The post 16 Affordable European Hotels That Feel Stylish, Local, and Easy on the Budget appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The list spans a wide range of settings. In Paris, Hotel Rochechouart brings an Art Deco mood, compact rooms, and a ground-floor brasserie that draws local diners. In Florence, The Hoxton occupies both a historic palazzo and a more modern building, pairing bold interiors with views that can include Brunelleschi’s dome. Lisbon’s The Vintage leans into the city’s love of style with midcentury details, art throughout the property, and a rooftop bar that stands out for its suspended vertical garden.
Elsewhere, the selection includes options suited to different kinds of trips. The July – Boat & Co. in Amsterdam sits in Houthaven, a newer waterfront district known for its mix of old and new architecture. In Crete, Numo Ierapetra is highlighted as a beach choice, while Lopota Lake in Georgia is presented as a strong pick for a countryside escape. The report also names The July – Boat & Co. Amsterdam as a family-friendly option, showing that the collection is not limited to solo travelers or couples.
What ties these hotels together is their sense of place. From the Sacré-Coeur visible at Hotel Rochechouart to the historic and modern contrast at The Hoxton in Florence, each property is described as reflecting its surroundings rather than trying to outshine them. For travelers planning a European break, the result is a useful reminder that a well-located, characterful hotel can be just as appealing as a far pricier one.
Source: cntraveler.com
The post 16 Affordable European Hotels That Feel Stylish, Local, and Easy on the Budget appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post When to apply for Hilton Amex cards if you’re watching for the best deal appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>American Express generally limits cardholders to one welcome bonus per card in a lifetime, which makes the timing of an application especially important. The article says that the basic Hilton Honors American Express Card has recently shown offers such as 100,000 bonus points plus a $100 statement credit, while other periods brought 80,000-point and 70,000-point-plus-free-night promotions. Based on the offer history, the guide suggests applying when the public bonus reaches at least 100,000 points.
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card has seen even larger promotions, including offers worth up to 180,000 bonus points. The report says it may be worth applying when the bonus reaches at least 155,000 points, or when a 130,000-point offer is paired with either a free night reward or a first-year annual fee waiver. For the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, the strongest public offer cited was 180,000 points after qualifying purchases, and the recommended trigger is at least 175,000 points. The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card has also reached up to 180,000 points, with the article recommending an application when the public bonus is at least 175,000 points.
Across the card lineup, the pattern is clear: Hilton Amex offers have moved up and down over time, with some periods favoring straight points and others adding statement credits or free-night rewards. For travelers focused on budget-friendly hotel stays, the report’s message is to watch the public offer history closely and apply only when the bonus is strong enough to justify the card’s terms and required spending.
Source: thepointsguy.com
The post When to apply for Hilton Amex cards if you’re watching for the best deal appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post Why a Surf Lesson in Indonesia Changed How I Travel Through Fear appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>That changed during a work trip to Indonesia’s Mentawai archipelago, a remote surfing destination south of Sumatra where the Indian Ocean produces steady waves. At Aloita Resort, the setting was as inviting as it was dramatic, with warm turquoise water and a beach lined with coconut palms. There, a Spanish instructor named Victoria Lvova guided the first lesson with steady reassurance, showing where to wait for the wave and helping after the inevitable wipeouts.
The experience was not effortless. One wave pushed the writer off balance, another fall followed without incident, and the real strain turned out to be the paddling. Still, the lesson delivered something more valuable than a perfect ride: proof that fear could be met and survived. According to the report, that small victory on the water carried over into everyday life, making it easier to face administrative chores and writing tasks back home.
What began as a nervous attempt to try surfing became a wider lesson in confidence. In Indonesia, the ocean did not lose its power, but it became less intimidating—and that shift, the story suggests, reached far beyond the beach.
