Travel Widstom

03/10/2025

In my latest newsletter, I shared ways to save on flights for summer travel, mistakes to avoid with travel credit cards, and all about the Capital One Venture card and its limited time elevated sign up offer.

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03/06/2025

In the summer of 1982, at 17 years old, I went on a long road trip out west with my mom, dad, and brother, Barry. We spent several days in Colorado Springs, where one of the highlights was riding the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. The journey to the summit left a lasting impression, and I still have fond memories of that experience.

Fast forward to the summer of 2024 Tonya and I found ourselves in Colorado Springs. One of the highlights of our trip was taking the cog railway to the top of Pikes Peak.

The experience brought back some wonderful memories, but this time, it was even more special. Sharing it with the love of my life made all the difference.

In my latest blog post, I share our experience riding the Pikes Peak Cog Railway and I give some helpful tips for anyone planning their own trip to the summit.

https://travelwidstom.com/helpful-tips-for-riding-the-pikes-peak-cog-railway/

02/21/2025

The Southwest Companion Pass allows you to bring someone with you on a flight only paying taxes and fees which is $5.60 one way. The pass is good for the year that you earn it and the following year. It is truly one of the best deals in travel.

Southwest ran a deal yesterday and now has extended it one more day (2-21-25) where you can earn the Companion Pass for a shortened period of time. The following are the things that you need to do.

1. Register now, then purchase one round trip or two one-way flights by 2/21/25. You can use cash, points, or points + cash when purchasing the ticket(s).

2. Travel by 3/31/25. (Perfect for spring break!)

3. Companion flies free with you 8/7-10/8/25.

This won't work for everyone, but if you're traveling to destinations Southwest serves, it could be a great fit for you.

You can use this link to register.

https://www.southwest.com/loyalty/myaccount/promotion-detail?id=2-59UN9CIH&clk=CB779403&RR_NUMBER=43d9f4b1244d01d2803febd4c5bf121e42c0b56c&src=MAILSECTP779205&RSD=3510&RMID=ac_sec_promo_20250221_sale_prom&RRID=ba67179fe346f5bde48af7bed42df212ffe76282b8d0d1245930242a19247d99&mi_u=00000000-0000-0000-0000-00000f764d06&mi_ecmp=ac_sec_promo_20250221_sale_prom

02/19/2025

Capital One has come out with a great offer on the Capital One Venture card. The card for a limited time has a 75,000 point sign up bonus, as well as a $250 travel credit.

You will earn the sign up bonus after you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months. The sign up bonus is worth a minimum of $1,000. This is a fantastic offer for a $95 annual fee card.

A few other perks that come with the Venture card include: earnings of 2x points on every purchase, a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck, and unlimited 5x points on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through the Capital One Travel.

You can click the link to see more about the card and apply. https://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/venture/

02/14/2025

If you frequently book travel through Hotels.com, Expedia, or Vrbo, the One Key+ or One Key card might be a great fit for you.

Both cards offer a strong 3% back in OneKeyCash when booking through these sites, plus 3% back on dining, gas stations, and grocery stores.

One Key+ Card ($99 annual fee)

Earns 2% back on all other purchases
Sign-up bonus: $600 in OneKeyCash after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
Annual perk: $100 in OneKeyCash every year on your card anniversary

One Key Card (No annual fee)

Earns 1.5% back on all other purchases
Sign-up bonus: $400 in OneKeyCash after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months

Since OneKeyCash can only be used for travel through Hotels.com, Expedia, or Vrbo, these cards function like cash-back cards restricted to travel bookings. If you prefer simplicity and regularly use these sites, either card could be a solid choice for you.

You can read more about the cards by clicking the link. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/is-the-one-key-card-worth-its-annual-fee

02/13/2025

Glacier National Park is one of the most picturesque places in the United States, and its crown jewel is Going-to-the-Sun Road. This stunning 50-mile stretch winds through the park, offering breathtaking views at every turn.

In my latest blog post, I dive into the history of this iconic road, when it opens and closes, different ways to experience it, how to make park reservations, and the 22 unforgettable stops Tonya and I made during our summer visit.

I hope this post inspires you to experience Glacier National Park and the beauty of Going-to-the-Sun Road for yourself!

https://travelwidstom.com/22-great-stops-to-make-on-going-to-the-sun-road/

12/29/2024

Today was our last day in the city with Kenzie. We rode the Staten Island Ferry this morning. Unfortunately, it was dreary and foggy today. So, the view of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline were nonexistent.

The last thing on the agenda was going to Hudson Yards. The mall was totally decked out for Christmas.

Uber now has a shuttle service from LaGuardia to numerous stops into the city and vice versa. It is much cheaper than a regular Uber. Tonya and I both enjoyed the experience.

As always, it’s great to travel but it’s also nice being home.

12/28/2024

Tonya and I did a much better job handling the subway system to get to Radio City Music Hall this morning.

We went to see the Rockettes. All I can say is WOW! It blew all of us away. Lord willing we will be back to see that show, again. That is something I thought I would never say.

