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Only the latest slick travel news
How to crowd-proof your vacation in 2025
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/how-to-crowd-proof-your-vacation/
Celia Fuller, a book designer based in Tuckahoe, New York, often lets her personal passions determine her travels. For many years, she joined friends in Montreal to attend Formula 1 races. “We would return to the same French restaurant every trip and see F1 team members eating there,” she said. “Or run into them in …
6 things not to do when you have loyalty status with a cruise line
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/dont-do-this-with-cruise-loyalty-status/
Earning cruise line loyalty status is a privilege and something you should celebrate. It takes a lot of time, money and dedication to reach the upper echelons of any cruise loyalty program, and you have every right to reap the rewards that come with earning a spot in the top tiers. On the other hand, …
New airline refund rules are in effect — here’s what you should know
https://thepointsguy.com/news/new-automatic-airline-refund-rules/
As of Oct. 28, U.S. travelers are officially entitled to compensation from airlines for canceled or significantly delayed flights, per three new rules from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The new rules were developed under the Biden administration and announced in April but are now fully in effect. Specifically, the final rules require airlines to automatically refund …
The best credit cards from international airlines
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/top-credit-cards-from-international-airlines/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. One hallmark of experienced award travelers is their willingness to use frequent flyer programs run by foreign airlines. Even if most of your travel is within the United States, there’s plenty of incentive to look for cheap award rates on domestic …
Burlington Credit Card review: A less-than-stellar option for Burlington shoppers
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/burlington-credit-card-review/
Burlington Credit Card overview When it comes to clothes shopping for a deal, Burlington (formerly known as Burlington Coat Factory) is a well-known option for mallgoers. The most devoted Burlington loyalists may consider opening a Burlington Credit Card to earn rewards on their purchases. However, with restrictive redemption policies and practically zero card-exclusive benefits, there …
Got a new credit card? Here are 4 tips to help you earn your welcome bonus
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/tips-earn-welcome-bonus/
A lucrative welcome bonus should always be near the top of your priorities while you weigh which credit card you’d like to add to your wallet. Multiple cards are running best-ever welcome offers, and there’s a wide variety of solid options out there. You pick the perfect card, and it arrives to you in all of …
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 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 can …
Last-minute strategies for earning IHG One Rewards elite status
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/earning-ihg-elite-status/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information. As the end of the year approaches, you may wonder how you’ll earn your desired level of elite status with IHG One Rewards this year. This guide will discuss strategies for earning IHG elite status before the end of the year, including ways …
Virgin Atlantic shifts to dynamic pricing this week: Why you might want to redeem your points now
https://thepointsguy.com/news/virgin-atlantic-flying-club-changes-dynamic-pricing/
Last month, Virgin Atlantic announced it would soon make some huge changes to its Flying Club loyalty program, including (among other things) a shift to a new dynamic pricing model. If you’ve been sitting on a stash of Virgin points, now might be the time to redeem them. The changes are set to roll out …
Hyatt’s all-inclusive resort offering to grow significantly with new Bahia Principe partnership
https://thepointsguy.com/news/hyatt-bahia-principe-partnership/
Hyatt’s all-inclusive resort portfolio keeps growing and growing. On Monday morning the Chicago-headquartered hotel giant announced a new Spain-based joint venture with Grupo Piñero, owner of the Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts and Cayo Levantado Resort brands. The new Hyatt joint venture will own the Bahia Principe brand and manage Bahia Principe-branded hotels and resorts …
Why can’t I add a lap infant to my Etihad award ticket?
https://thepointsguy.com/news/american-airlines-lap-infant-etihad-award/
Loyal TPG reader Jonathan Phillippe is a serviceman stationed in Oman with his wife and two young children. He recently redeemed 210,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles for three business-class seats on Etihad Airways. The family planned to fly from Muscat International Airport (MCT) to Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) for a short visit to …
What to do when a hotel doesn’t want to honor your elite benefits
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/issues-hotel-elite-benefits/
Hotel elite status offers many valuable perks, from complimentary breakfast and upgrades to late checkout and higher earning rates. Hotel loyalty programs design these perks to keep members loyal to and engaged with the program. And it works. I usually book hotels directly to ensure I get my elite benefits and earnings. I’ll even …
That’s hot: Hampton by Hilton is now serving glittery pink waffles by Paris Hilton
https://thepointsguy.com/news/hampton-paris-hilton-strawberry-glitter-waffle/
Pop culture icon Paris Hilton is serving up her latest project, a glittery pink waffle, to Hampton by Hilton guests in the U.S. and Canada. Hilton teamed up with Hampton to introduce the latest seasonal flavor, dubbed the Sparkling Strawberry Hampton Waffle, alongside a special Sparkling Strawberry Hampton Waffle Kit that can be purchased online …
Why the Capital One Venture X and the Savor Cash make a dynamic duo
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/capital-one-dynamic-duo/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Whether it’s peanut butter and jelly or airplanes and lie-flat seats, some things are just better together. When two things perfectly complement each other, they become a dynamic duo. That is exactly what Capital One has created with its recent changes …
Venice doubles number of days with tourist tax in 2025
https://thepointsguy.com/news/venice-entry-fee-increase/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. The city of Venice, Italy, will double the number of days that tourists will be charged an entry fee in 2025. The tourist tax, which aims to help combat overtourism in the city, was initially trialed for 29 days between April …
New rules to help if your flight is delayed or canceled: Here are all the airline passenger rights you need to know
