American Express Just Funded 50 Small, Historic Restaurants in the US

Credit card perks are constantly evolving.

For those who like to jet-set, the focus is usually on travel deals. How many points can cardholders earn when they spend abroad? And what can they use those points for during their next vacation? The focus is on value and range of use.

But some credit cards cater to tourists in more roundabout ways.

American Express, for example, just released a list of 50 restaurants that will be added to its Backing Historic Small Restaurants program, which it created in 2020 alongside the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Each restaurant gets $50,000 in grant money to continue operations.

Never heard of the program or its ever-growing list of small, historic restaurants? Don’t worry—it’s for everyone. Though created by American Express, its cardholders don’t have first dibs on reservations or discounts on the final bill. Anyone can explore its list of small, historic restaurants.

And that’s worth exploring for any traveler because supporting local establishments is quickly becoming one of the most important factors in ethical tourism.

Like the Shop Small initiative that American Express launched over a decade ago, it’s all about empowering cardholders to spend their hard-earned money on small businesses. And, via its grant money, it provides these establishments with much-needed funding.

American Express: Backing Historic Small Restaurants

In 2020, American Express teamed up with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which was created by Congress in the late 1940s. Specifically, the program is part of the Trust’s ‘Saving Places’ campaign.

As mentioned above, the goal is to empower cardholders to spend at specific locations that showcase culture, tradition, and—of course—great eats.

So, if you want to eat ethically while also soaking up some of the coolest and most historic local culture on your next trip, you now have 50 new restaurants to check out across the United States. Coupled with previous Backing Historic Small Restaurants grants, American Express has helped fund 180 restaurants around the US, including Puerto Rico.

You can check out this full list and map of small historic restaurants selected to be part of the program from 2021 to present. If you’re a foody who’s always looking for the hidden gem restaurants, I highly recommend perusing the list by searching your destination. There are picks like Route 66 side-of-the-road restaurants to local pizza pubs in rural Kentucky.

9 Things Nobody Tells You About Visiting the Pyramids of Giza

Imagine the most exotic and ancient site known to humankind—what comes to mind?

I’m guessing the pyramids of Egypt made the list. Not only are they the only sites on the lists of both the Ancient and New Seven Wonders of the World, but they’ve also appeared (and reappeared) in movies, films, books, and more for centuries. Even in the realm of academia, the pyramids loom large.

But what do you actually know about the pyramids of Giza and the vast complex they sit on?

Home to three pyramids, the Great Sphinx, and several temples, cemeteries, and archaeological sites, the Giza Pyramid Complex is one of the world’s most popular bucket list destinations.

It also has a somewhat confusing reputation. Though the pyramids are often a hit, the process of getting to the pyramids, experiencing them, and having fun while doing so is a little tougher.

Plus, what about Ancient Egyptian sites beyond Cairo and Giza? Pyramids can be found across the country, after all.

Turns out, there are a lot of things nobody tells you about visiting the pyramids of Egypt.

If you know someone who’s visited them before, I’m willing to bet that they brought up things like aggressive vendors, confusing taxi fares, and hustle and bustle that’s not for the faint of heart.

Is it true or just a rumor? Do tourists need to prepare for scalpers, crowds, and scammers? And what else do visitors heading to the pyramids of Giza need to know to have a good time?

9 things nobody tells you about visiting the Pyramids of Giza

There’s a new museum and visitor center that has streamlined the whole experience

Tourists at the new Giza pyramids visitors center in Giza, Egypt, on Thursday, May 29, 2025. (Islam Safwat/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

For years, the pyramids of Giza have been open to vendors—and some of these vendors have been extremely aggressive, leading to negative experiences. These are pretty well-known in the travel world; those who finally make the pilgrimage to the pyramids of Giza know to steel themselves.

In response, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism has slowly rolled out new renovations since 2021. These include a café, a visitors center, and improved public transportation. According to recent visitors, it has also greatly minimized the number of vendors and scalpers working at the complex.

So, if you’ve been avoiding visiting the pyramids of Egypt because you don’t like aggressive vendors, know that they’re few and far between. At least, on the actual complex grounds.

Vendors are pushy—there’s no way around it

While you shouldn’t face too many scalpers or aggressive vendors on the Giza Pyramid Complex, they’re a known quantity around Cairo. (Giza is just outside Cairo, so you’ll likely stay in the city as you visit.) They know where wealthier tourists stay, and tend to gather around those sites.

If you’re staying at a budget accommodation, you might face fewer. Regardless, anyone who goes out to the bazaars to shop (and you absolutely should) will notice that vendors are very pushy and direct. Prepare for the hustle and be firm with your nos.

