Commeasure takes $1 million to ramp up hotel distribution and marketing services

India and Singapore-based Commeasure has secured its first external round of funding – $1 million from Jungle Ventures. The company (TLabs here) ...



from Tnooz http://www.tnooz.com/article/commeasure-takes-1-million-to-ramp-up-hotel-distribution-and-marketing-services/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=commeasure-takes-1-million-to-ramp-up-hotel-distribution-and-marketing-services

United Airlines gets it dead wrong (but it’s still right)

from Elliott http://elliott.org/case-dismissed-2/united-airlines-gets-it-dead-wrong-but-its-still-right/

To Cross the Railroad Tracks, Go Against Everything You’ve Been Told

One time, long ago, I had a hard year while living in Memphis, Tennessee. Ever since then, especially when I’ve been at events throughout the south, I’ve met a lot of people who also lived in Memphis for a time. When the subject comes up, once in a while I mention something about my hard year there, and I always add a disclaimer: “Probably it was just me.” There are good people everywhere, and you never want to insult someone’s city. More than once, though, they’ve said “I had a hard year in Memphis too!”As the song says, maybe it was Memphis, but maybe it was just me. Whatever it was, it wasn’t only a hard year: it was actually a terrible year where I felt very alone and afraid.



from The Art of Non-Conformity http://chrisguillebeau.com/railroad-tracks/

Southwest Airlines Announcing New Seats Tomorrow (and Maybe Something More Interesting)

Southwest tweeted a tease about a big announcement tomorrow, and it looks like new seats. Reading between the lines, though, there appears to be more to the announcement.

Continue reading Southwest Airlines Announcing New Seats Tomorrow (and Maybe Something More Interesting)...

from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2015/04/13/southwest-airlines-announcing-new-seats-tomorrow-and-maybe-something-more-interesting/

IHG Rewards Club Program Changes

IHG Rewards Club has announced some changes to their program. Naturally I'm skeptical when I hear about loyalty program changes, since they're rarely positive nowadays.

Here's how IHG Rewards Club describes the changes:

"It’s time to enjoy a loyalty programme that’s more centred on you and everything you love about travel. Take a fresh look at an even better IHG® Rewards Club — we think you’ll like what you see."

While I was initially pessimistic, and while the above sounds exciting, the reality is somewhere in the middle.

The post IHG Rewards Club Program Changes appeared first on One Mile at a Time.

from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2015/04/13/ihg-rewards-club-program-changes/

IHG Rewards Club Points Will Expire, and They’re Promising a New Elite Program

IHG Rewards Club - the loyalty program for Intercontinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, and related brands - will be introducing new elite benefits this summer. We know some of those now, and I'll explain those.

They're also introducing expiring points. Their points haven't expired, now they'll expire after 12 months of inactivity. Elite members get a longer expiration, though.

I go over the holes in the program, what they could do to fill those, and what we know they're planning so far.

Continue reading IHG Rewards Club Points Will Expire, and They’re Promising a New Elite Program...

from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2015/04/13/ihg-rewards-club-points-will-expire-and-theyre-promising-a-new-elite-program/

I Had So Much Trouble Getting Approved for THIS Card

Despite having applied to more than 25 personal and business credits over the last five years, I have been fortunate to have been approved for all the credit cards I have ever applied to. I have only received automatic approval a handful of times because of issues with my address, so a call to reconsideration […]



from Frugal Travel Guy http://www.frugaltravelguy.com/2015/04/i-had-so-much-trouble-getting-approved-for-this-card.html

Alaska Ramper Falls Asleep in Cargo Hold — Ouch!

Via Alaska Airlines' blog, a flight from Seattle to Los Angeles returned to Seattle shortly after takeoff due to a banging noise in the cargo hold:

"Flight 448, bound for Los Angeles, returned to Seattle shortly after departure today after it was discovered that a ramp agent was still in the cargo hold. The aircraft was in the air for 14 minutes.

After landing, the agent, an employee of Menzies Aviation, walked off the aircraft from the front cargo hold, which is pressurized and temperature controlled. Upon exiting, he told authorities he had fallen asleep. The agent was transported to a local hospital as a precaution. We are actively investigating this matter."

The post Alaska Ramper Falls Asleep in Cargo Hold — Ouch! appeared first on One Mile at a Time.

from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2015/04/13/alaska-ramper-falls-asleep-in-cargo-hold-ouch/

ANA Has A New Award Search Tool, And It’s Not Great

As of this weekend, Japanese airline ANA has a new award chart. Along with that, they've apparently refreshed their website and heretofore fabulous Star Alliance award search tool.

