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Is ISRAEL Safe To Visit? Travel Advisory 2023
TODAY'S ADVENTURE
Is ISRAEL Safe To Visit? Travel Advisory 2023Israel is an epicenter of culture, art, science, and history. The history and people of Israel have had a far-reaching influence on the world stage, especially over the last 150 years. What’s more, the region has been historically significant since before early Biblical events.
A natural consequence of being a historical and cultural crossroad on the global scene is conflict, and Israel has certainly seen its share of that. Still, many people will travel to Israel for a wide range of reasons. They need to know how safe they can expect to be.
Here, we will discuss the latest Israeli travel advisories with the hope that your next trip to Israel will be a safe one.
2023 Update: Is Israel Save for Travel?
Most locations in Israel are reasonably safe by American standards. While concentrated areas of terrorism and armed conflict do exist, they will largely be avoidable. Your guide, the authorities, and the local people will likely make certain that you are made aware of the location visitors should and should not go to.
The nation has a remarkably low crime rate, which can be partially attributed to the ongoing conflict with Palestinians. Because of the 70-year conflict, there are ever-present surveillance systems in place as well as multiple heavily militarized zones and security personnel. As long as tourists remain clear of the West Bank and Gaza, they should be very safe.
It should be borne in mind that tensions are generally high. Tourists are advised to avoid confrontation with the locals. Israelis tend to be quite friendly to tourists, so this should not be a problem.
It should be said that crime is always a factor, no matter where in the world one travels. So it is best to be alert in areas where tourists are expected to congregate. Finally, because of persistent conflict and terrorism, it is always possible that violence will cross over established boundaries.
This means that, while it is unlikely that tourists will experience direct exposure to serious danger, absolute safety can never be guaranteed.
LATEST UPDATES / NEWS from ISRAEL:
February 14: Two Palestinians killed in latest Israeli raids in West Bank
On the 14th of February, 2023, two Palestinian individuals were killed by Israeli forces in the village of Deir Abu Mash’al. This is yet another tragic incident in the ongoing conflict that has plagued the region for decades.
The incident occurred in the early morning hours
when Israeli forces entered the village and engaged in a confrontation with the local residents. According to witnesses, the forces used live ammunition, tear gas, and sound bombs, leading to the death of two individuals and the injury of several others. The deceased individuals were identified as 22-year-old Mohammad Al-Barghouthi and 19-year-old Abdel-Rahman Al-Barghouthi.
February 13: Thousands protest Netanyahu’s plan to weaken Israel’s judiciary as president warns of ‘social collapse’
On February 13th, 2023, Israelis took to the streets to protest against Knesset’s actions towards the judiciary. The protests were sparked by the recent developments in the legal case against former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Tel Aviv – Israel
Crime in Israel: Violent & Non-Violent
As mentioned above, there will always be a crime. While crime, in general, is remarkably low in Israel, vigilance is warranted, especially for tourists. The overall rate of crime remains stable at 1.49% for every 100,000 people.
Violent Crime
The most common cause of violent crime in Israel by far is terrorism. Attacks are usually concentrated in the West Bank, the Sinai peninsula, and Gaza. Civil unrest is a real concern, but Israeli intelligence tends to do a very good job of protecting civilians.
Non-Violent Crime
Non-Violent crimes like petty theft and automobile theft are significant concern. Vehicle break-ins and petty theft are the most frequent forms of non-violent crime in Israel. Visitors should take care to park in the most visible places possible and always secure their vehicles and belongings.
Avoid carrying all of your documentation on your person and travel in groups whenever possible.
Terrorism
Due to the 70+ years of constant conflict in the region, terrorism is always a threat. While it is concentrated in certain areas, sudden, unexpected terrorist events can take place anywhere.
Palestinians were promised a 60/40 split by the United Nations. But when the deal was finally struck, it was 80/20 in favor of Israel. This has caused serious unrest which remains to this day.
For this reason, terrorist acts outside conflict zones, while relatively rare, can happen at any time or location.
Location Advisories
Tourists are advised to avoid Gaza, the Sinai peninsula, and the West Bank in most cases.
The Gaza Strip encompasses 141 square miles bordering the Mediterranean Sea and is a contested territory. American tourists are subject to travel restrictions and US government officials are not permitted to travel here except under special permission.
The West Bank encompasses roughly 3500 square miles. It is controlled jointly by Palestine and Israeli forces. Conflict is common here and can arise unexpectedly.
The Sinai peninsula belongs to Egypt and shares the southern border of Israel. Israelis and Americans are generally unwelcome here and travel to this location is not recommended.
The post Is ISRAEL Safe To Visit? Travel Advisory 2023 appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.
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By: Viktor Vincej
Title: Is ISRAEL Safe To Visit? Travel Advisory 2023
Sourced From: www.travelinglifestyle.net/is-israel-safe-travel-advisory/
Published Date: Tue, 14 Feb 2023 17:11:20 +0000
How to save money with an annual Delta companion ticket
HOSTED BY: 1 AIR TRAVEL
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Everyone loves a BOGO deal (aka buy one, get one) and believe it or not, you can sometimes get those deals on airline tickets if you hold the right credit cards.
