Incoming Airline Sales: Best Times to Book Flights by Airline

It’s time to start thinking about holiday travel.

And that means it’s also time to start thinking about savings. If you’re interested in saving by booking during certain timeframes, check out Google’s advice on when to book holiday flights.

Here’s the short of it: For Thanksgiving and Christmas flights, Google recommends booking in late October and early October, respectively.

But what about airline discounts during seasonal booking periods? For the most part, the US’s largest airlines—including Delta, American, and United—offer limited sales and deals.

But during certain times of year, even the largest and most popular airlines offer savings.

Want to know the best times to book flights by airline? You need to know when they slash prices. Here’s what you need to know about upcoming sales in October, November, and December.

Best times to book flights in October

Domestic sales in October

Alaska Airlines usually offer deals to Hawaii and Mexico during September and October

European sales in October

Lufthansa sometimes offers deals around Oktoberfest for those traveling domestically around Europe
easyJet also offers discounts during October for seasonal European events

Best times to book flights in November

Domestic sales in November

JetBlue runs sales on Black Friday
Hawaiian Airlines runs sales on Black Friday
Alaska Airlines runs sales on Black Friday
American Airlines runs sales on Black Friday

European sales in November

Lufthansa usually runs sales in early November prior to the Black Friday rush
Aer Lingus runs sales in the week or two prior to Black Friday
Virgin Atlantic runs sales on Black Friday
Finnair runs sales on Black Friday
Scandinavian Airlines runs sales on Black Friday

Other sales in November

Japan Airlines runs sales on Black Friday
Air New Zealand runs sales on Black Friday
Singapore Airlines runs sales on Black Friday

Best times to book flights in December

European airlines that offer deals in December

British Airways runs promotions on Boxing day, which is the day after Christmas
Singapore Airlines offers deals during the Christmas period
Virgin Atlantic offers deals during the Christmas period
Scandinavian Airlines offers deals during the Christmas period

Minimalist Packing Guide

Do you struggle to pack for vacation?

Don’t feel bad. Packing is a tricky art—one that travelers slowly get the hang of thanks to experience. (And a few mistakes.)

Nailing down a packing list is already hard enough, even with modern and techy accessories at your disposal. It’s not uncommon for frequent travelers to leave behind important items, pack their gear poorly, and experience spills from toiletries.

One of the best ways to avoid packing mishaps is to understand the basics of packing—from a minimalist perspective, specifically.

The minimalist perspective strips away all the unneeded clothing and accessories people often have trouble leaving behind.

It also lays out a framework for travelers to rethink their trip. (As in, do you want to lug around a heavy suitcase? And why do you need so many items?)

Let’s dig into the basics of the minimalist packing approach. Don’t worry—you don’t need to leave behind your favorite things. I promise.

What is minimalist packing?

The goal of minimalist packing is two-fold.

First, to help travelers reframe their understanding of their trip. A minimalist approach digs into the core of why people travel. Why are you going? What do you hope to accomplish? How does what you pack inform and improve the goal of your trip?

Second, to help travelers efficiently pack their luggage. A minimalist approach will prevent you from overpacking while making sure you have precisely what you need.

Minimalist packing is also helpful for those who will be backpacking or otherwise manually carrying around their luggage.

Alternatively, it’s a solid solution for travelers who want to downsize their carry-on to a more portable option, like an under-seat suitcase.

A new approach to packing

Below, I’m going to lay out a step-by-step guide so that you can pack your bag with only the basics. But before we get to the nitty-gritty of how to fill up your suitcase, let’s focus on what you should be packing in the first place.

As outlined above, the minimalist approach will challenge you to be mindfully cut-throat when selecting which items to take with you. Every item should support the main reason of your travels.

Are you visiting family? You should probably focus on comfort more than glamor.

Are you flying to attend a work conference? Don’t worry about packing so many leisure clothes.

