Bowman’s Travel Brief: Industry Standouts

Great news for Chase cardholders: The Chase Travel℠ platform for premium cardholders, The Edit, now allows you to earn hotel points and elite benefits in addition to earning Chase Ultimate Rewards points. This opportunity to double-dip can help you maximize your rewards, but it only applies to certain Chase cards and properties (for now).

Sometimes the perfect meal while traveling is one that you can put together yourself.

WHY IT RATES: Air Canada has expanded its intermodal strategy to Italy, Spain, Britain and South Korea, allowing customers to book seamless rail and bus connections as part of their flight itineraries. —Janeen Christoff, TravelPulse Managing Editor

Portugal is one destination that continues to rise in the ranks amongst global travelers' interest. 

Travel Weekly and sister brand Phocuswright have released their highly anticipated 2024 Travel Industry Survey, which polled nearly 1,600 advisors over the final weeks of summer.

Welcome back to another episode of the TravelPulse Podcast! 

United Airlines has brought back its popular discount for college-aged travelers — offering generous savings on select flights to Europe and India with no blackout dates.

The third edition of Skift Global Forum East begins in Dubai tomorrow evening. As Skift’s work in the region becomes more extensive with every passing year, I wanted to write out my observations on the main challenges I see the region’s industry has to overcome.

Spirit Airlines filed for bankruptcy protection on Monday after struggling with a series of losses, but travelers should not panic.

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?

The Matador Network team isn’t always shackled to a desk. This year, we’ve explored around the world on memorable trips to places like the volcanic archipelago of the Galapagos, the Northwest Coast of Norway, and stayed in hotels breaking ground on sustainability measures. While doing so, we’ve tested truck loads of gear, from the latest apparel and luggage from leading outdoor and travel brands, to gadgets and packing aids that make our journeys more comfortable, to on-the-road essentials to keep our kids entertained. This year’s gift guide compiles our favorite products — items in our travel tool kits that have become indispensable. Whether you’re looking for a stocking stuffer, an affordable present for a white elephant gift exchange, or something special for a loved one who enjoys traveling as much as we do, our tried-and-tested suggestions will make your holiday shopping a walk in the park.

Good news for travelers: Early Black Friday deals have already landed. This means you can save on editor-tested luggage, outdoor gear, tech essentials, home goods, and just about everything else before the crowds and before popular items sell out. Official Black Friday deals begin on Friday, November 29, but these early deals from brands we love like Calpak, Dagne Dover, and Cozy Earth are already live—with some discounts as high as 50 percent off right now. We're seeing major deals on everything from duffel bags and pet carriers to cozy pajamas and noise-canceling headphones. Below, we've rounded up the best Black Friday deals for travelers happening now, so you can start your holiday shopping early and save on this year's best-selling travel gear. Scroll down to see all the best deals or jump right to the section you're looking for: