I went to a “top-secret” travel event for a little news scoop

Two major loyalty programs are joining forces

Jul 15, 2026

I’m Wing, a travel writer and editor/lifestyle journalist. Most of my stories run in publications like the Toronto Star, Canada’s biggest daily newspaper. But I have more tales and tips to share outside of those features. This is my own little space for that. Thanks for reading!

Later this month, I’ll be defying travel wisdom and visiting one of Europe’s busiest cities, Rome, during peak heat and crowds. I’ll be adding a few days on my own after a work trip. If you have ideas for what I should do, beyond eat gelato and hide in air-conditioned museums, I’d love to hear them.

IN THIS EDITION

Newsflash for Aeroplan and Hyatt loyalists
Visiting Whistler, Canada’s favourite ski town, in the summer

TRAVEL NEWS

Two Major Loyalty Programs Are Joining Forces

A poolside view from my last stay at a Hyatt property, the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo in Costa Rica

Last night, I went to the Park Hyatt Toronto for a mysterious-sounding media event. The invite was vague, promising only to reveal a collaboration between two unnamed industry players that would offer new benefits to travellers.

The embargo just lifted, so here’s the latest: Aeroplan, Canada’s top frequent-flyer program, is teaming up with World of Hyatt, the loyalty program for one of the world’s biggest hotel companies. If you’re a member of both (they’re free to join), you can link your accounts for more ways to earn and use points.

I’m an Aeroplan collector because I fly Air Canada most often, but I don’t consider myself a points nerd. (I don’t track ’em on a spreadsheet or churn cards.) Still, there are some intriguing benefits in this new partnership, especially if you have a stockpile of points and want to do more than book reward flights.

Traditionally, redeeming Aeroplan points for hotel stays hasn’t offered the best value, but this deal changes the calculation. Brands under the huge Hyatt umbrella include the Park Hyatt, Alila, Miraval, the Unbound Collection by Hyatt, Andaz, The Standard and too many others to list here.

Here’s a rundown of the partnership’s highlights. (There’s always a lot of fine print with any loyalty program, so this is just a summary based on the media briefing.)

REDEEMING

You can redeem Aeroplan points (starting at 25,000) for World of Hyatt free night awards at eligible properties.
You can also redeem World of Hyatt points for a 30,000-point Aeroplan flight reward certificate.

CONVERTING

If you have Aeroplan elite status, you’ll be able to convert Aeroplan points to World of Hyatt bonus points at 2:1.

EARNING

If you have an Aeroplan credit card issued in Canada, you’ll earn World of Hyatt bonus points and additional Aeroplan points on eligible Hyatt stays. The earning rates vary by type of card (e.g. premium or core).

EXTRAS

An Aeroplan premium credit card will grant you complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status. This entry-level elite tier gets you a preferred room upgrade (at check-in when available), 2 p.m. late checkout (when available) and more. You’ll also have ways to “fast track” to higher status.

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Whistler’s Wellness Playground

My story on visiting Whistler, Canada’s favourite ski town, for a summer wellness escape ran in the Saturday edition of the Toronto Star, along with a hilariously oversized photo of me (I laughed out loud).

Here’s how my article starts:

“As soon as you connect your feet to the Earth, we are taking in all the vitamins and minerals straight from the ground,” says Chelsea Lyles, a wellness practitioner and spiritual coach. She slips off her shoes as she extols the virtues of “earthing,” our skin allegedly absorbing instant benefits from dirt. The forest will also give us an immune boost, she swears. I’m too skeptical to believe any of this, but when in Whistler, a dose of West Coast woo seems only apt…

Read the whole story