THE BIG TRAVEL DEAL

Rail Rides: The History of American Passenger Rail on One Train
America may be several generations behind in high-speed rail, but we've got plenty of nostalgic rides around the country to keep us entertained. Top of the heap? A unique trainset currently serving as the Finger Lakes Excursion. It offers a history of modern American passenger rail service. Each of the five cars is unique. Hickory Creek is a plush carriage that once served as the observation car of the 20th Century Limited. New York Central 43 and 37 are 1947 Tavern-Lounge cars used on several famous trains. Swift Stream is a 1949 lounge car from the New York Central's "Great Steel Fleet." And Pennsylvania Deluxe is a mid-century passenger coach once used on the Pennsylvania Railroad. How do you ride this treasure trove of American railroading? There is an array of weekend trips that run along a disused portion of track in New York's Finger Lakes region until just before Christmas. Prices for excursions, which run between one and two hours, start around $40 a person. You can book all sorts of solo or couple accommodations on the five rail cars depending on the seasonally appropriate themed trips. Information: the Finger Lakes Rail EXPERIENCE.

THIS WEEK'S OTHER NOTABLE BARGAINS

Cathay Pacific: Hong Kong Stayovers as Long as Seven Days
The heavy-handed interference of mainland Chinese politics has dimmed the neon charm of Hong Kong, once the most free-wheeling urban area in the world. The city's flag carrier, Cathay Pacific Airways, now is working to restore some travel enthusiasm for visits to Hong Kong. The airline's stopover program allows you to add from one to seven days to a flight itinerary that includes a plane change in Hong Kong. The airline offers lodging discounts, deals on attractions around town and even 20% off the MTR Airport Express that links the city with Hong Kong International. Information: the Cathay Pacific STOPOVER IN HONG KONG page.

Capital One: A Cheap Card With a Big Travel Bonus
Capital One heavily promotes its Venture X card, a premium product bundled with airport club access. But if you've already got lounge privileges, a much better Cap One choice is the basic Venture Card. For a $95 annual fee, you earn double points for all spend and quintuple points for each dollar spent on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel. The, um, capper? A $300 statement credit for hotel and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel in the first year. And, oh, yeah, the acquisition bonus: 75,000 points when you spend $4,000 within the first three months. Information: The Capital One VENTURE CARD page.

Las Vegas: Deals as the Town Is Desperate for Guests
Some travelers would consider it karma: After years of jacking up room rates, inflating "resort" fees, eliminating perks and pricing shows into the stratosphere--the metaphoric sky, not the hotel--Las Vegas has hit the skids. Canadians have stopped coming because they are offended by Trump tariffs and rhetoric. Americans are gambling closer to home. And Europeans have basically been avoiding the entire country, not just Vegas. The result. Vegas is getting desperate and has begun to deal as room occupancy slumps and gaming revenue falls. I do not suggest the hotel and show deals being offered on the official Vegas.com site level the playing field, but it's clear that Las Vegas bosses have gotten the message. Shows are selling for as little as $20 a person. Discounted hotel rates start as low as $53 at Luxor, $51 at Excalibur and $73 at Planet Hollywood. There are even deals on attractions admissions and rides. So now all you have to do is answer one question: Do you really want to go to Las Vegas? That one is your call, of course. And never kid yourself: Vegas thrives on ups and extras, so pay attention to everything.

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STAY ON THE WAY/STAYOVER OFFERS

Lufthansa: Stopover in Munich, Kinda, Sorta Free
We've come to expect ups, extras, excuses and restrictions from Lufthansa, the German carrier recently beset by what seems like monthly strikes and operational glitches. So I guess it's no surprise that its new Stopover program is marred by all the usual Lufthansa detritus. For starters, it's only available for Munich and only on flights to/from the United States or to/from Singapore. (In other words, Canadian travelers are out of luck.) Your stopover can be for as long as seven days--which is lovely since Munich and Bavaria are charming places. But Lufthansa isn't promising a stopover itself will be free. Instead, it says there could be surcharges depending on route. Which, of course, defeats the purpose of a stopover program. Other perks: Mostly discounts in the 10-25% range for hotel stays, car rentals, attractions, hop-on-hop-off buses and things of that nature. Lufthansa insists Munich is the first stone in a range of new stopover options at other hubs and on other routes. Let's hope future offerings are better positioned. Information: the Lufthansa STOPOVER page.

