Travel
Jet2 and Ryanair issue travel alerts after amber weather warnings put in place by the Met Office
Airlines have issued urgent travel warnings as Storm Éowyn threatens to cause widespread disruption to UK flights in the coming days.
Jet2 and Ryanair are both warning passengers of potential flight disruptions, with severe weather conditions expected to impact services across the country.
The warnings come as the Met Office forecasts “very strong winds and widespread disruption” to hit the UK from Friday and continue through the weekend.
Airlines are advising passengers to closely monitor their flight status, with road, rail, air and ferry services likely to face significant impacts.
Britons have been told to check for updates with disruptions possible in the coming days
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Jet2 said: “Our operations team are closely monitoring the UK forecast to ensure we have the most up-to-date information for all Jet2.com departing and arriving customers on Friday, January 24.
“If you are travelling with Jet2.com, we plan to operate our flights as close to schedule as possible, unless advised, however, there may be some disruption should the weather deteriorate.”
Jet2 warned customers to “be prepared for a longer than normal wait either in the terminal or onboard the aircraft to depart.”
The airline apologised in advance for any disruptions fliers may experience.
Ryanair has separately warned of immediate disruptions to UK flights today due to fog and low visibility conditions.
The airline said affected passengers will be notified of any changes to their flights.
It said: “Passengers travelling to and from the UK on Wednesday, January 22 should check their Ryanair app for the latest updates on their flight.
“We regret any inconvenience caused to passengers by these weather conditions, which are outside of Ryanair’s control.”
Winds of up to 90mph are set to batter the UK
PA
The alerts come after the Met Office issued yellow and amber weather warnings across the UK for the coming days.
It warned that Storm Éowyn poses serious risks to public safety, with a warning in place for a danger to life.
The Met Office said: “Some roads and bridges will close. There is a chance that damage to buildings and homes could occur, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down.
“Injuries and danger to life could occur from flying debris, as well as large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.”
A few streets back from the glacial shimmer of the River Inn and tucked beneath the watchful peaks of the Nordkette mountains lies the Weisses Rössl restaurant, Innsbruck’s unapologetic ode to Tyrolean gastronomy.
This culinary nook – not to be confused with the hotel of the same name at the same location – offers an unpretentious kind of charm that’s warm, welcoming and refreshingly unassuming, and has belonged to the same family for four generations.
The food
The restaurant offers traditional Tyrolean dishes, honouring recipes that have been passed down through the generations.
Adventurous diners will enjoy trying the escargots from Gugumuck – a Viennese snail farm – served with a garlic herb butter and toast. Andreas Gugumuck, a former employee of IBM, has been committed to reviving this once-popular Austrian delicacy for nearly two decades.
Alternatively, try the Beef Tartar, a classic Austrian appetiser here made from Tyrolean ox, and served with sliced red onion, butter and toast. It’s made with premium beef, such as local Alpine cattle breeds, prized for their tenderness and flavour.
Inspired by the traditional meat-based tartar, the vegetarian alternative – Gemüse-Tatar – is a vegetable tartar featuring finely chopped or diced vegetables combined with various seasonings.
There’s a selection of soups on the menu, too, including the celery cream soup served with truffle oil and a celery garnish.
If you’re feeling hungry, choose the Spinatknödel from the mains – spinach dumplings with Tyrolean mountain cheese and brown butter. It’s classic Alpine comfort food – hearty, flavourful, and perfect for a rustic meal – but exceptionally filling.
A less heavy but equally rustic dish to enjoy is the Tiroler Gröstl- roasted potatoes with beef, fried egg and bacon cabbage salad. It was originally created as a way to use up leftover ingredients and is typically cooked in a single pan, giving it a homely and comforting appeal.
Garnelen-Gröstl is a contemporary twist on the traditional Austrian Gröstl, substituting meat with garnelen (German for shrimps or prawns). This dish combines sautéed potatoes with shrimp and various seasonings, offering a lighter yet flavorful alternative to the classic version.
If you’re seeking a lighter, elegant dish that highlights the natural flavours of Austria’s lakes and rivers, choose the Saiblingsfilet, Alpine char that’s commonly found in Austria’s pristine mountain lakes and prized for its delicate flavour and tender flesh.
And for dessert? We passed, but there was the Austrian favourite Kaiserschmarrn served with stewed plums, as well as apple strudel, among the menu choices.
The chef
The soul behind the kitchen is Hans Ruetz, a local chef who started his culinary journey at Weisses Rössl. After some years as head chef, he decided to broaden his horizons with a culinary world tour, gaining experience in Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand and Thailand. He returned in 2012, bringing international influences and years of expertise to every dish, with a focus on quality, craftsmanship and delivering great flavours. A visit to the restroom takes you past a window through which you can see the kitchen team at work.
The ambience
The dining room is typically Tyrolean with wooden panelling and sturdy furniture. It’s bustling when we arrive with what appears to be a good mix of local and international diners, yet all united by the enjoyment of good food.
The Alpine region’s religious and cultural heritage is depicted by a crucifix in the corner and angels hanging from the ceiling, the latter possibly just a seasonal decoration given that we were dining in January.
There’s also a terrace that can accommodate many more diners.
Everything you need to plan your trip in 2024
The cost
Starters range from €5 to €20 while mains typically hover at a very reasonable €15 to €25 (with the one outlier being the Tyrolean fillet steak at €42.50).
The final verdict
Weisses Rössl doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. Instead, what it offers is an honest, skillful homage to the flavours of Tyrol – rich, robust and unapologetically Alpine. It was our first meal after landing in Innsbruck and delivered a hearty welcome to the region, setting a high bar for the rest of our trip.
Disclosure: Our trip was sponsored by Innsbruck Tourism.
Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Telegraph.
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When it originally opened in September 1926, the Breakers loomed large on the Long Beach, California, skyline … at a soaring (for the time) 14 stories.
After it was reflagged as the world’s eighth Hilton in the 1930s, it became known as one of the best hotels on the West Coast, attracting Hollywood golden age glitterati like Elizabeth Taylor and Cary Grant. Since then, it has changed hands several times and was most recently a retirement home.
Related: TPG’s 16 favorite hotels in California for every type of traveler
These days, the hotel — which reopened as a Fairmont in November 2024 after a multiyear, $150 million renovation — might be dwarfed by the surrounding edifices. But it retains a regal air thanks to its inimitable Spanish Revival style and imposing silhouette.
The interiors, meanwhile, have been gorgeously redone with an eye toward art deco flair (think: rounded velvet furniture and polished brass light fixtures) while retaining original elements like ornate crown molding and old-fashioned mail chutes still intact.
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We got a first look at the hotel days after its opening. Here’s what the experience was like.
Fairmont Breakers Long Beach location
The Fairmont Breakers Long Beach sits smack dab in the middle of downtown Long Beach, right along Ocean Boulevard. The hotel is just under 7 miles away from Long Beach Airport (LGB), which takes around 20 to 30 minutes by car to reach. Depending on traffic, you can expect to pay around $40 to get to and from the airport via a ride-hailing service.
The property is also 25 miles south of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and a ride from there can take anywhere from 40 to 75 minutes and cost upward of $80 if you are using a ride-hailing service. Another option is John Wayne Airport (SNA), which is 25 miles southeast of the hotel in Santa Ana, California. The drive from there can take around 40 to 60 minutes and cost approximately $70 when using a service like Uber or Lyft.
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If you’re already visiting Los Angeles, it’s easy to reach the hotel via main thoroughfares. It sits just a short distance off Interstate 710 (also known as the Long Beach Freeway).
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Fairmont Breakers Long Beach booking details
The Fairmont brand is part of Accor and participates in the Accor Live Limitless loyalty program. Members can earn points on stays when booking directly through Accor at a rate of 25 points per 10 euros ($11) spent and redeem them in increments of 2,000 points to save 40 euros ($44) on hotel bills. Booking as a member through Accor also opens up preferential rates that might include discounts and add-ons such as free breakfast or on-property credits.
Rates at the Fairmont Breakers Long Beach start at $349 per night.
Standout features
- You’ll want to check out the hotel’s several swanky watering holes, including the rooftop Halo venue and the lobby jazz lounge Alter Ego.
- The building has gorgeous historical features, as well as beautifully redone rooms and public spaces.
- Guests can anticipate affordable room rates with on-property benefits when booking directly through Accor.
Drawbacks
- Though renovated, the building is old, so some rooms have quirky configurations.
- Staff are still finding their footing, and while service is genuine and warm, it is not as polished as it should be soon.
- Unfortunately, the hotel isn’t part of any of the credit card luxury hotel booking programs yet.
The vibe at Fairmont Breakers Long Beach
“That’s the mayor of Long Beach,” our server at Nettuno said as she set down a plate of Caledonian prawns with Calabrian chili butter, indicating a man entertaining a large dinner party at a nearby table.
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He was just one of many locals we found checking out the newly opened hotel in November. The spa was mostly booked during our two-night stay, and both the glamorous dining room at Sky Room and the gardenlike lounge at Halo on the upper floors were packed with curious Long Beachers eager to try the food and drinks at the city’s hottest new hotel.
No doubt the fanfare will calm down over time and the crowd mix will veer more toward out-of-town business travelers and families checking out Long Beach’s longstanding attractions. But for now, it was nice to see a mix of visitors and locals alike.
Rooms at Fairmont Breakers Long Beach
Although it had 330 accommodations back in its original heyday, after the recent renovation, the Fairmont Breakers Long Beach now houses just 185 rooms and suites. These start with 279-square-foot Fairmont King rooms and range up to the Breakers Two Bedroom Suite on the 12th floor.
I stayed in a Fairmont Bay View King, which is a few categories higher, about 20 square feet larger and around $50 per night more expensive than a standard room. It was at the end of the hallway on the hotel’s ninth floor and offered views of the Port of Long Beach and San Pedro Bay through large windows that let in plenty of natural light.
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The room had a short entry hallway and a small closet that were probably vestiges of the historical room footprint.
The room’s color palette was inspired by the port, with tones of industrial grays, cloudlike whites and swirls of blue and gold on the rugs, plus some framed seashells above the king-size bed. The spotless white linens, woven straw wall accents and bleached wooden floors gave the room a clean, contemporary look.
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Attached to the wall in one corner was a large flat-screen TV. To the other side of the bed, there was a small sort of multipurpose area featuring a round, marble-topped table that doubled as a place to eat and work. It had one heavy armchair with a ropelike frame (another nod to the nearby port’s industries) next to it. There were also a Nespresso machine and complimentary bottles of water.
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The most impressive feature was the bathroom, which was surprisingly large for an old hotel building. The space included a long marble countertop with two sinks and mirrors, a separate water closet with a frosted-glass door and a marble spa-style wet area that contained both the bathtub and the shower.
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There was a wall-mounted, hand-held showerhead and another overhead one with several stream functions, including a mister. Both the vanity and the shower area were stocked with Le Labo Rose 31 products.
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Though on the small side, the room’s fresh look and spacious bathroom created a luxurious ambience equally suited to both leisure and work trips.
Food and drink at Fairmont Breakers Long Beach
There are five bars and restaurants at the Fairmont Breakers Long Beach, and even a short stay is enough to experience most, if not all, of them.
Nettuno
Nettuno is the hotel’s main restaurant and sits next to the reception area in the lobby. Its dining room has soaring double-height ceilings anchored by squared-off columns with antiqued-mirrored surfaces and Corinthian capitals that are beautiful contrasts to the contemporary art on the walls and the chainlike chandeliers strung across the ceiling.
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The breakfast menu offers standards like avocado toast with baby kale, cherry tomatoes and stracciatella on seedy whole wheat ($18) and an egg white omelet with seasonal herbs, mushrooms and goat cheese ($20), plus pastries like a fluffy blueberry-olive oil muffin ($6) and a variety of coffees, teas, juices and smoothies ($6 to $16).
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The lunch and dinner menus feature mostly coastal Italian fare like zucchini blossoms filled with lemon-herb ricotta ($24), artichoke tortelli with brown butter and sage ($28) and tiramisu ($10).
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Sky Room
Sky Room, which takes up most of the hotel’s 13th floor, dates to 1938, when Conrad Hilton took over the property and turned a penthouse suite into one of the West Coast’s toniest restaurants.
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It is looking as splendorous as ever again thanks to a complete restoration. It’s easy to picture yourself here during its prewar pinnacle as you cozy up in one of the enormous circular velvet booths or at the intimate two-tops by the windows, all illuminated by a dazzling fluted light fixture that appears to ripple as it runs nearly the length of the dining room.
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Open only for dinner Tuesday through Saturday, Sky Room feels like a throwback to the supper clubs of yore thanks to the bustling, neatly uniformed staff, a cocktail list of old favorites and a roster of continental classics you might have found on some of the original menus — oysters Rockefeller and clams casino, anyone? You can actually spot some of the 1930s menus decorating the walls near the entrance.
Start with piping-hot parkerhouse rolls with whipped cultured butter ($8), then tuck into specialties like luscious Dungeness crabcakes with smoked trout roe and caviar butter ($28) — there’s even a whole caviar menu, if that’s your thing.
Bring a few friends to indulge in the California wagyu beef Wellington with mushroom duxelle, bordelaise sauce and prosciutto encased in a flaky pastry crust ($165), or go lighter with the juicy whole John Dory (fileted tableside, of course) with yuzu-kosho beurre blanc and herb salad (market price based on weight). The wine list features bottles from around the world, including the likes of chardonnay from Western Australia’s vaunted Vasse Felix winery ($105 per bottle).
Order the bananas Foster ($22) to end your meal with a bang … or rather a flambe as the staff sets the dish alight right at your table.
Halo
Halo feels like a little secret tucked away on the hotel’s top floor. Inside, glazed green tiling, pink wallpaper with exotic leaf motifs and a beautifully lit, deep-veined alabaster bar all create the feeling of a Caribbean garden party.
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That’s only heightened by the tropical cocktails, like the startlingly blue Clarified Top Floor Mai Tai ($19) with Bacardi Ocho rum, Plantation Stiggins pineapple rum, Wray & Nephew overproof rum, Grand Marnier, lime, mango and pineapple.
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Come the warmer months, the outdoor terrace should be the best place in town to catch the sunset and views of Catalina Island across the channel.
An added historical oddity? If you look up at the hotel’s belvedere, you can still spot a World War II pillbox gun turret from when the building formed part of the country’s coastal defense.
La Sala
On the street side of the lobby, La Sala is designed to feel like a cozy solarium with jade-green chinoiserie wallpaper adorned with blossoming trees and a palm-shaped brass and crystal chandelier overhead. Guests and visitors can stop in for barista-made coffee and tea drinks, cocktails and light bites throughout the day and evening.
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Alter Ego
Moodily lit and decorated with emerald velvet chairs and Henri Rousseau-like floral prints on the walls, Alter Ego is located just off the lobby. There will be live jazz most nights to accompany creative twists on classic cocktails, including updates on the daiquiri and the dirty martini.
The drinks to order, though, are the specialty Old-Fashioneds, including one inspired by California’s redwoods with Old Forester bourbon, various house-made botanical tinctures, “campfire” bitters, a smoky mist and even an edible pine cone ($23).
Amenities and service at Fairmont Breakers Long Beach
On the eastern end of the ground floor, the Fairmont Breakers Long Beach has a small fitness center and a bi-level spa.
The fitness center has a plethora of window-facing Technogym cardio machines, including treadmills and stationary bikes, plus racks of weights, resistance bands, kettlebells and balance balls, among other equipment. There’s also a water dispenser so you can fill up your own bottle.
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Next door, the Fairmont Spa has an airy reception area replete with cream-colored marble and contemporary brushed brass light fixtures, plus plenty of counter space to display the products incorporated into the treatments, including items from Biologique Recherche, Venn and Lola’s Apothecary.
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There are separate men’s and women’s locker rooms with steam rooms and shower facilities, as well as a pre- or post-treatment lounge area with blond timber walls and chaise-style seats separated by diaphanous curtains.
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The treatment menu includes intriguing options like a Venn supercharged facial (60 minutes for $260) and the signature Breakers massage that you can tailor to your preferences (60 minutes for $220).
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Up on the third floor, the hotel now features a small outdoor pool and deck with plenty of lounge chairs, some seating vignettes and a pool bar (though it was not open during our stay).
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Service at the hotel could not have been warmer or more enthusiastic. There were a few opening-week hiccups, such as a server bringing the wrong dish or a certain glass of wine on the menu not being available, but those have likely been ironed out by now.
Out and about
For those not familiar with the area, there is plenty to see and do in Long Beach.
Families might want to walk to the Aquarium of the Pacific and the waterfront where harbor cruises and ferries to Catalina depart. The nearby Terrace Theater hosts performances throughout the year, and various beaches as well as the Long Beach Museum of Art are quick drives away. There is also outlet shopping, plus the independent boutiques of Retro Row, nearby. As for business travelers in town for meetings or conferences, the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center is conveniently situated next door.
Accessibility at Fairmont Breakers Long Beach
Old hotels, especially those with landmark status that prohibits drastic changes to their infrastructure, can sometimes be hit or miss when it comes to accessibility, but the Fairmont Breakers Long Beach has incorporated plenty of accessible features into its renovation.
The hotel’s main entrance and ground floor are step-free, so those in wheelchairs can access all the spaces. There are also elevators to every floor, including a small wheelchair lift up to the pool deck from the third floor. Speaking of the pool, it has a chairlift at one end to assist folks with limited mobility into the water. The spa also has wheelchair-accessible showers in its locker rooms.
The hotel’s hallways are all wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs, and there are seven room and suite categories with mobility- and hearing-accessible facilities. They include toilet and shower grab bars, and closet rods, towel racks and viewports less than 48 inches high. Those designed for hearing-impaired guests include visual alarms and doorbells.
