For my first night in Tokyo on my Winter 2023 trip to Japan, I spent a night at the Tokyo Marriott Hotel. I was looking for a hotel that was relatively easy to access from Tokyo Haneda, as well as one that offered decent value for a short stay. My expectations going into my stay weren’t very high, especially when compared to some of Tokyo’s finer hotels. Nevertheless, I was looking forward to … [Read more...]
Your Guide To Sultanahmet Istanbul, Turkey
We may earn commission from affiliate links → Istanbul is one of the top holiday destinations, with a rich history, colorful culture, various tourist attractions sprinkled across the map, and delicious cuisine. And this gorgeous city is home to a one-of-a-kind neighborhood with a lot to offer; for anyone considering a trip to Istanbul soon, we highly recommend adding Sultanahmet to their … [Read more...]
The best ways to fly to India with points and miles
India is a top destination for many travelers. You can occasionally find flight deals to India, especially if you are patient and have flexible travel dates. If you find a good flight deal, you may want to use a credit card travel portal to book your flights.Otherwise, you may want to redeem points and miles for flights to India. This guide will discuss some of the top airline loyalty programs to … [Read more...]
Should you ask to switch seats on a plane?
Even during the glorious golden days of air travel, the middle seat was viewed as airline purgatory.Fear of body overlap, being used as a pillow, limited access to the overheads and lavatory, and contested armrests (is the middle seat dweller entitled to full or shared use?), being stuck in the middle is a pain all flyers can relate to.Most frequent flyers have, at some point, been asked to trade … [Read more...]
Austin’s aviation boom continues, with new Copa flights to Central America
Flyers based in Austin will have a new option for traveling to Latin America this summer.Copa Airlines plans to launch nonstop flights between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and Panama Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City, giving the Star Alliance carrier its 15th U.S. route.With a new route from Austin, passengers can connect to 55 Latin American cities through Copa's … [Read more...]
Best credit cards for book lovers
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.Now, more than ever, our options and reasons for reading seem endless. Whether you're lugging textbooks to class, tossing paperbacks into your beach bag or downloading audiobooks for your commute, book lovers know that a reading habit can become expensive.Our motto around here is that if you're spending, you … [Read more...]
WestJet Launches New Domestic and Transborder Routes
WestJet has announced a flurry of new and resumed routes for its upcoming Summer 2023 schedule, including to destinations in Canada and the United States. Many of these routes will operate out of Edmonton, which will see a 50% increase in service compared to 2022 levels. The Calgary-based airline is also beefing up its domestic and transborder routes from other Western Canadian cities, including … [Read more...]
New Zealand in Pictures
Longing to visit New Zealand? Take a peek at the beautiful island country through the lens of our photographer’s camera. Join us for New Zealand in pictures. I’ve been blessed with nine trips to New Zealand, as evidenced by the stamps on my passport. Starting with my honeymoon trip in 1997, I’ve made eight other trips, either solo or with family. My wife and I have traveled from the tip of the … [Read more...]
Don’t be ‘Clueless’: Earn increased cash back or points when shopping online
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.If you want to get the best deal for your online shopping, make sure you click through Rakuten first. (Yes, that same company with the very fun "Clueless"-themed Super Bowl commercial.)That's always good advice, but especially so Monday, as Rakuten is awarding up to 10 American Express Membership Rewards … [Read more...]
What is Hilton Honors elite status worth in 2023?
Editor’s note: This is The Points Guy’s permanent page about Hilton Honors elite status, so you can bookmark it and check back regularly for the latest information.If you’ve ever been a road warrior, chances are you’ve experienced firsthand how valuable hotel elite status is, thanks to the variety of on-property perks it conveys to frequent guests.However, it can be challenging to peg a specific … [Read more...]
How to Get a Sak Yant in Chiang Mai (Hygienically and Safely in 2023)
My tattoo experience of getting a sak yant in Chiang Mai, Thailand The sweet fragrance of incense drifted across the open-air room, slowly burning inside a Buddhist shrine tucked away in the corner. The faint sound of chickens rustling through the dirt yard filtered in between the distant motorbike traffic on a rural road on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. All around me statues and … [Read more...]
Earn a 120,000-point bonus with the Amex Business Platinum
If you’re thinking about applying for The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, now could be a great time.Right now, new cardholders can earn 120,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of cardmembership.Its $695 annual fee (see rates and fees) may sound hefty, but there are still plenty of reasons this business card is … [Read more...]
The Aeromexico Club Premier Round-the-World Award
One of the most compelling aspects of an airline loyalty program is when you’re able to book a round-the-world trip using points. In some cases, you can get incredible value, as long as you’re daring enough to learn the ins-and-outs of the program and how to maximize it. Some examples of this include a Star Alliance option with ANA Mileage Club and Oneworld multi-carrier award charts in British … [Read more...]
There’s a snazzy new ‘business class plus’ cabin on an airline you’ve probably never heard of
Gone are the days of airlines investing in exclusive first-class cabins.Though a handful of international airlines are still committed to offering first class in key business and leisure markets, most carriers are instead going all-in on business class.And, as airlines have been debuting cutting-edge business-class products, a new cabin class is emerging, commonly referred to as “business class … [Read more...]
Get your partner bookings in now: Etihad Guest to simplify its award chart
There's big (and likely bad) news coming from Etihad Guest. While the loyalty program is notorious for astronomical dynamically priced award rates on its own flights (think 1 million miles from the U.S. to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in business class), it also has some fantastic partner sweet spots.On Monday, One Mile at a Time and LoyaltyLobby reported Etihad Guest plans to simplify award … [Read more...]
The 8 Finest Food and Drink Combos You Must Try to Accompany a Fantastic Meal
Need help planning the perfect meal? Here are 8 great food and drink combos that let you create a perfect meal for someone special. Everyone has their own preferences and ways of washing down a wonderful dinner. But creating meal combinations is such a widespread practice that you can find it everywhere. You must recall from your early years that your mom used to entice you with a combo of milk … [Read more...]
Comparing the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority, Premier and Plus credit cards
Welcome offers are usually one of the best ways to differentiate between credit cards from the same family. But what about the Southwest Airlines consumer credit cards that often have the exact same sign-up bonus?The following three cards offer the same bonus: 30,000 points plus a Companion Pass (excludes taxes and fees from $5.60 one-way) valid through Feb. 28, 2024. You'll earn these by spending … [Read more...]
Online passport renewal should resume next month
Editor’s note: This story has been updated.If you’ve been putting off renewing your U.S. passport, you can soon avoid the logistical hassle of mailing or bringing in your physical passport and supporting documents.Starting in March, the U.S. Department of State plans to expand its current pilot program to allow Americans to widely renew passports online. This follows successful pilot programs … [Read more...]
More than a month: These 7 destinations elevate Black culture year-round
While Americans typically commemorate Black achievements and historical challenges during Black History Month in February, African Americans have made contributions that can be celebrated in destinations across the country year-round.Okmulgee, Oklahoma, for example, is a city about 40 minutes south of Tulsa that boasts the Okmulgee Invitational Rodeo, the nation’s oldest continuously held Black … [Read more...]
15 Must-Do’s in Liverpool (Attractions and Sights)
Liverpool is one of the most interesting cities in the UK with a rich and vibrant history. There are many wonderful things to do in Liverpool from learning about its maritime history, famous football club, and the Beatles, to visiting museums, various shops, and some great bars and restaurants. I’ve been visiting the city for years (not least to quickly replace lost passports) and love … [Read more...]