travellers choice best of the best 2023

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Best of the Best Hotels

Below are the 2023 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Hotels for all-inclusive stays with everything you could ever need, all in one place.

The Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best title celebrates the highest level of excellence in travel. It’s awarded to those who receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. Out of our 8 million listings, fewer than 1% achieve this milestone.

Ozen Reserve Bolifushi

Ikos Dassia

Rixos Premium Belek - The Land Of Legends Access

Voyage Sorgun

Voyage Belek Golf And Spa

Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa

Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun

Atelier Playa Mujeres

Hotel Xcaret Mexico

Grand Velas Los Cabos

Ikos Olivia

Coco Plum Island Resort

Summerville All Inclusive Resort

Excellence Riviera Cancun

Ikos Oceania

Sun Siyam Iru Veli

All Inclusive VilaVip Hotel Fazenda

Royalton Cayo Santa Maria

Tamassa Resort

Salinas Maragogi All Inclusive Resort

The Palms, Zanzibar

Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort

LUX* Belle Mare

Pinetrees Lodge

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Best of the Best Hotels

Below are the 2023 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Hotels for all-inclusive stays with everything you could ever need, all in one place.

The Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best title celebrates the highest level of excellence in travel. It’s awarded to those who receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. Out of our 8 million listings, fewer than 1% achieve this milestone.

Ozen Reserve Bolifushi

Ikos Dassia

Rixos Premium Belek - The Land Of Legends Access

Voyage Sorgun

Voyage Belek Golf And Spa

Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa

Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun

Atelier Playa Mujeres

Hotel Xcaret Mexico

Grand Velas Los Cabos

Ikos Olivia

Coco Plum Island Resort

Summerville All Inclusive Resort

Excellence Riviera Cancun

Ikos Oceania

Sun Siyam Iru Veli

All Inclusive VilaVip Hotel Fazenda

Royalton Cayo Santa Maria

Tamassa Resort

Salinas Maragogi All Inclusive Resort

The Palms, Zanzibar

Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort

LUX* Belle Mare

Pinetrees Lodge

More From Forbes

World’s best beaches: tripadvisor travelers’ choice awards 2023.

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Praia do Sancho in Fernando de Noronha, Brazil.

Emerging from the cold, dark days of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, travelers can start planning beach vacations. Tripadvisor just announced the Best of the Best Beaches for 2023 as part of its annual Travelers’ Choice ® Awards. =

Choices were made from tens of millions of reviews submitted by millions of global travelers over the past 12-months to determine travelers’ absolute favorite beaches of the year. Choices span the Americas, Africa, Europe, Asia and the South Pacific. These most popular beaches offer something for every type of beach dweller, from sun worshippers to adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts.

“Our community is really looking to kick up their experiences by embracing the cliffs of Cannon Beach, on the coast of Oregon in the Western United States, and cooler destinations like Reynisfjara Beach in Iceland. said Sarah Firshein, the Head of Editorial at Tripadvisor.

Island getaways are popular this year, with almost three quarters of the world’s top 10 situated in remote, offshore locations. Winners span from the popular beaches of Hawaii and the Caribbean to the more secluded coastlines of Fernando de Noronha, Brazil and Havelock Island, India.

The Global Winners

Climbing six places from last year to reach the No. 1 spot is Baia do Sancho . Located on the Brazilian island of Fernando de Noronha, part of a group of volcanic islands just over 200 miles from the country’s northeast coast, this area is renowned for its jagged coastline and diverse ecosystems.

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Off the beaten track and only accessible by ladder from the mainland, Baia de Sancho is not only famous for its picture perfect turquoise waters and white sand beach, but also the exotic array of wildlife. Travelers who venture into the warm clear waters might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of sea turtles, rays, dolphins and even reef sharks. Flanked by forest-clad cliffs this wild, unspoiled spot is also famous for the friendly crabs that crawl the shoreline.

A new and exciting entry to the world list for 2023 is the dramatic Reynisfjara Beach in Vik, Iceland, with its world famous black sands and imposing rock formations towering over the shore, some may recognize the striking backdrop from Game of Thrones.

Reynisfjara Beach is popular with birdwatchers for the various types of seabirds spotted nearby, most famously, puffins. But with waves of up to 40 meters (131 feet) and freezing waters, this is a beach best admired from the safety of the coast.

