Tag: Travel Planner

The best way to see a country is to get out on its roads and drive. In my 15 years of professional travel, I feel most at home when I’m exploring the culture and landscapes of a new destination from behind the wheel. There’s something magical — and educational — about road trips that carves the experience deep in your heart.

With so many great road trip routes outside the U.S., it can be overwhelming to know where to start. My driving adventures have taken me from the beaches of Mexico to the mountains of Thailand, and nearly everywhere in between.

To help strike some travel inspiration, I’ve detailed five of the best road trips I’ve taken around the world and the can’t-miss stops along the way.

Related: Best road trips in the US

I’ve added a suggested time frame to help you plan and maximize each stop, but these road trips can be drawn out to really appreciate the benefits of slow travel.

Croatia’s coastline

Duration: Two weeks
Highlights: Istria, Zadar, Trogir and the Makarska Riviera
Planning tip: May is the optimal time, with warm weather, lower prices and thinner crowds. June is the start of the high season, bringing overwhelming visitor numbers.

When people talk about a Croatian summer, they usually refer to island hopping in the Adriatic. While that’s definitely the “coolest” way to see Croatia, you don’t need to leave the mainland to have an epic Croatian summer.

A coastal road trip from Zagreb to Dubrovnik rewards with spectacular beaches, medieval villages and craggy mountain views.

Istria

From Zagreb, you’ll head east toward the coast. The northern Istrian peninsula is worth a longer trip, but you can dedicate a couple of days here to exploring some of its most beautiful beaches and medieval villages.

Don’t miss Pula’s cultural treasure, its ancient Roman amphitheater (built between 27 B.C. and A.D. 68), which predates the more famous one in Rome. Once the host of gladiatorial battles, it’s remarkable for being the only amphitheater with all four sides preserved.

Rovinj is another special spot on the coast, with a medieval Old Town that stands on a headland overlooking the sea. Steeped in myth and legend, the Baroque St. Euphemia steeple rises above the red-tile rooftops, creating one of the most iconic and alluring townscapes in the country.

If there’s time, pass through Motovun, a hilltop city at the peninsula’s center surrounded by rolling hills and miles of vineyards. Istria is known for its wine scene, so oenophiles may want to linger longer; a great introduction is Clai Wines.

Zadar

Your next destination will be Zadar, but along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to drive onto the island of Pag.

One of the few islands you can reach by car, Pag is the Croatian island with the longest coastline, and it’s pocketed with hidden coves and beaches all along the way.

Related: The 10 best road trips to take with your family this summer

Once you reach Zadar, park outside the old city walls and spend the afternoon wandering its Old Town.

Dotted with relics that date from ancient to medieval times, it makes for a compelling history lesson. Roman ruins pop up all over the city, including a Roman forum, alongside which sits a Byzantine church.

Trogir

The coastal leg between Zadar and Trogir is one of the most beautiful and under-traveled stretches of coastline in Croatia.

Make time to stop in Sibenik, which practically tumbles from the pages of a storybook. The white stone city is carved with a maze of alleys and hidden staircases. Off the mainland, you’ll find Kornati National Park, which is spread across 89 islands. If you want to grab a boat to the park, Sibenik is the place to do it.

Trogir is a welcome respite from the busyness of Split. Just 30 minutes north of Split, Trogir has its own bite-size Old Town that sits on a little island. The town has a gorgeous waterfront promenade and the ruins of an old castle. You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to beaches near Trogir as well.

Makarska Riviera

The last section of this road trip will take you through the iconic stretch of the Dalmatian between Split and Dubrovnik, along what is known as the Makarska Riviera.

A skinny ribbon of coastal highway weaves around rocky ridges, as a swath of sparkling blue Adriatic Sea extends into the distance. Highway pullouts reveal panoramic vistas of azure water contrasted against rugged limestone cliffs that rise dramatically from the coastline.

Charming seaside villages and towns spring up along ridges and coves, including Brela, Tucepi and Podgora — each ringed with white pebbly beaches that cast an iridescent, almost shimmering glow.

Schedule a stop at Punta Rata to experience one of the region’s best beaches, which has mind-boggling views of the surrounding Biokovo mountain range.

Just a bit farther down the coast, you’ll reach Dubrovnik, which makes the perfect bookend for this coastal road trip.

Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, push a little farther south to discover the beauty of Montenegro’s Boka Bay just over the border.

Related: 6 off-the-beaten-path places to see in Europe

South Africa’s Garden Route

Duration: One week
Highlights: Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Storms River
Planning tip: You’ll drive on the left side of the road in South Africa. If you’re traveling during whale season (June through December), plan to spend a night or two in Hermanus for some of the world’s best whale watching.

South Africa‘s Garden Route is set up for the perfect road trip, extending for 124 rugged coastal miles along the southern tip of the African continent.

The route runs between Mossel Bay and Storms River, brimming with scenic pit stops and detours all along the way. Brace yourself for unbelievable beaches, charming seaside villages and a glorious stretch of ocean-hugging highway.

Mossel Bay

Perched above the sun-drenched shoreline of the Indian Ocean, Mossel Bay sets the tone for this Garden Route road trip with its rugged Western Cape natural beauty and lively seaside town. At the heart of the bay, colorful fishing boats bob gently in the harbor against a backdrop of towering cliffs and golden-hued sand.

There is a surfeit of rewarding activities in Mossel Bay, including visits to the iconic Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse and the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex, which commemorates the first recorded landfall of European explorers in South Africa.

Related: 4 reasons why you should visit Cape Town

George

Less than an hour from Mossel Bay, the city of George sits at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains. It’s the largest city along the Garden Route and is the regional gateway for an array of outdoor adventures.

Hiking trails are woven through mountains carpeted with thick forest, and waterfalls and swimming holes make for picturesque rest stops.

Knysna

Knysna packs a visual punch thanks to its striking natural beauty, fresh seafood and iconic blue-green lagoon flanked by two towering sandstone cliffs known as the Knysna Heads. The top of the Heads is a haven for photographers and hikers, with beautiful panoramic views overlooking Knysna.

Downtown is a bustling, vibrant arts and cultural scene, where charming streets are lined with art galleries, craft shops and boutiques. The waterfront restaurants here serve delightfully fresh seafood, including oysters harvested right from the lagoon — don’t forget a chilled bottle of bubbles to go with them.

Plettenberg Bay

Plettenberg Bay, or “Plett” to the locals, is a beachgoer’s absolute paradise. Its golden, sandy beaches stretch endlessly in either direction, while the warm waters of the Indian Ocean churn out beautiful blue barrels for aspiring surfers, all framed by the green rolling Outeniqua Mountains.

Hikers can venture into the Robberg Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with lovely coastal trails that extend along the Robberg Peninsula.

Storms River

Surrounded by the mysteriously beautiful Tsitsikamma National Park, Storms River is a small village steeped in natural beauty.

At the heart of the village is the eponymous river, which shimmers in brilliant shades of turquoise as it slices through ancient indigenous forest and dramatic, plunging gorges. Hiking abounds in Storms River as well, traversing dense forest and balancing atop coastal cliffs.

Baja California Sur

Duration: 10 days
Highlights: La Paz, Loreto, Bahia Concepcion and Todos Santos
Planning tip: I recommend Cactus Car Rentals in San Jose del Cabo for its transparent and fair pricing. The company offers all the insurance required by law in Mexico and has no surprise fees. If you plan to venture off the main road in Baja, you’ll need a high-clearance vehicle (and a lot more than 10 days).

Baja California is a beast of a destination — in the best way possible. It’s a very different kind of Mexico. These are desert people — the landscape is harsh, and there’s a lot that can go wrong. But Baja rewards travelers who have time on their hands and love a good adventure.

The peninsula sticks out like an appendage from Southern California, bordered by the crashing Pacific Ocean to the west and the tranquil, marine-rich waters of the Sea of Cortez to the east.

Tourist hubs like Los Cabos and Tijuana are what put Baja on the tourist trail, but in between are vast stretches of starkly beautiful nothingness, pocketed with sleepy fishing villages and isolated coastal communities.

To tackle the entire peninsula from top to bottom is quite the endeavor — and one that took me nearly a month to do. So, for practicality, let’s stick to Baja California Sur for an epic 10-day road trip.

La Paz

After leaving the tourist sprawl of Los Cabos, you’ll head north into the spiny, mountainous desert of southern Baja headed toward La Paz, the capital of the state of Baja California Sur.

La Paz’s location on the Sea of Cortez makes it one of the best gateways to explore this fantastically diverse part of the peninsula.

Powder-white beaches meet crystal-clear water, while rust-red rock islands like Espiritu Santo sit just offshore. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, its waters teem with seals, whales, dolphins and turtles.

Related: Tijuana to Los Cabos: Exploring Mexico’s Baja California from top to bottom

Beyond its pristine natural beauty, La Paz has a buzzy cultural scene along its Malecon boardwalk, lined with historic hacienda-style homes that have been transformed into boutique hotels and restaurants.

Loreto

Loreto is a destination that never ceases to surprise. Tucked away on the eastern coast of Baja, backed by the soaring Sierra de la Giganta mountains on one side and the Sea of Cortez on the other, Loreto flies under the tourist radar, which is part of its charm.

It’s the entrance point for Bahia de Loreto National Park, where a string of offshore islands provide an aquatic playground of vibrant coral reefs, misty inlets and a treasure trove of wildlife.

After a day of soaking up some sun or slipping seamlessly across the water via a paddleboard, head to the sandy streets of downtown, where seafood restaurants serve delectable fish tacos and frosty beers overlooking the sea.

Bahia Concepcion

Nothing can prepare you for the wild, untamed natural beauty of Bahia Concepcion. Unless you’re a die-hard Baja connoisseur, chances are you’ve never even heard of this massive bay within the Sea of Cortez, offering more than 50 miles of some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

The calm, blue-green water contrasts with fingernail slivers of powdery white sand, crowned with a ring of rust-colored mountains. The bay is dotted with a string of enchanting coves, from the sugary shores of Playa Santispac to the coral reefs of Playa Candelero.

At the top of the bay is the oasis village of Mulege, known for its groves of fluffy palm trees that spring up along the river and its collection of shoreline campgrounds for recreational vehicles.

Related: These are the best times to visit Mexico

Guerrero Negro to Ensenada

You can continue north from Mulege to Guerrero Negro, which sits on the border of the states of Baja California Sur and Baja California.

Keep in mind that unless you have an endless amount of time to go off-roading to explore the surf towns and fishing villages, your next stop from Guerrero Negro will be Ensenada, which is an eight-hour drive through the desert.

It’s a spectacularly beautiful route but not for the faint of heart. If you’re short on time, I recommend turning around at Mulege and taking the Pacific route back down to Los Cabos.

Todos Santos

Beachy and laid-back, Todos Santos is having a moment these days as its vibe swings to boho-chic. It has long been a haven for artists, surfers and travelers seeking refuge from the buzzy, frenetic energy of Los Cabos.

Explore the town’s eclectic galleries showcasing the work of local painters, or wander through the markets brimming with artisanal goods.

A burgeoning boutique hotel and culinary scene have elevated the game in Todos Santos (try Oystera for crudo and cocktails), though that barefoot, sun-kissed, high-vibrational energy remains undeniable.

Ireland’s west coast

Duration: One week
Highlights: Cork, Dingle Peninsula, Galway, Doolin, Clifden and Sligo
Planning tip: Ireland is a tiny country, and this entire route can be driven in nine hours. Take it slow; this destination is saturated with natural beauty and alluring legends.

While the east coast of Ireland has Dublin, it’s the country’s west coast that shows off its natural beauty and history.

Peppered with colorful fishing villages, rippled with rolling green hills and bordered by dramatic cliffs that drop off into the nothingness of the Atlantic, there’s a reason this stretch of Ireland is known as the Wild Atlantic Way.

Related: 11 beautiful destinations to visit in Ireland beyond Dublin

Running from Cork to Donegal, this is a part of Ireland where shepherds still wander coastal hillsides, clouds of fluffy sheep in tow, and the lilt of traditional Irish music spills out into the chilly, salt-kissed air.

Cork

Rising from the banks of the River Lee, Cork opens the door for travelers to set off along the Wild Atlantic Way. The heart of Cork is the city center, with its meandering English Market, vibrant shopping and centuries of history tucked within the buttresses of the Gothic St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral.

Cork is one of the best places in Ireland to hear traditional Irish music at rustic taverns like the snug Sin E pub.

Dingle Peninsula

Ireland has three fingerlike peninsulas that stick out from its southwestern end. Dingle is the northernmost peninsula, with splintering cliffs, windswept beaches and lovely fairy-tale-style fishing villages that spring up between rolling hills.

The snaking highway is backed by a soundtrack of thunderous Atlantic surf as you course along the emerald-colored countryside. Stop for a pint in the seaside town of Dingle, or set off along the many hiking trails that weave up Mount Brandon — one of the highest peaks in the country.

Galway

If Dublin is the crown jewel of Ireland’s east coast, then Galway surely is the king of the west.

Rising over the River Corrib, Galway’s roots can be traced to the Middle Ages and earlier. The heart of Galway is flush with lively pubs, street buskers, colorful shops and cozy inns. Food is one of the biggest draws to this seaside city, particularly fresh seafood, briny oysters and rib-sticking stews.

Galway is the home base from which visitors can explore the iconic Cliffs of Moher. It’s also the gateway to the wild and unspoiled Connemara National Park.

Doolin

Heading from Doolin toward County Mayo, make time for a stop in Doolin.

Some 20 years ago, this town was little more than a pub stop on the way out to the Aran Islands. Today, it’s considerably more touristy, but after a long drive, it’s no hardship to lean into the cliches with a visit to Gus O’Connor’s Pub for live music and a pint of Guinness.

If you have time, take a daytrip out to the Aran Islands just off the coast to wander historic ruins and steep yourself in the Gaeltacht, where Gaelic is still the primary language.

Clifden

The drive through Connemara is nothing short of breathtaking. If you’re short on time, begin your road trip in Galway and savor the awe-inspiring coastal cliffs, hearth-warmed pubs and winding roads through mountain passes.

With its quaint streets, Georgian architecture and warm, welcoming pubs, Clifden is one of Connemara’s most picturesque and vibrant towns.

The town’s Sky Road scenic drive, which climbs up over mountainous heather-covered moors, leads to a sweeping panoramic lookout over the Atlantic Ocean.

Sligo

There’s something hauntingly beautiful about Sligo, one of the most northwestern counties in Ireland.

Perhaps it’s the poetic history — William Butler Yeats drew much inspiration from here and is buried in Drumcliffe Cemetery. Or, maybe it’s the ancient legends surrounding prehistoric Carrowmore or the Knocknarea Cairn. Or, it could be the way the lights within the windows of the restaurants and pubs begin to glow and flicker off the Garavogue River as night falls. Whatever it is, Sligo is a foggy, mist-wrapped part of Ireland that few tourists tend to visit.

Depending on your time, from Sligo, you can continue the road trip up to Donegal to finish the Wild Atlantic Way or take the two-and-a-half-hour trip straight back to Dublin.

Thailand’s Mae Hong Son Loop

Duration: Five days
Highlights: Mae Sariang, Mae Hong Son and Pai
Planning tip: Many backpackers travel by motorbike, but the sharp switchbacks are treacherous. If you are not extremely experienced on two wheels, rent a car for this trip. For those who don’t want to drive, the bus is also an option.

Tucked up into the northwestern corner of Thailand along the border of Myanmar is the misty, jungle-shrouded Mae Hong Son province.

Unlike the more developed provinces of Thailand, this remote section is carved up by slender mountain roads that slice up and down mountainsides with hundreds of switchbacks.

The forested highlands are peppered with secluded villages and carpeted with rice fields. The distinctive culture blends traditions from ethnic minorities and immigrants, including the Hmong, Karen, Shan and Burmese.

A rite of passage for travelers who venture to the northern part of Thailand is the Mae Hong Son Loop, a 300-mile route beginning and ending in Chiang Mai that winds its way through the province’s most beautiful scenery and its major towns and villages.

It’s a completely different style of travel compared to the southern parts of Thailand, with its own street food, fascinating temples and mesmerizing landscapes.

Mae Sariang

You can choose to traverse the loop in either direction. My first stop from Chaing Mai was Mae Sariang, a city on the banks of the Yuam River. Surrounded by lush hills and emerald-green rice fields, Mae Sariang stole my heart.

What this town lacks in major tourist attractions it makes up for it with a peaceful, laid-back lifestyle that will transport you back in time with riverside buildings made out of teak, an array of ornate temples and plenty of local restaurants where you can sample delicious northern Thai cooking.

