hotels

The 8 Most Eye-Opening Money Attractions in the U.S.

Dr Penny Pincher — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 19:32:44 +0000

Some of my most memorable vacations have centered around money — and didn't require spending much of it at all. I had my photo taken next to a $1 million stack of bills at Binion's on a recent trip to Las Vegas. Another memorable experience was visiting the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, D.C. to see millions of dollars of being printed on the production floor.

If you get excited about money, check out these unique attractions across the U.S.

1. U.S. Mint

See the coin manufacturing process up close by taking a free tour at the Philadelphia and Denver facilities of the U.S. Mint. Learn about the process of minting coins from the design to the striking of coins. You'll be able to see how billions of coins are produced each year, and learn the history of coin-making. (See also: Where Are They Now? The Forgotten Dollar Bills (and Coins))

2. Binion's Gambling Hall and Hotel

Get a free souvenir photo of yourself standing next to $1 million in cash at Binion's Gambling Hall and Hotel in Las Vegas. Stop by to have your photo taken and come back about an hour later to pick up your free printed copy. It's pretty incredible to see that much cash up close.

3. U.S. Treasury

The main building of U.S. Treasury is the third oldest building in Washington, D.C. and has been renovated to preserve its impressive Greek Revival architecture. Some historical highlights at the U.S. Treasury include the offices of Salmon P. Chase, Secretary of the Treasury during the Civil War, and the offices used by President Andrew Johnson following Abraham Lincoln's assassination. The stately marble Cash Room has been restored to appear as it was at Ulysses S. Grant's inaugural reception in 1869. You can tour all of these sites by setting up a reservation ahead of your visit.

4. Wall Street

If your travels take you to New York City, check out the attractions of Wall Street, an area of New York City that has been focused on finance for over 200 years. Highlights include:

New York Stock Exchange: On the corner of Wall Street and Broad Street
Federal Hall National Memorial: On the corner of Wall Street and Broad Street
Museum of American Finance: Located at 48 Wall Street

You can take self-guided tours on foot, or there are other tour options available for free or under $40. (See also: 6 Confidence-Inspiring Facts About the Stock Market)

5. Chicago Board of Trade

Visit the home of the trading floors of the Chicago Board of Trade and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange to see traders at work in the pits as they buy and sell commodities. The Chicago Board of Trade building was once the tallest building in Chicago. Although it has been eclipsed by other taller buildings, it remains an Art Deco historic landmark with a glass observation deck with views of the skyline. Tours last an hour, and cost $20 per person.

6. Bureau of Engraving and Printing

If you want to see where money comes from, this is the stop for you! Learn about the production process for paper currency and watch millions of dollars being printed on the floor of the production facility at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, D.C. The tour includes an introductory film and stops along the steps of the production process that results in legal tender. Admission is free, but a ticket is required. (See also: 10 Must-See Museums in the U.S.)

7. New York Fed Gold Vault

Unfortunately the bullion vault at Fort Knox is closed to visitors, but there is a place you can see tons of gold — literally. The gold vault at the New York Federal Reserve Bank houses approximately 508,000 gold bars, weighing in at 6,350 tons. Tour the gold vault for free and learn about the Federal Reserve System as you tour the Federal Reserve Bank.

8. Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland

Visit the Learning Center and Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland for interactive exhibits and activities. Try your hand at bartering, see if you can correctly identify counterfeit bills, and even try making your own currency. Take a look inside the impressive building that houses the Cleveland Fed and learn how central banks operate. Admission and tours are free.

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This article is from Dr Penny Pincher of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How to Save Big on Last-Minute Travel

Jason Steele — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 08:31:13 +0000

Do you need to get out of town in a hurry? To find the best deals on travel, you usually have to make your reservations at least a few months in advance. But sometimes, it just isn't possible and you'll have to be on the lookout for last-minute deals. Thankfully, there are some types of travel reservations that go on sale within days, or even hours of use.

Here are a few of the most popular ways to save money on travel booked without advance reservations.

Look for frequent flyer awards

Whether you earn your frequent flyer miles using travel credit cards or by flying, in my experience, the two ways to receive the most value from your frequent flyer miles is to book expensive flights in business or first class, or to travel on otherwise expensive tickets booked without advance notice. Actually, you can often use your rewards to do both and realize a value of several cents per point or mile redeemed. That's the kind of value worth cashing in for. (See also: Which Airline's Frequent Flyer Miles Have the Best Value?)

For example, Lufthansa tends to only release its business and first class award seats to Star Alliance partner airlines within two weeks of departure. To book these seats, you could use miles from United Airlines, Air Canada, or Singapore Airlines. Other airlines that are good at offering last-minute award flights include Delta and British Airways, neither of which charge close-in booking fees.

On the other hand, United does charge a close-in booking fee for flights booked less than 21 days before departure, but it will let United credit card holders and those with elite status book any available seat as an Everyday award. Those awards cost at least double the miles of the harder-to-find Saver awards, but there are more of them available. The extra points it will cost you is often worth it to snag a very expensive ticket at the last minute.

Thankfully, I've even been able to avoid United's $75 fee by booking a flight I didn't want that's outside the 21-days advance purchase window. Then I immediately call the airline and change the flight to the date I actually do want, which is within the 21-day window. Everyone has the right to change their flight within 24 hours of booking without incurring change fees. For some reason that $75 close-in booking fee also doesn't get charged if you make this change by phone — but it won't work if you try to change the ticket online. (See also: 20 Secrets of Last-Minute Travel)

Use the right app or website

When it comes to last-minute travel, several apps and websites can be your best friend. Here are a few of the top ones:

1. icruise

icruise is a website and app with a special section for last-minute cruises being offered at steep discounts.

2. GTFO

GTFO stands for Get The Flight Out, and this website lists some of the cheapest last-minute flights out of nine top cities in the U.S.

3. HotelTonight

HotelTonight is an app that lives up to its name by offering discounted rooms up to a week in advance or as late as the same day. This service searches available properties in over 1,700 cities.

4. Last Minute Travel

Last Minute Travel offers discounted hotels, flights, cruises, rental cars, and more to those who pay a $50 annual membership fee. It claims to offer discounts of up to 65 percent, as well as personalized offers by email.

5. One:Night

One:Night is an app that offers hotel deals in select major cities after 3 p.m. local time. (See also: 7 Best Websites for Last-Minute Airfare Deals)

Negotiate

Long before apps were invented, resourceful travelers would take it upon themselves to find the best last-minute deals possible. Today, you can still strike a great deal under the right circumstances. When it comes to hotels, you can call around, or even visit the front desk to find the best rate. To start, simply ask what's available and what their best rate is. Then, ask if there's any way that they can do better. Try to find out if the person you're speaking with has the authority to offer a lower rate and if not, don't hesitate to ask for someone who does.

It can also help to have a good reason for booking a room at the last minute. For example, if you're traveling because of an emergency, or you need a room for the night because your trip was disrupted, share that information with hotel staff, and they may offer you a distressed traveler rate.

Rental car agencies will be less flexible, but managers of local franchises may have the discretion to offer lower rates during periods of weak demand. Sadly, you're unlikely to achieve these results if you attempt to bargain with airline staff, but there's little harm in asking them to help you find the best possible price once you've exhausted all other possibilities. They may not be able to bargain, but if you're nice, they might share some tips or tricks you didn't know.

Consider last-minute cruise deals

Just before a big cruise ship leaves port, unsold cabins are sometimes offered at a steep discount. If your travel plans are flexible and you can make it to any of the major ports, then you can find some great deals. (See also: 10 Little-Known Secrets to Saving Money on Your Next Cruise)

To find these last-minute cruise tickets, there are several places you can check. First, the websites of the cruise lines themselves have special sections for last-minute deals. A few to try are Royal Caribbean, Princess and Norwegian Cruise Line. Next, look at third-party sites that specialize in last-minute deals, such as Cruises.com, Last Minute Cruises and even Costco Travel.

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This article is from Jason Steele of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How to Spot a Hotel Booking Scam

Holly Johnson — Fri, 11 May 2018 08:30:20 +0000

While families wishing to see the world once relied on travel agents for their glossy brochures and recommendations, the internet has ushered in a new wave of travel planning independence. These days, more and more people are using the web to research destinations, plan itineraries, and book their own hotels.

The freedom to research independently is a good thing, but there's also a problem: The American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) reports that 55 million hotel booking scams are perpetrated against unsuspecting consumers each year.

