travel club global

Are you ready for an adventure of a lifetime? Join our exclusive travel club and unlock a world of unforgettable experiences! Connect with fellow globetrotters, share stories around campfires, and create lifelong friendships. Whether you're an avid explorer or a first-time traveler, our club offers a supportive community that celebrates the joy of discovering new cultures and breathtaking landscapes. Don't wait another moment—embark on an extraordinary journey with us and let the world become your playground!

“Live life with no excuses, travel with no regret.”

                   –Oscar Wilde

Your receipt  will be emailed to you shortly

• Twitter / X
• Readers' Choice
• Food & Drink
• Arts & Culture
• Travel Guides

USA TODAY 10Best

10 travel memberships that are worth the money

November 11, 2021 // By Leila Najafi

By Leila Najafi November 11, 2021

We live in a subscription-obsessed world and there’s a subscription for everything you can imagine, from razors to clothing and even hot sauces. Travel memberships are on the rise, providing new ways to ease some of the stress that comes with traveling these days and help make the journey more seamless.

Whether you’re willing to pay a premium for exclusive travel experiences that provide a little more privacy or you're more budget-conscious and want to find the best travel deals, there’s a membership for every type of traveler. Here are 10 travel memberships that are worth considering.

Wheels Up offers private jet charter memberships so travelers can access a fleet of aircrafts, including a King Air 350i, an 8-passenger Citation Excel/XLS, and one of the fastest aircrafts, the Citation X. Wheels Up uses a dynamic pricing model offering competitive rates, so members can book flights on-demand with the flexibility to pay as they go.

Advertisement Advertisement

Additional m embership benefits include invites to signature events, President’s Circle status with Hertz, a complimentary trial of Inspirato Club subscription for 12 months (Core members only), certain perks at select Waldorf Astoria hotels across North America, a partnership with Delta SkyMiles, dedicated partnership rates with Porsche and more.

Membership cost: Three membership options are available – Connect, Core and Business. The Connect membership requires a one-time initiation fee of $2,995 and annual dues of $2,495 which begin on year two. The Core membership has an initiation fee of $17,500 and annual dues of $8,500 which begin on year two. The Business membership requires an initiation fee of $29,500 and $14,500 for subsequent years and includes up to six lead passengers.

Getting through airport security lines can be a drag, especially during holiday weekends and a pandemic that has increased the demand for more seclusion when traveling. PS (formerly known as Private Suite) is designed for first and business class travelers who are seeking privacy and convenience, allowing them to bypass LAX altogether.

Travelers check into a private terminal where they can relax in a fully-stocked luxury private suite that includes complimentary in-suite meals catered by h.wood Group , as well as additional services upon request such as in-suite massages, manicures and detailing services for personal cars. PS also provides a designated on-site TSA and Customs agent for expedited screening.

Upon boarding, travelers are transported across the tarmac directly to their aircraft in a BMW 7 Series sedan. Earlier this year, the Salon at PS launched, which features a new full-service lounge at the terminal for travelers who want the same benefits of PS but seek a more social experience.

Membership cost: Annual membership costs $4,500, which gives members access to a preferred rate of $3,250 for a one-way Suite experience for up to four travelers. The Salon is available to members and non-members for $695 per use per person.

Inspirato is a subscription-based luxury travel service that gives members exclusive access to over 150,000 luxury vacation homes and resorts around the world that are staffed by Inspirato. There are two membership types: Inspirato Club and Inspirato Pass. The former gives you access to the luxury residences and hotels around the world, on-site concierge and daily housekeeping with additional benefits such as late check-in and check-out, room upgrades, spa credits and more. However, members also pay nightly room rates.

With the Inspirato Pass, you automatically get the benefits of Inspirato Club plus nightly rates are already factored into the price of membership, so you can book as many vacations as possible in one month with one active reservation at a time. There is also no long-term commitment, so you can cancel the membership at any time.

Membership cost: Inspirato Club membership is $600/month plus a $600 enrollment fee and you pay nightly rates as you go. Inspirato Pass is a flat rate of $2,500/month which includes all hotel stays.

Scott’s Cheap Flights

A membership to Scott’s Cheap Flights includes flight deals and “Mistake Fares” accidentally published by airlines sent straight to your inbox. The team scours the internet for the lowest published airfare rates to popular destinations and shares them with members.

Subscribers can also track deals from a specific airport close to home or destinations of interest. A membership to Scott’s Cheap Flights is best for travelers who have flexibility on the destination and dates and are willing to fly based on low airfare rates. Flight deals don’t last long so you’ll have to act fast.

Membership cost: There are three membership tiers including Limited which is free, Premium costs $49/year and Elite $199/year.

PRIOR was started by a former travel editor who saw a gap in the market for travelers wanting a more immersive experience during their vacation. A team of experienced travel editors and local tastemakers on the ground design itineraries for curious travelers.

A PRIOR WORLD membership includes access to curated destination guides, unique local experiences in cities around the world, pre-planned group trips led by experts and for an additional fee, the team can create a custom itinerary based on your interests.

If you're a frequent traveler, PRIOR BESPOKE might be the membership better suited for you. For a flat fee per year, members get unlimited trip planning by their expert team of travel editors and membership managers.

