November 19, 2014

Soft Clouds over The Forbidden City

Sony A7s Review Check out the new Sony A7s Review I just recently finished! Instagram Fun I’ve been doing a fun series over on Instagram with combining some of my photos with a few of my favorite passages from the Patrick Rothfuss books. Daily Photo – Soft Clouds over The Forbidden City Blue skies are […]



from Stuck in Customs http://www.stuckincustoms.com/2014/11/20/soft-clouds-over-the-forbidden-city/

A Surprising New Way To Use Your Credit Card Points for Business Class Awards to Asia With Great Availability

Philippine Airlines flies non-stop from North America to Southeast Asia. You don’t hear about them often because they do not have any US frequent flyer partners, and no bank program transfers points to the Mabuhay Miles program. And yet therein lies an opportunity. Just like Chase transfers to Korean Air open up a world of […]


The post A Surprising New Way To Use Your Credit Card Points for Business Class Awards to Asia With Great Availability appeared first on View from the Wing.






from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2014/11/19/surprising-way-use-credit-card-points-business-class-awards-asia-great-availability/

JetBlue Adding More Seats And Checked Bag Fees

JetBlue had an interesting way of announcing some negative changes today. They didn't announce the changes to customers, but rather to investors, explaining how they "plan to drive shareholder returns through differentiated products and service."


To clarify, when they say "differentiated products and service" they don't mean different than what their competitors offer, but rather different than what they currently offer.


There are two significant changes:


The first change is that JetBlue will begin offering a fare class intended for "customers who do not plan to check a bag," starting in the first half of 2015. That's a nice way of saying that they'll starting charging for the first checked bag on their lowest fares:


The post JetBlue Adding More Seats And Checked Bag Fees appeared first on One Mile at a Time.






from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2014/11/19/jetblue-adding-more-seats-and-checked-bag-fees/

Travel Challenge: St. Lucia with Limited Flexibitilty

The island of St. Lucia is a special place for me. Sara and I honeymooned there for a week in 2008 and returned 5 years later for an equally fantastic time. It was the right destination for us; a week hanging out at the beach on the west cost of the island at Ti Kaye […]



from Frugal Travel Guy http://www.frugaltravelguy.com/2014/11/travel-challenge-st-lucia.html

Delta Confirms Elimination of Free Stopovers on Awards, Stealth Way to Increase Award Pricing

Delta’s new 2015 frequent flyer program is coming closer to fruition. Miles will be awarded based on dollars spent instead of miles flown Minimum spending requirements for elite status go up 20% New award pricing goes into effect, along with one-way awards. They’ve improved the award search calendar, though there are still bugs and glitches […]


The post Delta Confirms Elimination of Free Stopovers on Awards, Stealth Way to Increase Award Pricing appeared first on View from the Wing.






from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2014/11/19/delta-confirms-elimination-free-stopovers-awards-stealth-way-increase-award-pricing/

Surfacing: Shopping and Eating Amid History in Richmond, Va.

For years, Church Hill has been a neighborhood to avoid after dark. But these days, the 18th-century enclave has some of the city’s most appealing shops and dining spots.

















from NYT > Travel http://rss.nytimes.com/c/34625/f/642561/s/40a5a172/sc/10/l/0L0Snytimes0N0C20A140C110C230Ctravel0Cshopping0Eand0Eeating0Eamid0Ehistory0Ein0Erichmond0Eva0Bhtml0Dpartner0Frss0Gemc0Frss/story01.htm

For Cyber Monday, Hotel Deals With an American Accent

Cyber Monday deals include discounts at hotels ranging from the Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island in Michigan to the Wigwam in Arizona.

















from NYT > Travel http://rss.nytimes.com/c/34625/f/642561/s/40a5a171/sc/10/l/0L0Snytimes0N0C20A140C110C190Ctravel0Cfor0Ecyber0Emonday0Ehotel0Edeals0Ewith0Ean0Eamerican0Eaccent0Bhtml0Dpartner0Frss0Gemc0Frss/story01.htm

Further United MileagePlus Devaluations for 2015

United MileagePlus is one of the loyalty programs which has made the most tweaks over the past couple of years. They are keeping true to that pattern today, with further "enhancements" to the 2015 MileagePlus program that will negatively impact many of their Premier members. These changes are in addition to United announcing that MileagePlus will go revenue based in 2015, literally copying Delta's every aspect of Delta's SkyMiles program.