Airlines: Do You Want to Stay on the Way in the Gulf Now?
If absolutely nothing else, the Iran War (or whatever we call it) has demolished the fantasy that the Gulf States--specifically, Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the U.A.E. and Qatar--are Middle East "safe havens." Iran's drones and missiles have proven that. But if you are still planning a trip with a connection via the Gulf, be aware that the three major Gulf carriers are still offering "stay on the way" programs. Here's what's available:
        Emirates Airline, based in Dubai, offers a spread of stopover and stay-on-the-way deals and packages. A 12-hour bundle, for example, includes a Dubai city tour, one-hour excursion around the harbor on a traditional wooden dhow, a desert ramble that includes a stop at a camel farm and a buffet dinner. That costs about US$100. For about the same price, a three-day itinerary includes a city tour, a safari run, a kayak adventure, dinner cruise and other attractions. There are also special rates available at the city's wide array of hotels and resorts, many of them among the most luxurious in the world. Information: the Emirates DUBAI EXPERIENCE page.
        Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi, offers two free nights in a three-star hotel or 40% off stays at 4- and 5-star properties. There are also discounts and packages on dining, attractions, sports events and other activities in Abu Dhabi, which fancies itself as more sedate and sophisticated than Dubai, its historic rival. Information: the Etihad ABU DHABI STOPOVER page.
        Qatar Airways, which hubs in Doha, offers a raft of on-the-ground discounts. For stayovers as long as four nights, hotel rates start as low as $28 a day per couple for four-star properties. Beachfront hotels start as low as $62 a couple a night. There are also useful discounts on city tours and attractions. Information: the Qatar Airways EXPERIENCE MORE page.

Iberia: Free Stopover in Madrid for As Long as Nine Days
Once a niche carrier, Iberia has made substantial inroads in the U.S. market by offering extremely attractive fares over its Madrid hub. Now another incentive to change planes in the Spanish capital: a free stayover that can last as long as nine days. As with most of the industry stopover schemes, the idea is simple: Find a route and book a stop either on the departure or return via Madrid. Information: Iberia's STOPOVER HOLA MADRID page.

Turkish Airlines: Stay Up to Two Days Free in Istanbul
You'd be surprised to learn the identity of the carrier that flies to more nations than any other. It's Turkish Airlines, hubbed at sprawling and elaborate Istanbul Airport. The airline flies to 274 destinations and offers connections from more than a dozen gateways in the United States and Canada. Another perk: the Stopover in Istanbul scheme. It allows travelers connecting in Istanbul to spend a night or two in Turkey's largest city while Turkish picks up the hotel tab. Connecting coach flyers are eligible for a one-night stay at a 4-star hotel and business class travelers can get two nights in one of Istanbul's five-star properties. Some folks will not fly on Turkish because Turkey is ruled by an increasingly autocratic strongman who has been intent on turning the once proudly secular nation into an Islamic redoubt. But if you're flying Turkish--which is part of the Star Alliance and often offers great business class deals--why wouldn't you avail yourself of a free stop in one of the world's most intriguing cities? Information: The Turkish Airlines STOPOVER IN ISTANBUL page.

Icelandair: Add a 7-night Free Stay in Iceland to Your Trip
Icelandair, and before that Icelandic, has survived for decades in the cutthroat transatlantic market by leveraging its position between North America and mainland Europe. It has used Reykjavík as its continent-to-continent connecting hub and regularly promoted stay-along-the-way packages. It's the latter that is of interest now: The airline is permitting stays in Iceland for as long as seven days when you fly between North America and Europe. The so-called Stopover in Iceland program is available at no extra charge on your outbound itinerary. The airline's Web site also does an excellent job helping you book the stop. Information: Icelandair's STOPOVER IN ICELAND page.

