Month: January 2025

Editor’s note: Some of the below offers may be targeted. This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

From bonus points on your next hotel stay to generous sales of airline miles, we’re always looking for travel deals that help you earn more points and miles and redeem them for maximum value. In other words, we want to help you book the vacation of your dreams.

Recently, we found round-trip flights to Europe starting at $329 on Norse Atlantic Airways and Lufthansa business-class tickets to Munich for as low as 88,000 miles. Plus, if you’re mulling over a ski trip, Vail Resorts’ New Year sale is offering rates from $119 per night at properties in Colorado, Canada, Vermont and more. But that’s not all.

We help our readers each week by rounding up ongoing promotions so they don’t have to scour the internet for the best reward redemptions and offers. This includes everything from frequent flyer programs and hotel rewards programs to credit card offers and rental car deals. Here’s our latest list of noteworthy new points and miles promotions for January.

Airline loyalty program promotions (February 2025)

Airline loyalty programs can offer trip discounts on certain dates, the chance to earn more miles for future travel and deals to rack up points toward elite status. Below are some of the best offers we found for February.

Save 30% on Aegean Airlines flights

If Greece is in your travel plans, this Aegean Airlines sale is for you.

• Get a 30% discount on your base fare when you book through aegeanair.com, olympicair.com or the Aegean app using offer code THANKYOU30.
• Discount applies to all direct and connecting round-trip flights operated by Aegean and Olympic Air to any destination in Aegean’s network. All codeshare flights and flights not operated by Aegean and Olympic Air aircraft are excluded.
• Book by Feb. 28 to take advantage of this deal, and travel between now and Dec. 31.
• See full terms and conditions here.

Related: Best airline credit cards

Hotel loyalty program promotions (February 2025)

Hotel loyalty programs occasionally offer discounted stays, ways to earn extra points and deals at various properties. Here are some February deals to consider when booking your next stay.

Earn double points at Accor hotels

Accor Live Limitless points are worth 2 cents apiece per TPG’s January 2025 valuations — and now you can earn twice as many of them at select properties in North and Central America.

• Earn double ALL rewards points when staying in North and Central America at Fairmont (including Rio de Janeiro), Sofitel, Swissotel, Novotel, Raffles and more.
• You must register for this promotion here by Feb. 28, then complete your stay at a participating hotel by March 31.

Earn up to triple points on Hyatt stays

World of Hyatt has launched its latest Bonus Journeys promotion, and it’s a good one. You can earn double or triple points on most paid stays, depending on the brand. Since World of Hyatt awards 5 base points per dollar spent on stays, you could earn up to 15 points per dollar with this promotion.

• Earn triple base points for qualifying stays at Hyatt House and Hyatt Place hotels, up to 10,000 bonus points total. Earn double base points at most other Hyatt brands, up to 20,000 bonus points total.
• An eligible stay is defined as any stay where a member pays an eligible rate or redeems a free night award.
• Register by March 10, and complete your qualifying stay(s) by March 28.

Related: Best hotel credit cards

Credit card promotions (February 2025)

Card issuers sometimes offer deals and discounts for certain cardholders on everything from airfare to dining. Here are some of the offers we’ve rounded up this week. Remember that you must activate these offers on your card and use your enrolled card to make the purchase to earn bonus rewards.

Targeted Chase Offer at Marriott Homes & Villas

If you prefer home rentals to hotels, we found this deal on the Chase Freedom Unlimited® that could help you save on your next Marriott vacation rental stay.

• Earn $75 cash back on your Marriott Homes & Villas stay when you spend $250 or more in a single purchase directly with the merchant.
• Complete payment for your stay must be made by Feb. 15.

Targeted Amex Offer at Four Seasons

If your travels will take you to a Four Seasons property this spring, you could potentially save up to 22% with this Amex Offer, which we found on the The Platinum Card® from American Express.

• Earn a one-time $200 statement credit after spending a minimum of $900 in one or more purchases on room rate and room charges at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in the U.S. and select international destinations.
• Book at fourseasons.com.
• This offer expires May 29.

Targeted Amex Offer at Sonesta

Here’s another Amex Offer that could help you save on your next domestic stay.

• Earn $60 back as a statement credit when you spend at least $300 on one or more purchases on room rate and room charges at select Sonesta brands and destinations in the U.S.
• You must add this offer to your eligible card by Feb. 28, then redeem by March 31.

Targeted Amex Offer at Virgin Atlantic

Planning a trip abroad in 2025? This Amex Offer could save you money on one or more Virgin Atlantic flights.

• Earn $200 back as a statement credit when you spend $1,200 or more on Virgin Atlantic-marketed flights only through Amex Travel.
• Flight and hotel packages are not eligible.
• This offer ends Feb. 28.

Remember that if you hold The Platinum Card from American Express you’ll earn 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar on purchases through Amex Travel (up to $500,000 in on purchases per calendar year on the Amex Platinum, then 1 point per dollar).  With the Business Platinum Card® from American Express, you’ll earn 5 membership rewards points per dollar on flights booked on AmexTravel.com. So a purchase of $1,200 on Virgin flights through the portal would earn you 6,000 Membership Rewards points, worth $120 per TPG’s January 2025 valuations.

10% back on travel bookings with Rakuten

Rakuten, one of TPG’s favorite online shopping portals, is offering a potentially lucrative flash sale. On Feb. 9 and 10, you can earn an impressive 10% cash back on purchases through select travel booking sites.

• Earn 10% cash back on purchases at Expedia, Hotels.com and Viator when you start your shopping at Rakuten or use Rakuten’s browser extension on Feb. 9 and 10 only.
• There is no limit to how much cash back you can earn through this sale.

Related: The ultimate guide to saving money with Amex Offers

Ongoing travel deals

In addition to these new offers, many others from previous weeks are still available:

• Earn 25 Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles per dollar spent at 1-800-Flowers and Harry & David when you use promo code “AKA4.” There is no published end date for this offer.
• Earn double Marriott Bonvoy base points on all qualifying Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy stays of three or more nights, with a minimum spend of $1,500 (or equivalent). Register and book by Feb. 13; you’ll have until Dec. 30 to complete your stay.
• Earn one free Avis Preferred rental day for every two two-day rentals you complete in an intermediate-class car or above. You can use this promotion multiple times, up to a maximum of five free days earned each month. Register here and complete your rentals by Feb. 28.
• Get 20% bonus points back when you redeem World of Hyatt points for free nights at participating Homes & Hideaways by World of Hyatt properties and complete your stay by March 9. See the full terms and conditions here.
• Targeted ANA Mileage Club members can earn double base miles on select routes to or from North America. Check your email to see if you’re targeted, then register, book and fly by March 12.
• Earn 3,000 bonus World of Hyatt points per night (up to 30,000 bonus points total) at participating Hyatt Vacation Club properties. Register here by March 24; complete your stay by March 30.
• Enjoy up to 25% off and complimentary breakfast at participating Fairmont properties around the world. Book by March 30 for stays through May 31.
• Earn double IHG One Rewards base points starting on your second paid stay, then keep earning double on unlimited stays through March 31. Register here before booking.
• Earn 2,000 bonus miles (valid for one year) when you join Emirates Skywards. Register at this link using code “CONDOR” by March 31.
• Earn 20% bonus ALL points on qualifying bookings you make through the app by June 30. Download the app here.

