Category: Lifestyle

The Points Guy 

If you’ve been dreaming of visiting Tokyo since its reopening in fall 2022, you shouldn’t miss these nonstop autumn fares to Japan with American Airlines.

Since most of the flights in this deal take place in September and October, you’ll be able to catch the beautiful fall foliage and visit without peak crowds.

Flights depart from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on American.

If you’re looking for additional flights and summer availability, you can find options on low-cost carrier Zipair Tokyo (a subsidiary of Japan Airlines). Like other low-cost airlines, be prepared for a host of additional charges if you choose this option, including an additional $50 to $120 for hand baggage.

Deal Basics

Airlines: American and Zipair Tokyo.
Route: From Los Angeles to Tokyo.
Travel dates: September and October, with some availability earlier in the year.
How to book: Search your itinerary on Google Flights, then book directly with the airline.

Thanks to Scott’s Cheap Flights for finding this deal. For $49 a year, the site’s Premium membership provides discounts of up to 90% and includes a 14-day free trial. The Elite membership also highlights premium, business-class and first-class deals.

Related: Ways to use points in Tokyo

Sample flights

While Zipair Tokyo has the cheapest fare in the example below, note that any bags will cost extra.

GOOGLE FLIGHTS
GOOGLE FLIGHTS

Maximize your purchase

Use a card that earns bonus points on airfare purchases, like The Platinum Card® from American Express (5 points per dollar on airfare booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel, on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year), Citi Prestige® Card (5 points per dollar on airfare), Citi Premier® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve (3 points per dollar on airfare), American Express® Gold Card (3 points per dollar on airfare when booked directly with the airline or through Amex Travel) or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2 points per dollar on travel). See this post for more on maximizing airfare purchases.

The information for the Citi Prestige Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Tokyo. MATTEO COLOMBO/GETTY IMAGES

Bottom line

We’ll certainly be on the hunt for more great deals to Japan since many travelers want to visit the country now that it is open again. In the meantime, this is a great deal for West Coast residents.

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Carscoops 

Sony has announced that Gran Turismo 7 will receive a free upgrade that will allow players to use its next generation virtual reality headset as soon as it launches, on February 22.

The announcement came on the stage at CES in Las Vegas last night as the electronics company previewed what would come for its PSVR2 system. The upgrade to Gran Turismo will allow players to fully immerse themselves in the cockpit of a racecar, making it possible to turn their head freely, as if they were really behind the wheel.

“Today, I’m excited to announce that one of our most storied franchises will be coming to PSVR2 at launch,” said Jim Ryan, the president and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment. “Gran Turismo is a game which has sold more copies across the series than other title developed by PlayStation studios. GT7 launched last year to critical acclaim and, through a free upgrade, PSVR2 players will be able to experience the game like never before.”

Read: Get Your First Look At Sony’s Gran Turismo Movie, Which Premieres On August 11

While gamers were able to use the PSVR to play Gran Turismo’s last installment, Gran Turismo Sport on the PlayStation 4, the usability was limited. Sim racers were only able to use the virtual reality headset on certain tracks in offline play. It’s not clear whether players will be able to use PSVR2 to race online in Gran Turismo 7.

The actual hardware behind PSVR2 will, however, be significantly better than that found on the first-generation VR headset. It features an OLED screen with a 110-degree field of view, support for 4K HDR, and frame rates of up to 120 Hz. It also comes with new Sense controllers that detect touch and provide haptic feedback, much like the DualSense controller for the PlayStation 5. The controllers will be useful for games like Beat Saber, which was a hit on the first-generation PSVR, and which will be updated for the new virtual reality system.

It’s Pricey

Unfortunately, all of those improvements to the hardware won’t come cheap. Preorders have been open for the PSVR2 since early December, and the headset starts at $549.99. It can also be purchased as a bundle with “Horizon Call of the Mountain,” another flagship launch title, for $599.99. Either way, though, the PSVR2 actually costs more than the PlayStation 5 it attaches to.