The organization acknowledges that the internet has offered great conveniences in the travel space, but says hotel booking scams continue popping up all the time. Rogue third-party online booking sites imitate legitimate hotel websites, taking advantage of the huge volume of online travel searches. (See also: This Airbnb Scam Will Ruin Your Vacation — and Your Budget)

The anatomy of a hotel booking scam

According to the AHLA, many hotel booking scams are set up so consumers don't even know they've been tricked. Most of the time, it starts with a hotel scam website being created and promoted so that it shows up in internet search engines right alongside legitimate hotel websites and third-party booking sites.

"These rogue sites trick consumers by mirroring the look and feel of the actual hotel website — using copyrighted images, trademarked logos, and many times, even similar URLs — to take consumers for a ride," writes the AHLA in a report about online booking scams.

From there, the fraud committed can take on several different forms. The fraudulent website may steal the victim's money completely without making a hotel reservation on their behalf. Or it might charge the consumer an inflated rate that includes a giant commission the consumer shouldn't have to pay.

At the very least, you may miss out on hotel loyalty points or perks you thought you were going to receive if you believed you were making a reservation directly with a hotel.

How to avoid hotel booking scams

The AHLA has partnered with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to raise awareness about hotel booking scams with the goal of protecting consumers. According to Beverly Baskin, CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus, certain types of consumers are especially at risk for these scams, including travelers ages 55 and up and members of the military. Baskin says that travel and vacation scams cost the average victim around $847.

If you're eager to ensure your travel plans aren't ruined by thieves, consider these tips from the BBB and the AHLA:

Book directly with the source

Before you book a hotel stay online, make sure you are booking on the hotel's website. While a lookalike hotel website may have the hotel's name in their URL, double check the website address to endure it's not a third-party website trying to steal a hotel's identity.

If you're booking with a large hotel chain, one way to do this is to visit the chain's website and make your reservation from there. If you're booking the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik Hotel in Croatia, for example, go to Hilton.com and book your reservation on the main hotel website.

If you do an internet search for "Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik," you will see several lookalike sites like this one:

You should avoid these third-party imposters at all costs.

Use reputable third-party websites

It's OK to use third-party websites like Expedia, Travelocity, and Priceline. Legitimate hotel booking sites can save you money and headaches. But you should beware of thirty-party booking sites you have never heard of. The BBB says you should never trust a website just because it looks legitimate. Take the extra step to check the company out with BBB.org and read online reviews before you book.

Take advantage of hotel loyalty programs

If you're someone who likes staying with the big hotel chains (e.g. Hilton, Marriott, IHG Rewards, etc.), it makes sense to sign up for the related hotel loyalty program. These programs are free to join and they typically offer the lowest rates to loyalty members who book direct.

Not only will you have a secure loyalty account you can make your bookings through, but hotel loyalty programs let you earn points for free hotel stays, hotel room upgrades, and more. Some hotel credit cards also let you earn large sign-up bonuses for hotel rewards programs, which make it easier for you to rack up enough points for free rooms quickly. (See also: Best Credit Cards for Hotel Deals and Rewards)

Pay for your hotel with a credit card

Using a credit card is one of the most secure ways to make any online purchase, mostly because credit cards come with zero percent liability for fraudulent charges. If you find you are the victim of a travel scam or hotel booking scam where they kept your money without making a hotel reservation, you can ask for a "chargeback" on your account and get a refund. (See also: How to Win a Fraud Dispute With Your Credit Card Company)

Keep your eyes wide open

One of the best ways to avoid becoming the victim of a travel scam is to know what to look for. The BBB says you should avoid conducting internet searches for broad terms like "best travel deals" or "cheapest rates" since those type of searches tend to bring out the worst offenders among lookalike travel websites.

If something seems off, the BBB says you should call the hotel and ask plenty of questions.

Make sure you know the hotel's refund policy

The BBB says you should read all the fine print before you agree to a hotel charge being placed on your credit card. Will you need to pay upfront, for example? Or will your card be charged upon arrival? Is the hotel booking refundable if you need to cancel for any reason?

While some big hotel chains and legitimate third-party booking websites offer discounts for non-refundable fares, it's more common for hotels to use your credit card to secure the reservation but wait to charge the rate until your hotel stay is completed. Hotel cancellation policies vary by chain, however, so make sure you know the policy ahead of time.

Plan ahead

Last but not least, you may get the best price on your hotel stay and other travel arrangements if you book far in advance. Planning ahead will also give you time to compare options, research hotel booking websites, and lock in a good rate.

On the other hand, a last-minute, hasty search for a hotel may put you at greater risk for encountering a scam and losing money.

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This article is from Holly Johnson of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

11 Credit Card Perks That Make Life Easier and Way More Fun

Carrie Kirby — Fri, 24 Nov 2017 09:00:07 +0000

I thought I knew all there was to know about using credit card perks. And then last year, I needed — and I mean, needed — tickets to a certain musical theater production. When I got an email invitation to a members-only presale, I realized that the wallet full of credit cards I've accumulated for the miles and points have other great perks that I might not be using.

Let's look at some of the timesaving, weekend-improving bennies you might already qualify for based on the cards you hold. (See also: 14 Awesome Credit Card Perks You Didn't Know About)

1. Concierge service

You have a night free in a strange city, and you want to make the most of it. If only you had someone to pick a restaurant and a show for you and charge everything to your credit card...

If you have an elite-level credit card, you do have that person in the form of complimentary concierge service. You can ask your credit card concierge to buy tickets to a concert or show that is likely to sell out, so you don't have to drop what you're doing to get online the moment they go on sale. You can ask them to have flowers delivered to your partner or even to have them send a limo to get your kids from school. You pay for the cost of the goods or services — you can set a limit in advance — but the concierge's time is free.

I have a friend who loves to dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and reservations can be hard to get. She has used a credit card concierge service to score tables all over the world.

"I even had them find me a place in Atlanta for a coworker that has lots of dietary restrictions," my friend said.

You think that's excellent service? Then consider that other clients have successfully had credit card concierges track down obscure or in-demand items and had them delivered to their door. If your kid wants a popular toy this holiday, it might be worth asking a credit card concierge to find it.

Personally, I want to take my Broadway-obsessed teen to a show in Chicago over the holidays, but don't know which show to get tickets to. I might just call my credit card concierge for both advice and booking. (See also: What Do the Concierge Services From Credit Cards Really Provide?)

2. Members-only spaces and experiences

You're probably aware that some credit cards get you into airport lounges. But did you know there are also members-only lounges with complimentary beverages in some theme parks, including Universal Studios, and at big events such as the Super Bowl? And at Disney World, certain credit card holders have access to exclusive character meet-and-greet sessions.

Certain high-end cards even host members-only events, such as private dinners by celebrity chefs. These events aren't free — in fact, some cost thousands of dollars — but they are exclusive. (See also: How to Get the Most Out of Airport Lounge Access)

3. Shorter lines

Some theme parks and other attractions have a dedicated line for certain credit card holders. If you visit often, I can see holding a credit card for that benefit alone.

4. A smoother trip through airport security

A number of high-end travel cards reimburse users the $100 application charge for Global Entry, which also comes with membership to the Transportation Security Administration's PreCheck program. Membership in both these programs means that you can go through a quicker security line in domestic or international airports, and when you're returning from abroad, you can skip the immigration line and simply scan your passport at a kiosk.

5. Free museums

At least one card-issuing bank partners with museums nationwide to offer cardholders free entry on certain days.

6. Hotel room upgrades

Certain hotel chain credit cards offer cardholders status, which can lead to getting an upgraded room when you check in. It can also get you free Wi-Fi at the hotel, late checkouts, and other perks. Some cards even offer spending credits for certain hotel stays. (See also: The Best Credit Cards With Free Hotel Status Upgrades)

7. Free rides

At least one credit card offers a monthly credit for a ride sharing service, smoothing everything from business travel to barhopping without a designated driver.

8. Free shipping

Some credit cards offer membership to free shipping programs that work at multiple online stores.

9. Freedom to pack more stuff

This holiday season, my family will be checking suitcases instead of relying on carry-ons, because I hold one of the airline's premium credit cards that gives cardholders one free checked bag. Because we have that privilege, we can tell the grandparents they don't have to limit gifts to digital downloads! (See also: 12 Travel Perks You Didn't Know Your Credit Card Had)

10. Free internet

Some credit cards give you membership to wireless plans so that you can get online on participating flights or in other public places.

11. A sweeter ride

Some credit cards give you instant status with car rental programs, which can unlock free upgrades and shorter waits at dedicated booths at the airport. So make the most of your membership to rent that sports car you've always wanted to drive!