And goodness gracious it's terrible.

For starters, actually getting to the award search tool is problematic. Not like it was easy before, but I highly recommend you bookmark the link to the new ANA tool, as even getting that far is a challenge.

The post ANA Has A New Award Search Tool, And It’s Not Great appeared first on One Mile at a Time.

from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2015/04/13/ana-has-a-new-award-search-tool-and-its-not-great/

Things the French learn in the US

should we tip the plane crew? The dentist’s assistant? The cashier at 7-Eleven? The bus driver?



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/life/the-first-8-things-a-french-person-learns-upon-moving-to-the-us/

Environmental street art

Street artists, more than any other group, are really awesome at making art with environmental messages.



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/change/15-coolest-pieces-environmentalist-street-art-youll-ever-see/

In Transit: The Kardashians Show Support for Armenia

The Republic of Armenia has received what could be its biggest tourism boost to date: a visit from the Kardashians.

















from NYT > Travel http://rss.nytimes.com/c/34625/f/642561/s/455ce9fd/sc/28/l/0L0Snytimes0N0C20A150C0A40C140Ctravel0Cthe0Ekardashians0Eshow0Esupport0Efor0Earmenia0Bhtml0Dpartner0Frss0Gemc0Frss/story01.htm

Why Won’t American Sell a First Class Seat? A Conundrum I Can’t Make Sense Of.

I’m looking at a flight later today that has only two first class seats for sale: (There’s one confirmable upgrade [A] seat and no discounted first class [P] seats that American will sell.) 11 out of 16 first class seats are open on the seat map: To be sure, the seat map is not a perfect approximation of availability. There can be people in a cabin without seat assignment. That’s more often true for international flights than domestic, and domestically in coach than first class, but it’s true. Today there was bad weather going through Dallas, including a ground stop. That doesn’t come close to explaining this, however. The flight showed up the same way prior to day. I frequently see American Airlines flights where they will not sell any first class seats (“F0″) but…

Continue reading Why Won’t American Sell a First Class Seat? A Conundrum I Can’t Make Sense Of....

from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2015/04/13/why-wont-american-sell-a-first-class-seat-a-conundrum-i-cant-make-sense-of/

What Is a Citi ThankYou Point and What Is It Worth?

Citi ThankYou Points are one of the major bank-issued credit card loyalty points that allow you to book travel or redeem for products through the Citi ThankYou online portal. The best value for a redemption can be achieved by using ThankYou points to book travel directly through the ThankYou travel portal or via transferring points […]



from Frugal Travel Guy http://www.frugaltravelguy.com/2015/04/what-is-a-citi-thankyou-point-and-what-is-it-worth.html

WATCH: Man narrates his terrifying mountain bike ride in real time

It's hard to make a death-defying plunge down a mountain seem light-hearted and fun, but Claudio Caluori pulls it off.



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/sports/watch-man-narrates-his-terrifying-mountain-bike-ride-in-real-time/

T Magazine: Rosario Dawson’s Adventures in Ghana, Celebrating Women and Her First Clothing Collection

The actress shares with T the friendly faces behind Studio One Eighty Nine — and the many friends she encountered on a recent trip to Africa.

















from NYT > Travel http://rss.nytimes.com/c/34625/f/642561/s/455c8e40/sc/14/l/0Ltmagazine0Bblogs0Bnytimes0N0C20A150C0A40C130Crosario0Edawson0Eghana0Estudio0Eone0Eeighty0Enine0C0Dpartner0Frss0Gemc0Frss/story01.htm

In Transit Blog: Walkabout: China Limits Travel to Hong Kong

A weekly capsule of travel news curated by our writers and editors.

















from NYT > Travel http://rss.nytimes.com/c/34625/f/642561/s/455c460c/sc/28/l/0Lintransit0Bblogs0Bnytimes0N0C20A150C0A40C130Cwalkabout0Echina0Elimits0Etravel0Eto0Ehong0Ekong0C0Dpartner0Frss0Gemc0Frss/story01.htm

Upcoming Live “Organize Your Photos” Event!

