United Airlines isn’t slowing down when it comes to changes, and this latest round hits both ends of the cabin. Just days after boosting earning rates and perks for co-branded cardholders, United is now increasing checked baggage fees while also shifting toward “unbundled” premium fares.   Bag Fees Are Climbing Yet Again First, there’s the […]

One currency to connect them all, one currency to bind them—and through a network of airline programs, make award travel far more flexible than most frequent flyer miles…. In the world of airline rewards, that currency is Avios. Originally created by British Airways, Avios now powers the loyalty programs of several airlines, including British Airways, […]

My love for Kimpton Hotels is no fluke! After my recent stay at the Kimpton Sawyer in Sacramento, which left me disappointed, I am happy to say that the Kimpton Marlowe in Boston renewed my faith. From the moment I walked in the door and smelled the Kimpton Signature Scent (which I’ve since ordered for my home), I […]

We love our Marriott Bonvoy credit cards because most of them come with an annual free-night award each year on your cardmember anniversary. A couple even sometimes come with free-night awards as part of the welcome offer! The card_name comes with a free-night award every year after your account anniversary, valid for a one night […]

Amsterdam is one of those rare cities that is both historic and modern. It’s not defined by a single landmark, but by the atmosphere, beauty, and lifestyle you experience everywhere you go.  The canal system is unlike anywhere else in the world, and the city’s walkability, along with its famous bike culture, makes it a […]

Airlines don’t make most of their money from flying anymore. A huge share comes from their loyalty programs and a big chunk of that comes from credit cards. United’s latest MileagePlus changes make that reality even clearer. Starting April 2, 2026, earning rates dropped for general members, while cardholders are now rewarded with higher rates […]

A lovely reader sent in this reader success story about her trip with her son to Seattle!  Here’s Candace’s story:   I’ve used points and miles for a long time. My first redemption was in 2011, when I used travel portals from two different cash-back credit cards to book flights to Kauai for my husband […]

I love Air France and KLM for getting to Europe on points and miles! One reason is the Flying Blue Promo Rewards that come out on the first day of every month. Check out my post detailing the four reasons I love Air France. These are such good deals, so I will update this post […]

Recently, I went to St. Kitts with my daughter and stayed at the delightful Park Hyatt there. Unfortunately, flights to St. Kitts are usually redeyes from Denver or most of the West Coast, and I just don’t like those because I can’t find lie-flat seats. For that reason, I usually take a flight to Miami, […]

If you’ve been considering a new credit card, you’re checking in the right place! We have plenty of great offers to let you know about this month. Whether you want to earn free hotel stays, rack up airline miles, or earn transferable points you could use for both, these elevated offers are worth a closer […]

The points-and-miles world is full of opinions about getting the absolute maximum value from every single point. And while that advice can be helpful, sometimes you just have to block out the noise, ignore the spreadsheets, and book the trip anyway. Even if it is not the most optimal redemption on paper. The entire point […]

If you are looking to visit Hawaii with points then booking a Hyatt hotel is a great choice. Hyatt doesn’t have as many hotels in Hawaii as Marriott does, but they have some really great options! One thing I really love about Hyatt is when you book your stay with points you won’t have to […]

I’m lying in the sun at the Park Hyatt St. Kitts and realized that we are staying the perfect amount of time here. We had one positioning night in Miami and arrived here last night. First, time to explore and have a great dinner, and book massages for later. We will then have four full […]

If you’re looking for a beach vacation with stunning views, it’s hard to top Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. This city offers many luxurious resorts that are a short flight from the western U.S., and you can book this trip no matter what your points budget is.  In this series of blog posts, we show you […]

If flights you’ve been watching just jumped in price, you’re not imagining it—the cost of airfare is already rising ahead of summer. This isn’t your usual seasonal bump, either. Between high travel demand and rising fuel costs—driven in part by escalating tensions involving Iran—higher ticket prices are popping up earlier. And as airlines adjust, travelers […]

World of Hyatt members looking to try glamping this year have a new incentive to do so. Hyatt has launched a limited-time promotion offering 2,000 bonus World of Hyatt points per eligible night on stays at Under Canvas properties and select outdoor partner properties across the United States. Members can earn up to 60,000 bonus […]

Luxury travel doesn’t always mean five-star resorts and infinity pools. Sometimes it means hiking for four days straight, showering (maybe), and collapsing into a bunk bed in a remote mountain hut. Over the past several years, I’ve used points and miles to backpack some of the world’s most spectacular trails, from the Dolomites to Iceland […]

This was the trip I’d been dreaming about all year—the one I honestly never thought I’d take. No, it wasn’t entirely on points and miles (though they definitely got me there in style). India, Nepal, and Bhutan . . . just saying the names of these places feels magical. And while I’ve always had a […]

Shannon shares her reader success story to Prague and Madrid with us today. Here is her story:   I spent the fall of 2023 learning about points and miles, and in November 2023, I opened my first credit card (Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, of course!).  In between then and now, my husband and I have […]

Marriott Bonvoy® members have a new way to stretch their free night certificates a little further. As of March 12, 2026, Marriott increased the maximum number of points members can add to a Free Night Award certificate from 15,000 points to 25,000 points. That extra flexibility could help travelers book hotels that previously fell just […]

What if your savings account helped fund your next family trip instead of just earning a little interest each month? That’s the idea behind the Bask Bank Mileage Savings Account. Instead of earning interest, you earn American Airlines AAdvantage miles simply by keeping money in your account. For travelers who actively use miles, it can […]