Additionally, there are many stand-alone Amex Offers and Chase Offers still available across a variety of credit cards.

Targeted Amex Offers

• Get $150 back as a statement credit when you spend at least $750 on one or more room rate and room charge purchases at participating Omni Hotels & Resorts in the U.S. and Canada. Enroll by Feb. 20, and complete your stay by March 20.
• Earn a one-time $100 statement credit after spending $500 or more on room rate and room charge purchases at the Hard Rock Hotel New York in New York City. This offer is valid until Feb. 28.
• Get $100 back as a statement credit when you spend at least $500 on one or more room rate and room charge purchases at participating Hilton properties in Nevada. This offer expires March 17.
• Earn $150 back as a statement credit when you spend $750 or more at participating Hilton properties in Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America by March 31.
• Earn 10% back (up to $125 back) on prepaid hotel purchases at Expedia by using this link. This offer expires April 6.
• Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $1,000 or more on property rates and charges incurred at the time of reservation for Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy properties. This offer expires April 13.
• Earn an extra 5 Membership Rewards points per eligible dollar spent (up to 50,000 bonus points) on your AmaWaterways purchase. This offer ends May 6.

Targeted Chase Offers

• Earn 5% or 10% cash back (up to $40 cash back) on your Southwest Airlines purchase when you spend $50 or more directly with the merchant by Feb. 15. Earn 10% cash back on purchases of flights that occur in February or 5% cash back for other qualifying purchases.
• Earn 10% cash back (up to $32 cash back) on your Best Western stay when you spend $100 or more directly with the merchant by Feb. 15. This offer is valid at domestic Best Western, Best Western Plus, Best Western Premier, Vib, GLo, Aiden and Executive Residency properties; SureStay Hotels and WorldHotels are excluded.
• Earn 10% cash back (up to $80 cash back) on your Marriott Bonvoy stay when you spend $100 or more by Feb. 15.
• Earn 10% cash back (up to $62 cash back) on your Autograph Collection stay when you spend $100 or more directly with the merchant by Feb. 15.
• Earn 10% cash back (up to $75 cash back) on your Renaissance Hotels stay when you spend $100 or more directly with the merchant by Feb. 15.
• Earn 10% cash back (up to $68 cash back) on your Westin Hotels & Resorts stay when you spend $100 or more directly with the merchant by Feb. 15.
• Earn 10% cash back (up to $43 cash back) on your SpringHill Suites stay when you spend $100 or more directly with the merchant by Feb. 15.
• Earn 10% cash back (up to $57 cash back) on your Sheraton stay when you spend $100 or more directly with the merchant by Feb. 15.

Keep in mind that these offers are targeted. You need to activate them prior to making an eligible purchase to receive cash back, bonus points or miles.

Targeted Wells Fargo Offer

• Earn 10% cash back (up to $32 cash back) on your stay at participating Best Western brands when you spend $100 or more directly with the merchant. This offer ends Feb. 15.

Targeted BankAmeriDeals

• Earn 15% cash back (up to $150 cash back) on your cruise when you book with Silversea by Feb. 14.
• Earn 15% cash back (up to $150 cash back) on your cruise when you book with Celebrity Cruises by Feb. 14.
• Earn 15% cash back (up to $150 cash back) on your cruise when you book with Royal Caribbean International by Feb. 14.

Related reading:

• 10 big changes coming to travel for 2025
• 11 surprising winter vacation ideas for a warm-weather getaway
• Best travel credit cards
• The best credit cards to reach elite status

No two travelers are alike. Thus, travel benefits shouldn’t apply in a one-size-fits-all manner.

Having the right credit card in your wallet while traveling can elevate your experience, giving you benefits before, during and after your trip that make your journey more comfortable while providing protection in case something goes wrong.

A World Elite Mastercard can help you save money and reduce travel headaches while also enjoying extra comfort on the road. This includes a valuable benefit for U.S. customers: Mastercard Travel Rewards.

Here’s how these perks can elevate your next trip.

Related: The 9 most valuable World Elite Mastercard benefits

Introducing Mastercard Travel Rewards

Mastercard Travel Rewards is an international program that provides cash-back rewards on hundreds of offers when traveling across 25 countries and shopping at sought-after brands. You can earn rewards at participating businesses, like restaurants and entertainment, while traveling and online.

This travel benefit is available on select personal and small-business World Elite Mastercard products and adds to the existing suite of benefits. The HSBC Elite World Mastercard® and JetBlue Plus Card and the HSBC Elite World Elite Mastercard are just two of the cards offering this special benefit.

It’s simple. There are no coupons or codes, just automatic cash-back rewards.

To find out more and check out the valuable offers available to you, click here.

Ready to up your travel? Click here to find a World Elite Mastercard for you.

Travel benefits available with a World Elite Mastercard

While your first thought about travel benefits might include airport lounges or hotel room upgrades, Mastercard supports you before, during and after your trip. Depending on your card, you may also be able to enjoy concierge services, cultural experiences and travel benefits to help you manage any problems you encounter while traveling.

Mastercard Travel and Lifestyle Services

Eligible World Elite cardholders can register for an account with Mastercard’s Travel and Lifestyle Services to enjoy benefits like 24-hour support, car rental discounts and free nights at hotels. You’ll also enjoy benefits at the Luxury Hotels & Resorts collection, which provides access to more than 3,000 participating luxury properties.

Eligible Mastercard cardholders can enjoy perks like complimentary room upgrades, free breakfast, amenity credits (from $50 to $100), early check-in and late checkout from participating hotels in the portfolio.

And that’s not all. Eligible Mastercard cardholders can earn a $30 statement credit on their next ResortPass booking of $200 or more and take advantage of exclusive day passes to luxury resorts. This offer expires Sept. 30, 2025. Terms apply.

Additionally, the Mastercard Hotel Stay Guarantee protects your stay at three-star hotels and above. If you encounter problems at qualifying hotels paid for with your eligible World Elite Mastercard, support is available 24 hours a day via phone or chat.

Mastercard World Elite concierge and 24-hour personal assistant

With your World Elite credit card, you’ll enjoy access to the Mastercard World Elite concierge. Small-business cardholders have access to Mastercard’s business assistant, which provides the same services for both personal and business needs.

Mastercard Priceless Experiences

Whether at home or on the road, enjoy curated experiences that create lasting memories. One-of-a-kind Priceless Experiences include dining, shopping, sports, entertainment, culture and nature outings.

Additional benefits on select World Elite Mastercards

Beyond the benefits outlined above for eligible World Elite Mastercards issued in the U.S., your credit card issuer can opt to provide additional perks as well.

Mastercard airport lounge access with Priority Pass

Airports can be hectic, noisy and crowded. Rather than passing the time at your gate, you can enjoy access to more than 1,500 airport lounges around the world thanks to Mastercard.

