Travel

Apache is functioning normally

Chicago has two major commercial airports: Chicago-O’Hare and Chicago-Midway. The former serves as a major hub for American Airlines and United Airlines, while Southwest Airlines has a large presence at Chicago-Midway.

With plenty of flyers traveling through the city on a daily basis, there are a number of airport lounges available to those who want a quiet space to relax before their flight.

Find out which airport lounges are available to travelers at Chicago-O’Hare, plus the latest information about a new, first-ever airport lounge at Chicago-Midway.

About Chicago’s airport lounges

Chicago-O’Hare

Depending on how you access a lounge and with which airline you’re flying, there are several lounges at Chicago-O’Hare worth exploring. The airport has lounges in Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 5.

Your best bet to get into a lounge here will be if you’re flying with United or American or if you hold elite status in one of these airlines’ loyalty programs. A small number of international airlines also have lounges in Terminal 5.

You may get access to lounges depending on your elite status level with an airline, even if traveling in economy class.

Chicago-Midway

Chicago-Midway doesn’t currently have any lounge options, but it will be opening its first-ever lounge in late 2024. Called “The Club MDW,” it will part of the network of lounges dubbed “The Club” be accessible to Priority Pass members.

If you want to purchase Priority Pass membership, an annual pass for unlimited lounge visits costs $469. Cheaper memberships are available but only allow a limited number of visits per year.

Chicago-O’Hare Terminal 1: United Clubs and Polaris Lounge

Terminal 1 is primarily used by United Airlines and select partners. It has four lounges for passengers traveling on United and partner carriers. Here are the lounges available at Chicago-O’Hare Terminal 1.

United Club

  • Three locations: near gate B6 (Concourse B), gate B18 (Concourse B) and gate C10 (Concourse C).

  • Open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

  • Must present a boarding pass to enter.

  • Open to United Club members, one-time pass holders, United and Star Alliance premium cabin passengers and eligible elite status holders (including Star Alliance Gold) on eligible international flights. Virgin Australia Velocity Gold, Platinum and VIP members plus Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge members, all of whom must be traveling from Chicago-O’Hare on United, can also visit United Club locations. Access is also available to certain United credit cardholders.

United Clubs offer hot and cold buffet meals and drinks from an open bar. Work stations, free Wi-Fi, seats with power outlets and Illy coffee machines come standard.

Polaris Lounge

  • Located near gate C18 (Concourse C).

  • Open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

  • Must present a boarding pass to enter.

  • Open to United Polaris and Star Alliance premium cabin passengers as well as eligible elite status holders (including Star Alliance Gold flyers on non-United flights) on international flights. Star Alliance Gold members who are traveling domestically on United cannot use the Polaris Lounge, but may access the United Club instead.

Polaris Lounges have a more substantial buffet of hot and cold food items, an a la carte menu in a sit-down restaurant, an upgraded bar with complimentary drink selections, lounge areas, showers and nap rooms.

🤓Nerdy Tip

United Club members can bring a spouse and child under 21 or up to two guests. The United Club℠ Infinite Card comes with lounge membership that can be used when flying United or a Star Alliance partner.

Chicago-O’Hare Terminal 2: United Club

Terminal 2 is used by United Airlines as well as a handful of other airlines like Alaska Airlines and JetBlue Airways. Here is information on the sole lounge at Chicago-O’Hare’s Terminal 2:

United Club

  • Located near gate F9 (Concourse F).

  • Open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

  • Must present a boarding pass to enter.

  • Open to United Club members, one-time pass holders, Star Alliance premium cabin passengers and eligible elite status holders (including Star Alliance Gold) on eligible international flights. Virgin Australia Velocity Gold, Platinum and VIP members plus Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge members, all of whom must be traveling from Chicago-O’Hare on United, can visit United Club locations.

United Clubs offer hot and cold buffet meals and drinks from an open bar. Work stations, free Wi-Fi, seats with power outlets and Illy coffee machines come standard.

Cards with United Club access

United℠ Explorer Card

on Chase’s website

United Club℠ Infinite Card

on Chase’s website

United℠ Business Card

on Chase’s website

United Club℠ Business Card

Details

Annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $95):

Lounge access: Two one-time United Club passes after account opening and each year for your cardmember anniversary.

Annual fee: $525.

Lounge access: Primary cardholders get a United Club membership.

Annual fee: $99.

Lounge access: Two one-time United Club passes after account opening and each year for your cardmember anniversary.

Annual fee: $450.

Lounge access: Primary cardholders get a United Club membership.

Still not sure?

Chicago-O’Hare Terminal 3: American Admirals Clubs and Flagship Lounge

Terminal 3 is primarily used by American Airlines and some of its partner carriers. Here are the details for the lounges located at Chicago-O’Hare Terminal 3.

American Airlines Admirals Club

  • Three locations: near gate G8 (Concourse G), between gates H6 and K6 (Concourse H/K) and near gate L1 (Concourse L).

  • Open daily from 6:15 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. (Concourse H/K lounge is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.)

  • Must present a boarding pass to enter.

American’s Admirals Clubs offer buffet snacks and an open bar. Some include pop-up stations with avocado toast in the morning and made-to-order guacamole in the evening.

Work stations, seats with power outlets and lounge areas are also available. If you’d like to take advantage of the Club’s shower facilities, you’ll need to head to the location between the H and K Concourses.

American Airlines Flagship Lounge

  • Located between gates H6 and K6 (Concourse H/K).

  • Open daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

  • Must present an eligible boarding pass to enter.

  • Open to ConciergeKey travelers, eligible AAdvantage and Oneworld elite status members on international flights and premium cabin passengers on eligible international, premium transcontinental and long-haul Hawaiian island flights. One-day passholders can also enter for $150 per person or 15,000 AAdvantage miles. Also eligible to enter are Alaska Airlines MVP Gold and MVP Gold 75K members on eligible flights.

American’s Flagship Lounges are a step up from the Admirals Club and have expansive buffets with hot and cold items, self-service bars, a range of snacks, work stations, showers, seats with power outlets and premium Champagne and wine.

Chicago-O’Hare Terminal 5: Delta Sky Club and international airline lounges

Since Delta moved its operations to Terminal 5, it joins a few other domestic carriers as well as most other international airlines operating from Chicago-O’Hare.

🤓Nerdy Tip

It’s not easy for travelers departing from Terminals 1, 2 or 3 to access these lounges since they must leave the secure area, take a train and re-clear security. If you’re connecting through O’Hare with a flight leaving from Terminal 5, a free shuttle within security is available after showing an eligible boarding pass.

That said, these four Chicago-O’Hare airport lounges are best suited for passengers departing from Terminal 5.

Delta Sky Club

  • Located between gates M11 and M14 (Concourse M).

  • Open from 4:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day except Saturday when hours are 4:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

  • Must present a boarding pass to enter.

  • Open to Delta Sky Club members, Delta One passengers, premium cabin passengers traveling internationally on a SkyTeam flight and Medallion members (except Silver) flying internationally in a premium cabin. Non-Delta members with SkyTeam Elite Plus status traveling on an international itinerary also receive access, as do those who hold The Platinum Card® from American Express, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card or select Centurion cards from American Express. Travelers may only access the lounge up to three hours prior to their flight. Anyone holding a basic economy ticket will not receive access. Terms apply.

The Sky Club offers a buffet of hot and cold food items, an open bar (including a dedicated wine bar), work stations with power outlets, an interesting collection of artwork and plentiful seating overlooking the Delta gates.

Cards with Delta SkyClub access

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Annual fee

Still not sure?

British Airways Lounge

  • Located between gates M11 and M12 (Concourse M).

  • Open from 12:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

  • Must present a boarding pass to enter.

  • This lounge is open to premium cabin and eligible Oneworld elite status members on international British Airways or Oneworld flights.

In the lounge, a range of self-service snacks and an open bar are available, although there is limited seating given its small size.

SAS Lounge

  • Located near gates M19 and M20 (Concourse M).

  • Opening hours vary based on flight schedule.

  • Must present a boarding pass to enter.

  • This lounge is accessible to SAS passengers and eligible elite status passengers on other Star Alliance flights from the terminal.

While compact, the lounge has a decent spread of snacks, self-pour refreshments including alcohol and work stations with power outlets.

