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There is only so much textbooks can do for your students. With Peak Advantage, you take them one step closer to greatness by giving them a unique opportunity to explore and perform around the world. Take on a breathtaking adventure in one of the best cities in North America and beyond.  Experience our exceptional customer service as we design the perfect customized tour for your students.

ALL INCLUSIVE

Save money and effort When booking student tours. With Peak Performance, we handle all the logistics so you can focus on inspiring your students and gearing them up for the road.

GUIDED TOURS

Experience sights from the eyes of a local. All educational student tours come with a full day guide who will be more than happy to inspire and discuss ideas with your students.

CUSTOMIZABLE

Different students have different needs. At Peak Performance, we stay away from cookie cutter programs. Instead, we focus on building a tour from scratch to really help your students achieve their best selves yet.

Students Tours , Redefined

Music Travel

Let your band march proudly in the streets of Chicago. Encourage your dance troupe to compete in an international competition in San Francisco. Book your singers a festival spot in Nashville. Making their first career break happen is as easy as booking a performance tour with us.

Why Performance Student Tours Matter

Too many students spend their entire lives in studios and practice rooms. With early exposure to actual performance, your proteges will develop the discipline and skill necessary to progress in their careers.

MARCHING BAND

See your band proudly march the streets for a festival or event. With Peak Performance travel deals, you can take them out of the practice room and out in the road for an exhilarating musical moment.

CHOIR TOURS

Preparing for local, interstate, and even international choir competitions don’t have to be a hassle. Fine tune your choir for success and stardom, and let us handle the rest.

ORCHESTRA TRIPS

Taking your orchestra center-stage has never been easier. Give them the unique chance to perform for an incredible crowd in New York City or Los Angeles. Jumpstart their professional careers with just one click.

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DISNEY PERFORMING ARTS

Turn their dreams into a powerful musical reality. With Peak Performance, your students can take part in iconic Disney performances in Orlando, Florida and Anaheim, California. Sign them up for interactive performances and workshops.

Performance Travel

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Kickstart their dance career by booking them a local or interstate gig. Book anything – from competitions to workshops to clinics – with ease.

EDUCATIONAL TOURS

Why educational travel matters .

Who said educational tours had to be boring? With carefully curated sites, a lively tour manager, and a well-rounded itinerary, you can create an exciting and informational field trip they will fondly look back on for years. Not all students are textbook learners. A learning opportunity that involves interaction with the environment helps a lot of students understand lessons better.

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Make your annual field trips better than the last. From poignant historical walks to interactive museum browse tours, we are here to freshen up your educational student tours and help you build the perfect itinerary from scratch.

DESTINATIONS

Your tour, your destination.

There is only so much textbooks can do for your students. With Peak Advantage, you take them one step closer to greatness by giving them a unique opportunity to explore and perform around the world. Take on a breathtaking adventure in one of the best cities in North America and give them an exclusive advantage with our student tours.he exceptional customer service as we design the perfect customized tour for your students.

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There is only so much textbooks can do for your students. With Peak Advantage, you take them one step closer to greatness by giving them a unique opportunity to explore and perform around the world. 

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We are pleased to introduce Peaks Tours And Travels as one of the reputed Travel management company in Jammu & Kashmir. Peak Tours And Travels is a full – service travel agency dedicated providing totally reliable and practical tour and travel solutions as it offers most competitive rates in the market. At Peak Tours & Travels we expertly handle travel services – including airline reservation, special and customized package tours from simple to unique destinations in India for business or pleasure trips, hotel accommodations as well as car/coach rentals. With 15 years of experience as a JK Tourism Dept certified travel Agency, our professional team for inbound travel promises you personalized and premium service to all clients. Travelling is fun & it offers many unique experiences. Connect with Peak Tours & Travels for…..Great journeys, Fascinating places, Happiness on earth, Inspiring destinations with in your reach, journey at its luxurious best, and journey

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It was really nice experience with Peaks Holidays. Pick up was on time and everything was very well managed. Driver was also very good. Looking forward for one more trip with Peaks Tour and travels Shrikant – General Manager READ MORE

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The ultimate tips for peak season travel

Nov 22, 2012 • 4 min read

Making a last-minute getaway in peak holiday season is not for the faint of heart. Prices are steep, train seats are scarce, and airports are chaotic as hordes of travellers scurry around to a soundtrack of piped-in Christmas music. But when my longing for sunshine outweighed my craving for Thanksgiving turkey and pies, I booked a quick four-day escape to Miami .

On my tightly packed airplane winging its way to South Beach, I had some time to ponder the joys and pitfalls of spontaneous holiday travel. Here's a short primer on how to travel gracefully over the holidays - whether it’s a last-minute package deal to Mexico or the standard trip home via train, bus, or three connecting flights.

Think outside the box

There are last-minute deals to be had. But when it comes to peak travel seasons, you have to be flexible about your destination. You’re less likely to stumble across a bargain-priced Christmas trip to Switzerland , for example: snowboarding in the Alps is generally enjoyed by people who make advance plans (or have plenty of expendable income). But if you’re open to a getaway to Costa Rica , New Orleans or the Irish countryside, you’ll discover a variety of last-minute options using the resources below.

Make the system work for you

The internet is rife with travel planning tools, but they’re not worth much if you don’t know how to set them up and tailor them to your preferences. If you’re interested in a vacation, log onto Travelzoo ( www.travelzoo.com ), where last-minute packages are listed by departure city. Catering to European travellers, Lastminute.com ( www.lastminute.com ) offers similar packages, but more popular destinations book out early. If you have time to spare, sign up for e-mail bulletins advertising deeply discounted travel packages, including Travelzoo’s Top 20 ( www.travelzoo.com/top20 ). Then log on to Twitter and follow travel magazines and websites like Condé Nast Traveler ( @CNTraveler ) and Budget Travel ( @BudgetTravel ) - both offer frequently updated travel deals and promotions you won’t see elsewhere.

If you don’t have plane tickets yet but your holiday destination is set - if you’re expected for New Year’s Eve in Los Angeles or Christmas in London , for instance - enter Kayak ( www.kayak.com ) and set up a flight alert. This user-friendly tool automatically keeps you posted if the airfare on your desired route changes: if the fare suddenly drops $80, you can pounce on it. Of course, your chances of scoring a decently priced flight increase dramatically if you enter several different combinations of airports, dates and travel times. Another site to try is Hotwire ( www.hotwire.com/deals ), particularly the ‘Deals’ section, where a sidebar allows you to see the cheapest fares from your departure city for upcoming weekends.