Offerings vary by location, but you can find free snacks, light bites, complimentary drinks and a more relaxing place to wait for your flight. Most lounges also include complimentary Wi-Fi, and some lounges have shower facilities to help you refresh after a long trip.

Flight Delay Pass

When your flight is delayed, the last thing you want to do is sit at the gate. Thanks to Mastercard’s Flight Delay Pass, you can access participating lounges when your flight is delayed, even if you don’t have an annual lounge membership. Now, you can de-stress in a comfortable space while you wait for your departure.

This complimentary service is available for the primary cardholder and a travel companion on the same reservation when the delayed flight is registered in advance.

Travel protections

Rental car damages, trip cancellations or delays, medical emergencies and lost or delayed luggage can create unexpected expenses during your travels. However, many World Elite Mastercards have built-in protections that can cover some (or all) of these expenses.

It’s important to understand the cardholder benefits for your specific Mastercard so you’ll know exactly what is covered, including any limitations or exclusions and what events trigger your coverage. You’ll also need to use the eligible card to pay for your trip — simply having the card in your wallet won’t activate your protections.

Bottom line

Your best friend can be a great travel companion — and so can the right Mastercard. Having a World Elite Mastercard can help you minimize planning headaches, receive perks while away from home and enjoy peace of mind if you face unforeseen expenses along the way.

Mastercards also fared well in our tests of credit card security in other countries. Whether paying online, in stores, in apps or using a device, Mastercard provides valuable security features to help keep you protected.

Being able to save money, travel comfortably and trust that you have help to get out of a jam are great reasons to consider a World Elite Mastercard as your next credit card.

Click here to read the full details about these World Elite Mastercard perks and find the credit card that fits your lifestyle and travel goals using Mastercard’s Find A Card tool.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated with new information.

An American Airlines regional jet was involved in a midair collision late Wednesday night near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed.

In a statement to TPG, the FAA said a regional jet inbound from Wichita, Kansas, collided with a military helicopter while  preparing to land at DCA. The plane, a Bombardier CRJ700, was operated by PSA Airlines, a regional subsidiary of American.

The incident took place at 8:45 p.m. EST, D.C. Fire and EMS confirmed.

For more information, visit https://t.co/ECDOdj1kdr.

— The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) January 30, 2025

There were 60 passengers and four crew members on board the American Eagle flight, the carrier told TPG.

The FAA halted all takeoffs and landings late Wednesday amid a large-scale investigation and search for survivors in the nearby Potomac River.

“They are working diligently in very dark, cold conditions — cold water — to execute this rescue operation,” Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser said at a news conference around 1 a.m. EST Thursday.

The military helicopter involved in Wednesday evening’s crash was in the midst of a training flight, the U.S. Army said. The helicopter had three people on board at the time, Bowser confirmed.

Local and regional fire and emergency responders were on the scene conducting search and rescue into the early hours of Thursday. The U.S. Coast Guard joined the search, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said.

Confirmed small aircraft down in Potomac River vicinity Reagan National Airport. Fireboats on scene. #DCsBravest

— DC Fire and EMS Department (@dcfireems) January 30, 2025

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom released a video message late Wednesday and confirmed plans to travel to D.C.

“I’d like to express our deep sorrow about these events. This is a difficult day for all of us at American Airlines, and our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, partners, first responders, along with their families and loved ones,” Isom said.

The airline urged those who believe they may have had loved ones on board the flight to call American Airlines toll-free at (800) 679-8215.

As of 1 a.m. EST Thursday, the number of casualties remained unclear. The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation, the FAA said. NTSB investigators were on the scene early Thursday, the agency confirmed.

NTSB has launched a go-team to the aviation accident involving a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 airplane and a Sikorsky H-60 military helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

— NTSB Newsroom (@NTSB_Newsroom) January 30, 2025

The airline dispatched a “go team” to Washington, Isom said in his video message.

“We are actively working with local, state and federal authorities on emergency response efforts,” Isom said.

American planned to set up a communications center inside a DCA Admirals Club, officials confirmed.

Newly confirmed U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy was at FAA headquarters late Wednesday, he said, and directed the agency to support the NTSB and other agencies amid the investigation.

“We want to extend our thoughts and prayers to those individuals who were impacted by the events tonight — their families, we know this is a very difficult time for all of them,” Duffy said at Thursday’s news conference.

The nation’s largest pilots union released a statement late Wednesday that said it was “shocked and saddened by the tragic accident at DCA.”

“Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragedy and ALPA’s accident investigation team is responding to assist the National Transportation Safety Board in their investigation,” the Air Line Pilots Association said.

The closest airport to Washington, D.C., Reagan National sits in some of the most congested and tightly regulated airspace in the country.

Immediately following the crash, 19 aircraft that were in the air were diverted to nearby Dulles International Airport (IAD), according to Jack Potter, CEO of DCA’s governing body, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.

As the investigation unfolds, Potter said DCA would remain closed until at least 11 a.m. EST Thursday, though that timeline is likely to remain fluid.

Amid that airport closure, several major U.S. airlines have issued travel waivers allowing passengers with flights to or from the airport over the next day or two to make itinerary changes at no cost.

Some of those travel advisories can be found below:

• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Southwest Airlines
• JetBlue

Prior to Wednesday’s accident, it had been nearly 16 years since the last major crash involving a commercial aircraft on U.S. soil.

This is a developing story. Check back for further updates.

[circuit type=review circuit_id=”20420186884″]

Editor’s note: The Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica provided TPG with a complimentary three-night stay so that we could get an inside look at the hotel and its amenities. The opinions expressed below are entirely those of the author and weren’t subject to review by the hotel or any external entity.

Stretching between two sandy beaches at the tip of a tropical peninsula along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, the Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica is a little slice of paradise where you can spend your days sipping coconut water in a private cabana by one of the enormous pools, playing rounds on a world-class golf course, communing with nature in an open-air yoga pavilion or just taking a dip in the tranquil waters of Culebra Bay.

Thanks to a recent $35 million refresh, the hotel now has several updated restaurants,  a new beach club, an adults-only infinity pool and a treetop Wellness Shala for experiences like sound baths and breathwork sessions. 

Here’s what makes this sprawling resort such a fantastic vacation getaway — and an inside look at all the amenities in store for guests.

Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica location

The Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo is about 23 miles northwest of Liberia’s Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR). Several U.S. airlines fly here from their hubs, including Alaska Airlines from Los Angeles and San Francisco; American Airlines from Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth, Miami and New York; Delta Air Lines from Atlanta, Los Angeles and Minneapolis; JetBlue from New York; and United Airlines from Houston, Newark and San Francisco.

To get to the resort, you can arrange a private transfer service, though this can cost hundreds of dollars each way depending on the vehicle. Instead, you might want to consider a taxi service from the airport, which should run about $60-$100 each way, or renting a car from one of the numerous agencies available at the airport since the hotel does not charge for parking.

The drive to the hotel takes around 40 minutes along safe, well-paved and well-lit roads. The final 15 minutes of the journey are within the 1,400-acre Peninsula Papagayo luxury hotel and residential development itself, so there is not much traffic.

Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica booking details

Four Seasons does not have its own points-based loyalty program, but you can still earn multiple points per dollar spent on a direct booking if you use a card that earns category bonuses on travel or, specifically, hotel purchases.

The Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica is also a member of Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts, so those with The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express who make a booking through amextravel.com can enjoy benefits like complimentary daily breakfast for two, room upgrades based on availability, a $100 on-property credit to use during their stay and guaranteed late checkout. 

Four Seasons also joined Chase’s luxury hotel booking portal, The Edit. If you have an eligible card and make your booking through Chase Travel℠, you can expect perks including daily breakfast for two, availability-based room upgrades, early check-in and late checkout based on availability, a $100 property credit to be used during your stay, and a welcome gift. Those with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® can redeem Ultimate Rewards points for stays booked at The Edit properties, too.

 Other cards you can use for The Edit bookings include: 

• United℠ Explorer Card
• United Club℠ Infinite Card
• United Quest℠ Card
• United℠ Business Card

Rates at the Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica start at around $1,450 per night.

Standout features of the Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica

• Enormous rooms with screened-in ocean-facing balconies are excellent for unwinding after a day in the sun.
• Two beaches, three pools, a relaxing spa, a golf and tennis club, kids and teens clubs, and plenty of activities ensure there’s something to keep everyone occupied.
• The gourmet restaurants include Bahia for Costa Rican classics, Virador Beach Club for Mediterranean fare and Pesce for upscale Italian.
• Yoga and sound bathing sessions in the new open-air Wellness Shala are truly unique experiences.

Drawbacks of the Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica

• There are some newer hotels coming, but this resort remains the classic that sets the standard for Costa Rican luxury.
• Off-site excursions might take a while to get to, given the hotel’s secluded location.
• The price point is beyond most travelers’ budgets, but if you can book via a portal or travel adviser that unlocks extra perks, you can get even more value from your stay.

The vibe at the Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica

As you crest a hill and pull up to the entry gate at the Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica, you get your first glimpse of the hotel below. It fits right into a dip of the peninsula where a slender isthmus separates two sandy, crescent-shaped beaches. The curving, earth-colored buildings were designed to blend into the jungly surroundings by Costa Rican architect Ronald Zürcher and are surrounded by lush landscaping. 

No sooner do you arrive in the lobby than you will have a freshly tapped coconut in one hand and a scented cool towel in the other. Welcome to paradise. Although “pura vida” is a byword in Costa Rica for positive vibes and a relaxed outlook, the staff will be ready at a moment’s notice to arrange anything from a private rum tasting to a sunset sail or a much-needed massage at the bilevel spa, not to mention reservations at one of the on-property restaurants, which now include the Mediterranean beach club-style Virador. 

Family travelers are likely to predominate your fellow guests, and you might spot a wedding or corporate event taking place, but just book one of the private cabanas at the new adults-only infinity pool and you’ll be assured of a restful day. That is, if you don’t mind a visit or two from the resident iguanas. 

Rooms at the Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica

There are just 199 rooms and suites at the Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica. Rooms come in three categories in the main buildings flanking the pools, differentiated mainly by location and view rather than amenities or size.

My Cielo room was on the third floor of one of the main buildings closest to the pools and had a view into the jungle canopy and over Playa Virador, the beach on the Pacific side, from its screened-in furnished balcony, which was a pleasant place to while away an afternoon as troops of (harmless) white-faced monkeys paraded by. 

Inside, the decor included locally sourced wooden floors, sliding doors and shutters, neutral-toned textiles, and art produced by nearby Indigenous communities. There was a signature Four Seasons bed dressed in spotless white linens and flanked by nightstands with plenty of plugs.

There was no shortage of places to sit or relax, including a divan at the end of the bed, an armchair and ottoman by the window, and a breakfast table with its own chair and an adorable welcome amenity of fresh fruit designed like a miniature local roadside stand. 

Across from the bed, there was a long credenza housing the minibar (stocked with a variety of coffee, of course, and a Nespresso machine, not to mention gourmet Costa Rican Sibo chocolate bars) with a wall-mounted flat-screen television above it.

Back toward the front door, there was plenty of closet space along one side of the entry hallway, and to the other, the bathroom, which was separated from the bedroom by a set of wooden shutters and tiled in a mix of brown limestone and white marble.

With a deep soaking tub, a separate walk-in shower stocked with Natura Bisse products, a water closet and a long counter with two sinks, there was plenty of room to spread out. 

Though the room was near the stairs and elevators, we didn’t hear other guests in the passageway outside or in the accommodations above or below us. Instead, we left the sliding doors to the balcony open and fell asleep to the sounds of the forest and the ocean.

Food and drink at the Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica

Whether you want smoothies accompanied by sultry sea breezes or a library tasting of rare rums, the Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica has you covered.

Bahia

With its lavish breakfast spread and tree-shaded patio, Bahia sets a leisurely pace for the day as you sip specialty coffee drinks and tropical fruit smoothies while birds and butterflies flit above. 

If you can’t make up your mind, opt for the buffet, where you can sample everything from fresh-cut fruit to made-to-order eggs ($49 per person). Or, go a la carte with a traditional Costa Rican breakfast with eggs any style, gallo pinto beans and rice, hearty molcajete sauce, sweet plantains, and locally produced, mild Turrialba cheese ($25).

Come afternoon and evening, the centerpiece is an open woodfire grill dishing out plates like yellow corn heart of palm flautas over smoky tomato sauce ($19) and zarandeado octopus marinated in an earthy ancho chili adobo sauce with Peruvian aji verde ($34).

Virador Beach Club

One of the new additions to the resort after its most recent renovation, Virador Beach Club is just steps from the sand and feels like a beachy day club right out of St. Tropez with wicker chairs, chandeliers and a breezy vibe.

The menu comes courtesy of Israeli chef Khaled Natour, so among the share plates large and small you might sample the fluffy pita-style kumaj bread ($10) with smoky baba ghanoush, tangy shanklish and silky hummus ($28-$60 depending on number of dips); juicy chicken shish taouk marinated in spicy harissa ($25); grilled artichoke and beets in a savory citrus dressing ($17); and crispy, cinnamon- and pistachio-laced baklava with sugary rosewater syrup ($19).

Pesce

For special occasions, the resort’s coastal Italian restaurant, Pesce, is the place to make a reservation. White tablecloths and floral arrangements set a semiformal tone, and the large tables are ideal for extended family groups (indeed, you might spot a multigenerational gathering or two celebrating a life event together). 

The menu feels mostly familiar, with a few surprises, like an ultrafresh zucchini carpaccio salad with Parmigiano-Reggiano, citrus and pistachio ($22); bubbly-crusted pizzas fresh from the oven, including one with fontina, wild mushrooms, truffle paste and arugula ($30); pistachio pesto linguine with guanciale and creamy stracciatella ($26); and fillet of branzino with capers, olives, cherry tomatoes and potatoes in a white wine-butter sauce ($37). 

Be sure to order the specialty vanilla souffle ($18) ahead of time since it takes a while to prepare.  

