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February 10, 2025 | View Online |
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What’s the weirdest thing that surprised you when you got back to your hotel room?
I’ll go first! A strange man roaming around my room who jumped in from the balcony. Yep. Well, these hotel guests returned to their room to find this animal taking a nap—much cuter than a strange man. And if it were legal to take it home with me, I would’ve!
In today’s edition:
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Upgrade your long-haul slepe with Air New Zealand’s Skynest
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Escape the hamster wheel on these wellness cruises
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The best time to book a flight (and how to save $$)
Stranger things have happened,
Kaylen |
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| AIRLINES |
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Credit: Air New Zealand |
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Air New Zealand Bringing Lie-Flat Pods to Economy |
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I’ve always dreamed of more room in economy without coughing up a fortune. Luckily, Air New Zealand is debuting Skynest, sleep pods for extremely long flights (up to 18 hours!) next year. This is separate from Skycouch, which combines three economy seats into a “couch” for extra space.
In early 2026, passengers on Air New Zealand can nap in the world’s first lie-flat sleep pods in economy, aka Skynest, set to debut on the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliners, starting from New York to Auckland. This new addition to their fleet has had a few delays (it was supposed to launch in September 2024), but they’re finally working on getting those planes ready.
🛏️ How Skynest works:
The Skynests are designed like the bunk beds used by flight attendants or in pod hotels, with six beds stacked three on each side, and a middle ladder. Passengers can book a bed for a four-hour session after takeoff, during the flight, and before landing. Each bed comes with a pillow, blanket, clean sheets, earplugs, a reading light, a USB outlet, and a privacy curtain. Economy and Premium Economy passengers can book a Skynest for a quick nap, helping you adjust to the time change and recharge.
💸 How much is it?
While prices haven’t been finalized yet, they’ll likely fall within the $400–$600 range. And yep, this will be on top of your regular ticket price, so it’s definitely not cheap. But if you’re desperate for some decent shut-eye and comfort on an ultra-long-haul flight, it might be worth the money.
See more exciting updates coming to the airline if this option is too pricey for your budget!
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| TRAVEL ESSENTIALS |
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Shop Carry Essentials Designed for Modern Movement by LOJEL |
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Wherever you're headed, LOJEL has the perfect carry essentials to keep you moving effortlessly. Rooted in Japanese design principles, LOJEL empowers journey through sustainable travel companions that blend style with function.
From international travel to everyday commutes, LOJEL has something for everyone. Not sure where to start? Here’s what we have got our eye on:
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For a daily use, the Iloj Crossbody Strap keeps your essentials secure and close at hand with its sleek design.
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Need more versatility? The Semo Tote Backpack seamlessly shifts from polished to practical, perfect for your daily commute or quick weekend escape.
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For international travel, the Cubo Small is your go-to for compact convenience—smartly designed to fit more while keeping you light on your feet.
With LOJEL, every journey—whether across town or across the world—is about simplicity, ease, and movement. Shop travel essentials here.
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| CRUISES |
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Cruise Your Way to Calm on Wellness Voyages
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Peace is all I want—no noise, no loud splash pools, or couples on vacation arguing while I’m baking a tan. Just the gentle sway of the ship and a cool breeze on a wellness retreat so I can hear my thoughts. If you want to skip the chaos, wellness sailings for 2025-2026 offer everything from sound baths in Mexico to spa treatments in the Caribbean and much more.
Where to book wellness sailings:
👑 Cunard is partnering with Harper’s Bazaar for a glamorous Wellness at Sea sailing aboard the new Queen Anne, departing from Southampton, London, on July 5, 2026. This week-long voyage through the Norwegian fjords includes wellness seminars led by the magazine’s editors and special spa treatments. Prices start at $1,129 per person for an inside cabin.
🚢 Virgin Voyages offers an empowering Elevate Voyage departing Miami on April 20, 2025, to Riviera Maya, Mexico. This six-day cruise will combine sound bath meditation (a personal favorite) and inspirational talks. Stops include Cozumel, Mexico, and Bimini in the Bahamas. Fares start at $2,302 per person.
⛵ Windstar Cruises debuts its Mind, Body & Spirit Collection in 2025, with four exclusive sailings led by life coach Debbie Dixon. Expect meditation, breathwork, and wellness menus. It’s giving Nine Perfect Strangers without the strangeness. The itineraries include an 8-day Rome to Barcelona cruise on February 23, 2025, from $2,079 per person, and an 8-day New York to San Juan cruise on October 19, 2025, from $2,399 per person.
These cruises sound like a no-brainer! Check out all the wellness sailings for a dedicated experience, or enjoy wellness perks on regular ships—spas and thermal suites with saunas and plunge pools. |
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| TRAVEL TIPS |
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The Best Times to Book Flights in Advance
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As the designated travel friend in my group, the most common question I get is, "How far in advance should I book my flight?" It's not always an easy one to answer because, let’s face it, airline prices can fluctuate without warning. While there’s no foolproof formula, solid research, and some travel wisdom can help you get the best deals.
Tips for booking in advance:
🗓️ Timing is everything: Generally, aim to book 3-6 weeks ahead for domestic flights and 2-3 months for international trips to grab the best deals.
✈️ Set fare alerts: Sign up for alerts to track price drops and catch deals when they pop up. I use Dollar Flight Club to track flights from my home city and I get a notification via email when a good deal is available, so I don’t have to keep checking for prices on my own. It saves me so much time!
🌎 Flexibility pays off: Moving around your travel dates, even by a day or two, can get you huge savings.
💼 Book early for hot spots: Rome and London aren’t exactly hidden gems—they’re popular for a reason! It’s best to book early if you want to grab a seat before everyone else beats you to the punch.
If you want more tips on the best times to book your travel, read our full guide! |
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| TIKTOK OF THE WEEK |
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A reminder that humans can be really sweet. ❤️ |
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| WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING |
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*This link is sponsored. |
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