✈ Why You Should Try River Cruising, Peak Leaf-Peeping Season Is Here & More From TPG ✈

Also: The world's most powerful passport

October 16, 2025 View in browser         TOGETHER WITH     TOGETHER WITH

Get a front-row seat to spectacular sights by Gene Sloan, Cruise team lead Hi TPG readers! I'm Gene Sloan, TPG's cruise team lead. If you subscribe to TPG's biweekly cruise newsletter, you might already know I've been doing a lot of river cruising lately. In just the last few months, I've sailed the Nile on a lovely new AmaWaterways vessel and tested Avalon Waterways and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises ships in France's Bordeaux wine region. But I know I'm an outlier. Despite the rapid growth of the number of people taking river cruises, most Americans have yet to try one for the first time, and some say they never will. If you fall into the latter camp, I have some advice for you: Don't knock it until you've tried it. As TPG is explaining this month in a collection of 20 guides and experiential stories about river cruising, river cruise ships can be: The best way to experience iconic destinations: As I share in my ultimate guide to Nile river cruising, there is no better way to see the ancient splendors of Egypt than by river ship. The same goes for the vineyards of Portugal's Douro Valley and the historic sites of southern France. A particularly intimate way to travel: The typical river ship has fewer than 100 rooms, and some have fewer than 50. The rooms can be quite elegant and unique, often with the feel of a stylish boutique hotel — albeit one that just happens to float. An easy way to travel: As the saying goes, "You only have to unpack once" on a river cruise. No switching hotels while touring. And river cruise lines typically take care of everything you need when exploring an area, from included tours during every stop to meals, drinks and entertainment. Ready to set sail on a river cruise? Check out these additional guides and don't forget to sign up for TPG's biweekly cruise newsletter: The best times to cruise on rivers around the world The ultimate guide to river cruises in Europe Why a river cruise is the best way to see some destinations How much does a river cruise cost? Not as much as you might think Are river cruises just for older travelers? The answer might surprise you Posts in this newsletter contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products, and this may impact how or where they appear. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page. Photo Credit: AMAWATERWAYS.

TOGETHER WITH Easy to earn. Easy to love. Earn unlimited 2x miles, plus get elevated travel benefits with a reasonable annual fee with Venture X. Terms apply. Learn more

Today's top stories Peak leaf-peeping season is here: Where to see spectacular fall foliage across the US in 2025 From New England to the Pacific Northwest, these are the best places to see fall foliage in 2025. Read more The US no longer ranks among the world's 10 most powerful passports The Singaporean passport retains its title as the most powerful passport in the world for the second year in a row. Read more Ending soon: Earn up to 125K points with the Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex offer If you max out the free night award at 50,000 points, this offer could be worth up to 175,000 points. Read more Accor's Delano brand to open in NYC and London following return to Miami Delano is opening new hotels in New York City and London following its return to Miami Beach. Read more This new travel company will pair you with an expert local guide to plan the trip of your dreams Lonely Planet Journeys is a new travel company that helps travelers plan trips with the help of expert local guides. Read more

The latest 1. A historic DC treasure with refreshed rooms remains a top choice for IHG loyalists 2. American Express Gold vs. American Express Platinum: Which one is right for you? 3. How to maximize benefits with the American Express Platinum 4. The best credit card welcome bonuses of October 2025 5. Why this intimate, new AmaWaterways vessel is a top choice for Nile river cruises 6. Here's what you can book right now to take advantage of this month's generous credit card transfer bonuses 7. Delta says 'no thanks' to growing air travel trend, will keep big planes on long flights 8. Nile River cruises: The ultimate guide to Egypt cruising and cruise tours 9. Southwest's 'major milestone': First plane with new, modern cabin debuts this week 10. The best credit cards for a diversified reward strategy

You are receiving this email because you opted in at thepointsguy.com. Where to find us: The Points Guy 100 5th Ave., 16th Floor New York, NY 10011 USA USA If this newsletter was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here. Changed your mind? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe at any time. Advertiser Disclosure: The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. THE POINTS GUY © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2025