Membership cost: PRIOR WORLD membership costs $249 per annum. PRIOR BESPOKE is $5,000 per annum.

Priority Pass

Airport terminals may have come a long way in the last decade, but killing time for a three-hour layover in a crowded airport isn’t exactly on anyone’s list of things to do, especially on vacation. Trade the busy terminals for private lounge access with Priority Pass and enjoy guaranteed Wi-Fi and snacks.

Members of Priority Pass receive access to over 1,300 airport lounges globally, including several airline lounges such as Virgin Atlantic, Air France and Turkish Airlines. Several credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express Platinum and Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express offer free Priority Pass memberships as part of their member benefits.

Membership cost: Choose from three membership tiers which start at $99/year for the Standard membership plus $32 per visit and go up to $429/year for the Prestige membership which includes unlimited lounge visits.

TSA Pre-Check and Global Entry are services that allow travelers to expedite the security screening process upon departure and arrival. With CLEAR Plus, enrolled members get escorted to the front of the security line once they’ve been verified using facial recognition or fingerprint scans, so they no longer have to verify identification at security. However, for expedited clearance through security screenings, TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry are still required.

CLEAR uses biometric identifiers to create a unique ID assigned to each member that is used for verification at stations across airports, stadiums and other major venues nationwide.

Membership cost: A CLEAR Plus membership is $179 per year. American Express Platinum Card Members receive a $179 statement credit and United MileagePlus members receive a discounted membership rate.

Well Traveled

Well Traveled is a members-only social and booking platform that allows members to connect with friends to find and share travel recommendations. The community-driven platform is intended to make travel planning easier by allowing you to follow people in your network that you trust, in addition to other like-minded travelers who share similar budgets and travel preferences.

Members can also take advantage of the personalized booking service that includes perks like exclusive rates, room upgrades, food & beverage credits, complimentary breakfast and more. Currently, membership is invite-only but you can also apply to be considered.

Membership cost: $150 per year.

Travel + Leisure Club

Travel + Leisure Club is a new travel subscription service offered by Travel + Leisure Group. Members can pay a monthly fee for access to preferred pricing on curated itineraries and an average of 25% savings on hotels, resorts, car rentals and activities that are listed on Travel + Leisure GO, the online travel booking site. Plus, members get a subscription to the glossy print magazine.

Members also get access to a personal concierge that can assist with travel planning, scoring tickets to sold-out events, making dinner reservations and more.

Membership cost: Travel + Leisure Club is currently offering an introductory rate of $9.95/month.

Exclusive Resorts

Designed for families who value privacy, Exclusive Resorts is a small community of members (only 150 new members accepted each year) that get access to over 350 luxury residences around the world including the Amalfi Coast, Barcelona, Deer Valley, Kaua’i, Los Cabos, St. Barts and more.

Guests enjoy a more personalized experience with a dedicated on-site team who can assist with pre-trip planning details such as stocking the fridge with your favorite snacks, booking a massage or private chef, and housekeeping services.

Membership cost: There is a one-time, non-refundable initiation fee of $150,000 for a 10-year membership. Annual dues are $1,395/night and members travel 15-30 nights per year.

About Leila Najafi

Leila Najafi is a luxury travel writer based in LA who is a member of more subscription services than she'd like to admit.

Read more about Leila Najafi here.

Connect with Leila via: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok

Global Travel

CYBER WEEK SALE: Get an EXTRA $25 Gift Card + a 8 Day / 7 Night Vacation. Expires 12/1!

2-FOR-1 MEMBERSHIP SALE! Buy any annual membership and get one. PLUS, get a a Mexico vacation. Offer expires this FRIDAY!

• 1-800-250-7912
• [email protected]

Username or email *

Oops! We could not locate your form.

• Request a Phone Call
• Send us your Referrals
• Office Locations
• Schedule an Inhome Party or Update

• Upcoming Trips
• Prior Trips

Welcome - Thurs times or Monthly Newsletter for new info

Timber Pines Global Travel Club

The Travel Club Board makes every effort to provide our members with a variety of great trips all year long.

Mission Statement

 The purpose of the Club shall be to promote community fellowship through group travel by investigating desirable travel arrangements for the Club at reasonable costs and by advertising  to the members arrangements and promotions for group travel. 

2023 General Meeting Dates

You must be a owner or resident of Timber Pines Community in Spring Hill, FL.   Club annual fees are $5 per household.  Application/renewal forms  are available on website to print out, at community lodge library and at general meetings.

Meetings are held 2:00pm @ the PAC.

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2024  

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Wednesday, Sept.  25, 2024

Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024 

Copyright © 2024 Timber Pines Global Travel Club - All Rights Reserved.

Powered by GoDaddy

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser .

• Moscow Tours

Our 20 Best Moscow Tours of 2022

Join us on an unforgettable tour to Moscow, the capital of Russia. Imagine visiting Red Square, St. Basil’s the Kremlin and more. Moscow is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities and one of Russia’s most historical. All of our tours to Moscow are fully customizable and can be adjusted to fit any budget. Our most popular tours are listed below. Please click on the tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Moscow tours using the form at the side of the page. You can also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists to learn more.

