Review: the American Express Platinum credit card

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This is our review of the American Express Platinum credit card, also known as The Platinum Card from American Express.

Is Amex Platinum worth the £575 fee? We look at the card benefits below.

Key link: American Express Platinum application page

Key facts: £575 annual fee

The representative APR is 458.2% variable, including the £575 fee, based on a notional £1,200 credit limit. The interest rate on purchases is 28.8% variable.

Reward credit cards generally have high interest rates and are not suitable for anyone who does not pay off their full balance each month. If you do not clear your balance, you should look for a non-rewards credit card with a low interest rate.

This review is part of our series of articles looking at the major UK loyalty credit cards and discussing whether or not they are worth applying for. These articles are linked to the relevant sections of the ‘Credit Cards‘ area of the menu bar. Our other UK airline and hotel credit card reviews can be found here.

bout The Platinum Card

The American Express Platinum credit card is issued directly by American Express.

Note that The Platinum Card is no longer a charge card. In August 2022 it swapped to being a standard credit card. This means that you no longer have to pay off your balance in full at the end of each month, although you will pay interest if you don’t.

What is The Platinum Card sign-up bonus?

You receive 30,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend £4,000 within three months.

Membership Rewards points can be converted 1 to 1 into Avios, so you would receive 60,000 Avios points. Click here to see what other reward programmes are Membership Rewards transfer partners.

What are the rules for qualifying for the sign-up bonus?

The bonus is only available to customers who have not held a personal American Express card which issues Membership Rewards points in the previous 24 months. This would include Green, Gold, Platinum and the American Express Rewards credit card.

You are OK if you currently or recently only had a British Airways, Marriott or Nectar American Express card. All that matters is that you have not held a card offering Membership Rewards points.

You will receive the sign-up bonus if you have a Corporate or Business American Express card via your job and you receive Membership Rewards points from it.

You will definitely receive the bonus if you are only a supplementary cardholder on someone else’s American Express card. As far as Amex is concerned, that card belongs to the primarily cardholder and does not make you an ‘existing cardholder’.

If you do not qualify for the bonus, you can still apply. You still receive the other card benefits, which are substantial.

ny other benefits with Amex Platinum?

The card has substantial benefits – easily the best package of any UK loyalty card.

You receive travel insurance for yourself and your family. You can insure one other family group by giving the head of that household the free supplementary card on your account. Some benefits require you to pay for your trip with an American Express card, but the core medical benefit is automatic. There is an age limit of 70 on the travel insurance. For legal reasons, you need to opt-in to the travel insurance benefit by ticking the relevant box on the application form.You receive full car hire insurance, with no requirement to pay with your Platinum cardYou and your supplementary cardholder will each receive a Priority Pass card. This gets the cardholder plus a guest into 1,300 airport lounges across the world for free, including the Aspire lounge in Heathrow Terminal 5 reviewed here. As you get two Priority Pass cards, each of which allows a free guest, you can get a family of four into a lounge – as I do on a regular basis.You can also access the pleasant Plaza Premium Lounge in Heathrow Terminal 5. This is not part of Priority Pass but American Express Platinum cardholders can get in, with a guest, by showing their Platinum card at the front desk. You can also access all other Plaza Premium lounges globally, including Heathrow Terminal 2, Heathrow Terminal 4, Edinburgh and Gatwick North.You can also get into Amex’s own network of high quality ‘Centurion’ airport lounges for free. The first European ‘Centurion’ lounge opened at Heathrow Terminal 3 in 2021 as we covered here.You will receive permanent status in various hotel schemesGold in Marriott BonvoyPremium in Radisson RewardsGold in Hilton HonorsGold in MeliaRewardsOther benefits include Eurostar lounge access in London, Brussels and Paris whatever your class of travel. (The Amex website does not mention Brussels but it does work there.) You also receive lounge access when flying with Delta although any guests must pay $29.You receive £150 per year to spend in over 160 UK restaurants. The spend can be cumulative and spread across different restaurants.You receive £150 per year to spend in over 1,200 international restaurants. The spend can be cumulative and spread across different restaurants.You receive £100 of Harvey Nichols credit each year. This is split into £50 from January to June and £50 from July to December. It is valid online or instore. There is no minimum spend – if you buy just £50 of items, you will not pay a penny.There is also an exclusive hotel booking scheme called ‘Fine Hotels & Resorts’ which offers valuable additional benefits on your stays. If you are a regular visitor at five star hotels then you can recoup your entire membership fee via FHR bookings. I wrote more about Fine Hotels & Resorts here – for me, the guaranteed 4pm check-out on every stay is invaluable, especially for weekend breaks.

What is the annual fee on American Express Platinum?

£575.

The fee is refundable pro-rata if you choose to cancel.This is part of the terms and conditions of the card, and Amex is known for refunding fees without quibble.

The Priority Pass airport lounge card is cancelled immediately if you close your Platinum card. However, the hotel status cards will continue to work until they expire naturally.

If you are self employed, remember that you could offset the card fee against tax as long as you used it exclusively for business-related expenses.

What do I earn per £1 spent on the card?

You receive 1 Membership Rewards point per £1 spent on the card. This is equivalent to 1 Avios or other airline mile per £1 if you choose to transfer them.

What is a Membership Rewards point worth?

Anything from ‘quite a bit’ to ‘a lot’ is the answer! This article looks at the best use of American Express Membership Rewards points and what they are worth.

Realistically, Membership Rewards points are worth at least 0.66p. This is because you can convert 1 point into 1.33 Nectar points via the new Avios partnership. 1.33 Nectar points are worth 0.66p when spent at Sainsbury’s, Argos or eBay.

I value airline miles at 0.75p – 1p each (this is conservative) so that is your valuation if you transfer to an airline programme.

Some of the hotel programmes also offer good value. You can choose from Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy and Radisson Rewards.

Historically there were occasional transfer bonuses of 20%-30% to various airlines, including British Airways and Virgin Flying Club, although we have not seen any for the last few years. If you see reports of American Express transfer bonuses to Avios, they are almost certainly discussing cards issued outside the UK.

You can take a look at the full list of Membership Rewards options here.

Is The Platinum Card a good card to use when travelling?

As Amex adds a 3% foreign exchange fee, you might want to get a separate free credit card to use abroad.

Unfortunately there are no credit cards with 0% foreign exchange fees worldwide which earn airline or hotel points. (The Virgin Atlantic credit cards have 0% FX fees in the Eurozone.) One option is to get a free card from Currensea. Currensea is a simple but clever idea. You pay abroad with your Currensea Mastercard debit card. Currensea translates the cost to Sterling with just a 0.5% fee (83% less than Amex charges) and withdraws the money from your bank account. You can find out more about Currensea by clicking here. Currensea is free so there is no risk in giving it a try.

Is there a minimum income for Amex Platinum?

American Express no longer has a minimum income requirement for any of its cards.

Conclusion: Is Amex Platinum worth the £575 annual fee?

Whether or not the American Express Platinum fee represents value for money long-term depends on how many of the card benefits you will use, although you can cancel for a pro-rata fee refund at any point. I have had a Platinum card since 1999 and can justify the cost based on how we use the travel benefits, especially the travel insurance, car hire insurance and the Fine Hotels & Resorts programme.

It is very easy to give the card a trial for a year to see if it works for you. The sign-up bonus of 30,000 Membership Rewards points plus £300 of dining credit and £100 of Harvey Nichols credit means that you can’t help but come out on top for the first year.

Remember that the sign-up bonus of 30,000 Membership Rewards points is the largest bonus of any personal points card on the market. It would convert into 30,000 Avios or Virgin Points for example. If you converted the Avios points into Nectar points, you would have £200-worth.

For on-going spending, 1 point per £1 is not outstanding. A lot of American Express Platinum cardholders keep the card for its benefits but put their spending on other cards.

The application form for The Platinum Card can be found here.

Want to earn more miles and points from credit cards?  Click here to visit our dedicated airline and hotel travel credit cards page or use the ‘Credit Cards’ link in the menu bar at the top of the page.)

Disclaimer: Head for Points is a journalistic website. Nothing here should be construed as financial advice, and it is your own responsibility to ensure that any product is right for your circumstances. Recommendations are based primarily on the ability to earn miles and points. The site discusses products offered by lenders but is not a lender itself. Robert Burgess, trading as Head for Points, is regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as an independent credit broker.

By: Rob Burgess
Title: Review: the American Express Platinum credit card
Sourced From: www.headforpoints.com/2023/04/01/review-american-express-platinum-credit-card/
Published Date: Sat, 01 Apr 2023 02:33:00 +0000

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LocalRyse.Com Launches in Europe to Help Businesses Target Local Audiences

Comprehensive SEO Audits · Keyword Research · On-Page Optimization · Optimization and Maintenance of Google Business Profiles · Proven Results.

