Rent a $14 Electric Car to Watch the October 14 Solar Eclipse — Here's How

One of the biggest mistakes I see people making when they begin their points and miles journey is to rapidly open tons of travel rewards credit cards without any plan for what they're going to do with them. Some cards might entice you with a large welcome bonus, and others will be long-term keepers, but it's possible that after 11 months of using the card and experiencing its benefits, you might change your mind about it and cancel the credit card before the annual fee is due.

Of all the many locations where a “ring of fire” annular solar eclipse will be visible on Saturday, October 14 in the U.S. one of the the most popular places to be will surely be San Antonio in Texas.

American Express cardholders (and even some non-cardholders) will get a chance to enjoy a slew of special offers during American Express Member Week. Amex is back this year with a five-day event from Oct. 9-13, with cool experiences and statement credits on travel brands like Delta Air Lines and Hilton that add up to nearly $400.

The year’s supermoon bonanza may be behind us, but the sky has a host of stargazing treats in store this October. Get ready for two meteor showers, bright planet sightings, and arguably the most anticipated astronomical event of the year: the annular solar eclipse come mid-month.

The “ring of fire” annular solar eclipse will, for most people in the U.S., be merely a partial solar eclipse. Only if you get into the 125 miles wide path that stretches from Oregon through Texas will you see the “ring of fire”—and only then for just a few minutes.

In the middle of a field in a lesser known part of Ireland is a large mound where sheep wander and graze freely. Had they been in that same location centuries ago, these animals might have been stiff with terror, held aloft by chanting, costumed celebrants while being sacrificed to demonic spirits that were said to inhabit nearby Oweynagat cave.

Almost fifteen years ago, I was in Florence, Italy, on my first solo travel trip. I was lost trying to find the apartment that I was staying in, and a man walked up to me, asking if I needed help. I was panicked and not thinking clearly, so I told him the address, and he offered to help me find the building. 

This series of articles about credit cards, points and miles, and budgeting for travel is brought to you in partnership with The Points Guy.

Before this summer, Harshit Bajpai was a self-proclaimed van virgin.

I’m the world’s only “eclipse journalist.” For the very latest on the “ring of fire” solar eclipse—including the latest travel and lodging options—please press the big blue “follow” button above or check my main feed for new articles each day.

I’m the world’s only “eclipse journalist.” For the very latest on the “ring of fire” solar eclipse—including special travel and lodging options—please press the big blue “follow” button above or check my main feed for daily articles.

Road trips are certainly a lot of fun — if you do them the right.