Southwest Has 25% Off Flights During Peak Holiday Travel Times — but You’ll Have to Book Fast

The sale applies to select flights on Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.

It’s beginning to look a lot like savings at Southwest Airlines with the carrier’s holiday sale that has 25% off base fares.

The sale, which is good on select flights for Christmas and New Year’s holiday travel, must be booked by 11:59 p.m. PT on Dec. 7, according to the airline. The sale is valid on one-way or round-trip Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fares flown on Dec. 24, Dec. 25, Dec. 31, or Jan. 1, 2023.

To take advantage, travelers can use the promo code “HOLIDAY25” when booking a flight on Southwest’s website.

“We know the holiday season is a busy time and we’re here to make your travel as seamless as possible,” said Bill Tierney, vice president of marketing and digital experience at southwest airlines told “With this promotion, Customers can save money and Go with Heart into the holiday season.”

The sale is valid on select flights within the continental United States across Southwest’s network, including between Chicago and Los Angeles, New York and Orlando, Boston and Las Vegas, and more.

Beyond the sale itself, Southwest has made it cheaper and easier to island hop throughout Hawaii with $39 inter-island flights on sale through the end of the year. Southwest flies year-round between four of the major Hawaiian islands: the Big Island, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai. On the Big Island, the airline services two different airports, Hilo and Kona.

This Semi-private Jet Company Makes Luxury Air Travel As Affordable As Flying Economy

Everything you need to know about flying on semi-private air carrier JSX.

We’re pretty sure absolutely no one enjoys slogging through an airport, particularly when there are long lines at check-in and security. But what if we told you there was a way to skip all that hassle? Flying on the semi-private air carrier JSX means you’ll get all the conveniences of flying private — including skipping standard airport security — for prices that are often similar to (or lower than) first class on domestic flights. If you haven’t yet flown with JSX, here’s everything you need to know about the experience, from the airports the company serves to the in-flight benefits.

How Does JSX Work?

JSX is an air carrier that offers semi-private air travel. When it comes to booking, it’s not at all different than booking a commercial flight on a major U.S. airline. JSX has a regular schedule of flights between different cities, and you book by the seat. The major difference lies in the pre-flight and in-flight experience. For starters, JSX operates out of fixed-based operators (FBOs), or private jet terminals, which means that security is not handled by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Security measures are typically invisible, so you usually don’t need to get in a long line to pass your bags through an X-ray machine, then go through a metal detector or body scanner. Instead, you just speak with a check-in agent briefly and head for the lounge, which is why you only need to show up 20 to 40 minutes before your flight. Then, there’s the fact that JSX flies small regional jets with all-first-class configurations, so there are no crowded and uncomfortable economy seats. The experience is more like flying private, though you (probably) won’t be alone with your party on the plane.

What Aircraft Does JSX Fly?

JSX has a fleet of Embraer ERJ-135 and ERJ-145 aircraft, each of which seats 30 passengers in 1-2 and 1-1 configurations, respectively. Each spacious seat has first-class-style legroom (read: plenty of it). Passengers who book the more affordable Hop On fare will have to pay for a seat assignment, whereas those who book the All In fare can choose their seat for free.

What Is the JSX In-flight Experience Like?

Snacks and drinks, including alcoholic beverages, are provided free of charge to all passengers. There’s also complimentary Starlink WiFi on board — JSX was the first air carrier to implement the service into its fleet, and it’s available from the second you board to the second you land, so there’s no waiting to reach 10,000 feet before it kicks in.

Where Does JSX Fly?

JSX is primarily a West Coast operator flying all across California, as well as to Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado, but the carrier is currently expanding its route network. It now flies from Westchester County (HPN) in New York to both Orlando (MCO) and Miami (MIA), as well as to cities across Texas. Dallas (DAL) even serves as something of a hub for JSX, as it connects its East and West Coast operations. JSX also flies internationally, connecting Los Angeles and Dallas to Cabo San Lucas (CSL) seasonally. Visit JSX’s Where We Fly page to see the latest developments in its route network.

This Air New Zealand Sale Has Big Savings on Flights From the U.S. to Australia — How to Book

The sale is valid on flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, and Chicago.

Air New Zealand is putting flights on sale from the United States to cities across Australia — helping to make the dream of a trip to Oz a reality.

The sale, which must be booked by Aug. 6, is valid on travel from several of Air New Zealand’s North American gateways including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, and Chicago to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and more, Air New Zealand shared with Travel + Leisure. Tickets during the sale start at just $1,195 and valid travel dates vary by destination and fare class.