Top 10 Beaches in the World for 2023

1. Baia do Sancho - Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

2. Eagle Beach - Aruba, Caribbean

3. Cable Beach - Broome, Australia

4. Reynisfjara Beach - Vik, Iceland

5. Grace Bay Beach – Turks and Caicos, Caribbean

6. Praia da Falésia - Olhos de Agua, Portuga

7. Radhanagar Beach – Havelock Island, India

8. Spiaggia dei Conigli – Sicily, Italy

9. Varadero Beach – Cuba, Caribbean

10. Ka'anapali Beach - Maui, Hawaii

The U.S. Winners

Ka’anapali Beach on the Hawaiian island of Maui was named No. 1 in the U.S., climbing a remarkable 16 places from last year to top the list. Three miles of powder white sand and crystal-clear water, this palm-tree lined island paradise shore is lapped by gentle waves of the Pacific Ocean.

Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, Georgia, comes in at No. 3, described by Tripadvisor reviewers as “other worldly” thanks to the ancient driftwood monuments that line the coast.

Three other new entries are in the top 10 this year, including Hanalei , on the island of Kauai, securing a No. 4 spot. Overall, Hawaii has three total winners in the U.S. top 10, more than any other state. But the Aloha State ties Florida for the most winners overall in the top 25, with eight each.

Top 10 Beaches in the US for 2023

• Ka'anapali Beach – Maui, Hawaii
• Siesta Beach – Siesta Key, Florida
• Driftwood Beach – Jekyll Island, Georgia
• Hanalei Beach – Kauai, Hawaii
• Ho'okipa Beach Park - Maui, Hawaii
• Henderson Beach State Park – Destin, Florida
• Cannon Beach – Cannon Beach, Oregon
• Coronado Beach – Coronado, California
• Ogunquit Beach – Ogunquit, Maine
• La Jolla Cove - La Jolla, California

See all the Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Beach winners for 2023 here.

(For all things travel, check out my award-winning travel podcast, Places I Remember with Lea Lane , Follow on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen. You can also find the podcast on my website .)

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Best of the Best Hotels

Below are the 2023 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Top Hotels—the spots travellers loved most, from the grand and luxurious to the quaint and charming.

The Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best title celebrates the highest level of excellence in travel. It’s awarded to those who receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. Out of our 8 million listings, fewer than 1% achieve this milestone.

Rambagh Palace

Ozen Reserve Bolifushi

Hotel Colline de France

Shangri-La The Shard, London

The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

Romance Istanbul Hotel

Ikos Dassia

Ikos Andalusia

Padma Resort Ubud

Varu By Atmosphere - All Inclusive

Sunrise Attitude

Voyage Sorgun

Adiwana Suweta

La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa

Tulemar Resort

Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort Aruba

Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai

Corpo Santo Lisbon Historical Hotel

Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun

Atelier Playa Mujeres

Hotel Malte - Astotel

Perry Lane Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel

Jaya House River Park

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Travelers' Choice Awards Best of the Best 2024

Every year, we award travelers’ favorite destinations, hotels, restaurants, and things to do around the world, based on reviews and ratings collected over 12 months. So our Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best winners are decided by you: real travelers from all over, sharing real opinions and stories.

The 2024 winners are a celebration of everything we did last year—all the places we discovered and all the times we just said “yes” to new adventures. We'll reveal the winners by category throughout the year, so keep checking back for the latest.

To learn more about how winners are chosen, visit our awards policy page .

Destinations

Explore all of the Best of the Best categories

Showbizz Daily (English)

The best travel experiences in the world

Posted: December 10, 2023 | Last updated: December 10, 2023

TripAdvisor users have curated the most amazing list of travel experiences around the world in the section Travelers' Choice.

The best of the best

Experiences go beyond just a nice view or visiting the usual places; we're talking about certain activities that will hold a special place in your memory forever. Let's see which are the best travel experiences in the world according to TripAdvisor.

Image: Unsplash - Mert Kahveci

North Shore Tour in Honolulu (Hawaii)

Just being in Honolulu must be an amazing experience but going on a tour by the North Shore of the island and Hanauma Bay is, according to TripAdvisor users, a breathtaking experience.

