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Only the latest slick travel news
Overwhelmingly charming: What it’s like staying at Rome’s trendiest new boutique hotel
https://thepointsguy.com/reviews/casa-monti-rome/
[circuit type=review circuit_id=”20420187078″] Editor’s note: Casa Monti provided TPG with a complimentary one-night stay so that we could get an inside look at the hotel and its amenities shortly after it opened. The opinions expressed below are entirely those of the author and weren’t subject to review by the hotel or any external entity. If …
How to identify and prevent credit card fraud
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/how-to-prevent-credit-card-fraud/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Credit card fraud is a serious risk to individuals and businesses alike. Despite measures like mobile wallets, chip cards and Near Field Communication technology, consumers are still at risk of having their credit card accounts used fraudulently. Below, we’ll explain what …
The most-exciting new airline routes for 2025: TPG’s picks
https://thepointsguy.com/news/most-exciting-new-airline-routes-2025/
New year, new routes. While most people are thinking about their New Year’s resolutions, AvGeeks and airline industry enthusiasts have a list of their own to look forward to as the calendar flips from December to January. That would be the bevy of new airline routes announced last year, many of which launch in 2025. …
Hyatt finalizes Bahia Principe partnership, expanding all-inclusive portfolio
https://thepointsguy.com/news/hyatt-finalizes-bahia-principe-partnership-expanding-all-inclusive-portfolio/
It’s a good day for World of Hyatt members, with the Chicago-based hotel chain taking another step forward in the expansion of its all-inclusive portfolio. Hyatt and Grupo Piñero, the owner of Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts, have officially inked their partnership after announcing a joint venture earlier this year. The long-term strategic venture, based …
Carnival Legend cruise ship review: Outsize fun on a midsize, made-over ship
https://thepointsguy.com/reviews/carnival-legend-cruise-ship-review/
My first walk through Carnival Legend left me thinking, “Girrrl, 22 looks good on you!” A well-used ship over 20 years old often begins to show a few wrinkles, not only in minor damage and dated color palettes but also in lagging innovations and improvements. Carnival Cruise Line did a good job of overhauling both …
Soaring to new frontiers: Space Perspective plans first manned flight for 2025
https://thepointsguy.com/news/space-perspective-first-manned-flight/
If you are a frequent forward-cabin flyer, you come to expect certain things: a comfortable and spacious seat, reliable Wi-Fi, and a quality meal with an accompanying cocktail. These amenities are commonplace at 35,000 feet, but a new tourism company is about to take the luxury flight experience to all-new heights — 100,000 feet, to …
Severe storms hamper holiday travel – and more trouble could be brewing
https://thepointsguy.com/news/severe-storms-holiday-travel-flight-delays/
This holiday season, it’s been severe thunderstorms — not snow or ice — that have proven to be main hurdle for the millions of travelers headed to airports. And more trouble could be brewing. Stormy weather snarled air traffic on Thursday at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), the nation’s second busiest airport — and also …
Avianca eyes 5 new routes from Florida to Latin America in 2025
https://thepointsguy.com/news/avianca-new-routes-florida-latin-america/
Colombian airline Avianca is plotting a big U.S. expansion in 2025. The Bogota-based carrier announced five new proposed routes Thursday, each of which would bring new nonstop Latin American flights to the state of Florida. As part of Avianca’s planned expansion, the carrier would launch its first-ever service from Tampa International Airport (TPA). And, it …
11 incredible hotels for a dreamy winter vacation
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/best-winter-vacation-hotels/
It’s the most wonderful time of the year again — the time of year when the sun goes down early, the scent of hot cocoa and peppermint fills the air, warm sweaters keep you cozy and you realize it’s definitely time for a vacation. If you’re looking for a true winter escape, where the falling …
Round-the-world SAS EuroBonus challenge part 2: Bali to Vietnam
https://thepointsguy.com/news/sas-eurobonus-challenge-part-2/
I’m doing the SAS EuroBonus million-mile challenge. In total, the challenge will consist of me traveling for 25 days on 18 flights and visiting 15 different countries on 15 different SkyTeam airlines in order to end up with 1 million SAS EuroBonus miles. My first week on the road took me from Portland to Seoul, …
Comparing Visa Signature and World Elite Mastercard benefits
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/visa-signature-vs-world-elite-mastercard-benefits/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Are you looking for a new rewards credit card? You may be evaluating various welcome offers, rewards and redemption options. But when considering a credit card’s features, remember to consider the benefits of the card’s payment network. The Visa Signature and …
Why I do not care about airline elite status
https://thepointsguy.com/news/no-elite-status-run/
Contrary to popular belief, not all of us at TPG benefit from a ton of travel perks … even perks that we write about daily, like elite status. When I joined TPG in 2021, I had never had any sort of airline elite status. I did not have a cobranded airline credit card, and I …
The 8 best beaches in Mexico, from the Caribbean to Baja California
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/best-beaches-in-mexico/
There’s a lot to love about Mexico — the historic cities, the sizzling street tacos, the colorful festivals and the endless art. But undoubtedly, what draws most visitors to Mexico, first and foremost, are its show-stopping beaches. With nearly 6,000 miles of coastline split between the Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Sea of …
Are cruise drink packages worth the price? What to know before you buy
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/cruise-ship-drink-package-value/
Are cruise drink packages worth the price? The short answer is that it depends. It depends on how expensive a cruise line’s alcohol package is on any given ship as compared to the cost of drinks purchased individually. Both things vary greatly from line to line. It also depends on how much you drink in …
Everything you need to know about American Express purchase protection
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/amex-purchase-protection/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. When deciding which travel rewards card to use for large purchases, it’s important to look beyond the points and miles you earn. Card issuers strive to set their products apart by offering incentives like welcome bonuses, but sometimes, the less-flashy benefits …
An overview of the 35 Marriott hotel brands
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/marriott-hotel-brands/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information. Marriott Bonvoy has over 30 hotel brands in more than 10,000 global destinations. While some other hotel loyalty programs have opted to bring properties from acquired brands into their existing brands, Marriott Bonvoy has generally not been hesitant to add a new brand …
Are cruises all-inclusive? What’s actually included in your cruise fare
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/are-cruises-all-inclusive/
You might have heard that cruise fares are all-inclusive, but if you’re new to cruising, that term could be misleading. While mainstream cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line offer incredible value, covering lodging, meals and transportation in their cruise fares, they are not 100% all-inclusive. In other words, …
How to spend the weekend in Fishtown, Philly’s coolest neighborhood
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/fishtown-philadelphia-guide/
Editor’s note: Hotel Anna and Bel provided TPG with a complimentary two-night stay and some on-site meals and experiences 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. …
What’s the difference between a credit card network and issuer?
https://thepointsguy.com/news/whats-the-difference-between-a-credit-card-network-and-issuer/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. When we discuss credit cards at TPG, we usually focus on the bank that issues the card or the type of rewards the card accumulates rather than which network it belongs to. Still, your card network matters a lot. It can …
Your guide to Delta Million Miler lifetime status
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/delta-lifetime-elite-status/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information. If you’re an avid business traveler or an enthusiastic globe-trotter, achieving Delta Air Lines Million Miler status demonstrates your unwavering loyalty to the Delta SkyMiles program and rewards you with lifelong Delta Medallion status. Only a small fraction of Delta SkyMiles members will attain …
How to apply for Global Entry: Tips for first-timers
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/how-to-apply-for-global-entry/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Of all the Trusted Traveler Programs, Global Entry is perhaps the least well known. If you are unfamiliar with Global Entry, it gives preapproved, low-risk travelers expedited clearance upon arrival in the U.S. from abroad through automated kiosks at more than …
The secret to getting more (and sometimes better) Amex Offers on your card
https://thepointsguy.com/news/how-to-get-more-amex-offers/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Saving money is on everyone’s to-do list. I mean, just look around at the cost of things. The good news is that if you have an American Express card, it’s actually easy to do so with a few simple clicks. From …
Quick Points: What’s the difference between American Airlines trip credits and flight credits?
https://thepointsguy.com/news/american-airlines-trip-credits-flight-credits/
American Airlines offers two primary types of travel credits: “trip credits” and “flight credits.” Given that the names are practically synonymous, we understand if you’re confused. But American Airlines trip credits and flight credits are actually very different animals, so it’s important to know which type you have and how you can use it. Let’s …
The best airport amenities of 2024
https://thepointsguy.com/news/2024-best-airport-amenities/
Airports can be crowded and vexing places to spend your time. They can also be charming, fun and surprising. In 2024, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) brought back its coat check service, and Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) hosted another pop-up marriage license bureau around Valentine’s Day. Plus, during this presidential election year, …
8 of the most exclusive travel experiences you can book with points and miles
https://thepointsguy.com/news/exclusive-travel-experiences-points/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. You don’t need me to remind you that points and miles can get you fancy flights and posh hotel stays. But did you know that your rewards can also land you personal butlers and stays on private islands? Points and miles …
German airline Condor cuts service to 4 US cities for 2025
https://thepointsguy.com/news/condor-cuts-us-service-2025/
German leisure carrier Condor is trimming its U.S. route map in 2025. This week, the airline notified four U.S. airports of its plans to cut its seasonal nonstop service from Frankfurt. Next year, the carrier will end flights from its German base city to San Antonio International Airport (SAT), Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), …
Bilt Rent Day (Jan. 1): Accor status match, New Year’s Eve Dining experiences, double points 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: Jan. 1 is another Bilt Rent Day. As on previous Rent Days, you can snag double points on Rent Day for nonrent purchases, book a Bilt Neighborhood …
Are Disney club-level rooms worth the extra cost?
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/disney-club-level/
If you’ve shopped online for Disney Resort hotel reservations, you may have seen the words “Disney Club Access” on some booking options, and you might have wondered what exactly that means. It’s easy to tell that these bookings cost more than nonclub rooms, but it’s harder to tell exactly what Disney club access gets you …
Moments from the magic: 4 reasons staying at a Disneyland hotel is totally worth it
https://thepointsguy.com/guide/worth-it-stay-hotel-disneyland/
When choosing where to stay on your Disneyland vacation, the first big decision you need to make is whether to stay in an official Disneyland hotel or one of the several hotels in the surrounding area. Related: The best hotels near Disneyland: Where to stay on- and off-property Disneyland has three on-site hotels: the Disneyland …
What it’s like to take a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Finland’s Arctic to see Santa
https://thepointsguy.com/news/santa-lapland-finland-arctic/
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, updated with new information. Childhood moves quickly. Those special years when kids are old enough to appreciate exciting adventures but still young enough to lean into the magic of it all are limited. When my youngest daughter was 6 years old and my oldest was 11, we decided …