Source: cntraveler.com
The post Why a Surf Lesson in Indonesia Changed How I Travel Through Fear appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post Alaska plans bigger Hawaiian-branded jets for island hops, with more seats and free Wi‑Fi appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>For budget-minded flyers, the shift could also mean more capacity on busy island routes. Hawaiian’s current 717s operate up to 160 daily flights linking Honolulu, Maui, Lihue, Kona and Hilo, but the aircraft are now about 25 years old on average. The incoming 737-800s will offer 161 seats, compared with roughly 123 to 128 on the 717s, depending on the aircraft. Premium seating will nearly double, with 16 first-class seats and 36 extra-legroom seats, alongside 109 economy seats.
Alaska said the aircraft will include Starlink Wi‑Fi and more cargo room for items such as surfboards. The company also said it wants the Hawaiian brand to be visible across flights to, from and within the islands. Before the full switchover, Alaska plans to base one 737-800 in Honolulu starting in October for three daily round-trips between Honolulu and Maui.
The fleet changes are part of the broader integration following Alaska’s 2024 acquisition of Hawaiian. Alaska has also moved Hawaiian’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to Seattle routes to Europe and Asia, while Hawaiian’s Airbus A330s are slated for future retrofits with updated business-class seats and a premium economy cabin. Alaska did not say how many 737s will ultimately be assigned to inter-island flying, though Hawaiian currently operates around 20 717s on those routes.
Source: thepointsguy.com
The post Alaska plans bigger Hawaiian-branded jets for island hops, with more seats and free Wi‑Fi appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post London’s Best Hotels for a Travel-In-Europe Stay, According to UK Editors appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The selection reflects the variety that makes London such a compelling destination for travel in Europe. Among the editors’ top picks are Claridge’s for classic luxury, Six Senses London for a more modern luxury experience, Broadwick Soho for a cooler, contemporary crowd, and Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park for families. The wider edit also includes properties that appeal to different kinds of travelers, from quiet boutique boltholes to larger hotels with strong dining and social spaces.
In Fitzrovia, The Newman is described as a polished but relaxed arrival, with a ground-floor space that blends lounge, brasserie, and bar, plus a spa, private dining rooms, and a terrace. In Bloomsbury, Bertrand’s Townhouse brings together three Georgian buildings and offers 43 rooms, a speakeasy-style salon, and a terrace with a cigar garden. The atmosphere is intentionally intimate, with parquet floors, wood details, and a design that nods to the area’s literary and cultural past.
Six Senses London, set in the historic Whiteley Building, brings the brand’s wellness-focused approach into the center of the city. The report notes a magnesium plunge pool, a green roof, a wellness center, and an underground area devoted to high-tech performance tools. That is paired with a broader holistic philosophy, including herbal drinks, crystal placement, and a kitchen that emphasizes local sourcing. Together, these hotels show how London’s accommodation scene continues to span old-school elegance, neighborhood personality, and contemporary luxury.
Source: cntraveler.com
The post London’s Best Hotels for a Travel-In-Europe Stay, According to UK Editors appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post How to make a big purchase work harder for your travel budget appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Before putting a large charge on a card, the report suggests asking a few simple questions. Are you trying to unlock a welcome bonus by meeting a minimum spending requirement? Do you need a 0% introductory APR so you can pay the balance over time? Will purchase protection or an extended warranty matter for the item you are buying? And does the purchase qualify for bonus rewards, or would a strong flat-rate card be better? The answers can help narrow the field quickly.
Among the cards highlighted, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is listed as the best overall choice for large purchases, while the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is positioned as a strong option for financing. The Citi Double Cash® Card is featured for cash back, the Business Platinum Card® from American Express for business spending above $5,000, the Ink Business Premier® Credit Card for business cash back, the American Express® Gold Card for purchase protection, and Capital One Venture X Business for business travel purchases. The report also notes that welcome offers can be especially valuable when a large purchase helps meet the spending threshold.
