Latest Articles on In the News

Huge Changes Are In Store for Marriott Customers—Here’s What You Need to Know

Front Desk at Kauai Marriott Resort/Oyster When Marriott merged with Starwood back in 2016, questions and concerns around changes — namely, how the acquisition would impact the company’s rewards programs — arose among frequent travelers. Turns out, the revamped rewards program, which was recently announced, holds some good news for members of both loyalty programs,…

The First-Ever Luxury Hotel Is Opening in Space

Last year, we played an April Fools prank on our readers, with a story about a new budget airline that was offering $69 flights to the moon. Turns out, the gag wasn’t so far-fetched. New start-up Orion Span recently announced its plans to launch the first-ever luxury hotel in space in 2021, with hopes to…

This Popular Island in the Philippines Is Temporarily Off Limits to Tourists

Taking extreme measures to mitigate overtourism isn’t novel by any means. Santorini recently capped its visitor count by limiting the number of cruise ship passengers allowed to disembark every day. Venice, too, banned particular cruise ships from entering its city center. And in 2004, the Malaysian government closed all hotels on the popular island destination…

Is It Safe to Travel to Playa del Carmen Now?

Last week, the State Department issued an ambiguous travel warning for Playa del Carmen, a spring break hot spot on Mexico’s eastern coast, stating that the U.S. Embassy “received information about a security threat” and is barring government employees from traveling there until further notice. Though the nature and details of the threat were not…


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The First-Ever Topless-Optional Cruise Will Set Sail

If you’re someone who books a cruise to let your hair down — whether that means partying with a cocktail or several, hitting the nightclubs, throwing your hands up in the air as you zip down a waterslide, or even seeking out a romantic fling a la “The Love Boat” — then we come bearing…

A State of Emergency Was Just Declared in the Maldives

When it comes to luxurious island vacations — with the softest of beaches, the bluest of waters, and over-the-top overwater bungalows — the Maldives tops the list. Made up of nearly 2,000 islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, the stunning archipelago is a romantic paradise. However, while the beauty of the Maldives is indisputable, it’s…

Is It Safe to Go to Montego Bay, Jamaica?

Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa/Oyster A surge in violence on the tourist-popular Caribbean island of Jamaica has prompted officials to declare of state of emergency in parts of the country. The United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom have issued travel warnings and advisories to their citizens about visiting these regions. In recent weeks,…

It Just Got Much Cheaper and Easier to Visit Brazil

Praia do Arpoador, Ipanema, Brazil/Oyster In an exciting effort to attract American visitors to Brazil, the South American country’s government has officially launched a much anticipated e-visa system. Starting this week, Americans, Canadians, Japanese, and Australians planning to visit Brazil will be able to apply online for a $40 e-visa, down from the whopping $160…


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