Streamline your itinerary

It’s worth considering paying more for a non-stop flight over an itinerary with multiple connections. Why? Most airlines do not offer compensation or accommodation assistance if your flight is delayed or cancelled due to wintry weather. So if freezing rain is falling at your layover airport, you’re stuck - and you might end up spending your hard-earned cash on a dingy airport motel room. If you book a non-stop flight, the worst-case scenario is that you’re stuck at home or at your final destination. Another choice airport tip from Condé Nast’s travel expert Wendy Perrin: to avoid getting bumped from an overbooked holiday flight, make sure you get a seat assignment ahead of time (read more here ).

Airports: do your homework

There’s no way around it. Moving through LaGuardia or Heathrow during the holiday rush just isn’t pleasant - the best you can do is pack light, arrive early (at least two hours ahead for domestic flights and three for international), maintain a Zen-like expression at the security line and indulge in a well-deserved cocktail at the bar by your departure gate. But if you do have any flexibility in your flight plans, opt for smaller travel hubs over major airports like Chicago O’Hare and Los Angeles International, identified by Orbitz as the two busiest airports in the US over the current Thanksgiving holiday.

Consider ground transportation

If you’re travelling last-minute, you’ll have better luck with bus and train tickets than airfares - and your trip is less likely to be cancelled due to weather. What, an eight-hour journey sounds excessive? Just remember how long the lines are at the airport.

Anticipate problems

Expect the unexpected, and leave some space in your budget accordingly. Even if you don’t have much cash to spare, be kind to yourself - when it’s snowing and there are one hundred people waiting in line for the public bus, $20 is a small price to pay for a taxi ride. When you’re facing an unexpected seven-hour delay at the airport, splash out and buy yourself a day pass to an airport lounge stocked with food and drinks, comfortable couches and wi-fi. Just consider it a holiday present to yourself.

For last-minute travel tips, hotel hacks and expert advice, snap up Lonely Planet's Best Ever Travel Tips .

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C elebrating 14 Years  of  Land's End to John O'Groats  tours in  2024!

"It was amazing. I recommend your company to anyone who asks me about my journey. Many thanks indeed for enabling me to achieve the journey"

"Had the time of my life and met some great people!

"A dream of a route - beautiful. Would do it all over again just to see some of the scenery. Thank you"

"Great choice of route, amazing hidden country lanes, hidden gems of villages – excellent"

Land's End to John O'Groats - Tour Dates Available

"Lunches at the brew van far exceeded expectations and anything experienced on other cycling holidays. Peak Tours seem to have thought about everything, I cannot think of any way to improve."

"I loved every minute of it, it was the best two weeks I’ve had since LEJOG. Thanks to you all."

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"The tour has literally changed our outlook on life! Please don’t change a thing!"

"The tour took in some wonderful scenery and many lovely villages. Fantastic to have climbed Ventoux – that is an important part of the trip, but other days, especially Gorges Du Verdon were particularly wonderful too."

"I find it hard to criticise anything. I wanted a challenging cycle ride which was well organised with a route which let me experience the amazing changes in the French countryside. What I got exceeded my expectations."

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Peak Tours - Guided Cycling Holidays

Fully supported cycling tours in the uk & europe.

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Peak Tours – Cycling & Walking Holidays

Cycling holidays.

At Peak Tours we provide fully supported Cycling Holidays in the UK and Europe .

All of the Cycling Holidays in Europe and the rest of the UK are fully supported . This means that the price of your tour includes the following:

• Accommodation
• Snacks throughout the day
• Route notes and gpx files
• General tour information
• Certificate of acheivement
• Cycle shirt (for all tours longer than 5 days)
• Two back up vehicles providing refreshment stops and all luggage transfers
• Luggage put in rooms at the end of each day
• A cycling guide that rides at the back of the group
• Mechanical assistance if required
• Pick ups from the airport or station at the start of the tour
• Lots of fun!

All of our tour leaders are carefully selected (apart from a few we just feel sorry for) and always make a big difference to the camaraderie within the group and smooth running of a well organised tour.

Generally our tours have three guides with two back up vans and a guide who cycles with the group. Most groups are made up of singles and couples or twins (two friends together). The minimum number is 8 and the maximum 25 .

All of our routes have been carefully researched and tried and tested so that we avoid main roads unless it’s completely necessary .

Peak Tours was established by Steve Coackley in 2006 after returning from a round the world cycle tour. Initially all tours were self-led Holidays in the Peak District but soon progressed into providing guided Cycling Holidays in the UK  with our first fully supported Lands End to John o’Groats tour in 2010. Since then we have added more and more tours to our portfolio and now offer Cycling Holidays across the UK, Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Italy and Germany .

Each year we continue to add new and exciting tours to our portfolio and have many more new tours in the pipeline.

Whichever tour you choose we can confidently say that you will have a well organised, fun and enjoyable Cycling Holiday and come away with a hatful of great memories and a fantastic sense of achievement. What’s stopping you?

Why Choose Peak Tours?

"At Peak Tours we aim to take the hassle out of cycle touring. We provide all the back up necessary for you to get on with cycling without having to worry about all the logistics such as booking accommodation, researching routes, moving luggage, organising lunch, mechanics and general all round support. Our focus is on providing unique, memorable experiences and our groups are fun, friendly and supportive. Over the years many of our riders have become firm friends. Peak Tours provide a relaxed yet professional service and we really care that you have a great time during your tour."

Steve Coackley, Founder & Owner - Peak Tours Ltd

• 1st Class Customer Service We're proud to have very high levels of customer satisfaction, see what our customers say on this website, Google and Facebook
• High Quality Accomodation We choose all our accomodation to ensure it meets the requirements of our cyclists
• Expert Advice All of our team here at Peak Tours HQ are keen cyclists, we have many years of experience in organsing cycling tours and are here to assist you in any way we can
• Arranging Cycling Tours Since 2005 We've been fortunate to help thousands of customers complete their cycling tours

Fully Guided

• Fully Guided & Supported Experienced guides cycle with the group and vehicle back-up for provisions and mechanical issues
• Sensible Group Sizes We limit the number of bookings we take for each tour to ensure the group isn't too large
• Fantastic Lunches All of our UK lunches are in cafes or restaurants, our mainland European tours include some of our luxury picnics
• Our Famous Brew Van Regular rest stops with our support van providing snacks and beverages
• Room-to-Room Luggage transfer Leave your luggage at your accommodation in the morning and it'll be waiting in your room in your new accommodation that evening

Optional Extras

• Bike Transfers If you can get your bike to and from Glossop, then we can transfer your bike to and from our tours for free within the UK or £40 for overseas tours. Alternatively we can arrange for your bike to be transferred to your home with a specialist bike courier at discounted rates
• Training Training weekends and personal training advice from our cycling experts
• Cycle Servicing Choose to have your bike serviced by our experienced bike mechanic before or after your tour
• Social Media Groups Get to know the people who'll be joining you on your tour before you travel
• Sports Massage We can arrange for a professional sports massage on certain days during some tours

I am a luxury travel designer specializing in experiential adventures around the world. Work with me to gain access to some of the most exclusive destinations and personally crafted moments. Whether it’s a quick restful getaway, a celebratory milestone trip, or your once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon, I’m here to make creating these memories simple.

