Apartment Safety

Apache is functioning normally

Going on an African safari can be the chance of a lifetime to see some of the world’s most iconic wildlife up close, experience Earth’s extraordinary untouched corners, learn about new cultures and reconnect with nature.

A safari trip can also be the opportunity to make sustainable, responsible choices about how and where you travel, and to maximize the impact your travel spending has on conservation, community and environmental programs in various destinations.

Safaris are about more than luxury tents and thrilling game drives at Wilderness’ Mombo Camp. ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY

Many travelers decide where to go on safari in Africa based on their schedules and the seasonality in individual regions — both in terms of the weather and the animals they will most likely see. Others focus on sighting specific species, resulting in visits to places like Rwanda or Uganda to trek and see mountain gorillas or trips to destinations like Kenya to observe the endangered pachyderms at a rhino sanctuary.

Sustainability can be another excellent factor in determining where you should go on safari, though. Many of the most reputable safari outfitters and camps put sustainability front and center in their operations, combining environmental practices, conservation commitments and community outreach to create the ultimate holistic travel experience.

Doing a little research on the regions you are considering for a safari and the specific tour operators and lodges in your chosen location can make a huge difference in the effect your tourism dollars have on things like wildlife preservation campaigns, economic development in local villages and minimizing the overall environmental footprint of your individual journey.

Conservation is core to the missions of the best safari companies. ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY

Unlike some other forms of travel that let you book certain components — flights, hotels, cruises, etc. — a la carte by yourself, many safari companies require you to book the bulk of your trip (if not all of it) through them or a partner agency or operator. Because of this, you can ask these representatives about their sustainability track records and even specific programs while planning your trip. Any reliable operator should have materials on hand to send you to help you make your decision.

Here are some of the factors you can investigate to determine just how sustainable your safari can be, plus some of the safari companies undertaking meaningful measures in this sphere by weaving principles of environmental consciousness, wildlife protection and community development into their core ethos and operations.

Eco-sensitive camps

For North American and European travelers, going on an African safari typically necessitates carbon-intensive long-haul flights and sometimes additional bush flights to reach remote regions. In order to limit the rest of your carbon footprint while on safari, look into the eco-credentials of the camps or outfitters you are considering.

Many safari camps, for instance, now run mostly or even entirely on solar power. At both andBeyond Nxabega and andBeyond Xaranna in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, 80% of the camps’ total electricity consumption is supplied by solar photovoltaic plants and Tesla Powerpack battery energy storage systems.

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The solar array at andBeyond Xaranna in Botswana. ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY

Nearby, Wilderness’ Chitabe and Mombo camps run on 100% solar (as do 17 of the company’s other camps), and Wilderness has plans to retrofit and invest in further solar power for all new camps and camp refurbishments. Not only is that great for the environment, but it’s also the best means of ensuring an uninterrupted power supply to guests in an area with little other infrastructure.

Cheetah Plains, an exclusive-use safari villa in South Africa’s Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, now uses Toyota Land Cruiser electric safari vehicles with Tesla batteries that are charged via solar power to whisk guests across the reserve’s thousands of acres, creating a zero-emission game drive.

In Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park, Usangu Expedition Camp is steering a different path, developing safari vehicles that run on ethanol, which is derived from molasses produced in the southern part of the country, instead of diesel. The staff even calls the vehicles “Gongos,” a type of traditional Tanzanian gin, since the ethanol looks and smells like the spirit.

Usangu Expedition Camp has created safari vehicles that run on ethanol. USANGU EXPEDITION CAMP

But alternative power and fuel are just the start. For its part, Chitabe recycled the wood from an old set of raised walkways to create a chic bar and lounge area for its current guests. What’s old is new again … and looking better than ever.

Many recently built and forthcoming safari camps are being constructed using both traditional materials and techniques, such as thatching and weaving completed by local artisans, and up-to-the-minute technologies like 3D printing and innovative recycling methods utilizing salvaged materials to limit their physical footprint.

The bar area at Wilderness’ Chitabe camp was constructed from reclaimed wood. ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY

Time + Tide Chinzombo in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park was designed to be completely dismantled if necessary so as to leave a minimal trace on the landscape, and Wilderness is currently constructing a new tented camp in Botswana’s Mbabe concession called Mokete that can be completely disassembled as if it had never been there.

Simple measures can have a large impact as well. Camps like Wilderness’ DumaTau and sister Little DumaTau in Botswana’s riverine Linyanti region provide guests with Healing Earth’s all-natural, biodegradable bath and body products during their stay to minimize harmful runoff from the camp’s water management system.

Biodegradable Healing Earth products at Mombo Camp. ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY

For its part, the Elewana Collection of lodges in Kenya and Tanzania launched its “Ban the bottle” initiative in 2018, giving guests reusable water bottles that they can fill up at stations in the camps. The outfitter estimates that doing so in just six of its Kenyan lodges saves around 160,000 plastic bottles from going into landfills each year.

The view from the deck at Elewana Collection’s Sand River Masai Mara camp in Kenya. ELEWANA COLLECTION

Elewana also dropped plastic straws the following year. Even more fun for Elewana guests is the opportunity to toss out seed balls (little nutrient packs that encase seeds of Indigenous plants) during a walk or game drive somewhere along their journey so they’re doing their little part to help revegetate the wild places they are enjoying.

Wildlife conservation

It seems obvious, but without wildlife, there wouldn’t be safari camps. For that reason, many safari companies actively support and participate in wildlife conservation efforts, some of which are specific to individual regions while others are more widespread.

One of the luxurious cabins at andBeyond Tengile River Lodge. ANDBEYOND

Guests at andBeyond’s Tengile River Lodge and Kirkman’s Kamp, which are near each other in South Africa’s Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, can certainly get a thrill sighting the area’s thriving lion and leopard populations on game drives. However, guests may not know that their guides are also logging those sightings and providing the information to Panthera, an organization dedicated to tracking and protecting big cat populations around the world.

A lion surveys his domain near andBeyond Nxabega. ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY

Various other andBeyond camps, including Phinda Private Game Reserve and Ngala Safari Lodge, help fund rhinoceros anti-poaching units. Guests at Ngala can even observe researchers tagging rhinos’ ears with microchips to help monitor the highly endangered animals. These are individual initiatives, but they are all part of andBeyond’s overarching commitment to conservation and community projects that it supports through its Africa Foundation.

Likewise, Elewana Collection has a charitable arm called The Land & Life Foundation that underwrites various efforts such as the Wildlife Warrior Program, which has clubs in primary schools throughout Kenya and Tanzania. The children who join can take part in activities to learn more about environmental and animal conservation. The club currently counts around 2,200 members and even provides primary and secondary educational scholarships to many of them.

Many safari companies, including andBeyond, Elewana Collection and Singita, support rhino anti-poaching and conservation efforts. ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY

High-end safari company Singita, which has lodges in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Rwanda, established its Singita Conservation Foundation decades ago with a 100-year plan to protect Africa’s wildlife and wilderness for future generations. These days, it partners with other nonprofit trusts and funds on a plethora of projects, including rhino reintroduction and protection in the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve in Zimbabwe, land management and anti-poaching efforts in South Africa’s Kruger National Park and combating invasive vegetation as well as helping in the recovery of megafauna like elephants and buffaloes in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park.

Community improvement projects

Without buy-in from local communities, conservation efforts would go nowhere. Those who live in or near game reserves and national parks need to benefit from the tourism revenue that these natural wonders generate. That’s why many safari companies’ conservation drives include community-based components.

One telltale sign that a safari company is supporting the communities where it operates in a meaningful way is simply through employment. Specifically, whether its camps employ people from the villages or regions that surround them in high proportions. Not only is this a boon for economic stability and growth in places that might otherwise be destitute, but it ensures that tourism dollars stay in the area and benefit the people who live there.

Come for the gorillas, stay for the community projects at Volcanoes Safaris’ Virunga Lodge in Rwanda. BRIAN KELLY/THE POINTS GUY

Many safari companies’ commitments to communities go beyond employment, though. Praveen Moman, who grew up in Uganda before his family had to emigrate to the United Kingdom, founded Volcanoes Safaris in 1997, pioneering the high-end safari experience in both Uganda and Rwanda.

While the Volcanoes Safaris’ lodges have become mainstays for both gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, it is perhaps the company’s nonprofit organization, the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust, that will be its most lasting legacy. The trust supports preservation efforts for the great apes of the region, but it also underwrites innovative, community-based programs that guests are encouraged to explore during their stays at the lodges.

Volcanoes Safaris has donated more than 500 sheep to local families around Virunga Lodge. VOLCANOES SAFARIS

“When I set up Volcanoes Safaris in 1997 in southern Uganda and then in 2000 in neighboring Rwanda, the area was just coming out of the Great Lakes conflict,” Moman told TPG via email. “This experience made me realize how important it was to not only focus on the lodges we were building and the gorilla and chimpanzee experience that we wanted our guests to enjoy, but also that local people need to get tangible economic benefits from conservation and ecotourism for them to support the great apes.”

“Therefore,” he continued, “I felt that it was important that the lodges should be connected to the communities around them. In each lodge, we have set up different community projects.”

At Volcanoes Safaris’ Virunga Lodge in Rwanda, for instance, guests can take a guided afternoon walk through several villages near Lake Bulera to see firsthand the impact of projects such as the “One sheep per family” program, which provides one sheep to each family in three nearby villages (more than 500 so far), thereby supplying them with sources of meat and milk along with natural fertilizer for their sustenance crops.

The lodge has also donated 250-plus water tanks to families in these villages, which help in the catchment of the region’s abundant rainfall and ensure that there is a steady supply of water for drinking and crop irrigation during the dry season.

Volcanoes Safaris has also donated 250-plus water tanks to provide local villages with clean drinking water around Virunga Lodge. VOLCANOES SAFARIS

In Livingstone, Zambia, near Victoria Falls, Tongabezi, which is an elegant lodge along the banks of a tranquil stretch of the Zambezi River, has underwritten the Tongabezi Trust School (also known as Tujatane) since 1996, providing education and meals to children who live within walking distance of the academy. There are currently nearly 300 children between the ages of 3 and 17 enrolled, all of whom can take advantage of the classes and curriculum, as well as the music, sports, arts and computer facilities. What’s more, the school provides funding to send some of the children on to secondary schools and even universities, ensuring a new generation of leaders and professionals with a commitment to the local community.

Children who have benefited from Tongabezi’s support of Tujatane. TONGABEZI TRUST SCHOOL/FACEBOOK

In Botswana, both andBeyond Nxabega and andBeyond Xaranna share several community-based projects, including the drilling of water boreholes for the communities of Gogomaga and Tsutsubega so that their inhabitants have steady sources of usable water; and funding a school in the rural farming village of Sexaxa near Maun (where the area’s main airport is) so children no longer need to walk three hours, some of it through dangerous terrain, to attend the nearest school.

Longer-term development

Ongoing outreach and individual community projects aside, several safari companies have established philanthropic organizations or arms with a broader purview of economic development and social services not just in the areas where they operate, but in entire countries or regions.

Micato Safaris is one of the best-known luxury safari operators, partnering with premier lodges from multiple companies in Africa and Asia to create bespoke itineraries for its guests. However, it also underwrites AmericaShare, which was founded by a Micato Safaris employee named Lorna Macleod more than 35 years ago to support both community development and access to education in Mukuru, one the largest informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya.

Today, the philanthropy operates the Harambee Community Centre, which has library and computer facilities as well as recreational grounds, in Mukuru itself. Residents can come for a quiet place to study or work, look for employment and take advantage of other services. AmericaShare also supplies fresh, drinkable water in the area via multiple distribution points.