Are you heading to a bachelorette party? You don’t need more than two pairs of shoes. (I repeat: You don’t need more than two pairs of shoes.)

Aside from the purpose of your trip, consider length. The longer the trip, the more complex minimalist packing becomes. (Or fun, depending on your personality.)

Here are the most commonly overpacked items:

Shoes. Boots are the main culprit. Avoid packing boots at all costs.
Jewelry. Only bring pieces that you’ll wear daily.
Clothes. Slashing down the amount of clothes can be a challenge. Consider going modular with your wardrobe. Bring pieces that you can mix and match with one another. Neutral colors pair together most easily.
Coats and cold weather gear. When possible, opt for compressible coats like those sold at Uniqlo. If possible, wear your heaviest gear on the plane.
Toiletries. Do you really need your own loofa? Probably not.
Electronics. Aside from e-readers, you probably won’t need too many fancy gadgets.

Minimalist packing: step-by-step guide

Minimalist packing might feel stressful at first. That’s normal. In fact, some psychologists believe that overpacking is a symptom of catastrophic thinking and, more generally, anxiety.

So be kind to yourself as you start slashing your packing list. It’s normal to feel weird, and by weird, I mean nervous.

Now that you’ve got your gear laid out, here’s how to pack your bags like an expert:

Use a smaller bag or suitcase. We’re starting with the obvious here.
Organize what you’re going to pack next to your suitcase. If it’s too much, you’ll notice immediately. Keep removing items as needed.
Experiment with arrangements. If you have a new suitcase, you might need to work to figure out how to most efficiently pack your bag. Think of it like Tetris! Fun!
Roll clothes. This can help you save on space—though it’s not absolutely necessary if you have a larger piece of luggage.
Stuff things inside of other things. Socks, for example, fit wonderfully inside hats—and also prevent hats from losing their shape.
Pack heavy stuff at the bottom. If you have a rolling suitcase, pack your heaviest gear near the wheels. If it’s a backpack or duffel, do it at the bottom.

More Than Fly-Over Country: Most Beautiful Places in Kansas

Want to know one of my most controversial travel opinions? Kansas is beautiful.

I grew up in Missouri, surrounded by similar fly-over states in the Heartland—so I might be biased thanks to the amount of time I spent in Kansas as a kid. The same for Nebraska, Iowa, Arkansas, and Illinois.

Against popular opinion, I feel strongly that Kansas is one of the most stunning places in the world.

Sure, it’s flat as a pancake, but that’s part of the magic. The land is so flat that you can see the Earth’s curvature on the horizon.

While Montana’s state moniker is ‘Big Sky Country’, that label feels a lot more appropriate for the flat plains of Kansas. They make you feel like a tiny speck amid an ocean of sky and land—or golden wheat, depending on which part of the state you’re passing through.

And who doesn’t like feeling dwarfed by Mother Nature? Isn’t that the point of getting into the great outdoors?

So let’s revisit Kansas with rose-colored glasses. Here’s a love letter to all the fly-over states that are regularly listed as the least lovely in the US—and proof that mountains and lakes aren’t the end-all of great scenery.

Here are the most beautiful places in Kansas.

Flint Hills

The Flint Hills are home to ecologically important tallgrass prairies—some of the last in the world.

Some of these grasses grow up to ten feet tall, obscuring the horizon. That’s an important feature of Flint Hill’s rolling prairies, as these grasses provide shelter and nourishment for millions of birds and mammals.

In other words: The biodiversity is off the charts, making Kansas a fantastic place to spot birds on seasonal migrations. If you want to explore the extensive wonders of Flint Hills’ tallgrass prairies, then head to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve or Konza Prairie.

Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area

And speaking of birdwatching, the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area is a hot spot for millions of those migratory birds.

Like the tallgrass prairies, Cheyenne Bottoms is a crucial ecological site for thousands of species. It stretches over 41,000 acres, making it the largest interior wetlands in the US.

