Latest news with #travel
CNET
an hour ago
- Business
- CNET
Get a Free Worldwide Ubigi eSIM Data Plan for Your Summer Travel
Summer is the time to roam. According to Deloitte, more Americans plan to travel in 2025 than 2024, and a recent poll by Allianz found that 70% of Americans under 35 are planning a summer getaway. With prices rising worldwide, travelers are cutting costs wherever they can — including data, a must-have for local recommendations and easy navigation. But roaming doesn't have to mean roaming fees. One easy way to trim your travel budget is to opt for an eSIM plan like Ubigi, which works seamlessly in over 200 locations worldwide — including 5G in over 60 destinations — all without having to pay your carrier's data fees or switch SIM cards in different countries. For a limited time, Ubigi is offering 500MB of data when you make a free account to try the service, as well as 10% off your first purchase. An eSIM makes crossing borders easy You're probably familiar with a traditional SIM card — that tiny chip you can pop in and out of your phone to switch carriers. When traveling internationally, using a physical SIM means you have to stop and wait in line at airport kiosks or stores to buy a mobile plan and swap out your SIM cards. But with an eSIM, you can skip all that hassle: it loads directly onto your phone. Changing mobile carriers becomes as easy as a tap or a swipe, with no risk of losing your old SIM card. A vacation should feel like a vacation, not a list of errands. But with an eSIM, it's easy to get everything ready before you take off. Make sure your phone is eSIM-compatible and carrier-unlocked, then choose your data plan and install your Ubigi eSIM before boarding your flight. Once you arrive, simply activate mobile data on your Ubigi line, and you'll be all set to find your hotel and discover great local spots to eat. An eSIM gives you more data for less Ubigi offers affordable packages from 1GB to unlimited data, with seamless 5G and 4G coverage in over 200 locations across the world. With Ubigi's SmartStart feature, your eSIM data plan activates only when you arrive and connect to a cell tower at your destination, so there's no risk of your plan starting before you leave. Plus, the app makes adding data on the go as easy as topping up a metro card, with no Wi-Fi or data credits required. Ubigi A travel eSIM provider like Ubigi eliminates any roaming surprises or charges. With Ubigi's data-only service, you only need to focus on gigabytes, no SMS or voice fees to worry about. Their straightforward pricing makes managing your data simple and transparent. Get 500MB of free data for your summer travels today We all know summer passes in a blink. Create your free Ubigiaccount today and receive 500MB of free data, as well as 10% off your first purchase. After that, you're all set to relax, no matter where the journey takes you.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Aussie tourists warned over 'Trump travel tax' as missile threats continue
Sitting at my boarding gate doomscrolling social media, I saw the worst possible alert appear in my feed. After Googling my flight out of Madrid the previous night to learn it was cancelled, I had already scrambled to get a new flight to Barcelona to begin my journey back home to Australia. But things were about to get really bad. Sitting in Doha International Airport in Qatar with about 30 minutes left to board my Sydney-bound flight, I read a tweet saying the Qatari government had just closed the country's airspace due to imminent missile launches from Iran targeting US military bases in the country. None of the passengers around me knew it yet – and there was certainly no announcement over the loud speaker at the airport – but we were about to find ourselves in the middle of what the airline would later call "one of the most severe and complex operational challenges in modern aviation history". The airport is one of the world's busiest and most connected global aviation hubs. At the time, over 90 Qatar Airways flights carrying more than 20,000 passengers to Doha, were forced to divert immediately. Inside the airport, there was some 10,000 passengers with the airline now in complete limbo. Slowly it became clear no one was going anywhere. And nobody had any answers about when we could or how exactly that would happen. RELATED: Advice to Aussie travellers heading to Europe and Middle East Qatar Airways said it deployed extra staff to deal with the massive disruption but at the same time some of the flight crews had timed out of legal operating hours. At one point, myself and countless other trying to get back to Sydney queued for hours on hopes of being issued a new boarding pass only for that queue to be told to disband and move further down the terminal empty handed. "Someone had to step up." As people grew increasingly agitated by the lack of information, things started unravelling and passengers were forced to help take control of the situation. I soon found myself standing behind the desks of frantic airline staff as a Danish passenger (who was moving to Sydney for two years) and I passed along new boarding tickets from a nearby desk where they were slowly being spat out down to the counter where a sole Qatar Airways employee was processing each new traveller. An Australian woman, who had taken it upon herself to make a list of passenger details and bring some order to the chaos, stood next to worker at the desk facilitating the whole thing. She later told me she has such a bad back that she sometimes requires a wheelchair. "Someone had to step up," she said. As I waited for my boarding pass behind the staff desks watching the queues of desperate travellers, at one point I accidentally lent up against the door setting off an alarm. It spoke to the craziness of the moment that most people barely seemed to notice the extra noise. While the Qatar Airways staff member did an incredible job, there was a severe lack of leadership on the ground and zero proactive communication to stranded customers. Some airport staff appeared more concerned about instructing passengers to delete videos they witnessed them taking of the chaotic scenes inside the airport. Once airspace reopened shortly after midnight on Tuesday (local time) diverted aircraft began returning