February 17, 2015

In Transit Blog: Walkabout: All Eyes Are on Change at JetBlue

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

















from NYT > Travel http://rss.nytimes.com/c/34625/f/642561/s/437f1e71/sc/38/l/0Lintransit0Bblogs0Bnytimes0N0C20A150C0A20C170Cwalkabout0Eall0Eeyes0Eare0Eon0Echange0Eat0Ejetblue0C0Dpartner0Frss0Gemc0Frss/story01.htm

National parks saw record numbers of visitors in 2014

America's national parks welcomed a record-breaking 292.8 million visits in 2014, shattering the previous record of 287.1 million visits set in 1999.





from CNN.com - Travel http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/17/travel/feat-most-visited-national-parks-sites-2014/index.html

This is the world's coldest town

So you live in Maine or Michigan or Canada and you think you have it rough in the winter? That’s cute.



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/life/think-handle-winter-worlds-coldest-town/

Hyatt Offers 20% Point-Redemption Refund to Hyatt Credit Cardmembers

Hyatt announced a neat promotion today for Hyatt Credit Cardmembers. Through the promotion, you can earn back 20 percent of points redeemed. In addition to receiving a refund for points used for award nights and points + cash stays, you will also get 20 percent of points redeemed for room upgrades, dining and spa awards […]



from Frugal Travel Guy http://www.frugaltravelguy.com/2015/02/hyatt-offers-20-point-redemption-refund-to-hyatt-credit-cardmembers.html

A Tourist Authority Gives Up, an Airline CEO Lights Money on Fire, Plus Double Miles and 50% Off Awards

News and notes from around the interweb: Ithaca’s tourism authority gives up — says you should visit Florida this winter. Double American miles between the US and Germany on American, US Airways, and airberlin (HT: Frequent Flyer Bonuses) Blogger interviews the CEO of La Compagnie, the ‘all business class’ airline flying between New York and […]


The post A Tourist Authority Gives Up, an Airline CEO Lights Money on Fire, Plus Double Miles and 50% Off Awards appeared first on View from the Wing.






from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2015/02/17/tourist-authority-gives-airline-ceo-lights-money-fire-plus-double-miles-50-off-awards/

Stop ivory-funded terrorism [vid]

When you buy something made of ivory, where does the money go?



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/tv/either-stop-ivory-funded-terrorism-witness-last-days-elephants-wild/

How Good Is Japan Airlines’ New First Class Product?

In late 2012, Japan Airlines began introducing a new first & business class product throughout their longhaul fleet. While it looked great, it wasn't actually until this past weekend that I flew it.


Up until this trip I wasn't too hot about Japan Airlines. Yes, I knew they were a decent airline, but based on my flights with them prior to that, I was never blown away by them. I always kind of thought of them as the second rate Japanese airline, after ANA, with which I've had nothing but amazing experiences.


The post How Good Is Japan Airlines’ New First Class Product? appeared first on One Mile at a Time.






from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2015/02/17/how-good-is-japan-airlines-new-first-class-product/

Chicago’s Indie Hotels

Chicago is as famous for Wrigley Field and deep dish pizza as it is for its neighborhoods. See the Windy City in style by making one of these boutique hotels your home base.



from Intelligent Travel http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2015/02/17/chicagos-indie-hotels/

In Transit Blog: At Renaissance Hotels, an Artistic Welcome

Renaissance Hotels will feature travel-inspired art in the entryways of each of its locations.

















from NYT > Travel http://rss.nytimes.com/c/34625/f/642561/s/437e8df5/sc/10/l/0Lintransit0Bblogs0Bnytimes0N0C20A150C0A20C170Cat0Erenaissance0Ehotels0Ean0Eartistic0Ewelcome0C0Dpartner0Frss0Gemc0Frss/story01.htm

How to Maximize Marriott Hotel + Air Packages

A few months ago, the Ritz Carlton credit card began offering 140,000 points worth two free nights after you spent $3,000 on the card and paid the hefty $395 annual fee. I hate paying annual fees and don’t care about Ritz Carlton properties at all, but both my husband and I signed up for an […]



from Frugal Travel Guy http://www.frugaltravelguy.com/2015/02/how-to-maximize-marriott-hotel-air-packages.html

10 simple steps to crisper photos

If you're a budding photographer, you have to check this out.



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/notebook/too-many-photos-lack-sharpness-here-are-10-simple-steps-for-crisper-shots/

US Airlines Want to Ban the Big Middle East Carriers, Because 9/11

US airlines have been out swinging against the major Middle Eastern airlines Emirates, Qatar, and Etihad — arguing that they are state subsidized and competing unfairly against US carriers, and asking the US to terminate Open Skies agreements that permit unfettered access to US markets. It wouldn’t much hurt US airlines as much, since they […]


The post US Airlines Want to Ban the Big Middle East Carriers, Because 9/11 appeared first on View from the Wing.






from View from the Wing http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2015/02/17/us-airlines-want-ban-big-middle-east-carriers-911/

Signs you learned to drink in Wales

"You had your 10th birthday party, your first drink, first dance, first kiss, possibly first shag (out the back behind the bins?), your wedding, your baby's christening, and will have your funeral at your local social club."



from Matador Network » Matador Network http://matadornetwork.com/nights/12-signs-learned-drink-wales/

How to Overcome a Fear of Flying

National Geographic Traveler editor at large Christopher Elliott is the magazine’s consumer advocate and ombudsman. Over the past 15 years he has helped countless readers fix their trips. Here’s his latest advice.



from Intelligent Travel http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2015/02/17/how-to-overcome-a-fear-of-flying/

American Upgrade Priority Changing As Of March 11, 2015

Each of the major US airlines approaches upgrade priority a bit differently. American's system is probably the best for the leisure/discount traveler, as upgrades are prioritized as follows:


-- Status

-- Whether you're connecting or not

-- Whether you're a full fare passenger or not

-- Time of request


The post American Upgrade Priority Changing As Of March 11, 2015 appeared first on One Mile at a Time.






from One Mile at a Time http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2015/02/17/american-upgrade-priority-changing-march-11-2015/