Mile Nerd

Thanks to reader Brian for letting me know the Ebates 15% deal for extra cash back was “extended” for one day. I put extended in quotes because Ebates can be vague and confusing. I see where it says “extended for one day only,” but I’m not seeing an exact date/time when this ends. Also, it looks like some stores aren’t showing up anymore. So I’m not clear on the details, but if you were interested in that deal and didn’t get a chance to take advantage, I’d probably take a look now.

Speaking of paying for hotels (shoot me now), Fairmont’s 15% promo is back this afternoon from 1:00 to 3:00 EST. I’ve stayed at a few of their properties and have always been impressed. Seems like this promo comes around once or twice a year and it’s pretty simple…you buy a gift card and they give you a bonus one for an additional 15%. Some of you still have your 2 free nights to burn, so this might be a nice way to stretch out your stay. Have a great weekend, nerds!

If you’ve been burning through hotel points like I have, you’re probably considering dreaded pay-with-cash options for some of your summer stays.

It hurts, I know.

Using actual money seems like the caveman way of traveling.

Anyway, Hotels.com usually has competitive prices (and a decent rewards program), so this week I’ve been looking at the following there:

• Promo code SAVE8MAY17 takes 8% off if you book by Sunday and stay by June 18th.
• Going through some of these portals will also take a solid chunk off the price (up to 9%).
• A couple of my American Express cards still offer Hotels.com savings when I log in to activate my Amex Offers.
• Discounted Hotels.com gift cards are pretty easy to find.

It ain’t free nights, but sometimes I need to pull out the ol’ wallet.

P.S.  Pulling out the ol’ wallet is a torturous, soul-sucking ordeal eased only by the knowledge that I’m still saving money.

P.P.S.  The feeling when I use Hyatt points is much better.

New York reader Jameel said his local Macerich mall isn’t charging fees on Visa gift cards through Sunday. Might be worth a trip to see if one near you has the same promo. While you’re hunting, try checking out AAA too. Their regular-ish no-fee deal is back (at least in some locations) through the end of June.