Copa Airlines: Up to 7-Day Free Stopover in Panama
Panama's Copa Airlines is one of the few stable and reliable carriers in Latin America. The Star Alliance airline also has developed an efficient hub at its hometown of Panama City that connects destinations in the United States to both Central and South America. And now an added perk: A free stopover of as long as seven days in Panama City. The stay-on-the-way offer can be used on the departing or returning itinerary. The airline also works with Panamanian tourist authorities to offer up a bundle of tours, hotel stays and other add-ons. Information: the PANAMA STOPOVER page.

TAP Air Portugal: Free Portugal Stopover Can Now Be Ten Days
In the early days of transatlantic jet travel, free "stopovers" in the country of arrival were a standard perk. The deal was eventually abandoned as longer-haul nonstops came to dominate flying. But "stay along the way" offers are making a comeback among airlines that depend on connecting traffic to compete with longer nonstops. TAP Air Portugal is probably the best current practitioner of the stopover. The airline originally revived the deal with a free, three-day stopover in Portugal as part of roundtrip, transatlantic nonstops to Lisbon or Porto. It was then upped to five days. Now the offer is 10 days in Portugal before continuing to your next destination. There are other perks attached to the stopover, including a 25% discount on domestic flights, hotel discounts, museum and attraction admissions and freebies with meals. Information: the VISIT PORTUGAL page.

SATA Azores Airlines: Free Stopovers To/From Europe
It's a huge understatement to suggest that SATA Azores Airlines flies under the metaphoric radar. It's one of the least publicized carriers in Europe. But the islands-based carrier serves a number of gateways in the United States (New York, Boston and Oakland) and Canada (Toronto and Montreal). So when it offers free stayovers of as long as seven days en route to and/or returning from Europe, it's worth considering. Among its European destinations are London, Paris, Barcelona, Milan and, of course, Lisbon and Porto in Portugal. The stayover allows you to add in visits to the Azorean islands of São Miguel or Terceira. If your geography fails you, the Azores lie about midway between the United States and the Portuguese mainland. And if your meteorology fails you, the winter months in the Azores are mild (daytime temps in the low 60s, evenings in the mid 50s). Information; the SATA STOPOVER page.

CREDIT CARD ACQUISITION BONUSES

Chase/IHG: New Premium Card, New Portfolio, 200,000-Point Bonuses
Chase and InterContinental Hotels have revamped the IHG One Rewards credit card portfolio. There are some subtractions, a new premier card and acquisition bonuses of as much as 200,000 points. As with all travel credit cards, YMMV, but give a look and you'll find value, especially if IHG is your preferred lodging chain. The IHG One Rewards Premier Select, Chase's new top card, has a hefty annual fee ($350). But there are useful statement kickbacks: $300 in annual food and beverage credits for spend at IHG properties and $200 in annual flight purchases. You will also receive up to 28 points per dollar spent at IHG properties; six points per dollar spent on dining charges and all other travel purchases; and three points per dollar spent on other purchases. The card also comes bundled with IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite Status and fourth night free on award redemptions. If you apply by November 18, the card offers a 200,000-point acquisition bonus when you spend $5,000 in the first three months. Meanwhile, the card with no annual fee (IHG One Rewards Credit Card) offers a 125,000-point bonus after you spend $2,000 in the first three months. There's also a mid-level consumer card and a business card. Information: the IHG SOMEDAY, SOONER page.

Citi: 80,000 AAdvantage Miles With No First-Year Fee
You could make the case--I won't, but you could--that American AAdvantage is the least devalued of the major frequent flyer programs. To that end, you will be interested in the latest offer from Citi for the clumsily named AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard. It's now offering 80,000 bonus miles when you spend just $3,500 in the first three months. Even better, there is no annual fee in the first year. That means you can "smash and grab" the rich acquisition bonus at no real cost. The card isn't a particularly strong vehicle for everyday spend, but it does offer two miles for each dollar spent in restaurants and gas stations. It also offers the first bag free on domestic American itineraries, 25% discount on in-flight purchases and Group 5 boarding position. Information: the Citi LIMITED-TIME OFFER page.

