Several of the featured hotels also stand out for the way they can be booked with points, making them especially relevant for budget-conscious travelers who want a restorative escape. Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda in Italy, set high above Lake Garda, offers floatation therapy, saunas, pools and a “Letting Go” program, with rates starting at $748 or 70,000 World of Hyatt points per night. In Bali, Raffles Bali combines a nature-reserve feel with guided bird and butterfly watching, Tai Chi, Reiki and sound healing, and rates start at $940, while ALL Accor Live Limitless members can redeem 2,000 points for 40 euros off a stay.

In Napa, Carneros Resort and Spa centers its wellness suite around a private sauna, cold plunge, smart bed, weighted blankets and organic sleep tea; rates begin at $709 or 170,000 Hilton Honors points per night. In Honolulu, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach offers the Jetsetter’s Brain Spa Retreat, a three-day program built around neuroscience-backed practices and Hawaiian traditions, with rates starting at $587 or 109,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. The report frames all of these stays as options for travelers seeking a quieter kind of luxury: one focused on slowing down, sleeping better and leaving more refreshed than they arrived.

Source: thepointsguy.com

The post 15 points-friendly stays for travelers who want a real reset 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.

Eligible purchases include most tickets bought on StubHub or Viagogo, whether through the websites or apps, as long as they are not gift card purchases. The unused portion of each six-month credit does not carry over, so timing matters. Chase says the statement credit can appear within one to two billing cycles, though data points suggest it often posts much faster.

TPG staff members have used the credit in a variety of budget-friendly ways. Several have applied it to Broadway and theater tickets, including shows such as “Hamilton,” “Paddington: The Musical,” “Oh, Mary!” and “Ragtime.” In one example, a $258 ticket purchase dropped to $108 after the credit. Another staffer paid only $35 out of pocket for two mezzanine seats, while another ended up paying 97 cents for a theater ticket after the credit posted.

The benefit has also helped offset concert and festival costs. Staffers have used it for a two-day pass to the World Pride Music Festival in Amsterdam and for tickets to see The Chicks in New York City. One example in the report shows the credit cutting the cost of a two-day festival pass by $150, while another staffer combined the purchase with an airline shopping portal to earn additional miles. The report also notes that the credit has been used internationally, including for tickets to Les Miserables in Madrid.

For travelers looking to make entertainment spending go further, the Sapphire Reserve’s StubHub credit can turn a night out or a destination event into a noticeably cheaper trip add-on.

Source: thepointsguy.com

The post How travelers can stretch the Chase Sapphire Reserve StubHub credit on a budget 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.

Fresh pool scenes from city stays to desert retreats

Several properties highlighted in the report have recently added or upgraded pool experiences. The St. Regis Atlanta has leaned into a colorful Italian Riviera-inspired takeover with Etro, while Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel in Miami reopened its redesigned pool deck in May 2026 alongside a new beach club. In California, La Quinta Resort & Club introduced Plunge, an adults-only pool within its much larger network of pools, giving guests an option for quieter downtime. Rates at these properties start at $609, $255, and $246 per night respectively, with points options also available at each hotel.

Elsewhere, the report points to the setting as much as the pool itself. Grand Hyatt Deer Valley in Utah pairs its aquamarine pool with mountain and reservoir views, plus cabanas, a hot tub, cocktails and live music. In Florida, Signia by Hilton Diplomat Beach Resort has unveiled two new pool experiences and a waterpark after a multimillion-dollar reimagining. The article also notes that these kinds of updates are increasingly common across North America, where hotels are using design changes and partnerships to make pool areas feel more current and more appealing for summer travel.

For budget-minded travelers, the bigger takeaway is that a memorable pool day does not always require a luxury splurge. The report emphasizes that many of these properties can be booked with points, which may help reduce the cash cost of a summer getaway while still delivering a resort-style experience. Whether the appeal is a stylish deck, a scenic backdrop or a quieter adults-only corner, these newly updated pools show how hotels are turning a simple amenity into a reason to book.

Source: thepointsguy.com

The post 10 hotel pools to bookmark for a summer trip without overspending 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.

Now, a small but expanding group of airports is offering a faster path for some passengers through two federal pilot programs. One is called One Stop Security, which lets eligible travelers skip the second security screening before boarding a connecting flight. Instead of making the usual extra stop, passengers arriving from abroad clear passport control as soon as they land and can continue directly to their next gate. The current U.S. routes using this setup involve partnerships with the United Kingdom: American Airlines and British Airways on flights from London Heathrow to Dallas Fort Worth, and Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic on flights from Heathrow to Atlanta. The same time-saving benefit also applies in the other direction for travelers connecting in London from Atlanta or Dallas Fort Worth.