“Our nine Australian destinations are easily accessible from seven North American gateways, with a quick stop in Auckland,” Ben Evers-Swindell, the airline’s general manager, Americas, told T+L. “We’ve seen strong demand for travel to Australia out of the US, so we’re excited to offer our US customers reduced fares to Australia as part of our current North American sale.”

To take advantage of the sale, travelers must purchase their tickets at least 90 days in advance for economy or 120 days in advance for the Business Premier fare. A seven day minimum stay is required.

Fly from Los Angeles to Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane starting at just $1,195, or fly from the southern California city to Perth starting at just $1,460. Travelers can fly to Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane from San Francisco starting at $1,295, or fly to the major cities from Chicago starting at just $1,595.

Business class starts at $6,995 from both Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Air New Zealand also has deals on flights to Hobart, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Cairns, and Adelaide.

Southwest Has a New Fare Class — and It’ll Allow Passengers to Transfer Flight Credits to Other Fliers

Transfers are one-time only and both people must be Rapid Rewards members.

Southwest Airlines is introducing a new fare class that will offer travelers more flexibility when booking — and even allows them to gift unused flight credits.

The new Wanna Get Away Plus fare, which will be available late in the second quarter of 2022, will allow travelers to take advantage of same-day changes and standby flights as well as earn 8 times the Rapid Rewards points, according to Southwest.

Travelers who book one of these tickets will also be able to transfer eligible unused flight credits to someone for future use. Transfers are one-time only and both people must be Rapid Rewards members.

“The airline industry, in our perspective, is a repeat purchase business. And a positive experience with a quality product brings customers back for the next flight,” Andrew Watterson, Southwest’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer, said in an address. “Because of that, we’re committed to a bundled product… The desired outcome here is to have four quality fare products with reasonable sell-ups in between and let the customer choose what fits their needs. But all the fare products are sufficient for travel.”

The new benefits are in addition to Southwest’s current perks like two free checked bags, no change fees, and free TV, movies, and messaging on board.

A New World Cruise Will Take You to 21 Countries on 5 Continents in 4 Months

Imagine traveling around the world but only having to unpack once. That dream becomes a reality when you sail on a world cruise. And there’s a new world cruise that was just announced this week: MSC Cruises has opened bookings for its 116-night world cruise that will travel to 50 destinations across 21 countries on five continents.

Departing in January 2025, the itinerary begins in Europe, with guests embarking in one of four cities: Rome or Genoa in Italy; Marseille, France; or Barcelona. From there, it continues to Africa, making port in Morocco and the archipelago of Cape Verde. After a transatlantic crossing, the ship will sail around South America, from Brazil to Chile, before heading for Easter Island and Pitcairn Island, the famed location of the mutiny on the H.M.S. Bounty.

Next is an adventure in Oceania, from French Polynesia to the Cook Islands, followed by New Zealand and Australia. Then the ship, MSC Magnifica, will sail through Southeast Asia, from Indonesia to Sri Lanka. The next leg of the journey is to the Middle East, with stops at the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site Petra in Jordan and multiple sites across Egypt, plus a transit of the Suez Canal. Finally, the ship makes its way back to Italy for disembarkation.

The adventure happens aboard the MSC Magnifica, a 3,013-passenger ship with five restaurants and 12 bars and lounges, plus the Aurea spa specializing in Balinese massage, a running track, activities like mini-golf and bowling, and a 1,200-seat theater.

Rates for the 2025 world cruise aboard MSC Magnifica start at $13,199 per person, though you can also join the cruise for shorter segments if you can’t commit to the full 116 nights. Included in that rate: food, beverages, 15 shore excursions (though you can always pay for more), and a 30% discount on laundry. If you’re ready to have the adventure of a lifetime, you can book now at msccruisesusa.com.

21 Life-changing Trips Everyone Should Experience at Least Once

From African safaris to must-visit cities, these once-in-a-lifetime trips will make you want to plan your next great adventure.

What’s next on your travel list? With so many places worth traveling to, it can be hard to narrow down your top spots to visit.

Sometimes, it’s the famous attractions, delicious food, and stunning hotels that draw us to a certain destination, and other times, it’s the bragging rights that come with checking off every continent, country, or state. Whatever your motivation, we’ve rounded up 21 incredible trips, complete with once-in-a-lifetime experiences and iconic sights you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

So, what makes a trip truly life-changing? That answer varies from traveler to traveler, but one thing is for sure: From African safaris to classic road trips, this list will make you want to plan your next great adventure.