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Students hard at work at AmericaShare’s Harambee Community Centre. ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY

Guests who go on safari with Micato in Kenya get to visit the community center to learn more about its efforts and meet students who have benefited from AmericaShare’s various educational undertakings during their stay. Those include supplying school uniforms to local children, sponsoring scholarships to primary and secondary schools, and sending some of the most vulnerable children to private boarding schools around Nairobi. In fact, for every safari the company sells, Micato provides the funds to send a child to primary school.

Micato also supports other efforts like Huru International, which supplies sanitary kits and reproductive health education materials to young women (more than 210,000 to date) throughout East Africa who might otherwise have to miss school or work due to the lack of reproductive health services in rural communities. By empowering women to take their health into their own hands, Huru helps them support their families and communities (not to mention cultivating their own careers) in ways that would not otherwise be possible.

Workers make female reproductive health kits at Huru International. ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY

For its part, one of the most targeted yet impactful ways Wilderness carries out its conservation mission beyond the day-to-day and lodge-specific measures it takes is through its Children in the Wilderness program, which was founded in 2001.

The program aims to cultivate new generations of homegrown conservation leaders in Africa’s rural communities by hosting student clubs at schools with activities that focus on environmental sustainability and wildlife education. Children in the Wilderness even brings kids to one of its camps on a yearly basis (7,800 to date) so they can learn firsthand about the importance of wildlife conservation. The program provides scholarships to high-achieving students, and some even return to become guides with Wilderness.

On a recent trip to Botswana, my guide at Little DumaTau, Segopotso Oja (See for short), was a former participant of Children in the Wilderness. “I was born and raised in a small village called Eretsha, located in the eastern Okavango Panhandle,” Oja told me later by email when I contacted him after my trip to ask more about his experience with Children in the Wilderness.

Wilderness guide Segopotso Oja participated in Children in the Wilderness on his path to becoming a safari guide. WILDERNESS

“Wilderness works closely with the community in this area, and when I was 10 years old, I was given the opportunity to join a Children in the Wilderness Eco-Camp,” Oja continued. “Here I grew to learn about and love the wild, and recognize the importance of protecting our wilderness, and this experience inspired me to pursue a career as a guide.”

Spending time in the bush helps combat some of the negative portrayals of wild animals that village children are typically taught, Oja told me. “Once they explore the wilderness, this opens their minds and changes their way of thinking to realize the value of conservation and that there are other career opportunities available to them in the conservation and hospitality space.”

Talking over the day’s sightings at Wilderness’ Little DumaTau. ERIC ROSEN/THE POINTS GUY

That’s the path that Oja himself took. He has since worked as a guide not only at Little DumaTau, but also two other Wilderness camps, Vumbura Plains and Mombo.

Oja also views his continuing role as an ambassador for Children in the Wilderness as crucial to the work he does and the future of conservation. “It gives me a chance to meet with youngsters when we host them in our camps,” Oja said, “and pass over the love of being a conservationist to the younger generation.”

Minimize your footprint and maximize your impact

Aside from picking a safari company with sustainability efforts you want to support, there are a few things you can do as a traveler to make your safari adventure more sustainable.

Long flights produce a lot of carbon, so you could consider a carbon offsetting scheme to reduce the footprint from your journey to your safari destination.

Don’t overpack since bush flights on small planes mean your luggage will be restricted anyway. What’s more, many safari camps provide free daily laundry, so you don’t have to bring too many outfits along. Plus, by limiting your luggage, you’ll reduce the amount of fuel burned on the planes carrying you to your various camps.

Among those clothes, make sure you bring some made from fabric with sun protection factor. That will reduce the amount of plastic-packaged sunblock you need to bring along. Opt for mineral-based sunscreens (look for those labeled as “reef-safe”) rather than conventional ones since the latter have chemicals that might be harmful to the environment as well as your own body chemistry, according to an increasing body of scientific evidence.

You might also want to leave your usual shampoo and conditioner at home since safari camps tend to provide eco-friendly, biodegradable products that are easier to manage waste-wise in the fragile ecosystems where they operate.

Finally, while safaris tend to be expensive, think about whether you can factor in a charitable donation to your budget. After all, if you’ve done your homework and picked a company with sustainability efforts you support, you might want to do just a little bit more good during your trip by making an unrestricted donation to the measures the group has underway.

Source: thepointsguy.com

Apache is functioning normally

A trip to India to visit relatives was at the top of my family’s travel wish list during the pandemic.

When we were finally ready and able to travel, it seemed as if the whole world had already returned to the skies with great enthusiasm, with airline ticket prices shooting up accordingly.

Since this would be our first visit to India after almost five years, we’d committed to going regardless of any obstacle thrown our way.

Planning a trip from the U.S. to Delhi of almost 30 hours in duration and with two young kids, age 8 and 14, is no easy feat.

After carefully considering all the factors like price, flight schedule and routes, booking a flight with a long layover — seven hours — appeared to be our best option.

Why we chose a long layover

MESQUITAFMS/GETTY IMAGES

Before choosing our travel dates, we considered many factors, like ticket prices, number of stops, school break, paid time off from work, holiday travel chaos and the potential for winter storms. We also had the additional complication of needing to book our tickets in groups of two because my husband and high schooler had to return home sooner.

While it may seem strange, the flights we selected, with a long airport layover, were a calculated choice. We wanted to ensure that we wouldn’t have to sprint to make our connecting flight — not so easy with a whole family and lots of luggage.

After much deliberation, I reserved tickets from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) with a seven-hour layover at London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR).

As our travel dates approached, my anxiety about keeping everyone sane for seven hours at Heathrow Airport increased. I started Googling and asking advice from TPG’s large team of travel experts and frequent flyers, but my family’s 30-hour-long itinerary with two kids was certainly not the norm.

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A common theme among my colleagues was that I should spend the layover in a lounge at LHR. Since I don’t yet have a credit card with airport lounge benefits and I didn’t want to sign up for a credit card just for lounge perks, that wasn’t really an option. In light of this experience, that decision may change soon.

Related: 13 credit cards that offer Priority Pass airport lounge access

Pre-trip planning

Long-haul flights can be especially difficult when traveling with youngsters, but there are many tips and tricks out there to make the journey easier.

Planning ahead and having plenty of activities and snacks on hand will help keep little ones entertained. Some of our favorite travel games include word puzzles, sudoku, coloring books and printable maps.

Perhaps the most important thing, however, is to organize your hand luggage so that all your kid-friendly paraphernalia is easy to access when you are transiting through a busy terminal — choosing the right carry-on can often make all the difference.

Departure-day chaos

CARLINA TETERIS/GETTY IMAGES

Our flight departure coincided with the first day of the major holiday travel period last December, which meant more traffic on the roads and longer lines at the airport — not to mention a fair number of passengers with frayed nerves.

We decided to leave the house earlier than we would normally during non-peak travel periods to give ourselves a nice buffer. While it did extend our itinerary by another hour, it was totally worth it.

It wasn’t just the long security lines that complicated our airport experience. Between the four of us, we were lugging around three carry-ons and four backpacks. By the time we had removed all our electronic devices, chargers, shoes and jackets and placed them in separate trays, we now had nine trays of gear that we needed to keep track of and repack. It was chaotic, for sure! If there was ever a time that I understood why so many of my co-workers at TPG have either TSA PreCheck or Clear, that was it. Lesson learned.

This security process was even more complex at LHR, where electronic items need to be placed in separate trays and 100-millimeter liquids must be placed in transparent, sealable bags no more than 8 by 8 inches. This resulted in even more trays than we had at ATL.

After going through security, we were finally ready to relax and grab a bite to eat.

Related: Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear — and how you can save on both

The long layover begins

The moment that I’d been planning for (and worrying about) for so many days had finally arrived.

After a smooth flight, we landed at LHR Terminal 3 midmorning. Thanks to travel fatigue (from days of packing, organizing and luggage handling) and an almost perfectly timed night flight, we had all been able to sleep periodically during the flight, so we weren’t feeling any major jet lag just yet.

Aerial View of London city. BHAWNA KHOWAL/THE POINTS GUY

11:10 am

From the time it took to deplane and then sort, collect and repack our 10 trays at the security check, plus make a couple of restroom visits, almost 90 minutes had flown by.

With holiday travel in full swing, we then spent almost 15 minutes searching for enough open seats to accommodate my family and our bags.

Once my family had settled in, I promptly ditched them to take a walk around the terminal (that is my way of stretching my legs after a long flight) and grab a coffee and cookie from the trendy EL&N London outpost that had been recommended by a co-worker. This cute all-pink cafe was certainly a treat for tired eyes.

EL&N cafe at Heathrow airport Terminal 3. BHAWNA KHOWAL/THE POINTS GUY

12:30 pm

After exploring a little, I headed back to my family. We set a 20-minute timer to disconnect the kids from their devices while I took them for a walk around the airport so they could pick a restaurant for lunch.

I was able to sneak in a food scavenger hunt for my 8-year-old and a shopping scavenger hunt for my 14-year-old, which led them inside some of the stores in the terminal where they could also peruse some British novelties.

Shopping was not the end game, but letting them each buy one or two little things as souvenirs added a dose of excitement and kept the kids engaged for another chunk of time.

Despite Heathrow being the second-busiest airport in the world, I was surprised to find that Terminal 3 felt quite small, which made it easier to navigate, especially when you are 15 hours into a very long journey.

Travel activities printable. BHAWNA KHOWAL/THE POINTS GUY

If you are looking for a long, lingering lunch at Heathrow’s T3, your options are quite limited. We finally chose a restaurant named Spuntino for its diverse menu that we knew would cater to everyone’s taste.

3:45 pm

We’d been so focused on our activities and enjoying lunch that we didn’t notice that a little over four hours had passed.

We secured a long seat with enough room to relax, either by stretching our legs on our luggage or leaning our heads on each other’s shoulders. It was the perfect time to just enjoy reading and relaxing together, and another hour quickly passed by.

My youngest child has no interest in or patience for drawing, but his elder brother sometimes manages to motivate him. At this particular moment, that skill was key.

When I’d checked everything off my list, offline drawing videos were a savior. Even though exhaustion was kicking in at this point, both boys became completely focused upon creating their artworks.

Finally, around 5:10 p.m., we regrouped and headed toward the gate to board our 6 p.m. flight.

My husband and I exchanged a smile of relief that we’d managed to get through our seven-hour layover, relatively stress-free, and shared memorable moments together in the process.

What worked and what didn’t

Kind of worked

Scavenger hunts are a great way to make airport layovers entertaining for kids. As I was traveling with a teenager and an 8-year-old, the same ideas wouldn’t work for both kids, so I downloaded different options like a food hunt and an airport hunt for airline companies and aircraft.

While you can find these printable sheets easily on Google, I found that it’s more fun and effective to customize them to your child’s interests or your setting.

I added London-themed information: fish and chips and Dutch baby pancakes for the food hunt, and airline names like Qantas and Royal Jordanian and aircraft types like Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 for the airport hunt (this information is available on the Heathrow Airport Guide website).

The scavenger hunt idea worked wonders with the younger one, the food hunt was fun for the teenager, and locating aircraft sparked an interest in aviation.

BHAWNA KHOWAL/THE POINTS GUY

Worked

Since my eldest son likes to draw, he helped me download some drawing lessons for himself and his younger brother. Another great tip is to add some shiny new art supplies to their bag, too.

