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Only the latest slick travel news
For the first time in history, you can step inside Balmoral Castle
https://thepointsguy.com/news/how-to-visit-balmoral-castle/
Balmoral Castle’s 167 rooms and lavish grounds have long been kept away from the prying eyes of the public, but for the first time in history, the royal property is now open to visitors. Related: How to spend 1 day in Edinburgh Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, is one of the British royal family’s most …
The complete guide to Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/hertz-gold-rewards/
Editor’s note: This post has been updated with new information. Hertz is one of the largest rental car companies in the world, with locations in over 150 countries on six continents. Over the years, I’ve learned the ins and outs of the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program and found ways to maximize it — though …
Deal alert: Fly to Europe from $109 each way on Norse Atlantic Airways
https://thepointsguy.com/deals/norse-atlantic-airways-us-to-europe/
If you’ve been daydreaming about a European getaway at a solid price, then this sale is for you. Right now, Norse Atlantic Airways is running its “Early Bird Sale,” with flights from the U.S. to Europe starting at $109 each way. This sale involves a large number of routes, including flights from New York City, …
Could kids soon face new restrictions on Royal Caribbean cruise ships? The line’s CEO weighs in
https://thepointsguy.com/news/royal-caribbean-cruise-ship-curfew-changes/
Could kids soon face new restrictions on Royal Caribbean ships? The line’s CEO, Michael Bayley, raised the possibility last week during a preview event for the line’s newest ship, Utopia of the Seas. Speaking to a room full of travel advisers and other attendees at the event, Bayley suggested the line would look into additional …
The ultimate girls getaway: 11 unique destinations for unforgettable experiences
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/ultimate-girls-getaway-trips/
Planning the perfect girls getaway can be challenging — deciding on a destination, activities and accommodations everyone will enjoy is no small feat. But don’t let the logistics deter you from a well-deserved break with your best friends. A girls getaway is more than just a trip; it’s a chance to bond, create lasting memories …
Capital One Travel portal: What to know about redeeming your miles for flights, hotels and more
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/capital-one-travel-portal/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with the latest information. Capital One’s Travel portal, launched in 2021, has significantly improved since its beta release. It now allows Capital One cardholders, including those with cash-back cards, to directly use their rewards for travel purchases. The portal also features updated flight search capabilities and …
7 reasons to get the Capital One Venture Rewards card
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/reasons-to-get-capital-one-venture-rewards/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. The world of points, miles and credit cards can be complex — full of potentially confusing terms and unfamiliar abbreviations. That’s what makes a card like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card such a precious commodity, with its simplicity in redeeming …
Delta Air Lines meltdown: What to do if you’re stranded because of the IT outage
https://thepointsguy.com/news/airline-meltdown-what-to-do-if-stranded/
It’s been a tumultuous few days at U.S. airports. Airlines have canceled thousands of flights since an IT outage affecting Microsoft clients Friday upended operations at industries around the world — including air travel. Delta Air Lines has been hardest hit among U.S. airlines. The Atlanta-based carrier canceled at least 1,200 flights per day on …
Get great Brightline discounts all this week
https://thepointsguy.com/deals/brightline-offers-week-brightweek-flash-sales/
Great news, rail fans: Brightline will offer discounted fares to its email subscribers all this week, courtesy of its Bright Week promotion. The rail company will send out new limited-time deals to its email subscribers from now until Friday. Each offer will last only 24 hours, and you’ll first want to subscribe to its email …
Qatar Airways reveals new Qsuite business-class seats
https://thepointsguy.com/news/qatar-airways-new-qsuite-777x/
Qatar Airways announced its much-anticipated new business-class seats Monday, revealing the next iteration of its nearly decade-old but still industry-leading Qsuite product, and TPG was there to get a very first look. During a packed event at the Farnborough International Airshow outside of London, the airline’s new CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer lifted the curtain and …
Air India’s flagship Airbus A350 with new cabins will fly on New York routes
https://thepointsguy.com/news/air-india-airbus-a350-new-york/
Air India’s new flagship aircraft will make its hotly anticipated U.S. debut later this year. The New Delhi-based carrier announced Monday that it will deploy its new Airbus A350-900 on daily flights from Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) beginning Nov. 1. Then, beginning Jan. 2, …
The best time to cruise to Hawaii
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/best-time-to-cruise-hawaii/
Hawaii is a year-round cruise destination known for its tropical weather and warm South Pacific waters teeming with sea life, so the best time to cruise to Hawaii is often whenever you can get there. But some months are hotter or rainier than others, specific time periods attract more crowds, and certain seasons are known …
The 12 best road trips to take with your family this summer
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/summer-family-road-trips/
Editor’s note: This post has been updated with new information. It was originally published March 22, 2023. The great American road trip is a tried-and-true family tradition. Driving the country’s scenic highways and stopping to explore anything that catches your eye — perhaps a stunning viewpoint, a side-of-the-road lobster shack or a historical marker — …
Capital One Quicksilver Secured credit card review: Earn 1.5% on all purchases and build credit
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/capital-one-quicksilver-secured-review/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Capital One Quicksilver Secured overview The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card is a solid option out there for those with poor or limited credit. While most secured card options are intended to build credit and not earn rewards, …
Flight cancellations now at 6,500 since IT snafu; Delta and United struggling again Sunday
https://thepointsguy.com/news/sunday-flight-cancellations-it-outage/
Editor’s note: this story has been updated with new information Mass flight cancellations snarled U.S. airports for a third consecutive day Sunday, the lingering fallout after a Friday tech glitch affecting Microsoft Windows clients caused worldwide I.T. infrastructure outages— and upended many airline operations. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines again canceled hundreds of flights …