Anejo

Down a grandiose staircase from reception, complete with a gold-tiled backdrop, Anejo feels like the nerve center of the resort. In the morning, you can drop by for smoothies and coffee along with pastries, acai bowls and other sundries like breakfast burritos from the bar counter.

Come afternoon and evening, the menu shifts to small plates such as soft-shell crab sliders ($23), salmon teriyaki salad ($22), tuna ceviche in black leche de tigre sauce ($22), and various sushi and sashimi dishes.

The cocktail menu contains tropical twists like the Corcovado with Tanqueray gin, passion fruit, basil, lime, lemongrass syrup, pineapple, star fruit and club soda ($16); rum flights ($55-$180); and even a whole section of libations inspired by the various epochs experienced by Indigenous peoples in the region, including an Old-Fashioned-like Botanico with Wild Turkey 101 bourbon, Jerez PX sherry, fig syrup and angostura bitters ($20). All of which you can enjoy in various seating vignettes, including a few cushioned swings.

The rest

Up at the golf and tennis club, guests can enjoy casual Costa Rican street-style food at Palapita and steakhouse fare at Nemare. Just adjacent to Anejo, meanwhile, La Reserva feels like a private rum cellar and hosts coffee, chocolate and rum tastings, cocktail-making classes, and experiences where you infuse rum with the spices of your choosing. 

Of course, you can also order room service 24 hours a day, and there is pool and beach service available throughout the day.

Amenities and service at the Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica

Although the Four Seasons lies at the tip of a peninsula in a gated luxury development 30 minutes from the nearest town, there’s still plenty to do both on and off the property.

Pools and beaches

The hotel has two large main pools, which are adjacent to one another and bordered by loungers and shaded daybeds that are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with plenty of towels, sunscreen and snacks provided by the dedicated staff. You can also reserve specific sunbeds for $75 and cabanas for $750.

The most recent addition is a smaller, roped-off, adults-only infinity pool where you must pay to reserve loungers or cabanas, which also come with dedicated service, including complimentary water and fruit plates.

On the Pacific side of the peninsula, Playa Virador is lined with rows of beach chairs and has a swimming area suitable for small children. Venture far enough down it and you come to a staircase that takes you up to a walking path linking the resort to the rest of the peninsula.

On the bay side of the resort, Playa Blanca also has plenty of beach chairs, plus a volleyball court, kayaks and paddleboards for rent, and an outpost of SurfX where you can book surfing lessons and excursions.

Wellness

Next to the lobby, there is a large, multilevel wellness complex that includes indoor and outdoor gym areas with both cardio equipment and weight machines by Technogym as well as areas for stretching, yoga and other classes.

The spa, meanwhile, features men’s and women’s locker rooms with steam rooms and outdoor Jacuzzis and cold plunges. Among the signature treatments is an hourlong, customizable Rainforest Massage performed with a mix of essential oils tailored to the guest’s preferences ($230) and various facials utilizing high-end brands, including Biologique Recherche and Isun. There’s also a small hair and nail salon.

On the opposite side of the resort, overlooking the entire complex from a perch among the trees, the hotel’s new Wellness Shala was designed by Costa Rican architects Luis Alejandro Cuesta and Javier Creuheras of Arquitectura Mixta, and inspired by the whorl-like currents of the winds in the surrounding province of Guanacaste. The curvilinear space, which feels like the architectural representation of a freeform yoga pose come to life,  is nothing short of breathtaking, especially during open-air yoga and sound bathing sessions performed by visiting experts. 

Golf and tennis

There is complimentary shuttle service upon request to Papagayo’s golf and tennis club, which is about a five-minute drive from the hotel. There, guests can tee off on an 18-hole Arnold Palmer Signature course, which doubles as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary thanks to native vegetation and water-saving irrigation,  or rally on one of the three tennis or three pickleball courts.

Kids clubs

This is a family-friendly resort, and all the more so thanks to the child-focused spaces and activities. For younger tykes, the Kids for All Seasons Club has been completely redone by Athens-based Polyanna & Associates to resemble a mangrove forest come to life, including activity areas, a playground and a small pool.

The separate Tuanis Teen Center, meanwhile, has organized activities as well as plenty of video game consoles and lo-fi entertainment (foosball!) to keep adolescents occupied.

Excursions and activities

The sky, or ocean depths, are the limit here. The hotel can arrange everything from all-day surfing getaways to scuba trips, rainforest zip lining and helicopter tours. There are also rainforest tours, e-bike treks, night wildlife walks, photo safaris, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, stargazing and more. During a half-day excursion to Palo Verde National Park, a 90-minute drive away, guests take a river tour spotting crocodiles, howler monkeys and various birds, followed by a private rum-tasting and -mixing workshop, lunch at a historic hacienda and a cultural tour ($1,050).

When you check in, you will be provided with a calendar of both complimentary and paid activities for the current week to select from so that you can reserve a spot if need be.

Accessibility at the Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica

The resort’s public areas including reception, the spa and the restaurants on the main level are all accessible via wheelchair thanks to ramps and elevators, though there are some doors to navigate. There are elevators to the various levels of the wellness center as well as from reception to the main pool area, and then to guest rooms in each of the main buildings.

Basic beach wheelchairs capable of maneuvering on sand are available on both beaches, and there is a chairlift into one of the main resort pools.

There are several rooms with Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant features, though you should call the resort to book specific accommodations that suit your individual needs.

Checking out

The Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica has set the standard for luxury beach vacations in Costa Rica since it opened in January 2004, thanks to its stunning setting and nature-inspired architecture. 

Since then, it has undergone multiple major renovations to update its features and incorporate new ones, including a swinging Mediterranean-inspired beach club and a state-of-the-art wellness pavilion, not to mention an unrivaled slate of activities that will keep guests occupied (and happy) whether they want to lounge by the pool or spot wildlife in Costa Rica’s nearby national parks. 

And although the price tag to stay here is high, after a few days, experiencing Costa Rica’s pura vida Four Seasons-style feels priceless. 

Related reading:

• The Best Four Seasons hotels in the world
• The best hotel credit cards
• Get free breakfast, upgrades and more with the Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts program
• The best hotel rewards programs in the world
• The best premium credit cards: A side-by-side comparison

Holland America will outdo itself again in 2026 with superlong itineraries, including twists on historic Alaska and Mediterranean sailings.

The line announced Wednesday even more epic itineraries for the 2026 cruise season, including voyages to the Mediterranean, the South Pacific, the Pacific Northwest, Alaska and Hawaii. Of these, one pays homage to a bygone Holland America itinerary; another will ply waterways rarely traveled by cruise ships.

All of the sailings are part of the line’s Legendary Voyages itineraries, which range from 27 to 45 days and focus on a singular region. Additionally, they offer special onboard programming and activities that highlight the area’s history and culture. (Looking for an even longer sailing? Try one of the line’s Grand Voyages.)

Shorter iterations of these cruises were available in previous years — and many sold out quickly. The 2026 itineraries will feature ports and experiences not offered on past sailings.

Among the newly announced 2026 itineraries is the 28-night Legendary Arctic Circle Solstice voyage aboard the 1,924-passenger Noordam. The ship will depart Seattle on June 7 and visit 13 ports throughout British Columbia and Alaska.

