At first glance, credit card annual fees can feel steep, especially if you’re new to the points and miles world. But dig a little deeper, and the built-in perks and benefits on certain cards can easily offset — or even exceed — the upfront cost. Take American Express Platinum Card®, for instance. While it carries…

Rakuten Amex overview The Rakuten American Express® card can earn powerful Membership Rewards points or cash back, allowing you to flex it to your wallet and strategy. When paired with Rakuten’s shopping portal, this card can earn an exceptional amount of rewards per dollar spent. It’s powerful in the right hands, but it may not…

Alaska might be one of the most beautiful places in the world, but it’s rugged and can be tricky to get around. Explore the Last Frontier by cruise ship, and you can travel to gold rush towns, glaciers, Alaska Native heritage sites and natural areas brimming with wildlife in comfort, even luxury. When planning an…

Years ago, the website Earth Porm reposted my article “The Ultimate Guide to Traveling When You’re Broke.” As I went through the comments on the post, I was dismayed by the mean and dismissive comments people shared as well their misconceptions about travel. These comments made me realize that, despite all the detailed websites and…