August 24, 2014

Sonata Software acquires majority stake in travel reservation platform Rezopia

IT services company Sonata Software has acquired a controlling stake in Rezopia, a cloud-based travel management platform. The terms of the deal ...



from Tnooz http://www.tnooz.com/article/Sonata-Software-acquires-majority-stake-in-travel-reservation-platform-Rezopia/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sonata-software-acquires-majority-stake-travel-reservation-platform-rezopia

China OTA transactions touch $10 billion, Ctrip still leads in market share

Chinese online travel agencies total transactions for second quarter of 2014 are estimated at close to $10 billion. iResearch, China-based research company, ...



from Tnooz http://www.tnooz.com/article/China-OTA-transactions-touch-usd-10-billion-Ctrip-still-leads-in-marketshare/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=china-ota-transactions-touch-10-billion-ctrip-still-leads-marketshare

Should I send these Rube Goldberg ticket cases to the recycler?





from Elliott http://elliott.org/can-this-trip-be-saved-2/send-rube-goldberg-ticket-cases-recycler/

A romantic dinner on a deserted island inside the lagoon in Bora Bora

Whale Watching I had someone here at the resort tell me that Bora Bora is extra special because there is a very steep dropoff on the edge of the island. This means that all the whales can come breach right along the edge of the island. That means you can walk over, knee deep, and […]



from Stuck in Customs http://www.stuckincustoms.com/2014/08/25/a-romantic-dinner-on-a-deserted-island-inside-the-lagoon-in-bora-bora/

Qunar grabs over a third of revenue via mobile channels

Qunar has reported its mobile revenue at $22.9 million for the second quarter of 2014, an increase of 512% year-on-year. The metasearch ...



from Tnooz http://www.tnooz.com/article/36-percent-of-Qunar-revenue-comes-via-mobile-channels-over-500-percent-YOY-increase/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=qunar

American Airlines Eliminates the Spray Tan as an Inflight Amenity

When I first flew the new 737 back in December, this guy greeted you at your seat: What was most striking was the spray tan. I haven’t been onboard an American aircraft with the new system since January, so flying with them today was the first time I noticed that the spray tan starting you […]


The post American Airlines Eliminates the Spray Tan as an Inflight Amenity appeared first on View from the Wing.






from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2014/08/24/john-boehner-gets-dropped-face-american-airlines/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=john-boehner-gets-dropped-face-american-airlines

Johannesburg Shongololo Lounge (7 hour stay!)

I love airline lounges and regularly spend four or more hours at a time working from them. This series explores some of my favorites from around the world. On an average afternoon in Johannesburg’s OR Tambo airport, you can see all kinds of travelers attempting to sleep on the floor or in chairs throughout the…



from The Art of Non-Conformity http://chrisguillebeau.com/johannesburg-shongololo-lounge/

Which Hyatt Diamond Amenity Do You Select?

One of the benefits of being a Hyatt Gold Passport Diamond member is that you get a welcome amenity every time you check-in.


On their website, the amenity is described as follows:


"Receive a special welcome point bonus or food and beverage amenity during each stay"


The post Which Hyatt Diamond Amenity Do You Select? appeared first on One Mile at a Time.






from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2014/08/24/hyatt-diamond-amenity-select/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hyatt-diamond-amenity-select

Bonus For Joining Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

Alaska Mileage Plan is running a promotion for Washington and Oregon residents that sign-up for a Mileage Plan account by September 30, 2014.


Alaska is offering new members a $25 discount code, which should be delivered within 48 hours of signing up. The discount code is only valid for the Mileage Plan member it was issued to, for travel between September 3 and November 19, 2014. The reservation using the discount code must be ticketed by October 30, 2014.


The post Bonus For Joining Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan appeared first on One Mile at a Time.






from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2014/08/24/bonus-joining-alaska-airlines-mileage-plan/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bonus-joining-alaska-airlines-mileage-plan

Napa wineries hit hard by quake

Napa Valley vintners woke up to a lot of broken bottles Sunday morning.





from CNN.com - Travel http://www.cnn.com/2014/08/24/travel/napa-wine-industry-earthquake-impact/index.html

The masters keeping China's incredible traditions alive

With more than 6,000 years of history, Nanjing is one of the few cities in China still practicing the country's endangered traditional crafts.





from CNN.com - Travel http://www.cnn.com/2014/08/24/travel/nanjing-handicrafts/index.html

HOLY SMOKE: Is British Airways About to Devalue Its Points? Iberia Massively Jacks Up Award Rates!