Localryse.Com Launches In Europe To Help Businesses Target Local Audience... - menafn

Optimization and Maintenance of Google Business Profiles ... LocalRyse.com also monitors the business's Google Business Profile for reviews and ...

55 New Orleans History Facts and Information You Must Know

TODAY'S ADVENTURE

55 New Orleans History Facts and Information You Must Know

Before arriving at any new destination I like to learn as much as possible about each place I visit. New Orleans is like the mother load of history, facts, and totally out-there-info about a place. This is the reason New Orleans is what it is. Here are some of the best facts about New Orleans.

New Orleans History Facts

La Nouvelle-Orléans (New Orleans) was founded May 7, 1718, by the French Mississippi Company.The French colony was ceded to the Spanish Empire in the Treaty of Paris (1763).During the American Revolutionary War, it was an important port for smuggling aid to the rebels, transporting military equipment and supplies up the Mississippi River.New Orleans remained under Spanish control until 1801 when it was given back to France.Nearly all of the surviving 18th-century architecture of the Vieux Carré (French Quarter) dates from the Spanish period.

Recommended Read: Tips for Visiting New Orleans with Kids

Napoleon sold Louisiana (New France) to the United States in the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.After the end of the Haitian revolution in 1804 (when it became free from France) New Orleans received a lot of refugees, including the ones who had originally found refuge in Cuba.The 1809 migration brought 2,731 whites, 3,102 free persons of African descent, and 3,226 enslaved persons of African descent, these doubled the population of the city.During the final campaign of the War of 1812, the British sent a force of 11,000 soldiers, marines, and sailors, in an attempt to capture New Orleans but they were defeated.New Orleans played a major role in the Atlantic slave trade, handled huge quantities of commodities for exported and imported goods.Despite its role in the slave trade, New Orleans at the same time had the largest and most prosperous community of free persons of color in the nation.The population of the city doubled again in the 1830s and by 1840, New Orleans had become the wealthiest and the third-most populous city in the nation.In the 1850s, white Francophones remained an intact and vibrant community. They maintained instruction in French in two of the city’s four school districts.The port was the third-largest in the nation in terms of tonnage of imported goods, after Boston and New York, handling 659,000 tons in 1859.Gen. Benjamin F. Butler, a respected state lawyer of the Massachusetts militia, occupied the City in 1862. He abolished French language instruction in city schools.By the end of the 19th century, French usage in the city had faded significantly.However, as late as 1902 one-fourth of the population of the city spoke French in ordinary daily intercourse, while another two-fourths was able to understand the language perfectly.In 1872, lieutenant governor P.B.S. Pinchback, who was of mixed race, succeeded Henry Clay Warmouth for a brief period as Republican governor of Louisiana, becoming the first governor of African descent of an American state.The “White League”, an insurgent paramilitary group that supported the Democratic Party, was organized in 1874 and operated in the open, violently suppressing the black vote.In 1874, in the Battle of Liberty Place, 5,000 members of the White League fought with city police to take over the state offices for the Democratic candidate for governor, holding them for three days.By 1876, such tactics resulted in the white Democrats, the so-called Redeemers, regaining political control of the state legislature.White Democrats passed Jim Crow laws, establishing racial segregation in public facilities.In 1986 the U.S Supreme Court ruled that “separate but equal” accommodations were constitutional, effectively upholding Jim Crow measures.In the post-World War II period, other Sun Belt cities in the South and West surpassed New Orleans in population. Construction of railways and highways decreased river traffic, diverting goods to other transportation corridors and markets.During the later years of Morrison’s administration (1946 – 1961), and for the entirety of Schiro’s, the city was a center of the Civil Rights struggle.When six-year-old Ruby Bridges integrated William Frantz Elementary School in the city’s Ninth Ward (the 1950s), she was the first child of color to attend a previously all-white school in the South.In 1965, flooding from Hurricane Betsy killed dozens of residents.New Orleans became increasingly dependent on tourism as an economic mainstay in 1986 and still is.New Orleans was catastrophically affected by what the University of California Berkeley’s Dr. Raymond B. Seed called “the worst engineering disaster in the world since Chernobyl,” when the Federal levee system failed during Hurricane Katrina in 2005The city was declared off-limits to residents while efforts to clean up after Hurricane Katrina began. The approach of Hurricane Rita in September 2005 caused repopulation efforts to be postponed.

Fun facts about New Orleans

This is the largest city in the state of Louisiana.The city gets its name after the duke of Orleans. He was who was Regent of the Kingdom of France for Louis XV from 1715 to 1723.It is well known for its distinct French and Spanish Creole architecture.It is famous around the world for one if its festivals: Mardi Gras.

“Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler” or as they say in New Orleans, Let the Good Times roll!!The unique culture that you find in New Orleans is the result of the mixture of Irish, German, and Italian cultures that met with locals who were already a mix of French and Hispanic cultures.Major commodity crops of sugar and cotton were cultivated with slave labor on large plantations outside the city in the early 1800s.As the city was captured and occupied early in the war, it was spared the destruction through warfare suffered by many other cities of the American South.Large numbers of rural ex-slaves and some free people of color from the City volunteered for the first regiments of Black troops in the Civil War. They were known as the “Corps d’Afrique.”New Orleans Is Known To Be The Place Where Voodoo Was Introduced Into The US in the 1800s.

Recommended Read: New Orleans Voodoo Cementery Tours

Marie Laveau, an oracle who performed numerous exorcisms and voodoo rituals, became widely known as the Voodoo Queen in the early days of the city.Napoleon Bonaparte owned the city in the 19th century.New Orleans has no less than 20 historic districts, more than other cities in the US.New Orleans is home to the longest continuous bridge in the world, Lake Pontchartrain Causeway.The New Orleans Superdome is the largest enclosed arena in the world.New Orleans is widely considered to be the birthplace of both poker and craps.New Orleans Is The Place Where Jazz Was Born.

The first opera in the United States of America was performed in the 1790s in New Orleans.It Is Known As The Most Haunted City In America

Bourbon Street

Its beauty dates back to 1718 when New Orleans was founded by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville.Also known as “Rue Bourbon,” this historic street sits at the heart of the French Quarter, extending 13 blocks from Canal St. to Esplanade Avenue.

Recommended Read: New Orleans French Market

Highlights

One of the most luxurious hotels on Bourbon Street, The Royal Sonesta Hotel, opened in 1969.Another popular building is Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop located on the corner of Bourbon Street and St. Phillip Street. The building was constructed sometime before 1772 and is said to be where the Lafitte brothers opened their blacksmith shop as a façade so they could carry out their privateer efforts.

Then there is the Old Absinthe House building originally erected in 1806 as a family-owned importing firm. As years went on it became a saloon where in 1874 mixologist, Cayetano Ferrer, created the famous Absinthe House Frappe.Galatoire’s Restaurant is one of New Orleans’ oldest and most popular restaurants. Founded by Jean Galatoire in 1905 and specializes in French Creole cuisine.The intersection of Bourbon Street and St. Anne Street begins the section of Bourbon that caters to New Orleans’ flourishing gay community with Lafitte-In-Exile, the oldest gay bar in the country.

The post 55 New Orleans History Facts and Information You Must Know appeared first on Travel Experta - Travel, Lifestyle, Freedom.

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By: Marina 'Travel Experta'
Title: 55 New Orleans History Facts and Information You Must Know
Sourced From: travelexperta.com/new-orleans-history/
Published Date: Wed, 29 Mar 2023 11:00:33 +0000

Apple AirTag 4-pack on sale now — save on tracking your luggage

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There’s no cheaper and more reliable way to keep tabs on where your things are nowadays than by using Apple AirTags. For a pretty low price, you can keep an eye on where your pets, keys and even checked bags are on their journey.

Whether you’ve yet to get into the swing of using Apple AirTags in your checked bags, or you decided you’d like to add some AirTags to your collection to track more of your bags and other items, right now, we’re seeing the lowest price for a four-pack of AirTags that we’ve noticed in 2023.

As of this writing, a four-pack of Apple AirTags is available for just $89.99 on Amazon.

That breaks down to about $22.50 per tag. This is down from the regular price of $99.99 for four, which has been the prevailing rate for most of the last few months.

Related:

What it’s like using Apple AirTags for travelHow to use AirTags to find lost luggageSafety tips when using AirTags

CHRISTINA HOUSE/GETTY IMAGES

We haven’t seen the price go below this threshold since the 2022 Black Friday sales. If you want to buy just one AirTag, that is possible, though the price right now is $29 for one.

If you want a pack of Apple AirTags at a discount before summer travel, now is a great time to place your order and save some cash.