Swissport Lounge

  • Located near gate M13 (Concourse M).

  • Open from 7 a.m. to 12:30 a.m (7 a.m. to 9 p.m. for Priority Pass members).

  • Must present a boarding pass to enter.

  • This lounge is available to Priority Pass members and eligible customers with access via their airline. If you have access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, you also have Priority Pass membership, giving access to this lounge.

The lounge offers visitors a buffet of snacks, an open bar and seating although power outlets can be hard to find. This is not one of the most attractive lounges at the airport, but it is the only Priority Pass option.

Chicago-Midway: The Club at MDW

Opening in late 2024, this new Priority Pass-accessible lounge will be available near the Central Market between Concourses A and B.

This will become the first Chicago-Midway airport lounge.

Top cards with Priority Pass

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card

Annual fee

Priority Pass benefits

Priority Pass Select membership. Enrollment required.

Terms apply.

Full Priority Pass Select membership. Includes two guests per visit. No restaurants.

Priority Pass Select membership. Enrollment required.

Terms apply.

10 complimentary Priority Pass lounge visits per year. Enrollment required.

Terms apply.

Eight free Priority Pass lounge visits per year.

Learn more

For Midway passengers without a qualifying card or Prioriy Pass membership, a day pass can also be purchased for those with a boarding pass for $50.

Chicago airport lounges recapped

Chicago-O’Hare has several lounge options across United, American, Delta and international airlines. Chicago-Midway, meanwhile, will be opening an airline-agnostic lounge for Priority Pass members in late 2024.

As it currently stands, travelers need to rely on their airline ticket, elite status or lounge membership to give them access to a Chicago airport lounge.

The information related to United Club℠ Business Card has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:

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Apache is functioning normally

Virgin Voyages cruise line debuted its first ship, Scarlet Lady, in 2020. Founded by British entrepreneur and adventurer Richard Branson, this is not your typical cruise. To start, you must be at least 18 years old to sail on Virgin Voyages. And with plenty of restaurants, a food hall, a tattoo parlor and blush-inducing shows, Scarlet Lady has plenty to offer.

Following Scarlet Lady, Virgin Voyages added two other “lady ships” to its fleet — Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady. Here’s what you need to know when sailing aboard Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady.

Scarlet Lady itinerary

Scarlet Lady really gets around. With a home port in Miami, the energy-efficient ship typically sails Caribbean itineraries, calling on ports in Mexico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas and more.

The cruise line also has a private beach club in Bimini, with swimming pools, restaurants, a beach area and activities. All Virgin Voyages cruises with Caribbean itineraries make a stop here.

Seasonally, the ship makes a trans-Atlantic crossing, sailing around the Mediterranean and visiting several ports in the United Kingdom.

Scarlet Lady ship tour

These enormous ships are designed for adult vacations, providing plentiful recreation and activity options for every type of traveler. Scarlet Lady has 17 decks and capacity for around 2,800 passengers in its 1,400 cabins.

Cabins demonstrate Virgin’s trademark “cool” design, with mood lighting, minimalist furniture, a slightly nautical twist in the decor, and distinct red hammocks on the balconies.

The majority of cabins have balconies, which gives this ship an edge when courting travelers. The premium cabins are the RockStar and Mega RockStar Quarters, which come in various configurations and designs.

The most glamorous suites have whirlpools on the terrace, separate dining and living areas, and larger bathrooms — some even have an outdoor shower. All suites boast a record player. Even the stateroom attendants bear a unique title: Rock Star Coordinators.

Booking a premium cabin and suite gives guests access to Richard’s Rooftop, an alfresco lounge and patio with sitting areas, an open bar, whirlpools and live entertainment. Other perks include airport transfers, priority disembarkation and boarding in ports, access to the spa’s thermal suite, free laundry and clothes pressing, and comped minibars.

Other cabin types include those with bunk beds (ideal for friends traveling together) and solo cabins.

When out and about, there are plenty of shopping opportunities, including the chance to get inked at the onboard tattoo parlor (the first of its kind on a cruise ship).

As you meander the ship, you’ll discover everything from basketball courts, a boxing ring and gym equipment to a spa with a thermal area and relaxation nets that dangle over the sea.

Private deck cabanas at Mediterranean eatery The Dock feature day beds that look out toward the ocean, and ample lounge chairs ring the party-centric pool, where staffers circle with drinks.

In addition to a menu of spa services, there are also saunas, steam rooms, a salt room, a mud room, a beauty salon and plunge pools. Once the sun sets, a DJ sets up shop to create a party atmosphere in the same space.

One quick shake of your mobile device when using the onboard app summons an attendant with Champagne.

Scarlet Lady dining

Instead of one main dining room, there are individual restaurants and a food hall with dining options at all hours.

In the food hall, there are also takeaway bento boxes with snacks like sushi, fresh fruit, salads and sandwiches. Other options include a burger bar, a taco shack, a sushi station and a ramen shop. It’s all included in the cruise price, and everything is made fresh to order.

Among other dining options on the ship are a Korean barbecue eatery, a steak and seafood cafe, molecular fusion cuisine where dishes are served in opulent style with a scientific twist (think test tubes and beakers for some dishes), Italian, Mexican, a pizza bar and an all-vegan/vegetarian option.

There are several bars on board, including a tap room called the Draught Haus, which offers an array of beers on tap and by the bottle. Among the options in the Draught Haus and elsewhere on the ship is Virgin’s own bespoke beer, an English Pale Ale with a hint of red, brewed by Miami’s Wynwood Brewing Company.

Made-to-order barista coffee from Intelligentsia is available, and there’s a cold-pressed juice bar for those looking for a healthy refreshment.

Scarlet Lady bars, nightlife and shows

For entertainment, passengers can head to The Manor, a multi-bar nightclub with a ’70s punk vibe, which features a rotating line-up of comedy acts.

The party atmosphere lasts late into the night. As you wander the ship, keep an eye out for “Happenings,” the unscheduled improv acts and performances that the staff do to spice up things when you least expect it.

Other destinations for activities include a karaoke room, a casino, a private gaming area, a poker room, a cinema and a record store. The occasional fashion show also takes place on board.

One thing that Scarlet Lady does not offer is the typical stage show with singers and dancers performing to a prerecorded soundtrack. The onboard entertainers do, however, sing and dance by the pool, in the nightclub and on the stage.

There are no Broadway-style shows, either. Instead, look for solo performers in various bars and by the pool. The space is carefully curated so that no matter where you are, there is something to enliven the atmosphere (whether through art, design, music, or simply the view).

The bottom line

Sailing with Virgin Voyages is not your standard cruise experience. While the adult-themed onboard vibe is playful, this is not the jam-packed ship with waterslides and bingo cards some might imagine.

Step aboard with an open mind and some knowledge of Richard Branson’s Virgin Group brand track record, and you’ll be sure to enjoy a different type of cruise vacation.

(Top photo courtesy of Virgin Voyages)

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:

Source: nerdwallet.com

Apache is functioning normally

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is a premium card that comes with a number of benefits, including Hilton Honors™ Diamond Status, a $400 Hilton resort credit, a $200 airline credit and more. Terms apply.

Hilton and American Express recently updated the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card benefits so that cardholders can earn free Hilton award nights. Below we’ll dive into whether it’s worth taking advantage of this new benefit.

How to earn free hotel nights with the card

  • In the first year of your card membership and every year at renewal.

  • New: After making $30,000 in purchases on your Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card in a calendar year.

  • New: After making $60,000 in purchases on your Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card in a calendar year.

Terms apply.

While you’ll continue to earn at least one free award night each year with your Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, is it worth spending up to $60,000 for extra free nights?

Spending $30,000 to earn a free reward night

If you’re able to maximize the value of the free award night, it may very well be worth spending $30,000 on the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card to earn an extra free reward night. Terms apply.

  • 14 points for every $1 spent at a Hilton property.

  • 7 points for every $1 spent on flights booked directly with airlines, travel booked on amextravel.com, on select car rental companies and at U.S. restaurants.

  • 3 points for every $1 spent on everything else.

Terms apply.

This means that, at a minimum, you’ll earn 90,000 Hilton Honors points by spending $30,000 on your Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.

Those 90,000 points would be worth approximately $450, given NerdWallet valuations. This comes out to be a 1.5% return on that $30,000 spend. That said, you have the potential to earn even more points if your $30,000 in spend includes money spent on a Hilton stay or on the 7x categories listed above.