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This article is from Carrie Kirby of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How Families Can Earn and Use Travel Rewards

Jason Steele — Fri, 15 Sep 2017 08:30:05 +0000

When it comes to travel rewards, families have different needs than single travelers and couples. For example, families are typically less flexible than other travelers, as they need to work their vacations around school schedules. Families also tend to go to popular vacation destinations during peak travel seasons, while others may be more interested in out-of-the-way destinations. And obviously, families tend to travel in larger groups than singles or couples.

So, if you need to earn rewards that you can use toward a family vacation, consider these award travel strategies. (See also: How to Use Miles and Points for a Big Award Trip)

The Southwest plan

Southwest Airlines is an ideal carrier for family travelers. It offers two free checked bags for everyone, and it doesn't impose fees for changing your reservation once you've purchased tickets. It also features early boarding for families with young children, and an open seating policy that makes it easy for families to ensure that they are sitting together.

Southwest also offers the Companion Pass, which lets you book a second extra ticket at no charge (other than taxes), on every flight including award tickets. To receive a Companion Pass, you need to earn 110,000 points within a single calendar year. Fortunately, Southwest offers various credit cards that help you get there. The pass can significantly cut your family's travel costs for the year.

Earn miles that can be redeemed as travel statement credits

The problem that most families have with traditional frequent flyer programs is that awards are seldom available at the lowest mileage levels. This is especially true at peak travel times when families travel, and for groups of three or more.

Therefore, the best way for families to earn award travel is to use a credit card that offers miles that can be redeemed as statement credits toward any travel reservations. These travel rewards credit cards allow you to book your own travel (flights, hotel, car rentals, cruises, tours, and more) on any booking site you prefer, and then use your points toward those purchases. This gives families the most flexibility in terms of being able to use their hard earned travel rewards for an actual trip. (See also: Best Credit Cards With Easy Travel Redemption)

Earn points that can be transferred to different frequent flyer and hotel programs

Another great award travel strategy for families is to earn flexible rewards that can be transferred to numerous travel partners. This gives you the ability to earn points on your credit card without having to commit to a particular airline or hotel chain.

Cards in this category may allow you to rack up points, and then transfer them when you're ready to use one of several popular airline or hotel rewards programs. While travel statement credits are even more flexible, with those programs your points are usually worth about 1 cent a piece. You can often get a better rate when you transfer to, say, an airline program and book an expensive flight. (See also: Which Airline Rewards Program Has the Best Value for Their Miles?)

Be flexible with travel plans and expectations

Redeeming travel rewards for a trip is not for the faint of heart. While going with the flexible redemption option allows you the most freedom to plan a trip according to your precise preferences, being flexible with your plans will give you the most value out of your hard earned rewards. This means that if you want to get the largest discount off your trip, you'll want to identify the destinations and resorts that are available under that travel program. You might not get the exact hotel you want, or even visit the exact city that you want, but if you can be flexible and open minded, even a large family can take advantage of travel rewards and redeem them for an amazing vacation. (See also: 5 Tricks to Making the Most of Your Reward Miles)

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This article is from Jason Steele of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How to Evaluate a Travel Program for the Best Rewards Redemption

Jason Steele — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 08:30:16 +0000

Credit cards that offer frequent flyer miles or hotel points can sound like a great deal. Their ads often feature pictures of people taking their dream vacation in paradise, made possible by credit card travel rewards.

But for some users, redeeming their rewards for a trip remains elusive. Airline award seats may be scarce or nonexistent at the lowest mileage levels, and hotels may restrict the rooms available for free night awards during peak travel periods. When you finally realize how hard it is to use your points and miles, you may regret your choice of credit card.

How can you prevent this from happening to you? The key is to closely examine a rewards program and how useful it will be to you before signing up for the credit card. (See also: How to Use Travel Rewards to Get Free Trips)

How to gauge the value of a frequent flyer program

Before you sign up for a credit card that earns rewards from an airline program, you need to investigate how useful its miles will be. For example, select a few destinations that you hope to use your rewards for, and then go to the airline's website and perform an award search. Thankfully, many airlines allow you to search for awards without logging into their site. However, some require you to create a frequent flyer account (at no charge) before you can begin searching for awards. (See also: Which Airline Loyalty Program Has the Best Value for Their Miles?)

What you want to look for are awards at the lowest mileage levels available among a range of dates for flights to your preferred destinations. You also need to make sure there are often enough seats for the number of travelers that would be in your party.

You have to set the same kinds of realistic expectations as you would if you were booking an actual flight. If you are hoping to find four seats on a nonstop flight to a warm weather destination over winter break, then you are bound to be disappointed. You are also likely to come up short if you are always looking for award seats available within a few months of departure. Instead, you need to be flexible with your award travel, and try to book as far in advance as possible.

Your test to check out award availability and cost should also reflect the same realistic expectations. And sadly, there's no guarantee that an award that's available now will also be available in the future.

Finally, you should be aware of frequent flyer programs that offer awards on any flight, based on how much the flight costs. Programs like this include Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards, and JetBlue's TrueBlue program. With these programs, you don't really need to look at the award availability. Instead, you should see how much each point is worth. (See also: Best Airline Credit Cards)

Examining the value of a hotel rewards program

Credit cards that offer rewards in hotel loyalty programs can be extremely valuable, as they often lack the blackout dates and capacity controls that plague airline programs. For example, Starwood, Marriott, Hyatt, and Hilton all promise that all "standard" unsold rooms are available as awards. On the other hand, IHG and Wyndham hotels may restrict the number of standard rooms available for awards during peak travel times. (See also: Benefits and Value of Hotel Rewards Programs and Cards)

But even with the hotel programs that have no blackout dates or capacity controls, there can still be a catch. Individual properties can designate the majority, or nearly all of their rooms as "upgraded" in some way, in a thinly veiled effort to avoid releasing them as free night awards. For example, many hotels in Hawaii have labeled nearly all of their rooms as "garden-view," which are therefore not eligible for awards.

To do a proper "test drive" of a hotel rewards program, you can start by searching for award pricing and availability at a few properties that you are interested in visiting. As with the airlines, you may have to create a free account first. If you find that there aren't any award nights available during holiday periods, but there are still plenty of rooms available for sale, then you will want to avoid the credit cards that earn points in this program. (See also: Best Hotel Credit Cards)

You also want to compare the cost of the room to the number of points needed to book it. If you are getting very little value from your points, you have consider if it's worth earning these rewards from a particular credit card. You could instead put your spending on a card whose rewards provide better value.

By looking at the value of a rewards program before you start earning points and miles, you can make sure that you are choosing the right credit card for your needs.

The easiest ways to redeem travel rewards

Besides signing up for the co-branded airline and hotel credit card, which arguably would give you the most value per mile, but may not net you an actual realized trip, you can use other types of travel rewards credit cards.

The first type is a card that offers ways to transfer points to various travel programs. This allows you to have more options when it comes to airlines to fly on and hotels to stay with. You earn points on these credit cards, then when you're ready, you can either use the card's travel portal to book with points, or transfer to airline or hotel partners, and then log into those programs to book your flights and rooms. (See also: Which Credit Cards Have the Best Travel Redemption Value?)

These cards also have the added benefit of offering bonus points in more everyday categories, like supermarkets and dining. This can mean that you would accrue more points than if you went with an airline or hotel specific credit card, which often only award bonus points for flights and stays. If you aren't a frequent traveler, building up your miles cache may take much longer.

However, what you would be missing out on is that airline and hotel credit cards often have exclusive travel benefits like priority boarding or in flight discounts. You'd have to weigh your preferences.

Finally, another type of travel rewards credit card allows you even more freedom to book the trip you want. You earn points, and when you've got the amount you need, you book your travel through almost any vendor you want. Then simply apply your points as a statement credit, paying off your travel expenses. For those that want simple, easy redemption, these cards provide the most flexible travel redemption option. (See also: Best Credit Cards With Easy Travel Redemption)

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This article is from Jason Steele of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

7 Countries Where You Can Travel on $30 a Day or Less

Nick Wharton — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 08:30:17 +0000

Many people believe that traveling is extremely expensive, and while this may be true if you're expecting five-star hotels and luxury cruises, on the whole it's a misconception. There are countries all over the world where, thanks to the low cost of living and (in some cases) strong U.S. dollar, it's possible to get around on a very low budget.

Traveling on the cheap is certainly not for everyone and it often means making a few sacrifices, but choosing the right place to visit is half the battle. Here are seven countries where you can travel on $30 a day or less. (See also: 10 Things You're Paying Too Much for When You Travel)

Unless otherwise stated, all figures quoted are referenced from numbeo.com, the largest database of user contributed data about cities and countries worldwide.