Come Watch Live on Thursday! Here’s the event (Click!) and where you can watch Live! Live Photo Event – Organize Your Photos! – Thursday 6 PM PST, 9 PM EST (or check your local time on the event page) Join me as we do a live Google+ Hangout soon. It’s a free event and I’ll […]



from Stuck in Customs http://www.stuckincustoms.com/2015/04/13/upcoming-live-organize-your-photos-event/

You learned to eat in the South

None of your vegetable plates are vegetarian:



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/life/12-signs-you-learned-to-eat-in-the-south/

Just Back: Zermatt, Switzerland

When you're celebrating your tenth wedding anniversary, not every destination will do. Nat Geo's director of digital marketing, Jennifer Wallace, and her husband were looking for "a truly amazing spring skiing destination" and they found it in Zermatt, Switzerland. Here are a few highlights from her trip, in her own words.



from Intelligent Travel http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2015/04/13/just-back-zermatt-switzerland/

T Magazine: J.J. Martin on Where to Eat, Drink and Shop in Milan During Salone del Mobile

The expat (a California native, and the founder and editor of LaDoubleJ.com) shares where to spa, sightsee and practice yoga like an American.

















from NYT > Travel http://rss.nytimes.com/c/34625/f/642561/s/455c4199/sc/14/l/0Ltmagazine0Bblogs0Bnytimes0N0C20A150C0A40C130Cj0Ej0Emartin0Emilan0Etravel0Eguide0Esalone0Edi0Emobile0C0Dpartner0Frss0Gemc0Frss/story01.htm

I’m Sick and Tired of Hearing that Delta Rewards Its Highest Valued Customers, Because it Just Ain’t True

There's a persistent myth that Delta's new mileage program rewards its highest value customers, or at least those who spend the most on tickets. But that's sloppy thinking. They're actually rewarding most customers, including those with above average spend, far less than before. And that doesn't even factor in the value of the miles which are being earned, which are among the least valuable.

While there are uses for SkyMiles (the value of their points is not zero), there are many reasons that a high spending customer might want to choose Delta -- the mileage program is just not one of them.

Continue reading I’m Sick and Tired of Hearing that Delta Rewards Its Highest Valued Customers, Because it Just Ain’t True...

from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2015/04/13/im-sick-and-tired-of-hearing-that-delta-rewards-its-highest-valued-customers-because-it-just-aint-true/

Answering 9 Common Questions About The Citi Prestige Card

As most of you probably know by now, the Citi Prestige Card is offering an increased sign-up bonus of 50,000 ThankYou Rewards points after spending $3,000 on the card within the first three months. At a minimum that sign-up bonus will get you $800 worth of travel on American and US Airways.

Not only is this a great sign-up bonus, but the Citi Prestige Card is one which has value beyond the bonus. The card comes with a lot of perks, including the following:

-- A $250 annual airline credit

-- Access to American Admirals Clubs

-- The most comprehensive Priority Pass membership offered by any card

-- A $100 Global Entry fee credit

-- A great points earnings structure

-- No foreign transaction fees

I've been receiving many questions about the card, so thought I'd go through and answer them here.

The post Answering 9 Common Questions About The Citi Prestige Card appeared first on One Mile at a Time.

from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2015/04/13/answering-9-common-questions-about-the-citi-prestige-card/

The hottest thing on "Game of Thrones": The scenery

Sexier than the sex scenes, the backdrops to the fantasy series make a stunning travel wish list.

from CNN.com - Travel http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/13/travel/gallery/game-of-thrones-locations-gallery/index.html

More than 200 sickened aboard cruise ships

Gastrointestinal Illness has gripped 100 people on the cruise ship Celebrity Infinity, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control.

from CNN.com - Travel http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/13/travel/feat-cruise-ship-sick-celebrity-infinity/index.html

Internet helps find 'Joe,' owner of antique ring

Caught up in a rip current while snorkeling at Finn's Beach in Bali, Roxy Walsh was holding on to some rocks when she spotted something special.

from CNN.com - Travel http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/13/travel/feat-find-joe-jenny-ring-in-bali/index.html

Discounted JetBlue Redemptions for Travel through June 17

Now through April 14, 2015, JetBlue is running a promotion where you can save 20% when redeeming your JetBlue TrueBlue points for flights on them between April 28, 2015 and June 17, 2015. Offer Details: Ready to spring for an Award Flight? When you redeem some of your hard-earned TrueBlue points for an Award Flight...



from The Points Guy http://thepointsguy.com/2015/04/discounted-jetblue-redemptions-for-travel-through-june-17/

6 essential bars and cantinas in DF

Zinco Jazz Club is elegant and intimate, like something from an old movie.



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/nights/6-essential-bars-and-cantinas-in-mexico-city/

Ultimate US road trip

Now that the planning is all done, all you have to do is hit the road.



