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Only the latest slick travel news
Disney Cruise Line reveals new villain-inspired spaces and characters coming to Disney Destiny in 2025
https://thepointsguy.com/news/disney-destiny-villain-bars-characters/
A voyage aboard the Disney Destiny will be a unique one within the growing Disney Cruise Line. Unlike the line’s current newest ship, Disney Wish, where the theme is one of enchantment with very Cinderella-inspired beauty and light everywhere you turn, Disney Destiny, which sets sail in 2025, has an intriguing “darker” side, too. As …
The 9 best summer destinations to beat the heat
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/best-summer-destinations-beat-the-heat/
I am not a hot-weather person. As soon as the thermometer starts climbing toward 80 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll find me indoors with the air conditioning blasting. So it should come as little surprise that I prefer to skip typical summer vacations to warm-weather destinations in favor of milder — or perhaps even snowy — climes. …
Fans of long cruises will love Holland America’s latest move
https://thepointsguy.com/news/holland-america-cruise-mediterranean-2026/
Get ready to go long with Holland America in the Mediterranean. The Seattle-based cruise line on Wednesday announced a significant overhaul of its Mediterranean itineraries starting in 2026 that will offer more longer sailing options. Holland America has traditionally offered lots of 10- and 11-night sailings in the Mediterranean during the summers. But starting in …
A private island idyll: The Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island
https://thepointsguy.com/reviews/waldorf-astoria-seychelles-platte-island/
[circuit type=review circuit_id=”20420182632″] Editor’s note: The Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island provided TPG with complimentary transfer flights, meals and spa services. However, we booked our travel to the Seychelles and accommodations with points. The opinions expressed below are entirely those of the author and weren’t subject to review by the hotel or any external entity. …
A complete guide to the Amex Gold dining credit
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/amex-gold-dining-credit/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. The American Express® Gold Card comes with plenty of perks, including bonus points on dining and purchases at U.S. supermarkets and monthly Uber Cash for rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S. But in addition to other great perks on …
Spirit ditches bare-bones fares, turns Big Front Seat into ‘business class’ in major transformation
https://thepointsguy.com/news/spirit-airlines-new-fare-options-business-class/
While the Airbus jets will still be painted yellow, almost everything else about the Spirit Airlines passenger experience will soon be revamped. The Dania Beach, Florida-based carrier announced Tuesday perhaps its biggest commercial strategy shift yet. Spirit is officially abandoning its traditional bare-bones fare structure and replacing it with four new segmented fare products as …
This widow lost 610,000 American miles to a hacker — TPG helped her get them back
https://thepointsguy.com/news/recovering-stolen-american-airlines-miles/
The last trip Gail and Andy Goldberg planned together was supposed to be an exciting adventure to Brazil. Andy redeemed a whopping 610,000 American Airlines miles for round-trip business-class seats for their journey. They would fly from Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) to Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) via Miami International Airport (MIA). But Andy …
BankAmericard credit card review: Solid balance transfer sign-up bonus
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/bankamericard-review/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. BankAmericard credit card overview The BankAmericard® credit card offers promising financing, allowing you to pay off your debt with one of the longest introductory APR rates on purchases and balance transfers we’ve seen. This card, however, doesn’t offer any ongoing rewards …
Bilt is making negative changes to its Rent Day double points promotion
https://thepointsguy.com/news/bilt-rent-day-double-points-changes/
If you have the Bilt Mastercard® (see rates and fees), you are likely familiar with at least one monthly Bilt Rent Day promotion. After all, cardmembers earn double Bilt Points on nonrent purchases on the first day of each month as long as they use their card at least five times per statement period (see …
Could Adult Space Camp be the ultimate couples getaway?
https://thepointsguy.com/news/adult-space-camp-couples-getaway/
Editor’s note: The Huntsville Tourism Board provided the author with a complimentary three-day trip. The opinions expressed below are entirely those of the author and weren’t subject to review by any external entity. Growing up, space intrigued me. I wasn’t exactly building model rockets in my backyard, but the idea of floating among the stars …
First impressions: Is Royal Caribbean’s new Utopia of the Seas the best Oasis Class cruise ship ever?
