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how to fly first class for free elite status delta american

Unlock First Class: Simple Steps to Elite Status

I fly in class on almost 85% of my trips. Yet, I am a budget traveler and have never paid for it. My first-class upgrades are courtesy of being an elite-status member with American Airlines. Today, I will expose how I have maintained elite status for the last six years. And did I mention that you don’t need an airline credit card for this? It’s simply two words: Shopping Portal. American Airlines has a shopping portal that allows you to...

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Sandals: The time I stayed at a couples resort alone

Oh my gawd. The title sounds so sad and pathetic! A single woman staying at a popular resort amongst honeymooners and couples. But it was not that bad! I’ve always wanted to stay at a Sandal’s resort! Way back, before I actually even started traveling solo, I was always in awe of their properties. Their commercials are so enticing and dreamy. The hotels on the beach seem so luxurious, with infinity pools and overwater bungalows. I just knew the possibility...

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Why Do Some Friends Become Jealous When You Travel?

This is more of a vent post. I hate even posing the question, but it’s become something that I’ve had to deal with in the past few years. I can’t seem to understand why people you consider friends are so weird and jealous when it comes to traveling! Like, are my only friends going to be strangers I relate to online in Facebook travel groups? Is the quick and simple answer that I honestly do not have any real friends?...

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The Future of This Blog: What to Expect in 2025

I can’t believe it’s already 2025! I’m super excited about the new year! I know it’s pretty strange, but I prefer odd years! During even years, things seem more stagnant and challenging – everything seems to flow better in my odd years. Maybe it’s just a me thing? Looking back, last year wasn’t too bad. I completed many home improvements (draining my savings account in the process 😕). I started a two-year photography certificate program, which means you can look...

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How I Conquered my First Solo Trip to Mexico

Lately, I’ve been very nostalgic and reflective. Maybe it’s because this year is coming to an end. I’ve been thinking a lot about the content I want to write about and the future of this website. And I randomly thought about my first-ever solo trip to Mexico and how far I’ve come. Eight years ago, I may have had an early quarter-life crisis. I was fed up working, waiting for a paycheck, paying bills, and repeating the cycle. I had...

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Why I Started This Blog: My Journey So Far

I just noticed that I published twenty-eight blog posts without a single introduction! I figured my about-me section would be enough; every blog has one, but they seem so standard and repetitive. Who is the person behind the site? I guess I just really wanted to introduce myself and say hello with a big air hug! So, hello. My name is Daphne, and welcome to my website. I created this travel blog to share my experiences and insights from my...

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Breaking Free: Why I Chose to Travel Alone

If you didn’t catch my brief introduction, I’ve been traveling solo for almost eight years. Throughout every trip I’ve taken, people have asked me why I’m traveling alone. It’s interesting to reflect on how my answer to that question has evolved since I first started traveling. Initially, I started traveling solo, like many others do, because I got tired of waiting for others to join me. I have a great small circle of friends, but we all have different lifestyles and...

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My Review of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex After One Year

I just got an alert that my $350 annual card fee was due. So, I thought what better time to discuss my Delta Platinum SkyMiles American Express Card! My first credit card was actually the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card. I had it for about six years, before I decided to upgrade to the platinum last November. There were three reasons why I decided to upgrade. The first was that Delta changed the criteria for medallion qualification, which meant...

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How Much Do Popular Destinations Really Cost (Tokyo)?

One of my main reasons for creating this website was to discuss how much it really cost to travel. Before I started traveling solo, I followed so many content creators. From bloggers to YouTubers, I was trying to soak up as much information as I could before I started traveling alone. One thing that I rarely came across was someone who stated exactly how much they spent on trips. Some people may consider it tacky or distasteful. But, here on...

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Is My Calpak Luggage Still Reliable After a Year?

In the past eight years of traveling solo, I have been through some luggage. My first suitcases were the kind you find at TJ Maxx and Marshalls. After those fell apart, I moved on up to Macy’s to a Jessica Simpson navy and cream print set! I was so excited for my first matching set, I even purchased the tote that matched the two suitcases. My poor luggage barely made it through five trips. After that I went back to...