Award travel, airlines, hotels, lounges, and practical travel guides.
Royal Jordanian will launch nonstop Amman–Beijing service on January 26, 2027, creating a new North America–Amman–China routing. This guide covers the schedule, 787-8 business class, and sample Atmos and AAdvantage award itineraries.
YVR's domestic Maple Leaf Lounge closes for renovation on October 14, 2026. October 13 is the last day it is open, and reopening is expected in early 2028. Eligible passengers can use the two domestic Air Canada Cafés, near C47 and in front of C50/51. International and transborder Maple Leaf Lounges stay open.
A photo-based review of the WestJet Elevation Lounge at Calgary Airport, including its opening hours, access options, Priority Pass pricing, seating, and food updates.
A 75,000 Alaska-mile Korean Air business-class award from Vancouver to Shanghai via Incheon cost about US$1,016 after a Hawaiian buy-miles bonus. This review covers the 787-9 Prestige cabin, meals, and why the routing works.
A review of Air Canada's Maple Leaf Lounge in YVR's international terminal, covering Star Alliance access, its location after security, showers, seating, and food including made-to-order Hainanese chicken rice.
Belgrade Airport T2 has two lounges near gate A05: Air Serbia’s Premium Lounge and a third-party Business Club that takes Priority Pass. This visit covers hours, access, food, and why the Air Serbia lounge is the better of the two.
A walkthrough of Cathay Pacific’s THE PIER first class lounge at Hong Kong International Airport near Gate 65—access rules, massage queues, buffet versus fine dining, and other quiet work and rest areas.
A March 2025 stay at Hôtel Napoléon Paris, booked with Choice points. IPrefer Titanium brought a Junior Suite Avenue upgrade, two drink vouchers, and a candle at checkout. The historic house near the Arc de Triomphe is a strong award stay.
A review of the Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club with Etihad Airways at JFK Terminal 4, covering access, facilities, seating, breakfast, and the overall experience.
October 11, 2026: Priority Pass can now be used at Plaza Premium again. This review covers Plaza Premium First at Vancouver International Airport, including access, seating, à la carte dining, the buffet, and the regular Plaza Premium lounge.
A first-person 2024 review of Suzhou City Terminal SZO, where Suzhou travellers can check in, drop bags, and take a direct shuttle to Shanghai Pudong or Hongqiao Airport.
A visit to the Plaza Premium Lounge in YVR's domestic departures area, near gate B15. This guide covers its location, access through Priority Pass and DragonPass, amenities, seating, and breakfast.
A March 2024 Hilton Honors Diamond stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Higashiyama, by the Kamo River. Cash during cherry-blossom and school-holiday season; usual rates should be under $200. Compact rooms, a simple lounge, and a passable breakfast at a busy new hotel.
JetBlue added Mint on Vancouver–New York JFK, the only nonstop on that route. 冰吨吨 flew the red-eye in the older Mint cabin: lie-flat seats, no lounge yet, a late-night pizza service, and a solid five-hour sleep.
Visa Infinite includes a complimentary tasting of five wines at Dirty Laundry Vineyard near Kelowna, BC. This visit walks through the Visa winery list, how the perk worked on site, and what we bought afterward.
A February 2024 Hilton Honors Diamond stay at Hilton Singapore Orchard, Hilton’s Asia flagship on Orchard Road. Cash was S$400, or 65,000 points. A corner junior suite, lounge check-in, and why this Hilton beat the converted Conrad.
A first-person 2024 guide to applying in Vancouver for a multiple-entry Japan tourist visa as a China-passport holder living in Canada, including documents, the in-person process, and timing.
An October 2022 Hilton Honors Diamond stay at Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Three nights on Hilton Free Night Rewards; cash was a little over €600 a night. A hilltop property with a free city shuttle, a generous breakfast, and a lobby that feels like a museum.
A visit to the SkyTeam Lounge in YVR's international terminal near gate D53, including its location, SkyTeam and Priority Pass access, seating, bar, food, and made-to-order wonton noodles.
A July 2023 Hilton Honors Diamond stay at Conrad Hong Kong on a Hilton Free Night Reward; cash was around HK$2,000. A Pacific Place location above Victoria Harbour, a mountain-view upgrade, a strong buffet breakfast, and a small lounge with a view.
