Hop aboard one of the rail bikes offered by Rail Explorers in Boone, Iowa, and explore the Des Moines River valley. This is a fun and laid-back way to see the countryside in the Midwest. On a gorgeous, blustery day, Genevieve Dean (of Des Moines-based AdelmanDean Group) and I drove about an hour from Des Moines to rural Boone, Iowa—home of the latest U.S. Rail Explorers site and its first division … [Read more...]
6 things to know about the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan program
Alaska Airlines' Mileage Plan has several features that you won’t find with the majority of competing airlines. Things like unique partners and generous stopover policies catapult the value of Alaska Airlines miles higher than any other airline mileage currency, per TPG valuations.Knowing the program's intricacies will allow you to get maximum value out of your miles. Today, we'll discuss six … [Read more...]
This major hotel company is leading the pack on business travel recovery
The death of business travel demand might have been greatly overestimated during the pandemic.Bill Gates, at one point, surmised as much as half of business travel demand was permanently killed during the early months of the pandemic. Hotel industry chatter in recent months focused on the idea it was likely 20% off pre-pandemic levels.However, the CEOs of each of the major publicly traded hotel … [Read more...]
Sequoia Capital-Backed Safara Curates New Gen Z Travel Booking
Hotel booking startup, Safara, is hoping to use curated lists and invite-only memberships to meet the high expectations of the Gen Z traveler. “Our point of view is that over the next 10 years, there’s going to be a generational shift in spending, and that’s just natural,” said Doug Schuessler, CEO of Safara. “We’re thinking about building a generational company … if we’re thinking across … [Read more...]
Affordable Holiday Destinations
Longing for a vacation but not sure it’s in the budget? It is possible to see the world without breaking the bank. Read on for our suggestions for some affordable holiday destinations. We all need to get away sometimes—but we also want to make sure we can afford food for the next month when we get back! It can seem impossible to have an amazing holiday on a budget but there are many affordable … [Read more...]
Here’s how an airline that charges for all seat assignments will keep families seated together
On the heels of United Airlines' recent announcement about family seating, ultra-low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines said it is now also seating children with a parent at no additional charge. This makes the carrier the latest airline to enact a travel policy that allows families to sit together.The Denver-based carrier said on Tuesday that it allows children under the age of 14 to be seated … [Read more...]
Readers say this credit card insurance provider isn’t reliable: Here’s what you need to know
Many credit cards offer benefits like trip cancellation insurance, rental car protection or other travel insurance benefits that can help your family when problems arise during a trip. However, these perks are beneficial only if you can use them as advertised.We receive an alarming number of emails complaining about travel insurance claims, often telling a similar story: The claim has been … [Read more...]
Tax Day is coming: Complete guide to paying taxes on credit card rewards
Editor’s note: This post has been updated with the latest information.Tax Day is creeping closer.The federal income tax filing due date for individuals is April 18.TPG has received many questions about whether you should pay any owed taxes with a rewards-earning credit card. Many are also wondering what the tax implications are on the rewards that they have received as sign-up bonuses for opening … [Read more...]
The best hotels near Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is surrounded by some of Los Angeles’ most iconic and well-known hotels. Among them, you’ll find everything from budget-friendly options to trendy LA hot spots, but one thing they all have in common is their proximity to the Universal Studios theme park.With the recent addition of Super Nintendo World to Universal Studios’ lineup of movie-based attractions and its … [Read more...]
The 6 best credit cards with the highest credit limits
There’s a bit of mystery to credit card limits. Though it is generally based on the financial information you provide, a credit limit on a new card can be based on the card itself or the specific issuer. What’s even more confusing is that a limit can change over time.Issuers typically do not divulge the range of credit limits they extend to customers. However, generally speaking, if you want to … [Read more...]
Emerging Boutique Hotel Brand Casetta Tests Next-Gen Storytelling
Skift Take Casetta is winning acclaim as a boutique hotel brand that renovates and runs old hotels and lodges with stories to tell. But will its "barely there branding" pay off for its investors? Leslie Barrie When guests drive up to Marina Riviera, a boutique hotel in Big Bear, California that opened in the autumn of 2022, they won’t see a big sign for Casetta, the … [Read more...]
Turf war: United defends DC hub against yet another new rival
United Airlines is serious about defending its position in one of its key East Coast hubs.Over the weekend, the carrier filed plans to begin a new seasonal route from its hub at Dulles International Airport (IAD) near Washington to Calgary International Airport (YYC), as first seen in Cirium schedules and later confirmed by a carrier spokesperson.The new 1,951-mile route will begin on June 2 and … [Read more...]
Your ultimate guide to Capital One’s airline and hotel transfer partners
Capital One added transfer partners to its Venture and Spark card families in 2018. Since then, we've seen Capital One add several more transfer partners and introduce a 1:1 transfer ratio for most transfer partners.Capital One currently has 18 airline and hotel transfer partners. In this guide, we'll discuss how to earn Capital One miles and then walk through each Capital One transfer partner so … [Read more...]
These 3 Cities In Mexico Are America’s Favorite Vacation Destinations
Last Updated 9 mins agoMexico is the go-to country for U.S. citizens flying abroad, and while it’s true the whole country is packed with tourist attractions and breathtaking sights, there are three cities that stand out as America’s preferred vacation destinations, regardless of travel season, due to their year-round warmer weather, the hospitality of the locals, vast tourist offer and vibrant … [Read more...]
Top 10 Cheapest Destinations For A Vacation In The U.S.
Last Updated 15 mins agoAre you looking for an affordable vacation in the United States? From national parks to mountains to beaches, these are the cheapest destinations in the U.S. for an affordable vacation, according to new rankings from U.S. News. Many of these destinations offer affordable accommodations (including the option to camp) and cheaper prices on food and activities. You … [Read more...]
This Stunning Country Is One Of The Safest To Visit In the World
Last Updated 17 mins agoIceland has been rated as the most peaceful country by the Global Peace Index for several years in a row, and for good reason. With a low poverty rate, low crime, political stability, and a good healthcare system, it’s no wonder that its citizens are amongst the happiest in the world. Travelers in Iceland can rest assured that they are in one of the safest … [Read more...]
This Low-Cost U.S. Airline Will Now Allow Bigger Bags
Last Updated 51 seconds agoDuring frustrating times for budget travelers, there is now some positive news! Las Vegas-based carrier Allegiant recently announced a significant increase in their bag policy. Known for being stingy, low-cost airlines have been laying down the law lately on personal items and carry-on bags. With some extra space, travelers can have less stress … [Read more...]
Fiji Lifts All Travel Restrictions Returning to Normal Tourism
Fiji has announced that it no longer requires proof of vaccination or travel insurance for international travelers arriving in the country and has begun promoting its ‘zero COVID-19 travel restrictions’. This move comes almost 6 months after Fiji dropped its requirement for a COVID-19 test 72 hours after arriving. The country has reached a 93 percent fully vaccinated rate and has recorded … [Read more...]
What Documents do you need for International Travel?
The Most Important Travel Documents for your International TripTraveling abroad opens you up to numerous opportunities. You get to see the world and step out of your perspective about the countries you visit. And you make lasting memories that serve as tales for decades to come. But before you can leave the U.S. for work, school, vacation, or any other reason, what documents must you have? Let’s … [Read more...]
Tech Investments Drive IHG Success
Skift Take Today’s edition of Skift’s daily podcast looks at IHG's digital-driven boost, business traveler replacements, and Singapore Air's very good quarter. Rashaad Jorden Good morning from Skift. It’s Wednesday, February 22. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today. Listen Now 🎧 Subscribe Apple … [Read more...]