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Only the latest slick travel news
The first US hotel with flight simulators is opening this fall
https://thepointsguy.com/news/us-hotel-flight-simulator-hotel-polaris/
Have you always dreamed of engaging in a virtual F-16 battle? Do you wish to play commercial airline captain for a day while attempting a landing at the world’s busiest airport? You don’t have to wait too long or travel too far to fulfill your AvGeek fantasies. When the Hotel Polaris opens this fall, it’ll …
Flight cancellations soar past 4,500 as woes spill into Saturday; Delta and United hardest hit
https://thepointsguy.com/news/flight-cancellations-it-outage-weekend/
Flight cancellations continue to climb this weekend in the wake of Friday’s IT outage that wreaked havoc globally — affecting everything from air travel to banking and critical infrastructure. Though airlines successfully got planes back in the air Friday following early-morning operational pauses by several carriers, residual disruptions have made Saturday another messy day at …
What it’s like to stay at The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton
https://thepointsguy.com/reviews/the-caledonian-edinburgh-hotel/
[circuit type=review circuit_id=”8748″] The Caledonian Edinburgh is a charming historic former railway hotel. Adjacent to the Princes Street Gardens, the location is perfect for seeing the sights in both Old Town and New Town. The warm and friendly staff make this property feel grand but homey. The hotel is worth a visit but will be …
How to skip long rental car pick-up lines for free
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/avoid-waiting-in-rental-car-line/
Editor’s note: This post has been updated with new information. The last thing you want after your flight is to see a long car rental pick-up line — or worse, to be told there’s no car for you left at all. A while ago, I booked a car with Hertz from the Orlando International Airport …
15 Alaska cruise mistakes you never want to make
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/alaska-cruise-mistakes-to-avoid/
For many, an Alaska cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You don’t want to screw it up because you might not get the chance for a do-over. Unfortunately, it’s easier than you think to make Alaska cruise mistakes that can ruin a trip or prevent you from experiencing Alaska to the fullest. While cruises to the …
Is the Capital One Venture Rewards card worth it?
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/is-capital-one-venture-card-worth-it/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. If you’re wondering whether a travel rewards credit card is right for you, consider your travel goals and determine which card fits your lifestyle the best and whether it’s worth paying the annual fee. If your goal is to save on …
ITA Airways is offering a generous status match, including expired elite status
https://thepointsguy.com/news/skyteam-status-match-ita-airways/
A new status match opportunity offers SkyPriority benefits on SkyTeam alliance flights like those operated by Delta Air Lines, and, in a unique twist, you can even match your expired status. Italy-based carrier ITA Airways, which took over operations from former Italian national carrier Alitalia, is offering a status match to elite status members on …
Hyatt reportedly near deal to link up with Standard Hotels brand
https://thepointsguy.com/news/hyatt-standard-hotels-takeover/
The lifestyle hotel sector continues to woo some of the world’s largest hotel companies, it seems. Hyatt is once again on the cusp of making a play for an established lifestyle hotel brand. The Chicago-based hotel company is in advanced talks to acquire Standard International, Bloomberg reports. Standard International operates a global network of hotels …
When does it make sense to buy points and miles?
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/when-to-buy-points-miles/
Did you know that many loyalty programs will sell you their program’s points or miles currency with no strings attached? You can jump online, log in to your account and buy points or miles with a credit card and a few clicks. These programs usually have generous purchase limits, meaning you could top up your …
9 domestic lounges that are worth going out of your way for
https://thepointsguy.com/news/best-airport-lounges-in-the-us/
Editor’s note: This post was updated with new information. More than ever, I’ve been skipping the airport lounge and heading straight to the gate. With so many lounge-eligible travelers taking to the skies, many outposts continue to suffer from overcrowding. This leads to waitlists for entry, dirty tables inside and understocked (and underwhelming) buffets. If …
Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for a sailing up north
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/alaska-cruise-packing-list/
Packing for an Alaska cruise does not have to be a stressful experience. Yes, you will be visiting some places where the weather might be chillier than back home, but you will not encounter truly Arctic conditions. Away from the viewing sites of magnificent glaciers and icefields that brought you to Alaska, you might even …
Alaska Airlines unveils big cabin retrofits, adding premium seats to Boeing 737s
https://thepointsguy.com/news/alaska-airlines-boeing-737-retrofits-first-class-premium/
Premium demand is surging, and Alaska Airlines is betting that travelers will want to splurge for premium seats for the long haul. The Seattle-based carrier announced on Wednesday that it would add new first class and extra-legroom seats to its aircraft as part of a retrofit program covering its Boeing 737 fleet, which will add …
Earn up to 90,000 points with these Choice Privileges Mastercard offers
https://thepointsguy.com/news/new-wells-fargo-choice-privileges-card-launch/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information. Wells Fargo has two Choice Privileges credit cards. A no-annual-fee Choice Privileges® Mastercard® (see rates and fees) and a $95 annual fee Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard® (see rates and fees). Both have compelling limited-time sign-up bonuses. Hotel credit cards can provide significant value …
Park Hyatt London River Thames now accepting reservations
https://thepointsguy.com/news/park-hyatt-london-river-thames/
Just in time for the fall and holiday travel season, one of the most anticipated hotels in London is almost ready to open its doors. According to the hotel website, Park Hyatt London River Thames is open for reservations from Oct. 1 onward. However, available rooms didn’t appear until the beginning of November during TPG’s …
The 9 best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler in 2025
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/best-alaska-cruises/
Even with a season that only runs from April through October, Alaska draws roughly 40 big cruise ships and dozens of smaller cruise vessels each year, making it one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world after the Caribbean and Europe. The best Alaska cruises range from off-the-beaten-path voyages on vessels carrying fewer …
The 6 best Alaska cruise shore excursions — from heli-hiking to whale watching
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/best-alaska-cruise-ship-excursions/
There are some cruise destinations — Barcelona, for instance, or Venice — where you really don’t need to sign up for shore excursions. You can just walk off the ship and head to the major attractions on your own. For the most part, the ports of Alaska aren’t like that. To get the most out …
How and why to book Bluegreen Vacations resorts through Choice Hotels
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/bluegreen-vacations-choice-points/
Bluegreen Vacations, an American private vacation ownership brand owned by Hilton Grand Vacations, is best known for its timeshare properties. But you don’t have to purchase a timeshare to stay at a Bluegreen Vacations resort — you can book 15 Bluegreen Vacations properties through Choice Hotels. You can even redeem Choice Privileges points for your …
Deal alert: Points and miles travel deals for July 2024
https://thepointsguy.com/news/points-and-miles-travel-deals/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Some of the below offers may be targeted. Citi is a TPG advertising partner. From lucrative deals for bonus points on hotel stays to generous sales of airline miles, we’re finding plenty of travel deals to help you earn and redeem …
Are you eligible for the Capital One Venture Rewards’ welcome bonus?