Checking out
Unlike many of the other entries on our list of the best hotels that opened in 2024, the Fairmont Breakers Long Beach is not a new hotel. Rather, it is a landmark reborn, one with a storied legacy dating back nearly a century that still manages to feel completely fresh thanks to its new lease on life. Having already garnered the interest of locals, who come to hang out in its grand public spaces, it’s only a matter of time until word gets out and travelers from farther afield start realizing what a special stay awaits them.
Related reading:
Turn down a cruise cabin upgrade? You might think it sounds ridiculous — and you’re right. If a cruise offers me a free suite, I’m certainly not going to say no.
The sad truth is free upgrades are rare. The days of surprise upgrades from your cozy inside cabin to a spacious balcony room are mostly over.
Nowadays, cruise lines expect you to pay for your cruise ship cabin upgrades. Free upgrades, when offered, are hardly ever as good as they sound and are typically from one room to another within the same cabin category.
If you’re going to pay good money for an upgrade, be positive your new digs are much better than the original room you picked. If they’re not, tell the cruise line they do not have a deal. Here are five reasons to turn down a cruise ship cabin upgrade.
You can’t pick your cabin location
An upgrade is essentially the same as booking a guarantee cabin — a type of room where your cabin category is guaranteed, but your specific room location is not. You agree to let the cruise line pick your cabin in exchange for giving you a discount on that room. You give up the right to control where on the ship your cabin is located.
If you’re prone to seasickness and prefer a midship cabin on a lower deck, you might not want an upgrade that could land you at the very front or back of the ship where it’s rockier.
If you’re sensitive to noise and specifically chose a room far away from the elevators and the noisy Lido Deck, you will want to say no to a cabin upgrade that can’t guarantee a quiet locale.
Travel groups that purposefully booked rooms near each other should not accept upgrades that would split them among different decks.
Related: 8 cabin locations you should definitely avoid
When that cruise ship cabin upgrade offer arrives, think about how strongly you feel about where your cabin is located. If location is important, you will want to turn down the upgrade offer.
It’s too expensive
Not all cruise cabin upgrades are free. Typically, the cruise line will offer the upgrade at a discount, meaning you’ll pay less for the upgraded room than it would cost to book it outright, but more than what you paid for your original cabin.
No matter how good a deal that seems, if money is tight, don’t take the upgrade. Save your vacation budget for tours and shoreside fun or onboard treats like date-night restaurants and fun cocktails.
After all, you’ll get a bed and bathroom no matter which cabin you choose, but you won’t have as much fun if you have no budget left to spend once you’re on board.
Related: 15 ways that cruisers waste money on ships
You booked a specific cabin type
Some travelers need specific cabins. Cruisers who use a wheelchair or have mobility difficulties purposefully book accessible cabins with roll-in showers and wider doorways. Families book connecting cabins or designated family-friendly rooms with an extra bathroom or that can sleep five or six. Wellness enthusiasts book spa cabins for their Zen-like decor and thermal suite perks.
If you have booked a specific type of cabin for a reason, do not accept an upgrade offer. Usually, the cruise line cannot guarantee they will upgrade you from one accessible or spa cabin to a nicer one. In addition, upgrade offers apply to a single cabin, not a pair of connecting rooms.
The upgrade isn’t good enough
You should only say yes to a cruise cabin upgrade if it will get you a nicer cabin. However, what a cruise line deems a better cabin might not actually be worth more money in your eyes.
Cruise lines break down all the cabins within the same category (for example, all outside cabins) into subcategories, based on location, layout, size and perks. A midship inside cabin on an upper deck might be deemed more desirable and priced higher than an inside cabin on a lower deck at the back of the ship.
A cruise line might offer you a same-category upgrade, moving from one balcony cabin to a “better” balcony cabin, rather than to a mini-suite. If you don’t care about cabin location, don’t take the cabin upgrade. You’ll end up paying more for a room that’s essentially the same as the one you booked for less.
If the upgrade is free, or if the new cabin comes with extras you will use (such as concierge access or spa perks), consider saying yes. However, if the cost of the upgrade is not worth whatever benefits the new room has, politely decline the cruise cabin upgrade.
You might not get all the perks
Cruise lines will sometimes offer complimentary booking perks to sweeten a limited-time promotion. Book during the promotional window, and you might be rewarded with onboard credit or free kids’ fares.
If you choose to upgrade, you will receive additional room-based perks, like concierge access or priority debarkation. However, you could lose the booking perks you already have.
Related: The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
How? If you booked a cruise and then notice that prices have fallen, you can give yourself an upgrade by rebooking a nicer cabin at a lower price. In doing so, you will often lose your previous booking perks and be eligible only for the current promotion.
For example, if you booked a promotion offering a $100 onboard credit and free kids’ fares, but the current offer only includes a $50 onboard credit and $99 kids’ fares, you might lose half the onboard credit and need to pay extra for your family when you rebook to upgrade your cabin.
Decide whether the trade-off between a nicer cabin and your existing booking perks is worth it. If not, don’t go for the cabin upgrade.
Bottom line
In many cases, a cruise ship cabin upgrade will get you a better cabin — roomier accommodations, a better ship location and maybe extra perks. However, not all upgrade offers are desirable, especially if what you value in a cabin type and location is not what the cruise line will give you. Don’t hesitate to say no to an upgrade if the offer does not represent good value for your money.
Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:
- The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
- A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
- The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
- The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
- A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
- 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
- Top ways cruisers waste money
- The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin
Citi Custom Cash Card overview
The Citi Custom Cash® Card is a solid cash-back card with no annual fee. This card differentiates itself from other options on the market by providing the unique ability to earn up to 5% back on your top spending category each billing cycle up to the first $500 spent, then 1% back after that. Whether you’re a credit card newbie or want a card that will help you maximize purchases that don’t fit into other traditional bonus categories, you’ll want to consider adding this card to your wallet. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
* Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
The Citi Custom Cash Card has no annual fee but takes a different approach from the issuer’s popular Citi Double Cash® Card (with up to a 2% cash-back rate on all purchases, 1% when you buy and 1% as you pay, see rates and fees).
With this card, you’ll earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spending category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent.
We typically recommend that applicants have a credit score of 670 or higher to increase their chances of approval. Let’s review this card and see who it is best for.
The information for the Citi Custom Cash Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Citi Custom Cash pros and cons
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Citi Custom Cash welcome offer
The Citi Custom Cash Card comes with an easily attainable welcome offer — earn $200 cash back, after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
This offer is comparable to other no-annual-fee, cash-back cards. While it’s certainly not the most outstanding offer, the sign-up bonus is a nice little incentive to apply.
This is the usual offer seen on the card and has been for some time now.
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Citi Custom Cash benefits
The Citi Custom Cash is light on benefits, which isn’t surprising since there’s no annual fee.
However, there are a few perks and essential security features:
Earning cash back on the Citi Custom Cash
Each billing cycle (roughly every month or so), you’ll earn 5% cash back on the first $500 of purchases in your top spending category from the following list:
*Select transit is defined as car rentals, ferries, commuter railways, subways, taxis/limousines/car services, passenger railways, bridge and road tolls, parking lots/garages, bus lines, and motor home and recreational vehicle rentals. Also includes merchants that sell electricity for charging an electric vehicle. Excludes bike/scooter rentals, auto clubs and insurance companies.
**Select travel is defined as airlines, hotels, cruise lines and travel agencies.
***Select streaming services are defined as cable, satellite and streaming providers such as Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Music, Apple Music, Disney+, DirecTV Stream, ESPN+, FuboTV, Max, NBA League Pass, Netflix, Pandora, Paramount+, Showtime, Sling TV, Spotify, Starz, SiriusXM, Vudu, YouTube Red, YouTube TV, and Tidal.).
This card truly caters to your lifestyle, whether you’re jet-setting one month or cooking it up in the kitchen the next. If you max out the $500 spending limit each billing cycle, you’ll earn $25 in cash-back rewards per month — for a potential maximum of $300 in rewards annually.
There is no need to preselect your top spending category each month — this card will automatically choose that category.
For all other categories, you’ll earn 1% unlimited cash back. You’ll also earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2026.
One TPG reader likes to use the Citi Custom Cash to earn more cash-back rewards because the card “covers spend categories I don’t get on other cards.” (via a TPG newsletter survey)
Note: Reader-submitted responses have not been edited, reviewed or approved by the issuers nor reflect TPG’s opinions of these cards.
The Citi Custom Cash is a solid option to get the most out of your most frequent spending category, even if it’s typically difficult to earn elevated rewards in that category on most other cards.
Redeeming cash back on the Citi Custom Cash
To put it in simple terms, 1 ThankYou point equates to 1 cent of cash back rewards. That means you’ll earn 5% back (or 5 points per dollar) on the first $500 spent on your top eligible spending category.
