by Cherry | Senior Travel Editor, The Miles Academy | Oct 20, 2025 | Maximizing Points and Miles
Card rewards let you redeem for flights, hotel stays, rental cars, merchandise, experiences, dining, and more. The catch is that not every option treats your balance kindly. Some redemptions return roughly 0.5 cents per point, while smarter moves can deliver several...
by Cherry | Senior Travel Editor, The Miles Academy | Oct 20, 2025 | Credit Card Reviews and Strategies, Maximizing Points and Miles
If you already carry a couple of cards and you are thinking about opening another, it is natural to wonder if there is a sweet spot for how many accounts to keep. There is no single formula that fits everyone, but national data from a major credit bureau shows many...
by Cherry | Senior Travel Editor, The Miles Academy | Oct 20, 2025 | Maximizing Points and Miles, Travel Guides
Like many travelers at heart, we keep a long wish list of places to see and experiences to savor. Our budget, however, is not limitless. So we learned to get creative about travel. Sometimes that means choosing a second‑choice destination that still excites us. Other...
by Cherry | Senior Travel Editor, The Miles Academy | Oct 20, 2025 | Credit Card Reviews and Strategies, Maximizing Points and Miles
If you have ever rented a car, you know the scene. You step off a long flight, shuffle to the counter, and the agent offers collision protection for a daily fee that adds up fast. Saying yes feels easier than thinking it through, yet the card in your wallet may...
by Cherry | Senior Travel Editor, The Miles Academy | Oct 10, 2025 | Flight Booking Tips and Strategies, Maximizing Points and Miles
Hawaii is a dream for beach time, volcanic scenery, and living traditions. Whether you are planning a quick escape or a multi island itinerary, here is everything you need so you can book with confidence and enjoy the islands at your pace. When Hawaii Shines For You...
by Cherry | Senior Travel Editor, The Miles Academy | Oct 5, 2025 | Maximizing Points and Miles
Welcome offers are among the strongest perks of travel rewards cards. Meet the minimum spend and you unlock points or miles that can be worth hundreds of dollars. Missing that window is the biggest mistake you can make after opening a new account. We follow a simple...