The Travel Top 10

AIRLINE NEWS

American Airlines Provides A Salute to Service

May is Military Appreciation Month, and American Airlines is celebrating by honoring its over 11,800 team members who are veterans or active members of the National Guard or Reserves. Throughout the year, American supports service members and their families with generous travel benefits and through partnerships with organizations like the Gary Sinise Foundation and the USO. A standout symbol of this commitment is the Airbus A321 "Flagship Valor™," featuring a Medal of Honor livery as a flying tribute to military heroism. COO David Seymour, a U.S. Army veteran, reaffirmed the airline's dedication to the military community, emphasizing that support for service members is deeply ingrained in American Airlines' DNA, as shared in a post from the airline.

Travel Today sends special recognition and a salute to the veterans, active duty military, and family of military, for all their sacrifice.

AIRLINE NEWS

Airlines Offering New Routes, and Deep Discounts On Summer Travel

Air New Zealand is rolling out discounted fares for flights from the U.S. to Auckland, starting at $995 USD from Los Angeles and San Francisco. More pricing options include $1,295 USD from Houston and $1,595 USD from New York (JFK). Travelers can also enhance their journey by adding a second New Zealand city to their itinerary for an additional $50. Available seats span across Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Premier classes, each subject to availability. This promotional offer presents a fantastic opportunity for travelers planning their next adventure to explore the scenic beauty of New Zealand.

Korean Air is set to enhance its route offerings with the launch of scheduled charter flights directly connecting Seoul Incheon to Lisbon, Portugal, starting September 11, 2024. This service, the only nonstop flight option between Northeast Asia and Lisbon, will operate three times a week until October 25, utilizing the Boeing 787-9 fleet. By eliminating the need for transfers in Europe, this new route promises a more streamlined travel experience directly into the heart of Portugal. Lisbon, renowned for its scenic riverside vistas, rich historical heritage, and vibrant culture, is an attractive destination for tourists. Additionally, the accessibility of other notable cities such as Porto enhances the travel experience for those exploring Portugal. Tickets for these flights are now available through Korean Air’s website and other booking platforms, with plans to extend the service into the winter season.

CRUISE NEWS

Saving Big On Cruise And Experiences

🚢⚓ Holland America Line has extended its Anniversary Sale, providing more opportunities for travelers to book memorable cruises at exceptional value. Available through May 31, the promotion covers worldwide itineraries from Summer 2024 through Spring 2025, excluding Grand Voyages and sailings shorter than three days. The highlights of the sale include up to 45% off cruise-only fares, up to $300 onboard credit per stateroom, a 50% reduced deposit, and free 3rd and 4th guests on select cruises. This offer is perfect for a variety of travel plans, from family vacations and romantic getaways to multigenerational trips, with destinations including Alaska, Europe, the Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand, and even Antarctica. Example itineraries feature a 7-Day Alaska Inside Passage starting at $519 per person and a 14-Day Australia & New Zealand adventure from $959 per person.

STAYING IN STYLE

New Hotel Openings & Experiences For 2024

Resorts World Las Vegas is set to host "Indulge," a weeklong celebration from June 3-7, coinciding with the Las Vegas debut of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards. This event will feature a spectrum of curated culinary experiences showcasing international talents like Daniel Ontiveros, Devin Hashimoto, and Tal Ronnen, among others. The festivities include a Welcome Dinner at Carversteak, an exclusive closing party at Allē Lounge on 66, and various unique dining events such as the Chifa Takeover at FUHU and a collaborative night at ¡VIVA! x Brezza. This series not only highlights culinary excellence but also integrates food with culture and entertainment at one of Las Vegas’s premier destinations.

The Cove at Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas is launching a 5-Day Sale for summer stays, perfect for couples or travelers seeking a luxurious and serene escape. Nestled between two pristine beaches, The Cove offers an adults-only pool, private cabanas, and dining by renowned chef Jose Andres at Fish restaurant. During the sale, which runs through May 5th, guests can enjoy two special offers on stays until September 5th, 2024: 50% savings on select suites or complimentary Tuesday nights. Bookings for this exclusive summer promotion can be made directly through the Atlantis Bahamas website or by calling their reservation line.

Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa is celebrating the debut of its new Lilly Pulitzer Suite, a vibrant homage to the iconic Palm Beach style and Lilly Pulitzer's 65th anniversary. This themed suite, adorned with the Dandy Lions print and quintessential decor from Lilly Pulitzer's Pottery Barn Brands bedding collection, offers guests a luxurious, coastal living experience. Available until September 8, 2024, the suite features unique furnishings and exclusive amenities, including Lilly Pulitzer beach accessories. This partnership brings to life a blend of luxury and playful elegance, perfectly capturing the essence of South Florida's vibrant lifestyle.

