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Twelve years since American Express opened its first-ever Centurion Lounge, the issuer has perhaps its biggest news yet for travelers. Amex is debuting an all-new lounge concept that will operate in tandem with its existing Centurion Lounges. Dubbed “Sidecar by the Centurion Lounge,” these new boutique-style outposts will be dedicated to the dining experience and offer travelers a faster, more intimate experience than existing Centurion Lounges. Furthermore, Amex is overhauling the dining experience at all of its domestic lounges — both its existing Centurion Lounges and upcoming Sidecar outposts — but more on that below. Though details are scant, Amex said that the Sidecar outposts will be designed to resemble a speakeasy. The issuer will add Sidecar locations to airports where it operates existing Centurion Lounges, meaning that this outpost could help alleviate overcrowding from existing Centurion Lounges. The focus in this space will be on grabbing a quick bite or drink in a premium space on the way to your flight. In keeping with this theme, access will be limited to within 90 minutes of your departing flight. The first Sidecar will open next year in Las Vegas, which is appropriate for Amex given that Vegas is also home

American Express is bringing the Centurion Lounge to Japan with the opening of its long-awaited outpost at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND). The 7,500-square-foot space opens this week and is in Terminal 3 near Gate 114. Highlights of the new lounge include a Japanese-inspired design and a comprehensive selection of local food-and-beverage options. When to go: These are the best times to buy an international flight AMERICAN EXPRESS Amex is teaming up with chef Satoshi Ogino, known for managing several Michelin-starred restaurants, including his own Akasaka Ogino, to design the food experience in the lounge. Amex says that travelers can expect Japanese favorites, including sushi and ramen, and a buffet will offer both local and Western cuisine. The bar will offer wines and cocktails, as well as a selection of Japanese beers, sake and shochu. AMERICAN EXPRESS Better yet, there will even be a dedicated sweets bar where you’ll find an assortment of teas and traditional Japanese wagashi sweets. Aside from the big investment in the dining experience, the lounge itself looks like it’ll be a beautiful space to relax in. The design is inspired by Japanese culture, and you’ll find pops of a deep indigo hue, dubbed “Japan Blue,” throughout

The Dragon Bravo wildfire on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park forced the evacuation and closure of a portion of the park this past weekend. Only the North Rim — not to be confused with the more frequented South Rim of the park — will remain closed for the remainder of the 2025 season. There are also hiking trail closures in effect for the North Kaibab Trail, the South Kaibab Trail and Phantom Ranch due to a release of chlorine gas related to the fire that destroyed the North Rim Water Treatment Facility. Thankfully, there have been no reported injuries or fatalities due to the fire, but many structures at the North Rim — including the visitor center, the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and cabins — were lost to the fire. This closure will also affect hikers who may have a permit for the popular rim-to-rim hike while the North Rim closure is in effect. Here’s a guide on what to do if you have a trip planned to the Grand Canyon in the near future. The North Rim vs. the South Rim BECKY BLAINE/THE POINTS GUY Grand Canyon National Park is in the northwest corner of Arizona

Southwest Airlines is expanding in the Caribbean, with plans to serve its first new destination in nearly half a decade. The Dallas-based carrier on Monday announced it will launch nonstop service to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The new flights will begin in early 2026. When to go: These are the best times to buy an international flight For Southwest, gaining access to the U.S. Virgin Islands is an especially noteworthy destination. Beyond a new island and territory, it’s the airline’s first new destination in several years. Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, USVI with Bluebeard’s Castle The last new pin on the carrier’s proverbial map came in late 2021, when it added Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) in upstate New York during the COVID-19 pandemic, when domestic travel led the way. Recent years have seen Southwest make cutbacks to its route map, including exiting Syracuse itself. That’s set to change. 3 new Southwest cities coming soon Southwest said Monday that it plans to announce a total of three all-new cities — St. Thomas, plus two more that the carrier has not yet revealed. While the remaining two will no doubt be the source of much speculation, Southwest also did