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5 Best Pikes Peak Tours from Denver + What to Know (2024)

Looking for highly-rated and stress-free Pikes Peak tours from Denver? If you’re keen on escaping the bustling cityscape of Denver, a top-notch experience I highly recommend you consider is journeying to the summit of one of Colorado’s legendary 14ers, Pikes Peak with one of the guided tours below! Along the way, you’ll not only get to take in the breathtaking views from the top of America’s Mountain but also wander through the enchanting red rock formations that adorn the Garden of the Gods! Truly, this an experience you won’t want to miss.

🏔️ No Time? Here’s the Best Pikes Peak Tour from Denver

Small Group Tour of Pikes Peak & the Garden of the Gods — This tour has been taken by over 1450+ guests and includes a convenient meeting point downtown, seeing the Garden of the Gods, taking the scenic route to Pikes Peak, and leisure time in Manitou Springs!

To help you out, this post will include the 5 best Pikes Peak tours that are worth checking out as well as helpful insights and mistakes to avoid based on my personal experience. So with that, get ready to explore the great outdoors! 🤠

🚨 PRO TIP: If you’re pressed for time and prefer a brief overview of the tours I’ll be discussing, feel free to skip ahead to the recap section . There, you’ll find a table summarizing the five Pikes Peak Tours I’ve covered.

5 Best Pikes Peak Tours from Denver (2024)

1. small group tour of pikes peak & the garden of the gods from denver.

⭐️  RATING : 5 out of 5 – 1375+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  8 hours

The  Small Group Tour of Pikes Peak & the Garden of the Gods From Denver includes:

• Easy pick-up from a meeting point near Union Station
• Visiting Garden of the Gods & the famous Balanced Rock
• Driving the scenic route to Pikes Peak
• Exploring the quaint town of Manitou Springs
• Snacks, water, & entrance fees included
• Small group tour limited to 14 guests

🤠 Looking to get a lot of bang for your buck? Explore Pikes Peak with ease on the most popular and highly-rated tour from Denver ! It also happens to be one of the most affordable tours out there, which means you get a lot of value for your money! Over approximately 8 hours, you’ll join a small group of fellow travelers and experience the breathtaking beauty of Garden of the Gods, Balanced Rock, Pikes Peak, & Manitou Springs! Plus, with a convenient pick-up in downtown Denver and your super knowledgeable guide navigating the roads, you’ll be able to enjoy a wonderful, *stress-free* day trip! I mean, there’s a reason 1400+ people have opted to go on this tour ! 😉

“I loved this tour! Our tour guide Jeff was super knowledgeable and kept us entertained with fun facts and an awesome playlist on the road. The views were amazing and we had plenty of time at each stop to take in the scenery and take some photos. I would highly recommend this tour for anyone passing through Denver!” – Rachel G. ( See More Reviews )

2. Private Pikes Peak Country and Garden of the Gods Tour From Denver

⭐️  RATING : 5 out of 5 – 130+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  8 hours

The  Private Pikes Peak Country and Garden of the Gods Tour From Denver includes:

• Direct pick-up from your housing accommodations in downtown
• Traveling in a comfortable minibus or minivan
• Exploring the famous sights around Garden of the Gods
• Spend time walking the streets of Manitou Springs
• Driving Pikes Peak Highway to the summit
• Private experience with up to 14 guests

🚗 Looking for a more exclusive viewing of Pikes Peak? With almost all guests leaving 5-star reviews, this is the most popular private tour option that takes guests from Denver to Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods. Along the way, you’ll discover the Garden of the Gods’ captivating sandstone formations, wander around the little town of Manitou Springs, and take in the picturesque views on your drive to the summit of Pikes Peak! Not to mention, with this being a private tour, scheduling is much more flexible and customizable to what you want to see 🙂 Thus, if you want to avoid car rental hassles and opt for a personalized experience with only your group, check out this private tour to Pikes Peak !

“The best part of the trip was experiencing the summit of Pikes Peak. We also checked out Manitou Springs and walked around the Garden of the Gods. The tour guide was superb. He knew all about the history and natural features and was hilarious. He also has a great travel playlist. Tried and true tour guide. We loved it!” – TINA M. ( See More Reviews )

3. Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods Tour From Denver

⭐️  RATING : 5 out of 5 – 90+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  8.5 hours

The  Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods Tour From Denver includes:

• Accessible pick-up location near Denver’s Union Station
• Visiting inspiring landmarks around Garden of the Gods
• Driving the scenic Pikes Peak Highway to the top
• A sandwich lunch in the resort town of Manitou Springs
• Small group tour limited to 14 people

⛰️ Keen on spending extra time in the area? With near-perfect reviews, this is another tour to Pikes Peak that’s worth checking out. Much like the first tour I mentioned, this tour includes a convenient pick-up near Union Station. You’ll then have the opportunity to visit different spots around Garden of the Gods before journeying to Pikes Peak. The difference is that this tour includes a sandwich lunch and gives you an extra 30 minutes for exploring! So, whether the first small-group tour option is completely booked or you don’t want to worry about figuring out lunch, consider this hassle-free tour !

“It was a wonderful day with Ernie! Garden of the Gods was beautiful and trip up to pikes peak was absolutely amazing!! Ernie was so knowledgeable and provided very tasty and large sandwiches!! I can’t recommend Ernie enough!” – sheila A. ( See More Reviews )

4. Private Tour to Pikes Peak & Garden of Gods

⭐️  RATING : 5 out of 5 – 90+ % 5-star reviews! | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  8 hours

The  Private Tour to Pikes Peak & Garden of Gods includes:

• Direct pick up from your housing accommodations in Denver
• Admiring the panoramic views from the top of Pikes Peak
• Spending an hour strolling through Garden of the Gods
• Roaming around Manitou Springs before heading home
• Personalized tour in a private vehicle

🌄 Looking for an alternate private tour option? Experience Colorado’s famous ‘fourteener,’ Pikes Peak, and the beauty of the surrounding Colorado Springs area on this private tour from Denver . First, You’ll be directly picked up from your housing in downtown Denver. Then, you’ll have time to marvel at the sweeping vistas from the summit of Pikes Peak, admire the sky-scraping sandstone formations in Garden of the Gods, and check out Manitou Springs! With a private vehicle and personalized attention, this tour ensures an intimate, flexible, and memorable Colorado experience that’s great for families and first-time visitors!