So what further changes have just been announced?


UA Insider announced on FlyerTalk this morning that in addition to updates to the 2015 MileagePlus program, Copa Airlines will be launching their own loyalty program in July 2015.


Copa's current loyalty program is MileagePlus, so all standard Premier benefits are also available when traveling on Copa. Prior to the integration of Continental and United, Copa's loyalty program was Continental OnePass.


The post Further United MileagePlus Devaluations for 2015 appeared first on One Mile at a Time.






from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2014/11/19/united-mileageplus-devaluations-2015/

In Transit Blog: A Local Touch at Thompson Hotel in Miami Beach

The Thompson Miami Beach hotel, opening Nov. 21, will have a restaurant with a Florida focus.

















from NYT > Travel http://rss.nytimes.com/c/34625/f/642561/s/40a57d49/sc/10/l/0Lintransit0Bblogs0Bnytimes0N0C20A140C110C190Ca0Elocal0Etouch0Eat0Ethompson0Ehotel0Ein0Emiami0Ebeach0C0Dpartner0Frss0Gemc0Frss/story01.htm

In Sicily, Market to Class to Table

Cooking tours offer Sicilians a chance to share their culture with visitors who want a taste of it.

















from NYT > Travel http://rss.nytimes.com/c/34625/f/642561/s/40a57d45/sc/10/l/0L0Snytimes0N0C20A140C110C190Ctravel0Cin0Esicily0Eitaly0Eculinary0Etours0Ego0Efrom0Emarket0Eto0Eclass0Eto0Etable0Bhtml0Dpartner0Frss0Gemc0Frss/story01.htm

Save On United Flights With Veterans Advantage

Having recently celebrated Veterans Day, it seems appropriate to discuss the benefits offered through Veterans Advantage, in particular the opportunity to save up to 5% on United flights.


Membership is open to US Military Veterans, Active Duty Military, National Guard or Reservist, Retired Military, Retired Guard or Reservist, and Family Members (Spouse, Parent, Child, and Sibling) of one of the above.


The post Save On United Flights With Veterans Advantage appeared first on One Mile at a Time.






from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2014/11/19/save-united-flights-veterans-advantage/

25% Discount Buying Starwood Points

Starwood is offering up to a 25% discount on purchased points through the end of the year. 10% off 500–9,500 Starpoints 15% off 10,000–14,500 Starpoints 20% off 15,000–19,500 Starpoints 25% off 20,000 Starpoints This isn’t an uncommon offer — Starwood offered this back in April, last November, and the previous March — but it’s also […]


The post 25% Discount Buying Starwood Points appeared first on View from the Wing.






from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2014/11/19/25-discount-buying-starwood-points/

Five Credit Card Features You Shouldn’t Travel Without

There’s no need to bring an entire wallet full of credit cards along on a trip abroad. However, bringing the right ones along will ensure that you are well covered in the case of an emergency and that your trip is made just a little bit more comfortable. Here are five types of credit cards […]



from Frugal Travel Guy http://www.frugaltravelguy.com/2014/11/five-credit-card-features-you-shouldnt-travel-without.html

36 Hours in Seattle

Shake off the charcoal skies and wet weather to discover colorful art, a vibrant food scene, sweeping views and more during a weekend in the Emerald City.

















