Visit Bronx Zoo on any Wednesday and pay what you want for admission. Suggested donation is $16 and they hope that you pay what you honestly can, it’s for the animals after all! You may wish to pay Nothing if you like – translation: Completely FREE. So Wednesday is the obvious day for a jaunt up to the Bronx Zoo Right? Wrong!

While you may choose to pay nothing at the door, or be able to purchase the “total experience” (i.e. to see the stuff you go to zoos to see) for $12.95 instead of $30, there’s the hidden cost of enduring the raging sea of humanity. The walking paths throughout the zoo were infested with people. Young, lackadaisical parents  amble about as their storm of spawn swirl around them Lord of the Flies style. When these parents grew bored of apathy, they incited a stroller aggression that 7th ave in park slope merely hints at.

The alarming info-signs scattered throughout the zoo that warn of the ravages of human population growth and deforestation were particularly grim given the context. My misanthropy was duly tested.

When I could get a glimpse of any of the exhibits from behind mobs of jackasses jockeying for optimum phone cam angles and/or squealing kids banging on shit to get the animals’ attention, the zoo was impressive in both scale and curation. The gorilla area is one of the most extensive I’ve seen at a zoo. The Asian rainforest exhibit is well executed. There are also a bunch of very rare and fun South American primates that were immune to crowds. I didn’t ride the monorail (re: end of 2nd paragraph).

My advice: Pony up the $30 for the total experience on a random Monday morning in the spring or fall.

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This is a quick review of Barclays Carnival MasterCard. I will post a detailed review soon.

What is Offered?

• 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 months after account opening (after promotion period – variable APR appliews which is currently 13.99% – 20.99%)
• You will get 5,000 bonus points when you use your card for the first time – approximate value is $50
• You will earn DOUBLE points on any purchase made on Carnival Cruise or Carnival.com
• You will get 1 point per $1 spent everywhere else
• You can redeem points for cruises on Carnival or for purchasing gifts and services, merchandise or gift cards onboard Carnival Cruises
• No Annual Fee

This card sucks – really really sucks - It has a Lousy Bonus offer – 5000 points only. If Barclays wants to be taken seriously then they need up their game. I can get 5000 United Miles with my Chase United MileagePlus card simply by signing up for Netflix trial periods. In addition, Barclays is notorious in approving for lower level card then what you initially applied for. They state this in their terms and conditions -

“Benefits will vary depending upon the card for which you are approved. Not everyone will qualify for the World MasterCard. If at the time of your application you do not meet the credit or income criteria for this offer, we may not be able to open an account for you or you may receive a Platinum Card.”

They are also offering additional 5000 Bonus Fun Points if you do a balance transfer of $5000 or more withing first 30 days of opening the account. This is another ridiculous offer because first of all Balance transfers are not Free, you have to pay a balance transfer fee which could be anywhere fro $25 to $150 on $5000 balance.  And moreover they want you to transfer the balance withing first 30 days of opening the account.

This card is only good if you Travel on Carnival Cruises a lot and buy many products and services onboard. You earn DOUBLE points on all those purchases.

Overall, This is not a good card for most folks.

If you are still interested in getting this card, the please use the link below. It will be at NO COST to you – you will receive the same deal whether you click through my link or go to the website directly. If you use these links, I will get a small commission which will help to recover the costs associated with running this blog. Gracias!
 

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The best travel moments are almost always unexpected. Yet going off-script usually entails endangering the most valuable commodity a tourist has: Time. We must be ready to give up a sure thing ( a major attraction, a picturesque location, a buzzed-about cafe) for the unfamiliar ( turning down a dirt road, approaching a stranger, stepping through a door).

I travel with a more unwieldy to-do list than most, one which I assemble from friends, colleagues, readers & my Web research. There’s always more in my itinerary than I possibly could accomplish.

Yet, my most treasured lifelong memories come from exploring streets and neighborhoods early in the morning in any new city. Wandering before the other tourists are out and about has given me the chance to see locals on their way to work, appreciate beautiful views and historic monuments all to myself, and given me the courage to let myself get lost and interact in more meaningful ways.

