Ever see a points sale and think, wow, that looks like a bargain? Before you buy, there's one question to ask: What would you actually pay in cash for this trip? If a business-class ticket costs $4,000 but you'd really only pay $500 for economy, that $500 is the number that matters. We break down how to tell when buying points and miles makes sense, when it doesn't, and why a sale isn't automatically a deal.

Hilton's co-branded credit cards are also offering elevated welcome bonuses right now, and two cards in particular caught our attention with some of the best offers we've seen: the Hilton Honors American Express® Surpass® Card and Hilton Honors American Express® Aspire Card. We look at what these offers actually get you, from Hilton elite status to free night certificates, and whether either card belongs in your wallet.

TSA may also be getting closer to letting some PreCheck travelers bring full water bottles through security at airports with newer scanners, although nothing is confirmed yet. We explain what TSA is considering and what it could mean for your next trip.

Rove is a free travel rewards program that lets you earn transferable Rove Miles on hotels, flights, dining, and shopping using the credit cards you already have.

The real standout is hotels. Book a Loyalty Eligible rate through Rove and you can earn Rove Miles alongside your hotel points and elite night credits. Departure Digest listeners get a 1,000-mile welcome bonus instantly upon joining.

Plenty of museums run free admission days. It's worth checking the calendar before you buy tickets.

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