7 Clear Signs Your Partner is Ready for International Travel Together

7 Clear Signs Your Partner is Ready for International Travel Together - They've Already Mapped Out South America's LATAM Pass Sweet Spots For 2025

LATAM Pass is undergoing a transformation for 2025, with a focus on streamlining the experience and personalizing benefits. This includes a new app designed to make managing your account easier. While the Gold Plus tier is disappearing, members who meet the right criteria in 2024 can keep their perks until March 2026. Interestingly, there are some sweet spots emerging for 2025, especially for those considering flights to South America with indirect routing from the US. The pricing for these can be particularly attractive, which is good news for budget-conscious travelers. However, keep in mind that their online award search might not always show all options with their airline partners. If you are struggling to find the exact flight, it's worth contacting them directly for help. LATAM Pass seems to be making an effort to improve and could be a valuable resource for planning your South American adventures.

LATAM Pass is undergoing a transformation, aiming for a more user-friendly experience in 2025. They're introducing a new app to manage your account, although I'm skeptical if it will be as seamless as they claim. One curious change is the phasing out of the Gold Plus tier in 2025, but current members can keep their status for a while if they maintain certain flight requirements.

It seems they're shifting toward a simpler rewards system. While that can be a good thing, it's interesting to see if the earning rates will still be competitive. Their current setup appears to award miles based on ticket price, which suggests that premium fares offer better rewards. You might earn around 5,000 miles for a $1,000 international flight, but it would be useful to analyze the specific fare classes that provide the best mile-to-dollar ratio.

It is important to note that LATAM's booking system still isn't perfect for searching all partner airlines. They suggest contacting customer service, which can sometimes be a frustrating experience depending on the waiting times and the expertise of the agents. That said, finding sweet spots on indirect routes from the US to South America looks to be promising.

It seems that they are also trying to further integrate with other loyalty programs, especially those within the Marriott family, as it appears to be the most efficient way for Americans to build up LATAM miles. It is not clear to me whether the partnership will be truly valuable in the long run.

For those eager to accumulate points faster, they could also consider the LATAM Visa card, which offers a sign-up bonus. The card also has various perks, but whether they are worthwhile in the long run is unclear.

LATAM Pass is also focusing on their status levels. By accumulating enough qualifying points, users can potentially unlock additional benefits, potentially making it more appealing for frequent travelers on their network.


Essentially, they are streamlining some elements of their program but they also aim for greater network access. However, I wonder how this affects the airline's own routes and if it could lead to a decrease in service quality. I will be watching developments to see if they achieve their goals for a more accessible, lucrative, and user-friendly frequent flyer program.

What else is in this post?

1. 7 Clear Signs Your Partner is Ready for International Travel Together - They've Already Mapped Out South America's LATAM Pass Sweet Spots For 2025
2. 7 Clear Signs Your Partner is Ready for International Travel Together - Your Partner Switches Airline Loyalty Programs To Match Yours
3. 7 Clear Signs Your Partner is Ready for International Travel Together - They Love Planning Train Routes Through Eastern Europe's Lesser Known Cities
4. 7 Clear Signs Your Partner is Ready for International Travel Together - Together You Track Award Space Availability For Peak Season Japan Flights
5. 7 Clear Signs Your Partner is Ready for International Travel Together - They Learn Basic Phrases In Multiple Languages During Daily Commutes
6. 7 Clear Signs Your Partner is Ready for International Travel Together - Your Partner Creates Spreadsheets To Compare Inter-Island Ferry Schedules
7. 7 Clear Signs Your Partner is Ready for International Travel Together - They Subscribe To Multiple Airline Deal Alerts Without Your Suggestion

7 Clear Signs Your Partner is Ready for International Travel Together - Your Partner Switches Airline Loyalty Programs To Match Yours

When your partner switches their airline loyalty program to align with yours, it's a subtle yet significant sign they're ready to embrace international adventures as a team. It's not simply a matter of adjusting to your preferences, but rather a conscious effort to optimize your travel experiences together. This decision often reflects a desire to leverage shared benefits, such as priority boarding or upgrades, which can significantly enhance the journey.