Several credit cards in my wallet are there because they offer some form of an airline companion certificate for when we need to buy tickets with cash and want to ensure a good deal.For example, the lineup of Delta American Express cards includes several that come with an annual companion certificate at each renewal. On top of that, these cards are currently available with increased welcome bonuses — making this the perfect time to learn what they can do to help you travel more for less.Related: Best credit cards for flying Delta
Which Delta cards have a companion ticket?
JOHN GRIBBEN/THE POINTS GUY
Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Reserve consumer and small-business cardholders receive an annual Delta companion ticket at each renewal of the card.
Here’s the full line-up of cards and their current welcome bonuses, all of which end March 29, 2023:
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express CardEarn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months of cardmembership.Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $6,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months of cardmembership.Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card Earn 95,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new card in your first three months of cardmembership.Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card: Earn 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $6,000 in purchases on your new card in your first three months of cardmembership.Since this companion voucher benefit is extended to both the consumer and small business versions of the card, you can earn more than one companion voucher if you have multiple eligible Delta cards.
However, it’s worth noting that these companion tickets are not granted in the first year. You must renew your card (and pay the annual fee) to get the perk.
Delta companion ticket rules
Of course, there are a few rules and restrictions when it comes to using these Delta companion tickets. For example, companion tickets can only be used on certain round-trip tickets within the contiguous United States. Residents of Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands can originate from those destinations to travel to the 48 contiguous states, but you can’t live in the lower 48 and use the tickets to get a flight to Alaska or Hawaii, sadly. You must have an eligible address on file with SkyMiles in those locations to use the vouchers in that way.
If you have the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex, the companion ticket is only eligible for economy-class flights, while the Reserve companion ticket can actually be used for first class, Comfort+ or the main cabin.
Seats on a Delta flight. DARREN MURPH/THE POINTS GUY
The Delta companion ticket award you receive by renewing your Delta Platinum Amex is valid in the Delta economy L, U, T, X and V fare classes. This excludes Delta’s basic economy fares (E class) and some higher coach fare classes. In my experience, this means you can use the Delta companion ticket on a wide variety of dates and routes, but certainly not on every single flight. And the more you plan in advance, the better.
The companion certificate on the Delta Reserve Amex is valid in all those economy fare classes listed above and in I and Z (first class) and W (Comfort+).
This annual award is automatically deposited into your SkyMiles account the month you pay the card’s annual fee, and it’s typically valid for a year from the date it was issued. The ticket must be booked and the trip must be taken before the certificate expires. You still need to pay the taxes and fees on the second ticket, but otherwise, it’s a buy one, get one flight deal.
Related: Every Delta premium seat ranked best to worst
How to use the Delta companion ticket
The mechanics of how to use a Delta companion ticket are thankfully pretty simple.
First, log in to your online Delta SkyMiles account, and after you select “Profile” (located as a drop-down when you click on your name on the upper right hand side), you’ll find your companion certificates listed in the “Certificates, eCredits & Vouchers” section.
Profile page on a Delta SkyMiles account. DELTA.COM
From there, you can select a certificate to use and then proceed to search for eligible Delta flights by hitting “Continue” at the bottom of the page.
Companion Certificate choice. DELTA
You can only search for flights for the two people on the trip who are using the certificate, so any additional children or travelers may have to be booked separately. You can then have their itineraries linked to yours by calling Delta at 1-800-221-1212.
Saving hundreds of dollars with the Delta companion ticket
To show you the real value of the Delta companion ticket, let’s use a real-world example of a national parks-focused trip we took to Utah as an example.
The round-trip, nonstop flights from Houston (IAH) to Salt Lake City (SLC) cost about $466 on Delta. That wasn’t a great deal, but it was during a school break so deals were hard to come by.
SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY
The Delta companion certificate is a great way to save money when prices are high, as one round-trip ticket costs $466 but you’ll get the second for only an additional $20 in taxes and fees when using the companion certificate (this total will be higher with connecting flights).
Traveling from Houston to Salt Lake City for two passengers for $486 with the companion voucher was a much better deal than one ticket for $466. Multiply that number for the other two members of our family because we had two eligible vouchers, and we saved around $900 on the trip, thanks to these Delta companion vouchers from our Amex cards.
Flight costs including Delta companion tickets. DELTA.COM
If you use the Delta companion ticket in a similar manner as we did, it can easily be worth more than the $250 annual fee it costs to keep the Delta Platinum Amex in your wallet (see rates and fees).
The Delta Reserve consumer card has a $550 annual fee (see rates and fees) but comes with a variety of additional benefits beyond the companion ticket, including Sky Club access, American Express Centurion Lounge access on same-day Delta flights paid for with the card and a pair of Sky Club guest passes. So presuming you use the Sky Club benefits and place an increased value on sitting in first class with the companion ticket, the math can check out for that card, too.
Another cool feature of the Delta companion ticket is that it’s transferable. So if you can’t personally use the voucher, you can let someone else benefit from the savings. That makes it flexible for families who don’t always travel together, as the cardholder doesn’t have to be on the flight.
The primary (paid) ticket on the reservation using the Delta companion ticket will accrue SkyMiles, but the companion ticket won’t. Therefore, the tickets are eligible for upgrades consistent with the SkyMiles program. However, keep in mind that if you cancel your itinerary after purchasing your ticket, you usually won’t be able to reuse your companion certificate.