“Steve picked us up at our hotel. We spent the day at Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak and Manitou Springs. The Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak are simply stunning scenery. Steve was personable, relating to each member of our group. We appreciated the pictures he took of us – and driving to these beautiful locations so we could just enjoy our day. Thanks, Steve!” – Debra M. ( See More Reviews )

5. Pikes Peak Regional Wonders Full Day Tour From Denver

⭐️  RATING : 5 out of 5 – almost all 5-star reviews ! | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  9 hours

The  Pikes Peak Regional Wonders Full Day Tour includes:

• Meeting point at Union Station in downtown Denver
• Travel up the gorgeous Pikes Peak Highway to the summit
• Lunch and free time to wander historic Manitou Springs
• Touring through the majestic Garden of the Gods park
• Water, snacks, and transit in a comfortable van
• Can accommodate up to 12 guests

🏔️ Ready to spend a full day exploring the area around Pikes Peak? If you’re looking for an extensive and comfortable tour to Pikes Peak from Denver, this is one of the longest available, ensuring a comprehensive experience. During the tour, you’ll travel along the stunning Pikes Peak Highway, taking in the sweeping views from the top. Then you’ll have some free time for lunch and walking around in historic Manitou Springs. Finally, to cap off the day, you’ll be able to get up close and personal with the spectacular rock formations scattered through the Garden of the Gods park! This is also one of the most affordable Pikes Peak tours from Denver available. Therefore, if you’re working on a tight budget, this is your best option!

“Definitely one of the highlights of our vacation in the Denver area. Will was very knowledgeable and a great guide. Very fun day!” — Renee C. ( See More Reviews )

Pikes Peak Tours from Denver Comparison

Tips for visiting pikes peak.

For a more enjoyable experience, here are some mistakes to avoid and general tips to keep in mind as you plan your Pikes Peak day trip from Denver!

• ⏰ Plan Ahead: Once you know your travel dates, book your Pikes Peak tour in advance as this incredible experience often fills up quickly.
• 🥶 Dress in Layers: Check the forecast and bring a warm coat or two!! My guide was wearing a parka and was all nice and toasty. Meanwhile, I only brought my Patagonia Nano puff jacket, and I was freezing my toes off!
• 💧 Stay Hydrated: High elevations can lead to dehydration and altitude sickness, so be sure to drink plenty of water. I even recommend some OTC medicine if you think you’ll get a headache.
• 😎 Bring Essentials: The restaurant food is ✨very overpriced✨. Save yourself some money by bringing your own fruit snacks, granola bars, sandwiches, etc. I also recommend packing basics like sunscreen, sunglasses, cash for tipping your guide, and your camera!
• 🚂 Cogwheel Railway: If you decide to take the cogwheel up, reserve your ticket at least a week in advance. They almost always sell out. And for the best views, I recommend you reserve a window seat on the 3-seater side!

Where to Stay in Denver

Unsure where to book your stay in Denver? Here are some recommendations for you to check out based on my research. They are all well-rated and conveniently located in downtown Denver. You can also explore options on a specific platform using the buttons below. Or to see housing accommodations with location in mind, try using this interactive map.

Low-Cost Stay

• Comfy rooms w/ in-bed outlets, storage, & privacy curtain
• Near the convention center, has an on-site restaurant, & pet-friendly

Mid-Range Stay

• Located near the Art Museum & tasty on-site restaurant!
• Has a restaurant, bar, pool, gym, & self-parking available

Fancy Stays

• Near lots of restaurants downtown, comfy rooms, & fun atmosphere
• Spa service, outdoor pool, massive rooms & top-notch service!

Feel free to use the map below or click these buttons to head to your favorite booking platform and see additional housing options there.

Other Awesome Things to Do in Denver

If you’re staying in the city for a few days and looking for other awesome things to do in Denver, here are my top 7 recommendations! And they are basically from a local because my brother lives here, so yah girl visits often and gets all the insider tips. 😉

• Explore the Culinary Scene: For a fun foodie adventure, take this wildly popular 3-hour guided tour through 5 local restaurants serving award-winning dishes. You’ll eat authentic Neapolitan pizza and delectable empanadas, delve into Denver’s Wild West history, and see iconic landmarks like the baseball field and Union Station!

🍕 ✅ Check rates & availability for this epic food tour through Denver!

• Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge: Spot everything from deer and bison to prairie dogs and coyotes in their natural habitat at this expansive refuge! View location that’s 20 minutes outside of Denver.

• Denver Botanical Gardens: Observe a diverse array of beautiful plant life and marvelous outdoor art installations. You can grab your ticket here .
• Rocky Mountain National Park: Visit the closest National Park for unparalleled outdoor adventures, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and breathtaking mountain scenery 🙂 You can explore tour options here .

⛰️ ✅ Check rates & availability for this fantastic full-day tour to Rocky Mountain NP from Denver!

• Meow Wolf: Step into a surreal, immersive art experience at Meow Wolf , where visitors explore fantastical, interactive installations that make your head spin.

• Denver Museum of Nature & Science: Visit this crowd-favorite museum that sparks inspiration and curiosity through fascinating exhibits, interactive displays, and a planetarium.
• Ziplining: If you’re a thrill seeker like me, I recommend ziplining! You can soar along Colorado’s longest ziplines in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.

🚀 ✅ Check rates & availability for this adrenaline-pumping adventure!

Pikes Peak Tours from Denver: FAQ

Pikes Peak tours range from $159 to ~$220 USD per person. That said, the private tour options can be on the pricey side if you only go with a couple of people instead of a larger group.

In my biased opinion, a Pikes Peak tour from Denver is well worth it! They’re great if you appreciate the convenience of a knowledgeable guide, desire a hassle-free experience, and want to admire the gorgeous panoramic views from the top of one of Colorado’s famous 14ers! Plus, most of the tours take you through the Garden of the Gods, which is equally incredible to see!

The best time to visit Pikes Peak is between May and October when the weather is milder. But, if you want to see the beautiful Aspen trees changing colors, I recommend going in the fall! Just remember, Pikes Peak is pretty cold no matter what time of the year you go.

Pikes Peak’s elevation stands at 14,115 feet (4,302 meters) above sea level.

On a relatively clear day, you can see Pikes Peak from Denver! The distinctive mountain peak is visible on the southwestern horizon, providing a stunning backdrop to the Denver skyline.

A guided tour is the easiest way to see Pikes Peak. This is because there are no public transportation options from Denver to Manitou Springs. Alternatively, you can explore at your own pace by renting a car and driving there . You can check car rental options with pick-up at the Denver International Airport here .

