Bill tips

The horror story goes something like this: A family returns from a trip abroad, and the glow from the vacation has barely begun to fade when a cellphone bill with hundreds — or even thousands — of dollars in international charges arrives. The phenomenon even has a name: bill shock.

A year ago, we made our best guesses at what would happen with credit card rewards in 2023.

If you're looking for idyllic islands, rolling surf, untamed nature and showstopping wildlife, Panama is an ideal destination. It sits at the crossroads of the Americas, connecting two oceans, and beyond its cosmopolitan capital and legendary canal, Panama is a biodiversity hotspot. Did you also know it produces some of the world's  finest – and most expensive – coffee?

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

Hawaii Governor Josh Green said he is ready to “drop the hammer” or go “nuclear” on short-term housing rentals on Maui.

Looking down from Utah’s sheer Wasatch Range, I feel relieved to have made it to the end of one of America’s most challenging roads. Rising to nearly 2,500 metres, State Route 210 is no stranger to avalanches. Snow ploughs can’t keep pace with the blizzards and cannons trigger slides to mitigate risk. Travel can be slow and unpredictable — but manage to get here, and the skiing is arguably the finest in North America.

In 2019, my overall travel experience was significantly elevated after I discovered the world of airport lounges. For those who don't know, airport lounges are separate spaces inside terminals, and those with access can enjoy complimentary food and refreshments, private bathrooms, comfortable chairs and other amenities. Though some lounges require you to have a specific fare class or airline elite status, my Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers me a free Priority Pass Select membership.

For a limited time, Chase is running a special offer for signing up for one of its most popular cash-back credit cards.

Priority Pass is most well known for its network of airport lounges. But Priority Pass also includes some non-lounge experiences, including restaurants. These restaurants let eligible Priority Pass members enjoy sit-down dining experiences at select airports as part of their membership.

Closets organized by seasons, labeled containers in the pantry, shoes laid out by style and color—we all have that friend or loved one who can’t help but organize every element of their life. If you happen to be shopping for such a person this holiday season, there’s no doubt that they’re just as tidy when they travel. Thankfully, there are plenty of accessories to help them maintain their propensity for orderliness while on the move. From a thoughtfully designed toiletry bag to premium TSA-approved containers, these are the best gifts for organized travelers.

Only on Skift: What’s a key part of Booking Holdings‘ strategy to attract hotel and short-term rental guests? The company, which owns brands including Booking.com, Kayak and Priceline, spent around $6 billion on marketing in 2022 — and that was about 35% of its total revenue. A BTIG investor report published last week stated that Booking gets around 50% of its traffic direct; around 20 percent from free search engine listings; roughly 15% from social media, email, display ads and referrals, and 15% from paid search engine marketing — “and it spends billions annually to get that last piece.”

Airbnb recently reminded hosts that it plans to shutter its email alias feature September 30. The feature enables hosts and guests to email and share documents, such as PDFs of property guides, passports and other IDs from their regular emails accounts without having to log into Airbnb.

What do you do when you’re a short-term rental operator during peak travel season in a busy market with regulatory restrictions?

Happy hump day! And we continue to discuss the housing market and mortgages. 

Happy hump day, folks! How do you like our new fall look? In today’s required reading recommendation, I insist you take 10 minutes to read this Curbed article, “Upstate Buyers Are Too Rich For Airbnb.” 

Good morning, readers! I hope you’re have your reading glasses on, this is a long one.

Guests can check-in early, purchase upsells and cut their own room key using the intuitive, streamlined kiosk.

In our opinion, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is well worth its $150 annual fee (see rates and fees) if you're a Hilton loyalist, as it offers valuable earnings rates and automatic Hilton Gold elite status.

Forget the traditional holiday mall crawl and the awkward Santa lap-sit; this year, one hotel is during the festive dial up to eleven. Welcome to Hardy's Holiday Village at Nemacolin Resort in Farmington, Pennsylvania, where the usual holiday cheer is swapped for something akin to a Broadway-level extravaganza. It's over-the-top, it's dazzling, and it's everything you didn't know you needed this festive season.

I recently had the privilege of staying at the Montage Kapalua Bay on Maui, and I have to say: Sleeping there was a sublime experience. Every night, my husband Bill and I just sank into the sheets and comforter, and quite literally, the experience was just dreamy.

For many years now there’s been a misconception about Europe… that it’s expensive and that a comfortable retirement there is beyond the reach of the average American...