Be a tourist @ home, SAS joins Skyteam, Some Hotel bonuses to look out for!

If your budget is a little tight, don’t forget that you can be a tourist in your own city! Embracing a tourist mindset in your own city can unveil hidden gems and refresh your perspective on familiar surroundings. Vanessa Grall, despite residing in Paris 🇫🇷 for over a decade, still thrills at discovering new streets, emphasizing the importance of curiosity. Just as tourists approach new destinations with urgency and lists, adopting a similar approach locally can lead to fulfilling experiences. One can inject excitement into everyday life by treating weekends as mini-vacations, prioritizing unique experiences over routines, and recreating travel activities at home. Making loose plans while remaining open to spontaneous discoveries and exploring both popular tourist spots and off-the-beaten-path locations can offer a well-rounded adventure. Don't shy away from typical tourist destinations, as they often hold hidden surprises even for locals. Engaging with locals and seeking out unconventional experiences, such as vintage guidebook hunts or cemetery explorations, can further enrich your city exploration. Stay curious and open-minded — there's always something new to discover in your own backyard.

SAS has announced its departure from the Star Alliance on August 31, 2024, followed by its entry into SkyTeam on September 1, 2024. This transition comes from SAS's bankruptcy reorganization, with Air France-KLM, a SkyTeam member, becoming a significant shareholder. As part of the change, SAS's frequent flyer program, EuroBonus, will likely merge into Flying Blue once Air France-KLM's acquisition is finalized. EuroBonus members will maintain their benefits until August 31, 2024, and enjoy similar perks with most SkyTeam airlines. SAS was a founding member of Star Alliance, which is ensuring a seamless customer transition. The move reflects a broader shift in airline alliances, with potential status match opportunities for EuroBonus members post-transition. SAS's move underscores the impact of ownership restructuring and aligning loyalty programs within the same alliance. Expect to see more shifts as the European airline market eyes a few more mergers.

In April 2024, hotel enthusiasts have a plethora of enticing promotions to capitalize on. Hilton Honors members stand to earn up to 2,500 bonus points per stay, along with a 100% buy points bonus and 1,000 Delta SkyMiles bonus. Marriott Bonvoy's latest global promotion offers 1,000 bonus points and a bonus elite qualifying night for every paid night. IHG tempts travelers with various global and targeted bonus points offers, including earning up to 80,000 bonus points for Iberostar stays. Hyatt's Bonus Journeys promotion allows members to earn up to 21,000 bonus points, while World of Hyatt offers double elite night credit for stays at Thompson and Dream hotels. Choice Privileges members can snag a free night after every two stays and enjoy a 50% bonus on purchased points. Marriott's bonus elite night credits particularly stand out, facilitating expedited Bonvoy status or renewal for members. Whether it's points, elite night credits, or bonus miles, these promotions present lucrative opportunities for hotel loyalty program enthusiasts.