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.
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.
I attended the College Board Dream Deferred & HBCU Conferences in Los Angeles with two coworkers. Because I wanted to stop by the lounge, I invited them to meet at The Club MDW for breakfast. They usually sit at the gate. I can access the lounge via Priority Pass Select.
March Madness in Chicago is exciting, with events and activities that make the city come alive. While March Madness might bring basketball to mind, it is also a playful nod to the city’s unique traditions, like dyeing the Chicago River and hosting sporting events like the Men’s Big Ten Tournament.
Recently, I attended Fall Weekend at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, to support Angela. She earned the prestigious POSSE Scholarship. Although I received the dates for the event in August, details about transportation, parking, and accommodations were not sent until October. I used my travel rewards to make the trip.
October is the best time to visit Chicago. Why? Open House Chicago is a FREE, 2-day event that allows visitors to go behind the scenes of architecturally, historically, and culturally significant sites in neighborhoods across the city. This year, OHC will take place on October 18-19, 2025. Join the festivities.