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/life/according-to-science-this-is-the-ultimate-us-road-trip/

Tired of Expensive or Sold Out Hotels? Try Frugal Lodging Alternatives

Everyone likes a free hotel room and I am no different. I especially enjoy using my hotel points and free nights for those expensive properties that I could never afford otherwise. However, occasionally I travel to places where chain hotels or rooms with points may not be available. In these cases, I resort to plan […]



from Frugal Travel Guy http://www.frugaltravelguy.com/2015/04/tired-of-expensive-or-sold-out-hotels-try-frugal-lodging-alternatives.html

Disabled combat veteran and pregnant wife left to fend for themselves after “weather” delay

from Elliott http://elliott.org/from-the-trenches/disabled-combat-veteran-and-pregnant-wife-left-to-fend-for-themselves-after-weather-delay/

Nezasa pivots to B2B with distribution of travel packages for travel agents

Nezasa (TLabs here) was created to deliver customizable bespoke travel packages online, meaning that travelers could create more complicated itineraries using the ...



from Tnooz http://www.tnooz.com/article/nezasa-pivots-to-b2b-with-distribution-of-travel-packages-for-travel-agents/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=nezasa-pivots-to-b2b-with-distribution-of-travel-packages-for-travel-agents

Must know: Study abroad in Toronto

You will pay 2-3 times more than Canadian students:



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/abroad/13-things-you-need-to-know-before-studying-abroad-in-toronto/

Beyond the Wall: Game of Thrones Locations Around the World

HBO’s acclaimed fantasy series, Game of Thrones, has returned for its fifth season, and fans can’t wait to see what will happen next in the mythical land of Westeros and the fight for the Iron Throne that rules it. Will this be the season Khaleesi brings her army to King’s Landing? What’s up with the...



from The Points Guy http://thepointsguy.com/2015/04/beyond-the-wall-game-of-thrones-locations-around-the-world/

Limited-Time Increased Signup Bonus for Card That Gives You Hilton Gold Status

Citi Hilton HHonors Reserve There’s a limited-time increase in the signup bonus for the Citi Hilton HHonors Reserve Card. The usual bonus is two free weekend nights at most Hilton properties after $2,500 spend within four months of account opening. In addition now you will receive a $100 statement credit after spending $100 or more on your first Hilton stay charged to your card within 3 months of opening. If you use the card and its Gold status with Hilton right away, you’ll pocket back more than the card’s $95 fee on the card just with that credit. The card comes with Gold status in the Hilton HHonors program. Hilton Gold is the best mid-tier elite level in my opinion, and the real sweet spot in the program. You’ll get lounge access or breakfast, and…

Continue reading Limited-Time Increased Signup Bonus for Card That Gives You Hilton Gold Status...

from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2015/04/13/limited-time-increased-signup-bonus-for-card-that-gives-you-hilton-gold-status/

Where To Credit Cheap First Class Fares On United

Last June, United had a fare mistake sale in which they sold First class tickets between Boston and Seoul for about $1,700. While not as deep a discount as United's recent Great Dane (not honored) or American's Beijing fares (honored), it still represented significant savings over retail. Of course, I'm not sure who would ever pay that to fly first on United, but regardless, this was a pretty good deal.

A good friend of mine Ben (not that Ben!) lives in Boston, so we we decided to take a joint trip with our families to Korea.

At the time of booking, United still awarded miles based on distance flown. They also had class of service bonuses for premium cabin travel -- for A fares such as these, the bonus was 175% or 250% depending on whether it was a 2- or 3-cabin plane. That means that a General Member such as my friend Ben, would have earned 37,784 United miles for the standard Boston - San Francisco - Seoul round trip.

Then United announced the switch to revenue-based earnings beginning March 1, 2015, at which point this trip to Korea suddenly became a lot less lucrative. Instead of earning nearly 38,000 miles, it will now earn about 7000 if credited to United. Ouch! I mean, the trip is still a good deal, just not what it once was. Now Ben is looking to me for advice on where to credit the miles other than United. And I'm realizing that there isn't a clear-cut answer.

The post Where To Credit Cheap First Class Fares On United appeared first on One Mile at a Time.

from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2015/04/13/where-to-credit-cheap-first-class-fares-on-united/

5 things we stand to lose if a gondola is built in the Grand Canyon

Now, nearly 100 years after it was declared a national park, the Grand Canyon is at the center of a development fight that would bring a lot more feet to its edges. Two miles east of the South Rim, Confluence Partners LLC -- a Scottsdale-based development group that specializes in real estate and theme parks -- is pushing to build a gondola to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/pulse/5-things-we-stand-to-lose-if-a-gondola-is-built-in-the-grand-canyon/

You know you're in Asheville when...