Image: Unsplash - Amanda Phung

Amsterdam Open Boat Canal Cruise (The Netherlands)

This cruise goes through the beautiful canals of Amsterdam starting at Anne Frank's house and is considered the best travel experience in the world. A combination of history, romanticism, and exclusivity.

Image: Unsplash - Savio Felix

Sand surfing in Dubai (United Arab Emirates)

In Dubai, the top recommendations are sand surfing (going down in the dunes in a table, a quad, or a jeep) a tour in camel, and a BBQ at the Al Khayma camp. The full desert experience.

Image: Unsplash - Alina Grubnyak

Snorkeling in Aruba (Caribbean)

There are two recommended activities in Aruba: taking a jeep safari through the island and snorkeling in the natural pool and having your lunch there. To die for.

Image: Unsplash - Rabih Shasha

Kayak Tour in Tierra Verde (Forida, US)

A kayak tour around Tampa Bay offers an experience beyond the senses. Their clear kayaks allow you to paddle through crystal clear water and see what's underneath you. Mind-blowing.

Image: Facebook - Get Up And Go Kayaking

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (Peru)

A top experience that consists of doing the Classic Inca Trek Trail (4 days and 3 nights) to Machu Picchu. The perfect opportunity to discover one of the 7 wonders of the world.

Image: Unsplash - William Justen de Vasconcellos

Reykjavik Food Walk (Iceland)

There's more to the amazing and beautiful Nordic landscape of Iceland than what we may know at first. The experience known as Reykjavik Food Walk is full of traditional, natural, and intense flavors.

Image: Facebook - Wake Up Reikiavik

High-speed cruise in the Thames (London)

Do you dare to do a high-speed cruise through the Thames in London? We assure you this is a completely different way of seeing the city… At 55 km/hour!

Image: Unsplash - Robert Bye

Adventure in Brotas (Brasil)

Brotas is the perfect destination for an adventure. Going rafting in the Rio Jacare Pepira is one of the best places in the world to do this activity.

Image: Unsplash - Loren Dosti

The Beatles Tour in Liverpool (UK)

The Blue Tour will guarantee you a trip to The Beatles history you will never forget. You will visit Penny Lane, Strawberry Field, or John Lennon and Paul McCartney's childhood homes.

Image: Unsplash - David Ramírez

Art and History in Florence (Italy)

The Renaissance & Medici Tale will tell you how Florence became the Birthplace of the Renaissance thanks to the Medici family. You will visit the Cathedral, the Uffizi Gallery, and la Piazza della Signoria, among other monuments.

Image: Unsplash - Ali Nuredini

Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor (Egypt)

Luxor is already an incredible city on foot, so imagine seeing it from the air. The ride in a hot air balloon is worth the money.

Image: Twitter - Air Balloon Luxor

Cappadocia Balloon Ride (Turkey)

This balloon ride will allow you to see this magnificent landscape from the sky. A luxury experience that is completed with a "Champagne Breakfast".

Image: Slobodan Špijunović - Unsplash

Little Havana in Miami (Florida, US)

The tastes of Little Havana in Miami are unique: you can enjoy a bit of that Cuban spice without moving from the United States.

Image: Unsplash - Tuan Nguyen

Mojave Desert Tour (Las Vegas, US)

Speed? Adrenaline? What about a quad ride through the Mojave Desert? An exciting activity that will make you sing out loud: "Born to be wild"!

Image: Unsplash - Ganapathy Kumar

The Chocolatarium Tour in Edinburgh (UK)

The Chocolatarium Tour is truly a Willy Wonka experience. It's about creating and personalizing chocolate and, of course, trying the different versions of this product.

Image: Unsplash - Rinck Content Studio

Cab Tours in Belfast (UK)

The Black Cab will help you discover the history of Belfast from an objective point of view. The cab driver will also be your guide and will show you the best places in town.

Image: Unsplash - Enrica Tancioni

Adventure in Dubrovnik (Croatia)

One of the most beautiful cities in the world that is worth seeing from an incredible kayak tour. The itinerary will take you to the fortress of the city and Lokrum island offering you some spectacular views from the sea that you will remember forever.

Image: Unsplash - Lucian Petronel Potlog

Private Guided Istanbul Tour (Turkey)

To really discover the city, travelers recommend this three-day private guided tour that will show you the best of Istanbul.