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Well+Good 

If you’ve ever watched a baby in action, you’ve likely noticed that they tend to use primal movement patterns. “This refers to movements that are natural and fundamental to the human body, like squatting, lunging, pulling, hinging, rotating, or pushing,” says Andrew Slane, sports conditioning specialist and instructor at Fiture, a smart home fitness mirror. Primal movements are instinctual, hence why tiny humans are able to perform them without being taught.

But these movements aren’t just essential to your early childhood development—doing them daily is also an indicator of longevity. In fact, the number-one thing the longest-living people on the planet all have in common is natural, aka primal, movement practices.

“As we age, we tend to fall into dysfunctional movement patterns that cause injury over time—how we pick things up, bend over, or perform any seemingly normal function in our daily life,” Slane says. “Usually, we blame this on aging, but in fact, it tends to be caused by bad habits and not paying attention to how we perform a task.”

He gives the example of lifting a basket of laundry: “Do you properly hinge at your hips with a neutral spine and no twist or torque in your neck, or do you just bend with a rounded back? Now, imagine how that has taken a toll over decades,” he says. “Working primal movement patterns properly, and making sure these movements stay harmonious and fluid over time, is key to continue moving efficiently and without pain.”

More often than not, you’ll hear trainers talk about primal movements as “functional movements,” meaning that they mimic the way you use your body in everyday life. Yet everyone’s day-to-day looks different. What’s “functional” for a pro athlete is going to be different than a mail delivery person, or desk worker. Primal movements, however, go back to the basics for all of us.

“Primal movement often involves play, which can be fun and a welcome change from traditional exercises that can feel monotonous,” he says. Again, think about a toddler. Their idea of fun is squatting low to play with toys, throwing a ball, or pushing themselves up off the floor. “They can also be adaptable and modified to suit a wide range of fitness levels,” Slane adds.

The benefits of primal movement patterns

Although exactly what you get out of practicing primal movements depends on your own fitness and goals, Slane says that there are three universal perks most people can expect to gain.

Increased strength

Because primal movement exercises involve using the body in natural and functional ways, they often help improve overall strength, according to Slane.

Enhanced mobility and flexibility

Primal movement exercises can increase the range of motion of both muscles (increasing flexibility) and joints (increasing mobility).

Improved coordination

“Primal movement exercises often involve using multiple muscle groups at once, which can help to improve overall coordination,” Slane says.

The best way to incorporate primal movement into your fitness routine

Slane says there are several good ways to go about this. Here, he offers are a few sample primal movement exercises to try adding in your next workout:

Russian twist

Start sitting on the floor with slightly bent knees, lean back to engage your torso. From there, rotate your torso from side to side. Do three sets of 8 to 12 reps.

Superman

Start lying face down on the floor with arms and legs extended, keeping your neck neutral by gazing down. While keeping your arms and legs straight, engage your core muscles, then lift your arms and legs toward the ceiling just a couple of inches using your glutes rather than your lower back. For a less advanced version, only lift your arms. Hold for a few seconds and lower back down with control for one rep. Do three sets of 8 to12 reps.

Squat

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and lower your body as if sitting back in a chair. Make sure to keep your chest up and your weight on your heels. Do three sets of 8 to 12 reps.

Push-up

Start in a plank position with your hands shoulder-width apart and lower your body in one piece. Make sure to keep your core engaged. Do three sets of 8 to 12 reps.

Plank

Start in a high push-up position with your hands shoulder-width apart, engage your core, and hold for 30 seconds. Do three sets.

Good Mornings

Start standing up straight with feet hip-distance apart, hands behind head, elbows wide. Next, hinge forward, pushing your hips back, with your knees slightly bent. Slowly lower your torso until your spine is almost parallel to the floor, maintaining a flat back from your head to hips. Then return to the starting position, keeping your core engaged. Do three sets of 8 to 12 reps.

Lunges

Start standing up straight with feet hip-distance apart. Step forward with one leg and lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the ground. Push off the front heel to step back to your start position. Make sure to keep your torso upright. Do three sets of 8 to 12 reps on each leg.

Best practices for beginners

If you are new to primal movements, start slowly and progressively to build up the intensity and complexity of the workout as you become more proficient and comfortable, Slane says. “It’s also critical to listen to your body, take breaks when necessary, and use the proper form and posture to get the most out of the workout and avoid possible injuries,” he adds. “When getting started, it’s also important to consult a qualified fitness professional who can help you determine the best workout plan for you and help you learn the proper technique.”