Annual fees, bonus categories, and reward structures vary widely across these cards, so the best pick depends on the purchase itself and the traveler’s priorities. For someone who can pay in full, rewards and sign-up bonuses may matter most. For someone who needs more time, a promotional APR could be more useful than points. In short, the report frames large purchases as an opportunity to make an unavoidable expense do more for a travel budget.
Source: thepointsguy.com
The post How to make a big purchase work harder for your travel budget appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post How a budget-minded RV traveler uses Domino’s Rewards for campground meals appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The program’s value comes from its low threshold and easy structure. Customers earn 10 points on each qualifying order of at least $5 before taxes and fees, regardless of whether the purchase is a single pizza or a much larger order. That means smaller orders can produce better returns per dollar spent. The report notes that a 16-piece Bread Bites order at one location could earn 10 points on just over $6 in total cost, while a typical two-pizza deal would still earn the same 10 points on a much larger bill.
Redemptions also vary by store and menu pricing, but some rewards can be reached quickly. At one north Georgia Domino’s, items such as a dipping cup, a 20-ounce drink, Bread Bites, pasta, sandwiches, and chocolate lava cakes all carried different point costs and implied values. The strongest listed value at that location was the 16-piece Bread Bites, though the traveler said they usually redeem points for medium two-topping pizzas. Based on the example provided, six typical orders would be enough for that pizza reward.
Still, the report makes clear that Domino’s Rewards is not a high-value program overall. Its flat earning rate means bigger spending does not automatically mean better rewards, and its expiration policy is described as the biggest drawback. Even so, for road trips where Domino’s is close to campgrounds and the order would happen anyway, the program offers a straightforward way to get a little extra value from an ordinary meal.
Source: thepointsguy.com
The post How a budget-minded RV traveler uses Domino’s Rewards for campground meals appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post How to move Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Southwest Rapid Rewards without wasting value appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Several Chase cards can help build a balance of transferable points, including the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business, and Ink Business Preferred. The piece also points out that Chase Freedom Flex and Chase Freedom Unlimited can become part of that same strategy if you also hold one of the premium Chase cards, since their cash back can be converted into Ultimate Rewards points and then transferred to partners like Southwest.
The transfer rate from Chase to Southwest is 1:1, though the report says occasional transfer bonuses can improve that ratio when they appear. Before starting, you need a Southwest Rapid Rewards account. The transfer process begins in the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, where you choose Travel, then Transfer points to partners, and select Southwest from the list. Chase also allows transfers to one authorized user on your account, using that person’s Rapid Rewards number instead.
There are a few important limits and cautions. Points transferred this way do not count toward Southwest elite status, and Rapid Rewards redemptions still require taxes and fees. Chase requires transfers in multiples of 1,000 points, so you may need to move slightly more than the exact amount needed for a booking. The article stresses that transfers cannot be reversed, so it is worth double-checking the amount, name, and Rapid Rewards number before submitting. Chase says most transfers post by the next business day, though they can take up to seven business days.
Source: thepointsguy.com
The post How to move Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Southwest Rapid Rewards without wasting value appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post Sail from New York to Europe and Beyond on Cruises That Start in the City appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Several major cruise lines operate from Manhattan, Brooklyn, and New Jersey. Norwegian Cruise Line, Crystal, Carnival, Viking, Virgin Voyages, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania, and Holland America sail from midtown Manhattan, close to Times Square and Broadway. Princess and Cunard depart from Brooklyn, near the Brooklyn Bridge and the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, while Royal Caribbean and Celebrity leave from New Jersey, offering views of the Statue of Liberty as ships head out to sea.
The article also notes that New York City is home to the oldest cruise port in the United States, which makes it a strong place to combine a pre-cruise stay with time in the city. Travelers can fit in a Broadway show, visit major landmarks such as the Empire State Building, One World Trade, or Rockefeller Center, and spend time shopping, museum hopping, or exploring neighborhoods across Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn before boarding.