Bottom line
I have the Delta Platinum SkyMiles Card, which I’d rank as one of the best travel credit cards for my family. I got it for its increased welcome bonus at one point many years ago. Still, I keep it in my wallet for the annual companion ticket and other perks that make flying Delta more comfortable and affordable.
If you’re new to The Points Guy, check out our beginners guide to learn more.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex, click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex, click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business Amex, click here. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Amex, click here.
Additional reporting by Benét J. Wilson.
Title: How to save money with an annual Delta companion ticket
Sourced From: thepointsguy.com/guide/save-family-money-delta-companion-ticket/
Published Date: Thu, 16 Feb 2023 17:00:38 +0000
Monday, February 27, 2023
Not even Google's cleaning robots are safe from the tech industry's layoffs and cost-cutting efforts
Google layoffs not based on performance: Sacked Indian employee | Business Insider India
Help! Why Can’t I Combine My PDF Files?
TODAY'S ADVENTURE
Help! Why Can’t I Combine My PDF Files?
Combining PDF files can be a frustrating experience for many individuals who rely on this format for their personal and business needs. Despite the widespread use of PDFs, combining these files into a single document remains a challenge for many users. This is because PDFs are designed to preserve the formatting and structure of the original document, making it difficult to merge multiple files without affecting the quality and integrity of the final product. In this article, we will explore the reasons why combining PDF files can be a difficult task and the common issues that arise during the process. We will also provide tips and solutions for effectively merging PDF files, so that you can easily combine multiple files into a single, cohesive document. Whether you are a student, professional, or just someone who needs to combine PDFs for personal use, this article will help you understand the challenges and provide you with the tools and resources you need to get the job done.
Why would I need to combine files?
There are many reasons why someone would need to combine PDF files. For example, you may be working on a large project and have a set of PDFs that make up a larger document,, or you may have multiple PDF files that you want to send as a single attachment. In these cases, combining the PDFs into a single file makes it easier to manage, share and store the information.
Another scenario could be that you have multiple PDF invoices or receipts that you want to combine into one document for better organization and reference. Similarly, if you have multiple PDF documents with similar information, you can combine them into a single file to avoid having multiple copies of the same information.
What if the PDF is secured?
Merging secured PDFs can be a challenge as these files are protected by passwords and restrictions that prevent unauthorized editing or manipulation. If you have a secured PDF and want to merge it with other PDF files, you need to first remove the security measures. This can be done using a PDF password remover tool, which allows you to unlock the protected PDF and remove the password or restrictions. Once the security measures have been removed, you can use a PDF merger tool to combine the unlocked PDF with other files.
It’s important to note that removing security measures from a PDF may not be allowed by its owner, so before removing security from a PDF, it’s important to check whether the owner has given permission or whether it’s legally allowed. Once the security measures have been removed and the PDF is unlocked, you can use a variety of free or paid PDF merger tools to combine the file with other PDFs. These tools typically offer an intuitive interface and simple process for merging files, making it easy for even novice users to combine multiple PDFs into a single document.
How to merge unsecured PDF files with Lumin?
An easy solution for merging unsecured PDF files is to use an online PDF tool, such as Lumin. Lumin is a free, easy-to-use tool that allows you to merge multiple PDF files into a single document by simply uploading the files and selecting the “merge” option. The tool then combines the files into a seamless document that you can download and save for future use.
Lumin also provides other useful features, such as the ability to annotate and edit PDF files, as well as the option to split and extract specific pages from a PDF document. Additionally, the tool allows you to compress your PDF files to reduce file size, making it easier to share large PDF files via email or online storage platforms.
How to merge secured PDF files in Adobe Acrobat?
Alternatively, for merging secured PDF files, you could use Adobe Acrobat. Acrobat is a powerful PDF editor that allows you to merge secured PDF files by creating a copy of the secured file and then removing the security features. Once the security features have been removed, you can then use the “Combine Files” option in Adobe to merge the files into a single document.
Just like Lumin, Adobe Acrobat also provides additional features, such as the ability to edit, annotate, and convert PDF files to other formats. Adobe also offers the option to split PDF files into multiple smaller files, making it easier to manage large PDF documents. Keep in mind though that if the combined size of the PDF files exceeds 2 GB, Adobe Acrobat cannot combine them. To get around this restriction, we advise using Lumin.
Another option for merging secured PDF files is to use a third-party PDF merger tool. There are several tools available that allow you to merge secured PDF files, some of which are free and some of which are paid. When choosing a third-party tool, it is important to make sure that the tool is reliable and secure to protect the sensitive information contained in your PDF files.
In conclusion, merging PDF files can be a challenge, but with the right tools, it is possible to combine both secured and unsecured PDF files into a single document quickly and easily. Whether you use a free online tool like Lumin or something like Adobe Acrobat, the process of merging PDF files typically involves uploading the PDF files to the tool, selecting the “merge” option, and then downloading the combined document. The process can be more complicated for secured PDF files, as these files require the security features to be removed before they can be merged. Regardless of the method used, the goal of merging PDF files is to simplify the management and sharing of information by having all the necessary data in a single document.
The post Help! Why Can’t I Combine My PDF Files? appeared first on Travel Experta - Travel, Lifestyle, Freedom.
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By: Marina 'Travel Experta'
Title: Help! Why Can’t I Combine My PDF Files?