Barclays: 100,000 90,000 Points for the Premium JetBlue Card
JetBlue TrueBlue is lightly regarded as frequent flyer programs go, but if you use the alternate carrier frequently, you'll be interested in this: 90,000 points to take the new Barclays JetBlue Premier Card. That's 10,000 fewer points than recent offers, but still substantial. The $499-a-year card offers six points for each dollar spent on JetBlue purchases and two points for restaurant and grocery store purchases. Not particularly strong, but there are other benefits: Priority Pass; access to Blue House, the JetBlue club at JFK (and, eventually, Boston/Logan); and perks such as discounts on in-flight purchases, faster boarding and elite-status bumps. But the biggest advantage may be the $300 annual statement credit for JetBlue purchases. That brings the effective annual fee to $199, not bad for Priority Pass and Blue House access. You must spend $5,000 in the first 90 days to receive the 90,000-point acquisition bonus. Information: the Barclays JETBLUE PREMIER CARD page.

Wells Fargo: $95 Sleeper Visa Gets More Transfer Partners
When Wells Fargo introduced the Autograph Journey Visa in 2024, it hoped the card would be a category killer. And it offered a compelling earnings proposition: five points for hotel spend; four points on airline purchases and three points on dining and most other travel charges. The annual fee is low ($95) and offset by a $50 annual statement credit against airline charges. Wells Fargo even created a points-transfer operation--and that's where the weakness has been. Points accrued on Autograph Journey originally could be transferred 1:1 to Air France/KLM Flying Blue and programs operated by British Airways, Iberia and Aer Lingus. Points were also available for transfers to Choice Hotels Privilege. Wells Fargo promised more partners to come, but they've been slow to arrive. Last year, the card added JetBlue TrueBlue transfers on a 1:1 basis. Now come two more players. Wells points now transfer 1:1 to Cathay Pacific Air Miles and 1:2 to Wyndham Rewards. The hefty acquisition bonus remains: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months. That is an impressive, if not category-killing, package for a functional $45 annual fee. Information: the Wells Fargo AUTOGRAPH JOURNEY CARD page.

MILES & POINTS OFFERS

Hotels: Updated Fall Promos Are Actually Poor or Worse
The lodging industry seems hellbent on insulting us with miserably bad fall points promotions. It's one thing to say their offers won't move the needle on your loyalty. But these offers are flat-out awful. Not a single one would lead you to spend an extra night at one of these chains. Still, if you are already planning to give these guys business, might as well collect the meager "reward." And, of course, advance registration is always required.
        Accor Hotels in a dozen Middle East and Mediterranean countries offers triple points in the ALL Accor Reward program. To earn, you must book minimum two-night stays before October 25 for travel until January 31. A booking is also an entry in a giveaway that includes 100,000 bonus points and elite status. Information: the Accor earn 3x points page.
        Best Western offers double Best Western Rewards points at more than 4,000 hotels around the world until December 31. Information: the Best Western limited-time offer page.
        Hilton offers 1,000 points per stay at all properties and 3,000 points at some upmarket resorts and hotels. The promotion is valid between October 15 and December 31. Information: the Hilton Honors more points to play page.
        Hyatt offers 3,000 bonus World of Hyatt points for every three nights of stays by December 15. You can earn as many as 36,000 points during the promotion period. Mr & Mrs Smith properties are included in the offer. Information: the Hyatt earn up to 36,000 points page.
        InterContinental Hotels offers double points starting on your second stay during the October 1 to December 31 promotion period. You'll earn triple points if you book via the IHG One Rewards app. Information: the IHG One Rewards 3x stay to earn page.
        Marriott offers 1,500 points for hotel stays of two or more nights and 3,000 additional points at resorts. The promotion is valid until November 22, but the qualifying stays must be booked after you register. Registration ends November 13. Information: the Marriott earn 1,500 bonus points page.
        Wyndham offers as many as 25,000 bonus points during a promotion that lasts until January 15. Travelers will earn quadruple Wyndham Rewards points for each stay. The maximum you're permitted to earn is 25,000 points if you carry the Wyndham Earner Premier credit card. Other travelers can earn a total of 15,000 or 20,000 points. Information: the Wyndham earn up to 3 free nights page.