to the hub. In the words of Qatar Airways CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer in a self-congratulatory statement on Thursday, "each arrival [was] a step towards reassembling our operation." About 36 hours after arriving in Doha, I touched down in Sydney after being one of the lucky passengers to get on the next available flight. According to reports, the missiles that brought the global travel hub to a halt were largely a symbolic act of retribution from Iran against US president Trump's air strikes on nuclear facilities in the country. For some, it was another example of how perhaps no one is immune to the vicissitudes of Donald Trump's return to power and the newly unpredictable nature of the White House and its foreign policy. Due to the Trump administration's brutal border regime which is detaining and deporting people, including an Australian journalist recently, travellers have been warned about preparing themselves for difficulties when entering the US, but those travelling elsewhere can still feel his impact. It must be said the man likes a tax. Usually on his own consumers in the form of a tariff. Trump also wants to tax foreign holders of US assets with a new law contained in the so-called 'big beautiful bill' (something that could hit your superannuation account, although Trump appeared to back away from that on Friday). And as missiles continue to fly in the Middle East and Iran on Friday threatened to keep attacking US bases, perhaps you could call this current airspace instability a kind of Trump travel tax. Myself and countless others paid it in full this week. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
CNET
2 hours ago
- Business
- CNET
Why Smart Travelers Are Switching to eSIMs This Summer
Higher prices are looming for just about everything, but they're not stopping people from planning more summer travel than ever. Deloitte's 2025 summer travel survey found that despite the gloomy economy, more Americans will travel this year than they did last year. And young people are especially ready for some self-care elsewhere: a survey by Allianz found that a whopping 70% of Americans under 35 are planning to take a vacation this summer. If you're one of the many people thirsty for a summer getaway, there's a good chance you're also looking to cut costs where you can. Maybe you're opting for a cheaper mid-week flight rather than heading out on Friday, or heading somewhere off the beaten path instead of a tourist-packed metropolis. Another smart way to trim your travel budget is to use an eSIM. You don't have to pay pricey roaming or add-on data fees to look up local spots, post pics and check your email while you're out of the country. Nomad eSIM, one of the most affordable options, gives you the data to do all that and more from over 200 countries. And right now you can get 20% off your first Nomad data plan with the code NOMCNET20. What is an eSIM? If you've ever upgraded your phone or switched carriers, you're likely familiar with what a SIM card is: It's that tiny chip in your phone that essentially connects it to your mobile carrier. A digital eSIM is different in that it's downloaded from the web directly into your phone. You can activate it using an app and switch carriers without the fuss of having to swap out your physical SIM card. An eSIM can be a smart choice for travelers who want to use their phone while abroad. Because eSIMs are data-based, you'll be able to send emails, browse the web, scroll your socials, stream videos and make data-based voice and video calls — all without having to pay the expensive roaming and data fees of your regular US-based carrier. Nomad eSIM How a Nomad eSIM helps you save on international data Nomad eSIM is different from the other eSIMs in that it offers an affordable plan lineup for every type of trip. Whether you're going to Costa Rica for a week-long retreat or backpacking around Europe all summer, you can pick a plan that works for your specific needs — and budget. If you're visiting one destination, Nomad has you covered with daily, weekly and monthly data plans ranging from 1GB to more than 20GB with coverage in over 200 countries. Travelers can also choose daily unlimited plans for a week, and there are local plans for single-country trips or regional plans for multi-destination travel. Current prices on plans include hotspots like Thailand ($0.18/GB) and Iceland ($1/GB). Nomad eSIM Get data plans tailored to your travel needs — and budget If you're exploring more than one country, the Nomad Global plan has weekly and monthly plans ranging from 1GB to 5GB and coverage in up to 112 countries. While global in reach, Nomad has intentionally focused coverage on the most popular travel destinations, helping to keep global plan costs more affordable. A 1GB, one-week Global plan starts at just $12, ideal for the occasional check-ins with loved ones and social media posts. Or you can opt for a 3GB or a 5GB Global plan starting at $26 or $36 respectively, and the data is good for one month. eSIMs are great for frequent flyers and digital nomads, too For backpackers, students abroad and digital nomads, the Nomad Global-EX plan offers handy six-month and year-long options that are good in up to 82 countries. Nomad eSIM The highly affordable Global-EX offers a 10GB, six-month plan starting at just $30 and a 20GB, one-year plan starting at $50, plus the option to expand your data limit to 30GB or 50GB as needed. This plan eliminates the hassle of having to reactivate your eSIM for each trip, and it's more affordable than other eSIM brands that offer similar data allowances for shorter durations. And for those who prefer unlimited data, Nomad has recently expanded its offerings with 21 new unlimited plans. Perfect for travelers who don't want to worry about running out of data or topping up, these plans start as low as $11 USD for 3 days of unlimited usage. eSIMs provide instant, hassle-free connectivity No matter which plan you choose, the Nomad eSIM is a snap to use. Simply download the app and activate the eSIM on your unlocked iOS or Android eSIM-compatible phone so you can get online the minute you land. There's no physical SIM card, no contracts and no hassle. Lock in a new Nomad plan today and score 20% off with the discount code NOMCNET20.
