Virgin Airlines take flight rewards global

Posted by Staff in Travel News

Navigating the confusing world of air mile points is complicated with so many mileage programs to choose from…if only there was one big universal mileage program that all airlines subscribed too our lives would be much easier! Although that dream will have to wait…Virgin has announced a step in the right direction with their new global rewards program.

Virgin America, Virgin Atlantic Airways and Virgin Australia, today announce that all three award-winning Virgin airlines are fully linking their frequent flyer programs to offer global benefits to Virgin flyers. Known around the world for their stylish, innovative and value-based flying experience, the three airlines have agreed to a global partnership that for the first time allows each airline’s loyalty program members to redeem miles or points when taking flights on any of the sister-branded airlines across their respective route networks. This new initiative will allow those earning points on any Virgin airline to be able to use them to fly to any of the Virgin destinations around the world, knowing that they will get the unique Virgin experience wherever they fly. The new benefit builds on the airlines’ 2010 move to enable miles and points earning across the Virgin airline family.

Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Group Founder commented: “Virgin got into the airline business three decades ago to offer great value and a brilliant experience. Today’s travelers still choose Virgin for the same reason: because we do things differently. I am thrilled that we can now reward our loyal guests with the ability to fly around the world on Virgin. Yes indeed, Virgin goes all the way!”

“As a new U.S. airline, our guests have believed from day one that we could create a better travel experience here in the States,” said Virgin America President and CEO David Cush. “As we prepare to mark our fifth year anniversary, we are thankful to the travelers who got us where we are today and excited to take their benefits to the next level with global rewards and continued Elevate® program enhancements in 2012 and beyond.”

$1 March Madness

Posted by Staff in Budget Thursdays, New York

In celebration of SU Orange’s #1 seed in March Madness, Syracuse is offering a variety of $1 deals throughout the city for residents and visitors alike. There are even $1 hotel stays!!

Incredibly, 22 local hotels, restaurants & attractions (i.e., museums, spas – even the opera!) have signed up to offer discounts for The Orange’s run through the NCAA tournament. To receive all deals, interested parties need to simply mention the “1 for 1 All the Way.” Please find a full list of “Syracuse’s 1 for 1 All the Way” deals at:  www.visitsyracuse.org/alltheway

Live like the Bachelor

Posted by Staff in Europe, Luxury Monday, Switzerland

The Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, nestled between two stunning Alpine lakes and at the foot of the majestic Jungfrau mountain in Switzerland, played host to Bachelor Ben Flajnik and his bevy of beautiful bachelorettes, Courtney Robertson, Lindzi Cox, and Nicki Sterling, on the ninth episode of ABC’s The Bachelor. Luckily for all Bachelor fans, a romantic Swiss getaway is no longer just an idle daydream. Those wishing to follow in the footsteps of Bachelor Ben can do just that with the Victoria-Jungfrau’s Bachelor’s Rose package.

Ben’s date activities at the Victoria-Jungfrau included a candlelit dinner in the hotel’s elegant Salon Rouge and a scenic picnic lunch prepared by the hotel. At night, things heated up when Bachelor Ben chose to spend the night in the Fantasy Suites on three separate occasions with each bachelorette. To replicate the passion and glamour of these dates, the package includes a picnic basket and a candlelit dinner for two in the Salon Rouge as well as breakfast in bed and couples pampering in the hotel’s wellness wing, which is home to an ESPA treatment center and the world’s only SENSAI SELECT SPA.

Fortunately one of the show’s nerve-wracking rose ceremonies is not included; however, the hotel’s lakeside location, stunning views of the Alps, and the city’s Old World charm will certainly inspire The Bachelor-style romance.

Recycle your maps

Posted by Staff in Souvenirs, Tip of the Week

Don’t know what to do with old travel maps, blogger Teena Hughes from A-Night-In-Paris.com has some great ideas…like using them as creative wrapping paper…to read the rest of her ideas click here