Knowledgeable TPG readers might glance at the headline of this story and object to its entire premise since the Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card closed to new applications in 2018. So, before we dive into this comparison, let’s address the elephant in the room. Although the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is Marriott’s only premium-level card…

Each year, I strive to earn at least Marriott Platinum Elite status. Platinum Elite status is the sweet spot Marriott Bonvoy elite status for me because it offers plenty of valuable perks but is also relatively easy to earn via multiple pathways. Here’s what you need to know about this hotel elite status tier, including…

There is one common question we get from TPG readers who are cruise enthusiasts: What are the best credit cards for booking cruises? It might seem logical that the best way to earn rewards on cruise bookings is to get a cruise line cobranded credit card. However, these generally don’t offer as solid of a…

You’re hopefully already using a rewards credit card to earn points or miles when paying for Lyft rides. But you can earn even more points or miles on your rides by utilizing one of the many partnerships Lyft has with other loyalty programs. Here’s what you need to know. Lyft partners Lyft has partnerships with…

If you’re considering applying for a credit card, you’re probably wondering whether the current sign-up bonus is worth it. Welcome offers can change frequently, and it can be hard to know whether the current offer on a card provides the value you’re looking for. There’s no easy answer to precisely when is the best time…

Portland, Oregon, may have claimed a spot on TPG’s list of best places to travel in 2025, but just over the border, Washington’s second-largest city, Spokane, boasts an exciting new reason to spend a few days visiting the Evergreen State: The Louie at Davenport Hotel. A reimagining of a former property from Davenport Hotels, a…

The sky’s the limit when it comes to new venues for your favorite restaurants. You may be used to seeing restaurant brands and chains expanding to new cities and venues like sports arenas or even airports. However, eateries are showing up more often in a rarer setting these days: in the front cabin at 35,000…

Peru is one of the best places I have ever visited (and that’s saying something). I loved every moment (this blog post goes into more detail why). Besides being incredible, it’s also an extremely affordable destination (provided you limit your fine dining in Lima and guided hikes). If you’re heading to Peru and wondering how…

At TPG, we always recommend cruising with a passport, but there are many reasons why you might want to set sail without one. What if an opportunity pops up on short notice, and you don’t have a passport yet? Or what if you forgot to renew yours when it expired? What if it’s only a…

While tens of thousands of Southern California residents grapple with this week’s unprecedented wildfires, the American Airlines AAdvantage program is encouraging frequent flyers to help by offering bonus AAdvantage miles on donations to the American Red Cross for a limited time. Here’s what you need to know about this new offer. Earn 10x AAdvantage miles…