The Airline-Hotel Partnership That Defies Expectations

Starwood and Delta introduced a pretty significant new partnership two years ago. It was a close relationship with bonus points-earning and some reciprocal status recognition. United and Marriott slid in behind them. I’ve expected, at some level, a tie-up with Hilton. Marriott and Starwood were taken. United and Delta were taken. Who was still free […]

The post The Airline-Hotel Partnership That Defies Expectations appeared first on View from the Wing.

from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2014/09/26/airline-hotel-partnership-defies-expectations/

T Magazine: China’s Top Design Talent Descends on Beijing

The fourth incarnation of the city’s Design Week, beginning tomorrow across Beijing, is a showcase for the country’s artistry and innovation.

















from NYT > Travel http://rss.nytimes.com/c/34625/f/642561/s/3edfb2b6/sc/30/l/0Ltmagazine0Bblogs0Bnytimes0N0C20A140C0A90C260Cbeijing0Edesign0Eweek0Edesign0Ehop0Eprogram0C0Dpartner0Frss0Gemc0Frss/story01.htm

Giveaway: Woodland Chevvy Scarf by Krama Wheel

Every Friday is giveaway day. Comment to win! Up for the win is this awesome scarf from Krama Wheel, founded by traveler and entrepreneur Roni Sivan. Every Krama Wheel scarf sold secures the making of a new school uniform for a young Cambodian student who otherwise couldn’t afford it. This small business was inspired by…



from The Art of Non-Conformity http://chrisguillebeau.com/giveaway-woodland-chevvy-scarf-karma-wheel/

What is Immigration Preclearance, and Where can You Use It?

U.S. immigration is done outside the U.S. at 16 airports around the world. When you arrive at the airport you go through US customs and immigration before getting on your flight. That’s great for non-US citizens because the lines are usually shorter and they can make quicker connections on arrival. That’s great for the US, […]

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from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2014/09/26/immigration-preclearance-can-use/

Travel Lens: Juan José Valdés’s World

Make no mistake, National Geographic's lead geographer Juan José Valdés's curiosity about "the world and all that's in it" (a phrase Alexander Graham Bell, one of the Society's founding members, used to describe the scope of the organization's mission) isn't purely cartographic or limited to his desk. Here’s a look at the planet through his unique lens.



from Intelligent Travel http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2014/09/26/travel-lens-juan-jose-valdess-world/

Frugal Guide to Cannes

Cannes is famous for its beaches, calm beautiful waters, high-end shopping, and that annual film festival you may have heard of, which takes place in May of each year at the Grand Hyatt Cannes Hotel Martinez. The city gets packed with tourists and journalists alike, while hotel rates skyrocket and rooms sell out in advance. […]



from Frugal Travel Guy http://www.frugaltravelguy.com/2014/09/frugal-guide-to-cannes.html

In Transit Blog: Music in the Virginia Mountains

The Blue Ridge Folklife Festival in Ferrum, Va., in October will feature sacred and string-band music.

















from NYT > Travel http://rss.nytimes.com/c/34625/f/642561/s/3edf1f2e/sc/38/l/0Lintransit0Bblogs0Bnytimes0N0C20A140C0A90C260Cmusic0Ein0Ethe0Evirginia0Emountains0C0Dpartner0Frss0Gemc0Frss/story01.htm

IHG PointBreaks September 2014 Preview

The most recent IHG Rewards Club’s PointBreaks preview was just posted in the IHG forum. The hotels on the list will be available for booking starting Monday, September 29, 2014, and will be valid for stays through Sunday, November 30, 2014.

IHG Rewards Club’s PointBreaks is traditionally one of the best promotions in the hotel industry. Through this promotion, select hotels are available for just 5,000 points per night. Since IHG Rewards Club points can be indirectly purchased for 0.7 cents each, that’s like booking stays at certain hotels for just $35 per night.

Looking at the preview list there are roughly 175 hotels participating, and while the list could technically change prior to Monday, the properties involved are pretty lackluster.

The post IHG PointBreaks September 2014 Preview appeared first on One Mile at a Time.

from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2014/09/26/ihg-pointbreaks-september-2014-preview/

7 things you bring home from Nepal

The movement of prayer flags with the wind at iconic temples and religious spaces across Asia plays a strong part in many recollections of the region.



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/life/7-things-house-youve-nepal/

Footsteps: In New Mexico, on the Cowboy Trail of Jack Thorp

The former New Yorker fell in love with the Rio Grande Valley, collecting the ballads and poems that embodied the land and its harsh beauty.

















from NYT > Travel http://rss.nytimes.com/c/34625/f/642561/s/3edebaaa/sc/10/l/0L0Snytimes0N0C20A140C0A90C280Ctravel0Cin0Enew0Emexico0Eon0Ethe0Ecowboy0Etrail0Eof0Ejack0Ethorp0Bhtml0Dpartner0Frss0Gemc0Frss/story01.htm

Frugal Traveler: In the Northwest, 3 Trips, Planned by Others

The Frugal Traveler surrenders itinerary control and follows the orders of others through Vancouver, the San Juan Islands and Portland, Ore.

















from NYT > Travel http://rss.nytimes.com/c/34625/f/642561/s/3edebaa5/sc/10/l/0L0Snytimes0N0C20A140C0A90C280Ctravel0Cin0Ethe0Enorthwest0E30Etrips0Eplanned0Eby0Eothers0Bhtml0Dpartner0Frss0Gemc0Frss/story01.htm

Air France Outlines Latest Proposal to Pilots’ Union

The company plans to hire up to 1,000 new employees in France, including 250 pilots, for its budget carrier, but held firm on a separate contract.

















from NYT > Travel http://rss.nytimes.com/c/34625/f/642561/s/3edebaac/sc/36/l/0L0Snytimes0N0C20A140C0A90C270Cbusiness0Cinternational0Cair0Efrance0Eoutlines0Elatest0Eproposal0Eto0Epilots0Eunion0Bhtml0Dpartner0Frss0Gemc0Frss/story01.htm

The 5 Cards That Offer You the Best Insider Benefits

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, […]

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from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2014/09/26/5-cards-offer-best-insider-benefits/

You’ll Always Lose at the Comparison Game (So Stop Playing It)

I went back to the Tattered Cover in Denver last night. Love that store! Fun people. I remembered being there two years ago. At the time, The $100 Startup was selling really well and there were at least 150 people at every tour stop. I was feeling good. In Denver that night there were more…



from The Art of Non-Conformity http://chrisguillebeau.com/youll-always-lose-at-the-comparison-game-so-stop-playing-it/

How To Fix Thai Airways First Class Downgrade

I recently wrote about how operationally unreliable Thai Airways is, given how many last minute equipment swaps they have. If you book a flight a year out, it's not unusual to have the equipment type changed a handful of times. It's what I (not so) endearingly like to refer to as "getting TGed."

Most recently, Thai Airways cancelled first class service to Sydney, by changing the plane they fly on the route from a three class 747-400 to a two class 777-300. This ended one of the only realistic Star Alliance first class award options to Australia, which was terrible for everybody who had booked first class awards on this route.

Earlier this month, Thai reversed course by rescheduling a three class 747-400 on the Bangkok to Sydney route, once again offering a first class product. But this time the issue isn't what Thai did do... it's what Thai didn't do.

The post How To Fix Thai Airways First Class Downgrade appeared first on One Mile at a Time.

from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2014/09/26/fixing-thai-airways-downgrades/