Sourced From: travelexperta.com/help-why-cant-i-combine-my-pdf-files/
Published Date: Wed, 15 Feb 2023 18:26:07 +0000
How to match your World of Hyatt status to MGM Rewards for free perks in Las Vegas
HOSTED BY: 1 AIR TRAVEL
Editor’s note: We’ve updated this post with new information.
It’s certainly possible to do Las Vegas on a budget. However, a trip to Las Vegas can quickly become more expensive than expected thanks to extra charges for items like parking and resort fees.
Luckily, you don’t have to waste money on parking in Las Vegas if you have World of Hyatt elite status. Even the low-level Discoverist status that comes with the World of Hyatt Credit Card and the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card is enough to score you complimentary self-parking and other perks when visiting MGM Resorts properties in Las Vegas.
And, if you have Explorist or Globalist status, you can avoid resort fees on your trip to Las Vegas. That’s right: The MGM Rewards program offers waived resort fees for members at select tiers.
The secret is to match your World of Hyatt status to MGM Rewards. Here’s how and why you should link your World of Hyatt and MGM Rewards accounts each year.
Related: Las Vegas is about to have a banner year — here’s why you should book a trip right now
Benefits of matching Hyatt status to MGM Rewards
Bellagio Resort & Casino. MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL
Entry-level World of Hyatt members match to MGM Rewards’ base-level Sapphire status. World of Hyatt elite members can match to MGM Rewards tiers as follows:
Discoverist: MGM Rewards Pearl.Explorist: MGM Rewards Gold.Globalist: MGM Rewards Gold.MGM Rewards has two higher status tiers — Platinum and Noir — that you can’t unlock with your World of Hyatt status, but there are still some tangible perks at the Pearl and Gold status levels.
MGM Rewards Pearl status allows you to use a dedicated line at buffets, avoid self-parking fees and get a 10% discount at select retail shops. And, as long as you hold Pearl status or higher, your MGM Rewards points and Slot Dollars won’t expire due to inactivity.
MGM Rewards Gold status offers all the same perks as Pearl but also provides the following:
Waived valet parking charges (at select MGM Rewards).Waived resort fees when booking hotel rooms directly with MGM.Access to a priority check-in line at the front desk of MGM Resorts.Access to a dedicated line at participating restaurants.VIP line access to select nightclubs in Las Vegas.Some perks, such as waived resort fees for MGM Rewards Gold members, require you to book directly with MGM Resorts International under your name. Other perks, such as waived parking fees and the discount at select retail shops, should be available as long as you have your MGM Rewards member card. You can pick up your member card the next time you visit an MGM destination.
Related: 21 things to know before staying at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas
How to match Hyatt status to MGM Rewards
MGM Rewards status resets annually on Feb. 1. Unfortunately, this annual reset means you’ll need to rematch your Hyatt status to MGM Rewards each year on Feb. 1 or later.
Fortunately, matching your World of Hyatt status to MGM Rewards is easy and can be done via the Hyatt website. Once there, scroll down and click the “Learn more” button.
HYATT.COM
If prompted, sign in to your Hyatt account and click “Opt in.”
HYATT.COM
Log in to your MGM Rewards account. You’ll see the following message if your match is successful. Although the message notes it may take 24 hours for MGM to update your account, some members have seen their tier be updated immediately.
MGMRESORTS.COM
Ensure you aren’t logged in to the MGM Rewards website when initiating a match on Hyatt’s website, as this can sometimes generate an error. If you get an error while matching, double-check that you’re logged out of the MGM Rewards site and try again.
Related: Hyatt members, listen up: Use this simple tip to avoid resort fees at 13 Las Vegas casinos
Bottom line
There are many ways to skip the line and get some VIP treatment in Las Vegas, but many involve spending lots of money on lodging or gambling. However, you can leverage your existing hotel elite status by matching it to Las Vegas casino loyalty programs to avoid some lines and fees on your next trip to Sin City.
Additional reporting by Katie Genter.
Title: How to match your World of Hyatt status to MGM Rewards for free perks in Las Vegas
Sourced From: thepointsguy.com/news/match-your-world-of-hyatt-status-to-mlife/
Published Date: Tue, 21 Feb 2023 14:30:04 +0000
Google Maps App For Android Adds Business Profile Tab - Search Engine Roundtable
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10 Best Inexpensive U.S. Destinations For Affordable Travel In 2023
TODAY'S ADVENTURE
10 Best Inexpensive U.S. Destinations For Affordable Travel In 2023Want to spend a cheap vacation in the United States?
According to a new ranking from U.S. News, these are the cheapest vacation spots in the United States, ranging from national parks to mountains to beaches.
Many of these places offer inexpensive accommodations (including camping) and inexpensive meals and activities. It also includes some of the most beautiful national parks and underrated gems in the United States.
1. Destin
Destin is one of the state’s most convenient beach towns in Florida, known for its white sand beaches and turquoise waters on the Florida Panhandle.
Avoid traveling during peak spring and summer vacation periods to get the best rates.
2. Grand Canyon
Depending on how you choose to spend your vacation, the Grand Canyon, one of the most famous sights in the United States, can also be a relatively inexpensive destination.
You can visit the Grand Canyon any time of year, even in the winter, and you can save money by camping and preparing your own meals.
3. Moab
If you want to take an inexpensive outdoor vacation, Moab, Utah, is a good choice. This community is located near the entrance to Canyonlands and Arches National Parks.
