Greetings from New Jersey, where spring is settling in with sunny days and temps in the high 60s — the perfect excuse to knock out errands and get outside a bit.
This week:
Vegas rolls out some intriguing all-inclusive-style packages
My new Costco strategy that earns 300% more points at my favorite store
Insider hotel picks in Lisbon
Most major domestic airlines raised checked bag fees — and how to avoid them
A mother-daughter duo enjoys complimentary breakfast in bed and 4 PM checkout in Philly
Have a great rest of your weekend — and happy travels!
Disclosure: This post contains referral links, which may earn me a small bonus. I only recommend products I use or truly believe in.
Las Vegas is doubling down on last year’s package deal experiments as rising food, drink, and entertainment costs — and relentless nickel-and-diming — push away value travelers. Several properties have announced new packages and promotions for the spring and summer travel season bundling rooms, meals, drinks, and entertainment into one upfront price to combat declining visitation and growing price sensitivity.
While the offers from MGM and Caesars aren’t at the iconic, flex properties you’d pick for a particularly special Vegas trip, there are still a few perfectly serviceable options that can be strong value plays for budget-conscious stays, or a smart way to park your adult kids with everything they need while you explore the city’s finer hotels and dining.
Resorts World is a sparkling newer luxury property partnered with Hilton, and the offer reads as a reasonably priced splurge for a nice weekend. Downtown Las Vegas also has a couple of options at cult-favorite properties, especially appealing for their strong food scenes, player-friendly gambling, and party energy.
MGM Resorts (Luxor & Excalibur All-Inclusive Experience)
From $330 package total for 2 nights (2 guests; taxes + gratuities extra)
Includes 2-night stay + resort fees, 3 meals per day (6 meal vouchers per guest) across ~10 MGM venues, 1 beer or wine per meal + non-alcoholic beverages, 2 show tickets per stay, 1 Big Apple Coaster ride per guest, and self-parking
Meals are from set menus only; gratuity not included
Requires 2-night stay, 72-hour cancellation window, and all inclusions are non-transferable and only valid during stayCaesars Entertainment (Inclusive Summer Package — Harrah’s, LINQ, Flamingo)
From $200 per night (1 guest; +$100 per additional guest; taxes + resort fees included)
Includes standard room, 2 meals per day, bottomless well drinks, beer, and house wine at select bars, 2 High Roller tickets, 20% off cabanas/daybeds, and self-parking
Meals are structured; alcohol not included with meals and limited to select bars, one drink at a time
Max 4-night stay, must be 21+, blackout dates apply, prepaid; gratuities not includedResorts World (Conrad Complete Add-On)
$150 per person, per night (2-person minimum; on top of room rate)
Available May 26 – Sept 8
Includes prix-fixe dinners at 5 restaurants, Club 66 access (breakfast + evening cocktails), priority pool access with hosted beverages, Zouk Nightclub entry, and valet parkingPlaza Hotel & Casino (Downtown All-Inclusive Package)
From $104 per person
Available June 1 – August 31, 2026
Includes 2 meals per day (breakfast + dinner), bottomless well drinks, select wine/beer, and non-alcoholic beverages at designated bars, and waived resort fees (parking, gym, rooftop pool access, etc.)
Also includes 25% off pool drinks, happy hour discounts at Oscar’s Steakhouse, and early check-in based on availability
Guests must be 21+ for alcohol, must present wristbands/vouchers, and all inclusions are non-transferable and must be used during stay; gratuities not includedCirca Las Vegas (All-In Summer Package)
Available now - September 10 (blackout dates apply)
$400 total for 2-night stay (Sunday–Thursday; taxes + resort fees included)
Includes 2-night stay in a Single King room, $100 dining credit, $100 beverage credit, and a complimentary daybed at Stadium Swim (AM or PM session)
Families do a big chunk of their monthly spending at wholesalers like Costco, BJ’s, and Sam’s Club, as well as big-box retailers like Target and Walmart, but it’s tricky to earn bonus points compared to traditional supermarkets. These purchases don’t code as grocery (so cards like the American Express Gold, which earns 4X at U.S. supermarkets, only earn 1X at Costco). Plus, Costco Warehouses only accept Visa credit cards, which further limits options. Until now, my default recommendation for these purchases has been solid “everyday spending” cards that earn more than 1 point per dollar, like the Capital One Venture X (2X) and Chase Freedom Unlimited (1.5X).
With the recent launch of the Bilt Palladium card, I’ve got a new go-to for Costco (and pretty much all of my spending for the foreseeable future).
It earns 2X on all spend, and on the 1st of the month (”Rent Day”), that doubles on up to $500 of spend — jumping to 4X for 2,000 points total. Bilt points are often valued around 2.2¢ each, which works out to ~8.8% back before layering in additional rewards. Each month, I try to maximize this 4X earning opportunity.
Bilt’s most unique feature is letting you earn points on rent and mortgage payments, which for most people is their biggest recurring expense — finally earning rewards where many spend the most.