Italy

Deciding between the historic cities of Rome, Venice, Naples, and Florence for the top destination to visit feels impossible, so the entire country of Italy deserves a spot on your list. Start in the Eternal City and head north through the rolling hills of Tuscany to visit Florence followed by Milan or Venice, or go south to the beaches of the beautiful Amalfi Coast and Sicily.

New York

Visiting the Statue of Liberty, standing at the top of the Empire State Building, walking across the Brooklyn Bridge: These are just a few of the things you can only do in New York City. Whether you dream of visiting all the places you’ve seen on screen, catching a Broadway show, or eating your way through the city’s diverse neighborhoods, there’s no doubt that NYC deserves a spot on your list.

Tokyo, Japan

Old and new come together in Japan’s bustling capital city. Historic temples and shrines, busy shopping districts, delicious food, and some of the world’s best theme parks and attractions — whatever your interests, there’s something for you in Tokyo.

Paris, France

From watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle and viewing famous works of art at world-renowned museums to eating delicious French pastries, there are innumerable reasons that Paris deserves a spot on your list. Of course, other dreamy French destinations like Mont-Saint-Michel, Chamonix, and the Riviera are well worth a visit, too.

Morocco

Busy medinas, intricate architecture, and a unique combination of cultural influences make Morocco unlike anywhere else on the planet. Whether you’re traveling to bustling Marrakesh, pretty coastal cities, or remote desert towns (or hopefully, all three), a trip to Morocco is bound to be one to remember.

Can’t-miss Places to Visit in Australia, According to Australians

When you want the real scoop on the best places to go in Australia — and what to do while there — turn to the locals.

Australians will take any excuse to pack up and go. Whether it’s a school break, the festive season, or a long weekend, we love every opportunity to hit the road.

When this happens, you’ll find cities emptied and highways filled as locals migrate like geese to some hallowed turf they return to each year (think sun-kissed weatherboard beach houses brimming with memories of childhood summers or a favorite retreat in the country).

For many Australians, vacations are a chance to reconnect with the great outdoors, and thankfully, the Lucky Country has a rich variety of landscapes to explore year round, from colorful reefs to ochre deserts to powdered mountains. Throw in a healthy appetite and your favorite road trip playlist, and you’re set to experience Australia like a local.

Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk, New South Wales

Australia is known for its gorgeous coastline, and no trip to Sydney is complete without a visit to the nearby shores. Start at Australia’s iconic Bondi Beach and stroll south toward Bronte, stopping along the way at the viewpoints and public parks to take in the stunning coastal scenery. Extend your scenic walk by following the path down to Coogee Beach, passing oceanfront saltwater pools, the picturesque Waverley Cemetery, and several golden-sand beaches along the way.

The walk from Ben Buckler Point past Bronte Beach to Waverley Cemetery takes about 90 minutes, but you could easily make this a half-day excursion if you take your time and grab a drink or bite along the way.

Bright, Victoria

Hidden in the mountainous folds of Victoria’s high country, just a four-hour drive northeast of Melbourne, Bright feels like something of a revelation. Set in a pine forest valley on the banks of the Ovens River, the town is a charming perennial favorite among local vacationers.

In the summer, kids flood the water playground by the river and gold panners sit along the water’s edge hoping to uncover remnants of the region’s prospecting past. Thrill-seekers can hike or mountain bike on nearby Mount Feathertop and Mount Beauty, while gastronomes can either lazily pick their way through weekend markets brimming with fresh produce or pop on a helmet and pedal between cellar doors.

This New Safari in Australia Visits 8 National Parks in 21 Days

Africa might be the birthplace of safari, but safaris exist all over the world — and Australia might just be one of the best wildlife destinations around. That’s why tour company Nat Hab has developed the Ultimate Australia Safari, a 21-day journey that will make its debut next year. The trip will visit eight national parks, seven private wildlife sanctuaries, and four UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way, accommodating guests in some of the most beautiful lodges on the continent.

“When you look at a world map, you can see why Australia is known as the ‘Land Down Under’ — it’s a huge island continent, way south, alone in the ocean, and it takes some effort to get to,” Ben Bressler, Nat Hab’s founder and president, said in a statement sent to Travel + Leisure. “But its isolation is also why it’s home to such an intriguing array of wildlife and staggering landscapes — and with this new one-of-a-kind itinerary, our guests will see it all; there is no bigger or better Australia adventure for nature lovers.”

