Cash-back credit cards have received quite the hype over the past few years.With many people changing their travel habits, some individuals have started to prefer padding their wallets with cash instead of points. Up until a few years ago, the average cash-back card offered 1%-1.5% cash back — nothing worth writing home about, but some return nonetheless.Now, there are actually several cards that … [Read more...]
How a 10-minute call reversed $2,300 in fraudulent charges on my credit card
On a recent Saturday morning, I was cozy on the couch with a blanket. Suddenly, my otherwise pretty monotonous online bill-paying routine was quickly and harshly interrupted as one of my credit card account balances was a few thousand dollars higher than I expected.As I dug in to see what could have caused this huge discrepancy, I found a $2,314.07 charge for RC Hotels Ltd. that rang absolutely no … [Read more...]
35 Royal Caribbean cruise tips and tricks that will make your voyage better
Want to impress your traveling companions the next time you cruise with Royal Caribbean? Take a scroll through our ultimate list of Royal Caribbean cruise tips, tricks and hacks in the story below — 35 in all!These are specific Royal Caribbean cruise tips that will save you money and time, and let you maximize the experience both on board the vessels and during port calls.Got a great Royal … [Read more...]
Get more from your points with this transfer bonus
Editor’s note: This post has been updated with new information.If you truly want to maximize your miles, periodic transfer bonuses can offer lucrative opportunities for fantastic points redemptions. You can sometimes get up to 50% more value from your points by transferring them to a specific airline or hotel partner during one of these bonuses.To make tracking these offers easier, we’ve compiled … [Read more...]
Credit vs. debit cards: Which is the smarter choice?
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.On the outside, credit cards and debit cards look a lot alike: Both have 15-16 digits, expiration dates and security codes.But in reality, credit cards and debit cards are not the same, and there’s often debate in the financial world over which type of plastic is best for the consumer. Some financial pros are firmly in … [Read more...]
10 things you can do at Disneyland that you can’t do at Disney World
It's embarrassing to admit now, but growing up I didn't feel any need to visit Disneyland when Disney World was right in my backyard. All I knew was that it was smaller and didn't have some of my favorite Disney World rides like the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Spaceship Earth.Related: 9 real-life destinations that inspired DisneylandWhen I finally did make my way to Disneyland, I had no … [Read more...]
What is a balance transfer?
You've probably heard of a balance transfer. But how does one work? And how could it save me money on my next credit card bill?These are questions we receive from people new to the world of credit cards. So keep reading to find out the answers — plus how balance transfers work, which fees might be associated with a balance transfer and how long a typical balance transfer takes.What is a balance … [Read more...]
Reviewing Lufthansa’s newest and best-ever business class on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Lufthansa hasn’t always been known for offering a top-notch business-class product.For years, the German flag carrier flew an outdated business cabin across nearly its entire long-haul fleet, with seats arranged in a 2-2-2 configuration.In the ultra-competitive transatlantic market, direct aisle access is a must in business class, yet Lufthansa’s seat missed the mark from the moment you stepped on … [Read more...]
The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Virgin Voyages ship
Anyone looking for the best Virgin Voyages cruise itinerary will want to start with its sailings to the Bahamas and Caribbean.The two-ship line has focused most of its energy since its debut in 2021 on creating relatively short, fun, adult-focused voyages out of Miami to the two regions, with its vessels spending the vast majority of their time on such itineraries.For a line with so few ships, … [Read more...]
Where to Stay in Positano: Top Positano Hotels for Any Budget
Are you planning to visit Positano? Lucky you, because Positano is one of our favorite places in the world and the Italian town is known for its excellent hospitality. Most properties on the Amalfi Coast have stunning sea views, so perhaps you’ll choose to stay in a luxury hotel with an infinity pool. Or one of the boutique hotels that have a panoramic terrace. Regardless of where you choose to … [Read more...]
How to get a business credit card
Editor's note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.There are a lot of advantages to using a business credit card. Small-business owners can access a line of credit to help manage their day-to-day finances. A business credit card also keeps your business expenses separate from your personal spending, making things easier for you during tax season.There are plenty of … [Read more...]
When does it make sense to transfer Marriott points to airlines?
Typically, you'll get the most value from hotel points when you redeem them for hotel stays. But Marriott Bonvoy has 38 airline transfer partners that can also provide good value.If you want to maximize your Marriott redemptions, you might wonder when transferring Marriott points to airline partners makes sense. So, let's take a closer look at this question.Why transfer Marriott points to … [Read more...]
Credit card APR vs. interest rate: What’s the difference?
The world of credit cards can be confusing, whether you're new to it or not.One question we get pretty frequently is: What is the difference between the interest rate and the annual percentage rate (APR)? Is APR the same as interest rate?What's the difference between interest rate and APR?With some financial products, the interest rate and the APR are different. With credit cards, though, they're … [Read more...]
14 incredible Black-owned hotels in the US and beyond
Black History Month isn’t the only time of year to consciously support Black businesses. Whether you’re looking for one of the best Black-owned restaurants in the U.S. or the best Black-owned hotels here and abroad, you’re in the right place.The hotels on this list include private homes that have been transformed into boutique hotels, award-winning luxury properties and distinctive resorts with … [Read more...]
I flew a budget carrier for the 1st time. Here’s what it was like
It was 6 a.m. Groggy, I was slowly waking up to a dark and gloomy Wilmington, Delaware, freshly coated with a light dusting of snow.I was in town to cover ultra-low-cost carrier Avelo Airlines’ inaugural flight from Wilmington to Orlando, which also marked the return of commercial air service to Delaware for the first time in nearly seven months.As part of the story, I was also taking the flight — … [Read more...]
Best first-time cruises for all types of travelers
Congratulations on the decision to take your first cruise! Deciding where to go and which cruise line will take you there are your first steps toward a successful cruise vacation.The best cruises for first-time cruisers are the ones that match your vacation dreams with the amenities, activities and ambiance a cruise line actually offers.Imagine your frustration if you were dreaming of a cruise … [Read more...]
Most Beautiful National Parks in the USA
We have had the good fortune of visiting the best national parks in the USA from the south of the Equator to the Arctic Circle. We haven’t been to them all, but we have seen a lot of the best national parks in America. There are 63 national parks in the United States and we’re rounding up the best and most beautiful that you should add to your bucket list. From the most visited national park to … [Read more...]
What are points and miles worth? TPG’s February 2023 monthly valuations
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.One of the questions people often ask me is, “How much is a point or mile worth?”The true answer varies from point to point and person to person. It also depends on your travel goals and how well you can maximize a particular loyalty currency. Still, some rewards are clearly worth more than others, and my … [Read more...]
This Super Bowl ad could help you score discounted travel or $1,000 in travel vouchers
With millions of people expected to tune into Super Bowl LVII on Feb.12, advertisers are pulling out all the stops to get noticed. Super Bowl commercials have become big business, with 30-second spots selling for as much as $7 million.One of those advertisers is Priceline, which is expected to give away over $5 million of hidden travel deals with TV spots and digital ads across Facebook, … [Read more...]
Norse Atlantic deal: Book one-way flights to Europe starting at $176
Are you still scrambling to find a Valentine's Day gift for your significant other? Or perhaps you're just looking to book a fun trip with friends for Galentine's Day?This may be the perfect gift: Norse Atlantic Airways has one-way flights to Europe starting at $176.Fly from Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles or New York City to European destinations like Berlin, London and Oslo, Norway. There's also … [Read more...]