a cruise ship in the water
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Snag 2025 Alaska Repositioning Cruise Deals: Fly to Vancouver with Miles
1. Why Repositioning Cruises Are a BargainRepositioning cruises in spring and fall 2025 let ships migrate to warmer climates, offering deeply discounted fares for travelers who time it right. During these off-season transitions, many lines cut rates by up to 50%, bundle flights or tours, and provide perks like onboard...
a mountain range with trees and rocks
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JR Pass 2025 Price Hike: Secure Your Vouchers Now
Japan's world-renowned bullet trains have always fascinated me—though I've never physically boarded one, I've pored over countless travel posts describing their speed and precision. Even more intriguing has been the famed JR Pass, which once offered almost unbeatable value for globetrotters crisscrossing the country. But now, with prices having soared...
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 painting of a building and a bridge
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Review: United Club at Washington Dulles Int’l Airport (IAD), D Gates
Large, dated, ok to get work done The rather large United Club at IAD (D gates), like all the Dulles United Clubs (not Polaris) is caught in a time-warp with a dated design that matches the dreary concourse. The summary Seasoned travelers know that the regular United Clubs at IAD are very depressing...
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 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...