You need to prepare for heat and potential episodes of dizziness

Tunnel entrance to the ancient Egyptian pyramid. A long passage in the pyramid of Giza. (Getty)

I’m sure you’re braced for heat if you’ve been planning on visiting the pyramids of Egypt—but don’t forget that from mid-June to mid-August, temperatures rise to a sweltering level. In other words, you really shouldn’t plan to visit during summer break. Or, if you do, make sure to visit the pyramids early in the morning. Temperatures peak around 5-6 pm.

Additionally, the chambers that you can explore inside the pyramids are much smaller than you might think. Some only have wooden planks as walkways, while others include steep inclines. If you’re prone to dizzy spells, plan ahead of time to take Dramamine or a similar medication.

Air pollution is a problem that impacts views

When I researched polluted tourist destinations last year, I was shocked to learn that Cairo’s air quality fluctuates between moderate levels of healthiness and unhealthy levels. That shouldn’t pose a huge risk to tourists just stopping through, unless you’re prone to respiratory issues.

Instead, I’m pointing it out here because it will affect your view of the pyramids when the air quality is worse. Cairo is known for its thick, gray-hued air, meaning it might affect your experience of the pyramids if the city’s air quality hits unhealthy levels.

A guide is the best way to avoid unpleasant experiences

Camels in Giza Pyramid Complex – A woman in a red turban riding a camel across the thin sand dunes – Cairo, Egypt

Booking an official tour guide for the Giza Pyramid Complex is the best way to get the most out of the experience. First, because vendors won’t bother you if you’re with a guide—or, at least, not as much. Second, the pyramids and the complex are massive, highly complicated, and involve ancient history. In other words, you’ll barely skim the surface if you go it alone.

Women will have a very different experience

Solo women travelers recommend dressing modestly if they want to minimize the number of interactions with strangers on the street. Remember: harassment is an issue all over the world, and a topic that women travelers need to be aware of, no matter where they’re wandering. No need to think poorly of Egypt and its millions of gracious men and women.

But you might want to plan to dress to cover up more, like down to the elbows and knees. Plus, you can carry a scarf with you for added coverage as needed. One last tip: sunglasses can help you avoid making eye contact, which can be seen as an invitation.

Don’t forget about Luxor

Queen Hatshepsut Temple is one of the most spectacular ancient Egyptian monuments in Luxor

The Pyramids of Giza take the lion’s share of attention from international tourists—and for good reason, given their scale and historical significance. But don’t forget about Luxor, an Egyptian city located lower on the Nile. Not only is it one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, but it’s also home to dozens of archaeological sites.

That includes the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Luxor Temple, and (my personal favorites) The Ramesseum and Colossi of Memnon. Keep in mind that you can book totally private tours that take you to all the top locations in Luxor and Cairo.

Ride shares are (usually) better than taxis—and you can book one for the pyramids

Taxis are one of the best places to get scammed in Cairo. If you’re worried about being taken for a long ride and overcharged, just book a ride share. Uber is available in Egypt. Or, even better, hire a private driver as part of your tour for the Giza Pyramid Complex. They might also be available for daily pickups/drop-offs at other locations, too.

Winter is the best time to visit if you’re sensitive to heat

Like I already mentioned, temperatures in Egypt turn sweltering during summer. If you’re sensitive to heat and/or want to spend days slowly exploring Egypt’s greatest structures, go during January or February. The holiday crowds will lessen, and temperatures will drop.

According to New Poll, These Are the Best Hotels for Good Sleep

If you sleep well on vacation, consider it a superpower. As with sleeping on planes, getting good shut-eye during a trip is a tough job—even if you’re normally a good sleeper.

There are dozens of ways to deal with trouble sleeping when traveling, from using apps like Sleep Cycle to recreating your at-home bedtime routine.

But all that hard work planning out how to optimize your nightly sleep schedule on vacation won’t mean much if the bed is uncomfortable, walls are paper-thin, and there’s a weird smell emanating from the window.

Sometimes, the difference between poor sleep and a great night’s rest is where you choose to stay. Unfortunately, according to one Amerisleep survey, travelers who stay in vacation rentals report 35% better sleep than their hotel counterparts.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t find a hotel chain where catching some Zs is guaranteed.

When it comes to staying at the best hotels for good sleep, the same study from Amerisleep incorporated feedback from over 1,000 Americans about their sleeping patterns at home versus during vacation.

They blame issues like uncomfortable pillows and mattresses, jet lag, loud neighbors, hallway noise, and room-sharing as main pain points. In fact, the study found that one in five travelers would pay more for a room specifically designed to ensure better sleep.

So, how can you set yourself up for a full night’s rest while staying in hotels? Book a room at one of the best hotels for good sleep, according to other sleepy travelers.

These are the hotel chains that come out ahead.

