The popular Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas near San Diego is saying goodbye to guests under 18. As of Feb. 14, the resort is officially an adults-only property.The 130-room Alila property in Encinitas, California, decided to shift to an adults-only environment to "further elevate the serene ambience of this oceanfront enclave," the property shared in a statement. It emphasized a renewed focus … [Read more...]
Its about to be much easier to get a spot in line for these 2 popular Disney World rides
I've heard several sad tales of guests sauntering up to a Disney World ride only to be turned away because the ride doesn't have a traditional standby line. While disappointing to the uninitiated, this isn't an uncommon practice. Disney has several methods for accessing attractions, including a standby queue, Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass, Lightning Lane Premier Pass and a virtual … [Read more...]
5 ways to use credit cards responsibly
Credit cards are powerful financial tools. Used responsibly, they can offer you valuable rewards and benefits and, of course, a secure and convenient method of payment.But what does "use responsibly" actually mean? Here are our top tips on how to avoid making mistakes with your credit cards.Pay your bills on time and in fullThe most important aspect of using a credit card responsibly is making … [Read more...]
30% off award flights to Europe on TAP Air Portugal
TAP Air Portugal is offering 30% off award bookings from the U.S. to Portugal and elsewhere in Europe.Round-trip travel starts at 40,600 Miles&Go miles to select destinations, including Lisbon, Portugal; Madrid; Rome; Paris; and London.This deal is available to book through Feb. 24 for travel by March 31.Deal basicsTAP AIR PORTUGALAirline: TAP Air PortugalRoutes: From New York, Washington, … [Read more...]
IHG acquires ‘lean luxury’ hotel brand with locations in European hotspots
Over the last few years, lifestyle hotel acquisitions have been all the rage for some of the world's biggest hotel companies, including Hyatt and Hilton. Now, IHG is joining the fray with the acquisition of the "premium urban lifestyle" Ruby hotel brand from Germany-based Ruby SARL (Ruby Group).Already quite popular in Europe, with 20 hotels open in Germany, the U.K., Austria, Switzerland, Italy, … [Read more...]
A natural paradise for snorkeling and diving: A review of Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
The Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa is one of two Category 7 World of Hyatt properties in the Maldives. This resort opened as an Alila in 2009 and reflagged to Park Hyatt in 2011. Now, the 51-key resort calls itself the "Living Island" and caters to travelers looking to get away to a remote island while still enjoying personalized service.KATIE GENTER/THE POINTS GUYOnce you arrive in the Maldives, … [Read more...]
8 biggest factors that impact your credit score
Earning points and miles through lucrative credit card bonuses can open up some amazing travel options. But to really work this hobby to your advantage, you need to have a solid credit score.Let's take a look at eight factors that you may not even realize can influence your credit score.Payment historyPayment history is more important than any other information on your credit report when your … [Read more...]
Royal Caribbean’s next gigantic ship will cruise to new destinations with a retro name
Get ready Royal Caribbean fans: The next Icon Class cruise ship will sail the Mediterranean under a familiar name.The third ship in Royal Caribbean's Icon Class — comprising the largest cruise ships in the world — is set to debut in July 2026 with a season of weeklong Western Mediterranean sailings out of Barcelona. It marks the first time a ship that big has offered voyages in Europe.During an … [Read more...]
American Airlines adds 2 new LaGuardia routes for the summer
American Airlines keeps growing its presence at New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA).This week, the carrier is adding two new routes from LGA just in time for the peak summer season, as first seen in Cirium schedules and later confirmed by a carrier spokesperson. The new routes will service two cities in South Carolina: Charleston and Myrtle Beach.American's affiliate Republic Airways will operate … [Read more...]
Frontier Airlines adds 14 new routes across US as network shakeup bleeds into 2025
Frontier Airlines is plotting a big network shakeup that's set to take effect right before the peak 2025 summer travel season kicks into full swing.The Denver-based ultra-low-cost carrier will add more than a dozen new routes in May at airports across the country — including a new route to the northwest tip of Puerto Rico.In all, Frontier's expansion is 14 new routes, all of which will launch in … [Read more...]