Among the highlighted sailings, Viking’s itinerary stands out for travelers interested in northern Europe. The voyage departs from New York and heads to coastal Canada, Greenland, and Iceland, with stops in Canada and Greenland before circling Iceland and ending in Reykjavik. The report says the ship carries no more than 930 passengers, which allows it to reach ports larger vessels cannot access.
Other itineraries from New York include transatlantic crossings, Panama Canal journeys, and cruises to Canada, Puerto Rico, and the southern Caribbean. The piece also points to a world cruise option, showing how New York serves as a launch point not only for nearby escapes but also for extended international travel. For many passengers, the appeal is as much about the departure point as the destination: sailing away from Manhattan remains one of the city’s most distinctive travel experiences.
Source: cntraveler.com
The post Sail from New York to Europe and Beyond on Cruises That Start in the City appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post Amex Platinum narrows Peacock eligibility for its digital entertainment credit appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The update does not remove Peacock from the list of eligible entertainment partners. Instead, it narrows the types of Peacock purchases that qualify. Under the revised terms, bundled Peacock plans, Peacock add-on subscriptions, and subscriptions bought through third parties will no longer be eligible for the credit. A stand-alone Peacock subscription purchased directly through Peacock will still qualify, as long as it meets the rest of the card’s terms.
That means cardmembers who have been using bundled streaming offers to capture the monthly credit may need to review their setup before the change takes effect. Those already paying for an eligible stand-alone plan through Peacock do not need to make any changes. The adjustment only affects Platinum cardholders who use the entertainment credit with the now-ineligible Peacock subscription types.
In practical terms, the benefit remains available, but with a narrower path to earning it. For travelers and budget-minded cardholders who rely on statement credits to offset recurring costs, the key takeaway is simple: after Aug. 1, only direct, stand-alone Peacock subscriptions are expected to continue qualifying for the Amex Platinum entertainment credit.
Source: thepointsguy.com
The post Amex Platinum narrows Peacock eligibility for its digital entertainment credit appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post 16 Affordable European Hotels That Feel Stylish, Local, and Easy on the Budget appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The list spans a wide range of settings. In Paris, Hotel Rochechouart brings an Art Deco mood, compact rooms, and a ground-floor brasserie that draws local diners. In Florence, The Hoxton occupies both a historic palazzo and a more modern building, pairing bold interiors with views that can include Brunelleschi’s dome. Lisbon’s The Vintage leans into the city’s love of style with midcentury details, art throughout the property, and a rooftop bar that stands out for its suspended vertical garden.
Elsewhere, the selection includes options suited to different kinds of trips. The July – Boat & Co. in Amsterdam sits in Houthaven, a newer waterfront district known for its mix of old and new architecture. In Crete, Numo Ierapetra is highlighted as a beach choice, while Lopota Lake in Georgia is presented as a strong pick for a countryside escape. The report also names The July – Boat & Co. Amsterdam as a family-friendly option, showing that the collection is not limited to solo travelers or couples.
What ties these hotels together is their sense of place. From the Sacré-Coeur visible at Hotel Rochechouart to the historic and modern contrast at The Hoxton in Florence, each property is described as reflecting its surroundings rather than trying to outshine them. For travelers planning a European break, the result is a useful reminder that a well-located, characterful hotel can be just as appealing as a far pricier one.
Source: cntraveler.com
The post 16 Affordable European Hotels That Feel Stylish, Local, and Easy on the Budget appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post When to apply for Hilton Amex cards if you’re watching for the best deal appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>American Express generally limits cardholders to one welcome bonus per card in a lifetime, which makes the timing of an application especially important. The article says that the basic Hilton Honors American Express Card has recently shown offers such as 100,000 bonus points plus a $100 statement credit, while other periods brought 80,000-point and 70,000-point-plus-free-night promotions. Based on the offer history, the guide suggests applying when the public bonus reaches at least 100,000 points.
