Why now is the perfect time to plan your next trip
If there is one term that can describe 2020, it is "stand-by." At least on the travel front. No overseas flights, no [...]
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If there is one term that can describe 2020, it is "stand-by." At least on the travel front. No overseas flights, no wild beach parties, as many flights postponed and as many destinations only dreamed of. Now, however, it is time to make up for it.
Experts agree: Planning a new trip has never been more convenient. And little does it matter, if there is still a lot of uncertainty: with the vaccine having just arrived, there is no telling which destinations will reopen and under what conditions. But one should certainly not be discouraged: airline tickets have become flexible, hotel cancellations are penalty-free, last-minute changes are no longer a problem. And here you can book (at favorable prices) without fear.
Credit card offers and new cancellation policies
The first reason to book a trip now? The extraordinary offerings that the credit cards Are launching in the miles theme. L'American Express Gold Alitalia gift of up to 30,000 miles as a welcome bonus (we told you about it here), while theAmerican Express Gold offers 45,000 Membership Rewards points against 10,000 euros in spending over 12 months. But the tips to increase points, and to travel almost for free, are really a lot.
Things are definitely looking up. There is still a lot of uncertainty, it is true, but very presumably we will be able to travel safely (or nearly so) between the end of 2021 and the beginning of 2022. After all, the pandemic has changed the cancellation policies. And, many airlines, have decided to turn ticket flexibility from temporary to permanent: changing dates at the last minute, or canceling a trip, is no longer a problem. You can use that ticket on a later date, get a travel credit or have your money back, depending on the policy adopted by the carrier. One hint: If the pandemic continues much longer, causing further economic hardship for airlines, they may decide to stop refunding purchased tickets (opting instead for vouchers or date changes). By booking now, you secure the refund With most carriers.
Of course, we are not talking about booking a trip in early 2021: much better to think about the summer, or perhaps the last months of the year or even early 2022. When, hopefully, the situation will be back to normal. By booking flights, hotels, and apartments now, you ensure a wide range of choices. Because when the destinations officially reopen, there will be a run-up in reservations. And bargain prices will probably be a mirage.
The "premiums" of the airlines
Airlines have suffered huge losses and now aim to make as much money as possible. Many carriers are now allowing Accumulate more miles or faster, to boost bookings. Regardless of whether they are traveling in Economy, Business or First Class.
And if those same miles have now been "reassessed," it is not certain that the opposite will not happen in the near future: accumulated points may lose value in the next 12-18 months and, with the same number of miles, it is not out of the question that we could see the options decrease.
Our advice? Book now and (re)start dreaming.
- 6,000 Mile Registration Bonus
- Collect miles WITH EACH PURCHASE
- Your miles with no expiration*
- No fees for ATM withdrawals and foreign purchases
- Without having to change banks
- Autonomous card activation
- Multi-function mobile application
- Free travel insurance
- Free credit for up to 7 weeks
- Contactless Payment
- Mastercard® SecureCode
- 20€ discount directly in your statement by spending €60 in one or more transactions with Carta on Italotreno.it
- Free fee the 1st year. From the 2nd €5.50 per month
- You can choose to pay in full or in installments
- Premium level of the Italo Più program
- 4 Vouchers per year for access to Italo Club Lounges
- Preferential Access to Italo's Fast Track at the station
- For every 5 purchases of Italo ticketing and/or onboard services made with Italo American Express Credit Card you will receive 1 voucher for room upgrade
- Welcome bonus of 100,000 Volare points upon reaching 6 thousand in spending in the first 3 months after card issuance
- Accumulate 1.5 qualifying Volare points for every euro spent, accumulate an additional 3 non-qualifying Volare points ( for a total of 4.5 Volare points) for every euro spent on ticketing purchases and other services offered by ITA Airways
- Access to the Premium Club of ITA Airways' Volare program.
- ITA Airways Lounge Access
- Free excess baggage
- Points Back