Wrap-Up: 5 Best Pikes Peak Tours from Denver (2024)

Visiting Pikes Peak is always an awe-inspiring adventure, and for those exploring Denver without private transportation, an amazing guided tour is the ultimate solution. With the convenience of experienced guides and their wealth of knowledge, you can make the most of your time as you discover this iconic peak and its magnificent surroundings! So, let the experts lead the way as you embark on an unforgettable journey to one of Colorado’s most breathtaking destinations! Because truly, it’s a must-visit beauty that everyone should witness at least once and the view is truly mighty fine from up top! 😉

Read More About the United States

• 🎰 Las Vegas, NV: If you’re traveling to Las Vegas, a fun excursion to do is exploring Red Rock Canyon! This National Conservation Area can be explored on horseback , ATV, car, electric bike , or even electric scooter!
• 🏄‍♀️ San Diego, CA: America’s finest city is known for its miles of picturesque beaches and perfect surf , mouthwateringly delicious food , and year-round pleasant weather! Learn how to best navigate the city I used to call home!
• 🌲 Seattle, WA: Planning a trip to the Emerald City ? Learn about the local wine scene , visit the mesmerizing Amazon Spheres , or do a day trip to this nearby, adorable Bavarian town!

Save This Post for Later!

Kristin is the founder of Global Travel Escapades, a blog dedicated to helping travelers explore beautiful destinations and planning their wildest travel dreams. She has explored 30 countries and is on a mission to visit 50 by age 30. Along the way, she has lived in places like sunny San Diego and the vibrant French capital! Ultimately, Kristin hopes her passion for adventure, delicious food, and all things F1 & tennis inspires others to plan their next travel escapade!

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By The Way - Travel

Peak bloom drapes Tokyo in pink

By Noriko Hayashi and Irwin Wong | Apr 9, 2024

After an unusually long wait, tourists and locals began gathering in Tokyo last week to see blooming cherry blossoms. A cold snap delayed their bloom for many days.

Noriko Hayashi for The Washington Post

After a long wait, people in Tokyo were finally are able to take in the cherry blossoms on March 30.

These tiny pink flowers are known better in Japan as sakura. The national flower of Japan has a diplomatic legacy in Washington, D.C. Much like festivities held for the District’s beloved Tidal Basin trees , parades, viewing parties and festivals are popular during peak bloom in Japan. People picnic beneath the falling petals, take photos and spend time with loved ones among thousands of flowering trees.

People picnic under the cherry blossoms in Ueno Park in Tokyo on Friday.

A woman looks at cherry blossoms in bloom at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in Tokyo on Thursday.

People picnic under trees at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in Tokyo on Thursday.

But unlike in D.C., the trees reach peak bloom at the same time Japan begins a new school and business year. At this time of reemergence, the bloom coincides with new beginnings. But this year, peak bloom ran far later than normal; it was the latest bloom of the flowering trees in more than a decade. Last weekend, the blossoms reached a stunning full bloom.

Park goers take photos with the cherry blossom trees at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden on Sunday.

Irwin Wong for The Washington Post

A bridge is packed with park goers at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden on Sunday.

Park goers take photos with the cherry blossoms on Sunday.

Park goers take selfies in front of the trees on Sunday.

Park goers take photos with cherry blossoms in Inokashira Park in Tokyo on Sunday.

Flowering trees grow tall in Inokashira Park in Tokyo.

Largely ignored signs urge people to keep moving in the Nakameguro district in Tokyo on Saturday.

The bridge over the canal in the Nakameguro district is packed with people taking photos.

People take photos of cherry blossoms in the Nakameguro district on Saturday.

Signs in Chidorigafuchi Park warn onlookers not to touch the trees.

People line up on an observation deck in Chidorigafuchi Park on Saturday.

People gather for the cherry blossoms in Chidorigafuchi Park on Saturday.

People head for a subway exit at Kudanshita Station in Tokyo on Saturday to observe the cherry blossoms.

Tourists from all over the world flock to Inokashira Park to see the cherry blossoms.

More from the Post

Advice | Everything you need to know about traveling to Japan this year

A local’s guide to Tokyo

The latest from The Washington Post

Photo editing and production by Lauren Bulbin

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Hoka Just Dropped Comfy, Supportive New Sneakers — and They’re the Perfect Walking Shoes for Travel

They are breathable, blister-proof, and help with overpronation.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Tyler Roeland

As a trail runner and hiker, I love spending time in nature every chance I get, and one of my favorite things to do when I travel to a new city is to get a run in. I have tested many shoe brands on my trips, and no one makes running shoes quite like Hoka (in my humble opinion). So when I got a chance to test out the new Hoka Arahi 7 Running Shoes , I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to take them on a few trips — and was very surprised at how well they performed on both concrete and gravel.

This is the seventh iteration of the brand’s iconic stability running shoe, the Arahi. It is a higher stack height training shoe perfect for those who want full-length medial stability in their daily sneakers. And though deemed running shoes, they also perform well as a daily walking shoe for travel if you’re exploring town and on your feet all day. 

Hoka Arahi 7 Running Shoes

Right off the bat, I noticed that the overall fit of the shoe is quite tapered compared to some of the other Hoka shoes thanks to a new updated flat knit upper. This might be a challenge for someone with a wider foot, but combined with a plush tongue and a signature high-heel collar, my foot and ankle felt quite snug and comfortable. I didn’t have to size up like I sometimes do with other running and hiking shoes. The toe box is still quite roomy, so you do have space to wiggle your toes. But if you want a bit more room in the front of your foot, choose the wide version. And like other Hoka shoes, the heel is slightly wider than the front, which gives your foot a bit more stability when you are running on trail or gravel. 

The Hoka Arahi 7 Running Shoes ’ midsole is made from CMEVA (Compression Molded EVA) and is stiffer and firmer than some of the other shoes in its class. I prefer a firmer shoe especially as I run on trails that have loose rocks and gravel so I don’t have to be concerned about slipping or sliding.

 The shoes also have the brand’s “J-frame” technology, a firm piece of form shaped like the letter J in the EVA midsole that hooks around the heel to the medial side of the foot, which helps mitigate overpronation. (Overpronation is when your gait causes the arches of your feet to flatten more than they normally would. Over time this puts strain on muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support your arches causing a lot of foot pain.)

But don’t just take my word for it. One shopper on Hoka’s website noted that they are the most comfortable shoes they have ever worn. “I have neuropathy from chemo, and I feel so much more secure in my Hokas.”

These shoes are a bit heavier at more than one pound, so if you are looking to pack a pair of running shoes or everyday trainers on your next trip, I would wear these on the flight. Thanks to their streamlined look and updated colorways, they are stylish, and I got quite a few compliments from my fellow passengers when I wore them on my flight. Another shopper agreed with me that they are great power walking shoes. “Easily broken in. Hold up well for a 3-mile power walk,” they added.

The Hoka Arahi 7 Running Shoes are best for beginning runners or those who run moderate distances at an easy to moderate pace which is exactly how I run. It is not an extremely technical shoe so if you are looking for trainers that can multitask as walking and running shoes for everything on your itinerary, these are a great choice.

If you are looking for similar everyday sneakers or running shoes for beginners, check out more popular options below.

More Comfortable Running Shoes:

Salomon sense ride 5 trail-running shoes, brooks divide 4 sneakers, nike air zoom terra kiger 9 trail-running shoes, altra lone peak 8 trail-running shoes .