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card has seen even larger promotions, including offers worth up to 180,000 bonus points. The report says it may be worth applying when the bonus reaches at least 155,000 points, or when a 130,000-point offer is paired with either a free night reward or a first-year annual fee waiver. For the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, the strongest public offer cited was 180,000 points after qualifying purchases, and the recommended trigger is at least 175,000 points. The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card has also reached up to 180,000 points, with the article recommending an application when the public bonus is at least 175,000 points.
Across the card lineup, the pattern is clear: Hilton Amex offers have moved up and down over time, with some periods favoring straight points and others adding statement credits or free-night rewards. For travelers focused on budget-friendly hotel stays, the report’s message is to watch the public offer history closely and apply only when the bonus is strong enough to justify the card’s terms and required spending.
Source: thepointsguy.com
The post When to apply for Hilton Amex cards if you’re watching for the best deal appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post Why a Surf Lesson in Indonesia Changed How I Travel Through Fear appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>That changed during a work trip to Indonesia’s Mentawai archipelago, a remote surfing destination south of Sumatra where the Indian Ocean produces steady waves. At Aloita Resort, the setting was as inviting as it was dramatic, with warm turquoise water and a beach lined with coconut palms. There, a Spanish instructor named Victoria Lvova guided the first lesson with steady reassurance, showing where to wait for the wave and helping after the inevitable wipeouts.
The experience was not effortless. One wave pushed the writer off balance, another fall followed without incident, and the real strain turned out to be the paddling. Still, the lesson delivered something more valuable than a perfect ride: proof that fear could be met and survived. According to the report, that small victory on the water carried over into everyday life, making it easier to face administrative chores and writing tasks back home.
What began as a nervous attempt to try surfing became a wider lesson in confidence. In Indonesia, the ocean did not lose its power, but it became less intimidating—and that shift, the story suggests, reached far beyond the beach.
Source: cntraveler.com
The post Why a Surf Lesson in Indonesia Changed How I Travel Through Fear appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post Alaska plans bigger Hawaiian-branded jets for island hops, with more seats and free Wi‑Fi appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>For budget-minded flyers, the shift could also mean more capacity on busy island routes. Hawaiian’s current 717s operate up to 160 daily flights linking Honolulu, Maui, Lihue, Kona and Hilo, but the aircraft are now about 25 years old on average. The incoming 737-800s will offer 161 seats, compared with roughly 123 to 128 on the 717s, depending on the aircraft. Premium seating will nearly double, with 16 first-class seats and 36 extra-legroom seats, alongside 109 economy seats.
Alaska said the aircraft will include Starlink Wi‑Fi and more cargo room for items such as surfboards. The company also said it wants the Hawaiian brand to be visible across flights to, from and within the islands. Before the full switchover, Alaska plans to base one 737-800 in Honolulu starting in October for three daily round-trips between Honolulu and Maui.
The fleet changes are part of the broader integration following Alaska’s 2024 acquisition of Hawaiian. Alaska has also moved Hawaiian’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to Seattle routes to Europe and Asia, while Hawaiian’s Airbus A330s are slated for future retrofits with updated business-class seats and a premium economy cabin. Alaska did not say how many 737s will ultimately be assigned to inter-island flying, though Hawaiian currently operates around 20 717s on those routes.
Source: thepointsguy.com
The post Alaska plans bigger Hawaiian-branded jets for island hops, with more seats and free Wi‑Fi appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post London’s Best Hotels for a Travel-In-Europe Stay, According to UK Editors appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The selection reflects the variety that makes London such a compelling destination for travel in Europe. Among the editors’ top picks are Claridge’s for classic luxury, Six Senses London for a more modern luxury experience, Broadwick Soho for a cooler, contemporary crowd, and Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park for families. The wider edit also includes properties that appeal to different kinds of travelers, from quiet boutique boltholes to larger hotels with strong dining and social spaces.
