THE BIG TRAVEL DEAL

Ireland: Up to $450 Off Per Person on Packages
First, we need to clarify: The Aer Lingus Vacation Store is not a part of Aer Lingus, the Irish airline. It's an independent packager that licenses the name and, of course, mostly plugs Aer Lingus flights. Now here's the deal: Save up to $450 per person on almost all of its packages using promo code ALVSTRAVEL. It's a stair-step offer: It starts at $100 off per person on packages selling up to $1,799 a person; $250 on packages up to $2,999; $300 on packages up to $3,499; and $450 off per person on more expensive packages. At the moment, and with the discount, packages start as low as $699 a person for a six-night Dublin deal including a car rental. The big caveat: Packages must be purchased by August 20. Information: the Aer Lingus Vacation Store TOP SELLERS page.

THIS WEEK'S OTHER NOTABLE BARGAINS

Qatar Airways: 10% Off Connecting Flights If You Come Back to Doha
The big Middle East carriers--Emirates Airline of Dubai, Etihad Airways of Abu Dhabi and Doha-based Qatar Airways--are pursuing different strategies to revive their all-important international connecting traffic. Etihad, the smallest, is adding destinations. Emirates, the largest, will not discount although it has offered free hotel stays in Dubai. And Qatar Airways? It is discounting on flights over its Doha hub into India, Southeast Asia, Africa and around the Middle East. The current offer is up to 10% off coach or business class fares if you book by August 21. The capacity-controlled discount is available for travel until March 31. Use promo code PCAUG26. You must be a member of Qatar's loyalty program, Privilege Club, but that's free. There are some blackout dates. Information: the Qatar Airways UP TO 10% OFF page.

Hyatt: Far-in-the-Future Freebie for Far-in-the-Future Stays
It's getting harder and harder to understand the Hyatt promotional strategy. And this one is another head scratcher. Stay three qualifying nights at participating resorts in Latin America and the Caribbean between January 1 and March 31, 2027, and you'll earn a Category 1-4 free night award in the World of Hyatt program. Yup, a promo now for a deal that doesn't even start until next year. The even-weirder kicker: You must register by September 30 for this promo that doesn't even start until next year. Go figure. As for the awards, you can earn as many as five during the promotional period, but they must be used by June 30, 2027. Like I said, go figure. Information: the Hyatt STAY 3 NIGHTS 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.

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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

Citi: 80,000 AAdvantage Miles With No First-Year Fee
You could make the case--I wouldn'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 ridiculously named AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard. It's offering 80,000 bonus miles when you spend just $3,500 in the first four months. Even better, there is no annual fee in the first year. That means you can "smash and grab" the 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.

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

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.

Marriott Bonvoy: Heaps of Summer Bonuses With Sneaky Rules
Let's just say frequent-traveler enthusiasm for Marriott Bonvoy is waning given Marriott's constant devaluations, abrupt rules changes and propensity for permitting individual hotels and resorts to ignore elite benefits. If you're still a Bonvoy player, consider these bonus offers:
        Earn 10,000 Points for two-night visits to what Marriott calls its "portfolio of luxury brands." As usual, however, T&Cs undercut the promo: It's only available at hotels in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Advance reservations are required by August 31 for stays until September 15. Information: The EXCEPTIONAL STAYS page.
        Caribbean/Latin America Bonuses from 3,000 to 15,000 points per stay at various brands around the region. Bonvoy's sketchy game here is that bonuses vary by hotel, which also can impose blackout dates and minimum-stay restrictions. Advance reservations are required by August 27 for stays until September 10. Information: The UNLOCK page.

World of Hyatt: A Promotion So Lame It's Truly Embarrassing
One upon a time, Hyatt Gold Passport was, um, the gold standard of lodging loyalty plans. But it's been a long, slow slide in the last decade, ever since Gold Passport was replaced by World of Hyatt. That program was weak enough when it was introduced in 2016 and it's gotten more complex and less rewarding as every year passes. Now a new floor: A points promotion so lame that it's actually embarrassing to mention. It will only reward you with 2,000 bonus points for every two nights. Worse, they don't even start counting nights until your second stay. Worst of all, earnings are capped at 8,000 points during the promo period (July 1 to September 7). Advance registration is required, which is more effort than it's worth unless you already plan to spend a bunch of nights at Hyatt this summer. Information: the BE MORE HERE page.

IHG One Rewards: Pick Your Low-Value Promotion Poison
IHG One Rewards is another low-value lodging frequency program, but, unlike Hilton Honors (see above), the IHG summer promotion is weak, not insulting. And you also can pick your poison: One offer will award you with 2,000 points after two nights of stays. The other promo will award you with 8,000 points after four nights. Both are valid for stays until August 31. (Greater China properties are not participating.) Registration is required, of course, and you must choose either the two-night or four-night promotion at that time. By the way, IHG ran this exact promotion last year at this time. Information: the IHG PICK YOUR POINTS page.