1. Thailand

Nicknamed "The Land of Smiles" thanks to its welcoming and friendly reputation, Thailand is the original backpacker's paradise. Its mix of stunning tropical islands, bustling cities, mouthwatering food, and vibrant night life has seen its popularity explode in recent decades. Despite this huge growth in visitor numbers, Thailand's prices have remained extremely low and it's still one of the cheapest countries to visit in the whole of Southeast Asia.

Hostel dorm beds are available for as little as $1.47 per night. While I was there in 2014 I found private double rooms for just $7 a night. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant will cost $1.77, and a pint of domestic beer costs the same.

Top money saving tip: Take advantage of the amazing street food in Thailand. It's famous for being some of the best in the world and is also some of the cheapest, with some meals costing as little as $1. (See also: How to Eat Street Food Safely While Traveling)

2. Bolivia

Bolivia is often overlooked as a travel destination in favor of more illustrious South American countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Peru. That's a real shame, because this diverse country shares some of the most impressive landscapes on the continent with them, accessible at a far cheaper price. Sections of the Andes Mountains, the Amazon Rainforest, and Lake Titicaca all lie within its borders, as well as its crowning jewel, the Salar de Uyuni — the world's largest salt flat.

Hostel rooms are available for as little as $6 per night. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant will cost $3.50, and a pint of domestic beer can be as cheap as $2.10.

Top money saving tip: Eat lunch at local markets where two-course specials are available at rock-bottom prices. (See also: 4 Secrets to Eating Great Food for Cheap While Traveling)

3. China

China is a country of massive contrasts. Ancient history meets cutting edge modernity, small cities house millions of inhabitants, and landscapes range from arid deserts to the freezing "ice city" of Harbin. With its vast size and population of over 1.3 billion people, it's a fascinating country with so much to explore that it can be overwhelming.

But China is also very affordable for travelers from the U.S. and other nations with strong currencies.

Hostel dorm rooms are available for as little as $2.93 per night. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant will cost $2.95, and domestic beer can be as cheap as (0.5 liter draft) 89 cents.

In my experience in small-town China, you can buy large beers at the grocery store for as little as 30 cents and bring them into almost any restaurant, no questions asked. Sometimes the staff will even keep them in their refrigerator and open them for you.

Top money saving tip: Spend less time in the big cities where costs, particularly for accommodation, are higher. (See also: 5 Amazing Travel Destinations You Thought Were Unaffordable)

4. Mexico

For many, the mention of Mexico conjures up images of palm-fringed beaches and large seafront resorts catering to sun-seeking vacationers. While this is a side of Mexico that exists, there is so much more of interest in this country, from its rich history to its heavenly cuisine (the latter was listed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity). There's also a surprising amount of wildlife that doesn't get the recognition it deserves, with black bears, flamingos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of marine life.

Hostel rooms are available for as little as 50 cents per night. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant will cost about $5, and domestic beer can be as cheap as $1.38.

Top money saving tip: Avoid the popular coastal areas, which are more pricey. Head inland instead to towns like Guanajuato and Valladolid. (See also: 8 Most Affordable Beach Towns in Mexico)

5. Ukraine

As one of the least visited countries in Europe despite being the second largest, Ukraine can be a difficult place to travel in at times. English is not widely spoken, and the Cyrillic alphabet means it's not possible to glean any meaning from the written language.

It's also important to be aware that Ukraine has a volatile recent history, and parts of it are still off-limits to visitors due to ongoing political disputes with neighboring Russia. However, with a little bit of effort you'll discover an enchanting country that's brimming with tradition and warmth.

Hostel rooms are available for as little as $3.09 per night. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant will cost $3.84, and domestic beer can be as cheap as 58 cents.

Top money saving tip: Use overnight trains for long-distance travel. They're inexpensive and will save a night's accommodation as well. (See also: 5 Incredible World Cities You Can Afford)

6. India

Spirituality, wildlife, chaos, color, and excitement collide in this enormous and at times perplexing country. All of your senses will be engaged while you make your way through India, as you try to make sense of what is truly a country like no other. Though at times it can be overwhelming, the countryside is as calm and tranquil as the big cities are tumultuous.

Hostel rooms are available for as little as $2.16 per night. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant will cost $2.33, and you can get a pint of domestic beer for as little as $1.55.

Top money saving tip: Always haggle for everything. The original price you're quoted is likely to be highly inflated but shouldn't be the price you pay.

7. Egypt

Egypt is most celebrated for being the home of the great Pyramids of Giza, built to immortalize the Pharaohs who reigned these lands over 5,000 years ago. It's said to be the birthplace of western civilization, making it the perfect destination for history buffs and intrepid explorers. Being on the boundary between North Africa and the Middle East lends the country a unique and remarkable mix of two very diverse cultures.

Hostel rooms are available for as little as $2.21 per night. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant will cost $3.04, and domestic beer can be as cheap as $1.19. When I was there last, I was eating filling meals of falafel, bread, and chips for just 50 cents!

Top money saving tip: Shop around when booking activities, there are lots of companies offering very similar things at hugely varying prices.

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This article is from Nick Wharton of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Amazing Destinations You Can Go to With Rewards Points and Miles

Holly Johnson — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 08:30:17 +0000

While credit card rewards may not be life-changing for everyone, for some, they make the impossible possible. With airline miles, hotel points, cash back, or flexible rewards, many people find they can afford to travel farther, and potentially stay longer. And, who knows? Perhaps you can visit a destination you've always dreamed of.

If you're aching to see parts of the world you assume are beyond your reach, researching airline and hotel rewards programs can help you see what's possible. Airline credit cards can help you get free flights, hotel credit cards can help you score free accommodations, and flexible travel cards allow you to use points for all kinds of travel expenses.

Need help jump-starting your wanderlust? Here are five bucket list spots you can absolutely see with rewards.

1. Bora Bora

Bora Bora is undoubtedly the most beautiful island in French Polynesia. A short flight from Tahiti, this island paradise is comprised of tiny islands (motus) that surround a central mountain and an inspiring, azure blue lagoon teeming with sea life. While Bora Bora is perfect for a honeymoon or romantic retreat, it's well known as a fun (albeit expensive) family destination as well.

How to get there

There are numerous ways to get at least part of the way to Bora Bora with airline miles. From Los Angeles International (LAX) to Papeete (PPT), Tahiti, for example, you can fly round trip with Alaska Airlines for 80,000 miles plus taxes and fees. You can also fly round trip using Air France's Flying Blue program for 60,000 miles plus taxes, or 80,000 American AAdvantage miles plus taxes round trip.

No matter how you get to Tahiti, however, you'll have to pay around $400 per person, round trip, for the short flight from Papeete to Bora Bora. The airline that operates this leg (Air Tahiti) doesn't offer a mileage program.

Where to stay

Numerous hotel programs promise to let you stay in Bora Bora for free, including the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort, which you can book with free nights from the IHG Rewards Club. If you build a stash of Hilton Honors points, on the other hand, you can score free stays at the Conrad Bora Bora Nui.

2. Maldives

The Maldives is another tropical destination well known for its crystal-clear waters and overwater bungalows. Smack dab in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives are expensive to visit and quite a trek for most of us to reach. However, there's a reason why so many people travel to the ends of the earth for a stay in the Maldives. According to many who have been there, the water, scenery, and atmosphere make it one of the most beautiful and unique destinations in the world.

How to get there

The best airline strategy for the Maldives depends a lot on where you live. Many would say that Air France is the way to go due to its plentiful award availability and cheap economy redemptions. Currently, you can book round-trip flights from New York City to Male, the capital, for 80,000 Flying Blue miles plus around $400 in taxes and fees.

Cathay Pacific is another option if you have Alaska Airlines miles. For just 60,000 Alaska miles plus taxes you can fly from certain U.S. cities to Male on Cathay. (See also: 5 Amazing Destinations You Thought Were Unaffordable)

Where to stay

Use your Hyatt points to stay at the Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa. Look for bonus offers that include free nights and sign up both you and your partner to add them together to one trip by booking two subsequent reservations, or combine points if possible.

3. Aruba

Aruba is one of the Lesser Antilles islands in the southern Caribbean Sea. Known for its desert landscape and amazing blue waters, Aruba is bursting with hotels, casinos, night life, and water activities galore. While Aruba is popular for land-based vacations, cruise ships bring thousands of passengers to the island weekly. Fortunately, Aruba's location in the Caribbean makes it fairly easy to travel there on points.