Many airlines offer status matches, making it easy to transition loyalty programs without sacrificing the accumulated benefits. This streamlining process not only creates a shared reward system, but also underlines the commitment to experiencing the world hand-in-hand. It underscores the value you both place on exploration and the freedom that comes with international travel.

This synchronization of loyalty programs can pave the way for more rewarding and efficient trips abroad. Expect a smoother, more unified experience with a focus on making the most of each journey, from exploring new destinations to indulging in international culinary treats. It hints at a future filled with shared memories and adventures across the globe.

If your partner suddenly decides to switch their airline loyalty program to match yours, it could be a sign they're seriously considering more joint international travel. This shift can have interesting implications for both of you.

Firstly, it could mean a doubling of your combined earning potential for miles. This can accelerate the path towards free flights or upgrades, potentially leading to more affordable trips together.

However, one must also understand that aligning loyalty programs also means aligning your travel choices to a degree. You can optimize your mileage accumulation by booking flights, hotels, and rentals under the same umbrella. But this may limit you when one of you prefers to use a different carrier or hotel chain.

This synchronization may also lead to a faster route to achieving elite status, assuming both partners earn frequently. This can come with extra privileges like priority boarding or free checked bags, which can be especially handy when traveling long distances internationally. Some airlines also offer the ability to pool miles within families or between partners, further accelerating the journey toward redemption. However, pooling can be quite complex and some airlines restrict the ability to pool or share miles freely.

Switching programs also might influence your travel budget as airlines generally offer varying earning rates based on fare class. This could lead to significant savings, but careful planning is necessary to determine if the most convenient airline also offers the best mileage yield. It's easy to gravitate toward a "known" airline if it simplifies bookings, but might it not be better to fly a carrier that provides the best return on investment regarding miles and rewards?


Another interesting element is the potential for a wider choice of travel destinations. Loyalty programs sometimes offer bonus miles for flights to specific regions. If your partner chooses your airline, you might uncover a wider selection of travel options that you hadn't explored before.

One can also consider the possibilities that are arising with some airlines integrating their loyalty programs with hotel brands. This can add an interesting dimension to your travel, but there are no guarantees the integration will work as planned. This often leads to new potential benefits, but also raises new considerations regarding how the program's underlying mechanics will be integrated.


Finally, the question of credit card usage and maximizing earnings becomes intertwined with the alignment of loyalty programs. Using a complementary travel credit card tied to the airline can increase your earning potential. However, this requires careful scrutiny, as card perks vary, and the overall utility may or may not outweigh the associated fees.


All in all, while switching a partner's airline loyalty program to match yours can lead to various benefits, it also signifies a greater willingness to travel together internationally and coordinate travel plans. While appealing, this synchronization might require compromises and adapting to each other's preferences for a harmonious journey.

7 Clear Signs Your Partner is Ready for International Travel Together - They Love Planning Train Routes Through Eastern Europe's Lesser Known Cities

When your partner gets excited about crafting elaborate train journeys through Eastern Europe's less-traveled towns and cities, it's a strong sign they're ready for a shared international adventure. This part of the world is a treasure trove of hidden gems, waiting to be explored at a leisurely pace, and train travel offers the perfect way to experience them. You could start from easily reachable cities like Munich, and then hop on a train to discover a new country almost daily, exploring five countries across just five days. This style of travel often works out cheaper than flying, and affordable options exist like the Eurail Global Pass, allowing you to travel economically across a network of routes. Itineraries like the Central Balkans route, which typically starts in Budapest, can lead you through a string of beautiful cities and provide a deep immersion into the region's unique culture and rich history. And of course, tasting local specialties along the way is a key part of making any adventure truly unforgettable. Such shared experiences often lay the foundation for many more trips to come.

