Stephen's Latest Posts

Normally at Upgraded Points, you’ll find a lot of focus on long-haul destinations. This is our typical strategy because traveling in premium cabins on long-haul flights is usually much more expensive than doing so in economy, making these flights virtually…

If you’re like a lot of travelers, you might have a favorite airline you usually travel with. Or maybe you’ve collected plenty of points and miles to make a reward booking you’ve been waiting for, but aren’t sure where to…

Whether you do major weekly grocery shopping to feed a family of 5 or just pop in to grab a rotisserie chicken on your way home from work for a solo meal, we all spend money at the grocery store….

Marriott has a large presence around the globe, with more than 8,000 properties across the world. Its robust loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy, allows guests to earn points for qualifying activities such as staying in a Marriott hotel or spending money…

Singapore is one of Southeast Asia’s major tourist destinations and economic hubs. A port city by history, Singapore now has one of the most advanced market economies in the world. Today, Singapore is a foreign investment haven, foodie nirvana, and sightseeing…

Spain is no stranger to U.S. tourism. Even more popular than Italy and Germany, Spain enjoys over 80 million visitors from around the world every year! Home to bullfighting, delicious food, siestas, wine, and art, Spain is a cultural paradise….

Dubai’s history is staggering. Once you make your way past the skyscrapers, you’ll discover a rich Emirati culture, deep culinary arts scene, and no sign of tourism slowing down. Home to the tallest freestanding building in the world and one…

Hong Kong is a bustling city. A capital of global finance, the city also has amazing cultural traditions and an unmatched international atmosphere. Unsurprisingly, this city sits at or near the top of the priority list for many travelers. Though…

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, each household spends more than $3,000 on gas purchases each year. And with the way prices at the pump keep climbing, that amount can add up to a lot of travel rewards…

You don’t have to be a foodie to appreciate earning rewards when dining out or ordering in from your favorite restaurant. In fact, we’d say that there’s no sweeter dessert than seeing the points, miles, or even cash-back roll in…

There are tons of great ways to fly to Europe with miles and points, and any number of redemptions can help you get from the U.S. to London. However, many of these options require you to connect in another country…

If you’re tired of flying economy and want to fly business or first class (without paying crazy amounts of cash), you need to earn the right type of points and then use them in a smart way! Follow these 3…

Taiwan’s EVA Air is one of the most underrated airlines in the world. Although the airline is often overlooked by flyers in favor of other, luxurious Asian carriers like Japan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Cathay Pacific, EVA Air has plenty…

Unlike Hilton’s flagship brand Hilton Hotels & Resorts, which has more than 580 properties in 94 countries, the Conrad Hotels & Resorts brand has just 47 properties in 22 countries. While more elusive to find, Conrad Hotels & Resorts is…

Hilton Hotels & Resorts is the flagship brand of the Hilton collection and one of the most recognizable hotel brands in the world. With ~600 hotel properties in 90+ countries, Hilton has a large footprint that makes it easy to…

DoubleTree by Hilton is one of Hilton’s 14 brands. Unlike many hotels that cater to either business or leisure travelers, Hilton has developed the upscale DoubleTree by Hilton brand to suit both. You can find DoubleTree by Hilton locations across…

As one of the largest hotel chains in the world, Hilton Worldwide has more than 7,500 properties in over 120 countries and territories. For those who travel, specifically those who redeem Hilton Honors points, there are so many options to…

Whenever you book a segment of a trip, you’ll often see an option to purchase travel insurance to protect your adventure. That can often be a good idea, especially if you’re planning a bigger or more expensive trip (though you…

Qantas first class is undoubtedly one of the most difficult products in the world to book. Getting to the Great Outback has been, and continues to be, exceedingly difficult and expensive. Making this logistical journey via a nonstop flight turns…

Long considered one of the best experiences in flying, traveling in Singapore Airlines’ first class is a luxury you won’t want to miss. Specifically, Singapore Suites is one of the best first class cabins in the industry. Not only is the…

Cathay Pacific ranks among the top airlines in the world for its first class seats, lounges, inflight catering, lounge dining, and amenities. Luckily for us, we have several options for using miles and points to book Cathay Pacific first class….