2017 Dream Destinations, TPG's Travel Essentials, Get Paid to Visit the US Virgin Islands and More

Dec. 31, 2016

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4 min read

2017 Dream Destinations, TPG's Travel Essentials, Get Paid to Visit the US Virgin Islands and More

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Each Saturday, we round up news stories that you may have missed from the week before, including several that already appeared on The Points Guy, and some more that we haven’t covered yet. If you’re an avid TPG reader, scroll down for the new stuff. Here’s the top miles, points and travel news you may have missed this week:

Check out some great traveling tips from a seasoned jet-setter.

10 Travel Tips From Someone Who Logs 200,000+ Miles Each Year

We could all use a bit of advice when it comes to traveling smarter. Read up on these tips from one frequent flyer who logs well over 200,000 miles flown per year.

Did any Amex Platinum cardholders receive a special gift from the issuer?

Amex Platinum Cardholders Receiving Unexpected Gifts

Some Amex Platinum cardholders have reported receiving unexpected gifts (usually the Amazon Echo) around the holidays this year. Did you receive something special from Amex?

Check out Team TPG's dream destinations for 2017.

15 Best Places to Visit in 2017

With 2016 on its way out, Team TPG is looking forward to exploring both some timeless destinations as well as some off-the-beaten-path spots in 2017 — check out our full wishlist here.

2017 is the Centennial anniversary of the US Virgin Islands becoming US territories.

The US Virgin Islands Wants to Pay You $300 to Visit in 2017

The Caribbean islands of St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas are celebrating the 100th anniversary of becoming American territories in 2017. To mark the occasion, the islands are offering a pretty sweet deal to visitors next year — $300 to spend on a variety of island exploration activities once you arrive.

TPG never leaves on a trip without these 5 essential items.

My 5 Travel Essentials: The Points Guy

TPG logged an impressive 258,000+ miles in 2016, which means he spends a lot of time on the go. Check out his list of 5 items that he can't go on a trip without.

In Other News...

Save on select award tickets with next month's Flying Blue Promo Awards.

Save on Select Business and Coach Awards with Flying Blue

Flying Blue has released its Promo Awards list for bookings made in January 2017 for travel from March through April 2017. While the list isn't extensive, you can expect to save about 25% on award tickets on select flights between the US and Europe/Israel.

Emirates is making some changes to services it offers in-flight.

Emirates to Make Cuts to In-Flight Services

Emirates is making cuts to in-flight perks to save money. The airline has shared that it’s making changes to in-flight services such as eliminating first class showers on some flights, upping the price of Champagne in economy and cutting seafood special meals in economy on all flights.

You'll soon gain reciprocal mileage earning benefits thanks to the new codeshare agreement between Air Canada and Cathay Pacific.

Air Canada and Cathay Pacific Finalize Codeshare Agreement

Air Canada and Cathay Pacific have shared the details of a strategic cooperation agreement that will allow for codeshares and reciprocal mileage earning on each airline. You can buy tickets under the new codeshare beginning January 12, 2017, with travel starting on January 19.

If you're interested in the paid version of AwardWallet, sign up now before the price increases in early 2017.

AwardWallet Plus Tripling Its Price

AwardWallet will increase the cost of the paid version of its service from $10 to $30 annually. The change doesn’t go into effect until February 1, 2017, however, so if you’re already a subscriber or sign up before that date you’ll get to maintain the $10 per year pricing.