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Only the latest slick travel news
Flash sale: Round-trip fares to Ireland for less than $400
https://thepointsguy.com/deals/aer-lingus-flash-sale/
Earlier this year, Aer Lingus announced that it would begin offering nonstop service between Dublin Airport (DUB) and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas on Oct. 25. The new route will be a seasonal offering, with the Dublin-based carrier flying to Vegas on a wide-body Airbus A330-300 three times weekly (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday). …
New Kimpton secret password to unlock bonus treats at hotels this winter
https://thepointsguy.com/news/secret-password-kimpton-hotels/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Kimpton is back with its secret password, and let’s just say it’s giving. In case you missed it, a few times per year, IHG’s most social and playful brand issues a secret password for guests to earn freebies during their hotel …
Feds publish final rule on Real ID, but full enforcement delayed until 2027 at the earliest
https://thepointsguy.com/news/real-id-deadline-flexibility/
Real ID is coming … eventually, but it’s time to get serious about making sure your identification is up to date. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Transportation published a final rule Friday in the Federal Register (the daily journal of the federal government) regarding the rollout of new security standards …
Everything you need to know about Visa Signature card benefits
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/visa-signature-card-benefits/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. As a Visa cardholder, you’re entitled to everyday card perks and benefits. Visa buckets these benefits into three tiers, depending on who the card issuer is and what specific card you have. The benefits fall into one of the following categories: …
This Royal Caribbean ship will be the largest ever to combine a cruise with a Denali land tour
https://thepointsguy.com/news/largest-royal-caribbean-ship-alaska-cruises-denali-tours/
Royal Caribbean is about to take more than 4,000 passengers even farther northwest into Alaska. Starting in spring 2026, Ovation of the Seas will become the line’s largest-ever ship to sail one-way voyages to The Last Frontier, offering both cruises and cruisetours — something that wasn’t available to Royal Caribbean passengers before on a big …
Hyatt’s losing Tommie Hollywood to Marriott. Is Thompson Hollywood next?
https://thepointsguy.com/news/tommie-hollywood-hyatt-marriott/
While Hyatt has been on a lifestyle hotel expansion spree in the last few years, one of its better-known properties is leaving the World of Hyatt orbit for Marriott Bonvoy. It appears another could soon follow. The 212-room Tommie Hollywood (a sister brand to Thompson Hotels and a part of JdV by Hyatt) will ditch …
Following Hurricane Helene, these western North Carolina towns are open and eager for tourists
https://thepointsguy.com/news/western-north-carolina-towns-open/
In a typical fall, western North Carolina rolls out a red, yellow and purple carpet of leaves, welcoming visitors to experience autumn along the high crest of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains. This is not a typical fall. At the end of September, Hurricane Helene dropped a deluge of rain in North Carolina’s mountains. …
Why I recommend the Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/why-recommend-capital-one-savorone-student-card/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. As a young adult and student who writes and talks about credit cards nonstop, I often get many questions about their significance and value from my peers. Typically, I first explain the lasting benefits of building credit. Applying for your first credit …
Capital One Savor credit card review: A no-annual-fee card for food and entertainment
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/capital-one-savor-review/
Editor’s note: This post has been updated with the latest credit card information and offers. Capital One Savor Card overview The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is a solid card with no annual fee that is great for those who regularly spend on dining and entertainment. It offers bonus rewards on dining, entertainment, popular …
Current credit card transfer bonuses (October): 30% bonus when transferring Citi points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/current-transfer-bonuses/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers; some offers may be expired. If you truly want to maximize your points and miles, periodic transfer bonuses can offer lucrative opportunities for fantastic award redemptions. You can sometimes get significantly more value from your rewards by transferring them to a …
The 7 best cruises from Los Angeles
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/best-cruises-from-los-angeles/
Los Angeles serves as a West Coast hub for some of the best cruise destinations out of the U.S. With two convenient departure points — the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach — cruisers have easy access to trips ranging from tropical getaways in Mexico to scenic excursions along the Pacific Coast …
Why the Citi Double Cash will always have a place in my wallet
https://thepointsguy.com/news/why-citi-double-cash/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Citi is a TPG advertising partner. Who doesn’t love a cash back card? If wallets were closets, there would be no better staple than a card that earns you cash back across every purchase — this means you’re getting something back …
3 big lounge updates for Newark airport, including plans for an all-new Air France lounge
https://thepointsguy.com/news/newark-airport-lounge-air-france/
Waiting for your flight in Terminal B at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) isn’t exactly too inspiring. The terminal’s low ceilings and crowded gate areas aren’t necessarily the most welcoming, and the concession options aren’t all that much better than what’ll likely be served on board, especially if you’re seated in business class. While a …
How states have become the new hub for credit card-related legislation — and what you can do about it
https://thepointsguy.com/news/state-legislation-credit-cards/
Over the last few years, the federal government has shown an increasing interest in credit cards and points and miles. Much of this originated with the proposed Credit Card Competition Act, but it has since expanded to major airlines and the loyalty programs they offer. Incidentally, the two original cosponsors of the CCCA were the …
New offer: Earn 60,000 miles and a companion ticket with this limited-time 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 get 60,000 bonus miles and Alaska’s famous companion fare ($99 fare plus …
Deal alert: Points and miles travel deals for October 2024
https://thepointsguy.com/news/points-and-miles-travel-deals/
