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...
a man riding a bicycle in a city
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What Frequent Flyers Need to Know About Europe’s ETIAS
Introducing Europe's ETIASI've read countless traveler stories about navigating entry requirements overseas, and one topic that's been popping up lately is Europe's new ETIAS. Its full name is the Electronic Travel Information and Authorization System, and starting in Q4 2026 or early 2027, visitors from 59 visa-exempt countries will need...
a woman standing in front of a train
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Strong Dollar Benefits: Why Frequent Flyers Are Heading to Japan
I've been fascinated by how currency shifts can practically reshape an entire trip, and Japan in 2025 is one of the most vivid examples of that. Thanks to the continued strength of the U.S. dollar against the yen, it feels like every expense, from luxurious sushi counters to your average...
a table with jars of liquid and bottles of liquid on it
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Review: Air India Maharaja Lounge at New York JFK Airport (JFK), Terminal 4
...in need of an upgrade The tarmac views are nice, the dates are delicious, but the lounge is dated and needs to be refreshed. The summary I do not enjoy writing negative reviews. But this little lounge pales in comparison to the others at JFK’s terminal 4. Maybe if you only have priority...
a table with glasses on it
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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...
a man and girl at a table on a beach
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Score Extra Miles with AAdvantage Dining’s Summer Promo
I've spent countless hours devouring articles about ways to boost mileage balances, and AAdvantage Dining is one of the most accessible methods I've encountered. By linking your credit or debit card and eating at qualifying restaurants, you turn everyday dining into a steady mile-earning opportunity. For summer 2025, there's an...
a building with trees and mountains in the background
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Maximize Southwest Points for College Visits
I've come to appreciate that visiting a college campus in person reveals details you might miss when relying solely on brochures or digital tours. There's an unmatched sense of energy you feel when you walk the grounds, chat with current students, and picture yourself (or a family member) thriving there....
a group of people walking on a street
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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...
a close up of a woman's face
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Unlocking ANA Miles for a Global Summer Odyssey
I've always been fascinated by how a single frequent flyer program can open up an entire planet's worth of possibilities. That's exactly what ANA's Round the World award does—offering an extraordinary opportunity to hop between multiple continents using a single mileage balance. Since we're already in 2025, the final cut-off...
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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...
a sign on a wall
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Review: Capital One Lounge at New York JFK Airport (JFK), Terminal 4
Another outstanding lounge by Capital One, which celebrates New York. Check out the bagels, cheeses, and the bar! Coined Capital One’s “Flagship” outpost, this lounge has the design and elements that make these lounges favorites for travelers. This location has an authentic bagel bar, a cheese bar, and a cocktail bar...
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Airbnb vs. Hotels: A Summer Family Travel Face-Off
Deciding on the perfect place to stay during a family getaway can feel like a quest all on its own. I've read countless travel reviews and spoken to numerous parents, all to help piece together the winning formula for summer lodging. After sifting through data from various family vacation surveys...
a plane flying over mountains
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30 Years of Boeing 777: The Twinjet That Revolutionized Long-Haul Travel
By 2025, the Boeing 777 has marked three extraordinary decades of shaping global air travel. I've poured over countless accounts of its design evolution, efficiency milestones, and the vast range of airlines that have embraced it across continents. It's remarkable that a twin-engine aircraft once faced skepticism about intercontinental capabilities,...
a train on the tracks in a field with mountains in the background
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Eurail Pass 2025: A Frequent Flyer’s Rail Alternative
I've always been fascinated by how quickly the travel scene can shift. One moment, everyone's discussing new budget airlines, and the next, it's all about ditching planes for trains. In 2025, the Eurail Pass has truly upped its game with expanded networks, better digital tools, and enticing discounts. I've read—and...
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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...