The second program, International Remote Baggage Screening, is designed to simplify baggage handling. Under this arrangement, travelers still go through customs, passport control, and TSA before connecting, but their checked luggage does not need to be claimed and rechecked in the U.S. The report says the U.S. is working with Australia and South Korea on this pilot, with American Airlines operating Sydney to Los Angeles, United Airlines flying Sydney to San Francisco, and Delta Air Lines and Korean Air participating on routes from Seoul’s Incheon to Atlanta, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and Seattle. In both programs, officials are relying on partner countries with security standards considered comparable to those in the U.S., and more routes could be added later.

For budget-conscious travelers, the main value is time: fewer lines, less waiting, and a smoother connection after a long-haul flight. While these programs are still limited to select airlines and airports, they offer a useful glimpse of how international arrivals could become less stressful as the partnerships expand.

Source: thepointsguy.com

The post Two new airport programs could make international connections much faster 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.

One of the biggest draws is the welcome offer. New cardholders can earn 125,000 bonus points plus a free night award worth up to 50,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first three months. The card also includes up to $100 in statement credits, issued as up to $50 twice a year, after spending $500 on eligible airline purchases. Using TPG’s July 2026 valuation of Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.8 cents each, the bonus can be worth up to $1,500 when the credit is included.

The card’s annual free night award is another major reason it stands out. Each year after account renewal, cardholders receive a night valid at Marriott properties priced at up to 35,000 points. According to the report, that award can be worth up to $280, which is well above the card’s annual fee. In some cases, cardholders can add up to 25,000 points from their account to increase the value of the award to as much as 60,000 points, giving them more flexibility when booking a pricier stay.

Beyond the headline perks, the card also provides automatic Silver Elite status and 15 elite night credits every calendar year, helping cardholders move closer to higher tiers in the Marriott Bonvoy program. Silver Elite includes a 10% bonus on eligible paid stays and priority late checkout when available. Cardholders can also earn an additional elite night credit for every $5,000 spent on the card. Finally, the Boundless includes useful travel protections such as baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, purchase protection, and trip delay reimbursement, adding another layer of value for travelers looking for practical benefits without a premium price tag.

Source: thepointsguy.com

The post 4 budget-friendly reasons the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless can justify its $95 fee 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.

What to know before you transfer

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.

Several of the featured hotels also stand out for the way they can be booked with points, making them especially relevant for budget-conscious travelers who want a restorative escape. Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda in Italy, set high above Lake Garda, offers floatation therapy, saunas, pools and a “Letting Go” program, with rates starting at $748 or 70,000 World of Hyatt points per night. In Bali, Raffles Bali combines a nature-reserve feel with guided bird and butterfly watching, Tai Chi, Reiki and sound healing, and rates start at $940, while ALL Accor Live Limitless members can redeem 2,000 points for 40 euros off a stay.

In Napa, Carneros Resort and Spa centers its wellness suite around a private sauna, cold plunge, smart bed, weighted blankets and organic sleep tea; rates begin at $709 or 170,000 Hilton Honors points per night. In Honolulu, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach offers the Jetsetter’s Brain Spa Retreat, a three-day program built around neuroscience-backed practices and Hawaiian traditions, with rates starting at $587 or 109,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. The report frames all of these stays as options for travelers seeking a quieter kind of luxury: one focused on slowing down, sleeping better and leaving more refreshed than they arrived.

Source: thepointsguy.com

The post 15 points-friendly stays for travelers who want a real reset 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.

Eligible purchases include most tickets bought on StubHub or Viagogo, whether through the websites or apps, as long as they are not gift card purchases. The unused portion of each six-month credit does not carry over, so timing matters. Chase says the statement credit can appear within one to two billing cycles, though data points suggest it often posts much faster.

TPG staff members have used the credit in a variety of budget-friendly ways. Several have applied it to Broadway and theater tickets, including shows such as “Hamilton,” “Paddington: The Musical,” “Oh, Mary!” and “Ragtime.” In one example, a $258 ticket purchase dropped to $108 after the credit. Another staffer paid only $35 out of pocket for two mezzanine seats, while another ended up paying 97 cents for a theater ticket after the credit posted.

The benefit has also helped offset concert and festival costs. Staffers have used it for a two-day pass to the World Pride Music Festival in Amsterdam and for tickets to see The Chicks in New York City. One example in the report shows the credit cutting the cost of a two-day festival pass by $150, while another staffer combined the purchase with an airline shopping portal to earn additional miles. The report also notes that the credit has been used internationally, including for tickets to Les Miserables in Madrid.

