Best Antarctica cruise ships: 16 expedition vessels that will take you to the White Continent

There’s never been a better time to travel to Antarctica — at least, when it comes to getting there in comfort and style. The last few years have brought a stunning new crop of small “expedition” cruise vessels specifically designed for Antarctica sailings that are far more upscale and elegant than anything seen before. Built…

Don’t Visit Ko Lipe

After 19 years, I finally went back to Ko Lipe, the Thai island I spent close to a month on in 2006. Back then, it was one of those super off-the-beaten-path destinations that few but the most intrepid travelers visited, where electricity only ran a few hours a day, basic bungalows right on the beach…

TSA PreCheck, Global Entry to be suspended Sunday amid shutdown

Two critical programs that help travelers quickly pass through airports are slated to temporarily go on hold Sunday, according to a report from The Washington Post. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security plans to suspend both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry effective at Sunday at 6 a.m. EST, the outlet said, citing a DHS spokesperson….

How I used my Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts credit and came out ahead

The hotel credit on my American Express Platinum Card® stands among my favorite card perks. It’s highly valuable, providing me with up to $600 per calendar year (up to $300 semiannually) in the form of a statement credit on prepaid stays booked with American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection* through American…

United shakes up MileagePlus with new rewards, restrictions

Anyone who’s sat through an inflight credit card pitch or glanced at an airport billboard knows how heavily airlines have leaned into credit cards. But one of the largest U.S. airlines just took things to a whole new level. This week, United Airlines arguably went further than any competitor, so far, in drawing a distinction…

American miles vs. Loyalty Points: What’s the difference?

If you’ve looked at your American Airlines account recently, you’ve likely seen two numbers: miles and Loyalty Points. Although Loyalty Points and American Airlines AAdvantage miles are related, they differ greatly — and since Loyalty Points reset to zero every year on March 1, it’s important to know the difference. So, here’s what you need…