The holidays are just around the corner — and it’s shaping up to be a record travel season with big crowds and delayed flights. You’ve probably booked your flights and hotels by now (if not, you should do that right away). However, one part of your trip may be lacking: credit card perks that make…

My first cruise ever was in the early 1980s on one of Carnival Cruise Line‘s first ships, Carnivale. I swear our cabin was actually a crew cabin. It was on Deck 1 and had four metal bunks permanently attached to the walls with a tiny desk and chair between them. Everything else about that cruise,…

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I have bad news. If you aren’t following a quality credit card strategy when you play the points and miles game, it could cost you hundreds of thousands of points in travel rewards. Due to credit card application restrictions like Chase’s 5/24 rule, it’s important…

Spirit Airlines, the nation’s largest ultra-low-cost carrier, has filed bankruptcy protection the company announced Monday. The Dania-Beach, Florida-based airline said it has entered into Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in an effort to “position the company for long-term success.” Importantly for passengers, all of Spirit’s operations will continue during the proceedings — meaning, travelers who have…

Although it’s easy to earn Hilton elite status, Hilton Honors members often face an upsell for paid upgrades, insufficient food-and-beverage credits, and high award prices. That said, there’s no question that Hilton Diamond benefits can make your stay more comfortable. So, let’s explore how to qualify for Hilton Diamond status and enjoy its top benefits….

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re already doing all the right things when it comes to maximizing your living expenses. This likely includes using the right credit cards when dining out or shopping for groceries. Perhaps you’ve even set up autopay for utility bills and insurance premiums. But, there are lots of big purchases…

You might be surprised, but sometimes, booking a windowless inside cabin on a cruise makes sense. Maybe you’re trying to squeeze in one last vacation for the year and are on a tight budget. Perhaps you’re traveling with young children and prefer a cabin without access to a balcony. Or you might require a cozy…

Florence is one my favorite stops in Italy because it has so much to offer within a very walkable footprint — think masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David, the iconic Duomo di Firenze, and of course, Tuscan wine, Florentine steak and the most delectable pasta. On my most recent trip with a group of friends, I was…

Joint credit cards are like pay phones, CD players and incandescent light bulbs — they are slowly becoming things of the past. Still, now and then, you may come across a credit card offer that allows you to include a joint account holder on your application — but is that a good idea? It is…

Loyalty programs naturally want to reward their most loyal and valuable travelers, and many do so by offering elite status to travelers who spend the most money or time with them. If you hold mid- to top-tier elite status with a loyalty program — and travel with the program frequently — you’ll likely get thousands…