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Only the latest slick travel news
The best credit card welcome bonuses of December 2024
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/limited-time-card-offers/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. With the holiday season upon us, now may be a great time to evaluate your credit card portfolio. Credit card sign-up bonuses and welcome offers are the quickest and easiest way to rake in lots of points and miles, so we …
Chase Freedom Q1 categories: Supermarkets, gyms, self-care — and cruises for the first time
https://thepointsguy.com/news/activate-chase-freedom-5x-earnings/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Chase is kicking off 2025 with a bang for Chase Freedom (no longer available to new applicants) and Chase Freedom Flex® cardholders. For the first quarter, we’re seeing the return of three of our favorite categories and a brand-new one. During …
Instacart Mastercard review: Great for Instacart lovers but few others
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/instacart-mastercard-review/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Instacart Mastercard overview The Instacart Mastercard® earns highly on more than just Instacart purchases and provides more benefits than typical for a card without an annual fee. However, its bonus categories require making purchases in specific ways that may not appeal to …
The 8 best Christmas market river cruises for 2025 and 2026
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/best-christmas-market-river-cruises/
Imagine sailing down one of Europe’s iconic rivers as picturesque villages, castles and landscapes pass you by, all while twinkling lights from nearby Christmas markets dance on the water. While this might sound like a fairy tale, it can be a reality on a Christmas market river cruise. From late November through December every year, …
Deal alert: Points and miles travel deals for December 2024
https://thepointsguy.com/news/points-and-miles-travel-deals/
Editor’s note: Some of the below offers may be targeted. From bonus points on your next hotel stay to generous sales of airline miles, we’re always looking for travel deals to help you earn and redeem your points and miles better. In other words, we want to help you book the vacation of your dreams. …
The best hotels near Disney World you can book with points
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/best-points-hotels-near-disney-world/
Choosing the right hotel for your Walt Disney World vacation is no easy feat. In addition to the more than 25 official Disney World hotels, there are dozens of properties in the surrounding area at a variety of price points that offer perks like early theme park entry and complimentary shuttle service to enhance your …
Discover it Chrome Card review: Earn cash back at gas stations and restaurants
https://thepointsguy.com/reviews/discover-it-chrome-review/
Discover it Chrome overview The Discover it® Chrome Card is a cash-back offering from Discover that earns 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter (1% thereafter). You’ll earn 1% cash back on everything else. It’s a decent option for no annual fee, but there are …
An even faster way through airport security: Here’s what it’s like using touchless ID
https://thepointsguy.com/news/what-its-like-using-touchless-id/
Biometric screening, or touchless ID, is coming to an airport near you, and it will speed up your journey — especially through airport security. I’m a huge fan, and now that more airports are rolling out this technology, I want to share what it’s like to use it. Essentially, the new technology allows facial recognition …
World of Hyatt Business Credit Card review: Big perks for big spenders
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/world-of-hyatt-business-credit-card-review/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. World of Hyatt Business Credit Card overview The World of Hyatt Business Credit Card is a mid-tier hotel credit card that can provide serious value to Hyatt loyalists looking to spend their way toward status perks or unlock a 10% redemption …
United becomes the latest US airline to cut back Tulum service
https://thepointsguy.com/news/united-airlines-cuts-tulum-mexico-flights/
It seemingly wasn’t as hot in Tulum, Mexico, as United Airlines originally expected it would be. The Chicago-based carrier filed plans over the weekend to scrap one of its newest international routes and temporarily suspend two others, as first seen in Cirium schedules and later confirmed by a carrier spokesperson. Specifically, United will exit the …
No suite upgrade but charm aplenty: What it’s like staying at one of Hilton’s SLH London properties as a top-tier elite
https://thepointsguy.com/reviews/dukes-london-slh-hilton-honors-points/
London is known for its incredible hotel scene, but one brand has relatively few properties in the United Kingdom’s capital city: Hilton. While the Hilton chain does have a few fine hotels in London, the brand’s reach in the major metropolitan city pales in comparison to Marriott’s. But a new partnership between Hilton and Small …
Air Canada will make inflight Wi-Fi free starting in May
https://thepointsguy.com/news/air-canada-free-wi-fi/
Air Canada is about to become the latest airline to make it easier to stay connected. The Canadian carrier said Thursday that it will make gate-to-gate Wi-Fi available for free across its fleet in a phased introduction, with the first stage beginning this coming spring. The amenity will eventually be available on all Air Canada …
How business owners can unlock flexible rewards with the Amazon Business Prime American Express Card
https://thepointsguy.com/news/amazon-business-prime-amex-card/
Finding value in every transaction is key for small-business owners who already have to worry about navigating everyday expenses. That’s where the Amazon Business Prime American Express Card comes in. Not only does this card offer substantial value on both Amazon and non-Amazon purchases, but cardholders can also expect to receive the same exceptional customer …
What it’s like staying at AutoCamp Catskills
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/autocamp-catskills/
[circuit type=review circuit_id=”20420186855″] Editor’s note: AutoCamp Catskills provided TPG with a complimentary two-night stay so that we could get an inside look at the property. The opinions expressed below are entirely those of the author and weren’t subject to review by the hotel or any external entity. Hilton has expanded its reach into new territories …
Amtrak’s brand-new high-speed Acela trains finally set to enter service next spring
https://thepointsguy.com/news/amtrak-new-acela-trains-spring-2025/
After more than a decade of planning and years of tests, Amtrak’s high-speed, next-generation Acela trains are finally set to enter service early next year. The new Acela trains should enter revenue service at some point during the spring of 2025, the rail operator confirmed this week. It’s a milestone that should bring far greater …