Classic Moscow

This is our most popular Moscow tour that includes all the most prominent sights. You will become acquainted with ancient Russia in the Kremlin, admire Russian art in the Tretyakov Gallery, listen to street musicians as you stroll along the Old Arbat street, and learn about Soviet times on the Moscow Metro tour.

Accommodation

PRIVATE TOUR

A Week in Moscow

This tour is a perfect choice for those who wish to get to know Moscow in depth. One of the highlights of this package is the KGB history tour which gives an interesting perspective on the Cold War. You will also have time for exploring the city on your own or doing extra sightseeing.

Weekend in Moscow

This tour is a great way to get acquainted with the capital of Russia if you are short of time. You will see all the main attractions of the city, the most important of which is the Kremlin - the heart of Russia. The tour starts on Friday and can be combined with a business trip.

Group Tour Moscow Break by Intourist

Russia's capital has so much to offer, from the Kremlin and the Metro to the Old Arbat street and the Tretyakov Gallery. Besides these sites, you will also visit a fascinating country estate which today is quite off the beaten path, Gorky Estate, where the Soviet leader Lenin spent the last months of his life.

Kolomenskoye Tour with transport

The history of Kolomenskoye stretches back for centuries. In 1380, Dmitri Donskoi’s army passed through Kolomenskoye on their way to the Kulikovo battlefield, and it was...

Tours by car

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Armory Tour

The Kremlin is truly a fascinating structure, at the same time it is an ancient tower, the city’s former military fortification, a palace, an armory, the sovereign treasury...

Walking tours

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals, Armory, Diamond Fund Tour

Old Arbat walking tour

You will be told of the street’s interesting history and view the street’s artisan culture. You will also have the opportunity to view and purchase souvenirs from the...

Tour to Sergiev Posad with transport

Considered by some to be the Russian Vatican, Sergiev Posad is the temporary residence of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Trinity St. Sergius Monastery (Lavra)...

Tour to Kuskovo with transport

The Kuskovo Estate often called the Moscow Versailles due to its perfectly preserved French park, is an example of an 18th century, luxurious Moscow summer residence. Its history...

Tour to Tsaritsyno with transport

The Tsaritsyno Estate is located in the southern part of Moscow. The estate was constructed for Catherine the Great by the Russian architects Bazhenov and Kazakov in a romantic...

Moscow Metro and Old Arbat Tour

The Moscow Metro is one of the largest and most grandly built metro systems in the world. It was meant to be a showcase of the Soviet Union’s achievements for both the Russians...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion and vodka tasting)

Vodka is an important component of Russian life, an element of national identity and everyday culture. We invite you to visit the Vodka Museum and feel the atmosphere of long-gone...

Mikhail Bulgakov Apartment Museum

This apartment museum located close to Patriarch Ponds became the prototype of the "bad apartment" described in the novel "The Master and Margarita." Currently the museum's...

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Diamond Fund Tour

The State Museum of Lev Tolstoy Tour

Take this opportunity to learn more about the Russian writer Lev Tolstoy. During the visit to the museum you will see part of a vast collection of exhibits connected to Tolstoy...

Novodevichy Convent Tour with transport

Tour of the Novodevichy Monastery. Founded in 1524 by Grand Prince VasiliIoanovich, the original convent was enclosed by fortified walls and contained 12 towers. The structure...

City Tour with Visit to St. Basils & Red Sq. with transport

Panoramic City Tour. This Moscow tour is a great start to your trip and the best way to get acquainted with many of the city’s major highlights. Our professional guide will...

City Tour of Moscow

Head to the heart of Moscow with a professional guide on a 4-hour private walk through the city center. See Tverskaya and Old Arbat streets, Theatre Square with the world-famous...

Moscow Metro walking tour

Kremlin, Red Square and Cathedrals Tour

KGB Tour with transport

This is a very interesting and insightful tour. You will visit places connected with Stalin’s terror - a time of great repression and fear. You will be shown monuments to...

Soviet and Post-Soviet Moscow Tour

The tour begins with a drive or walk down Tverskaya Street – a Soviet masterpiece. In the years of Soviet power, Tverskaya began to undergo a transformation: it was widened...

Tretyakov State Gallery Tour

This world-famous gallery contains masterpieces of Russian art beginning in the 10th century up until today. You will view exquisite Russian icons and paintings from the 18th and...

Jewish Heritage of Moscow Tour

This tour offers a detailed look into the history and present-day life of the Jewish community of Moscow. On the tour, you will visit sites connected with the cultural and religious...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion only)

Lena, our guide in Moscow was excellent. She was very knowledgable and could answer any question we had for her. We liked that she could pick up on our interests and take us places we might not have thought of to go. When we realized that one of the places we had chosen to see would probably not be that interesting to us, she was able to arrange entry to the Diamond Fund and the Armoury for us. Riding the Metro with Lena was a real adventure and a lot of fun. In Saint Petersburg we found Anna well versed in the history of the Tsars and in the Hermitage collection. Arkady in Veliky Novgorod was a very good guide and answered all of our questions with ease. Novgorod was perhaps a long way to go for a day trip, but we did enjoy it. Vasily was a great driver to have and kept us safe with good humour and skill. We enjoyed ourselves so much, my daughter says she is already planning to return. We would both have no hesistation to recommend ExpresstoRussia to anyone we know.