Editor’s note: 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 your points and miles so you can book the vacation of your …
Earn 75,000 miles with the Capital One Venture Rewards
https://thepointsguy.com/news/capital-one-venture-current-offer/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great choice for beginners and experts who want an easy way to earn miles without much effort all with an affordable annual fee. Here’s what you need to know about the current …
Holland America’s Mariner Society loyalty program: Everything you need to know
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/holland-america-loyalty-program/
Among major cruise lines, Holland America has one of the most intriguing loyalty programs. Like most cruise line loyalty programs, Holland America’s Mariner Society, as it’s called, lets you earn points and build up status by spending days at sea on its ships. It also lets you earn points and build up status by spending …
Tips for visiting Disney World at Christmas: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and beyond
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/disney-world-christmas/
When you add the magic of the holiday season to what is already the Most Magical Place on Earth, you get something that is truly special — and a whole lot of fun. During the Christmas season, Walt Disney World goes all-in with about 29 large, custom trees (up to 70 feet tall), as well …
Alaska Airlines MVP elite status: What it is and how to earn it
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/what-is-alaska-elite-status-worth/
In addition to being rewarded with valuable miles, when travelers choose to fly Alaska Airlines and its partner airlines and credit flights to the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan loyalty program, they may qualify for MVP elite status. You can access exclusive and valuable benefits and perks by achieving elite status, enhancing your overall travel experience. …
Earn up to 140,000 points with these IHG credit card welcome offers
https://thepointsguy.com/news/ihg-rewards-credit-card-offers/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. If you have upcoming travel to any of IHG’s brands — which include Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Crowne Plaza, Kimpton, InterContinental and Hotel Indigo — an IHG cobranded card can save you hundreds of dollars year after year. And that’s …
Last-minute strategies for earning United Premier elite status
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/earning-united-elite-status/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with the latest information. As the sun begins to set on 2024, your time is running out to qualify or requalify for airline elite status for 2025. This is the moment to check your mileage balances, calculate your travel for the rest of the year and …
Peppa Pig Theme Park in Texas announces 2025 opening date
https://thepointsguy.com/news/second-peppa-pig-theme-park-dallas/
Editor’s note: This post was updated with new information. A family of adorable pink pigs will be moving to Texas next year. North America’s first Peppa Pig Theme Park opened in Winter Haven, Florida, on Feb. 24, 2022. Now, Merlin Entertainments has announced that its second Peppa Pig Theme Park location will open March 1, …
Hilton Honors now has more than 200 million members — and more ways to earn and redeem points
https://thepointsguy.com/news/hilton-loyalty-growth-milestone/
Hilton hit both an important loyalty milestone and a growth record in the third quarter — further signs the hotel giant is increasingly a formidable competitor against its rival and the world’s largest hotel company, Marriott International. The Hilton Honors loyalty program now has more than 200 million members, a symbolic growth feat as industry …
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature credit card review: Earn hard-to-get miles with a valuable welcome offer
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/alaska-visa-signature-card-review/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature credit card overview The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card is one of the best cards for earning Alaska miles. Even if you don’t live on the West Coast, Alaska Airlines miles are valuable since you can use …
Redeem your points and miles: How to search flight award availability for the major airlines
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/how-to-search-award-availability/
Becoming an advanced award traveler requires mastering two skills: earning points and miles and effectively redeeming them. By taking advantage of the best travel rewards credit cards, you can master the first skill. However, the second skill can be more challenging. At TPG, we help you redeem your transferable Chase Ultimate Rewards points, American Express …
Is the Amex Platinum worth it for a points and miles newbie? I booked a trip to find out
https://thepointsguy.com/news/first-amex-platinum-trip/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Welcome to the first installment of a year-long series where Tarah Chieffi, TPG’s family travel reporter, shares her experience using various points, benefits, credits and access from her first-ever premium rewards credit card, The Platinum Card® from American Express. A few …
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Latitudes Rewards loyalty program guide: Everything you need to know
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/norwegian-cruise-latitudes-rewards-loyalty-program/
Showing loyalty to Norwegian Cruise Line can get you some great rewards. Norwegian’s Latitudes Rewards loyalty program, which was revamped in 2022, offers members such enticing perks as discounts on normally pricey drink packages, shore excursions and spa treatments after only a few sailings. And that’s just a hint of what’s to come for loyal …
Biden administration fines American Airlines $50 million, citing ‘serious violations’ of passenger rights laws
https://thepointsguy.com/news/american-airlines-fine-accessibility/
The Biden administration is slapping American Airlines with a record-setting punishment, criticizing the carrier’s treatment of passengers who use wheelchairs — and their essential equipment. The U.S. Department of Transportation on Wednesday announced a $50 million penalty against American. As part of an agreement, the Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier will have to pay a $25 …
United basic economy: What you need to know about bags, seats, boarding and more
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/how-to-survive-basic-economy-on-united-airlines/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. You’ve likely arrived at this guide while deciding whether to book a United Airlines basic economy fare or after booking a United basic economy fare. In either case, you may wonder what this fare allows and how your experience may differ …