Award News

Hey awardtrail readers! Fancy a trip to Madrid without breaking the bank? There's a decent sale going on right now for nonstop flights to the Spanish capital. You can find fares as low as $652 in regular economy. What's cool about this deal is the "nonstop" part. Nobody wants to spend half their vacation in layovers! To find these deals, head over to Matrix Airfare Search by ITA Software (a handy tool for finding the lowest fares, which you can then book on the airline's website or through an online travel agency). Why should you care? Well, Madrid is amazing! Think delicious tapas, stunning architecture, and vibrant nightlife. Plus, a good deal on flights means you have more cash to splash on enjoying the city! Get searching and book those flights before they disappear.

Heads up, deal hunters! If Cape Town, South Africa has been on your bucket list, now might be the time to book. We're seeing some decent fares popping up for flights to Cape Town, starting from just over $1,000. Why should you care? Well, flights to South Africa can often be pricey, so snagging a deal like this is a win. Plus, the advertised fare includes advanced seat assignment and normal-size carry on, so you don't have to worry about surprise extra fees. If you've been dreaming of exploring Table Mountain, sipping local wines, or spotting penguins, this could be your chance to do it without breaking the bank! Check your favorite online travel agency or directly with the airlines to see if you can find this fare, as the pricing varies depending on the routing!

Heads up, budget travelers and foodies! Choice Hotels is now hooking up guests with a sweet deal: a free Grubhub+ membership for 30 days, just for staying at one of their participating hotels in the US. That means waived delivery fees and other perks on all your Grubhub orders, even *after* you check out. Why should you care? Well, if you're already planning a trip and considering a Choice hotel (think brands like Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, etc.), this is basically free money. Grubhub+ usually costs around $10 a month, so you're getting decent value, especially if you tend to order in while traveling. Plus, even if you don't use it during your hotel stay, you've got a whole month to take advantage of free delivery at home. Basically, it's a no-brainer perk that adds value to your Choice Hotels stay. Just remember to check if the specific hotel you're booking is participating in the offer to make sure you can get those free eats delivered!

Hey awardtrail readers! Southwest is having a sale, offering up to a 50% discount when you buy Rapid Rewards points. That brings the price down to as low as 1.5 cents per point. Sounds tempting, right? Before you jump in, let's break this down. Buying points can sometimes be a good deal if you're just short of a redemption or think you can snag a flight where the cash price is super high compared to the points needed. However, Southwest points are usually worth around 1.3 to 1.5 cents each, so even with the discount, you're likely paying about what they're worth – meaning there's not a ton of 'free money' here. This could be worthwhile if you have a specific flight in mind where buying points would be cheaper than paying cash outright. It might also make sense if you're trying to top off your account for a Companion Pass (where one person flies free with you!). Just do the math carefully before you buy to make sure it actually saves you money!

Heads up, Marriott loyalists (or those looking to become one)! There's a flurry of seriously tempting welcome offers hitting several Marriott Bonvoy credit cards right now. We're talking potential hauls of up to *five* free night awards or a sweet 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, depending on the card. Why should you care? Well, these offers are a fantastic way to jumpstart your points balance for a dream vacation or snag some free stays at Marriott properties worldwide. Whether you're eyeing that overwater bungalow in the Maldives or a weekend getaway closer to home, now's the time to consider grabbing one of these cards. Be sure to compare the cards' perks and spending requirements to find the perfect match for your travel style and spending habits. Don't miss out!