As seasoned travel experts, we frequently enroll in hotel loyalty programs to uncover exceptional deals and complimentary benefits. These memberships deliver real value, enhancing every stay with free upgrades, points, and more.Here are standout loyalty programs offering impressive rewards:Accor: Earn points on stays at Accors 3,942 properties worldwide via the Le Club AccorHotels program. Basic members get priority check-in and early access to private online sales. Elite tiers provide late chec

For our travel experts, Costa Rica remains a top destination we revisit time and again. Heres why:Convenient access: Nonstop flights from 15 U.S. cities, under six hours from New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Dallas.No jet lag: Same time zone as the U.S. Midwest.Tourist-friendly and safe: Over one million Americans visited last year.Endless adventures: A paradise for thrill-seekers.Zip-lining, playful monkeys, jungle-fringed beaches, toucans, hot springs, turtles, world-class surfing, and sust

Ever noticed a Zagat certificate proudly displayed on a restaurant wall, featuring mysterious numbers like 28, 27, and 26? The prestigious brands reputation speaks for itself, but those scores were once puzzling. Founded in 1979 by Tim and Nina Zagat, Zagat pioneered user-generated content in dining. Its rigorous 30-point survey system for top restaurants built its authority in ratings and reviews for over three decades. This summer, under Google ownership, Zagat modernized with a universal 5-po

We offered one lucky traveler a chance to win one million United MileagePlus® award miles. No need to fly around the world 40 times or book trips to the moon—this promotion made earning miles simple. Note: This sweepstakes ended November 30, 2016. How it worked: Book any hotel with Travelzoo from September 8, 2016, through November 30, 2016, and you were automatically entered for a chance to win one million United MileagePlus® miles. The more hotel bookings, the better your odds! Search hotels

Among the Caribbeans 28 island nations, Puerto Rico shines as an effortless U.S. getaway for these key reasons: Nonstop flights from 22 U.S. cities No U.S. passport required Skip airport customs for faster beach access U.S. currency accepted—no exchanges or foreign fees With nearly 300 miles of coastline and year-round 80s temperatures, Puerto Rico is Americas premier Caribbean escape. Wander the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, relax on the vibrant beaches of Isla Verde and Condado, trek

Every adventure-loving traveler has Southeast Asia on their bucket list—including me. After nearly a year monitoring flight deals, I booked my ticket the moment the right offer appeared. My three-week journey brimmed with pad thai, sunshine, and unforgettable moments, but planning revealed challenges even for a seasoned traveler. Ive distilled my key lessons into the travel trifecta for your Southeast Asia adventure: Assemble the A-Team Choosing compatible travel companions often ranks low on p

From charming coastal towns to vast wilderness areas, California offers endless road trip destinations. While icons like Yosemite, Napa, and Santa Barbara deserve a visit, these five lesser-known gems provide uncrowded adventures. Driving the open road lets you immerse in the scenery and discover hidden treasures. Paso Robles Opt for the relaxed vibe of Paso Robles wine country over the busier, pricier Napa and Sonoma. Enjoy exceptional wines amid stunning landscapes. Home to over 200 boutique

Discover awe-inspiring vistas that showcase Americas natural splendor. These 12 domestic landmarks, from dramatic river bends to coastal cliffs, deliver unforgettable views—no passport needed. Horseshoe Bend This striking horseshoe-shaped bend in the Colorado River offers one of the Grand Canyons most dramatic sights, rivaling the areas renowned landmarks. How to get there: Located near Page, Arizona, access Horseshoe Bend via a dirt road and parking lot off Highway 89. Pro tip: Visit at sunri

Imagine returning to work after a holiday weekend and casually mentioning a quick trip to Machu Picchu. While ambitious, its possible to experience Perus Inca highlights—from New York—in under four days, using just one extra day off work. Drawing from our recent Memorial Day adventure, here are expert tips to maximize your time on this fast-paced itinerary. Plan Flights Strategically LATAM Airlines provides convenient overnight flights from New York to Lima, departing in the evening and arrivin

Holiday travel complaints are timeless, but with these proven strategies, you can travel stress-free, pack holiday cheer, and arrive at Grandmas with unwrapped gifts intact. Choose the Best Day to Fly Peak holiday periods bring crowded airports, sky-high fares, and weather delays. Use our guide and fare calendars for 1,000+ popular routes to identify the cheapest, least busy days and save significantly on time and money. Opt for Early Morning Flights To avoid missing turkey carving or gift unwr

