Strategic success: 10,000 bonus points for adding my teen as an authorized user

There's something extremely nostalgic about visiting a college town after Labor Day. Even on a warm day, there's a crispness in the air. Fall is on its way as campuses hum with activity and fans cheer on their favorite college teams at packed stadiums.

Dianna and Michael Norton both dreamed of visiting the U.K. She's an English history buff fascinated by things like the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels, and Michael had always wanted to see Stonehenge. But Michael's leg swelling prevented them from flying more than six hours at a time — a serious hurdle when most transatlantic flights start at around seven hours.

Visiting Japan will get slightly more complex in the coming years.The country is preparing to introduce a new travel authorization system in 2030 that will require visitors to declare personal information online in order to obtain permission to enter the country, Japan Today has reported.The new system is not all that unlike what the United States uses for foreign visitors, according to media reports. Individuals seeking to visit the United States, for instance, must use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which was rolled out as an anti-terrorism security measure.ESTA is used to assess whether a traveler is eligible to visit the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program, before the individual gets on a plane to come here.In a similar fashion, the new program being introduced for those seeking to visit Japan, dubbed JESTA, is also meant to screen individuals before they embark on a journey to Japan, per Japan Today.Introduction of the JESTA program in Japan marks a departure from the easy breezy process visitors from 71 visa-exempt countries have experienced for years. Those from visa-exempt countries have historically been able to make short-stay visits without requiring any visa documents.The Japanese government has said their goal is to reduce the entry of illegal immigrants who come from visa-exempt countries and stay longer than is allowed.Data from the Japanese government shows that of the 49,801 illegal short-term visitors to the country in January 2016, more than 28,000 arrived from visa-exempt countries and regions, according to Japan Today.Under the forthcoming JESTA program, visa-exempt foreign travelers will be required to declare their purpose of entry and place of stay online for screening by immigration officials before getting on a plane to come to Japan.And in cases where the online application is flagged for risk of illegal stay, the individual will not be approved to visit Japan. Instead, the traveler will be encouraged to obtain a formal visa through their local embassy in order to visit.The Japanese government will continue researching the proposed JESTA program over the coming year.

For me, the best part of traveling with points and miles is the planning. I love choosing a place I want to go and then carefully selecting cards with rewards that can take me there.

With more than 325 million people visiting America’s National Park Service sites last year, the natural sanctuaries are some of our country’s most beloved—and popular—travel destinations. Yet during those visits, only a slice of these precious lands comes into view.

Points and miles have helped me travel more (and better) this year. In fact, I've already saved thousands of dollars, and it's only September.

I'm an American born to British parents. My husband is British and recently obtained US citizenship after living there for 10 years. When we had our son (who also has dual citizenship), we knew we'd spend significant time on both continents. However, the pandemic, finances, and busy schedules kept us from traveling internationally.

United Airlines recently announced it will be discontinuing its in-flight paper magazine, Hemispheres. The travel magazine offered travel inspiration and updates on United’s routes, as well as flight and airport terminal information. In recognition of the magazine’s final issue, United is giving MileagePlus members the opportunity to receive the final issue.  “We’re offering select MileagePlus members the exclusive chance to get their own free copy of the final print issue of Hemispheres magazine while supplies last,” United shares on the website.  In order to request one of the limited-quantity issues, travelers must log-in on the promotional site with their United MileagePlus credentials. After selecting «RSVP Now,» members will be entered into the queue to receive a copy of the magazine, and notified if they are selected to receive it.  September’s issue, the current issue in United’s seatback pockets, is the final print issue of Hemispheres. Frequent flyers have been snapping photos holding the magazine to commemorate the history and significance of the magazine. Others on social media described inflight magazines as “warm nostalgia from my childhood.”

Air Canada Aeroplan has announced a new way to redeem points — but only for elite status members.

I often have sticker shock when booking flights and hotels. Even so, I select the best option and book a rate that offers free cancellation.

Want to get away to Europe? Travelers can score one-way flights for as little as 15,000 airline miles with this little-known frequent flier program. 

American Airlines has several new flight options for travelers eager to see the Colosseum in Rome, or take in the Prado’s art collection in Madrid.