9 stories that will inspire you to travel the world in 2020
Whether the new year has you feeling inspired, rejuvenated or maybe even a little overwhelmed, planning a trip could be the kickstart you need to begin 2020 on the right foot.
In the spirit of the new year, we've reflected on our travel highlights; weighed in on some of our personal favorite stories from 2019; cast our predictions for 2020 and announced our top travel resolutions.
But sometimes, all you need is an extra dose of wanderlust (or a bit of encouragement) to begin preparing for your next adventure. We're certain these stories will inspire you to pack the new suitcase you got for the holidays and travel the globe — and we can't wait to see where you end up.
Everything you need to know about points, miles, airlines and credit cards
A lot of people shy away from learning about points and miles because using them can seem complicated or overwhelming. Well, not anymore. Learn the basics; start racking up points and miles; and you'll be on your way to your dream destination by summer.
We're calling it now: The 20 hottest travel destinations of 2020
Speaking of dream destinations, we scoured the planet, studied the data, tapped our network of travel experts, explored route maps and hunted for award availability and redemption sweet spots to find the location of your next great vacation. From South Africa to Singapore, there's something for every type of traveler here. No matter where you end up, you're bound to have the trip of a lifetime.
The 12 hotel breakfasts we’d order for every meal if we could
The breakfast at the Bodrum Edition is reason enough to plan a visit here — and that's to say nothing of the stunning views, white sand beach and exemplary service. This is just one of the greatest hotel breakfasts TPG editors, writers and The Points Guy himself, Brian Kelly, experienced last year. From an expansive, Middle Eastern spread at the Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem to a lobster-and-crab omelet topped with caviar at The St. Regis New York, these are the hotel breakfasts worth flying for.
5 tips for finding cheap award flights
While there's no one-size-fits all way to find an awesome redemption, these are our favorite strategies to help you get the most value out of your points and miles. Hint: Watch for a transfer bonuses and study your award charts!
Why traveling to Hawaii is worth it
Say it with me now: This will be the year I go to Hawaii. A lot of people think it's not worth the flight time, jet lag or money, and while those are all valid concerns, we promise you won't regret planning an epic trip to this incredible destination. Hawaii is a special place, and once you go, you'll understand why.
Where you should travel next year based on your Myers-Briggs type
The Myers-Briggs psychological test can tell you more about yourself and what you value — so much so that it may be the key to narrowing down the perfect destination for your personality type. ISFJ? Tokyo is calling your name. ENFP? This might be the year you finally make it to Argentina.
How Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts can land you elite-like benefits at top hotels
You don't need to have elite status to get benefits like a property credit, complimenetary breakfast or a coveted room upgrade at your next hotel stay. How, you ask? A little something called American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR). Before you book your next hotel stay, check to see if the property you want is available through this program.
Why I love doing touristy things when I travel
In 2020, vow to embrace your inner tourist, because there's a reason that some of the most popular spots in the world are, well, popular. Oh, and those hop-on, hop-off bus tours you may have dismissed as obnoxious? They can be a really convenient and informative introduction to a city. So try one of those this year, too.
Why the Golden Age of travel is now
Just in case you're somehow still not inspired, this article will do the trick. Sure, the 1950s and 1960s — according to conventional wisdom at least — were a time of unmatched glamor in the airline industry. But hear us out: We're living in the platinum age of travel right now. And we're willing to bet 2020 is going to be your best travel year yet.
Top offers from our partners
How we chose these cards
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
Build your loyalty to Delta by applying for the carrier's mid-tier card option, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card. The annual fee is quickly recouped by the card's travel perks, such as an application credit to Global Entry or TSA Precheck, annual companion certificate and so much more. Plus you can fast-track to elite status simply through card spend.Pros
- Earn bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and an Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) waiver when you hit specific spending thresholds with your card within a calendar year
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year
- Statement credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee (up to $100)
- First checked bag free
Cons
- Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
- SkyMiles aren't the most valuable airline currency
- Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
- New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Rewards Rate
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles50,000 Bonus MilesAnnual Fee
$250Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.670-850Excellent/Good
Why We Chose It
Build your loyalty to Delta by applying for the carrier's mid-tier card option, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card. The annual fee is quickly recouped by the card's travel perks, such as an application credit to Global Entry or TSA Precheck, annual companion certificate and so much more. Plus you can fast-track to elite status simply through card spend.Pros
- Earn bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and an Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) waiver when you hit specific spending thresholds with your card within a calendar year
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year
- Statement credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee (up to $100)
- First checked bag free
Cons
- Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
- SkyMiles aren't the most valuable airline currency
- Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
- New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees