Recap: The Week’s Biggest Stories and Best Deals

Following is our regular summary of the latest travel news and best frequent traveler promotions reviewed during the past week.

If it was a good deal—or a notably bad deal—from an airline, hotel, or car rental loyalty program, you can read all about it here, and plan your travel accordingly.

Will Uber Be the Death of Hertz?

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are killing the traditional taxi business. Will they do the same to Hertz and Avis?

Earn JetBlue Points for Lyft Rides

In yet the latest sign of the mainstream travel industry’s embrace of the gig economy, JetBlue is now awarding TrueBlue points for Lyft rides.

$15 for 4 Extra Inches of Legroom? Yes, Please!

Alaska’s new Premium Services is at the bare-bones end of the spectrum, just enough of an upgrade to qualify for the “premium” designation. On the other hand, it looks to be attractively priced, which could make it a great deal for those looking for an affordable comfort upgrade from regular coach.

10 Budget-Friendly Destinations to Visit in 2017

For travelers who must reconcile their check books every month, Lonely Planet has compiled a list of the top-10 “value” destinations for 2017. Check it out.

Where to Go in 2017: Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Destinations

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Having trouble deciding where to travel in 2017? Maybe Lonely Planet’s list of its top-10 suggested destinations can help narrow the field for you.

Bonus Alert: Up to 1,500 Quick and Easy Marriott Points

Marriott Rewards members can earn up to 1,500 bonus points for connecting their accounts to their social-media profiles. Quick and easy!

4 Ways to Earn Extra Miles for Holiday Shopping

If you’re not earning miles by shopping at the airlines’ mileage malls, you should be. Here are four bonuses to make the decision even easier.

How Much Would You Pay for Unlimited First-Class Upgrades?

What if first class were only twice as expensive as coach? What if it was just $1,000 more? Or $500? There are deals to be had, including this new one…

Win 2 Nights at Each of 9 Outrigger Resorts, Plus Airfare

Enter this sweepstakes for a chance to win 18 nights at Outrigger Resorts for two people, plus up to $14,000 in flight credits to cover air transportation.

Somebody has to win, right? Might as well be you.

More from SmarterTravel:

• U.S. Airlines Upgrade Business Class. Which Is Best?
• Do We Need Kids-Free Seating on U.S. Airlines?
• 21 Things Flight Attendants Hate About You

After 20 years working in the travel industry, and 15 years writing about it, Tim Winship knows a thing or two about travel. Follow him on Twitter @twinship.

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