feasting on Maryland Crab in Annapolis

Feasting on Maryland Crab in Annapolis.

Feasting on Maryland Crab in Annapolis.

 

June: New York / Philadelphia

Celebrating my first NYC Pride Week.  

NYC Pride Week 2014

NYC Pride Week 2014

Participating in my first Triathlon Relay (swimming). 

Team photo after the 2014 Philadelphia Triathlon.

Team photo after the 2014 Philadelphia Triathlon.

 

July: Portland / Seattle / New York

Getting inspired at my very first World Domination Summit in Portland.

WDS 2014 Party along the Willamette River.

WDS 2014 Party along the Willamette River.

Taking in the Seattle city skyline during my off hours.

Seattle City Skyline

Seattle City Skyline

Discovering a new side of Manhattan. Walking the HighLine

View from the High Line.

View from the High Line.

 

August: Richmond / New York / Orlando

Exploring the James River on a day trip to Richmond, VA.

James River in Richmond, VA.

James River in Richmond, VA.

Catching up with a great high school friend during her visit to NYC. Took her to watch a show! 

Watching Phantom of the Opera with Angelica.

Watching Phantom of the Opera with Angelica.

Discovering the magical world of Disney during my first visit to Disney World!

Fireworks at Disney World!

Fireworks at Disney World!

 

September: Hawaii / Southern California

Hanging out at Airport Beach on Maui.

View of Lanai Island from Airport Beach.

View of Lanai Island from Airport Beach.

Walking the pier in Seal Beach, CA.

Walking the pier in Seal Beach.

Walking the pier in Seal Beach.

 

November: Cross Country Train Trip / Southern California

Taking in the Chicago Skyline during our stop over in Chicago aboard the California Zephyr. 

Chicago Skyline

Chicago Skyline

View of the Colorado River aboard the California Zephyr en route to Emeryville, California.

View of the Colorado River aboard the California Zephyr.

View of the Colorado River aboard the California Zephyr.

Taking in the view of the Downtown LA Skyline from Griffith Observatory.

Downtown LA Skyline from Griffith Observatory.

Downtown LA Skyline from Griffith Observatory.

 

December: Boston / San Francisco

Eating this delicious lobster roll in Boston.

Lobster roll in Boston.

Lobster roll in Boston.

Roadtripping up to NorCal and looking out onto San Francisco from Treasure Island.

San Francisco Skyline

San Francisco Skyline

 

2014 TRAVEL EXPENSES

If you’ve made it this far, thank you! Earlier this year, I began tracking how much I’m spending on traveling. The table below includes information for flights, accommodations and transportation. It doesn’t include the cost of activities. Surprisingly, it’s a lot less than I had initially thought. A big part of that is due to the glitch fare I picked up for my trip to Delhi (only $330 for a round trip flight!) and redeeming my frequent flyer points for several trips.

Month Destination Description Expense
January Nashville US Airways DCA – BNA $5.00
February India Intrepid Tour $612.00
India Visa $200.00
Vaccines $200.00
United Airlines IAD – BOM $321.62
UA Economy Plus Upgrade $153.00
Jet Airways BOM – DEL $292.64
ITC Sheraton $210.00
Residency Hotel Fort $123.98
Anjali Inn $21.70
April New York Megabus $52.00
June New York Greyhound $54.00
AirBnb $66.00
July Portland / Seattle Delta DCA – PDX $5.00
WDS Summit $506.95
Greyhound $43.00
AirBnb $291.00
New York Megabus $60.00
AirBnb $105.00
August New York Amtrak $164.00
Megabus $40.00
Orlando Disney Tickets / Hotel $400.00
JetBlue DCA – MCO $283.00
September Hawaii US Airways DCA – OGG $887.90
Hawaiian Airlines $150.00
Sheraton Keauhou $78.25
Los Angeles US Airways DCA – LAX $372.70
November Cross Country Train Trip US Airways OAK – BWI $167.00
Los Angeles US Airways DCA – LAX $189.00
Delta LAX – IAD $157.50
Amtrak LAX – SBA $60.00
December Boston US Airways DCA – BOS $180.20
Los Angeles United Airlines LAX – IAD $392.00
Change Fee $294.20
Rental Car $127.50
Total $7,266.14

2014 was an incredibly amazing and memorable year of travel for me. Looking forward to more discoveries and experiences in the upcoming year!

