This issue of our newsletter brought to you by Thrifty Traveler Premium, where we just learned we can book round trip tickets to Alaska for 32K points.

Hello Reader,

🧭 Where in the World?

Here we are unpacking and packing, updating our vaccinations, and readying our little abode for winter. We’ve already voted; our digital subscriptions will keep us informed as much as we want. Travel does have a way of lowering interest in passing politics.

This weekend we took a quick drive to Omaha so Tom could reunite with some high school classmates. A good time was had, and the drive was picturesque, though we took nary a photo. The wet spring and dry autumn in the Midwest made for some unusual scenery, fewer colors at this stage and more dust kicked up by the late harvest. Best were the golden glow and long shadows at sunset.

In Omaha, we can recommend Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant, and Lucy Ethiopian Coffee across the street. The classic Omaha steakhouse, Cascio’s, hosted a reunion dinner, and I will grade my steak as excellent! A nod to Element Omaha Midtown Crossing for its spacious rooms with desk, sofa and kitchenette, and to Proof, the nearby cocktail bar perfect for a nightcap.

Want ideas for more to see and eat in Omaha? Check out our post from an earlier trip.

🧳 Our Latest Posts

Tom has captured the Amsterdam vibe in this new post, The Very Best Things To Do with a Week in Amsterdam. The introduction alone will inspire you to visit, and the round-up of museums and eateries will convince you that a couple days passing through is not nearly enough. And, no, he didn't spend all his time in the "coffee houses." Ok, he did go in to a couple – but strictly for research purposes.

🗞️ Travel News From Around the Web

• European travel guru Rick Steves wrote a long essay on Facebook detailing the effects of climate change on travel. We think it's well worth a read. We apologize (a little) for the politics, but as you make your travel plans, it would be a good idea to keep his warnings in mind.
• In some countries in Europe, if you're well off, a speeding ticket can get very expensive. If you're renting a car and have a lead foot, watch out.
• Travel can slow the aging process. According to a university study from Australia, traveling can keep you young. It's working for us, so far.
• We received a note from the State Department earlier this month announcing reduced United States passport processing times. You can expect your new or renewed passport now in 4-6 weeks (down from 6-8, according to the release). Expedited processing still takes 2-3 weeks. If you need quicker than that, you’ll be headed to your government office in person. None of these times includes mailing. Keep in mind that most foreign countries require six months remaining passport validity to enter their countries. So apply early.

💸 This Week's Best Deals in Travel

• Are you using your AARP membership for travel savings? (Ain't too proud to admit our age.) We see the annual fee is going up to $20 ($15 with auto renewal,) but that's a pittance compared to the savings you'll get on car rentals, hotels, and more. Enroll now, while the annual fee is still only $12.
• And, our favorite lightweight travel and walking shoes, Xero Shoes, is still blowing out last year's styles at up to 70 percent off for the next seven days. Kris ordered three pairs, which might be a little excessive. But she made up for Tom, whose choice was already sold out. Be sure to use their shoe finder feature to find the right pair for your style.u
• Now is the time to book your trip to Antarctica! Polar Latitudes has marked down their remaining inventory for the season – now through March 2025. Mention TravelPast50 for an extra 20% savings!

✈️ Points and Miles News

• Our favorite travel credit card has an unprecedented welcome offer right now. For the first time ever, this card has unveiled a unique welcome offer that combines points with cash for travel. Right now, you can earn 60,000 points and a $300 cash credit after spending $4,000 within your first three months. Learn more here. The points plus the travel credit are worth up to $1050 in free travel. That, along with the card's multiple other benefits, is a great deal for the $95 annual fee. Again, we're sorry that banking regulations won't let us name the card in an email, so click to find out more.
• As we mentioned last week, all Delta Airlines branded cards have enhanced offers right now. Hurry and get them before they go away on October 23. In particular, we like the Platinum card, which in addition to the 90,000 Delta miles you'll get (enough for a few domestic round trips,) you also get a free companion ticket, and a $150 hotel credit when you book via Delta. Those last two benefits alone are worth more than the annual fee.

📖 What We're Reading

Tom has just finished My Brilliant Friend, by Elena Ferrante, which is set in Naples, Italy. He'll start on the sequels when we get back from Italy and beyond in December. In the meantime, he's taking up 2666, by Roberto Bolaño, which was recently named the best book of the 21st Century in a Reddit poll.

We used our recent drive time to listen to Stephen Fry’s Mythos on Audible. It's an entertaining survey of Greek gods and myths. We love Fry’s contemporary comparisons and fun etymology sidetracks.

❝Travel Quote of the Week❞

A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving. – Lao Tzu

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Happy travels,

Kris and Tom

​ Tom Bartel and Kristin Henning ​Travel Past 50​ ​ Connect with us: Facebook, Threads, Instagram, ​ Join our Facebook community.

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