Rise Maple: August 2025

Sunday, August 31, 2025

✈ Top Stories of the Week, the Best Time to Book Holiday Flights This Year & More From TPG ✈

August 31, 2025

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Top stories of the week

by Colin Hogan, Newsletter editor

We've got bad news, good news and other news. The bad news? Summer is officially winding down. The good news? Tomorrow is Labor Day, and many of us get to enjoy an extra day off.

The other news? Here ya go!

Check out this incredible new sweet spot, which may now be the best way to get to Europe on points.
The new fastest train in the U.S. made its big debut — and we got to ride on board.
There's good(ish) news regarding this major airline's policy on earning elite status.
This scrappy airline is expanding with a ton of new U.S. routes.
And this other airline added a hot new Caribbean destination and an exciting new international partner.
Las Vegas is doubling down on deals — you may just want to cash in on some of these.
And be sure to steer clear of these hurricane-season travel mistakes.

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Photo Credit: THE POINTS GUY.

Today's top stories

Holiday travel outlook 2025: When is the best time to book flights home for the holidays?

Prices are higher across the board for holiday travel so far in 2025, but prices will drop in the next several weeks.

12 European destinations that are best experienced in the fall

Some of the best places to visit in Europe should be experienced in the fall, when crowds are smaller and the weather is cooler.

Hello, San Diego: Earn elite status and extra points on Alaska and Hawaiian with these Atmos promotions

Earn elite status and double points on flights to and from San Diego with these Atmos Rewards promos.

11 cruise ship excursions to avoid

Here's how to make sure you don't blow your chance at an amazing vacation day by choosing the wrong cruise ship shore excursion.

Why you should always have a balance transfer credit card in your wallet

Here are several reasons why you should apply for and keep a balance transfer card in your wallet.

The latest

1.	Contour Airlines to launch 2 new Caribbean island nonstops

2.	Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. Ink Business Preferred: Which Ultimate Rewards-earning card is better for you?

3.	Which airports will welcome you into the terminal without a plane ticket?

4.	Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy again. What you need to know

5.	Top travel mistakes to avoid during hurricane season

6.	Deal alert: Points and miles travel deals for August 2025

7.	Which airline credit cards offer the best priority boarding perks?

8.	Why I finally got a credit card after avoiding them for years

9.	Why I'm canceling my Southwest credit card — and what I'm getting instead

10.	The best relaxing adults-only, all-inclusive resorts for a kid-free vacation

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Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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