That should leave you ample time to get them set up and ready to tell you where that checked bag is — even if the airline isn’t too sure.

Related: 

These are the best carry-on bagsThese are the best fanny packs for travelersMust-have travel items the TPG team doesn’t want to live without

By: Summer Hull
Title: Apple AirTag 4-pack on sale now — save on tracking your luggage
Sourced From: thepointsguy.com/deals/apple-airtags-sale/
Published Date: Tue, 28 Mar 2023 17:00:10 +0000

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Google recently rolled out a Google Business Profile update that resulted in years of lost Google reviews for businesses. If you haven't done so, ...

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... claims she stole clients from a rival's business by hijacking her online profile has blamed a "quirk of the Google algorithm" for the drama.

Amish Traditions: Lancaster County Carriage and Antique Auction

TODAY'S ADVENTURE

Amish Traditions: Lancaster County Carriage and Antique Auction

Traditions are interesting things. Most of us feel that we have them and live by them, but in reality, they don’t rule or control our lives, and Amish traditions are fascinating. Today, I’m going to be talking about the Lancaster County carriage and antique auction, I visit it, and it was amazing.

The only real tradition my family and I follow is my incessant need to travel. I’m not sure if that is even considered a real tradition. Plus, I’ll also top it off that I have added educational travel to our roster of traditions every year. So, as you can see, traditions are not too high on our day-to-day list. And trust me, I have tried over and over to instill traditions, but when I’m not really sure of what traditions to instill, this never really took off the ground.

So traveling to a place where traditions are the most important aspect of life, was one of the most educational and eye-opening trips my family had yet taken!

Lancaster County Carriage and Antique Auction

mish Auction

The greatest highlight of our trip was to be a part of the annual Lancaster County Carriage & Antique Auction usually at the end of June every year. And a must – MUST – visit if you are visiting the area during this time of the year.

Related Read: Amish Auction

People from all over the United States travel here every year to buy Amish goods.

Handmade and carved carriages – these will make Cinderella’s carriage look like a piece of scrapped metal.

Sleds – yes they still exist, much to my amazement and surprise. I think Santa shops here as well.

Auction fun – I don’t know about you, but I’ve never participated in any kind of auction, and seeing the Amish do it in two different languages (Dutch-German and English) was fascinating and way too quick for me to follow.

Quilts – the Amish are world re-known for their handmade Quilts and they are beyond words. Each one is unique like a fingerprint with its own character and vibrance.

Antiques of all shapes and sizes – I’m not an Antique connoisseur, but apparently, this auction is known internationally for secret treasure finds.

Haystack Buffet – Amish Style – this was sooooo fun. I would recommend coming here just for this particular reason.

Recommended Post: Amish Cooking

You can mingle with the Amish

Pile on the food – the reason for the ‘Haystack’ name in the buffet, is because you put the food on as though it was a haystack. Super fun.

And if you’re not up for the buffet which had salads, sweet Chile, and more – no worries, there are plenty of food stands to choose from.

Learning About Amish Traditions

To fully understand the Amish people it is best to dive into their history which is rich in traditions, religious beliefs, and family life. Plus, simplicity beyond any simplicity we are used to these days and a true humble experience.

Recommended Post: Lancaster County Amish Experience

History of the Amish in Lancaster

The Amish movement was founded in Europe by Jacob Amman (~1644 to ~1720).

It started as a reform group within the Mennonite movement.

The beliefs and practices of the Amish were based on the writings of the founder of the Mennonite faith, Menno Simons (1496-1561).

The Amish who split from Mennonites generally lived in Switzerland and in the southern Rhine River region.

Some Amish migrated to the United States, starting in the early 18th century.

A 1972 Supreme Court (Wisconsin V. Yoder) ruling deemed that Amish families weren’t required to educate their children past the 8th grade, and were protected under the freedom of religion clause.

Most Amish communities that were established in North America did not retain their Amish identity. The original split that resulted in the loss of identity occurred in the 1860s.

They initially settled in Pennsylvania. Other waves of immigrants became established in  New York, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri Ohio, and other states.

The United States Internal Revenue Service agreed in 1961 that they did not need to pay Social Security-related taxes. In 1965, this policy was codified into law

Fun Facts of the Amish

The Amish are a group of traditionalist Christian church fellowships

They are known for simple living, plain dress, and reluctance to adopt many conveniences of modern technology.

The most traditional descendants of the Amish continue to speak Pennsylvania German.

As of 2000, over 165,000 Old Order Amish lived in the United States.

The Amish movement takes its name from Jakob Ammann

There are two key concepts that they follow: 1) rejection to Hochmut (pride or arrogance) and; 2) the high value of Demut (humility).

Bearing children, raising them, and socializing with neighbors and relatives are the greatest functions of the Amish family. All Amish believe large families are a blessing from God.

The largest Amish settlements are in Holmes County in central Ohio and Lancaster County in south-eastern Pennsylvania.

The Amish do not usually educate their children past the eighth grade. They think that the basic knowledge offered up to that point is sufficient to live the Amish lifestyle. They also run their own schools.

Amish church membership begins with baptism, usually between the ages of 16 and 25.

The Ordnung (order) is the set of rules for each Amish community. It contains both religious and civil rules.

Each community has one Bishop, two ministers and a deacon all of whom are male.

The Amish believe in living a life separated from the non-Amish.

Funerals are held in the home of the dead and coffins are plain – handmade by the community.

Belts, gloves, ties, sneakers are banned.

Married men must grow their beards whilst mustaches are forbidden.

Amish women cannot wear patterned clothing or jewelry and they are not permitted to cut their hair.

Because most Amish descend from the families of the 200 founders from the 18th century, they have a much higher rate of genetic disorders due to inbreeding.

The Amish have suicide rates that are far lower (one third) the rate of non-religious people and 50% lower than other religious people.

Only married men who are members of the local church district are eligible for a ministerial position.

Lancaster County in Pennsylvania is also extremely rich in history and facts as well.

Related Post: Amish Country

History of Lancaster County

Indigenous Tribes had occupied the areas along the waterways for thousands of years and established varying cultures.

Right after settlers started to arrive at the area, conflict over the territory started and lasted until the late 18th century.

Originally called Hickory Town, the city was renamed after the English town of Lancaster by native John Wright.

Lancaster was part of the 1681 Penn’s Woods Charter of William Penn.

The first sizable group of Amish arrived in Lancaster County in the 1720′s or 1730′s.

Lancaster County was part of Chester County, Pennsylvania until May 10, 1729, when it became the fourth county in the state.

Scotch-Irish settlers from Pennsylvania began moving into this upstate region in the 1750s.

During the American Revolution, it was briefly the capital of the colonies on September 27, 1777.

In 1780 Col Buford was defeated by the British after the fall of Charles Town. There is a site with memorials to those who died in the Revolutionary War in Lancaster.

The county was formally formed in 1785, and it was originally part of the Camden District.

The Lancaster County Courthouse was designed by Robert Mills in 1825-1828.

Since 1960, the Amish population in Lancaster County has almost tripled.

The Lancaster County Seal is unique because it is different from most official seals in other governing bodies. It was designed by Joseph Croxton in 1973.

Fun Facts to Know About Lancaster

Lancaster County was named after the city of Lancaster in the county of Lancashire in England.

It is often called The Dutch Country.

This county is popular among travelers for its Amish community.

Today there are over 25 different Amish, Mennonite, and Brethren church groups in Lancaster County, all holding to slightly different traditions and their own interpretations of the Bible.

The farmlands of the Pennsylvania Dutch Country are among the most productive in the nation.

The Amish are very devout in their faith. They believe in the literal interpretation and application of Scripture as the Word of God.

They do not permit electricity or telephones in their homes. By restricting access to television, radio, and telephones, the Amish are better able to keep the modern world from intruding into their home life.

The Amish have a strong sense of community spirit, and often come to the aid of those in need.

There is no single governing body for the entire Old Order Amish population in the U.S.; rather, each church district decides for itself what it will and will not accept.

Amish Traditions, Lancaster County – Educational Travel

The post Amish Traditions: Lancaster County Carriage and Antique Auction appeared first on Travel Experta - Travel, Lifestyle, Freedom.

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By: Marina 'Travel Experta'
Title: Amish Traditions: Lancaster County Carriage and Antique Auction
Sourced From: travelexperta.com/amish-traditions-lancaster-county-carriage-antique-auction/
Published Date: Wed, 29 Mar 2023 11:00:25 +0000

Practicality vs. luxury: Chase Ink Business Preferred vs. Amex Business Platinum

HOSTED BY: 1 AIR TRAVEL

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

Though the Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express are both TPG favorites for small businesses, they are very different.

