Amex GBT: Big Businesses Buy Travel, Small Companies Hesitate

Nov 21, 2024 • 6 min read

Take your pick: Basic economy, standard economy or…. something slightly better, but pricier?

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Zachary Gerth, cofounder of StartAbroad , a concierge international relocation service. It has been edited for length and clarity.

If you must be gay—and, dear reader, you really must—then it’s only natural that you’ve found yourself here, consulting our list of the best destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers to visit. While it’s true that queerness may be temporarily masked for survival reasons and that travelers should be prepared to compromise on aspects of their presentation out of respect for local customs and mores, sometimes that’s just not going to work. Many countries around the world are safe and fabulous destinations for openly LGBTQ+ travelers. (Admittedly, we're speaking generally here; it’s important to note it only takes one incident perpetuated by one bad actor or group to soil an individual’s trip—and that can happen anywhere.) So what are the places where you don’t have to put your most authentic self away?

You pay hundreds of dollars annually for a card that offers you lounge access — and then you get to the airport only to face a long line at the lounge entrance.

Big Sky, Montana, has always been one of the greatest places to ski in the US. Lone Mountain’s vast expanse of untamed terrain, coupled with its pristine powder, has drawn skiers and snowboarders from around the globe. But in recent years, this area has seen a surge in developments with new luxury accommodations, upscale dining and chic as-hell après-ski options, and state-of-the-art lifts with heated seats, elevating its status to a world-class winter destination. And although, yes, the resorts and high-end hotels here are opulent, catering specifically to powderhounds, but you’ll be looking at least $500 per person/night. For a significantly lower price (per head), you can rent a luxury home on Airbnb and have the benefit of space, a kitchen, and a home to return to after a day on the slopes. Great for families and groups of friends, these ski-in/ski-out Airbnbs in Big Sky have exceptional locations near lifts and extras like hot tubs and fireplaces for a little added zhuzh.

Southwest Airlines is making an interesting change to service on Hawaii's Big Island.

The Signify Business Cash℠ Card by Wells Fargo has no annual fee and earns a flat 2% cash-back rate on purchases, making it a solid choice for businesses looking for simplicity. However, it doesn't offer bonus categories or ways to maximize redemptions, so those who want more perks will need to look elsewhere. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐

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Travelers can experience twice the paradise for the price of one with Viva Resorts by Wyndham’s biggest Black Friday and Cyber Monday deal.

On November 7, leading figures from the travel industry—including suppliers, advisors and members of the media—gathered at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention Center to honor this year’s standout companies at the 10th annual Travvy Awards Gala. Hosted by TravelPulse and AGENTatHOME, the Travvy Awards celebrate excellence across a wide range of travel sectors, with winners chosen by travel advisors who intimately understand and routinely work with these products.

EF Ultimate Break, a tour operator brand within student travel group EF Education First, is rolling out a new Responsible Travel initiative, starting with a partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand.