If you've ever wondered how you lived without food delivery, you're not alone. A recent study found that 60% of Americans order takeout or food delivery at least once a week.Now, the first DoorDash credit card is available to help you rake in when you order takeout.Here's what you need to know about the newest card from Chase.The new DoorDash Rewards Mastercard®Chase and DoorDash have partnered to … [Read more...]
Peak bloom date announced: Best time to see DC’s cherry blossoms in 2023
As a former Washington, D.C., resident, I’ve seen my fair share of cherry blossoms.While I may be a bit biased, Washington’s famous cherry blossoms are not only impressive to locals: More than 1.5 million people worldwide flock to Washington annually to see its impressive floral display, according to the organizers of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.2023 marks the 111th anniversary of Tokyo … [Read more...]
The best cheap luxury hotels for your next stay
Just because you don’t have a big travel budget doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy all the amenities and comforts of a luxury hotel.There are fabulous cheap luxury hotels worldwide that provide the same upscale experience as their more expensive counterparts — but at a fraction of the price. That’s right, high thread-count sheets, gorgeous pools, gourmet restaurants can be all yours at an affordable … [Read more...]
Bad news: World of Hyatt announces category changes, 214 hotels to soon require more points
A brutal devaluation from World of Hyatt today.Big changes are coming to point redemptions at hundreds of World of Hyatt properties. Some 214 Hyatt hotels and resorts are getting higher categories, and that means it will cost you more World of Hyatt points to book them.The moves are mostly negative for those who like to redeem World of Hyatt points and free night certificates. Higher-end and … [Read more...]
Luxury on a budget: 5 spring break hotels you can book with points
Even though we are still in the latter half of winter, many students have set their sights on something a little warmer: spring break.Students around the country are excited to travel with their friends, unwind and have some fun during their spring semester.The only issue with such a plan is the cost of travel — especially for students who would prefer to skip the hostel or a low-cost Airbnb. … [Read more...]
Lufthansa reveals new Allegris product, with 14 different seat options — including first-class double beds
Lufthansa is launching all new long-haul cabins with an impressive 14 different seating options on one type of aircraft — from economy right up to true international first class — and one of the widest beds in the skies.TPG attended a press event in Berlin where the German airline unveiled its long-awaited "Allegris" concept. It will install new interiors from top-to-tail in more than 100 … [Read more...]
Monthly checklist: Credit card perks and benefits you should be using in March
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.Depending on how many credit cards you have, the list of benefits you should be using this month might feel overwhelming. Can you remember all of these perks without help? Maybe not.Rather than trying to keep track of all of them on your own, we’ve compiled a monthly checklist of credit card perks and benefits you … [Read more...]
The 14 best hotels in Phuket, Thailand
Fun in the sun is just the beginning for travelers heading to Phuket — one of Thailand’s most popular beach destinations.The area’s resorts include trusty points properties, glitzy independent gems and “if you have to ask the price, you can’t afford it” sort of properties.Whether you’re looking to lounge, surf, dive the Andaman Sea or enjoy a spa treatment (or three), there’s something for … [Read more...]
Quick Points: Use Virgin Atlantic’s new calendar search feature to find Delta partner award space
Virgin Atlantic recently released a new award calendar that makes previewing award seats easier. It's pretty simple — you select between Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines, enter your city pairs and desired travel month. Then, you can view a month's worth of award space in all cabins.TRAVELPLUS.VIRGINATLANTIC.COMIf you select Delta Air Lines, you can only preview award space on departures from … [Read more...]
Annoyance with a side of omelet: Was my day-use hotel room worth the hassle?
"You recently enjoyed a Dayuse experience, and we thank you for it," read a cheerful e-mail that popped up in my inbox, referencing a recent hotel stay."Enjoyed" is definitely not the word I'd use to describe it.Dayuse is a third-party site that allows travelers to book hotel rooms for a few hours during the day without staying overnight. The email message referred to a room I booked to use after … [Read more...]
