I’m a full-time digital nomad, and credit card points make traveling 8 months of the year no more expensive than staying at home

I’m a full-time digital nomad who travels about eight months a year, but it’s no more expensive than staying home. In fact, it might even be cheaper. In 2019 I spent just about $18,000 — or $1,549 a month — on transportation, lodging, food, experiences, and shopping combined. I’m able to keep my transportation and …

JetBlue founder David Neeleman’s new airline will fly the Airbus A220, the controversial plane Boeing tried to keep out of the US

The Bombardier CSeries was meant to be a game-changing aircraft. Produced by the Canadian aircraft manufacturer, it was its first foray in the 100-to-150-seat market. Though initially successful with sales to major airlines, the program was turned upside following a trade dispute with Boeing. The aircraft program was taken over by Airbus as a result, …

‘It is nasty over here’: Expats in China struggle with lost wages, abandoned and hungry pets, and the looming threat of quarantines amid coronavirus outbreak

Expats in China are facing an assortment of issues, including economic uncertainty, debilitating restrictions, and the looming threat of quarantines, as the country deals with the coronavirus. “Nobody enters and nobody leaves unless you have a special permit from the government to leave the city,” said Jovan Vazquez who lives in Zhejiang province, where drastic …

Forget the Galápagos and Iceland — here are 10 under-the-radar destinations to visit in 2020 if you want to escape the crowds

Intrepid Travel, the world’s largest small-group adventure travel company, has released its fourth annual “Not Hot” list, highlighting off-the-beaten-path and emerging destinations to visit in 2020. This year’s list ranges from the “Galápagos of the North,” a wild archipelago off the coast of British Columbia, to the deserts of northern Sudan. The purpose of the …

The 17 best luxury hotels in the US to visit this year

US News & World Report just released its 10th annual ranking of best hotels in the world. Over 30,000 luxury hotels worldwide were evaluated and over 4,000 US hotels were ranked, based on a combination of travel expert opinion and guest satisfaction. Resorts in Hawaii, swanky hotels in Chicago, and basically any Four Seasons property …

2 Delta credit cards come with an annual companion plane ticket — it can be an incredible value if you use it right

Two Delta credit cards, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, come with an annual companion certificate each year when you renew the card. It’s basically a buy-one-get-one coupon for domestic flights. When you book a round-trip ticket for yourself, you can get a second one for …

You don’t need to book a suite at the InterContinental San Diego to maximize your stay, but you do need a water view — here’s why the small splurge is worth it

Many visitors to San Diego flock to the coastal city for the beautiful beach. Those seeking to maximize scenic views should look to InterContinental San Diego, with floor-to-ceiling windows in every guestroom. Centrally located across from The Embarcadero in an urban setting, this popular San Diego hotel is walkable to several attractions including museums, shopping, …

Royal Caribbean forbids passport-holders from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau from boarding its cruise ships

Passport-holders from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau have been banned from all Royal Caribbean cruise ships, regardless of how long ago they visited those places. People who traveled “from, to, or through mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macau less than 15 days prior to their sailing” will also not be allowed to board, the …

An apartment development that bans cars is being built in Arizona — here’s what it will look like

A car-free development, by real estate developer Culdesac and architecture firm Optico, is being built in Arizona and will house 1,000 people. All of the homes will be walking distance from amenities and community areas, such as grocery stores, bars, and bookable communal spaces. The 16-acre community includes 24,000 square feet of retail spaces. It’s …

The best luxury hotels on or near the Las Vegas Strip

Las Vegas draws millions of tourists a year to its world-class gaming, dining, shopping, entertainment, and high-end hotels. For hotels, Las Vegas offers a great way to experience five-star luxury at a more accessible price point than is typically available. We selected 11 of the nicest luxury hotels in Vegas, on or near the Las …

I’ve been in Korea for 10 days and have already been to KFC 3 times. Here’s what makes it so special in Korea compared to the US.

I visited KFC in Seoul, South Korea and was blown away by the menu items that aren’t available in the US. In South Korea, you can order beer, the infamous Double Down, and chicken gizzards at KFC. I kept finding myself returning to KFC while I was visiting Seoul, drawn by the cheap beer and …

China’s unprecedented quarantine of 11 million people in Wuhan is 2 weeks old. Here’s what it is like in the isolated city.

The 11 million residents of Wuhan, China, have been under lockdown for two weeks thanks to the deadly coronavirus. The residents are worried about food running out, getting the virus from other people in the city, and how to stay entertained as they largely choose to stay in their homes. The city is shipping in …

How 30,000 meals a day are made on the world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas

Royal Caribbean‘s Symphony of the Seas has a weekly passenger list of at least 6,600 vacationers every week. A culinary team of 280 chefs run the kitchens 24/7, with each chef working 10 to 12 hours a day to feed their guests on the cruise ship. Cooking and prep work is divided between 36 kitchens, …

The founder of JetBlue just launched a new US airline, aimed at routes that others have left behind

JetBlue founder David Neeleman on Friday announced the name for his new airline: Breeze. The airline was previously code-named Moxy. Breeze will fly routes between smaller cities that don’t otherwise have direct service. It expects to start flights in late 2020. Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories. JetBlue founder David Neeleman launched his fifth …

