Award News

Hey Award Trailblazers, listen up! There's a sweet deal popping up for flights to Zurich, Switzerland, starting at just $655 in economy. United and its partner airlines like Air Canada, Austrian, Lufthansa, and Swiss Air are offering this fare. Why should you care? Well, Zurich is a fantastic city, and normally flights are way pricier! This deal gives you a chance to explore Switzerland without breaking the bank. Think delicious chocolate, stunning mountains, and charming old towns. This fare is for regular economy, so be aware of potential baggage fees and change policies before you book. If Zurich has been on your bucket list, now might be the time to jump on it. Keep an eye on the booking dates and availability, as these deals don't usually last forever. Happy travels!

Hey Award Trailblazers, listen up! Want to see the Northern Lights without emptying your wallet? Delta (and sometimes Air France, if you hunt around) has some sweet deals to Reykjavik, Iceland, clocking in around $699. Why is this awesome? Well, unlike some super-budget fares these days, this one includes advance seat selection (so you're not stuck in the middle seat next to the lavatory!), a regular-sized carry-on, *and* a checked bag. That's a big deal because those extras can really add up! This matters if you are looking for a vacation where the flight does not require you to pay a lot of extra fees. So, if Iceland's been on your bucket list, now might be the time to snag a ticket. Happy travels!

Heads up, awardtrail readers! There's a sweet deal popping up for flights to Helsinki, Finland. You can snag roundtrip tickets from several US cities for just around $510. Now, that price is for Basic Economy, which means you'll likely have to pay extra for things like checked bags and seat selection, but hey, for a trip to Europe, that's still pretty tempting! The Flight Deal found this deal using Matrix Airfare Search by ITA Software, a tool that helps you find the cheapest flights. Once you find dates that work, you can book directly with the airline or through an online travel agency. This matters because Helsinki is a fantastic city – great design, cool culture, and a gateway to exploring the rest of Scandinavia or even taking a ferry to Tallinn, Estonia. So, if you've been dreaming of the Nordic countries, now might be the time to book! Just remember to factor in those extra fees if you need a bigger bag or prefer a specific seat.

Hey award trail blazers! Good news for all you Amex Platinum cardholders: your annual $100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit just reset! This is basically free money twice a year ($50 each half) to spend at Saks, and who doesn’t love a little retail therapy? Now, Saks can be a bit pricey, but don't let that scare you off. There are tons of great ways to use the credit without breaking the bank. Think smaller beauty products, fancy socks, or even a high-end candle. The key is to find something you'd actually use and enjoy, and remember to factor in any shipping costs. Why does this matter to you? Well, if you're already paying that annual fee for the Amex Platinum, you want to squeeze every last drop of value out of it, right? This Saks credit is one of the easiest perks to use, so make sure you're not leaving money on the table! Get shopping!

Alright AwardTrailblazers, let's talk credit cards! The AwardWallet Blog just dropped a post diving deep into one person's strategy for managing a whopping 23 credit cards with over $5,000 in annual fees. It sounds crazy, right? But the author breaks down exactly why they keep each card and what perks make them worth it. Basically, this is a peek behind the curtain to see how a rewards pro maximizes their travel benefits. The post highlights the importance of evaluating your own card portfolio. Are you really using all those perks? Are the annual fees paying for themselves in rewards and benefits you actually value? Things like lounge access, free checked bags, and bonus points on everyday spending can really add up, but only if you're using them! This matters to you because it's a great reminder to take stock of your own credit cards before those annual fees hit. Could you downgrade a card to a no-fee version? Should you cancel one altogether? Are there better cards out there that align with your current travel goals? Now's the time to strategize so you can make sure your wallet is working *for* you, not against you, in 2026 and beyond!