There’s no minimum balance you need to reach before accessing your rewards — which isn’t the case for many cash-back cards. You can request a statement credit or direct deposit at any time. However, if you’re requesting a check, there is a minimum reward balance of $5 (or 500 points).
If you’re adding the Citi Custom Cash on top of your Citi Strata Premier℠ Card (see rates and fees) or Citi Prestige® Card, you can also unlock the option to convert your points into miles with Citi’s hotel and airline transfer partners to extract potentially greater value from them.
The information for the Citi Prestige has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Which cards compete with the Citi Custom Cash Card?
There are many options on the market for those who want to avoid paying an annual fee altogether.
- If you want simpler rewards: Try the Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees). This card is excellent for beginners since you’ll earn 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay off your bill (for a total of 2% cash back on all your purchases). Plus, you’ll enjoy the uncapped earning potential on the Double Cash if your spending exceeds the $500 limit on the Custom Cash. For more information, read our full review of the Double Cash.
- If you want rotating rewards: Go for the Chase Freedom Flex®. This card also has no annual fee, and you’ll earn 5% back on up to $1,500 in purchases on rotating bonus categories each quarter you activate — which breaks down to roughly $500 in spending each month. Chase will set the bonus categories each quarter, but in the past, we’ve seen common vendors such as Amazon, home improvement stores and gas stations included in these rotating categories. For more information, read our full review of the Freedom Flex.
- If you prefer Capital One: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers 5 miles per dollar spent on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases and comes with a $95 annual fee. Best of all, you can transfer miles to Capital One’s 15-plus airline and hotel partners for greater rewards. For more information, read our full review of the Venture Rewards.
For additional options, check out our full list of the best cash-back cards.
Related: How I’m maximizing the Freedom Flex’s rotating categories in the final quarter of 2024
Is the Citi Custom Cash worth it?
If your spending habits change frequently, spending a lot on one category one month and a different category the next, then Citi Custom Cash is a good choice for you. It has customizable rewards that match your spending patterns.
The best part is that the process is automated, meaning you only have to spend money in a specific category to earn ample cash back. However, if you want a card with many extra benefits, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Bottom line
The Citi Custom Cash Card is a terrific choice for a cash-back card, as you’ll gain true flexibility to earn rewards depending on your spending habits. Adding the Custom Cash may also be a good idea for existing Citi cardholders seeking to maximize their rewards through the Citi ThankYou program.
Related: The complete guide to Citi ThankYou Rewards: How to earn, redeem and transfer points
March might just be the Goldilocks of travel months. It’s not too cold. It’s not too hot. It’s that “just right” sweet spot where winter’s final frost gives way to spring blooms — or beach days if that’s more your vibe. Sure, you might bump into some spring break crowds (cue the college kids cannonballing into pools). But don’t worry: It’s easy to find spots where you’ll only hear the sound of waves or mountain breezes.
Whether you’re chasing bluebonnets in Texas, sipping cocktails on a quiet Caribbean beach or finally squeezing in a ski trip before the snow melts, March delivers. Here are the 10 best places to travel in March.
Atacama Desert, Chile
Chile’s Atacama Desert — one of TPG’s top destinations in 2025 — has ideal weather in March. The daytime highs hover in the mid-70s, while nights dip into the mid-40s, giving you a pleasant mix of weather for sunny hikes and cozy evenings. March also offers a rare celestial treat: a total lunar eclipse the night of March 13 to 14, with the desert’s famously clear skies making it a prime spot to catch the blood moon.
By day, explore Valle de la Luna’s martianlike terrain, float effortlessly in the salt-rich waters of Laguna Cejar or visit the Tatio Geysers, where steam jets shoot sky-high at sunrise. Don’t miss stargazing tours (Get Your Guide has several options) or sandboarding down the dunes for adrenaline-fueled fun with tour companies like Sandboard San Pedro.
TPG tip: Make San Pedro de Atacama your home base. Here, you can stay at spots like Our Habitas Atacama, which opened in 2023 and features desert-inspired decor, a pool, a wellness area and a restaurant and bar. Rates start at $329 per night this March.
Madhya Pradesh, India
As the dry season peaks, Madhya Pradesh becomes a haven for wildlife and history enthusiasts. With more national parks than any other state in India, the central region is home to Bengal tigers, leopards and more than 500 bird species. March is an excellent time to visit, as animals gather near water sources, increasing wildlife sightings.
Bandhavgarh National Park’s hilly terrain and rivers create a stunning backdrop for spotting wildlife like hyenas and jackals this time of year. For a safari excursion, check out Panna National Park and Tiger Reserve, known for its dense jungles (with, you guessed it, lots of tigers) and Instagram-worthy waterfalls. Luxury outfitter Micato Safaris can help you plan an itinerary to see these wild wonders.
Beyond the wild, Madhya Pradesh is home to many historical sites. The eighth-century Gwalior Fort towers over the landscape, while the rock art of the Chambal Valley dates back to the Paleolithic era. At Khajuraho, UNESCO-listed temples captivate visitors with intricate carvings depicting life, mythology and spirituality.
TPG tip: Check into the brand-new Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort, Bandhavgarh, which opens this February on the edge of Bandhavgarh National Park and will have 21 safari-style tents with private gardens. Rates and reservations will be announced at a later date.
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Ireland
Nothing says March vacation quite like heading to Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day. On March 17, the entire country transforms into a party, with Dublin leading the charge. There are parades with epic floats, street performers, live music and plenty of pubs overflowing with good craic (that’s Irish for fun).
Beyond the festivities, March is a quieter way to explore Ireland’s one-of-a-kind terrain. Visit the country’s west coast to check out the Cliffs of Moher, which rise 700 feet above the Atlantic and offer dramatic ocean views. Or, drive along the Ring of Kerry’s winding roads, where you’ll find more rugged coastlines and storybook villages like Sneem and Kenmare.
History is everywhere on the emerald isle, from the grand halls of Kilkenny Castle to the ancient Rock of Cashel, once the seat of Irish kings. Temperatures in the upper 40s mean you’ll need a good coat, but the cooler weather keeps popular spots quieter.
TPG tip: Book a room at the Conrad Dublin, where rates start at $260 or 69,000 Hilton Honors points per night in March.
Chicago
Speaking of St. Patrick’s Day, Chicago is another destination to get in the Irish spirit without leaving the country. The dyeing of the Chicago River the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day (March 15 this year) is pure St. Patrick’s Day magic. The river transforms into a brilliant green, setting the stage for one of the world’s more unusual holiday traditions.
And the festivities don’t stop there. The Windy City goes all-out for St. Patrick’s Day with lively parades, bagpipe performances and Irish dancing. The downtown parade, winding through Grant Park, is a spectacle of floats, music and plenty of green. Afterward, head to local Irish spots like The Kerryman Chicago or Butch McGuire’s for a festive meal and a pint of Guinness.
Beyond the holiday, families can lace up for a spin on the Ice Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park, while theater lovers can catch Peru’s Teatro La Plaza perform a Spanish version of “Hamlet” at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Later in the month, art enthusiasts can visit The Art Institute of Chicago for the “Frida Kahlo’s Month in Paris: A Friendship with Mary Reynolds” exhibit (opening March 29) that showcases the famous painter’s time in Europe.
TPG tip: Stay at the Park Hyatt Chicago for around $396 or 21,000 World of Hyatt points per night in March.
Related: The 17 best Chicago hotels
Dominican Republic
March in the Dominican Republic means warm days with temperatures in the mid-80s and fewer crowds than peak winter travel. The comfortable weather means you can lounge all day on the island’s white sand beaches or visit inland areas.
Take a day trip to Saona Island for turquoise waters and laid-back vibes, or explore Los Haitises National Park with its mangrove forests and caves etched with ancient Taino carvings. For adventure seekers, the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua are a must. Slide, swim and jump your way through this series of cascades.
TPG tip: The recently opened Zel Punta Cana is an all-inclusive resort with easy access to the vibrant beaches of Punta Cana. In March, it costs $269 per night with a MeliaRewards rate.
If you plan to visit later, the luxurious St. Regis Cap Cana (starting at $881 or 104,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night) will open in April, adding even more exclusive options.
Related: 25 best all-inclusive resorts in the world
Houston
Bluebonnets bloom across Houston in March, painting fields and parks in vibrant blue hues, like Texas’ answer to cherry blossom season. Stroll through Buffalo Bayou Park to see the biggest blooms. Crawfish season is also in full swing, and spots like Crawfish & Noodles and BB’s Tex-Orleans serve up steaming, spicy piles of freshwater crustaceans.
Then there’s the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo — a Texas-size celebration with concerts, carnival rides, livestock shows and heart-pounding rodeo action. Think bull riding, funnel cakes and cowboy hats everywhere you look. With mild temperatures in the 60s and 70s, you can soak up the city’s outdoor charm, savor its food scene and embrace all things Texas without the summer heat.