Related: The 14 best hotels in Phuket, Thailand

Mae Hong Son

Busier than Mae Sariang but worlds away from the buzz of Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son is a lovely lakefront town very near the border with Myanmar.

Dotted with beautiful temples, the one to visit is Wat Phrathat Doi Kong Mu, located outside of town high on a hill. The Burmese-style temple complex is relatively new by Thailand’s standards, having been built in the 19th century.

Mae Hong Son is popular with backpackers doing the loop, as well as Thai tourists. A fantastic side trip from Mae Hong Son is up into the hills to visit Ban Rak Thai, a Yunnanese village that was founded by Chinese nationalists after the country became communist.

This bubble of Yunnan culture sits surrounded by the mountains of Thailand, so close to the border with Myanmar that you can practically touch it. Make time for a pot of local tea and a plate of spicy noodles.

Pai

Like the Phi Phi Islands or Phuket in the south, Pai is the backpacker hub of the far north. Pai is one of those destinations of backpacker lure that is talked about in hushed, reverent tones — like a mystical Garden of Eden hidden away among the mountains.

In reality, Pai is just a small mountain town that has become completely Westernized and overrun with young travelers. Still, there is something romantic about it, with its bright murals, guesthouses draped with jungle foliage and restaurant after restaurant serving blended juices and smoothies.

It’s just as easy to do yoga here as it is to barhop, and plenty of travelers take advantage of both. Pai is a place to see, but it is not a place to stay — at least, not for more than a night or two. Had I known this, I would have started the loop with Pai and ended with the low-key magic of Mae Sariang.

Related reading:

• Key travel tips you need to know — whether you’re a first-time or frequent traveler
• Best travel credit cards
• Where to go in 2024: The 16 best places to travel
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
• 13 must-have items the TPG team can’t travel without

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

I stayed at the Hyatt House Johannesburg Sandton in South Africa shortly after it opened. When I checked my account activity after my stay, I noticed an “opening bonus” of 2,000 points. Then I remembered that Hyatt offers 500 bonus points per night on qualifying stays at new hotels.

I unknowingly received the benefit since Hyatt doesn’t require members to register for this promotion. Perhaps you, too, have forgotten about this promotion, or maybe you never knew about it. In either case, here’s what you should know about this World of Hyatt promotion, including the newest properties where you can earn 500 bonus points per night.

Related: World of Hyatt announces category changes, 137 hotels to soon require more points

How to earn 500 bonus Hyatt points per night

This promotion is simple: World of Hyatt members receive 500 bonus points per night for qualifying stays at select hotels new to the Hyatt portfolio. You must stay within a set time frame to earn the bonus points, typically in the first few months after the hotel opens. Specifically, you’ll only earn bonus points if your checkout date is during the offer period for your hotel.

To get the bonus points, you must provide your World of Hyatt number when you check in. You must also pay an eligible rate or redeem a free night award (including redeeming World of Hyatt points). You’ll only earn bonus points for one room per night.

The terms of this promotion note that it may take three to four weeks for the bonus points to appear in your account. In practice, though, Hyatt typically posts the new hotel bonus simultaneously with the other points for your stay.

Related: The 23 best Hyatt hotels in the world

Eligible new Hyatt hotels

Hyatt displays an updated list of participating properties on its website. Here’s a quick overview of where you can currently earn 500 extra points per night:

2 hotels in the US

• Oklahoma City: Fordson Hotel from Feb. 1 to April 30, 2024
• Houston: Thompson Houston from Feb. 14 to May 31, 2024

3 hotels in the Dominican Republic

• Playa Dominicus: Sunscape Dominicus La Romana from Feb. 1 to April 30, 2024
• Punta Cana: Sunscape Coco Punta Cana from Feb. 1 to April 30, 2024
• Provincia La Altagracia: Secrets Tides Punta Cana from March 1 to May 31, 2024

9 hotels in China

• Xian: Hyatt Centric Gaoxin Xi’an from Dec. 15, 2023, to March 31, 2024
• Chengdu: UrCove Chengdu Wenshu Monastery Taikoo Li from Dec. 20, 2023, to March 31, 2024
• Aksu: UrCove Aksu from Jan. 20 to April 30, 2024
• Tibet: UrCove Lhasa Potala Palace from Jan. 26 to April 30, 2024
• Shenzhen: UrCove Shenzhen Shekou Cruise Center from Jan. 26 to April 30, 2024
• Nanjing: UrCove Nanjing Confucius Temple from Jan. 28 to April 30, 2024
• Quzhou: UrCove Quzhou Changshan from Jan. 29 to April 30, 2024
• Beijing: UrCove Beijing Dongzhimen Sanlitun from Feb. 6 to May 31, 2024
• Nyingchi City: UrCove Nyingchi from March 1 to May 31, 2024

9 hotels in other regions

• Kuwait City: Grand Hyatt Kuwait Residences from Dec. 4, 2023, to March 31, 2024
• Tokyo: Hotel Toranomon Hills from Dec. 6, 2023, to March 31, 2024
• Tokyo: Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya from Feb. 26 to May 31, 2024
• Davos, Switzerland: Hotel Fluela Davos from Dec. 8, 2023, to March 31, 2024
• Nairobi, Kenya: Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands from Dec. 22, 2023, to March 31, 2024
• Calangute, India: Ronil Goa from Feb. 1 to April 30, 2024
• Quintana Roo, Mexico: Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres from March 1 to May 31, 2024
• Cancun, Mexico: Hyatt Vivid Grand Island from March 31 to June 30, 2024
• Makassar, Indonesia: Hyatt Place Makassar from March 1 to May 31, 2024

The 500 Hyatt points you’ll get per night when booking an eligible rate or free night are worth about $8.50, based on TPG’s valuations. So, this promotion may be the tiebreaker when considering where to stay the next time you travel to a location with a new Hyatt hotel.

Related: Here’s how to quickly stock up on Hyatt points for your next vacation

Bottom line

On top of earning 500 extra points per night, staying at a new Hyatt hotel can also be fun since you’ll often get to stay in a room with new furnishings. However, new hotels may still be working through some issues, and it’s possible not everything on-site will be completely functional.

The current list includes nine Hyatt Category 1 hotels, three Category 2 hotels and two Category A all-inclusive resorts. So, if you want to redeem World of Hyatt points for your stay, you can find many low-category options on the current list of new hotels.

With MGM Resorts’ big move from its multiyear partnership with the World of Hyatt program to a new one with Marriott Bonvoy, there’s one question we’ve all been waiting to ask: Just how many Marriott Bonvoy points per night will it cost to stay at big-name Las Vegas resorts such as MGM Grand, Bellagio, Aria, Excalibur and beyond?

And now we know the answer.

It costs as few as 5,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night at the more entry-level Strip properties like Luxor and Excalibur … plus the dreaded resort fees. But what might be more surprising is that even the high-end MGM Strip properties have palatable starting prices, with Bellagio and Aria starting at just 20,000 Marriott points per night plus resort fees.

Best-ever offer on the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: Earn five free night awards (each night valued at up to 50,000 points) after you spend $5,000 on purchases in your first three months from your account opening. Certain hotels have resort fees.

How many points does it cost to book MGM properties with Marriott points?

The full list of MGM Vegas properties is now available for booking on the Marriott website at the below points prices per night.

• Excalibur: Starting at 5,000 Marriott points plus a resort fee of $41.95 per night
• Luxor: Starting at 5,000 Marriott points plus a resort fee of $41.95 per night
• New York-New York: Starting at 9,000 Marriott points plus a resort fee of $47.62 per night
• MGM Grand: Starting at 15,000 Marriott points plus a resort fee of $51.02 per night
• Park MGM: Starting at 15,000 Marriott points plus a resort fee of $47.62 per night
• The Signature at MGM Grand: Starting at 20,000 points plus a resort fee of $47.62 per night
• Mandalay Bay: Starting at 20,000 Marriott points plus a resort fee of $51.02 per night
• Vdara: Starting at 20,000 Marriott points plus a resort fee of $56.69 per night
• Aria: Starting at 20,000 Marriott points plus a resort fee of $56.69 per night
• Bellagio: Starting at 20,000 Marriott points plus a resort fee of $56.69 per night

Related: Things to know about staying at the MGM Grand 

As was previously announced, the high-end Bellagio will be within the Luxury Collection, and Aria will be within the Autograph Collection. The Park MGM will join the Tribute Portfolio. Most of the MGM Resorts portfolio will fall under the newly created MGM Collection by Marriott Bonvoy. This includes Vdara, MGM Grand, NoMad Las Vegas, The Signature at MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, New York-New York, Luxor and Excalibur.