Your partner's fascination with crafting train journeys through Eastern Europe's less-explored cities is a promising sign of their adventurous spirit and willingness to explore beyond the typical tourist trail. This region is experiencing a surge in low-cost air travel, particularly to places like Gdansk and Wroclaw, making it more accessible and potentially cheaper to reach these destinations. It seems that many airlines are now serving these smaller airports, offering fares that can be significantly lower than traditional airlines on the same routes, making the journey affordable.

Beyond the cost advantages, Eastern European train travel itself is an intriguing engineering study, with routes weaving through stunning scenery often on meticulously maintained tracks that date back to the 19th century. This provides a distinct travel experience, blending history and geography. The routes can also be surprisingly scenic. And with Eurail passes, these travels could be organized at a fixed price that might offer flexibility alongside purchasing cash fares on specific segments for the most budget-minded.

However, be mindful that the allure of train travel sometimes comes with planning hurdles. For example, train networks can be complex, with multiple pass options and a variety of price points. And the most convenient journeys might not always be the cheapest or fastest. Eurail offers Global Passes, which can make organizing trips easier, but they're geared toward shorter trips, making them less useful for those seeking longer explorations. It's interesting how different kinds of passes might be suitable for different travel styles. It's worthwhile to spend some time analyzing various itineraries. A typical journey across five countries over five travel days can be economical.

The landscape of Eastern Europe is diverse, featuring cultural hotspots like Budapest and Prague, alongside pristine coastal areas like Croatia's islands. A two-week itinerary encompassing these could showcase the variety of this region. But it also shows the scale of the challenge in developing an optimal itinerary. One must balance what the different Eurail passes provide with the logistics of actual travel. A well-crafted itinerary can not only make the most of travel time but also minimize the need to frequently switch trains or jump between different carriers, reducing the time spent in stations.


It's important to remember that airline pricing is often dynamic, fluctuating based on demand and time of year. This can work in a traveler's favor as airlines often provide midweek discounts. But it also implies a level of uncertainty regarding budgeting. The emergence of travel tech hubs in cities like Tallinn and Sofia could potentially lead to further airline growth in the region, which might mean more flight options and potentially more competition, potentially reducing airfares further. Smaller airports often offer a more relaxed travel experience compared to bigger, busier airports, making it possible to avoid queues and long waits, which is always a welcome change.


Ultimately, the allure of planning train journeys through Eastern Europe speaks volumes about your partner's growing desire for enriching travel experiences and a willingness to embrace new cultures and landscapes. It highlights a preference for exploring the less-trodden paths, revealing a travel style that’s rooted in a curious and resourceful mindset.

7 Clear Signs Your Partner is Ready for International Travel Together - Together You Track Award Space Availability For Peak Season Japan Flights

Planning a trip to Japan with your partner during peak season? Then you'll want to keep a close eye on award seat availability, especially if you're hoping for a premium cabin experience. Finding those coveted seats can be tough, especially with airlines like Japan Airlines limiting the number of award seats offered per flight. This move, despite rising demand for flights to Japan, can make securing premium seats a challenge. Luckily, specialized tools like Pointme can offer more insight into award availability in real-time, making it easier to locate those elusive open seats, especially during peak travel periods. Some airlines, like Alaska Airlines, provide enticing redemption options using miles for Japan flights, but it's wise to be mindful of the travel season and the specific airlines you're looking at to find the most attractive options. By understanding how award space availability works for flights to Japan, you'll be in a better position to create the best travel plans for a memorable trip. Just remember that securing the flight you want often requires careful planning and research, which can become a shared activity that strengthens your travel partnership.

When planning trips to Japan, especially during peak seasons, securing award space can be tricky. It's like trying to solve a complex puzzle with constantly shifting pieces. Airlines often release a limited number of award seats, particularly for popular routes and premium cabins. This means that even if you have a stash of miles, it's not always a guarantee of getting your dream flight.

Tools like Pointme can help you navigate this maze by providing real-time updates on available award options, based on your chosen travel dates and the number of passengers. However, even with such tools, flexibility is key. The availability of award seats can change quickly, particularly during peak travel periods like cherry blossom season or summer festivals. So, being open to alternative dates or airports can be advantageous.


