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I got a free Priority Pass membership with my credit card. It's not as useful as I'd hoped, but it's a pretty good value.

5 January 2025 at 06:16
Priority Pass card with Capital One Venture X card in front of it
The Capital One Venture X credit card comes with a variety of benefits, including a Priority Pass membership.

Amanda Adler

  • I recently got the Capital One Venture X card, which comes with a hefty annual fee.
  • It has great travel benefits, but I've had mixed experiences with my complimentary Priority Pass.
  • I haven't been able to use many airport lounges with it, but it and the card are still a good value.

After years of seeing Capital One's catchy "What's in your wallet?" commercials, I finally looked into its credit cards.

As a frequent flyer, I found its Venture X card to be the most appealing option due to its variety of travel perks, but I hesitated to apply for it because of its fairly high annual fee of $395.

I finally gave it a shot when I realized it comes with a complimentary Priority Pass membership, which usually costs a few hundred dollars.

At the time of writing, I've had this card for just over a month and have used it for two vacations, with more scheduled in the weeks to come.

Here are my initial reactions to the benefits β€” particularly the Priority Pass membership, which felt so desirable it convinced me to get the card in the first place.

The Capital One Venture X card won me over with its cash-back and travel perks

Plane in boarding area with sunset behind it
I spend a lot of time in airports waiting to board my plane.

Amanda Adler

By signing up for the Capital One Venture X card, I immediately got a lot of perks, including a $300 annual travel credit and a $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit.

These benefits alone help defray the $395 annual fee, and the card also comes with:

  • 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
  • 2X miles on all other purchases

I also got an initial bonus of 75,000 miles after I spent $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of owning the card.

For my family, the card's biggest draw is the aforementioned complimentary Priority Pass membership, which provides unlimited access for me and two guests to select airport lounges worldwide.

My family of three spends a lot of time in airports, and waiting in a lounge is far more appealing than vying for crowded seating close to the gate.

The Priority Pass membership gets me access to many lounges, but there are limitations

Delta Sky Club entrance with red velvet ropes in front
Many airline-specific lounges, such as the Delta Sky Club, don't accept Priority Pass cards for entry.

Amanda Adler

Once I got my Priority Pass membership, I used its easy-to-navigate app to see which lounges I could access.

I was delighted to find my pass got me into lounges in all three terminals at my home airport, Orlando International Airport (MCO).

However, I learned most airline-specific lounges, such as the Delta Sky Club, don't accept Priority Pass.

I was also surprised by the lack of Priority Pass lounge options in some larger cities with major international travel hubs β€” I found no lounge options when I had layovers at Salt Lake City International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport.

Los Angeles International Airport doesn't have lounges guests can access with Priority Pass, either.

Lit-up ceiling and people walking in SLC airport
During a long layover in Salt Lake City, I discovered no lounges here would accept my Priority Pass membership.

Amanda Adler

I also realized that even if lounges are available, they may not be close enough to my flight to be worth visiting.

For example, while I was flying out of MontrΓ©al, the only lounge I could use was in a terminal quite far from the one my plane was departing from.

Still, over 1,700 lounges around the globe do accept Priority Pass. I'm hopeful I'll be able to take advantage of my membership as I visit more airports.

Despite its drawbacks, Priority Pass is still a good solution for my lounge-loving family

On my recent trips, I've struggled to find available lounges outside of my home airport. However, I still think Priority Pass is great for my family.

Having access to airport lounges in Orlando, our home base, is a great perk on its own, as I've previously paid as much as $50 per person per visit for this benefit. Now, we all get into the lounge for free.

I enjoy having comfortable seating, ample charge ports, and a quiet place to relax before boarding a plane. My son loves stocking up on the complimentary lounge snacks, which saves me from having to buy him pricey β€” and generally mediocre β€” airport food.

Knowing there's a comfy airport lounge waiting for me at MCO the next time I travel helps make my journey feel almost as fun as the destination.

Plus, with my Capital One Venture X card, I also earn travel rewards for every dollar I spend. Although I've only had my card for a few weeks, I've already racked up miles I can redeem for future flights.

Read the original article on Business Insider

After going on more than 50 cruises, there are 4 things I still hate about this type of vacation

4 January 2025 at 07:34
Author amanda adler smiling with the Disney Wonder ship in the background
I've gone on cruises with all different lines and have had some of the same experiences across the board.