If your kids aren’t artistically inclined, you could instead try sudoku, word puzzles, travel puzzles or card games. These options have always worked for us, both on flights and during road trips. With younger kids, the parent needs to be an active participant, but fortunately, I really enjoy playing these puzzles with them.

The food scavenger hunt was a hit. Although food items on the scavenger list were generic, they found some fun treats to enjoy both in the terminal and during the next flight. My 8-year-old was super excited to see fish and chips (from the scavenger hunt list) on the restaurant menu at lunch, and it became his instant choice.

We also bought a souvenir and some chocolates.

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BHAWNA KHOWAL/THE POINTS GUY

Definitely worked

How could I not add a device or a gaming console to my list? Of course, I had to. No packing list is complete without versatile, quick-fix technology.

We also saved some offline games and downloaded some e-books. Since we decided not to pay for Wi-Fi on the plane, our screen time was inherently limited. Most kids will at some point become bored of playing the same offline games, which will force them to rest, read or switch to another off-screen activity.

Bottom line

Searching for and planning out activities in advance helped to ensure that our long layover was as enjoyable as possible.

BHAWNA KHOWAL/THE POINTS GUY

While I do not regret not paying for lounge access for this particular long layover, that’s not to say that I wouldn’t consider it for my next trip.

Lounge access is no doubt a boon if your family likes to savor a nice buffet and relax and recline. But it’s not worth it if all your 8-year-old wants to do is eat KFC. (Yes, this happened on our return journey when it was just the two of us.)

Strategies that work for grown-ups or business travelers might not work for families with kids who like to roam, crave fast food at 4 a.m. and won’t appreciate that free glass of wine for mom.

Had I not prepared or planned anything, I would have wound up watching my kids on their screens the whole time, and ultimately losing my patience.

In the end, a happy child exploring, being creative and playing around with a carry-on at the airport says, “You did all right!”

Related reading:

Source: thepointsguy.com

Apache is functioning normally

Brazil is planning to reinstate its visa requirements for U.S. travelers, suspending a decision made in 2019 to encourage more tourism to the country.

The visa requirements — which were first reported by Reuters — will also apply to travelers from Australia, Canada and Japan. Brazil’s government is set to announce the decision Thursday.

While former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s administration scrapped visa entry requirements for U.S. travelers, the Brazilian government found that the measure didn’t do much to significantly increase tourism in the country; however, the COVID-19 pandemic may have played a role in hindering the initiative’s potential impact.

But as Brazil brings back its visa process for U.S. travelers, you can still visit the region without having to shell out lots in airfare. Although keep in mind that you will now have to probably give yourself some time to apply for a Brazilian visa if you plan to visit. Copa Airlines, LATAM Airlines and Avianca Airlines have a few spring and summer deals to Belo Horizonte, starting at $293.

You can fly to Belo Horizonte from Boston, Miami, New York City and Washington, D.C. A round-trip flight to the Brazilian city would otherwise typically cost $900, so these fares are a steal.

The Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. ANDREA PISTOLESI/GETTY IMAGES

Deal basics

Airlines: Avianca, Copa and LATAM.
Routes: From Boston, Miami, New York and Washington to Belo Horizonte.
How to book: Search through Google Flights to find your ideal dates and then book directly with the airline of your choice.
Travel dates: March to mid-June.
Book by: The next two to three days.

Thanks to Going for flagging these flights. The site’s Premium membership has discounts of up to 90% and includes a 14-day free trial — all for only $49 a year. The Elite membership also scouts premium economy, business-class and first-class deals.

Sample flights

While there’s availability in March, Brazil’s imminent visa requirements could affect any last-minute plans, so be sure to give yourself some time to apply for a visa — it normally takes 10 business days for a visa to arrive, according to Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Here are examples of discounted flights:

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  • Copa: Miami International Airport (MIA) to Tancredo Neves International Airport (CNF), starting at $293 (includes a layover in Panama City).
  • Avianca: Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to CNF, starting at $428 (includes a layover in Bogota, Colombia).
  • Avianca: Dulles International Airport (IAD) to CNF, starting at $514 (includes a layover in Bogota).
  • LATAM: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to CNF, starting at $592 (includes a layover in Sao Paulo).

We recommend using Google Flights to determine your best dates and then booking your flights on the airline’s website. Direct airline bookings are more dependable if a flight is canceled, delayed or experiences a booking change.

Google Flights shows how good of a deal the $293 fare is for a round trip from Miami to Belo Horizonte — all the other available flights cost at least $800.

GOOGLE FLIGHTS
GOOGLE FLIGHTS

For returning flights, Copa has three options that keep the fare at $293.

GOOGLE FLIGHTS

Also, remember that Google Flights can sometimes show lower fares than what’s advertised on the airline’s website due to the availability of third-party booking sites.

The fares featured in these deals are for basic economy only. Copa’s basic economy charges fees for checked baggage, seat selection and booking changes.

COPA AIRLINES

Maximize your purchase

Use a card that earns bonus points on airfare purchases, like The Platinum Card® from American Express (5 points per dollar on airfare booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel, on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year), Citi Prestige® Card (5 points per dollar on airfare), Citi Premier® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve (3 points per dollar on airfare), American Express® Gold Card (3 points per dollar on airfare when booked directly with the airline or through Amex Travel) or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2 points per dollar on travel). Check out this post for more on maximizing airfare purchases.

The information for the Citi Prestige Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Bottom line

Even though Brazil will roll out its visa entry requirements again, it shouldn’t hamper your ability to visit the country, especially when there are good flight deals. Basic economy may be restrictive, but some of these flights are so heavily marked down that even if you were to pay for checked baggage and seats, you’d still be saving tons.

Source: thepointsguy.com

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Hilton Honors American Express Card overview

The Hilton Honors American Express Card is the brand’s no-annual-fee (see rates and fees), entry-level product. Featuring 7 points per dollar on eligible Hilton purchases and complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status, the card is a solid option for new cardholders loyal to the hotel chain or those looking to avoid annual fees. However, other travel cards offer more points flexibility and bigger perks. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐

*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

The Hilton Honors program covers over 7,000 hotels in more than 120 countries, providing plenty of chances to earn and redeem points.

If you’re a beginner looking for a credit card with some Hilton perks, you may want to look at the Hilton Honors American Express Card. It has no annual fee and comes with a nice welcome offer, generous category bonuses and travel and purchase protections, making it a great option for travelers looking to get started with Hilton Honors.

Here’s everything you need to decide if the card is right for your wallet.

Related: Choosing the best Hilton credit card for you

THE POINTS GUY

Hilton Honors Amex welcome offer

New applicants for the Amex Hilton Honors card can earn 70,000 Hilton Honors bonus points and a free night reward after spending $1,000 in purchases on the card in the first three months of card membership. Offer ends July 19.

TPG values Hilton points at 0.6 cents apiece, which means this bonus is worth $420 (excluding the free night), all for no annual fee and just a $1,000 spending threshold.

SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Earning points on the Hilton Honors Amex

With the Hilton Honors Amex, you’ll earn 7 Hilton Honors points per dollar on stays at Hilton hotels and resorts (including paying for your room and on-site spending at restaurants and spas), 5 points per dollar at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery), 5 points per dollar at U.S. gas stations and U.S. supermarkets, and 3 points per dollar on other purchases.

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Given TPG values Hilton points at 0.6 cents apiece, you’ll earn a 1.8% return on daily purchases and 4.2% return at Hilton hotels — though you’ll get an extra 12 points per dollar from your Hilton Honors Silver elite status, bumping your return to 11.4%.

Related: Points of View: Which credit card should you use for Hilton stays?

If you’re looking for higher earning opportunities covering a wider swath of travel purchases, including flights and rental cars, you won’t get that with this card.

KYLE OLSEN/THE POINTS GUY

Redeeming points on the Hilton Honors Amex

You’ll get the best value for your Hilton points when using them for hotel and resort stays, even with the chain’s lack of published award charts. How many points you need for a hotel room fluctuates, so you won’t know the final price until you go to make a reservation. The Points Explorer tool can show you what other guests have paid recently.

You can also transfer your Hilton Honors points to over 40 global airline loyalty programs and Amtrak. However, unless you need to transfer Honors points to top off an airline account for a specific award, using them for this purpose isn’t a good idea. The transfer ratio is normally terrible, losing thousands of points.

Our advice? Stick to hotel room redemptions to get the best value for your rewards.

Related: 10 Hilton properties I can’t wait to redeem Hilton Honors points for

You’ll do even better when you redeem points for a stay of five nights or longer. That’s because you get a fifth night free on stays using points.

HILTON.COM

This hotel near Niagara Falls charges 29,000 points, but you’ll see in the image that the fifth night is free — resulting in a final price of 116,000 points for five nights.

To learn more about redeeming Hilton points (and doing so at a great value), read the following guides:

Hilton Honors Amex benefits

The Hilton Honors Amex features a few notable perks and benefits beyond the welcome bonus. Here’s an overview of what this card has to offer.

HILTON

Elite status

The card comes with automatic Hilton Honors Silver elite status, which provides member discounts, a 20% points bonus on paid stays, no resort fees on award stays, a fifth night free on award stays and free bottled water. If you spend $20,000 on the card in a calendar year, you can upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold status, which TPG values at $1,220.

However, it’s worth pointing out that other Hilton credit cards offer Gold status automatically, meaning spending $20,000 to get there isn’t a good value.

Entertainment

Get exclusive access to ticket presales and cardmember-only events, along with Broadway shows, concert tours, sporting events and more through the American Express Experiences program.

Free shipping

ShopRunner gives you free two-day shipping on eligible items at a network of more than 100 online stores after signing up at shoprunner.com/americanexpress. Enrollment is required in advance.

Extended warranty

The card comes with an extended warranty that adds up to one year to an original manufacturer’s warranty of five years or less.

Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Purchase protection

Purchase protection covers items accidentally damaged, stolen or lost if you paid for them with your card. This benefit covers purchases for up to 90 days and covers up to $1,000 per item — up to $50,000 per calendar year.

Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Car rental loss and damage insurance

When you use the card to reserve and pay for a car rental and decline the rental company’s insurance, you’re covered against damage and theft — up to $50,000. This benefit is secondary coverage to your own auto insurance and doesn’t include liability.

Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

Dedicated help

The Global Assist Hotline helps with medical, legal, financial or other emergency services when traveling more than 100 miles from home.

Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Cardmembers are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

Which cards compete with the Hilton Honors Amex?

The Amex Hilton Honors card has natural competitors with “Hilton” in their names, but a general travel credit card also may do better in your wallet. Here are options you should consider.

  • If you like Hilton but want more perks: The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card earns an improved 12 points per dollar at Hilton hotels, provides automatic Gold status, and you can earn a free night reward by spending $15,000 on purchases in a calendar year. You’ll also get 10 Priority Pass airport lounge visits per year, and the card has a low $95 annual fee (see rates and fees). For more information, read our full review of the Amex Hilton Surpass card.
  • If you want flexible rewards with no annual fee: The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card earns 2 American Express Membership Rewards points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 of purchases per year, then 1 point per dollar) and 1 point per dollar on other purchases. You can use these points with Hilton and over a dozen airline and hotel programs. You won’t get any benefits with Hilton but will have options with your points while still not paying an annual fee (see rates and fees). For more information, read our full review of the Amex EveryDay card.
  • If you want a hotel card without an annual fee, regardless of brand: The Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card is an option if you want a hotel credit card without an annual fee and aren’t tied to Hilton. You’ll earn 3 points per dollar at Marriott Bonvoy properties, receive complimentary Silver Elite status (and 15 elite night credits to help you reach higher status levels with Marriott), plus other travel and shopping protections. For more information, read our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Bold card.