Best hotels for good sleep according to a traveler survey

Hilton Hotels and Resorts

Hilton has multiple properties with rooms, programs, and even sleep experts available. Their Signia by Hilton Atlanta offers rooms that are designed for better rest and relaxation. Additionally, you can book a ‘Sleep Retreat’ at Grand Wailea, one of their Waldorf Astoria properties in Maui.

Marriott Hotels and Resorts

What Marriott lacks in specific sleep programs, it makes up for with excellent attention to detail. Its properties use either foam or inner-spring mattresses, which travelers consistently rank above mattresses at other chains.

Holiday Inn by IHG

Holiday Inn has been working with experts for years to craft a great sleeping experience for years. Back in 2019, IHG even worked with Harvard sleep experts to rebrand the chain’s approach to sleep, adding things like soft LED lighting for night use and Blue Light solutions for the daytime, helping ‘hack’ your body’s circadian rhythm.

Hampton by Hilton

As a Hilton brand, Hampton Inns are also focused on offering guests a comfortable night’s sleep. To do so, they rely on high-quality mattresses from Serta, which uses a proprietary blend of inner coils and foam. If you’re looking for an affordable and reliably comfortable hotel to get a great night’s sleep, know that Hampton Inn has a bit of a cult following amongst travelers who want guaranteed rest.

Courtyard by Marriott

Similar to Hampton Inn, you can expect Marriott’s overarching focus on great sleep to translate well in its Courtyard brand. What’s the secret ingredient? Once again, it comes down to functional, tested mattresses that use the latest in sleep technology and high-quality materials.

Booking Labor Day Flights? TSA Data on Best & Worst Days to Fly

Tempted to make it out to a Labor Day party at the last minute, but need to book a flight?

You’re probably running out of affordable options already. Worse, you might be hamstrung when it comes to selecting the best flying date.

Each year, data from the TSA and AAA helps many Americans avoid the biggest traffic jams, whether at the airport or on the road.

If you plan on making a last-minute flight purchase, use this year’s latest TSA data to make the perfect selection—one that’s less likely to get delayed and be overbooked.

These are the best and worst days to fly over the upcoming Labor Day holiday, according to TSA data from the last five years that’s been broken down and analyzed by the great minds at NerdWallet.

Best and worst days to fly over Labor Day, according to TSA Data

The best days to fly out for Labor Day weekend are Tuesday, August 26^th, or Saturday, August 30^th.

Statistically, the Tuesday before Labor Day has been the least busy day at major airports around the country. (Here’s your reminder that Tuesdays, in general, are often viewed as the slowest travel day in terms of air travel.) If you can’t make it on Tuesday, wait for Saturday—it’ll also be relatively slow compared to Thursday and Friday.

The best days to fly back from Labor Day weekend are Sunday, August 31st, or Tuesday, September 2nd.

Obviously, you need to make a sacrifice if you want to save on flights home and minimize the risk of delayed and/or overbooked flights. But if you don’t have any big plans for the actual day off, then leaving that Sunday can save you some hassle. If not, wait until Tuesday, September 2, or even Wednesday, September 3.

What about the worst days to fly over Labor Day weekend?

Avoid leaving for Labor Day on Friday, August 29^th. Airports have historically been the busiest on the Friday before the holiday, as millions of Americans wait until after work to fly out for the weekend. According to NerdWallet, it’s also the priciest day to fly.

Additionally, avoid flying on the actual holiday, September 1^st. TSA data from the last five years shows that this is the busiest day in terms of air travel for the whole weekend.

What Are RFID Wallets? Plus, the Best Travel Wallets in 2025

Travel wallets—just another travel product to have in your arsenal, right?

That might be the case with some travel wallets, which are simply designed for travel usage. Compared to a slimmer, more discreet wallet, these products let you neatly store your cards, passport, and even boarding passes.

But there’s a new sheriff in town: the RFID travel wallet. This unique variation comes with special technology that protects your credit cards while traveling abroad, preventing scammers from RFID skimming.

But that’s a techy concept that not many people are familiar with. So, what are FRID travel wallets? And where can you find the best travel wallets for your needs? Let’s dive in.

Wait, what are RFID wallets?

Almost all credit and debit cards have an RFID chip—and passports, too. RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification. It’s what enables you to make a payment by tapping, and is also the same type of technology that’s behind new touchless passports.

It’s also the technology behind those famous Airtags, letting you track pets and children and luggage from your smartphone.

If you really want to dig into the tech behind RFID communication and its use cases, TechTarget has a comprehensive breakdown.

Just know this: When it comes to RFID travel wallets, the goal is to prevent criminals from scanning the cards and passport(s) in your wallet by using special materials. Usually, RFID wallets rely on materials like metallic foil, conductive fabrics, and even carbon fiber. These block radio waves from reaching your RFID-enabled belongings.

