Want more UnitedPlus Miles? Leverage your credit card purchases for upgrades and travel

Do you put your groceries, dog daycare, cell phone bills on your credit card? If so you can earn miles for every purchase. My preferred travel credit card (and I’ve had so many) is the United MileagePlus Quest Visa.

I’ve had a few different United Chase cards, and my favorite right now is the Quest Card. It has a $250 yearly fee, half of which you’ll automatically earn back as a $125 statement credit when you make a purchase on United.

This year I also used the $100 TSA Precheck Credit to renew my son’s TSA privileges. And you’ll save 25% on in flight purchases. And you’ll get free first AND second checked bags for you and one traveling companion.

I earn 1 mile per $1 charged and 2 miles for travel and streaming services (hello Netflix and Peacock!). 2024 has been full of spending promos and I’ve earned over 10,000 miles for meeting spending challenges.

But the big reason I chose the MileagePlus Quest Visa is that I can earn 6,000 PQP toward United MileagePlus Status. I’m on year 3 of Silver Status, and this card made is possible to keep my status for 2025. This means complimentary Economy Plus seating and upgrades when available. I’ve used the miles I’ve earned to pay for my son’s trip to London this summer and also for seat upgrades and to cover the $250 annual fee. There’s no way you won’t win with this card.

You’ll get 60,000 points and 500 PQP when you sign up and meet a spending challenge if you use this link: Lock in that free airfare and status now.

America’s Last Frontier: Looking to book Alaska in 2025? Now is the time to finalize your itinerary to enjoy wilderness and wildlife.

As a Fora Travel Advisor, I’m getting lots of requests to book Alaska for 2025.

The window to travel to Alaska is very short – mid May to mid September. Want to see the Northern Lights? Go in September. Want fewer crowds and gorgeous landscapes, do what I did in May 2024 and do a land tour with Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises.

Denali, May 2024

Not sure what kind of trip to plan, then set up a travel consultation with me to discuss your options. I recommend you have 10 days to travel, choose a good playlist on Spotify and enjoy the scenery.

Denali 2024

What else is hot this month? Planning that trip to New England. I often recommend visiting Portland in the “off season” (November – May), where you’ll enjoy lower hotel prices, the best meals and up and coming restaurants, and, as always, spectacular coastal views.

Inn By the Sea, September 2024

Check out Fora’s newly published guide to hotels in Portland, Maine where you’ll find quotes from yours truly and other Fora advisors who know quality and can introduce you to good times in this coastal gem.

Comment below if you’ve been to Portland with your favorite hotel or activity!