a woman hugging a child
BoardingArea
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
BoardingArea
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 standing at a counter in a room with a large poster of an airplane
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Review: United Club at San Francisco Int’l Airport (SFO), Terminal 3, E Gates
United's smaller overflow club at SFO sports the mid-2010s design A satisfactory lounge that is highlighted by large windows that face the tarmac, a decent buffet, and plenty of places to plug in to get work done. The summary This rather small (for a hub lounge) is located by the entry to the...
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...
a mural of a bridge and clouds
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Review: Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge San Francisco Int’l Airport (SFO), Terminal 2, D Gates
One of the finest Maple Leaf Lounges, anywhere This lounge remains one of the best at San Francisco International with a beautiful heated outdoor terrace, elegant decor, lovely bar, showers and a substantial buffet. The summary Located the upper level of Terminal 2, by the D gates, Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounge...
a man riding a bicycle with bags on it
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Your Ultimate Guide to Earning the Southwest Companion Pass in 2025
What Makes the Southwest Companion Pass a Must-HaveI've come across countless travel perks, but few rival the Southwest Companion Pass. In my experience scouring traveler forums, I've seen how this benefit empowers flyers to bring a companion along on nearly any Southwest flight for little more than the cost of...
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Cracking the Code: Booking ANA First Class with Miles Next Year
BoardingArea is known for delivering timely travel insights, and over the years, I've delved into countless discussions about ANA's elite First Class cabins. From exploring fan-favorite reviews to examining data on frequent flyer redemptions, it's clear that nabbing a seat in what's often dubbed "The Suite" requires smart tactics and...
an airplane flying over a beach
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Score Early Deals on 2026 Spring Break Flights
Many of us may still be living in the year 2025, but I've noticed a growing number of travel planners getting an early start on 2026 spring break. Price-conscious flyers aren't waiting around, and in my experience, that's the best way to avoid sticker shock. Below, you'll find my take...
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,...