WOW Air Offers $99 Flights to Paris & Amsterdam
Last week, WOW Air made big news when it released $99 fares from Boston and Washington D.C. to Paris and Amsterdam. If something like that doesn't kick your insatiable wanderlust into overdrive, I don't know what will.
The bad news is by the time you read this, the $99 flights to Paris will most likely be gone, as these type of amazing airfare offers never last long. At press time, there were just a handful of $99 flights still available from Boston to Amsterdam in November and January, and those may even be sold out in the next few days, if not the next few hours.
The good news is WOW Air is still offering outrageously low priced tickets to both cities, as well as to Dublin, Copenhagen, London, Berlin, and Reykjavik this winter. You can still score flights to Paris and Copenhagen from $206 one way, flights to Reykjavik from Boston and D.C. from $186 one way, and flights to London from $198 or $211 one way depending on your gateway. Visit their website to view more flight specials now thru winter 2016.
We want to hear from you: Have you ever scored an amazing flight deal to Europe? Tell us about it below!
Air Travel Trends for 2015
Summer is the high season for air travel, and we've been keeping an eye on new developments that are changing the way people get to the airport, what they do during layovers, and even how they choose to travel with their pets. COOL AIRPORT LOUNGES. Got a layover between flights? Airlines are making that time more enjoyable with exciting new "sky lounges" that include eye-popping design, great service and food and drinks, and even outdoor areas. JetBlue's outdoor rooftop lounge at JFK is open to all passengers who've passed through security and includes landscaped spaces, seating, great food (hot dogs and ice cream!), a children's play area, and a dog-walk - a first! Other lounges are a little more exclusive - a few hundred dollars a year or a $50 "day pass," like Delta Sky Club in Atlanta, includes showers, work stations with plug-ins, and a separate "quiet" room. FLY WITH FIDO AND FLUFFY. We may joke about how "traumatic" flying can be for humans, but for pets stored in the baggage hold, the experience is no joke. Despite airlines' best efforts, there's lots of loud noise and jostling (though, contrary to urban myth, the hold is heated). Many fliers with cats and small dogs are now opting to carry their pet in the cabin in a container under their seat (as a "carryon"). When flying with a dog or cat, you should check the airlines' policy in advance, leave extra time for check-in, and be sure you have an up-to-date health certificate. SAY BUH-BYE TO FREE BAGGAGE CHECK. Of the major U.S. carriers, only Southwest still offers free checked bags. JetBlue recently did away with the policy for its basic fares when it rolled out a new three-tiered fare system last month. So if you're flying JetBlue, American, United, or Delta, you're allowed two checked bags under 50 pounds and a carry-on, but you've got to pay for the checked bags. TIP: If you're a frequent flier, some reward program credit cards will give you access to free baggage check and other perks. MIDDLE SEAT ANXIETY. The folks at Zodiac Aerospace had the best intentions when they designed their LifeStyle airplane seating. Their goal was to give passengers more room and to fit more seats on the plane. But the Twitterverse reacted harshly to the proposal, which would include middle seats that face "backwards," so you're face-to-face with the folks in the row "behind" you. Some fliers have described that proposal as a dystopian fantasy/torture device. NEW WAYS TO GET TO THE AIRPORT. Can't talk your friends or your significant other into driving you to the airport anymore? You're not alone. But a new generation of car services is stepping up to make the trip easier than ever: Download the Uber app and you can order a car with a touch of a screen and even track your car's location via real-time map. We Drive ("Your Car, Our Driver, You Save") will drive you to the airport in your car, then drive it back to your home, and text you a photo of your car safely parked, for less than most car services.
#BTReads: 'A Passion for Paris'
If I had to visit Paris with a traveling companion other than my wife, my choice might very well be author David Downie. Reading Downie's A Passion for Paris: Romanticism and Romance in the City of Light (St. Martin's Press, 2015) is like strolling the city's boulevards with a funny, well-read, and wildly enthusiastic devotee. While many of us simply accept the notion that Paris is the world's most romantic city (guilty), Downie decided to ask "why?" His answer is a hybrid travel narrative, memoir, and history lesson that brings such notable Parisians as Baudelaire, Hugo, Balzac, and Sand into the dialogue as if they, too, are accompanying you. Speaking of strolling the boulevards of Paris... When you put the book down and are ready to dive into the real Paris, you may want to book one of Downie's custom walking tours at Parisparistours.com. Your turn: Tell us what you're reading now by tagging #BTReads on social media! Or let us know below in the comments.