It looks like Iberia may have just gone and gutted their frequent flyer program for redemptions on most partner airlines, at least for the rewards that have been the best value. And since Iberia and British Airways are jointly owned, and share very similar programs (and the same named currency, Avios), one worries if something […]


The post HOLY SMOKE: Is British Airways About to Devalue Its Points? Iberia Massively Jacks Up Award Rates! appeared first on View from the Wing.






from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2014/08/24/british-airways-devalue-points-iberia-massively-jacks-award-rates/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=british-airways-devalue-points-iberia-massively-jacks-award-rates

The Mass Graves Near the Barbie Exhibit

YouTube Videos I have a behind-the-scenes of this. Be sure to pop over to Videos page here on the site to see more. You might want check out the playlist for “My Tips and Tricks”! Daily Photo – The Mass Graves Near the Barbie Exhibit I don't know why, but when I was here and […]



from Stuck in Customs http://www.stuckincustoms.com/2014/08/24/the-mass-graves-near-the-barbie-exhibit/

Business Travel Tool: Get Uber to Show Up Automatically, and Bill it To Your Company

It isn’t just United and Hyatt that are integrating with on-demand car service Uber (and on-demand condom service too, cough). As Keri noted, Expensify – the business expense reporting app – is integrating with Uber, too. When you leave the San Francisco airport there’s a big billboard for Expensify that reads “Expense Reports That Don’t […]


The post Business Travel Tool: Get Uber to Show Up Automatically, and Bill it To Your Company appeared first on View from the Wing.






from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2014/08/24/business-travel-tool-get-uber-show-automatically-bill-company/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=business-travel-tool-get-uber-show-automatically-bill-company

Blog Feedback: Additional Contributors

I am, as far as I'm concerned, the luckiest person in the world.


I have the best job in that I get to spend my life doing the things I am most passionate about, and y'all have been incredibly supportive. I couldn't possibly be more grateful.


Blogging about airlines/hotels is my absolute favorite thing I've ever done - I love blogging more than I love flying Lufthansa first class in an otherwise empty cabin. Which is saying something.


The fact that anyone reads what I write is just icing on the cake. I blogged for two years without making a dime from this site (literally not a dime), and enjoyed it just as much back then as I do now.


The post Blog Feedback: Additional Contributors appeared first on One Mile at a Time.






from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2014/08/24/blog-feedback-additional-contributors/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog-feedback-additional-contributors

Around the world in 80 hats

It's surprising how much culture can be expressed through fashion, and in this case, hats.



from Matador NetworkMatador Network http://matadornetwork.com/abroad/infographic-around-world-80-hats/

Taking the #IceBucketChallenge from a Bath Tub at the Park Hyatt Vendome

Yesterday I posted my video taking the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. As per custom I called out three people to take theirs. Parag thinks I should have nominated Christopher Elliott and John Pistole. Instead, these were my nominations: Starwood’s Chris Holdren emails to let me know he’ll follow through on the challenge by Monday. Starwood […]


The post Taking the #IceBucketChallenge from a Bath Tub at the Park Hyatt Vendome appeared first on View from the Wing.






from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2014/08/24/taking-icebucketchallenge-bath-tub-park-hyatt-vendome/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=taking-icebucketchallenge-bath-tub-park-hyatt-vendome

Tip Airline Crew For Good Service?

Reader Kevin asked the following question on the "Ask Lucky" page of the blog:


"Hi Ben,


I’m not sure if you’ve ever answered a question like this before as I did a search on your blog and couldn’t quickly find any related info.


I love travelling in Business and especially First Class and I wondered whether you ever tip the crew or reward them in anyway for looking after you so well on a flight?


I’ve had some great crew on past flights and apart from saying thanks, I wondered if there was anything more I should do?


Any advice would be appreciated.


Cheers, Kevin"


The post Tip Airline Crew For Good Service? appeared first on One Mile at a Time.






from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2014/08/24/tip-crew/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tip-crew

How To Use Points At Disney World

A bunch of (partly) miles & points people are spending the weekend at Disney to celebrate someone's "round" birthday. Not to judge, but unless that number is "10," there ain't no good reason for that. ;)


My friend Tiffany is also partaking in the festivities (though not crazy enough to celebrate her birthday here), and offered to share some tips for maximizing points at Disney World. She has a good excuse for knowing a thing or two about Disney, given that she has nieces and nephews that are Disney-aged.