This reenvisioned itinerary will include two full days of scenic cruising through the Inside Passage, ideal for spotting wildlife such as whales and seals. The ship will navigate the narrow channels of British Columbia, including Seymour Narrows, Johnstone Strait, Bella Bella and the Grenville Channel.

These routes were historically used by steamboats during the gold rush days of the 1800s. Over time, the routes lost their luster as vessels grew in size and could reach Alaska faster via the open ocean. Holland America will give guests a rare opportunity to sail this historic Inside Passage.

As the ship makes its way through the channels, it will hug the coastline along the Great Bear Rainforest, home to abundant wildlife. Cruisers might catch a glimpse of coastal gray wolves, Sitka deer and the rare cream-colored Kermode bear, or spirit bear, considered sacred by the Tsimshian people.

Long stays in port offer more time to explore the waterfalls and dramatic cliffs along Keystone Canyon in Valdez and Juneau’s Mendenhall, Taku, Eagle and Herbert glaciers. Mountain-fringed Valdez sees few cruise ships, partly due to the time it takes to reach from Vancouver and other Alaska cruise hubs. Remote ports like Nome and Dutch Harbor are also on the itinerary.

Passengers will also cruise through the Bering Strait into the Arctic Ocean. Noordam will be positioned in the Bering Sea above the Arctic Circle for the summer solstice on June 21 — the longest day of the year, providing 24 hours of daylight.

Fares for the Legendary Arctic Circle Solstice sailing start at $5,499 per person for an inside cabin (based on double occupancy), including taxes and fees.

Holland America will also offer a reimagining of an epic transatlantic itinerary the line first sailed 100 years ago. The 45-night round-trip Ultimate Mediterranean and Atlantic Passage cruise will retrace a 1925 voyage on Rotterdam IV, one of Holland America’s earliest ships. The 2026 sailing will be the third iteration of the historic itinerary; the first version debuted in 2024 and quickly sold out.

“Since recreating this voyage of the 1920s, it has become one of our most popular and fastest selling,” said Paul Grigsby, Holland America Line’s vice president of revenue planning and analytics. “There is simply no better way to explore this deeply the charm, delicious cuisine, and rich history of the Mediterranean while only unpacking your suitcase once.”

The 1,432-passenger Volendam will sail round-trip from New York City on Oct. 8, 2026, and explore 21 ports across 12 countries. Highlights of the Ultimate Mediterranean and Atlantic Passage sailing include late-night calls at Gibraltar and Civitavecchia (Rome), plus overnights in Alexandria and Istanbul. Lingering longer in these renowned ports offers plenty of time to take in iconic landmarks, such as Egypt’s pyramids of Giza and Istanbul’s historic mosques and bazaars.

The schedule includes stops at Iraklion (the port for Crete) and Piraeus (the port for Athens) in Greece, as well as visits to Ashdod and Haifa in Israel and Kusadasi, Turkey, which is the gateway to the iconic ancient ruins of Ephesus.

Fares for the Ultimate Mediterranean and Atlantic Passage start at $7,574 per person (based on double occupancy) for an inside cabin, including taxes and fees.

Rounding out the list of extended Legendary Voyage offerings in 2026 is a 35-night Hawaii, Tahiti and Marquesas Islands sailing, departing in October, and a 27- and 28-night Legendary Glaciers and Volcanoes: Alaska to Hawaii itinerary, which sets sail in September. (The former sailing departs from Seattle and offers a second embarkation in Vancouver, British Columbia on day two of the cruise.)

If any of these voyages pique your interest, book sooner rather than later. These itineraries sell out quickly, especially the Ultimate Mediterranean cruise.

Plus, you can snag extra perks when you book early. For a limited time, when guests add a Have It All premium package (which includes shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package and Surf Wi-Fi) to their Legendary Voyages booking, they’ll also get free prepaid crew gratuities, plus free upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• 8 cabin locations on cruise ships you should definitely avoid
• Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• Which cruise brand is best for you? A guide to the most popular lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your first cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on their first cruise
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Boom Supersonic carried out its first faster-than-sound flight Tuesday, reaching a remarkable milestone as it seeks to bring commercial supersonic flight back to the skies.

The company’s XB-1 demonstrator jet reached speeds of Mach 1.122 during a test flight above the Mojave Desert in California shortly after 8 a.m., its first supersonic flight after about a dozen test flights carried out since last March.

It was a major accomplishment for Boom and marked the first time that a private company had built a supersonic jet without government support or involvement. It also represented a step closer to Boom’s ultimate goal of operating the first commercial supersonic flight since the Concorde was retired in 2003.

“A small band of talented and dedicated engineers has accomplished what previously took governments and billions of dollars,” said Boom’s founder and CEO, Blake Scholl. “Our ultimate goal is to bring the benefits of supersonic flight to everyone.”

Despite the landmark, however, commercial supersonic flight remains years away, and Boom’s success is anything but certain.

While the XB-1 demonstrator is a clean-sheet — or entirely new — design by Boom, it’s roughly the size of a small fighter jet and has just one seat. It’s meant to test various systems that Boom hopes will translate to its full-size prototype.

That aircraft, dubbed the Overture, will be far more difficult to create. In order to be commercially viable, Overture, which is designed to seat roughly 60 to 80 passengers, will need to be fuel- and cost-efficient enough for the airline to operate it profitably while selling tickets at a price that passengers are willing to pay.

And although supersonic travel sounds appealing, the actual use case could be more limited. Faster-than-sound travel is prohibited over populated land, due to the sonic boom it causes, and Overture would not have the range to make it across the Pacific Ocean without refueling — that stop would significantly cut into the time advantage of supersonic flying. That leaves transatlantic travel as the most practical market.

Boom also does not have an engine prototype yet. The company was unable to find an existing engine on the market that could work, nor an engine manufacturer that was willing to design one, and will instead build a new engine in-house. That engine, which Boom calls Symphony, is still in the production phase, and until it’s completed, there’s no easy path for Boom to actually cross the finish line.

It remains unclear whether Boom can build a prototype, begin production and get the jet certified without running out of investor money. Boom, meanwhile, has argued that modern technology and manufacturing can allow it to succeed where the Concorde, which was notoriously expensive to operate, did not.

Still, even though the company has faced doubts for years, it’s managed to sign numerous major suppliers, build a talented engineering staff and secure 130 orders from airlines, including American Airlines and United Airlines.

With Tuesday’s test flight, Boom appears to at least be one step closer to the ultimate goal of supersonic commercial travel.

Related reading: 

• The best airline credit cards
• What exactly are airline miles, anyway?
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• What are points and miles worth? TPG’s monthly valuations

Porter Airlines is bringing its jets to the other side of the Hudson River.

The Toronto-based airline announced on Monday that it would add service to New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) after years of exclusively serving nearby Newark as its sole New York City metro area operation.

Porter’s LaGuardia flights will take off on May 1, with up to three daily round-trip flights between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and LGA.

The airline will base itself at LaGuardia’s award-winning Terminal B, meaning that eligible flyers will have access to a slew of top-notch departure lounges, such as the American Express Centurion Lounge and Chase’s Sapphire Lounge by The Club.

Pro tips: The biggest mistakes people make with travel rewards credit cards

Porter says that the new LaGuardia flights will be timed conveniently for connections through YYZ to the airline’s domestic Canadian network, including Edmonton, Saskatoon, Vancouver and more.

Furthermore, Porter can tap into JetBlue’s domestic connectivity from LaGuardia as the two carriers have an existing interline partnership.

For those frequent flyer earnings, Porter passengers can choose to earn miles on Alaska Airlines or points on Porter itself.

Porter will deploy its new 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 aircraft on the route, which offers a 2-2 configuration and free Wi-Fi.

In terms of the onboard experience, Porter offers an assortment of premium snacks, as well as free beer and wine served in glassware.

Porter has been serving the New York City area via Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) since 2008, with nonstop flights to the far more convenient Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) in Toronto. This service operates with De Havilland Dash 8-400 turboprop aircraft.

Interestingly, in order to add flights at the capacity-constrained LGA, Porter needs slots, or takeoff and landing permissions, for each flight. Airlines can’t just pick up these slots on an ad-hoc free-market basis, so the airline likely inked a lease deal with another airline to pick up some extra slots. (It’s possible that JetBlue, Porter’s interline partner, leased the airline some unused slots.)

“We have built a strong passenger base over more than 15 years for those traveling between Canada and the New York metropolitan area. The addition of LaGuardia introduces a new dimension to our network, opening more options for existing customers and the ability to attract new ones within the busiest air service corridor connecting Canada and the U.S,” said Andrew Pierce, Porter’s vice president of network planning and reporting, in a statement.

Related reading:

• When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
• The best airline credit cards
• What exactly are airline miles, anyway?
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• What are points and miles worth? TPG’s monthly valuations

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. 

We love credit cards that come with an array of perks — especially when they can outweigh the card’s annual fee. Maximizing benefits on a credit card can mean the bank is essentially paying you to keep the card year after year. However, not using the perks means you’re potentially paying a fee for no reason.

This definitely applies to the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. The card has a ton of perks, and you’ll want to use as many of them as possible to justify the $395 annual fee.

The Venture X card also offers a 75,000-mile welcome bonus for those who spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account membership. According to TPG’s January 2025 valuations, that bonus is worth $1,388. 

If you recently got the Venture X credit card, here are the things you should do to unlock its full value.

Related: Is the Capital One Venture X worth the $395 annual fee?

Register for lounge access

You get unlimited access to Capital One lounges if you have the Venture X. This also applies to your authorized users on the card, along with complimentary entry for up to two guests per visit (children aged two and under are free). Additional guests are $45 each.

To gain access, just show your boarding pass and Venture X card.

However, the vast majority of lounges that Venture X cardholders can access also come with a Priority Pass Select membership. After enrolling and receiving your membership card, you and your guests can access over 1,300 lounges in airports worldwide.

To enroll, visit this enrollment page and enter your 16-digit Venture X account number. Then, follow the prompts to complete your registration.

Alternatively, you can access this page by logging in to your Capital One account, navigating to the benefits section, and clicking the Priority Pass icon.

Authorized users on your card also get Priority Pass membership, which leads us to the next point.

Related: A complete guide to Capital One’s airport lounges

Add free authorized users

You can add up to four authorized users to your Venture X account for no additional cost. You’ll be responsible for anything they charge to their cards, but all the miles earned from their purchases will go into your rewards balance.

The real benefit here is sharing some of your best benefits with authorized users. Authorized users receive access to Capital One lounges and a Priority Pass membership of their own — with the same guest access policy as the cardholder. The best part is that there’s no cost to add up to four authorized users to your card.

Related: The credit cards with the greatest value for authorized users

Apply for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck

No one likes waiting in line at airport security. Luckily, there’s a way to speed up the process, and the Venture X can help you get it for free.

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are programs designed to help pre-screened passengers get through security checkpoints more quickly. Global Entry applications cost $120, while TSA PreCheck applications cost up to $85. Each one is valid for five years.

Once every four years, Capital One will reimburse Venture X cardholders up to $120 as statement credits toward application fees for these programs. This credit is once per account, meaning authorized users do not get their own fee reimbursement.

If you’re going to choose between one of these programs, I recommend Global Entry because it includes TSA PreCheck benefits and expedited screening when returning to the U.S. from another country.

Related: Things to know about Global Entry

Change your payment method on your cellphone bill

How much did you spend to buy your cellphone? For most of us, that answer is in the range of hundreds of dollars — though some top-of-the-line models can exceed $1,000. In short, phones aren’t cheap. And the cost of replacing them after damage or theft can be painful.

If you pay your monthly cellphone bill with your Venture X card, you’re automatically covered against damage and theft. This applies to every phone line listed on the bill, and coverage will kick in for the next calendar month after your payment.

Note that there are some limitations to this coverage:

• You can file a maximum of two claims every 12 months.
• The maximum coverage is $800 per claim.
• There is a $50 deductible on each claim.
• Coverage is supplemental, meaning you must first exhaust any other applicable policies (like renters insurance, for example).

If your claim is related to the theft of your cellphone, you must file a police report within 48 hours to be eligible for coverage from your Venture X card.

Related: Link a credit card with cellphone protection to your mobile bill

Activate rental car elite status

Venture X cardholders — including authorized users — receive complimentary Hertz President’s Circle status*. This is the top tier in Hertz’s Gold Plus Rewards program.

You can expect benefits like complimentary upgrades, a wide selection of cars from which to choose in the parking lot, a free second driver and the ability to skip the line. Rather than waiting in line inside to sign forms and get the keys, just head straight to the parking lot, get in your reserved car and drive off.

We should highlight three great elements of this perk.

First, it also applies to your authorized users. Second, thanks to status matching, you can use your Hertz status to gain status with other companies.

Finally, and most importantly, you can actually stack this perk with the card’s enhanced earning rates on car rentals and the annual $300 travel credit for purchases through the Capital One Travel portal.

* Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at that status level through the duration of the offer. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply. 

Since your Venture X card provides primary rental car insurance, this is a great card to use for rentals. Cardholders can get up to $75,000 in coverage for damage caused by collision or theft to a rental car. This coverage is available without the need to buy insurance from the rental company. The car rental insurance benefit is a Visa Infinite card feature.

Related: The complete guide to car rental elite status matches

Transfer your miles to a travel partner

To truly maximize the Venture X, consider leveraging Capital One’s transfer program. Currently, Capital One offers 15-plus airline and hotel transfer partners, with most converting at a 1:1 ratio.

Capital One’s rewards program competes with American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards.

By utilizing transfer partners, you can maximize the value of your miles by more than 1.85 cents per mile, according to TPG’s January 2025 valuations.

For example, you could transfer your Capital One miles to Air Canada Aeroplan. Then, you could fly to the Middle East with an extended stopover in Europe thanks to Aeroplan’s generous stopover policy, giving you two trips in one.

