What started as a perfect beach getaway in Roatán quickly turned into something I never expected. Picture this: turquoise water, a warm Caribbean breeze, fresh seafood, and zero responsibilities. It was the kind of trip you daydream about for months. Days were filled with good food, lying by the pool, and massages at the Kimpton […]

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, […]

We get a ton of questions about what luggage we use, and we always say the Away brand. Each of us is literally obsessed with these bags, and I see tons of them in airports, so we aren’t the only ones. People like  Away luggage because it makes something as boring as a suitcase feel […]

TSA lines are having a moment, and it’s not in a good way. Just this morning, I hopped on social media and was immediately bombarded with posts showing crazy TSA lines. Travelers across the country are sharing horror stories of hours-long waits, missed flights, and security lines stretching so far you’ll need to pack a […]

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 […]

I often go to Seattle to visit my son and remember past visits to the old American Express® Centurion® Lounge there. It was smaller then, and a bit darker, but I still enjoyed the visit. Today, I was visiting the Centurion Lounge for the first time since it’d been completely renovated and . . . […]

I hadn’t been in an American Airlines Admirals Club® lounge in, like, forever—but this week, I’ve been in the same one twice! Going to and coming back from St. Kitts, my daughter Kasey and I flew American Airlines for at least part of each trip, and thanks to my newly acquired Citi Strata Elite℠ Card, […]

I just spent a delightful hour at the Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club at LaGuardia Airport (LGA). I love flying into LGA when I go to New York City anyway, because it is a closer drive to get into the city, and this lounge makes LGA an even better idea. This lounge is next […]

We all love an airport lounge. And while they may be less common, many hotels have lounges, too. Accessing hotel lounges can save you money on food and drinks while traveling because you can pop in for snacks, drinks, or even entire meals. Because you know we love the World of Hyatt loyalty program, we’re […]

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 […]

Today (February 1, 2026) is the day that Capital One’s lounge-access changes officially start. So if you’re flying this weekend, don’t get caught off guard at the door. This is the day some families have been dreading. 😩 Here’s what’s different now:   Authorized users aren’t automatically covered anymore Before, adding an authorized user was […]

One of our readers, Lisa, told us how she helps people get the right insurance coverage for their trips for free, including knowing whether your credit card coverage will cover you the way you plan it to! 😬 In talking to her and the experience she had once, we thought this would be great info […]

When you hear someone say, “timeshare presentation,” you probably picture a pushy salesperson, a boring two-hour pitch, and a guilt trip to sign your life away for a vacation you’ll never use. Honestly, this stereotype isn’t entirely wrong. But there may be times when a timeshare presentation works! Here’s the thing: If you’re in the […]

The Edit by Chase Travel℠ is a new credit card benefit of the card_name and card_name.  The Edit is a collection of over 1,000 hotels and resorts worldwide. Both cards come with an total annual credit of $500 for stays of at least two consecutive nights at The Edit properties. How you use the $500 […]

I just returned from an Alaska cruise on Princess Cruise Lines. I paid for the cruise outright and used points and miles to offset some of our other trip costs. Sure, it is possible to pay for a cruise. Some credit card issuers, like Chase, American Express, and Citi, allow you to book cruises through […]

If you have ever stared longingly at those lie-flat business seats while trudging to your middle seat in the last row of economy with your kids, snacks, and sanity barely hanging on, then this post is for you. With the right stash of points and miles and everything you learned from Award Travel Academy, you […]

If you’re already using points and miles to stretch your family’s travel budget, you know the thrill of finding ways to earn a few extra points and miles. Keeping track of which shopping portal has the best deal, which card-linked offers are active, and whether it’s even worth stacking an offer can feel overwhelming. That’s […]

Traveling can be exhilarating, but long layovers, delayed flights, and crowded terminals can easily turn an exciting trip into a stressful experience. Fortunately, Priority Pass offers a solution with access to over 1,700 airport lounges worldwide where travelers can relax, recharge, and escape the chaos. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or someone looking to add […]

I just want to assure everyone of one thing: the sky is NOT falling in the world of points and miles. We know there have been changes. There will ALWAYS be changes and we have seen many in the last decade that we have enjoyed this hobby. We keep hearing about people being “devastated” or […]

Have you ever checked into a hotel and immediately knew it wasn’t the hotel for you? I recently had this happen on a stay at the Zoëtry Mallorca. I was on a girls’ getaway with my daughter, Lindsey, and the theme of our trip was supposed to be luxury. Our stay at the Nobis Palma […]

At some point in your travel journey, you’ve probably been stuck at the airport with a delayed or canceled flight, wondering if or how you’d ever get your money back. The good news? The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) rolled out new rules in 2024 that finally hold airlines accountable in these frustrating situations. Here […]