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?
Do you know about the Museum of BBQ in Kansas City? In May, I learned about a new museum and booked a quick trip to Missouri before heading back to work for my 32nd year in education. What a great way to end a summer of domestic and international traveling.
Back in 2020, we were all set for an unforgettable trip to Cartagena, Colombia. Then COVID-19 hit. Flight canceled. Thankfully, my Amex Platinum card ensured a full refund, but the wanderlust remained. Choose your travel reward cards wisely. Fast forward, and I’m thrilled to share that we finally made it.
Have you experienced fireworks in Music City? Although I recently made a brief stop in Nashville to tour Vanderbilt University, I was back in Tennessee at the Embassy Suites. Did I travel to Nashville to see fireworks? Well, I was also in town for the Music City Hot Chicken Festival.
I am back in Williamsburg, Virginia, because I found a deal on a property for Hilton Vacation Club Greensprings Williamsburg. I used 1,040 Club Points instead of 2,600 to book a two-bedroom, two-bathroom suite with a balcony. Although I was traveling solo, I managed to save 60% of my points.
Do you know how to play the travel rewards points game? Earning rewards points has become akin to a part-time job for some seasoned travelers. Before booking a flight, making a hotel reservation, or pulling out a credit card for a general purchase, have you skillfully analyzed your points-earning potential?
Can I get an upgrade? Have you ever requested an upgrade at your hotel when you check in? Almost every time I make a reservation, I receive an email offer from Hilton asking if I want to upgrade my room. I find the offers interesting because I have Diamond Status.
What do you do when you need to redeem a Hilton Honors Free Night Reward? I save my free night rewards for travel during Spring Break. However, I only traveled to Arizona and Virginia in 2025. I redeemed a free night with Marriott Bonvoy for a two-night stay in Phoenix.