#2 - COVID updates and Launch of ErvTravels Consulting
My articles, links, and more tips and strategies to maximize your credit card rewards
Thank you so much for checking out the newsletter. I will use this platform to send out links to my articles, other blogs, and other news and notes about travel hacking and credit card rewards. I will also use this space to provide some quick thoughts and updates in the world of Erv (that’s me).
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Getting some fresh air in Maokong (through a mask of course)…
This is an upbeat hello from Taipei, Taiwan. I’ve been delaying the publishing of this newsletter because things are changing so fast. It’s amazing how much has changed in just one week. As of now, our trip has been delayed indefinitely, for obvious reasons. The USA seems to be in complete lockdown (I say ‘seems’ because the masses of free-minded people will still get their green-dyed beer and Guinness on St. Patrick’s Day). All sports leagues and events have been suspended or delayed. The US has put serious travel restrictions on anyone coming and going. I hope that these decisions will slow the spread of the virus and get life back to normal for my friends and loved ones back home.
On the bright side, this has been a great time to catch up with friends and family. Over the past week, I’ve talked to friends all over the world to get their sense of what’s going on in their areas. These conversations have changed drastically with each passing day. It doesn’t seem like worry and panic are wide-spread based on our discussions. Mostly, people are doing what they should, stocking up on food, and preparing for a few weeks of isolation. It’s reassuring to hear that most everyone is taking things seriously if only for the benefit of our fellow human being.
It can even be seen as a peer-shaming initiative. We all know we should be at home. And if you’re not, I have the right to give you an earful. But that’s not to say everyone has the willpower to hibernate. Even we succumbed to the urge of social interaction. We went out to a popular lounge last Saturday night to meet some friends celebrating a wedding. Even though it was only operating at about 25% capacity, we felt uneasy, cautious, and certainly a bit idiotic. The evening only included one drink but plenty of handshakes and close quarters pleasantries. Needless to say, we have learned our lesson. It just isn’t worth it for the sake of ourselves and the people around us.
Matching vests and masks…
Taiwan updates:
Getting out for a hike while the weather was nice…
I’ve had to update this section many times in the past few days. The country has been in the news lately and received plenty of praise for its handling of the pandemic. But over the past week, the number of confirmed cases has doubled (50 to 100) mostly from people returning after traveling to highly infected areas. It seems like the population has relaxed a bit thinking the wave has passed. This last week has been a wake-up call. The government has barred entry into the country for all foreign nationals. And they require a 14-day quarantine for anyone that is allowed to enter. The city/county government has taken an extra step in banning travel abroad for all students and teachers. This was after a high school student tested positive after returning from a trip to Greece. Even Eddie Huang (Fresh Off the Boat and Baohaus) was publicly shamed for galavanting around Taipei after ‘escaping’ the US.
Keep it to yourself, Eddie…
That being said, life hasn’t changed much in Taiwan. We aren’t practicing the level of social distances as recommended in other parts of the world. Schools and cram schools (where I work) are still open. Bars and restaurants are still quite busy. It’s hard to speculate what will happen over the next few weeks or even days. I hope that the leadership and the people here display the same level of awareness and preparation as the past few months.
This is a great graphic from the Central News Agency of Taiwan. Unfortunately, the graphic was a lot smaller a few days ago. And I fear it will be too hard to update as the spread continues (It’s now at 100!)
Launch of ErvTravels Consulting
This might seem like a strange time to be thinking about travel. But before you go stir-crazy and book the first flight out when this is all over, let’s have a conversation about how to pay for that much-needed vacation. You can take this free time at home to organize your finances and better prepare for your next trip. The package includes a consultation, full-detailed report, and follow-up conversations to help you maximize your credit card rewards. Let’s set up a time to chat if only for the human interaction.
Links and articles:
1. Round 2 of my Taiwan food series is…NOODLES!
As you plan for your trip to Taiwan when this is all over, mark down all the great places to get your slurp on.
2. United and Chase have a new premium card offering 100K bonus
This new Visa Infinite card is offering a huge bonus and the best earnings for United spend (4x). This comes with a hefty $525 annual fee.
3. How to use your points other than travel
TPG is offering some tips to use point during this time of restricted travel. Cash-back, statement credits, gift cards, and online purchases are all viable options if you are cash-strapped. You won’t be maximizing the value, but it won’t be a waste either. Maybe the best option is to donate your points to a worthy cause.
If you enjoyed what you read, please share with your friends. You can find more of me here:
💻 ervtravels.com
📷 @ervtravels on Instagram
🤔 @ervtravels on Twitter
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