News

What the budget travel press and forums are saying · updated
From the press
Simple Flying ·

United Airlines Adds 30 New Chef’s Table Dishes To Polaris Business Class From November 1

The forthcoming rotation will be in use until late December, with further seasonal rotations expected in 2027.
Euronews ·

After the victory: The foreign policy and governing challenges facing Serbia’s student movement

The victory of Serbia’s Student List has fundamentally changed the country’s political landscape. But winning the election may prove to have been the easier part.
The Points Guy news ·

Amex and Hilton launch first Hilton Honors credit card in Canada

Amex and Hilton launch Canada's first Hilton Honors credit card with Gold status, an up to 70,000-point welcome offer and a free night reward. Here's what to know.
Skift Airlines news section ·

Why AI Agents Could Become Travel’s New Digital Front Door: Watch Video

At Skift Global Forum, Sierra CEO Bret Taylor argued that AI agents could connect booking, service, sales, and loyalty into a more seamless customer relationship, organized around the traveler rather…
Matador Network ·

Your Next Trip Can Be Almost as Easy as a Nap (and a Lot More Restorative)

The couch is easier, but the trip is way more fun.
NPR ·

With days to go before the midterms, data shows the U.S. economy is doing well

GDP grew at an annual rate of 3.4% in the third quarter in the last major read on the economy ahead of the midterm elections — but many Americans continue to struggle with affordability.
Budget Travel ·

Google Studied 5 Years of Flights. Christmas Fares Hit Their Average Low 8 Weeks Out
Euronews ·

Rembrandt's masterpieces become tattoos in the Netherlands

Visitors to the Rembrandt House Museum in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, can once again take home a piece of the Dutch master's art, permanently tattooed on their skin.
Simple Flying ·

TAP Air Portugal Launches Major New 9-Hour Nonstop US Route Today: See Map Now

With the latest addition, the airline now flies to nine US cities.
The Points Guy news ·

Exclusive: American Express adds high-yield savings account deposits as new Reward Dollars redemption method

If you hold either the Amex Blue Cash Everyday or Blue Cash Preferred, you now have a new redemption option available. Here's everything you need to know.
Skift Airlines news section ·

Hosts Say Airbnb Won’t Remove Unfair Reviews. Guests Say It Removes Too Many.

Hosts and guests both have complaints when it comes to short-term rental review takedowns. For hosts, a single negative review can cost up to hundreds in lost revenue each month.
Matador Network ·

Use It or Lose It: A Friendly Reminder to Take That PTO!

Your PTO is already yours. Use it.
NPR ·

How AI drones are influencing the course of the Ukraine war

Artificial intelligence is making drones faster and more capable. Russia and Ukraine both use AI-powered drones, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that AI could lead decisions on…
Euronews ·

JD Vance contacts senior Iranian official in bid to revive peace talks

With less than a week until the US congressional midterm elections, the Wall Street Journal has reported that JD Vance has written to Mohsen Rezaei in a bid to revive negotiations, as Trump continues…
Simple Flying ·

Here's How Flight Attendant Seniority Shapes Bidding Schedules At Airlines In 2026

Seniority is everything.
The Points Guy news ·

From Starbucks to Uber: Airline and hotel partnerships that earn points and miles

From Starbucks to Uber rides, here is a list of major airline and hotel partnerships to learn how you can earn bonus points and miles.
Skift Airlines news section ·

Egypt Has the Visitors. Now It Wants Them to Stay Longer and Spend More

Egypt’s hotel pipeline already matches its new pitch, with nearly 90% of planned rooms upscale or luxury. The harder part to deliver is the rest of a premium trip — the best Nile vessels, guides and…
Matador Network ·

A Lot of Mountain Towns Claim to Be Winter Wonderlands. In the Canadian Rockies, Jasper Earns It.