A few years ago my family rented an apartment for a few days in a neighborhood near Piazza Navona in Rome. While my wife and kids slept, I snuck out just after dawn to take walks. I had no idea how magnificent Bernini’s fountains in the piazza were until I saw them up close, in a still-quiet city, without having to jostle my way through throngs of people. And I will never ever forget rounding a corner to find myself face to face with the Pantheon without another soul in site. I sat down and soaked up that moment. I always returned to our apartment exhilarated after such walks.

So folks, take a chance and take off beat paths find lifelong memories while travelling. As its said in the Chinese proverb -A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.

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This is a Guest Post by Katherine Harper.

Skyscrapers, traffic, noise, and confusion. New York City is not your typical island. But people don’t go to New York for the fruity drinks and beach umbrellas. New York is for getting lost in a sea of strange faces and then finding yourself perfectly at home in a small bookstore or cozy café. It’s multiculturalism at its best: foreign fashions, international cuisine, and curious customs all renting space side-by-side. Manhattan, being an island, offers a terrific concentration of culture within its borders. There are hundreds of tour offerings, attesting to how very much there is to see.

The Hudson River forms Manhattan’s western border just as the East River does on the opposite side of town. Henry Hudson of the Dutch East India Company initially mapped present-day New York City, and the megalopolis as we know it grew north from its first settlement at the southern tip of the island.

Manhattan sits among several neighboring islands (Ellis Island, Liberty Island, Randall’s Island, Roosevelt Island) and has direct access to Brooklyn via the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge provides a fantastic (and free!) way to both view the city from a distance and also be a part of its awe-inspiring presence.

Seen from the water, Manhattan is breathtaking. Some choose the Circle Line or Staten Island Ferry while others with more flexible budgets choose to charter a yacht to take in the cityscape from a distance. The experience is memorable regardless of one’s choice of water craft.

Addresses in Manhattan are generally grouped as being Downtown, Midtown, or Uptown. 5^th Avenue runs up the middle, dividing the island between east and west. The center of New York City is home to Central Park, which affords some respite from the buildings with over 800 acres of greenery. Central Park contains lakes and playgrounds, a zoo and conservatory, two skating rinks, and pedestrian friendly paths for walking, jogging, or biking. Speaking of pedestrian friendly, consider hoofin’ it. It’s the best way to see the city’s nooks and crannies and there are free guided walking tours available.

There are many distinct neighborhoods in Manhattan with quirks all their own. The muddled streets of Greenwich Village, trendy hangouts in TriBeCa, revitalized tenements of the Lower East Side, and notorious past of Hell’s Kitchen all help keep New York City diversified. One such area, Chelsea, is known for its art scene, and the Chelsea Piers also serve as a reminder that you are on a working waterfront.

The Chelsea Pier complex overlooks the Hudson and hosts a golf range, fitness center, spa, bowling alley, and microbrewery. The High Line (raised pedestrian walkway) runs through Chelsea, and you can make a quick stop in the Chelsea Market if you work up an appetite. As you might guess, you will also see boats docked here as New York City Boat Charter operates out of Chelsea Pier.

What is your favorite mode of transportation? Would you rather drive your car through Lincoln Tunnel or take a private helicopter directly onto a city rooftop? My personal preference is to sail into New York just as the sun is coming up. The view is spectacular, and you’ll feel like you’ve arrived in style. North Cove Marina in the Financial District and Marina Rinaldi on the eastside both accommodate private boats.

The commercial aspects of New York City are synonymous with its fast pace, but you can definitely find ways to take it slowly and enjoy quiet moments. Step inside the public library or one of the many museums if you need a break from the cacophony. Otherwise, step right up, buy your ticket, and get ready to be thoroughly entertained!

[Katherine Harper is a guest blogger and frequent traveler, visiting New York City often as so much changes in the city that never sleeps. And when in Manhattan, neither does she.]

The post Reasons to Tour the Isle of Manhattan appeared first on Travel Haggler's Blog.

