Spirit Airlines — the most notorious ultra-low-cost U.S. carrier — revamped its elite status program in early 2021. And despite what you might think, it actually packs some powerful features (think: free bags, free seat selection, waived overweight checked bag fees, exit-row seat assignment and much more).The way you quantify the value of these perks is crucial to consider whether you should earn … [Read more...]
United rolls out new family seating policy for economy tickets
In what may set the standard for domestic airline seating policies, United Airlines, one of the Big Three, has announced a new policy for families to sit together for free with children under age 12 in certain cabins, regardless of fare type.Starting early next month, United's new "dynamic seat map feature" will enable passengers to book two seats together for travelers under 12 years old and an … [Read more...]
Can you use a business credit card for personal use?
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.One of the primary reasons we recommend small-business owners get a business credit card is to separate business expenses from personal ones.Since business expenses are generally tax-deductible, keeping a wall between personal and business makes it that much easier during tax time — and even more so if the government … [Read more...]
Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear — and how you can save on both
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.As we head into spring break, followed by summer vacation, travel is back in a big way.With this in mind, it only makes sense to consider ways to expedite airport security screening. Whether during hectic travel times such as the summer or regularly scheduled travel throughout the rest of the year, no one wants to … [Read more...]
The 9 best Priority Pass lounges in the US
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.You don’t need to fly business or first class or have a top-tier elite status to visit an airport lounge. Airport lounges have become increasingly accessible, thanks to programs such as Priority Pass.Priority Pass is a paid membership program that grants access to a network of more than 1,300 lounges in almost 150 … [Read more...]
How to transfer your Avios between British Airways, Qatar Airways, Iberia and Aer Lingus accounts
Editor’s note: This post has been updated with the latest information.Avios is the currency used by the British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus, Aer Lingus AerClub and Qatar Airways Privilege Club loyalty programs. So, if you have a frequent flyer account with any (or all) of these airlines, you’ll be earning and redeeming Avios.You can transfer Avios between any of these programs at a rate of … [Read more...]
How to retire on a cruise ship
As I approach retirement age, the thought of retiring on a cruise ship has crossed my mind. Okay, who am I kidding? It's a daily obsession.Retirement living is generally broken into three phases: the active healthy phase where you are fully independent, the phase where you need some assistance with meals and household chores, and the phase where you need a far greater level of care. Cruise … [Read more...]
Best weekend getaways in the US
Three days spent cooing over otters and elephant seals in Morro Bay on California's Central Coast; riding horses and exploring Yellowstone National Park from the Wild West epicenter of Cody, Wyoming; and dancing the night away and eating award-winning cuisine in Nashville: These are just three of the many weekend escapes I've taken over the past few years as an outdoors-oriented, music-loving … [Read more...]
26 Disney cruise tips, tricks, secrets and extra magic to unlock when setting sail with Mickey
Disney Cruise Line might be a comparatively small cruise line with just five ships, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in popularity and enthusiastic fans. It also has some unique approaches to cruising that may surprise you — whether you’re a first-time cruiser or an experienced cruiser on a different line.After sailing on six Disney Cruise Line voyages across four of its ships … [Read more...]
Earn 75,000 miles plus loads of perks by applying for the Capital One Venture X
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with the latest information.The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a fantastic option in the world of travel rewards credit cards.With an annual fee that undercuts the competition and plentiful perks that are easy to understand, the card is nearly a no-brainer for travelers ranging from luxury seekers to the more budget-minded.Right now, you can … [Read more...]
Sweet Spot Sunday: Using LifeMiles to book Aeromexico business class award tickets
As a transfer partner of all the major credit card currencies (except for Chase Ultimate Rewards), Avianca LifeMiles are among the easiest points and miles to earn. The loyalty program also routinely offers lucrative sales when you purchase LifeMiles. Through Feb. 22, you can buy LifeMiles at just 1.25 cents apiece.We often recommend using LifeMiles for Star Alliance flights on airlines like … [Read more...]
Affordable fun that’s great for families: My stay at Hilton’s 1st all-inclusive resort in Tulum
Tulum may not seem the obvious choice for an all-inclusive vacation. This off-grid, bohemian bolthole, known for its mystical Mayan ruins and otherworldly cenotes, tends to draw barefoot yoginis rather than loyalty program enthusiasts.Hilton thought differently, however, debuting in May 2022 the company's largest resort (735 rooms) in the Caribbean and Latin America, as well as what is touted as … [Read more...]
36 Best Things to do in Vancouver, Canada In 2023
Vancouver is one of the most picturesque cities in the world. Located on the Strait of Georgia, spliced by False Creek, and backed by towering mountains, Vancouver, Canada balances outdoor activities with many cultural highlights. This year-round destination has plenty of hiking trails and outdoor events in the summertime and in the winter you can go ice skating at one of its many arenas or hit … [Read more...]
11 of the best national parks to visit during winter
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.Ken Burns was one of the many who’ve said it: The national parks were America’s best idea.During the coronavirus pandemic, the allure of our nation’s parklands became even more powerful, with travelers seeking wild, outdoor spaces in droves. In 2020, some national park visitation numbers even ecilpsed 2019 … [Read more...]
How to book free stopovers with Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
While Alaska Mileage Plan miles are still among the most valuable points and miles, the program recently removed its partner-specific award charts. This change lets Alaska price partner-operated awards dynamically, and we've already seen Mileage Plan raise the cost of some British Airways-operated awards.Even though you might have to redeem more Alaska miles for some partner-operated awards now, … [Read more...]
Benefits galore: Why the Delta Reserve Amex is my favorite cobranded credit card
There's no denying that I'm a Delta Air Lines fan.I have been a Diamond Medallion member for the past couple of years, and plan to requalify this year if I can swing the higher qualifying requirements. Virtually all of my domestic flights are on the airline thanks to its extensive network from my home in New York City, and I've found its service to be a step above the competition. And whenever … [Read more...]
Israel’s flag carrier unveils major South Florida expansion after American cuts key route
South Florida will soon be connected with Israel by two exciting airline routes.Israel's flag carrier, El Al, announced on Wednesday that it was adding a new destination to its route map: Fort Lauderdale.Beginning on Sept. 13, El Al will commence nonstop service from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) for a limited time during the Jewish … [Read more...]
Cruise ship graveyards: Where do abandoned ships go to die?
Have you been forced to say goodbye to your favorite cruise ship recently? Thanks to the effects of the COVID-19 cruise industry shutdown, several cruise lines sold off some of their oldest hardware in an effort to eliminate costly upkeep on vessels that had been in service for decades.A lucky few vessels were purchased by other operators, but most were sent to cruise graveyards after they were … [Read more...]
New Orleans Food: 16 Traditional Dishes to Try in NOLA or at Home
New Orleans food is something else. In fact, going out to eat in New Orleans is one of the best things to do there. We have visited NOLA several times and have always found that New Orleans cuisine has no boundaries with its out-of-the-box recipes creating an infectious and loveable quality for adventurous eaters. New Orleans is known for its delicious cuisine which is a blend of soul, … [Read more...]
Points of View: What credit card should you use for IHG stays?
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) refreshed its credit card lineup in March of 2022. That included a revamp of its two existing cards and the addition of a small-business credit card. That brings us to three credit cards that earn points in the IHG One Rewards program.And the two personal cards, the IHG Rewards … [Read more...]