Want to experience la dolce vita this summer? Thanks to a new sale, you can now book a trip to Milan, Rome or Venice, Italy, at a steep discount.Departure cities in this deal include Charlotte, Dallas and Los Angeles. Some routes are as low as $550 round-trip — a fantastic price for a ticket to Europe, even considering that most routes have layovers.The travel window for this sale primarily … [Read more...]
Reminder: Your Amex Platinum’s $50 Saks credit resets next month — here are 12 items to buy
With lounge access, built-in credits and many travel perks, The Platinum Card® from American Express is ideal for frequent travelers.It also has various lifestyle benefits that increase its worth and offset the sting of the annual fee. For instance, you can get up to $100 in Saks Fifth Avenue statement credits awarded every calendar year — up to $50 of which is awarded from January to June and … [Read more...]
Venture X Business loses Priority Pass restaurant access: Another one bites the dust
Another premium travel rewards credit card is losing Priority Pass restaurant access: The Capital One Venture X Business is next on the list, as first reported by MilesTalk.We are unsurprised by this, as the popular Chase Sapphire Reserve® recently announced it is axing this benefit from July 1.This removal is likely due to the Venture X switching from being a Mastercard to a Visa card in … [Read more...]
Hidden cameras: What travelers need to know
Hidden cameras have been a hot topic in the headlines.In May 2023, a Royal Caribbean passenger was arrested for installing a hidden camera in a public bathroom, according to CNN. A few months later, in July, Fox 5 in Washington, D.C., ran a story on a Texas couple who sued the man they rented an Airbnb from after finding hidden cameras disguised as smoke detectors. In December 2023, NBC10 in … [Read more...]
Can you close a credit card with a negative reward balance?
Let's say you bought a ticket to Europe last year, but you need a refund because your flight was canceled. The airline returns the fare cost to your credit card, leading to a negative balance on your card. Returned or refunded purchases don't just decrease your account balance, though. They also decrease your rewards balance.Specifically, most credit card issuers deduct rewards for returns and … [Read more...]
The best cruise lines for wheelchair users and passengers with limited mobility
If you're a traveler with limited mobility, a cruise can be a great way to see the world without having to worry as much about logistics. Because all major cruise lines must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, they must ensure ships are equipped with accessible accommodations."In my experience, I've found that the newer the ship is, the more accessible it tends to be," Cory Lee, owner … [Read more...]
Quick Points: Save miles or money and unlock better availability with positioning flights
If you're looking to fly to a particular destination, searching for flights from your nearest airport to your destination is natural. However, you may be paying more than you should by doing so.Savvy travelers often save points and cash by booking positioning flights. I frequently book positioning flights for my own travel. For example, last year, I booked a flight from Los Angeles International … [Read more...]
Deal alert: Fly nonstop to Costa Rica from Newark for as low as $202
With lush rainforests, beautiful beaches and, of course, world-class surfing and fishing, Costa Rica is a dream destination for adventure travelers. We even included it on our list of the best places to visit in 2024.Luckily, United Airlines has an excellent sale on flights to Costa Rica this summer. Some routes are more than 50% off the usual prices. It's a great time to book an inexpensive … [Read more...]
Fairness of frequent flyer programs put in the spotlight at hearing in Washington
Are frequent flyer programs fair to their members?That was the subject of a Thursday hearing in Washington, D.C., held jointly by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.The hearing, announced last month following reports in late December that the DOT was investigating frequent flyer programs, was positioned as a fact-finding, informational event rather … [Read more...]
St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, opening in July, is now taking reservations
A much-anticipated coastal Florida property — from our list of the most exciting hotel openings in 2024 — is nearly open, and the luxury Marriott hotel is finally accepting reservations.Bookings are now open for The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort starting as early as October, the hotel told TPG on Thursday. The resort, which sits among white-sand beaches on a barrier island near Sarasota and … [Read more...]