Related: Things to know about staying at Mandalay Bay

Marriott uses a relatively dynamic points pricing model. So, while the starting points prices are listed above, the cost range is quite wide.

While starting award prices are very low in some cases, expect to pay upward of 80,000 to 100,000 Marriott points per night on some dates — even at the more relatively budget-friendly MGM properties.

Some good news is that you will be able to use the fixed-value Marriott certificates awarded with some Marriott credit cards at these MGM properties. For example, this opens up more uses for the increasingly hard-to-utilize 35,000-point certificates on some of the less expensive dates, even at higher-end properties like Bellagio and Aria.

Related: Marriott and MGM Resorts elite benefits

No matter what the points price, you will still be on the hook for the resort fees, which can be substantial. Note that this was also true when MGM Resorts fell under the World of Hyatt program. The one exception here is for Marriott Ambassador elite members who will have resort fees waived at MGM Resorts, at least through the end of 2024.

Related reading:

• What it’s like staying at Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas
• Best hotels in Las Vegas
• Best pools in Las Vegas
• Las Vegas is about to have a banner year — here’s why you should book a trip right now
• Video: 6 Las Vegas hotels suites you have to see to believe

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

British Airways is the largest full-service airline in the United Kingdom and flies to more destinations in the U.S. than any other European carrier.

The airline’s loyalty program is called the Executive Club, and the program’s currency is called Avios. With a substantial global route network and a loyalty currency that is easy to earn and redeem, it is a program that should be on your radar, even if you aren’t traveling to the U.K.

Here’s what you need to know about earning and redeeming British Airways Avios for rewards and how to earn elite status in the Executive Club.

What are Avios?

Avios are the points currency used by the following loyalty programs:

• British Airways Executive Club
• Iberia Plus
• Aer Lingus AerClub
• Vueling
• Qatar Airways Privilege Club
• Finnair Plus (from March 9. 2024)

Avios can be transferred between any of these programs at a ratio of 1:1, so each Avios is theoretically worth the same in each program. There are, however, different ways in which Avios can be redeemed in each program. This means the savvy reader can achieve different values depending on which program they are used in — and how.

This guide focuses on Avios earned and redeemed in the Executive Club program.

How to earn elite status in the British Airways Executive Club program

Tier Points count toward status, and there are four different status levels:

• Blue — the level where everyone starts
• Bronze — achieved after 300 Tier Points earned in a membership year
• Silver — achieved after 600 Tier Points earned in a membership year
• Gold — achieved after 1,500 Tier Points earned in a membership year

Like some other airline programs, the British Airways Executive Club also has two additional levels of status that aren’t published:

• Gold Guest List — achieved after 5,000 Tier Points earned in a membership year and maintained in subsequent years by earning 3,000 Tier Points in a membership year
• Premier — invitation-only elite status

Blue benefits

• Collect Avios on revenue flights with BA or its partners
• Share Avios in a household account (up to six members)
• Free seat selection 24 hours before departure (excluding exit row seats and not including travel on basic fares)
• Save preferences, such as special meals and seating
• Access to Reward Flight Savers

Bronze benefits

• All the Blue benefits
• Priority check-in and boarding
• Free seat selection seven days before departure
• 25% bonus Avios when flying with Japan Airlines
• Status freeze for maternity/paternity/adoption

Silver benefits

Silver is the equivalent of Gold on many other airlines, where the benefits kick in.

• All the Bronze benefits
• Free seat selection at the time of booking
• 50% bonus Avios when flying with Japan Airlines
• Two 71-pound checked bags economy (applicable to everyone on your booking, except basic fare)
• Business-class lounge access when flying BA and partner airlines (with one guest)
• Priority baggage delivery
• Priority phone support

Gold benefits

• All Silver benefits
• Free seat selection at the time of booking, including exit row seats and exclusive access to 1A and 1K in first-class
• 100% bonus Avios when flying Japan Airlines
• Additional free checked bag in any class and a weight allowance of 71 pounds per bag (applicable to everyone on your booking)
• First-class check-in desk and lounge access when flying BA and Oneworld airlines (lounge access includes one guest)
• Use of BA arrivals lounge at London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) Terminal 5 after a long-haul flight (no guests)
• Access to Gold Priority Rewards, which allows you to force an Avios reward ticket by paying double Avios for flights (you must book more than 30 days in advance)
• Additional reward availability in economy
• Gold upgrade voucher for two (at 2,500 Tier Points in one year)
• Two Gold upgrade vouchers for one (at 3,500 Tier Points in one year)

Lifetime Gold is earned after collecting 35,000 Tier Points; there’s no limit on the amount of time you can take to collect.

Gold Guest List benefits

• All Gold benefits
• First-class lounge access when flying BA and Oneworld airlines (with up to five guests for BA-operated lounges)
• Access to Gold Guest List redemptions, also known as Jokers, which allow members to get BA to open up Avios redemption seats (for up to five passengers), provided certain booking classes are still up for sale
• Priority assistance helpline
• Concorde Room card for access to the Concorde Room at LHR and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) (with one guest)
• BA arrivals lounge access after a long-haul flight (with one guest)
• Hilton Honors Diamond status
• Upgrade to Business First on the Heathrow Express
• Gift one Gold and two Silver partner cards each membership year

Related: Still better than business class: A review of British Airways First on the 777 from London to Washington

Requalifying for status with British Airways requires the same amount of Tier Points, with the exception of Gold Guest List. However, BA has a “soft landing” for members who don’t retain the same status level in the following membership year. If a member fails to maintain their status, they’ll slip to the level directly below.

What is the difference between Avios and Tier Points?

Many frequent flyer programs differentiate between redeemable miles and elite qualifying miles. This is partly because airlines award multiples of actual miles flown to passengers in premium cabins or those with elite status for redeeming, but they award progress toward status based on actual miles flown.

British Airways Executive Club has a split. Rather than having elite qualifying miles, BA awards Tier Points, which count toward status. Sometimes confusingly for those new to the world of miles, BA calls its mileage currency — i.e., the miles that are earned and can be used for spending — Avios.

Avios

Avios are the air miles earned for flying, credit card spending and spending with partners through online shopping, hotel stays and rental cars. Therefore, Avios are the currency customers can use for reward flights, upgrades and other things like gift vouchers.

You can earn Avios points based on the price of your ticket and any additional add-ons when you fly, such as carrier charges, cabin upgrades, seats pre-booked and paid for, and additional bags.

Then, you will receive additional Avios points based on your Tier status. If you have Bronze Tier status, you will earn 7 points per British pound ($1.26) spent, 8 points per pound spent as a Silver Tier member and 9 points per pound as a Gold Tier member.

Related: Airline status vs. hotel status: Which is better, according to these TPG staffers?

Tier Points

British Airways awards Tier Points for all flights taken on British Airways or any of its Oneworld partners, which count toward status in the Executive Club. The number of Tier Points awarded depends on your ticket type and the class flown.

Short economy-class flights that are less than 2,000 miles can earn between 5 to 20 Tier points, depending on the fare class booked and, essentially, the price. The more expensive the ticket, the more likely you are to earn more Tier points. Short-haul business-class flights (or domestic first class, in the U.S.) of less than 2,000 miles typically earn 40 Tier points for each sector. So, taking lots of short flights in premium cabins can be a way to earn elite status quickly.

Once a year, Tier points balances reset to zero, and earnings for the next year start anew. BA currently does not use calendar years, but instead, each membership year is based on when someone joined the British Airways Executive Club. (It always comes on the eighth of the month.) This system will change in 2025 when all Executive Club members’ Tier Point year-end dates will begin on April 1 and end on March 31 each year.

Unlike the loyalty programs of some U.S. airlines, there is currently no spending requirement to earn status in the Executive Club program. You just have to earn the Tier Points and take two qualifying flights on British Airways each membership year for Bronze status. You must take four qualifying flights and meet the Tier point thresholds to earn Silver or Gold status.

Related: Avios vs. Tier Points: British Airways Executive Club status explained

How to earn Avios

Credit cards

The easiest way to earn a meaningful number of Avios for everyday spending is by applying for the British Airways Visa Signature® Card.

This card — issued by Chase and, therefore, subject to the 5/24 rule — is currently offering new applicants 75,000 Avios after they spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. TPG values Avios at 1.5 cents each, making the full bonus worth $1,125.