Skift
2 hours ago
- Business
- Skift
Regional Air Travel Startups Raise Over $85 Million: Funding Roundup
The biggest airlines are behind on updating their tech systems and operations; regional airlines are even further behind. Travel Startup Funding This Week Each week we round up jd@ if you have funding news. Each week we round up travel startups that have recently received or announced funding . Please email Travel Tech Reporter Justin Dawes atif you have funding news. One big theme for travel startups this week is regional air travel. Three companies raised money toward their efforts to modernize various aspects of the industry, from software to aircraft themselves. The biggest airlines are behind on updating their tech systems and operations; Regional airlines are even further behind. Like the rest of the flying taxi startups, one such company on the list seeks to create a new type of commercial travel. Over the last week, six travel startups announced fundraises totaling more than $100 million. Expliseat: $42.1 Million Expliseat, which develops and manufactures lightweight seats for commercial aircraft, has raised $42.1 million (€36 million). Crédit Mutuel Innovation led the round, with support from the SPI fund (managed by public sector investment bank Bpifrance for the French government), Supernova Invest, Swen Capital, BNP Paribas Développement, GO Capital, and NCI. France-based Expliseat says it has invested heavily in research and development for lightweight seats, securing more than 100 patents. The company says that its flagship product, the TiSeat 2, weighs 30% less than traditional seats. The company says it has orders totaling $58.5 million (€50 million). Clients include Air France, Air Canada, and Jazeera Airways. Expliseat has a new facility in France that it says can produce 32,000 units annually. And it recently opened an office in Montreal as it seeks to expand business in the North American aviation market. The funding will go toward business expansion, along with continued R&D for the next generation of its products. The company also plans to move into rail and electric buses. Surf Air Mobility: $27 Million Surf Air Mobility, an airline owner that is also developing tech for regional airlines, has raised $27 million in a registered direct offering of common stock. The company sold roughly 10.8 million shares of common stock for $2.50 each. Surf Air Mobility's regional airline software includes products for operations efficiency, sales and sourcing customers, and aircraft utilization. The company owns two regional airlines — Southern Airways Express and Hawaii's Mokulele Airlines — as well as Surf Air, a website for booking private charter flights. Surf Air is also working to commercialize electric and hybrid-electric powertrains for regional aircrafts, including for the Cessna Caravan. Founded in 2020, Surf Air Mobility acquired the airlines as part of its debut on the stock market through a direct listing on the New York Stock Exchange in 2023. The funding will go toward operations and paying down debt. XTI Aerospace: $16 Million XTI Aerospace, which is developing a flying taxi for long distances, has raised $16 million. The funds come from an underwritten public offering of stock and warrants, priced at $1.75 each. Colorado-based XTI Aerospace is developing a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft called TriFan 600. It is designed to travel up to 1,000 miles at speeds of up to 300 miles per hour, and can carry a pilot and six passengers. The two turboshaft engines are designed to be fully compatible with renewable jet fuels, with future plans for electric engines. The company plans to primarily target the business and commercial travel industries, along with the ambulance industry. XTI Aerospace says it has 700 pre-orders for $10 million per aircraft. XTI Aerospace went public in March 2024 following a merger with Inpixon, which provides location tracking devices that factories can use to monitor equipment and inventory. Inpixon had gone public through a merger with a special purpose acquisition company in 2023. Chatlyn: $9.4 Million Chatlyn, which provides AI-powered guest management tech for hoteliers, has raised $9.4 million (€8 million) in a series A round. Smedvig Ventures led the round, with support from bus company Blaguss, individual investors Andreas Burike (AnyDesk founder) and Mathias Hiebeler (former owner of Grob aircraft, acquired by Helsing), and a group of angel investors. Vienna-based Chatlyn says its tech helps automate hotel operations, including front desk, reservations, marketing, guest services, and guest communication. Features include a public-facing AI assistant for booking, an AI chatbot for hotel guests, translation for more than 35 languages, and more. The startup says its tech is live in more than 1,000 properties, including St. Regis Mauritius, Singer Palace Rome, and InterContinental properties. The funding will go toward product development, geographic expansion, and hiring. StayVista: $4.7 Million StayVista, a property manager and booking site for luxury vacation rentals in India, has raised $4.7 million (400 million Indian rupees) in series B funding. JSW Ventures led the round, with support from DSG Consumer Partners and Capri Global Family Office. Mumbai-based StayVista says it manages 1,000 properties and has hosted more than 1 million guests. The funding will go toward expansion into new cities, hiring, and improving customer experience. Winalist: $1.2 Million Winalist, an online marketplace for booking ticketed experiences related to wine and spirits, has raised $1.2 million (€1 million) in seed funding. Investors included Plug and Play Ventures, Portugal Ventures, and Vessoa Private Equity. France-based Winalist says it partners with more than 1,700 operators in 10 countries. Users can book winery visits, tastings, private wine-pairing dinners, vineyard day-tours, and more. The funding will go toward opening a new branch in Porto, Portugal, as well as hiring, marketing, and increasing operational support for partners.