Discounts tips

The Japanese government announced on Friday it’s planning to resume its domestic travel discount program in the new year.

In the era of slow travel and quicker planning, those who wait until late might win. 

If this turns out to be the summer of travel, as touted, Airbnb is ready for it.

With the airport-security fiasco seemingly ever-present in the news, much has been made of the benefits to be had from enrolling in the TSA’s PreCheck trusted-traveler program. Even for occasional flyers, the savings in time and aggravation can be well worth the $85 fee for five years of relatively speedy security clearance.

Got an AAdvantage credit card issued by Citibank or Barclays? Then you may be entitled to book American award flights for fewer miles.

Looking to escape the wintry weather blighting much of the U.S.? Maybe it’s time to change hemispheres.

Fly roundtrip to or from select Asian destinations for as few as 50,000 Delta miles in coach.

IHG Rewards members can make their points go farther when redeeming for award stays at 21 hotels in Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Oh, how the hotels want you to book direct with them, on their websites, via their smartphone apps, or by phone!

Delta award discounts are becoming so frequent, if not exactly regular, that SkyMiles members may be left wondering which are the “normal” prices: the discounted rates, or the non-discounted rates. With the almost certain prospect of more award sales to come, it certainly makes ponying up the normal award price seem like an unnecessary extravagance.

United Airlines hasn’t exactly been killing it when it comes to generating loyalty and respect. Passengers unceremoniously bumped from flights. Dodgy Wi-Fi. A loyalty program that often seems to consciously emulate the worst features of American and Delta’s.

Getting old has few benefits, but the occasional senior travel discount is one of them. Senior travelers can enjoy a wide range of discounts, but both availability and value vary substantially among different travel sectors and in different parts of the globe.

Use Oprah’s Favorite Things list as a cheat sheet so you can be done with your “nice list” holiday shopping in a flash. Items suggested by the beloved icon are sure to sell out, so be sure to buy goods before all that’s left to give is coal.