If you want to see millions of waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds, then head to this spot in late April and early May. Along with plenty of birdwatching, you’ll also be able to spot the ample wildlife that rely on the wetlands, from bobcats to mink to bats to armadillos.

Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park

This park stretches over 330 acres of badlands. If you’re new to geography, badlands are a dry terrain area. They usually have steep slopes, little vegetation, and plenty of rock debris.

In other words: No farming. That makes for rugged natural wonders like Little Jerusalem.

Here, you’ll find dozens of narrow canyons that weave between towering sedimentary rocks. In fact, the area got its name from how tight some of these passages are, which recalled the narrow streets of Jerusalem.

If you enjoy wandering through these giants, you can also explore nearby Kansan wonders like Castle Rock and Monument Rocks.

Ozark Plateau

Here’s where my Missouri roots come into play. The Ozarks is a stretch of rolling forests that stretch through a narrow belt in the Midwest.

These expansive hills are still rugged and remote—and filled with caves perfect for escaping the law, which legends like Jesse James did back in the day.

Though you won’t find too much of the Ozark Plateau to explore in Kansas (its confined to the southwest portion of the state), it’s one of the US’s most underrated forests—once again, in my humble and Missouri-influenced opinion.

Those caves are really worth writing about, as the limestone that forms them is hundreds of millions of years old.

Best Barbecue in Texas: City-by-City Guide

Discussions of Texas often involve barbecue.

Or is that just me? When someone brings up the Lone Star State, my mind switches gears. I can feel the frenetic atmosphere of a rodeo, hear the twang of lovely Southern accents, and see the lassos swinging through the air.

I can smell the sizzle of the brisket on the pit. I can almost taste the burnt ends and cornbread.

But Texas isn’t just one of the stomping grounds of great barbecue. It’s one of the most innovative frontiers in fusion barbecue, home to side-of-the-road smokehouses and fine dining establishments alike. Here is where new flavors meld into classic new eats.

In honor of the Lone Star State and all it does in the art of slow-cooked, smoked meats, I’m counting down the very best barbecue in Texas. Use this city-by-city guide the next time you’re on the hunt for some unforgettable barbecue.

Best barbecue in Houston

Tejas Chocolate & BBQ

Who says barbecue and chocolate don’t pair well? Along with the standard fare of falls-apart-in-your-hands brisket and ribs, Tejas Chocolate & BBQ also serves other delicious eats like a carrot souffle.

Their sandwich menu is extensive and unique—even more basic items like the turkey melt are mouthwatering. To top it all off, guests can shop around for the perfect truffle and chocolate bar when the meat sweats start.

Burns Original BBQ

If you want a legacy-level bite of brisket, then head to Burns Original. This eatery has been graced by legends like Anthony Bourdain—who gave a hearty stamp of approval.

In fact, Burns has been around for long enough that they’re part of the local community. They currently offer a $50,000 scholarship program. Every bite helps!

Best barbecue in Dallas-Fort Worth

Goldee’s BBQ

This barbecue spot inspired me to write this article. The restaurant opened after five high school friends decided to flip their love of barbecue into a business venture.

Since then, one founding member has started to incorporate his Laos roots into his ingredients. The result is a long list of classic barbecue eats, plus fusions like Laos sausages.

Terry Black’s Barbecue

Terry Black’s Barbecue is a no-frills and no-funny-business barbecue spot. Thanks to its sterling reputation, this is an intergenerational favorite for locals that has since opened up new locations. It’s tried and true, from brisket to baked potato salad.

Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que

Similar to Terry Black’s Barbecue, Smokey John’s has been at it for decades. You know it’s good based on the interior—which hasn’t been updated because everyone forgets about the décor when they start eating.

Aside from its tasty smoked meats, Smokey John’s excels on the sides. Looking for staples like collard greens and candied yams? Here’s where to get them.