The information for the Amex EveryDay card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

For additional options, see our list of the best hotel credit cards and American Express cards.

Related: The best no-annual-fee credit cards

HILTON

Is the Hilton Honors Amex worth it?

You might assume the Amex Hilton card is worth it by default since it has no annual fee. It depends on what you’re looking for, though. If entry-level elite status, a good welcome bonus and fair earning categories are sufficient, you’ll like this card. If you’re looking for flexible rewards or more Hilton perks, go for one with an annual fee.

Bottom line

The Hilton Honors American Express Card is a good starter card for those looking to maximize the benefits of Hilton’s loyalty program without paying an annual fee — especially with the increased welcome bonus. It may not be the right card for everyone, though it may be the right card for you if that’s what you seek.

Apply here: Hilton Honors Amex with 70,000 Hilton Honors bonus points and a free night reward after you spend $1,000 in purchases on the card in the first three months of card membership.

Additional reporting by Ryan Wilcox, Stella Shon and Madison Blancaflor.

For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Amex Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Amex Surpass Card, click here.

Source: thepointsguy.com

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Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular vacation destinations on the East Coast of the United States, and for good reason. With its stunning beaches, family-friendly attractions, and fantastic dining and shopping options, it’s no surprise that millions of visitors flock to this South Carolina city each year.

When it comes to choosing the perfect place to stay, there are plenty of options to suit every traveler’s style and budget. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious resort experience, a cozy beachfront condo or a budget-friendly hotel room, Myrtle Beach has it all.

Here are some of the best hotels in the bustling Southern beach town.

Marina Inn at Grande Dunes

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA

THE MARINA INN AT GRANDE DUNES/FACEBOOK

Best for: Travelers looking for an all-around well-balanced experience.

Why stay here: The Marina Inn at Grande Dunes is centrally located between North and South Myrtle Beach, and the property’s award-winning WaterScapes Restaurant is worth the stay alone.

Best way to book: Book directly for the best rates and packages, or through your favorite credit card travel portal.

Situated by the serene waters of the marina, the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes boasts a luxurious experience for every guest.

With warm and inviting rooms adorned with high-thread-count linens, en suite bathrooms and private terraces overlooking the marina or water, relaxation is inevitable. Studios and suites come equipped with kitchenettes or full kitchens, perfect for guests seeking an extended stay.

As the sun sets, guests can indulge in the evening turndown service, setting the stage for a peaceful night’s sleep. In addition, the hotel offers an impressive golf course, indoor and outdoor pools, and a 24-hour fitness center.

Beach lovers can bask in the sun on the hotel’s private stretch of sand. On-site activities like water sports, nature trails and tennis courts ensure guests will never have a dull moment. The hotel’s spa offers a range of treatments for those seeking some R&R, although at an additional charge.

When it’s time to eat, sample local seafood, burgers and salads at the hotel’s signature restaurant WaterScapes, or enjoy a cocktail and light bites waterside at Anchor Cafe or Reflections.

Rates for the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes start at $126 or 15,200 Stash Hotel Rewards points a night.

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Ocean Reef Resort

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA

THE OCEAN REEF RESORT/FACEBOOK

Best for: Families with kids who love water parks.

Why stay here: A lazy river, water park and easy access to the beach make Ocean Reef a great place for the entire family.

Best way to book: Book directly for the best rates and packages, or through your favorite credit card travel portal.

Just 6 miles from the bustling Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Broadway at the Beach, Ocean Reef Resort is a casual, high-rise resort that offers a laid-back atmosphere.

The bright and airy rooms, many with balconies offering stunning ocean views, are stylish yet practical with minifridges, microwaves and coffee makers. Suites and condos provide extra space thanks to living areas with pull-out sofa beds and kitchen facilities, while a few units also offer whirlpool tubs.

In-room Wi-Fi is available in all quarters. Additionally, the resort provides a range of amenities to keep guests entertained. There’s a water park and play area, an indoor pool, a seasonal kids club and beach volleyball courts.

Complimentary DVD rentals and tickets to select local attractions are available. On-property food options include a breakfast buffet at Cafe du Port and casual bites and drinks at the poolside Banana Boat Lounge.

Rates for Ocean Reef Resort start at $99 a night.

Island Vista Resort

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA

THE ISLAND VISTA/FACEBOOK

Best for: Travelers who want a quiet, sustainability-focused resort.

Why stay here: The Island Vista is a restorative resort along a more secluded section of the beach.

Best way to book: Book directly for the best rates and packages, or through your favorite credit card travel portal.

Set against a gorgeous ocean backdrop, the relaxed beachfront Island Vista Resort is the epitome of laid-back luxury.

Within 4 miles of the buzzing Broadway at the Beach and the enchanting Ripley’s Aquarium, the resort’s prime location offers guests the perfect blend of city and seaside.

Each of the resort’s comfortable rooms features a private balcony, flat-screen TV, complimentary Wi-Fi and convenient in-room amenities such as microwaves, coffee makers and minifridges.

For those seeking an extra touch of luxury, upgraded rooms provide awe-inspiring views of the sparkling ocean, while the spacious one- to four-bedroom suites feature full kitchens, living rooms and whirlpool tubs in some upgraded suites.

From casual oceanfront dining in the Cypress Room to poolside sandwiches and salads at Tiki Hut, guests will be well sated. The resort also boasts indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, a lazy river and a serene beachfront deck, providing endless opportunities to unwind in style.

For those who want to stay active, the modern gym provides all the necessary equipment, while the on-site spa offers indulgent treatments.

Rates for Island Vista Resort start at $127.50 a night.

Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort Grande Dunes

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA

MARRIOTT MYRTLE BEACH RESORT AND SPA AT GRANDE DUNES/FACEBOOK

Best for: Families that want to pursue their individual interests during the day and relax together at night.

Why stay here: The whole family can choose among championship golf courses, wellness treatments, gourmet cuisine and more.

Best way to book: Book directly with Marriott to earn or redeem Marriott Bonvoy points and enjoy any elite benefits.

This impressive oceanfront property offers guests an array of upscale amenities. Opulent rooms at the Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes are tastefully decorated and well appointed with desks, flat-screen TVs with HD channels and coffee makers.

Some rooms feature private balconies with stunning views of the surrounding area. The hotel’s impressive amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, a 24/7 fitness center and multiple dining options. Wi-Fi is available for an additional fee.

Guests can indulge in culinary delights at the hotel’s four distinctive food and beverage outlets, including all-day dining at Ocean’s on 82nd, or relax with a cocktail at the chic bar. There are tennis courts, a high-end spa with a whirlpool, and beach access, providing almost limitless opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation.

For business travelers or those looking for event space, the hotel offers 45,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and a business center. A breakfast buffet and parking are available for an additional fee.

Rates for the Marriott Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes start at $185 or 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points per night.

North Beach Resort & Villas

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA

NORTH BEACH RESORTS AND VILLAS/FACEBOOK

Best for: Visitors desiring access to a private secluded beach and spacious living accommodations.

Why stay here: North Beach Resort & Villas (formerly the North Beach Plantation) features elegant architecture and private beach access.

Best way to book: Book directly for the best rates and packages, or through your favorite credit card travel portal.

Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a grand lobby that exudes elegance and sophistication. The ambiance is warm and inviting, with plush seating areas and a sparkling chandelier that casts a beautiful glow. The staff is friendly and welcoming, setting the tone for an unforgettable stay.

North Beach Resort & Villas offers a range of exquisite rooms and suites, each with modern amenities and tasteful decor. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, featuring plush furnishings, flat-screen TVs and balconies or patios that offer ocean views. The suites are equally impressive, with fully equipped kitchens, dining areas and whirlpool tubs.

It’s the resort’s amenities that truly set it apart, though. The outdoor pool area is an oasis of relaxation, with a lazy river, hot tubs and plenty of lounge chairs for basking in the sun. The poolside cabanas offer a luxurious retreat from the heat, with comfortable seating and flat-screen TVs to entertain.

The fitness center offers modern equipment and plenty of natural light, while the spa has skilled therapists and rejuvenating treatments. The on-site restaurants, including the acclaimed 21 Main Prime Steakhouse, offer delectable dining experiences.

A significant downside for some is that the property is 25 minutes from the main boardwalk.

Rates for North Beach Resort & Villas start at $149 per night.

Anderson Ocean Club and Spa

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA

THE ANDERSON OCEAN CLUB AND SPA/FACEBOOK

Best for: Travelers who want a resort in the center of Myrtle Beach focused on health and wellness.

Why stay here: In addition to being in the center of Myrtle Beach, the Anderson Ocean Club and Spa provides guests access to its full-service spa.

Best way to book: Book directly for the best rates and packages, or through your favorite credit card travel portal.

This classic all-condo resort boasts luxurious studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom suites, each designed to offer you the comforts of home.

Anderson Ocean Club and Spa provides an array of convenient amenities, including a fully equipped kitchen and a washer and dryer in each unit, so you can make yourself at home and easily prepare a quick meal or do laundry during your stay.

When you’re ready to step outside your room, the resort offers plenty to keep you entertained, such as indoor and outdoor pools, a lazy river, a hot tub and an oceanfront bar.

Awakening Spa is a resort highlight. Its menu features a variety of treatments like the Chamomile Azulene facial and the deep tissue muscle recovery massage. For those who prefer to stay active, the resort is close to nationally recognized golf courses, restaurants and other popular attractions.

Guests also have easy access to Broadway at the Beach and Pine Lakes Country Club, as well as restaurants, shopping and other entertainment venues.

Rates for Anderson Ocean Club and Spa start at $224 or 119,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Dunes Village Resort

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA

THE DUNES VILLAGE RESORT/FACEBOOK

Best for: Families with kids who want access to Myrtle Beach’s largest indoor water park.

Why stay here: While kids will enjoy the best indoor water slides in Myrtle Beach, adults can relax, thanks to the resort’s quiet location away from the city’s center.

Best way to book: Book directly for the best rates and packages, or through your favorite credit card travel portal.

With free parking and convenient access to Myrtle Beach’s top attractions — just 3 miles from Myrtle Beach Boardwalk — Dunes Village Resort is a top pick for families. The resort also features not one but two indoor water parks with exciting waterslides, a lazy river and even water volleyball and basketball for the more adventurous.

The accommodations are equally impressive, with unfussy rooms offering ocean-view balconies, kitchenettes and comfortable pull-out sofa beds. For those seeking more space and amenities, one- to four-bedroom condos are the way to go. They come with separate living and dining areas, fully equipped kitchens and luxurious whirlpool tubs.

The resort also offers plenty of on-land diversions — a spa, sports and games facilities, two restaurants, a tiki bar and a coffee shop. Want to chill by the pool? Rent a private cabana and level up your poolside experience.

Rates for Dunes Village Resort start at $79 a night.

Marriott’s OceanWatch Villas at Grande Dunes

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA

MARRIOT OCEANWATCH VILLAS AT GRAND DUNES/MARRIOTT

Best for: Families and groups desiring privacy and spacious living accommodations.

Why stay here: Exclusive beach access, an on-site grocery store and private balconies make stays here incredibly convenient — and there’s plenty of space for groups to spread out.

Best way to book: Book directly with Marriott to enjoy elite benefits.

Just a stone’s throw away from the beach, this property offers ocean views, spacious villas and an array of amenities catering to families and couples.