You see a cross-dressing nun riding a bike downtown and he’s blowing you kisses....



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/notebook/you-know-you-are-in-asheville-when/

Another POS breach at White Lodging — will EMV save the day?

White Lodging has been hit by another POS breach which has affected travelers who made purchases at its restaurant and bar operations ...



from Tnooz http://www.tnooz.com/article/another-pos-breach-at-white-lodging-will-emv-save-the-day/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=another-pos-breach-at-white-lodging-will-emv-save-the-day

Watch This Sleeping Man Go Round and Round on the Baggage Carousel

Back in February the Puddle of Mud lead singer was arrested for riding the baggage carousel at the Denver airport. It always seemed like it would be fun to do that, but given the legal risk (especially riding it back into the ‘secure area’) I’ve never tried — the juice just isn’t worth the squeeze. I do not know, however, how this happened — it seems like you wouldn’t even get the thrill of the ride this way: The man is at Moscow’s Domodedovoa airport and it’s sort of awesome that he’s just sandwiched in between others’ bags on the belt as the carousel moves in circles and delivers luggage to waiting passengers. Hat tip to Road Warrior Voices who notes that “Rod Stewart’s son Sean did the exact same thing at Miami International Airport…

Continue reading Watch This Sleeping Man Go Round and Round on the Baggage Carousel...

from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2015/04/13/watch-this-sleeping-man-go-round-and-round-on-the-baggage-carousel/

20 signs you're from New Mexico

You got a DUI for driving while dodging potholes. And you know what “Christmas” is. (Hint: It's got nothing to do with the holiday.)



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/notebook/20-signs-you-were-born-and-raised-in-new-mexico/

Limited Time Increased Sign-Up Bonus On Citi Hilton Reserve Card

The Citi® Hilton HHonors™ Reserve Card is offering a publicly available limited time increased sign-up bonus:

-- Two free weekend nights at most Hilton family properties after spending $2,500 within four months of account opening

-- Plus for a limited time receive a $100 statement credit after spending $100 or more on your first hotel stay in the Hilton HHonors portfolio within the first three months of account opening

The two free weekend nights are the standard sign-up bonus, while the $100 statement credit after your first Hilton stay within three months is an added perk.

The standard sign-up bonus is already incredibly valuable. Hilton devalued their award chart substantially a couple of years ago, whereby top hotels went from 50,000 points per night to up to 95,000 points per night.

The post Limited Time Increased Sign-Up Bonus On Citi Hilton Reserve Card appeared first on One Mile at a Time.

from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2015/04/13/limited-time-increased-sign-up-bonus-on-citi-hilton-reserve-card/

What kind of outdoor person are you?

Are you a nature lover or a hardcore adventurer?



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/life/what-kind-of-outdoor-person-are-you-quiz/

Three Great New Travel Reads

Looking for some travel inspiration? Our travel writing guru Don George sounds off on the latest and greatest #TripLit titles that will transport you from Laos to post-Soviet Europe.



from Intelligent Travel http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2015/04/13/three-great-new-travel-reads/

Amazon sues to stop phony product reviews

from Elliott http://elliott.org/advice-you-can-take/can-amazon-sue-bogus-reviews-into-extinction/

4 Travel Gadgets Actually Worth Buying

On the first Tuesday second Monday of each month, Dave Dean from Too Many Adapters gives us great tips and advice on travel tech and gear. This month’s column is about gadgets worth taking on the road. It’s surprisingly hard to find travel gear that delivers. There’s the tiny solar charger that took five days of sunlight to half-charge my phone, the wind-up flashlight with a handle that snapped off the first time I used it, the travel mouse that […]

The post 4 Travel Gadgets Actually Worth Buying appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

from Nomadic Matt's Travel Site http://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/4-travel-gadgets/

Why are there Koalas sitting in first class?

Australia is sending four furry envoys to Singapore as a gift to celebrate the city state's independence anniversary.

from CNN.com - Travel http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/13/travel/qantas-koalas-singapore/index.html

Dream or nightmare? The place where every day is like Christmas

Can't wait until December 25? One luxury Lapland company is offering year-round yuletide

from CNN.com - Travel http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/13/travel/year-round-christmas/index.html