Stephen's Latest Posts

Africa is one of the most wondrous continents in the world. Home to some of the rarest, untainted natural beauty, nature lovers and exotic travelers as a whole need to put Africa on their bucket lists. Whether you’re planning to…

Renaissance Hotels is one of Marriott Bonvoy’s 30+ brands — and as a premium brand offering full-service amenities, there’s a lot to love about this brand. In particular, we love Renaissance Hotels because there are many opportunities to redeem points…

Teaching is one of the noblest professions, as teachers are entrusted with educating the next generation. And while teachers are often underpaid, they are also expected to foot the bill for common school supplies like pencils, markers, and notebooks. Over…

Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s charming beach towns. If you enjoy white sand beaches, a charming small-town feel, gastronomy, and Mexican culture, this city should definitely be on your wish list. In addition to having beautiful beaches, fantastic marine…

We’ve all seen annual fees for certain credit cards slowly creep up over the years. If you’re looking to make a change to your portfolio, one of the biggest aspects of a credit card you should consider is the annual…

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is one of the world’s most interesting places. And while there are a few countries ridden with internal strife there, this area is truly one of the most culturally significant and historic…

One of the areas of credit card rewards that’s fraught with misinformation is clothes shopping. With thousands of different companies to shop at, thousands of different store credit cards you can sign up for, and countless types of reward structures,…

Punta Cana isn’t quite as popular as Cancún or Cabo, but the Dominican Republic’s easternmost city is famed for its 20-mile stretch of white sand beaches, clear waters, and delightful people. And although Punta Cana has plenty to do, including zip-lining,…

San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas are 2 of Mexico’s most frequented beach towns, especially by the wealthy. If you’re staying at a luxury resort in Los Cabos, there’s a decent chance you’ll spot a celebrity, depending on…

If you’ve ever used points and miles, chances are you’ve seen interesting variations in the “taxes and fees” you have to pay. After all, if you’re redeeming points, why should you have to pay extra? This makes sense in theory,…

If you can maximize your card’s benefits, the value proposition of The Platinum Card^® from American Express has never been greater. Our guide will walk you through all the nuances of the up to $200 prepaid hotel credit and inspire…

Marriott Hotels & Resorts is the classic, full-service, namesake brand within the greater Marriott International portfolio of over 30 brands. It’s associated with a full-service hotel concept, offering plenty of facilities and amenities for city hotels and resorts alike. Even…

At Upgraded Points, we are big fans of being world travelers — visiting the most exotic, far-and-away destinations, and doing so in first class while enjoying pure luxury and opulence. But sometimes, domestic travel is just as reinvigorating. It’s possible…

Heading to Las Vegas? Trying to figure out how to book Sin City hotels for free? You’re not alone! Whether you’re visiting Las Vegas for business, casinos, shows, or even the famous buffets, there’s plenty of luxuries to look forward…

If you frequently visit the pharmacy or drugstore to make purchases, you should think twice before swiping any random credit card in your wallet. The truth is that using the right credit card for these purchases can earn you generous…

Design Hotels is one of the most niche brands in Marriott’s portfolio. Started in 1993, this Berlin-based company was acquired under a majority 72% ownership by Starwood Hotels Group. And when Marriott merged with Starwood, it absorbed Design Hotels by…

A free night certificate is one of the biggest money savers you can use when booking travel. While it’s hard to imagine that you could ever get anything for free, getting these certificates as a credit cardholder is possible. Thanks…

We’ve all heard of the ultra-exclusive “black card” before. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that Amex’s black card is reserved for the ultra-wealthy and big-spending hotshots. Officially known as the Centurion^® Card from American Express, it’s…

Cancún is just a short flight away from the U.S. It’s a popular tourist destination year-round, but especially so during the spring and summer months, as well as the Christmas holiday season. Known for exceptional white-sand beaches, a lively culture,…

LATAM is Latin America’s largest airline company when you consider all of its subsidiaries. And although its history can be traced back to the early 20th century, the collective holding company was established in 2012 as a result of LAN’s…

Santander Bank, also known as Banco Santander (and formerly known as Sovereign Bank), is a Boston-based company boasting an array of financial services and products, including retail operations, mortgages, corporate banking, insurance, wealth management, capital markets, and more. Although Santander…