There’s nothing quite like discovering someplace wonderful. A fantastic little restaurant you can’t stop raving about. A boutique hotel you’d return to in a heartbeat. Or that business-class seat you managed to book with points instead of paying through the nose.
That’s what Pursuitist has always been about: finding and sharing the good things in life. Great hotels, incredible meals, unforgettable destinations, moments with friends, and a few clever tricks that make traveling even more delightful.
For 2026, Christopher Parr, award-winning travel journalist and Editor-in-Chief of Pursuitist, shares ten of his favorite travel strategies, from finding business-class deals to getting into Michelin-starred restaurants without a reservation.
Some involve technology. Others are surprisingly simple. All hacks are about spending less time worrying about travel and more time enjoying it.
Editor’s note: Pursuitist is ad-free and does not use affiliate links. Our recommendations reflect independent editorial research and experience. Travel benefits, prices, and policies were reviewed in November 2026 and may change.
1. What’s the smartest way to fly business class for less in 2026?
Christopher Parr: Start with point.me. It’s one of the smartest tools I’ve found for anyone sitting on a pile of credit card points and wondering how to turn them into your next adventure.
Instead of searching airline websites individually, point.me can search award availability across more than 150 airlines and explain how to transfer points from programs like American Express and Chase. It’s brilliant.
Here are a few other tricks worth knowing:
- Seats.aero: Great for searching business- and first-class award availability, especially when your dates are flexible.
- Google Flights: Set price alerts and try its AI-powered Flight Deals feature. You can search for something as specific as a business-class escape to Europe without choosing a destination first.
- Check nearby airports: Flights from major hubs like Chicago, New York, or Los Angeles can sometimes require fewer points. Just factor in the cost and risk of a separate positioning flight.
- Compare cash versus points: Divide the cash price you would otherwise pay, minus award-ticket taxes and fees, by the number of points required. That gives you a useful starting point for evaluating the redemption.
One important rule: Don’t transfer credit card points until you’ve confirmed the award seat is available and you’re ready to book. Those transfers are generally irreversible.
There’s something incredibly fun about settling into a first-class seat knowing you booked it with points.
2. How do you get VIP treatment at a five-star hotel?
Christopher Parr: Here’s something many travelers overlook: sometimes the best hotel perks come down to how you book, rather than what you spend.
I love Four Seasons, particularly for its attention to service. But before booking any luxury hotel, I’d check whether it participates in a preferred-partner program.
Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Rosewood Elite, and Hyatt Privé are worth investigating. These programs allow participating travel advisors to arrange special guest benefits at eligible properties and rates.
Depending on the hotel, you might receive:
- Complimentary breakfast for two.
- A hotel, spa, or dining credit.
- Priority consideration for room upgrades.
- Early check-in or late checkout, when available.
- A welcome amenity or other property-specific benefit.
Another excellent option is American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts. Eligible Platinum and Centurion cardholders booking participating hotels through American Express Travel receive daily breakfast for two, a $100 credit toward eligible charges, and guaranteed 4 p.m. checkout. Room upgrades and noon check-in are subject to availability.
And here’s a little advice: send a friendly note to your hotel before arriving. Confirm your arrival time, mention your room preferences, and ask about anything you’d like arranged in advance.
If you’re arriving early, find out whether you can use the spa or fitness facilities before your room is ready.
Always compare the full booking package, including room rate and cancellation terms. A slightly higher rate with breakfast and a hotel credit can still be a better deal. But don’t assume every preferred-partner reservation is automatically the lowest price.
3. What’s your secret for getting into impossible-to-book Michelin-starred restaurants?
Christopher Parr: This is one of my favorite tricks, and I do it all the time.
Show up early and ask for a seat at the bar or lounge.
Some wonderful award-winning restaurants offer abbreviated menus, smaller plates, or à la carte dining outside the main dining room. It’s a great way to sample the kitchen without committing to an expensive, multi-hour tasting menu.
A perfect example is Le Bernardin in New York City. Eric Ripert’s celebrated seafood restaurant has a lounge that doesn’t accept reservations, with a separate menu featuring dishes such as tuna, scallop ceviche, and a lobster roll.
Imagine stopping in for a glass of Champagne and a couple of exceptional seafood dishes. That’s my kind of evening.
When I’m determined to get into a particular restaurant, here’s the approach I recommend:
- Know the reservation release schedule: Popular restaurants have different booking windows. Check the restaurant’s official site instead of guessing.
- Set alerts: Use Resy or whichever reservation platform the restaurant actually uses.
- Ask your hotel concierge: An experienced concierge may know alternative booking options or be able to help with a last-minute opening.
- Consider lunch: A weekday lunch, early dinner, or less popular seating can be easier to secure.
- Check for bar dining: Find out whether the restaurant has a lounge, chef’s counter, or separate à la carte menu.