As you get stronger, continue to progress your practice by adding load to the exercises—but only after you’ve nailed good form.

Why primal movement is more than a passing fad

Searches for primal movement were up 120 percent on Pinterest last year, so you can potentially expect to start hearing more about it. But it’s far from a new concept.

“To some, primal movement may seem like a specialized form of exercise, or a fad—it is not,” Slane says. “It is functional training to help anyone better the activities of their daily life, which is at the center of the main goal in fitness: Keep people healthy and moving properly. In truth, it doesn’t get much more old-school than this.”

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Carscoops 

General Motors and Andretti Global today announced their intention to submit an official “Expression of Interest” in entering Formula One to the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) as soon as the formal process is opened.

The American automaker would be represented in the sport by the Cadillac brand and would work together with Andretti Global, which it has a long history of collaborating with in motorsport series such as IndyCar. The partners say they want to get on the Formula One grid “as soon as practical” with at least one American driver behind the wheel.

“I feel very strongly that we are suited to be a new team for Formula One and can bring value to the series and our partners, and excitement for the fans,” said Michael Andretti, the chairman and CEO of Andretti Global. “GM and Andretti share a legacy born out of the love of racing. We now have the opportunity to combine our motorsport passions and dedication to innovation to build a true American F1 bid.”

Read: Ford Reportedly Interested In Sponsoring Red Bull F1 Team

The announcement follows a recent tweet from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s saying that he had asked his team “to look at launching an Expression of Interest process for prospective new teams” for the F1 World Championship.

The partnership comes as F1’s stature is on the rise. Following the success of the Netflix “Drive to Survive” documentary series, as well as its recent purchase by America’s Liberty Media, the racing series is more popular than ever. With three American races on the schedule for 2023, teams seem to be lining up to enter the sport.

Audi announced recently that it would enter F1 through its partnership with the Sauber F1 team, while Porsche expressed interest in partnering with Red Bull last year, though that deal fell through at the 11th hour, and may have spurred interest from Ford in a sponsorship deal.

Read: Porsche’s F1 Deal With Red Bull Is Officially Dead

Andretti Global, though, has long been interested in joining F1, but no newly created team has entered the sport since Haas did in 2016. With expansions to Andretti’s Indiana headquarters ongoing and a European satellite office proposed, according to Autosport, this appears to be the outfit’s most serious bid yet.

The potential new team would receive a power unit from another supplier, at first, but both Cadillac and Andretti Global say they will offer technical support to the prospective team. They are likely to enter F1 in 2026, when the sport’s engine regulations are overhauled, in an attempt to make the racing series greener.

“General Motors is honored to team with Andretti Global on this historic moment in racing,” said Mark Reuss, president of General Motors. “We have a long, rich history in motorsports and engineering innovation, and we are thrilled with the prospect of pairing with Andretti Global to form an American F1 team that will help spur even more global interest in the series and the sport.”

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The Points Guy 

Though winter is in full swing (I write this as it’s snowing outside), here’s an opportunity to book a last-minute getaway to a warm-weather destination — and the beaches of Tahiti sound oh-so-good right about now.

Round-trip flights to Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia, start at just $551 from Los Angeles. Flights are also available from the San Francisco Bay Area and Seattle for less than $720, some of the lowest prices we’ve seen on this route.

These flights are for trips this month and in February, so what are you waiting for?

Deal basics

SCOTT’S CHEAP FLIGHTS

Airlines: Air France, Delta and United.
Routes: From Los Angeles; Oakland, California; San Francisco; and Seattle to Papeete, Tahiti.
How to book: Browse Google Flights and book directly with the airline.
Travel dates: January-February.
Book by: Two-three days.

Scott’s Cheap Flights originally sent out this deal. The site sends deals up to 90% off via its Premium membership, which users can try for free for 14 days and then costs $49 per year. You can also upgrade to the Elite tier for $199 per year and receive all the Premium deals plus premium economy, business-class and first-class alerts.

