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Only the latest slick travel news
Summer hotel discounts are there — if you know where to look
https://thepointsguy.com/news/summer-hotel-discounts/
If you haven’t booked a vacation yet this summer, it’s not too late — and it doesn’t have to drain your wallet like it has in prior years or even months. Deals are still out there for those looking to take a last-minute or late summer vacation in the U.S. The latest inflationary data from the …
The best time to cruise the Mediterranean
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/best-time-mediterranean-cruise/
You might think the best time to cruise the Mediterranean would be summer because that’s when the most ships are cruising in Europe. However, I’d argue that other times of the year are better. Ships cruise in the Med year-round, so there’s never a time when you can’t cruise at all. You’ll find the most …
Amex EveryDay card review: Dip your toes into the world of Membership Rewards
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/amex-everyday-card-review/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card from American Express is a solid card for beginner travelers who can’t yet justify an annual fee. It’s a solid option for anyone searching for a card without an annual fee. While the earning rate and …
2 nights in the heart of the action: A review of the W Philadelphia
https://thepointsguy.com/reviews/w-philadelphia/
[circuit type=review circuit_id=”20420181785″] Philadelphia is known for several things: serving sumptuous cheesesteaks (I’m looking at you, Barclay Prime), being the birthplace of our nation and acting as the backdrop for the “Rocky” movies. But the City of Brotherly Love offers so much more, including several top-notch hotels, such as the W Philadelphia. Eager to find …
7 non-travel Amex Platinum benefits you should be using
https://thepointsguy.com/news/amex-platinum-benefits-nontravel/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. The Platinum Card® from American Express is a TPG favorite. We love the travel perks we get with it — like comprehensive airport lounge access, hotel and airline fee credits and travel protections. But for all the reasons it makes travel …
The best time to cruise to the Bahamas
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/best-time-bahamas-cruise/
When is the absolute best time to cruise to the Bahamas? The short answer is that any time you can make it happen is the best time. The long answer depends on what matters most to you. Are you going to play in the water? Are you averse to the risks of schedule changes or …
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 …
Which travel credits are the easiest to redeem?
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/travel-credits-easiest-to-redeem/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. It’s becoming increasingly common these days to see cards charging annual fees in the range of $450 (or more). In many ways, premium is the new normal. To convince customers to shell out hundreds of dollars a year, most of these …
Bahamas cruise packing list: What to pack for the islands
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/bahamas-cruise-packing-list/
Packing for a Bahamas cruise? Toss your swimsuits and tropical attire into your suitcase, and start channeling those relaxing island vibes. Even in winter, the coolest part of the year, temperatures in the Bahamas only drop to the low 70s on average, making comfortable and breathable clothing crucial. But to do this cruise destination right, …
How to save money by buying discounted Disney gift cards
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/how-to-buy-discounted-disney-gift-cards/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Very few brands enjoy the fervent type of customer loyalty that Disney does. But for consumers, that also means sky-high prices for anything “Disney.” It can be a monumental task to find meaningful discounts on Disney trips, goods, cruises and services. …
The 8 best Bahamas cruises for every type of traveler
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/the-best-bahamas-cruises/
The best Bahamas cruises take you away from the daily grind, transporting you to theme park-like private islands and beach-lined paradises. Cruise choices include new and jazzed-up ships sailing an array of short and weeklong Bahamas itineraries. Cruising to the Bahamas is so easy you may even be able to go without a passport. Family-friendly …
The best coastal hotels to visit during your next seaside getaway
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/best-coastal-hotels/
The moment the audience saw Diane Keaton’s dreamy house in the iconic film “Something’s Gotta Give,” a timeless aesthetic was born. The neutral tones, that light-and-airy kitchen and, of course, the enviable beachfront location made this space practically the third star of the film after Keaton and Jack Nicholson. Flash-forward 20 years, and the coastal …
Everything you need to know about booking award flights with a lap infant
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/award-travel-with-infant-or-lap-child/
Editor’s note: This post has been updated with current policies and information. TPG founder Brian Kelly is a Bilt adviser and investor. Planning family travel can be complicated … and expensive. There is the cost of booking multiple tickets and hotel rooms, finding seats together on the plane and double-checking baggage and carry-on restrictions, among …
Bourbon, horses and boutique hotels: Louisville, Kentucky’s booming hotel scene
https://thepointsguy.com/news/louisville-boutique-hotels/
As a longtime Louisvillian, I like to think I know where to find the best hotels, restaurants and things to do around town. The problem I used to have when making recommendations to out-of-towners, though, was that the good food and fun were nowhere near the city’s hotels. Before recently, the hotels were largely clustered …
Here’s how to plan an epic trip to Universal Orlando Resort this year
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/universal-orlando/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Universal Orlando Resort is in sunny Central Florida, an area of the Sunshine State often referred to as the theme park capital of the world. Universal Orlando is not only one of the most popular amusement parks in the city, but …
More than 1,300 flights canceled Monday as Hurricane Beryl makes landfall in Texas
https://thepointsguy.com/news/hurricane-beryl-flight-cancellations/