For all intents and purposes, the Amex Business Platinum is more of a membership card for business travelers who can take advantage of its perks and benefits. The Ink Business Preferred, on the other hand, is geared toward those looking to maximize earnings on a wider range of business expenses.

There’s definitely value to be had from adding both cards to your wallet. However, those looking for just one card should prioritize applying for the one better suited for your specific spending habits and preferences.

Let’s look at the details and benefits of each to see which you should add to your wallet.

Sign-up bonus/welcome offer

These are the bonuses new applicants can earn on these cards:

Chase Ink Business PreferredAmex Business PlatinumSign-up bonus/Welcome offer100,000 Ultimate Rewards points.120,000 Membership Rewards points.Spend requirement$15,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months from account opening.$15,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months of card membership.Bonus value*$2,000.$2,400.

*Welcome offer value is determined using TPG valuations and is not provided by or reviewed by the issuer.

Amex and Chase points are both worth 2 cents each in TPG’s valuations, and both bonuses require the same amount of spending ($15,000 in the first three months).

Winner: Amex Business Platinum.

Bonus categories

Ink Business PreferredAmex Business PlatinumRewards structure3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on:>Travel.Shipping purchases.Internet, cable and phone services.Advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines.1 point per dollar on other purchases.5 Membership Rewards points per dollar on prepaid hotel and airfare booked through American Express Travel (including Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts).1.5 points per dollar on eligible purchases in select business categories and eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (on up to $2 million of these purchases annually, then 1 point per dollar).1 point per dollar on other purchases.Earning limitsUp to $150,000 in combined purchases each account anniversary yearThen 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.5-point categories: no limit.1.5-point categories: up to $2 million annually.

While the Amex Business Platinum has a higher multiplier, the Ink Business Preferred has a much more attractive rewards structure for business expenses.

Amex Platinum only earns 5 points per dollar spent on travel booked through Amex, so it’s not the card to use for most of your spending. In contrast, the Ink Business Preferred offers a slightly lower 3 points per dollar spent on a wider range of categories, including travel. Plus, Chase defines travel broadly, including booking directly with airlines and hotels, trips booked through the Ultimate Rewards program and ride-hailing services.

My only real complaint with the Ink Business Preferred‘s rewards structure is that it caps out at $150,000 in spending each year. It’s not the only card with a spending cap on rewards (it’s pretty common for small-business cards), but it does limit the earning potential for large-budget businesses. If you spend more than $12,500 a month across all four categories, you’ll end up capping out your bonus at 450,000 Ultimate Rewards points each year. While $150,000 a year may seem like a high cap, keep in mind that online advertising is a bonus category. If your company uses paid search or advertises on social media, it’s very feasible that you could hit $150,000 in bonus category spend a year.

While the Amex categories are very limited, if you’re spending $90,000 or more on hotels and airfare each year (or $7,500 a month) for your business, you’ll end up out-earning the Ink Business Preferred‘s bonus category potential.

Winner: For most business owners, the Ink Business Preferred offers a better rewards structure.

Redeeming points

Ink Business PreferredAmex Business PlatinumRedemptions through rewards portal1.25 cents.Up to 1.54 cents when redeemed for business- or first-class flights with any airline or any ticket with your preferred airline.TPG points valuation2 cents.2 cents.Number of transfer partners14.21.

Both cards are part of valuable rewards programs that offer a lot of redemption flexibility. Both offer an incentive for booking award travel through their portals and have a solid list of transfer partners. However, I would say that you can get more value out of the Amex Membership Rewards program because of two primary features: a superior transfer partner program and a Pay with Points rebate.

Chase and Amex each have a solid list of transfer partners that include both airlines and hotels, but Amex soars above with 21 partners to choose from, including Delta, Emirates, Hilton and Marriott. Amex also frequently runs transfer bonus promotions. Chase, in comparison, has only 14 transfer partners and seldom offers transfer bonuses. Of course, if Chase offers certain partners that are more attractive to you personally — say you are a loyal United flyer rather than a Delta fan — that may be a reason to put Chase’s program over Amex. However, objectively speaking, Amex has a more beneficial program for most users.

Another reason I rank Amex’s Membership Rewards program above Chase when looking at these two cards specifically is because of the Amex Business Platinum Pay with Points rebate. When you redeem Membership Rewards points for travel through American Express Travel Pay with Points, you’ll get a 35% rebate on first- and business-class flights on any airline and economy-class flights on your selected airline (up to 2 million points per calendar year). This means points are worth around 1.54 cents when you book award flights through amextravel.com. You can also get more value out of these points if you are strategic in your transfer partner redemptions, but 1.54 cents is a great value for portal redemptions. In contrast, Ink Business Preferred points are only worth 1.25 cents each when you redeem through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. Even if you also have the Chase Sapphire Reserve, your points are only worth 1.5 cents through the Chase portal.

If you hold the Amex Business Platinum, you get better value on redemptions almost every time.

Winner: The Amex Business Platinum can’t be beaten with its transfer partner program and Pay with Points rebate.

Valuable benefits

Ink Business PreferredAmex Business PlatinumStatement creditsNone.Up to $200 annual airline fee credit on a selected airline.Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit (up to $100).Up to $400 annually for Dell purchases.Up to $360 annually for Indeed purchases.Up to $189 annually for a Clear membership.Up to $150 annually for subscription services from Adobe.Up to $120 annually for U.S. wireless phone plans.Enrollment is required for select benefits.Purchase and travel protectionsPurchase protection.Trip delay and cancellation insurance.Travel accident insurance.Extended warranty.Lost baggage insurance.Primary car rental insurance.Trip delay insurance.*Trip cancellation and interruption insurance.*Cellphone protection.*Purchase protection.**Baggage insurance plan.**Extended warranty.**Return protection.^Secondary car rental insurance.^^Premium Global Assist Hotline.#Enrollment is required for select benefits.Lounge accessNone.Centurion Lounges.Priority Pass lounges.Delta SkyClub lounges (when flying Delta that day).Airspace lounges.Escape lounges.Plaza Premium lounges.Lufthansa lounges.Enrollment is required for select benefits.Business toolsExpense tracker.Account manager access.Bookkeeping integration.Fraud alerts.No-cost employee cards.No preset spending limit.Pay Over Time option.Quickbooks integration.Vendor Pay by Bill.com.Three options for employee cards with varying benefits and annual fees (see rates and fees).No cost to add or assign an account manager.Account alerts.Year-end summary.Enrollment is required for select benefits.Other benefitsCellphone protection.Access to Chase Offers.Gold status with Marriott and Hilton.Access to Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts.Elite status with Avis, Hertz and National rental car programs.Access to Amex Offers.Enrollment is required for select benefits.Foreign transaction feesNone.None (see rates and feesAnnual fee$95.$695 (see rates and fees

*Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. **Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. ^Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. ^^Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. #Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, cardmembers are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

Both the personal and business versions of the Amex Platinum have arguably the best perks of any travel card on the market. Between access to thousands of lounges worldwide, elite status with two top hotel brands and business tools to help you manage your business expenses come tax season, the Amex Business Platinum is an excellent value-add to any business traveler’s wallet.

One thing that the Ink Business Preferred offers is primary rental car insurance coverage. Meanwhile, the Amex Business Platinum only offers secondary coverage*. This means you must file a claim with your primary insurance provider before Amex covers any other costs. While this perk isn’t necessary if you rarely drive rental cars, domestic business travelers who rent frequently should consider choosing the card with superior rental car coverage.

THE POINTS GUY

At the end of the day, the Amex Business Platinum takes the cake regarding valuable benefits — especially if you’re traveling a lot throughout the year for work. While the annual fee is significantly higher, utilizing most of the Amex benefits will easily offset that cost. If you maximize the annual airline fee credit and Dell statement credit, your out-of-pocket cost for the card is already only $195 each year. Spending $3,900 annually through Amex Travel would accrue enough points to make up for the rest of the annual fee.

Winner: The Amex Business Platinum is hard to beat when it comes to travel perks and benefits.

Bottom line:

These cards are very different and serve different purposes. One is built for earning, while the other is built for upgrading your travel experience. For many people, it makes sense to hold both cards. Ensure you understand the credit card application rules and restrictions before you apply.

Official application link: Ink Business Preferred Credit Card Official application link: The Business Platinum Card from American Express

Additional reporting by Stella Shon and Ryan Smith.

For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum card, click here.

By: Madison Blancaflor
Title: Practicality vs. luxury: Chase Ink Business Preferred vs. Amex Business Platinum
Sourced From: thepointsguy.com/guide/ink-business-preferred-vs-amex-business-platinum/
Published Date: Wed, 29 Mar 2023 15:00:27 +0000

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Sinclair’s Restaurant: Fine Dining With a Laid Back Beach Feel

TODAY'S ADVENTURE

Sinclair’s Restaurant: Fine Dining With a Laid Back Beach Feel

My family has a tradition. Whenever we finish a road trip, we always end it with a bang. For our grand finale restaurant, I found Jupiter Beach Resort and made reservations at Sinclair’s Restaurant in Florida.