Airlines frequently use sophisticated algorithms to determine ticket prices, often adjusting prices based on real-time demand and passenger behavior. This means you might see wildly fluctuating prices within just an hour or so. This dynamic pricing can be frustrating, especially for those on a tight budget.

Furthermore, some airlines have become more restrictive with award space since the resumption of normal travel. For instance, some carriers might release only a single award seat per flight. This limited availability creates a greater challenge in securing preferred flight times.

While award space is usually tight during peak seasons, there might be opportunities to find better availability during off-peak periods, like late autumn or winter. These less crowded times often have lower ticket prices as well. The issue however, is that it might clash with when individuals desire to travel, or the weather might not be to everyone's liking.

It's worth noting that different airlines operate under different reward structures. For instance, you might be able to get a first-class ticket to Japan from the West Coast for 85,000 miles on one airline, whereas a different carrier might require 100,000 miles. It's important to compare the mileage requirements and associated fees across different airlines to find the best value for your hard-earned miles.

The complexity of airline alliances can also play a role. Many airlines are part of groups like Star Alliance or oneworld. While this can be beneficial for earning miles across multiple airlines, it also adds another layer of complexity to understand how miles are earned and redeemed.

Ultimately, securing award space for peak season flights to Japan requires careful planning, research, and a healthy dose of flexibility. It's essential to compare airline options, be aware of dynamic pricing strategies, and check award availability regularly. Even with careful planning, there's no guarantee of success. The process sometimes resembles a game of chance where the odds can feel heavily stacked against you.

7 Clear Signs Your Partner is Ready for International Travel Together - They Learn Basic Phrases In Multiple Languages During Daily Commutes

When your partner starts casually learning basic phrases in multiple languages during their daily commute, it's a sign they're getting ready for international travel. It's not just about being polite or friendly with locals when they're abroad, it's a practical way to be more comfortable and confident in new places. With the average commute time being pretty long, using that time to study new languages could be a way to turn an otherwise boring routine into a cultural experience. This could also include watching foreign movies or just practicing some simple phrases, all of which can improve your brainpower and help you to appreciate new cultures. It's definitely a great indicator that your partner is starting to embrace international adventures and see how rewarding it could be to travel together and have genuine conversations with people from around the world.

They're incorporating language learning into their daily routines, often squeezing in short lessons during commutes. The average person spends a significant amount of time commuting daily, and it's becoming increasingly common to use this time productively to learn new languages. They're not aiming for fluency, but rather acquiring a functional understanding of basic phrases in various languages. This approach suggests a mindset that values ongoing personal growth, which can be valuable when venturing into unfamiliar environments.

Learning basic phrases in multiple languages is no longer just a hobby for a select few. It's a growing trend, especially among those with a penchant for international travel. While some argue that it's enough to rely on English in many places, it's clear that the ability to communicate even a few basic phrases in a local language fosters connection and respect. This approach can lead to deeper cultural immersion and potentially enrich the travel experience.

It's intriguing that they're focusing on functional communication rather than seeking full language mastery. It hints at a pragmatic approach to travel. It's also notable that they are not just passively consuming information, but actively engaging with language learning. This habit could be indicative of a thirst for knowledge and experience that extends beyond the typical tourist itinerary.

There's a growing trend in using language learning apps and other tools during these commutes. Some individuals find that watching foreign films or TV shows is a valuable tool in their language learning strategy. It's a relatively effortless way to become more comfortable with sounds and patterns within the languages they are learning.

While it seems that they are prioritizing functional language skills over achieving fluency, this approach is not without its limitations. Mastering a language requires sustained effort and immersion. While short daily lessons can build a foundation, achieving true fluency usually requires significantly more time and dedicated practice. However, even a basic understanding of the local language can be a significant asset when traveling internationally.

It's fascinating how the use of short, structured language lessons is becoming more prevalent. It speaks to a shift in how people perceive personal growth and learning. People are realizing that even small amounts of dedicated time can lead to significant improvements, particularly when it comes to something as valuable as language skills. It's an interesting example of how efficient and focused learning can be integrated into the day-to-day.


