magenet

The top cheap places to travel in spring 2021

By magenet 3 months ago

Oh, yes, it’s time for the travel itch to be unleashed after holing up for more than a year during the pandemic.

If you’re looking for a sun-soaked paradise or are in pursuit of refreshing fun in the snow, there’s always a destination that you might work on your budget. Travel websites Kayak and Travel+Leisure have unveiled their list of destinations and deals f0r 2021.

Nearly half—48 percent—of Americans stated that “taking a trip” was one of the top 3 activities they’re looking forward to in 2021, once the vaccine is accessible to all and normalcy has returned, according to Kayak.

“The good news is, prices on flights around the U.S. are 17 percent cheaper now than they were a year ago,” Kayak stated in a press release.


GET OFF THE GRID:  Where Americans want to travel in 2021

Right now, the following are destinations currently open to Americans due

… Read More

Luxury startup airline Aero starting flights next month: features, routes, price

By magenet 3 months ago
  • Aero is the US’ newest airline, starting flights between Los Angeles and Aspen, Colorado on February 4.
  • The leisure-focused luxury airline aims to offer a “radically better premium leisure travel experience.”
  • Prices start at $990 one-way for February flights, rising to $1,250 in March and April for flights on a private jet-like plane. 
  • Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories.

The pandemic has shifted travel trends in favor of leisure flying and airlines have been eager to accommodate. Aero is a new leisure airline launching its first flights on February 4 after a successful European debut in 2020.

“Our objective is to deliver a radically better premium leisure travel experience,” Subramanian told Business Insider. 

It’s the brainchild of Uber co-founder Garrett Camp and behind the wheel as CEO is Uma Subramanian, a veteran in urban air mobility. Subramanian previously served as chief executive at Voom, the Airbus-backed helicopter startup

… Read More

Leisure travel expected to return first; push underway for responsible gatherings in Illinois

By magenet 3 months ago

CHICAGO– The hotel industry suffered its worst year ever in 2020 and there are worries it won’t see pre-COVID occupancy until 2024.

The pandemic led to low room occupancy, massive job losses, and hotel closures across the nation.

The Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association is working on bringing more business back to the state to fill up those hotel rooms.

Michael Jacobson, the President and CEO of the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association, says the COVID restrictions for meetings and events in Illinois are must stricter than in neighboring states like Missouri and Indiana.

He says things like conferences, meetings, and weddings make up half of hotel revenue in the state.

“We are trying to urge the governor to begin the conversation on what a path towards safe and responsible gatherings, but gatherings larger than 25 people looks like,” Michael Jacobson.

He also says vaccine distribution is key. He says

… Read More

SoftBank-Backed Travel Platform Klook Raises $200M

By magenet 3 months ago

Hong Kong’s travel and leisure booking platform Klook has closed a $200 million Series E funding round led by Aspex Management, with participation by Sequoia Capital China, SoftBank Vision Fund, Matrix Partners China and Boyu Capital, according to a press release.

“Despite a challenging 2020, we have shown our mettle, turning challenges into growth opportunities with agility and constant innovation,” Klook Co-Founder and CEO Ethan Lin said in the release. “We’ve observed over the past year that consumers have a pent-up desire to explore and enjoy themselves, despite international travel being paused.”

Lin added in the release that the new funds will help the company solidify its position as tourism slowly returns. During the past year, he said Klook quickly pivoted to meet the demands triggered by the pandemic. Klook concentrated on two main areas: digitizing the experiences booking sector

… Read More