Sample flights

This deal only includes flights from the West Coast. Since the deal is so good, it may be worth booking a domestic flight to one of the West Coast airports first in order to reach Tahiti. At the time of publication, the following round-trip flights to Faaa International Airport (PPT) are available:

From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), starting at $551.
From San Francisco International Airport (SFO), starting at $558.
From Oakland International Airport (OAK), starting at $603.
From Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), starting at $716.

Flights from LAX, OAK and SEA are available on Delta and Air France, while those from SEA and SFO are also available on United.

GOOGLE FLIGHTS

Related: Complete guide to sailing from Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia

Note that flights from OAK and SEA will likely include a layover at LAX.

These fares are for the carrier’s equivalent of basic economy, which includes one free carry-on but charges between $55 and $60 (each way) for your first checked bag. Most basic economy tickets cannot be changed and are nonrefundable, but they can be canceled for a fee. So, be sure to check the terms of your specific fare type when booking.

Maximize your purchase

If you book this deal, don’t forget to use a credit card that earns bonus points on airfare purchases, such as The Platinum Card® from American Express (5 points per dollar on airfare booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel, on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year), Citi Prestige® Card (5 points per dollar on airfare),  Citi Premier® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve (3 points per dollar on airfare), American Express® Gold Card (3 points per dollar on airfare) or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2 points per dollar on travel).

Check out this post for more on maximizing airfare purchases.

The information for the Citi Prestige Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Bottom line

With flights to this route normally exceeding $1,300 round-trip, this is a fantastic deal.

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Carscoops 

BMW is keeping its options open when it comes to electric power by continuing to develop combustion cars and hydrogen-powered vehicles alongside its electric saloons, coupes, and SUVs. But British BMW buyers are so taken with the brand’s EVs and PHEVs that one in three BMWs sold in the UK last year came with a plug.

The company tripled its UK electric sales in 2022 to 21,480, meaning one in every five BMWs sold in the UK during the last 12 months was a full EV. Factor in the success of the firm’s plug-in hybrid models and you get to a total of 38,045 chargeable cars and that 33 percent figure for plug-in vehicle sales.

BMW GB puts much of the credit for its growth in the electrified sector down to the newly introduced i4 and iX, which joined the iX3 SUV and helped make up for the demise of the i3 part of the way through the year.

And that’s just the BMW brand. The BMW Group also includes Mini, whose Mini Electric EV accounted for a quarter of all Mini hatch models, while the popularity of the Mini Countryman PHEV resulted in one in every five Minis sold being equipped with a charging port.

Related: 2024 BMW i5 Touring Spied As An Electrifying SUV Alternative

Overall, BMW Group cars accounted for 11 percent of the UK EV market, up from 7.2 percent last year. And the arrival of the i7 and iX1 could further strengthen BMW’s grip on the market during 2023, while the i5 scheduled for launch later this year will give the company’s electric portfolio a boost the following year.

The figures also show that while BMW’s EV sales grew 199 percent in 2022, the company’s overall sales numbers fell by 7 percent to 116,577 units. But there’s certainly no shortage of demand for at least two combustion-powered BMW products: the M2 and M3 Touring have both amassed a six-month order bank.

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Carscoops 

This is the Mitsubishi Pajero Junior Flying Pug and chances are, you’ve never even heard of it.

Mitsubishi only ever sold the Flying Pug in Japan, based around the compact two-door Pajero Junior. It is said that the Japanese automaker was inspired to build the intriguing off-roader following a rise in the popularity of old British cars across the country in the 1990s. The result is a Mitsubishi Pajero that looks like it could have come out of an MG factory.

Original plans called for 1,000 units of the Pajero Junior Flying Pug to be produced but just 139 units are thought to have been manufactured. One of them is up for sale in Oldsmar, Florida.

This particular 1997 Pajero Junior Flying Pug has been listed on Facebook Marketplace with an asking price of $11,800. It has been driven 147,000 miles (~236,000 km) since new and was only imported into the United States in December 2022.

Read: Do Off-Roaders Get Any Cooler Than This Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution?