In Fitzrovia, The Newman is described as a polished but relaxed arrival, with a ground-floor space that blends lounge, brasserie, and bar, plus a spa, private dining rooms, and a terrace. In Bloomsbury, Bertrand’s Townhouse brings together three Georgian buildings and offers 43 rooms, a speakeasy-style salon, and a terrace with a cigar garden. The atmosphere is intentionally intimate, with parquet floors, wood details, and a design that nods to the area’s literary and cultural past.
Six Senses London, set in the historic Whiteley Building, brings the brand’s wellness-focused approach into the center of the city. The report notes a magnesium plunge pool, a green roof, a wellness center, and an underground area devoted to high-tech performance tools. That is paired with a broader holistic philosophy, including herbal drinks, crystal placement, and a kitchen that emphasizes local sourcing. Together, these hotels show how London’s accommodation scene continues to span old-school elegance, neighborhood personality, and contemporary luxury.
Source: cntraveler.com
The post London’s Best Hotels for a Travel-In-Europe Stay, According to UK Editors appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post How to make a big purchase work harder for your travel budget appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Before putting a large charge on a card, the report suggests asking a few simple questions. Are you trying to unlock a welcome bonus by meeting a minimum spending requirement? Do you need a 0% introductory APR so you can pay the balance over time? Will purchase protection or an extended warranty matter for the item you are buying? And does the purchase qualify for bonus rewards, or would a strong flat-rate card be better? The answers can help narrow the field quickly.
Among the cards highlighted, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is listed as the best overall choice for large purchases, while the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is positioned as a strong option for financing. The Citi Double Cash® Card is featured for cash back, the Business Platinum Card® from American Express for business spending above $5,000, the Ink Business Premier® Credit Card for business cash back, the American Express® Gold Card for purchase protection, and Capital One Venture X Business for business travel purchases. The report also notes that welcome offers can be especially valuable when a large purchase helps meet the spending threshold.
Annual fees, bonus categories, and reward structures vary widely across these cards, so the best pick depends on the purchase itself and the traveler’s priorities. For someone who can pay in full, rewards and sign-up bonuses may matter most. For someone who needs more time, a promotional APR could be more useful than points. In short, the report frames large purchases as an opportunity to make an unavoidable expense do more for a travel budget.
Source: thepointsguy.com
The post How to make a big purchase work harder for your travel budget appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post How a budget-minded RV traveler uses Domino’s Rewards for campground meals appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The program’s value comes from its low threshold and easy structure. Customers earn 10 points on each qualifying order of at least $5 before taxes and fees, regardless of whether the purchase is a single pizza or a much larger order. That means smaller orders can produce better returns per dollar spent. The report notes that a 16-piece Bread Bites order at one location could earn 10 points on just over $6 in total cost, while a typical two-pizza deal would still earn the same 10 points on a much larger bill.
Redemptions also vary by store and menu pricing, but some rewards can be reached quickly. At one north Georgia Domino’s, items such as a dipping cup, a 20-ounce drink, Bread Bites, pasta, sandwiches, and chocolate lava cakes all carried different point costs and implied values. The strongest listed value at that location was the 16-piece Bread Bites, though the traveler said they usually redeem points for medium two-topping pizzas. Based on the example provided, six typical orders would be enough for that pizza reward.
Still, the report makes clear that Domino’s Rewards is not a high-value program overall. Its flat earning rate means bigger spending does not automatically mean better rewards, and its expiration policy is described as the biggest drawback. Even so, for road trips where Domino’s is close to campgrounds and the order would happen anyway, the program offers a straightforward way to get a little extra value from an ordinary meal.
Source: thepointsguy.com
The post How a budget-minded RV traveler uses Domino’s Rewards for campground meals appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post How to move Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Southwest Rapid Rewards without wasting value appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Several Chase cards can help build a balance of transferable points, including the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business, and Ink Business Preferred. The piece also points out that Chase Freedom Flex and Chase Freedom Unlimited can become part of that same strategy if you also hold one of the premium Chase cards, since their cash back can be converted into Ultimate Rewards points and then transferred to partners like Southwest.
