Are Frequent Flyer Programs Worth it?

October 30, 2017 No Comments

Travelers are often bombarded with requests to join loyalty programs when they fly with a new airline, and these programs sometimes seem like a great way to claim a status and earn flights with an airline. But, are these perks worth it? Does it cost more in the long run trying to earn enough points with an airline for the free flight than if you just booked a cheaper flight to begin with? Are the free flights worth the aggravation of trying to find availability? Read on for our take on whether or not frequent flyer programs are a bargain or just a scheme airlines use to gouge their loyal customers.

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How loyalty programs have changed over the years

Loyalty seems to be an arcane idea when it comes to businesses. Where loyalty programs used to reward travelers for the actual miles they flew with one particular airline (hence the names frequent flyer miles and loyalty miles,) now it’s all about the money. With many programs newly revamped, you now earn points based on how much you spend on your flights, not how frequently or how often you fly brand loyal.

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10 Places to Visit Before They Disappear

October 13, 2017 No Comments

There are so many gorgeous places around the world that are worthy of the top spot on your traveling bucket list. But, there are a few locales, in particular, that should take priority due to their threatened status. Chances are good that these 10 places won’t remain spectacular for much longer. If any of the destinations on our list are also on your list, you better get moving on your plans to visit before they disappear forever!

 

1. Dead Sea, Jordan

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This beautiful sea, located amidst the vast desert, is truly a sight to behold, but if you want to see it, you ought to book a trip soon. Experts don’t foresee the Dead Sea lasting more than the next 50 years, unfortunately. In just the past 40 years, over a third of the Dead Sea has disappeared after sinking over 80 feet. The Dead Sea gets its water from the River Jordan, which countries all around the sea are depleting, leaving the Dead Sea to dry out in the desert sun. 

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How to Get Free Flights and Upgrades

October 2, 2017 No Comments

If you’re still paying full price for first class airfare, you’re grossly overpaying. Getting free upgrades, and even free flights, isn’t as hard as you think and it doesn’t even take a lot of time, knowledge or luck! Take a look at these great ways to score free goodies the next time you take to the friendly skies!

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1. Start earning points with the right credit card

One of the best ways to earn free flights is by researching and obtaining a competitive rewards credit card. Most cards offer substantial sign-up bonuses that can be redeemed for your first free flight! Be proactive and watch the qualifications and restrictions, though! Sometimes you need to spend up to $3,000 within the first 2 months to earn your sign-up points. We found that the quickest way to free flights is to use your rewards card for all of your purchases: from groceries to making your monthly car payment.

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The Wanderlust Gene: Do you have it?

September 15, 2017 No Comments

We’ve all heard the stories about people packing up their entire lives and moving across the planet to experience something brand new, sometimes in a country they’ve never set foot in before. And then we all know those people that would be terrified at the thought of that. Those people that have lived in the same house their entire lives and vacation in the same spot every year. So, what makes one person itch to get away while others are content staying in the same spot for all of their lives? Science may have finally figured out the obsession behind it: the wanderlust gene.

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1. What is Wanderlust?

Wanderlust. This German word, which means “a strong desire to travel”, has a lot more to it than a silly name. It’s the urge you get to whisk off somewhere new every few months. It’s the desire to feel the wind in your hair and the sand in your toes. It’s what drives you to research new destinations and maybe keep the TV set to the Travel Channel at all times. If you have wanderlust, you want to see every part of the world before you leave it. You want to explore cities and beaches, experience new and exciting cultures and meet friends you haven’t met yet. And it’s not just a mere desire. It’s a compulsion to travel and a thirst that can’t be quenched no matter how many spots on the globe you visit. No, wanderlust is not just a silly word. It’s a way of life.

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Top Don’ts When Taking a Cruise, and a Few Do’s!

August 30, 2017 1 Comment

Cruising is one of the best ways to travel. You see different sights without unpacking and re-packing, you get all the food and entertainment you could ever desire and the views are unbeatable. But, if you’ve never been on a cruise before, it can be daunting for a newbie to figure out the rules of the ocean. We’re here to help with our list of things NOT to do on your cruise.

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1. Don’t forget the sunscreen

Even if you’re taking a cruise to Alaska, the sun is still brutal out on the open ocean. Don’t ruin your vacation by forgetting the sunscreen and having to deal with painful burns the second half of your trip!

 

2. Don’t shop in port shops

Port shops are tourist traps designed to lure you away from your money. They look inviting and have all sorts of useless souvenirs that may look beautiful, but aren’t worth the cost. A good rule of thumb is that if you don’t need it, don’t buy it.

 

3. Don’t limit your eating options

Cruises are floating resorts, so there is a wide variety of cuisines to sample. Don’t run to the buffet for every meal. Try one of sit down restaurants or splurge and have an evening in one of the specialty restaurants on board for a true culinary treat.

 

4. Don’t use the elevators, if you can

Most cruise ships only have two banks of elevators, one at the front of the ship and one at the rear. Because of those limited elevator options, you can imagine they get a bit crowded and waits can be long. So, if you’re able-bodied, work off some of that extra food you’re eating and take the stairs when feasible.

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