This summer, I decided to get Global Entry for my two younger kids (14 and 17). They already have TSA PreCheck, since that’s easier/quicker to get. However, our slow re-entry back into the U.S. after some recent international trips made us want to get all 5 of us in the...

First things first. I don’t generally refer to myself in third person, but since Nancy has already published a similar post, a title clarification seemed warranted. With that out of the way, I wanted to share my 2025 travel plans, and how miles and points will help with reducing out-of-pocket...

I love reading the annual travel lists compiled by various travel websites and newspapers on top travel destinations for the year.  While I don’t particularly care if a destination I travel to is considered a must see, I love reading these lists for inspiration on where to travel to and...

My family is traveling to Japan this summer, and my daughter and I decided to add a quick trip to Shanghai, China to the end of that trip to visit Shanghai Disneyland. Last month, I wrote about a change to China’s visa-free transit rule that tempted me to add Beijing...

If there’s one thing I know well, it’s the reality of flying to Hawai’i. Having spent my life traveling to and from the islands, I can tell you firsthand that every flight to Hawai’i is long. Whether you’re hopping on a 5-6 hour journey from the West Coast or crossing...

Welcome to 2025! I hope everyone was able to enjoy the last few weeks of 2024 and you feel rejuvenated for the new year. I have been spending time with my family and new puppy, unpacking our new house and fixing up our old house to sell. As I slowly...

I wrote a few days ago about a limited-time status match opportunity that was free to all Bilt Rewards members.  That offer is active today and will remain active through the end of today (11:59pm PT). Everyone can activate a status match for Accor... The post DON’T FORGET! Free Hotel...

If your family is traveling, you'll want to avoid these 6 huge packing mistakes that could make the difference between smiling faces and a vacation of misery

Hawaii is expensive, but guess what? You don’t have to break the bank to experience the best of this island. There are dozens of free and cheap things to do on Oahu. Over the years, from my childhood to (ahem) more than 50 years later, I’ve been lucky to explore many of...

I earn affiliate credit if you sign up for the Bilt Rewards Mastercard using links in this story. Bilt Rewards has announced their January Rent Day, and it’s one that I’ll definitely be taking advantage of.  They’ve announced a unique status match opportunity available... The post Free Hotel Status For All...

Yes, a day trip from Oʻahu to Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island is absolutely doable—and trust me, it’s something I highly recommend. I’ve done it a couple of times myself: once to explore the trails at Volcanoes National Park and another to visit the Mauna Kea Visitor Information...

Kilauea erupting again as the alert level moves from warning to watch per the latest USGS Hawaii Volcano Observatory update. A new eruption began within the Kīlauea summit caldera at approximately 2:30 a.m. HST on December 23, 2024. Currently there is no threat to the community as the eruption is contained...