With more than 115 million Americans expected to travel over the next few weeks, according to AAA, this holiday season is gearing up to be one of the busiest ones ever.
28.11.2023 - 13:49 / thepointsguy.com
At TPG, we are all about helping you earn and burn points and miles for incredible experiences like flying first class around the world. However, there are other powerful ways to use airline currency. One of our favorites is donating to a charity that is near and dear to our hearts here at TPG — Miles4Migrants.
Miles4Migrants has done extraordinary work helping victims of war, climate change and natural disasters escape sometimes horrific situations. The nonprofit has flown more than 43,000 people from 98 different nations to destinations out of harm's way. The group has done it by redeeming some 740 million points and miles donated by people just like you for flights worth roughly $17 million.
While Miles4Migrants' unique model allows supporters to donate points, miles and travel vouchers, the organization also accepts cash to help cover taxes and fees and purchase flight tickets for routes for which paying miles is not advantageous. Right now, TPG is matching cash donations of up to $15,000 through Dec. 22, so if you don't have extra points or miles to donate, don't fret: You can still do your part to support this group's important work.
Donate cash or your airline miles, credit card points or travel vouchers via this landing page.
Miles4Migrants is a nonprofit that accepts cash, airline miles, credit card points and travel vouchers as donations. It uses money and miles to book airfare for those fleeing persecution, poverty or political or ethnic violence. Miles4Migrants partners with other nonprofits to identify refugees, asylum-seekers and immediate family members who have legal approval to travel but cannot afford the airfare.
Just in time for Giving Tuesday, we are proud to report that TPG is officially a corporate sponsor for Miles4Migrants again this year, matching up to $15,000 in cash donations. To learn more about the amazing work the organization does, visit this landing page.
You can donate from a range of airline loyalty and credit card rewards programs. According to Miles4Migrants, miles from Air Canada Aeroplan, United Airlines MileagePlus and Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan are needed most of all. However, the need is great, so the group accepts donations from most programs.
Right now, donations of points and miles are transferred directly to Miles4Migrants from the following full-time airline loyalty program partners.
You can make a cash pledge (or donate miles) on the Miles4Migrants website. The flight booking team at Miles4Migrants will work to match your miles pledged to an individual in need.
Once a match has been found, the group will contact you with the recipient's information. You can then book the flight yourself or have Miles4Migrants do it for you with your help.
With more than 115 million Americans expected to travel over the next few weeks, according to AAA, this holiday season is gearing up to be one of the busiest ones ever.
Portable coffee makers are a game-changer for travelers, allowing you to enjoy a great cup anywhere, anytime. When brewing coffee on the road, you need convenience, transportability, and quality. A variety of products are available to suit different preferences and budgets. Some coffee travel tools can brew espresso, while others are capable of making drip coffee, cold brew, or simply keep your beverage hot in a travel coffee mug. These products were designed with travelers in mind, offering an easy-breezy way to make your favorite cup, without compromising.
Luxurious beach vacations aren’t always friendly on the wallet. Albania, however, is one of the more budget-friendly countries in Europe, and also coincidentally has some of the best lesser-visited beaches on the continent. Hotel Castle Beach Club, for example, in the heart of Ksamil, Albania, offers a special blend of relaxation and adventure. Ideally located close to the town center, it’s the perfect getaway for those seeking a tranquil beach vacation with all the conveniences at their fingertips.
Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska, serves as a gateway to the The Last Frontier’s vast landscapes. Located on the traditional land of the Dena’ina Athabascan people and the Native Village of Eklutna, the city is a blend of the natural Alaskan landscape and modern urban conveniences. Anchorage showcases the best of Alaska — art and culture, breathtaking scenery, wildlife viewing, parks and trails, and an outstanding food scene. It also serves as an excellent base for exploring further afield. From the city, you can take multiple day trips to nearby must-see places such as Chugach State Park, the Matanuska Glacier, and the resort town of Girdwood. Due to the wealth of things to do in and around Anchorage, it’s worth spending at least three, if not more, days here. When it comes to planning accommodation, consider booking a self-catering option such as an Airbnb. This will give you a home base where you can kick off your muddy boots after a day exploring, prepare a home-cooked meal, and have a more local experience of Alaska. The Airbnb Anchorage rentals listed here range from cabins in the nearby forests, chic downtown apartments suitable for couples, to large townhouses for groups or families. All have Superhost status, five-star reviews from past guests, and promise an unforgettable vacation to the state.
JOHN F. KENNEDY International Airport is a beacon from America’s largest city to the world. Located in Queens, New York, not far from Rockaway Beach and Arthur Ashe Stadium, the airport is a major hub for flights across the Atlantic, as well as continental flights in all directions. Due to its urban location, there is no defined “airport hotel village” at JFK like there is for hotels near the Denver airport – but that doesn’t mean there aren’t great hotels near JFK Airport. These are the most convenient JFK Airport hotels with the best amenities and overall experience, whether you’re simply looking for an overnight before or after a long travel day or are in town for a few days and want to stay near the airport.
Good news for Bilt Rewards members: The program has added a new airline transfer partner. Starting Dec. 15, 2023, Bilt Rewards members can transfer points to Avianca LifeMiles at a 1:1 ratio.
This series of articles about credit cards, points and miles, and budgeting for travel is brought to you in partnership with The Points Guy.
The spotlight is on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. But Delta Air Lines had some interesting things to say last week as well.
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You're next Uber ride could go towards a future Marriott hotel stay.
As 2023 rolls to a close, don’t let your mileage and points balances wane. These December travel deals will come in handy, whether you’re traveling for the holidays or staying cozy at home. Now is the time to add to your accounts, use them for maximum travel benefits—for now or later—or simply keep them alive with extra activity. (Remember: A lot of mileage programs have it set up where your miles expire if you don’t earn any new miles, so be sure to keep track.)
In the spirit of holiday giving, we want to know: Do you have an expiring airline upgrade, drink voucher, lounge pass or another travel benefit you won't be using that you could share with a fellow TPG reader before it expires?