One of the readers of this Blog – Bruce E sent this request – Rick, I am looking for advice in dealing with TransUnion and Equifax to remove credit disputes from credit report quickly. Can you give any advice at all in a speedy dispute removal with the credit bureaus.

Best way to handle this situation is to contact each Credit Bureaus directly. You will need to provide a letter from the Creditor stating that Account is not in Dispute any more. Once you get the letter, use the below information to contact each credit bureau directly.

Experian

Address – 475 Anton Blvd. Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Telephone – 714-830-7000

Tip – Phone is answered by a live human being, tell them you need the Executive Customer Service Team to end the dispute(s), Their hours are 8AM-5PM Pacific Time

Equifax

Address - 1550 Peachtree St NW Atlanta, GA 30309

Telephone - 404-885-8300

Tip – Phone is answered by a live human being, tell them you need to speak with someone in the Executive Consumer Service department.

TransUnion

Address – 555 W Adams St, Chicago, IL 60661

Telephone - 312-985-2000

Tip - It has a machine greeting but just stay on the line and you are transferred to a live person, tell them you need to speak with someone in the Special Handling Department, you’ll have to wait a little bit as they need to connect to customer service then get it elevated to the Special Handling Department (it is hit or miss, TransUnion often proves to be the most challenging). And if you cannot get the Special Handling Department, then contact the normal customer service again and say that you need to dispute the compliance condition remarks code of “AID” (Account In Dispute) because you are no longer disputing the account. The customer service rep should be able to immediately end the dispute, as in during the phone call.

Also Note – that there are some situations that disputes cannot be ended by the consumer, and must be ended by the creditor, such as if there are multiple disputes on the same trade line. And remember – always be patient with the customer service reps, as they are trying to help you but may have limited authority depending on where the customer service call center is based. If there are confusing terms being used, don’t be afraid to admit you do not understand what they are saying and ask for them to re-explain or to transfer you to their supervisor.

The post Tips To Remove Disputes From Your Credit Report appeared first on Travel Haggler's Blog.

For everybody who is a college student with minimal credit, but yet needs a credit card that have no annual fee, the Discover Student card is the right choice for you. You can read my complete review of this card here

Discover has now come with a New Offer for Discover Card for Students that gives them $20 Cashback Bonus

Highlights of this Card:

• No annual fee. No overlimit fee. No foreign transaction fee & no pay-by-phone fee. No late fee on your first late payment.
• 5% cash back in categories that change throughout the year like gas, restaurant, movies, and more up to $1,500 in purchases with free and easy sign-up. And 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• Cashback Concerige who guides a free, personalized online tour to help you get the most out of your rewards for how you use your card.
• Choose your own due date and pay up to midnight ET online or by phone.
• Talk to a real person any time with 100% U.S.-based service.
• $0 Fraud Liability Guarantee.
• Cash rewards with $20 Cashback Bonus® after your first purchase within 3 months of approval.
• Annual Fee: $0
• Credit Needed: Fair

The post New Offer for Discover Card for Students appeared first on Travel Haggler's Blog.

One of my readers – Logan W sent me this question -

Rick, Does you know what is Max limit to the Discover Students credit card? I applied for the Student Discover credit card recently and shall be receiving it in the mail soon. My father co-signed since I’m only 20 and don’t make a lot of money. My father makes pretty good money, and I was wondering if my card limit would depend on how much he makes since he co-signed?  If not, how much can a part-timer minimum wage guy like me will have? Thanks!

Well that’s a very good question and also relevant for a lot of students.  What I have seen is Student Cards are very limited – They get a credit limit between $500 – $1000. $750 is their normal starting limit. Also Logan’s father’s income will not mean much for his credit limit. They just want a backup for Logan in case he doesn’t pay the bills.

The primary reason for such low credit line is due to the fact the most students are considered High Risk. This is due to a fact that most students have Low or No Credit History  as the are just starting to build up their Credit History. Also many of them already have Outstanding debts either outstanding student loans and/or Car loans.

If you’re not happy, there’s nothing wrong with telling the card company that, and asking for a higher limit. Of course, it doesn’t mean you’ll get it. You will usually have a better chance of getting the limit increased after you’ve had the card for a reasonable length of time. The initial ‘review’ period is often around three to six months.

