As of Monday morning, the new Sapphire Terrace is open for visitors at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) in Texas.However, while it has "Sapphire" in the name, this space is not a traditional Chase Sapphire Lounge. So, what is it, and how is it different from a lounge?Here's a first look at this indoor-outdoor space at Austin's airport — plus how you can get access.Related: Dallas-Fort … [Read more...]
Want to visit Japan with an infant? Here’s how to make your trip a success
When I first started traveling solo and blogging 10 years ago, one of the most persistent things I got asked was, “When are you going to settle down?”The question irked me. It suggested that there were only two paths in life. But it didn’t seem to me that traveling and having a family had to be mutually exclusive.Years later, having returned from my 20th flight with my now 7-month-old (which was … [Read more...]
Delta scraps new Dallas route before it even launches
Delta Air Lines was perhaps too bullish on Texas.Just six weeks after Delta's big announcement about expanding its presence in Dallas, the airline quietly filed plans over the weekend to scrap one of its newest routes less than three months before it was supposed to start.Specifically, the carrier won't launch the new twice-daily route from Dallas Love Field (DAL) to LaGuardia Airport (LGA) as … [Read more...]
How to meet minimum spending on the Ink Business Preferred: $15,000 in 3 months
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card has long been touted as one of the best business cards on the market. It has expansive bonus categories, a long list of travel as well as purchase protections and a reasonable $95 annual fee … Source: thepointsguy.com … [Read more...]
10 times you do not need to tip on a cruise
Like it or not, tipping culture is alive and well on cruise ships.When you book a cruise, you also agree to tip the crew. Most cruise lines add a daily gratuity or service charge to your fare, either prepaid in advance of your sailing or once you are on board. They add auto-gratuities to many onboard purchases. Independently, you’re also expected to tip tour guides, porters and the room service … [Read more...]
Hotel and flight myths busted: Does your booking method actually matter?
You can't scroll social media for more than a few minutes without running into a "travel expert" who has figured out how to hack the system.They promise you a guaranteed way to save money on flights and hotels by using their super-secret method the airlines and hotels don't want you to know about.Related: 5 hacks to make air travel easierWe all want to save money on travel, so it's tempting to … [Read more...]
Deal alert: Super-short cruises on sale starting at $69
Are you traveling to the West Coast of the United States or to Northern Europe in the next few months? You might consider spicing up your trip with a short cruise.Two cruise lines — Holland America and MSC Cruises — are offering relatively rare one-night sailings between various ports in those regions at rates as low as $69 per person.The super-short voyages come as the lines reposition vessels to … [Read more...]
6 of the best cards to pair with the Amex Gold
The American Express® Gold Card is a card we can't live without.It earns 4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; 1 point per dollar after) and dining at restaurants as well as 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly or through Amex Travel.The card also comes with up to $10 in monthly dining credits on eligible purchases at participating … [Read more...]
The 8 best destinations to visit in May
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.With warmer weather in the Northern Hemisphere, many popular destinations come to life in May. Flowers bloom and landscapes are filled with vibrant colors and fresh greenery.Also, the thinner crowds during the shoulder season provide a hassle-free travel experience, with shorter lines and less traffic. … [Read more...]
6 reasons why Apple’s entry-level iPhones are great for travelers
In what seems to have become an annual tradition, the spring season will begin with a new iPhone.No, it’s not an all-new model, but it’s a fresh seasonal color — yellow — that’s sure to grab your attention.Available across the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus lineup, this new yellow finish just hit shelves this week. Prior to the launch, I had the opportunity to spend some hands-on time with the … [Read more...]
River cruise packing list: What to pack when traveling by riverboat
You booked your river cruise, and the departure date approaches. Now you’re panicking about what to pack.You want to pack light, given you won’t have much space in your cabin to store bulky suitcases. However, you also want to be prepared with the right clothing and gear for changeable weather on the river, visits to religious sites and the many walking and cycling tours you plan to do in port. … [Read more...]
Kimpton Hotels is about to launch its flash sale for spring
Still have a touch of the winter blues? Time to shake them off by booking a spring or summer getaway with the Kimpton Hotels spring sale.The sale goes live March 21 and lasts until March 23, giving you a limited three-day window to bag a bargain rate at one of the participating hotels. There are participating hotels in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe and the Asia-Pacific … [Read more...]
Everest Base Camp Trek – Ultimate Guide For 2023
Trekking to Everest Base Camp is different than other treks around the world. Nowhere else on earth will you experience trekking as you do in Nepal and nowhere quite compares to the majesty of the Himalayas. Villages dot the landscape filled with restaurants, markets, bazaars, and tea houses (mini-hotels) where you can stop for lunch, buy supplies, and have a piece of apple pie … [Read more...]
The complete guide to the JetBlue TrueBlue program
There is a lot to love about JetBlue. The airline offers generous legroom, tasty snacks and free Wi-Fi. It also offers a fairly straightforward loyalty program.The JetBlue TrueBlue program doesn't get much attention in the points and miles world. However, the points are extremely easy to earn and redeem, making the program ideal for casual travelers. Redemptions are largely restricted to flights … [Read more...]
How to easily earn points and miles on your Lyft rides
TPG founder Brian Kelly is a Bilt advisor and investor.One of the best ways to boost your loyalty account balances is by double-dipping on rewards. Stacking rewards takes many forms and requires different levels of effort, but one of the easiest stacking opportunities involves the ride-hailing company Lyft.With Lyft's new partnership with Bilt Rewards, now is a great time to earn valuable miles … [Read more...]
The 16 best all-inclusive resorts in the US for a spectacular vacation
You might think that the best all-inclusive resorts are found dotting the beaches of Mexico and the islands of the Caribbean. While there are certainly plenty of incredible options in the sunny tropics, there are also plenty of great all-inclusive resorts in the U.S.Believe it or not, from the Florida Keys all the way to the California coast, there are incredible all-inclusive resorts and hotels … [Read more...]
The 18 best small cruise ships sailing the world
In a world where gigantic megaships draw all the attention, I’ve always found small ships to be the best.I’ve sailed on more than 125 cruise ships of all sizes, but my favorites have never been the big "floating resorts."I’m drawn to the intimacy and instant community that develops between a small number of passengers and crew cruising together. I enjoy the serenity of small-ship cruising, with no … [Read more...]
The 15 new airport lounges we can’t wait to enjoy in 2023
2023 is poised to be another blockbuster year for airport lounges.Airlines and credit card issuers have been busy building new lounges and renovating existing ones in order to meet the unprecedented demand from flyers looking for a (quiet) space to relax before their flights.As more and more lounge-eligible travelers take to the skies, we've seen lounges add new access restrictions to combat … [Read more...]
Spend less for more fun: 9 attractions and destinations kids can visit for free
Not to be the bearer of bad news, but travel isn't getting any cheaper. Hotel costs are on the rise, last summer saw some of the highest month-over-month airfare price jumps in history and many travelers are adjusting their spring break travel plans to save money.Throw a few kids in the mix and your vacation costs can quickly grow out of control faster than your kids grow out of their shoes. Even … [Read more...]
A winter of close calls on US flights launches a renewed focus on safety in aviation
Why have there been so many close calls lately?U.S. airlines, aviation experts and regulators are reexamining policies, practices and procedures after several alarming incidents in recent months have raised the specter of a major tragedy.Commercial aviation is famously safe and safety-conscious, and the "Swiss cheese" safety approach — in which multiple layers and redundancies ensure there's no … [Read more...]