As an American traveler, I too often let airlines dictate my life. When am I going on that cross-country trip I’ve been planning? Whatever dates the Big Three (Delta, United, American) or Southwest decides are cheapest. With few other modes of affordable transportation in this vast country, airfare reigns supreme. So the perfect antidote to stressful high-season airfare hunting and one too many connecting flights this summer seemed clear to me: An airfare-free jaunt around Europe by train, hitting all the E.U. cities at the top of my bucket list—and being able to do it for cheap, even during the summer high season, with a Eurail pass. Related: 10 Speedy Train Routes in Europe That Are Faster Than Flying For me, Eurail meant one week split between Prague, Vienna, and Budapest—each one home to its own unique language, people, and cuisines, yet a mere few hours apart via train. Hopping a scenic Europe train ride directly to the city center is perhaps the most relaxing … [Read more...] about This One-Stop Shop for Planning Europe Train Travel Is the Secret to an Affordable Dream Trip
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Touring for a Dose of ‘Reality Travel’
by Rick Steves, August 15, 2018 Honolulu or Havana? The world is full of travel opportunities that are more than enjoyable — they can be transformational. By getting out of our comfort zone, we realize that different people find different truths to be self-evident and God-given. We gain an understanding of the other 96 percent of humanity who aren't American — and in many ways, we can learn a lot about our own country by viewing it from afar. While many extremely rewarding destinations are not on the typical bucket list, they can be perfectly safe and reasonable to explore. And, while it's certainly doable to adventure on your own, I prefer to enlist the help of what I call "reality tour" companies. I've taken several tours with companies like this, and found them to be informative, inspirational, and a great value. Even if you normally don't consider yourself a "tour person," visiting a complicated corner of the world with a nonprofit organization is a good bet: Compared … [Read more...] about Touring for a Dose of ‘Reality Travel’
JetBlue Airways has the best loyalty program, if travelers know how to use it
By Andrea Leinfelder Published 9:07 am CDT, Wednesday, August 15, 2018 Photo: Chris O'Meara, STF Image 1of/1 CaptionClose Image 1 of 1 A survey of 3,025 rewards program members ranked JetBlue Airways as having the best loyalty program. Southwest Airlines, the dominant airline at Hobby Airport, ranked second. United Airlines, with a hub at Bush Intercontinental Airport, ranked last among the J.D. Power study's six airlines. less A survey of 3,025 rewards program members ranked JetBlue Airways as having the best loyalty program. Southwest Airlines, the dominant airline at Hobby Airport, ranked second. United Airlines, with a hub at Bush ... more Photo: Chris O'Meara, STF JetBlue Airways has the best loyalty program, if travelers know how to use it 1 / 1 Back to Gallery Roughly half of airline loyalty program … [Read more...] about JetBlue Airways has the best loyalty program, if travelers know how to use it
Genoa travel advice – is it safe to visit and how are tourists affected?
The collapse of a section of Genoa's Morandi bridge on Tuesday has been described by Italian officials as "the biggest tragedy involving a bridge of this importance in Europe in decades" - leaving tourists heading to the region, and the country at large, with worrying questions. Why did the bridge collapse? We don't know yet. Lack of maintenance, structural failure and severe weather were all factors that could have contributed to the catastrophic collapse of the Genoa motorway bridge. At least 38 people died when a 650-foot portion of it disintegrated yesterday morning during an intense thunderstorm and torrential rain. A report published in 2011 by the Italian highways agency said the concrete bridge, finished in 1967 and designed by celebrated Italian engineer Riccardo Morandi, who died in 1989, carried heavy volumes of traffic and needed constant maintenance. Approximately 25 million vehicles use the Morandi bridge every year, raising concerns that its … [Read more...] about Genoa travel advice – is it safe to visit and how are tourists affected?
Travel News: August 15, 2018
Delta Airlines to Hire 1,000 More Flight Attendants Chosen from among thousands of applicants, Delta flight attendants are recognized as the best in the business. And with more than 1,000 open positions for 2019, the airline is seeking dedicated, service-oriented professionals who love to be on-the-go, help others and enjoy variety in their work. United to charge extra for economy seats in front of cabin United plans to begin charging passengers extra for seats toward the front of the economy cabin, but behind the Economy Plus rows. The airline is making the move in conjunction with the implementation of its Corporate Preferred program, which will offer new benefits to travelers whose employers have a corporate contract with United. One benefit for those business travelers will be free access to the front-cabin economy seats at the time of booking. Flyers with Mileage Plus Premier status will also have free access to those seats. Ireland in Maryland: Guinness opens first US brewery in … [Read more...] about Travel News: August 15, 2018