2013 Travel Highlights

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I started writing out my annual review, but realized I should probably dedicate a post just to my travel and entertainment highlights. Without a doubt, I did A LOT this past year. Hoping for more excitement in the travel/entertainment department in the new year.

Travel Highlights

  • Visited Istanbul & Athens

    • Saw the Aya Sofya, Sultanhamet Mosque, explored Istanbul

    • Ate and drank in Istanbul: apple tea, soccer game while having nargile

    • Visited the Parthenon and Acropolis

    • Witnessed demonstrations happening at the Greek Parliament

    • Drank a freddocappucino while looking at the Acropolis

    • Watched the sunset over the Aegean Sea atop a hill in Athens.

    • Ate all the delicious feta, gyros, and desserts.

  • Visited Annapolis, MD

    • Ate Maryland crab for the first time!

  • Visited NYC multiple times throughout the year

    • March for my very first Armin van Buuren concert!

    • Headed up for Memorial Day, July 4th Weekend and Labor Day Weekend to meet up with friends, including a trip to both the Jersey Shore and Long Island beaches with friends.

    • Saw my fourth broadway show ever: Newsies

  • Visited Toronto, ON

    • Saw the CN Tower

    • Went to Niagara Falls

    • Visited the largest Asian Mall in North America (Pacific Mall)

    • Visited my very first Microbrewery

    • Experienced the hostel life yet again!

    • Ate poutine and explored Toronto

    • Had the most amazing boba ever — Mango Slush!

  • Went to New Orleans, LA

    • Traveled for the first time with two of my really good friends!

    • Experienced the debauchery of Bourbon Street

    • Ate incredibly delicious food! Dat Dog, Cafe du Monde, Oysters in Biloxi, Gautreau Restaurant (foie gras, rack of lamb)

    • Went on a swamp tour and saw some alligators

    • Went to Biloxi, Mississippi and went to my very first Gulf Coast Beach

    • Visited Ward 9 (Hurricane Katrina)

  • Went to Chicago, IL

    • Explored the city with my roommate and friends

    • Went to the Sears Tower, John Hancock Observatory, Boystown

  • Went to Charlottesville, VA

    • took a day trip with friends down to Charlottesville

    • went to Monticello, hiking at Humpback Rocks, getting chicken at a random gas station, and stopping by a random restaurant for some BBQ

  • Went to Philly, PA

    • First time heading to Penn for homecoming. Made me realize just how long it’s been since I was in college.

  • Heading down the Central Coast and San Diego, CA

    • Drove over 1000 miles in my Chevy Cruze rental along PCH.

    • Visited Hearst Castle. Stunning piece of real estate!

 

Entertainment Highlights

  • Went snowboarding for the second time in my life with friends in Virginia

  • First time watching the Wizards and Capitals at the Verizon Center. Also attended several Nationals baseball games throughout the summer.

  • Saw a lot more concerts than I ever have: Andrew McMahon, National Symphony Orchestra, .fun, Tegan & Sara, Justin Timberlake, King the Kid, Alex Goot, Carly Rae Jepsen, Hot Chelle Rae, Marine Corps Presidential Band,

  • Went to the beach several times: Jersey Shore, Long Island, Rehoboth

  • Went hiking throughout the year: Shenandoah Valley, Charlottesville

  • Attended some awesome events: 2013 Presidential Inauguration, YPFP’s Affairs of State, CAPAL Ball, Embassy Walk, Washington PRIDE, YPFP Annual Retreat, summer beer and festivals, and too many YPFP speaker events to recall!