IHG Hotels: 10,000 Bonus Points for Two-Night Stays at Ruby
You are forgiven if you have never heard of Ruby Hotels, one of the IHG group's newest brands. The British lodging giant picked up Ruby about 18 months ago and is positioning it as a hip, stylish urban boutique operation. Reviews have been good, too, assuming hip, stylish, urban hotels are your jam. Ruby currently has almost two dozen branches, all in Europe. If that interests you, IHG will award you 10,000 bonus IHG One Rewards points for each two-night stay. The promotion is valid for stays until November 4. Advance registration for the promo is required. Information: the IHG Hotels SPECIAL OFFER page.

THE DISCOUNTS UP THERE

Finnair: Europe and India Business Class Sale Via Helsinki Hub
Want to fly business class to Lisbon for as little as $3,119 roundtrip? You can do it if you fly Finnair and change aircraft at Vantaa, Finnair's stylish, compact Helsinki hub. But I suggest a better use of Finnair's business class sale fares is to reach European cities where nonstops are scarce or nonexistent. Examples: Naples for $3,460 roundtrip; Prague for $4,002; or Budapest for $3,658. There's even a fabulous price of $3,688 roundtrip to Delhi, India. The quoted prices are from New York/JFK, but Finnair offers similar bargains from its other U.S. gateways, including Chicago, LAX, DFW, Seattle and Miami. Finnair also has a unique business class, as Meena Thiruvengadam explains. Information: the Finnair BUSINESS CLASS FLIGHT OFFERS page.

Singapore Airlines: Longest Nonstops for $1,050RT in Premium
More than two decades after launching the world's longest nonstop flights, Singapore Airlines still can't sell the damned things in the back of the metaphoric boat. That even includes an aircraft change (from Airbus A345 to A350), a moratorium on flights and several remakes of premium economy, which is the back of the aforementioned metaphoric boat. That is a long-winded way of saying SIA is once again offering startlingly low fares to fill the aircraft. From New York (either Newark or Kennedy), the premium economy fare is as low as $1,248 roundtrip, only $200 above last year. That's a great bargain considering how quickly jet fuel prices have warped other ultra-long-haul prices. From the West Coast, the standout bargain is the SFO-Changi nonstop, which is pegged as low as $1,588. Seattle-Tacoma nonstops are also decent at $1,888 roundtrip. The one big clanger? LAX nonstops are priced much higher at $2,296 roundtrip. Information: the Singapore Air EXPLORE THE WORLD page.

Southwest Airlines: We'll Status Match Anyone Now
The big knock on Southwest Airlines lately is that it has transformed itself into "just another airline." It's difficult to disagree with that sentiment. One possible (if thin) silver lining? Southwest will now status match flyers of other airlines right up to A-List Preferred, the highest level of Rapid Rewards. You'll get 120 days of status and, if you hit Southwest's level of activity, you will earn the status for a full year. Complete details of the requirements and the benefits--including an easy-to-digest chart of what your current status will earn you at Southwest--is here. Possibly the best aspect of it all? If you fail to qualify during the first 120-day period, you can try again.

LODGING BARGAINS TO CONSIDER

Air Canada Aeroplan: Free Nights Hotel Redemptions
Airline frequency programs stopped offering good deals on hotel redemptions decades ago, but Air Canada Aeroplan (and its related credit card) is a unique frequent flyer plan. So maybe this isn't as much of a surprise as you might assume: If you are an Aeroplan credit card holder, you'll receive a free fourth night when you book participating hotels using Aeroplan points. Book six nights with points and receive two free nights. The promotion is available for stays through December 31, 2026. Information: the Air Canada EXTEND YOUR REST FOR LESS page.

Omni Hotels: Golfing the Hotel Blues Away
Omni Hotels is the official lodging partner of the PGA Golf Tour, so the chain is capitalizing on the link with golf swag and course discounts. Book a golf package at an Omni resort and you'll receive: one round of golf per registered guest each day of your stay; unlimited use of the driving range; a pack of Callaway golf balls; a PGA Tour hat for each adult; and a $100 resort credit. Information: The Omni PGA TOUR GOLF PACKAGE page.

Loews Hotels: Sweet (or Savory) Suite Deals
Loews is a small chain, but many travelers swear by the chain's properties and services. If you're one of them, then consider this special offer. Reserve a suite at most Loews outposts and the chain will throw in up to $200 a day in food and beverage credits that can be used at the hotel restaurant or for room service. You'll also receive what the chain calls "premium" WiFi. Information: the Loews A SUITE DEAL page.

Omni Mount Washington: Third Night Free and an F&B Credit
The enormous, enormously popular and enormously expensive Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, offers thrilling views, excellent restaurants and a cornucopia of activities: a spa; golf and tennis; stables; ice skating, snowshoeing; and several types of skiing. But like many resorts, it has trouble filling off-season days. The solution: a buy-two-get-one sale. When you book two nights at the Flexible Rate, you will get a third night free. Also included: a $50 food-and-beverage credit. What isn't included: the tax and resort fee on the third night. As always with offers of this type, don't assume this rate is the cheapest. Check it against the price of paying the lowest available rate for three nights. Information: Omni's BUY 2 NIGHTS, GET 3RD NIGHT FREE page.

BACK HERE ON EARTH

Amtrak: Cheap Rates on the Midnight Train Goin' Anywhere
The Journey reference is technically inaccurate since the Amtrak Night Owl sale is only for destinations in the Northeast Corridor between Boston and Washington. On the other hand, Journey was wrong, too, since there is no such place as South Detroit. Which leaves us with the gist: Are you interested in a deep-discount sale on late-night and overnight trains going pretty much anywhere in the Northeast Corridor? Prices are certainly appealing: $10 one-way between Philadelphia and Baltimore/BWI or New York and Philadelphia; $15 one-way from New Haven to Boston; $20 one-way from New York to Washington; and $30 on the entire haul from Boston to Washington. Of course, cheap isn't totally easy. Night Owl fares are only valid for departures from 6pm to 8am and not on every train. And the sale is only valid in coach, which eliminates Acela trains, Amtrak's fastest ride. Still, if you're done with airlines in the Corridor and are cool with off-hour trips … take the midnight train going anywhere. Information: the Amtrak NOW ARRIVING page.

Chase/Instacart: No Delivery Fees and a $10 Monthly Credit
Instacart is a well-known grocery delivery service and it has teamed up with Chase for a promotion targeting travel credit card holders. What you'll get: $0 delivery fees and a $10 monthly credit. How do you get them? Use an enrolled Marriott, Hyatt or InterContinental hotel card or airline cards issued for Southwest, British Airways, Air Canada, Aer Lingus or Iberia. The benefits are valid through December 31, 2027. Information: the Instacart CHASE page.

T-Mobile: Magenta Status Has Intriguing Travel Discounts
For years, T-Mobile marketed itself as "the un-carrier" and specialized in better service and cheaper prices. Now that it has caught Verizon and AT&T, it is less customer friendly and not notably cheaper. And folks have noticed, some going so far to call T-Mobile's marketing arc a long con. Still, its year-old Magenta Status, an unsubtle nod to the travel industry practice of stratifying customers, has some travel value. (Magenta is T-Mobile's corporate color, by the way.) It offers 15% off nightly rates and Silver Honors status at Hilton Hotels; a free year of AAA membership; free in-flight Internet; and an intriguing rental-car perk: the ability to return vehicles to Dollar and Hertz without paying to refuel a gas-powered car or recharge an EV. Also included: $5 movie tickets; 25% off concert tickets; and dining discounts. Another interesting perk: free streaming from Apple TV+, Netflix. Hulu, SiriusXM, Pandora and Major League baseball. If you are already a T-Mobile customer, Magenta Status is free. It's also a perk for new customers. Information: the T-Mobile MAGENTA STATUS page.

GigSky: Free International Data With Elite Visa Cards
GigSky is an eSIM operator offering international mobile-data service at prices below larger U.S. phone operators. Now GigSky is offering holders of Visa Signature and Visa Infinite a deal. If you hold a Visa Signature card, GigSky is offering you 1GB of international data over 15 days and 20% off other service plans. If you have a super-elite Visa Infinite card, the offer is 3GB over 15 days and 30% off other plans. The catch: Your mobile device must be able to handle an eSIM, a virtual card that replaces a standard SIM. Full details of the Visa promotion can be found here.