The opportunity cost

This comes out to a minimum return of 2.8% if you spend that $30,000 on the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.

When it could still make sense

Even though the points you earn from the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card may be worth less than the amount you’d earn with other cards, this doesn’t take into account the value of the free Hilton award night you’d get after spending $30,000 on your card in a calendar year. If you’re able to maximize the value of your free award night with Hilton, the math can change completely. Terms apply.

For example, you could use your free award night to book a standard room at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi — when we checked, the cheapest stay cost $2,735 after taxes and fees.

🤓Nerdy Tip

Hilton award stays waive resort fees.

If you take the $2,735 for the free award night and add the $450 in value you’d otherwise earn from spending $30,000 on the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, this comes out to $3,185 worth of earnings on the card, or an impressive return of 10.6% for every $1 spent on the card. (Keeping in mind that you probably wouldn’t fly to the Maldives for a one-night hotel stay.)

The math is very different if you use your free award night for a less expensive hotel. For example, if you used the free award night at the Hampton Inn Dalton in Georgia, the cash price of the same night would only be around $123, including taxes and fees.

If you take the $123 for the free award night and add the $450 in value you’d otherwise earn from spending $30,000 on the card, this comes out to $573 worth of earnings, or a return of 1.9% for every $1 spent. This is less value than if you had the same spend on the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.

The bottom line is that it’s only worth spending $30,000 on your Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card if you can maximize the value of the free award night by booking a stay at an otherwise expensive property.

Spending $60,000 to earn two free reward nights

You’ll want to do similar math to determine whether it’s worth spending $60,000 on your Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card to earn two free award nights (since you earn one free award night after $30,000 in spend and a second free award night after you hit $60,000 in spend).

If you spend $60,000 on your Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, you’ll earn a minimum of 3 points per $1 spent, or 180,000 points worth $900 per NerdWallet’s valuation — a return of 1.5% for every $1 spent on the card. Terms apply.

If you’re able to maximize your free award nights at high-value Hilton properties, it could again make sense to spend $60,000 on your Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.

When should you skip it?

Below are some scenarios where spending $30,000 (or $60,000) on your Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card to earn free award nights may not make sense:

  • You may not use the award night, since they generally expire within one year.

  • You may not use the award night at a high-cost property.

  • You are instead putting that spend toward a credit card that offers a high sign-up bonus.

  • You’d rather get a credit card that includes airline or hotel status. 

  • You have The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, where you earn a free award night after spending only $15,000 in a calendar year. Terms apply.

Since there’s no one-size-fits-all solutions, you’ll want to think about how you’ll use your Hilton free award nights compared to how you’d earn points used on another credit card before deciding to commit to the $30,000 or $60,000 spend requirements on the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.

The bottom line

Hilton and American Express updated the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card so that you can now earn an additional free award night after spending $30,000 on the card in a calendar year, or earn two additional free award nights after spending $60,000 on the card in a calendar year. It’s only worth taking advantage of this benefit if you plan to redeem the Hilton free night awards at a high-value Hilton hotel.

Given that, you should carefully think about how you’ll use the free award night certificates before committing to spending the $30,000 or $60,000 needed to get the free Hilton award nights on your Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card. Terms apply.

All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is no longer available through NerdWallet.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:

Source: nerdwallet.com

Apache is functioning normally

Florida is a popular destination for beaches, theme parks, rocket launches and more. However, one of the more underrated destinations in this state is Fort Walton Beach. Let’s take a look at how to get there, the best things to do in Fort Walton Beach and where to stay once you arrive.

The best things to do in Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton Beach offers many things to do for every type of traveler. Whether you’re visiting as a family, with friends or on a couple’s getaway, you’ll find plenty of attractions, cultural experiences and outdoor adventures to fit your budget.

1. Paddleboard along the coast

Fort Walton Beach offers calm, clear waters in its bays, which is perfect for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). This activity is one the best things to do in Fort Walton Beach whether you’re an expert or a beginner.

Some of the locals’ favorite spots include Norriego Point, Okaloosa Island Beach and Gulf Islands National Seashore. If you don’t have your own equipment, local businesses rent boards to visitors wanting to enjoy the sun and water.

2. Visit the Air Force Armament Museum

For the AV geek or military buff in your family, the Air Force Armament Museum is a must. This military museum features over 29 different aircraft ranging in age from the War II-era to present day. Inside, you’ll also find exhibits featuring hundreds of pieces of armament, including bombs and missiles.

It’s a good option for budget-conscious travelers because admission is free. It’s open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., including most federal holidays.

3. Learn local history at Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park and Cultural Center

The Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park and Cultural Center is the place to be for visitors wanting to learn about local history. This museum showcases the area’s history from 12,000 B.C. through the 1950s.

The park includes numerous attractions, such as Indian Temple Mound Museum, Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum, Garnier Post Office Museum, Fort Walton Temple Mound and the Civil War Exhibit Building.

Purchase your admission inside the Indian Temple Mound Museum for $5 per person. One ticket includes admission to all of the attractions listed above. The museums open at 10 a.m. and close by 3 p.m. (or earlier). It is closed on Sundays, Mondays and all major holidays.

4. Step into the Norriego Point tide pools

The Norriego Point tide pools offer a shallow water experience for visitors of all ages. The tide pools are cordoned off from open waters to provide a safe space for small children and inexperienced swimmers.

In the tide pools, you’ll discover numerous types of fish, hermit crabs and more. Learn about the local sea life up close. These also offer a unique vantage point to watch the boats coming into the harbor.

There is no cost to visit the Norriego Point tide pools. However, parking is limited, so consider parking at nearby O’steen Beach or on the local streets.

5. Feed an alligator at Gator Beach

Another activity at Fort Walton Beach is seeing the alligators at Gator Beach. There is no admission fee, and its considered the largest alligator park on the Emerald Coast.

This attraction features hundreds of alligators; for a small fee, visitors can feed the gators. If you’re brave enough, you can even take a picture while holding a live alligator. There are also multiple shows and tours throughout the day to learn about this local species.

6. Experiment at the Emerald Coast Science Center

The Emerald Coast Science Center in Fort Walton Beach is one of many attractions for families with young children.

This interactive, hands-on museum features numerous exhibits for guests, including dinosaur fossils, robotics, chemistry demonstrations and a handful of outdoor exhibits. Plus, there are additional areas with live birds, mammals and reptiles to round out your science adventure.

The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $12 per person, and children two and under are free.

7. Camp at Henderson Beach State Park

While many travelers prefer a nice hotel, others are looking for a more rustic experience. Camping at Henderson Beach State Park allows visitors to immerse themselves in the outdoors and enjoy 30-foot sand dunes and warm Gulf Coast waters.

The state park offers 60 campsites, fishing opportunities and a nature trail. It’s adjacent to the beach, and campers can access the water using the boardwalk.

Visitors can make reservations up to 10 months in advance (11 months for Florida residents). Campsite prices range from $16 to $42 per night and cabins are $30 to $160 a night. Florida State Parks also charges a nonrefundable fee of $6.70 per reservation. You can book your stay online or over the phone at 800-326-3521.

8. Become a mermaid at Reefs & Wrecks Remembered

If you or your child has ever dreamed of becoming a mermaid, this dream can become reality at Reefs and Wrecks. This PADI-certified company offers three different types of mermaid experiences for different levels of swimmers.

The entry level course is the Discover Mermaid experience in a shallow pool. For experienced divers, the Advanced Mermaid course includes two sessions in open water where you can test out your mermaid skills. Prices start at $145 and go up to $450, depending on the course selected.

9. Go fishing at The Island Pier

Throw out a line or just enjoy the views from The Island Pier. This pier stretches 1,262 into the Gulf of Mexico, so it offers unparalleled views of the beach and water.

Local marine life includes dolphins, sea turtles, herons and pelicans. Visitors can purchase a daily fishing license, buy lures and tackle or rent equipment from shops on the pier.

If you’re unable to catch anything, don’t worry about going hungry. The pier’s shop serves sandwiches, ice cream, snacks and drinks.

10. Stroll the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk

Along the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk, you’ll find a variety of dining options, gift shops and activities. There are numerous restaurants to choose from based on your budget and appetite.