TPG tip: The new Thompson Houston is a great home base. You can book a room starting at $343 or 17,000 World of Hyatt points per night in March.
San Pedro, Belize
In March, San Pedro, Belize is a tropical retreat with warm temperatures in the 80s, blue skies and the dry season in full swing. Plus, it’s prime whale shark season. So, book a snorkeling or diving tour with Ambergris Divers to Hol Chan Marine Reserve or Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat. For more underwater adventures, explore Shark Ray Alley, where you can swim alongside nurse sharks and stingrays.
On land, take a leisurely bike ride around the sandy streets dotted with seafood restaurants and beach bars like Hurricanes Ceviche Bar. Visit the Belize Chocolate Company for local treats, or enjoy fresh seafood at beachfront spots like Blue Water Grill. Cap off the day with a sunset sail or rum cocktail overlooking the barrier reef.
TPG tip: Stay at Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection for $379 or 52,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night in March.
Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe
March is when Victoria Falls (one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World) truly roars to life. The month is peak flow season, with the Zambezi River at its fullest, sending massive amounts of water cascading over the falls’ mile-wide edge. Known locally as “The Smoke That Thunders,” the falls create a thick mist that might feel like walking through a rain cloud — so don’t forget a rain jacket!
Head to Zimbabwe for the best views, where well-maintained paths and viewpoints provide jaw-dropping perspectives. The Zambia side offers a more adventurous experience, including the chance to inch close to the falls’ precipice via Knife Edge Bridge.
Beyond the falls, you can take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, spot wildlife like elephants and hippos or try white water rafting if you’re feeling daring.
TPG tip: Stay as close as possible to the falls at The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara, where rates start at $577 per night in March.
Val d’Isere, France
Val d’Isere offers top-notch late-season skiing in Europe. Located in the French Alps, this world-class resort has high-altitude slopes, ensuring reliable snow coverage throughout March. Plus, there are fewer crowds compared to the busier months of January and February, so you can look forward to shorter lift lines and more space on the slopes.
With over 185 miles of interconnected pistes (aka ski runs or trails), there’s something for everyone, from beginner-friendly runs to expert-level descents. Off the slopes, the apres-ski scene is lively but less packed, with bars like La Folie Douce playing live music and serving mulled wine with mountain views.
March also brings slightly warmer weather, so you can explore the charming Alpine village without freezing. After a day on the slopes, enjoy cheesy raclette dinners at Ski Gallery & Fondue Factory, boutique shopping or unwinding in a spa (like The Spa Sisley).
TPG tip: Splurge and stay at Airelles Val d’Isere for around $1,600 per night in March. It’s part of the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts program, so you’ll get a $100 food-and-beverage credit, free breakfast and other perks.
Related: Why it might be cheaper to fly abroad to ski
Oman
If you’ve been waiting to explore Oman’s deserts, mountains and cities without melting in the heat, March is the time to go when daytime temperatures hover in the 70s and 80s.
In Muscat, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a must-see. Its intricately carved marble walls are mesmerizing, and the sheer scale of the place will take your breath away — from the second-largest handwoven carpet in the world (a whopping 21 tons!) to the massive Swarovski crystal chandelier that lights up the grand prayer hall.
Nearby, Mutrah Souq is a feast for the senses. Wander through narrow alleys scented with frankincense, and browse stalls overflowing with handcrafted jewelry, colorful textiles and traditional Omani silver. Try halwa, a sweet local treat you won’t forget.
For a dose of adventure, head to the Wahiba Sands with GidOman Tours for camel rides, dune bashing and magical nights under the stars at a Bedouin-style camp. Prefer the mountains? Trek through ancient villages in the Al Hajar Mountains and climb Jebel Shams, Oman’s tallest peak, for canyon views.
TPG tip: Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel is a great jumping-off point in Muscat. Rates start at $278 or 43,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night in March.
Travel doesn’t always go as expected. For example, if your airline loses your checked luggage, you end up in the hospital during your trip, or a close family member becomes unexpectedly ill, dealing with these situations can be costly. That’s where travel insurance may help.
You might already know that some travel rewards cards have embedded travel insurance benefits when you use your card for purchases. We won’t discuss that type of travel insurance in this article; instead, we’ll discuss a specific type of travel insurance you can purchase on a trip-by-trip basis.
American Express® Travel Insurance offers preset packages and the ability to select just the coverage options you want. You don’t need to use an Amex card or even be an American Express cardmember to purchase American Express Travel Insurance.
What is American Express Travel Insurance?
American Express Travel Insurance may help provide coverage for the unexpected.
You can select a preset package, which will come with set benefits and coverage amounts — these options allow you to get a package without needing to think through all the details yourself.
You also have the ability to purchase exactly what you want for your trip. For example, if you only want to purchase Global Medical Protection, you can do that. This ability to purchase only the coverage you want is relatively unique among the types of travel insurance I’ve researched.
You can purchase American Express Travel Insurance with any debit or credit card, including those not issued by American Express. You don’t need to be an American Express cardmember to purchase American Express Travel Insurance as you can use any debit or credit card to purchase.
Unlike other travel insurance policies that may not cover all your travel companions, American Express Travel Insurance allows you to enroll up to 10 people (including yourself), and also gives you the ability to cover travel companions outside of your family.
Due to the ability to pick only the protections you want or a preset package at a price point that fits your needs, American Express Travel Insurance offers particularly good options for travelers who are budget conscious or need the ability to customize coverage.
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In the next sections, we’ll discuss the types of preset packages and a la carte coverage you can purchase with American Express Travel Insurance. Then, we’ll discuss how to buy this insurance.
Related: Should you get travel insurance if you have credit card protection?
What types of American Express Travel Insurance are available?
American Express Travel Insurance offers preset packages, but you can also build your own coverage and select only the protections you want. The best way to see the options for a specific trip is to click the link in the previous sentence and enter a few details about your trip, but here’s a look at both types of products.
Build your own coverage
Being able to select only the protections you want is relatively unique, so here’s a look at the types of coverage that American Express Travel Insurance offers that I could select as a Florida resident for a sample trip:
- Trip Cancellation & Interruption: This type of coverage may provide reimbursement for nonrefundable expenses or additional costs if you need to cancel your trip before it starts. This coverage may also provide reimbursement for additional costs if your trip is interrupted. However, this coverage isn’t available for the portion of your trip purchased with travel award credits, points or miles.
- Global Medical Protection: This type of coverage may cover emergency medical and dental expenses on a trip that originates from the covered person’s permanent residence, is outside a 150-mile radius from the covered person’s permanent residence and occurs within the first consecutive 60 days of the trip. This coverage also includes an emergency evacuation benefit that will arrange and pay for evacuation to the nearest adequate medical facility if you suffer from a sickness or sustain an accidental injury and require treatment while on a covered trip. You can select from three coverage limits when purchasing this coverage, although the dental coverage maximum is $750 with all three options.
- Travel Accident Protection: This type of coverage is payable if the covered person suffers an accidental death or dismemberment while boarding, traveling in, or deplaning from a scheduled airline or common carrier conveyance. When purchasing this coverage, you can select from two coverage limits.
- Global Baggage Protection: This type of coverage may reimburse for lost, damaged or stolen baggage, whether checked or carried on your flight or on your hotel or cruise property. This coverage may also provide reimbursement for essential replacement items if your baggage is delayed. When purchasing this coverage, you can select from four coverage limits.
- Global Trip Delay: This type of coverage may reimburse lodging and other necessary expenses if a covered person’s travels are delayed, including if your flight is overbooked and you are involuntarily denied boarding, if you miss your flight connection, and if your flight departure is delayed or canceled. When purchasing this coverage, you can select from three coverage limits.
These a la carte coverage options include access to a 24-hour Travel Assistance Hotline that may offer travel support anytime before and during your trip.
Related: What’s covered by credit card travel accident and emergency evacuation insurance?
Preset packages
American Express Travel Insurance also offers four preset packages, each including an assortment of types of coverage. These packages provide an easy way to buy coverage for an upcoming trip without making many decisions.
The basic package includes Trip Cancellation & Interruption, Global Medical Protection and Global Baggage Protection, but does not include Travel Accident Protection or Global Trip Delay.
The Silver, Gold and Platinum packages include all the types of coverage you could buy but at differing levels. The Silver package offers the lowest coverage levels, while the Platinum package offers the highest ones.
Related: What your credit card’s trip protection covers — and what it doesn’t
How to buy American Express Travel Insurance
With American Express Travel Insurance, you can see your coverage options within seconds. Click the link in the previous sentence and enter the details of your trip. For example, if I wanted to purchase American Express Travel Insurance for a winter ski trip, I’d start by entering my state of residence and my travel dates.
Then, I’d need to enter the number of travelers and each traveler’s trip cost and age.
Next, I can choose the Build Your Own Coverage option or the one that lets you compare preset packages. However, this choice isn’t all that important, as you can toggle between the choices on the next page. For now, let’s assume I opted to build my own coverage.