Sinclair’s Restaurant

The goal was to arrive for the sunset and chill outside while the kids played on the beach or on hammocks. Unfortunately, when we arrived, it was a cold front and the wind was so strong that my baby started crying.

Interestingly enough, the hostess said that she had a feeling we might change our minds, and before we arrived reserved a table for us with a great view of warmth and comfort.

Our View

Dining Area with Campfire

My oldest son and I sneaked out many times to enjoy the outside and pretend we were eating there. The dining area has a campfire at the actual table, it’s a fire pit and wood deck, if the wind wasn’t blowing it out every time it would have probably warmed us up.

Food

To celebrate our successful two weeks on the road, we started with an international cheese dish. Living in Guatemala our choice of cheeses ranges from local fresh cheese to bland cheddar cheese. So you can imagine how excited we were to taste real cheese.

The kid’s menu had tons of good food and the hot dog that my son ordered wasn’t your average hot dog but a meaty, roasted version which was incredibly delicious.

I ordered the scallop dish. Living in Guatemala, I never get to eat Scallops. So when this dish arrived, my jaw literally dropped. The scallops were the size of mini hockey pucks. At first glance, I was thinking to myself – only four? But after the third one, I literally had to stuff the fourth one down my throat (I couldn’t leave a delicious scallop). It was way too much but worth every effort of filling myself to the max.

My husband ordered the seafood pasta dish, and it was scrumptious. I’ll admit that I had one too many tastes of his, and that’s what made me finish my dish so difficult.

My oldest son was still angry that we had to sit indoors, so to make him happy we ordered the smores dish. I’ve had plenty of smores in my life, but nothing like the one he received. It was overflowing with goodness.

Once dinner was over, we had to digest and decided to walk around the property. The night we were there, they had live music over by the bar area.

Here you could also swing back and forth on hammocks and enjoy the breeze and freshness of the ocean air.

Video Fun

Information for Visiting Sinclair’s Restaurant and Jupiter Beach Resort

To be honest with you, I never thought the restaurant would be as good as it was. We’ve been to many beach resorts where the laid-back feel can go a bit too laid back and reach all the way to the kitchen. So to say the least, I was so pleased that this was a truly delicious restaurant with a Jupiter fine dining atmosphere but totally casual. A perfect way to end our trip.

Address: 5 North A1A, Jupiter, FL 33477-5190

Phone: (866) 943-0950

Jupiter Beach Resort – Sinclair’s Restaurant Review

The post Sinclair’s Restaurant: Fine Dining With a Laid Back Beach Feel appeared first on Travel Experta - Travel, Lifestyle, Freedom.

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By: Marina 'Travel Experta'
Title: Sinclair’s Restaurant: Fine Dining With a Laid Back Beach Feel
Sourced From: travelexperta.com/sinclairs-restaurant-jupiter-beach-resort/
Published Date: Tue, 07 Mar 2023 12:00:05 +0000

What documents do you need for a cruise? From passports to printouts, here’s what to take

HOSTED BY: 1 AIR TRAVEL

Boarding a cruise ship isn’t like boarding a city bus or hopping on the subway. Because cruises involve international travel, you won’t be allowed to sail if you don’t have all the proper cruise documents and identification. That means you’ll want to know exactly what to take with you and, once you have a list, double and triple check it to ensure you haven’t forgotten anything.

The check-in process can be intimidating if you haven’t gone through it before. You might be wondering what, exactly, cruise documents are, which ones you need and how you obtain them.

Gear up for a successful and stress-free embarkation day, and make sure you have all the necessary items on hand and ready to go with this guide.

For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter.

What are cruise documents?

GREG BLOMBERG/GETTY IMAGES/EYEEM

Necessary cruise documents include acceptable official forms of identification, proof of your booking number and boarding information, and confirmation that you aren’t ill. You must present these upon arrival at the port.

Only after port officials check and verify each of these at the terminal will you be permitted to board your ship.

At a time when eco-friendliness is top of mind and nearly every traveler has a mobile phone, it’s easy to rely on apps to keep everything in one spot and avoid wasting paper. However, what would happen if your phone was lost, stolen or broken during your travels? For that reason, I always advise printing hard copies of anything you might need in a pinch, using as little paper as possible.

Pack all necessary travel documents in your carry-on luggage so you have them on hand when needed.

Documents needed for cruisers to board a ship

Identification

For most cruises, you’ll need a passport book that’s valid for at least six months from the day your sailing ends. In some cases, you can use a passport card instead of a passport book, but that will only work if you plan to reenter the United States via your ship from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda or the Caribbean.

Similarly, if your cruise is a closed-loop voyage (one that begins and ends in the same U.S. port and visits destinations in the Western Hemisphere, with a few exceptions), you can embark using an original birth certificate and driver’s license if your cruise line allows it.

However, neither a passport card nor the combination of a birth certificate and license will allow you to fly to a foreign country or return to the U.S. from a foreign country by air. If you must fly to a foreign port for embarkation or if something unforeseen happens on your sailing and you need to cut your cruise short and fly home from a foreign port, you will need a passport book for identification.

Additionally, if you are a U.S. permanent resident, you must carry your green card. You can use it instead of a passport on closed-loop sailings, but carrying a passport from your country of citizenship is highly recommended. Also note that if your green card is expired, you likely will not be allowed back into the U.S. You are responsible for contacting the embassies in the places you’ll be visiting to make sure there is no additional paperwork required.

Boarding passes

Similar to what you’d need for a flight, a cruise boarding pass is the document that shows you’ve checked in for your sailing, set up an onboard charge account for purchases and chosen a boarding time. It also includes relevant information like your name, booking number and cabin number.

Most cruise lines now have mobile apps that allow you to check in prior to arriving at the terminal and pull up your boarding passes electronically. If you don’t plan on using the app, come prepared with a printed copy of your boarding pass; having one will speed up the check-in process on boarding day.

If you arrive without a boarding pass, don’t worry. In a pinch, the check-in desk can look up your reservation in the system when you arrive, but it will add to the time you spend in the terminal before boarding your ship and beginning your vacation.

Health information

For years, cruise lines have required passengers to fill out health forms before boarding in an effort to prevent the spread of norovirus on board. Following the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown, lines have expanded health screenings to include questions about coronavirus symptoms.

Some cruise lines will ask you to complete a paper form at the terminal on embarkation day, while others will allow you to complete it a few hours before you arrive. If you fill it out in advance, whether or not you’ll need to print out confirmation depends on your cruise line and whether the form is completed online or through a mobile app.

Although most cruise lines have rescinded their COVID-19 vaccination mandates, a handful of lines still require passengers to show proof that they have received their shots. Check with your cruise line directly for the most current details, and be sure to have your original vaccine card on hand if your sailing requires verification.

Likewise, check to see if any of the destinations you’re visiting requires specific inoculations for entry; if they do, carry proof that you’ve received them.

Visas and other destination-specific documents

Depending on the destinations your cruise is visiting, you might be required to obtain visas or other documents that grant you permission to enter and stay in a specific country or region. As a passenger, it’s your responsibility to know when you need to apply for a visa, how much it will cost you and how much time you need to allow for processing.

Sometimes your cruise line will take care of visa procurement on passengers’ behalf and cover any associated fees. Check the official websites of the countries on your itinerary to see what’s required, and contact your cruise line directly to ask if it can take care of applying for you. Keep all required documents with you for your trip.

Cruise line luggage tags

If you’re planning to leave luggage with porters when you arrive at the terminal, make sure you print out the paper luggage tags — one per bag — provided by your cruise line when you receive your check-in documents. The tags are prefilled with information like your name and cabin number, so the ship’s crew knows where to deliver your belongings after suitcases are loaded onto the vessel by the porters.

If you’re driving to your embarkation port, you can attach the tags before you leave home. If you’re flying in, I suggest packing a small roll of duct tape in your bag and attaching the tags after you land so they aren’t accidentally ripped off during transit.

Permission to travel

If you’re pregnant, most cruise lines require you to disclose that and provide a note from your doctor verifying your due date and that you’re fit to travel. No cruise line will allow you to sail if you are more than 24 weeks along before the conclusion of the voyage.

In a similar vein, if you’re planning to travel with someone else’s kids and they won’t have a parent or guardian on the cruise, you will also need a notarized letter granting you permission to take them out of the country and consent to medical care on their behalf in the event of an emergency. You might also want to have a similar letter handy for your own children if you will be traveling with them alone and their last name does not match yours.