Frozen lakes, powder, and canyon ice.
NPR ·

State ballots let voters decide on abortion, taxes, transgender restrictions

Missouri voters could ban abortion - after they just removed a ban two years ago. California voters could tax billionaires 5% of their wealth.
Euronews ·

NATO allies fear Trump will delay Patriot missiles for Ukraine until after US midterms

Ukraine has called on US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth to sign off on the delivery of crucial Patriot defence systems used to intercept Russian ballistic missiles. But NATO sources warn the…
Simple Flying ·

Delta Airbus A350 Winglet Wedged In Air Canada Boeing 777's Tail After LAX Collision

A Delta Air Lines Airbus A350-900 struck the tail of an Air Canada Boeing 777 while taxiing for departure at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in early October, leaving its wingtip lodged in…
The Points Guy news ·

Expedia just announced a slew of new travel features — here are the ones worth knowing about

Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo are rolling out new travel features, including free airport lounge access, AI-powered searches and flexible booking options.
Skift Airlines news section ·

Would You Pay for Hotel Loyalty? 485,000 Accor Members in Asia Pacific Already Do

Paid loyalty is gaining traction in Asia Pacific, where subscriptions are already a habit. Accor is treating its 485,000-member program as a revenue channel, not a discount scheme. The real test is…
Matador Network ·

Once a Seminary, This Hotel Outside Detroit Gives Its Profits Away

Golf, steak, and good deeds.
NPR ·

These are the House races to watch in the 2026 midterm election on Nov. 3

An NPR analysis finds 70 House districts where Democrats and Republicans are each investing more than six figures in advertising during the final few days of the election, including in deep red areas.
Euronews ·

ECB holds rates at 2.5% as Lagarde announces early exit with inflation near double the target

The European Central Bank kept its deposit rate at 2.5% on Thursday, hours after President Christine Lagarde said she would leave next February, months before her term ends, as France's bond market…
Simple Flying ·

52 Years Later: Why The US Marines Is Reactivating Its Oldest Flying F-35 Squadron

The service's oldest flying unit ushers in the next era of air warfare.
The Points Guy news ·

8 types of credit cards and what each is best for

Looking for a new credit card? Learn what eight common types of credit cards offerand what to consider before choosing the right one for you.
Skift Airlines news section ·

‘We’re Done’: MGM Resorts Ends Merger Talks With Barry Diller’s People Inc.

A new pact between MGM Resorts and Barry Diller's People Inc. effectively ends merger talks. It's uncertain who else might want to buy an operator whose Las Vegas resorts have been sliding for two…
Matador Network ·

‘Crocodile Dundee’ Brought Me to Northern Australia. Aboriginal Guides Helped Me Understand It.

The stories behind the scenery.
NPR ·

Tariffs, diesel and computer chips are driving up costs for automakers

American auto companies say they are paying more for key components like computer chips, steel and copper — plus the fuel needed to transport their products.
Euronews ·

Europe’s own ICE? Inside Brussels plans to triple Frontex and expand deportation powers

The European Commission wants to triple Frontex's workforce and give it sweeping new powers to deport migrants beyond EU borders and monitor social media, prompting warnings over surveillance and…
Simple Flying ·

How Much Does A Boeing 747 Engine Cost?

For many 747-400 freighters, the cost of a major engine overhaul can exceed the market value of the airframe itself.
The Points Guy news ·

Delta Platinum vs. Delta Reserve: Picking a premium card for Delta perks

The Delta Reserve and Delta Platinum credit cards share many benefits, but there are some key differences. Here's how to figure out which card is best for you.
Skift Airlines news section ·

Vrbo Launches Reserve Now, Pay Later — With a Twist on Airbnb’s Approach

Paying nothing up-front has been one of Airbnb's clearest growth levers. Will Vrbo get the substantial lift that Airbnb got when it introduced Reserve Now, Pay Later last year?
Matador Network ·

A Fall Trip to Carlsbad, California, Where Even the Surf Shop Is Haunted

Two hotels, one barefoot October.
NPR ·

Business as a liberal art? Some high schools say yes

Learning about money is becoming a growing part of the high school curriculum.
Euronews ·

US vs China: As the world splits into AI blocs, where does Europe stand?