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/eligible-capital-one-venture-rewards-bonus/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers solid perks for a mid-tier $95 annual fee card (see rates and fees). Right now, for a limited time, new cardholders will receive a one-time $250 Capital One Travel welcome credit upon account …
Thousands of flights affected after global IT outage — what we know so far
https://thepointsguy.com/news/crowdstrike-it-outage-travel-delays-cancelations/
Editor note: This article has been updated with the latest information. A global Windows operating system glitch has caused significant disruptions across various industries worldwide, including travel. The major IT outages has led some airlines to temporarily ground their planes this morning, triggering disruptions that are shaping up to make Friday a travel headache — …
Why having the Spirit Airlines credit card isn’t crazy
https://thepointsguy.com/news/spirit-airlines-credit-card/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. There’s an airline credit card that can offer incredible value when it comes to affordable travel. This credit card allows you to earn award flights, pool your points together and even achieve elite status solely based on spend. So, what card is …
Choice Privileges Select Mastercard review: Elite status and bonus points each year
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/choice-privileges-select-mastercard-review/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Choice Privileges Select Mastercard overview The Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard® (see rates and fees) is a compelling option for travelers who enjoy staying at Choice Hotels® properties. The card offers valuable perks, including 10 points per dollar when you use it …
Has Royal Caribbean finally hit its limit for giant ships? The cruise line’s CEO sparks speculation
https://thepointsguy.com/news/royal-caribbean-smaller-cruise-ships/
Is the era of ever-larger ships at Royal Caribbean coming to an end? Comments that the line’s CEO, Michael Bayley, made this week are sparking renewed speculation on the topic. Speaking during a preview event for the line’s new Utopia of the Seas, Bayley suggested Royal Caribbean’s next new class of ships (to be called …
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge: A stylish urban oasis with a rooftop pool
https://thepointsguy.com/reviews/1-hotel-brooklyn-bridge/
[circuit type=review circuit_id=”8613″] Editor’s note: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge provided TPG with a complimentary stay and some on-site meals and experiences so that we could get an inside look at the hotel and its amenities. The opinions expressed below are entirely those of the author and weren’t subject to review by the hotel or any …
Existing Marriott Bonvoy cardholders: Earn up to 10,000 points with this special promotion
https://thepointsguy.com/news/marriott-bonvoy-cardholder-promotion/
If you hold an eligible Marriott Bonvoy credit card and have been looking for an opportunity to earn more Bonvoy points, then you are in luck. Marriott is offering a limited-time promotion for current cardholders to earn some bonus points. Let’s take a look at this special promotion. Offer details If you have an eligible …
Stuck in coach with no elite status? That upgrade might be cheaper than you think
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/how-to-get-cheap-upgrades-on-a-flight/
Unless you’re a true road warrior and travel every week, the spending requirements for elite status with airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines are likely out of reach. Plus, status is just less valuable than it used to be. Gone are the days of complimentary upgrades for elite members, along …
American Airlines announces improvements to the AAdvantage Business program
https://thepointsguy.com/news/american-airlines-aadvantage-business-changes/
Citi is a TPG advertising partner. AAdvantage Business, American Airlines’ corporate loyalty program, has announced several changes, which should be welcome news to business travelers. Effective immediately, AAdvantage Business members will now earn Loyalty Points and AAdvantage miles for bookings made through third-party travel agencies. This reverses a recent decision to restrict earnings to those …
Earn 50,000 miles and a discounted companion ticket with this Alaska Airlines card offer
https://thepointsguy.com/news/current-alaska-card-offer/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. If you’re looking to boost your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan balance, here is a good opportunity to do so. New applicants for the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card can buy one ticket and get one ticket for just the cost …
9 headphones still on sale for Amazon Prime Day — from Bose to Sony
https://thepointsguy.com/news/best-headphones-sale/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Flights can be chaotic. You might encounter fussy babies, talkative neighbors, a person watching a movie without headphones or maybe even the sound of 100 ukuleles. In order to relax, sometimes you need to tune out everyone around you. Your best …
This bestselling fan is on sale for $14 and it’ll change your life
https://thepointsguy.com/deals/jisulife-handheld-mini-fan/
This is the last day to score deals on everything from luggage to headphones during this summer’s Amazon Prime Day event. We are still finding amazing prices on must-have travel items. One of those items is a handheld mini fan that is absolutely necessary for your summer travels. For today only, this fan is 45% …