The best pet-friendly hotels in the US

More and more boutique and high-end hotels are making it easy to overnight with four-legged friends with pet-friendly features that provide a welcome alternative to chain motels. Many hotels in the US are promoting perks that include plush pet beds, fresh-baked dog treats, in-house dog parks, and even “yappy” hours. We chose top pet-friendly hotels …

When I visit Disney World I like to stay at Bohemian Hotel in Celebration, an Orlando suburb that looks plucked from a movie set — the town was originally created by the Walt Disney Company as a utopian community for Disney fans

Celebration, Florida is an Orlando suburb and charming town originally owned and designed by The Walt Disney Company as a place for avid theme park fans to live in a resort-style community. The resort casual lifestyle is still upheld even though it’s no longer owned by Disney, and best observed at my favorite hotel in …

Mercedes-Benz unveiled a new camper van with a pop-up roof that’s coming to the US — see inside the ‘Weekender’

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its first pop-up camper van available in the US market: the Weekender. The camper van is being built on the body of a Mercedes-Benz Metris van and can seat five people and sleep four. Pricing has not been announced yet. Visit BusinessInsider.com for more stories. Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its first pop-up camper …

United is launching a New York to DC shuttle with a new plane that only has 50 seats and looks more like a private jet

United Airlines is taking on American Airlines and Delta Air Lines with a new shuttle route between Newark, New Jersey, and Washington, DC launching March 29. The Chicago-based airline plans to compete using its newest premium-oriented aircraft, the Bombardier CRJ-550, a 70-seat designed aircraft that only features 50 seats. No other special amenities for the …

An Airbnb cofounder explained the strategy behind its success in China, a market where most US companies have failed

American tech companies have historically struggled in China, but Airbnb has had success there. Airbnb hoped Chinese travelers’ experiences as guests would lead them to become hosts, Blecharczyk said in a talk hosted by NYU on Tuesday. The strategy seems to be working: Blecharczyk said two-thirds of stays by Chinese travelers are now within the …

I visit Palm Springs regularly and the Avalon Hotel and Bungalows has become my second home for the chic rooms, manicured grounds, and excellent pools — after trying most rooms, here’s my favorite

Avalon Hotel and Bungalows is one of Palm Springs’ top-rated hotels, originally built for Hollywood’s elite stars in 1929. Today it’s still a popular desert destination, with iconic style, three pools, a spa, and excellent on-site dining, all within walking distance of downtown Palm Springs. Rates begin around $152 for a standard room in low …

The Trump administration won’t let New Yorkers apply for or renew Global Entry due to ‘sanctuary’ law

The Department of Homeland Security said that New York residents will not be allowed to apply or re-apply for Global Entry. The restriction is in response to a law in New York State that does not allow the Department of Motor Vehicles to share information with federal agencies that enforce immigration laws. A representative for …

I flew from New York to LA and back in a single day just to eat a cheeseburger and gawk at planes – here’s why I’d do it again

The “$100 hamburger” is an aviation rite of passage and refers to when pilots fly their aircraft to a different city for a meal and come right back. As a non-pilot, I flew as a passenger on a plane from New York to get my $100 burger at the In-n-Out Burger next to Los Angeles …

Thousands of people are being quarantined on a Japanese cruise ship after 21 people on it tested positive. Here’s what it’s like inside.

Thousands of people on the Diamond Princess, a Japanese cruise liner, are being quarantined for two weeks after 21 people who had been on the ship tested positive for the Wuhan coronavirus. An 80-year-old man, who disembarked in Hong Kong on January 25, was tested positive for the coronavirus. After the ship returned to Japan …

San Francisco’s iconic Transamerica Pyramid has sold for $711 million, its first sale in history

San Francisco’s iconic Transamerica Pyramid has sold for $711 million to a New York developer. It’s the first sale in the building’s history since its construction in 1969. The pyramid will retain its name. The now-beloved Transamerica Pyramid was despised by many who opposed the addition of tall buildings to the cityscape back when it …

How a 17-hour flight delay on United ultimately left me with a good impression of the airline

I recently flew United from Newark, NJ to New Delhi, India, using miles to score tickets in business class for my wife and I. The flight was scheduled to be on a Boeing 777-200 which hadn’t been updated to the new Polaris business class cabin yet — but a last minute switch put us on …

The Boston Marriott Newton offers comfortable rooms with river views, an indoor heated pool, and a great restaurant — all for cheaper than you’ll find in downtown Boston

is a great pick for business and leisure travelers with perks ranging from an indoor pool to restaurant with solid comfort food. There’s also ample meeting and event space. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, with river-inspired decor and — if you request them — river views. I stayed in an entry-level with my husband and …

The Four Seasons Maui comes with initial sticker shock, but included amenities and excursions quickly add value — here’s how to maximize your hotel stay

Celebrities, honeymooners, and families love The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea Beach for its luxury pampering, three pools, restaurants, high-end spa, and activities and excursions, all included in the price. Rooms start at $640 per night, depending on the season. While this is much more than I typically spend at a hotel, I found …