Although it has been years since I’ve traveled in mesmerizing Tokyo, my memories are as vivid as though they had been sparked yesterday—pleasures aswirl in unique flavors and noises, creativity and ingenuity. So when luxury publisher Assouline released the new book Tokyo Chic, I dove into its 312 lush-paper-stock pages, with more than 200 photographs and illustrations, which are bound in an outsize (10-by-13-inches, 6.4-pound) format—a hefty hardcover wrapped in silk. The brainchild of Andrea Fazzari, whose deft imagery and words are love letters to the inimitable capital, Tokyo Chic showcases a massively enthralling—yet strikingly intimate—city. Currently based in Tokyo, Fazzari is a James Beard Award-winning photographer, author and restaurant maven with notable backgrounds in fashion and film. Born in New York City, she has lived in France, Hong Kong, Italy, Spain and Thailand—and speaks four languages. What a sophisticated guide to have at your armchair traveler’s fingertips! Indeed, this coffee table tome would make a treasured holiday gift for those who have already vacationed in Japan or simply dream of doing so.
Wells Fargo confirms new Autograph Journey card and forthcoming transfer partners
01.12.2023 - 23:05 / thepointsguy.com
There's a lot of excitement within the travel rewards landscape at the idea of a new rewards credit card, new transfer partners and the idea of a new-to-everyone welcome offer. And for the last few weeks, Wells Fargo and its Autograph card portfolio have been at the center of some of that speculation.
We love a good rumor as much as the next person, but since speculation alone doesn't fund reward trips, we got on the phone with our contact at Wells Fargo to parse out fact from fiction about exactly what is coming next.
While we still don't have all the details, here's everything you need to know (for now) about what's coming.
TPG was able to confirm that Autograph Journey is the new Wells Fargo credit card coming in 2024. This card will join the existing Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card, which launched in 2022 and offers a solid value proposition for a card with no annual fee (see rates and fees) — including a welcome offer of 30,000 bonus points when you spend $1,500 or more in purchases in the first three months from account opening.
The new Autograph Journey Visa card will most likely have an annual fee, though specifics around that are not yet 100% confirmed.
While the existing points-earning structure of the Autograph Journey was not yet available, Wells Fargo did confirm that the points-earning structure at launch will be more lucrative than that of the existing Autograph card, which awards 3 points per dollar in the following categories:
Additionally, TPG was told that any speculation about the welcome offer for the new Autograph Journey card at launch is just that — speculation. Such details are still under development and not finalized.
In addition to an all-new card, TPG has confirmed that Wells Fargo will launch transfer partners in its Autograph portfolio. However, unlike some reports, that won't be this year.
The exact timing of when transfer partners will come to the existing Autograph card (as well as the new Autograph Journey card) in 2024 is not yet available, nor is the list of transfer partners. However, this redemption option will be available on the relatively near-term horizon for the Autograph portfolio and, as such, will likely represent a major boost to the issuer's customers.
Currently, the Wells Fargo Autograph Card is a fixed-value product, as the points you earn can be redeemed at a value of 1 cent apiece — for a statement credit or gift card (in $25 increments) or to book travel. However, since transferable rewards programs typically offer added flexibility and enhanced value through individual sweet spots, this has the potential to be a very positive development.
For now, that means that just one Wells Fargo card — the Bilt Mastercard® (see rates and fees) — offers transfers
Tommy Bahama Brings Beach Vibes to Its First Hotel
The retailer Tommy Bahama is best known for its Hawaiian shirts and board shorts. But the yacht-owning multi-millionaires who like the brand’s easy breezy clothes have wanted a similarly ultra-chill hotel to slip into.
Last-Minute Christmas Eve Dinners Still Bookable In New York City
Christmas Eve is Sunday, December 24. And while Sundays aren’t typically the hardest nights to grab reservations, the holiday is changing things up, with plenty of top restaurants already fully booked. If you procrastinated, have a change of plans or just want to leave the cooking (and cleaning) to the pros, there are still plenty of great options to dine out in New York City this Christmas Eve. Here’s where to go:
Why I love my Chase Sapphire Preferred card — and will always keep it in my wallet
Being a points and miles enthusiast means I have a drawer of credit cards. Choosing which cards to carry in my wallet can be a daunting task at times. However, one card will always have a slot in my wallet: the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.
Meet The Golf Caddie Who Launched A New Whisky Empire In Scotland
Kingsbarns Distillery is the brainchild of Scottish golf caddie Douglas Clement. As a long-time caddie at Kingsbarns Links in the East Neuk of Fife in Scotland, Clement was constantly entertaining wealthy golfers who visited from all over the world to play Golf at St Andrews. His clients always wanted to go to a distillery for whisky tasting during their visit but there was nothing nearby, so he began to form a plan.
Japanese Luxury Hotel And Michelin Chef Partner On A Meal Fit For A Monarch
The idea of a “meal fit for a king or queen” gets plenty of lip service among those with no experience eating food served in a castle, or presiding over a monarchy. Taken literally, what would be the perfect royal meal for luxury food tourists searching the globe for a unique experience?
Bilt Rewards adds Avianca LifeMiles as its first South American airline transfer partner
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.
Breeze Airways Is Adding New Routes to California, Orlando Next Year — and Is Celebrating With 2 Flight Sales Right Now
Low-cost airline Breeze Airways is adding to its warm-weather routes next year with seasonal flights from Connecticut to Orlando and new service from the New England state to Orange County, California.
Caribbean Splurge: A Sailboat of Your Own (Well, Sort of)
Last April, Chris Kotchick, a Scranton, Pa., oral surgeon, and his family spent a week on a chartered catamaran in the calm, clear waters off the British Virgin Islands. A crew of two — part of the deal — ran the show.
The best credit cards for gas in 2023
This series of articles about credit cards, points and miles, and budgeting for travel is brought to you in partnership with The Points Guy.
American Express Membership Rewards transfer partners: the most valuable options for 2023
This series of articles about credit cards, points and miles, and budgeting for travel is brought to you in partnership with The Points Guy .
7 Can't-Miss New Year's Eve Parties in New York City
For most New Yorkers, Times Square is a place to be avoided at all times—especially and unequivocally on New Year’s Eve. The Ball Drop looks fun and exciting when watched from the warmth and privacy of your couch but in real life, it looks like a million people packed between police barricades and squished up against each other in the cold for way too many hours, waiting for a 10-second countdown. And there are no public restrooms.