In other words, RFID travel wallets protect your financial and personal information while you travel. But know that this type of protection can be as simple as wrapping your wallet in aluminum foil—no need to spend hundreds on a great product. Now onto the best RFID travel wallets on the market.

Best travel wallets with RFID

Travel wallets that don’t come with RFID-blocking technology are purely designed for organizational ease. But if you’re going to opt for a travel wallet in 2025, you might as well go for those advanced RFID features.

Who knows what tourist scams will emerge in the coming decade? You might be ahead of the pack when it comes to security.

Best travel wallets in 2025:

Mexico City Tourism: A Pro Tour Guide Shares 7 Tips with Me

If you’ve been feeling a little conflicted about visiting Mexico City recently, you aren’t alone. Protests related to rising housing costs, unregulated tourist rentals, and issues like gentrification swept through the city, culminating in a major protest in early July.

But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit Mexico City as an American.

It just means you need to be mindful about how you visit, where you go, and what you do. The more time you spend at local sites and the more money you funnel directly into locals’ hands, the better. In some cases, being a good tourist is as simple as visiting the neighborhood bakery and café instead of going to Starbucks.

Of course, that’s a paltry explanation of the complexities driving anti-tourism sentiment in Mexico City—but I think the protests are touching on a global theme right now.

And that theme revolves around who benefits from tourism. Simply put, both locals and visitors should benefit from tourism in terms of profit and experience, but that’s not the case, partly thanks to the presence and dominance of large, established companies.

Want to take a peek behind the curtain?

Let’s get to know Mexico City tourism through the lens of one of its best tour guides, Enrique of ToursByLocals. He has the inside scoop on what being a tour guide in CDMX is like, along with a few tips that can help you visit Mexico City feeling empowered.

If you’ve been looking for a great local guide to help you plan your trip to Mexico City, consider this your sign to book a tour or even a multi-day trip with Enrique. (He has a perfect five-star rating based on almost 300 reviews… just saying.)

What you need to know about Mexico City tourism from Enrique

Scoop #1: It’s not just about knowing where to go in the city, but also outside it

Mexico City is famously one of the largest cities in the Americas, second only to Brazil’s São Paolo. I doubt I need to explain why having a qualified, passionate local guide on your side is so essential to planning a great trip.

But Enrique points out that working with a local like him isn’t just about knowing where to go inside the city—it’s also about knowing where to find the hidden gems and wonders beyond the metropolis. Enrique loves to take visitors to the hills surrounding the city for great views, along with a look at the lush forests and colorful outposts like Tepoztlán.

Scoop #2: The longer the tour, the deeper the connection

One of Enrique’s favorite experiences was the chance to take a family from New York to Mexico City, Puebla, and Oaxaca on an 11-day adventure. Because the tour was longer, Enrique had the chance to get to know the families while also showing them his favorite places. That’s a pretty peak travel experience, in my opinion, because it’s based on exchange and personal connections, instead of just ‘seeing the sights’.

The longer your trip, the more immersion you get to experience. Plus, the more chances you have to connect with locals—and especially a private tour guide.

Scoop #3: It’s all about hometown love

When I asked Enrique what makes him so passionate about introducing visitors to his world, he simply said that it’s the same feeling as showing a friend your hometown. In short, he loves the chance to put together a trip that his guests will talk about for months or years to come.

I think that’s an element of hometown pride that we’ve all felt when hosting visitors before—and it also showcases the human and cultural side of travel. Local guides aren’t just showing you major landmarks and tourist attractions; they’re taking you ‘into the fold’, so to speak.

Scoop #4: Self-guided tours and walks usually spell confusion

Want to know one thing Enrique really wishes tourists heading to Mexico City knew? He gets a little bummed seeing tourists using books and audio guides on their phones to figure out how to get around and what to do. Again, Mexico City is massive, and Enrique doesn’t like to see people lost and confused.

Don’t skimp out on actual tour guides to try to DIY your Mexico City adventure—it’s too big, too complex, and you’re going to miss out on a lot of the good stuff. Enrique wants visitors to be able to relax and get around with ease instead of getting turned around. Obviously, local guides are the way to go to avoid this type of experience.

Scoop #5: Tipping is welcome, but bargaining might not be

Remember that it’s normal to tip in Mexico—and, according to Enrique, is encouraged. Even leaving a little tip after a meal or tipping a driver can go a long way. However, one thing that Enrique advises travelers to reconsider is bargaining with vendors and artisans, especially over small amounts.

Technically, it’s okay to bargain with street vendors—but they aren’t fighting for a higher price to scam you. They just want to go home after a long day of work comfortably. And remember that in formal places you should not be bargaining at all, like a restaurant, for example.

Scoop #6: Enrique would love to visit Thailand

So far, Enrique has traveled around Canada, Central America, and Europe—but he’s dying to make it to Thailand next. It’s high on his bucket list.