from NYT > Travel http://rss.nytimes.com/c/34625/f/642561/s/40a4e675/sc/10/l/0L0Snytimes0N0C20A140C110C230Ctravel0Cthings0Eto0Edo0Ein0E360Ehours0Ein0Eseattle0Bhtml0Dpartner0Frss0Gemc0Frss/story01.htm

I Heart My City: Zubair’s Lahore

Zubair Khawar is a textile designer, but his true passion is travel photography. Born and raised in Lahore, he has recently started exploring his hometown through the eyes of a visitor—the true mark of any travel photographer worth his snuff—wandering the city's markets, observing the crowds, and sharing the color and bustle of daily life through images. Here's a look at the Punjab provincial capital through Zubair's lens.



from Intelligent Travel http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2014/11/19/i-heart-my-city-zubairs-lahore/

Review: Hyatt Herald Square New York

I was excited to check out the Hyatt Herald Square, which is Hyatt's newest property in New York. As I mentioned in the introduction post, Hyatt's New York footprint has been growing like crazy lately. In the past year they've opened the Park Hyatt New York, Hyatt Times Square, and Hyatt Union Square.


It's nice to have yet another property, in another unique part of New York City.


I got a very reasonable "My Elite Rate" of ~$160.


Within my cancellation deadline the rate actually dropped to $120, which seemed extremely cheap for New York City.


The post Review: Hyatt Herald Square New York appeared first on One Mile at a Time.






from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2014/11/19/review-hyatt-herald-square-new-york/

Orthogonal or bust: Brad Gerstner lays out the roadmap in travel

One of the most watched panels on stage at Phocuswright this year was the “Investor Insights” lineup during the Travel Innovation Summit, ...



from Tnooz http://www.tnooz.com/article/orthogonal-bust-brad-gerstner-lays-gameplan-travel/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=orthogonal-bust-brad-gerstner-lays-gameplan-travel

Don’t Forget to Register for Free Money Next Saturday

Link: Register for $30 AmEx Credits If you’re in the U.S., don’t forget to register for free money “Small Business Saturday.” A few years ago, American Express created a new fake holiday to honor small business owners. As fake holidays go, it sure beats President’s Day—I like supporting small businesses, and whenever Small Business Saturday…



from The Art of Non-Conformity http://chrisguillebeau.com/dont-forget-to-register-for-free-money-next-saturday/

Sweden's prostitution solution

"Sweden has dramatically reduced the number of its women in prostitution. In the capital city of Stockholm, the number of women in street prostitution has been reduced by two-thirds, and the number of johns has been reduced by 80%." How did Sweden do it?



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/bnt/swedens-prostitution-solution-hasnt-anyone-tried/

Boxever woos Air New Zealand and Ryanair with personalisation push

Boxever is to bring its predictive marketing technology to Air New Zealand. The Ireland-based data specialist has been selected to drive the ...



from Tnooz http://www.tnooz.com/article/boxever-5/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=boxever-5

Commercial aircraft in 2050

SYSTEMS: Even before Virgin Galactic’s recent and deadly setback, space tourism was unlikely to be a particularly mass form of transportation, even ...



from Tnooz http://www.tnooz.com/article/commercial-aircraft-2050/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=commercial-aircraft-2050

Couchsurfing relaunches on new platform with fresh functionality

Couchsurfing, the peer-to-peer accommodation sharing network, has re-launched on a new platform to enable it to take the first steps toward new ...



from Tnooz http://www.tnooz.com/article/couchsurfing-relaunches-new-platform-fresh-functionality/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=couchsurfing-relaunches-new-platform-fresh-functionality

Guests fined for leaving negative TripAdvisor review

When a couple left scathing comments on a travel review website that a hotel in northern England they had stayed at was a "filthy, dirty rotten stinking hovel," they thought no more about it.





from CNN.com - Travel http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/19/travel/hotel-review-fine/index.html

Let Me Catch You Up on Developments in the Travel World…

News and notes from around the interweb: Everyone gets free inflight wifi on November 26. It’s a limit of 30 minutes free, but if everyone on the plane uses it that could make speeds really slow…. A rundown of changes to the Delta award chart now that they’ve come clean on what the award chart […]


The post Let Me Catch You Up on Developments in the Travel World… appeared first on View from the Wing.






from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2014/11/19/let-catch-developments-travel-world/

How Much Should A Hotel Rollaway Bed Cost?

