Carissa Rawson Latest Posts

Freelance Contributor
Distance Traveled in 2025
Visited in 2025

Carissa joined the AwardWallet team in 2023 as an editor and writer, though she’s been around the block a time or two when it comes to award travel.

Since first learning that there was such as thing as ‘free travel,’ she’s made her way to 60 countries and all 7 continents, though the last was a little bit frigid for her taste. She’s redeemed millions of miles and made more stupid mileage runs than one should ever hope, but all her friends and family love her anyway.

With a double handful of hotel and airline elite statuses (including United 1K and Hyatt Globalist), you can frequently find Carissa waxing lyrical about complimentary upgrades and free food.

When she’s not writing about points and miles, you can find her reading about points and miles or traveling using points and miles.

Capital One Venture X Card: The Ultimate Guide to Features, Benefits, and Rewards

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium travel credit card made to be accessible. Although it has an expensive annual fee, it still charges far less than the competition while managing to offer great benefits. These include a $300 annual travel credit, airport lounge access, free authorized users, rental car elite status, travel insurance, and a TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit.

Iberia Visa Signature® Card Review: Big Savings Available, but No Free Checked Bag

The Iberia Visa Signature® Card offers decent benefits for its $95 annual fee. This includes an unlimited 10% discounted on all Iberia flights and the ability to earn a $1,000 travel credit. It also earns Avios, which can be transferred instantly to the Avios programs of British Airways, Aer Lingus, and Qatar Airways. However, there are some quirks to this card. Is it right for you? Read our detailed review to find out.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card Review: Top-Tier Perks on a Top-Tier Card

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is the star of Hilton’s co-branded lineup of credit cards from American Express. With annual perks including hundreds of dollars in resort and airline credits plus the ability to earn multiple free nights, it offers more than just top-tier Diamond status. Is it the right card for you? Our review will help you answer that question.

Marriott and United Launch Dual-Earning Promotion. Register to Earn Points on Flights And Miles on Stays.

Marriott and United just launched a joint promotion allowing those enrolled in the Preferred Partnership to earn new rewards. Those with elite status in both programs will have the opportunity to earn United miles on hotel stays and Marriott Bonvoy points on United flights. But you'll need to register to take advantage of this promotion. Here are the full details and how to enroll.