Useful information to carry while cruising

HINTERHAUS PRODUCTIONS/GETTY IMAGES

Other travel information

If you’re flying in for your cruise, flying home after or staying at a hotel before or after your sailing, it’s not a bad idea to have information like airport and hotel addresses, flight numbers, confirmation numbers and boarding passes printed for reference (and as a backup if you lose your phone or charger).

Emergency contacts

In case something goes wrong while traveling, you’ll want to carry a printed list of emergency contacts and their phone numbers, as well as contact information for your doctor, credit card companies and bank, and the local embassies or consulates for the countries you’re visiting.

Having these easily accessible ensures you’ll know what to do if you have an emergency, lose your passport or find a hold on your travel funds.

Travel insurance information

For me, travel insurance isn’t negotiable; it’s a necessity. With the pandemic and how overbooked flights and hotels can be these days, I like the peace of mind that comes with knowing I’m covered if something goes wrong.

If you’ve purchased travel insurance for your cruise, you should print out and carry the policy card listing your policy number and the phone number of the insurance company. If your trip is interrupted or canceled, or you experience a medical emergency, you’ll have the key information handy so you can get help immediately.

Photocopies of important documents

Although you should always take steps to protect your personal documents and only take them out with you when necessary, you also want to be prepared in case your wallet or passport is stolen or misplaced.

Make photocopies of the information page of your passport or passport card, the front and back of your driver’s license and birth certificate (if using it for a closed-loop voyage), and the front and back of each credit card. Keep them in a safe place, separate from the originals, when in transit and in your hotel room or cruise cabin safe when you get to your destination.

These copies won’t replace the real things, but they could help to speed up the process if you have to procure replacements.

Bottom line

Cruise documents provide the verification you’ll need to board your vessel on embarkation day. They include identification, boarding passes, health forms and any required visas, which you should always keep handy in your carry-on bag or personal item.

You’ll need to keep track of several documents, but if you plan ahead and follow the list above, you should have no problem ensuring you have everything you’ll need for a successful and seamless boarding experience.

Have more cruise questions? TPG has answers:

More banned items: What not to pack for a cruiseMan overboard: Why do people fall off cruise ships?What is baked Alaska, and why is it paraded around cruise ships?What are the largest cruise ships in the world?What is a gentleman host on a cruise?What is the Jones Act and how does it affect cruise ships?What is a lido deck on a cruise ship?What’s a cruise cabin guarantee and will it save you money?What’s the difference between a cruise concierge and a butler?

By: Ashley Kosciolek
Title: What documents do you need for a cruise? From passports to printouts, here’s what to take
Sourced From: thepointsguy.com/guide/what-documents-you-need-for-cruise/
Published Date: Tue, 28 Mar 2023 12:30:04 +0000

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Distinctive Landmarks and Places You Should Visit When Traveling to Israel

TODAY'S ADVENTURE

Distinctive Landmarks and Places You Should Visit When Traveling to Israel

Israel is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, renowned for its ancient religious sites, endless spans of beaches and stellar cuisine. The country blends the old with the new and offers visitors a glimpse into a new world of cultural wonders. From urban landscapes to natural wonders, there are countless spots that you can visit. However, if you identify more with being an explorer rather than a tourist, there’s no shortage of activities to try and landmarks to see. You might have to do a bit more digging around to discover them and immerse yourself in the culture in a whole new way, but many experiences are waiting for you.

Related Read: Israel Packing List

Underground Jerusalem 

No, this isn’t about discovering obscure restaurants and bars but rather about the tunnels underneath Jerusalem, remnants of the ancient Jewish city dating back thousands of years ago. Jerusalem is a place boasting historical richness, and its landmarks are second-to-none. From the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to the Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock, the Via Dolorosa Street, the Temple Mount and the Bethesda, there’s always something more you can visit. In fact, you’ll definitely feel the need to take several trips to Jerusalem to uncover as many of its mysteries as you can.

But away from the scorching sun lies what remains of the age-old city. The Western Wall Tunnels are one of the most significant parts of the old town, dating back to the days of the Second Temple, roughly 2,000 years ago. Visiting this incredible landmark provides you with a unique opportunity to discover the complete history of the Western Wall and uncover one of the cornerstones of the foundation of the Jewish nation. And don’t worry about having nothing to see except a tunnel stretching on indefinitely. There are plenty of exquisite archaeological findings, including an aqueduct, stone arches and water pits, and countless unique Western Wall stones.

Zedekiah’s Cave, also known as Solomon’s Quarry, is another sight to behold beneath the streets of Jerusalem. This five-acre limestone cave covers the approximate length of five city blocks underneath the Muslim Quarter. The entrance is located between Herod’s Gate and Damascus Gate. Archaeological examinations in the era uncovered fragments and potsherds dating back to the Roman and Byzantine periods, suggesting that the caves have been used for an extended time.

Lakiya 

Reaching out to Israel Connection before you set out on your journey will help you discover the best spots to visit customized to meet your needs as a customer. The company is committed to learning and continuous improvement and is always ready to work directly with you, the customer, to ensure you benefit from the best possible experiences.

If you prefer smaller towns over large cities, you must go to Lakiya. A Bedouin town located in Israel’s Southern District, it has a population of a little over 15,000. The city is well-known for the importance of embroidery and weaving as both a social outlet and a creative endeavor. In 1991, an initiative was founded that aims to continue the passing down of the traditional Bedouin heritage from mother to daughter through the preservation of the traditional weaving skills native to the ethnic group. The women are involved in all stages of production, from the wool treatment to weaving and then selling the finished product. The aim is to create a thriving cooperative business which can see traditionally-woven products appear on the shelves of all major Israeli retailers. The interest in traditional Bedouin ground looms has also increased nationwide.

Bell Ofri Tourist Farm 

Located in Golan Heights, in the village of Kidmat Tzvi, the Bell Ofri Tourist Farm offers a warm welcome for all visitors stopping by to have a look. The farm uses ancient agricultural methods, including threshing with traditional tools, using ancient-style oil and wine presses, and cooking all foods in a clay oven using wood as fuel. Injured animals are brought in for rehabilitation, so if you’re an animal lover, you can enjoy their company.

Visiting the farm is, of course, an exclusive culinary experience. A fine example of traditional dishes using fresh, locally-grown and organic ingredients, you’ll have the opportunity to sample a wide array of jams, including mango, tomato, rose petal, grape, apple and plum preserves. Garlic confit, dried tomatoes and pesto can also be part of a simple yet nutritious meal. There’s nothing quite like laying out a generous portion of lemon spread on a slice of home-baked bread spiced with basil leaves. Add a glass of wine, such as Shiraz, Merlot or Syrah, to give it an extra kick.

Since the town has a population of only 537, you’ll get to interact with the locals much more than you would in a big city. For this reason, it can be helpful to learn some Hebrew from scratch and discover some of the most commonly used words or phrases that can help you blend in with the community of Kidmat Tzvi. The local people will be glad to see you’re making an effort to communicate in their native language, and the simple study of it is an enriching cultural activity owing to the unquestionable impact of Hebrew throughout the centuries from a cultural and religious standpoint.

Tel Gezer

Tel Gezer is an archaeological site and Israeli National Park located close to the Judaean Mountains. During the 2nd millennium BCE, it became a fortified Canaanite city-state. Later, however, it was destroyed in a fire and had to be rebuilt. The location of the ancient city made it a place of strategic importance, as it was located at the crossroads of an ancient trade route linking Mesopotamia, Jerusalem, Anatolia, Syria and Jericho.

There are over twenty-five layers of settlements in the area. However, the place isn’t well-known, so few tourists visit it. If you’re a lover of history and want to take your time to explore everything thoroughly, this is the place for you. The trail leading to Tel Gezer has recently undergone renovation, making the site even easier to explore.

To conclude, visiting Israel offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of exploring ancient wonders while maintaining all the comfort of the modern world. No matter where you go, there’s something to see and do, and you’ll leave Israel with your heart and mind full of the beauty of its culture and history.

The post Distinctive Landmarks and Places You Should Visit When Traveling to Israel appeared first on Travel Experta - Travel, Lifestyle, Freedom.

-

By: Marina 'Travel Experta'
Title: Distinctive Landmarks and Places You Should Visit When Traveling to Israel
Sourced From: travelexperta.com/distinctive-landmarks-and-places-you-should-visit-when-traveling-to-israel/
Published Date: Thu, 09 Mar 2023 11:06:14 +0000

A comparison of luxury hotel programs from credit card issuers: Amex, Capital One, Chase and Citi

HOSTED BY: 1 AIR TRAVEL

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

Capital One joined the luxury hotel program space earlier this year, hoping to compete with what Chase and American Express offered. Now, Citi joined the mix, offering two hotel programs of its own: Hotel Collection and Luxury Collection.