For travelers looking to make entertainment spending go further, the Sapphire Reserve’s StubHub credit can turn a night out or a destination event into a noticeably cheaper trip add-on.

Source: thepointsguy.com

The post How travelers can stretch the Chase Sapphire Reserve StubHub credit on a budget 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.

Fresh pool scenes from city stays to desert retreats

Several properties highlighted in the report have recently added or upgraded pool experiences. The St. Regis Atlanta has leaned into a colorful Italian Riviera-inspired takeover with Etro, while Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel in Miami reopened its redesigned pool deck in May 2026 alongside a new beach club. In California, La Quinta Resort & Club introduced Plunge, an adults-only pool within its much larger network of pools, giving guests an option for quieter downtime. Rates at these properties start at $609, $255, and $246 per night respectively, with points options also available at each hotel.

Elsewhere, the report points to the setting as much as the pool itself. Grand Hyatt Deer Valley in Utah pairs its aquamarine pool with mountain and reservoir views, plus cabanas, a hot tub, cocktails and live music. In Florida, Signia by Hilton Diplomat Beach Resort has unveiled two new pool experiences and a waterpark after a multimillion-dollar reimagining. The article also notes that these kinds of updates are increasingly common across North America, where hotels are using design changes and partnerships to make pool areas feel more current and more appealing for summer travel.

For budget-minded travelers, the bigger takeaway is that a memorable pool day does not always require a luxury splurge. The report emphasizes that many of these properties can be booked with points, which may help reduce the cash cost of a summer getaway while still delivering a resort-style experience. Whether the appeal is a stylish deck, a scenic backdrop or a quieter adults-only corner, these newly updated pools show how hotels are turning a simple amenity into a reason to book.

Source: thepointsguy.com

The post 10 hotel pools to bookmark for a summer trip without overspending 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.

Now, a small but expanding group of airports is offering a faster path for some passengers through two federal pilot programs. One is called One Stop Security, which lets eligible travelers skip the second security screening before boarding a connecting flight. Instead of making the usual extra stop, passengers arriving from abroad clear passport control as soon as they land and can continue directly to their next gate. The current U.S. routes using this setup involve partnerships with the United Kingdom: American Airlines and British Airways on flights from London Heathrow to Dallas Fort Worth, and Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic on flights from Heathrow to Atlanta. The same time-saving benefit also applies in the other direction for travelers connecting in London from Atlanta or Dallas Fort Worth.

The second program, International Remote Baggage Screening, is designed to simplify baggage handling. Under this arrangement, travelers still go through customs, passport control, and TSA before connecting, but their checked luggage does not need to be claimed and rechecked in the U.S. The report says the U.S. is working with Australia and South Korea on this pilot, with American Airlines operating Sydney to Los Angeles, United Airlines flying Sydney to San Francisco, and Delta Air Lines and Korean Air participating on routes from Seoul’s Incheon to Atlanta, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and Seattle. In both programs, officials are relying on partner countries with security standards considered comparable to those in the U.S., and more routes could be added later.

For budget-conscious travelers, the main value is time: fewer lines, less waiting, and a smoother connection after a long-haul flight. While these programs are still limited to select airlines and airports, they offer a useful glimpse of how international arrivals could become less stressful as the partnerships expand.

Source: thepointsguy.com

The post Two new airport programs could make international connections much faster 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.

One of the biggest draws is the welcome offer. New cardholders can earn 125,000 bonus points plus a free night award worth up to 50,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first three months. The card also includes up to $100 in statement credits, issued as up to $50 twice a year, after spending $500 on eligible airline purchases. Using TPG’s July 2026 valuation of Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.8 cents each, the bonus can be worth up to $1,500 when the credit is included.

The card’s annual free night award is another major reason it stands out. Each year after account renewal, cardholders receive a night valid at Marriott properties priced at up to 35,000 points. According to the report, that award can be worth up to $280, which is well above the card’s annual fee. In some cases, cardholders can add up to 25,000 points from their account to increase the value of the award to as much as 60,000 points, giving them more flexibility when booking a pricier stay.

Beyond the headline perks, the card also provides automatic Silver Elite status and 15 elite night credits every calendar year, helping cardholders move closer to higher tiers in the Marriott Bonvoy program. Silver Elite includes a 10% bonus on eligible paid stays and priority late checkout when available. Cardholders can also earn an additional elite night credit for every $5,000 spent on the card. Finally, the Boundless includes useful travel protections such as baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, purchase protection, and trip delay reimbursement, adding another layer of value for travelers looking for practical benefits without a premium price tag.

Source: thepointsguy.com

The post 4 budget-friendly reasons the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless can justify its $95 fee 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.

What to know before you transfer

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.