The adventure begins in Cairns with an excursion to the nearby Daintree Rainforest, one of the oldest rainforests on the planet at 135 million years old. There, guests will have a chance to see more than 400 species of birds, including the cassowary. Guests will also visit Australian Quoll Conservancy, where they’ll take a behind-the-scenes tour and partake in citizen science projects focused on the carnivorous marsupials’ well-being.

The journey then continues on to the Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. There’s no shortage to the various wildlife you can see here, from manta rays under the sea to seabirds above it. Guests will then fly south to Tasmania for several days of excursions including kayaking with platypus to close encounters with Tasmanian devils.

The final two legs of the safari are in the Outback, specifically the Flinders Ranges in South Australia, where guests will hike to see ancient Aboriginal sites. And the final major stop is Kangaroo Island, where guests will whale watch, tour vineyards, and learn about the impact of bushfires on the ecosystem.

Each safari is limited to just 12 guests, which minimizes the group’s impact on wildlife. The small group also means that guests are treated to special behind-the-scenes opportunities throughout the trip. There are five departures scheduled in 2024; rates start at $26,895 per person based on double occupancy and do not include an internal air cost of $3,838 per person. Book your safari today at nathab.com.

“It’s Gone”: Hawaii Residents Find Nothing But Ashes In US Town Wildfires

His house, like most in Lahaina, had been razed by the wildfire that swept through this slice of Hawaiian paradise.

Lahaina: When Anthony La Puente made it back to the place he had called home for the last 16 years, there was almost nothing left.
His house, like most in Lahaina, had been razed by the wildfire that swept through this slice of Hawaiian paradise.

“The only thing I can say is that it hurts. It takes a toll on you emotionally,” the 44-year old said

“It sucks not being able to find the things you grew up with, or the things you remember.”

La Puente was one of dozens of people who were allowed back into what used to be Lahaina on Friday.

The 12,000-strong town, which has stood on the island of Maui for hundreds of years, was once the proud home of the Hawaiian royal family.

Thousands of tourists visit every year to soak up the atmosphere, to wander along the scenic harbor front, and to idle under a majestic banyan tree, reputed to be the oldest in the United States.

Striking Doctors “Acting Recklessly”: UK Government After Latest Walkout

Junior doctors — physicians who are not senior specialists but who may still have years of experience — make up about half of the doctors in UK hospitals.

London: Hospital doctors in England on Friday launched their latest walkout as the government said their strike to demand a 35-percent pay increase served “only to harm patients”.
The four-day stoppage comes with health chiefs estimating that the repeated industrial action had cost the publicly funded health service £1 billion ($1.2 billion).

Junior doctors — physicians who are not senior specialists but who may still have years of experience — make up about half of the doctors in UK hospitals.

Their fifth round of industrial action began at 7:00 am (0600 GMT) and is scheduled to run until 7:00 am on Tuesday.

Health Secretary Steve Barclay issued his strongest condemnation so far of the doctors who have rejected the government’s pay offer of six percent plus a one-off payment of £1,250.

Writing in the Daily Mail, he accused the British Medical Association (BMA), which represents junior doctors, of “acting recklessly”.

The strike action served “only to harm patients and put further pressure on their own colleagues”, he added.

Doctors on a picket line outside a central London hospital, however, said they had no choice but to strike and accused the government of refusing to negotiate.

“Doctors are working tirelessly to bring waiting lists down. The government are the ones who refuse to come to the table,” said junior doctor Sumi Manirajan.

“We are chronically understaffed and everyone is at breaking point,” added Manirajan, deputy co-chair of the BMA’s junior doctor committee.

The National Health Service (NHS) is grappling with record patient waiting times due to a large pandemic backlog.

A record 7.6 million people in England were waiting to start routine hospital treatment in June, according to data published by the NHS on Thursday.

Julian Hartley, chief executive of NHS Providers, said the series of strikes by junior doctors had cost the NHS £1 billion ($1.2 billion).

Hospitals were having to “pay premium rates to consultants” to cover for the medics, he told BBC radio.

The BMA says the take-home pay of junior doctors has fallen by 26 percent in the last 15 years.

But the government says their demands are too costly.

Nurses, ambulance staff and other medical workers have all joined picket lines in recent months, mounting more pressure on the NHS.

Other workers across the economy have also walked out over the past year demanding pay rises in response to the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation.

According to NHS figures, close to 778,000 medical appointments have been postponed across the health service in England due to strike action since December.

“We’ve seen again and again that no-one benefits from this disruption,” Barclay said, adding that the pay offer was “more generous” than for other public sector staff.

The government has said its pay offer announced in mid-July is “final” and urged the BMA to drop its pay demand “immediately”.