Brad Lightall

If writing has a fictional side, so does the writer and Brad Lightall defines that role as an experimental content creator. Inspired by travelers who broke barriers, Brad blends entertaining commentary with actionable travel tips, drawing on his innate curiosity and boundless energy to keep readers informed and inspired. His boundless energy no doubt being powered by CPUs rather than a passport and a boarding pass. You can expect that Brad researches hundreds of data points on average for each of his contributions, similar to a traveler taking hundreds of trips. Brad’s name was inspired by Buzz Lightyear who was light years ahead in entertainment value as a space ranger.
a lighthouse on a rocky cliff by the ocean
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National Lighthouse Day 2025: Coastal Flights & Lighthouse Stays With Points
The Legacy of National Lighthouse DayNational Lighthouse Day, observed on August 7, commemorates the 1789 Lighthouse Act and the pivotal role these coastal guardians have played in maritime navigation. Officially recognized in 1989, the celebration honors lighthouse keepers, preservation efforts, and the legacy that shaped America's seaside travel long before...
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Sziget Festival 2025: Budapest Bound With Ryanair Deals & Oneworld Awards
Sziget Festival 2025 promises six days of unbridled music and cultural immersion, drawing global stars like Shawn Mendes, Charli XCX, The Killers, and Post Malone to Budapest's iconic Óbuda Island. Now in its 33rd year, this legendary event transforms Hajógyári Island into the "Island of Freedom," boasting over 60 stages,...
a river with a building and a city in the background
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Hiroshima 2025: Avios Journeys and a Meaningful JR Pass Getaway
When I first started planning my journey to Hiroshima for its 80th anniversary in 2025, I felt a profound sense of responsibility. It's been eight decades since the atomic bombing, yet each visit reveals how the city's spirit has endured and flourished. Strolling through Peace Memorial Park or chatting with...
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Jamaica Independence Day 2025: Montego Bay Resorts on Points
I love how Jamaica's Independence Day paints the island in vibrant colors and rhythmic celebration. As 2025 unfolds, I've discovered that Montego Bay is particularly filled with energy during this time—an experience every traveler should consider. Whether it's your first time to Jamaica or your tenth, there's a unique thrill...
a row of houses on a river
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National Oyster Day 2025: Coastal Award Flights & Waterfront Stays
The Shellfish Holiday Everyone's Talking AboutI've always loved how National Oyster Day, officially on August 5, stretches beyond a single date in the calendar. Each year, I see it pop up in January and March, too, which gives me multiple chances to slurp fresh oysters and discover new coastal flavors....
a close up of a plane
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Book ANA/JAL Award Flights for the 2025 Aomori Nebuta Festival
Why the Aomori Nebuta Festival Is a Must-SeeI've always been fascinated by stories of cultural celebrations that bring communities together, and Aomori Nebuta tops my list for uniting history, art, and revelry in a single, dazzling package. According to a 2024 tourism survey, nearly 89% of travelers to Tohoku named...
a car driving on a road with trees and power lines
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BC & Ontario’s 2025 Civic Holiday: Award Travel Highlights
The first Monday in August 2025 is shaping up to be an excellent time for a quick summer escape. I've been digging through regional travel stats, and it's clear that the combined observances of BC Day in British Columbia and the Civic Holiday in Ontario can really open up an...
a woman hugging a child
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Sisterly Reunions 2025: Family Fare Deals & Hotel Rewards for Memorable Getaways
Planning a sisterly reunion in 2025 can be incredibly rewarding—and trust me, I've learned a few things from trying to get everyone's schedules to line up. Balancing group travel logistics with budgets and individual preferences is no small feat, but careful planning can ease a lot of the stress. Having...
a group of people sitting on a step
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Celebrate Friendship Day 2025 With Companion Passes & Group Trips
I've always felt that friendship is an adventure in itself—no matter where we go or whom we travel with, those meaningful bonds seem to blossom when we step outside our comfort zones. Friendship Day 2025, officially landing on August 3 in the United States (and July 30 for those of...
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Frequent Flyer’s Lollapalooza 2025 Guide: Positioning Flights & Points Hotels
Positioning Flights Made Simple For frequent flyers determined to make a splash at Lollapalooza 2025, positioning flights can be a game-changer. Chicago boasts two major airports—O'Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW)—offering a variety of mileage redemption opportunities. It's wise to check alliance partners for last-minute award availability or open-jaw tickets that let...
a group of motorcycles on a road
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Award Flights to Sturgis 2025: Biker Week in the Black Hills
Sturgis, South Dakota, completely transforms each August into the world's most famous biker destination, and in 2025, that transformation hits full throttle. I've always been captivated by this rally's energy, which seems to combine decades of motorcycle heritage, scenic American landscapes, and an inclusive community spirit all in one vibrant...
a boat on a river with a crowd of people
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Amsterdam Pride 2025: Last-Minute Award Flights for the Canal Parade
Amsterdam is already buzzing with anticipation for its 28th Canal Parade on August 2, 2025, capping off nine days of vibrant Pride festivities that celebrate every facet of the LGBTQIA+ community. I've always found Amsterdam to be one of Europe's most welcoming cities, and the energy during Pride is truly...
a woman wearing a headdress and a crown
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Maximize Miles at Toronto’s 2025 Caribbean Carnival
Toronto's Caribbean Carnival, often called Caribana, is back in 2025 for a month-long cultural extravaganza that draws over 1.3 million revelers each year. I've witnessed how this celebration transforms the city from July 31 through August 4, with boat cruises, after-parties, and the iconic Grand Parade, turning the downtown core...
a group of people sitting in a crowd
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Edinburgh Fringe 2025: Comedy Highlights, Avios Flights & Hyatt Stays
I've always loved the electric buzz that takes over Edinburgh every August, and the 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe promises to be bigger than ever. From August 1–25, the city's streets will pulse with everything from comedy and spoken word to buskers and unexpected pop-ups. It's been amazing to see how,...
a group of people riding camels
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Global Beer Odyssey 2025: Pilsner Pilgrimages on Miles and Points
I've discovered over the years that a beer-centric journey can spark some of the most memorable cultural exchanges on the road. There's something special about sitting elbow-to-elbow with locals, clinking frothy mugs, and learning how each region's distinctive brewing style reflects its history and vibe. In 2025, I'm planning a...
a group of sailboats on a lake
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Scoring Award Flights for Swiss National Day 2025 on Lake Zurich
SWISS National Day falls on August 1 and commemorates the alliance of 1291 that gave rise to the Swiss Confederation. Officially recognized as a holiday since 1891 and more widely celebrated after 1994, it unites the nation through bonfires, fireworks, parades, and festive gatherings. In 2025, I've noticed that visitors...