Each villa at Marriott’s OceanWatch Villas at Grande Dunes exudes a sense of modern elegance with its contemporary furnishings, plush bedding, full kitchens and private balconies. The one-, two- and three-bedroom villas can accommodate up to 10 guests and provide a home-away-from-home feel.

Families will love the multiple pools, lazy river and children’s pool, where one can indulge in “aqua-tainment.” Several hot tubs provide the perfect relaxation spot after a long day at the beach. For those who prefer land-based activities, the on-site golf course is a great place to hone one’s swing or take a short drive to other popular courses.

The property also provides easy access to the beach, where guests can revel in numerous water activities, such as parasailing, kayaking and fishing. Resort dining includes the full-service Woodsy Grill & Pool Bar and casual poolside Sand Dollar Grille. Stock up on snacks and groceries at Marketplace Express.

Craving relaxation? Head to the on-site spa for a range of treatments to rejuvenate your body and soul. Guests can stay active at the on-site fitness center.

Rates for Marriott’s OceanWatch Villas at Grande Dunes start at $332 a night. Marriott Bonvoy points are not applicable at this location.

Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA

SEA CREST OCEANFRONT RESORT/FACEBOOK

Best for: Visitors on a budget who want to avoid parting from their pets.

Why stay here: The resort is pet-friendly, affordable and, thanks to its central location, may just be the best value for your dollar in Myrtle Beach.

Best way to book: Book directly for the best rates and packages, or through your favorite credit card travel portal.

This resort offers a variety of accommodations to meet the needs of any party size, from standard efficiencies to spacious one-bedroom suites, all of which have been recently renovated with modern amenities.

Most units at Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort feature kitchenettes or full kitchens, free Wi-Fi and private balconies. With nine pools, two indoor Jacuzzis, lazy rivers and a kiddie-size interactive aquatic playground, guests can enjoy various activities for all ages.

The resort also offers an exercise room, free tennis at a local club and discounts at top area golf courses. Food and beverage options are plentiful, with the Malibu Beach Bar and Oceanfront Snack Shack serving delicious drinks and bites. In addition, the Beach Java Cafe offers a variety of light snacks, coffee and breakfast options.

Guests can also take advantage of the convenience store and gift shop or purchase discounted tickets to local attractions. Beyond the resort, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is just a mile away and offers a wide selection of restaurants, shopping and entertainment options.

The Family Kingdom amusement park is also nearby and ideal for family fun, with rides and attractions for all ages. Local favorite eateries like Manny’s Deli and Subs, Loco Gecko and Captain Benjamin’s Calabash are convenient, too.

Rates for Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort start at $59 for a one-room, one-night stay.

The Strand

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA

THE STRAND/FACEBOOK

Best for: Travelers looking for a modern and hip design in the center of Myrtle Beach’s attractions.

Why stay here: The Strand is smartly designed with sleek finishes, modern furnishings and oceanfront balconies that add to its upscale feel.

Best way to book: Book directly for the best rates and packages, or through your favorite credit card travel portal.

One mile from the iconic SkyWheel Myrtle Beach and 5 miles from Myrtle Beach International Airport, The Strand is a low-key property in the popular beach town.

Rooms feature airy, beach-inspired decor with ocean views from furnished balconies. Studios come with a kitchenette and washer-dryer. The one- and two-bedroom suites and condos add separate living rooms and pull-out sofa beds, making them ideal for families or groups of friends.

Start your day here with a complimentary deluxe hot breakfast served in the casual Market Restaurant. After, relax on the beachfront sun deck with private cabanas, take a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool or soak in the hot tub.

Fitness enthusiasts will enjoy the well-equipped exercise room. Guests can also take advantage of the spacious, convenient, covered parking across the street.

Rates for The Strand start at $105 a day for one room.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA

HOMEWOOD SUITES BY HILTON MYRTLE BEACH OCEANFRONT/HILTON

Best for: Ocean lovers who want to stay in a hotel directly on the beach.

Why stay here: Sleep on the beach, why don’t you? Homewood Suites by Hilton allows guests to stay as close to the rolling waves as possible without getting sand in their ears.

Best way to book: Book directly with Hilton to earn or redeem Hilton Honors points and enjoy elite benefits.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront boasts a prime location just an 11-minute stroll from the famous SkyWheel, and only 3 miles away from the Hollywood Wax Museum and Myrtle Beach International Airport.

Rooms with city or ocean views are bright and airy and offer modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, microwaves and minifridges. Families and larger groups will love the one- to two-bedroom suites equipped with sofa beds and kitchenettes, offering a perfect spot to whip up a quick meal while enjoying incredible Atlantic Ocean views.

Guests have access to a range of fun activities such as a water park with slides, poolside games and contests, board games, pool, foosball, pingpong tables and beach towel service (included in the daily resort fee).

A stay here also comes with complimentary breakfast and parking. An indoor water park, game room and gym are ideal for active guests. For food, Coconut Charlie’s Beach Bar serves coastal-American dishes (tacos, fresh seafood and boozy slushies). Hersheys Shake Shop is the spot for cool sweet treats.

Rates for Homewood Suites by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront start at $179 or 54,000 Hilton Honors points a night.

Ocean 22, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA

HILTON GRAND VACATIONS CLUB OCEAN 22 MYRTLE BEACH/HILTON

Best for: Hilton loyalists seeking family-friendly luxury.

Why stay here: Families will enjoy direct access to the beach, 24-hour concierge service, a kids activity center and poolside games like cornhole without leaving the property.

Best way to book: Book directly with Hilton to earn or redeem Hilton Honors points and enjoy elite benefits.

For those looking to explore the area’s stunning golf courses, lively country music clubs and exciting entertainment options, Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean 22 Myrtle Beach’s central location makes it the perfect base for your Myrtle Beach adventures.

Broadway at the Beach is nearby, and guests can indulge in various shopping, dining and entertainment options at their fingertips. Also convenient, the iconic Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is a must-visit attraction for any beach lover. This bustling beachfront promenade is home to lively bars, beachfront eateries, souvenir shops, thrilling rides and an arcade.

With so much to see and do, guests can spend hours exploring all the boardwalk offers. The hotel’s location, just two blocks from the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, makes it the perfect choice for business travelers attending events and conferences in the area.

Guests can retreat to their spacious one-, two- or three-bedroom suite with a fully equipped kitchen and a large master bedroom. Relax and enjoy partial or full Atlantic Ocean views from your open balcony.

Rates for Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean 22 Myrtle Beach start at $150 or 71,000 Hilton Honors points a night.

Source: thepointsguy.com

Apache is functioning normally

May 14, 2023

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3 min read

Kona Airport KOA Alaska Boeing 737

Alaska Airlines unveils new menu items for first class and main cabin

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Travelers flying with Alaska Airlines will now have even more choices when it comes to food.

The Seattle-based carrier has added a spate of new menu items across its first-class and main cabin, hoping to give travelers more fresh food options on board.

Alaska is doubling the number of preorder items available for the main cabin and providing five entree choices for first-class flyers. The carrier is also adding a peanut-free take on the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich, which will instead be made with toasted cashew and oat butter.

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Alaska’s new peanut-free sandwich, branded as the Jetsetter Jam sandwich, will be made with cashew and oat butter instead of peanut butter. ALASKA AIRLINES

“We’ve worked hard to give our guests of all ages a wider selection of food, from classic comfort food to more healthful options all while representing the vibrant flavors of the West Coast,” Todd Traynor-Corey, Alaska’s managing director of guest products, said in a statement.

In addition to the new menu items, Alaska plans to return to using glassware in first class on regional Embraer E175 flights and bring back printed menus on its larger planes operating coast-to-coast and Hawaii flights.

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Related: Best burgers in the sky: We compared inflight hamburgers to see which was the tastiest

Find the new menu items below.

First-class

  • Breakfast: Beecher’s mushroom omelet, chicken sausage breakfast bowl and lemon blueberry pancakes.
  • Lunch: Wedge salad with applewood bacon, Korean barbecue chicken sandwich and caramelized onion Angus burger.
  • Dinner: Chimichurri flat iron steak, herb-roasted chicken, lemon fennel manicotti and ginger beef stir-fry noodles. Some flights will also have the option of Beecher’s flagship macaroni and cheese, and select flights departing from the San Francisco Bay Area will include a pork carnitas tamale on the menu.
  • Vegan preorder options include harissa and chorizo frittata made with Just Egg — a plant-based alternative to eggs — a spicy tofu wrap and a white bean chili with grilled polenta.

Main cabin

  • Breakfast: Turkey, bacon and tomato bagel sandwich, and smoked salmon bagel sandwich.
  • Lunch and dinner: Two new salads designed with Pacific Northwest salad chain Evergreens called “Stand Banh Mi” and “Strawberry Fields for Chevre.” It’ll also introduce two new wraps, including a Mediterranean chicken shawarma wrap and one with chicken and mango.
  • Alaska will bring back its cheeseburger made with Tillamook cheese for flights to and from Hawaii.

Alaska said it will also start serving Tire Amber Ale from New Belgium Brewing, which touts itself as the first-ever carbon-neutral beer. Additionally, Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing Hazy IPA and Schilling Hard Cider will join the first-class, preorder menu in July.

Featured image by ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Source: thepointsguy.com

Apache is functioning normally

Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Empire continues to spread its wings worldwide. The British billionaire is well known for tearing up the rule book and pushing the envelope with aviation and cruise ships to great fanfare, and his Virgin Hotels brand is slowly but surely opening properties across the U.S. and the U.K.

Built in 1928, the Old Dearborn Bank Building on North Wabash Avenue in Chicago, Illinois, was purchased by the Virgin Group in 2011. The hotel finally debuted in 2015 following refurbishment delays due to the building’s landmark status.

How does Virgin’s modern and unconventional approach to hospitality mesh with an iconic century-old building?

Here’s what you need to know about Virgin Hotels Chicago.

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Snapshot

In the heart of the city, Virgin Hotels Chicago adopts an unstuffy, more casual approach to hospitality, focusing on youthful fun and a hint of British cheekiness. Room rates are lower than nearby luxury properties, though guests may find the informality that can stretch to service standards and food quality too much to bear.

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What you’ll love about Virgin Hotels Chicago

Virgin’s fun style is evident throughout the property, providing an alternative to cookie-cutter corporate accommodation offerings. You might feel like you’re staying with a cool friend rather than at a chain hotel.

A location that is close to everything

In downtown’s vibrant “Loop” area, the property is an easy walk from some of Chicago’s most popular attractions, including the Magnificent Mile and Millennium Park with its iconic Cloud Gate sculpture (affectionately known as The Bean). The Chicago Theatre is the ideal Instagram backdrop for your vacation photo just a few blocks away.

Chicago’s elevated trains (the “L”) pass right by the hotel for journeys that cannot be made on foot, with a stop for the Brown, Green, Orange, Pink and Purple lines directly across the road from the hotel.

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Rooms that feel like home, with some fun bells and whistles

Virgin Hotels calls its guest rooms “Chambers,” with 250 rooms that start at a generous (in this zip code) 350 square feet and feel homey yet luxurious with furnishings like leather armchairs and gold side tables.

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At the base of the bed in the spacious, airy bedroom is a new option for remote work, allowing guests to sit on the bottom corner of the bed, facing the bedhead while working on a laptop — a chiropractor’s nightmare. It’s an interesting idea, but not very practical or comfortable for extended periods.

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The bathroom, storage and vanity areas are combined into a single walk-through room, “The Dressing Room,” with plenty of space to unpack and stretch out.

