Category: Travel

MGM REWARDS
Travel Tuesday: How I Earned $50 with MGM's Resort Hopping Offer for Las Vegas
Last week, I attended my fourth CES in Las Vegas. Ahead of the show's actual start, I had a chance to check out some of what was new on the Strip — or at least new to me, since I haven't been there in 18+ months. Incidentally, something new to me happened to fall into...
Chris Broad holding Abroad in Japan
Travel Tuesday: "Abroad in Japan" Audiobook Review
More than a decade ago, Chris Broad moved to Japan and started his cleverly named YouTube channel Abroad in Japan. Now, Broad has penned a new book of the same name that chronicles his time in the Land of the Rising Sun. As a fan of Broad's videos, I was excited to discover that he'd...
Matina Lounge ICN entrance
Travel Tuesday: Matina Lounge ICN Review
In the time that I've had my American Express Platinum Card, I had only ever visited one lounge via the Priority Pass that the card comes with — and even that wasn't a real lounge (it was a Minute Suites where my pass got me one hour for free and a discount on the second)....
Travel Tuesday: Using Octopus Card on Apple Wallet in Hong Kong
If you've ever been to Hong Kong, you've probably seen a logo that looks reminiscent of the infinity symbol. You may have spotted it at a convenience store, grocery store, train station, or even a vending machine. This logo actually represents the city's Octopus card system — which, as I alluded to, is not only...
entryway to the American Express Centurion Lounge Hong Kong
Travel Tuesday: Amex Centurion Hong Kong Lounge Review
Even though I've been an American Express Platinum cardmember since 2019, prior to last month, I had only been to three Centurion Lounge locations: LAS (multiple times), PHL, and CLT. That's partially because my travel took a bit of a dip soon after gaining my card (for obvious reasons) and also because my Delta loyalty...
view of Novotel Citygate Hong Kong Hotel
Travel Tuesday: Novotel Citygate Hong Kong Hotel Review
A couple of weeks ago, for the first time since 2019, my wife and I had a chance to return to Hong Kong. As these plans were coming together, I knew exactly where I wanted to stay: the Novotel Citygate Hong Kong. I'd actually stayed here twice before and was more than pleased with my...
view inside Hotel Vandivort Explorer Suite
Travel Tuesday: Hotel Vandivort Explorer Suite Review
No, your memory does not deceive you: I have reviewed Hotel Vandivort before — twice, in fact. However, with my wife and I recently celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary, we saw it fit to pay a visit to our local luxury hotel. This time around, however, we opted to try the King Explorer Suite. Additionally,...
Alaska Airlines plane
Travel Tuesday: Alaska Airlines is Offering a Status Match Challenge to Delta Elites
A few weeks back, Delta announced numerous changes impacting their most loyal customers. While I personally focused on the SkyClub entry rules and restrictions that are on the way, the adjustments made to the SkyMiles program were arguably even more disruptive. Not only did the airline move to a model that's based purely on Medallion...
model of the American Express Centurion Lounge at EWR
Travel Tuesday: Amex Centurion Lounge Coming to EWR in 2026
When I was a kid, my family would travel between Phoenix's Sky Harbor International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey at least once per year. Because of this, I have plenty of distinct memories from both hubs — but especially EWR. I still think about the signs at baggage claim warning travelers about...
illustration of woman sitting in a lounge
Travel Tuesday: Google Flights is a Adding Money-Saving Feature
Travelers who are looking at flight options and fares have often found Google Flights to be a useful tool. Now, thanks to some updates, the service could further help flyers save some money on bookings. This week, Google Flights announced that it would be upgrading the insights it provides to users. This includes giving flyers...
inside a deluxe room at Conrad Indianapolis
Travel Tuesday: Conrad Indianapolis Hotel Review
Last week, after years and dozens of times driving through it, I finally had the chance to spend some time in Indianapolis, Indiana. What brought me to town was Gen Con — a gaming convention that I was covering for my other work. But, of course, this also gave me an opportunity to stay at...
World of Hyatt
Travel Tuesday: Hyatt and MGM are Ending Their Partnership
One of the great ironies of travel loyalty programs is that, in many cases, you can actually leverage your loyalty status across other brands as well. Thanks to status matching, I've been able to enjoy a number of travel perks I certainly didn't earn on my own. Unfortunately, some previous opportunities have been going away...
Featured Articles
How Utilization Impacts Your Credit Scores: My Real-Life Example
You may already know that Credit Utilization is the second-largest factor FICO considers when determining your credit score. Specifically, it makes up 30% of your score, topped only by Payment History at 35%. But what does that look like in practice? Well, I recently got the "opportunity" to see firsthand. In April, I elected to...
Travel Tuesday: Allbirds Weatherproof Hightops - How They Compare to Mizzles
As I've mentioned more than a few times before, after purchasing a pair of water-resistant Allbirds Runner-Up Mizzles a few years back, they quickly became my go-to travel shoe. That's because they're not only comfortable but also help protect my feet from wet weather while on the road (there are few things I hate more...
This New Hardshell Carry-On Luggage Option Has My Attention
Welcome back to another Quick Tip — and the latest edition of our occasional, unofficial series Things Kyle Wants to Buy. When I returned from my most recent trip, for some reason, I had hardshell luggage on my mind. That's strange because my current soft-sided luggage has served me well and, moreover, I've traditionally not...
Would it Be Wrong to Try This Potential Free Checked Bag Trick?
I don't remember the last time I paid for a checked bag on a plane. Granted. I've paid for carry-ons while flying Allegiant — but, in the cases where I have elected to check a bag in recent years, it's been a free gate check since I occasionally volunteer to part with my bag early...