✈ Stories That Made Us Smile in 2023 & More Daily News From TPG ✈

Also: 7 of the best starter travel credit cards

December 25, 2023 View in browser

These stories gave us all the feels this year by Cameron Sperance, Senior Hotels Reporter Merry Christmas to all! We have a wide array of reporters here at TPG covering everything in the travel orbit. While new hotel brands, the debut of a new business-class product or a stellar points redemption often dominate our headlines, there have been plenty of stories in 2023 that went outside the box and put a smile on each of our faces. Who can forget when Eloise at the Plaza got a run for her money when TPG's Tanner Saunders checked in with his fabulous pup, Splenda? She's one Uptown kinda corgi — and deserves nothing less than the highest thread count and yappy, er, snappy room service. There were also creative treks this year from Team TPG — Jordan Waller let ChatGPT plan a two-day vacation in Lisbon. Let's just say Jordan isn't eager to replicate the experience, but it was certainly amusing to see how much octopus it tried to recommend to Jordan (who is not a fan of octopus). Tarah Chieffi splashed around at mermaid school — a fin-tastic story, if I do say so myself. TPG also continued its philanthropy streak by supporting PeaceJam at the organization's annual conference and co-sponsoring the "Best Flight Ever" with American Airlines and Make-A-Wish to provide a once-in-a-lifetime vacation for 26 kids diagnosed with critical illnesses and their families. These stories all made us smile and tugged at our heartstrings. Here are a few more from this year: I woke up and booked the cheapest same-day flight out of the country — here's what happened Dolly Parton shares her vision for the future of Dollywood, aka her 'Tennessee mountain home' I just snowshoed at the North Pole — here's how you can, too Hit me up with some of your favorite stories of the year. You can find me on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Posts in this newsletter contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page. Photo Credit: MATTHEW ZACH.

Today's top stories 7 of the best starter travel credit cards Getting started with points and miles can be tough, especially when it comes to picking the right credit card. Read more What airline fare classes tell you about your ticket Did you know that the letters associated with your airline ticket actually mean something? Read more Ink Business Preferred Credit Card review: A great all-around business card Here's how you can earn Ultimate Rewards points and maximize the additional perks on the card. Read more Get more from your rewards with these transfer bonuses — including a new Hilton offer from Amex A look at all current transfer bonuses involving major credit cards, airlines and hotel loyalty programs. Read more 5 things you should never pack in a checked bag — even though the airlines allow them Banned items aside, here are five things you should never pack in a checked bag, regardless of how short your flight is. Read more

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