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A comfy makeup chair between the double vanity is ideal for preparing for a night on the town. You can keep your glad rags catwalk ready by using the fluffy bathrobes provided. A huge walk-in shower with a rain shower head and a handheld fixture also has a tiled bench for tired feet and Red Flower toiletries to match the occasional red tile, a constant subtle reminder of the Virgin brand.

In many ways, Virgin’s Chambers feel more like a thoughfully-designed and well-equipped city apartment than a hotel room.

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A Smeg minifridge (bright red, of course) stocks minibar favorites at surprisingly reasonable prices, including $6 for a large can of First Pils lager, $3 for pretzels and just $2.50 for a bottle of Coke — a bargain compared to many big city minibars where a tin of nuts can easily cost upwards of $15.

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While the round tables are not the most practical to work at, the Bel & Bel Vespa high-back cream leather chair is a fun feature to swing around in this already bright and playful space.

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The whimsy continues in the hallways with statues that make no sense but bring a smile to guests’ faces among the splashes of Virgin red.

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Affordable last-minute suite upgrades

Base rooms at Virgin Hotels Chicago start at a reasonable $198 per night in the low season to a less justifiable $436 for peak summer dates.

While suites are priced around $100-$120 per night over the cheapest Chambers, guests should watch their inbox a few days before departure when Virgin offers suite upgrade email offers at dramatically discounted prices.

VIRGIN HOTELS

For just $20 per night extra, you’ll get significantly more usable space — a 150-square-foot living room complete with a huge ottoman and flat-screen LG smart TV is an excellent deal at 83% off.

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Everything about dining with Miss Ricky

On the ground floor, the hotel’s main restaurant Miss Ricky’s is open from morning to night and offers an outstanding hospitality experience.

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The staff is incredibly upbeat and enthusiastic when welcoming bleary-eyed guests starting their day. In addition to bottomless coffee, expect Mexican favorites like chilaquiles, a nod to the city’s large Hispanic population, and omelets with herbed breakfast potatoes.

BEN SMITHSON/THE POINTS GUY

Room service is also available from Miss Ricky’s. While the breakfast sandwich is an odd combination of savory fillings inside a sweet croissant served with strawberries and grapes, it is filling and the flat white coffee is perfectly crafted.

BEN SMITHSON/THE POINTS GUY

In the evening, the mood at Miss Ricky’s is more formal, with an Italian and Spanish-inspired menu featuring an elegant cured Atlantic salmon and black cod ceviche ($20) for an appetizer and a luxurious lobster spinach ravioli in a Champagne cream sauce ($29) for an entree.

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Virgin has done an excellent job with this space, and the staff here should be commended.

Why you might not love Virgin Hotels Chicago

Virgin’s alternative approach to hospitality won’t be for everyone. Some staff take the relaxed attitude too far with groups of business guests baffled by the lack of professionalism and “can do” attitude.

A head-scratching loyalty program

Rather than being an obvious earn-and-burn partner of Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club program, Virgin Hotels instead has its loyalty program called “In The Know,” teasing room upgrades, welcome gifts and invitations to special events. Even if guests carefully fill in all of their personal preferences, it is unlikely any tangible benefits will actually be delivered, and it all seems far from rewarding.

The promised 2,000 Virgin Points for booking directly and signing up for In The Know may never arrive either, and even if they do, guests still cannot redeem Virgin Points for Virgin Hotels.

This separate vague “loyalty program” seems needlessly complicated and likely to lead to disappointment compared to Virgin Points, which can be a terrific value.

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Rooftop frustrations

On Level 17, Cerise enjoys breathtaking views across downtown Chicago.

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Unfortunately, guests may find the view is the only reason to visit.

The signature Lil Smokey cocktail with Conejos mezcal ($17) had far too much sweetness with little balance of smoke, and the presentation wasn’t much to write home about either.

BEN SMITHSON/THE POINTS GUY

Even worse was the food. A seemingly simple request to remove gluten from the caramelized Brussels sprouts and charred broccolini lead to both dishes being stripped of all flavor and seasoning, then boiled, with no explanation. Neither tasted pleasant.

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The pork carnitas tacos were greasy and heavy, the grilled octopus was tasty but tiny, and the fries were served lukewarm with sauces in ballgame-style plastic tubs.

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The food, cocktails and service at Cerise could be elevated to match the amazing view.

Potential guests should note that the flagship on-site food and beverage destination, The Commons Club, is closed, seemingly a lingering victim of the pandemic. Fortunately, this vast space has been converted into a co-working area that is quiet, civilized and great for working outside guests’ Chambers.

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Do you work here?

Smartly dressed reception staff at the front desk provide a warm welcome and explain the amenities available to each guest on arrival.

BEN SMITHSON/THE POINTS GUY

However, after leaving the front desk, the service varies wildly. Almost every staff member seems to be dressed differently, from formal to sloppily casual.

My room service was delivered by an employee wearing sweatpants and Timberland work boots. Every staff member at Cerise was dressed in different variations of non-uniform, casual black clothes, making it difficult to guess who was working and who was not.

BEN SMITHSON/THE POINTS GUY

The casual presentation doesn’t automatically equate to casual service, but appearance and professionalism seemed to be directly correlated here. Cerise seemed to have more staff than was necessary, but they seemed more interested in mucking and joking around with each other rather than serving customers or displaying a professional attitude.

Alternatives

Business travelers looking for service and atmosphere that is more corporate than casual should consider the nearby Kimpton Gray Hotel, also inside the Loop.

IHG One Rewards members can earn and redeem points at sensible rates while enjoying luxurious accommodations and mixing with other business travelers for after-work drinks at the popular Vol. 39 bar with its library aesthetic.

Alternatively, the Thompson Chicago, part of World of Hyatt, offers memorable room designs with masculine dark and creme color tones and views of Lake Michigan while adopting a more grown-up service culture.

Accessibility

Rooms and all public areas can be accessed without needing to tackle stairs, holding a gold level 8.7/10 accessibility score by Mobility Mojo. Guide and service dogs are welcome, guests can borrow wheelchairs, and there are a dozen accessible bedrooms available.

Related reading:

Source: thepointsguy.com

Apache is functioning normally

The Hong Kong tourist board has partnered with Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and home airline Cathay Pacific to offer North American travelers a limited batch of cut-price airfares to the city.

The campaign to celebrate the easing of travel restrictions in the region is part of a plan to give away 700,000 subsidized tickets globally; it began slowly rolling out country by country in March.

The North American offering is currently underway with Cathay Pacific. Successful applicants will pay only the taxes and surcharges for their tickets. To put this in context, roundtrip fares from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to HKG typically start around $2,300 dollars with taxes and surcharges totaling around $350 of that amount. This means that the subsidized ticket offer could save you at least $1,800 on your ticket or even more during busier periods.

However, you’ll need to act fast if you want to benefit — the airline will contact applicants on May 17 at 5:00 p.m. PST/8:00 p.m. EST, via email where they will receive an access link. You’ll then be able to use the link until the sales close on May 23 or until all tickets have sold out. Tickets will be available on a first-come-first-served basis, so keep an eye on you emails for the access link if you don’t want to miss out.

To be in with a chance, you must sign up as a member of Cathay Pacific’s Asia Miles loyalty program by using the link on the airline’s World of Winners page here.

CATHAYPACIFIC.COM

Related: Ultimate guide to Cathay Pacific Asia Miles

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Cathay Pacific currently offers flights departing the U.S. to HKG from JFK, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).

After you receive your voucher code it must be redeemed within one month. The redemption will be limited to economy seats and will be valid for travel for nine months. The minimum stay period will be two days and the maximum is one month.

Related: The ultimate guide to Cathay Pacific first class

It’s unclear exactly how many tickets are available to North American travelers, though it is expected to be 4,000 to 6,000 based on the offerings in other countries.

The Hong Kong tourist board is also offering various “Goodies” vouchers for visitors on its website. Some of these include welcome drinks at participating bars and restaurants, cash vouchers worth 100 Hong Kong dollars (about $13) and free transport tickets, among other items. You can apply for your Hong Kong Goodies voucher here.

Bottom line

Cathay Pacific has partnered with the Hong Kong tourist board and HKG to offer subsidized tickets to North American passengers. The tickets are in limited supply, but successful applicants will only need to pay for the taxes and surcharges on their tickets. Winners will be informed May 17.

Source: thepointsguy.com

Apache is functioning normally

It’s not yet clear if we’re in for another “sold-out summer,” but it’s clear that we’re in for an expensive one — at least on the airline side.

If you’re searching for summer flights, chances are you’ve run into some serious sticker shock.

Fares for flights across the board are more expensive than they have been since the pandemic began, and in many cases, they are passing pre-pandemic summer levels.

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There are two main factors driving prices up, and both mean that if you’re planning to get away while the weather is warm, you might want to finalize your plans on the sooner side.

Fares are higher and demand is surging

For myriad reasons, airlines are simply charging more for flights this summer than they have in the past.

Data provided by the Airlines Reporting Corporation, a travel intelligence firm and ticket processor, shows that fares have largely risen across the board for flights this summer compared to both 2022 and 2019, the last full year before the pandemic.

The average price of fares for the top 10 summer travel destinations was 9% to 37% higher than in 2022, according to ARC’s data.

Prices increased even more compared to 2019, with average fares for each destination climbing between 23% and 54%.

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Rank Destination (airport) Average ticket price Change vs. 2022 Change vs. 2019
1. Cancun International Airport (CUN). $599. +10%. +40%.
2. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). $478. +31%. +38%.
3. Orlando International Airport (MCO). $425. +12%. +36%.
4. Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO). $1,683. +13%. +44%.
5. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). $525. +37%. +51%.
6. Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL). $787. +23%. +23%.
7. Heathrow Airport (LHR). $1,662. +15%. +54%.
8. Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). $456. +19%. +39%.
9. Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). $790. +17%. +24%.
10. Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). $471. +9%. +47%.

The data reflects tickets sold in the U.S. and processed through ARC’s systems between Jan. 1 and April 6, 2023, for travel during the summer season — between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Demand is higher than it has been since the pandemic began. Even as airline capacity broadly remains slightly below 2019 levels, a supply-and-demand mismatch is driving prices sky-high. In fact, the U.S. Travel Association, an industry trade group, says domestic leisure demand has surpassed pre-pandemic levels.

ARC’s chief commercial officer Steve Solomon told TPG that the supply-and-demand asymmetry is the main driver of high prices.

“Increased demand is partly driving more expensive airfare as we’re seeing ticket transactions for the top summer destinations up year over year,” Solomon said. “Demand, coupled with other factors including increased labor costs, jet fuel up around 40% year over year, and not every airline operating at 2019 capacity levels, all contribute to higher prices paid by travelers.”

People are booking their vacation flights earlier

Alongside the increase in demand is a return to a pre-pandemic norm — leisure travelers are making their plans further in advance.

During the first two post-vaccine summers, travelers tended to finalize their plans only at the last minute. Uncertainty surrounding case outbreaks, personal illness or infection, travel restrictions and more made consumers wary about committing early. This was particularly true if reservations were nonrefundable or could only be canceled in exchange for a credit.

Plus, business travel was still significantly down. With business travelers more inclined to book close-in flights and typically less sensitive to prices than vacationers, airlines raised fares as departure dates moved closer. With the leisure booking curve shortening, those last-minute prices tended to look more palatable.

Now, airlines are seeing that leisure booking curve elongating again. Coupled with the high demand, that has made for some intense booking cycles.

For instance, Delta Air Lines said earlier this month that about 75% of seats on international flights this summer were already booked. Many of those bookings were made in February and early March: At a JP Morgan conference on March 14, Delta CEO Ed Bastian noted that the airline was experiencing record-breaking ticket sales.