Just wanted to let you know that My grandson Bruno and I couldn´t have been more pleased with our week in Moscow (6/15 - 6/21). We were absolutely enchanted with the whole experience, including getting lost a couple of times in the Metro during our free time. Although both our guides (both Eleanas) were excellent, I would particularly commend the first one (she took us to the Tatiakov, the KGB tour, and to that beautiful cemetery where so many great Russian artists, authors, composers, musicians, militarists, and politicians are buried). Her knowledge is encyclopedic; and her understanding of today´s Russia as a product of its past was, for us, truly enlightening. I will be taking another tour in Russia, with my wife, within the next two or three years. I will be in touch with you when the time comes. Meanwhile, I will refer you to other potential visitors to Russia as I meet them.

Tours to Moscow

Our Moscow tours are land only meaning that you arrange your own air travel to Russia and our expert staff meets you at the airport and handles everything else from there. Our online Airline Ticket booking system offers some of the most competitive rates to Russia available on the web so if you need tickets, please visit our Russian air ticket center . Rest assured that you will be taken great care of on one of our Moscow tours. Express to Russia has a fully staffed office in Moscow that will help to make your visit fun, informative and unforgettable. Please remember that of all these tours are private and can be adjusted to your taste. You can add, replace or skip some sights; you can add more days to the package or cut the tour short. Our specialists will be glad to help you create the tour of your dreams!

Moscow, a City Like No Other

Moscow is Russia’s largest city with a population of between 12 and 13 million. It is also Europe’s largest city and when you visit Moscow, you can feel it. The layout and architecture of the city is eclectic, ranging from crooked, ancient streets and alleyways to wide, bustling boulevards, from medieval churches to Stalin skyscrapers and to modern, glass buildings towering over everything and of course in the center of it all is the Kremlin and the magnificent Red Square. Moscow is also home to a fantastic, efficient and very beautiful metro system – each station having its own special design. In fact, Express to Russia’s Moscow metro tours and excursions are some of our most popular attractions that we offer. On our Moscow tours, you will see this and more.

Moscow Tours centering on Russian History

Moscow has a long and interesting history and has been the capital of Russia in many of its different iterations – capital of the Grand Duchy of Moscow , the Russian Empire and of course the Soviet Union (who could ever forget the Soviet Union?). Moscow, was founded in the 12th century by Prince Yuri Dolgaruki (Yuri of the long arms – he really did have long arms!). From that time on, it was home to the Russian Tsars until Peter the Great moved the capital to St. Petersburg in 1703. The city has survived invasions and sieges from the Mongols, the Tartars, the Poles, Lithuanians and Napoleon but has always persevered. Our Moscow tours will enlighten you on this great history and give you insights into Muscovites and their unique culture. Our Moscow tours show you what the city is like today but also brings to life the past. Moscow never seems to sleep and is bursting with energy. A Moscow tour with Express to Russia is truly the best way of getting to know Russia’s largest and most vibrant city.

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

What is the best time to visit moscow.

Any time of year is fine depending on what you plan to do. Summertime is pleasantly warm, ideal for exploring the city and its vibrant atmosphere, but Moscow will be much busier and accommodation is more expensive. Winter can be quite cold but beautiful nonetheless, and this is unproblematic if you intend to spend most of your trip in museums and galleries. There are also various festivals and events organised throughout the year. For more information about the best time to visit, read our guide

How many days are enough in Moscow?

If you plan your itinerary strategically and aren’t averse to a packed schedule, you can cover Moscow’s main sights over a long weekend. Most popular attractions are in the city centre, and the Moscow Metro allows you to cover much ground in a small amount of time. Ensure that your accommodation is fairly central and book tickets in advance, so that you can make the most of your days. For an informative and well-organised day out, check out our Moscow day tours with options to suit all interests.

Do they speak English in Moscow?

As Russia’s capital city, tourists are well accommodated in Moscow. There should be English-speaking staff in restaurants, bars, hotels, shops and attractions in tourist hotspots, and there are also English-speaking tourist police. Transport services have English translations on their maps and English announcements via intercom; alternatively, order taxis from the Yandex Taxi app (Russian Uber), though it’s unlikely that your taxi driver will speak English. If you get stuck and cannot communicate, it’s fine to use Google Translate.

Is it safe to travel to Moscow?

It is no less safe to travel to Moscow than to any European city if you exercise common sense and look after your belongings. As with every city some regions can be more unsavoury than others, but no tourist attractions are located there. The traffic in Moscow is notorious, so exercise caution when crossing roads. Do not take unlicensed taxis; book in advance or take public transport, which is widespread and perfectly safe. If you encounter any problems, look for the special tourist police who can help you. For more information, read our guide about staying safe in Russia .

Our travel brands include

Express to Russia

Join us on Facebook

We invite you to become a fan of our company on Facebook and read Russian news and travel stories. To become a fan, click here .

Join our own Russian Travel, Culture and Literature Club on Facebook. The club was created to be a place for everyone with an interest in Russia to get to know each other and share experiences, stories, pictures and advice. To join our club, please follow this link .

