There are no two ways about it: Europe is the world's most beloved region.Romantic, historic, safe and filled with delectable food & drink delights, Europe has been casting a spell on travelers since the invention of international travel. We go to Europe to have fun snapping selfies in front of a famous sight and to enjoy the adrenaline rush of experiencing so many countries, languages and cuisines, all in one easy-to-get-around place. We also visit to feel as though we've picked up a little bit of culture along the way, too.This popularity does come with a slight downside: issues around crowding and overtourism are currently a thorn in the side of many destinations. As the continent works through this tricky issue—with different destinations choosing different paths and strategies—and rolls out new entry requirements, Europe is wide open and welcoming for all, and the following guide will get you or your client prepared for a 2025 trip across the pond.
Attention, elite status seekers: New perks, elite night credits and more are posting for 2025
07.01.2025 - 22:41 / thepointsguy.com
It's always hard seeing most of my elite status levels reset to zero come Jan. 1. It's a tough reminder that if you want to keep your status in the coming year, you'll need to get back on the hamster wheel.
Some of us at TPG have decided the juice is no longer worth the squeeze when it comes to upper-tier elite status or have even decided not to pursue status at all.
But for those of us who are truly addicted to top-tier status (like me), we need to start the games again.
Plus, there are some bright spots: Rollover credits, miles or free nights from credit cards courtesy of some of our favorite programs like World of Hyatt are already here. Also, several programs have new perks or new choices when it comes to benefits.
We've already seen rollovers and credits — including Marriott Bonvoy and World of Hyatt stay credits — hitting our accounts.
Consider this your annual reminder to check your accounts and make a plan for status goals for 2025.
It's a whole new world for Delta Air Lines' elite members. The airline made headlines back in 2023 when it made a ton of changes to its program. While Delta has since rolled back some of the most draconian steps, what hasn't changed is the end of Medallion Qualification Miles as a metric for elite status.
It's now all about the Medallion Qualification Dollars, as you can see in the tracker in my SkyMiles account:
Your ability to choose your Delta Choice Benefits is not available right now (at least not in my account). I have it on good authority that people (like me) who had enough MQMs last year to roll over their 2024 status won't see choices until after Feb. 1.
However, there will be a bunch of new choices in addition to previous options like upgrade certificates and bonus SkyMiles.
If you qualified for Platinum or Diamond Medallion status in the 2025 Medallion year (based on qualifying activity during the 2024 calendar year), you have until Jan. 31, 2026, to select your annual Delta Choice Benefits. Note that you must choose your 2024 benefits by the end of January.
According to Delta, you will soon be able to make your choices in the app instead of having to log in on a desktop computer: "Beginning February 1, 2025, enjoy a more seamless experience by selecting your Choice Benefits through the Fly Delta app."
We expect the MQD boost from holding one of the following Delta credit cards will hit sometime in February:
For each of these cards you hold, you get 2,500 MQDs at the start of each year just for being a cardmember. These stack for travelers with multiple eligible cards. That means if you have two of those cards, for example, you'd get a head start of 5,000 MQDs for the year.
Related: Best credit cards for flying Delta
Qualifying nights courtesy of
Alaska Travel Guide: 2025's Best Destinations, Events, Attractions and More
Alaska – The Great Land. The 49th state has long been on the travel lists for many travelers, and it's not difficult to understand why. Whether they come seeking the awesome majesty of Alaska's glacier fields, the stupefying array of wildlife ranging from humpback whales to bears, moose, and everything in between, fascinating Indigenous culture or simply the never-ending vistas of pristine wilderness, Alaska has something to intrigue even the most jaded of travelers.
Caribbean Travel Guide: 2025's Best Destinations, Events, Attractions and More
The Caribbean is a perennial dream destination for weary winter travelers and has a unique appeal at the start of a new year following the long holiday season.
Asia Travel Guide: 2025's Best Destinations, Events, Attractions and More
Asia is an amazing region of the world: known for its breadth of diverse food traditions and ancient history, it’s no wonder many younger adventurers are particularly interested in visiting.
Atlas Ocean Voyages Offering Free Airfare, $1,000 Gift Cards for Travel Advisors for 2025 Antarctica Cruises
Atlas Ocean Voyages is offering free roundtrip air on select Antarctica expedition cruises.
These Are the Safest Airlines for 2025 — See Where U.S. Carriers Ranked
Air New Zealand was once again named the safest full-service airline in the world for 2025, holding on to the title for a second straight year.
Is It Safe to Travel to LA Now? How the Fires Are Impacting Flights, Air Quality, and More
Wildfires in Los Angeles County continued to burn on Monday, January 13, 2025, as firefighters worked to contain portions of the deadly Eaton and Palisades fires, at 14% and 33% containment as of Monday morning. A total of 24 people were reported dead on Sunday evening.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises Is Offering 20% off Select Trips and 2-category Suite Upgrades for 2025 and 2026 Sailings — What to Know
Luxury cruise line Regent Seven Seas Cruises is helping travelers sail into the new year in style with big discounts, free suite upgrades, and reduced deposits for future trips.
These Are the Most Powerful Passports in the World for 2025 — and the Least
Singapore has the most powerful passport in the world for 2025, claiming the top spot with more easy access than any other country.
JetBlue's Winter Sale Has Flights to Florida, the Caribbean, and More Starting at $49
JetBlue is celebrating winter with a big flight sale that has tickets starting as low as $49.
How get around Cambodia by bus, motorcycle, boat and more
Jan 8, 2025 • 8 min read
New Haven's All-Electric Hotel Is Raising the Bar for Green Luxury
I hear the word “sustainable” thrown around constantly, especially in the travel industry. Companies tout their sustainability to attract eco-conscious customers without explaining how they achieve their green statuses. Enter Hotel Marcel.