The benefits of these programs can feel pretty similar — as can their names. These programs have lots in common, so you could be forgiven for confusing them with each other.

However, there are important differences among the Fine Hotels + Resorts (Amex), The Hotel Collection (Amex), Premier Collection (Capital One), Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection (Chase), Hotel Collection (Citi) and Luxury Collection (Citi) programs.

Booking through one of these programs can get you elite status-like perks — such as free breakfast — without actually having elite status at the hotel. Plus, you can receive these perks across many hotel brands, rather than having to stay loyal to just Marriott properties if you have status with Marriott Bonvoy, for example.

Let’s take a detailed look at these programs to understand their similarities and differences. We’ll cover the benefits these programs offer, how to book hotels correctly to unlock the benefits and who has access to these luxury hotel programs.

Luxury hotel programs overview

Amex Fine Hotels + ResortsAmex The Hotel CollectionCapital One Premier CollectionChase Luxury Hotel & Resort CollectionCiti Hotel CollectionCiti Luxury CollectionWho has accessAmerican Express cardholders with Platinum and Centurion cards (business or personal versions).American Express cardholders with Gold, Platinum and Centurion cards (business and personal versions).Holders of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Venture X Business (formerly the Spark Travel Elite card).Chase cardholders with certain Sapphire, United and Reserve cards.Cardholders with ThankYou points-earning cards.Those with the Citi Premier® Card or Citi Prestige® Card.Minimum stay requirementNone.Two nights.None.None.None.None.How to bookAmex Travel website or by calling 800-525-3355.Amex Travel website or by calling 800-297-2977.Premier Collection section within Capital One Travel.LHRC website or by calling 855-234-2542.CitiTravel.com or by calling 800-THANK-YOU.CitiTravel.com or by calling 800-THANK-YOU.Guaranteed benefitsDaily breakfast for two.

Guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout.

Complimentary Wi-Fi.

Daily credit equal to the Wi-Fi cost if Wi-Fi is part of a mandatory resort fee at that property.

Elevated points-earning rates when using your Amex card to pay for these bookings.Elevated points-earning rates when using your Amex card to pay for these bookings.Daily breakfast for two. Complimentary Wi-Fi.

Elevated points-earning rates when using your card to pay for these bookings.Daily breakfast for two.

Complimentary Wi-Fi.Daily breakfast for two.

Complimentary Wi-Fi.Daily breakfast for two.

Complimentary Wi-Fi.Potential benefitsRoom upgrades if available at check-in.

Noon check-in when available.Room upgrades if available at check-in.Room upgrades if available at check-in.

Early check-in and late checkout when available.Room upgrades if available at check-in (at some properties).

Early check-in and late checkout at some properties, based on availability.Early check-in and late checkout when available.Room upgrades if available at check-in.

Early check-in and late checkout when available.On-property creditA unique property amenity, valued at $100 (typically a credit for spending at the spa or on food and beverage purchases).$100 to spend on qualifying dining, spa and resort activities.$100 credit; uses vary by hotel, and eligible expenses must be charged to your room to use the credit.$100 credit; uses vary by hotel, and eligible expenses must be charged to your room to use the credit.None.$100 credit; uses vary by hotel, and eligible expenses must be charged to your room to use the credit.Hotel loyalty program status and points-earningMaybe; some people do get elite status recognition, stay credit or earn points with a hotel program, but it’s not guaranteed.Unlikely, but some people do get stay credits.Unlikely, but some people do get stay credits.Maybe; some people do get elite status recognition, stay credit or earn points with a hotel program, but it’s not guaranteed.Not possible to add loyalty number when making booking; can inquire directly with the hotel but unlikely to receive benefits.Not possible to add loyalty number when making booking; can inquire directly with the hotel but unlikely to receive benefits.Reimbursement credit for these bookingsUp to $200 per calendar year with The Platinum Card® from American Express.Up to $200 per calendar year with The Platinum Card® from American Express.No reimbursement, but Venture X and Venture X Business cardholders can use their annual $300 travel credits toward these bookings.No reimbursement, but Sapphire Reserve cardholders can use their $300 in annual travel credits toward these bookings.$100 hotel credit with the Citi Premier® Card; fourth night free with the Citi Prestige® Card.$100 hotel credit with the Citi Premier Card; fourth night free with the Citi Prestige Card.Use of points/miles for these bookingsYes, at 1 cent per point.Yes, at 0.7 cents per point.Yes, at 1 cent per point.Not possible.Yes, at 1 cent per point.Yes, at 1 cent per point.

The information for the Capital One Venture X Business and Citi Prestige cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. 

mex Fine Hotels + Resorts

The FHR offering from American Express has its own strengths and weaknesses.

Strengths include a lack of minimum stay requirements and the most robust set of guaranteed benefits among all four programs. You’ll have guaranteed daily breakfast for two people, a 4 p.m. late checkout and complimentary Wi-Fi during your stay. Plus, if you’re staying at a property that has a resort fee and includes Wi-Fi in that fee, then you will receive a daily credit to offset this — ensuring you aren’t paying for something that should be free. There’s also the $100 on-property amenity as a guaranteed benefit on FHR stays.

Related: Get free breakfast, upgrades and more with the Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts program

Cardholders also have the option to earn bonus points on these bookings — 5 points per dollar with The Platinum Card from American Express (on up to $500,000 per calendar year) or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express — or redeem points at 1 cent apiece to cover the cost of their reservation. Another perk is reserved for those with the Platinum card: up to $200 in annual credits on prepaid hotel bookings with Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection. Enrollment is required.

I used my Amex Platinum $200 hotel credit for a stay at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal and was upgraded to this two-bedroom villa due to my Marriott status. RYAN SMITH/THE POINTS GUY

And while it’s not a guarantee, I (and other TPG staffers) have had excellent luck with crediting FHR stays to hotel loyalty programs like Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt and Hilton Honors. This includes not only receiving credit for the stays, which helps with earning elite status, but also recognizing your status for perks like room upgrades and earning bonus points.

Now, let’s look at the downsides. First, only cardmembers of these four cards have access to Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings: The Platinum Card from American Express, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, The Centurion® Card from American Express and The Business Centurion® Card from American Express. Additionally, the latter two cards are available by invitation only.

The information for the Centurion and Business Centurion cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Another downside is that FHR bookings often are more expensive than booking directly with the hotel or its loyalty program. Add to this the fact that you can’t split payment across multiple credit cards, which can be a negative if you have multiple Platinum cards with $200 in credits to use and can’t combine these.

Read more on how to book Fine Hotels + Resorts stays.

mex The Hotel Collection

American Express has a second hotel program: The Hotel Collection. While it does have some similarities to Fine Hotels + Resorts, there also are differences.

A positive is that more cardmembers can access THC, providing above-average availability in this comparison. Anyone with a Gold, Platinum or Centurion card has access to THC bookings, including personal and business versions of those cards. Another positive is that the on-property credit is more predictable: It’s a $100 credit to use for expenses charged to your room, typically good for spending at the hotel’s restaurant or spa or on activities at the hotel. This can be more useful than a fringe benefit, saving money on the necessity of eating every day.

Related: How to use Amex’s The Hotel Collection to snag extra perks on hotel stays

As with Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings, Amex Platinum cardmembers can use their $200 in annual hotel credits for bookings with The Hotel Collection. There’s also the option to use Membership Rewards points to pay for stays.

However, this leads us to the negatives. Point redemptions here are poor, providing just 0.7 cents per point in value. That’s just over a third of the 2-cents-per-point value for Amex points in TPG’s latest valuations.

Other negatives include a requirement for a two-night minimum stay on all bookings and a very short list of guaranteed benefits. The only item on that list of benefits is elevated points-earning. While you would earn 1 point per dollar on hotel bookings made directly with a hotel using your Amex Platinum Card, you could earn 5 points per dollar when booking through Amex Travel.

Perks like free breakfast and room upgrades are not guaranteed benefits here; an on-property credit also isn’t guaranteed. That’s not to say that some hotels don’t include these benefits, but these are not promised in the terms and conditions for THC reservations.

While not included in THC booking terms, the Canopy by Hilton São Paulo Jardins gave us a $100 on-property credit that we used for dining and drinks. RYAN SMITH/THE POINTS GUY

Lastly, The Hotel Collection bookings have a lower success rate than Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings when it comes to pairing with hotel loyalty programs. This means you’re less likely to receive points, upgrades or stay credits when booking with THC and staying at a property that participates in IHG One Rewards or World of Hyatt, for example.

