There’s no doubt about it: Traveling in the first class or business class cabin of many international airlines is exciting. You’re treated like royalty, with preferred access to check-in and security lines, entry into the airlines airport lounge, a welcome glass of champagne when you board, a roomy seat that often transforms into a comfortable lie-flat bed and five-course gourmet meals. It’s easy to get used to.
For a few months now Ive been saving up miles and plotting a year-end trip to Asia. My brother is graduating from college in December, and as a graduation present, I decided to take the family to Hong Kong and Singapore right after he wraps up his last final.
When you rent a car, you may have a vague worry in the back of your mind that little nagging feeling you get when you don’t quite understand the rules of the game. Rental car companies have tons of terms and conditions, and many of them can leave the consumer holding the bag in case of an accident or damage to the car. Paying for your rental car with the right credit card can offer you some additional protection and peace of mind.
One of my favorite things about amassing miles and points is the ability to say yes.
Have friends getting married in a foreign locale? No problem.
One of the great debates in the world of frequent flyer miles is whether you should hoard your miles or spend them as quickly as you earn them. At first, you might think that it makes the most sense to use miles as soon as possible. After all, the value of a mile almost always goes down over time due to airline devaluations, so why not hedge your bets and use your miles as quickly as you earn them?
USA Today has dubbed Berlin “Europe’s Capital of Cool. In the summer, it blossoms and becomes a hot spot for party-goers and fun-loving people from all over the world.
Similar to Starwood and Deltas Crossover partnership, United and Marriott teamed up last year for RewardsPlus, a joint venture aimed at offering elite members of both programs reciprocal benefits.
The Economist calls Vienna the second-most livable city in the world, but despite the recognition, not a single U.S.-based airline flies there. There are, however, plenty of alternatives to finding award seats in business or first class on partner airlines.
When the Crossover Rewards program offered to Starwood Preferred Guest and Delta SkyMiles elite members debuted last year, it was the only program of its kind. It offered elite members of both programs reciprocal benefits that took membership perks to a whole new level.
Pinned to the bottom of the globe, Cape Town might at first seem to be far too distant a getaway to reach via miles and points. But I found the stunning natural beauty and friendly, multicultural vibe of the city and surrounding region to be an incredible bargain for my miles.
Now that you’re learning the ins and outs of miles and points and are traveling the globe on the cheap, there’s probably one downside that you’ve discovered: the long wait to pass through customs upon re-entering the United States after a trip overseas. There’s good news though. Smart travelers can sign up for Global Entry, which eliminates waiting on that long customs line.
For points and miles travelers, upper-class travel is either the Holy Grail if you’re new to the game or an occasional dabbler, or the only way to go.
LATAM Airlines, which was formed from the LAN and TAM airline merger, is a Chile-based carrier that serves South America, Central America, North America, the Caribbean, Europe and Oceania. If you’re in North America, it can still pay to be a member of its frequent flyer program LATAM Pass, even if you don’t frequently fly to the south.
The Southwest Airlines Companion Pass is one of the greatest perks offered by an airline rewards program if you want to bring someone along when you travel.
Madrid is a fantastic city with great sights and great food, and despite being a major European capital it’s relatively easy on the wallet.
A hotel room in a 4-star boutique hotel can be had for about $80. A dinner for two in a nice restaurant might set you back around $60. Getting there in style can be even cheaper if you have the right currency: frequent-flyer miles.