We use cookies to improve your experience on our Website, and to facilitate providing you with services available through our Website. To opt out of non-essential cookies, please click here . By continuing to use our Website, you accept our use of cookies, the terms of our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service . I agree

Global airlines are governed by strict 'freedoms of the air' dating back 80 years. They've created some funky routes.

• Global airlines are governed by nine "freedoms of the air," drafted 80 years ago in 1944.
• These dictate how airlines can operate in foreign nations, with some more complicated than others.
• The fifth freedom can give airlines a competitive edge and help capitalize on demand.

Over the past 100 years of shuttling people around the globe in metal flying machines, the world's aviation network has grown into a vast web of intersecting routes that connect nearly every corner of the globe.

Because of the complexities of crossing international borders, commercial carriers follow what is known as the "freedoms of the air" — or the right for an airline to operate within a nation other than its own.

These building blocks of aviation make international connectivity possible. 

According to the International Civil Aviation Organization, or ICAO , there are five official freedoms and four other "so-called" rights, that have been outlined in agreements between countries. ICAO is an agency of the United Nations that sets standards for the global aviation industry.

Drafted in 1944 during what is known as the Chicago Convention, the laws were written as world governments relaxed their grip on airline networks and pricing. This liberalization, however, meant countries with bigger airlines would likely dominate the skies — prompting them to implement strict route regulations.

The governing freedoms not only promote more competition and choice but also allow airlines to optimize routes and increase efficiency, according to FlightRadar24 . 

Most international carriers except for a very small few follow the basic freedoms of allowing airlines of one state to fly over or land in another, and vice versa.

Open Skies agreements simplify these international routes, like the one between the European Union and the US that allows any airline registered in either market to fly between the two.

Some freedoms are more complicated, but provide interesting and diverse route options to travelers.

The fifth and eighth freedoms of the air

Beyond the first four freedoms, there is one more officially recognized right, as well as the four "so-called" rights. The latter four were not officially drafted during the 1944 Chicago Convention but are regularly accepted and practiced worldwide.

According to ICAO, the fifth freedom gives an airline of one nation the right to fly between two other countries, so long as the one-stop routes start or end in its home country and all parties agree.

Among the most well-known fifth freedom routes are Emirates' flights from New York-JFK to Milan and Newark to Athens, both flying onward to the carrier's base in Dubai.

Similarly, Singapore Airlines flies between New York and Singapore via a stop in Frankfurt , and Australian flag carrier Qantas flies between Sydney and New York via Auckland, New Zealand, according to Google Flights.

United Airlines' delayed fifth freedom route will fly between the US mainland and Cebu, Philippines, via Tokyo starting in October, the carrier told Business Insider on Monday. It was supposed to start in July — before the FAA launched an investigation after a string of safety incidents at United.

These unique routes can be efficient for airlines trying to serve destinations that a plane can't reach nonstop, like Emirates' fifth freedom between Mexico City and Dubai via Barcelona or Latam Airlines' route between Sydney and Santiago, Chile, via Auckland. 

Still, carriers will make stops on otherwise attainable direct flights because they can capitalize on the high-demand market on both legs — filling more seats and making more money.

Customers may also view carriers like Emirates and Singapore as a more luxe offering than the competing US and EU carriers across the Atlantic.

On the other hand, an airline that wants to serve a low-demand market can better fill the plane by adding a fifth-freedom leg to a nearby city, like Dutch flag carrier KLM's flight between Amsterdam and Santiago via Buenos Aires. 

Among ICAO's most interesting "so-called" rights is the eighth freedom, which gives an airline the right to fly between two cities in a country that isn't its own— but the domestic leg seats cannot be sold as the entire journey must start or end in the foreign airline's home nation.

Related stories

Qantas used to fly an eighth freedom route between New York and Sydney via Los Angeles — but only those originating or destined for Australia could fly on the domestic cross-country leg, Forbes reported.

Also no longer flying, per Cirium data, African carrier Air Senegal, for example, launched a flight from Dakar to Baltimore with a layover in New York in 2021. The domestic leg seats couldn't be sold.

Here's a closer look at the freedoms of the air.

"Five Freedom Agreements"

First Freedom

This allows an airline of one nation to fly over another without landing.

Second Freedom

This allows an airline of one nation the right to land in another territory for a technical stop. Think refueling or an inflight mechanical issue that prompted an unplanned emergency landing.

Third Freedom

This allows an airline of one nation to carry passengers to a foreign state, and vice versa.

Fourth Freedom

This allows the airline of one nation to take on passengers originating in another. The fourth freedom is simply the reverse of the third freedom.

Fifth Freedom

This allows an airline of one nation to carry passengers between two countries other than its own so long as the route starts or ends in the carrier's home state.

"So-called" rights

Six Freedom

This allows an airline to carry passengers from one nation to another via its home state. This represents the typical hub-and-spoke network used by global airlines.

Seventh Freedom

The seventh freedom is similar to the fifth freedom but takes out the limitation of where the route must start or end. Instead, an airline has the right to fly between two nations other than its own without flying onward to its home base.

The EU's single-aviation market, for example, grants airlines the right to fly to and from any EU country, like Ireland-based Ryanair that flies between Rome and Vilnius, Lithuania.

Eighth Freedom

This allows an airline to fly between two cities in a foreign country so long as all passengers originate or are destined for the airline's home state.