How to get there

While you can get to Aruba a few different ways, the easiest strategy is utilizing Southwest Rapid Rewards points. Depending on where you live in the United States, you can usually get to Aruba for less than 25,000 miles plus taxes round trip. Another popular option is Flying Blue, especially if your credit card rewards program transfers to the frequent flyer program. On Flying Blue, you can get to Aruba for 25,000 miles plus taxes and fees round trip.

Where to stay

Most of the major hotel chains let you earn points for free stays in Aruba. Marriott Rewards can help you score free nights at the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, Marriott Aruba Surf Club, and more. You can also stay at the Holiday Inn Resort Aruba with IHG Rewards points, or at the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort, Spa & Casino with World of Hyatt points.

4. Italy

Italy is a bucket list destination for nearly everyone, well known for its inspiring culture, historical sites, delicious cuisine, and dynamic landscapes, which span from the mountainous north to idyllic beachfronts on the country's western shore. While most people go to Italy to see major sites like Rome's Colosseum and Forum, the Vatican, or the world-famous art spread across Florence, others dream of Tuscan wineries, lazy beach days in Cinque Terre or Sorrento, or a trip to the famous island of Capri.

How to get there

If you're looking for a cheap and easy way to get to Italy, check out American Airlines' AAdvantage program. If you fly coach and travel off-peak (October 15–May 15), you can score a round-trip flight for just 45,000 miles plus airline taxes and fees.

Where to stay

The best part about being in Italy isn't its huge, prestigious hotels; it's the side streets and the intimate culture of the locals. To see the real Italy, we recommend booking an Airbnb or condo, which you can do with a credit card that offers rewards for all kinds of travel purchases.

5. Greece

Greece is home to some of the most wondrous sites on the planet — the renowned Parthenon, Olympia where the world's first Olympic Games were held, the historic Delphi, and the mountaintop monasteries of Meteora. That doesn't even include the famous Greek Islands, such as Crete and Santorini. Fortunately, Greece is also cheap to visit, with plentiful hotels and resorts for less than $100 or even $50 per night.

How to get there

Flying to Greece can be cheap and easy with airline miles. You can fly round-trip economy using United MileagePlus for 60,000 miles plus taxes and fees. If you have American AAdvantage miles, you can score an off-peak fare for 45,000 miles plus taxes and fees.

Where to stay

Greece is another country where it's smart and economical to book a small, independent hotel versus a big chain property. Sign up for a credit card that offers a travel portal through which you can use rewards points to book cheap hotels (with free breakfast). Or, opt for a flexible card that offers travel credit so you can book an Airbnb or a small boutique hotel near the major sites.

Credit cards that will get you there

Ready to get started earning travel rewards points for your dream vacation? Here's a list of our favorite cards to get your started:

And if you want to do more research on getting started with travel rewards credit cards, here are more resources:

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This article is from Holly Johnson of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

13 Ways to Get Free Travel Accommodations

Nick Wharton — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 08:30:10 +0000

Accommodations make up the biggest part of most travel budgets. Even if you opt to stay in the cheapest of places, it can still be a real drain on your finances. But with a little effort and an open mind, it's easy to get free accommodations all over the world when you travel. (See also: 7 Ways That Anyone Can Travel for Free)

1. Work in a hostel

Most hostels employ a mixture of permanent, long-term staff and temporary, short-term volunteers on a work-to-stay arrangement. These volunteers usually do a variety of work, ranging from reception duties and cleaning, to bartending and decorating. Often, you'll be required to work for just three or four hours a day so you still get plenty of time to explore. Just make sure you agree to the terms before you start. In exchange for your labor, you'll get a bed and often some food and drinks.

2. Housesit

Opportunities to housesit are available all over the world, usually for people who want someone to look after their pets while they are on vacation. The arrangement means that you get to stay in a whole house or apartment and enjoy the home comforts that come with it. Many websites, including Mind My House and Trusted Housesitters, act as agents between the homeowners and potential sitters. Sometimes you have to pay a small fee to join. (See also: 10 Tips for Landing the Perfect House-Sitting Gig)

3. Work exchanges

In return for free accommodations, travelers can offer their time and expertise to work within a small organization or even a family home. This may include farming duties, building or repairing properties, teaching English, or baby-sitting. The opportunities are wide ranging and vary in duration as well. One thing to keep in mind is that you will usually be working four to six hours a day, sometimes six days a week. If you're doing manual labor you may be too tired to sightsee in your downtime, so you may want to plan for doing that before or after your work exchange. You can find work exchange opportunities on websites such as Workaway and HelpX. (See also: The Work Exchange Way to See the World)

4. Couchsurf

Couchsurfing is an online network that enables generous hosts to offer their spare beds or couches to travelers looking for somewhere to bed down for the night. It's absolutely free, and hosts are usually extremely sociable people looking to meet new friends and introduce them to their local area, with many being travelers themselves. This is better for short stays of a few days or less.

5. House swap

This is a really simple premise that involves swapping houses with someone who lives in a location that you want to visit. Sites such as Home Exchange allow you to search for situations worldwide. It's the perfect way to get free accommodations while ensuring that your home is looked after while you're away. Obviously it requires you to have a property in the first place, and as such, it is particularly good for families who own their houses and want a home to vacation in. (See also: Home Exchanges: Free Accommodations With Perks)

6. Volunteer

Lots of charitable organizations offer free room and board in exchange for your services in helping with their activities. Opportunities range from teaching English to helping build schools in places that need them. These will often be longer-term, full-time placements where you'll be lodging with other volunteers or with local families. To get started, check out Free Volunteering. (See also: Volunteer to Travel: 11 Opportunities for Free or Very Cheap Travel)

7. Camp

There are lots of countries where it's absolutely legal to wild camp on public land, meaning you can stay virtually anywhere you want for no cost. Clearly you need to have camping equipment such as a tent and sleeping bag, but once you've got them, the world is your oyster. Always ensure that camping is allowed in the location you select to pitch up, and leave the site as you found it when you arrived.

8. Write a travel blog

One of the perks of starting a travel blog is that with a reasonable following, companies will want to work with you in exchange for access to your audience. Many accommodation providers, hotels, and hostels are willing to provide free stays in their properties in exchange for reviews or "shout outs" on your blog or social media channels. It takes time to grow a following, but the rewards are worth the effort. (See also: Can You Really Make Money by Starting a Blog?)

9. Work on a boat

Captains from across the world are constantly on the lookout for people to provide them with a helping hand as they sail the seas. The boats will vary, from small sailboats to huge super yachts. Tasks can range from cooking and cleaning to deckhand duties. Most captains aren't necessarily looking for experienced sailors, just someone willing to pitch in when needed. (See also: How to Get Free Accommodations (and Paid Jobs) on Boats)

10. Stay in a monastery or temple

Religious houses across the globe offer free stays to people wanting to learn and take part in their way of communal living. You don't have to have a great faith yourself, but you will be expected to abide by their rules, which in some cases can be quite strict. It's a great way to get a different perspective on an area, though, and opens you up to new experiences.

11. Language exchanges

Learning a new language can be costly, and finding someone to practice with can be difficult, depending on where you live. Language exchange trips such as those offered by lingoo allow people wanting to learn a new language the opportunity to live with a native speaker who wants to learn English. In exchange, you may be asked to host that person in your home, too. As a traveler, you'll get regular language speaking opportunities and the opportunity to completely immerse yourself in the culture by living with a local.

12. Use your points

Credit cards that offer travel rewards are extremely common now, with many providing generous sign-up bonuses that you can put toward accommodations. This could make it possible to get free nights in swanky hotels just for taking out the card. Many large hotel chains also have their own hotel-branded credit cards that enable you to rack up points really quickly on your everyday purchases to use on stays at their properties. (See also: How to Get a Free Vacation in 9 Months With Credit Cards)

13. Use your connections

If you have friends or family living in a place you'd like to visit, ask if you can stay with them! Most people don't make the most of the connections they already have. Why not put out a message on social media asking if any of your friends know someone in your desired location who could put you up? You may be surprised at just how effective this is, and you'll meet some new people in the process. (See also: How to Travel Full-Time for $17,000 a Year (or Less!))

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This article is from Nick Wharton of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How to Make Sure You're Getting a Deal With Groupon Getaway

Holly Johnson — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 08:30:18 +0000

If you've ever explored different ways to save on travel, you've probably stumbled on Groupon Getaways. Like traditional Groupon deals, Groupon Getaways promise huge discounts on hotels and hotel-and-airfare packages if purchased within a limited time frame. (See also: 6 Best Vacation Deal Websites)

It's easy to see their allure. Groupon Travel recently advertised a one-week Italy vacation with airfare for $999 per person. It featured round-trip flights to Naples from major cities like Chicago and New York, and six or seven nights at a hotel in the ancient town of Paestum, south of Naples.