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Travel could be a good deal this summer. Here's when plane ticket prices will peak.

Spring is springing, and according to Hopper, it’s time to start thinking about your summer vacation plans.

New data from the online booking site shows some favorable trends for travelers in the next few months, including slightly lower airfares compared with 2023 and hotel and car rental prices that are more or less flat year-over-year.

Here’s what you need to know as you prepare to book, whether you’re looking for a domestic getaway or go on an overseas adventure. It’s also not too late to take advantage of deals on some last-minute trips.

How much are spring and summer plane tickets?

According to Hopper, the best deals right now are on domestic airline tickets. Round-trip flights within the U.S. are averaging $290 in April, but prices are expected to rise in the months ahead.

Hopper’s data shows prices for domestic flights will peak between May and June at $315 on average, then will gradually fall through the summer, reaching a low of $264 on average in September.

On a call with investors discussing first-quarter earnings Wednesday, Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian said summer travel demand has been pushed forward in recent years in part because schools, especially in the South, are finishing their summer breaks earlier in the year.

Is airport Wi-Fi safe to use? How to keep your information safe while traveling.

Short vs. long cruises: Which one is right for you? Here's how they compare.

This summer also will be a good time to travel internationally; Hopper data shows fares to most destinations abroad are down compared with last year. 

“Airfare to international destinations continues to improve following two years of bloated prices due to quickly recovering demand, high fuel prices and supply constraints. Airfare to most major regions of the world has dropped compared to last year with the exception of trips to Canada,” Hayley Berg, Hopper’s chief economist, said in the report. “International fares remain higher than pre-pandemic levels to most regions, as higher fuel prices persist and airlines continue to rebuild capacity to many regions.”

How much will a hotel room for the spring and summer cost?

Hotel prices remain mostly flat compared with the same time last year. Rooms in the U.S. are averaging $206 a night; better deals are available in some trending international destinations like Osaka, Japan, and Istanbul, Turkey.

According to Hopper, Las Vegas, New York and Chicago remain popular destinations in the U.S.

Will car rental prices rise this summer?

Car rental prices also haven’t increased much since last year and average $42 a day, according to Hopper.

The report shows most travelers rent a car for about four days, and warm-weather destinations like Orlando and Los Angeles remain popular pickup points.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected].

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MORE FROM VAULT

5 Best Ways To Use Points Or Miles

Melanie Lockert

Credit & Credit Cards Expert

Melanie Lockert is a freelance writer with nearly a decade of experience in the personal finance space. She is the founder of the blog and author of the book “Dear Debt” and paid off $81,000 in student loans. She has an M.A. from New York University and is an LA native based in Brooklyn, NY.

Robert Thorpe

Senior Editor

Robert is a senior editor at Newsweek, specializing in a range of personal finance topics, including credit cards, loans and banking. Prior to Newsweek, he worked at Bankrate as the lead editor for small business loans and as a credit cards writer and editor. He has also written and edited for CreditCards.com, The Points Guy and The Motley Fool Ascent.

Updated April 15, 2024 at 11:26 am

Costs are rising in nearly all sectors, including travel. While travel costs dipped during the COVID-19 pandemic, prices have rebounded and now exceed previous levels.

As of 2022, all travel expenditures for out-of-town trips were 27% higher than 2019 levels, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) . If you’re planning your next getaway, you can lower costs by redeeming the points and miles you rack up with your travel rewards card . But the redemption value of your rewards can vary and some options may be more favorable than others. Here are the five best ways to use your points or miles.

Understanding the value of cash back is simple, but valuing airline miles or points redeemable for travel requires digging a bit deeper. At Newsweek, we’ve developed a common language to talk about the value of points and miles: our valuations.

Our valuations translate points into dollars and cents in a way that reflects reality. They are based on actual data across a balance of accessible redemption options, not just the aspirational first and business class redemptions that require a PhD in miles and points to book. The upshot is that our valuations help you understand the actual value you can easily get from your miles and points.

Vault’s Viewpoint

• Travel costs have increased significantly over the past few years.
• Credit card travel rewards can help lower costs through savvy redemption options.
• The value of points or miles depends on many factors and some options are worth more than others.

Booking a flight for your next trip is now more expensive than it was just a few years ago. Transportation costs for out-of-town trips rose 20% in 2022 compared to 2019, going from $849 to $1,022 allocated, according to BLS data.

To help offset high ticket costs, you can redeem points or miles from a travel rewards card to cover your airfare. Before you book your next flight, be sure to compare the redemption cost versus the cash price. In general, aim for a minimum of one cent per mile or point. But here are the two best ways to maximize your existing points and miles and get even more mileage out of them.

Book a Flight Through Your Credit Card Travel Portal

Credit card travel rewards can often be redeemed through your credit card’s travel portal. This can also be more valuable than other redemption methods.

For example, with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , your points are worth 25% more when you book via Chase Travel.

Through the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, their premium credit card, that boost doubles. When Chase Ultimate Rewards are redeemed via Chase Travel, their value increases by 50%.

So if you have 10,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points and redeem for travel through the Chase Travel portal, your rewards, by our math, are worth $125 with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or $150 with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card.

Transfer Points and Miles to an Airline Partner

Some travel rewards cards give you the option to use their platform to book a flight or to transfer to an eligible airline partner. In some cases, transferring to an airline partner can yield better results.

Transferring points and miles can help you in several ways:

• Eligible bonuses. Airline partners may offer limited-time promotions or bonuses that can increase your miles or points. For example, you may receive a 25% bonus for transferring your points to a partner airline. So if you have 1,000 points, just by transferring you could have 1,250 points or miles.
• Lower award tickets. Every airline has different award brackets and you may be able to score a lower award ticket after transferring. In other words, you may be able to use fewer miles to book a flight when you use a partner airline and still have points or miles left over.
• Get closer to an award. You might have racked up a sizable number of miles on a specific airline but you’re just shy of being able to redeem them for an award flight. If you can transfer points or miles to that airline as a partner, it can help you get closer to an award flight or help you reach the minimum required to book your desired flight.
• Higher redemption value. If you transfer points or miles to an airline partner you could have a higher redemption value. To get the most out of the transfer, look into business and first-class tickets on international flights. While the cash price for these flights may be high, the cost in points or miles may be less than you think and the redemption value could be significantly higher.

2. Hotel Redemptions

While redeeming points and miles for a flight can save you money on your next trip, don’t ignore how much you might save with hotel redemptions.

For context, lodging for out-of-town trips saw the highest increase in travel expenditure categories, increasing 35% from 2019 to 2022, going from $619 to $837 allocated, according to BLS data .

Statista found that the average daily rate of hotels in the United States in 2022 was $148.83. Given that average, lodging for a one-week trip costs over a thousand dollars. Hotel stays can be a major weight on any travel budget. So redeeming free hotel stays is one of the best ways to use points or miles.