The British Airways Visa Signature has a $95 annual fee and earns 3 Avios per $1 spent on purchases with British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia and Level. Plus, you can earn 2 Avios per $1 spent on hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel. All other purchases earn 1 Avios per $1 spent.

Transferable rewards cards

Savvy TPG readers know that we usually recommend sticking with cards that earn transferable points because of the added flexibility they offer. This strategy still applies if you’re trying to accrue Avios. British Airways is a transfer partner of Capital One, Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy, making Avios one of the easiest currencies to earn.

Points transfer from Capital One, Chase, Bilt and Amex at a 1:1 ratio (in addition to occasional transfer bonuses), while Marriott points transfer to Avios at a 3:1 ratio. Plus, you’ll get a 5,000-Avios bonus for every 60,000 Marriott points transferred.

The following cards all currently offer strong welcome bonuses that you could easily convert to Avios:

• American Express® Gold Card: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Terms apply.
• The Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Check to see if you’re targeted for a 125,000-point welcome offer through CardMatch (offer subject to change at any time). Terms apply.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Other ways to earn Avios include:

• Purchasing Avios: They are often on sale.
• Online shopping portal: Earn bonus Avios from many online merchants, with some stores offering 10 Avios per dollar or more.
• Vacation packages: Search the British Airways Vacations website since it can earn you an extra 1 Avios per $1 spent. BA partners with major hotel brands such as IHG and Accor, so you can earn additional Avios. 
• Airbnb: Earn 2 Avios per $1 spent on vacation rentals.
• Car rentals: Earn 5 Avios per pound ($1.26) spent with Avis and 1 Avios per dollar with Budget.
• Lounge Pass: Earn 5 Avios per dollar spent when you buy access to a club lounge at over 350 airports worldwide.
• Heathrow Rewards: Earn 1 Avios per pound (about $1.26) when you shop, dine or park at London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR), British Airways’ primary hub. You can then convert these Heathrow Rewards points to Avios at a 1:1 ratio.
• Surveys: Members can use e-Rewards and Avios for Thoughts to earn Avios for completing surveys, including 600 Avios when you complete your first survey.

Which airlines can I book with Avios?

British Airways is a founding member of Oneworld, a global alliance of more than a dozen airlines.

Assuming there’s award availability, you can use your Avios from your British Airways accounts for flights on any Oneworld airlines:

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• British Airways
• Cathay Pacific
• Finnair
• Fiji Airways (Oneworld connect partner)
• Iberia, including Iberia Express and Air Nostrum
• Japan Airlines
• Malaysia Airlines
• Oman Air (joining in 2024)
• Qantas, including QantasLink and Jetconnect
• Qatar Airways
• Royal Jordanian
• Royal Air Maroc
• S7 Airlines (currently suspended)
• SriLankan Airlines

In addition to the Oneworld partners listed above, you can also use Avios from British Airways Executive Club to redeem for flights on:

• Aer Lingus
• Vueling
• Sun-Air, a BA franchise partner in Scandinavia

How many Avios will I need?

Though British Airways Executive Club does not publish an official redemption chart, TPG has found that the airline follows this award pricing for one-way Avios redemptions:

British Airways has introduced Reward Flight Savers on all BA-operated routes. This allows Executive Club members to pay more Avios in exchange for a reduction in the significant fuel surcharges the program instates, some of the industry’s highest.

Here is the partner award chart for flights operated by partner airlines, excluding Zone 1 to 4 American Airlines and Alaska Airlines (all flights are charged at the peak price):

For some flights operated by partner airlines who also use Avios, you may see slightly different pricing than on the table above when redeeming through British Airways Executive Club. For example:

• Aer Lingus Zone 1 flights are priced at 4,000 Avios in economy
• Iberia Zone 1 flights are priced at 5,000 Avios in economy; and
• Qatar Airways Zone 1 flights are priced at 8,000 Avios in economy.

Related: 4 versions of Avios: When to use Aer Lingus, Qatar Airways, Iberia and British Airways

For shorter flights operated by American Airlines or Alaska Airlines, the following prices apply:

Flights in Zone 5 or above (such as to Europe) operated by American Airlines are priced using the regular partner award chart.

If you do a mixed-cabin redemption, the number of miles payable will also be the highest fare class amount.

How do I book flights with British Airways Avios?

First, to transfer points or search award availability, you will need a British Airways Executive Club account. Click here to sign up if you don’t already have an account.

British Airways’ website is one of the best options for searching Oneworld award availability. Most redemptions can be booked online through the Executive Club website.

There are two main ways to search for award availability. Immediately after logging in to BA’s website, I usually hover over the “Book” tab in the upper left corner and click on “Book a flight with Avios.”

BA lets you easily search plus or minus three days at the top of the results page.

When you select your preferred flight, you will then see the Avios and fees and taxes cost.

Can I use a combination of Avios and cash?

There are two different ways to do this:

• You can partly pay with Avios to reduce the cost of a cash ticket. This is not dependent on award availability, and you will earn Avios and Tier Points as normal.
• You can reduce the number of Avios needed for redemption by paying additional cash (beyond just the fees and taxes).

You may not have sufficient Avios in your account to cover the cost of the entire flight, or you may not wish to use so many Avios for one redemption. So, British Airways gives you the option to pay with a combination of Avios and money for redemption on British Airways or its partners.

Bottom line

British Airways has a huge route network, especially in North America and across Europe, making it a great option for those flying from the U.S. to Europe. Plus, BA remains committed to maintaining international first class, and while none of its products are world-leading, they are fairly consistent.

Avios is one of the easiest loyalty program currencies to earn and redeem. Redemptions for short-haul travel can offer great value, though fuel surcharges remain the biggest frustration with the program.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) proposed new rules Thursday surrounding how airlines transport wheelchairs and accommodate passengers who rely on them.

The proposed rules, which the DOT characterized as “the largest expansion of rights for airline passengers who use wheelchairs since 2008,” would sharply penalize airlines for mishandling passengers’ wheelchairs while imposing new training and operating standards for carriers.

Want more airline-specific news? Sign up for TPG’s free biweekly Aviation newsletter.

“The basic promise of transportation is the idea that everyone should be able to travel safely and freely to the places that they need to be,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said on Wednesday during a conference call with media ahead of the announcement. “If a person is not able to travel, simply because someone else decides that it’s too hard to accommodate them, the world shrinks.”

“Despite real progress, transportation is still inaccessible for far too many people,” Buttigieg added.

The proposed rule would consider any mishandling of a wheelchair by an airline as a violation of the Air Carrier Access Act, which prohibits airlines from discriminating against passengers because of a disability. Buttigieg said the violation would entail a fine potentially over $120,000 per incident.

Along with requiring airlines to repair or replace damaged wheelchairs and provide adequate loaners during delays — enhancing existing regulations — the new rule would mandate new annual training for airline employees and contractors who typically assist passengers or handle wheelchairs.

While most wheelchairs arrive at their destination safely — in 2022, the last full year for which data are available, 741,582 wheelchairs were carried by the 10 biggest airlines, while 11,389, or 1.5 percent, were damaged, lost or significantly delayed — any mishandling can have severe consequences for passengers, particularly those who use customized or more advanced wheelchairs.

In late 2021, Engracia Figueroa, 51, a disability advocate, died several months after a United Airlines flight on which airline workers accidentally damaged her $30,000 custom wheelchair. While sitting in a loaner wheelchair at the airport — a broken manual wheelchair — she allegedly developed a pressure sore, which her family argues led to complications that ultimately resulted in her hospitalization and death.

United has since added several new features aimed at improving the travel experience for wheelchair users, and the DOT has proposed several rules surrounding wheelchair accommodation.

Still, it remains an ongoing problem. While data for 2023 are still being compiled, more than 11,000 wheelchairs were mishandled in the year, according to a senior Biden administration official.

The proposed new rule is open for public comment for 60 days, and could be revised based on feedback before being submitted for additional comment. There is no set timeline for the final rule’s implementation, and many proposed rules are never fully adopted, meaning that the new rules surrounding wheelchair transport may not actually come to fruition.

Buttigieg, however, said that he respects the rulemaking process but is eager to see action taken on this proposal — and suggested that he’s optimistic.

“Input during the comment period will be important to getting this proposed rule right, and getting it over the finish line,” Buttigieg said. “It’s an important part of how we change the way that airlines operate and change the way that travelers with disabilities can move around the country and around the world.”