For this trip, here’s a look at the build-your-own-coverage options and pricing:
- Global Trip Delay: No coverage, $14 for up to $150 of coverage per day ($500 maximum per trip), $15 for up to $200 of coverage per day ($750 maximum per trip) or $20 for up to $300 of coverage per day ($1,000 maximum per trip)
- Global Baggage Protection: No coverage, $20 for up to $500 of coverage (up to $300 of coverage for a six-hour or longer delay), $35 for up to $1,000 of coverage (up to $500 of coverage for a six-hour or longer delay), $40 for up to $1,500 of coverage (up to $500 of coverage for a six-hour or longer delay) or $50 for up to $2,500 of coverage (up to $500 of coverage for a three-hour or longer delay)
- Trip Cancellation & Interruption: No coverage or $80 for up to 100% of the trip cost
- Global Medical Protection: No coverage, $25 for up to $25,000 of coverage (dental coverage of up to $750), $30 for up to $50,000 of coverage (dental coverage of up to $750) or $32 for up to $100,000 of coverage (dental coverage of up to $750)
- Travel Accident Protection: No coverage, $11 for up to $250,000 of coverage, $19 for up to $500,000 of coverage, $27 for up to $1,000,000 of coverage or $35 for up to $1,500,000 of coverage
Alternatively, I could select one of the four preset packages. For my sample trip, the Basic package would cost $59, the Silver package would cost $99, the Gold package would cost $122 and the Platinum package would cost $170.
Regardless of whether I opt to build my own coverage or buy a preset package, I’d need to enter my full name, date of birth, destination country and date of first trip payment before reaching the payment screen, where I’d need to enter my name, billing address, phone number, email and credit card information.
Prices and coverage options may vary for your trip. Be sure to examine the certificate of insurance once you purchase coverage to fully understand your policy. You usually have 14 days after you purchase a policy to examine the certificate of insurance and void it if necessary.
Bottom line
American Express Travel Insurance offers build-your-own-coverage options and preset packages. The build-your-own-coverage options are particularly appealing if you value the ability to buy only the coverage you want at a relatively low cost, especially if you only need one or two types of coverage for an upcoming trip.
Travel with more confidence and purchase American Express Travel Insurance for your next trip.
For complete details and the full terms and conditions, please visit the American Express Travel Insurance website here.
American Express Travel Insurance (Policy AX0126, or Policy AETI-IND) is underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company, Administrative Office, Phoenix AZ. Coverage is determined by the terms, conditions and exclusions of the respective policies (see above) and is subject to change with notice. This document does not supplement or replace the Policy.
American Express Travel Insurance is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc., California license number 0649234.
Store credit cards have been around for a long time. If your spending habits favor one store over others, a store-branded credit card may be the right solution for you.
Store-branded credit cards are easier to get approved for, even without excellent credit, but they often come with high annual percentage rates. Over the years, many store credit cards have improved, offering better rewards to cardholders and more versatility for everyday spending.
We explore the best store credit cards, how they work and when adding one to your existing card lineup makes sense.
Best store credit cards
The information for the Target Circle Mastercard and My Best Buy Visa Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
What is a store credit card?
There are two types of store credit cards: closed-loop and open-loop.
Closed-loop cards can only be used at the brand that issues them, such as Target or Best Buy. Open-loop cards can be used anywhere and are associated with merchant networks such as Visa and Mastercard.
Retailers can offer one or both types of store credit cards. For example, Best Buy offers two credit cards issued by Citi: the My Best Buy® Credit Card and the My Best Buy Visa Card.
The former can only be used for Best Buy purchases, while the latter is a Visa card that can be used outside of Best Buy to earn rewards.
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If you’re unsure whether a card is a store or store-cobranded credit card, look out for the Visa or Mastercard logo. This is a clear indication of the card being a cobranded store card.
Related: What’s the difference between a credit card network and an issuer?
How do store credit cards work?
Store credit cards work differently than regular credit cards. If the card is not a Visa, Mastercard or American Express, it will only work at a specific merchant or its associated retailers.
Also, store credit cards generally offer store-specific perks, favorable terms and payment options, making them popular with consumers who are loyal to a specific store or brand.
For example, the Target Circle Mastercard gives cardholders a 5% discount on purchases at Target or Target.com, including in-store Starbucks locations, specialty gift cards, drive-up and same-day delivery. If you are a loyal Target shopper, the savings can quickly add up.
Store credit cards can even provide flexible financing options. This can be a great way to defer interest charges on large purchases such as electronics, living room sets or home remodeling jobs.
Related: Target Circle: Everything you need to know about Target’s revamped cards and loyalty program
Pros and cons of store credit cards
The pros and cons of store credit cards can vary depending on the card you select.
Here are some pros and cons to look out for:
Pros
- Special discounts and offers: Store credit cards can give cardholders exclusive deals at specific stores, including discounts on purchases, free shipping or early access to newly released products.
- Rewards for store purchases: Store credit cards can offer rewards such as cash back, points or other incentives that can be redeemed for future purchases.
- Easier approval: Generally, store credit cards have more relaxed approval criteria than traditional ones.
Cons
- High interest rates: Store credit cards often charge higher APRs than regular credit cards.
- Low credit limit: Many store credit cards offer lower average credit limits than traditional ones. This could limit you if you want to make one or more large purchases.
- Potential to overspend: Generous offers such as deferred interest, discounts or other rewards could tempt you to overspend.
How to choose a store credit card
It seems like almost every major retailer has its own credit card and offers it to customers as soon as they check out at the register or online.
Here are some things to remember when choosing a store credit card:
- Do your research: Do not feel pressured to apply for a store credit card at the checkout counter. Compare the benefits and downsides of different store credit cards and read the fine print.
- Differentiate between open- and closed-loop cards: If you’re looking for a store credit card with benefits at a particular retailer, select a closed-loop card. If you want broader rewards on everyday spending, go with the open-loop card.
- Understand your credit: Take the time to determine if opening a store credit card is worth it from a credit score standpoint. Consider factors such as Chase’s 5/24 rule and whether the store credit card is worth occupying a space in your wallet.
Related: The best ways to use your Chase 5/24 slots
Benefits of store credit cards
When used properly, store credit cards can help you save money through discounts or deferred interest plans. These plans let you pay off your purchases within a set time frame without accruing interest.
Several years ago, I opened a My Best Buy Visa Card to make a large purchase for a home entertainment system. At the time, the closed-loop card offered 24 months of deferred interest, which made it worthwhile.
While many balance transfer credit cards have 0% promotional offers, 24 months is hard to beat.
Related: How to manage debt with a balance transfer credit card
Maximizing store credit cards
Whether your store credit card is closed- or open-loop will determine how best to maximize it. Both card types are best used at their respective retailers for the best discounts, cash back or payment plans.
Open-looped cards offer value through the retailer and on everyday purchases. The Costco Anywhere Visa Card offers 5% cash back on gas at Costco and 4% cash back on other eligible gas and electric vehicle charging (on the first $7,000 in combined spend per year, then 1%), 3% on restaurants and eligible travel and 2% on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com.
You can redeem your cash back as an annual reward certificate for a statement credit or Costco merchandise. If you shop at Costco frequently, the redemption options are a great way to offset future purchases.
Related: How my Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi is a workhorse when it comes to cash back
Frequently asked questions
Here are some answers to common questions about store credit cards.
What store credit cards are easy to get?
Based on personal experience and data points from the internet, My Best Buy Visa and the Target Circle Mastercard are easier cards to get for those with mid-tier credit scores.
Related: The 6 best starter cards for building your credit
Do store credit cards help you build credit?
Yes. Store credit cards require a Social Security number to apply, are issued by banks such as Citi or TD Bank and are reflected on your credit profile.
If you maintain a low credit utilization ratio and make timely payments, it will be reported to the credit bureau and help build your credit.
Related: Things to do to improve your credit score
Are store credit cards worth it?
If you shop frequently at a particular store, the perks and discounts could be worth it in the long run.
However, if you’re overspending on a store credit card, continuously carrying a balance and accruing interest, the cons outweigh the benefits.
Related: Why you shouldn’t open a store credit card during the holiday season
Why do stores have credit cards?
Retailers sell goods and services, so they want to make it easy for you to spend.
One way to do that is to offer a store credit card. By extending credit, they aim to increase your spending.
Related: Store vs. cash-back credit cards: Which one should I get?
Can you use retail credit cards anywhere?
If you have an open-loop store credit card like the Costco Anywhere Visa, then yes, you can use the card anywhere instead of just with that particular retailer.
However, if you have a closed-loop card, you can only use it in person or online at the associated retailer. The absence of an issuer logo (e.g., Visa, Mastercard, American Express, etc.) indicates that you’re using a closed-loop store credit card.
Related: 4 reasons store credit cards are (almost) always a bad idea
Bottom line
Store credit cards have value, but you need to choose a card that matches your spending habits. If you’re only going to shop at a store a handful of times, getting a store credit card is probably not worth it.