Despite the car’s age and the fact that it has been driven a lot over the last 25 years, it looks to have been well-maintained and is in good condition. The exterior is clad primarily in a dark shade of burgundy while the wheel arches and rocker panels are painted black. The massive chrome front grille is without a doubt the most striking element of the vehicle’s design but the front and rear chrome bumpers also catch the eye.

The interior is relatively basic but a previous owner has fitted a new touchscreen head unit. Plenty of wooden accents are also found across the dashboard and around the shifter.

Powering this pint-sized off-roader is a 1,094 cc four-cylinder engine that produced 79 hp back in the day. It also features a 3-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.

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Well+Good 

By now, we all know that diet fads are the absolute worst. Although social media and external factors might attempt to influence how we eat, we know better: that it really depends on the individual’s needs. This means listening to one’s body to determine the best way to achieve a well-balanced, healthy, and joyful lifestyle.

And while diets are toxic and questionable at best, research has shown that plant-based eating can offer several benefits. What’s key here is that this meal regime doesn’t necessarily involve cutting out any of your favorite foods, meat and dairy included—plant-based eating is, instead, all about adding more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and the like to your dishes. Think of a plant-forward diet as an antidote to diet culture: You can reap the short- and long-term benefits of consuming plants without imposing any restrictions upon yourself.

If you’re following Well+Good’s 2023 ReNew Year program, you already know that according to Maya Feller, MS, RD, CDN, of Brooklyn-based Maya Feller Nutrition and cookbook author of Eating from Our Roots, eating more fruits and veggies can do wonders for your mind and body. To learn more, we spoke with registered dietitian Mia Syn, MS, RDN, and author of Mostly Plant-Based, who shared the long-term benefits of following a (mostly) plant-based diet. And let’s just say the pros are pretty convincing.

10 long-term benefits of a plant-based diet

1. You’ll eat more foods packed with a diverse array of nutritional benefits

According to Syn, one of the benefits of consuming a plant-forward diet is the vast array of foods packed with nutritional benefits you’ll consume more frequently. “When you incorporate mostly plant-based whole foods into your diet, you naturally get more of the ‘good stuff’ that supports overall health—namely fiber, essential vitamins and minerals, and phytonutrients—and less of the ‘not-so-good stuff’ that’s linked to elevated chronic disease risk—namely saturated fat, trans fat, sodium, and added sugar,” Syn says. As a result, she adds, eating more plants can 100 percent help you live longer.

2. Plant-based eating can help you have a healthier relationship with food

It’s no secret that when eating more plant-based foods, you’ll consume much more fiber, which can help balance your appetite and keep your energy levels stable throughout the day. “On a mostly plant-based diet, you consume foods that make you feel satisfied. These foods also help stabilize your blood sugar for steady energy,” Syn says.

This can further strengthen your relationship with food. “With this way of eating, you’ll stop thinking about food all the time, release any guilt or anxiety you have about food, and free up energy and brainpower for living life instead of dieting,” Syn says.

3. Your gut will thank you (less! constipation!)

According to Syn, one of the first things you’ll notice in a plant-forward diet is improvements in your digestion and gut health. That’s because of the diverse nutritional profile of plant-based foods that gastroenterologists love that helps support a healthier GI system. “A diet focused on mostly plant-based whole foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds is naturally rich in soluble and insoluble fiber, which is so good for your digestion, regularity, and gut health,” she says.

4. Your energy levels will increase

Feel sluggish after a big meal? Plant-forward foods can actually help keep the post-meal drowsies at bay and increase your energy levels throughout the day. “A mostly plant-based whole-food diet fuels your body with the bioavailable nutrition that it needs to thrive. Your body can efficiently break down whole foods, absorb the nutrition they provide, and utilize those nutrients. One of the first places you will notice a difference is in your energy levels,” Syn says.

5. You’ll likely see improvements in your overall well-being

While you might not see drastic improvements overnight (except for, hey, that whole regular-poop-schedule situation), the benefits of plant-based eating can absolutely improve your overall well-being over time. “Your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar will improve. Nearly all plant foods—with a few unique exceptions, like coconut and palm oil—are free of saturated fat, which is directly linked to elevated cholesterol levels. Additionally, replacing processed foods and refined carbohydrates with plant-based whole foods and high-quality animal products can significantly reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes,” Syn says.

