World of Hyatt isn’t the largest hotel loyalty program by any means, but what it lacks in reach, it makes up for it in value. Sure, competitors like Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors boast thousands more properties worldwide. But Hyatt has built a loyal following thanks to its generous award pricing and valuable benefits. Add […]

Who doesn’t love a promotion that you don’t have to go out of your way for? If you’ve already got Marriott stays and United flights on the calendar, this one is about as effortless as it gets. Marriott Bonvoy® and United MileagePlus have launched a new limited-time RewardsPlus promotion. With it, you can earn 2,000 […]

Cassie sends in her reader success story to Toronto for an anniversary celebration. Here is her story:   We recently took a trip on points to Toronto for our ten-year anniversary, and I couldn’t have done it without the help of the Points Talk Squad. You ladies have taught me everything I know about using […]

When booking flights with points and miles, there’s a question that comes up all the time: Would you rather use fewer miles and pay higher taxes and fees, or spend more miles and keep your out-of-pocket costs low? There isn’t a single right answer. The best choice depends on your travel goals, how easy it […]

If you’re traveling through Denver International Airport this summer, pack more than just your carry-on—pack some extra patience too. Today, I heard more than one person yell in frustration at someone who worked there and I think we can all agree that that doesn’t help solve problems (or make work days or travel days enjoyable). […]

There are two types of people in this world. The first group books a beach vacation and spends the week horizontal next to a pool or ocean. The second group looks at visiting Alaska with diamonds in their eyes because there is nothing better than visiting glacier country wearing three jackets, a beanie, and gloves. […]

It’s never fun when a loyalty program adds more rules, especially when those rules make it harder to use your points and miles. But that’s exactly what Qatar Airways just did with its new policy that limits who you can redeem Avios for. Here’s what you need to know.    What’s Changing? Up until now, […]

If you’ve been waiting for Hyatt’s newest all-inclusive resorts to open, there’s great news. Reservations are now open for both the Grand Hyatt Los Cabos Resort, Golf & Spa and the Park Hyatt Riviera Maya. That’s pretty exciting news if you’re a Hyatt loyalist—or even if you’re not. While Hyatt already has a large all-inclusive […]

One of the easiest ways to save money while traveling is by booking hotels that include free breakfast for everyone, no elite status required. With hotel prices (and food prices) continuing to climb, complimentary breakfast can easily save a family $50 to $100+ per day, especially in major cities or resorts. The good news is […]

If you’ve searched for Marriott hotels lately, chances are you’ve come across the Moxy brand. The bright colors, trendy lobbies, and playful vibe definitely stand out from your typical hotel experiences. But what exactly is a Moxy hotel, and is it a good fit for your next trip? I’ve stayed at two Moxy properties over […]

If you’ve got a Hyatt stay coming up, it’s worth taking a couple of minutes to check if there’s a promotion you should register for first. World of Hyatt currently has several limited-time promos running, including bonus points for paid stays, extra rewards at extended-stay brands and even bonus miles on glamping getaways. Here’s a […]

Laura wrote a previous reader success story, and here is her second one with her family of five, island-hopping in Hawaii! Here’s her story:   Hello, fellow points and miles fans! The Points Talk Squad recently published my reader success story from our fall family trip to NYC.  Over the kids’ spring break this year, […]

If you’ve read my work for Points Talk Squad before, you probably know I’m a big fan of American Airlines and the AAdvantage program. One reason is that I’m incredibly flexible when I travel. I don’t always have a specific destination in mind—I just want to go somewhere interesting for a good price. That flexibility […]

Economy awards don’t get the same fanfare as lie-flat business-class seats or first-class champagne. But they can be one of the smartest ways to use airline miles. That’s especially true if you’re booking multiple seats, traveling during school breaks, or trying to avoid paying inflated cash fares during peak travel dates. The trick is knowing […]

United Airlines has made a small change to its MileagePlus program, but its impact is big—especially for families and groups traveling together. Until recently, MileagePlus miles added to a shared pool could only be redeemed for flights operated by United or United Express. But that’s no longer the case. United has expanded miles pooling to […]

For many years, Hyatt was the go-to hotel option for many points travelers wanting to experience the gorgeous beaches and rich history of Hawaii. Sadly, many Hyatt properties are seeing their points prices increase, so you may be considering your options.  Fear not, points traveler! There are many other points hotels in paradise! Alex recently […]

Veda sent in her reader success story to the Dreams Jade Resort and Spa in Cancun. We love hearing from the squad, so keep sending these stories in! Hyatt has changed its redemption levels, so you may not find the same points cost that she found, although it is still a Category B for Hyatt’s […]

There’s something about Boston that works for families. It’s walkable, packed with history, has plenty of kid-friendly food options, and somehow still feels manageable with kids in tow. We just spent Memorial Day weekend with Alex’s family, including four boys aged 5, 9, 12, and 14, and everyone had a great time. And the best […]

Like many people in the points-and-miles world, my main, go-to hotel program used to be Hyatt. The first thing I did when planning a trip was to check whether there was a suitable Hyatt and, if I had enough points, book it. This was especially true if I needed to travel at a peak time.  […]

American Airlines AAdvantage® is one of the most recognizable airline loyalty programs in the world. Whether you’re earning miles through flights, credit cards, or everyday spending, the program has plenty of opportunities to turn those miles into travel. But like many modern airline programs, the value is far from straightforward. Award pricing can fluctuate, partner […]

Whether you’re looking to visit the iconic Christmas markets or take a waltz lesson, charming Vienna has something for every traveler.  Jess loved her trip to this beautiful city in 2024, and it pairs well with a visit to Prague, which is about four hours away by train. So, this trip would be perfect for […]