Plus, visitors can enjoy the children’s playground, splash pad and sand volleyball courts. During the summer, stick around after dark for the fireworks show on Wednesday evenings.

11. Shop local at the Downtown Fort Walton Beach Farmers Market

Support local farmers, artisans and crafters by shopping at the Downtown Fort Walton Beach Farmers Market. The market is open year-round on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. It operates from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., so arrive early for the best selection.

The Okaloosa Farmers Market is another option where you can buy local goods. It operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

12. Go snorkeling at Stingray Bay

The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is a unique experience for travelers. The park offers numerous animal encounters, including dolphins, harbor seals, penguins and stingrays.

Ticket prices are $30 or less, depending on your age. Florida residents receive a discount.

One of the experiences available is to snorkel in Stingray Bay. For an additional $59, you’ll get 30 minutes to snorkel and interact with cownose rays, small sharks, groupers and numerous fish species.

13. Experience the fun at Crab Island

One of the top things to do in Fort Walton Beach is Crab Island, which takes advantage of the shallow waters and raised sandbars along the Gulf Coast.

In most places, the water is only one to four feet deep, so it’s safe even if you don’t know how to swim. Visitors will find obstacle courses, floating bars and more for fun in the sun.

Only accessible by boat, many people rent one or bring their own to visit Crab Island. Some arrive on pontoon boats so they have a place to rest and relax during the day. There are also tour and water taxi options.

While there is food available from floating food vendors and restaurants, you cannot purchase alcohol on Crab Island. You’ll have to bring your own if you want to enjoy an adult beverage.

Where is Fort Walton Beach, Florida?

Fort Walton Beach is located on the Florida panhandle, across the Choctawhatchee Bay from Destin. The city is about two hours east of Mobile, Alabama, and about an hour west of Panama City Beach, Florida.

How to get to Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Fort Walton Beach is a popular road trip destination for travelers in the South. However, the local Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport is also an option for those who wish to fly. The airport is serviced by Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and Sun Country Airlines.

There are numerous nonstop flights from airports across the country, including Boston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Minneapolis, Las Vegas and Washington-National.

Where to stay in Fort Walton Beach

Travelers have a variety of lodging options when booking their vacation to Fort Walton Beach. Here are a few from several major hotel chains, along with how many points are needed to book a room there in 2024.

  • Tru by Hilton Fort Walton Beach: Redemptions from 22,000 to 70,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

  • Holiday Inn Express Fort Walton Beach Central: Redemptions from 14,000 to 43,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

  • Fairfield Inn & Suites Fort Walton Beach-West Destin: Redemptions from 32,000 to 48,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

You can earn a large sum of points quickly by getting the sign-up bonus for new hotel and travel credit cards. Generally speaking, to earn a bonus, you need to spend a certain amount within a specific time frame after signing up for the card.

Top hotel credit cards

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

on Chase’s website

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

on Chase’s website

Annual fee

Sign-up bonus

Limited time offer! Earn 5 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card.

Earn 155,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

Earn 165,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Still not sure?

Once you reach that threshold, you’ll earn a bulk sum of points or miles that can be used toward award redemptions.

Other accommodations in Fort Walton Beach can be booked through Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo using OneKey Rewards.

Things to do in Fort Walton Beach recapped

Beach vacationers should consider visiting Fort Walton Beach in the Florida panhandle. There are many fun things to do for adults and kids alike. Learn about the city’s history, make new friends with local wildlife, go fishing and enjoy a variety of water activities.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:

Source: nerdwallet.com

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Wondering how to stay at hotels for free? I have stayed in many hotel rooms for free over the years by using many of these same strategies below. Finding ways to get free hotel stays is a great way to travel on a budget or simply just save money on hotels. This can allow you…

Wondering how to stay at hotels for free? I have stayed in many hotel rooms for free over the years by using many of these same strategies below.

Finding ways to get free hotel stays is a great way to travel on a budget or simply just save money on hotels. This can allow you to go on more vacations and use your money for other things in life.

Whether it’s a fancy resort or a specific hotel brand, the trick is to know where to find these opportunities and make the most of them.

Key Takeaways

  • Loyalty programs are a direct path to earning free hotel stays. This is because they tend to give a free night after a certain number of paid stays. You accumulate points for each stay that you can redeem for free nights.
  • Credit card points can be used for free hotel stays. Many credit cards partner with hotel brands to give sign-up bonuses. By meeting the minimum spending requirements, you can earn points for free hotel stays. These points can be substantial, so choose a card aligned with your preferred hotel chain.
  • Earning gift cards from rewards platforms can be a way to make money to put toward free hotel stays.

Best Ways To Get Free Hotel Stays

Below are ways to get free hotel stays.

Take surveys for free hotel stays

You can get free gift cards by answering paid online surveys, and you can use these gift cards to help you get a free hotel stay.

So, this would work like this – you could get free gift cards to places like Hotels.com, Marriott Hotels, Holiday Inn, or even a Visa gift card (that you can use anywhere) as a reward for answering online surveys. You then collect gift cards until you reach the amount that you need to book the hotel that you want.

To get started, you’ll want to find a survey site that you trust. Some of my favorites are:

I recommend signing up for all of them so that you can get the most surveys possible to answer, which will then pay you with more gift cards.

There are also other apps that you can use as well to get free gift cards, such as Fetch Rewards and Ibotta.

I get free gift cards all the time, and recently, I logged into several of the accounts that I am signed up for and turned in my points. This led to me getting $275 in free gift cards. I personally like to wait until I have a lot of gift cards that I can redeem all at once.

Now, this would take a decent amount of time. You won’t get a free hotel stay in one day. But if you keep doing surveys, your gift cards will add up.

Recommended reading: 16 Real Ways To Earn Free Gift Cards (Amazon, Target, Visa)

How to get free hotel stays as an influencer or blogger

As a blogger and social media influencer, I have received many hotel stays for free over the years. From luxury hotels and all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean to RV campgrounds and more, I have partnered with many different types of accommodations over the years.

And, I know of many other people who have received free hotel rooms through this as well.

Getting free hotel stays as an influencer means partnering with hotels and showing them why you’re valuable to their brand.

This may include sharing your hotel stay on your blog, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, or somewhere else that you have followers and readers.

Here’s a quick guide on how to stay at hotels for free as a social media influencer or blogger:

  • Assess what you can offer. Hotels are looking for exposure and new customers, so your reach and engagement rates are important. How many people will see what you share about their hotel?
  • Customize your content to align with the hotel’s image and key messages.
  • Contact hotels professionally, usually through their marketing or PR department, and highlight how your content will benefit their visibility and attract potential customers. This is typically done through email.
  • Be clear about expectations – what you will provide and what you expect in return. Set deliverables, such as a number of posts, stories, or a video.

You can learn how to start a blog by taking my free How To Start A Blog Course. You can join over 80,000 people who have already taken the course. In this free course, I show you how to create a blog, from the technical side to earning your first income and attracting readers.

Travel credit card rewards

If you want to learn how to stay at hotels for free, this is one of the top ways.

I have earned several free hotel stays over the years by using the rewards points I have earned from my credit cards toward my hotel room. I’ve been using rewards credit cards for years, and they are pretty much all that I use now. It helps me save money on travel, earn cash back, and more. 

A rewards credit card lets you earn points, miles, or cash back that you can use for almost free travel. These cards usually give you points that you can use for things like airline miles, booking hotels, gift cards, or cash back. You earn these rewards just by using your credit card for everyday purchases like groceries, gas, and shopping. But remember, it’s important to pay off your full balance each month to make sure the rewards are worth it and avoid paying extra for interest charges.

Here’s a quick summary to help you understand how rewards credit cards work:

  1. Choose a credit card with rewards that interest you, like points, cash back, or travel rewards.
  2. The card may require you to spend a certain amount, for example, $3,000 in the first 90 days, to get a sign-up bonus. Some don’t have any minimum requirement, and you can simply earn points for your purchases.
  3. Use these points for rewards like cash back, hotel stays, airfare, or other options.

You can learn more about my favorite cards at Best Rewards Credit Cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (Chase Ultimate Rewards Points are the best!), Chase Sapphire Reserve, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card, and others.

I also recommend reading How To Take A 10 Day Trip To Hawaii For $22.40 – Flights & Accommodations Included.