6. You’ll broaden your palate

As you introduce more plants into your diet, your sense of taste will adapt. “Your taste buds will be rewired. When you follow a mostly plant-based whole-food diet, your taste buds will be ‘rewired.’ A study published in the journal Chemical Senses found that repeated exposure to nutritious, less hyper-palatable foods like broccoli and leafy greens can change proteins in saliva to calm the initial distaste for bitter and other flavors,” Syn says.

7. Your skin will glow

Ever heard the saying “true beauty comes from within?” Because, really, it does. According to Syn, eating more plant-based foods can make your skin glow from the inside out. “Whole plant foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds naturally contain polyphenols and antioxidants, which have a direct impact on lowering inflammation in the body and, therefore, the skin,” she says.

8. You’ll have a stronger immune system

TBH, with cold and flu season in full swing, lifestyle tips for staving away sickness are always welcome. “Plant foods like bell peppers and almonds are rich in nutrients like vitamin C and vitamin E, which play a role in supporting immune function,” Syn says.

And to further strengthen your immune system, Syn recommends a few non-plant-forward items to add to the menu, too. “Furthermore, when you choose high-quality animal products like low-mercury seafood, pasture-raised eggs, and grass-fed beef, you get additional immune-supporting nutrients like bioavailable zinc and vitamin D,” she says. She also suggests sticking to a diet rich in plant-based protein and low in sugar, salt, and processed meat, which in turn can promote healthy cellular aging and reduce cardiovascular and overall mortality risk.

9. You’ll likely cut food costs

According to Syn, plant-forward eating may actually help you save some cash. “Purchasing mostly plant-based whole-food ingredients like produce, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds while limiting animal products and eliminating processed foods is likely to save you money month after month, because meat can come with a hefty price tag—especially at restaurants,” she says.

10. You’ll decrease your carbon footprint

One of the biggest pros of adopting a plant-forward diet is the positive impact it can have on the environment. “You’ll lower your carbon footprint. Plant foods have a lesser environmental impact than animal foods in all areas—land use, water supply, and greenhouse gas emissions,” Syn says, which is a win-win on all fronts.

An herbalist shares the best herbs for managing stress and anxiety:

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Carscoops 

Autonomous shuttles want to become the new norm in the automotive industry but it seems there is always room for innovation. Italdesign is celebrating its 55th anniversary with the debut of the Climb-E concept at CES. Besides being fully autonomous, the vehicle that is designed for private use and features a highly modular interior has the ability to integrate into next-gen civil and residential buildings, bringing all kinds of services to people’s doors.

For the design and development of the Climb-E, Italdesign teamed up with elevator company Schindler to assist in vertical mobility, Politecnico di Torino for the architectural integration, and Easyrain for its safety ecosystem.

Read: Holon Reveals Its Pininfarina-Designed Autonomous People Mover At CES

The Climb-E’s cabin structure can be attached to a fully electric platform that is called “the skid”, allowing it to move around on its own. Furthermore, it can be attached to different kinds of carriers for longer journeys. The symmetrical design means it can move in both ways. The lower portion of the body is made of composite material and the upper portion features large glass areas that can be completely blocked for privacy.

Two pairs of pivot doors with sensors and integrated LED screens provide access to the interior, allowing it to be used by users on wheelchairs or with any kind of mobility impairment. More importantly, the roof of the concept features a four-point attachment system that is compatible with a lifting system designed by Schindler, allowing the Climb-E to move vertically and “climb” on buildings.

In standard configuration, the vehicle can transport four passengers, although the interior can transform into different kinds of rooms. Among the countless possibilities, Italdesign says that the Climb-E host “medical assistance services, telemedicine medical analysis, dental care, catering, cooking services, home massages, sales of various products, veterinary and pet grooming services”, bringing everything to the door of your home or workplace. Owners can use the Climb-E at home to extend their living room or bedroom, or at their workplace as an extra meeting room or private call area.