After the show, Tonya and I went to Times Square. Even though it is a tourist trap, it’s something that you have to do at least once. We then went to Washington Square Park to see the arch.

Next, we headed to the financial district to see the Oculus, very cool architecture, the 9/11 Memorial, definitely sobering, and the Wall Street Christmas tree.

We then took the subway. over to Brooklyn and went to Brooklyn Bridge Park and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden Lightscape, which was very cool.

It was a full day but it was very much worth the time and energy.

12/27/2024

Started off our day in Bryant Park. It was our first Christmas market.

We then hit the New York Public Library. If you know anything about Tonya, you know she was in her element. It was a beautiful library.

A short walk from the library is Grand Central Station. It is truly a quintessential building in New York City.

Next, we went to Kenzie’s apartment and hung out for awhile. It was nice seeing where she lives.

The Broadway play Wicked was next on the agenda. It was our first Broadway play. It was a fantastic show. I did tell Tonya after the play that I feel that part of my childhood was all a lie.

Next, we went to Columbus Circle. It was our second Christmas market of the day.

After Columbus Circle, Tonya and I navigated the subway system for the first time on our own. It didn’t go the smoothest but we figured it out in the end.

The last thing that we did was to get some shots of Macy’s on 34th Street.

12/12/2024

Albuquerque, NM has a lot of different things to see and do. I believe it's an underrated area of the country. Tonya and I spent 4 days there this summer. We totally enjoyed Albuquerque and surrounding area.

In my latest blog post, I share 10 things to do while you're there. From taking a tram to the top of Sandia Peak to attending an Albuquerque Isotopes minor league baseball game or going on a balloon ride, these are just a few of the exciting activities you can enjoy in Albuquerque.

Click the link to read the post. https://travelwidstom.com/10-wonderful-things-to-do-in-albuquerque-nm/

11/21/2024

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is almost here. You know what that means. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Travel Tuesday are almost here, also. So, if you love to shop and you are thinking about buying someone special something for Christmas, I have your back.

In my post, I have over 60 travel essentials that can help you on your next trip. You'll find essentials for entertainment, comfort, electronics and travel gadgets, bags and packing, clothing, security, organization, road safety, and more.

It doesn't matter how you are traveling, you will find something that will meet your needs. You can check out my post by clicking the link. https://travelwidstom.com/60-great-travel-essentials-for-when-you-travel/

11/14/2024

There are many things in life where one size doesn't fit all. Some examples include: hotel slippers, airplane seats, cruise life vests, and plane tray tables. You can add hotel credit cards to the list.

A hotel credit card that may be a good fit for you may not be a good fit for the next person. There are numerous factors to consider when trying to decide what hotel credit card to get.

In my latest blog post, I share what factors you should consider when trying to decide what hotel card to get. Click the link to read the post. https://travelwidstom.com/how-to-select-the-best-hotel-credit-card-for-you/

11/12/2024

The Apple AirTags 4 pack is on sale on Amazon for $69.99. This is the lowest price that I have ever seen for them.

AirTag. Keep track of your keys, wallet, luggage, backpack, and more, all in the Find My app. Play a sound on the built-in speaker, or say “Hey Siri, find my gym bag.” With select iPhone models, Precision Finding can lead you right to your nearby AirTag. If it’s further away, hundreds of milli...

11/08/2024

When you join the newsletter, you will get exclusive travel tips, new posts, and special offers that will be sent right to your inbox. I promise it will be worth your while. Just click on the link to join. subscribepage.io/xJWuY0

11/07/2024

Great Sand Dunes National Park was different than any other national park that I have ever been to. The park is like one big sand box that has 5 peaks that are over 700 feet in height.

You can hike on the sand dunes, sled down them and even sand board on them. The dunes are really impressive. Plus, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains are a backdrop for the dunes. I love me some mountains.

In my latest blog post, I share what Tonya and I did in the park. I also share a bonus stop that we did at Zapata Falls just down the road from Great Sand Dunes. https://travelwidstom.com/how-to-spend-a-day-in-great-sand-dunes-national-park/

11/04/2024

10/31/2024

Yellowstone National Park is a very large and diverse park. The park has geysers, lakes, springs, canyons, rivers, open ranges, mudpots, lots of wildlife and so much more.

This past summer Tonya and I spent two action packed days in the park. We had a great time and in my new blog post I share the two day itinerary that we did while in the park.

It can help you see where you can fly into, places to stay, and things to do. Click the link to read the post. https://travelwidstom.com/yellowstone-itinerary-how-to-spend-2-great-days-in-yellowstone/

10/24/2024

I don't know anyone that doesn't like to save money on travel. My wife and I were able to save over $7,700 on the vacation that we took over the summer.

In my latest blog post, I share what we did to stay 14 nights in hotels and take 8 way one flights for less than $160. Saving money on hotels and flights allowed us to do things on the trip that we wouldn't have been able to do, otherwise.

I hope by reading the post you see that it isn't that hard and it's something that you can do. https://travelwidstom.com/how-to-save-over-7000-in-travel/