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 man in turban sitting in front of baskets of oranges
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Fall Fare Sales: Snag Autumn Deals for Frequent Flyers
I've noticed that as summer winds down in 2025, airfare deals are becoming more plentiful than ever. Airlines seem eager to fill seats during these off-peak weeks and are rolling out sales to tempt all of us who love the thrill of booking spontaneous autumn escapes. According to industry data,...
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How Southwest’s Family Perks Make Flying with Kids Easier
I've been digging into Southwest's family-friendly options for quite a while, and throughout my research, I've noticed that Southwest Airlines truly caters to families looking for flexibility and comfort. The airline's open-seating policy, straightforward booking system, and a fleet designed for simplicity contribute to a hassle-free experience. I may occasionally...
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Green Summer Travel Tips for Frequent Flyers
World Conservation Day on July 28 reminds me that even a frequent flyer can make a positive difference to the planet. As of 2025, the travel industry has seen unprecedented transformations, and I've noticed that small, deliberate actions on every trip can significantly minimize our carbon footprints. Summer travel usually...
a man and two boys walking on a field
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Elevate Your Folks This Parents’ Day with Miles
Start with Family Pooling Basics I've discovered that one of the most straightforward ways to upgrade Parents' Day travel is by pooling miles. Whenever I've combined balances with family or close friends, we've managed to unlock business class seats, access priority boarding, and even snag last-minute award flights. In my view,...
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5 Smart Moves for Catching the 2025 Tour de France Finale in Paris
{ "title": "5 Smart Moves for Catching the 2025 Tour de France Finale in Paris", "excerpt": "The Tour de France returns to Paris for its 50th anniversary of the Champs-Élysées finish this July, featuring a demanding Montmartre climb. Here's how travelers can redeem miles, secure a great viewing...
an airplane flying in the sky
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Switch Up Your Loyalty: Top Airline Status Matches for Summer 2025
I've always been fascinated by the way airline loyalty programs have evolved since their beginnings in 1979. Status matching, in particular, has become a powerful tool for travelers like me who want to switch things up but still keep those coveted perks. One thing I've observed is that when life...
an airport with airplanes parked on the runway
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LA 2028: A Frequent Flyer’s Olympic Preview
Los Angeles is no stranger to the Olympic limelight, having hosted the Games in 1932 and 1984. Now, following the Paris 2024 handoff featuring Mayor Karen Bass and a cinematic cameo by Tom Cruise, I can practically feel the buzz as LA prepares to welcome over 15,000 athletes across 40-plus...
a person jumping over a bridge
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Paris One Year After the Olympics: A Frequent Flyer Update
In 2025, I've found Paris to be an entirely different city compared to the bustling Olympic season of the previous year. The infrastructure revamps and cultural buzz that swept through the City of Light didn't just fade with the extinguishing of the Olympic flame—it flourished, bringing renewed energy for residents...
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Christmas in July: Lock in Holiday Award Flights Early
Summer might be in full swing, but I've learned that holiday travel planning never sleeps—especially if you're eyeing those prime Thanksgiving and Christmas flights. In my experience, if you wait until temperatures cool, you'll be left battling skyrocketing fares and limited seat choices. According to industry data, airfare prices around...
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Comic-Con on Points: Frequent Flyer Strategies for San Diego
Why Comic-Con Matters to Frequent Flyers I've always been fascinated by how Comic-Con International in San Diego brings together fans from every corner of the globe. It's not just about the vibrant posters, the extravagant costumes, or the chance to meet your favorite creators—it's also an incredible opportunity for frequent flyers...
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Smart Ways to Shrink Avios Surcharges
I've learned through firsthand experience that British Airways Avios redemptions often come with eye-popping surcharges, sometimes overshadowing the thrill of booking an award ticket. Fortunately, evolving policies and strategic approaches can help us minimize the sticker shock. Allow me to share some highlights and practical steps I've gathered from my...
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5 Easy Ways to Keep Your AAdvantage Miles Alive
I've invested a lot of time earning American Airlines AAdvantage miles, so I know how important it is to prevent them from expiring. With the 24-month inactivity policy back in place, it's all too easy to watch your balance vanish if you're not consistently using or earning miles. Fortunately, there...
a man standing next to a bicycle with a tent
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United’s Iconic Sundae Cart Returns to the Skies
Air travel has always been about the thrill of new experiences, and I've found that the small details—like dessert—often spark the biggest delight. In 2025, United Airlines continues to capture that excitement by relaunching its legendary build-your-own ice cream sundae in Polaris business class. A recent industry report indicated that...
a man walking with dogs
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Beating the Summer Heat: Essential Pet Travel Tips
Summer heat embargoes can alter the best-laid plans for pet owners, and I've personally wrestled with these policies on flights departing from sweltering airports. There was a time I tried flying out of Phoenix (PHX) in mid-July, only to learn at the last minute that the ground temperatures were too...
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How To Book Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary With Points
I've been fortunate enough to witness my fair share of theme park celebrations over the years, but Disneyland Resort's 70th anniversary set for May 16, 2025 through summer 2026 promises to be a standout. According to data from the Themed Entertainment Association, Disneyland welcomes more than 18 million visitors annually,...
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Your Essential Guide to Europe’s Upcoming Travel Strikes
I've observed that Europe's travel scene is shifting faster than ever, and lately, scheduled strikes have been popping up in practically every corner of the continent. Some of these actions come as no surprise—but others can sweep in like a summer thunderstorm and disrupt your entire itinerary. From airport security...