Maybe a good summary is that perks are much more varied on THC bookings. It can be difficult to know what you’ll get at the property. Maybe you’ll receive upgrades, late checkout or free breakfast, but none of those are guaranteed.

Read more on how to book The Hotel Collection stays.

Capital One Premier Collection

Bookings for the Premier Collection went live on Jan. 18, 2023. An interesting aspect of this program is the possibility of combining Premier Collection and hotel program benefits. It will depend on whether the hotel honors your rewards program benefits on top of the Premier Collection benefits.

Related: Capital One Premier Collection now live: Get free breakfast, experience credits and room upgrades on hotel bookings

If this works, it would allow you to book a Six Senses property that participates in IHG One Rewards, add your loyalty number to this booking and then receive appropriate benefits like bonus points on your stay or suite upgrades — depending on what status level you hold. The same would apply to Small Luxury Hotels of the World properties that participate in World of Hyatt.

However, it’s not guaranteed. Hotels are not obligated to recognize your status on bookings in those programs, as they are considered third-party reservations. For many people, not receiving your elite status benefits or stay credits in a hotel program is one of the main deterrents to booking a hotel through a travel portal.

Positives of the Premier Collection include the fact that there are no mandatory minimum reservations in the program — unless a hotel imposes its own minimum stays. Plus, there is a quality amount of guaranteed benefits: daily breakfast for two, a $100 property credit, Wi-Fi and bonus points earned on these bookings if paying with your eligible card instead of redeeming Capital One miles. If you choose to redeem miles, this can be done at the standard rate of 1 cent apiece.

The Six Senses Zil Pasyon in the Seychelles. IHG ONE REWARDS

As for the negatives, the Premier Collection is only available to those with the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Venture X Business card. The latter is a business card that isn’t publicly available, requiring a business relationship manager to apply. This means the Premier Collection isn’t available to many customers.

Additionally, cardholders have no statement credits to offset spending on Premier Collection bookings. And given that this is a new program, there’s another potential negative: there might be bugs to work out.

Read more on how to book Premier Collection stays.

Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection

The LHRC program has both positives and negatives.

Positives include the fact that there is no minimum stay requirement (though certain properties may have their own minimums) and that Wi-Fi and daily breakfast are guaranteed benefits. There’s also a guaranteed on-property amenity, typically valued at around $100.

Related: Get elite-like perks without status: Your guide to Chase’s Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection

Another strength of Chase’s Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection is that it is available to far more people than the other programs. You have access to the LHRC if you have one of the following cards:

Chase Sapphire ReserveUnited Explorer CardUnited Gateway CardUnited Club Infinite CardUnited Quest CardUnited Business CardJ.P. Morgan Reserve Card.

While it was previously possible to access the booking portal using other credit cards, a recent update has changed that. Only the Sapphire Reserve, United credit cards and the J.P. Morgan Reserve provide access at this point. However, it’s still worth testing your Chase credit cards at the Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection website to verify whether you can make a booking.

The information for the J.P. Morgan Reserve Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun. ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

The most obvious drawback to the Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection is that you can’t pay with points. While you must use your Chase credit card to secure the reservation, you will pay at the hotel. Thus, you can’t redeem Ultimate Rewards points on these bookings.

Other drawbacks include the lack of annual statement credits that can offset your spending, mixed results on trying to get stay credit with hotel loyalty programs on these nights and no guarantee for early check-in or late checkout.

Read more on how to book Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection stays.

Citi Hotel Collection

While it has a similar-sounding name, Citi’s Hotel Collection (HC) shouldn’t be confused with American Express’ The Hotel Collection.

First, there is relatively open access to this program. Anyone with a Citi credit card that earns ThankYou points has access — even if your card doesn’t have an annual fee.

Moreover, there are no minimum stay requirements for HC reservations. And you’ll get two guaranteed benefits: daily breakfast for two people and complimentary Wi-Fi. Early check-in and late checkout privileges may be offered, subject to availability at the hotel.

The Axiom Hotel San Francisco is part of Citi’s Hotel Collection. AXIOMHOTEL.COM

However, there are drawbacks. You can’t add your hotel program loyalty number within Citi’s travel portal. Thus, you won’t earn points with the hotel’s rewards program and likely won’t receive any benefits associated with your elite status, if any.

There are no dedicated spending credits for these bookings, either. However, you can apply your fourth-night-free benefit or $100 hotel credit to these reservations, depending on what cards you have.

On top of sacrificing your elite status benefits, you also might trade convenience for redemption value. You can use Citi ThankYou points to pay for these bookings, but your points will be worth just 1 cent each. That’s far below TPG’s valuation of 1.8 cents per Citi point.

Additionally, you may pay more than it’s worth to book your hotel this way. Not all room rates in Citi’s travel portal qualify for Hotel Collection benefits; the elevated price may be higher than the value of the benefits received. This is especially true at the program’s all-inclusive properties, where you’re already guaranteed to receive breakfast (in fact, all of your meals) and Wi-Fi. A big drawback is that the terms say you won’t receive any alternate benefits or compensation if the property already provides breakfast or Wi-Fi.

Citi Luxury Collection

Citi’s premium offering is more exclusive. Only those with the Citi Premier or Citi Prestige cards can access the Luxury Collection (LC), and the Prestige card is no longer open to new applicants.

On top of the Hotel Collection perks (daily breakfast for two and complimentary Wi-Fi), you’ll also get a $100 on-property credit to use during your stay. What this covers will vary by property, however. It may be valid for on-property restaurants at some hotels, but it may have more uses at others, such as resort activities or parking. You need to charge eligible spending to your room for the credit to apply.

Additionally, benefits based on availability include room upgrades at check-in, early check-in and late checkout.

Secrets The Vine Cancun is part of Citi’s Luxury Collection. HYATT.COM

Citi’s LC has many of the same drawbacks as its lower-tier program.

You can’t add your hotel rewards program number to these bookings, so it’s unlikely your elite status will be recognized. It’s also unlikely that your stay will count toward the nights you need to earn elite status.

Since you must have a Premier or Prestige card to access this program, you also could use your cardholder benefits on top of the LC benefits to get a fourth night free or a $100 credit. However, there’s no guaranteed spending credit, and those perks have limited numbers of uses.

Again, you can pay with points, but they may be more valuable when using them in other ways. There’s also the issue of paying extra for additional perks that might not add value to your stay — or might already be included. If you aren’t maximizing the on-property credit or tend to skip breakfast, it’s likely not worth paying extra for a Luxury Collection room rate. This same idea applies to all-inclusive properties where you already get breakfast and Wi-Fi daily. Since Citi’s website says you won’t receive alternate benefits, ensure you’re not paying twice to receive something once.

The biggest drawback, however, may be accessing these bookings. At launch, properties are available only in the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean. There’s also a glitch preventing users from accessing LC properties if there’s also a no-annual-fee card attached to their Citi account. Citi is working on a resolution; we will update this section when this problem is fixed.

Issues common to all programs

Before booking your next hotel stay with any of these four programs, it’s worth considering some drawbacks they share.

First, you must book in advance (through the correct method). You cannot show up at a hotel and make a booking that will include these benefits. Additionally, booking through these travel portals for short-notice reservations — especially for a same-day check-in — can be difficult. There may not be any available rooms online; you may need to call, which often requires waiting on hold.

Additionally, not all hotels participate in these programs. While searching for hotels in Las Vegas or Miami may yield many results, that doesn’t mean all of them participate in the these credit card luxury hotel programs. You must book in a specific way; otherwise, you will not receive your program-specific benefits.

Once you use the correct website and filter your results, the number of hotels available will decrease significantly. This may include removing any hotels you’re interested in, and you may be unable to use these hotel programs on your next trip.

The French Coco hotel in Martinique. SMALL LUXURY HOTELS OF THE WORLD

Bottom line

There are many similarities among the luxury hotel programs offered by American Express, Capital One, Chase and Citi.

Chase’s LHRC and Citi’s Hotel Collection are available to the widest range of cardholders. Amex’s Fine Hotels + Resorts program has the most guaranteed benefits, but Amex’s The Hotel Collection is open to more cardholders than FHR. Capital One’s new program is working hardest to offer integration with hotel loyalty programs. Citi’s Luxury Collection has the broadest mix of access, benefits and the ability to pay with points.

The luxury hotel programs available from credit card issuers have strengths and weaknesses. When it’s time to make your next hotel booking, reference the information above to ensure you know exactly what is and isn’t included so you can book through the best program for you.

By: Ryan Smith
Title: A comparison of luxury hotel programs from credit card issuers: Amex, Capital One, Chase and Citi
Sourced From: thepointsguy.com/guide/comparison-luxury-hotel-programs/
Published Date: Mon, 27 Mar 2023 14:00:43 +0000

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