It will be interesting to see if this trend continues and whether it leads to more individuals feeling confident to interact with locals in more countries and whether it also influences the kinds of travel destinations they choose.

7 Clear Signs Your Partner is Ready for International Travel Together - Your Partner Creates Spreadsheets To Compare Inter-Island Ferry Schedules

When your travel companion meticulously crafts spreadsheets to compare ferry schedules between islands, it reveals a deep engagement with the planning process that goes beyond the purely practical. It's not just about finding the quickest or cheapest route, but about optimizing the entire travel experience within a destination. This is particularly evident in island destinations like Hawaii, where ferries offer unique perspectives and scenic journeys. A thoughtfully constructed travel plan that incorporates ferries isn't just about getting from place to place, but about enriching the overall adventure. It shows a willingness to dive into the details of travel, to carefully consider the logistics alongside the experiential side of the journey, all while emphasizing a shared commitment to making travel memorable. This attention to detail, in my view, is a critical element for successful international travel and can lead to better-organized and more enjoyable trips together.

Your partner meticulously crafting spreadsheets to compare inter-island ferry schedules is a fascinating indicator of their readiness for international adventures with you. It's not just about finding the cheapest option; it suggests a mindset focused on optimizing the entire travel experience. Here are some intriguing aspects of this behavior:

1. **Ferry Schedules and Hidden History**: Ferry routes often follow historical trade paths, sometimes dating back centuries. Your partner, by poring over these routes, might be subconsciously drawn to understanding the cultural and historical context of the islands you're considering.

2. **The Algorithm's Role**: Airline pricing models have evolved into complex algorithms that constantly shift prices based on real-time demand and booking patterns. This dynamic pricing can be maddening for some, but it's also an opportunity for a strategic traveler. Your partner, with their spreadsheets, is probably trying to capitalize on these fluctuations to snag the best deals and potentially explore more cost-effective travel strategies.

3. **Ferry Schedules are Complex**: Just like flight schedules, ferry times are susceptible to disruptions, particularly due to weather or tides. This level of dependency can introduce a unique challenge for a travel planner, adding an extra layer of complexity to their spreadsheets. However, it also emphasizes the value of flexibility when traveling together, as the unexpected is more likely to occur.

4. **Connecting the Dots**: Modern travel tech allows for seamless transitions between various modes of transportation – flights, ferries, trains – all within a single itinerary. It's a fascinating aspect of the planning process. Your partner's spreadsheet work might go beyond simply comparing ferries; they could be trying to integrate multiple travel modes for a smooth and efficient journey.

5. **Leveraging Loyalty Points**: Couples who travel together often gain a synergistic benefit when it comes to airline miles and loyalty points. By combining travel plans, couples like you can potentially earn more miles faster, leading to upgrades, free flights, or other travel perks.

6. **Islands as a Travel Hub**: For destinations like Greece or the Caribbean, ferries are vital to inter-island travel and a cornerstone of local tourism. Ferry travel has become a unique way to appreciate these islands, offering a different perspective than a plane would. Your partner's spreadsheets could be revealing a hidden interest in this type of exploration.

7. **Shared Planning, Shared Bonds**: Studies show that couples who engage in collaborative travel planning, even something as detailed as ferry comparisons, tend to have more fulfilling travel experiences and stronger bonds. This shared activity emphasizes the significance of collaboration and shared ownership of the adventure.

8. **Culinary Exploration**: Every ferry stop or flight change can potentially lead to delightful discoveries in local cuisine. Research suggests that adventurous eating while traveling contributes to a more immersive experience. Your partner, with a deep dive into ferry schedules, might also be thinking about food, cultural experiences, and the local culinary landscape.

9. **Ferry Travel and Human Connections**: Ferry travel frequently allows for more casual interactions with local people compared to flying. Engaging with fellow passengers or local merchants adds an enriching dimension to travel, fostering genuine connections and creating unique experiences.