Deal alert: IHG members can save 25% on stays in the US, Caribbean and Mexico this summer
Summer vacation is right around the corner, and IHG Hotels & Resorts wants to help you save money on your summer travels during the IHG Summer Sale. This sale is eligible at participating locations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Latin America, the Caribbean and other international destinations if you book between now and May 21 for travel between May 24 and Sept. 2.All travelers can save 20% … [Read more...]
New to Chase Ultimate Rewards? Here are 3 easy ways to redeem 75,000 points
There's never been a better time to consider applying for one of the Chase Sapphire cards, with both cards currently offering elevated welcome bonuses for a limited time only. These are the highest bonuses we have seen on these two popular cards in over a year.The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card currently offers 75,000 bonus Ultimate Rewards points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first … [Read more...]
Bark Air promises a first-class ride for your pet — for a hefty fee
Many airlines allow dogs onboard, with a lot of restrictions, while other airlines take large dogs as cargo.Soon, though, dogs of all sizes will be able to fly between New York and Los Angeles or between New York and London in high style. Bark Air's scheduled charter flights are just for pooches and their people.JOE GALL/BARK AIRWhat is Bark Air?Bark — the canine-centric company known for its … [Read more...]
TAP Air Portugal has round-trip flights to Madrid and Paris for as low as $366
TAP Air Portugal just dropped a big fare sale to Europe.Economy tickets to destinations such as Barcelona, Copenhagen and Paris are available for less than $400 round-trip, while business-class seats to Portugal and various cities in Europe can be booked for as low as $1,749. In this sale, TAP also allows you to add a stopover in Portugal for up to 10 days with no extra charge.As is the norm with … [Read more...]
Maximize your points and miles with these Mother’s Day purchases
Spring is blooming, meaning Mother's Day is right around the corner. It's this Sunday — so if you haven't ordered your flowers or picked out a gift yet, time is running short.While it's obviously not the main priority, you can even earn bonus points or cash back if you play your cards right. Here are four strategies to maximize your Mother's Day purchases.Earn up to 25 miles per dollar on … [Read more...]
Deal alert: United vacation packages up to 75% off
A dream beach vacation just got easier to book with United Vacations' semiannual sale. Through this sale, travelers can score great deals on flight and hotel packages — and there are promo codes to help you save even more.During this deal, you can snag a flight and a three-night, all-inclusive beach stay in Mexico for as low as $499 per person. Or, you can enjoy a three-night Las Vegas getaway … [Read more...]
What it’s like to stay at the Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta: A hotel within a park
If you've ever had so much fun in a Disney park that you wished you could extend the magic and fantasy overnight, then the Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta is the right Tokyo Disney hotel for you.The Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta opened in 2001 alongside the fan-favorite Tokyo DisneySea theme park, providing grand, Italian-inspired decor and accommodations harkening to the Roman Empire.The hotel … [Read more...]
8 things I wish I knew about travel before I became a parent
Since becoming a mom to my three wonderful boys, I've often joked there should be a word other than "vacation" for traveling with kids. You can't quite leave the real world behind when you are still responsible for kids who need your care, attention and several snacks.Related: Best travel gifts to buy for Mother's DayThat doesn't mean traveling with your children can't be memorable and fun because … [Read more...]
Thought airports were busy last summer? 2024 could be more packed — but less expensive
If the summer travel seasons of 2022 and 2023 left you thinking airports couldn't possibly get any busier, think again.There are just over two weeks until Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of the season — and the start of the traditional summer travel rush.From airlines to the Transportation Security Administration, all signs point to another record-breaker — though bits of good news … [Read more...]
Deal alert: 25% off flights to Europe, including Paris, Amsterdam and London
Travelers can now snag 25% off flights to 10 European cities from New York, Boston and Washington, D.C., with low-cost Icelandic carrier Play Airlines.Depending on the route, flights are up for grabs at prices as low as $116 for one-way tickets and $320 for round-trip journeys. Discounted fares are available through 2024.Deal basicsFLYPLAY.COMAirline: Play AirlinesRoutes: From Boston, New York, … [Read more...]