Starbucks fans, big news: The Starbucks Rewards program is rolling out some major updates, including a return of elite status tiers. As part of a broader push to reengage customers and strengthen loyalty, Starbucks is revamping its rewards program by moving away from awarding points to everyone equally based on how you pay for your…

Rewards cards aren’t guaranteed to earn and keep their stripes, but the American Express® Gold Card endures. Its shiny gold (or rose gold, if you prefer) finish suggests a card that offers attractive perks and appealing rewards rates. The Amex Gold was the fourth credit card I added to my wallet, and it remains there…

Marriott International, in partnership with Emirates, will open the first-ever Ritz-Carlton Lodge later this year in Australia’s stunning Blue Mountains, marking a milestone for the luxury hotel brand and a new way to use Marriott Bonvoy points. The 40-room Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge is expected to open in mid-2026 in partnership with the…

Delta Air Lines has ordered 31 more wide-body Airbus jets to boost its intercontinental fleet. The Atlanta-based carrier added 16 A330-900s and 15 A350-900s to its orderbook with Airbus on Tuesday, the planemaker said in a statement. Deliveries will begin in 2029. The deal comes amid Delta’s heavy investment in its future intercontinental fleet. A…

Our annual survey of travel sentiment holds a few surprises in 2026. When 2025 began, airlines were warning of a drop in bookings — especially in the back of the plane. That led to profitability concerns or schedule reductions from major U.S. carriers. But in the end, 2025 turned out to be a pretty good…

By the time March rolls around, I’m ready for new adventures. The holidays are far in the rearview mirror, and I’m longing for more daylight and warmer temperatures. Luckily, most of the world feels the same way. Spring celebrations, like Holi in India and Lantern Festival in Taiwan, are in full force across the Northern…

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has just announced a welcome bonus tied for the highest public offer we’ve seen in four years. New applicants can earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. Plus, upon approval, you’ll receive a $250 Capital One Travel credit…

Call it the big-ship cruise line for the country-counting crowd. Among the world’s five biggest cruise brands, all of which operate relatively large, mass-market vessels, Princess Cruises offers the most diverse array of itineraries (more than 170 in a typical year), with stops in 100-plus countries and on all seven continents. Despite having just 17…

The words “Where time stands still” adorn the lobby’s exterior at JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa, and I have to say, there really is something distinctly time-stopping about this crown jewel of Marriott resorts set in the magical Sonoran Desert. You feel relaxed from the moment you step onto the property —…

Sometimes, the best points redemptions aren’t flashy business-class flights or luxury resorts — they’re the practical ones that keep more money in your pocket. Those are some of my favorite redemptions, and during a recent road trip through scenic South Dakota, I saved nearly $250 on a one-night hotel stay using just 8,000 Chase Ultimate…