“In the last 30 days, we’ve had the 10 highest sales days in our company’s history,” Bastian said.

“People remember last spring and summer, how hard it was to get those trips that they wanted to go on,” he added. “So we’ve seen a little bit of a pull forward in terms of the advanced bookings.”

United, too, has seen “a clear change in seasonality that is causing peak leisure demand months, March through October, to be even stronger,” CEO Scott Kirby said during an earnings call this month.

“Both international and domestic are booking further out. International more extreme than domestic,” United executive vice president Andrew Nocella added.

ARC’s data confirms that people are booking earlier, particularly for international trips. In March, the number of tickets sold for each of the top 10 European destinations increased dramatically over 2022:

Rank Destination (airport) Year-over-year change in tickets sold
1. Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO). +82%.
2. Heathrow Airport (LHR). +63%.
3. Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). +66%.
4. Athens International Airport (ATH). +52%.
5. Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN). +86%.
6. Istanbul Airport (IST). +183%.
7. Dublin Airport (DUB) +10%.
8. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). +130%.
9. Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD). +70%.
10. Keflavik International Airport (KEF). +74%

That increased demand in Europe, plus earlier bookings, can also reflect greater consumer confidence over 2022. Gas prices are remaining lower, and there are fewer fears of Russia’s conflict in Ukraine spilling over to other parts of Europe.

For the top 10 U.S. domestic destinations, the changes compared to 2022 were more mixed, reflecting shifting travel preferences domestically and likely greater confidence in travel abroad:

Rank Destination (airport) Year-over-year change in tickets sold
1. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). +52%.
2. Orlando International Airport (MCO). -18%.
3. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). -1%.
4. Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL). -6%.
5. Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). +11%.
6. Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). -11%.
7. O’Hare International Airport (ORD). +11%.
8. San Francisco International Airport (SFO). +2%.
9. Denver International Airport (DEN). -1%.
10. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). +12%.

Early planners have already snatched up the cheapest fares, and those that are left are pricier.

Looking ahead and planning your summer vacation

Still, there may be good news ahead, according to Hayley Berg, lead economist at flight-booking service Hopper — but it depends on where you want to go.

Fares for domestic flights in July have decreased slightly in recent weeks, Berg said. She noted a pattern that seems “typical of normal summer pricing, which starts high in late winter and early spring, drops in April/May before rising in the last month or so ahead of departure dates.”

While overall average domestic fares for June and July are roughly 7% below 2022 levels, they remain 16% higher than they were at the same time in 2019. Berg said that she expects those prices to remain steady before spiking two to three weeks before departure.

However, if you’re looking to pay lower fares to fly abroad, you may be out of luck, Berg said.

“International airfare remains significantly higher than pre-pandemic given low supply of seats, high demand and overall higher costs, including high jet fuel prices,” Berg said. A report by Hopper forecast airfare to Europe over the next six months to be 24% higher than pre-pandemic, on average. Fares to Asia are expected to surge around 60%.

Even so, there are still sporadic deals, according to Katy Nastro, a travel expert at flight-deals subscription service Going.com.

“Airfare is volatile, and so prices you see today don’t necessarily reflect what you see tomorrow,” Nastro said. Even as prices climb on a particular flight or deal, “that doesn’t mean the flight won’t drop again — as we know airfare isn’t static — but the likelihood of it dropping majorly … is less.”

If you’re hoping to take a trip this summer and haven’t found anything for the right price yet, don’t lose hope: Stay tuned to TPG for the latest flight and hotel deals, as well as everything you need to know about traveling this summer.

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Source: thepointsguy.com

Apache is functioning normally

One of America’s crown jewels, Yosemite National Park has been leaving visitors awestruck since it became a national park in 1890.

The monoliths of Half Dome and El Capitan, the ancient sequoias of Mariposa Grove, and North America’s tallest waterfall, Yosemite Falls, are just a few of this vast California park’s emblematic attractions that make it one of the country’s best national parks. What makes Yosemite so appealing (and crowded) is that its signature features are easy to access and available pretty much year-round.

Not surprisingly, with close to 3.5 million visitors per year, lodging options within the park’s boundaries come at a premium. Within easy reach of the park, there are several amenity-rich wilderness lodges, quaint bed-and-breakfasts and lavish boutique hotels that cater to multigenerational families, couples looking to disconnect, and adventure-seeking solo travelers.

From budget-friendly in-park lodges to a flashy European-style retreat, here are some of TPG’s favorite places to stay in and around Yosemite National Park.

Ahwahnee Hotel

Yosemite National Park, California, USA

AL GOLUB/THE AHWAHNEE/FACEBOOK

Best for: Travelers looking for historic lodgings in an unrivalled location within Yosemite National Park.

Why stay here: A cherished national landmark, the Ahwahnee is a paradigm of “parkitecture” design. A wide selection of classically appointed rooms, suites and cottages can accommodate groups, couples and solo travelers — and paying up can even get you a view of Half Dome.

Best way to book: The Ahwahnee is operated by Xanterra Parks & Resorts. Book directly (and well in advance) for the best prices.

A cherished national landmark, The Ahwahnee has been the hotel of choice for celebrities, heads of state and royalty visiting Yosemite for generations.

Located on the southern fringes of Yosemite Valley, the location couldn’t be better, and even just a stroll across the grounds reveals the park’s hallowed attractions: Half Dome, Yosemite Falls and Glacier Point.

Constructed in 1929 of sugar pine logs and rough-cut granite, The Ahwahnee is a paradigm of National Park Service-rustic, or “parkitecture.” Magnificent public spaces with beamed ceilings and colossal stone fireplaces are filled with Native American artworks, Arts and Crafts furnishings and art deco influences.

While the 121 standard rooms don’t have quite the same wow factor, they are clean and spacious with classical detailing, rustic wood furnishings and spectacular views. Suites and junior suites on the upper floors have private fireplaces and/or balconies, and the presidential suite where President John F. Kennedy stayed has a king bedroom, living area and parlor with a sleeper sofa and a large balcony with views of Glacier Point.

What you are really spending up for here, though, is the stately ambiance, unbeatable location and time-honored rituals. The Ahwahnee Dining Room oozes history and charm, with emblematic stonework, iron chandeliers, Native American design motifs and floor-to-ceiling windows framing spectacular views of the valley. Dress the part (that’s required; no T-shirts or flip-flops) and dine on Yosemite’s finest cuisine. Menu favorites include Acadian spiced tiger prawns with smoked cheddar polenta, roasted tomatoes and seasonal herbs ($25), and New Zealand lamb chops with black garlic miso sauce, carrot-yuzu puree, arugula and pickled cucumber ribbons ($27).

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Rates at The Ahwahnee range from $521 per night for a standard room up to $1,242 for the presidential suite.

Rush Creek Lodge

Groveland, California, USA

KIM CARROLL/RUSH CREEK LODGE AND SPA AT YOSEMITE/FACEBOOK

Best for: Families with young kids and teens who will love the pools, zip line, nightly s’mores, hiking and biking trails, and day and nighttime programming led by the on-site recreation team.

Why stay here: This classic summer resort is close to Yosemite National Park’s southern entrance and has accommodations that can work for groups of all sizes, including two-bedroom hillside villas that sleep up to six guests.

Best way to book: Book directly with the lodge for the best rates, deals and packages.

Nestled amid 20 acres of woodlands, less than a mile from Yosemite’s west entrance, the 143-key Rush Creek Lodge combines rustic charm with modern conveniences and a fun-loving summer camp vibe.

Impressive amenities and round-the-clock programming are what really distinguish this property. There are zip lines for kids, a 60-foot embankment slide, bocce ball, nightly s’mores around the fire, live bands, themed parties and karaoke. By day, the fantastic pool area is the hub of the action, with a 2,400-square-foot saltwater pool and a large family-friendly hot tub. The guided recreation program includes full-day and half-day Yosemite hiking tours, horseback riding and mountain biking, among other wilderness adventures.

After a day on the trails, parents can indulge in a signature massage at the Wellness Center (80 minutes, $235) or just relax in the Aromatherapy Steam Room or Himalayan Salt Block Sauna.

Related: TPG’s favorite national parks: A month-by-month guide

Rush Creek’s rooms, suites and hillside villas all come with large decks, and most have sunset views. Standard rooms, which start at 400 square feet, are appointed with simple, natural wood furnishings and modern tiled bathrooms. Family-pleasing conveniences include air conditioning, a Keurig coffee maker, a refrigerator, hypoallergenic feather pillows, Alexa devices and Earth Therapy bath products.

Larger hillside villas are a great option for groups. Sleeping up to six people, they are configured with a separate bedroom with a king bed, a large sitting area with a queen sofa bed and a cast-iron gas fireplace.

The Restaurant at Rush Creek serves modern American fusion fare, such as king salmon with bok choy, soy glazed shiitake mushrooms and yuzu-ginger butter ($30) and bison chili mac with cavatappi, bison chili and smoked gouda ($28). Dinner and a late-night menu are also available in Rush Creek’s lively Tavern.

Rates at Rush Creek Lodge start at $340 per night.

AutoCamp Yosemite

Midpines, California, USA

AUTOCAMP/FACEBOOK

Best for: With Airstream suites that sleep up to six people and safari-style tents, AutoCamp is a unique option for groups and families craving an elevated glamping experience near Yosemite National Park.

Why stay here: Plenty of lifestyle amenities and creature comforts, including full bathrooms, air conditioning and heating, sleek gathering spaces and wholesome dining options.

Best way to book: Book directly with AutoCamp for the best prices, discounts and packages.

Located in the town of Midpines, about 40 minutes west of Yosemite National Park, AutoCamp is one of the more established glamping companies, with nine locations across the U.S.

Offering a mix of Airstream Suites and Luxury Tents, the setup is perfect for nature lovers who enjoy boutique amenities and creature comforts — as well as those partial to midcentury modern design icons.

Custom 31-foot Airstream Suites feature a queen bed, a kitchenette, a bathroom with walk-in shower, and a patio with a fire pit and shaded dining area. For families, Premium BaseCamp Suites combine the Airstream Suite with a deluxe canvas tent. There are also Luxury Tents and Classic Cabin Suites — compact pine cabins with a bedroom, galley-style kitchenette with a dining table, sitting area and a stylish bathroom with a walk-in shower and Ursa Major organic bath products.

The AutoCamp experience can be as social or secluded as you want it to be. There’s a clubhouse for happy hour gatherings, a seasonal, heated outdoor swimming pool, daily activities on-site (including yoga classes), live music, fireside s’mores, and wine tastings with local wineries.

Kids age 5 and up can attend the AutoCamp Yosemite Forest School, where scavenger hunts, nature art, science projects and visits from wildlife experts inspire curiosity in Yosemite’s history and landscapes.

The Kitchen serves healthy, local fare with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. Campfire items and grill kits are available at the General Store for guests that prefer to light a fire and dine on their private patio beneath the stars.

Airstream Suites at AutoCamp Yosemite start at $292 per night. Classic Cabin Suites start at $519.

Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite

Groveland, California, USA

EVERGREEN LODGE YOSEMITE/FACEBOOK

Best for: Travelers of all ages looking for great value and a lively, summer camp-style ambience.

Why stay here: A variety of comfortable, well-equipped cabins, activities galore and resort-style amenities, just a mile from Yosemite National Park.

Best way to book: Book directly for the best rates, discounts and seasonal packages.

Just a mile from the western entrance of Yosemite National Park, surrounded by the towering pines of Stanislaus National Forest, Evergreen Lodge (a sister resort to Rush Creek Lodge, listed above) is a classic Yosemite resort built in the 1920s.

