Round-the-world (RTW) awards are one of the most lucrative and aspirational use of points and miles. Unfortunately, in recent years, many award programs, including all the major US airlines, have dropped their formal round-the-world redemption options. However, many global airlines continue to offer awards that are worth considering when your goal is to circumnavigate the…
It was hard to believe, as a Hyatt Globalist who spends over 90 nights a year in Hyatt hotels, that I hadn’t stayed at an Andaz property since a trip to London a few years back. I had the Andaz Wall Street stored away in the back of my mind on an “if I had…
Anyone with plans to make a trip between New York and London this month can’t do much better than this: $620 one-way to fly in Singapore Airlines’ old Airbus A380 lie-flat business class seats. For a slight upcharge of $400, it’s possible to move into one of Singapore’s famed Suites, per The Points Guy. This…
Circling the globe is the ultimate dream trip for many travelers. An around-the-world ticket, known in the airline business as a “Round-the-World” or “RTW” ticket, is a special fare offered by select airlines and all airlines alliances specifically designed to enable travelers to circumnavigate the globe. The primary advantage in booking RTW tickets is the…
Where else but Berlin. What else would cause an airport security evacuation? A sex toy, at Schönefeld Airport, but of course. Berlin’s second airport — the one formerly in the German Democratic Republic (East Berlin) — was shuttered for an hour Tuesday as airport security confused a woman’s vibrator for a hand grenade. Thank the journalists at…
Portugal, as I’ve shared over the last few weeks, is an incredible up-and-coming European destination. Lisbon and Porto are both vibrant, fun cities with plenty to recommend them. The Douro Valley beckons those in search of great food and local wine. The clock seems to be ticking on the yet unspoiled reaches of Portugal, however,…
One of the best perks of Delta Air Lines’ two premium credit cards, the Platinum SkyMiles and Reserve SkyMiles cards from American Express, is the Companion Certificate. The companion certificate is good for buy-one, get-one (plus taxes) airfare on almost any domestic Delta flight. Platinum SkyMiles cardholders earn a certificate good for a main cabin…
Disney World is dubbed “The Most Magical Place on Earth,” and for good reason. It is also the most magical place (and nearly impossible place) to get a room upgrade. It is possible, though, and I’m here to tell you the story. I am a big fan of Disney World resorts. The whole experience is…
Point Me To The Plane Contributors David Ghorbanpoor and Sarah Johnson collaborated on this report. This week World of Hyatt announced a partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), a group of 500 plus independent boutique properties scattered across the globe. It’s no secret that Hyatt, with just over 700 properties worldwide, lacks…
Let’s leave the Guinness behind for a minute, because whether you visit Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day, or any day of the year, there are wonderful sites, restaurants, coffee shops, day trips, and hotel options in Dublin. After spending nine days in Dublin, I’ve come to appreciate it as one of the world’s great cities.…