10. **Exploring the Unexpected**: Sometimes the less obvious travel routes, such as a multi-leg ferry journey, offer the most compelling experiences and can be significantly less expensive than a direct flight. This approach necessitates flexible thinking and a willingness to embrace the unexpected, which are traits that translate well to a successful and memorable journey.

In essence, your partner's spreadsheet-fueled approach to inter-island travel suggests a meticulous and thoughtful perspective on future adventures together. It's a strong sign of their eagerness to explore, plan, and optimize travel experiences, hinting at an exciting and rewarding future for the both of you. It underscores a willingness to venture beyond the ordinary and savor the possibilities that shared international travel offers.

7 Clear Signs Your Partner is Ready for International Travel Together - They Subscribe To Multiple Airline Deal Alerts Without Your Suggestion

If your partner starts subscribing to multiple airline deal alerts without you ever suggesting it, it's a clear sign they're seriously considering future travel. They're actively searching for cheap flights and are likely excited about the possibility of exploring new places. This behavior suggests they're not just passively daydreaming about travel but taking real steps to plan for it. It showcases their interest in finding the best deals and prioritizing affordable travel options for future trips. This initiative can save you both a lot of money, and it emphasizes that they see exploring the world as something they want to share with you. While this might just be a sign of general travel enthusiasm, it certainly indicates a budding desire for shared international travel and a readiness to go the extra mile to make it happen.

They Subscribe To Multiple Airline Deal Alerts Without Your Suggestion


If your partner is suddenly signed up for numerous airline deal alerts without you prompting them, it could indicate a budding interest in travel, particularly for international adventures. It's a proactive way to find affordable flight options and suggests a willingness to explore different routes and destinations.

Various websites and apps like Google Flights and Skyscanner help travelers track flight prices for specific routes. Users can set up alerts to be notified of price fluctuations, making it easier to find deals. While these automated tools can be useful, some people prefer curated lists of deals. Several websites provide human-generated feeds tailored to individual travel preferences.

While these alerts can lead to savings, sometimes hundreds of dollars per flight, they also come with a caveat: often, these services come at a price or require subscriptions. It's important to evaluate whether the benefit of cheaper flights outweighs the cost of the alert services. For instance, there are a range of tiers for these kinds of services, and it would be interesting to study how the cost-benefit relationship changes with various features.

Some of these websites even offer travel guides or restrictions updates. While these supplementary features might be valuable, I wonder if they are always accurate. It would be helpful to investigate how often these guides get updated and whether they are based on official or unofficial information.

Other services, like Kayak, also offer a way to set price alerts. They aggregate results from various airlines, creating a more comprehensive search experience. This can be very useful for travelers who wish to track the pricing trends across various carriers.


Airlines like JetBlue and Southwest occasionally have special deals on their websites that can lead to further price reductions. They often promote discounts up to 30%. But one might wonder if these prices are competitive with the prices found on other channels. It would be useful to investigate the specific discount strategies of different carriers.

Flight deal trackers generally recommend relying on such services to stay on top of deals. It would be interesting to study if this is indeed a better strategy than manually searching for deals across many websites. It's tempting to just use these services, but there might be hidden advantages to manual searching.


Subscribing to airline deal newsletters or promotional emails is a common tactic used by frequent travelers. They aim to stay on top of deals or unadvertised sales and low fares. However, I am often surprised by the sheer number of emails that some people receive. It would be interesting to study the number of emails generated and the effectiveness of such strategies.

When searching for flights, one can also explore multi-city options. Sites like Skyscanner allow you to do that. But often, these search results might only return itineraries where the origin and the destination are served by the same airline. It would be worthwhile to study whether this is a common practice across different search engines.


Ultimately, subscribing to multiple airline deal alerts shows a willingness to actively explore and take a more strategic approach toward air travel. However, I would be curious to investigate the efficiency of such an approach. Are such alerts indeed able to identify the lowest possible prices for a certain route or are they more useful to just identify price drops? It's a practice that's worth analyzing further.