We’re back with our weekend roundup of the latest stories in the world of travel. For the first time, we’re not featuring any stories that are Covid-19 related, since there isn’t much new to report on that front. Here’s what we’ve been following. . .
Off the coast of Puerto Vallarta, Photo by Alonso Reyes on Unsplash
According to top travel advisor Pam Keystone, now is the time to book travel for 2022. In essence, three years of travel demand is being squeezed into next year as travelers are clamoring to safely visit one of their bucket list destinations. Pam and her group at The Art of Vacationing are running into space constraints for air travel, hotels, cruises and tours all over the world. Cruises in particular are fully booked for many popular routes and dates, and prices are going up accordingly. If you’re interested in international travel next year, make your plans and book as soon as possible to avoid being shut out. And be as flexible as possible with dates and destinations. . .take a look at our post from last month suggesting alternatives to some of the most popular international destinations.
Southwest Airlines is struggling with multiple issues that have caused the cancellation of hundreds of flights this month and next. Technical issues with their reservation system and weather-related problems are the main culprits. If you’ve been affected, you’re probably eligible for a refund or compensation. But try to determine this by researching and making your claim online; hold times for Southwest agents (as well as other airlines) on the phone are hours long. Here are the guidelines for what you’re owed if your flight is rescheduled.
The Colosseum, Rome, Italy
The underground areas beneath Rome’s Colosseum are now open to visitors for the first time in centuries. Major restoration work continues, including the reconstruction of the Colosseum’s floor. When completed, we’ll be able to see a much more accurate picture of the ancient wonder as it was originally conceived.
If you’re looking for a cooler spot to spend your summer vacation, Scandinavia should be among your top choices. Conde Nast Traveler offers this list of the most beautiful places you’ll want to consider for your travel plans.
Outdoor pool at The Miami Beach Edition, Miami Beach, Florida
Closer to home, hotel pools have become luxury travel destinations in their own right around the world. Most of those hotels are very pricy as well. You can visit several sexy and swanky pool complexes by purchasing a day pass. . .here are a dozen, mostly in the US, where you can take a dip and party with the cool kids.
Hilton announced last week that they are finally able to guarantee connecting rooms to customers making reservations. Kind of unbelievable that it’s taken so long. . .let’s hope the other major hotel companies follow suit in short order.
Photo courtesy of Bilt
Some awesome news broke this week for renters: a startup company called Bilt introduced a new eponymous credit card offering points for rent payments as well as everyday expenses. The new card has its own unique currency transferrable to several airlines, most prominently American Airlines, which has no other travel partners at a 1:1 ratio. Hyatt’s hotel brands are also a travel partner, and they’ve even devised a way to convert points into a down payment for those looking to move from tenant to homeowner. Here’s a nice analysis of the new product from The Points Guy, whose founder, Brian Kelly is an investor.
There are still some terrific sign-up bonuses available for several valuable credit cards. Chief among them are the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, American Express Platinum Card and Capital One Venture Card, all with 100k point sign-up bonuses. If you’re planning a trip this year or next, it’s not too late to apply for one or more of these cards, get the sign-up bonus and use your points for airfare or hotel expenses. We’re already up to more than $11,000 in free travel for this year. . .you owe it to yourself to get in on this action. If you need help or advice, just email us at phil@theexceptionaltraveler.com and we’ll be happy to help.
