Travel Codex

One of the knocks against airline elite status today is that upgrades seem harder than ever to get. Premium cabins go out full, airlines sell more upgrades than ever, and even top-tier elites often find themselves staring at the waitlist instead of champagne in business class. That’s why I was pleasantly surprised when an upgrade on Alaska Airlines’ nonstop flight from Seattle to Rome actually came through.

When planning a trip, most travelers focus on flights, hotels, and transportation. But once you arrive, what are you actually going to do when you get there? Sit in a hotel room? Walk around aimlessly or go on vacation? That’s where Viator comes in. Viator is one of my favorite tools for finding tours, excursions, and local experiences around the world. With more than 300,000 activities available in over 150 countries, it’s often my first stop when researching things to do before a trip.

Every time an airline takes delivery of a new long range jet, I catch myself asking the same question: where could they actually fly this thing? Route planners live in the world of aircraft range and great circle distance, but most of us only ever see a brochure number and a pretty marketing map. I wanted something in between, so I built the Flight Range Atlas. Pick a departure airport, choose an aircraft, and the map draws the realistic reach right in front of you.

More than 110 new Hyatt hotels arrive in 2026, but the list reveals where Hyatt is really placing its bets. The full rundown, brand by brand. Hyatt Has A Lot Of Expansion In 2026 Hyatt has published its official list of hotels expected to open in 2026, and it is a long one. More than 110 properties are scheduled to open or join the portfolio this year, touching nearly every brand the company operates.

NOAA expects a below-normal 2026 hurricane season just as Caribbean rates hit their annual lows. The smart money books fall now, with a safety net attached. storm clouds near DFW NOAA’s 2026 Hurricane Forecast NOAA’s outlook for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season calls for a below-normal year: 8 to 14 named storms against an average season’s 14, with 3 to 6 hurricanes and 1 to 3 major ones.

This week I FINALLY had my chance to fly Singapore Airlines’ A380 Suites from Frankfurt to Singapore, and it’s one of the most unique first class experiences I’ve had. I’ve flown Singapore Airlines B777 First Class years ago. I liked it, but I also asked if it was overrated.

For nearly a decade, American Airlines insisted that seatback screens were yesterday’s technology. Why install expensive entertainment systems when everyone carries a smartphone, tablet, or laptop? TV Screens are dead on short haul flight, that was the way of US Airways management that took over American Airlines and TVs were dead This week, the airline quietly admitted what many travelers have been saying for years: passengers still want seatback screens. And not just in business class.

Alaska Airlines is doubling down on its international ambitions and European expansion. Just months after launching Alaska Airlines first ever long-haul service to Europe including new destinations Rome, London, Reykjavik  the Seattle-based carrier has announced Athens and Paris for summer 2027. The additions further cement Seattle as Alaska’s global gateway and move the airline another step away from its historical identity as a primarily West Coast domestic carrier.

If you’re staying at a luxury IHG hotel and booking directly through the brand website, you may be leaving hundreds of dollars in value on the table. The best-kept secret in luxury travel is IHG Destined, an exclusive preferred partner program that provides complimentary perks at participating hotels worldwide for the same rates often available to the public.

I recently flew Alaska Airlines’ new nonstop service from Seattle (SEA) to Rome (FCO) in business class. As an Alaska loyalist and frequent traveler, I was excited to experience one of the carrier’s newest long-haul routes. It was my first time on Alaska’s 787 and our upgrade cleared from economy to business class! A great day perk of the Atmos program for Titanium elites.