Are Vacations In Mexico Getting Pricier For American Tourists?

Cancun Mexico strip at sunset - Mexico security measures increasing

Cancun Mexico strip at sunset – Mexico security measures increasing

As Americans plan their summer getaways to Mexico, they should brace themselves for potentially higher expenses compared to previous seasons, primarily due to the strengthening Mexican Peso against the U.S. Dollar.

In the same period last year, it took around 20.50 Mexican Pesos to purchase one American dollar. However, in recent months, the exchange rate has shifted, with one dollar now being equivalent to about 17 pesos. This three-peso reduction diminishes the purchasing power of the U.S. Dollar in Mexico, resulting in increased costs for typical tourist purchases.

The average taxi journey from Cancun airport to downtown Cancun costs $1,400 pesos, which has increased to $82 using the new improved rate. A cocktail in a club in downtown Mexico City costs around 185 pesos, or $10.73, while a luxury hotel stay averages $217 per night due to the skyrocketing peso value.

The value of the dollar in Mexico has dropped below its long-term average of 20 pesos, a minor difference that can significantly impact discretionary funds. Travelers considering a trip to Mexico might save money by waiting for a more favorable exchange rate if their schedule allows for flexibility.

Due to limitations on the amount of cash that can be brought across the border, many tourists rely on credit cards during their visit. However, it is crucial for Americans visiting Mexico to be aware of the various exchange rates they may encounter while dining or paying for other vacation expenses.

Credit Card Fees

When settling the bill, tourists face three different exchange rates. Opting for the wrong one can result in more expensive costs. The first-rate is the cash-to-dollars rate offered by the establishment, which often tends to be the least favorable. If travelers have obtained a favorable exchange rate

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2 IHG Rewards Credit Cards Debut Bigger Sign-Up Bonuses

Two of the three IHG Rewards credit cards have new sign-up bonuses — and one is the card’s highest-ever points…

Two of the three IHG Rewards credit cards have new sign-up bonuses — and one is the card’s highest-ever points offer. The bonuses became available Jan. 26 on the co-branded cards issued by Chase.

Consumers who regularly spend at IHG hotels and resorts, such as Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites and Hotel Indigo, might want to consider getting a card. You can redeem your points for free stays, with nights starting at 10,000 points.

IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card

Annual fee: $99.

Sign-up bonus: 175,000 for spending at least $3,000 in the first three months with an account, the best-ever sign-up bonus on this card. Previously, new cardholders could earn 140,000 bonus points for the same spending.

Rewards: It’s possible to earn up to 26 points per dollar at IHG properties. You’ll get five points per dollar on travel, gas station and restaurant purchases, and three points per dollar on all other spending.

Select benefits: Cardholders get Platinum Elite status in IHG One Rewards, unlocking perks including free room upgrades and amenities. The card also comes with a statement credit of up to $100 every four years to cover the application fee for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus. You’ll get a reward night each year after your account anniversary, and when you redeem your rewards for four or more eligible nights in a row, you’ll get every fourth night free.

IHG Rewards Traveler Credit Card

Annual fee: $0.

Sign-up bonus: 120,000 bonus points to cardholders who spend at least $2,000 in their first three months with the card, a 40,000-point increase over the previous offer.

Rewards: It’s possible to earn up to

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Best Credit Cards for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry for March 2023

TSA Precheck and Global Entry are two programs that can help you skip the lines in crowded airports. They’re not free, but some travel credit cards offer reimbursement for membership as a travel perk. A lot of these cards are premium travel cards that have several-hundred-dollar annual fees, but there are also some more affordable options available.

While all credit cards with TSA Precheck and Global Entry perks offer the same monetary credit for these programs, we’ve analyzed these cards’ rewards programs, welcome bonuses, annual fees and other travel perks to distinguish the best picks. Below, we explain the benefits of TSA Precheck and Global Entry, review the best credit card options, how to choose between TSA Precheck and Global Entry, and how to apply to each.

What are TSA Precheck and Global Entry?

Both travel programs allow you to cut through some of the red tape at the airport and can improve your travel experience. Here’s what they offer and how they differ.

TSA Precheck costs $85 for five years and offers a dedicated security line to expedite members through. You also don’t have to remove your shoes, belt, laptop, acceptable liquids or jackets as you go through airport security. 

Global Entry costs $100 for five years and focuses more on US citizens arriving back in the States after a trip abroad. It expedites the path through customs for those who are deemed low-risk for security issues. Global Entry clearance also includes clearance for TSA Precheck, so you get the value of both programs for just $15 more.

