ANA Finally Adds One-Way Awards and Other Changes: The biggest news last week was ANA’s announcement of adding one-way award redemptions. I’ve never used miles for ANA awards because they used to only allow round-trip award redemptions, which were very tricky to find. Part of me is excited about this...

Last year we were helping some friends who were miles and points newbies put together their dream trip…

First and foremost—this is not a political debate post. But, politics often affects travel. Regardless of where you lean politically, I think everyone can agree that the recent tariffs from the USA have pissed off other countries. European favorability of the USA has dropped (see these polls). In the past...

If you asked my husband about his most memorable travel experience, without hesitation he would mention the 1993 summer trip to the western United States. My in-laws bought a used camper for $1k and took the kids to visit some of the greatest national parks this country has to offer....

I can’t believe my family’s trip to Japan and China is next month! When I booked flights last year for this trip, it seemed so far away. We just have to get through the next few weeks of school, and then we’re on our way! Our trip itinerary has changed...

Aircraft swaps are an operational reality and often create a musical chairs scenario. But one family of four found out the hard way on United Airlines that remaining seated together required herculean effort. It should have never been this hard. Aircraft Swaps Leaves 4-Year-Old By Himself On United Airlines Transatlantic...

Virgin Atlantic jacks up Delta One surcharges departing Europe to more than $1,000 one-way: Oof! Those surcharges are ridiculous, and now they’re on both ways to/from Europe. See this post on Frequent Miler. How and Why to Pay Your Taxes with a Credit Card: Even though there are fees, it...

Now I once stayed in a hotel where the front desk said the only room they could give me was one that had (and I quote) "something wrong with it". I took the room, but it ended up being the worst hotel ....

One of the cards I frequently recommend for newbies in this miles and points hobby is Chase Sapphire Preferred card. And right now, the welcome bonus is 100,000 points, which is the highest it’s been in a few years! Chase Sapphire Preferred Offer Earn 100,000 points after spending $5000 in...

On my family’s recent cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, I splurged on a “Perfect Day Beach Bed” on CocoCay, the private island. Was it worth the cost? Booking I booked the beach bed about 6 months prior to our sailing. If you’re familiar with Royal Caribbean, you...

After a short night at the Hyatt Place CDG, we arrived at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport for our flight to Los Angeles. That presented a lounge dilemma for my family of four. Lounge Dilemma: Split Up Family Or Skip Lounge? I have SkyTeam Elite Plus status, which entitles me...

Transfer bonuses between flexible miles/points to specific airline and hotel loyalty programs are a great way to make your miles and points go further. Let’s take a look at April 2025 transfer bonuses. Chase 80% Transfer Bonus to IHG One Rewards From now through April 30, 2025 at 11:59 pm...

On our recent cruise on Icon of the Seas, my family split up into two groups for our port stop in Cozumel, Mexico. Boys: Jet Ski Tour My husband and sons had a great time jet skiing in Costa Rica last year, so they requested a jet ski excursion for...

A few weeks ago, my family sailed on Icon of the Seas out of Miami. Royal Caribbean gave us a free airport transfer at 7 a.m. on debarkation day due to traffic congestions in the port area. But for me and two other members of my family, our flight home...