Amanda Adler

  • There are still things I hate about cruises, even after more than 50 sailings.
  • Cruises can require lots of planning and limited port time, which kills spontaneity.
  • Loyalty programs can make it hard for those of us without status to make reservations.

After more than 50 sailings, it's clear that I love cruises and keep coming back for more.

However, even as a cruise enthusiast, there are still some things that drive me nuts about this form of travel.

From pricey upcharges for specialty dining to limited port time, here are my top gripes with modern cruising.

Trying to get poolside lounge chairs and seats at crowded events can feel like an Olympic sport.
Crowds of people at a trivia event on a cruise ship
I've often seen people sitting on floors just so they could participate in popular onboard events, like trivia.

Amanda Adler

Although it's understandable that cruises are limited by space and can only provide so much seating in each venue, the lack of chairs in many ships' most popular areas continues to be a source of frustration for me.

On every cruise I've been on, you've got to get up pretty early in the morning if you want a deck chair by the pool.

Passengers stake their claim on loungers with towels and personal items β€” often before sunrise β€” meaning that if you snooze, you lose your opportunity to soak up the sun.

Finding a seat can also prove challenging at popular onboard events, like trivia, where I've often seen participants resort to sitting on the floor.

Planning is often required if you want to make the most of your trip.
Hairspray performance on stage on Royal Caribbean cruise ship in front of packed audience
Sometimes we're worried about missing out on shows or special meals.

Amanda Adler

Gaining access to other in-demand cruise activities can be an equally daunting task.

Although I enjoy the Broadway-style shows found on most modern cruise ships, these incredible performances naturally draw big crowds.

To manage them, many cruises require travelers to reserve their seats weeks before a ship departs β€” if you miss the booking window, you could be out of luck. I've found spots can fill up quickly for popular shows.

A similar process is common for specialty dining venues at sea. In many cases, coveted extra-cost eateries have run out of reservations long before I boarded the ship.

Whenever I did snag a sought-after reservation, I hated having to plan the rest of my day around one meal.

On cruises, I prefer a more laid-back spontaneity, and having to book things so far in advance spoils my sense of freedom.

Loyalty programs can create a system of "haves" and "have-nots."
Author Amanda Adler's son smiling while holding Disney Wonder life preserver
It's hard to get certain perks unless you're a frequent cruiser with a particular line.

Amanda Adler

One way to secure early access to the popular bookings I mentioned above is to earn status.

Major lines have loyalty programs that reward repeat cruisers with perks, including the ability to book offerings earlier than other travelers.

Unfortunately, this can create an unbalanced system and make it tough to want to experiment with different cruise lines.

Even as a seasoned cruiser, I don't have amazing loyalty perks with most lines because I've sailed with so many different ones.

My highest status level is with Disney Cruise Line, so I tend to book its ships whenever possible so I can have a leg up in securing my top choice of port adventures, dining options, and more.

I'd love to branch out and try other cruise lines, but the barrier to entry for a first-timer can be steep.

Cruises offer limited time in each port, which can make some experiences feel rushed.
Wood and stone houses with moss on them in front of tree-covered mountains in Norway
I feel like we didn't get to spend enough time in some incredible ports.

Amanda Adler

There's nothing I love more than leisurely days spent soaking up the culture of the place I'm visiting.

From sipping coffee and people-watching at a cafΓ© to wandering through a town center, I adore taking in a destination's simple pleasures as much as its major tourist attractions.

However, this type of unhurried exploration is rarely possible on a cruise. When I set off to explore a port, I know I must be back on the ship at a certain time. That deadline looms over my head throughout my visit.

Time is of the essence when you're only docked for a few hours, and I feel pressured to make the most of my limited sightseeing time.

Although this frenetic pace is not my ideal way to see a new city, I've learned to embrace it somewhat and treat my cruise stops as a sampler β€” a highlight reel of what that locale has to offer.

This helps me determine which cities I want to come back to in the future to explore more thoroughly.

Read the original article on Business Insider

I love airport lounges and flight upgrades, but I worry I'll regret spoiling my tween with them

2 December 2024 at 06:58
Author's son sitting in premium seat with rolled up blanket on United flight
My son has enjoyed flying in premium class but I also want him to appreciate economy.