Group Tours Are a Beautiful Way to See the World
Whether you're planning a family reunion, girlfriend getaway, or just happen to have a bunch of friends and relations itching to hit the road, we love group travel. It's a way of reconnecting with the people close to you while you simultaneously connect with a new environment and culture, new tastes and sights. Sure, seeing St. Peter's basilica for the first time is a thrill whenever you manage to get there. But seeing it through grandpa's eyes? Or watching two of your best friends stagger up the dizzying steps to the dome's top? Those are connections you'll never forget. We especially love the tour packages for groups of eight or more offered by Globus Journeys. It's an amazing way to enjoy guided tours, great accommodations, and the insider access that Globus's expert-planned itineraries are known for. If you're ready to jump on the potential savings of the historically low euro, Globus's itineraries include group tours to Italy, Ireland, Spain, England, France, Portugal, and include multi-country packages in Europe. Globus also has group tours to China, Japan, Costa Rica, and Africa. Globus has a well-earned reputation for assembling itineraries planned by local experts, which means you're in good hands when it comes to what to see, when to see it, where to eat, and more. When you know you're getting a good deal (package tours typically deliver big savings over an a la carte booking approach) and all your logistics are worked out in advance, you can get down to the important business of connecting and reconnecting that group travel is all about.
Best Things To Do In Berlin, Maryland, One of America's Coolest Small Towns
Located just a 15-minute drive from Assateague Island and Ocean City on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Berlin, Maryland, had the honor of winning last year's coveted “America’s Coolest Small Town" title. I had such a great time visiting this summer and couldn't wait to share this video from my trip with all of you! If you're planning to visit and see it for yourself this summer, here are five ways to make the most of your trip to this artsy, quaint, and historic part of the east coast. Get to know the locals Learning about a place from the people who live there is the best way to truly get a sense of that destination. Whether you speak to someone in a store or restaurant for travel advice or chat up the locals on a bench, you’re sure to learn something new. Never skimp on desserts Berlin has a town dessert that you don’t want to miss: the peach dumpling. The are was once home to one of the largest peach orchards in the country, and this dessert certainly pays tribute to those roots. Stop by Baked Dessert Café to get a sugar rush from this sweet treat that consists of peach slices sautéed in butter, brown sugar, and spices encased in a buttery puff pastry. The best part: It’s topped with homemade caramel sauce. Yum! Embrace your artsy side From galleries to glass blowing, there are plenty of great ways to get artsy in Berlin. Make a plan to meet Jeffrey Auxer and learn the art of glass blowing at his studio and gallery just off Main Street. Whether you create an ornament or your own special home décor souvenir, you’ll have a keepsake with true meaning and the knowledge that you challenged yourself (or your kids) to learn something new. Head to the local watering hole Pay a visit to Burley Oak Brewery, a sustainable brewery that guests can tour. Sip on inventive brews like the Dirty Blonde—a Belgian inspired ale made with yeast from a Trappist Monastery—the Tart Attack, or Hand Made Root Beer in the lively taproom. Plus, the beer tastes better when you know that just by drinking it, you’re supporting local farmers and small businesses, so give yourself a pat on the back as you toast Berlin. Window shop on Main Street Did you know the 1999 movie “Runaway Bride” with Julia Roberts and Richard Gere was filmed along Berlin’s charming Main Street? Take a stroll down the main drag to look for antiques, unique gift items, or just window shop and soak in this small town’s ambience. Looking for more things to do around the Berlin area? Ocean City is just a 15-minute drive away. Also within a 15-minute drive of Berlin is scenic Assateague Island, a great place to spend the day or take the family on good old fashioned camping trip. Of course, no camping trip is complete with out s'mores. Here's how to make them perfectly.