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/passenger-rights/
Editor’s note: This post was updated with new information. New rules from the U.S. Department of Transportation just went into effect that will help passengers deal with delays and cancellations. While the rules don’t go as far as some consumer advocates would hope, they are small victories. As of Oct. 28, the latest rules are …
Who are the Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners? Everything to know
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/chase-ultimate-rewards-transfer-partners/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information. Chase Ultimate Rewards points are the currency of most Chase-branded credit cards. You can earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points for everyday spending and then redeem them for a wide range of rewards. Despite increasing competition from American Express Membership Rewards points, Citi ThankYou Rewards points and Capital …
Salt Hotels adds two New England properties to its growing boutique luxury line-up
https://thepointsguy.com/news/salt-hotels-expansion/
Just when it seems like the major hotel conglomerates are gobbling up every cooler small brand they can find, independent-minded travelers can take solace: Cape Cod-based Salt Hotels is expanding on its own terms. The hotel collective, based in Provincetown, Massachusetts, has a North American presence with properties in Miami (Hotel Greystone), Cape Cod (the …
United to close invite-only Newark restaurant in favor of Polaris Lounge expansion
https://thepointsguy.com/news/united-airlines-classified-closure-newark/
This week, United Airlines will close the door on its semisecret, invitation-only restaurant inside Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), TPG has learned. The closure will make way for an expansion of its Newark Polaris Lounge. As of Oct. 30, United will end dining service at Classified, an outpost inside the restaurant Saison …
Cruise line loyalty program guide: How to earn perks with the biggest brands
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/cruise-line-loyalty-programs/
If you show loyalty to a specific cruise line, you can earn some wonderful rewards. While entry-level tiers of cruise line loyalty programs usually don’t offer much in terms of valuable perks, midlevel tiers can bring everything from spa discounts to free meals at extra-charge restaurants on the ship. The perks only get better from …
United unveils big Premier status, PlusPoints changes for 2025
https://thepointsguy.com/news/united-airlines-premier-elite-pluspoints-changes-2025/
If you’re a loyal United flyer, you might want to pay attention to this one. The Chicago-based carrier just announced a slew of changes to its Premier elite status program, and they aren’t necessarily all good news. The updates start with earning Premier status, which is getting harder next year with new increased qualifying thresholds. …
Bilt Rent Day (Nov. 1): Up to 100% British Airways transfer bonus, 2x points on groceries and more
https://thepointsguy.com/news/bilt-rent-day-promo/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information. TPG founder Brian Kelly is a Bilt adviser and investor. Good news for Bilt Rewards members: Nov. 1 is another Bilt Rent Day. As on previous Rent Days, you can snag double points on non-rent purchases, book a Bilt Neighborhood Dining Series experience …
Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard review: Best for casual American Airlines flyers
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/card-review-citiaadvantage-platinum-select/
Citi is a TPG advertising partner. Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard Overview The Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® is a solid mid-level credit card for anyone who wants to earn American Airlines miles and enjoy …
The best time to apply for these popular American Express cards based on offer history
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/american-express-best-welcome-offers/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. One of the best reasons to apply for a travel rewards card is the welcome offer. Often, you can earn tens of thousands of points or miles within the first few months of opening a new card by hitting certain minimum …
A major new player is about to launch Alaska cruises — and it’s one you might not expect
https://thepointsguy.com/news/msc-cruises-alaska-debut/
Alaska cruise fans, you’re in for a treat. Another giant cruise line is about to start sailing cruises in Alaska. It might surprise you, but MSC Cruises — best known for its European itineraries — announced Monday that it will launch its first Alaska sailings in May 2026. It will base MSC Poesia in Seattle …
5 reasons to switch from the Delta SkyMiles Reserve to the Amex Platinum
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/switch-delta-skymiles-reserve-amex-platinum/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Frequent Delta Air Lines flyers have two fantastic card choices that can elevate their airport and flying experience. While some may gawk at the hefty annual fees, these two cards are well worth the price for those who are loyal to …
Remy: Disney Cruise Line’s upscale adults-only French restaurant (with menu)
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/remy-disney-cruise-line-french-restaurant-menu/
What could be better than an upscale dining experience where the food is complemented by impeccable service and only slightly outshined by 180-degree views of the sun setting over the ocean? Take the same restaurant, make it adults-only and put it on a cruise ship full of kids. If that sounds like an ideal date …
How to redeem points with the IHG One Rewards program
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/redeem-points-ihg-rewards-club/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information. I frequently stay at IHG properties, primarily because of the value I can get when redeeming IHG points. Although IHG moved to dynamic award pricing in 2020, I’ve continued getting solid value from my IHG points. Here’s what you need to know about …
Can I upgrade my Carnival cruise room online?
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/can-i-upgrade-my-carnival-cruise-room-online/
You booked your Carnival cruise vacation, and now you’re rethinking the cabin category you’ve chosen. Perhaps, you’ve changed your mind and are willing to pay more for a room with a window or a balcony — or maybe you’re curious if you can get a nicer room without paying full price. Can you upgrade your …
IHG cardholders and elite members: Get 15% off award stays of up to 3 nights
https://thepointsguy.com/news/ihg-award-discount-promo/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. This popular award discount from IHG One Rewards is back. Access for members with a Chase IHG One Rewards credit card opened Friday, while access for Platinum Elite and Diamond Elite members will start on Sunday. In either case, eligible members …