That sounds like a good deal, but is it? Let's explore this Groupon travel package and others to find out.

Deconstructing a Groupon Getaway

Before we can decide if this is a good deal, it helps to know what exactly was included. Here's what the Groupon travel website offered with the package.

Flights and transportation

Round-trip airfare from New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), or Chicago (ORD)
Manual shift economy car rental for duration of trip

Hotel

A stay of six or seven nights at Hotel Ariston in Paestum

For $99 extra per person, you could also score free breakfast at your hotel daily, along with a Bufala cheese tasting.

Read further and you'd see this package came from a company called Great Value Vacations. And while your vacation isn't guided, the company went through the trouble of creating a sample itinerary with suggestions of cities and sights to see — stops in Rome to see Piazza Navona and Trevi Fountain, for example, along with tips on seeing the buried city of Pompeii and the unparalleled beauty of Capri and Anacapri. Of course, you'd have to pay out of pocket to see all those sights, just as you would if you'd booked your airfare and hotel yourself.

In the ad's fine print it said that the Groupon was limited to one per person, yet the price was based on two people sharing a room and there was a $500 fee to travel solo.

Another detail to note: The fine print said that "additional fees apply to select departure dates." And while there were a ton of departure dates available, they weren't flexible at all. Worse, only two of the departure dates and cities offered came with the advertised price tag of $999. To fly out of Chicago in July, for example, costs $1,724 per person instead of $999. Out of New York in September on select dates? That would set you back $1,249.

So much for that.

Out of curiosity, I checked for a similar trip on Expedia using random dates this summer and fall. While I didn't find any hotel packages that included a stay in Paestum, here's what I did find: Airfare, hotel, and rental car packages from Chicago to Naples started at $759 for a week in September. Similar packages from Boston to Rome in October started at about $525.

Plugging in a bunch of different dates and cities, I found dozens of similar packages for less than $1,000 — and sometimes a lot less. Best of all, these packages allow you to pick your dates and your hotel instead of locking you in.

So, while $999 per person for a week in Italy with a hotel and rental car seemed like a good deal, it may not be that great after all. (See also: 11 Ways to Save Money on Travel)

How to evaluate Groupon Getaways

The Italy package is just one example of a sour "deal," but there are many, many more. There are also plenty of travel packages that are a good deal.

For example, Groupon Getaways recently offered a $599 all-inclusive trip to Negril, Jamaica from certain cities. If you departed from Atlanta on June 1, you would have paid $599 for round-trip airfare and an all-inclusive stay at the Riu Negril.

I checked outside of Groupon, and similar flights started at $570 per person on discount airline Spirit. That was for the flight alone. It would cost another $200 a night to stay at the all-inclusive Hotel Riu Negril. Obviously, this was an awesome deal if you lived near Atlanta or could get there cheaply. (See also: How to Save Up a Big Travel Budget)

So, how can you sort the good deals from the bad? Consider these tips.

1. Price out Groupon packages to see how much you'll save

The best way to save money with Groupon Getaways is to price out each trip and its components individually. With the Italy itinerary mentioned above, there were scads more affordable options with a lot more flexibility. But, you may not have known that if you didn't do some digging to see how much everything costs.

The same can be true when you are getting a good deal. As with the Riu Negril package mentioned above, pricing the components out individually can accurately depict your savings. But you won't know how much you'll save if you never check.

2. Avoid packages with excessive fine print or blackout dates

The big problem with Groupon Getaways is all the fine print. Some only offer the packages on certain dates and from certain airports. Others have so many exclusions it's hard to keep track, or they add a surcharge if you travel alone. Make sure to read all the details so you know what you're getting into.

3. Factor in the costs of getting to a specific airport

If you're considering a Groupon Getaway that includes airfare, make sure to add in the costs of getting to a big city airport. Most of the packages only offer departures from major airline hubs like New York, Chicago, Boston, and Los Angeles. If you live in Boise, Idaho, you'll need to get to one of those airports first. Unfortunately, that costs money, too.

4. Just because it's "on sale" doesn't mean it's a good deal

While this last tip is broader, it's probably the most important. Just because something says it's a deal doesn't mean it will save you money. The Italy vacation referenced above said it had a $1,599 retail value and saved you 38 percent, but it likely wouldn't have. At the end of the day, it's important to do your research and decide for yourself. A little bit of digging can ensure any decision you make is an informed one.

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This article is from Holly Johnson of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Family-Friendly Hotel and Resort Chains Where Kids Stay Free

Holly Johnson — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 08:30:18 +0000

Any parent who travels knows that kids can make a travel experience more rewarding. Unfortunately, children can also make travel — including hotel accommodations — frighteningly expensive.

Adding children to your room can increase your bill significantly. This is especially true in all-inclusive resorts, where in many instances, adding two children under 12 years old to a reservation for two adults hikes the room rate by 50 percent. Hotels in larger U.S. cities and elsewhere in the world also charge extra for children.

Fortunately, a handful of family-friendly hotel chains and resorts allow children to stay for free.

Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels offers an array of lodging options around the country where kids under the age of 18 are welcomed with open arms. Think Comfort Inn, Sleep Inn, EconoLodge, and Rodeway Inn. These properties may not be the type you'll want to select for a full-fledged vacation, but they can make a nice resting spot while you traverse the country or wait for your next-day flight.

According to Choice Hotels, kids stay free at select locations, provided you book at an eligible rate and don't require any additional bedding. Also keep in mind that Choice Hotels are relatively inexpensive to begin with. It's fairly easy to book one of their properties for less than $100 per night, which is a stellar deal whether you bring the kids along or not. (See also: Best Credit Cards for Hotel Rewards)

Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts

While this isn't commonly known, kids stay and eat free at all Holiday Inn Hotels and Holiday Inn Resorts. The rules vary at different properties, however. For example, kids 19 and under stay free in a shared room with their parents at traditional Holiday Inn properties. And up to four children age 12 and under can eat for free with a paid adult any time of the day in any on-site Holiday Inn restaurant.

At Holiday Inn's all-inclusive properties in Mexico and Jamaica, however, only kids under 12 stay for free. And since all their meals are included anyway, you won't have to pay for their food, either. (See also: Breakdown of Benefits and Value of the Best Hotel Rewards Programs and Credit Cards)

IBEROSTAR Hotels and Resorts

IBEROSTAR offers five-star, all-inclusive vacations in some of the most beautiful destinations around the world. It also makes its offerings more affordable by allowing kids to stay free with certain packages. Currently, one child can stay free with a paying adult at certain hotels in Mexico and the Caribbean, while the chain's Cozumel property welcomes two kids for free with two paid adults. A minimum three-night stay is required, and other terms and conditions apply. IBEROSTAR hotels also offer supervised kids clubs and unique programming created especially for children. (See also: Which Credit Card Should You Use to Get Free Hotel Stays?)

Club Med Resorts

At all-inclusive Club Med Sun Resorts in Europe, Africa, and Mauritius, children under six years old are always free; At Club Med all-inclusive resorts everywhere, else the cutoff age is four. From there, a sliding scale of discounts is in place. Children ages four to 11 get a 50 percent discount, for example, while kids 12–15 are 40 percent off.

Like other all-inclusive resorts, Club Med offers all your food, drinks (including alcohol), and entertainment for one low price. But Club Med offers another round of excellent programming for children, including supervised kids' clubs, trapeze lessons, and special sports activities for children of all ages.

Divi Resorts

Divi Resorts offers all-inclusive properties in some of the most stunning regions of the Caribbean. Children stay free at some, but rules vary by location. At Divi Dutch Village Beach Resort in Aruba, for example, kids ages 12 and under stay and eat for free with the all-inclusive plan. At Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, on the other hand, only children ages five and under stay free with the all-inclusive option. Kids ages six to 12 eat at a discounted rate.

Before you book a Divi Resort for a family-friendly stay, make sure to read the guidelines to see what children cost, if anything. And whichever resort you stay at, make sure to sign your kids up for Treasures of the Caribbean, a supervised children's program for kids ages four to 12.