Both offer breathtaking scenery and invite hiking, camping and other outdoor pursuits.
4. Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor, Maine, is the only affordable vacation spot in the Northeast you should consider.
There are several lodging options in this laid-back beach town, including budget ones. The best time to visit is during the shoulder season (May or September), when there are fewer tourists.
5. Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park in Montana is another inexpensive vacation spot in the United States.
This is the ideal national park to visit if you enjoy hiking amid stunning mountain scenery and clear blue alpine lakes. Summer is the ideal time of year to visit, but since that’s also when it’s busiest, plan your vacation well in advance to avoid paying peak prices.
6. Grand Teton National Park
Another fantastic national park that is great for a budget vacation is Grand Teton National Park.
This national park in Wyoming is known for its stunning mountain scenery and wildlife that includes bison, elk, black and grizzly bears.
7. Sequoia National Park
If you’re searching for inexpensive vacation destinations in the United States, Sequoia National Park in California is another option.
As the name implies, this national park is well-recognized for its enormous sequoia trees.
8. Cannon Beach
In the Pacific Northwest, Cannon Beach, located about 80 miles northwest of Portland, is a fantastic vacation spot.
This oceanfront community is a great base from which to visit the rest of the Oregon coast.
9. Asheville
Asheville, North Carolina, is a fantastic place to vacation. This expanding community, nestled in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains, has much to offer.
For your next holiday, Asheville, known for its craft breweries, fantastic restaurants, art galleries, and the magnificent Biltmore Estate, is the ideal destination.
10. Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park in northwest Washington is home to some of the region’s most beautiful sights.
There are reasonably priced hotels nearby, or you can camp and save even more money. The park is busiest in July and August, as the weather is at its best during these months. To get the best prices, you should book well in advance.
The post 10 Best Inexpensive U.S. Destinations For Affordable Travel In 2023 appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.
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By: Maria Valencia
Title: 10 Best Inexpensive U.S. Destinations For Affordable Travel In 2023
Sourced From: www.travelinglifestyle.net/best-inexpensive-u-s-destinations-for-affordable-travel-in-2023/
Published Date: Sat, 25 Feb 2023 18:31:36 +0000
I love luxury hotels, and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht was made for people like me
HOSTED BY: 1 AIR TRAVEL
It was a tough day (wink wink) being a TPG reporter Tuesday when leaders from Marriott International welcomed me and a few colleagues aboard Evrima, the first vessel to hit the seas under The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection brand.
It was also my first time on any cruise ship — yes, really. They hired me to write about hotels, after all!
However, I certainly might be the kind of person who keeps this new enterprise from Marriott International afloat (well, if I could afford to shell out a hefty penny for one of these trips).
While you can find rates as low as $5,000 per person for some excursions, View Suites on an upcoming Evrima voyage from Barcelona to Rome start at $52,100 per person based on double occupancy.
That’s one significant tab, even for luxury hotel travelers. The target audience is consumers who don’t blink an eye about rates like those at the Aman in New York City, which can exceed $3,000 a night.
It’s increasingly important that hotel companies such as Marriott have something to offer their customers across various travel sectors. Marriott already does this with a number of land-based luxury hotels — the sky and sea are the limits for what might be next.
EMILIA WRONSKI/THE POINTS GUY
“I think we’ll look at anything that helps us achieve our objectives of ensuring our customers don’t need to look outside our ecosystem for what they seek for virtually any trip purpose anywhere in the world,” Marriott CEO Anthony Capuano told me during a lunch with reporters aboard Evrima this week while it was docked in Fort Lauderdale.
I felt relaxed walking aboard Evrima. It felt less like my preconceived notion of a sprawling cruise ship with a massive reception area. Instead, it was more like stepping through a chic side entrance of a glamorous hotel or resort.
Admittedly, we were there during a quieter turnaround space before passengers arrived. Still, when passengers did begin to trickle in later in the day, it appeared to be more of a calm arrival with Champagne and smiles.
CAMERON SPERANCE/THE POINTS GUY
Bonvoy fuels the sea-faring ‘Bon voyage!’
Capuano and Douglas Prothero, the founder and CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, noted 75% of passengers that made a reservation aboard Evrima had never been on a cruise before. Also, 70% are members of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, they added.
As someone who knows a thing or two about luxury hotels, I walked away thinking there’s a reason this ship, er, yacht, is attracting so many non-cruise folks. The glitterati isn’t doing a full buyout of Evrima because they want to experience a buffet line.
“Because of the brand, [the passengers] knows they can expect the quality of the property, the quality of the service and the quality of [food and beverage],” Prothero said. “That’s why they’re coming, because they trust [The Ritz-Carlton brand].”
CAMERON SPERANCE/THE POINTS GUY
Marriott Bonvoy has more than 177 million members. Not all of those are ultra-luxury travelers, but winning over just a small fraction of that will keep The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection afloat for years to come. Evrima holds 298 passengers, and the next yacht in the works, Ilma, is slated to hold 456 passengers.
Intimacy is the name of the game when a hotel company comes to swim in the sea.
The CEO of Accor made a recent announcement about Orient Express launching its own line of superyachts; the announcement even included a light jab at Evrima by noting the Paris-based company’s yacht will be longer, hold half as many passengers and be twice as expensive.
From atrium hotels to seclusion at sea
These days, the luxury hotel crowd increasingly favors seclusion, intimate settings and curated experiences.
Atrium hotels aren’t the must-have design trend as they were in the 1970s and 1980s. Instead, the luxury and lifestyle hotel trend gripping the industry now is all about breaking up expansive lobbies into more individualized spaces.
This was the vibe across much of Evrima. The ship was full of bookcase-lined cocktail lounges and entertainment spaces, as well as a cozy humidor for enjoying a hand-rolled cigar, cognac or a bottle of wine that might rival the cost of a suite. The Ritz-Carlton Spa on board was similarly outfitted; it offered spaces surprisingly roomy for a cruise ship but intimate enough for a relaxing day of self-care.
CAMERON SPERANCE/THE POINTS GUY
“We all hope we have a friend with a yacht — maybe we all hope we have one with a yacht this large, but it feels like a yacht much more than a cruise ship,” Capuano said.
The Marriott and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection team members aboard Evrima this week frequently pointed out that the design resembled what you’d find in a Ritz-Carlton hotel. There’s even an art concierge aboard who can arrange gallery visits for passengers to meet local artists or make purchases when the ship makes stops during a voyage.
While there were some larger dining areas, they weren’t cavernous restaurants. Instead, everything felt more like high-end offerings you’d expect in a tony area of a major city.
There were more intimate dining options, like S.E.A. — an offshoot of chef Sven Elverfeld’s Aqua, the Michelin three-starred restaurant at Germany’s The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg. Even the indoor-outdoor Pool House restaurant felt more like a high-end hotel (thanks to its leather-accented couches and 10-seat bar) than a seafaring space you’d pass through en route to catch some sun.
CAMERON SPERANCE/THE POINTS GUY
Suites similarly appeared to target travelers looking for a more curated experience rather than just exploring activities en masse with their fellow passengers.
I expect that on many cruise ships, travelers want to spend more time away from the cabin or suite than inside it. I would be more than happy, however (in fact, I might now be travel-lusting) to spend the day reading, writing and luxuriating in an Evrima suite.
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The spacious en-suite bathrooms with soaking tubs and the spacious workstation in front of the window in the Loft Suite’s downstairs bedroom really sold me.
The travel lust may also have had to do with the fact that we were touring suites during turnover: An Evrima staffer was dropping by with a bottle of Champagne to place in each room, and other staffers were polishing the grand pianos.
While I didn’t experience Evrima at sea, it appears to be winning over the hotel crowd.
“We’ve had people who’ve come for a week and stayed for a month, and we’ve had a bunch of that — not just a few,” Prothero said.
Marriott’s other option for the cruise crowd
It’s not just the luxury cruising sector that Marriott is courting these days. The company’s strategy expands to land-based offerings when it comes to attracting another kind of cruise traveler.
The company’s — and its competitors’ — recent ascent in the all-inclusive resort sector is likely taking a bite out of the cruise business. All-inclusive resorts bundle costs into a single nightly rate, and guests don’t have to worry about hidden fees or soaring bills during a stay. A similar pricing strategy is what draws many travelers to the cruise sector.
While Marriott hasn’t done a specific analysis here, Capuano sees similarities between the two travel options.
CAMERON SPERANCE/THE POINTS GUY
“When we look at macro-consumer trends and travel trends, the simplicity [and] the lack of surprises in an all-inclusive pricing strategy is increasingly compelling, which is why we’re seeing that all-inclusive portfolio grow exponentially,” he added. “And I think this is a natural extension: It’s that same predictability [as a cruise].”
Keep in mind there are a few elements of Evrima that cost extra on top of your base fare: Meals at S.E.A. restaurant and bottles found on the reserve wine list are on an a la carte pricing model.
“We have people spending far more than they paid for the cruise on wine — every voyage,” Prothero said.
The future of pricing power
Voyages on Evrima aren’t cheap, but neither are hotel rates on land these days.
Hotels were a leading cause of inflation into the summer of last year. While things have cooled off, there has been chatter among industry analysts that it provided the luxury sector with long-needed price differentiation above more affordable sister brands.
The thinking went that a room at a St. Regis or a Ritz-Carlton should go for several hundred more dollars a night than a Westin or a Marriott. Hotel owners maintaining higher rates through the pandemic helped achieve that goal.
CAMERON SPERANCE/THE POINTS GUY
Long story short: The luxury crowd can handle these prices on land or at sea, so don’t expect them to decrease anytime soon.
“No guest ever in the history of travel likes to pay a higher rate, but I think particularly as you move up in the quality tiers, there is a pretty good appreciation for supply-demand dynamics,” Capuano said.
Title: I love luxury hotels, and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht was made for people like me
Sourced From: thepointsguy.com/news/ritz-carlton-yacht-hotels/
Published Date: Thu, 23 Feb 2023 14:00:41 +0000
Saturday, February 25, 2023
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Ridgeline Roofers Columbia Offers Slate Roof Installation Services in Howard County
FOUR SEASONS RESORT MAURITIUS | 5-star luxury in the Indian Ocean (hotel tour in 4K)
HOSTED BY: https://1airtravel.com
TODAY'S VIDEO
Join me on a full tour (in 4K) of Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita, one of the best 5-star resorts on the island of Mauritius.
Subscribe to my YouTube channel if you like my videos (one million followers so far). Each Saturday, I upload a new video about my travels around the world.
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Title: FOUR SEASONS RESORT MAURITIUS | 5-star luxury in the Indian Ocean (hotel tour in 4K)
Sourced From: www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcBhL0YYm_0
Beachcomber Cottages in Vilano Beach, St. Augustine – A Nifty Idea for Families
TODAY'S ADVENTURE
Beachcomber Cottages in Vilano Beach, St. Augustine – A Nifty Idea for FamiliesConfession time – Staying on the beach for our St. Augustine, Florida trip was not my idea. Interestingly enough, when I contacted The Bayfront Marin House the owner, Sandy, recommended her new beach cottages, Beachcomber, on Vilano Beach Florida as a fun option for my family.
Originally, my goal was to stay closer to the Historic District of St. Augustine in a B&B. That’s how I found Marin House in the first place. But when I was told that the cottages have two bedrooms and living room with amazing views of the ocean, plus I had full use and benefits (free parking in the historic district and breakfast) of the main house, I was sold.
Why Beachcomber Cottages Are A Better Choice for Families
Coziness and spacious living room with full entertainment system
Full kitchen – I barely cook when we are at home, and when traveling I prefer not to even look in the direction of a kitchen. But it really does make a difference. Simply to be able to warm something up for the kids quickly. Make a cup of tea. Pop some popcorn. And store leftovers from eating out and munching on it for an evening snack.
Comfy and firm beds – tested by my son
Sleeping arrangements for everyone. The cottage had two bedrooms with two queen-sized beds. My kids are violent sleepers. Means, that they move around so much that even a king bed is too small for them at times. So we prefer to have them sleep apart, and the couch in the living room was perfect for my oldest.
Views – I don’t know about you, but I prefer to wake up to an amazing sunset over the sea than historic buildings. This was one of the best parts of staying here.
Video Fun
When we arrived in December, Beachcomber only had two cottages open for guests. It is a new property for them, so they are working hard at getting it fully fixed up. Now they have three cottages, one with a jacuzzi and a porch to lay out on. We had a small porch to sit on.
We visited the main house for breakfast, but being able to have freedom and space knowing that my kids and we weren’t making too much noise was liberating. And the best part was it was so close to downtown St. Augustine and all attractions – never longer than a ten-minute drive to anything.
Find more Hotels in Saint Agustine, Florida
St. Augustine Beach Rentals – A Nifty Idea for FamiliesThe post Beachcomber Cottages in Vilano Beach, St. Augustine – A Nifty Idea for Families appeared first on Travel Experta - Travel, Lifestyle, Freedom.
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By: Marina 'Travel Experta'
Title: Beachcomber Cottages in Vilano Beach, St. Augustine – A Nifty Idea for Families
Sourced From: travelexperta.com/beachcomber-cottages-vilano-st-augustine/
Published Date: Fri, 24 Feb 2023 11:00:51 +0000
10 things to do when you get the Amex Platinum
HOSTED BY: 1 AIR TRAVEL
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.
The Platinum Card® from American Express is one of the best premium rewards cards on the market thanks to its extensive benefits, from lounge access to monthly statement credits. These perks come at a cost, though — the card’s annual fee is $695 (see rates and fees), making it among the most expensive of all consumer cards to carry.
If that has you second-guessing whether to get the Amex Platinum Card, remember that the potential value of its many benefits can far outweigh that fee if you take full advantage of them.
If you open the Amex Platinum Card or already carry it, here are the 10 best ways to take advantage of all of its perks.
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Official application link: The Platinum Card from American Express with 80,000 points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
Use the $200 hotel credit
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One of the principal benefits of the Amex Platinum is the up-to-$200 annual statement credit on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings (the latter has a minimum two-night stay, enrollment is required). The FHR program gets you the following perks:
Room upgrade upon arrival, when available at check-in.Daily breakfast for two people.Guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout and noon check-in, when available.An experience credit that usually consists of a property, dining or spa credit.You’ll receive a daily credit when a property includes Wi-Fi in a mandatory resort fee.The Hotel Collection’s perks include a room upgrade at check-in when available, up to a $100 hotel credit for qualifying dining, spa and resort activities, and the ability to use Pay with Points on prepaid bookings.
Register for your annual airline fee credit
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You’ll get an annual up-to-$200 airline fee statement credit for the airline of your choice. Select your desired airline on the Amex website before making a purchase, and you’ll get to use the credit for fees such as lounge passes, seat assignments, onboard snacks and checked bags. Note that the airline credit won’t apply for new reservations or taxes and fees on award bookings. Enrollment is required.
Since you only get to pick one airline annually, we recommend choosing one with which you don’t already hold elite status. An airline you often fly — but not enough to have elite status — will be a strong contender.
pply for your Priority Pass membership card
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One of the greatest travel perks of the Amex Platinum is its unparalleled lounge access — the best on any premium card available. Here are the lounges that participate in the Amex Global Lounge Collection (enrollment is required):
Amex Centurion Lounges.Priority Pass Lounges (request your membership card here).Delta Sky Clubs (when flying on Delta the same day).Airspace Lounges.Escape Lounges.Plaza Premium Lounges. dd your card to your Uber wallet
HRACH HOVHANNISYAN/SHUTTERSTOCK
Amex Platinum cardholders get up to $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus an additional up to $20 in December. While Uber Cash doesn’t roll over month to month, that adds up to $200 in Uber Cash each calendar year (for U.S. services). Enrollment is required
To get your Uber Cash, you need to link your card(s) to your Uber account. To do this, head to your wallet on the Uber app and add your card as a payment method.
pply for Global Entry and TSA Precheck
KATHERINE FREY/WASHINGTON POST/GETTY
When you enroll in these trusted traveler programs with your Amex Platinum Card, you’ll get a statement credit for up to $100 to your account to cover the application cost (and again upon renewal) once every four years. Global Entry also gives you automatic access to TSA PreCheck, making it much easier to go through airport security checkpoints.
Sign up for Clear
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The Amex Platinum also offers a statement credit for a Clear membership, normally costing $189 annually.
Clear has a separate line to handle travelers’ identity verification and security screening via a fingerprint or iris scan. Once approved, you’re escorted by a Clear employee to the head of the TSA PreCheck line (or regular security line if you don’t have PreCheck) to an agent for final approval. As TSA checkpoint lines continue to lengthen, having both Clear and TSA PreCheck can save you a lot of time at the airport.
Request hotel gold status
NOAM GALAI/GETTY
Having the Platinum Card means you are eligible for Gold status with both the Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalty programs, which give you perks such as bonus points and potential room upgrades. You can enroll for these on the Amex website.
Sign up for car rental elite status
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Elite status can sometimes be the difference between being able to reserve a vehicle or not, depending on where you’re trying to rent. In addition to hotel elite status, carrying the Amex Platinum means you are also eligible for status with the following car rental programs (enrollment is required):
Avis Preferred Plus.Hertz Gold Plus Rewards President’s Circle.National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive.You can enroll for each program on the Amex website.
Sign up for a Walmart+ membership
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The Amex Platinum also offers an annual up-to-$155 Walmart+ statement credit, which covers the entire cost of a Walmart+ membership ($12.95 plus applicable sales tax) each month. Plus Ups are excluded. Just charge the membership fee to your card and you’ll receive a statement credit each month.
If you live near a Walmart store, this membership will get you free delivery from that store as quickly as the same day on orders of $35 or more, plus steep discounts on prescriptions. You can also save 5 cents per gallon at Walmart and Murphy gas stations and access member pricing at Sam’s Club fuel centers — a great perk with fuel costs steadily rising. Even if you’re not a frequent in-store Walmart shopper, you’ll enjoy free next-day and two-day shipping on eligible items from Walmart.com with no minimum purchase required.
Consider these other small-but-mighty benefits
PETER BRANDT/GETTY
While we’ve outlined nine of our favorite benefits from the Amex Platinum, there are plenty of other enticing perks worth looking into:
Scoop up your digital entertainment credits
The Amex Platinum offers an up-to-$240 digital entertainment statement credit, broken down to up to $20 in monthly statement credits when you pay for participating subscription services. They include Audible, The New York Times, SiriusXM, Peacock, Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ and the Disney Bundle. Enrollment is required.
Treat yourself with an annual up-to $100 statement credit for Saks Fifth Avenue
This Saks Fifth Avenue benefit is broken down to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 from July through December. Enrollment is required.
Fitness lovers, grab this annual $300 statement credit for Equinox
This Equinox credit applies to monthly Equinox All Access, Destination and E by Equinox membership fees as well as for the Equinox+ fitness app. Enrollment is required.
Want an at-home fitness bike? Get a $300 SoulCycle statement credit
If you’re in the market for an at-home bike, you can get up to a $300 statement credit when you purchase a SoulCycle bike. While it’s unlikely that you would ever buy more than one bike, this statement credit is applicable to up to 15 bikes per year. You must have an Equinox+ membership to purchase a SoulCycle bike. Enrollment is required.
dd up to three authorized usersYou can add up to three authorized users to your Platinum Card for a total of $175 per year (see rates and fees), which can really help you maximize the value you’re already getting from being a cardholder. Authorized users are eligible for many of the same benefits as the main accountholder, including lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck reimbursement, hotel elite status and Fine Hotels + Resorts benefits. However, authorized users don’t get their own Uber credit or separate airline incidental credits.
Not just Amazon: Get free two-day shipping at thousands of stores with ShopRunner
You’ll get free two-day shipping and free return shipping when you pay for eligible items with your Amex Platinum at participating online stores through the ShopRunner program. You can enroll for the service here.
Bottom line
Sure, there’s a colossal $695 annual fee on the Amex Platinum. But after you take a deep dive into all of the card’s benefits, the annual fee isn’t so intimidating. If you can maximize every statement credit on the Amex Platinum, you’re looking at a value of easily more than $1,400 annually. Even if you can’t use every credit on the card — and nobody expects you to — accessing the Amex Global Lounge Collection alone is key for frequent travelers.
Official application link: The Platinum Card from American Express with 80,000 points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
Check the CardMatch tool to see if you’re targeted for a 125,000- or 150,000-point Platinum Card offer. These offers are subject to change at any time.
Additional reporting by Ryan Wilcox and Stella Shon.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here
Title: 10 things to do when you get the Amex Platinum
Sourced From: thepointsguy.com/guide/10-things-to-do-amex-platinum/
Published Date: Thu, 23 Feb 2023 17:30:14 +0000