Note: Credit card rewards and even the best travel credit cards are not worth it if you go into debt. Remember to pay off your monthly bill in time (and the full amount) before interest charges accrue. Also, many of the good rewards credit cards have an annual fee each year on your card anniversary, so take that into account as well. So, you should always be careful!

Sign up for hotel loyalty programs

Hotel rewards programs are your way to get free stays and room upgrades. When you join these programs, you can earn points for a free night’s stay, and as you climb the levels, you can get additional benefits such as getting your resort fees waived.

Programs like Marriott Hotels, IHG Rewards Club, and Hilton Honors are free to join and sometimes give you a free night after a certain number of stays or points earned.

Some examples of hotel rewards programs include:

  • Marriott Bonvoy – Combines former Marriott Rewards, Ritz-Carlton Rewards, and Starwood Preferred Guest programs.
  • IHG Rewards Club – Allows you to earn points for stays which can be used for free nights.
  • Hilton Honors – Provides exclusive member deals and guarantees the lowest rates when booking directly.

Many travel booking sites also have rewards programs, such as Expedia even. These programs give valuable benefits like this to get you to book through them as much as possible so that they can make more money.

You can earn points in several ways beyond just booking hotel rooms:

  • Stay at hotels – Every night you stay earns you more points, with the amount varying by hotel and the rate you book.
  • Promotions – Look out for and register for periodic promotions that have bonus points.
  • Partnerships – Earn points through partners, for instance, by booking car rentals or flights with associated airlines.

Your accumulated points can be redeemed for free hotel nights, among other rewards. The number of points needed for a free night certificate varies by hotel brand, location, and the room’s price.

Find mystery shopping jobs at hotels

Mystery shop companies sometimes need secret shoppers to evaluate a hotel for them. I have seen these types of jobs pop up several times, and I have personally done a few as well.

These are typically just one or two-night stays in your local area, but it can make for a fun and free staycation.

This can be a great way to vacation on a budget.

Become a travel agent if you’re traveling with a group

If you often travel with groups, becoming a travel agent can be a smart choice. As a travel agent, you get industry discounts and may earn commissions on your bookings. To become one, you need accreditation, usually from a trusted program that teaches you important industry knowledge.

Here’s how you can benefit:

  • Access to discounts – As a travel agent, you can unlock special rates not available to the public. When traveling with a group, this can translate into significant savings.
  • Earn commissions – Booking for multiple people means the potential for earning commissions from hotels increases. This can sometimes offset the cost of your own accommodation.

Though this role comes with perks, it also means handling travel details professionally and responsibly for others. It’s not just about getting free stays; it’s also about making sure that your group has great travel experiences.

Work at a hotel

Working at a hotel can be a way to get free accommodation. As an employee, you can usually get discounts or even stay for free, depending on your job and the hotel’s policy.

This may include jobs such as working the front desk, being in management, and more.

Policies vary, so it’s important to know what’s available to you and to ask about the hotel’s policy on employee stays. For example, some hotels have a set number of free nights as part of the employment package. Plus, discounts on rooms can sometimes extend to family and friends.

Attend a timeshare presentation

Going to a timeshare presentation can lead to complimentary hotel stays.

These can sometimes be brutal, though, so if you think that you may end up buying a timeshare that you don’t need – then DO NOT DO THIS! Timeshares can be quite expensive and they are lifelong with annual costs.

But, if you think you can withstand the temptation, plenty of people sign up for these in order to get a free hotel stay all the time.

Here’s how this works:

  • Usually, your attendance at a 90-minute to 2-hour sales pitch is required.
  • Be prepared for high-pressure sales tactics, but remember you’re under no obligation to buy.
  • Incentives can range from free hotel stays, discounted travel, or even gift cards.
  • Make sure you understand the terms and conditions attached to the free stay.
  • If interested, consider the timeshare offer carefully. If not, politely decline and redeem your free stay or other perks.

Hotel promotions and deals

You can stretch your travel budget by taking advantage of different hotel promotions and deals to get the best room rates. Whether you travel often or are planning a one-time trip, there are several strategies you can use to get free hotel stays.

When you sign up for newsletters from your favorite hotel chains, you’ll receive emails on new promotions and deals (such as for seasonal sales on room rates) directly to your inbox. Some hotels might even offer a reward night, room upgrades, or welcome points just for joining at check-in.

Scan your grocery receipts for free hotel gift cards

Using grocery receipt scanning apps can be an easy way to earn free hotel stay rewards.

As you do your regular grocery shopping at grocery stores, these apps turn your grocery receipts into points, which can be exchanged for gift cards that can be used at different hotels.

Here’s how you can get started:

  1. Download receipt scanning apps – Look for apps like Fetch Rewards (this is my favorite and the one that I use for every single one of my grocery receipts) that are known to offer hotel gift cards as a redemption option.
  2. Scan your receipts – Every time you shop, take a second to scan your receipts using the app.
  3. Earn points – Get points with every scanned receipt.
  4. Redeem for hotel gift cards – Once you’ve earned enough points, browse the app’s reward section for hotel gift card options. Select your preferred hotel chain and redeem your points. With Fetch Rewards, you can get gift cards to places such as Airbnb, Hotels.com, Visa, and more.

While it will take some time to earn enough points, it can be a way to save some money on a hotel reservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions about how to stay at hotels for free.

Is it possible to get a free night at a hotel?

Yes, you may be able to get a free night at a hotel through loyalty programs, which reward you with points for free night awards that can be redeemed for free nights. Additionally, some programs may give a free night after a certain number of paid stays or as a sign-up bonus.

How to get a hotel room for free?

You may get a free hotel room through loyalty programs, credit card rewards, by earning free hotel gift cards, and more.

How can I earn free hotel stays through surveys?

You can earn points by joining market research and filling out surveys on specific websites. These points might be traded for hotel rewards points, allowing you to book hotel stays for free.

Are there contests or sweepstakes that offer chances to win a stay at a hotel?

Yes, contests and sweepstakes run by hotels, travel bloggers, or travel websites tend to have hotel stays as prizes. You can start by possibly searching related hashtags on social media, such as #giveaway.

How can I travel luxury for free?

Traveling in luxury for free can be done by maximizing credit card sign-up bonuses and rewards, leveraging elite status with hotel loyalty programs for upgrades, and possibly collaborating with luxury hotels as an influencer if you have a strong online following.

How to get a free hotel room by complaining?

If you honestly had a bad stay at a hotel, you may be able to talk to management. Sometimes, they will give you a free hotel stay to make up for the bad review. But, you should never lie about a stay just to get a free room, as you can cost someone their job.

How To Stay at Hotels for Free – Summary

I hope you enjoyed this article on how to stay at hotels for free.

There are many ways to get free hotel stays, as you learned above.

Joining hotel loyalty programs at major hotel chains is a simple way to get free night rewards. These programs give you points for staying often, and you can use these points for free hotel nights.

Travel credit cards and hotel credit cards also give rewards that can be used for hotel stays.

If you’re an influencer or booking for a group, this may result in you getting a hotel stay for free. Other ways, like joining hotel promotions, being a mystery shopper, or attending timeshare presentations, can also get you free or cheaper stays at different places.

I have personally done many of the ways listed above to get free hotel stays at places in many states and countries. The stays have been great and have allowed me to save so much money over the years!

Have you ever stayed at a hotel for free?

Recommended reading:

Source: makingsenseofcents.com

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With sand, sun and sea stretching an impressive 825 miles across the state, Florida is the clear choice for visitors who want to enjoy some time at the beach. In fact, about a third of all travelers will head to at least one of the state’s beaches while visiting.

Beaches can be found along the state’s Panhandle in the north, the Gulf of Mexico in the west and the Atlantic Ocean on its east coast. And don’t forget the dozens of islands that make up the Florida Keys along the state’s southern end.

While it may be impossible to definitively tell you what the best beach in Florida is, here are several contenders for the top spot.

Florida beaches overview

Depending on where you go in Florida, you could end up swimming in one of two bodies of water. The beaches in the Panhandle and down the west side of the state border the Gulf of Mexico, while those on the eastern side of the state sit on the Atlantic Ocean.

What’s the difference? If you’re an early riser and want to watch the sun rise over the water, choose a beach on the Atlantic side, where you’ll find large waves and golden-brown sand. If you prefer catching a vibrant sunset instead, head to the Gulf, where the sand is often whiter and waves are smaller.