If you hold an eligible American Express Platinum, Centurion, Delta SkyMiles Reserve, or other qualifying card, look into Resy Global Dining Access. It provides access to participating restaurants’ exclusive reservations and Priority Notify alerts. It doesn’t guarantee a table, but it’s another useful option.
And sometimes, a seat at the bar, a conversation with the bartender, and a few fantastic dishes turn out to be the best part of the evening.
4. What’s the fastest way through airport security and immigration in 2026?
Christopher Parr: My favorite airport luxury is getting through the airport quickly.
If you already have TSA PreCheck, check out TSA PreCheck Touchless ID. Eligible travelers can opt into facial identity verification at participating airports and airlines, reducing the need to present documents at the checkpoint.
You’ll need an active TSA PreCheck membership, a valid passport, and an eligible airline profile. And you should always carry acceptable physical identification as backup.
For international arrivals, there are two options worth understanding:
- Global Entry: At $120 for a five-year membership, it provides expedited U.S. arrival processing for approved travelers and includes TSA PreCheck eligibility.
- Mobile Passport Control: A free U.S. Customs and Border Protection app available to eligible travelers at participating entry points. You can submit arrival information digitally and follow the designated process. Wait times and lane availability vary.
There’s also a useful 2026 update. On September 15, Customs and Border Protection replaced its older Global Entry and Trusted Traveler Programs mobile apps with the new Trusted Traveler App.
Global Entry members can use the new app for supported mobile arrival processing, while eligible users can also access membership management services.
My advice? Set up everything before leaving home. After a long overnight flight, the last thing you want to do is figure out which app to download.
5. Which airlines have the best first- and business-class seats in 2026?
Christopher Parr: Here’s something I’ve learned about premium travel: don’t judge a business-class seat by the airline logo.
Check the actual aircraft and seat configuration. An airline might have a beautiful new suite on one flight and a considerably older product on another.
A few cabins I would put on the shortlist:
- Japan Airlines A350-1000: One of the most interesting premium aircraft to seek out. First class has just six private suites, while business class features enclosed suites with doors. The first-class seats even have built-in headrest speakers.
- Qatar Airways Qsuite: Excellent privacy, flexible seating arrangements, and a distinctive business-class experience. Check whether your specific flight is equipped with Qsuite.
- Singapore Airlines: A strong choice for premium long-haul travel. Its A380 Suites are especially appealing, while business-class products differ across aircraft types.
- JetBlue Mint: Worth considering for premium transcontinental and select international flights, particularly on aircraft offering Mint Suites or Mint Studios.
- United Polaris: A competitive long-haul business-class option, with seat design and layout depending on the aircraft.
Here’s my hack: Check the aircraft type and seat map before booking, especially when redeeming points. Then check again as your departure approaches.
Aircraft substitutions happen, and even a great airline can have multiple generations of business-class seats.
If you’re spending thousands of dollars or a large number of miles, make sure you know what you’re getting.
6. Are expensive travel credit cards and airport lounges still worth it?
Christopher Parr: Yes, but it’s worth doing the math. Premium credit cards have become expensive.
As of November 2026, the American Express Platinum Card has an $895 annual fee, Chase Sapphire Reserve costs $795, and Capital One Venture X costs $395.
Those fees can make sense if you’re regularly using the travel credits, hotel benefits, lounge access, and rewards programs. But I wouldn’t pay hundreds of dollars for perks that sound impressive and rarely get used.
Airport lounges are an interesting part of the equation.
Chase Sapphire Lounges and Capital One Lounges and Landings have introduced some appealing dining concepts. Amex Centurion Lounges remain attractive, although crowding can be an issue during busy periods.
One important Venture X detail: Primary cardholders still receive complimentary personal access to Capital One Lounges and Landings. However, complimentary guests generally require at least $75,000 in eligible account spending per calendar year. Qualifying cardholders can bring up to two complimentary guests into Capital One Lounges or one into Capital One Landings. Otherwise, guest fees apply.
Access at Priority Pass lounges follows separate rules, so check the terms before traveling with companions.
Here’s another tip: if the lounge is packed or has a long waiting list, skip it.
Find a good airport restaurant, order something delicious, and enjoy an hour before boarding.
There’s nothing particularly luxurious about standing in line for free cheese and crackers.
7. Where should luxury travelers go in 2026, and where would you think twice?
Christopher Parr: I think choosing the right time to visit a destination is becoming as important as choosing the destination itself. As for places I’d recommend putting on your travel list, three stand out:
Norway’s Fjords
If you love dramatic scenery, beautiful waterfront hotels, and cooler summer temperatures, Norway deserves serious consideration. There’s something wonderful about spending a few days exploring the fjords, taking a scenic boat journey, and enjoying the long summer evenings.
Slovenia
One of Europe’s most appealing choices for travelers who enjoy food, wine, and the outdoors. Lake Bled, the Julian Alps, and Ljubljana offer plenty to explore, while the country’s Michelin-recognized dining scene gives food lovers another reason to visit.