Generally speaking, hotels have a lot more suites with one bed than with two beds. In fact, many hotels don't have any suites with two beds. The reasoning is quite simple -- generally if you can afford to splurge on a suite, you're not looking to split a room with someone (of course there are exceptions, but that's the logic).


I almost always travel alone, so I don't put much thought into bed arrangements. I'm weird because I don't actually necessarily prefer a king bed over two double beds, even when traveling alone. It's nice to be able to nap in one bed during the day, and then still have a nicely made up bed when you go to sleep at night. Or if you frequently decline housekeeping (as I do), then it means you get a "fresh" bed more often.


But on my current trip with my dad I've run into an interesting situation I've never faced before. I've ordered rollaway beds at our hotels, and I've been fascinated by the variance in price.


The post How Much Should A Hotel Rollaway Bed Cost? appeared first on One Mile at a Time.






from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2014/11/19/much-hotel-rollaway-bed-cost/

A Birthday Wish for America’s National Parks

Yellowstone became the world’s first national park in 1872, leading the British diplomat James Bryce to declare national parks “the best idea America ever had.” Indeed, it was, and is. But celebrations and plaudits aside, look at what we have done to our national treasures. As we prepare to celebrate the National Park Service centennial in 2016, here's a birthday wish for the future.



from Intelligent Travel http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2014/11/19/a-birthday-wish-for-americas-national-parks/

Why Now Is the Best Time to Apply for the Chase Freedom Card

The Chase Freedom card is arguably the best no-annual fee card out there. The biggest knock against it, as well as the main reason why many choose not to apply for said card, is its low standard welcome bonus offer of only 10,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points (or $100 cash back). However, for a limited […]



from Frugal Travel Guy http://www.frugaltravelguy.com/2014/11/why-now-is-the-best-time-to-apply-for-the-chase-freedom-card.html

Notes from Traveling Millennials: On the Road with Bud and Eva Simpson

When you’re young, it feels easy to appease your inner wanderlust by saying, “I’ll travel later in life.” Twenty-somethings Bud and Eva Simpson decided they didn't want to live this way—and have spent the last year helping young adults learn to travel smart.



from The Art of Non-Conformity http://chrisguillebeau.com/bud-and-eva-simpson/

Life lessons from a Buddhist monk

"I look at Pravin. 'He’s praying for the fish, isn’t he?'” Oh, the things you will learn from a Buddhist monk at an aquarium...



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/notebook/life-lessons-buddhist-monk-fish/

Hotel Fines Guests £100 For Leaving Bad Review

Well this is quite... interesting. A Blackpool, UK hotel, charged guests £100 after they left a bad review online, claiming it's their policy. Via The Telegraph:


"A couple have been "fined" £100 by a Blackpool hotel they described as a "rotten stinking hovel" on travel review website TripAdvisor.


Tony and Jan Jenkinson posted the negative comments after being unimpressed with the one night they spent at the Broadway Hotel.


The couple, from Whitehaven, later found £100 charged to their credit card. The hotel said its policy was to charge for "bad" reviews.


When the couple queried the surcharge, the hotel’s manager said they had a ‘no bad review policy’ in their terms and conditions."


