Loyalty programs help travelers stretch their money and gain comfort on the road. This tag gathers posts that explain how points, miles, status tiers, and member perks actually work in daily travel. I focus on simple strategies, real examples, and honest lessons from using programs across airlines, hotels, and credit cards. These guides help you earn more value, avoid common mistakes, and choose benefits that match your travel style, not someone else’s idea of luxury.
HOTELS 13 Best Luxury Resorts in the World Worth Dreaming About Posted on June 22, 2026June 26, 2026 If you’re looking for a truly special hotel, these thirteen properties are some of the best in the world. They offer much more than a comfortable bed. You’ll find beautiful locations, outstanding service, incredible food, relaxing spas, and experiences you’ll remember long after you return home. From beachfront resorts in the Maldives and Bora Bora to historic hotels in Sri Lanka and Italy, each one is perfect for celebrating a major milestone, an anniversary, retirement, or simply treating yourself to an unforgettable trip. Read more
HOTELS How to Maximize the Marriott Bonvoy Spring Promotion Before It Ends Posted on May 7, 2026May 27, 2026 Marriott Bonvoy’s Spring 2026 promotion offers a practical way to earn extra points on the short trips many of us already take. Registered members can earn 2,500 bonus points per eligible paid stay between February 25 and May 10, 2026. Marriott also adds one bonus Elite Night Credit for every different hotel brand you stay during the promotion period. Registration closes April 26, 2026, so timing matters if you want the extra rewards. Read more
TRAVEL MONEY & PLANNING The Amex Platinum 2025 Refresh: Is It Still Worth It? Posted on October 9, 2025December 21, 2025 In 2025, our Amex Platinum fee rose to $895, but the expanded perks now claim more than $3,500 in value. We use the card for daily purchases instead of our debit card, and we hope to take advantage of all the benefits. Many readers may feel the same—wondering if the higher fee is worth it. The truth is, it depends on how much you use what’s offered. If you travel often, dine out, or enjoy the lifestyle perks, the Platinum can deliver far more than it costs. If not, it risks becoming an expensive card that sits in your wallet. Read more
TRAVEL MONEY & PLANNING Thailand is Planning to Give Away Thousands of Free Domestic Flights Posted on October 6, 2025December 21, 2025 Thailand plans to launch the Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights” campaign, offering 200,000 free flights to international travelers. The program, awaiting approval, aims to ease access to regions beyond Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. If approved, it will run during the shoulder season, boosting tourism recovery and encouraging visitors to explore less-visited parts of the country. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Military Wine Discounts in Napa: Free Tastings for Service Members Posted on May 14, 2017November 15, 2025 We walked into V. Sattui expecting to pay $15 each for a wine tasting. Surprise, surprise… V. Sattui comps the $15 tasting fee for active duty military personnel (and me too). Turns out the weekend was full of comps because V. Sattui isn’t the only one in Napa Valley that appreciates servicemembers with free or discounted pours. Read more