Kanazawa, Japan
Tokyo and Kyoto are extraordinary, but Kanazawa deserves attention. Think Kenrokuen Garden, historic districts, traditional craftsmanship, and excellent regional seafood. It’s a particularly interesting stop for travelers who enjoy Japan’s food and cultural traditions.
And I wouldn’t overlook Mexico City. The restaurants, museums, architecture, and neighborhoods make it an excellent destination for a long weekend or a deeper cultural trip.
My advice is simple: travel where you’re curious, and try to visit when the destination is at its best. A popular city can feel completely different outside its busiest weeks.
8. What travel gadgets are actually worth packing in 2026?
Christopher Parr: I’m all for useful technology, but I don’t want to pack a separate bag just for gadgets.
These are the essentials I’d recommend:
- Apple AirTag or another luggage tracker: Particularly useful if you have to check a bag. It won’t prevent lost luggage, but it may help you locate it.
- Noise-canceling headphones: A worthwhile investment for frequent flyers, especially on overnight trips.
- A compact power bank: Look for a reliable model with enough capacity for your devices. Qi2 magnetic charging can be convenient with compatible phones.
- An international eSIM: Providers such as Airalo and Holafly offer international data plans. Compare coverage, data allowances, hotspot restrictions, and prices for your destination before buying.
- A universal travel adapter: Particularly helpful if you’re visiting multiple countries. Remember that a plug adapter doesn’t necessarily convert electrical voltage.
Live-translation apps and compatible earbuds are getting more useful, too. They’re handy for everyday conversations and navigating unfamiliar places, although I wouldn’t depend on them for anything requiring perfect accuracy.
For luggage, I appreciate Rimowa’s design and Briggs & Riley’s practical approach to packing. But always check the actual carry-on dimensions against your airline’s rules. Some premium suitcases exceed the limits of smaller international carriers.
And remember, power banks must travel in your carry-on, not checked luggage. Most batteries up to 100 watt-hours are permitted under U.S. aviation rules, but larger batteries and individual airlines may have additional restrictions.
One last packing tip: bring something appropriate for a great restaurant, even if you haven’t booked one yet.
You never know where the evening might take you.
9. What’s one luxury travel experience actually worth splurging on?
Christopher Parr: I’d spend extra money on a memorable experience before automatically upgrading to a bigger hotel room.
Think about what you’ll actually remember from a trip.
Maybe it’s an exceptional dinner, exploring a city with a knowledgeable private guide, or a spectacular train journey.
Luxury rail travel is especially interesting right now. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and La Dolce Vita Orient Express offer very different ways to enjoy the journey itself, with dining and scenery as important as the destination.
I’m also interested in thoughtful wellness travel. Hotels that focus on comfortable sleep, excellent spa treatments, good food, and time to recover can be appealing, particularly after a demanding year.
I’d be cautious about expensive longevity treatments promising dramatic medical results without strong evidence.
The best splurge is usually something personal.
If you’ve always wanted to eat at a particular restaurant, spend a day exploring with an exceptional guide, or take a beautiful train through the countryside, that’s where I’d consider spending the money.
I’d happily trade a larger room for a trip with a better story.
10. What’s the one travel rule you always follow?
Christopher Parr: Keep things simple, and leave room for something good to happen.
Whenever possible, I prefer nonstop flights and traveling with a carry-on. Fewer connections and fewer bags mean fewer opportunities for something to go wrong.
I also like having the first hour after landing figured out.
Get connected, arrange transportation, contact the hotel if you’re arriving early, and spend some time outdoors if you’re adjusting to a new time zone. Natural daylight can help your body adapt, although it won’t instantly eliminate jet lag.
But after that? Don’t schedule every minute.
Some of the best travel moments happen when you discover a restaurant you hadn’t planned on, wander into an interesting shop, or find a neighborhood that makes you want to stay a little longer.
I think people sometimes get so focused on completing their itinerary that they forget to enjoy where they are.
Make the reservations that matter. Have a plan for the important details. Then leave a little space for the unexpected.
That’s often where the fun begins.
The Pursuitist Final Word
The best trips have a way of staying with us. A great dinner, a beautiful hotel, a conversation with someone interesting, or a place you can’t wait to tell your friends about.
Traveling smart doesn’t require booking the most expensive room or collecting every credit card perk. A few clever decisions, good timing, and some curiosity can make all the difference.
At Pursuitist, we’re always looking for the next great discovery, whether it’s a Michelin-starred restaurant, a remarkable destination, or a clever travel hack worth passing along.
Because the good things in life are even better when they’re shared.
Christopher Parr is an award-winning luxury travel journalist and Editor-in-Chief of Pursuitist, a luxury travel and lifestyle publication dedicated to finding and sharing the good things in life. His work has appeared in CBS, USA Today, Business Insider, and other national media outlets. Named one of the Top 10 Luxury Travel Bloggers by USA Today readers and recognized among the Top 50 Best Luxury Influencers and Bloggers, Parr shares his passion for exceptional hotels, restaurants, destinations, and experiences around the world.