Ninth Freedom

This cabotage freedom allows an airline of one nation to fly between two points in a separate single country. This does not exist in the US, but it does in the EU — like easyJet's back-and-forth nonstop between Paris and Nice, for example.

Watch: Why Singapore Changi Airport was just named best in the world

• Main content

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share by Email

Beyond the gates of Augusta National, private-club golf is booming

A view of the sprawling Old Barnwell in Aiken, S.C.

Ran Morrissett

As the golf world focuses on the Masters this week, let’s expand our lens and take stock of the sporting landscape beyond Augusta National Golf Club .

In recent years, a cluster of noteworthy clubs has cropped up in the surrounding region, bringing a constellation of courses — and courses in the making — to a Sandbelt that stretches across parts of the Carolinas and Georgia. 

Here’s a look at six of these notable newbies, all of which lie within a 200-mile radius of the gated entrance of Magnolia Lane.

The Tree Farm

Location : Batesburg-Leesville, S .C.

In his nearly 10 years on the PGA Tour, Zac Blair has never broken into the winner’s circle. But he has made a name in architecture circles as the rare touring pro with a passion for course design. After pursuing a project for several years in his home state of Utah, Blair pivoted to the site of a former pine nursery in Aiken, S.C., where Tom Doak drew up a routing and Kye Goalby did the rest. The result is a nuanced lay-of-the-land course that marries elements of Pinehurst and Pine Valley.

Old Barnwell

Location : Aiken, S.C.

An elite club with a social conscience, Old Barnwell is the brainchild of the software entrepreneur Nick Schreiber, who has put golf into play as a force for greater good. With a melting-pot membership of just under 300, the club has cultivated ties beyond its boundaries, partnering with HBCUs (historically black colleges and universities) to host practice rounds and tournaments, while sponsoring women’s and junior golf initiatives. The course itself is broad-minded, too. Designed by first-time lead architects Blake Conant and longtime Doak associate Brian Schneider, it plays to an unconventional par 73, with an inventive routing that bucks and rolls through the heart and around the edges of a large sandy bowl.

Location : Rembert, S.C.

To say that Mike Koprowski is invested in this project is an understatement. The up-and-coming architect not only found the site, he purchased the land himself — convinced of its potential — before bringing on other partners. In collaboration with Kyle Franz, whose praised work includes the restoration of Southern Pines, Mid Pines and Pine Needles, Koprowski is now busy shaping a course on a rollicking canvas that has been likened to the terrain of esteemed Old Town Club, in Winston-Salem. Among its many refreshing features, Broomsedge will have holes that might switch in par from day and day, as well as 20 green sites for 18 holes, allowing for alternative and shared putting surfaces. The club will also operate on the British model, with a membership that gets priority but tee times made available for outside play. 

Fall Line Golf Club

Location: Butler, G a.

With enrollment expected to be capped at around 100, Fall Line will have a membership half the size of Augusta’s but double the number of 18-hole courses. Both are being designed by the Australian firm of Ogilvie, Cocking and Mead, who have drawn inspiration in their work from English heathland and Aussie Sandbelt layouts. Along with a 12-hole short course and a Himalayas-style putting complex, this self-proclaimed “sporting” club will also have a clay-bird shooting facility and a robust offering of hunting programs.

21 Golf Club

Location : the Sand Hills between Aiken S.C and Augusta, G a.

An invitation-only private membership club, this exclusive redoubt is slated to have two courses. The first will be the Hammer Course (as in the gambling game), a match-play layout by Sweetens Cove designers Tad King and Rob Collins that will feature various alternate routings and an extra three-hole loop for settling bets. When the Hammer is completed (the projected opening date is in 2025), the club will get to work on the Mackenzie Course, a recreation of El Boquerón, a daring, never-built design that the famed architect dreamed up for a wealthy family in Argentina more than a century ago.

Cypress Shoals

Location : North Augusta, S.C. 

Less than five miles down the road from where he won two green jackets, Tom Watson has been tapped to design the first of two courses at Cypress Shoals, a 1,742-acre planned community that bills itself as “Augusta, Reimagined.” Word of the development first made headlines last year, in the weeks leading up to the Masters, and while many details of the project remain unclear (including the opening date), the same promises endure on the Cypress Shoals website, which, in addition to golf, calls for 200 residential lots, 60 “club condominiums,” 40 “luxury cabins,” plus a fishing preserve, expansive hunting grounds and an equestrian facility, on acreage that borders the Savannah River.

Latest In Travel

As golf booms in cabo, querencia unveils plans for a second course, 13 shots from augusta national's 'second nine' that made masters history, this masters tax hack funds tournament week — and could save you big, what is amen corner get to know augusta's iconic masters holes.

A golf, food and travel writer, Josh Sens has been a GOLF Magazine contributor since 2004 and now contributes across all of GOLF’s platforms. His work has been anthologized in The Best American Sportswriting. He is also the co-author, with Sammy Hagar, of Are We Having Any Fun Yet: the Cooking and Partying Handbook.