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/first-impressions-royal-caribbean-utopia-of-the-seas-cruise/
Ladies and gentlemen, has Royal Caribbean done it again? Has the line’s sixth Oasis Class ship, Utopia of the Seas, somehow managed to be even more innovative than its five predecessors? It didn’t seem possible to me, given that I have a soft spot for the original two ships in the class, so I went …
Visit ‘Dracula’ and ‘Frankenstein’ filming location during Halloween Horror Nights
https://thepointsguy.com/news/halloween-horror-nights-classic-monsters-house/
You can visit the outdoor filming locations of some of Hollywood’s most renowned horror films on Universal Studios Hollywood’s backlot Studio Tour ride. But most of the time, you can’t step foot inside the soundstages where these horror icons made their big screen debuts. This year, however, Universal Studios Hollywood is opening the doors to …
8 ways to make the most of the Amex Gold Card’s benefits
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/maximizing-amex-gold-card/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. The American Express® Gold Card makes TPG’s top charts yearly as one of the best cards for dining at restaurants. It comes with food-focused bonus categories and a slate of other valuable perks that can help you save big — whether at …
High hopes, big letdown: Here’s how a Mr & Mrs Smith hotel treated this Hyatt elite
https://thepointsguy.com/news/mr-mrs-smith-property-world-of-hyatt-elite/
Don’t get too excited. When TPG learned that Hyatt was acquiring the Mr & Mrs Smith hotel portfolio, many Hyatt elite members (myself included) were happy about the potential integration with World of Hyatt. More than 700 hotels worldwide have become available to book and earn points with World of Hyatt. This is especially important …
A stay among the Australian clouds: A review of The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne
https://thepointsguy.com/reviews/ritz-carlton-melbourne/
[circuit type=review circuit_id=”20420183217″] Editor’s note: The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne provided TPG with a complimentary two-night stay 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 external entity. Melbourne is known for …
Super 8 50th anniversary promo: Buy 15K Wyndham points for just $8.88
https://thepointsguy.com/news/super-8-wyndham-points-promo/
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is celebrating 50 years of its Super 8 brand with a super special promotion. On Aug. 8, Wyndham Rewards members will have a chance to buy 15,000 points (enough to book at least one free night) for only $8.88 plus tax — the same price the original Super 8 in Aberdeen, …
5 unexpected places that sell cruises
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/5-unexpected-places-that-sell-cruises/
Bulk toilet paper, discount brand-name clothing and … a cruise? You might not have your next sailing top of mind while running errands. However, you should know that the places where you stock up on groceries, redeem credit card points and get help with a flat tire might also be able to sell you a …
Canada and New England cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning strategies and things to do
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/canada-new-england-cruise-guide/
Most Canada and New England cruises are designed to highlight the region’s two most celebrated assets: its stunning coastal scenery and the rich history that led to the formation of both Canada and the United States. A Canada and New England cruise appeals to a wide range of travelers with its stellar seafood, a mix …
How to earn miles with the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan program
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/how-to-earn-miles-alaska-airlines-mileage-plan/
TPG readers and staff members alike are huge fans of the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan program — even those on the East Coast who never actually fly with the carrier. Even though we’ve seen devaluations of Mileage Plan miles in previous years, there are still sweet spots within the program’s Oneworld and nonalliance partners. You …
11 tips for traveling with valuable luggage and handbags
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/luggage-handbag-care-tips/
Picture this: You’ve just stepped off a red-eye flight. You’re tired and just want to get through customs, grab an Uber, drop your bags and dive into bed. But then border security pulls you aside to search your luggage. That’s exactly what happened once when I rolled up to security after a trip to Paris …
Disney Cruise Line reveals more plans for new ship Destiny — including a surprise home port
https://thepointsguy.com/news/disney-destiny-cruise-home-port/
Big news, Disney Cruise Line fans: You’ll soon be able to sail out of Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades on a brand-new Disney ship. The cruising arm of vacation giant Disney on Tuesday announced that the third vessel in its new Triton Class of ships, Disney Destiny, will sail out of the South Florida port when …
Hitting the road on your vacation? Everything you need to know about rental car elite status
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/car-rental-elite-status/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with the latest information. From savings to upgrades, the benefits of elite status are popular with savvy travelers. But rental car elite status doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. Rental car status can pay off — it helped one TPG staffer rent a $100,000 BMW …
Southwest adds 4 routes, suspends 11 others in latest network update
https://thepointsguy.com/news/southwest-route-changes-winter/
Southwest Airlines is making some more notable adjustments to its network. This time, the Dallas-based airline is adding four routes to its winter schedule. Though the airline announced these flights as “new routes,” none are technically new since they’ve all been operated in recent years, according to TPG’s analysis of Cirium schedules. Southwest’s added routes …
When less is more: Why I’m shifting spending away from a card I love
https://thepointsguy.com/news/not-using-hyatt-card/
For the last few years, most of my everyday spending has gone toward one main goal: unlocking World of Hyatt Globalist elite status via spending on my World of Hyatt Credit Card. Everything from monthly insurance payments and doctor visits to home repairs and daily expenses (that aren’t already high bonus categories on other cards) …
Last chance: Free Instacart+ for select Chase cardholders plus watch the Olympics on Peacock for free
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/instacart-express-chase/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. If you’re a fan of free grocery delivery and have an eligible Chase card, we have good news: You can get a complimentary Instacart+ membership. Eligible Chase cardholders can activate a complimentary Instacart+ membership, which reduces your service fees and waives …
The 17 best Waldorf Astoria hotels and resorts in the world
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/best-waldorf-astoria-hotels/
Waldorf Astoria is a name synonymous with refined luxury and high-end service. Ever since the iconic brand opened in New York City over a century ago, Waldorf Astoria has set the standard for grandeur, attracting discerning travelers (including many Hilton Honors members) worldwide. From vibrant urban retreats to serene coastal escapes to captivating cultural destinations, …
The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean cruise ships and itineraries
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/royal-caribbean-cruise-guide/
For megaresort lovers, Royal Caribbean may be the ultimate cruise line. The Miami-based brand’s biggest ships are bigger than any other cruise vessels afloat, and they’re chock-full of more restaurants, bars, entertainment zones and attractions than you’ll find anywhere else at sea — or even at many of the biggest land resorts. On Royal Caribbean’s …
8 best road trips for visiting national parks
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/road-trips-for-national-parks/
Not to take anything away from flying, cruising or train rides, but there’s nothing like a good old-fashioned road trip. Car travel offers the chance to maintain control over your pace and gives parents a chance to teach their kids about “enjoying the ride.” It’s also one of the best ways to experience America’s gorgeous …
The best time for a Canada and New England cruise
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/best-time-canada-new-england-cruise/
Leaf peeping, whale watching or warm-weather outdoor activities? The best time for a Canada and New England cruise depends on which of those pursuits you prioritize. The limited cruise season in Canada and New England begins in April and ends in October, with the peak season falling between August and October. Cruise ships reposition back …
Holland America is out with another epic cruise — this time with a special twist
https://thepointsguy.com/news/holland-america-2026-eclipse-cruise/
Holland America is out with another epic itinerary from North America to Europe and back — this time with an unusual twist. On Monday the Seattle-based cruise line said the 35-night round-trip voyage from Boston to some of Northern Europe’s most alluring destinations will include a viewing of the solar eclipse that will take place …