The article discusses how the author now prioritizes transferable credit card points over airline elite status, highlighting the changing value of elite perks post-pandemic and emphasizing the importance of flexible points, strategic loyalty, and specific airline benefits like lounge access and systemwide upgrades. It also explores the potential of low-cost carriers like Frontier for elite benefits and offers insights into evaluating credit card value based on real-world travel needs.
Michelin has announced its top 16 foodie destinations for 2026, highlighting historic cities like Boston and Philadelphia, the American South's vibrant food scene, Italy's Dolomites and Venice, and emerging spots in Poland, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, China, and the Philippines, making for a diverse culinary travel year ahead.
A rare winter surge of Sargassum seaweed has hit top Mexican Caribbean beaches like Playa del Carmen and Tulum, disrupting the usual clear water season and raising concerns about year-round seaweed blooms due to changing ocean conditions. Travelers are advised to adapt by using pools, checking live beach cams, and exploring inland attractions like cenotes to enjoy their trips despite the seaweed invasion.
Emily Henry, author of ‘People We Meet on Vacation,’ shares her travel packing tips emphasizing the importance of a well-packed carry-on, comfort, and organization, including her favorite luggage, accessories, and in-flight essentials to make travel more enjoyable and efficient.
Starting February 1, 2026, travelers without a REAL ID or approved ID at U.S. airports will face a $45 fee and must verify their identity online before passing through TSA security, with the process taking up to 30 minutes. The REAL ID, which looks similar to a standard driver's license but includes a star, is required for domestic flights and federal access, but not for international travel, where a passport remains necessary.
Capital One is opening a 14,000-square-foot lounge at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, making it one of the few markets with a Capital One Lounge, which will feature regionally inspired food, airfield views, a coffee bar, and workspaces, aiming to improve passenger experience amid increasing lounge wait times.
The article highlights 25 of the best boutique hotels across the Caribbean, showcasing a mix of classic and new properties that embody the charm, design, and personal service characteristic of boutique accommodations, along with activities and experiences unique to each island.
After testing 26 packing cubes across 14 trips, the Eagle Creek Essentials set emerged as the best overall choice for travel organization, offering durability, versatile features, and good space-saving capabilities, while options like Amazon Essentials provide budget-friendly alternatives, and specialized cubes from Thule, REI, and Aer cater to specific needs such as compression, water resistance, or backpacking.
A travel writer spends a week on the remote island of Niue with her ex-boyfriend's best friend, Jake, exploring the island's natural beauty and whales, while reflecting on friendship, love, and personal growth during her milestone 50th birthday.
Air travel in the Caribbean is gradually recovering after FAA restrictions caused by a U.S. military operation in Venezuela, but significant delays, cancellations, and logistical challenges remain, affecting travelers, airlines, and cruise operations in the region.
A ground delay at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) caused by staffing issues is affecting flights, with delays averaging 98 minutes, and is expected to last until midnight.
The 2026 best travel destinations include Hong Kong, Udaipur, and Naoshima, highlighted for their cultural, artistic, and luxury developments, alongside a global list of exciting places to visit next year.
Virgin Voyages has announced that due to the temporary closure of Puerto Rico's airspace caused by military activity in Venezuela, flights are disrupted, but disembarkation in San Juan will proceed as scheduled with all sailors required to disembark by 10:30 a.m. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for updates, and those unable to embark on the next voyage will receive a full credit. The company is actively managing the situation and providing updates.
Europe is experiencing widespread flight delays and cancellations across major airports, affecting thousands of travelers and major airlines like KLM, easyJet, and Lufthansa, due to operational challenges that threaten the recovery of the tourism industry.
In 2026, U.S. national parks will feature new pricing, digital passes, expanded free entry days, and special events celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence, offering visitors more opportunities to explore and commemorate the nation's history.