What is Delta Air Lines elite status worth in 2023?
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.The first half of the year is a great time to reconsider your airline loyalty. However, deciding which program makes the most sense for you can be difficult, given the variations between the programs regarding complimentary upgrades, bonus points or miles and other valuable perks. Also, is it even worth pursuing elite … [Read more...]
American adds new transcontinental route to Orange County
American Airlines is going long in Orange County, California.The carrier just filed a brand-new transcontinental route to Orange County's John Wayne Airport (SNA) from its hub at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).The new daily service begins July 5 and will run through Aug. 14, as first seen in Cirium schedules.American will deploy a 196-seat Airbus A321neo, which features 20 … [Read more...]
Follow the leader: Airlines are falling in line to be friendlier to families
If you have young children in your family, traveling together just got a lot easier.Yesterday, American Airlines became the second major airline to guarantee that families can sit together, regardless of fare type and at no extra charge.With spring break and summer travel on the horizon, a long overdue shake-up of family seating policies, first from United, has sent ripples across the industry, … [Read more...]
Fly round trip to London for as low as $431
Tour Big Ben or catch a show on the West End this year — round-trip fares to London are as low as $431.Many major airports across the U.S are offering these cheap fares to London, with most costing in the $400 to $500 range. The most expensive flight in this bundle of deals departs from Seattle and costs a little less than $600.Sunrise view of London in autumn. KARL HENDON/GETTY IMAGESThe travel … [Read more...]
Did Norwegian Cruise Line make its new ships too small? Executives hint at an answer
Are Norwegian Cruise Line's new Prima-class ships too small?Norwegian executives suggested as much Tuesday during a conference call in which they announced a major change to the design of future vessels in the series.Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings president and CEO Frank Del Rio told Wall Street analysts on the call that the third and fourth ships in the six-ship series would be about 10% bigger … [Read more...]
Should you get Global Entry or TSA PreCheck?
Editor’s note: This post is continually updated.When navigating airports in the U.S., there's no better way (in my humble opinion) to expedite your way through airport security than by being both a Clear and TSA PreCheck user.It wasn't until last year that a third program, Global Entry, became of interest to me as a traveler.You might be asking yourself whether it is necessary to have TSA PreCheck … [Read more...]
United rolls out free fleetwide Wi-Fi for select flyers
Free fleetwide Wi-Fi is now available on United Airlines ... with a catch.If you're a T-Mobile subscriber on an eligible plan, you can now enjoy free internet access on all United-operated flights — no matter the distance or destination, as confirmed by a carrier spokesperson.This includes all long-haul routes and covers all of United's internet providers, including Panasonic, Thales and Viasat.At … [Read more...]
Everything you need to know about Amex Travel
The American Express Travel Portal allows you to book travel and redeem American Express Membership Rewards points directly for travel reservations and activities rather than transfer your rewards to airline or hotel partners like Delta SkyMiles or Marriott Bonvoy.You also can book discounted premium tickets, use benefits like a 35% points rebate on certain bookings and even book premium hotels … [Read more...]
What is the Clear expedited airport security program — and is it worth it?
Editor’s note: This post is continually updated.Since becoming a travel reporter in 2021, I've added many tools to my travel wheelhouse that have greatly improved my experience as a traveler. One way I improved my travel process was by becoming a member of Clear, the private sector's equivalent of TSA PreCheck.Since 2010, Clear has evolved as an expedited security program at 51 airports with more … [Read more...]
Norse Atlantic adds 4 more US routes from London Gatwick
Norse Atlantic Airways continues its all-out assault on the low-budget transatlantic market with four new U.S. routes from London Gatwick Airport (LGW).The deal starts with six weekly flights between Gatwick and Dulles International Airport (IAD) from June 1, and TPG found economy return tickets for 425 British pounds (about $514). The carrier will also add daily service to Los Angeles … [Read more...]