Related reading:

• Key travel tips you need to know — whether you’re a beginner or expert traveler
• The best travel credit cards
• Where to go in 2024: The 16 best places to travel
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
• 13 must-have items the TPG team can’t travel without

Brightline may be poised to announce its newest stop in Florida — and word could come as soon as Monday.

Local leaders in Stuart, Florida, this week have signaled that the rail operator may be preparing to reveal the city as the location for its seventh station.

It would give riders a stop that falls between Brightline’s stations in West Palm Beach and Orlando International Airport (MCO), along the path of the 170-mile extension that the company opened last September.

“I really believe it’s going to happen,” Joe Catrambone, president and CEO of the Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce, told TPG Wednesday. “Absolutely.”

A bit of intrigue

Cantrambone’s comments came two days after local outlets first reported that Brightline had, in fact, picked Stuart as the location for its newest station, citing city leaders.

So far, Brightline itself has made no announcement, but the company has announced plans to make an “important announcement at the location of the proposed Brightline station,” Stuart’s city manager Mike Mortell said during a public meeting Monday.

That announcement is now set for Monday, March 4, Cantrambone told TPG, noting he “absolutely” expects the company to unveil plans for a new station in Stuart at that event.

A potential Brightline Treasure Coast station

If those predictions prove true, Stuart would be Brightline’s first new station since the company opened the extension of its service to Orlando last fall. A major milestone for travelers, the Orlando extension meant a three-plus-hour, seamless connection between Central Florida’s theme parks and South Florida’s beaches aboard sleek Wi-Fi-enabled trains.

Stuart sits along Florida’s east coast, just miles from the ocean and about 40 miles north of Brightline’s existing West Palm Beach station.

Right now, Brightline trains rumble through Stuart but don’t make any stops in the region on their way to and from Orlando … at least, not yet.

In October, the company announced it was seeking proposals for a new station somewhere along Florida’s Treasure Coast, which includes Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin counties. The goal, Brightline said at the time, was to start construction by 2026 and open a new station by 2028.

“If you look at it geographically … economically, it would make sense to put it here,” Cantrambone said. “It will be a great economic boost, especially for those merchants and restaurants in our downtown.”

An expanding rail line

Brightline trains currently make stops in downtown Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach before making the longest (and highest-speed) portion of the journey to Orlando.

Related: Helped by federal funds and private investment, a major push for passenger rail

The company eventually hopes to extend its line to Tampa, on Florida’s Gulf Coast. It has also received significant federal funding through partnerships with California and Nevada for an entirely new high-speed Brightline West system that’s expected to connect Los Angeles and Las Vegas by the time the 2028 Olympics arrive in Southern California.

Related reading:

• Key travel tips you need to know — whether you’re a first-time or frequent traveler
• Best travel credit cards
• Where to go in 2024: The 16 best places to travel
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
• 13 must-have items the TPG team can’t travel without

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

Southwest Airlines doesn’t have fancy onboard offerings. However, it does have a unique boarding process where you get assigned a specific boarding number that determines when you can board the plane. The order you get on the plane is important since Southwest uses first-come, first-served seating. The earlier you board, the better seat options you’ll have. All of its planes offer a 3-3 seating configuration.

Your Southwest boarding assignment will fall into groups A, B or C, and you will be assigned a number ranging from one to 60 within that group. It feels a bit like you are lining up like cattle to board the plane, but once you get the hang of it, it isn’t that terrible — at least if you have a good boarding group number.

Checking in on time won’t get you the best boarding group

You’ll want to check in for your flight exactly 24 hours before departure because Southwest assigns boarding groups in the order you check in. This means you’ll ideally want to set your alarm to remind yourself. However, as with almost everything in the airline industry, it isn’t quite that simple.

The coveted first A1-15 spots go to those who purchase pricier Business Select fares. You can also sometimes upgrade (for a fee) to an A1-15 boarding spot 30 minutes to 24 hours before the flight’s scheduled departure time. This option is only available if Business Select customers don’t fill the A1-15 slots, and it costs between $30 and $80 (per segment, per customer).

While this can be an incredibly pricey add-on, those with the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card and Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card receive four upgraded boardings per year. This perk alone is why these two are some of our favorite Southwest cards for families.

Next in the boarding process come those with Southwest A-List or A-List Preferred elite status; these travelers are automatically assigned a boarding number before the 24-hour mark. Checking in precisely 24 hours before your flight won’t get you ahead of those travelers, either.

Finally, there is also the issue of passengers who booked a direct but not a nonstop flight. Unless you are on the first flight of the day, there is a reasonable chance some seats on the plane will go to those passengers even before the first person in Group A gets a chance to board. After all, Southwest regularly sells tickets that require stops without plane changes.

Related: How to get seats together as a family on Southwest Airlines

What is Southwest EarlyBird Check-In

Now, let’s talk about Southwest EarlyBird Check-In itself. The airline’s EarlyBird Check-In service allows you to automatically reserve your boarding spot starting 36 hours before your flight.

EarlyBird Check-In serves two obvious purposes. First, it eliminates the human element of forgetting to check in exactly 24 hours before your first flight.

Second, it scores you a boarding assignment that should be better than those available 24 hours before departure. The closer the boarding pass assignment is to A1, the earlier you board. The earlier you board, the better selection of seats and overhead bins you will have.

EarlyBird Check-In costs $15 to $25 per person per direction of travel. The price varies by flight and represents a real monetary investment if you have multiple people traveling. For our family of four, we would be out up to $200 by using EarlyBird Check-In on a round-trip Southwest journey.

However, note that several Southwest credit cards offer a few EarlyBird Check-Ins on each card anniversary. For those with the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Card, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Card and Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Card, you’ll receive two EarlyBird Check-Ins per year.

Additionally, the EarlyBird Check-In fee should trigger The Platinum Card® from American Express annual airline fee credit if you have selected Southwest as your airline for the year.

While Southwest has flexible policies for changing your flight, the money you spend on EarlyBird Check-In is not refundable. If you cancel your flight, Southwest doesn’t refund your EarlyBird Check-In purchase.

If you change your flight at least 25 hours before the original flight’s scheduled departure to a flight that doesn’t depart for at least 25 hours, then the EarlyBird Check-In will transfer — as long as the confirmation number remains the same.

Related: Everything you need to know about the best seats on Southwest Airlines

Is Southwest EarlyBird Check-In worth it?

Given all that, is Southwest EarlyBird Check-In worth it?

For some people, this answer will always be no. The exact boarding position isn’t all that important to some travelers, and other passengers may be unable to afford the extra cost. Meanwhile, some family travelers may be okay with family boarding. After all, Southwest offers family boarding where “two adults traveling with a child six years old or younger” can board.

Family boarding takes place between the A and B groups. So, if your family meets the family boarding criteria, a Group A boarding pass will help you, but a Group B boarding pass will hurt you.

In my experience, if you’re eligible for family boarding, there is absolutely no reason to purchase EarlyBird Check-In as your family will have no problem sitting together.

If you have the budget to consider buying EarlyBird Check-In, it might be worth it in a few cases. First, EarlyBird Check-In might be worth it if the flight is especially long, such as a Southwest flight to Hawaii. The length makes seat selection more valuable.

Second, if your family or group must sit all together — and you either don’t qualify for family boarding or you’re worried there won’t be enough seats left together —  it could be worth it.

The early check-in might be worth it if you know you will be too busy at the 24-hour mark to check in. Last but not least, if having EarlyBird Check-In reduces your stress or anxiety about the flight, that alone can be worth the cost.

Now that my family no longer qualifies for family boarding, we might consider purchasing it for select flights — especially when traveling during popular school break periods.

But typically, I am pretty good with checking in right at the 24-hour mark. I also don’t mind sitting in the back of the plane with my family or splitting up into pairs. That might not work for every family, though, making the fee more of a necessity.

Finally, know that you can purchase EarlyBird Check-In just for one direction of your trip or just for a few travelers. In short, it doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing decision. If you only want to purchase EarlyBird Check-In for some travelers, purchase the flights for your entire group and then log in to add EarlyBird Check-In to the existing itinerary for the desired travelers.