Sunset over the Gulf of Mexico from a beach near St. Petersburg. (Photo courtesy of Tiffani Sherman)

It’s warm enough to swim everywhere in Florida between April and October. The further south you go, the warmer the water is in the winter.

During the summer, the Gulf is warmer than the Atlantic. Its waters can reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer — sometimes the water is even warmer than the air. Meanwhile, the waters of the Atlantic usually remain in the 80s. For some perspective, most people will be comfortable swimming when the water is about 75-80 degrees.

🤓Nerdy Tip

Many Florida beaches have areas where pets can run off-leash, but make sure to check the specific regulations of the beach you’re visiting before you bring your pet.

Some beaches have lifeguards on duty as well as amenities like bathrooms and snack shacks, while others are more rustic without much in the way of services.

Best beaches to visit in Florida

1. South Beach

With its Art Deco architecture, hip restaurants and bars, and lots of nightlife, Miami’s two-mile long South Beach is the place to see and be seen. Visitors and locals alike also come here to enjoy Lummus Park, a beachside spot featuring playgrounds, walking trails, a fitness area and plenty of popular events.

2. Hollywood Beach

Hollywood Beach, a family-friendly spot just south of Fort Lauderdale, has clean beaches and a pedestrian promenade, known as the Broadwalk, that features restaurants, shopping and hotels.

If the kids tire of sandcastles and waves, they can visit Charnow Park with its playgrounds and interactive fountain. It’s a good mix of old-Florida charm and modern amenities.

3. Daytona Beach

Farther north on the Atlantic coast, Daytona Beach comes with hard-packed sand and a gentle slope leading to the water — ideal for learning to surf. Here, you’ll find 23 miles of coastline along with plenty of hotels, shops and restaurants.

It’s also one of the few places you can actually drive on the beach — very slowly and tide permitting — for $20 a day per vehicle.

4. Panama City Beach

Up in the Panhandle is Panama City Beach, known for its 27 miles of emerald green waters and sugar sand. Those who fish or dive love the area because of the many artificial reefs just offshore. Plus, the water is some of the clearest in the state.

Many of the beaches face west, meaning the sun sets directly over the water, making for spectacular views.

5. Destin

The Destin and Fort Walton Beach areas are called the Emerald Coast for a reason: The water off the 24-mile stretch of beach is often a vibrant green. Beyond the usual beach attractions of wharfs and piers, Crab Island is a big draw. Not actually an island but a raised sandbar, it’s a place where boaters can hang out, enjoy camaraderie and take advantage of a floating bar in the middle of it all.

6. Clearwater Beach

Farther south along the Gulf coast, near Tampa Bay, is Clearwater Beach. Over the years, it’s been named by many as the top beach in the country. The beach sits on a barrier island and touts 35 miles of sand along with hotels, restaurants and activities including an aquarium and alligator sanctuary.

Visitors can also visit Pier 60, a 1,080-foot fishing pier that hosts a nightly sunset festival.

The best beaches in Florida state parks

Many of Florida’s beaches are located in state parks. They cover 100 miles of coastline across the state, but are usually more undeveloped. Some are home to both nesting sea turtles and shorebirds. The state parks also participate in sand dune and reef conservation efforts to protect the areas from storms, filter out pollutants and serve as fish nurseries.

7. Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park

Located on a barrier island in the Panhandle just south of Tallahassee, St. George Island State Park is a great spot for laid-back beach goers and nature lovers.

It was named the top beach in the country in 2023 by coastal expert Stephen Leatherman (“Dr. Beach”), who releases a well-known annual U.S. beach ranking. The state park’s beach won accolades due to its nine miles of undeveloped beaches, natural beauty and clear water.

8. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is on the southern end of Key West, where the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico meet. In addition to swimming, snorkeling and fishing, visitors can tour Fort Taylor, a national historic monument that played roles in both the Civil and Spanish-American wars.

9. Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island State Parks

Located near Dunedin just north of St. Petersburg, both Honeymoon Island State Park and Caladesi Island State Park consistently top the list of Florida’s best beaches.

While Caladesi Island is only accessible by boat, nearby Honeymoon Island’s four miles of beach can be reached by car. It’s also where you can catch the ferry to Caladesi Island.

Other good Florida beach options

In case you still haven’t found the perfect destination for your dream beach vacation, here are a handful of other beaches around the state that may hit the spot.

10. Siesta Key

Located on the Gulf coast about halfway down the state is Siesta Key. The eight-mile island is connected by bridge to Sarasota and has plenty of shopping, dining and sports options. It’s loved by visitors because of its clear and calm water, powdery white sand and outdoor recreation opportunities like parasailing and volleyball.

11. Space Coast beaches

The 72 miles of shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean near Cape Canaveral is called the Space Coast. As some of the closest beaches to Orlando, they’re a great choice for travelers wanting to combine a beach trip with some of Florida’s famous theme parks.

The most popular beach in the area is Cocoa Beach. Home to Ron Jon Surf Shop, the world’s largest surfing store, it’s a great place to ride the waves and meet fellow surfers. If surfing isn’t your thing, you can try other activities like kayaking, deep sea fishing and kiteboarding.

And visitors of all ages can enjoy a visit to the nearby Kennedy Space Center. If you time your visit to the Space Coast right, you might even be treated to a rocket launch.

12. Fort Myers beaches

Before Hurricane Ian slammed into Fort Myers Beach and nearby Sanibel and Captiva Islands in September 2022, the area consistently found itself at the top of many lists of Florida’s best beaches.

As businesses continue to rebuild, there’s still plenty of sand and sun for those willing to come. Shell collectors should head to Sanibel or Captiva Islands, where these ocean treasures can be had in spades thanks to the region’s ocean currents and coastline orientation.

13. Jacksonville beaches

Some of the northernmost beaches on Florida’s Atlantic coast are in the Jacksonville area and include St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra. Dubbed the Historic Coast, there are 42 miles of beachfront to explore, including at Fort Matanzas National Monument, which was built in 1742 by the Spanish military to defend the area.

Driving on the sand is allowed in designated areas along St. Augustine Beach for a fee. And if you need a break from the water, Ponte Vedra Beach offers many world-renowned golf courses.

Florida beaches recapped

If you’re in the mood for a beach vacation, heading to Florida is a great option. With hundreds of miles of coastline spanning two bodies of water, it would take years — if not a lifetime — to explore it all.

Whether you want to combine your beach trip with a visit to Walt Disney World and the Kennedy Space Center, or you prefer the low-key vibes of a state park, Florida has you covered.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:

Source: nerdwallet.com

Apache is functioning normally

The South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas, starts this weekend. The annual festival of panels, film screenings, parties and exhibitions across technology, film, media, education, comedy and music runs March 8-16.

According to organizers, over 340,000 people visited the festival in 2023. If you’re planning to attend SXSW in Austin this year, here’s what you need to know to get around efficiently and affordably.

What to expect at SXSW

SXSW has some events reserved for attendees and others are free for anyone to attend. The festival doesn’t have a single venue; all sessions and events (official and unofficial) are located in or around downtown Austin, with most of the larger tech-focused sessions at the Convention Center.

Due to its central location, walking is one of the easiest ways to get between sessions, shows, restaurants, coffee shops and Lady Bird Lake trails.

Heavy traffic and road closures can make navigating SXSW by car — and finding parking — challenging. Austin’s public transportation or the free SXSW shuttle route can help visitors avoid the hassle of driving.

Getting from the airport to downtown Austin

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is 7 miles from downtown Austin, offering SXSW attendees numerous options to get to downtown Austin and most hotels.

Rental car

For longer stays before or after SXSW, a rental car is a good option for exploring more of central Texas. The Austin airport hosts most major rental car companies on site, but Enterprise is an official partner of SXSW, so it offers deals for festival registrants.

Rideshare and taxis

If you’re not renting a car, you can use rideshare services or traditional cab companies to get to the airport. The Austin airport has a designated rideshare and taxi pickup zone across from the terminal, behind the Red Garage.

SXSW attendees can also use a special link to get a discounted shared ride from Carter Transportation Austin, which is part of the SuperShuttle network.