• Author Twitter Account

Related Articles

Was the masters a sign of the future gamblers take note, check out the callaway wedges used by jon rahm, rory's strategy, bryson's irons, tiger's walk: stray masters thoughts | monday finish, greg norman, rory mcilroy and scottie: 102 thoughts from masters week, this local masters caddie just earned a massive payday, these 5 masters gear changes caught our attention | wall-to-wall, buy the driver scottie scheffler used to win the 2024 masters, inside scottie scheffler's dominant masters victory | seen and heard at augusta day 7, here's how the 13 liv golfers fared at the 2024 masters.

• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Delta
• Racial and Ethnic Diversity
• LGBTQ+ Diversity
• People with Disabilities
• Veterans and the Military
• Sustainability
• Awards & Recognition
• Global Partners

On April 9, Delta Sky Club raised the curtain on its newly expanded Miami lounge. With the addition of nearly 4,000 square feet and 100-plus seats to the Club—a capacity increase of more than 50%— the Club now stands at just over 12,000 total square feet, ready to welcome around 300 guests.

“Miami is an important global transport hub, with increasing prominence in the Delta network,” said Claude Roussel, Vice President – Sky Clubs and Lounge Experience. “The expansion and renovation of the MIA Club helps us support the growth in this market and elevates the lounge experience to one suited to the profile of this vibrant city.”

The expansion’s design takes inspiration from Miami’s bright colors and sunny beaches. A new mosaic pays homage to the city’s classic Art Deco architecture, while the overall color palette reflects the nearby turquoise waters, blue sky, and white and gold accents seen in south Florida designs.

The Club expansion features a new service buffet and additional beverage station to support that higher guest volume. Seating in the expansion is tailored to the needs of the business traveler, with single-seat dining tables, a communal table with a charging source in the center, and power outlets at almost every seat. Throughout the Club, seating has been refurbished to match the elevated look of the newly added space.

Guests of the renovated lounge can enjoy a view to the H Concourse below from the expansion space.

The Miami expansion kicks off a year of growth for Delta lounges, with two new Delta Sky Clubs coming to Charlotte and Seattle and three highly anticipated Delta One Lounges opening in JFK, LAX and BOS. See the full list of openings here.

Delta in Miami

Keeping miami connected.

This summer, Delta will offer 34 peak-day flights from Miami to 12 destinations, including international service to Havana, Cuba. All service will be operated on Delta mainline equipment, with premium cabin classes available across flights.

With the addition of daily service to SEA coming this December, Delta’s domestic routes from Miami will include all nine of Delta’s domestic U.S. hubs (ATL, BOS, LGA, JFK, MSP, DTW, LAX, SLC and SEA), along with Raleigh, Orlando and Washington D.C.

Embedded in the community

Delta is deeply rooted in the Miami and South Florida community, serving as a corporate sponsor to youth organizations such as the YMCA of South Florida, KIPP Miami, Junior Achievement chapters of Greater Miami and South Florida, and Covenant House Florida. Additional partnerships with Clean Miami Beach, Miami Beach Pride and Feeding South Florida support environmental, cultural arts/LGBTQ+ rights, and wellbeing initiatives within the region. Delta also serves as the Official Airline of the Miami Marlins. Last year, Delta made its debut at Miami art week, showcasing the work of six Miami-based artists through immersive art projections in a chartered flight to the event and commissioning pieces from the artists for a Delta-sponsored open-air gallery.

Earlier this year, Delta, along with joint venture partner LATAM Airlines Group and Junior Achievement, partnered with New World School of the Arts to give 25 students a real-world introduction to the aviation industry. Delta and LATAM volunteers gave students a behind-the-scenes look at the workings and operations of Miami International Airport, laying the groundwork for future careers in aviation.

Florida is home to more than 7,500 Delta employees. This year, profit sharing payouts to state-based employees totaled $31.5 million.

• Delta Sky Clubs

Not finding what you need?

• News U.S. News Life Politics Business Science/Health Good News World Tech Entertainment Sports
• Shows Schedule Show List
• Documentaries In Real Life Next Level Bellingcat All Docs
• Investigations
• About Team Viewer Spotlight Hotline Support

2024 could be the year to travel as airfare prices are declining

Last month there was a notable decline in airfare prices, with a 7.1% decrease compared to the same month last year.

If you've noticed that airfare prices seem a bit more affordable lately, it's because they're on a downward trend.

According to data  released Tuesday  by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the average domestic airfare for 2023 was $382, making it 3.1% lower than the inflation-adjusted average fare of $394 in 2022; and it's 36.4% lower than the peak fare of $600 recorded in 2000.

The news comes while costs continue to rise in most other sectors — yet the desire to travel continues to increase.

"In the first quarter 2023, passenger demand increased with U.S. airlines reporting 75.4 million originating passengers, up 138.8% from 31.6 million passengers in the fourth quarter of 2020," DOT said in the  press release.  "U.S. passenger airlines collected 74.2% of total operating revenue of $39.2 billion from passenger fares during the first three months of 2023, down from 88.5% in 1990."

As for the numbers for this year,  Nerdwallet  reports that airfares dropped by 7.1% in March compared to the same month in 2023, and since 2019 before the start of the pandemic, airfares have only gone up by 2.6%.

While the prices are a bit lower, airlines like Delta are still benefiting from the traveling boom.  Delta's first-quarter earnings  report highlighted a $37 million profit fueled by the strong demand, and the airline says they expect the trend to continue throughout the summer.

