Would you buy a timeshare package from Hilton Grand Vacations? I did. In June 2025, while passing through the Palmer House in Chicago, I signed on the dotted line. To seal the deal, I paid an initial $299, with a remaining balance of $149 due once I selected my dates.
Here are several things you should know if you spend New Year’s Eve in New York. While I visit at least once a year, I have never celebrated New Year’s Eve in New York. Planning for the ball drop requires navigating a complex set of security protocols and high-priced tickets.
Every December, I conduct a travel audit to help me create a travel plan for the following year. I review my expenses to see where I succeeded and where I can optimize for the future. By analyzing my 2025 wins and losses, I’ve built a roadmap for an incredible 2026.
I organized a trip to Park City, Utah, during the shoulder season to enjoy the beautiful mountain atmosphere. No snow in the forecast. I booked a stay at the Hilton Grand Vacations Club Sunrise Lodge. This wasn’t any vacation; it was a trip to celebrate three birthdays, including my own.
The annual fee is now $895, but here are eight ways I use my American Express Platinum card to receive a return on investment. Do you want to do the math with me to ensure the benefits are worth the fee? Oh, there are more ways to utilize the card.
Are you interested in volunteering for Open House Chicago in 2026? The third weekend of October brings the annual Open House Chicago (OHC), a FREE event organized by the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC), offering behind-the-scenes access to some of the most amazing architecturally, culturally, and historically significant buildings in the city.
You have to check out Omaha in October. Forget whatever you thought about Nebraska; Omaha is underrated. I snagged a low-fare flight, but honestly, I was trying to ensure I keep my A-List Preferred Status with Southwest. The last time I visited, I was there for AfroFest in September 2024.
When looking for hotel accommodations, do you need a little Spark? As a frequent traveler and Hilton Honors Diamond Member (HGV MAX owner), I’ve stayed at almost every Hilton brand—Canopy, DoubleTree, Embassy Suites, Tempo, and more. Since the timeshare properties in Scottsdale were full, I booked the Spark in Glendale.
It is time for a status run hack. I need a few more flights to maintain my Southwest A-List Preferred status, and I wanted to visit the American Express Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). When I came across a Southwest promotion, I snagged a flight for $115.
Here is a tale of two desert states: Arizona and Nevada. That’s why I’m here to tell you why linking a trip to both states is the ultimate travel hack for a perfectly-paced escape. My journey started in Chicago, and would you believe I scored my round-trip flight for $298?