Why booking British Airways flights for less than $2 is not a good way to use your Avios

British Airways Executive Club recently introduced a tempting new offer to reduce the price of any BA-operated flight to just 1 British pound (about $1.25) by using Avios, but here’s why it is not a good deal. BA has offered short-haul flights for just 1 pound round-trip using Avios (Reward Flight Saver) but has now…

5 cities with hotels you can still book with points for Memorial Day weekend

As a kid, Memorial Day marked the start of pool season and summer golf tournaments. But as an adult, it’s the first three-day weekend I’ll get since January without using any vacation time. If you, too, get a three-day weekend this Memorial Day, you might want to take a short two- or three-night vacation. Here’s…

Mexico deal alert: Fly business class to Tulum from $545 round-trip

Tulum has become Mexico’s “it” destination — and with good reason. A brand-new airport, located just 20 miles from the city, now offers visitors easy access to incredible Mayan ruins nestled on white-sand beaches, electric nightclubs and a bevy of fine dining options. With the addition of Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (TQO), American travelers…

Maui could begin phasing out short-term rentals as soon as 2026

Building on efforts in 2022 to increase the minimum stay length to 90 days at non-resort-area short-term rentals in Honolulu, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green signed a bill into law clarifying the countiesʻ authority to regulate transient accommodations. Following the state Legislature passing SB 2919 on May 1, and the governor’s movement on May 3, Maui…

Best ways to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for hotel stays

There are many reasons why Chase Ultimate Rewards points are one of the most popular transferable currencies. There’s the 5/24 rule, which incentivizes people to apply for Chase cards first. There’s the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, the nearly universally recommended starter card for someone new to the points hobby. There’s the fact that Chase defines…

Who’s eligible for the 75,000-point Chase Sapphire Preferred bonus?

New Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card cardholders can earn 75,000 Ultimate Rewards points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. TPG values Chase Ultimate Rewards points at 2.05 cents each, which means this bonus is worth an impressive $1,538 — and potentially more, depending on how you redeem those Ultimate…

The Venetian Resort Las Vegas unveils $1.5 billion renovation

One of the most popular Las Vegas casino resorts is turning 25, so what better time to reveal a $1.5 billion face-lift? The Venetian Resort Las Vegas unveiled details of its costly makeover amid its 25th birthday bash this month. The sprawling resort recently added a variety of new experiential offerings, from the cabaret-disco show…

Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey: Battle of the mid-tier travel cards

When it comes to mid-tier travel cards, it’s hard to beat the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. It comes with strong earning rates, a bunch of nifty benefits and a long list of valuable redemption options and transfer partners, all for an annual fee of $95. But how does it compare to its newest competitor, the…