April 13, 2023 | View Online | Sign Up
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Imagine this: It's golden hour in the desert, and you're lounging on a chair by a saltwater pool under the setting sun, with your favorite drink in hand. No screaming children, no loud car exhausts or trucks disturbing your peace. Just you and the sound of nature at one of the world's best desert hotels. It’s paradise.
Now imagine an even better scenario of getting a free hotel room at one of these getaways, solely because you read this intro.
In today’s edition:
JetBlue goes Dutch with a new route
How a TikTok ban could disrupt the travel industry
Southwest's $59 Splash Sale takes off
Do not disturb,
Kaylen
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| AIRLINES
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JetBlue adds Amsterdam to its list of European destinations
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I see London, I see France, I see another JetBlue route headed to Amsterdam! JetBlue is expanding its European network once again, just one month after introducing its new flights from New York to Paris in addition to London flights that it already operates.
How soon will the new route be available?
JetBlue, which had initially declined temporary, seasonal slots in Amsterdam, has now reversed its stance and announced that starting in late summer of this year, the low-cost airline will begin flights between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). The airline will also begin operating flights between Boston and Amsterdam soon.
JetBlue has not released the schedule or pricing for its upcoming JFK to Amsterdam flights and has not yet listed the flights on its booking website either, but the low-fare flights to Amsterdam are expected to go on sale in the coming weeks for travelers to grab.
While we twiddle our thumbs and wait for the sale to go live, consider building out your vacation itinerary to the iconic destination. Trust us, you don't want to miss out on these top five things that make this city one of a kind.
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| TRAVEL
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How the travel industry may be affected by a potential TikTok ban in the US
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As a travel writer, my job is so ingrained in my life that even my TikTok For You page knows I'm in the travel industry. It's like the app has a sixth sense for my profession with a never-ending stream of dream destination videos and travel itineraries to sift through. I won’t lie though, I often use the app as another search tool before I travel anywhere new.
The US Congress is currently trying to tighten its grip on internet access, and as a result, TikTok's future in America is looking uncertain. If the app gets banned, it won't just be Americans losing out on the entertainment and educational benefits of the app; it'll also be a blow to marketers in the travel industry who rely on TikTok to reach audiences of all ages.
What does this mean for the travel industry?
The impact of a potential TikTok ban could extend beyond just losing access to the app. A study by MGH, a full-service marketing communications agency specializing in tourism found that 60% of TikTok users surveyed had developed an interest in a new travel destination after watching videos about it on the app.
This is consistent with a previous CNBC report that revealed 60% of Gen Zs and 40% of millennials use social media for travel-related purposes. If TikTok is banned, the travel industry may lose a valuable source of inspiration for young travelers, which could in turn affect booking numbers and local tourism.
As the government continues to keep us in suspense about the fate of TikTok, users are left wondering where they'll turn to for their daily dose of travel inspiration. But fear not, fellow travel enthusiasts, our Next Stop newsletters have got you covered! Our wanderlust-inducing content might make you forget about the app but don't blame us if you end up booking a one-way ticket to Bali.
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| WISHLIST WORTHY STAYS
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Ahh, the Maldives. It’s the romantic destination at the very top of many travelers’ bucket lists, thanks to its postcard-perfect, powdery white sands, lagoons that blend from crystal-clear to perfect aquamarine, and colorful marine life. A trip to the Maldives can do some serious damage to your wallet, but it doesn’t have to thanks to Luxury Escapes.
Make that bucket list trip a reality with these exclusive, all-inclusive escapes and discounts from Luxury Escapes.
Experience pure bliss at the Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. Stay on your own private beachfront or opt for an overwater villa suspended over the sparkling blue Maldivian waters. This package includes unlimited drinks, three daily meals, and two complimentary excursions per person. All you have to do is relax.
How do crystal clear waters, pristine coral sands, unlimited dining, and a world-class spa sound to you? Experience all that and more at the perfect island paradise that is the Pullman Maldives Maamutaa.
At the JA Manafaru, you will truly feel like you’re in another world. The idyllic five-star accommodations are nestled in the tropical foliage of a secluded, private island. It’s practically impossible to not relax with shimmering views of the Indian Ocean on every side.
Don’t get me wrong, I love kids, but when I hear “adults-only villa,” my ears perk up. Leave the kiddos at home and stay at the Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort for a truly relaxing experience.
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| AIRLINES
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Dylan Ashe/Wikimedia (CC by 2.0)
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Southwest's newest sale offers flights starting at $59
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It's time to whip out that suitcase collecting dust in the garage because Southwest's latest sale has arrived! And to answer your question, yes, it is worth it.
If you’re looking to escape the April showers, Southwest Airlines' Splash Sale, is currently offering one-way flights for as low as $59 from now until 11:59 pm PT on April 29, and tickets are non-refundable.
Which destinations are eligible for this sale?
Southwest Airlines' sale is offering discounted fares for summer and fall travel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays within the continental US, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. For US flights, the sale is valid for flights from May 2 to May 24 and then again from August 8 to November 1.
International flights with travel to and from Puerto Rico, and travel from Hawaii are valid from May 2 to May 24 and then again from August 15 to November 1. Fares start at $59 for flights like Atlanta to Nashville and Los Angeles to Las Vegas. Flights within Hawaii are also available for $39 each way.
While I am excited about booking my discounted flight to Puerto Rico, I’m also thrilled about Southwest's major upgrades. With the bigger overhead bins, I can bring everything but the kitchen sink! I no longer have to plop myself on top of my luggage to get it to zip shut. It's the little things!
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| TWEET OF THE WEEK
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Honestly, that is one place I have yet to visit.
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| TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
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Travel in comfort with Cozy Earth’s luxury loungewear. Shop now and receive 40% off your purchase with code NAVIGATOR40.
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| WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING
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*This link is sponsored
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