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This article is from Holly Johnson of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Once-In-A-Lifetime Experiences I've Earned With Credit Card Rewards

Holly Johnson — Fri, 21 Apr 2017 08:30:10 +0000

As a travel rewards enthusiast, I've burned through well over a million points and miles in the last few years alone. While I've cashed in some of our credit card points for boring stuff (think motel stays and flights to work conferences), my family and I have also enjoyed once-in-a-lifetime excursions that have helped us see the world in new ways. (See also: 5 Steps to Getting a Free Vacation in 9 Months)

The best part is, these experiences have all been free, thanks to travel rewards credit card points and airline miles. Here are some of the most memorable adventures we've checked off our bucket list using rewards points.

Snorkeling with stingrays in Grand Cayman

In May of 2016, I surprised my husband with a trip to Caribbean island of Grand Cayman. We used points from the Starwood Preferred Guest program to stay at The Westin Grand Cayman, and we paid for our flights with American Airlines AAdvantage miles.

The highlight of the trip: an excursion to Stingray City, a famous stretch of sandbar that's home to dozens of huge stingrays. I booked this excursion with Chase Ultimate Rewards points so it didn't even cost a dime.

Once we arrived by boat to the sandbar, we were surrounded by enormous stingrays within minutes. We climbed down a ladder into the crystal-clear water, and the stingrays approached all around. Some let you hold them and even kiss them, while others just swam around our legs. The entire trip was a hoot, and we got awesome pictures of ourselves holding stingrays as big as five feet across. (See also: How to Use Travel Rewards Cards to Get Free Trips)

Luxing out at the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme

A few years ago, we used two free nights from my Hyatt credit card to book a weekend stay at the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme. Considering the fact that rooms here usually cost $800+ per night, this isn't just any hotel. (See also: How to Stay in a 5-Star Hotel for Less Than the Cost of a Motel)

The lobby is pristine, with art and décor that screams Parisian elegance. The large rooms are decorated in gold leaf, while the whole hotel reeks of luxury and seclusion. The breakfast, which we got for free, was regularly more than $100 for two people. And the service was impeccable.

Because the hotel was the most luxurious I have ever stayed in, it was an experience in itself. (See also: Benefits and Value of the Best Hotel Rewards Programs and Cards)

Exploring Athens on an electric bike

When my husband and I visited Greece in 2016, we wanted a fun and interesting way to see the city. While we did a lot of exploring on foot, we were stoked when we found an electric bike tour we could book through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

The weather was perfect the day of our trip, making breezing through ancient Athens fun and comfortable. On our electric bikes, we viewed the Acropolis and its famous Parthenon from afar, visited other historic sites like the Roman Agora and the Temple of Zeus, and zipped through busy streets lined with locals and tourists dining al fresco.

We thought the bike tour was the perfect way to see parts of the city up close and can't wait to do something similar again. (See also: Are Airline or Travel Rewards Credit Cards the Better Deal?)

Touring ancient Tuscany on rewards

When we went to Italy a few years ago, we wanted to see some of the countryside near Florence without renting a car. We found the perfect solution: a day trip to three ancient cities throughout Tuscany, which we booked using Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

After we boarded our bus near the train station in Florence, we set off to experience the unique charms of San Gimignano, Pisa, and Siena.

Our visit to the medieval town of San Gimignano was a wander back in time. The walled city is home to beautifully preserved tower homes — the medieval equivalent of skyscrapers. After climbing 200+ steps to the top of the highest tower, we were rewarded with some of Tuscany's best views.

In Pisa, we of course saw the Leaning Tower of Pisa and its adjacent baptistery. And yes, we got a silly picture of ourselves pretending to hold up the tower. Our last stop was Siena, where we visited the beautiful gothic cathedral known as the Siena Duomo, strolled through the famous Piazza del Campo in the heart of the city, then explored the winding city streets on our own. (See also: Which Airline Miles Have the Best Value?)

Snorkeling through Cenotes in Mexico

Another excursion we loved was snorkeling within three separate ecosystems in Mexico. This is yet another trip we booked with points through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, and it was a great one.

After the bus picked us up at our Playa del Carmen hotel, we went to swim in a freshwater cenote — a natural sinkhole formed where a cave ceiling has collapsed. There, we saw tons of tiny tropical fish and zip-lined from a platform high above. Next, we snorkeled in a freshwater cave with catfish and amazing rock formations. Lastly, we headed to a protected ocean reef where we snorkeled with vast schools of fish and sea turtles. While there, I dove down to the quiet ocean floor and observed stingrays and huge parrot fish. It was an unforgettable experience. (See also: How I Redeemed a $12,000 Family Vacation With Credit Cards in 2 Months)

Plan your own amazing rewards adventure

When it comes to credit card rewards, don't forget to think outside of the box. Sure, you can use your points for a regular flight or hotel stay, but there's so much more you can do.

With the right card, you could take a hot-air balloon ride to see the Loire Valley's famous castles, dive for pearls off the coast of Hawaii, or spend a few nights in a hotel you could otherwise never dream of affording. If you're ready to boost your vacation fun with credit card rewards, be sure to compare travel credit cards to find an option that will help you see the world your own way. (See also: Get Started with Travel Rewards in 4 Simple Steps)

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This article is from Holly Johnson of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Which Credit Card Should You Use to Get Free Hotel Stays?

Holly Johnson — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 10:30:30 +0000

If your goal is earning free hotel stays, it's hard to know which type of rewards card to get. While co-branded hotel credit cards are an obvious pick, general-purpose travel credit cards that let you redeem points for different kinds of travel rewards can work well for free hotel stays, too.

Which card is best? It depends on your travel style and vacation goals. Let's dig into both types of cards to see how they work, whom they're best for, and where they fall flat.

Co-Branded Hotel Credit Cards

Each major hotel chain — Hyatt, Carlson, Marriott, IHG, Hilton, and the like — offers a unique set of options. Some hotel brands offer several options for credit cards, and even co-branded business cards, too, giving you even more ways to rack up points.

These co-branded cards have several benefits and drawbacks, compared to more flexible travel rewards cards.

Focused Strategy Generally Nets Extra Points and Perks

Hotel credit cards can offer great value if you're an enthusiast for a specific chain. Some offer automatic elite status just for being a cardholder. Co-branded cards generally offer very high bonus points for stays at its properties. They also often feature generous sign-up bonuses that can cover free stays for a few nights. (See also: Tips for Using Hotel Reward Points to Get the Most Value)

You're Stuck With One Chain

The downside with hotel credit cards is that they aren't as flexible as general travel credit cards. With a co-branded hotel credit card, you can only book free nights at a hotel within that chain. So, if your travel plans change or you want to try a different hotel brand, you might be out of luck.

Award Availability May Be Limited

Another downside with hotel credit cards is that even though most major hotel brands advertise "no blackout dates" for award nights, they still may limit award availability. So, even if you have the points to burn, you may not be able to use them for the exact dates you want.

Hotel Credit Cards Are a Good Fit for You If:

You like to stay with the same hotel chain. This is a particularly good strategy if you travel for work and are able to book your own room and then get reimbursed by your employer.
You love earning special hotel status and room upgrades.
You tend to have flexible travel dates when you want to redeem rewards.

General-Purpose Travel Credit Cards

General-purpose travel cards come in a couple of different flavors, but they all offer one trait that co-branded hotel cards simply cannot — flexibility. With flexible travel cards, you can usually use reward points to book nearly any hotel you want.

Statement Credits Make Rewards Redemption Simple

One type of flexible travel card lets you use points to get a statement credit for a travel purchase you've already made. You earn points with your purchase, and to redeem, simply book any hotel you want with your card, then use your points as a statement credit toward your travel purchases. You can book directly or through a booking site. Most travel purchases are eligible. Each point is usually worth one cent.

Travel Booking Portals Let You Book at Multiple Hotels

Other cards have their own travel portal that allows you to use points (or cash) to book travel, usually at a nice discounted rate. The benefit here is that you can use your points to book a room with any hotel chain of your choosing, from high-end luxury hotels to cheap roadside motels, and you'll usually get more value per point than just one cent. Often these portals can even allow you to transfer points to hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio.

Flipside of Flexibility: Earning Less Concentrated, Extra Perks Scarce

The main drawback of these more flexible cards is points accrue slower. The rewards you get for your hotel stays will be much lower, but generally you do get more rewards for other purchases than you would for hotel specific cards. You also won't get the free anniversary award nights, or the upgrades and other special treatment that come with many hotel cards.

General-Purpose Travel Cards Are a Good Fit for You If:

You don't spend a lot at a particular chain and don't want to be tied down to only staying at one.
You don't have flexible travel dates — you can use your points regardless of award availability or blackout dates.
You spend in categories that other rewards cards offer higher bonuses for.