Best barbecue in San Antonio

Pinkerton’s Barbecue

This San Antonio staple offers everything you could want from a Texas barbecue joint. There’s brisket, ribs, and pulled pork—along with stranger additions like the Man Bear Pig Sandwich and tasty twists like rosemary mac and cheese.

But there’s more here than imaginative dishes and stellar smoked meats. Along with its menu, Pinkerton’s offers a pretty serious collection of bourbon and whiskey.

2M Smokehouse

At 2M Smokehouse, you get the best of Mexican-influenced barbecue. That means treats like pork links stuffed with Oaxaca cheese and serrano peppers and barbacoa-style tacos.

Just make sure you plan ahead if you want to eat here—lines are hours long throughout the week.

South BBQ

If you’re after great eats like barbecue tacos and perfectly cooked chicken legs, you can find that at South BBQ—in addition to classics like pulled pork shoulder and Angus brisket. I’d personally be shoveling the loaded tater tot casserole down my gullet.

Best barbecue in Austin

KG BBQ

We’ve counted off Laos-inspired sausages from Goldee’s, along with Latin-influenced hits like Oaxaca-cheese-stuffed pork links at 2M Smokehouse.

Here’s the final leg of fusion barbecue: KG BBQ from an Egyptian-American pitmaster. This pop-up offers barbecue twists that incorporate Middle Eastern staples like tahini and stuffed pitas. Everyone say, shukraan!

Distant Relatives

Billed as ‘modern African American’, this unique eatery focuses on delicious barbecue flavors that have flown below the radar. I’m talking about mustard seed butter, tamarin molasses BBQ sauce, and something called ‘smothering gravy’. Distant Relatives is the type of innovative barbecue that keeps Texas at the top of the rankings.

Seven-Star Hotels—Are They Real?

Luxury travel is endlessly fascinating—sort of like window shopping.

Every year, more lux and semi-lux experiences come into orbit for the average traveler. So far in 2024, I’ve noticed things like semi-affordable semi-private airlines take off, a proliferation of private castle rentals, and brand-new, high-end glamping brands hit the market.

That being said, the bar for extravagance is continually rising.

And one of the latest iterations of luxury travel is the emergence of the seven-star hotel.

Is it real or a thing of myth? And how exactly do seven-star hotels compare to their counterparts?

Let’s dive into the mythical world of seven-star hotels, starting off with what defines these larger-than-life stays.

What differentiates seven-star hotels from five-star hotels?

Here’s the hard truth—most travel and hospitality experts don’t believe that seven-star hotels exist. That’s based on the fact that typical star allocations in the hotel world follow strict criteria.

In other words, there’s no seven-star category because the Powers That Be haven’t yet laid out the official requirements of a seven-star stay.

Also, it bears mentioning that star ratings are reviewed by different agencies across the world. A five-star stay in one place might not look the same in another.

And the criteria for hotel ratings are quantitative instead of qualitative. It’s based on the number of features—not whether or not they offer a high-quality experience.

That means that you can find four-star hotels that are wildly luxurious and endlessly re-bookable. They outperform their five-star friends even though they have one less star… which might be due to the fact that they don’t have a pool, for example.

On top of that, true luxury knows no star system. To put it bluntly, some of the best and most exclusive hospitality experiences aren’t listed online. The finer things in life are on a need-to-know basis—and the right people usually know where to find them.

So, the question is—if five-star ratings can still be subjective, then do seven-star hotels actually exist?

Do they actually exist?

Star rating systems are feature-driven, which means that, technically speaking, seven-star hotels don’t exist.

Still, I do think that some hotels offer an experience that’s a step above a standard five-star stay—and it’s only a matter of time before the entities in charge of hotel star ratings catch on.

Examples of seven-star hotels and the seven-star experience

Let’s pretend seven-star hotels officially exist. What sorts of next-level amenities do they offer?

The term first emerged as a superlative to describe the Burj Al Arab—the UAE’s iconic luxury hotel that opened back in 1999. Thanks to its more insane features—like private submarine travel and copious amounts of gold décor—it looked like the hotel was ushered in a new, gilded era in hospitality.