Bilt points are broadly considered to be the most valuable transferrable currencies. They transfer to an unrivaled roster of airline and hotel partners (almost completely overlapping Chase, Amex, and Capital One combined), and Rent Day promos often include massive transfer bonuses, so I can multiply my points again when I move them.
There’s a lot more to the Bilt ecosystem, but here’s the specific play I’m using for Costco:
Each “Rent Day” on the 1st of the month, I buy a $500 digital Shop Card from Costco.com (the warehouse only takes Visa, but the site accepts Mastercard) using Bilt Palladium.
Sometimes I break up the $500 in spend with other recurring expenses — top up my Apple account, preload a gift card for the pet store, cover Netflix for 6 months, or load my transit card for the month. You can get creative with this.
I load the digital Shop Card into my Costco app wallet, which is set to auto-pay in-store. When I’m at the warehouse register, the prompt to use Costco Wallet pops up as soon as they scan my membership card, and I draw down the balance over the course of the month.
This adds up to 24K Bilt points per year from the Rent Day bonus alone — and those points can get even more valuable when I catch Bilt’s signature transfer bonuses (sometimes up to +125%, turning 24K Bilt points into up to 54K airline or hotel points).
On top of that, I also earn 4% back in Bilt Credits (a separate, additional reward balance you can use for partners like Walgreens, Lyft, and local restaurants) and 2% back through Costco Executive membership, which pushes the total return into the 12–15%+ range.
Bilt has captured my attention and my personal strategy for 2026 is to funnel most of my spending through the Palladium. The program is extremely valuable and flexible right now, the ecosystem rewards you for concentrating spend, and they’ve built a lot of innovative ways to earn and redeem points.
Lisbon gets it right in a way that feels completely unforced. Azulejo-tiled facades catch the sun, yellow trams rattle up the hills, and somehow every café seems to have mastered the art of the perfect pastel de nata. This is a city where you can lose yourself in Alfama’s medieval streets in the morning, then find yourself sipping wine on a miradouro as the sun sets over the Tagus River. Lisbon doesn’t try to be anything other than itself — authentically Portuguese, effortlessly stylish, and refreshingly real.
Here are some top Lisbon hotels under $500 a night (though rates may climb during peak weeks). Whether you’re after a boutique stay near the Baixa, a retro-cool spa escape, or a seaside perch in Cascais, these picks combine standout design, smart amenities, and locations that make exploring a breeze.
Overlooking one of Lisbon’s prettiest squares, AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado is a stylish boutique stay set in an 18th-century building that once housed the city’s arsenal. Inside, you’ll find flagstone floors, canang-inspired patterns, Portuguese textiles, and Juliet balconies with views of Praça do Município. Colmol mattresses, Benamôr bath products, Nespresso machines, and even microwaves come standard; suites add kitchenettes and sitting areas. Downstairs, Delfina draws both guests and locals for rustic Portuguese comfort food (don’t miss the bacalhau or game croquettes). You’re steps from Rossio Station and a short stroll to the Tagus—but tucked away from the crowds.
Fora Perks include a welcome amenity, daily breakfast, extended check-out, and an upgrade whenever possible.
Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade channels understated French luxury on Lisbon’s most fashionable avenue. Expect Hermès bath products, Le Petit Prince amenities for kids, and Portuguese design details like dark woods, local artwork, and subtle nods to the Age of Discovery. Rooms are comfortable and quiet, some with prime views over the avenue. The AdLib restaurant is a favorite among locals for its Franco-Portuguese menu, while the bar serves excellent Madeira beneath Asian art and moody lighting. Book an Opera Suite for a terrace with views all the way to the Tagus. There’s no spa or pool, but in-room treatments can be arranged, and the shopping outside more than makes up for it.
Accor Preferred partner perks include $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, extended check-in/out and an upgrade whenever possible.
Housed in an 800-year-old cloister just off Praça de Figueira, Convent Square Lisbon makes the most of its history without feeling stuck in the past. Original stonework, blue tiles, and chapel relics are layered into sleek, compact rooms with Juliet balconies and pink marble bathrooms. The central courtyard—once used by nuns for water and quiet reflection—is now home to afternoon tea, served daily with a nod to Portugal’s spice-trading roots. The Capitulo restaurant offers modern Portuguese dishes under vaulted ceilings. There’s also a rooftop plunge pool, sauna, and gym with views of São Domingo’s tiled rooftops.
IHG Destined partner perks include $100 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, daily breakfast, extended check-in/out and an upgrade whenever possible.
A sultry mix of retro flair and local color, The Vintage sits quietly near Lisbon’s Botanical Garden, just uphill from the crowds of Bairro Alto and Chiado. The 56 rooms channel mid-century cool with velvet furnishings, bold colors, and DIY cocktail trolleys stocked for a G&T the moment you arrive. Up top, the V Rooftop Bar is a go-to for sunset views of São Jorge Castle; down below, the moody subterranean spa offers a welcome retreat with a hammam, sauna, and candlelit pool. Art and design are everywhere, from wall murals by Portuguese creatives to Costa Nova ceramics at breakfast.