Related: How to reprice a Southwest flight when the fare decreases

Southwest credit cards to offset the cost

As mentioned throughout, there are five different credit cards to help offset the cost of EarlyBird Check-In and Upgraded Boarding. So here’s a recap of the card benefits and the current welcome offers:

• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: Earn a Companion Pass (good through Feb. 28, 2025) plus 30,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on your card in the first three months from account opening. The offer ends March 11. With this card, you’ll receive two EarlyBird Check-Ins per cardmember anniversary year.
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card: Earn a Companion Pass (good through Feb. 28, 2025) plus 30,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on your card in the first three months from account opening. The offer ends March 11. With this card, you’ll receive two EarlyBird Check-Ins per cardmember anniversary year.
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: Earn a Companion Pass (good through Feb. 28, 2025) plus 30,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on your card in the first three months from account opening. The offer ends March 11. With this card, you’ll receive four Upgraded Boardings per cardmember anniversary year.
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card: 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. With this card, you’ll receive two EarlyBird Check-Ins per cardmember anniversary year.
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card: 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. With this card, you’ll receive four Upgraded Boardings per cardmember anniversary year.

Bottom line

At $15 to $25 per person each way, Southwest EarlyBird Check-In can be worth the cost. However, it won’t always be a slam-dunk deal — especially if family boarding is an option for your group. It also won’t guarantee a Group A boarding pass.

If you decide to purchase Southwest EarlyBird Check-In, you can earn bonus points by using the right credit card for the purchase. Or, consider picking up a Southwest credit card, since they all offer a set number of Upgraded Boarding or EarlyBird Check-In perks per year. Otherwise, consider putting your EarlyBird Check-In purchase on a card that reimburses miscellaneous airline fees.

On April 8, the moon will pass directly before the sun, darkening the afternoon sky with a rare, total solar eclipse. For those along the path of totality, the solar eclipse will last around four minutes. With so many people clamoring to see this rare celestial spectacle, you’ll need a plan if you want to be among them.

Related: Solar eclipse, supermoons and meteor showers: These are the 11 celestial events worth traveling for in 2024

Whether you plan to watch the solar eclipse from home, on the road or even from the sky, here are the things you should be doing now to prepare.

Know what time the solar eclipse will be in your area

The best place to see the total solar eclipse is along the 115-mile-wide band known as the path of totality. In the U.S., the eclipse path begins in Texas and travels through more than a dozen states. These are the states in order: Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

Even if you are not along the path of totality, you may be able to observe a partial eclipse where the moon partially covers the sun. Regardless of where you’ll be, you must pay close attention to when the eclipse will pass over your area.

NASA maintains a detailed chart with start and end times for major cities along the path of totality. If you aren’t along the path of totality, the Time and Date website has a search function. You can enter your location and find details on when the eclipse will be partially visible in your area.

Brush up on solar eclipse safety

Since childhood, you’ve probably been told that you shouldn’t look directly into the sun. That advice applies even when the sun is shaded by the moon (except during the brief moment of totality). You can view NASA’s full report on solar eclipse eye safety. The most important thing to know is that you need solar viewing glasses or a solar viewing device to look at the sun during the partial phases of an eclipse.

Regular sunglasses won’t cut it. Solar-viewing glasses are thousands of times darker than the sunglasses you wear on a sunny day. NASA doesn’t recommend any particular brand, but you want to look for glasses that comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard.

NASA also warns against looking directly through binoculars, a telescope or a camera lens (including a smartphone), even with approved solar viewing glasses. The sun’s rays can burn through the filter and cause eye damage. If you use one of these tools, you must fit them with a special solar filter.

Get your solar eclipse gear

Because you’ll be outside and possibly taking photos of the eclipse, here are the things you may need:

Solar viewing glasses: This 10-pack of ISO-certified solar eclipse observation glasses costs $21.99 and comes with enough pairs for any friends and family who want to watch the eclipse with you.

Camera filter: If you do plan to photograph the eclipse (though we may argue it’s better to put your phone down for this once-in-a-lifetime moment), this two-pack of VisiSolar smartphone photo filters ($11.99, regularly $14.99) will help you do it safely.

Outdoor picnic blanket: A foldable blanket that is waterproof and sandproof can keep you and your gear dry and clean while you focus on what’s happening in the sky. This large outdoor picnic blanket ($13.99) also has a carry handle for easy transport.

Have a rainy-day eclipse plan

If it’s cloudy or raining where you are — or if you’re not along the path of totality — you may want to have a backup plan in place for viewing the eclipse. NASA will broadcast live eclipse coverage on April 8 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. EDT on NASA TV, NASA.gov, the NASA app and YouTube.

Make your solar eclipse travel plans

If you plan to travel to a city on the eclipse’s path of totality, you’ve hopefully already booked your accommodations. If you haven’t, the time is now. Hotel availability in these cities is dwindling fast. TPG has a guide to the best places to see the eclipse, along with hotel recommendations and a guide to the best hotel packages for the solar eclipse.

If the hotel you were hoping to book is sold out, you have a few other options. You could look into a smaller city nearby. For example, if you were hoping to watch the eclipse in Indianapolis but can’t find a hotel that works for you, try nearby Hamilton County, Indiana. The Renaissance Indianapolis North Hotel even has a couple of fun eclipse-themed hotel packages to get you in the “solar spirit.”

You could also forgo a hotel stay altogether and opt for alternative accommodations. You could rent an RV through a company like Cruise America or RVshare and find a campground that is hosting an eclipse event.

There are also opportunities to view the eclipse during a three-day vintage train ride to Niagara Falls. Or, you can take a daytrip on the Arcade and Attica Railroad from Arcade, New York, for a unique solar eclipse experience. Amtrak also offers a 15% discount on train rides throughout New York, but you would still need to find overnight accommodations.

A few lucky flyers can even view the eclipse from the air. Delta recently added a path of totality flight that will give passengers a bird’s eye view of the eclipse.

If you want to stay in a tent or cabin, there are many campgrounds near the path of totality. KOA has a guide showing which campgrounds are on the path, and many state and national parks will also have good viewing opportunities. Some sites are hosting an Eclipse Explorer Junior Ranger program so kids can enjoy the fun.

Purchase solar eclipse event tickets

In addition to accommodations, many cities will host special events for the eclipse. Some are free, but others require a ticket. For example, you will need a ticket if you want to watch the eclipse from the Lowell Observatory in Waco, Texas. But, you can watch for free without a ticket or reservation from the Kerrville Eclipse Festival in Kerrville, Texas.

The Armstrong Air & Space Museum in Wapakoneta, Ohio — the birthplace of Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong — is hosting a full weekend of events with your museum admission. Elsewhere in Ohio, at the Great Lakes Science Center and North Coast Harbor in Cleveland, you can attend a three-day celebration that is free and open to the public.

Now is the time to see what is available in your area (or the area you plan to travel to) and get your tickets if necessary.

Bottom line

No matter where you plan to be during this rare celestial event, you should make a plan now. This way, you’ll have a stress-free solar eclipse experience. These tips will help ensure you can focus on the temporarily darkened sky and not your lack of forethought.

Related reading:

• The best hotel packages for the 2024 solar eclipse
• Best solar eclipse cruises for 2024 and beyond
• Prime eclipse viewing: Delta adds path of totality flight for April 8
• Peak solar activity is forecast for 2024: Here are the best places around the world to see the northern lights
• Dreaming of outer space? Here are 8 tips for enjoying the night sky from Earth

Attention Marriott loyalists: It’s time to start planning a trip to Hawaii because the Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa, one of TPG’s most exciting hotel openings of 2024, is set to open its doors Thursday — and we’ve got exclusive photos of the property that’ll have you packing your bags.

Related: Marriott Bonvoy: The ultimate guide for travelers

Developed and managed by Highgate, a hospitality and real estate company with popular hotels around the country, this Renaissance hotel is a whopping 39 stories tall and located near the popular Ala Moana Center, an open-air mall with designer shops, popular chain stores and lots of dining. It’s also about a 15-minute drive from the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) and a quick commute to other popular spots like Chinatown, the Arts District and many popular beaches.

At the hotel, which is part of the Marriott Bonvoy program, guests can choose from a wide variety of rooms that fit many different travelers’ needs — 187 rooms, to be exact, plus 112 residences.

Standard rooms include all sorts of bells and whistles, including floor-to-ceiling windows with pristine views, big bathrooms with soaking tubs, Toto washlet toilets (there’s nothing better than a heated toilet seat) and Aveda bath amenities.

Related: Best hotels in Honolulu

Travelers can also book club-level rooms to gain access to the 15th-floor Coral Club Lounge, which boasts sumptuous ocean views as well as breakfast, daily snacks, evening hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.