Tip for All College Students - Try to get an on-campus job at a library – then you can get paid to do homework. Or get a job at the gym as a greeter – then your gym fees are free. Frugality and efficiency will get you far once you take a step back from the sheer amount of money and start getting a little creative.

If you follow my blog then you would know that I am a big fan of Discover Cards especially because of their Cash back program. You can read my full review of Discover it card here. And if you don’t have Discover Card then you can apply for one by clicking here or below

The post How much is Maximum Limit on Discover Students credit card? appeared first on Travel Haggler's Blog.

Benefits of Discover Credit Card varies depending on the exact Discover product you have, but here’s a brief overview of the main ones

ShopDiscover

This is one of my favorite things about Discover Credit Cards – they give you access to the ShopDiscover program. What is it you ask? It’s an online shopping portal that offers 5% to 20% Cashback Bonus at many popular online retailers – nearly 200 of them.

This screenshot shows a few of the websites that were participating in the “Fashion” category but there are several others, including electronics, jewelry, travel, beauty/health, books, and more.

I know you’re probably used to credit cards offering these bonus malls for online shopping but what sets Discover apart from the crowd is that overall, they offer the most generous rebates compared to the other guys.

Travel Insurance benefits
Like many credit cards, one of the Discover card benefits is Collision Damage Waiver Insurance on car rentals, which is secondary to your normal auto insurance. There is also Flight Accident Insurance. But let’s hope you never have to use these two Discover benefits!

For 2013 they added a couple NEW benefits. Baggage Delay Insurance covers you for up to $500 in replacement travel essentials if your checked baggage is delayed 3 hours or more. With 24-Hour Roadside Dispatch you pay a pre-negotiated flat fee of $69.95 each time you need service. This is cheaper than what you probably pay if you had to call on your own.

It’s important to read their cardmember agreements so you understand the rules, limitations, and exclusions to the Discover card insurance benefits. What I mentioned above is only a very brief summary!

Coverage on Purchases
Last year they started rolling out these benefits, similar (and in some ways better) than the comparable versions found on other credit card brands:
Purchase Protection – You’re protected for 90 days and up to $500 on stolen or damaged Discover card purchases.
Extended Product Warranty – No need to worry about expired warranties. Discover will extend the terms of an eligible purchased or manufacturer’s warranty for up to 1 additional year.
Return Guarantee – Unhappy with a purchase? Now you can return your purchase within 90 days — regardless of the original store’s policy — and they’ll refund the cost of the item up to $500.
Price Protection – If you see an item you purchased at any store at a lower price within 90 days, they will cover the difference.
Obviously there are a rules and exclusions, but they seem reasonable to me.

Great cash back in 2013
Ever since day one, Discover has branded themselves as a premium choice for rewards, so it’s no surprise that’s the benefit they are most well known for today. For 2013 they discontinued all of their cards and replaced it with a single offer- the It card. This has better rewards than the predecessors because you get 5% on categories and a full 1% on all other purchases:

Great Website for Cardholders
It really boggles my mind… the credit cards are such a big money maker for the banks, yet some of them have websites that look like a 5th grader made them 10 years ago!
I know over the past few years the Discover card website has won awards for being top in the credit card niche. But more importantly, I’ve heard that same sentiment echoed on Credit Card Forum and I personally also like the design and layout of their site the best. It’s easy to navigate and there are useful tools to analyze spending by category and month to keep your budget in check.

No Annual Fee
Last but not least, the new Discover it cards (regular and student versions) have no annual fee. In fact, when they first launched in 1986, they really shook up the credit card industry by offering rewards and no annual fee (unheard of at the time).

If you follow my blog then you would know that I am a big fan of Discover Cards especially because of their Cash back program. You can read my full review of Discover it card here. And if you don’t have Discover Card then you can apply for one by clicking here or below.

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Bumpage, Choppage and Splitting - Am I talking about cooking a dish? Actually NO, I am talking about your Credit Report and Credit Scores.

Let’s Start with Bumpage - What is Bumpage? 

