Ruth Tisdale Ruth Tisdale

Amex Platinum Revamp 2025: What You Need to Know

Big changes are coming to the Amex Platinum in 2025—and seasoned points travelers are paying attention. With rumors of expanded lounge access, new lifestyle credits, and a higher annual fee, the card is evolving fast. But is it keeping pace with competitors like the Chase Sapphire Reserve? In this breakdown, we compare the rumored upgrades and help you decide if the revamped Platinum still earns its place in your wallet.

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Ruth Tisdale Ruth Tisdale

Part 4: Lima & Cusco — How I Used Capital One Miles for a Luxury Peru Vacation

Ever dreamed of visiting Peru without breaking the bank? In Part 4 of my “Vacation for Free” series, I show you how to fly from Chicago to Lima and Cusco, stay in 5-star hotels, and even booked a domestic flight—all using Capital One Miles. From rooftop views in Miraflores to colonial charm in the Andes, this entire 8-day trip cost me $0 out of pocket. Here's exactly how I made it happen.

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Ruth Tisdale Ruth Tisdale

How I Booked a 7-Day Trip to Kenya Using Just Amex and Chase Points

In the third part of my “Vacation for Free” series, I reveal how I used 137,000 Amex and Chase points to book a 7-day adventure to Kenya—covering flights from Charlotte and a full week at a stylish Hyatt hotel in Nairobi. With just under $500 in out-of-pocket costs, this trip proves you can explore East Africa without breaking the bank.

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Ruth Tisdale Ruth Tisdale

Bilt Points in Action: My Free Caribbean Escape from Nashville

In Part 2 of my “Vacation for Free” series, I’m breaking down how I used 200,000 Bilt Points to book a 7-day all-inclusive trip to Jamaica from Nashville—covering both flights and hotel with nearly zero out-of-pocket cost. From strategic airline transfers to Hyatt resort rewards, here’s how I turned points into paradise.

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Ruth Tisdale Ruth Tisdale

Best Places to Travel in Africa from June to September: Iconic & Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations

“What are good places to visit in Africa in the summer?”—it’s a question we hear all the time at Another Word For Travel.

Here’s the answer—plus a full list of 8 amazing countries to explore between June and September. From festivals in Ghana to spotting baby gorillas in Rwanda to unwinding on the beaches of São Tomé —this guide’s got culture, adventure, and hidden gems you may not have heard of (yet).

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Ruth Tisdale Ruth Tisdale

Top 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa

Discover the top 6 must-visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa—from Ethiopia’s rock-hewn churches of Lalibela to the wildlife-rich Serengeti in Tanzania and the rich history of Cape Coast Ghana. Explore ancient cities like Timbuktu, the pristine Okavango Delta in Botswana, the sobering slave history of Cape Coast Ghana and the historic ruins of Great Zimbabwe. This guide highlights Africa’s most breathtaking cultural and natural wonders for history lovers, safari seekers, and adventure travelers alike.

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Points Travel Ruth Tisdale Points Travel Ruth Tisdale

Maximize Your Points Travel: Chase and Aeroplan’s 20% Transfer Bonus

Now through June 17, Chase is offering a 20% transfer bonus to Aeroplan, Air Canada’s frequent flyer program. This is the perfect time to maximize your points travel and book flights with airline miles on Star Alliance carriers. With current deals to Asia and Africa, you could be sipping champagne in business class or exploring the world—without breaking the bank.

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Ruth Tisdale Ruth Tisdale

Get This New Luxury Hotel for 110k Points

Currently, you can reserve a stay at the Sax Paris, LXR hotels for a remarkably low rate of just 110,000 Hilton points per night. This is an outstanding deal, particularly when considering that many other Hilton hotels typically start at over 200,000 points per night.

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