Travel

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,…

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…

What Are Vaccine Passports? Online conversation abounds regarding the heavily debated topic — vaccine passports — and their use from international travel to sporting events to concerts. But what exactly is a vaccine passport? It’s essentially proof of vaccination, either…

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…

When you think of good weather, Southern California comes to mind for many of us. And when you think of somewhere to visit in Southern California, you should be thinking of San Diego. San Diego is the second-largest city in…

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…

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,…

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…

While COVID-19 meant travel came to a standstill, it also ushered in the golden age of virtual travel! Searches for virtual tours became increasingly popular, which lead to a rise in the quality and availability of some pretty incredible videos….

With about 10 million residents, Chicago is the third-largest city in the U.S., only behind New York City and Los Angeles. However, this Midwest city doesn’t necessarily feel as big and overwhelming as the other 2 sometimes do. Located on…

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…

Tactical backpacks can be stuffed to the almost bursting point without breaking and offer a practical and durable alternative to regular carry bags. Made from strong and durable material and featuring camouflage designs, external webbing, and oodles of extra pockets…

Joining the service comes with a lot of sacrifices, but it also comes with a lot of perks. We’ve talked a bit about those — from the best Chase and Amex cards for military members to discounts offered to active-duty…

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. With…

Do you like money? Are you or have you been in the military at some point in your life? Perhaps you’re married to a service member, your dad was in the Army, or your sister just finished boot camp? If…

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,…

Targus is renowned for offering its loyal fan base everything from rolling laptop cases to detachable tablet pouches and everything in between. Sharp lines and cleverly crafted interiors set its bags apart from the competition, all of which were designed…