I was lucky to grow up in a family that valued travel and had access to cheap airfare and other discounts. While I don’t have access to the cheap stuff anymore, I still try to travel as much as I can.

38 out of 50 states so far:

Airport codes were a fun way for me to learn my letters–here are the airports I have visited at least once (how many do you know?):

• MSP
• GEG
• HNL
• MCO
• LAX
• DTW
• DCA
• LGA
• LGW
• NRT
• SIN
• HKG
• AMS
• DEN
• ORD
• BOS
• DIA
• FAR
• YYZ
• YWG
• SEA
• ATL
• GFK
• MSN
• VIE
• CDG
• ITO
• OGG
• PDX
• SJC
• SNA
• MKE
• LAS
• PHX
• SFO
• MDW
• ANC
• TPA
• AUS
• DFW
• HOU
• SAN

Unlike electronics, I’ve never really developed any brand loyalty to any one chain of hotels. I usually like specific hotels in a given spot, such as the St. Francis in San Francisco, the Sainte Claire in downtown San Jose, the W Lakeshore in Chicago and my all-time favorite, the Bellagio in Las Vegas. When cheap and clean is the goal, I usually stay at an AmericInn, where available.

As for airlines and car rentals, I’m a Sun Country fan and I’ve had an Emerald Aisle card with National Car Rental for as long as I’ve been old enough to rent a car. Haven’t really tried much else…DK