The US gets its 1st nature library

August 21, 2026 | View Online

The US just got its first nature library, and I can’t wait to check it out. 

The 15-acre space near Denver includes plenty of play areas for kids, gravel trails, learning gardens, storytelling circles, a dark room that simulates the night sky, and much more. 

The most exciting part might be that you can borrow more than 650 outdoor-related items for free! Nature is meant to be enjoyed by all, and I hope this is just the first of many more to open.

In today's edition:

• Get $50 from Rakuten

• When to book with points vs cash

• Ask Maps rolls out new features

I'm a happy camper,

Arijana

In the words of Taylor Swift, "summer slipped away like a bottle of wine." Don't let these last few summer weekends go to waste. Here’s what to do this weekend:

💰 For years, I’ve been telling you guys to sign up for Rakuten, but if you still need a reason, here it is: Between now and September 30th, if you refer a friend to Rakuten and they spend $50 within the first 90 days, both of you will get $50. This is a no-brainer and an easy way to get cash back or collect travel points.

😎 Still trying to squeeze in one more summer trip? Here’s how to score a last-minute deal before fall officially begins.

🐻 If you need something to watch this weekend, I’ve had the bear livestream on all week while working. It’s just too cute.

🦃 I know it’s August, but it’s time to start thinking about your holiday plans. Our guide breaks down the best time to book flights for Thanksgiving.

Fly Private for $169? The Secret Travel Writers Swear By 

Imagine showing up to the airport just 20 minutes before your flight…

No long lines. No busy terminals. No chaos.

You step into a calm private hangar, sink into a leather chair, sip a gin & tonic...and land feeling like a VIP.

Sounds like a fantasy?

It’s not.

This small circle of travelers swear by this $169 private-jet secret!

It’s all included in THIS best-selling “tell-all” book called: Secrets Travel Writers Never Share. 

And you can only grab it here with International Living. 

It’s not available anywhere else.

For a limited time, you can claim your own paperback copy sent straight to your door (along with even more special gifts.)

Inside you’ll discover over 101 travel secrets like...

• Sleep in a 5-star hotel for $32 a night...

• Dine-out on Michelin-star meals for $26...

• Get a private chauffeur for $8 an hour...

...and many more!

Click to grab your printed copy now.

When should you book with points versus cash? Let's break it down

I assume that if you are a long-time reader, you have likely used points to book a flight. But do you really know when it is best to book with points versus cash? Let’s break it down together.

If you’re new to booking flights with points, the best way to figure it out is to calculate the cents-per-mile, or CPM, of a flight. Here’s the equation:

The cash value of a ticket - any taxes and fees you’d be charged if you pay with points = Your total

Then, take your total and divide it by the number of points you’d have to use for that ticket and multiply by 100. 

Generally, you want to aim for at least 1.5-2 cents per mile or more. 

✅ What else should you take into account?

While knowing the CPM is a really helpful starting point, not everyone’s travel budgets or travel styles are the same. Some of you might be saving up for a certain redemption or business class route while others may like to use the points as soon as they have them.

Having a strategy can be helpful. That’s why I also recommend knowing which cards in your wallet earn the most points on certain types of purchases and which airlines they transfer to. 

Want more tips? Daily Passport did a great job of breaking down the points vs cash debate here.

I just love unique traditions like this—a perfect reason to book an entire trip.  

Having trouble keeping up with all the travel news? Don't worry, we have you covered with our travel news highlights. Here's what you need to know in case you missed it.

• Dubai is no longer the busiest airport in the world. See why.

• Ask Maps’ new update will make ordering food and discovering events easier

• Now what the heck is a “geosexual?!”

• Guess which country has more saunas than cars

• These are the most saturated tourist destinations in Europe

• JetBlue points are on sale with a 120% bonus

  
  

📍 Montefegatesi, Tuscany, Italy

Thank you to Scott for sending in this picture that he snapped of Montefegatesi (try saying that 10 times, fast) while driving on a mountain road above Bagni di Lucca. While Bagni di Lucca is known for its thermal baths, the nearby medieval Montefegatesi is the highest village in the town. Scott shared that parking is outside the village as the streets are so narrow. Good looking out!

Want to send in your own travel pic? Click here to share with us.