You can typically redeem your points or miles to book a hotel stay via your credit card’s portal. In other cases, similar to flights, you may be able to transfer points to eligible hotels. Just make sure that the points or miles you’re transferring have a minimum 1:1 redemption value, or else it’ll defeat the purpose. So if you have 1,000 points, after transferring you’ll have 1,000 points with the hotel.

The best part about redeeming points or miles for hotel stays is the flexibility. You can book a budget-friendly hotel, choose a location in a neighborhood you want or opt for a more luxurious experience. When you use points, some hotel partners may offer special bonuses like a free night after meeting minimum stay requirements or waive resort fees.

3. Peak-Season Travel

Peak-season travel refers to certain periods when travel is at its peak— the busiest times of year to fly. Summertime and any holidays are typically considered peak season and you can expect prices to be much higher compared to off-season travel. Why? Supply and demand.

Let’s say you want to spend the Fourth of July holiday in Paris. A roundtrip flight from New York to Paris from July 1 to July 8 is $900+. Changing dates to October 1 to October 8 results in a flight price of around $500. That $400 difference could go toward accommodations or other travel costs.

Booking peak-season travel is one of the best ways to use points or miles. Your redemption value may go further and can help you travel on a budget when flights are cost-prohibitive. So if you want to travel with your family during the summer when the kids are off or go visit your parents during the holidays, miles and points can put these in reach even if your bank account says otherwise.

4. Off-Peak Travel

Miles and points can save you money during the peak travel period. But you typically need fewer miles and points when you book off-peak travel. In other words, you may be within reach of an award ticket if you choose to fly off-peak. Plus, you’ll have miles or points left over for another trip.

I’ve booked roundtrip tickets to Rome and Madrid during the off-peak travel season for 45,000 American Airlines miles and taxes and fees. Granted, this was before the MileSAAver program was discontinued and dynamic pricing was implemented. While prices now can shift based on a variety of factors, you can see how traveling off-peak can save you miles.

At the time of writing, flying one-way from New York to Rome on April 15, 2024, would cost you 27,000 miles and taxes and fees.

To take the same flight roughly four months later in the heart of summer, you’ll need more than double the number of miles. Instead of paying 27,000 miles and taxes and fees, you’d pay 56,000 miles and taxes and fees—and that’s only one way. Put another way, you could travel round trip off-peak for fewer miles than one-way during peak season.

5. Pool Points and Miles Using Multiple Credit Cards

You may have points and miles scattered across various credit cards. In some cases, you may be able to consolidate your rewards. Combining travel rewards can help boost your balance so you can redeem for airfare, hotel stays and more.

Typically, you can do this if you have more than one card with the same credit card issuer . For example, Multiple Citi credit cards that offer ThankYou Points. And some Chase credit cards offer Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

You may be able to consolidate your points if they’re under the same issuer, typically in your credit card portal. Make sure you’re transferring your points to the card that has a higher redemption value. For example, transferring points from other Chase credit cards to your Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve® could boost your per-point value.

Best Credit Cards To Earn and Redeem Points and Miles

There are so many rewards credit cards on the market, that it can be tough to choose which one is best for you. Consider your goals and travel habits.

• How often do you travel?
• Do you prioritize flying or booking the best hotels?
• Do you always check a bag or only use a carry-on?

Knowing the kind of traveler you are and what you want can help you identify a credit card that makes sense for your situation.

Here are the top options for credit card travel rewards broken down by different categories. It’s always a good idea to look into annual fees, annual percentage rates (APRs), welcome bonuses, spending minimums, perks and customer reviews.

• Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

After spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card has no annual fee with generous benefits in a wide range of categories. It also has no foreign transaction fees and multiple travel redemption options, making it an attractive choice.

Additional information:

Welcome bonus: 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first three months

• 3X points on purchases at restaurants, gas stations and electric vehicle charging stations, as well on travel, transit, select streaming services and phone plans
• 1X points on all other purchases

Citi Premier® Card

After spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com

The Citi Premier® Card has a significant welcome bonus and major earning potential with a range of redemption options. The card has no foreign transaction fees and has a hotel benefit.

Welcome bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening

• 10X points on hotels and car rentals booked through ThankYou.com (through June 30, 2024)
• 3X points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel and hotels
• 1X points on other purchases

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® comes with an annual travel credit, complimentary airport lounge access , and elevated earnings for travel-related purchases. Plus, points are worth even more when redeeming through Chase Travel and can be transferred to other partners.

Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening (worth $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel)

• 10X points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel*
• 10X points on Chase Dining purchases through Ultimate Rewards
• 5X points on flights when you purchase travel through Chase Travel*
• 3X points on other travel (not purchased through Chase)*
• 3X points on dining at restaurants, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out

*Travel-related rewards kick in after the $300 annual travel credit is spent each year.

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card

On CreditCards.com's secure site

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card has compelling rewards like free nights, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, and purchase protection. The card has a generous point structure in a variety of categories.

Additional Information:

Welcome bonus: Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within three months of account opening

• Up to 26X total points on paid hotel stays with IHG Hotels and Resorts (10X points with this card, up to 10X points from IHG® for being an IHG One Rewards Member, up to 6X points from IHG® with Platinum Elite Status)
• 5X points on travel (excluding purchases made at hotels participating in IHG One Rewards that qualify for 10X points), at gas stations and restaurants
• 3X points on all other purchases

The 5 Worst Ways To Redeem Credit Card Rewards

Credit card travel rewards can be a fantastic way to book free or heavily discounted travel. While travel rewards on average are worth one cent per point or mile, with smart redemption options they can be worth much more.

On the other hand, the wrong move could devalue your points or miles, making them worth even less than one cent. Here are the five worst ways to redeem credit card rewards in our view.

• Shopping. Many credit card portals allow you to shop and purchase merchandise. While it can seem like you’re saving money by not paying cash, those points and miles could go further elsewhere.
• Gift cards. While you can use your miles and points for a gift card for your favorite retailer doesn’t mean you should. The value of your travel rewards may be less than one cent, making it a poor redemption option.
• Donations. You may be able to donate your miles or points to a charity and help a good cause. But if the value of your rewards falls below one cent, you’d likely be better off donating cash and using your points and miles on something that can get you more.
• Rental cars. If you need a rental car for your next vacation, using your points and miles can be enticing. Unfortunately, rental car redemptions may also offer lower value under one cent.
• Statement credits. Unlike cash back credit cards, some travel cards like the American Express® Gold Card offer redemption values below one cent when redeeming for statement credits.

How to Calculate the Value of Your Points or Miles

Before redeeming any travel rewards, calculate the value of the points. Ideally, you want the highest redemption value possible, but one cent is the minimum you should aim for. Anything less than that is likely not a good use of points or miles.

