As you dive deeper into the world of points and miles, you’ll quickly realize that there’s more to upgrades and award redemptions than meets the eye. Sometimes, bookable partner flights don’t appear online, and phone agents may not have the proper training to navigate complex itineraries and partnerships. Fortunately, there are tools that can make…

The world of loyalty rewards is in constant evolution, from the airlines driving loyalty in the skies to the hotel and lifestyle brands rewarding you on the ground. There was a lot going on in the world of points hotels this past year, as was detailed in our recent list of the best new hotels…

The past year has been a big one for cruise fans, with lots of new developments in the cruise space. Here at TPG, we’ve been particularly excited about the rollout of nearly a dozen major new ships from the biggest ocean lines, including MSC World America — the biggest MSC Cruises ship ever to sail…

The TPG Awards are back. For the eighth year, we’re thrilled to recognize the best of the best across the travel industry — including credit cards, loyalty programs, airlines, hotels and cruise lines. This year, we’ve organized the awards into four categories covering the different stages and locales for your travel: planning (“In Your Wallet”),…

Going online to book an airline ticket or hotel stay is a familiar and fairly easy transaction. When you book a cruise, however — particularly your first cruise — you might want to reconsider the impulse to handle the transaction yourself through a cruise line website or an online advertiser with cheap prices. This DIY…

European discounter Wizz Air wants to begin transatlantic flights. The budget airline would initially only provide charter flights between the U.S. and U.K. with its British subsidiary, Wizz Air UK, it said in an application to the Department of Transportation on Jan. 23. However, it sought the “flexibility to commence scheduled service in the future.”…

Hanami, or flower-watching, is as fickle in Japan as autumn leaf-peeping is in North America. Exactly when the flowers will open, and for how long they’ll be in bloom, varies by location and becomes difficult to predict. However, the Japan Meteorological Corporation just released its 2026 cherry blossom season forecast — one of the best…

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…