To start, I should note up front that this is not an attempt at sharing the cheapest trip to Disney World, or how to maximize every potential dollar spent. Those resources are out there, and those folks are hardcore. They make the most passionate mileage collectors look like passive hobbyists, and I’m not nearly smart enough to take that on. So if you want to know every possible trick and loophole, you should head over there.


For the average person though, and certainly for miles and points hobbyists, there are some ways to maximize the perks and programs you’re already used to, so I thought it might be helpful to go through some of those options if you're planning a trip to Disney World.


The post How To Use Points At Disney World appeared first on One Mile at a Time.






from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2014/08/24/use-points-disneyworld/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=use-points-disneyworld

Don’t Waste Money or Miles on First Class!

Away is Home asks, Why waste money on a first class seat? And I think it’s not so simple. You have to understand what you get and what it costs to know whether you’re wasting money, getting a fantastic value, or just getting what you’d expect for the cost. Because there are times when it’s […]


The post Don’t Waste Money or Miles on First Class! appeared first on View from the Wing.






from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2014/08/24/dont-waste-money-miles-first-class/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dont-waste-money-miles-first-class

The Australian Coast Along the Great Ocean Road





from Everything Everywhere Travel Blog http://everything-everywhere.com/2014/08/23/australian-coast-along-great-ocean-road/

How Can I Get Elite Status By Doing Starwood Transfers?

TPG reader Andrew asks on Facebook: “I have approximately two million SPG points that I can transfer to airlines. I’d like to know if you have any strategies on how I can get airline elite status by doing Starwood transfers?” I love the innocence of newbie questions, and today’s newbie question of the week comes […]



from The Points Guy http://thepointsguy.com/2014/08/how-can-i-get-elite-status-by-doing-starwood-transfers/

The late summer playlist, 2014

From Sacramento, California to western Colombia, this play list will help you transition from summer to fall.



from Matador NetworkMatador Network http://matadornetwork.com/nights/late-summer-playlist-2014/

Can I Earn an Additional 1Point/ $1 By Booking Via Amex’s Travel Website?

TPG reader Dan tweets: @thepointsguy– “Can you still earn an additional 1pt/$1 by booking travel via AMEX’s online travel center? Paying for travel with a credit card can be very lucrative. I really try to discourage people from going directly to airline and hotel websites because you rake in tons of extra points by booking […]



from The Points Guy http://thepointsguy.com/2014/08/can-i-earn-an-additional-1point-1-by-booking-via-amexs-travel-website/

Will I Lose Points Earned on a Chase Card If I Close the Account?

TPG Reader William emailed The Points Guy asking: “I have all three Chase cards now (Sapphire Preferred, Ink Bold, Ink Plus) and have points balances for each. I was thinking about cancelling one of the Ink cards and possibly the Sapphire so as not to pay the annual fees on three cards. Would I be […]



from The Points Guy http://thepointsguy.com/2014/08/will-i-lose-points-earned-on-a-chase-card-if-i-close-the-account/

Will I Have an Issue Booking Hyatt Visa Free Reward Consecutive Nights Separately?

TPG reader Adam emailed The Points Guy to ask: “I recently obtained two free nights via the Hyatt Visa card. My girlfriend and I will be visiting Europe next year and I planned to use the two nights to stay at the Park Hyatt Vendome in Paris. When I went to book a two night […]



from The Points Guy http://thepointsguy.com/2014/08/will-i-have-an-issue-booking-hyatt-visa-free-reward-consecutive-nights-separately/

Start Your Sunday With This Frequent Flyer News

News and notes from around the interweb: Everything you need to know about Spirit Airlines (other than how unpleasant the experience is of course). Which airline loses the most bags? 13 things you didn’t know about the Boeing 747 3000 bonus Aeroplan miles for flying Air Canada An Icelandic volcano erupted. Right now it’s a […]


The post Start Your Sunday With This Frequent Flyer News appeared first on View from the Wing.






from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2014/08/24/start-sunday-frequent-flyer-news/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=start-sunday-frequent-flyer-news

Reader Success Story: Vegas and Wine Country

Over the past year, we’ve had many readers share their success stories with us. Folks for whom traveling domestically once a year was a luxury are now traveling the world with just a few credit card sign-up bonuses. And the best part? They are sharing their stories with us and others who benefit from knowing […]



from Frugal Travel Guy http://www.frugaltravelguy.com/2014/08/reader-success-story-vegas-and-wine-country.html