Image: Unsplash - Ibrahim Uzun

All-inclusive Tour in Cancun (Mexico)

Do you want to visit Chichen Itza, the cenote of Saamal, and the city of Valladolid? Sounds good, right? What about the all-inclusive tour? Just perfection.

Image: Unsplash - Jakob Owens

Dubai Guided Tour (United Arabic Emirates)

A guided tour through Dubai will allow you to discover the Blue Mosque with its 12 domes, Palm Island, and the Burj Al Arab; you will also take an aquatic taxi to visit the Gold and Spice bazaars.

Image: Unsplash - David Rodrigo

Vespa Sidecar Tour in Rome (Italy)

If you want to feel like Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, we recommend you do this Vespa sidecar tour. You will be driving through the Historic Center of Rome and visiting the Piazza della Repubblica, the Trevi Fountain, Saint Peter's square, and the Trastevere neighborhood.

Image: Unsplash - Iga Palacz

Snorkel in Port Douglas (Australia)

Snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef is a privilege. It's safe to say it will be a wild, exclusive, and fascinating experience that will allow you to see incredible sea animals.

Image: Unsplash - David Clode

Paragliding in Oludeniz (Turkey)

Want to see Turkey from the sky? Then paragliding is your activity! You will start at the top of Mount Bagdad and, from there, you will see the great contrast between the turquoise waters and the green mountains.

Image: Facebook - Hanuman Paragliding

Arenales Caves in San Juan (Puerto Rico)

The Arenales Caves are one of those hidden gems that only some privileged people can enjoy. Rivers, underground caves, and a hidden spring are some of the treasures you will find visiting this natural spot.

Image: Puerto Rico as Local

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Travelers' Choice Awards Best of the Best 2024

Every year, we award travelers’ favorite destinations, hotels, restaurants, and things to do around the world, based on reviews and ratings collected over 12 months. So our Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best winners are decided by you: real travelers from all over, sharing real opinions and stories.

The 2024 winners are a celebration of everything we did last year—all the places we discovered and all the times we just said “yes” to new adventures. We'll reveal the winners by category throughout the year, so keep checking back for the latest.

To learn more about how winners are chosen, visit our awards policy page .

Destinations

Explore all of the Best of the Best categories

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• Arts & Culture
• Travel Guides

Vote for your favorite food hall!

USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Offering a variety of cuisines and dishes to suit different tastes and preferences, food halls are great spots for trying new flavors and meeting up with friends and family. Not to mention, many food halls put the spotlight on up-and-coming chefs, giving them a chance to grow their business, so you can support the local food scene instead of big chains while enjoying a top-notch meal. These 20 food halls have been selected by an expert panel for their fantastic selection of eateries and their positive contributions to their communities. Which one gets your vote? Vote for your favorite once per day until polls close on Monday, April 15 at noon ET. The winning food halls, as determined by your vote, will be announced on Wednesday, April 24. Read the official  Readers' Choice rules .

Offering a variety of cuisines and dishes to suit different tastes and preferences, food halls are great spots for trying new flavors and meeting up with friends and family. Not to mention, many food halls put the...   Read More

Best Food Hall Nominees

Assembly Food Hall Nashville, Tennessee

Budd Dairy Food Hall Columbus, Ohio

Chelsea Market New York City, New York

City Foundry STL St. Louis, Missouri

Denver Central Market Denver, Colorado

Federal Galley Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Food Hall at Bottling Department San Antonio, Texas

The Garage Food Hall Indianapolis, Indiana

Gather GVL Greenville, South Carolina

Little Italy Food Hall San Diego, California

Market 57 New York City, New York

The Market at Malcolm Yards Minneapolis, Minnesota

Mother Road Market Tulsa, Oklahoma

Mount Vernon Marketplace Baltimore, Maryland

Revival Food Hall Chicago, Illinois

Sawmill Market Albuquerque, New Mexico

SoFA Market San Jose, California

Time Out Market Chicago Chicago, Illinois

Transfer Co. Food Hall Raleigh, North Carolina

Union Market District Washington, D.C.

About 10best readers' choice awards.

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

The Experts

Allison levine.