Significantly upgraded and expanded since the early 2000s, it’s one of Yosemite’s most popular family resorts with a surfeit of amenities, including zip lines, a large saltwater swimming pool and a hot tub.

Daily programming and wellness-focused activities range from yoga, fishing and hiking to arts and crafts, basket-weaving and nightly s’mores. There are plenty of cozy indoor and outdoor spaces to retreat to, or gather with new friends and trade stories.

Across the 88 accommodations, there’s something for every type of traveler and budget. Deluxe Cabins with vaulted ceilings start at 400 square feet and are appointed with simple wooden furnishings and a few decorative nods to the surrounding landscape (plaid throws and Western-themed artworks). It’s the thoughtful touches, though, that really sets them apart — a comfy king bed, a large sitting area with queen sofa bed, a cast-iron gas fireplace, air conditioning, a spacious bathroom with walk-in shower, Wi-Fi, Alexa devices, refrigerator, and a Keurig coffee maker. For families, there are more spacious one-bedroom Cottages and Family Cabins, as well as smaller (250-square-foot) Vintage Cabins, perfect for budget travelers.

At Evergreen’s lively main restaurant, the modern American menu showcases locally sourced meat, fish and produce, and satisfies gourmands as well as less adventurous palates. Perennial favorites include braised bison short ribs ($38), crispy pork belly ($30) and pan-seared salmon ($32), as well as salads, burgers, chicken tenders and grilled cheese sandwiches.

The historic, all-wood Tavern — a local institution for nearly a century — is an atmospheric setting for a pre- or post-dinner cocktail or beer, and it packs in the crowds for live music on the weekends.

Rates at Evergreen Lodge start at $335 per night.

Château du Sureau

Oakhurst, California, USA

CHATEAU DU SUREAU/FACEBOOK

Best for: Francophiles and gourmands looking for an elegant, luxurious hotel with impeccable service, haute cuisine and French flair.

Why stay here: A secluded, intimate boutique hotel with sumptous public spaces and richly appointed rooms featuring canopy beds, wood-burning fireplaces, antiques and Empire-style decor.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elitelike benefits and on-property credits.

Located 16 miles from Yosemite National Park, this intimate, elegant retreat combines haute cuisine, impeccable service and sumptuous accommodations amid the majestic landscapes of the Sierra Nevada.

Part of the Relais & Chateaux hotel collection, a luxurious Old World aesthetic runs through individually styled rooms and public spaces, which are spread over 9 acres of delightful gardens. The 10 individually styled guest rooms feature four-poster beds dressed with plush pillows and luxe linens, fireside reading nooks with desks, walls hung with tapestries, Empire-era furnishings, a smattering of antiques, and modern, marble-clad bathrooms with soaking tubs.

Hidden behind a private, gated entryway, Francophiles will swoon for the palatial two-bedroom Villa du Sureau. At 2,000 square feet, it features a grand salon with a wood-burning fireplace and a Steinway & Sons piano, two king bedrooms, a library and office, a private Roman spa, a lavish tiled bathroom with a marble tub and a separate steam shower, and a private garden.

As you’d expect of a Relais & Chateaux property, the on-site restaurant is a destination unto itself. The Elderberry House has garnered a loyal following for over 30 years, serving three- and six-course menus ($95/$155) that incorporate seasonal produce from local farms — an amuse-bouche of sea urchin and sweet pea followed by ahi tuna with sorrel, for example, and then an entree of local steelhead trout with lemon thyme nage and snap peas.

The cozy, stone-walled Cellar bar is a great place to start the evening with a cocktail (perhaps an Elderflower Sour with gin, lemon juice, elderflower syrup and egg white, $17).

At the Spa du Sureau, you can book a range of European-inspired treatments, facials and massages or take a dip in the heated outdoor swimming pool.

A major draw of this property is the complimentary perks, including a copious daily breakfast and such welcome beverages and treats as a bottle of wine and a house-baked Gugelhupf cake. There’s also nightly turndown service and daily housekeeping (not always a given these days).

Rates at Chateau du Sureau start at $395 per night.

Blackberry Inn Yosemite

Groveland, California, USA

BLACKBERRY INN YOSEMITE/FACEBOOK

Best for: Couples looking for a peaceful (adults-only) retreat that invites relaxation as much as adventure.

Why stay here: Located 13 miles from Yosemite National Park, on 36 acres of forest, this charming, intimate lodge features just 10 classically appointed rooms with wraparound porches.

Best way to book: Book directly with Blackberry Inn for the best rates, seasonal discounts and packages.

A secluded, adults-only sanctuary, The Blackberry Inn Yosemite is set on 36 acres bordering Stanislaus National Forest, just 12 miles west of Yosemite’s Big Oak Flat park entrance.

With meticulous attention to detail, warm service and a peaceful ambience, it’s a great nesting place for discerning travelers looking to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the area’s natural splendor.

Behind an egg yolk-yellow facade, wrapped with a white porch, the 10 elegant rooms and suites with vaulted ceilings start at 350 square feet and are individually designed with classical furnishings and decorative touches — solid wood furniture, refined wing armchairs, floral duvets, plush drapes and carpeting, and a smattering of antiques and landscape paintings. All rooms are appointed with luxury linens, a separate sitting area with recliners and fireplaces — suites also have deep soaking tubs. At every turn, there are beautiful views of Stanislaus National Forest and the innkeeper’s Arabian horses grazing on the property.

Beyond the refined rooms and personal service, the inn is known for its delicious homemade breakfast, served on fine china in the elegant dining room or on your private patio or porch (if you reserve a suite).

Rooms at Blackberry Inn Yosemite start at $290 per night, including breakfast. Children over 13 years are welcome and there’s a two-night minimum stay (although single nights are often available).

Tenaya at Yosemite

Fish Camp, California, USA

TENAYA AT YOSEMITE/FACEBOOK

Best for: A great option for families with four-legged friends in tow, Tenaya has a variety of accommodations, indoor and outdoor pools, and diverse dining options that cater well to picky eaters.

Why stay here: Tenaya’s peaceful location, just a mile from Yosemite’s southern entrance, is hard to beat. A daily calendar of on-site activities and experiences keeps the whole family entertained.

Best way to book: Book directly with Tenaya for the best rates, discounts and seasonal packages.

This attractive lodge, just 2 miles from Yosemite National Park, is an appealing option for multigenerational families looking for a streamlined and activity-rich national park experience.

One of the largest lodges in the area, Tenaya comprises 223 guest rooms, 26 suites, 53 cottages and 50 creekside cabins extending across 75 wooded acres bordering Sierra National Forest at an elevation of over 5,000 feet. Drawing many repeat visitors, the AAA Four Diamond-rated property boasts exceptional amenities, a prime location and outstanding tours and activities for all ages.

Inviting public spaces set a homespun tone with earth-hued walls, large windows framing forest views, beamed ceilings, hardwood floors bedecked with Western-style rugs and walls decorated with landscape paintings and Native American motifs.

Premium rooms are kitted out with simple furnishings and give off cozy, mountain vibes. Extended queen and king rooms have an additional 100 square feet, a small living area with plush chairs and a sleeper sofa that’s perfect for smaller families.

Larger families or those looking for a little more luxury might want to consider spending up for a suite, which offers major upgrades in style, size, character and amenities — high ceilings, a soothing neutral color palette, hardwood floors, contemporary design-forward furnishings, a fireplace, and a swanky bathroom with soaking tub. There are also accessible rooms and adults-only suites with private patios and gardens.

For adventure seekers, biking and hiking trails lead directly from the property into Sierra National Forest. Guests can sign up for on-site and off-site activities and daily tours (additional fees apply), including gold panning, guided hikes, mountain biking, archery lessons and horseback riding. Telescopes are also available for stargazers.

There are five dining venues, including a pizzeria and Jackalope’s Bar & Grill (the main restaurant), which offers chef-driven cuisine as well as bar-food staples. The Ascent Spa has 12 treatment rooms and offers reasonably priced facials, body wraps and massages (90 minutes for $180).

Rates at Tenaya at Yosemite start at $269 per night.

Yosemite Valley Lodge

Yosemite National Park, California, USA

SAM ISAAC/YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE/FACEBOOK

Best for: A short walk from Yosemite Falls, this cozy lodge is a comfortable base for families that value location, convenience and a budget-friendly price tag.

Why stay here: This property offers a variety of accommodations, several dining options and a seasonal outdoor pool — not to mention spectacular surrounding natural beauty.

Best way to book: Yosemite Valley Lodge is operated by Xanterra Parks & Resorts, Inc. Book direct (and well in advance) for the best prices.

This popular, no-frills NPS lodge frequently books up 12 months in advance, largely due to its prime location — it’s the closest property to Yosemite Falls and many of the park’s most popular hiking trails start near the lodge. It’s also considerably cheaper than nearby Ahwahnee, making it a good budget option at a time when lodging prices in and around U.S. national parks have soared.

For nature-loving families and couples that value location over luxurious amenities, it ticks a lot of boxes. There are 245 simple hotel rooms (many recently updated) across three room categories — Traditional Rooms, Bunk Rooms and Family King Rooms. All share a homely aesthetic and provide a clean and functional place to bed down at the center of the action. There is no air conditioning, Wi-Fi or TVs in any room categories.

The Mountain Room restaurant serves sustainably sourced modern American cuisine — steak and seafood, as well as vegetarian and vegan options — along with iconic views of Yosemite Falls. At the canteen-style Base Camp Eatery, you can get your caffeine fix, fuel up for the day on casual fare and head out with some packable grab-and-go items.

There is also a seasonal swimming pool on the grounds, and bike rentals to explore the area — the lodge is located just a 5-minute bike ride, or 10-to-15-minute walk, from Yosemite Village’s shopping, dining and visitors center.

Rates at Yosemite Valley Lodge start at $329 per night.

Wawona Hotel

Yosemite National Park, California, USA

TONY SECKER/WAWONA HOTEL/FACEBOOK

Best for: Budget-conscious travelers looking to disconnect and explore in and around Yosemite National Park, a 40-minute drive away.

Why stay here: Victorian-era charm, a tranquil location, an outdoor pool and comfortable rooms that are far from generic.

Best way to book: Wawona Hotel is operated by Xanterra Parks & Resorts. Book directly for the best prices as well as special offers and packages.

Dating to 1856, the Victorian-style Wawona Hotel is located within Yosemite National Park’s more secluded recesses, some 45 minutes from the valley floor. Open during the winter season (December through March), it’s popular with snow-sports enthusiasts visiting nearby Badger Pass, as well as nature lovers keen to view the famed sequoias of Mariposa Grove — namely the 1,800-year-old Grizzly Giant and the California Tunnel Tree.

There are 50 standard rooms with en suite bathrooms and 54 budget-friendly rooms with shared bathrooms. While they are spare and compact and, some may say, fusty in design (floral bedding, heavy carpeting and simple furniture), with rates from $157 per night, you won’t find anywhere cheaper (apart from camping) within the park. It’s certainly a hot ticket, with rooms selling out 6 to 12 months in advance.

For active types, there’s an array of adventures close by: hiking trails, mountain biking, golf and horseback riding, as well as a seasonal outdoor pool on the property. Public spaces are a joy to return home to, with a light-filled sunroom, cozy dining room filled with period detailing, wide verandas and patios overlooking lovely gardens, and daily rituals such as live classical music and cocktails in the cozy lounge, fireside gatherings and summertime barbecues.

Rates at the Wawona Hotel start at $157 per night.

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Source: thepointsguy.com