The transfer rate from Chase to Southwest is 1:1, though the report says occasional transfer bonuses can improve that ratio when they appear. Before starting, you need a Southwest Rapid Rewards account. The transfer process begins in the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, where you choose Travel, then Transfer points to partners, and select Southwest from the list. Chase also allows transfers to one authorized user on your account, using that person’s Rapid Rewards number instead.
There are a few important limits and cautions. Points transferred this way do not count toward Southwest elite status, and Rapid Rewards redemptions still require taxes and fees. Chase requires transfers in multiples of 1,000 points, so you may need to move slightly more than the exact amount needed for a booking. The article stresses that transfers cannot be reversed, so it is worth double-checking the amount, name, and Rapid Rewards number before submitting. Chase says most transfers post by the next business day, though they can take up to seven business days.
Source: thepointsguy.com
The post How to move Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Southwest Rapid Rewards without wasting value appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post Sail from New York to Europe and Beyond on Cruises That Start in the City appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Several major cruise lines operate from Manhattan, Brooklyn, and New Jersey. Norwegian Cruise Line, Crystal, Carnival, Viking, Virgin Voyages, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania, and Holland America sail from midtown Manhattan, close to Times Square and Broadway. Princess and Cunard depart from Brooklyn, near the Brooklyn Bridge and the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, while Royal Caribbean and Celebrity leave from New Jersey, offering views of the Statue of Liberty as ships head out to sea.
The article also notes that New York City is home to the oldest cruise port in the United States, which makes it a strong place to combine a pre-cruise stay with time in the city. Travelers can fit in a Broadway show, visit major landmarks such as the Empire State Building, One World Trade, or Rockefeller Center, and spend time shopping, museum hopping, or exploring neighborhoods across Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn before boarding.
Among the highlighted sailings, Viking’s itinerary stands out for travelers interested in northern Europe. The voyage departs from New York and heads to coastal Canada, Greenland, and Iceland, with stops in Canada and Greenland before circling Iceland and ending in Reykjavik. The report says the ship carries no more than 930 passengers, which allows it to reach ports larger vessels cannot access.
Other itineraries from New York include transatlantic crossings, Panama Canal journeys, and cruises to Canada, Puerto Rico, and the southern Caribbean. The piece also points to a world cruise option, showing how New York serves as a launch point not only for nearby escapes but also for extended international travel. For many passengers, the appeal is as much about the departure point as the destination: sailing away from Manhattan remains one of the city’s most distinctive travel experiences.
Source: cntraveler.com
The post Sail from New York to Europe and Beyond on Cruises That Start in the City appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post Amex Platinum narrows Peacock eligibility for its digital entertainment credit appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The update does not remove Peacock from the list of eligible entertainment partners. Instead, it narrows the types of Peacock purchases that qualify. Under the revised terms, bundled Peacock plans, Peacock add-on subscriptions, and subscriptions bought through third parties will no longer be eligible for the credit. A stand-alone Peacock subscription purchased directly through Peacock will still qualify, as long as it meets the rest of the card’s terms.
That means cardmembers who have been using bundled streaming offers to capture the monthly credit may need to review their setup before the change takes effect. Those already paying for an eligible stand-alone plan through Peacock do not need to make any changes. The adjustment only affects Platinum cardholders who use the entertainment credit with the now-ineligible Peacock subscription types.
In practical terms, the benefit remains available, but with a narrower path to earning it. For travelers and budget-minded cardholders who rely on statement credits to offset recurring costs, the key takeaway is simple: after Aug. 1, only direct, stand-alone Peacock subscriptions are expected to continue qualifying for the Amex Platinum entertainment credit.
Source: thepointsguy.com
The post Amex Platinum narrows Peacock eligibility for its digital entertainment credit appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>