THE DISCOUNTS UP THERE

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

Hotels: The "Summer" Sales Are On. They Last Longer.
If nothing else, summer is when hotels can command the attention of a certain segment of the traveling public. So they pitch "summer sales" that often permit stays until the end of the year. The sales below are of varying quality, but only you know which serve your needs. Things to know: lowest prices go to loyalty-program members; some sales require nonrefundable prepayment; and some have blackout dates.
        Drury Hotels offer discounts of up to 15% for stays through September 3. Use promo code SPLASH. (Details are here.)
        Ennismore, Accor's new lifestyle group, is offering up to 30% off room rates. Booking dates vary by region, but stays are permitted until September 7. A two-day minimum stay is required. The group includes hotels branded with the Delano, Hoxton, Banyan Tree, Mama Shelter, Mondrian and 25 Hour names. (Details are here.)
        Fairmont hotels offer a stair-step summer promo: 10% off two-night stays; 15% off three- or four-night stays; and 20% for stays of five nights or more. Loyalty program members receive a 10% added discount. Most properties also include free breakfast as part of the promo. Stays are permitted until December 30 when you book by September 15. (Details are here.)
        Hilton is promoting up to 20% off weekend stays in Europe and Africa. The deal is valid on weekend stays until September 7 when you book by September 3. (Details here.)
        Malmaison Hotels in the United Kingdom is offering up to 25% off regular rates for stays between July 20 and September 6. (Details are here.)
        Omni Hotels is offering 15% off two-night stays and 20% off three-night stays until October 31 if you book by September 7. (Details are here.)
        Wyndham Hotels offers a stair-step summer promo: 10% or more on one night; 15% or more on two-nights stays; and 20% or more on longer stays. Loyalty program members save up to 25%. Book by August 28 for stays until December 31. (Details are here.)

Manila: A Super-Deluxe Package at the New Mandarin Oriental
The luxurious Mandarin Oriental chain has been gone from Manila for a dozen years, but is returning later this year with a high-rise property in Makati, part of the Manila Metro area. Accommodations at the 275-room property are huge (more than 500 square feet) with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Ayala Triangle Gardens. In-hotel perks include an 8,600-square-foot spa and an 82-foot outdoor pool. The opening date hasn't been officially announced, but the hotel is already offering a holiday package through January 31. It includes a welcome gift, special room amenities and US$80-$165 dining credits. Club Level rooms or suites also feature butler service. Two-night minimum stays are required. Information: The Mandarin Oriental YOUR HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS page.

Best Western: Best Western's Fifth-Best Offer--and a Sweepstakes
I never tire of pointing you to the funny moment in The Big Bang Theory when Amy explains to Sheldon that her hotel isn't "best Best Western [but] the third best Best Western I've been to." I feel similarly about this iteration of the chain's latest Rewards Rush promotion. In its very predictable way, Best Western rotates offers. Sometimes it's a free night, sometimes it's a $50 or $100 gift card. Now it is the fifth-best offer: 1,000 Rewards points per night at any property in the United States, Canada or the Caribbean. The promotional period runs from May 11 to September 7. The new gimmick: The first 20 nights you stay after registering for the promo double as entries in a 250,000-point sweepstakes. I honestly don't know how a sweepstakes would impact Amy's ratings, and, since the show finished its 12-season run in 2019, I guess we'll never know. Information: the Best Western LIMITED TIME OFFER page.

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.

IHG One Rewards: 3,000-Point Bonus for an App Booking
I waffle on the value proposition offered IHG One Rewards, the loyalty program of InterContinental Hotel and its many other brands. But if you're an IHG player, there's no reason not to pounce on this: 3,000 bonus points for booking a stay through the IHG app. The offer seems fairly straightforward: be an IHG One Rewards member, register for the promotion, then book via the app and complete a stay within 30 days.

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.

Ziglar: Members-Only Discount on Zig's 100th Birthday Celebration
Zig Ziglar's relentless optimism, writings and strategies made him a legend in the business-motivation arena. And his message resonates for many even more than a decade after his death at 86 in 2012. To commemorate his 100th birthday, a one-day "transformation experience" event is being organized in Franklin, Tennessee, on October 16. (Franklin is just 24 miles from Nashville/BNA Airport, by the way.) Dozens of Ziglar's acolytes, fans, family and fellow motivational forces are lined up to attend and speak. Thanks to a JoeSentMe member Dr. Allen Lycka, who's helping organize the event, members can score a $50 discount on admission. Use code LYCKA50. Information: the SEE YOU AT THE TOP page.

Rail Rides: Pretty Lakes, Classic Trains and So-So Wine
New York State wines, especially vintages from the lush Finger Lakes, always seem to be better in concept than reality. But when you match the vineyards with the gorgeous lakes, spring and summer weather and restored, classic passenger rail cars, you have something special. The Finger Lakes Rail Experience uses five 1940s-era cars to chug along tracks with stops in Auburn, Canandaigua, Cayuga, Geneva and Seneca Falls. On the weekends from May through September, the best months to visit the Finger Lakes, there'll be dozens of runs as long as three hours. There are family-friendly excursions, wine trains and sunset music rides. Your options include seats in Hickory Creek, an observation car from the 20th Century Limited; a New York Central Railroad lounge car; Swift Stream, a 1949 stainless-steel lounge car; a New York Central first class dining car; and a mid-century passenger coach car from the Pennsylvania Railroad. Ticket sales start on Thursday, April 16, and usually sell out quickly. Prices last year started at $30 a seat in the Penn coach and rose to $150 a seat in Hickory Creek. Expect prices in 2026 to be slightly higher. The perks vary based on the length and type of ride. Information: the FINGER LAKES RAIL EXPERIENCE 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 $25 a person. Discounted hotel rates start as low as $68 at Luxor, $76 at The Strat and $78 a night at the Sahara. 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.

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.