Before you apply, check your wallet to see if your existing credit cards provide sufficient value.
Related: Credit cards that can get you $1,000 or more in first-year value
A passenger claiming to be a United Nations diplomat was forcibly removed from a Ryanair flight in Lanzarote after refusing to show his boarding pass.
The man was dragged off the aircraft by police on Friday night following a heated confrontation with airline staff and officials.
The incident caused a 40-minute delay to the Lanzarote to Galicia service on January 17 after the passenger refused to cooperate with crew members.
The incident began when the passenger demanded to be moved to a front-row seat on the aircraft.
A passenger claiming to be a United Nations diplomat was forcibly removed from a Ryanair flight in Lanzarote
PA
When cabin crew asked to see his boarding pass, the man refused, claiming his diplomatic status meant he was not required to show it.
A witness reported the passenger claimed his friend was holding his ticket, but provided no evidence to support this assertion.
After multiple attempts to negotiate with the passenger, the captain called the Guardia Civil to remove him from the aircraft.
Four officials had to wrestle with the enraged man, who continued to shout and resist removal.
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Fellow passengers watched as the man argued with police and flight attendants before being physically hauled out of the cabin.
The pilot informed passengers that the flight was ready for its scheduled departure but was being delayed by an uncooperative individual.
Despite repeated attempts to resolve the situation, the self-proclaimed diplomat remained defiant, refusing to comply with crew requests.
The standoff continued until authorities were called to intervene, marking a significant disruption to the evening service.
The pilot informed passengers that the flight was ready for its scheduled departure but was being delayed by an uncooperative individual
Aeropuerto de Lanzarote
Ryanair issued a statement confirming police assistance was called “after a passenger became disruptive on board”.
The airline emphasised its “strict zero tolerance policy towards passenger misconduct” and commitment to ensuring passengers and crew “travel in a safe and respectful environment”.
The carrier added it would “continue to take decisive action to combat unruly passenger behaviour” for the benefit of other travellers.
The flight eventually departed and landed safely at Rosalía de Castro airport in Santiago de Compostela at approximately 11.45pm.
If you’re searching for the perfect family vacation spot, look toward the western skies of Scottsdale, Arizona.
Tens of thousands of acres of sandy Sonoran Desert and year-round warm weather lend themselves to all manner of outdoor pursuits. There’s also no shortage of indoor fun when you need a break from the city’s 330 sunny days each year.
When you combine Scottsdale’s bounty of indoor and outdoor activities with the vibrant arts scene and upscale resorts, you have a desert paradise sure to please everyone in the family.
Here’s what you need to know to plan the perfect trip.
Getting to Scottsdale
Though Scottsdale does have its own small airport, the closest major airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). PHX is only about a 15-minute drive to downtown Scottsdale, making the airport a convenient option for travelers coming to the area.
The airport’s rental car center is accessible via the PHX Sky Train, which runs 24 hours a day and departs the airport every three to five minutes. I highly recommend renting a car so you can explore some of the surrounding area during your visit. Scottsdale is just over two hours from both Sedona and Flagstaff, and it’s less than four hours from the Grand Canyon.
Scottsdale Airport (SCF) is north of downtown, and it caters to private and public jet charter services like JSX, Jet Aviation, Atlantic Aviation and Signature Flight Support.
Exploring the great outdoors
Scottsdale has more opportunities to hike, bike, boat, balloon and otherwise traverse the desert terrain than a cactus has prickly spines. Here are just a few ways you can see Scottsdale’s sights from a variety of vantage points:
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
All the wide open terrain makes Scottsdale home to hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails. The bulk of those — 225 miles’ worth, to be exact — lie within the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. With so many trails to choose from, there’s sure to be a trail with a difficulty level appropriate for your family.
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If you have very young children or are just starting out with hiking, I recommend the Kovach Family Nature Trail at the Lost Dog Wash Trailhead. This 1/2-mile trail is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, and it has fun educational signage to teach you and your kids all about the desert.
If you want to step it up a notch (pun intended), try the Gateway Loop at the Gateway Trailhead. You can hike all or part of this 4.5-mile loop, which offers an up-close look at several cacti varieties and beautiful views of the McDowell Mountains.
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The Thumb. TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY
As you come off the trail, head to nearby The Thumb to refuel. At this combination gas station, car wash, gift shop and restaurant, you can sample barbecue so tasty that it landed itself on an episode of Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” Or, you can satisfy your sweet tooth with a homemade cinnamon roll or fruit-filled hand pie.
Desert Botanical Garden
As you stroll the sunny paths of the Desert Botanical Garden, you’ll find yourself face-to-face with the flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert. During our visit, we saw butterflies, lizards, hummingbirds, bees and quail, along with notable landmarks like a 30-foot-tall Saguaro cactus, a butterfly garden and a nature playground for kids.
Be sure to pick up a free Cactus Keepers guidebook at the ticket office. Kids can use the guide to learn more about the Desert Botanical Garden and to help spot various plants and wildlife during their visit.
The Desert Botanical Garden hosts special events throughout the year that may coincide with your visit. Check their website for an up-to-date calendar of tours, story times, live concerts and more.
Historic Old Town Scottsdale
The streets of Historic Old Town Scottsdale are lined with shops that sell everything from Western wear to Native American art and jewelry to grow-your-own cactus kits, the latter of which is thriving on my kitchen windowsill.
Whether you’re on the hunt for unique souvenirs or just window shopping, it’s worth budgeting a few hours of vacation time to walk the streets of Historic Old Town. There are plenty of restaurants if you work up an appetite from all that walking. We stopped in for brunch at Beginner’s Luck, where I cooled off with a sorbet mimosa, and the kids found themselves facing down thick-sliced French toast bigger than their whole head. (If you prefer your brunch with a live DJ and BYO bloody mary bar, you should also check out Hash Kitchen on the weekends.)
We walked a bit more to make room for dessert because no visit to Old Town is complete without a scoop of ice cream from the Sugar Bowl. This perfectly pink Scottsdale staple has been open since 1958 and operates an authentic 1950s soda fountain counter to this day.
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Sugar Bowl in Old Town Scottsdale. TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a must-visit spot for families visiting Scottsdale. Not only can you go for a ride on the Paradise & Pacific Railroad (a 5:12 reproduction of a Colorado narrow gauge railroad) and a vintage carousel, but you can also play in a kid-size Wild West town, learn about the history of trains and see dozens of model train exhibits.
There is no fee to enter the park and visit the playgrounds, museum and model railroad building. You can purchase tickets to ride the train and carousel or an all-day wristband at the entrance.
Hot air balloon rides
If you want to see Scottsdale’s beautiful landscape from a sky-high viewpoint, try a hot air balloon ride. You’ll have to be the judge of whether or not your kids are ready to soar hundreds of feet above the city. But, if they can brave it, you’ll be treated to unparalleled panoramic views of the desert.
Several hot air balloon companies service the Scottsdale area, and most offer sunrise and sunset rides in addition to daytime ones. Rainbow Ryders also offers tethered hot air balloon rides for those who want to test the experience before going up, up and away.
Indoor pursuits
More often than not, Scottsdale’s warm weather is conducive to being outdoors, but there’s no getting around the fact that it can get hot — so hot, in fact, that you may need to find some air-conditioned fun. Luckily, there’s no shortage of cool indoor activities in Scottsdale. Here are a few I’d recommend:
Butterfly Wonderland
Butterfly Wonderland is a tropical paradise right in the heart of Scottsdale. The large conservatory is home to more than 60 species of butterflies who flutter freely all around (and will happily take a seat on your shoulder). Butterfly Wonderland provides free paper guides for kids, so they can track which species they spot during their visit.
We spent the majority of the time in the conservatory coaxing butterflies to land on us. We also watched a touching 3D film about butterfly migration, spotted several other rainforest critters and observed butterflies in various states of metamorphosis.
Butterfly Wonderland is open 365 days a year and offers scheduled activities, including koi feedings, stingray and shark feedings, beekeeper presentations and more.
OdySea Aquarium
I’ve visited a lot of aquariums, but the OdySea Aquarium had one exhibit I’d never seen before: Right outside of the bathroom was a sign declaring it a winner of the America’s Best Restroom contest. I had to see what that was all about, so I headed inside. When I looked where the mirror above the sink would be, I was met with toothy sharks rather than my own reflection.
That was enough to get me hook, line and sinker, but it only got better from there. OdySea also has the world’s only rotating aquarium experience and hundreds of aquatic critters from the rivers and oceans of the world. We saw tiny jellyfish, giant sharks, and adorable penguins and otters.
Most of these exhibits are included in your ticket cost, but there are a few add-on experiences you may want to consider. You can don a special SeaTrek helmet to walk underwater with the animals, or purchase a separate penguin or sloth encounter.
Museum of Illusions
The Museum of Illusions, OdySea and Butterfly Wonderland are all on the Arizona Boardwalk, so it’s convenient to visit multiple attractions in one day. I wasn’t sure what to expect from the Museum of Illusions, but I think we laughed more here than at any other stop on our vacation.