Related: Why transferable points and miles are worth more than other rewards

Bottom line

The numerous perks of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card can seem daunting. Rather than leaving you wondering where to get started, we’ve compiled a list of six things you should do when you receive your card. This should give you a jump-start on maximizing your benefits and offsetting the card’s price tag.

The current welcome bonus is valuable, so that’s a major incentive to open the card. However, if you can take advantage of the majority of perks and benefits offered by the Venture X, it should keep earning a spot in your wallet year after year.

For more details, read our full review of the Venture X.

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Learn more: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

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For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. 

There are few things we dislike more at TPG than unnecessary fees — including foreign transaction fees.

You may have noticed that when you use some credit cards abroad (or on a website not hosted in the U.S.), an additional fee is added to each purchase.

Let’s discuss what those fees are and how you can avoid them in the future.

Related: Best cards with no foreign transaction fees

What Is a foreign transaction fee?

Foreign transaction fees are charged on certain cards when you make a purchase that goes through an overseas bank to process the transaction.

When you complete a transaction while traveling or through a foreign website, banks may have to convert the purchase into U.S. dollars. On some credit cards, issuers will then pass the conversion cost onto consumers.

Related: The best business credit cards with no foreign transaction fees

How much are foreign transaction fees?

Visa and Mastercard charge banks a 1% fee for processing purchases made abroad, and many U.S. issuers tack on an additional 1-2% fee. The standard foreign transaction fee tends to be around 3%. However, Capital One and Discover are unique in having zero foreign transaction fees across all their credit cards.

Card issuer	Standard foreign transaction fee
American Express	2.7%
Bank of America	3%
Barclays	2.99%
Capital One	None
Chase	3%
Citi	3%
Discover	None
U.S. Bank	3%
Wells Fargo	3%

Which cards have no foreign transaction fees?

Most of the top travel credit cards don’t charge foreign transaction fees. In fact, it’s rare for a card that offers travel rewards and perks to charge any foreign transaction fees.

While some issuers charge foreign transaction fees of around 3% on some of their products, you should consider Capital One or Discover cards since they don’t charge foreign transaction fees on any of their cards.

Card issuers are required to give potential and existing customers access to rates and fees associated with a credit card, including foreign transaction fees. Check the terms and conditions of your credit card to see whether or not your card (or the card you’re considering applying for) charges foreign transaction fees.

When looking at a rates and fees table, the foreign transaction fee is typically listed explicitly under a fees section.

Related: How to choose a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card

Foreign transaction fees vs. ATM fees

Another type of fee you may hear about when you travel is a foreign ATM fee. While the two fees can apply when traveling outside the U.S., they are not synonymous.

A foreign ATM fee is charged when you withdraw cash from an ATM in a foreign country. Some banks waive this fee, especially if you use an ATM that falls within a specific network of banks.

Additionally, you might be on the hook for additional fees when you use an ATM abroad, including a flat fee from your bank for using an ATM not affiliated with the bank (which is typically $5), a foreign currency conversion fee (which typically falls in line with foreign transaction fees at 3%) and additional fees charged by the owner of the specific ATM you use.

This is one reason we recommend paying with a credit card wherever possible. But in some places, cash is still king and you’ll need to have a game plan for avoiding these types of fees — or factor them into your budget.

Related: Ways to save on overseas ATM withdrawals

How to avoid foreign transaction fees

Use a card with no foreign transaction fees

The easiest way to avoid foreign transaction fees is to use a card that doesn’t charge them. TPG has a regularly updated guide on the top credit cards with no foreign transaction fees that can help you choose the best cards for your trips.

Unfortunately, cash-back cards such as the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express (see rates and fees) tend to charge foreign transaction fees.

Related: The pros and cons of cash-back credit cards

Avoid ‘dynamic currency conversion’

When using a card terminal abroad, you may be prompted to pay in the local currency or in U.S. dollars. You should always choose the local currency.

Dynamic currency conversion is a sneaky way that banks encourage you to pay in your home currency (U.S. dollars) while abroad. However, they’ll usually give you a poor conversion rate, so it’s best to pay in euros, pesos or whichever is the local currency.

Related: Why you should avoid dynamic currency conversion

Pay with cash

Of course, you’ll also avoid foreign transaction fees by paying with cash.

However, those purchases will not earn you rewards, and withdrawing cash abroad may be subject to pesky fees.

Related: How to decide when to use cash or miles for buying airline tickets

Bottom line

The good news is that foreign transaction fees are much less common across top credit cards than they used to be. Hopefully, the industry as a whole is moving away from charging customers these types of fees. Until then, check your credit card’s terms and conditions to know if you’ll be on the hook for a fee when you’re traveling — and plan your card usage accordingly.

To avoid foreign transaction fees, choose a top travel rewards card or one from Capital One or Discover. Also, always pay in the local currency rather than U.S. dollars to avoid poor conversion rates.

Related: Best travel rewards cards

For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred card, click here.

Hawaiian Airlines will finally send its flagship Boeing 787 Dreamliner to New York.

The Honolulu-based carrier filed plans recently to deploy the Dreamliner on flights between Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) starting in April, as first seen in Cirium schedules and later confirmed by a carrier spokesperson.

Hawaiian’s 4,983-mile domestic route will be operated by the Boeing 787 between April 22 and Aug. 20. The 787 replaces the airline’s Airbus A330-200 that’s historically been used on this route.

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For some flyers, the Boeing 787 represents great news. That’s especially true in the pointy end of the plane, where the airline offers a 34-seat, lie-flat business-class cabin. Pods are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration with sliding doors and direct aisle access.

That contrasts with the A330, which offers an outdated 2-2-2 configuration with limited privacy and just 18 seats.

Nearly doubling the premium capacity might also make it easier to score an upgrade or redeem miles for a saver-level first-class seat. (An initial check didn’t show any more availability than before the aircraft change.)

Even those seated in the back should enjoy aspects of the Dreamliner experience, including the lower pressurization, mood lighting and other modern touches.

First look: On board Hawaiian Airlines’ stunning new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

In a statement confirming the move, an airline spokesperson shared that “we are excited to bring our Dreamliner to New York in late April and operate it throughout the summer. Our guests traveling between New York and Honolulu will enjoy the warm Hawaiian hospitality of our crew and award-winning service in the elevated comfort of our 787 cabin. We look forward to having more guests experience our flagship aircraft as we plan to welcome three more 787s this year.”

That said, the economy cabin is arranged in an industry-standard 3-3-3 layout, which isn’t as good for couples and families that have long preferred the Airbus A330 economy cabin for its 2-4-2 configuration.

Another downside is that while Hawaiian has installed Starlink satellite Wi-Fi across much of its fleet, the Boeing 787s don’t yet have internet access, so prepare to be offline for 10 hours if you’re flying Hawaiian from New York to Honolulu.

To date, Hawaiian has primarily flown its Dreamliners on flights between the West Coast and Hawaii. Those routes don’t really take advantage of the aircraft’s range, so it’ll be exciting to see it flying to New York in the coming months.

Of course, with the Alaska Airlines takeover, it’s possible that the strategy will change once again, but for now, flyers traveling between New York and Hawaii might be in for an upgrade.

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