Delta says its operations are getting back on track — but plenty of questions remain
https://thepointsguy.com/news/delta-air-lines-operations-getting-back-on-track/
Delta Air Lines says its operations are getting back on track, signaling the likely end of a multiday meltdown that’s seen the carrier cancel more than 5,000 flights since an IT outage on Friday. In a letter to customers, CEO Ed Bastian said he expected disruptions on Wednesday to be “minimal” and for Thursday to …
Which card should replace my Amex Platinum? TPG’s top 6 picks
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/cards-to-replace-amex-platinum/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. The Platinum® Card from American Express, offers cardmembers over $1,500 in value thanks to travel, entertainment and dining statement credits. But nothing in life comes free — cardholders pay a $695 annual fee (see rates and fees). For existing cardholders, Amex’s …
14 hotels where historically significant meetings have happened
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/hotels-historic-meetings/
Holding meetings and events at posh hotels isn’t a new concept; some of the toniest hotels in the world have served as backdrops to some of the most important gatherings in history. Whether it’s for negotiating peace, creating bodies of diplomacy or hosting heads of state — or certain A-list pop music chanteuses — these …
As Delta meltdown drags on, here are airline passenger rights you need to know
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/passenger-rights/
Editor’s note: This post was updated with new information. As you no doubt are aware a tech update and IT outage on Friday led to thousands of flight delays and cancellations. The outage started with a software update at CrowdStrike, an Austin-based cybersecurity firm. Fortunately, most of the airlines have gotten operations back on track …
All aboard! What you need to know about cruise boarding times and how early to arrive for a cruise
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/cruise-boarding-times/
The big day is approaching, and you’re finally getting ready to head to the cruise port and board your ship. How can you ensure you’re prepared to start your vacation on the right foot? You’ll need a plan for getting to the port and some knowledge about the embarkation process, including your cruise ship boarding …
Fly to Europe for 12,000 ThankYou Rewards points with Citi’s latest Flying Blue transfer bonus
https://thepointsguy.com/news/citi-rewards-transfer-bonus-flying-blue/
By stacking current offers from Citi and Air France-KLM’s Flying Blue program, you can score a one-way flight to Europe for as little as 12,000 credit card points (plus fees and taxes). Citi ThankYou Rewards members can currently access a noteworthy transfer bonus to Air France-KLM’s Flying Blue program. Citi ThankYou Rewards points normally transfer …
Book now: Winter business-class award availability to Switzerland starting at 56K miles
https://thepointsguy.com/news/united-swiss-business-class-europe-award-availability/
If you’ve been dreaming of spending your points and miles to fly to Europe in business class later this year, we have good news: United Airlines and Swiss have plenty of seats available at good award prices. Numerous dates from October 2024 into March 2025 are available in business class for flights on Star Alliance …
Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya: An all-inclusive resort opting for quality over quantity
https://thepointsguy.com/reviews/hyatt-zilara-riviera-maya/
Editor’s note: Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya provided TPG with a complimentary two-night stay and spa experience to 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 external entity. About 30 minutes from Cancun International …
Capital One discontinues Walmart card, closes applications for Savor
https://thepointsguy.com/news/capital-one-discontinues-walmart-card-closes-applications-for-savor/
Capital One cardholders, listen up: Major changes have been announced for both the Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard® and the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card. Applications for the Savor have been closed, but current cardholders will keep their cards for now. Meanwhile, the Walmart card has been discontinued altogether and existing cardholders are …
Norwegian Cruise Line food: The ultimate cruise guide to restaurants and dining on board
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/norwegian-cruise-line-food-restaurants/
Norwegian Cruise Line has always been a bit of a rebel when it comes to food. Back in 2000, the company introduced the concept of Freestyle Cruising, and with it, the idea of Freestyle Dining. Guests no longer were assigned to traditional early or late dinner seatings in the main dining rooms on Norwegian Cruise …
Princess Cruises has been touting a groundbreaking new attraction. It won’t be opening
https://thepointsguy.com/news/princess-cruises-rollglider-attraction-closed/
One of the most notable new attractions on a cruise ship won’t be opening. Princess Cruises on Friday announced that the Rollglider ride atop the recently unveiled Sun Princess will remain closed indefinitely. The line suggested the ride, which has never operated, would eventually be replaced by something else. Ditto for two other attractions that …
Farnborough Airshow kicks off: Can Boeing turn the page? Will Airbus take advantage?
https://thepointsguy.com/news/farnborough-airshow-2024-opens/
One of the biggest events in the airline industry begins Monday as the famed Farnborough International Airshow kicks off just outside of London. Farnborough alternates each year with the Paris Air Show as the flagship event for European and American aerospace. The annual shows offer the chance for plane-makers, component manufacturers, suppliers, airline customers and …
TAP Air Portugal business-class review of the A321LR long-haul
https://thepointsguy.com/reviews/tap-air-portugal-business-class-review/
Quick take: TAP Air Portugal offers all the trappings of business class, such as multicourse meals on real china and lie-flat seats, but does not feel especially luxurious. Pros Throne seats offer extra personal space. Multiple lounge options are available in both Lisbon and Washington, D.C. Portuguese touches from amenity kits to wines lend the …
You can get a complimentary weekend night through InterContinental Ambassador: Here’s how
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/intercontinental-ambassador-free-night/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. The InterContinental Ambassador program effectively lets you buy IHG elite status and get additional perks when you stay at select IHG One Rewards brands. InterContinental Ambassador members get many perks, but one of the most valuable is a complimentary weekend night …
6 best Alaska cruises for families
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/best-alaska-cruises-for-families/
Adorable sled dog puppies, graceful whales, fascinating totem poles, lively lumberjacks and majestic glaciers — Alaska has much to offer families of all ages. But if you’re looking for the best Alaska cruise for kids, which ship should you choose? Families have great choices when sailing up north, including a ship full of Disney characters, …