Travel loyalty programs are free membership systems offered by companies across the travel industry, designed to reward customers for repeat business with points, perks, and preferential treatment. Nearly every corner of the travel world has one: airlines, hotels, resorts, trains, car rental companies, cruise lines, and transfer/Rideshare companies all run their own versions, often with tiered status levels that unlock better benefits the more you use them. While frequent bus

Welcome to The Departure Lounge, the blog home of Travels with Kirstie. If you've found your way here, you're probably somewhere between "I want to travel more" and "I have no idea where to start." That's exactly the gap this space is meant to fill. Why This Blog Exists I became a travel advisor for the love of travel, plain and simple. I love it, and I honestly can't stop planning. Strategizing is in my blood: I've spent almost two decades in event and tradeshow planning, ma