Is the Virgin Red Rewards Mastercard® Worth the Hype? Here's the BBD Breakdown
By: Ben Komenkul Published on: 11/04/2025If you're a fan of Virgin Atlantic flights, love staying at trendy Virgin Hotels, or cruising on Virgin Voyages, there's a shiny credit card you should know about—the Virgin Red Rewards Mastercard®. Issued by Synchrony Bank, this card comes packed with perks tailored specifically for the Virgin brand enthusiast. But is it worth adding to your wallet? Let's dive in, BBD style.
You're absolutely right—the biggest flex in award travel history is ending, and you've got just two months left to take advantage of it.
By: Ben Komenkul Published on: 09/04/2025ANA’s Round-the-World (RTW) award ticket through the Star Alliance has long been one of the best ways to stretch your points and see multiple continents for a fraction of what you'd pay booking each leg separately. As of June 24, 2025, ANA will stop issuing these RTW awards. So if this has ever been on your bucket list, now’s the time to act.
Thailand's New Entry Requirement: What You Need to Know About the Digital TM6 Form Starting May 1, 2025
By: Ben Komenkul Published on: 07/04/2025If you’re planning a trip to Thailand this year, there’s a major update you need to know before you pack your bags. Starting May 1, 2025, all foreign travelers must complete a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)—the new online version of the TM6 immigration form—before they enter the country. This digital form replaces the old paper version and is designed to streamline border processing, improve safety, and help the Thai government better track who’s entering and exiting the country.
IHG Just Acquired Ruby Hotels – And Here’s Why That’s a Big Deal for You (and Ben's Big Deal)
By: Ben Komenkul Published on: 28/03/2025IHG One Rewards members, take note — there’s a shiny new boutique hotel brand coming into the fold, and it’s called Ruby. On February 18, 2025, IHG announced the acquisition of its 20th hotel brand, Ruby Hotels, for €110.5 million (around $116 million). This isn’t just another hotel brand with a fancy lobby and pillow menu — Ruby Hotels brings something fresh to the IHG family: “lean luxury” in the heart of Europe’s most vibrant cities.
