Marriott Bonvoy free night awards are getting a little more valuable if you have extra points to tack on. Starting now, Marriott Bonvoy members can “top up” free night awards with up to 25,000 points. Back in 2022, the company began allowing members to combine up to 15,000 points with a free night certificate to…

One of the incredible side effects of the COVID-19 pandemic was airlines loosening their flight cancellation policies. Nowadays, unless you’ve booked the cheapest basic economy fares, you can cancel a flight and get a trip credit for future travel. That has opened up some really fun ways to ensure you get the best possible deal…

American Airlines is saying “so long” to Santa Maria, California. The Oneworld alliance carrier will end twice-daily service to Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX) on the central California coast from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) on May 7, schedule data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows and American confirms. Flights to SMX began in…

The Aven Rewards Visa Card is a cash-back credit card with high earning rates and simple rewards. It earns an impressive 3% back on all purchases (up to $10,000 in spending every cardholder year)^, then an unlimited 2% back thereafter. For those unfamiliar with Aven, it’s a company that has historically focused on homeowners with…

Looking for a Caribbean cruise that is as affordable as it is a blast? MSC World America may be the answer. The massive, Miami-based vessel, which TPG just named the best new cruise ship of the year, is a ship built on a scale only before seen with a handful of Royal Caribbean vessels —…

Hilton will open its first-ever Curio Collection property in Hawaii this fall, giving travelers a brand-new way to spend their points on the picturesque island of Kauai. The Hale Hokuala Kauai hotel will feature 210 rooms with impressive ocean and mountain views set on the Garden Isle. Starting in November, the newly built property will…

It’s a Hawaiian icon and the first-ever hotel built on the famous Waikiki Beach: Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach turns 125 today — and TPG got a first look as the hotel completed a major multiyear renovation. CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY This classic 791-room hotel is beautiful, with three distinct towers,…

You’re probably familiar with the mental checklist that runs through your head before heading out the door to catch a flight: ID in wallet. Essentials packed. Electronics charged. But as security lines swell across the country in the midst of a partial government shutdown, the most important pretravel task of all may be one that…

For years, basic economy has been a double-edged sword for travelers hoping to save money on flights. You get cheaper fares, but with pesky restrictions when it comes to things like baggage, seats and ticket changes. But even if you’ve braved that tradeoff in the past, you may want to think twice before booking basic…

Few credit card perks deliver as much value as the free night reward on select Hilton American Express cards. The certificate can be used for a night at almost any Hilton property, including the brand’s luxurious resorts. They are valid for any night of the week (including weekends) and have no blackout dates. TPG staffers…