Bus

The MetroAirport Flyer is a convenient public transportation option to get to and from the Austin airport. Austin’s CapMetro Route 20 can get you from AUS to downtown in about 35 minutes. Buses run every 15 minutes from the neon guitar-shaped bus stop and cost $1.25 per ride or $2.50 for a day pass.

SXSW Austin transportation options

From downtown Austin, SXSW attendees without a rental car have plenty of alternate transportation options to venues.

SXSW shuttle

Attendees have access to a free SXSW shuttle service to get from the Convention Center to most venues. The shuttle departs from Trinity Street and runs from 9 a.m. to 2 or 2:30 a.m. most nights.

CapMetro bus and rail

Public transportation is another convenient and affordable option for Austin visitors.

As far as bus routes, CapMetro Rapid routes 801 and 803 will operate with high frequency for the duration of SXSW. Night Owl Routes will run regular service from midnight to 3 a.m. as well to help shuttle people from late-night events. A CapMetro Bus fare is $1.25 for a single ride, $2.50 for a day pass or $11.25 for a seven-day pass.

The CapMetro rail runs to and from downtown Austin, with a stop near the Austin Convention Center on East 4th Street. Rail service during SXSW will run extended hours daily until midnight. On Fridays and Saturdays, rail service will be extended to 2:30 a.m. The cost is $3.50 for a single ride, $7 for a day pass or $27.50 for a seven-day pass.

Rideshare and taxis

Uber, Lyft and taxis offer door-to-door convenience during SXSW. However, anticipate longer wait times and surge pricing throughout the week. If you want to book a taxi, zTrip Austin or ATX Co-op Taxi operate in the city.

🤓Nerdy Tip

Certain American Express cardholders and Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders get rideshare benefits that help cut Uber and Lyft costs.

Pedicabs

Licensed pedicabs operate in downtown Austin around 38th Street, Oltorf Street, MoPac and Pleasant Valley Road. They’re easy to hail down during SXSW and offer an eco-friendly way to get around the festival. Pedicab drivers charge a per-block fare or accept tips.

Bikes and electric scooters

Austin’s MetroBike bike-share program is a popular way to get around as well. According to the City of Austin Transportation and Public Works Department, there are currently more than 80 stations and 800 bicycles. About 43% of the bikes are electric, which makes pedaling even easier. There’s a pay-as-you-ride option, as well as a $13 Explorer day pass and a $20 three-day Weekender pass.

Electric scooter use also spikes during SXSW. Ride Report, a company that tracks mobility, reported 14,000 scooter rides in a single day during SXSW last year. The average number of rides per day in the first quarter of 2023 was 6,800.

Austin visitors can use Bird, Lime or Link to rent electric scooters on a pay-as-you-ride basis.

Saving on SXSW transportation

Traveling by car might be the slower and least cost-effective way to get around Austin during SXSW. To save time and money, festival attendees will want to consider taking free shuttles, public transportation or walking.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:

Source: nerdwallet.com

Apache is functioning normally

If you’re considering booking a flight with Turkish Airlines or redeeming Miles&Smiles miles for a flight operated by a partner airline, it’s good to be aware of its cancellation and refund policies. If your plans aren’t firm, you can weigh the pros and cons of making the booking in the first place.

But even with the best laid plans, things might need to be changed at the last-minute. Below is what you need to know about Turkish Airlines’ cancellation policy for cash and award tickets.

Turkish Airlines 24-hour cancellation policy

The Turkish Airlines refund policy abides by the U.S. Department of Transportation 24-hour rule.

Free cancellations are available within 24 hours on flights to or from the United States booked at least seven days before departure. You may receive a full refund back to the payment card if you cancel a flight within this risk-free cancellation period.

Turkish Airlines flight cancellation policy

Turkish Airlines’ cancellation policy varies depending on your destination, ticket type and fare class.

The airline sells various tickets across two cabins, economy and business. For example, for domestic travel in economy class, you can book an EcoFly, ExtraFly or PrimeFly ticket.

Let’s break it down.

Turkish Airlines cancellation policy for domestic flights (within Turkey)

Cancellations made within one hour of departure

Not allowed.

Not allowed.

Not allowed.

Not allowed.

Cancellations made between one and 12 hours before departure

Not allowed.

Penalty of 560 Turkish lira ($18.35).

Penalty of 490 Turkish lira ($16.06).

Penalty of 820 Turkish lira ($26.87).

Cancellations made more than 12 hours before departure

Penalty of 525 Turkish lira ($17.20).

Penalty of 375 Turkish lira ($12.29).

No penalty.

No penalty.

Non-refundable fare classes

Q, T, L, V, P, W, U.

V, P, W, U.

The cancellation policy differs for Turkish Airlines flights between Turkey and Cyprus. You can find those fare policiesh here.

Turkish Airlines cancellation policy for international non-branded fares

Semi-flexible

Not allowed.

Permitted, subject to deductions.

Permitted, subject to deductions.

Not allowed.

Permitted, subject to deductions.

Permitted, subject to deductions.

Turkish Airlines cancellation policy for international branded fares

The following rules apply to economy tickets.

Not allowed.

$70 change fee. No refunds.

$0 change fee. $140 refund fee.

And the following rules apply to business class fares.

BusinessFly

BusinessPrime

$70 change fee. No refunds.

$0 change fee. $0 refund fee.

How to cancel a Turkish Airlines flight

You can cancel a Turkish Airlines flight by accessing your booking information from the Manage Booking page. Enter the record locator and the passenger’s last name, and your booking details will populate on the next page. From there, you’ll have the option to change or cancel your flight.

You also can cancel your flight by dialing the Turkish Airlines call center at 800-874-8875. Follow the prompts, and a customer service agent will be available shortly.

How to cancel a Miles&Smiles award flight

If you need to cancel a Turkish Airlines award flight booked with Miles&Smiles miles, you can do so online or by calling the Turkish Airlines U.S. call center at 800-874-8875.

To get your miles redeposited, you must pay a fee of:

  • 150 Turkish lira ($4.91) for domestic flights.

  • $70 for international flights.

In case of a no-show, you can get your miles back as well for the following fee:

  • 200 Turkish lira ($6.55) for domestic flights.

  • $150 for international flights.

Depending on how many Turkish Airlines miles you redeemed, the fees to get them back in your Miles&Smiles account aren’t terribly high.

Other ways to get your money back

Even if you’ve purchased a ticket that doesn’t allow refunds, you may still be able to get your money back, depending on how you booked and if you’re covered with travel insurance.

Cards with travel insurance benefits

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

on Chase’s website

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

on Chase’s website

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase’s website

Annual fee

Travel protections (not a comprehensive list)

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.

• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.

• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per trip for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.

Terms apply.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.

• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.

Learn more

For The Platinum Card® from American Express, note the following disclaimers:

Trip delay:

  • Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.

  • Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Trip cancellation:

  • Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.

  • Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Trip interruption:

  • Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.

  • Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Loss luggage:

Assuming your reason for cancellation meets certain eligibility requirements, you can get a refund. Examples of covered reasons to cancel a trip include a qualifying illness or injury, severe weather, jury duty, quarantine and more.

It’s also possible to purchase travel insurance from a third party to ensure you’re covered for your trip.

🤓Nerdy Tip

If you’re not certain of your travel plans, purchase an upgrade called Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance, which allows you to cancel your bookings and receive up to 75% of your money back, regardless of why you cancel.

The bottom line

Depending on where you’re traveling and the fare you booked, Turkish Airlines flights can be eligible for refunds, but the less expensive fares tend to include a penalty clause for you to get your money back.

The Turkish Airlines 24-hour risk-free cancellation policy allows you to cancel a U.S.-bound or U.S.-departing flight for free as long as it departs more than seven days in the future.

As far as canceling award tickets, you’ll be charged up to $70 to get the miles redeposited into your Miles&Smiles account.

To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:

Source: nerdwallet.com

Apache is functioning normally

Hawaii is known for its idyllic location, stunning sunsets and incredible waters, which all make it an enviable place to visit. But as the state struggles with the effects of over tourism and prices for accommodations that continue to climb, you may be wanting to look elsewhere for your next vacation.

Let’s check out six places like Hawaii to visit, including French Polynesia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and more.

6 Hawaii alternatives

1. French Polynesia 

Also located Southwest of California, French Polynesia is a series of islands like Hawaii. This French territory features all the amenities you’d expect from a tropical vacation, with high-end resorts, bucket-list diving sites and unspoiled natural beauty.