The interior features configurable sofas, tables, practical storage compartments, and semi-transparent screens on the windows that can display multimedia content and be personalized according to the profile of each user. All vehicle functions including infotainment, dimmable ambient lighting, and climate control can be operated via touchscreens or voice control. When the passengers need privacy they can select the black-out feature that eliminates the transparency on all glass areas. For the upholstery, Italdesign chose eco-leather, recycled polyester, and Alcantara.

The detachable, electric and autonomous skid (platform) is not intended to be privately owned but shared, allowing storage in underground containers or in disused spaces around town. It offers four-wheel steering and all-wheel-drive while integrating the electric motors, the lithium-ion battery pack, the lighting units, the safety systems, as well as ground projection devices and a 43-inch screen on each side for communicating with pedestrians and other road users. Italdesign says that the Climb-E has a range of 200 miles (322 km) when moving horizontally, and can charge to 80% in 15 minutes through inductive chargers.

Last but not least, the Easyrain safety ecosystem includes an innovative system that can detect and restore potential loss of grip on a wet road surface. The cloud-based Digital Aquaplaning Information (DAI) software detects a hazardous situation. Then, the Aquaplaning Intelligent Solution (AIS) system sprays a controlled jet of water through four injectors before the front wheels touch the wet surface, avoiding any aquaplaning. In the future, the system will expand its use preventing the loss of grip while driving on snow and ice.

While the Climb-E’s integration is currently limited to “next-gen and future civic and residential building structures, Italdesign is working on expanding it to “current and historical architectural heritage”. Note that the Climb-E is purely a design study as part of the research for “innovative mobility solutions” but that doesn’t exclude the possibility of some of its features being potentially used in future production vehicles.

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The Points Guy 

Editor’s note: We’ve updated this post with new hotels where you can earn 500 extra points per night.

I stayed at the Hyatt House Johannesburg Sandton in South Africa shortly after it opened in early 2022. However, when I checked my account activity after my stay, I earned far more points than expected.

Looking at the details, I noticed an “Opening Bonus” of 2,000 points. Then I remembered that Hyatt offers 500 bonus points per night on qualifying stays at new hotels. Since Hyatt doesn’t require its members to register for this promotion, I unknowingly received the benefit.

Perhaps you, too, have forgotten about this promotion. Or maybe you never knew about it. In either case, here’s what you should know about this World of Hyatt promotion, including the current new properties where you can earn 500 bonus points per night.

How to earn 500 Hyatt points per night

Hyatt House Johannesburg Sandton in South Africa. KATIE GENTER/THE POINTS GUY

This promotion is simple: World of Hyatt members receive 500 bonus points per night for qualifying stays at select new Hyatt hotels. To earn the bonus points, you must stay during a set time frame, which typically lasts for a few months after the hotel opens. Specifically, you’ll only earn bonus points if your checkout date is during the offer period for your hotel.

To get the bonus points, you must provide your World of Hyatt number when you check in and pay an eligible rate or redeem a free night award (which includes redeeming Hyatt points).

If you book multiple rooms during one stay, you’ll only earn bonus points for one room. However, you can earn the new hotel bonus alongside other bonuses, including most current Hyatt promotions.

The terms of this promotion note that it may take three to four weeks for the bonus points to appear in your account. In practice, though, Hyatt typically posts the new hotel bonus points simultaneously with the other points for your stay.

Related: How to use World of Hyatt points to save on hotel stays during holidays and events

Eligible new Hyatt hotels

Hyatt displays an updated list of participating properties on its new hotel bonus page. Here’s a quick overview of where you can currently earn 500 bonus points per night.

United States

Salt Lake City, Utah: Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City from Oct. 17, 2022, to Jan. 31, 2023.
Fort Wayne, Indiana: Hyatt Place Fort Wayne – Northwest from Nov. 1, 2022, to Jan. 31, 2023.
San Carlos, California: Hyatt Place San Carlos from Dec. 15, 2022, to March 31, 2023.
Houston, Texas: Hyatt House Houston Medical Center from Jan. 19, 2023, to April 30, 2023.
Houston, Texas: Hyatt Place Houston Medical Center from Jan. 19, 2023, to April 30, 2023.

