From snowy markets to sleeper trains: How I’m spending Christmas in Europe using points and miles

When TPG Senior Writer Ben Smithson alerted me to Air France-KLM Flying Blue’s July Promo Reward sale — flights from Denver International Airport (DEN) to Europe started at 15,000 Flying Blue miles each way — I was excited. Deals like this aren’t exactly rare, but most of them depart from either the East Coast or…

Chase Slate Edge card review: Reduce debt and raise your credit score

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.   Chase Slate Edge overview The Chase Slate Edge℠ is tailored to consumers who want to improve their financial profile by reducing their credit card debt or raising their credit score. This card comes with a lengthy introductory annual percentage rate (APR)…

Kimpton Inner Circle: What it is and how to get an invite

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information. Kimpton Karma Rewards folded into the IHG loyalty program in early 2018. But, to the delight of Kimpton loyalists, Kimpton Inner Circle status still exists within the IHG One Rewards program. Kimpton Inner Circle is an invite-only status that offers perks at Kimpton…

The ultimate guide to Virgin Voyages cruise ships and itineraries

If a child-free cruise experience with decadent food, an upscale beach vibe and bingo hosted by a drag queen sounds like something you’d enjoy, Virgin Voyages might be your new favorite cruise line. The brainchild of quirky business mogul Richard Branson, Virgin Voyages promised to shake up the cruise industry — and it delivered by…

The best ski resorts in the US for your next trip to the slopes

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information Each year, as cool nights and changing leaves descend upon the northern hemisphere, skiers and riders head straight for their gear rooms, dusting off their skis or boards in anticipation of the impending ski season. Dreams of bottomless, untouched powder become the nightly…

Guide to Marriott and Hilton elite status with the Amex Platinum and Business Platinum

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information. Many of the best travel rewards cards provide valuable premium travel benefits. For example, The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express offer many perks, including complimentary entry to Centurion Lounges and extra benefits on luxury hotel…

5 reasons to get the Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Part of the fun of award travel is learning how to maximize your points and miles. You can get outsized value by booking through airline and hotel loyalty programs, but there’s something to be said for the simplicity of cash-back rewards….

American adds 4 new routes, cuts 2 others and grows in Cape Cod

American Airlines is making a slew of changes to its domestic network. The Fort Worth-based carrier recently filed plans to add four new routes and cut two others, as first seen in Cirium schedules and later confirmed by an airline spokesperson. To start, the airline is growing in one of its newest outstations: Hyannis, Massachusetts….

Naples cruise port guide: How to spend your day in Italy

Naples — “Napoli” in Italian — is the capital of the Campania region and the third-largest city in Italy. Famous for its stunning coastline, rich history and delicious local cuisine, Naples and the surrounding area is a must-visit destination. The city itself has a reputation as being gritty, chaotic and — though not outright dangerous…

Quick Points: How to search for hotels when using free night award certificates

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Many hotel loyalty programs have shifted to dynamic pricing, making it difficult to know how many points you’ll need for each hotel night on your upcoming vacation. Will your free night certificate be sufficient? Or will you be priced out, with hotels…