United award prices increase: What to know about Aeroplan’s dynamic pricing

Air Canada’s Aeroplan is the latest loyalty program to say goodbye to its fixed award charts — at least, for some of its partner redemptions. Instead, the program now operates using a dynamic pricing model for select Star Alliance partners, such as United Airlines. With this new award chart, prices for select partner airlines feature…

A JW Marriott all-inclusive resort is opening in Costa Rica

Recently, JW Marriott has been branching out into new markets and hotel styles, specifically all-inclusive resorts and safari camps. Now Marriott loyalists can look forward to an upscale take on the know-what-you-pay-upfront vacation style with the announcement of a JW Marriott all-inclusive resort in Costa Rica from Mullen Real Estate Capital. A rendering of the…

Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival: Which big-ship cruise line should you choose?

If you’re considering a cruise with Royal Caribbean or Carnival Cruise Line, you’re looking at a big-ship experience with lots of activities. These two companies are the largest in the cruise industry, each with two dozen ships carrying millions of passengers a year. They are popular for a reason: Their ships offer something for everyone,…

You can buy stocks with a credit card but we don’t recommend doing so. Here’s what you need to know

At TPG, we primarily focus on maximizing spending and helping readers familiarize themselves with different types of credit cards to get outsize value from the ones in their wallets. We also love discussing various redemption options you can make with issuer-specific rewards currency and how credit card rewards can be pivotal in helping you take…

Oneworld alliance guide: Airlines, lounges and status

The Oneworld alliance was founded in 1999 by several airlines, including American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific and Qantas. Now, the alliance has 13 member airlines and one Oneworld connect partner airline, Fiji Airways. Oneworld airlines can take you to over 900 destinations in 170 countries and territories. The Oneworld alliance is how elite statuses…

Amex Platinum vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve: Which is right for you?

It seems almost every airline, hotel chain and credit card issuer has launched its own premium credit card, enticing customers with luxury travel perks paired with hefty annual fees. Many of these cards offer solid value, especially if you’re loyal to the underlying brand. There are two long-standing titans of the premium card market: The…

First look: Inside the new floating boutique hotel taking wine lovers to Bordeaux vineyards

Looking for an intimate and elegant place to stay in the heart of France’s Bordeaux wine region? There’s a new option as of this week — one with a twist. Avalon Artistry II is a 64-room boutique property and river ship that will move with you as you tour the area’s many famed wineries, known…

Doha’s Hamad International Airport unveils 2 new concourses

A multiyear expansion project at one of the world’s busiest airports is now complete with the opening of two new concourses at Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha. The addition of concourses D and E has increased the airport’s annual passenger capacity to more than 65 million. DOH is the home base of Qatar Airways,…