Katie's Latest Posts

My husband and I found ourselves with a free week, so we planned a (very) last-minute trip to Key West, Florida. We had planned to visit Key West a few years ago, but that trip was canceled last minute due…

If you Google “best hotel hacks,” you’ll find a bunch of clickbait articles that are all the same, offering “hacks” that are mediocre at best. That’s not what we’re about here at Upgraded Points. We want to help you save…

Love it or hate it, flying on an airplane is a common part of travel. So, if you have to fly, you might as well make the experience as enjoyable as possible. We’ve compiled this list of 46 of our…

Spending time at an all-inclusive resort is a favorite type of vacation for many travelers. Not having to worry about who’s paying for dinner or how much drinks cost brings a new level of relaxation to any tropical getaway. However,…

All-inclusive resorts have a special appeal, especially for families who are looking for a simple vacation experience. At all-inclusive properties, you can show up to relax by the pool or enjoy the beach without worrying about extra costs — once…

One of the best things about points and miles is the ability to travel without having to put too much thought into how much it will cost. Recently, I helped organize a meet-up of travel-hacking women. We all knew of…

GHA DISCOVERY Overview The GHA DISCOVERY loyalty program is a hotel loyalty program from the Global Hotel Alliance, the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands. Joining GHA DISCOVERY Register online for a free GHA DISCOVERY account. How To Sign…

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…