To calculate your points or miles, take the cash price of the flight or hotel and divide that by the number of miles or points required.

So if a roundtrip flight you’re looking at is $700 and would cost 54,000 miles, you’d divide 700 by 54,000.

700 / 54,000 = 0.0129

Take that sum and multiply it by 100 to get the per-point value. In this case, that would be 1.29 cents. In this case, it could be a solid redemption option but there may be better ones out there. The key is to calculate the value each time you want to use your points or miles.

If it’s below the one cent threshold you may want to hold on to your points and miles if possible or find a new redemption option that is more favorable. Review all of your options as there are some ways to use points or miles that are better than others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which card is best for international travel.

If you’re traveling internationally, the best credit card to get is one without foreign transaction fees . These fees charge you a small percentage, typically between 1% and 3%, on any transactions made abroad. Some credit cards without foreign transaction fees include:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Capital One Platinum Credit Card

What Credit Score Do I Need for a Travel Rewards Card?

Every credit card issuer has different eligibility recommendations. In general, to get a travel rewards card you’ll need what’s considered a good or excellent credit score. That means a credit score of at least 670 or above.

How Do I Keep My Air Miles From Expiring?

Some travel rewards may have an expiration date for miles. To avoid having your miles expire, you can use the miles, consider a credit card tied to an airline that resets the clock on expiration with purchases, or transfer the miles. Check with your credit card issuer on potential expiration dates and how you can keep your miles current.

Article Sources

At Newsweek Vault, our team of dedicated writers and editors are not just experts in their respective fields but also committed to delivering content that meets the highest standards of journalistic integrity. We analyze primary sources, including peer-reviewed studies, authoritative government sites and insights from leading industry professionals and ensure that every piece of information is researched, fact-checked and presented with accuracy and relevance.

• Consumer expenditures in 2022 . U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Accessed on April 10, 2024.
• Average daily rate of hotels in the United States from 2001 to 2022 . Statista. Accessed on April 10, 2024.

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Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. We may earn a commission from partner links on Newsweek, but commissions do not affect our editors’ opinions or evaluations.

Dynamic pricing is coming for everything in travel

• Updated: Apr. 14, 2024, 11:57 a.m. |
• Published: Apr. 14, 2024, 11:56 a.m.
• NerdWallet | special to cleveland.com

First it was Ubers. Then it was Wendy’s hamburgers (except the fast food chain clarified it was technically dynamic pricing, not surge pricing). But now, the real deal — surge pricing — is targeting your checked bags.

JetBlue quietly (sneakily?) introduced “peak” and “off-peak” pricing to its checked bag fees on March 22, a fact the world was alerted to because my editor happened to check the JetBlue website. That means you have to pay $5 to $10 more each way for checked bags on JetBlue when flying during busy travel times, such as the summer, much of the winter and some random weeks in the spring.

It’s a classic example of surge pricing — a type of dynamic pricing where companies only increase prices during times of high demand, but don’t lower pricing during times of low demand.

Technically, these new dynamic baggage fees won’t affect all customers like the blanket increases some other airlines, such as Alaska and Delta , recently added. Yet they also mean more complication and confusion for customers who are trying to figure out which airline offers the lowest total price for a given route.

Dynamic prices are nothing new in the travel industry. In fact, prices that rise and fall based on the balance of supply and demand are taken for granted in everything from airfare to hotel rooms and rental cars.

What’s new is how these companies are fluctuating the price of the add-on fees many travelers are growing to deplore .

And airlines are increasingly relying on these add-on fees for revenue. In 2023, airlines made a record $117.9 billion worldwide in ancillary fees, according to airline consulting firm IdeaWorksCompany and car rental technology platform CarTrawler. About $33.3 billion of that was baggage fees.

Some industry experts say the move to more fluid fee prices has been a long time coming.

“Airlines have had capabilities for years to price fares based on demand. Why not other fees as well?” says Jay Sorensen, president of IdeaWorksCompany.

Sorenson notes that many airlines have been dynamically adjusting the price of seat assignment fees for years. The cost of choosing a window seat near the front of the plane for a particular flight might cost more in December than in February because of increased demand.

Yet, it seems like airlines have been so preoccupied with whether they can make more money from increasingly complex fee structures that they haven’t stopped to think about whether they should.

What makes a fare fair?

It all comes down to how we think travel companies should price their products. Sorenson thinks we are holding airlines to a standard to which we don’t hold other retailers.

“Shopping for an airline seat is like shopping at a grocery store,” he says. “If the grocery store was required to tell you beforehand how much you were going to spend, it would be ludicrous.”

The base fare is more like the shopping cart into which we toss other add-ons, such as seat assignments, premium seating upgrades and baggage. It’s up to the consumer to compare prices at different airlines, just as it’s on them to compare prices at different grocery stores.

If JetBlue wants to charge more for eggs (baggage) near the holidays, we can decide whether we want to pay the premium or shop with an airline that doesn’t, according to Sorenson.

But I would counter by saying that charging extra for checked baggage on peak dates is more akin to charging extra for the carton that carries your eggs. It feels like a tacked-on “gotcha” fee meant to sneak under most consumers’ radar rather than a meaningful price for a meaningful good.

Whatever you think about dynamic travel fees, it’s clear that they’ll become more common than less in the coming years. What can you do?

Tips for navigating dynamic fees

It’s not reasonable to keep track of which travel providers are charging which fees at which times. I can barely do it, and it’s my entire job.

Instead, it’s worth getting a sense of which airlines tend to charge higher fees overall, and, frankly, avoiding those brands if you want any add-ons at all.

For example, Frontier Airlines charges $157 each way in basic add-on fees while Southwest Airlines charges $0, according to the latest NerdWallet analysis .

So the simplest tip is to fly on Southwest Airlines. It doesn’t have dynamic prices for fees because it has so few fees, period. Two checked bags per person are free.

If that’s not feasible, you might consider getting a co-branded airline credit card, many of which offer free checked bags . Because baggage fees are becoming increasingly complex, this type of credit card lets you avoid the headache of dealing with them altogether, just as paying for Spotify Premium lets you avoid those terrible ads.

Finally, skip seat selection fees if you possibly can. These fees are sneaky and difficult to compare between airlines, but they’re almost always optional. And, as Sorensen points out, they are essentially charging for something that costs the airlines nothing.

“When something is pure margin, my advice to airlines is ‘don’t be so greedy,’” he says.

More From NerdWallet

• Headed to the Paris Olympics? Pack These 6 Essentials
• Ask a Travel Nerd: Why Is Comparing Travel Prices Still So Hard?
• Surviving Costs, Other Drama for a Multigenerational Family Trip

Sam Kemmis writes for NerdWallet. Email: [email protected] . Twitter: @samsambutdif.

The article Dynamic Pricing Is Coming for Everything in Travel originally appeared on NerdWallet.

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