Allison Levine is the owner of Please The Palate,...   Read More

Allison Levine is the owner of Please The Palate, a boutique agency specializing in marketing and event planning for the wine and spirits industry. With over 15 years of experience in communications, marketing, and event planning, Allison is passionate about the world around her and the diverse people in it. Allison holds a master’s degree in international communications with a focus on cross-cultural training from the American University School of International Service and holds a WSET Level 3 Certificate from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET). As an industry expert, she has worked with wine regions around the world.  She has traveled extensively and has lived abroad in Italy, Spain, and Mexico where she developed her passion for food and wine. Her work allows her to live life to the fullest and, as a freelance writer, Allison communicates her experiences in articles, as well as in her blog. Allison is the US Host for the international podcast Wine Soundtrack where she interviews winemakers and gets to know them in 30 questions, and she is co-host of the YouTube wine series Crush On This. Her website is  www.pleasethepalate.com   and you can follow her on Instagram @plsthepalate .

Lori Sorrentino

"Lori Sorrentino is an award-winning photographer...   Read More

"Lori Sorrentino is an award-winning photographer and freelance travel writer and blogger, who writes about slow food and slow travel on her blog  Travlinmad  with a mission to  Eat Local, Travel Slow . She also publishes  Italy Foodies , about food travel in Italy, and the  Naples Florida Travel Guide  an insider's guide for travelers heading to sunny SWFL. A former destination marketing manager, her work has appeared in the Washington Post, Tages-Anzeiger, and The Huffington Post among others. Originally from New Jersey, when she’s not traveling, she’s at home in Florida writing about the Paradise Coast and the Everglades."

Nicholas Dekker

Nicholas Dekker, aka Dr. Breakfast, is a food and...   Read More

Nicholas Dekker, aka Dr. Breakfast, is a food and travel writer based in central Ohio, writing his award-winning blog  Breakfast With Nick  since 2007, where he and his family document their journeys exploring restaurants, coffee, donuts, beer, the arts, family travel, and much more. Nick writes for  Columbus Monthly ,  Ohio Magazine , TourismOhio, Experience Columbus, The Kitchn, Great Lakes Publishing, Experience Worthington, Cubby at Home,  Worthington Spotlight ,  Proof Magazine,  and other publications.  He can be found on Facebook , Instagram and TikTok.

Rosemary Kimani

Rosemary Kimani is the co-founder and editor of  Read More

Rosemary Kimani is the co-founder and editor of  Authentic Food Quest , a food and travel website. She writes about authentic food experiences from around the world with the goal of helping people eat local on their travels or in their home kitchens. Traveling slow since 2015 she has explored the local cuisine in 45 countries and more than 250+ culinary cities. Her writing about local food specialties has been featured in Lonely Planet, Business Insider, Honest Cooking, Food Insider, and Huffington Post. The website features authentic food guides, recipes, food tours, cooking classes, and wine tours all aimed at connecting travelers to the local cuisine and culture. Connect with her on  YouTube ,  Instagram , or  Facebook .

Catherine Smith

Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards...   Read More

Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and  off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of  Her Bags Were Packed  where she focuses on helping  women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.

10Best Editors

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,...   Read More

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.

Back to Readers' Choice

What are points and miles worth? TPG’s March 2024 monthly valuations

Editor's Note

One of the questions people often ask us is, "How much is a point or mile worth?" The true answer varies from point to point and person to person. It also depends on your travel goals and how well you can maximize a particular loyalty currency. Still, some rewards credit cards are worth more than others, and our goal is to give you a sense of how they stack up.

Historically, TPG has valued points and miles based on a combination of the price at which we would purchase the miles, award costs in the program (factoring in availability and fees) and our expertise in the inner workings of the programs. However, we now use extensive data for the top six U.S. airline loyalty programs to better estimate the value you should aim to get from your rewards. Read our explainer post on our data-driven valuations for a full methodology breakdown.

This month, our model showed a bit of variation with these numbers — though it wasn't significant compared to previous data runs.

Note: These valuations are not provided by card issuers.

What are credit card points and miles worth?

What are airline points and miles worth.

*Calculated using TPG's data-backed valuations methodology launched in September 2023.

What are hotel points worth?

Points and miles news.