Flight cancellations are piling up Hurricane Beryl menaces the Texas Gulf Coast. Airlines have canceled more than 1,300 flights Monday amid concerns over the storm’s heavy rains and high winds, which are expected to produce dangerous storm surge conditions and hamper travel in parts of the country. Coastal cities in Texas are expected to feel …
How and why to register for Choice Hotels Personalized Weeknight Benefits
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/maximize-your-extras-choice-hotels/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information. Whether you frequently use the Choice Privileges program or are only an occasional guest, it’s worth keeping track of the current Choice Privileges promotions. One promotion worth knowing about, even if you don’t frequently stay at Choice Hotels, is Personalized Weeknight Benefits. (This …
Bahamas cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/bahamas-cruise-guide/
If you’ve cruised or are planning to cruise to someplace warm, it’s likely that the Bahamas will pop up on your itinerary — and for good reason. Found on both Bahamas-exclusive sailings and Caribbean voyages, Bahamian ports offer plenty of sun and sand, as well as opportunities for shopping, gambling and more. The islands appeal …
21 new Hyatt hotels where you can get 500 extra points per night
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/hyatt-new-hotel-bonus/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. I stayed at the Hyatt House Johannesburg Sandton in South Africa shortly after it opened in 2021. When I checked my account activity after my stay, I noticed an “opening bonus” of 2,000 points. Then, I remembered that Hyatt offers 500 …
Frontier Airlines cuts 8 routes in latest network shakeup
https://thepointsguy.com/news/frontier-airlines-route-cuts-july/
Frontier Airlines continues to make big changes to its network. This time, the Denver-based carrier slashed eight domestic routes, as first seen in Cirium schedules and later confirmed by a carrier spokesperson. The cuts are far-reaching and touch multiple airports across the country. You’ll find a map of the affected routes below, but highlights include …
The 6 best translation apps for travelers
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/best-translation-apps-for-travel/
Traveling to another country for the first time spurs a sense of wonder like none other. But in some cases, that excitement can quickly turn to consternation when, upon arrival, a language barrier has you disoriented and lost, holding the wrong food order or in desperate need of a bathroom. As a tourist, one of …
When travelers should (and shouldn’t) tip hotel staff
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/tipping-hotel-staff-members/
Editor’s note: This post has been updated with new information. Tipping can be incredibly personal. Some people are willing to hand over cash regardless of the quality of service, while others carefully weigh their experience before deciding what to tip. In many ways, there is no wrong way to tip. However, in countries like the …
Quick Points: Reserve premium economy seats for the price of a coach seat on select wide-body domestic routes
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/premium-economy-free/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Although the “Big Three” U.S. carriers operate single-aisle planes — like the Airbus A320 and the Boeing 737 — for most of their popular domestic routes, United Airlines, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines fly twin-aisle jets. Airlines generally use wide-body …
Slope-side convenience and great Globalist perks: A review of the Grand Hyatt Vail
https://thepointsguy.com/reviews/grand-hyatt-vail-review/
[circuit type=review circuit_id=”20420181336″] Located right off the slopes of Vail, one of Colorado’s most iconic ski resorts, the Grand Hyatt Vail is an ideal lodging choice for those looking for access to the mountain while having some distance from the hustle and bustle of the busy resort. With its own ski lift and an on-site …
7 ways to maximize the upcoming annual Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/nordstom-anniversary-sale/
Editor’s note: This post was updated with new information. If you like high-quality clothes, shoes, bags and other accessories but don’t enjoy paying retail prices, Nordstrom’s much-anticipated anniversary sale must be on your radar. Think of it as flying business class but paying economy prices. The sale only comes around once a year, and while …
15 travel essentials on sale soon in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/top-travel-picks-nordstroms-anniversary-sale/
Editor’s note: This post was updated with new information. It’s July, which means the annual Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is almost here. For those not familiar, this once-yearly sale allows Nordstrom shoppers to buy next season’s and items that rarely go on sale at a substantial discount for a limited time, from clothing and shoes to …
Take the fast lane through baggage claim with these 7 tips
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/baggage-claim-tips/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Nobody likes baggage claim areas. They’re crowded, often cavernous and full of people either ready to start their trip or worn out from a long flight and trying to get back home. The obvious way to avoid baggage claim would be …
15 cruise ship rules you shouldn’t break
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/cruise-ship-rules-not-to-break/
Are you a rule follower or do you like to cross the line when it suits you? Some travelers are good at doing what they’re told, while others see vacation as the time to live it up how they see fit, regardless of any official policies. On a cruise ship, rules are plentiful – spanning …
13 hotels you’ve seen in movies you can actually book
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/hotels-in-movies/
Almost nothing inspires travel like movies do. From the confines of our couches and the movie theater, we can be whisked away from wherever we are to far-off destinations for a few hours. For a lot of folks, it’s what we see on the silver screen that makes us stop and say, “Wow, I really …
Ending soon: Best-ever bonus on Citi’s top-tier American Airlines AAdvantage Executive card
https://thepointsguy.com/news/citi-aadvantage-current-offers/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Citi is a TPG advertising partner. If you are a frequent American Airlines flyer, you have plenty of credit card options to help you earn additional miles and make the most out of every American Airlines flight. While Barclays and Citi …