Amanda Adler

  • After years of budget flights with bare-bones amenities, I'm increasingly springing for upgrades
  • I often take my tween with me β€” but when we travel he now expects lounge access and premium seats.
  • As a parent, I'm trying hard to keep him grounded with transparency about prices and gratitude.

After boarding a plane on a recent trip, the flight attendant greeted us over the intercom with some humorous words: "Welcome aboard Spirit Airlines. And to those of you who swore you'd never fly us again, welcome back!"

I laughed. My tween son, however, groaned. He'd been disappointed ever since I told him we'd be flying with the budget airline.

And I get it β€” the flight attendant's statement was an accurate assessment of my feelings about Spirit, which I've sworn off numerous times only to be lured back by attractive pricing and convenient schedule options.

But, like my son, I would much rather be in seats with ample legroom and in-flight amenities.

After decades of scrimping on the journey and instead splurging on the destination, I've found myself upgrading my travel experience and prioritizing comfort more than ever.

These days, I'll pay for lounge access at the airport and invest in premium seating β€” and, as my frequent travel companion, my 11-year-old is reaping the benefits as well.

But I'm noticing my tween protesting and moaning on the occasions when I choose not to spend extra for these luxuries.

Sometimes I worry that I'm spoiling him too much by exposing him to fancy upsells at such a young age, but I'm also working hard to keep him grounded.

I'm teaching him what upgrades cost and how to balance upscale and affordable experiences

Bowl of gummy bears and two drinks on tray
My son loves an airport lounge like I do.

Amanda Adler

The first time I took my son into an airport lounge, he was hooked.

Chugging down mocktails and loading his pockets with gummy bears, he declared that he never wanted to be stuck sitting on a stiff bench in the dusty terminal ever again. And who could blame him?

Soon, I found myself shopping for credit cards with pricey annual fees that included lounge access, but I stopped short of signing up for any.

Instead, I sat my son down and showed him the costs associated with the lounge lifestyle. Seeing how this figure impacted our overall vacation budget really helped put things in perspective for both of us.

Now when we splurge on lounge visits, we offset the added vacation cost by doing less expensive activities, like hiking, at our destination. Or we save this experience for trips with especially long layovers.

Handling upgrades this way shows my tween that indulging can be great, as long it's done in moderation.

Exploring the world is important to me, but I want my son to understand his privilege

This year, my family took our longest flight yet from Florida to Japan.

Craving comfort for this journey, I splurged for United Premium Plus, which offers recliner-style chairs, bedding from Saks Fifth Avenue, and premium dining options.

It was well worth the $300 per person I paid for the upgrade, and it made a noticeable difference in our enjoyment during travel.

United Saks Fifth Avenue rolled up blanket on plane
My son and I both appreciate the amenities that come with flight upgrades.

Amanda Adler

After this upgraded experience, it's no surprise that my son is having a hard time going back to flights on budget airlines.

But having the ability to travel at all is a privilege, and I've worked hard to make sure that my son understands that our lifestyle, even when flying economy, is a luxury.

Traveling is important to me, and by exploring the world, my tween is exposed to a wide variety of cultures and sees firsthand a vast disparity of living conditions. This provides additional opportunities for us to discuss β€” and for him to reflect on β€” his fortunate circumstances.

I want our family vacations to be relaxing and fun for everyone, including my tween

Hearing my son request lounge access or premium seats feels entitled, but I do think everyone's preferences should be taken into consideration when planning a family vacation.

For me, choosing to pay more for flight upgrades my tween will enjoy is no different from when I splurged on pricey trips to Disney parks when he was little. And because these upsells benefit me, too, I'm even more inclined to agree to them.

I think it's only natural that as my son grows up, his travel wants and needs will continue to evolve. The bigger he gets β€” and the smaller airline seats become β€” it makes sense that physical comfort is something that's top of mind for him.

Ultimately, as a parent, I want vacations to feel relaxing.

If travel upgrades leave my family feeling well-rested and ready for adventure when we land, then investing in them is just as valuable as the excursions we book at our destination.

So, even if traveling in style is spoiling my tween, I'll continue to upgrade us whenever it's within our budget.

Read the original article on Business Insider

I've been to 3 Bavarian-style villages in the US. They're charming, but only one made me feel like I was in Germany.

21 November 2024 at 08:33
German-style buildings in Leavenworth, Washington, lined with lines and covered in snow
I felt transported to Europe while in Leavenworth, Washington.

Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock

  • I recently traveled to three American towns that seem to mimic the alpine style of Bavaria.
  • Frankenmuth, Michigan, and Helen, Georgia, had some beautiful architecture and views.
  • Having visited Germany several times, only Leavenworth, Washington, felt like the real deal to me.

In the past year, I spent time in three of America's most popular Bavarian-inspired towns: Frankenmuth, Michigan; Helen, Georgia; and Leavenworth, Washington.

Each offered me a fun chance to stroll an alpine village in the US without needing a passport.

I loved exploring these European-style towns, but as someone who's visited Germany several times, only one made me truly feel like I was back at Oktoberfest.

Frankenmuth, Michigan, offered wintery vibes but lacked an alpine landscape.
Buildings with holiday decorations and colorful trim in Frankenmuth
I grew up visiting Frankenmuth, Michigan.

Amanda Adler

I grew up in Michigan and visited the delightful German-inspired town of Frankenmuth several times in my youth.

After not visiting in years, I went back last December and found that the city is still very darling with Bavarian-style architecture and a glockenspiel that signals the time regularly.

It snowed during my visit, and the light dusting of white atop seasonal holiday dΓ©cor greatly enhanced my feelings of being in Europe.

Unfortunately, the area doesn't have mountains, which made it feel a bit less immersive.

The town is home to the "World's Largest Christmas Store," which is worth a visit any time of year.
Christmas shop with ligths and gnome plushies in Frankenmuth
Frankenmuth is home to Bronner's Christmas Wonderland.

Amanda Adler

Christmas ornaments may have originated in Germany, but Frankenmuth has a lot to offer for those looking to deck their halls this holiday season.

The town's Bronner's Christmas Wonderland is more than 7 acres and calls itself the "World's Largest Christmas Store." It has thousands of items for sale in its endless rows of ornaments and dΓ©cor.

Helen, Georgia, has a backdrop of rolling hills and pleasant year-round climate.
View of buildings edged with lights in Helen, Georgia
Helen, Georgia, has a beautiful mountain backdrop.

Amanda Adler

Northern Georgia is home to the alpine town Helen.

Here, I found a hillier landscape that better evoked feelings of Bavaria. The town's cobblestone streets and beer halls made this an enchanting getaway spot.

Helen's relatively warm year-round weather drew me there in early spring. I enjoyed beautiful, sunny weather that was more appealing than what's found in more northern towns like Frankenmuth at that time.

With daytime highs topping 70 degrees Fahrenheit during my stay, Helen is also much warmer than Munich in April.

It's close to wineries and outdoor adventures, which enhanced my stay.
Wine glass from The Cottage in Helen, GA
Helen, Georgia, has many wineries.

Amanda Adler

Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Helen offers a variety of outdoor adventures ranging from waterfall hikes to tubing.

The area is also home to many wineries, which made it a great option for my annual girls' trip.

Leavenworth, Washington, felt bigger than I expected, and its theming was on point.
German-style buildings edged with lights in Leavenworth
Leavenworth is breathtaking.

Amanda Adler

Breathtaking mountain scenery β€” check.

Charming Bavarian-inspired buildings β€” check.

German eateries slinging up hefty liters of beers β€” check.

When it comes to enjoying authentic year-round Oktoberfest vibes in the US, there's nowhere that beats the charm and European-style beauty of Leavenworth.

Set in the Cascade Mountains, the town offers a rugged landscape just begging to be explored.

I visited in summer, when hiking and careening along the town's alpine coaster was on the agenda β€” but the region also offers great skiing in the winter.

Even though Leavenworth is technically smaller than Helen and Frankenmuth by square miles, it felt the largest to me because of its many offerings.

Plus, the heart of the downtown area is free from vehicle traffic, making it very walkable.

Of the villages I visited, Leavenworth is the only one that made me feel like I was in Europe.
Outdoor beer garden with lit-up buildings behind it in Leavenworth
Leavenworth has excellent beer gardens.

Amanda Adler

I fell in love with this adorable town as I walked its pedestrian-friendly streets, passing a statue of a lederhosen-clad bear and restaurants filled with cheerful accordion music.

I really feel like Leavenworth transported me back to my past visits to Bavaria.

My husband and I enjoyed skipping between beer gardens and munching on giant pretzels β€” just like we did on our honeymoon in Munich.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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