World News Guru

After a grand debate with myself between flying British Airways or Lufthansa First class , in the end I opted for Lufthansa. The opportunity to fly on a 747-8 and visit the First Class terminal outweighed flying British Airways. The 747-8 is among my favorite planes, even if Lufthansa’s First class seat and product isn’t world class. The flight from Sao Paulo to Frankfort was great, and every so short. I have reviewed Lufthansa’s First class serval time, so this post will be a bit shorter. The ground experience at GRU is nothing special. The airline utilizes the same lounge for both First Class and Business class passengers. The Espaco Banco Safra lounge, the former Star Alliance lounge is also a priority pass lounge. Lufthansa will offer first class guests an escort to the lounge and the gate, but priority service is not provided. Meaning first class passengers still must queue for security and passport control. Once on the plane, First Class service is great. The plan was only b...

The UK government is quickly changing the requirement of of their new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) which has required travelers traveling to and through the United Kingdom register their trips and apply for pre-clearance . Now, the UK has confirmed that travelers transiting through the United Kingdom will not need the new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), provided they remain airside and don’t pass through border control. This is valid for the only airports in the UK which are set up for airside transfers, Manchester and London. This clarification addresses a key concern for transit passengers, especially at busy hubs like London Heathrow, where many connect to beyond the UK. Connecting the America’s to Europe and beyond. The ETA requirement is/was a huge headache for British Airways and other airlines which connect passengers beyond London. However, the ETA remains mandatory for nearly all visitors to England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland . Travelers mus...

Celebrity Cruises is setting its sights beyond the open seas, announcing the groundbreaking launch of its first-ever river cruise division. Beginning in 2027, Celebrity River Cruises will bring the brand’s renowned blend of to Europe’s most iconic rivers. As part of this bold expansion, parent company Royal Caribbean Group has placed an initial order for 10 state-of-the-art river cruise ships. Thus marking a significant new chapter in the company’s evolution. “We’re thrilled to announce our entry into the river cruise market through our Celebrity Cruises premium travel brand,” shared Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. “Our guests and travel partners should expect us to do what we do best – innovate and elevate the river cruise experience as we meet the growing demand for intimate, culturally enriching travel experiences.” Celebrity’s entry into river cruising comes at a time when travelers are increasingly seeking small-ship. Travelers want immersive journe...

Five Star Atlas Ocean Voyages (AOV) is out with a last minute special for those looking to visit Antarctica this season. Offering the lowest price I have ever seen nearly all season on their small luxury polar yachts. If you have wanted to visit the white continent but the $12,000+ price tag that is more common on these trips have been holding you back. Now is your opportunity to go and save! In fact, this is such a great price, I can’t even actually publish it. For more details and booking information contact me directly . These prices are only available to Travel Codex readers who book via Scott & Thomas Travel. Atlas Ocean Voyage Antarctica Building a quick name for themselves Atlas now has 3 ships in Antarctica all plying the Drake passage and visiting the Antarctica peninsula with 198 guests. The World Traveller, World Voyager, and World Navigator are sister ships offering similar experiences. The small intimate luxury yachts offers guests an opportunity to get up close an...

When it comes to discovering Europe, few travel experiences can match the charm and convenience of a river cruise. Imagine gliding along the Danube, Rhine, Seine, or Douro, passing historic cities, rolling vineyards, and fairytale castles—all while enjoying the comforts of a luxury floating hotel. Unlike the big ocean ships which can only explore the coastlines, river cruises take you to small towns along Europe’s most famous rivers. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, here’s why a river cruise should be at the top of your European travel list. Effortless Travel with Maximum Comfort One of the biggest advantages of a river cruise is the convenience. Unlike traditional travel, where you constantly pack and unpack, switch hotels, and navigate public transport, a river cruise allows you to settle into your luxurious cabin and wake up in a new destination each day. Living out of a suitcase is NO FUN! Yet on a river cruise you can explore multiple places without ...

German’s leisure carrier is growing again adding new destinations across Europe. Starting in March, Condor Airlines is further expanding its route network within Europe, enhancing connectivity between North America and Europe via its Frankfurt hub. This expansion brings new nonstop routes, increased frequencies, and a broader range of European destinations, offering travelers even more options for seamless travel. The goal, depend less on point to point traffic and start attracting higher value business travelers along side vacation goers. Condor is growing to add more traditions destinations across Europe. This is a shift from it’s original business model which focus mostly on vacation destination. Condor North America Flights to Frankfurt This summer, Condor will operate nonstop flights from 12 North American cities to Frankfurt. This includes big and small cities alike across the US and canada. Nonstop flights will be available to New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), S...

Is it time to top off your American Express Membership reward points? If so, maybe consider the American Express Cold Card. The Amex Gold is a great card that can earn points quickly. If you are looking for a credit card that offers top-tier rewards on dining, groceries, and travel, the American Express® Gold Card is among the best choices on the market. Right now, new cardholders can enjoy a Special Welcome Offer and earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards Points for opening a new card. This bonus is only available via referral links . Important to note that I say up to 100,000 as there is reports of most people being targeted with 90,000 points. Regardless if it’s 90 or 100k, this is a significant increase from the previous 60,000-point offer! To earn this bonus, you must spend $6,000 on purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Let’s break down the benefits of this card and why it’s worth adding to your wallet. Afterall, I have carried this card for multiple years an...

Many initially praised Alaska Airlines’ 2025 Mileage Plan updates, but the reality is far from customer-friendly. The new program prioritizes regional flyers over global travelers, making it more challenging for those who frequently fly to Europe, South America, and beyond. Despite its efforts to become a global airline through the Hawaiian Airlines merger, Alaska is becoming increasingly insular, pushing away loyal travelers who rely on its partner network. Reduced Partner Mileage Rates The revamped Mileage Plan program now requires and incentivizes travelers to book all flights—whether on Alaska or a partner airline—through Alaska’s website. If you book through Alaska’s channels, you can earn full mileage at a higher rate. However, if you book directly through a partner airline or any other platform, your mileage earnings are significantly reduced. Alaska claims these changes simplify partner mileage accrual, but in reality, they introduce more complexity. Key information is s...

Lindblad Expeditions, in partnership of National Geographic is offering a once in a lifetime opportunity to save big. Lindblad is known for being a world leader in expeditions. Their name and experience also means higher costs as they boast the best teams in the industry. Lindblad National Geographic rarely discount trips by more than $1000. Yet now, I have opportunities for you to save upwards to $13,000 on some trips!  If you’ve been dreaming of an extraordinary adventure to the most remote and breathtaking destinations on Earth, now is the time to make it happen! Lindblad National Geographic Expeditions has just released the lowest prices ever, offering unprecedented savings on some of their most coveted 2025 sailings. These special savings are only available to Travelcodex readers who book via my agency, Scott & Thomas Travel How low are these prices? So low that I can’t share them publicly! The only way to find out is to inquire directly with me . But I can tell you thi...