With global hotel loyalty programs boasting dozens of brands each, does a single hotel brand retain your loyalty? Maybe not, but Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy are banking on new additions driving new business and loyalty.

Small Luxury Hotels of the World — a collection of boutique hotels offering bespoke luxury experiences worldwide — announced a plan to part ways with Hyatt and instead join Hilton Honors .

SLH properties have been an excellent way to redeem Hyatt points , particularly if you tire of forgettable, cookie-cutter corporate hotel rooms. Some of my most memorable hotel stays have been at SLH properties, namely Crossbasket Castle in Scotland and On The Rocks on the dreamy Greek island of Santorini.

Hyatt's loss is undoubtedly Hilton's gain. Travelers are the biggest losers here, as while World of Hyatt award charts have kept award rates in check, rates will likely increase significantly once SLH joins Hilton Honors — a program where award rates over 100,000 points per night are not unusual.

May 15 is when Hyatt's SLH partnership officially ends , so book your nights as soon as possible if you have your eye on one of the many boutique SLH properties worldwide.

MGM Resorts departed World of Hyatt in 2023 and is now part of the Marriott Bonvoy program. And we have been pleasantly surprised at how reasonable MGM pricing is with Marriott points. You can book high-end Las Vegas properties like the Bellagio, Mandalay Bay and Aria from as little as 20,000 Bonvoy points per night, plus those dreaded resort fees. Meanwhile, stays at more economical properties like Luxor and Excalibur start at just 5,000 Bonvoy points per night (plus resort fees).

It can be hard to keep up with hotel brands coming and going. While Hyatt has seemingly lost two key strengths, it has quietly amassed 10 all-inclusive brands with hundreds of properties, especially in the Caribbean and Europe.

To keep up with other points and miles news, bookmark and periodically reference our posts on points and miles travel deals , promotions on buying points and miles and transfer bonus offers .

Related: How (and why) to calculate award redemption values

Travel credit card offers

Beyond those developments, there is no shortage of cards offering great welcome bonuses . Here are a few of our favorites this month.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Right now, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is offering a welcome bonus of 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months of account opening. Per our valuations, that's worth $1,230 when you leverage transfer partners or $750 if you redeem through the Chase travel portal at 1.25 cents per point.

The card comes with a $95 annual fee, along with various travel protections and additional perks — like a $50 annual hotel credit for reservations made through the Chase travel portal and a 10% anniversary points bonus based on your previous year's spending.

Of course, you may want to spring for the Chase Sapphire Reserve® instead. While the card has a hefty $550 annual fee, it includes perks like Priority Pass lounge access , an annual $300 travel credit and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit , among other benefits. Plus, you'll earn 3 points per dollar on travel and dining expenses, so you can quickly rack up rewards for your next big trip.

For more details, check out our Chase Sapphire Preferred Card review .

Official application link: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

On the higher end of the spectrum is the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card , one of the market's most exciting travel credit cards, thanks to great earning rates and included perks.

The card currently offers a welcome bonus of 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening — worth $1,387 according to our valuations, thanks to Capital One's excellent airline and hotel transfer partners .

Check out our Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card review for more details.

Official application link: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The standard Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card currently offers the same welcome bonus as the Venture X. You can earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. Like the Venture X, the Venture card earns at least 2 miles per dollar on everything you purchase.

Check out our Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card review for more details.

Official application link: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The Platinum Card® from American Express

With the current welcome offer on The Platinum Card from American Express , you'll earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership — though you may be targeted for a higher offer through the CardMatch tool (offer subject to change at any time).

Of course, the card is jam-packed with benefits like airport lounge access and hotel elite status . The card has a $695 annual fee (see rates and fees ). Enrollment is required for select benefits.

For more details, check out our Amex Platinum review .

Official application link: The Platinum Card from American Express

American Express® Gold Card

One of the most popular cards with TPG staffers, the American Express Gold Card offers 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new card within the first six months of card membership. This welcome offer is worth $1,200 based on our valuations — but be sure to check the CardMatch tool to see if you're targeted for an even higher offer (offer subject to change at any time).

The Amex Gold Card is great for many everyday purchases. You'll earn 4 points per dollar on groceries at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) and 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants. The card has a $250 annual fee (see rates and fees ).

For more details, check out our Amex Gold review .