With both programs, you need to be preapproved before heading to the airport. 

Read more: Best American Airlines Credit Cards

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Quick Look

Intro Offer

75,000 miles



Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases

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What Is TSA PreCheck? Requirements, Benefits, More

Travelers often dread going through TSA security lines, but by signing up for TSA PreCheck, you can save a lot of time and hassle at airport security.

Exactly how much time can you save? We’ll put it this way: In June 2021, 97% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than five minutes at airport security.

Travelers with TSA PreCheck can use dedicated security lines, keep their shoes on and leave their 3-1-1 liquids and laptops in their bags. These benefits are available when flying on dozens of airlines at over 200 airports.

Here, we answer your questions: What is TSA PreCheck, how much does it cost and how can you get it for free?

TSA PreCheck is a membership program that offers dedicated airport security lines and streamlined screening at a few hundred airports across the U.S.

Upon approval, members receive a Known Traveler Number that lets the airlines know that you are eligible for TSA PreCheck benefits.

More than 80 airlines participate in TSA PreCheck to provide a smoother airport screening process. Simply add your Known Traveler Number to your flight reservations to receive a “TSA PreCheck” designation on your boarding pass and use the dedicated security lines. On some flights you may not receive TSA PreCheck benefits based on the airline you’re flying, which airport you are flying from or TSA procedures.

Children 12 and under do not need their own TSA PreCheck membership. As long as they are traveling with an adult who is a member, they can use the TSA Security lanes too.

Differences between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

  • TSA PreCheck makes domestic travel simpler, offering dedicated airport security lanes, lower application fees and several locations where you can enroll.

  • Global Entry, on the other hand, is best for international travelers. This program includes

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Air NZ restarts, and stops, flights to and from Auckland

The airline initially opened up domestic flights Tuesday afternoon but had to stop due to high winds at Auckland Airport.

Air New Zealand’s turboprop aircraft will not be flying to New Plymouth, Napier or Gisborne today.

UPDATE: Air New Zealand has now cancelled all domestic flights in and out of Auckland for the rest of the day – a move expected to affect about 55 flights.

Just after 4pm Tuesday, Air New Zealand’s chief operational integrity and safety officer Captain David Morgan said the strength and direction of

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Best Credit Cards for Free Global Entry and TSA PreCheck in March 2023 (Updated Monthly)

Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the author’s opinions and recommendations alone. It may not have been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. This site may be compensated through a credit card issuer partnership.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Citi is an advertising partner.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Jump to

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are must-haves in every frequent traveler’s toolkit, saving you valuable time at the airport. Even better, you can get this perk at no cost with the right credit card.

The best cards that provide a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit are premium travel cards that reward you for spending on dining and travel or loyalty to an airline or hotel chain.

Compare the best Global Entry and TSA PreCheck credit cards of 2023

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel 660 – 850 $95
United℠ Explorer Card
United℠ Explorer Card
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. 660 – 850 $0 Intro for the First Year, then $95
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase Sapphire Reserve<sup>®</sup>
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $900
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6 Best Credit Cards With Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Benefits

Most airport regulars know of reliable ways to avoid the most egregious lines. Those who fly often enough to qualify for the higher ranks of airline frequent flyer status can typically bypass ticketing lines and head straight to the counter. Those with coveted airport lounge memberships — often a perk of elite flyer status — don’t need to wait for counter service at public terminal eateries and watering holes.

And those willing to endure a lengthy vetting process may qualify for two federal programs that confer expedited entry privileges at airport security checkpoints and U.S. points of entry: Global Entry and TSA PreCheck.

Unlike frequent flyer status and airport lounge privileges, expedited entry isn’t an automatic perk of high-end travel rewards credit cards. Everyone must go through the same application and vetting process, with no guarantee of approval.

Best Credit Cards for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck

But many premium travel rewards credit cards extend a financial incentive to TSA PreCheck and Global Entry applicants: a credit against the programs’ application fees. With Global Entry application fees clocking in at $100 and PreCheck’s at $85, and both programs requiring reapplication every five years, this credit is worth up to $20 per year.

Unless noted otherwise, each card credits only the first application fee charged to the card: $85 for TSA PreCheck or $100 for Global Entry. Cardholders generally cannot receive credit for more than one application fee within a five-year period. Credits appear on card statements, usually within one statement cycle of payment.

Without further ado, these are the best credit cards for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck application fee credits.

1. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

2x Miles on Most Eligible Purchases; 5x Miles on Hotel and Car Rental Purchases Made Through Capital One Travel

Capital One Venture Card Art 4 23 21

The Capital

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How to Get Through Airport Security Faster

a laptop is placed into a bin at the security checkpoint at the airport to go through the scanner.
Photo credit: Monkey Business Images via Shutterstock

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and buy, SheBuysTravel may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.

