URs for the red carpet with the stars, the loyalty program you’re ignoring, and more

Welcome to the Frequent Miler Week in Review Around the Web where we recap some interesting reads from around the ‘net. This week, we have posts about a loyalty program you’re probably ignoring, bonus features that make ITA Matrix great, an evening with the stars, and more. Read on:

The best hotel loyalty plan you might not be using

I’m kind of a free agent when it comes to hotel loyalty — a fact that may have been amplified by my recent fun Wyndham redemption — so when I spot an article about a loyalty program I’ve been ignoring, I’m always interested. Travel Skills writes about a program that gets ignored because it doesn’t focus on the glamorous or flashy — but between its footprint and current promotions, it might be worth a glance. Check out the linked post within about some of the nicest hotels in the chain for a number of properties that might surprise you.

Bonus Features that Maximize the Value of ITA Matrix

Several years ago, I attended my first FTU. At that event, I saw Scott Mackenzie of Travel Codex speak about ITA Matrix — and I learned a ton about how to use this valuable tool. While I love Google flights and many of its features (See: How to find great business class fares with Google Flights), ITA Matrix has so many useful tools that I often find myself using it in conjunction with Google Flights. Scott wrote several parts in a series this week — be sure to see the other posts he linked to in this one if you’re new to ITA — and in this piece, he covers some of the bonus features that you might not know are there.

How to Get Into the Emmys Without Being a Star

One of the things that both Greg and I love the most about the miles and points hobby is that it presents opportunities that we never would have considered without miles and points. In this post, Johnny Jet gives us the inside view of one such opportunity. It’s definitely not the maximum value per point and it won’t appeal to everyone, but I had fun reading about the experience.

Everything You Need To Know About Insurance & Credit Scores

Credit: it’s not just for scoring signup bonuses and buying a home. Your credit score could also be a key factor when it comes to insurance premiums. In this guest post at Doctor of Credit, Parker Bonnell of Honesty Policy tackles some key information to consider with regard your credit’s effect on your insurance.

Dealing With A PayPal Chargeback

I wrote this week about one type of eBay scam. Mark Ostermann at Miles to Memories writes about another. I’ve been in his shoes on this one before as well — with similar results (so far). This is more good advice on protecting yourself and using common sense when you’re reselling on any platform.

That’s it for this week around the web. Check back soon for this week’s last chance deals.

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