a bar with many bottles of liquor on the counter
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Review: United Polaris Lounge, Chicago O’Hare (ORD)
The first Polaris Lounge reborn with a fresh look, an elegant dining room, and a speakeasy style bar The revamped Polaris Lounge at Chicago O’Hare shines with new furnishings, an elegant dining room, and a second “speakeasy” style bar which sets it apart from the other Polaris Lounges in the network. The...
a sign on a building
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Review: Swiss Senator Lounge, Concourse A – Zurich (ZRH)
Swiss refinement with great food. The last of the Swiss Senator Lounges I visited, the lounge in Zurich’s A concourse has all the hallmarks Swiss lounges: open cooking station, large buffet, professional staff, lots of wood, and lots of outlets. The summary The lounge is located not far from clearing security and is...
a plate of food and a cup of coffee on a table
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Review: United/Air Canada Arrivals Lounge – London Heathrow (LHR) Terminal 2
Shower, recharge, and have breakfast This lounge checks all the boxes of an arrivals lounge for business class travelers taking overnight flights across the Atlantic. The summary Located just outside of baggage claim and customs at Terminal 2 of London Heathrow, this United/Air Canada lounge is designed for business class travelers taking red-eye...
a sign on a wall
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Review: United Polaris Lounge – EWR (Updated)
New dining room enhances this lounge, which remains one of the better business class lounges in the US. This lounge is crowded in the late afternoon, and has been surpassed by Delta One’s lounge at JFK (and the Polaris lounge in Washington Dulles). Nevertheless, the lovely new dining room and other...
a group of pictures on a wall
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Review: United Club at Washington Dulles Int’l Airport (IAD), C Gates
Large and dated lounge with no windows, but good to get work done The rather large United Club at IAD (C gates), like all the Dulles United Clubs (not Polaris) is caught in a time-warp with a dated design, no windows, but has plenty of places to charge your devices and...
a group of chairs and tables in a room
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Review: Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at Washington Dulles Int’l Airport (IAD), Concourse A
The Dulles Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse has many of the features that people appreciate about these lounges: mainly a modern and playful decor. But for Priority Pass passengers, nearly everything has to be paid for. The summary The Dulles Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse is near gate A32, and there is no entrance fee for...
a room with chairs and a table
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Review: The Club at Buffalo Niagara Int’l Airport (BUF), Terminal 2, E Gates
The Club, a Priority Pass Lounge and the only lounge at Buffalo’s airport has a decent breakfast buffet and nice views of the tarmac. However, several exposed ventilation pipes severely mar the space. The summary The lounge is easily found: it is right after travelers clear security and near gate 6 in...
a room with a computer desk and chairs
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Review: United Club at Chicago O’Hare Int’l Airport (ORD), Terminal 2, E Gates
New lounge in former Sky Club location provides United flyers with an overflow location at O'Hare's Terminal 2. The summary Taking over the space that housed the former Sky Club, which moved when Delta departed to Terminal 5, the United Club at the E gates in Terminal 2 provides additional lounge space...
a dog lying on a bed in a room with a campfire
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Dog-Friendly Digs 2025: Points and Perks for Pup-Perfect Travel
I've always felt there's no better feeling than sharing the joy of travel with a beloved dog. In 2025, that experience is more accessible than ever, thanks to updated airline regulations, refined pet policies, and a growing number of hotels eager to accommodate both you and your furry buddy. Harnessing...
a person in a boat in the rain
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Storm-Proof Your 2025 Getaways: Flexible Bookings & Insurance Tactics
Look out for an active season ahead: NOAA predicts 13–19 tropical storms for the 2025 hurricane season, with 6–10 developing into hurricanes and 3–5 possibly becoming major hurricanes. While most storms occur between June 1 and November 30, the peak is likely mid-August to mid-October, so staying informed and preparing...
a group of people walking on a track with a train in the background
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Smart Gulf Routes for Pakistan’s Independence Day 2025
A Milestone Homecoming for the Pakistani Diaspora In August 2025, overseas Pakistanis are preparing to travel back home in record numbers for Independence Day festivities. Over 1,078 diaspora members from 60 different countries recently joined local stakeholders for the latest Overseas Pakistani Convention in Islamabad. I've observed how these large gatherings...
a man sitting on a table with teapots and cups
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5 Ways to Beat Obon 2025 Blackouts with Rural Ryokan Awards
Summer in Japan always feels electric during Obon, observed in mid-August to honor ancestors. In 2025, the holiday lands on August 13–15, which means intense crowds and high demand for flights and hotels in cities like Tokyo and Osaka. I've seen travelers scramble for tickets and accommodations, only to discover...
a close up of a person's face
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Miles & Points Playbook for the 2025 Little League World Series
The 2025 Little League World Series (LLWS) in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, has always held a special place in my heart. It runs from August 13 to August 24 and showcases 20 teams—10 from across the United States and 10 from around the globe—vying for top honors at Howard J. Lamade Stadium...
a group of people standing on a train
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Securing Domestic Travel Awards and JR Pass Seats: Obon 2025
Obon is one of the most fascinating midsummer traditions you can experience in Japan. When August rolls around, I've noticed just how much the atmosphere shifts—families gather, businesses operate on shortened schedules, and towns light up with bright lanterns and colorful dances. At its core, Obon is all about honoring...
an elephant walking on a dirt road with a car driving
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World Elephant Day 2025: Ethical Safaris With Points
World Elephant Day 2025 offers a prime opportunity for travelers to immerse themselves in authentic and ethical safaris, all while making strategic use of points to offset travel costs. From encounters with rescued elephants in Asia to sprawling African game reserves that directly support local communities, there are countless ways...