I’m loyal to several airlines, alliances and loyalty programs when I book flights — and for good reason. It’s how I earn the points and miles that can pay for my next trip and help me reach elite status to enjoy perks like complimentary checked baggage, priority boarding and even the occasional upgrade. The problem…

Rather than juggling two or three different cards that all cover pieces of my everyday spending, I’ve started looking for one that could simplify things while still earning valuable transferable points. That’s why I’ve been taking a closer look at the American Express® Gold Card. Restaurants, grocery stores and travel make up a large portion…

It’s an exciting year for hotel openings, with everything on the horizon from tropical all-inclusives in Costa Rica to zen hideaways in Kyoto, Sydney beach resorts to wellness retreats in the heart of London — and everything in between. What’s more, many of the hotels we’re most excited about are bookable using points, meaning you…

Travelers looking to earn Southwest Rapid Rewards points without opening a credit card now have a new option. After first announcing plans for a cobranded debit card last year, Southwest Airlines has officially opened applications for its new Southwest Rapid Rewards® Debit Card. The card earns Rapid Rewards points on everyday purchases and includes several…

If you’re new to travel rewards, it’s easy to feel like you need a complicated strategy to start earning free flights and hotel stays. Between cash-back cards, airline cards, hotel cards and flexible points, there are dozens of options to choose from. The good news is you don’t need to figure everything out on day…

There’s a common misconception that you need to book a flight to experience honeymoon-worthy romance. Often, when couples envision a dreamy getaway (think: overwater bungalows, waterfront dinners and unforgettable views), they assume such wow factors can only be found overseas. But the reality is quite the opposite: It’s entirely possible to take a dreamy vacation…

Austin isn’t technically a Delta Air Lines hub city, but the Lone Star State’s capital sure has the airline’s attention these days. Looking at a U.S. map, you’d be hard-pressed to find another city that has seen Delta jets roll into town at the pace Austin has seen in recent years — a product of…

When most people think of Orlando, they automatically think of theme parks. But after spending a weekend at Conrad Orlando at Evermore, I can tell you there is a lot more to this city than roller coasters and character meets, and a luxury getaway here is a lot more attainable than you might expect. The…

A year ago, luxury expedition cruise line Explora Journeys launched its Explora Club loyalty program. “We wanted this loyalty program to celebrate our guests’ journey with us and their loyalty … where they feel seen,” Explora Journeys president Anna Nash told TPG at the time. Now, as the program celebrates its first anniversary, Explora Journeys…

By now, you’re probably familiar with the conundrum that is basic economy. A fixture of airline ticket pricing since the 2010s, those no-frills fares can help you save some money when you go to book a flight, but they come with plenty of pitfalls, in the form of restrictions. Now, “basic” is coming for the…