Every exhibit in the museum is interactive, and the placards clearly instruct visitors how to successfully execute each illusion for picture-perfect memories. Even so, helpful staff members wandered around to ensure everyone knew how to make each illusion work properly.
Wonderspaces
In keeping with the interactive theme, Wonderspaces is a modern museum with a rotating collection of immersive, interactive installations at the Scottsdale Fashion Square mall. I was surprised at how the exhibits held my kids’ attention — something typically only reserved for their iPads or Lego sets.
We all had fun adding colorful lines of tape to a collaborative installation called “Rules” and recording silly clips on a digitally controlled kinetic screen installation called “Silver.”
What shocked me was how quiet and contemplative they became when we explored some of the more immersive installations.
The installation “Parastella” featured a series of mesmerizing laser projections on the ceiling of a room filled with beanbags, where you could comfortably relax and take it all in. Another stand-out audiovisual installation, “Volumen,” played a sequence of evolving and rotating images that were truly captivating.
Wonderspaces sells premium admission that allows you to come at any time, but it also has timed tickets for a discounted price. There’s also a bar with an impressive cocktail list, but we visited a bit too early for me to drink in anything but the artwork.
Mavrix bowling
You can’t go wrong with a little friendly competition among family. Mavrix is more than just your typical bowling alley. This entertainment complex has 22 bowling lanes, a huge arcade, a laser tag arena, dozens of televisions (so you don’t have to choose between the big game and bowling) and a restaurant.
During our visit, we ate dinner and bowled. We went with a couple of sampler platters to make it easy for everyone to grab a bite between frames.
Where to stay
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
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Sonoran Splash Pool at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY
If you look up “luxury resort” in the encyclopedia, you’ll probably find a reference to the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. This 65-acre resort has 750 guest rooms, five award-winning restaurants, six pools, a full-service spa and salon, a kids club and more.
In addition to standard rooms and suites, you can stay in the exclusive Privado Villas section for more spacious, private accommodations. The villas also provide extras like a private lobby with complimentary snacks and drinks, complimentary valet parking, chauffeur service, a private pool and complimentary access to the spa’s fitness and relaxation facilities.
Room rates at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess start at around $420 per night for standard rooms and $950 per night for the Privado Villas.
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
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The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. MARY KATE HEARNY/THE POINTS GUY
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa is home to one of TPG’s favorite hotel pools, and a good pool is a nonnegotiable when you visit Scottsdale. The Adventure Park pool has a 900-foot winding lazy river ride, a 110-foot waterslide and a splash pad for kids with zero-depth entry. (Don’t worry, there’s an adults-only pool, too.)
The Westin Kierland also has a golf course and several dining outlets, and many guest rooms have a view of either the pool, mountains or the golf course.
Room rates at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa start at around $263 or 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town
If you’re in search of a budget-friendly option, try the Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town. This 177-room boutique property has a rooftop pool with views of Camelback Mountain, a fitness center and an on-site restaurant.
This hotel’s guest rooms sleep up to four guests, but suites that sleep up to five guests are also available for larger families.
Rates at the Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town start at around $178 or 55,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Bottom line
With its sweeping desert vistas dotted by towering cacti and rugged mountains, Scottsdale is one of the country’s most picturesque destinations. Thanks to its plethora of kid-friendly activities, it’s also one of the best vacation spots for families.
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United Airlines details 6 big inflight entertainment updates, including all-new Control Tower map
United Airlines has some big and exciting upgrades coming to the inflight entertainment experience.
The Chicago-based carrier is adding more screens, introducing new entertainment features, innovating with faster internet connectivity and so much more.
While the airline has a long list of updates coming to its inflight entertainment experience, United just “hasn’t made a lot of noise about it recently,” Dominic Green, United’s director of inflight entertainment, told TPG during an exclusive interview. (Perhaps Green was referring to Delta Air Lines’ splashy keynote during the Consumer Electronics Show at the Sphere in Las Vegas earlier this month, where the airline debuted some largely iterative upgrades to the inflight entertainment experience.)
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For Green’s team, the focus has been to test, iterate and improve, without commanding headlines.
That said, there’s lots to get excited about, especially for aviation enthusiasts. Here’s everything you need to know about United’s inflight entertainment upgrades.
600 aircraft and counting
It starts with the availability of inflight screens; more and more United aircraft now feature personal TVs than ever before.
In 2021, the airline unveiled its United Next brand strategy that includes a new signature interior across its mainline fleet. Part of that updated look is the addition of entertainment screens equipped with Bluetooth connectivity.
Green said that the airline recently introduced its 600th aircraft equipped with seatback screens, and “we’ll probably hit a thousand aircraft over the next couple of years that have seatback screens at every seat,” he added.
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In addition to the screens themselves, over 300 aircraft feature Bluetooth connectivity at every seat, making it possible to pair wireless headphones, including AirPods, with the entertainment systems. This makes United the undisputed U.S. leader when it comes to Bluetooth functionality, as Delta just announced at CES that it would bring this tech to more planes in the coming years. (Right now, only first-class seats on Delta’s Airbus A321neo feature Bluetooth.)
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Furthermore, United’s new screens are all 4K resolution, Green said, making them some of the highest definition in the U.S. airline industry. (Delta also announced this month that 4K screens would debut in the coming years but stopped short of sharing a rollout schedule.)
All told, United’s seatback technology is already some of the best in the business, and it will only get better in the years to come.
Introducing Control Tower view
I’m a frequent United flyer, so imagine my surprise last week when I stumbled upon a new inflight map feature: Control Tower view.
This view allows you to pull up a map of the airfield that’s overlaid with all the aircraft around you. Clicking on each little plane brings up its call sign and operating airline. Going forward, the pilot won’t need to tell you that you’re No. 25 for departure — you’ll be able to see that clearly on your inflight monitor.
Control Tower view is a new feature that United is testing, Green said. It’s enabled in partnership with the FlightPath3D product that United licenses from a company called Betria Interactive.
“We thought it’d be really cool that customers could see where they are on the airfield. We already have pretty good quality zoom-level maps, like down to kind of street-level view, and we said, well, it’d be great to have that airfield terminal level where you could actually see where you’re at. Cool for aviation geeks, watching the little planes move around, but also I think it’s really helpful for customers,” Green added.
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The Control Tower view is powered by the flight deck’s navigation systems and a live feed of planes from FlightAware.
Green expects this feature to be a hit with flyers, especially since the moving map is the most watched piece of content on United planes, he told TPG. There’s no timeline on when Control Tower view might expand to other planes, but if you’re flying United soon, take a look at the moving map and see if you have the option to enable it.
Channel 9 is here to stay
Back when music was the only type of entertainment United offered, the airline had an innovation for aviation enthusiasts. It would allow flyers to listen to the air traffic control radio chatter between the pilots and the controllers.
This was always available on Channel 9, and when United started adding on-demand entertainment, it kept the Channel 9 feed around. (You’ll find it under the “Audio” tab on the screens.)
That said, in recent years, United’s aviation enthusiast customers have complained that Channel 9 hasn’t been working. According to Green, the functionality is still very much available — it’s just that more and more pilots are choosing not to enable the feed.
“Pilots can turn it off if they don’t want people to hear whatever chatter is going on,” Green explained. All hope isn’t lost, though. “We know it’s a cool feature,” Green added. “We have it enabled as much as we can.”
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Software updates keep things fresh
Just like your iPhone gets a new major software update each year, United is planning a regular cycle of software updates to keep the seatback entertainment screens bug-free and up to date.
“We launched new UX [user experience] just over a year ago … and we’ve already done three software updates since we launched that a year ago,” Green said.
United rarely announces these smaller software updates, but be on the lookout for new features and updates in the coming months. You never know what you might find, Green teased.
Starlink impacts inflight entertainment
United announced last year that it would bring Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service to its entire fleet. This is a multiyear journey that’s just getting started — the first plane to get Starlink will be flying in the spring — but Green’s team is already studying what the new faster Wi-Fi can do for the seatback screen experience.
Green wasn’t ready to share the details just yet, but he did allude to the fact that travelers will see more timely updates and live content on the entertainment screens.
Of course, travelers will still be able to use their own devices to consume content, but United wants to tap into the faster, more reliable internet to offer a living room-like experience in the seatback entertainment systems.
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Extended displays aren’t coming soon
As more travelers bring their own tablets and laptops on board, I’ve always wondered why airlines don’t offer a screencasting feature on the entertainment screens. After all, it’s a lot easier to get work done with some additional screen real estate.
Turns out, United can already technically enable screencasting today, Green said, but a major issue will likely mean that flyers will never see this functionality.
“We’ve had a lot of pushback from our corporate partners that say they don’t necessarily want their staff using publicly available screens,” Green said.
It’s not that United would have access to any data; it’s that they don’t want nosy passengers snooping in on their neighbors.
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