Capital One re-adds JetBlue as transfer partner
There's good news for travelers with Capital One miles: The program has re-added JetBlue TrueBlue as a transfer partner.Capital One first added JetBlue to its roster of 15-plus transfer partners in 2019, but it dropped it in 2021. Now, JetBlue is back, opening up new possibilities for Capital One cardholders to redeem their hard-earned miles.But now that you can transfer your miles to JetBlue, … [Read more...]
New points hotel near Disney: The Inn at Celebration joins Marriott
There are more than two dozen hotels at Disney World, with hundreds more in the surrounding area. Which hotel you choose is based on several factors, including your vacation budget, how many people you are traveling with and how long it will take you to get from your hotel to Disney.If a major deciding factor for you is finding a hotel that participates in the Marriott Bonvoy program, you have a … [Read more...]
Waymo cool! What it’s like taking a driverless taxi
The future is here — and on the streets of some major American cities. San Francisco has been allowing autonomous vehicles on its streets for years now, but fully driverless rides are a fairly new phenomenon. So I was eager to try out the driverless taxi service from the best-established company, Waymo One, on a recent trip to the City by the Bay.When the Hyatt Regency Downtown SOMA offered me 25% … [Read more...]
Data shows it’s time for Marriott to update point thresholds on free night certificates
Yesterday, we examined Marriott Bonvoy's recent award changes, and the data indicates that your Marriott points may not be as valuable as they were just a few years ago. Unfortunately, the increased award prices also mean that more properties are now out of reach for the free night certificates offered on select Marriott credit cards.But to what extent is this the case?To determine exactly how … [Read more...]
BREAKING: Delta regional jet involved in crash landing in Toronto; all occupants ‘accounted for,’ airport says
All passengers and crewmembers are accounted for after a Delta Air Lines regional jet was involved in an emergency incident Monday afternoon at Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ).According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the Delta Connection jet crashed while landing in Toronto at around 2:45 p.m. EST.All 80 passengers and crewmembers on board the CRJ900 aircraft were evacuated, the FAA … [Read more...]
Startup budget carrier Arajet set for first US routes as it tries to build a Caribbean hub
Dominican airline Arajet will make its U.S. debut this spring with flights to Miami and San Juan, Puerto Rico, a key step in realizing its dream of building a Pan-American hub in Santo Domingo.The budget carrier will begin flights to Miami International Airport (MIA) from Santo Domingo's Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) on April 11. Then, on June 5, it will add flights to San Juan's Luis … [Read more...]
You can now combine American Airlines and British Airways flights when redeeming Alaska Airlines miles — but should you?
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members can now combine award flights operated by both American Airlines and British Airways as a single redemption.Previously, Mileage Plan had only allowed members to mix and match redemptions across partner airlines when one of the operating airlines was Alaska Airlines. So, redeeming miles for an itinerary involving travel from Dallas Fort Worth International … [Read more...]
Some great credit card benefits are based on cardmember anniversary, not calendar year
Like airline and hotel elite status, many benefits of travel rewards credit cards are based on the calendar year.However, many credit cards offer statement credits and other perks that are timed to the account anniversary (and payment of the annual fee) rather than the calendar year — and it's important to know the distinction.You'll want to keep track of your credit card benefits and know which … [Read more...]
Flying with a lap infant? Here’s what you need to know
New parents face an endless number of decisions. What should you name your new baby? Which type of baby carrier will your newborn be most comfortable in? Who will get up in the middle of the night when your baby wakes up crying for the 15th time?Related: Best credit cards for familiesShould you choose to fly with your new baby, you'll also have to decide whether to purchase a ticket so they can … [Read more...]
Historic charm in the heart of Dublin: What it’s like staying at The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection
If you ask anyone in Dublin what the best hotel in the city is, you'll likely hear The Shelbourne's name. The hotel, more than 200 years old, has a legacy with both locals and tourists, boasting a grand entrance, a see-and-be-seen bar, a popular afternoon tea service and, of course, beautiful rooms. Not to mention it's across the street from St. Stephen's Green and has been the location of many … [Read more...]