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This article is from Holly Johnson of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

5 Cities Where Airbnb Is Way Cheaper Than a Hotel

Nick Wharton — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 10:30:24 +0000

Since it was first founded in 2008, Airbnb has become a household name, nearly synonymous with the concept of short-term rentals. According to their website, Airbnb properties are available in more than 34,000 cities in over 190 countries, with 60 million users. This can be a great way to save on accommodations while traveling. (See also: 3 Easy Ways to Get Hotel Deals)

By offering accommodation in locals' homes and apartments, Airbnb is often able to offer lower rates than traditional hotels, sometimes at unique properties or with added perks (like full kitchens). For solo travelers, renting a room with Airbnb can also be a great way to get to know a local host.

However, you'll be giving up some hotel conveniences, too. Airbnb isn't for everyone. But if you're willing to forego hotel gyms and professional staff, here are five destinations where Airbnb is much more cost effective than a hotel.

European Destinations

In 2015, more than half of Airbnb's revenue was generated from its European listings. This is an important clue to consumers, as some of the best deals to be had are in expensive European capitals where Airbnb is doing some of its best business.

1. London

London is full of tourist sights that any traveler would be excited to see. This capital city is home to Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and many diverse national museums. However, London is also one of the most expensive destinations for international travelers.

Even budget options in London can be pricey, with hostel dorm rooms often upward of $20 a night for a bed in a room with eight to 10 other people. Needless to say, many travelers don't want to stay in those conditions, but to book a four- or five-star hotel in the city center costs $250 and up.

According to a 2015 study by Busbud, Airbnb listings were $108 a night cheaper than hotels, making London one of the best destinations to consider saving with Airbnb.

2. Venice

Venice is another European destination you won't want to miss, but hotels here are notoriously expensive, averaging just over $230 a night according to the Busbud study. However, by booking with Airbnb travelers were able to save an average of $86.

There are plenty of good ways you can put these savings to use while out enjoying the area. Be sure not to miss a trip out to Burano and Murano, small islands a short gondola ride away from Venice, known for glass working and artisanal lace production.

3. Paris

Airbnb's rapid growth in Paris was reported by The Wall Street Journal in 2015, with the city continuing to be a hub of Airbnb activity to this day. Paris has more than 55,000 listings that get a great deal of traffic from visitors, according to Inside Airbnb.

Given that consumers can save more than $100 on average by booking with Airbnb, it's no surprise that the company has had such great success in Paris, a city with a reputation for being expensive.

In the U.S.

Airbnb can be an affordable alternative to hotels in the U.S., too. In fact, in 2013, a comparative study by Priceonomics found that, on average, to rent an entire apartment in the U.S. with Airbnb was 21% cheaper than paying for a hotel, while renting a single room with Airbnb was half the price of a hotel.

Since 2013, the cost of hotels has only been rising, from an average of $110 to $120 in 2015. Given that Airbnb has been gaining traction considerably in the past few years, consumers in the U.S. now have more options than ever before.

It is important to remember, however, that these are national averages. Every city varies a little and of course, some cities are more Airbnb-friendly than others. As with the European examples, it seems that in more expensive cities, consumers stand to save more from booking with Airbnb.

4. New York

New York received an estimated 58 million tourists in 2015, making it one of the biggest tourist destinations globally. From bustling Times Square, to Broadway, to Wall Street, to Ellis Island, to its wide array of unique parks and museums, there is no shortage of sights and entertainment for visitors.

Plus, New York has the Airbnb listings to match. There's a whole array of options in many diverse neighborhoods. A quick search I made on Airbnb showed the average cost of accommodations was $142, factoring in all options, from a shared room to an entire apartment.

Keep in mind that rates also depend on location, location, location.

5. Seattle

Seattle has the advantage of being a good-sized city, while also offering access to beautiful coastlines and nearby mountains. As Washington state's largest city, it attracts a fair amount of both domestic and international visitors.

The average cost of a hotel room here in 2015 was $209, according to Statista, making it one of the more costly cities in the U.S. Those looking to book with Airbnb stand to save more than $80 on their reservation.

Places to Avoid Using Airbnb

While these five cities offer a great value on their Airbnb listings, there are also some places you don't want to use Airbnb. Barcelona, for instance, will cost you $140 more on average to book via Airbnb as opposed to a hotel.

In the U.S., Austin (home of Airbnb competitor HomeAway) is a much more expensive place to stay with Airbnb, while Los Angeles comes out just about even. Using credit card reward programs for hotels can make hotels even more attractive than Airbnb in some places.

Airbnb can offer great value in notoriously expensive cities both in the U.S. and in Europe, but that doesn't mean it's always a great deal. Check out your destination before you book to be sure you're getting the best value.

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This article is from Nick Wharton of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

9 Simple Ways to Save on Hotel Stays

Amanda Gokee — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 10:30:36 +0000

Booking the right accommodations can make or break your stay — and your travel budget. So once you've taken the time to carefully research your hotel for your next trip, make sure you secure a good room and rate during your booking. (See also: 25 Hotel Booking Tips From Professional Travelers)

1. Use Rewards Programs

By now, you've probably realized that you should always be earning frequent flyer miles when you fly, but did you know this is also true for hotels? Many major hotel brands such as Hilton and Hyatt offer free loyalty rewards programs that let you accumulate points toward free nights just by staying at properties within their chain. (See also: Breakdown of the Best Hotel Rewards Programs)

If you don’t want to be tied down to one particular hotel chain, online booking sites often have their own rewards programs that allow you to accumulate points and earn rewards by purchasing travel through them. (See also: Little Known Trick to Getting Exclusive Travel Discounts)

2. Earn Elite Status

There's nothing complicated about earning elite status with a specific chain of hotels. To start, you'll want to focus on one chain of hotels that you like and book there consistently.

However, you can speed up the process by using a credit card that gives you elite status. Some give you a status boost just for being a cardmember. With others, you’ll need to spend a certain amount on the card before you get elite status.

Having elite status can get you perks like free breakfast, upgrades, Wi-Fi, bonus points, and welcome gifts. Be sure to mention your status when you complete the booking and inquire about special accommodations or amenities that may be available to you.

3. Take Advantage of Status Match

If you have earned a certain status with one hotel brand, you may be able to leverage this with other chains as well. Call another brand and find out if they will match your status. To qualify for some status match programs, you will have to provide documentation proving your status with the first hotel chain.

Keep in mind that if you've used credit card spending to reach an elite status, this may not qualify you for elite status with another hotel brand.

4. Book Directly — By Phone

It may sound simple, but many people are hesitant to contact the hotel directly, especially in the Internet age where most bookings are done online. People have become accustomed to doing everything from their computers, but sometimes to get the best deal you actually have to call the hotel to book your stay. (See also: The Easiest Way to Negotiate a Hotel Room Rate)

First, you'll need to do your homework to get an idea of the going rate online. Then call the hotel directly. Ask the reservationist to give you a better deal than what you found with a third-party booking site.

Almost all hotels prefer you to book directly with them, since it saves them from paying a commission to an online booking website. Use this to your advantage and ask that they throw in an extra perk for booking directly, like a complimentary upgrade, a room with a view, or another incentive such as free early check-in or late check-out.

5. Communicate Early About Special Occasions

Always inform the hotel if you'll be celebrating any occasion during your stay. Hotels will usually try to accommodate with a free upgrade, and if you're visiting them during your honeymoon they may even throw in a welcome gift like champagne to show their appreciation for your business.

Ideally, you should inform the hotel of your special occasion while you're making the booking, but it doesn't hurt to remind them while you're checking in.

6. Take Advantage of Last-Minute Deals

In general, it’s best to reserve your room in advance. But if you have to book at the last minute, you can sometimes do so without having to pay top dollar. Websites like Roomer and Cancelon can help you secure a reduced rate from last-minute hotel cancellations. (See also: 5 Hotel Room Booking Tools Every Traveler Should Know)

7. Use Coupons

Coupons can really reduce the cost of your booking, especially when you're booking a package or last-minute stay. Sites like Groupon are especially good for last-minute deals.

8. Cash in Airline Miles to Buy Rooms

Have you been racking up thousands of airline miles that you’re not sure how to use? You may be able to cash them in to pay for hotel rooms. Many travel rewards credit cards allow you to transfer points to hotel programs, which you can then use to pay for your booking.

9. Write a Review for a Future Booking

Did you know you can earn a commission toward a future booking with Yonderbound? All you have to do is write a review on the Yonderbound website after your stay. Then, when someone books a stay at the property after reading your review, you can earn 70% of the website's commission, which works out to about 10% of the booking’s list price.

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This article is from Amanda Gokee of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: