I was terrified the first time I boarded a plane alone with all four of my kids. My youngest was 16 months old and still breastfeeding. The others were 4, 6 and 9. I stood at the gate with a stroller, multiple passports and a diaper bag, acutely aware that no other adult was coming […]

Avianca’s Lifemiles program is currently promoting a limited-time “Flights With Miles” sale offering up to 45% off select award flights. If you’ve been considering redeeming Lifemiles, this promotion could be worth a look, especially since there’s also a current American Express Membership Rewards® transfer bonus to Lifemiles. Bookings must be completed by March 9, giving […]

Southwest Airlines has launched a new status match challenge that allows travelers with elite status from other airlines to receive Rapid Rewards A-List or A-List Preferred. While Southwest has offered status matches in the past, this version is extra enticing because it allows travelers to match all the way up to A-List Preferred, the airline’s […]

Airbnb has completely changed how many families (mine included) travel. Instead of squeezing into a standard hotel room with piles of people and suitcases, we’ve spread out in apartments in Europe, rented homes near national parks, and booked longer stays that make it feel more like we’re living somewhere rather than just visiting. But tragically, […]

It’s been a rocky stretch for longtime Southwest Airlines® fans. First, the airline scrapped its open seating. And to add insult to injury, it also eliminated free checked bags. But now, there’s at least one silver lining. Southwest® announced it will begin installing ultrafast in-flight Wi-Fi powered by Starlink across its fleet, and the service […]

You may have seen headlines about TSA PreCheck® being suspended as part of the partial U.S. government shutdown. Take a deep breath. PreCheck isn’t shut down. While an initial statement suggested changes to Trusted Traveler programs, TSA has since clarified that screening operations continue as normal.   Why Travelers Thought PreCheck Was Suspended Amid funding […]

At first glance, Capital One Shopping looks like a basic deal-finding browser extension. But in reality, and when used intentionally, it can do so much more. This guide breaks down how Capital One Shopping works, where it delivers the most value, and how to use it as part of a broader savings strategy—without expecting perfection. […]

Hotel credits have become a staple of premium travel credit cards. On paper, they can offset annual fees significantly—sometimes by hundreds of dollars per year. In practice, however, these credits aren’t always easy to use. Many require prepaid bookings through specific portals, minimum-stay requirements, or choosing luxury properties that cost far more than you’d normally […]

I’ve been using the American Express airline incidental credit on my eligible Amex cards for years. And like many other points and miles people, I relied on United TravelBank to do it. It was simple. Every January, I’d just select United as my airline, load amounts into my TravelBank, and the charge would trigger the […]

Southwest Airlines has extended its booking schedule through fall 2026—and if you fly Southwest even semiregularly, this is one of the most important booking windows of the year. Here’s why. Fares Are Often Lowest When the Schedule First Opens Southwest doesn’t load flights day by day like most other airlines do. It releases large chunks […]

Breeze Airways is starting 2026 with one of its biggest loyalty moves yet. The airline has launched a revamped version of Breezy Rewards that adds elite-status tiers, new perks, and expanded ways to earn and redeem points. For an airline best known for low fares and nonstop routes between underserved cities, this update signals a […]

World of Hyatt just launched its latest Bonus Journeys promotion for 2026, giving members a chance to earn up to 28,000 bonus points on eligible stays this spring. Hyatt typically runs Bonus Journeys offers several times per year, and this round covers stays completed between February 2 and April 15, 2026. You must register before […]

If you’ve spent any time in the points-and-miles world, you’ve probably heard the term Chase Trifecta. It sounds complicated, and maybe even a little intimidating, but the concept is surprisingly simple. The Chase Trifecta is a three-card setup that allows you to earn flexible rewards on nearly every purchase and then redeem those points for […]

Points and miles people hate fees almost as much as they love a good redemption. Unfortunately, TSA has rolled out a new $45 option for travelers who show up without a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification. As of February 1, 2026, the Transportation Security Administration is enforcing a new policy at airport […]

American Express is tightening access to its Centurion Lounge network once again. Starting July 8, 2026, Amex will introduce new limits on guests and lounge entry timing. The changes arrive shortly after Capital One announced upcoming restrictions to its own lounge access. Together, the moves point to a clear trend: premium credit card lounges are […]

For travelers prioritizing space over turndown service—and a kitchen over a club lounge—vacation rentals can be an easy win. Marriott has leaned into this demand with Marriott Homes & Villas, a curated collection of professionally managed homes that live inside the Marriott ecosystem. On paper, it sounds like an ideal option for points-and-miles travelers: earn […]

Some of the world’s most popular destinations are no longer just crowded—they’re expensive, and it feels like it hits points-and-miles travelers first. Award prices have crept up, hotel availability has tightened, and “good value” redemptions can be harder to find than they used to be. The upside? Many of the experiences travelers want—beaches, food scenes, […]

Bilt Rewards has launched Bilt Cash, a new redemption option that lets members customize how they unlock value across the program—whether that’s earning more points, offsetting everyday expenses, or redeeming for travel and experiences. Now, instead of steering members toward one “best” redemption, Bilt Cash allows you to shift strategies month to month based on […]

If you’re planning a longer hotel stay—whether for remote work, a slow-travel trip, or fewer check-ins—Hyatt just launched a promotion that’s easy to understand and potentially lucrative. Right now, World of Hyatt offers 5,000 bonus points for every qualifying five-night stay at select extended-stay properties. Members can earn up to 50,000 bonus points total.   […]

I’ve been to Guatemala six or seven times over the years and often with kids in tow. That repeat experience is exactly why I keep coming back to it as one of the most family-friendly destinations I know to book with points and miles. Guatemala isn’t an obvious choice for family travel. It doesn’t come […]

What feels like a lifetime ago, I had the opportunity to visit Peru for about ten days. However, due to some unfortunate circumstances, I didn’t get to enjoy the trip the way I’d hoped. Okay—fine. I was seven months pregnant, super sick, and way too adventurous for my own good. Not exactly the ideal setup […]