Official application link: American Express Gold Card

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The Business Platinum Card from American Express offers 120,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your card in the first three months of card membership. Per our valuations, this welcome offer is worth at least $2,400, but you can get even more value when redeeming for high-end airfare.

You'll find many lesser-known Amex Business Platinum perks that are similar to (but slightly different from) the personal version. Check out our comparison of the Amex Platinum and the Business Platinum to see which card fits your wallet better.

For more details, check out our Amex Business Platinum review .

Official application link: The Business Platinum Card from American Express

Capital One Venture X Business

The Capital One Venture X Business card launched in September 2023. The card currently offers a welcome bonus of 150,000 miles after you spend $30,000 in the first three months from account opening. While that's a large spending requirement, those rewards can go a long way toward your next trip.

The Venture X Business features perks that are nearly identical to those on the personal version of the card — including a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel , extensive airport lounge access and 10,000 bonus miles each year after your cardholder anniversary.

For more details, check out our Capital One Venture X Business review .

Official application link: Capital One Venture X Business

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card offers a generous welcome bonus of 100,000 Ultimate Rewards points after you spend $8,000 in the first three months after card opening, worth over $2,000 by our current valuation. This could be a great option for business owners looking to benefit from a six-figure welcome bonus who might not reach the higher spending requirements of the Capital One Venture X Business welcome offer .

This card also offers triple points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases each year on travel; shipping; internet, cable and phone services; and advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines.

For more details, check out our Ink Business Preferred Credit Card review .

Official application link: Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

Airline credit cards

Delta and Amex announced changes to the Delta Amex cards in February. But, alongside this announcement, we also got new Delta credit card welcome offers :

*Bonus value is based on TPG valuations and is not provided or reviewed by the issuer.

Check out our list of the best travel credit cards for other options that could fit your wallet.

Related: How to choose the best credit card for you

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here . For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, click here . For rates and fees of the Delta Gold Card, click here . For rates and fees of the Delta Gold Business Card, click here . For rates and fees of the Delta Platinum Card, click here . For rates and fees of the Delta Platinum Business Card, click here . For rates and fees of the Delta Reserve Card, click here . For rates and fees of the Delta Reserve Business Card, click here .

Top 10 Things To Do And See In Nizhny Novgorod, Russia

Located about 400km east of Moscow , Nizhny Novgorod is one of the most important centers of cultural, economic, and political activity in European Russia . Widely considered, after St Petersburg and Moscow, to be Russia’s ‘third city’, Nizhny is fast becoming a hot-spot for Russian and global tourists alike, attracted by the city’s up-and-coming reputation and stunning landscape.

The Kremlin

Jutting out from the cliffs that overlook the meeting point of the great Volga and Oka rivers, Nizhny Novgorod ‘s ancient Kremlin boasts of some of the best views in the city. Designed by an Italian architect, the 13 magnificent towers and the 12 meter high walls of Nizhny’s Kremlin date back to 1500. On this very spot in 1612, heroes of Russian history Kuzma Minin and Count Dmitry Pozharsky defeated the invading Polish army in extraordinary circumstances. This moment has become legend in Russian history and a statue in honor of these two lies at the foot of St Basil’s in Moscow. The Kremlin is the historic center of the city where you will find an art museum and the lovely Cathedral of the Archangel Michael, as well as a striking monument to those that fought in the Second World War and its flame eternally flickering on in their memory.

Completed in 2012, taking a ride on Nizhny Novgorod’s cablecar has fast become a favorite activity of tourists. The trip offers unparalleled opportunities to view the city’s gorgeous natural landscape from this bird’s eye position. The 3660m long gondola lift connects Nizhny to the town of Bor and stretches across the Volga River for 900 panoramic meters. The gondola acts as both a convenient means of transportation and a fantastic sight-seeing expedition – come at sunset for a golden-bathed view of the river and surrounding landscape.

The house-museum of Maxim Gorky

During the Soviet era, Nizhny Novgorod, birthplace of celebrated Russian writer Maxim Gorky , was renamed ‘Gorky’ in honor of this national hero. This home has been preserved in a state as accurate as possible to how it was left by Gorky and is so successful in this that it would seem as though the writer still lived there. The museum ‘s historic interiors and authentic furnishings will transport you back to the 1900s and the creative world of this icon of Russian literature. Come and make the most of this unique experience to delve into the childhood world of this Russian father of social realism. Museum booklets and guided tours are available in English.