For people who want more space to spread out or extra amenities that really feel like home, one-bedroom and studio residential-style accommodations are available. These include everything standard rooms have, plus fully equipped kitchens with Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances perfect for longer stays or for folks who like to make their own meals while traveling.

Throughout the hotel, there are many services to take advantage of, including a team of concierges called Renaissance Navigators that can help you maximize your time in Hawaii by helping guests find activities and neighborhoods tailored to their likes, as well as booking excursions and off-site activities.

On the eighth floor, the Sky Deck has the full-service Uhiwai Spa, offering Ohau’s first ofuro — traditional Japanese indoor and outdoor soaking tubs — plus steam rooms, cold plunge baths, Himalayan salt saunas and a range of treatment options like body scrubs, facials and massages.

There’s also a super modern gym with equipment from LifeFitness and Peloton, outdoor strength training experiences from MoveStrong and a glass yoga studio.

But the real stars of the Sky Deck are the pools, which include a 25-meter lap pool, a heated saltwater swimming pool and two hot tubs. Adding to the residential feel of the hotel, there are also cabanas and barbecue pavilions for guests to enjoy, with the option to buy barbecue kits from the hotel’s restaurant Mara that include everything you could need to grill in the warm Hawaiian sunshine.

Don’t prefer to cook? Private chefs are also available for hire. Or you could hit up Sway, the poolside restaurant and bar serving up locally-inspired meals.

Sway isn’t the only restaurant, though. Mara, a modern Mediterranean restaurant — helmed by chefs Michael Ocampo and Franz Wohlrab, alongside restaurateur Patric Yumul of TableOne Hospitality — offers tapas, grilled meats and seafood.

There’s also a lobby-level coffee shop pouring Lamill Coffee from Los Angeles and cafe fare. And, of course, room service, because sometimes the best meals are the ones you eat in bed.

And though the property is right near some of Honolulu’s great cultural centers, the hotel itself is sure to be an arts and entertainment hub thanks to works from local photographer Mark Kushimi and art from local artist Sig Zane and Japanese artist Hiroshi Sugimoto. Want to make it feel like a true gallery experience? Just stop by The Discovery Center to learn more about the art and its creators.

Though the Renaissance Honolulu Hotel and Spa might not be the full-fledged resort experience that some of its sister Marriott resorts offer, we’ve been stoked for this property since we learned about it. It’s really the best of both worlds: a prime location near all the action with affordable rates and the option to earn or burn Marriott Bonvoy points. Not to mention, those apartment-style accommodations can go a long way for guests who need more space or are staying a good chunk of time.

How to book the Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa

The flexible booking calendar for the Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa currently shows rates as low as $282 per night through June and $353 per night through September. In the busy fall season, low rates are slightly above $400 per night and continue through December.

Related: How to get to Hawaii on points and miles

Award availability throughout the year mostly sits in the 70,000-point range, though nights as low as 63,000 points are available at various points throughout the year. All that to say, the flexible booking calendar is a great tool to use while booking this new hotel — and booking early could help you save big.

When booking the Renaissance Hotel Resort & Spa, you’ll want to use one of the credit cards that earn the most points for Marriott stays, as well as one that possibly offers automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status for value-added benefits. These include:

• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, automatic Platinum Elite status and 25 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, automatic Gold Elite status and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, automatic Gold Elite status and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
• Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, automatic Gold Elite status and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, automatic Silver Elite status and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card: Earn 3 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, automatic Silver Elite status and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.

The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

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

Every credit card in your wallet that carries an annual fee should merit a yearly question: Is the annual fee worth it to keep the card for another year?

The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card packs a decent number of benefits into an annual fee of $125 (see rates and fees), but that doesn’t mean this card is a slam dunk for everyone. In fact, it may lack some of the perks you’re looking for in a hotel credit card. But to be fair, hotel credit cards typically aren’t the best card in your wallet for maximizing your spending beyond purchases at that hotel chain.

So can the Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex find a happy middle ground between super-luxury perks and no perks at all — and do so in a way that justifies its $125 annual fee? Let’s take a look.

Welcome bonus

You can earn five free night awards — each valued up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for a total of up to 250,000 points — after you use your new card to make $8,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership. Per TPG valuations, that means this welcome bonus is worth $2,100. Note that certain hotels have resort fees. This offer ends March 20, 2024.

You may wonder whether you qualify for a business credit card — if you’ve determined that you’re eligible for one, perhaps you’re considering the Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex.

Related: How to apply for an Amex business card

Some of the best uses of Marriott Bonvoy points include award stays at places like The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, The West Hollywood Edition and the London Marriott Hotel Park Lane. Those who enjoy skiing or snowboarding may enjoy properties like The St. Regis Aspen Resort, The St. Regis Deer Valley or The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch.

Related: Why now is a great time to apply for the Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex

Keep in mind that American Express has restrictions that will limit your ability to collect a new member bonus if you’ve had Marriott credit cards from Chase. Fortunately, a pop-up will tell you if you are not eligible for the bonus when you apply before Amex runs your credit — and our chart can help clarify things as well.

Annual free night award

Each year after your card renewal month, you’ll receive a free night award worth up to 35,000 points. Cardmembers can receive a second free night award by spending $60,000 on the card within a calendar year.

You can redeem these awards at places like The St. Regis Bangkok, The St. Regis Doha, W Atlanta — Downtown and several hotels near national parks.

Related: 11 best uses of Marriott 35,000-point certificates for family vacations

That said, due to the dynamic pricing mentioned earlier, you’ll want to do a calendar search for flexible dates to find nights that cost 35,000 points or less. It can be especially difficult to use your free night awards on or near holidays since award prices on those dates also tend to be higher.

Related: How to use a Marriott Bonvoy 35,000-point certificate

With minimal effort, you should be able to redeem this free night award for $125 in value — but likely double that amount. Thus, this perk alone can be worth the card’s annual fee.

Elite status and related perks

Holders of the Bonvoy Business Amex receive Gold Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy, which TPG values at $800 per year.

At this level, you can expect benefits like upgrades to preferred rooms (but not suites), late checkout and a welcome gift of bonus points at check-in.

Cardholders also receive 15 elite night credits in their Marriott Bonvoy account each year. You need these to reach higher levels of status, and they can be stacked if you also hold a personal credit card from Marriott.

For example, if you hold the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card from Chase, this card will give you another 15 elite night credits — meaning you start the year with 30 elite night credits automatically. The Boundless card has a $95 annual fee, for reference.

Related: Here’s why you need both a personal and business Marriott Bonvoy credit card

To earn Platinum Elite status — where benefits like suite upgrades and complimentary breakfast kick in — you need 50 nights per year with Marriott Bonvoy, and holding these two credit cards would put you more than halfway there.

Related: What credit score do you need for business credit cards?

Other perks

Cardholders get access to a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program when booking directly through Marriott. Terms and conditions apply.

However, we tested this benefit, and it’s not as good as it sounds. You’ll typically receive 2%-5% off the member’s rate but can often do even better using other discounts — rather than the one offered by this cardmember perk.

Related: Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex credit card review

In terms of earning points, cardmembers earn:

• 6 Marriott points per dollar of eligible purchases when spending at Marriott Bonvoy participating properties
• 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide
• 4 points per dollar at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping
• 2 points per dollar on other purchases.

Based on TPG’s valuations, that’s essentially a return of 5.04% on Marriott purchases; 3.36% at restaurants and U.S. gas stations and on select phone and shipping purchases; and 1.68% on everyday spending. Those rates aren’t jaw-dropping but aren’t bad for a cobranded card.

Related: 10 considerations for your small-business credit card strategy

Cardmembers also gain access to Amex Offers, which can provide targeted discounts or bonus points on eligible purchases, as well as extended warranty and purchase protection.

Note: Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Related: Your complete guide to shopping protections on American Express cards

Bottom line

The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex isn’t a flashy card offering perks like lounge access or top-tier elite status. However, it offers a valuable mid-tier status — with no effort required — within a hotel program with a massive worldwide footprint.

It also can help you achieve higher status when you pair your business card with a Marriott personal credit card, thanks to the elite night credits you’ll receive on your account.

That, and an annual free night that you can redeem for over $200 in value with very little effort, should justify the cost of keeping this card in your wallet. However, that’s dependent on you actually making sure you take advantage of the perks each year.

Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card — Earn five free night awards after you use your new card to make $8,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership. Offer ends March 20, 2024.

For rates and fees of the Bonvoy Business Amex, click here.