Best airlines, top tips for smooth air travel with your pets

American Airlines announced a new pet policy in March, allowing customers to bring regular carry-on luggage with their dog or cat.

Latest in Travel

Delta is implementing a new system for passengers to board planes.

This news comes as the airline shared its first-quarter earnings for this year, saying it has earned $37 million thus far.

Is there going to be a Donald J. Trump International Airport?

Several Republicans have filed a bill to rename a large D.C.-area airport after the former president, but does it have enough steam?

United Airlines is asking pilots to take time off in May

United is asking pilots to take voluntary time off because the airline isn't getting as many new planes from Boeing as it expected.

Top Stories

Woman who accused trevor bauer of sex assault charged with fraud.

The baseball player had previously accused the woman of faking a pregnancy to extort money from him.

Man fatally shoots Uber driver after both were targeted by scam calls

Police said phony phone calls led an elderly man to believe the Uber driver was robbing him after she was told to retrieve a package from his home.

President Biden heads to Pittsburgh, calls for higher steel tariffs

President Biden's visit to Pittsburgh marks the second of three stops on a swing through the key battleground state of Pennsylvania this week.

We've detected unusual activity from your computer network

To continue, please click the box below to let us know you're not a robot.

Why did this happen?

Please make sure your browser supports JavaScript and cookies and that you are not blocking them from loading. For more information you can review our Terms of Service and Cookie Policy .

For inquiries related to this message please contact our support team and provide the reference ID below.

‘Paraiso Travel’s’ Simon Brand, Producer Daniel Eilemberg Partner With Imaginer Films to Launch Clover Studios in Colombia (EXCLUSIVE)

By Anna Marie de la Fuente

Anna Marie de la Fuente

• ‘Paraiso Travel’s’ Simon Brand, Producer Daniel Eilemberg Partner With Imaginer Films to Launch Clover Studios in Colombia (EXCLUSIVE) 20 hours ago
• Werner Herzog Leads Film Accelerator in Spain, Voice Acts in Bong Joon Ho’s Upcoming Animated Feature (EXCLUSIVE) 2 days ago
• Netflix Inks Colombia’s Pablo González and Camilo Prince, Showrunners of ‘Hijacking of Flight 601’ 7 days ago

Award-winning Colombian director-producer Simon Brand and Miami-based media executive producer Daniel Eilemberg have joined forces with the founders of Emmy-winning Imaginer Films , Julio César and Laura Franco, to launch Clover Studios, a new production services company in Colombia. 

The new enterprise is in response to Colombia’s phenomenal growth as a major production center, driven by its competitive production incentives and flourishing creative community.

Popular on Variety

“We are thrilled to embark on this exciting journey with Julio and Laura,” said Brand and Eilemberg, adding: “With Clover, we aim to harness the creativity and passion of Colombia’s vibrant film community and contribute to making Colombia the most important production hub in South America.”

Imaginer Films, based in Medellin, has solidified its position as a key provider of production services within the film and television sectors, playing a pivotal role in the expansion of Colombia’s film industry over the past few decades.

It is one of several production companies that have sprouted up since Colombia saw an uptick in location shoots. Aside from providing services in the production of music videos, commercials, films and television, it will be developing original IP, including the fourth feature film by Brand.

Colombia offers two audiovisual incentives: a Cash Rebate and a Transferable Tax Credit. Additionally, services rendered in the country but exclusively used abroad are exempt from a Value Added Tax.

“The twin strikes in Hollywood impacted location shoots here last year but we expect it to start picking up again,” said Colombian film commissioner Silvia Echeverri.

Brand has helmed 200+ commercials for major brands like Coca-Cola, Nabisco, and BMW, alongside numerous music videos for artists including Ricky Martin, Shakira, and Maluma. He followed his debut feature, “Unknown,” starring Jim Caviezel, Greg Kinnear and Joe Pantoliano, with the box office hit “Paraíso Travel.” His third film, “Default,” stars David Oyelowo.

Recently, Brand served as showrunner and director for Netflix’s “Ritmo Salvaje,” produced Goyo’s HBO special, directed Thalia’s Mixtape series for Paramount +, and helmed “Law and Order: Organized Crime.” He’s been named by Variety as one of Hollywood’s most influential Latinos.

Eilemberg co-founded and led media brand Lil’ Heroes alongside Spanish contemporary artist Edgar Plans. Prior to that, he was a founding partner and president of content at Exile Content, which was later acquired by Candle Media in 2022. As President of Fusion Media Group, he earned over 75 awards, including prestigious journalism honors. Eilemberg also founded Animal Político and Pájaro Político, acclaimed news brands. His executive producer credits include Sundance winner “Science Fair” and Netflix’s “Who Killed Malcolm X.” A 2014 Nieman Fellow at Harvard, he received NAMIC’s 2017 Next Generation Leaders and Luminaries Award.

More From Our Brands

Taylor swift’s ‘blank space’ was a pop pivot with a sense of humor, thom browne just unveiled a chic new bedding collection with frette, new sports investment thinking boosts baseball, retail in midwest, be tough on dirt but gentle on your body with the best soaps for sensitive skin, christina applegate: i was asked to join real housewives of beverly hills but ‘i would be the worst housewife’, verify it's you, please log in.