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Amid $4.49B expansion, BNA falls short in list of 50 best airports in the U.S., here's why
Long security lines, confusing layouts, and overcrowded terminals — traveling through airports comes with a myriad of qualms. But some have taken off in traveler satisfaction, giving them a first class ranking. The Washington Post released its list of the 50 best airports in the United States on June 26, revealing fliers' preferred air travel hubs. Landing in the No. 1 spot was Portland International Airport, which boasts a 22-seat microcinema showing short works by Pacific Northwest artists. Trailing close behind were Long Beach Airport, beloved for its 1941 historic terminal, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, known for its frequent sightings of political figures. Notably missing from the Post's list is Nashville International Airport, the largest airport in Tennessee and one that's poured $4.49 billion into expansion over the last eight years. BNA's improved roadways, two-year-old international arrivals facility, brand new Concourse D, on-site Hilton hotel, local concessions options and recent influx of airlines like Aer Lingus and Icelandair seemingly weren't enough to land a top spot among the best. Here's a closer look at the rankings and why BNA was left at the gate. Portland International Airport (PDX) Long Beach Airport (LGB) Ronald Eeagan Washington National Airport (DCA) Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) Seattle Paine Field International Airport (PAE) Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD) Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) Indianapolis International Airport (IND) Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) To see the full ranking, including honorable mentions, visit The Nashville airport is putting billions of dollars toward accommodating the rapid growth in daily passenger numbers the institution has seen since the COVID-19 pandemic subsided. In fiscal year 2021, daily passenger numbers fell to 28,000, and by the end of 2025, BNA expects to serve an average of 70,000 passengers per day. That translates to 25.3 million passengers for the year. Metro Nashville Airport Authority President and CEO Doug Kreulen told The Tennessean in 2018 that the goal is to 'transform BNA into a world-class airport,' a point he reiterated again in 2024. But according to the Post and its recent omission, BNA still has a ways to go. According to The Washington Post's analysis, BNA, which is rated 3.5 stars on Yelp, scored 79% for on-time flights and logged 5,000 complaints. The airport received just nine reader nominations. Many Yelp users cite issues such as long TSA lines, traffic congestion and limited seating throughout. In order to determine the best airports in the U.S., The Washington Post analyzed data from more than 450 airports with at least 1,000 passenger departures in 2024. Drawing on feedback from over 2,300 readers, the team identified key factors that define a beloved airport and weighted them accordingly. After narrowing the list to the top 50, they considered less tangible qualities, such as ease of navigation and on-time flights, to finalize the rankings. Reader nominations played a major role in the scoring, though adjustments were made to prevent bias toward regions with more Post readers. To assess accessibility, the team used TravelTime to calculate public transit times and Mapbox to evaluate driving distances and parking availability. For ease of navigation, they examined gate-to-passenger ratios, TSA complaints, and the percentage of empty seats per flight, an indicator of terminal crowding. Yelp data helped measure both the quantity and quality of five-star-rated food and retail options. On-time performance was calculated using Cirium and although not a top reader priority, it served as a useful tiebreaker. Finally, the team factored in the 'cool' elements frequently mentioned in nominations, such as unique features, standout terminals, and even restrooms with fresh flowers, drawing from both reader input and independent research to highlight what makes each airport stand out. Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for the Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@ or follow her on X at @_leyvadiana This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Why didn't Nashville make Washington Post list of best airports? Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