French Polynesia especially shines when it comes to photo-worthy vacation spots. Options such as the Conrad Bora Bora and The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort can be booked with points — but even better, they feature overwater villas from which you can dive straight into the ocean.

There are direct flights to Tahiti, the main island, from Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle, making this fairly accessible for U.S. travelers. It’ll take you roughly eight and a half hours to get to Papeete (the capitol); from there, you can either opt to stay in Tahiti or travel onward to islands such as Bora Bora, Moorea or Faa’a.

2. U.S. Virgin Islands

If you’re located on the East Coast, the U.S. Virgin Islands may be appealing for a place similar to Hawaii. Consisting of St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John (plus a multitude of smaller islands), this Hawaii alternative is easily accessed from the U.S. mainland.

You’ll find all types of lodging within the U.S. Virgin Islands, whether you’re looking for a vacation rental or all-inclusive resort.

Its status as a United States territory also leads to a multitude of benefits; the official language is English, U.S. dollars are its currency and as a U.S. citizen you don’t need a passport to visit. How simple is that?

3. Guam

Another far-flung island destination, Guam has probably never been on your travel list — but it ought to be. This U.S. territory features a rich history, including strong military significance during World War II. In terms of location, it’s much nearer to the Philippines than it is to the United States.

That doesn’t mean it’s difficult to get there, however. United Airlines runs the famous ‘Island Hopper’ route from Honolulu, which makes several short-term stops as it delivers supplies to islands. Along with stunning views, having made the Island Hopper run is a feather in any traveler’s cap.

A U.S. territory like the Virgin Islands, you will be using U.S. currency and won’t need a passport to travel. English is also one of the many languages you will hear and use on your trip.

In terms of places similar to Hawaii, Guam offers all the beaches and tropical weather, as well as resorts, but still maintains some uniqueness for its reasonably-priced housing and living.

If you’re looking for a place like Hawaii but cheaper, Guam is a great place to look.

4. Maldives

Maldives is a sprawling archipelago located off the coast of India. Sure, it’s a trek, but the journey is worth the effort once you step foot on the pristine white beaches of this island nation.

Home to some of the most luxurious resorts in the world, the Maldives encompasses the utter relaxation you’ll often find in Hawaii.

🤓Nerdy Tip

The Maldives can be expensive, but hotel chains such as Hilton, Hyatt and Marriott allow you to redeem your points for stays in the Maldives.

Add to this world-class snorkeling and overwater villas galore, and you’ll start to see why so many people make the pilgrimage to the Maldives.

5. Cabo San Lucas

Our only non-island location on the list, we chose Cabo for its proximity to the United States, its weather, its landscape and its infrastructure. Cabo San Lucas is located on the very tip of Baja California’s peninsula and features a wide variety of activities, no matter your vacation style.

When in Cabo you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to where to stay and what to do. You’ll find ultra-high-end resorts such as the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, but it’s equally possible to spend a week in a beachfront Airbnb for just over $100 per night.

Cabo is also very well-connected to the United States, with direct flights to 25 U.S. airports. This includes the West Coast, where a flight to Los Angeles takes just two and half hours, as well as the East Coast, where a flight to New York-EWR will take a little over five hours.

6. Puerto Rico

Both Hawaii and Puerto Rico are popular tropical destinations and have many similarities.

For East Coast-based travelers, traveling here cuts travel time more than half (when comparing flights to Puerto Rico to Honolulu).

Its cost are on par or more affordable than Puerto Rico, and its offerings have a similar range: activities span land and sea, wildlife is abundant and historical tourism is alive and well.

That said, the main difference between Puerto Rico and Hawaii is the culture visitors can experience.

If you want alternatives to Hawaii

We get it — Hawaii is a dream vacation for many reasons, including its verdant forests, immaculate beaches and superb water activities. But if you’re looking to go on vacation, there’s no reason to limit yourself to Hawaii and its islands. Instead, opt for one of these five alternatives to enjoy a similar experience elsewhere.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:

Source: nerdwallet.com

Apache is functioning normally

Forget Aspen and consider the Alps. Depending on how close you live to the mountains, it may actually be cheaper to ski in Europe, including flight costs, than to ski in the U.S.

Skier Sam Weintraub, founder of ski resort review website PeakRankings, can attest to the price difference — after all, he’s skied at about 135 resorts worldwide. This past January, Weintraub hit the slopes at six European ski resorts across 20 days. He spent $3,800 in total, including $800 on a round-trip flight to Geneva, Switzerland, from Newark Liberty International Airport.

Weintraub paid about $670 out of pocket for eight days of lift tickets. As for the other 12 days, he flashed his Ikon and Epic ski passes, which are season passes to select ski resorts worldwide. (Those pass prices weren’t included in the $3,800 total price estimate since he had already been using them in the U.S. earlier this ski season).

But he said even travelers who pay for lift tickets individually could see significant savings. The average daily U.S. ski lift ticket costs $198 this ski season, according to vacation rental booking site HomeToGo, which analyzed 48 major U.S. ski areas. Meanwhile, Weintraub paid on average just $83.75 per day for lift access at resorts not covered by his passes.

With a combination of getting a good deal on flights and lift tickets, a European ski trip could be less expensive than you think. Here’s how:

Deals abound on European lift tickets

The lower cost of skiing in Europe is largely due to cheaper lift tickets. A single lift ticket in the U.S. can sometimes cost more than $300 per day. At Deer Valley, which is one of Utah’s priciest resorts, you’ll owe $315 for a one-day adult lift ticket on most weekends after taxes and fees. Tickets for children can cost more than $195.

Contrast that with deals found in Europe, such as Switzerland’s Jungfrau region. Located at the foot of the Alps, it’s traditionally thought of as an expensive bucket list destination. A one-day ski pass costs 75 Swiss francs (about $85 at the time of writing).

But the deal gets even sweeter for families. On Saturdays, each adult who buys a one-day ticket can bring up to three children for free. That’s just over $20 per lift ticket for an adult with three kids who takes full advantage of the deal.

Some people chalk up the lower cost of European lift tickets to increased competition. In the U.S., there are more than 500 ski resorts. In Europe, which is similar in land area, there are almost 4,000 ski resorts, according to ski data provider Skiresort Service International.

Ski passes for international ski resorts

Weintraub’s Ikon and Epic Passes accounted for a big chunk of his low trip costs. These season passes grant access to various resorts worldwide, including three of the six resorts visited on his trip. Depending on how much you ski in the U.S. and abroad, such passes might help you save as well.

If you’re skiing for about a week or more in Europe specifically, multi-resort passes might also be cheaper than one-day lift tickets. For example, Italy’s Dolomiti Superski offers a 500 euro pass (about $540) that lets adults ski eight days across any of its 12 interconnected resorts. That’s less than $70 per day.

Flights to Europe can be affordable

Airfare may be a huge chunk of the budget of skiing in Europe, but it’s getting cheaper. According to the American Express Global Business Travel (AmEx GBT) Air Monitor 2024 report, average economy airfares from North America to Europe are expected to drop by 3.5% this year.

Falling airfares correlate with an increase in routes. For example, Air France’s North America capacity increased by 20% in winter 2023 versus 2019, and includes a new seasonal route to Innsbruck, Austria. The city is famous for snow sports and has played host to two Winter Olympics.

Book flights early

Weintraub booked his flight less than a month before departure. That’s outside the two-to-eight-month window that travel experts recommend for booking international flights. According to Google Flights, flights between Newark and Geneva usually cost between $485 and $770 — lower than the $800 Weintraub paid.

“I would have saved hundreds more if I had been more proactive,” he said in an email.

Other ways to save on European ski trips

Just like the U.S., Europe has ultra-expensive mountain regions. To save money, skip iconic resorts like France’s Courchevel in favor of lesser-known gems like La Clusaz.

Eastern Europe can be especially affordable. At Bulgaria’s Bansko Ski Resort, one-day adult tickets cost about $53. Not only will you typically find lower prices, but also perhaps shorter lift lines.

No matter where you choose to ski across the pond, take into account the costs of lift tickets and airfare, but also other transportation, food, lodging, lessons and rentals to see if a European ski trip might help you save on the slopes.

Source: nerdwallet.com