Mexico

San Pedro Garza García: Hyatt Place Monterrey Valle from Oct. 25, 2022, to Jan. 31, 2023.
San Pedro Garza García: Hyatt House Monterrey Valle / San Pedro from Oct. 25, 2022, to Jan. 31, 2023.
Riviera Maya: Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya from Dec. 1, 2022, to Feb. 28, 2023.
Mexico City: Andaz Mexico City Condesa from Dec. 1, 2022, to Feb. 28, 2023.
El Pescadero: Rancho Pescadero from Jan. 1, 2023, to March 31, 2023.
San Miguel de Allende: Numu Boutique Hotel San Miguel de Allende from Jan. 24, 2023, to April 30, 2023.

Europe

Mijas, Spain: La Zambra from Oct. 15, 2022, to Jan. 31, 2023.
Krakow, Poland: Hyatt Place Krakow from Nov. 1, 2022, to Jan. 31, 2023.
Kelso, United Kingdom: SCHLOSS Roxburghe from Dec. 1, 2022, to Feb. 28, 2023.
Bordeaux, France: FirstName Bordeaux from Jan. 15, 2023, to April 30, 2023.
London, United Kingdom: Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars from Jan. 30, 2023, to April 30, 2023.

Mainland China

Huangshan: Hyatt Place Huangshan Train Station from Oct. 14, 2022, to Jan 31, 2023.
Hangzhou: UrCove Hangzhou Westlake from Oct. 21, 2022, to Jan. 31, 2023.
Xi’an: UrCove Xi’an Hi-Tech from Oct. 31, 2022, to Jan. 31, 2023.
Wanning: Grand Hyatt Shenzhou Peninsula from Nov. 1, 2022, to Jan. 31, 2023.
Sanya: Hyatt Regency Hainan Ocean Paradise Resort from Nov. 1, 2022, to Jan. 31, 2023.
Shanghai: UrCove Shanghai Jinqiao Center from Dec. 1, 2022, to Feb. 28, 2023.
Chengdu City: UrCove Qingchengshan Hot Spring Resort from Dec. 28, 2022, to March 31, 2023.
Shenzhen: UrCove Shenzhen Luohu from Dec. 28, 2022, to March 31, 2023.
Chengdu: Hyatt Place Chengdu Bio-Town from Jan. 1, 2023, to March 31, 2023.
Hangzhou: Hyatt Place Hangzhou International Airport from Jan. 30, 2023, to April 30, 2023.

India

Jaipur: Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar from Nov. 1, 2022, to Jan. 31, 2023.
Gurgaon: Grand Hyatt Gurgaon from Nov. 1, 2022, to Jan. 31, 2023.
Thiruvananthapuram: Hyatt Regency Trivandrum from Dec. 1, 2022, to Feb. 28, 2023.

Other regions

Montréal, Canada: Hyatt Centric Ville-Marie Montréal from Oct. 6, 2022, to Jan. 31, 2023.
Shizuoka, Japan: Fuji Speedway Hotel from Oct. 7, 2022, to Jan. 31, 2023.
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia: Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu from Oct. 20, 2022, to Jan. 31, 2023.
Hsinchu City, Taiwan: EPISODE Hsinchu from Nov. 1, 2022, to Feb. 28, 2023.
Doha, Qatar: Andaz Doha from Nov. 15, 2022, to Feb. 28, 2023.
Izmir, Türkiye: Hyatt Regency İzmir İstinyePark from Dec. 1, 2022, to Feb. 28, 2023.

The 500 Hyatt points per night you’ll get when booking an eligible rate or free night are worth about $8.50 based on TPG’s valuations. So, this promotion may be the tiebreaker next time you’re considering where to stay in a location with a new Hyatt hotel.

Related: Here’s how to quickly stock up on Hyatt points for your next vacation

Bottom line

On top of earning 500 bonus points per night, staying at a new Hyatt can also be fun. After all, you’ll get to stay in a new room with fresh furnishings. However, new hotels may also still be working through some issues and may not have everything on-site completely functional.

I typically enjoy staying at new hotels, so I periodically check the list of new Hyatt properties. When planning trips, a glance at this list could help you earn an extra 500 points per night simply by staying at a new Hyatt hotel.

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