Fora Perks include $50-100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, extended check-in/out and an upgrade whenever possible.
If you’re craving sea views and salty air but still want easy access to Lisbon, this clifftop hideaway in Cascais delivers. Once an aristocratic summer home, it now leans into bold design with moody rooms, fashion-designer interiors, and front-row Atlantic views from nearly every corner. The saltwater pool sits dramatically above the rocks, and the food scene has been given a fresh twist: The Mix restaurant serves international dishes made with seasonal ingredients (don’t miss the famed octopus from Cascais), while The Mix Sushi Moment adds inventive takes on Japanese classics. At On the Rocks bar, it’s all about cocktails with a view—whether you’re toasting the sunset or winding down the night. You’re walking distance from Cascais’ shops and waterfront paths, but with perks like in-room massages, hotel bikes, and the Atlantic outside your window, you might not want to leave. Just 30 minutes from the city, but worlds away in vibe.
Preferred Hotels & Resorts Platinum partner perks include $100 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, daily breakfast, extended check-in/out and an upgrade whenever possible.
Over the past week, every major U.S. airline — American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and Alaska Airlines — raised checked bag fees in near unison, citing rising fuel costs.
The increases aren’t massive individually — generally $5–$10 more for your first and second bags — but they add up quickly. First checked bags now range from about $39 to $59 each way, while second bags fall between $55 and $79 depending on the airline, whether you’re traveling during peak periods, and whether you pay in advance or at the airport. Third bags can climb as high as $200. For families, longer trips, or anyone not packing light, that’s a meaningful jump in total travel cost.
As bag fees rise, airline credit cards that include a free checked bag become even more compelling overnight. One roundtrip with a checked bag can now offset a big chunk of a card’s annual fee, especially for couples or families traveling together.
These credit cards help avoid checked bag fees. Most require the primary cardholder to be traveling and only cover standard-size checked bags. Annual fees noted in parentheses for quick reference.
Alaska Airlines
Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite ($395), Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature ($95), Atmos Rewards Business Visa ($95), Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Credit Card ($95), Alaska Airlines Visa Business Card ($95) — 1 free checked bag (you + up to 6 companions)
Must pay for the flight with the card, include Mileage Plan number, and cardholder (or eligible user) must be travelingAmerican Airlines
Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard ($99), CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard ($99), AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard ($99), AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard ($99) — 1 free bag (you + up to 4 companions)
Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard ($595), Citi / AAdvantage Globe Mastercard ($350), AAdvantage Aviator Silver World Elite Mastercard ($199) — 1 free bag (you + up to 8 companions)
Typically no need to pay with the card, but benefit is largely limited to domestic AA-operated flightsDelta Air Lines
Delta SkyMiles Gold ($150), Delta SkyMiles Platinum ($350), Delta SkyMiles Reserve ($650) (personal + business versions) — 1 free checked bag (you + up to 8 companions)
No requirement to pay with the card, but cardholder must be traveling and SkyMiles number must be attachedFrontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines World Mastercard ($99) — 2 free checked bags (primary cardholder only)
Must pay for the flight with the cardHawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard ($99) — 2 free checked bags (primary cardholder only)
Must pay for the flight with the card; limited routes and no companion coverageJetBlue Airways
JetBlue Plus Card ($99), JetBlue Premier Mastercard ($499), JetBlue Business Card ($99) — 1 free checked bag (you + up to 3 companions)
Terms say you must pay with the card, but not consistently enforced in practice; applies only on eligible faresSouthwest Airlines
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus ($99), Premier ($149), Priority ($229) (personal + business versions up to $299) — 1 free checked bag (you + up to 8 companions)
Rapid Rewards number must be attached; benefit tied to card membership (no strict payment requirement noted)United Airlines
United Explorer Card ($150), United Business Card ($150) — 1 free checked bag (you + 1 companion)
United Quest Card ($350), United Club Card ($695), United Club Business Card ($695) — 2 free checked bags (you + 1 companion)
Must pay for the flight with the card (waived within first 90 days of opening); MileagePlus number must be on reservation
Denise and Adena planned a great family reunion in Philly, landing on the W Philadelphia, booked through Marriott’s Luminous VIP program. The property delivered — lively DJ lounge scene, a year-round rooftop pool (a rare sight in this city), and sweeping city views that made it feel like a special occasion.
The VIP perks came through in a big way: early check-in, a generous 4 pm late checkout, and a $60 daily breakfast credit redeemable at the hotel’s restaurant or via room service (always a nice option!), which made mornings easy for the whole group.
Thanks for reading! As always, I’m here if you want help with cards, points, destinations, or hotel bookings — especially for friends who don’t have time to decode this stuff. Hit me up anytime.
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