Monterey County captures the essence of California in one extraordinary destination: acclaimed wine country, ancient redwood forests, and 99 miles of stunning coastline. Enjoy wine tasting in the lush Salinas Valley, tee off at legendary Pebble Beach, hike among towering redwoods in Big Sur, and explore boutique shops in Carmel-by-the-Sea—all in one unforgettable weekend. Travel is convenient with nonstop flights to Monterey Regional Airport from San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Phoenix,

While Napa and Sonoma Valleys draw crowds for Californias premier wines, the vibrant city of Santa Rosa—nestled between San Francisco and these iconic regions—remains an overlooked gem. Heres why savvy travelers consider Santa Rosa Wine Countrys ultimate hidden treasure.1. Perfectly Centered for ExplorationSituated about an hour north of San Francisco, Santa Rosa serves as an ideal hub. Reach Calistogas elegance in Napa Valley in 35 minutes north, Healdsburgs trendy vibe in 20 minutes, Sonomas h

This Halloween, adventure seekers can experience an unforgettable night at some of Americas most haunted AAA 4-Diamond hotels. From Vermont to Texas and California, these historic properties are renowned for spectral guests who never checked out. The Equinox Manchester Village, Vermont: Dating back before the Revolutionary War, this historic inn is among the nations most haunted. Mary Todd Lincoln, who frequented the resort with her family to escape Washington, D.C.s summer heat, is the most fam

Cruise lines are engaged in an exciting game of one-upmanship, launching ever-larger ships packed with innovative, unexpected amenities that elevate the sea vacation experience. If its been a while since your last cruise, discover these 10 standout perks from MSC Cruises. Theyre so impressive, youll wish they were part of everyday life. 1. An Infinity Pool Overlooking the Ocean While many cruise ships offer central pools surrounded by lounge chairs, MSC elevates the experience with infinity poo

Ever pulled off the highway for fast food during a long drive? That familiar golden arches sign looks tempting when hunger strikes. Regret often follows quickly. Next time, use the Zagat iPhone app to find superior dining options nearby instead. For over 35 years, Zagat has earned trust as the leading authority on restaurants. By surveying diners, it distills vast feedback into concise, consensus-driven reviews—helping you choose wisely without endless browsing. The refreshed Zagat iPhone app pu

Planning a family vacation raises the perennial question for parents: Where can we take the kids for an affordable, convenient, kid-friendly, and truly memorable experience? Theme parks often top the list as a classic choice, sometimes seen as a family milestone. But before booking hotels, dining plans, and line-skipping passes, consider Costa Rica—the land of zip lines, waterfalls, and extraordinary natural wonders. Yes, that Costa Rica. With a favorable exchange rate from a strong U.S. dollar

Guest post by Allison of Eternal Arrival, a California native, former NYC teacher, and full-time traveler who shares her firsthand experiences exploring Albania. Albania has long been overlooked by tourists, but its turbulent past—including one of historys most repressive communist regimes until 1991 and a devastating 1997 pyramid scheme that cost $1.2 billion—has given way to remarkable progress. Today, this Balkan nation with nearly 5,000 years of history influenced by Greeks, Illyrians, Roman

Thanks to Zagat’s refreshed iPhone app launched this summer, discovering exceptional dining options is now effortless—no more endless sorting, filtering, or sifting through thousands of reviews. Featuring a sleek interface and personalized recommendations, it’s the essential app for every food lover’s culinary adventures. It knows your location and cravings. At 12 p.m. in New York, the home screen intelligently suggests nearby lunch spots, coffee shops, and quick bites tailored to the time of d

Portlands winter brings rain and gray skies, yet this approachable, quirky, and innovative city captivates visitors year-round.Expect rain and plan accordingly. While the iconic rose gardens and outdoor markets close in January and February, Portland buzzes with craft breweries, live concerts, tax-free holiday shopping, and nonstop events—many free.Here are 14 reasons were packing for Portland right now.1. Its not your average city.Portland stands out with its unique vibe, embracing the keep it

One of my favorite travel moments is when a taxi driver or customs agent asks, “Is that all you have?” I relish the casual shrug, knowing my compact tote bag holds everything needed for extraordinary journeys.Recently, I returned from a 15-day honeymoon across Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos using just one tote bag—the same one that powered a five-week U.S. road trip last year. Traveling light on gear but heavy on adventure is entirely achievable. Drawing from years of experience, Ill guide you thr