Travel News: Top 5 Gen Z Travel Destinations, Liftopia Gives Skiers a Lift to the Lifts, and a Special Offer for New Southwest Cardmembers
From slightly off-the-beaten-path cities that are attracting travelers who are 24 and younger, to the most convenient way to get to popular ski resorts this winter, plus a limited-time offer from Southwest that frequent fliers may want to jump on, this week’s travel news is very much aimed at shaking off the winter blues and getting you out and about.
Top Gen Z Travel Destinations
If you’re a member of Gen Z, born roughly between the mid-’90s and the mid-’00s, 24 years old or younger, the new HomeAway 2019 Trend Report predicts that you’re more likely to travel with friends than with family or alone, and that you prefer to spend your vacation time in cities. In fact, vacation rental company HomeAway is seeing increased demand for some wonderful cities that are sometimes overshadowed by more famous neighbors. With vacation rentals starting at well under $100/night in some destinations, these five spots should be calling your name:
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Budapest, Hungary
- San Antonio, TX
- Genoa, Italy
- San Sebastian, Spain
Liftopia Will Give Skiers a Lift to the Lifts
Do you love skiing—or have a yearning to learn—but dread the hassle of driving to the mountains in winter weather? Liftopia, the largest online and mobile marketplace for ski-lift tickets, has big news for skiers and snowboarders and other fans of mountain activities. Liftopia Experiences are hosted bus trips that can get you to 20 popular resorts in 26 major ski regions across the U.S., including transportation in luxury coaches, lift tickets, ski and snowboard trips, lessons, visits to local breweries, tubing trips, and more. Trips from major cities including New York City, Boston, Chicago, Denver, and Los Angeles start at $89 per person. “Liftopia has always been about improving accessibility to the mountains, and Liftopia Experiences is our next step to decrease friction for customers looking to enjoy more time outside in the winter,” said Liftopia CEO Evan Reece. “These trips take the guesswork out of getting to the mountains.”
A Special Offer for New Southwest Cardmembers
When we gave Southwest the 2018 Budget Travel Award for value airline, it was an acknowledgment of how the company goes the extra mile in terms of fare transparency and customer service. A special offer for new cardmembers underscores all that we admire about Southwest: New cardmembers who open an account by February 11 will earn a Companion Pass (which allows you to designate a companion to fly free on any Southwest flight anytime you fly through December 31) and 30,000 Rapid Rewards Points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of your membership. The offer is for Southwest’s Plus, Premier and Priority consumer credit cards (southwest.com).