In one line – Bumpage is the process of Removing Hard Inquiries From Your Credit Report – Yes, Seriously!

But how it works?

Remember that Car you were thinking about buying? Credit inquiry. New cell phone? Credit inquiry. What about that store credit card to get a lousy 10% off? Credit inquiry.

Soft inquiries (those inquries that you DON’T initiate  for credit) such as pulling your credit report do not harm your score. Credit inquiries resulting from you requesting credit hurt your score. These are “hard inquiries” and most people think they won’t go away until they naturally fall off your credit report (2 years by law). There is a way to get the inquiries off sooner.

Each credit bureau such as Equifax (EQ) Trans Union (TU) or Experian (EX) has slots in which they put your inquiries, Hard or Soft. Basically bumpage is filling all the slots for credit inquiries with soft inquiries. The new soft inquiries “bump” off the hard inquiries and raise your credit score. NOTE: This will NOT work with Experian.

Use Bumpage only if you have MANY inquiries you’d like to get off relatively soon. If you pull every day, it should take about 90 days to bump your hard inquiries. It takes a little determination, but 90 days is a lot better than two years. I used this tactic after my App-O-Rama (signed up for 6-8 credit cards at once for 0% offers and bonuses), and healed my score in short order.

Now you will ask, then What is Choppage and Splitting?

A credit bureau deletes the soft inquiry from your credit report – the same soft inquiries that you are creating in an attempt to bump the hard inquiries.

And In Splitting, a credit bureau actually split your profile into two files mainly due to the file size constraints on their system and due to the fact that the your file has grown too big due to all the soft inquiries you are generating to bump the hard inquiries.

Be Aware that some credit bureaus tends to reinsert hard inquiries after you bump them. Transunion is one of them. They don’t do it for everyone but if you read on Creditboards you will read about folks who spend money bumping their hard inquiries on TransUnion, only to have them reinserted.

Another thing is that there are independent services like Advanced Resolution Services (ARS ) that record your Visa applications, which can reveal how many applications you are making. The only bank I know of that currently rejects for inquiries when you have bumped them is U.S. Bank which gets the info on your previous applications from ARS.

All in all I used to do this in the past but now I think you get a lot less bang for your buck since inquiries may be reinserted and there are other companies keeping track of your apps so there is less value in bumping now than there was three or four years ago.

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This is a Guest Post by Alex Shale

“KaZantip” what the heck is that?

KaZantip is a place where the most breathtaking music parties run 24 hours a day. It’s one month of non-stop music, discos, fun, love, freedom and relaxation in the sun at descent beaches of Crimea, right on the Black Sea. The KaZantip republic is one of the biggest, longest and craziest places to be at. It’s a place of the most amazing techno, trance and house music produced by hundreds of world- known DJ’s coming from all over the world to become a part of this exciting event.

When is KaZantip’s opening day in 2013?

It is Wednesday, 31^st July 2013 and Kazantip will last for 2 weeks in 2013, till Wednesday, 14^thAugust 2013

Where is KaZantip?

KaZantip takes place on the fine sandy beaches of the resort town of Popovka (in Ukrainian spelt as Popivka) in Crimea, Southern Ukraine. The closest big city to Popovka is Evpatoria located 30 kilometers (18 miles) away. Popovka has one of the longest, widest, cleanest and most beautiful sandy beaches on the whole Crimean Coast. It is also known due to the most beautiful sunsets on the Black Sea. The sea water has a low salt content and is very mild here.

There are different means of transportation that can get you here.

If you are a lucky holder of a US passport or European Union passport, then you do not need a visa to enter Ukraine. All you need to do is to purchase your ticket to Simferopol, which is the capital city of Crimea. We recommend that you book round-trip tickets in advance. First, the sooner you book, the more you save. Also, please be advised that there are plenty of people who travel to Crimea during the summer season, and tickets may be a little scarce.

And if you want more information about Kazantip Party, You can check out this website -  http://www.thecrimea.org.ua/. This website will give you very detailed information about Kazantip, Europe’s biggest music party taking place on the beaches of Popovka, Southern Ukraine.

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