The post Hotel Fines Guests £100 For Leaving Bad Review appeared first on One Mile at a Time.






from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2014/11/19/hotel-fines-guests-100-leaving-bad-review/

The New American Express Studio Lounge Concept Launches Next Year in Seattle

American Express is opening a new lounge at the Seattle Airport next year. But it won’t be a Centurion lounge as we’ve come to know them. Instead it’s a Centurion Studio. Here’s what American Express shared with me, [W]e are opening a new Card Member space in Seattle-Tacoma Airport – it’ll be an extension of […]


The post The New American Express Studio Lounge Concept Launches Next Year in Seattle appeared first on View from the Wing.






from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2014/11/19/new-american-express-studio-lounge-concept-launches-next-year-seattle/

40 things good travelers never say

"30. 'India was dirty. I’m never going back.'” What?!? Matador Staff Writer Matt Hershberger rattles off 40 things that good travelers would never, ever say.



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/life/40-things-good-travelers-never-say/

Brand versus product: the rise of the travel meta brand

Sorry brand marketers, the travel industry has moved on. It is no longer sufficient to spend millions of pounds advertising your airline ...



from Tnooz http://www.tnooz.com/article/brand-vs-product-rise-of-travel-meta-brand/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=brand-versus-product-rise-travel-meta-brand

What not to do in Buenos Aires

Tango shows are the lazy and overpriced way to see this important part of Buenos Aires culture. Don't do it!



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/trips/buenos-aires/

Delta SkyMiles 2015 Worldwide Award Chart Details

Back in February, Delta announced the details of their 2015 SkyMiles program.


The new SkyMiles program included many changes. The most significant was probably that SkyMiles would begin awarding miles based on revenue rather than distance flown. Among US legacy airlines that was a first, and not surprisingly, United MileagePlus quickly followed.


But beyond the way they're awarding miles, Delta also changed the way members can redeem SkyMiles. Some of the changes included:


The post Delta SkyMiles 2015 Worldwide Award Chart Details appeared first on One Mile at a Time.






from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2014/11/19/delta-skymiles-2015-worldwide-award-chart-details/

The Personal Card That Offers 5 Points Per Dollar Has Doubled its Signup Bonus for a Limited Time

I receive compensation for many links on this blog. You don’t have to use these links, but I am grateful to you if you do. American Express, Citibank, Chase, and other banks are advertising partners of this site. I do not write about all credit cards that are available — instead focusing on miles, points, […]


The post The Personal Card That Offers 5 Points Per Dollar Has Doubled its Signup Bonus for a Limited Time appeared first on View from the Wing.






from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2014/11/19/personal-card-offers-5-points-per-dollar-doubled-signup-bonus-limited-time/

8 quintessential New Mexican foods

Food blogger and long-time New Mexico resident MJ Willis shares 8 of the state's most addictive dishes (with recipes).



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/life/8-quintessential-new-mexican-foods-wish-go-national/

The Event Effect – a tech-led future for meetings, conferences and exhibitions

It’s rare to hear from someone in the events (MICE) sector speak at a PhoCusWright conference. But it is a corner of ...



from Tnooz http://www.tnooz.com/article/event-effect-tech-led-future-mice/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=event-effect-tech-led-future-mice

15 South African slang phrases

"#5. Jawelnofine = Yes-well-no-fine. This is an expression of resignation in South Africa. Here's an example: A: The school fees have increased by over 20% this year? B: Jawelnofine." Going to South Africa? Learn "jawelnofine" and 14 other slang phrases you'll need in SA.



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/abroad/15-slang-phrases-youll-need-know-south-africa/

Up Sri Lanka's holy mountain

Joining the ranks of pilgrims tackling Adam's Peak rewards the hiker with a spiritual awakening, or at least stunning sunrise.





from CNN.com - Travel http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/18/travel/sri-lanka-adams-peak/index.html

Six ways to jazz up Thanksgiving

Take your hand out of the turkey's body cavity and turn off the football game to make some new traditions with friends and family.





from CNN.com - Travel http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/19/travel/unconventional-thanksgiving/index.html

Norway's cool new passport has a stylish secret

Beautifully designed new travel document reveals image of Northern Lights when placed under UV light.





from CNN.com - Travel http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/18/travel/norway-cool-new-passport/index.html