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Nizhegorodskaya Yarmarka

A yarmarka is something akin to a fair, and this historic former market place was restored in 1991, the site now playing home to a superb modern exhibition center. The city’s yarmarka plays host to international events, fairs, and conventions. In 2011, for the 20 year anniversary of the fair’s refounding, a vast array of exhibitions were organized, attended by thousands including members of the British royal family, Vladimir Putin, Mikhail Gorbachev , and Margaret Thatcher . The fair is not only a buzzing center of business and culture, it is also one of the city’s most impressive sights.

The Nizhegorodsky State Art Museum

Located inside Nizhny Novgorod’s ancient Kremlin, the building that houses this art gallery was once the home of the governor of the city. The exhibits are wide-ranging and include everything from 14th century religious icons, to work by 20th century contemporary Russian masters. Particularly dazzling is the collection by Russian painter Nicholas Roerich. There is also a large arts and crafts collection which demonstrates the exquisite handiwork of Russian artisans throughout history.

1. Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street

Bolshaya pokrovskaya street.

An excellent spot to soak up the best of the city’s atmosphere, this pedestrian street lies in the heart of Nizhny Novgorod. The beautiful Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street is constantly buzzing and provides new and exciting sights at every turn. Gorgeous buildings and fountains tower on all sides – showcasing the best of Nizhny’s architecture. Quirky shop fronts and lovely local souvenirs will have you pausing at every window while the charming cafés will draw you in with their tempting aromas. Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street transforms by night into a vibrant hub of evening activity and is the place to come for a night-out in the city. The bars of this street are favorites with Nizhny Novgorod’s student population.

The Chkalov Staircase

An idyllic spot from which to watch the sun’s rays set over the city, this monumental creation was constructed by the Soviet government and is unique to the city of Nizhny Novgorod. The staircase derives its name from pilot Valery Chkalov who, in 1937, became the first man to fly from Moscow to Vancouver through the North Pole. A monument to Chkalov stands at the top of the stairs. The construction of the staircase cost almost 8 million rubles – an immense sum at the time. Over 1,500 stairs connect the city center with the river embankment – making Chkalov’s landmark the longest flight of stairs along the Volga. Nowadays the staircase is a favorite meeting place and relaxation spot for locals.

The Rukavishnikov Estate Museum

The Rukavishnikovs were a family of immensely wealthy merchants originating from the region around Nizhny Novgorod. This superbly restored palace , their former home, has been transformed into a museum of Russian history and gives a realistic snap-shot of life for the wealthy under tsarist rule. The ornate 19th century interiors and exquisite facade are sure to dazzle with their beauty while the lush green of the surrounding natural landscape provides a tranquil getaway from the city center. Lavish furnishings, priceless antiques, and glistening gold will transport you back in time to a world of balls, carriages, banquets, and tsars. Join the world of Russian noble ladies and gentlemen for a day in this stunning palace.

The Sakharov Museum

Nizhny Novgorod’s Sakharov Museum is dedicated to dissident Russian scientist Andrei Sakharov . The nuclear physicist and human rights activist was exiled for six years to the very flat in which the museum is now housed. Sakharov’s support for civil reform and improved human rights in the Soviet Union earned him harsh persecution from the Russian government, but also, in 1975, a Nobel Peace Prize . Sakharov was incarcerated here until 1986 when a KGB officer arrived to install a phone in the flat. Just after the phone was installed it began to ring: the caller was Mikhail Gorbachev, ringing Sakharov to inform him of his release. This phone is now one of the museum’s most treasured artifacts.

The National Centre of Contemporary Art

Inside the walls of Nizhny’s Kremlin can also be found one of the best modern art galleries in Russia. Linked to galleries in both St Petersburg and Moscow, this top-ranking exhibition center houses regularly changing displays of both Russian and international art as well as interactive exhibits and a media library. Progress is also on-going of adding a concert hall, extending the exhibition areas, and creating a restaurant. These additions aim to make art contemporary, not simply a detached, unrelatable concept, but bring it closer to the Russian people.

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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