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What’s your biggest travel hassle? Mine’s a long, slow-moving airport security line. There’s nothing worse than waking up before dawn, getting to the airport and creeping along a never-ending TSA line. Having to unpack half of your luggage and strip off your jewelry, belt and shoes is no way to start a dream vacation.

Thankfully, there are a host of ways to zip through TSA security lines.

Here’s a look at the programs that allow you to buy your way to a shorter line, plus tips for speeding up airport trips without spending any extra cash.

@shebuystravel

TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry vs CLEAR: Information + How to Apply! #shebuystravel #tsaprecheckvsglobalentry #tsaprecheckbenefits #tsaprecheckapplication #tsaprecheck #globalentry #globalentrytips #globalentryinterview #globalentry✈️ #clear #clearairport #airportsecurity #airporttips

♬ Lo-fi hip hop – NAO-K

Read More: Airport Travel Outfits that are Both Cute and Comfy

TSA PreCheck

To help you get through airport security faster, the Transportation Security Administration offers US citizens and permanent residents over 13 years old its own program to streamline airport visits. If you have younger children, don’t be discouraged – kids 12 and under can enjoy all the perks of PreCheck when traveling with a parent or guardian who is a member.

The program allows members to skip long lines by entering a separate TSA queue for ID check and security. Plus, members are spared the hassle of taking off shoes, belts and light jackets as well as removing cell phones and larger electronics from their carry-on bags.

That saves tons of time at security checkpoints. In December 2022, one of the busiest months of

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Best Credit Cards for TSA PreCheck & Global Entry

FULL LIST OF EDITORIAL PICKS: BEST CREDIT CARDS FOR TSA PRECHECK AND GLOBAL ENTRY

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Our pick for: Simple travel rewards

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is probably the best-known general-purpose travel credit card, thanks to its ubiquitous advertising. You earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases. Miles can be redeemed at a value of 1 cent apiece for any travel purchase, without the blackout dates and other restrictions of branded hotel and airline cards. The card offers a great sign-up bonus and other worthwhile perks. Read our review.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Our pick for: Richer rewards for frequent travelers

The high annual fee on the Chase Sapphire Reserve® gives many potential applicants pause, but frequent travelers should be able to wring enough value out of this card to more than make up for the cost. Cardholders get bonus rewards (up to 10X) on dining and travel, a fat bonus offer, annual travel credits, airport lounge access, and a 50% boost in point value when redeeming points for travel booked through Chase. Points can also be transferred to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. Read our review. 

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Our pick for: Luxury travel perks and credits

The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with a hefty annual fee, but travelers who like to go in style (and aren’t afraid to pay for comfort) can more than get their money’s worth. Enjoy extensive airport lounge access, hundreds of dollars a year in travel and shopping credits, hotel benefits and more. That’s not even getting into the high rewards rate on eligible travel purchases and the rich welcome offer for new cardholders.
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IHG One Rewards guide

Holiday Inn holiday

Hero Images/Getty Images

The InterContinental Hotels Group includes 18 hotel brands and over 6,000 hotels around the world. A stay with the InterContinental Hotels Group could include a luxury vacation at a Hotel Indigo, an InterContinental resort property or a Crowne Plaza, or a quick stop at a local property like a Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express or Staybridge Suites, among others.

This hotel group also has a loyalty program, IHG One Rewards. In this guide, we’ll explain how the IHG One Rewards program works, how to earn points and the best ways to use them.

IHG One Rewards basics

In early 2022, the InterContinental Hotels Group revamped its loyalty program. In addition to changing its name from IHG Rewards Club to IHG One Rewards, it now offers more benefits, redemption methods and elite status tiers. Members will continue to earn points on hotel stays and more, which can then be used for free nights, airline miles, merchandise and a handful of other redemption options.

As of November 2022, free hotel stays within IHG One Rewards start at just 5,000 points (previously, they started at 10,000 points). Plus, you can pay for a redemption entirely with points or a combination of points and cash. And like other hotel programs, IHG One Rewards has elite status tiers you can earn, which come with more travel perks.

How to sign up for IHG One Rewards

To sign up for IHG One Rewards, head to the IHG website and click on “IHG One Rewards” in the top-right corner. Then, scroll down on the rewards page and click “Join for free.” On the enrollment page, you’ll enter information like your name, email address, home address, country of residence and password to create your account.

Once you provide the information required to create

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