How I downgraded my Chase Sapphire Preferred to reapply and get the 100,000 point offer
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) was my first travel credit card. Since I signed up for it in 2016, I have flown to places like London, Istanbul, Mexico City and Tbilisi, Georgia — all on points. It’s safe to say that my first welcome bonus is

The Best Wellness Travel Experiences in the Middle East, From Yoga Retreats to a Digital Detox for Kids
The global trend for wellness travel has shown no sign of slowing down, with 94% of travelers now incorporating some form of self-care into their trips, according to a report by trend forecaster Virtuoso. Traditionally, travelers from the Middle East might head to the likes of Sri Lanka, Thailand, and
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What to Know About Traveling to Spain Summer 2025
When people think of European Summers, a lot of the images that pop up are probably scenes from Spain. The Gaudi architecture, seaside villages, rolling hills, Mediterranean waters, quiet cobblestone streets—all of it can be found in Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Granada, Córdoba, Girona, Ibiza, and countless other cities across the

Holidu acquires vacation rental platform Finca Mallorca
Munich-based vacation rental company Holidu has acquired vacation rental booking platform Finca Mallorca. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition of Cologne, Germany-based Finca Mallorca, which was founded in 1994, marks an expansion of Holidu’s portfolio in the Mallorcan vacation rental market. “Finca Mallorca is a strong

American Airlines unveils newest route from Los Angeles to Australia
American Airlines is planning to fly Down Under with a second route from its West Coast hub this winter. The Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier on Monday announced it will launch nonstop service this December from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Brisbane Airport (BNE) in Australia. It’ll be the carrier’s

8 Best Hotels in Munich, Germany
Best for: Close proximity to the train stationNearby attractions: Hauptbahnhof, AltstadtStarting rate: Doubles from $266 The Sofitel impresses with its spaciousness, which is even more impressive considering that the hotel is in the heart of Munich’s densely populated center. Panoramic windows, high ceilings, and open spaces were created by architects Fred Angerer
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Insider Hacks to Make Your Next Walt Disney World Vacation Better
The entrance was subtle—a wooden door flanked by Japanese lanterns, at the end of a short stone path—and by Walt Disney World Resort standards, very quiet. Just behind us, but seemingly a world away, hundreds of people were posing for selfies in Epcot’s Japan pavilion. But my family of three

FTC sues Uber citing “deceptive” billing, cancellation policies
The United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is suing Uber, alleging that the company has charged users for its subscription service, Uber One, without consent and failed to deliver on promised savings. The suit further alleges that Uber has “deceptive billing and cancellation practices,” while maintaining a “cancel anytime” promise. PhocusWire
Hawaii increases hotel tax to help cope with climate change
The state of Hawaii has increased its tax on accommodations, including for hotels and other short-term rentals, intending to use the revenue generated to address climate change. Starting Jan. 1, 2026, Hawaii will increase the state’s Transient Accommodation Tax from 10.25% to 11%, according to the governor’s office. Each county

The Best Caribbean Islands to Visit This Year
I’ve been fortunate to travel widely across the Caribbean over the last 30 years. I’m also a descendant of Caribbean people, so many folks assume I’ve visited every island. Not likely—the Caribbean consists of 28 islands encompassing just over one million square miles. So while I’ve visited most, there are