NCL’s More at Sea promotion: What to know before you book
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/ncl-more-at-sea-cruise-promotion/
Want a more inclusive experience on a large cruise ship filled with dining choices and activities? If so, Norwegian Cruise Line‘s More at Sea promotion might be just the ticket. This promo provides a number of perks to guests based on the length of their cruise and the cabin category booked … but what does …
Waldorf Astoria’s New York City revival is just the beginning for Hilton’s planned luxe 2025
https://thepointsguy.com/news/hilton-waldorf-nyc/
“Will it or won’t it reopen?” hotel cynics have been wondering about Waldorf Astoria New York for years. (Not me, of course. I’m an eternal optimist who always thought it was coming back. Cough.) But now, the Waldorf Astoria New York finally has a clear path to reopening day. The storied, ultraluxury hotel is now …
Maximize your rewards by getting a fourth or fifth night free on award stays
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/free-nights-hotel-award-stays/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information. No one enjoys overpaying for their hotel. So, unless you have more points and miles than you can use, it’s likely appealing to get a fourth or fifth night free when redeeming points for hotel stays. You might be familiar with Citi Prestige’s …
Alaska Airlines confirms details of new premium card coming next year, including on companion pass
https://thepointsguy.com/news/premium-alaska-credit-card-launch/
Editor’s note: This post was updated with new details. There is more news on the newly announced premium credit card coming in 2025 from Alaska Airlines. The team at Alaska confirmed details on what the card’s new companion certificate feature will benefit, as first reported by Gary Leff at View From the Wing based on …
Hyatt expands to Provincetown on Cape Cod (kind of)
https://thepointsguy.com/news/hyatt-provincetown-cape-cod/
The World of Hyatt now extends to one of the top LGBTQ+ vacation destinations in the world, but the town shouldn’t raise its antichain pitchforks just yet. AWOL Provincetown, a high-end boutique hotel on the far West End of Provincetown, Massachusetts, is now part of World of Hyatt thanks to its listing on the Mr …
11 surprising winter vacation ideas for a warm-weather getaway
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/warm-winter-vacation-ideas/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, updated with new information. Are you craving the sensation of winter sun on your skin amid the slowly dropping temperatures in the United States? A few obvious holiday destinations may spring to mind. Mexico, Florida, the Maldives and Dubai are all classics for a reason, delivering scorching temperatures throughout …
My husband died with 878,000 Capital One miles. What happened to them?
https://thepointsguy.com/news/capital-one-miles-after-death/
Thomas Barone squirreled away his rewards points for years so he could take his entire family on a luxurious Italian vacation in 2024 using Capital One miles earned with his Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. Sadly, he unexpectedly died before he could fulfill that dream, leaving behind 878,000 Capital One miles. His wife, …
From upgrade ‘hack’ to IT fixes, Amtrak loyalty chief dishes on Guest Rewards’ big growth
https://thepointsguy.com/news/amtrak-loyalty-update-milestone/
There’s big news on the rails this week: Amtrak just reached 20 million members of its Guest Rewards program. Launched in 2000, the Guest Rewards program was originally introduced to coincide with the launch of the Acela trainset that travels along the I-95 corridor from Boston to Washington, D.C. And what might’ve once been a …
Earn up to 80,000 Avios and double points on spending with a Qatar Airways credit card
https://thepointsguy.com/news/qatar-airlines-new-credit-card-avios-offer/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Qatar Airways is one of our favorite airlines here at TPG — and the airline launched two cobranded credit cards with Cardless back in May. These cards offer an easy way to earn Avios with Qatar Airways and earn elite status …
Royal Caribbean will have just 1 of these new cabanas at its private beach club for cruisers
https://thepointsguy.com/news/royal-caribbean-beach-club-cruise-cabanas/
Want to try out Royal Caribbean’s new Ultimate Family Cabana? Join the club — the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, that is. Royal Caribbean Group has revealed that its new private for-fee beach area in the Bahamas will house just one cabana in this new family-friendly category for passengers who pay for club access during …
American Airlines won’t raise elite thresholds in 2025, but other changes are coming
https://thepointsguy.com/news/american-airlines-aadvantage-2025-updates/
American Airlines has some positive updates for its AAdvantage loyalty program members. On Dec. 12, the Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier announced its annual loyalty changes that’ll come into effect during the 2025 membership year, and the good news is that things are only getting better. Here’s everything you need to know about American’s loyalty plans …
Why points and miles are a bad long-term investment
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/points-and-miles-bad-investment/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information. Citi is a TPG advertising partner. It’s easy to think of points and miles as a variant of Monopoly money. To some, they’re easy to throw around and spend nonchalantly; they can almost seem ethereal. To others, travel rewards can be easy to …
Why the end of the year is the perfect time to open a premium credit card
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/apply-end-of-year-premium-credit-cards/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. There are many reasons why the end of the year can be a great time to open a new premium rewards credit card. Some of them offer statement credits that reset with the calendar year, while others are offering limited-time bonuses …
Best solar eclipse cruises for 2026
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/best-solar-eclipse-cruises/
If it isn’t already on your bucket list, you should add this experience: watching a total solar eclipse from a cruise ship deck. Even if you’re not an astronomy geek, witnessing a total solar eclipse is an extremely rare event. In 2024, more than 7 million people traveled to areas in North America that were …
Why you should skip hosting for the holidays and go to a hotel
https://thepointsguy.com/news/spending-holidays-at-hotel/
Here are a few things you should know about me. I love spending time with my friends and family. I love to cook. But I do not love hosting for the holidays. I know that some people absolutely do love preparing a big turkey dinner with all the fixings and inviting loved ones into their homes …