Published Blogs Finance

When To Use Points and Miles vs. Using Cash When Paying For Flights

Posted By Thefrugalexpat on Finance

https://thefrugalexpat.com - Points and miles are the budget traveler’s bread and butter. On average, a roundtrip domestic flight in the U.S. costs $381.53. This makes using points to purchase a flight seem like a no-brainer.   But not all flight redemptions are created equal. Sometimes, it’s actually better/cheaper to purchase a flight with cash instead of points.  Let’s ... Read more

Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred Worth the $95 Fee?

Posted By Thefrugalexpat on Finance

https://thefrugalexpat.com - If you’re going to use a credit card when you travel, why not use a travel rewards card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred? Travel rewards cards let you earn points towards free travel while taking advantage of awesome travel perks. But, these cards come with one significant drawback – an annual fee.  The annual fee ... Read more

7 Best Credit Cards for Dining in 2024 | A Review

Posted By Thefrugalexpat on Finance

https://thefrugalexpat.com - What’s better than gorging on delicious food at that new restaurant that just opened up? Getting rewarded for it! And that’s precisely what dining credit cards do. But each card has its rules, and who has the time to read all of that? That’s why I did the heavy lifting for you. Whether you like to tour restaurants from ... Read more

Pizza in Italy: 12 Tips to Make Your Eating Experience Memorable

Posted By Thefrugalexpat on Finance

https://thefrugalexpat.com - When in Rome, as the saying goes, do as the Romans do. If you visit Italy, try some authentic Italian pizza. Thanks to the United States taking pizza and creating its own version, there are many misunderstandings surrounding one of the most famous types of food from Italy. Before you go and potentially make a ... Read more

Travel Mistakes? 16 Common Travel Mistakes in Italy and Tips to Avoid Them

Posted By Thefrugalexpat on Finance

https://thefrugalexpat.com - Italy is one of the most popular countries to visit for a summer vacation and with good reason. There are thousands of things to see and do: new experiences, history lessons, sunbathing at out-of-this-world beaches, and much more. Many people must realize that although you may come across many English speakers and expat Americans living ... Read more

14 Of the Best Things to Do in Leipzig on Your Travels

Posted By Thefrugalexpat on Finance

https://thefrugalexpat.com - If you are planning a trip to Germany and want to go somewhere different from the most popular cities, you may find this guide to cool things to do in Leipzig handy. The city has a solid and long-lasting cultural heritage, with many buildings and sites highlighting its checkered history and many modern sites and ... Read more

22 of the Best College Towns to Visit in the US

Posted By Thefrugalexpat on Finance

https://thefrugalexpat.com - Over the past few years, we researched and visited many college towns as our kids made college choices. College towns are an essential criterion when choosing the college you wish to attend for years of education. The best college towns have much more to offer than communities dominated by their university population. They are attractive ... Read more

Your Cheat Sheet to Quiet Vacationing

Posted By Thefrugalexpat on Finance

https://thefrugalexpat.com - You’re dying for a vacation, but your boss never approves your PTO. How will you ever see the Grand Canyon or swim with dolphins in Bermuda? The answer is quiet vacationing. If you need a getaway but can’t take time off work, we’re here to help. Learn how you can get some R&R without losing ... Read more

Premium Card Showdown: Which One is Best: Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, or Capital One Venture X

Posted By Thefrugalexpat on Finance

https://thefrugalexpat.com - Are you a frequent traveler? Do you want to earn points quickly while enjoying awesome travel perks? If so, there are 3 top cards worth considering: Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Capital One Venture X.  All 3 of these credit cards are premium travel cards that offer lounge access, travel insurance, great point/mile programs, ... Read more

World of Hyatt Loyalty Program: Earn Free Stays, Room Upgrades, And More

Posted By Thefrugalexpat on Finance

https://thefrugalexpat.com - Curious about why World of Hyatt is considered one of the best hotel loyalty programs? Here’s a look at all the exclusive perks it has to offer.

The 13 Best Hotel Credit Cards for September 2024

Posted By Thefrugalexpat on Finance

https://thefrugalexpat.com - Now that fall is in full effect, it’s time for people to plan their last-second getaways and extravagant vacations. With so many places to explore, travelers need a good idea of where they want to stay and how they want to pay for things. Fortunately, a wide array of hotel credit cards give users sizable ... Read more

Enjoy Free Hotel Stays and Top Perks with IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

Posted By Thefrugalexpat on Finance

https://thefrugalexpat.com - If you’re a loyal patron of the IHG hotels, you can’t go wrong with the IHG Premier Card. Here’s a comprehensive review of all the perks it has to offer.

16 Amazing Things to Do in St. Petersburg, Florida For Your Trip

Posted By Thefrugalexpat on Finance

https://thefrugalexpat.com - If you've stumbled across this blog post, it likely means you're planning a trip to St. Petersburg, Florida. St. Petersburg, nicknamed Sunshine City, is between beautiful Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. To its west, the city is bordered by popular cities, small towns, and barrier islands, which make it an idyllic travel destination. ... Read more

11 Must-Do Things When Visiting California

Posted By Thefrugalexpat on Finance

https://thefrugalexpat.com - California is a vibrant playground of adventures and iconic spots waiting to be discovered. Or re-discovered! From sun-drenched beaches to majestic redwoods and on to urban amazements, there is a thrill for every family member. Let’s take a look at some of the golden opportunities in the Golden State.  1. Los Angeles Exploring Los Angeles ... Read more

Fired Up: 12 Best Destinations for Spicy Foodies

Posted By Thefrugalexpat on Finance

https://thefrugalexpat.com - This round-up is for the folks out there who always order the atomic chicken wings and don’t believe “too much Sriracha” is a thing. These countries are known for their delicious and hot dishes that will ignite your palate and make you sweat. Indulge your passion for spice by visiting these fiery destinations with cuisines ... Read more

14 Perfect Vacation Ideas for Families on a Budget

Posted By Thefrugalexpat on Finance

https://thefrugalexpat.com - Trying to organize a family vacation that everyone will love has never been easy. However, it can feel impossible in today’s economic climate. The sky-high cost of living has made it harder than ever to afford (or justify paying for) a big family trip. Thankfully, while luxury resorts and cruises might be off-limits for now, ... Read more

15 Luxury Destinations Adored by Celebrities

Posted By Thefrugalexpat on Finance

https://thefrugalexpat.com - Some parts of the world are magnets for the rich and famous. Want to see where celebs go on vacation? Here are 15 gorgeous destinations beloved by A-listers everywhere. While their yachts, mansions, designer clothes, and red carpets may forever be off-limits, almost anyone can enjoy the same glamorous destinations where celebrities go on vacation. ... Read more

14 Perfect Places for a Cheap Last-Minute Vacation

Posted By Thefrugalexpat on Finance

https://thefrugalexpat.com - Did you know almost 40% of Americans skipped their travel plans this summer because they couldn’t afford to go away? If you’re in a similar boat, don’t give up hope just yet. Many places around the world offer surprisingly affordable getaways – even when it’s a last-minute booking. Keep in mind that flight and hotel ... Read more

8 Fantastic Things To Do In Hallstatt, Austria on Vacation

Posted By Thefrugalexpat on Finance

https://thefrugalexpat.com - If you're looking for somewhere special in Austria, Hallstatt in the Salzkammergut region is it. Sitting by the calm waters of Lake Hallstatt, this town isn't just another pretty place — it's so special it's been named a UNESCO World Heritage site. And once you're there, the unique Hallstatt culture is everywhere: in the design ... Read more