The Travel Top 10

AIRLINE NEWS

Frequent Flyer News and Deals

Aeroplan, Canada's leading travel rewards program, is celebrating its 40th anniversary by enhancing its offerings to American members with more flight options and benefits than ever. Key highlights include the ability to redeem points on over 45 partner airlines to 1,300+ destinations without blackout dates on Air Canada flights. Members also enjoy access to Air Canada’s U.S. Maple Leaf Lounges and smooth connections at major Canadian airports with U.S. customs pre-clearance. To mark the occasion, Chase is offering a special bonus of 70,000 points for new expenditures. More details on these anniversary perks can be found at Aeroplan.com/40.

BermudAir has revamped its fare structure, now offering five fare options in economy and business classes to provide greater choice and flexibility for travelers. Effective immediately, the airline's new fare types include Economy Max and Business Light, enhancing the existing Economy Light and Economy Classic. These options cater to various needs, from the budget-conscious to those seeking premium services like lounge access and priority boarding. Leslie Peden, Senior Vice President of Sales and Distribution, emphasizes that this expansion aims to meet the diverse preferences of travelers and support travel advisors with more tailored choices. For detailed conditions and booking, visit www.flybermudair.com

HOTEL NEWS

Hilton Continues Global Expansion With New Partnership

Hilton is enhancing its luxury hotel offerings through a strategic partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), integrating nearly 400 unique boutique properties into its global portfolio. This collaboration allows travelers to book these distinctive properties directly through Hilton’s channels, and Hilton Honors members can earn and redeem points, receive room upgrades, and enjoy continental breakfasts among other benefits. With a range of accommodations from rustic huts to coastal villas, this move represents Hilton’s commitment to diverse, upscale travel experiences, demonstrating its dynamic approach to hospitality with new partnerships.

CRUISE NEWS

Windstar Cruises Announces New Promotion

Windstar Cruises announces its "Christmas in July" sales event, running from July 17-31, offering a festive way to save on European cruises through March 2025. Guests can enjoy complimentary upgrades to All-Inclusive fares—featuring onboard Wi-Fi, all gratuities, and unlimited drinks—plus up to $500 per person in shore excursion credits, additional discounts for Yacht Club Members, and reduced deposits. This limited-time offer enhances the holiday planning process by combining significant savings with a unique opportunity to explore Europe's charming villages and iconic cities in Windstar’s intimate, small-ship style. For further details, visit Windstar's promotional page starting July 17.

STAYING IN STYLE

New Trends and Ideas For Hospitality

As the Paris 2024 Olympics shine on the global stage, Viceroy Chicago offers a gold-medal-worthy experience, making it a prime feature for any summer getaway or Olympic-inspired travel story. Nestled in the prestigious Gold Coast neighborhood, this hotel stands on a historic site and dazzles with its mid-century modern design highlighted by gold and black accents. The Viceroy boasts 180 luxurious rooms and suites with stunning views, a seasonal rooftop pool, and exceptional dining at Somerset. The 18th-floor cocktail lounge, Pandan, adds a touch of contemporary flair to the historical ambiance. For more details or to feature Viceroy Chicago in your story, high-resolution images and additional information are readily available.

Also as the 2024 Paris Olympics draw near, the debut of a direct flight from Paris to Phoenix offers travelers a unique opportunity to unwind at Castle Hot Springs, Arizona’s top luxury wellness retreat. Nestled in the Bradshaw Mountains, this adults-only oasis spans 1,100 acres and promises tranquility and relaxation with a side of adventure. Post-Olympics, guests can engage in a variety of activities, from thrilling UTV Razor Tours exploring local canyons and history, to mixology classes using fresh farm ingredients. The retreat also offers mindfulness activities, full-body spa treatments, Zen sessions blending Hatha and Qigong, and even guided axe throwing. For those seeking to prolong the Olympic thrill while rejuvenating in a serene environment, Castle Hot Springs provides an array of experiences, including soaking in mineral-rich hot springs, designed to restore and energize visitors.

In celebration of Wellness Month this August, The St. Regis Atlanta is enhancing guest experiences with its new luxurious wellness offerings. Located in the upscale Buckhead district, the hotel now provides the Ready to Soleil-All-Day Bag, priced at $109, featuring top-tier Soleil Toujours skincare products for enjoyment by the resort-style pool. Additionally, the St. Regis Spa introduces therapies like Rhythm & Restore - Sound Bowl Therapy for tension release and Reiki for holistic renewal. Nestled near premier shopping locations and dining venues, The St. Regis Atlanta promises a rejuvenating retreat with both leisure and luxury.

Los Angeles Tourism has launched the 'Now Playing' hotel promotion, offering enticing discounts and perks to encourage locals and visitors to extend their event attendance into a staycation. Valid through January 31, 2025, this campaign features deals from over 30 top hotels across the city, including free breakfasts, parking, and even a third night free at select locations. This initiative aligns with LA's bustling schedule of diverse events ranging from Dine LA Restaurant Week and major concerts to sports matches, making the city a prime destination for entertainment year-round. These offerings aim to bolster tourism and local hotel occupancy, enhancing the city's vibrant scene and economic health, as reflected in the near-full recovery to pre-2019 visitor levels. For more details on participating hotels and upcoming events, visit LA Tourism's website.

In the November travel spotlight, the world opens up with unique, less crowded experiences, from the autumnal tranquility of Rome's historic gardens to Puerto Vallarta's vibrant Day of the Dead celebrations. In Norway, travelers can explore scenic fjords and witness the Northern Lights, while HomeExchange Collection offers luxurious family getaways in homes across 85+ countries. Dubrovnik presents a quieter, cooler respite from its summer bustle, and in Mendoza, Argentina, adventure-seekers can indulge in spring activities like hiking and rafting, complemented by wellness-focused stays at SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites. With airfares dipping before the holiday rush, November is an ideal month for those seeking a blend of cultural immersion and serene landscapes.