As the US and China build rival AI blocs, Europe is scrambling to reduce its dependence on both. But despite its ambitions to become a technological power in its own right, the EU still lacks the…
Simple Flying ·

United Airlines Eyes 2 Central Asian Countries That No US Carrier Has Ever Served

The airline's network chief visited both countries this year as United explores future expansion.
The Points Guy news ·

Frontier reports major airfare surge as high jet fuel costs pinch consumers

Budget airline Frontier reported a major increase in the ticket prices paid by customers, resulting from higher jet fuel costs and Spirit Airlines' disapperance.
Skift Airlines news section ·

Marriott Confirms Corporate Job Cuts

Marriott is cutting corporate jobs, not hotel staff, in a global restructuring. Some affected workers may land newly posted roles, it says.
Matador Network ·

I Wasn’t Sure I Wanted Kids Until I Stayed at This Family-Only Resort Outside of Venice

Kids required at this Adriatic resort.
NPR ·

Ahead of midterms, Missourians defend transgender healthcare

The campaign to defend access to transgender healthcare for young people in Missouri is taking an unhurried approach to talking with voters about the proposed ban.
Euronews ·

EU lawmakers press Beijing to rein in exports during Beijing visit

Following a deal to curb Chinese hybrid car imports, EU lawmakers are demanding similar measures in other industrial sectors, warning that Beijing's export-driven economic model threatens European…
Simple Flying ·

The Airline With The World's Largest Boeing 777 Operation In 2026

Emirates has vast numbers of 777-300ER. Its 777 fleet will grow even more with the arrival of the 777X.
The Points Guy news ·

Skagway's White Pass Railway cruise excursions in Alaska: All you need to know

The White Pass and Yukon Route Railway is a staple of any visit to Skagway, Alaska, particularly if you arrive by cruise ship. Here's what you should know.
Skift Airlines news section ·

Frontier’s Fares Soar, But Spirit’s Exit Hasn’t Fixed Its Profit Problem

Spirit's collapse has given Frontier room to raise fares and attract more passengers – but record revenues have yet to translate into meaningful profits.
Matador Network ·

The best food halls in Denver

Denver is a city best experienced through its neighborhoods and markets.
NPR ·

Their colleges closed, but the government refuses to erase their debts, lawsuit says

Federal law requires the Education Department to erase the student loans of borrowers whose colleges close suddenly. A new lawsuit claims the department isn't fully following those rules.
From Travel Label
Do Airlines Check Personal Item Size at the Gate
Do Airlines Check Personal Item Size at the Gate
Ines Ferreira·
On the forums
Teacher holidays: three weeks off, but every flight costs a month’s wages.
r/Shoestring · 24 · 29
6-Hour Layover in Munich, Germany - Couldn't Resist Exploring! 🇩🇪
r/travel · 450 · 9 Images + Trip Report
Attachable handle for ease of walking with large rolling duffel?
r/TravelHacks · 5 · 8
How do you keep food spending down without missing out on local food?
r/Shoestring · 7 · 38
10days road tripping across Western Australia
r/travel · 1455 · 53 Images + Trip Report
Booking cheap one way flight to access lounge?
r/TravelHacks · 102 · 232
Trying to decide where and in what order.
r/Shoestring · 5 · 11
Two weeks solo in Peru: incredible scenery, new friends and a new favourite beer.
r/travel · 864 · 33 Images + Trip Report
Wifi good enough for gaming
r/TravelHacks · 5 · 17 Accommodation
1 week in Nicaragua 🇳🇮
r/travel · 2644 · 72 Images + Trip Report
comfortable (and cute) shoes ideal for walking that’s also easy to match clothes with?
r/TravelHacks · 106 · 185
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