Quick Points: Earn up to 25 points per dollar spent on Southwest Hotels stays

International travelers, rejoice: The United States and the United Kingdom are finally rethinking one of their most annoying airport rituals.

American Airlines AAdvantage members now have the option to redeem their AAdvantage miles to purchase onboard snacks and alcoholic drinks, with prices ranging from 500 to 1,100 miles.

There are many great reasons to stay at independent hotels and vacation rentals. Unfortunately, the ease of earning rewards on these stays is not one of them — or so you might think. Over the years, I've enjoyed a variety of unforgettable stays and picked up several tricks to maximize my savings and rewards on them. Here's what I've learned.

Southwest Airlines' Rapid Rewards program is experiencing some turbulence — and other airlines have taken notice. Frontier Airlines recently took aim at Southwest with a limited-time "divorce your old airline" deal, which includes both a free checked bag and an economy bundle add-on (plus a sizable helping of shade).

Lufthansa's swanky new jets featuring its all-new first-class cabin ­— complete with a suite for two passengers — are finally getting set to touch down in the U.S.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s distinctive brand of American architecture is peppered throughout the country. With more than 532 designs, the greatest concentration is in his home state of Wisconsin, which has a trail through eight sites, including his first home and studio, Taliesin in Spring Green, as well as around Chicago, where he launched his career in 1887.

Hotels are usually the ideal accommodation choice for many vacations, but sometimes you just need more space, or the conveniences of a home for the best experience while away. Luckily, booking home rentals for a vacation is becoming easier than ever — and you can even use points to book the stay.

With year-round sunshine, white-sand beaches, a tropical vibe, and a laid-back, easygoing lifestyle à la Jimmy Buffet, it’s no wonder the Florida Keys are one of the state’s most popular destinations. And Islander Resort, which recently completed a property-wide renovation, may be one of the best home bases for exploring the area.

I am sitting at the MSC Yacht Club Grill, an exclusive open-air eatery atop the 2-year-old MSC World Europa, when I begin to wonder if my butler, Lanto, can read my mind.

Southwest Airlines is ending its long-standing “two bags fly free” policy, marking the end of an era for the airline beloved by American travelers for its value and flexibility. The announcement follows Southwest’s decision last year to end its open-seating policy, with the first assigned seat tickets going on sale later this year.

Charleston, South Carolina, seems like a photoshoot waiting to happen: pastel-colored buildings, palm trees swaying in the breeze, and plenty of sunset views where the golden hour light is just that good. However, this South Carolina city is more than just a pretty face—Charleston is one of the top-booked places for bachelorette parties in the US.

Verdant grass, stone carvings, and a delightful bench to relax on. By all means, the green space in the small town of Nagaizumi, Japan—about atwo-hour drive southwest of Tokyo—has all the elements of an idyllic park … except for the fact that it totals about 2.58 square feet.