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February 4, 2025 | View Online |
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I’m planning my summer travels and already apologizing to my credit card—one destination somehow turned into four. But hey, when in Europe...commit to the bit.
I’ll be keeping an eye on my flights with Dollar Flight Club—because the goal is to see more of the world without being beaten down by overpriced fares in the process. The deal-hunting is done for me, so I can book without the stress of keeping tabs on multiple flights.
In today’s edition:
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Delta’s new Sky Club Lounge access rules are now in effect
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Would you take this 45-day cruise around the Mediterranean?
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Marathon tourism is the newest travel trend going the distance
Cheers,
Kaylen
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| AIRPORT LOUNGES |
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Chris Rank / Rank Studios for Delta News Hub/Wikimedia (CC by 2.0) |
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Delta Tightens Access to Sky Club Lounges
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If you’ve got a trip coming up and plan to visit a Delta lounge, be aware that Delta's new, stricter Sky Club access rules are now in effect to address chronic overcrowding. While these changes were announced over a year ago, now’s the time to take note as they are implemented.
🛋️ Who can access the lounges now?
Delta Sky Club access is limited to within three hours of departure, except for passengers with a connecting flight. Entry is restricted to same-day Delta boarding passes, and basic economy passengers are excluded.
Certain American Express cardholders now have a set number of visits per year. For instance, Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Business Reserve cardholders get 15 visits, while Amex Platinum and Business Platinum cardholders get 10. Cardholders can purchase additional visits if needed or bring guests for $50 per visit.
Delta Sky Club memberships are available for Medallion members, with regular memberships priced at $695 and executive ones at $1,495. If you're not a Medallion member, you’re out of luck. However, spending $75K annually on select cards gets you unlimited access for both the current and next Medallion year. Diamond Medallion members can use their Choice Benefits for Sky Club access, and Medallion members flying internationally in premium classes or SkyTeam Elite Plus members also qualify. Otherwise, consider Priority Pass to lounge around before your flight!
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| INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY |
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This is the Biggest Breakthrough in Next-Gen Tech Since iPhone—But Hurry, Their Round is Closing in Less Than a Week. |
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Elf Labs won historic rights to iconic characters including, Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and The Little Mermaid. Now they’re transforming the $2 trillion media industry by leveraging cutting-edge patented technology to bring them to life like never before. Think VR—without headsets and AI powered talking toys.
More exciting: they’re on the brink of a game-changing product launch—one that has the potential to reshape their future. Investors who act now will lock in their stake before share prices jump.
🔥 Fundraise closing early—Deadline: February 12
🔥 Industry-shifting product/partnership announcement imminent
🔥 $2.00 per share—last chance before next valuation update
Already 1,200 investors—and growing!
But time is running out. Invest before the round closes 2/12.
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| CRUISES |
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Roderick Eime/Flickr |
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Holland America’s 45-Day Mediterranean Adventure
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If a comfortable and lengthy trip has been on your mind this year, might I suggest Holland America's Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage cruise? This cruise, happening next year, sails roundtrip from New York and visits 21 ports over 45 days to gorgeous destinations around the Mediterranean. The cool part is that it’s modeled on an itinerary from more than 100 years ago in 1925.
🛳️ When is the cruise?
Set sail on October 8, 2026, aboard Holland America's 1,432-guest Volendam for a 45-day journey to 12 countries. The cruise begins with a transatlantic crossing, followed by unique stops in Ponta Delgada, Lisbon, Barcelona, Livorno, Civitavecchia, Heraklion, and more. There are also overnight stays in Alexandria and Istanbul, plus multiple late-night departures for extra time.
💳 How much is it?
This 45-day cruise is perfect if you're looking to limit flying this year, especially with current aviation concerns. The sailing starts at $7,574 per person (double occupancy). That covers accommodations, many onboard meals, live entertainment, and more. It's a great way to explore Europe while minimizing air travel—apart from getting to New York, of course! |
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| TOURISM |
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Race-cations Are Picking Up the Pace In Travel |
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With fitness goals on the rise, race-cations are turning travel into a fitness challenge. Strava’s Year in Sport report, which tracks running, cycling, and hiking, shows a 9% increase in marathon and ultra participation. Its 120 million users log runs from home to vacation spots.
Runners today are chasing more than medals—they want core memories, personal growth, and stories from their trips. With work-life balance on top of mind, racing in bucket-list spots easily merges fitness with adventure. Now, location is the number one factor in race choice. So, if you’re looking for an excuse to book that dream trip, just call it race training.
Upcoming marathons around the world:
🇭🇰 Hong Kong Marathon on February 9, 2025
🇮🇹 Run Rome The Marathon on March 16, 2025
🇺🇸 Los Angeles Marathon on March 16, 2025
🇬🇧 Brighton Marathon Weekend on April 6, 2025
🇮🇪 Belfast City Marathon on May 4, 2025
🇿🇦 Big Five Marathon in South Africa on June 14, 2025
As more travelers head to destinations for marathons, many are turning their races into full-on trips, with 59% staying 3-5 nights or checking out nearby sights. Despite the heaviness of extreme jet lag, arriving early and sticking to your routine can help. The shared experience and sense of this major accomplishment make it all worth it.
Check out this year’s marathon lineup, with events happening in so many fun destinations! |
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