The Marmara Park Avenue in New York City introduces a unique wellness experience steeped in ancient traditions with its exclusive Turkish Hammam at their Wellness Center. This ritual, inspired by the Ottoman Empire era, involves a purifying treatment on a heated marble slab called the “Gobektasi,” designed to detoxify the body and boost the circulatory and immune systems. Beyond the Hammam, the center features a tranquil saltwater lap pool and a fully equipped fitness center, offering a variety of massage treatments available to both hotel guests and visitors. Day passes and monthly memberships provide non-guests access to these luxurious amenities. This exceptional wellness retreat invites both journalists and wellness enthusiasts to experience its offerings firsthand, promising a unique story opportunity for your audience.

Nestled in Italy’s Piedmont region, Sina Villa Matilde reopens for the season, promising an intimate escape in the historic village of Romano Canavese. This 18th-century residence, available April to October, offers luxury amenities including a spa, tennis courts, and specialized biking excursions, alongside Le Scuderie Restaurant's traditional Piedmontese cuisine. As Italy's tourist season peaks, Sina Hotels continues to spotlight unique experiences at other locations, including the only 5-star luxury in Perugia’s city center at Sina Brufani and the beachfront Sina Astor in Viareggio.

The Chancery, Dublin 8's newest hotel addition, opens its doors on Ship Street Great, offering a blend of luxury, culture, and sustainability. This independent, Irish-owned 150-bedroom hotel enhances the 4-star hotel scene with design elements like Phillipe Starck furniture and reclaimed Connemara marble. Positioned near historic landmarks and the creative community, The Chancery embeds local history and Italian heritage into its aesthetic and culinary offerings. The Fawn Restaurant, influenced by the area’s Italian roots, overlooks a stunning walled garden inspired by the River Poddle. The hotel prioritizes sustainability, operating entirely fossil fuel-free and achieving LEED Gold status. It features a wellness hub, state-of-the-art meeting facilities, and rooms equipped with modern comforts and spectacular views of Dublin Castle. Rooms start at €280, bookable through their website.

The Dolder Grand in Zurich is celebrating its 125th anniversary as a beacon of luxury and innovation, having hosted an array of celebrities and dignitaries from Winston Churchill to Leonardo DiCaprio. As Switzerland's first hotel to accept cryptocurrency, The Dolder Grand exemplifies its commitment to modernity while preserving its rich heritage. This year's celebrations include a new partnership with AMINA Bank for cryptocurrency transactions, the launch of a rooftop vegan restaurant, and the 9th annual Epicure culinary festival featuring global chefs. The hotel offers a comprehensive medical wellness program and showcases a rotating modern art collection, enhancing its status as a cultural and gastronomic hub. With its historical architecture enriched by Lord Norman Foster's renovations, The Dolder Grand remains a luxurious symbol of Zurich's blend of tradition and contemporary flair.

The Standard hotel brand is celebrating its 25th anniversary with an exciting promotion, the Silver Sleepover Sweepstakes, offering a unique chance to win a one-night stay for only $25 at any of their global properties. This special offer includes locations in Ibiza, New York, London, Bangkok, and The Maldives. The sweepstakes are open now until May 24, 2024, with the winner announcement scheduled for May 25, 2024. Participants can enter the sweepstakes through The Standard's dedicated link. Additionally, from May 25 to December 31, 2024, The Standard is offering 25% off all rooms across these properties for those not selected as sweepstakes winners, providing an excellent opportunity for travelers to enjoy The Standard’s unique locations and services at a discounted rate.

Bonaire, a Dutch Antilles island, has been recognized as the top snorkeling destination in the Caribbean according to the 2024 Reader's Choice Awards by Scuba Diving Magazine. Harbour Village Beach Club, named the Caribbean's Hotel of the Year, offers guests a variety of snorkeling packages to explore the island's celebrated marine life. No certification is needed for these snorkeling adventures, which include boat trips, a snorkel propulsion tour suitable for children, and access to daily dive boats. The resort also provides rental equipment for those wishing to explore the house reef directly off the beach. Bonaire is renowned for its exceptional underwater visibility and has been awarded the Best Shore Dive location in the Caribbean for 31 consecutive years. Harbour Village Beach Club, with its 40 luxurious rooms, serves as an idyllic base for both diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. Situated outside the hurricane zone, Bonaire offers year-round perfect weather and is easily accessible with direct flights from several major American cities. For more details on the resort and its offerings, visit Harbour Village Beach Club's website or call 1-800-424-0004.

Finally, for any travelers planning to visit destinations by road, a expert in the auto industry has helpful tips. As summer approaches and 75% of Americans plan road trips, Goodyear offers essential tire maintenance tips to ensure safety and efficiency on the road. With most drivers operating on incorrectly inflated tires, it’s crucial to check the recommended tire pressure on your vehicle’s door jamb sticker, assess tire treads for wear using a penny test, and ensure the correct seasonal tires are fitted. Goodyear also provides free tire inspections at their Auto Service centers. These preventative measures can enhance road safety and potentially save money on future repairs.