But with no official seven-star hotel rating, the Burj Al Arab is officially still in five-star territory.

Around 25 years after its opening, the travel world is still contending with the concept of what defines a seven-star stay.

Generally speaking, these are the elements that differentiate a seven-star stay:

Larger rooms and greater variation in room type
Catered and highly personalized service
Privacy—from butlers to pools
Fantastic views of unspoiled areas
The highest-end products, brands, and materials on the market

And here are hotels around the world that use the term ‘seven-star’ to describe their services:

US Fly Rights: How to Get Compensated for Delayed & Canceled Flights

Americans have new rights when it comes to receiving compensation for delayed and disrupted flights.

The US Department of Transportation recently passed a new regulation that outlines how and when airlines must reimburse you for disrupted air travel.

It’s called Fly Rights: A Consumer Guide to Air Travel.

The guide includes all kinds of helpful information about how airlines work and what Americans should expect from a journey to the airport, domestic flights, and international flights.

(I didn’t realize that overbooking flights is actually perfectly legal… thank you, Fly Rights.)

But let’s cut straight to the good stuff: Money.

The goal of the Fly Rights regulation is to financially protect Americans from disrupted and delayed flights. Thanks to a new finalization related to reimbursement, the rules work in a flyer’s favor now. You should be automatically reimbursed.

Sounds too good to be true?

It’s not. Here’s how to get compensated for delayed and canceled flights according to the new Fly Rights regulation.

When are passengers owed compensation?

Airlines aren’t always responsible for delays and disruptions. Just because your flight is canceled or delayed, that doesn’t mean you automatically qualify for compensation.

The new Fly Rights compensation policies are applicable only when an airline is at fault.

You are not owed compensation for issues stemming from these problem:

Poor weather
Air traffic control under-staffing
Mechanical issues

But you are owed compensation when an airline contributes to delays, cancellations, and disruptions in these ways:

Canceled flights
Significantly delayed flights
Significantly delayed checked luggage return
Failure to provide paid add-ons, like extra legroom

How to get compensated for canceled flights

When your flight is canceled, airlines can offer you an alternative form of transportation or travel credits. You can accept these offers—and it’s recommended you do so if you’re traveling under time restraints.

But you will not receive financial compensation if you accept an alternative form of travel or travel credits.

If you do not accept these forms of compensation, then you are automatically going to be refunded for the total that you paid for your flight.

The refund will be applied to your original form of payment within seven business days for credit cards or 20 business days for other forms of payment.

How to get compensated for significantly delayed flights

According to the Fly Rights program, a significant delay covers changes to domestic and international flights.

Here’s what counts as a ‘significant’ delay:

Delays over three hours for domestic flights
Delays over six hours for international flights
Departures or arrivals from different airports
Increases in the number of connections
Downgrading passengers to a lower class
Adding connections that don’t have adequate accessibility for passengers with disabilities

If your flight is delayed according to one of these definitions, then you will be compensated in the same way as you would for a canceled flight.

That means that airlines will automatically reimburse you within seven business days for payments made by credit card and up to 20 days for other payment methods.

How to get compensated for significantly delayed checked luggage return

To receive compensation for a delayed checked luggage return, passengers must file a mishandled baggage report with their airline.

After that, you are eligible for a full refund for your checked bag fee if the luggage is not delivered within 12 hours for domestic flights or up to 30 hours for international flights. Keep in mind that the international rules change according to how long the flight is – but 30 hours is the maximum time you would need to wait.

If you’re eligible for a refund, you’ll be automatically reimbursed according to your original payment method.

What about not receiving paid add-ons?

If an airline fails to provide you with a paid add-on like extra legroom, a specific seat selection, or Wi-Fi, then you will automatically be reimbursed for the full amount on your original payment method. I’m assuming that only happens if you’ve filed a complaint with the airline, similar to a missing luggage report.