Katie's Latest Posts

What’s better than flying somewhere for a fun vacation? Bringing a companion along for $99!! A companion fare ticket is a perk offered by select airlines based on either points accrual or credit card spend, and in this post, we’ll…

I love a good weekend trip to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life for a couple of days. Recently my husband and I decided to check out Washington, D.C., since it’s just a short 1-hour plane…

Did you know that Hyatt and American Airlines have joined forces to offer members more ways to earn points? Once you link your World of Hyatt and American AAdvantage accounts, this is an easy way to earn extra points and…

Saving money on airline tickets is a goal for most of us, so knowing how to utilize companion certificates is a smart piece of knowledge to acquire. While many airlines offer companion certificates, they all work a little differently. In…

SpringHill Suites by Marriott is an all-suite brand that offers spacious accommodations and free breakfast to all guests. While this brand might not be at the top of your list when it comes to dream hotel redemptions, there’s some good…

Mexico is a favorite travel destination because of its warm weather, great beaches, and proximity to much of the U.S., among other things. It’s great to be able to leave your home in the morning and be on a beach…

Hawaii is a dream destination for many travelers, but it can be very expensive. Thankfully, we know a thing or 2 about getting great hotel deals here at Upgraded Points, so we’ve compiled this list of the 10 best Hawaii…

Savannah, Georgia is a city known for its historic charm and southern hospitality. Located along the banks of the Savannah River that separates Georgia from South Carolina, this city makes a great place for a weekend getaway. I spent 2…

Courtyard by Marriott is probably one of the most well-known midscale brands out there, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a traveler who hasn’t stayed at a Courtyard location at least once. With over 1,200 hotels worldwide, it’s also the…

Choice Hotels often go overlooked in the points and miles world, with popular chains like Hyatt, Marriott, IHG, and Hilton getting most of the limelight. But, Choice is actually one of the largest hotel chains in the world with over 7,000…

Vacation ownership is a way of buying into a vacation commitment. Often called a timeshare, it involves prepaying for your vacations and locking in today’s rates with a specific hotel brand for years to come. While that might not appeal…

The World of Hyatt program is a favorite among many travelers thanks to its excellent redemption options and fantastic elite member benefits. One of the other great things about the World of Hyatt program is that you can book suites…

Dazzler by Wyndham is a small brand that’s only found in 4 countries in South America, so it might not be that familiar to you. Since it’s part of the Wyndham family of brands, you can earn and use Wyndham…

Often referred to as the birthplace of America, Philadelphia has tons of fun things to do for both kids and adults. It makes a great road trip stop or a weekend getaway, so my family and I decided to hop…

Who doesn’t love airline elite status? Getting perks like free checked baggage, upgrades, and lounge access can be helpful, but sometimes the path to elite status is unclear. At Upgraded Points, we’ve covered ways to earn elite status with lots…

Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts is a familiar brand to road warriors or anyone who has needed an inexpensive yet comfortable place to stay for a night or 2. What you may not know is that it is part of…

Booking your hotel room with points is a great way to save money on your next vacation. However, there are so many hotel brands and loyalty programs out there that it can be hard to know which ones offer the…

Hotel Indigo is a brand within IHG that focuses on each location’s unique personality. These boutique hotels are all different because they are a reflection of the neighborhood in which they reside, echoing their surroundings in everything from the hotel…

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is a brand of boutique hotels that is part of the IHG Hotels & Resorts family. It combines a whimsical yet sophisticated sense of design with unique amenities to deliver a one-of-a-kind guest experience. While Kimpton…

Homewood Suites by Hilton is an extended stay brand that offers great value along with upscale amenities that mimic the comforts of home, like free breakfast, a full kitchen, a 24-hour on-site convenience store, and free internet. While many of…

Having hotel elite status is great! It can make your stay even better with perks like upgrades, free breakfast, and late checkout. However, getting elite status can take some work. While many credit cards come with free hotel elite status,…