Oman January-September 2025: Toyota at 48% share, places Hilux, LC and LC Pickup on top
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Backroads, recognized as a global leader in active travel, has launched an initiative called Solo Room Savings to meet the growing demand of the solo travel market. This program introduces reduced private room fees across hundreds of Biking, Hiking & Walking, and Multi-Adventure Trips. The aim is to make solo travel more accessible to individuals seeking both group connection and personal downtime, without the traditional financial premium attached to private rooms.
This move marks a significant step for Backroads, which has long maintained a reputation for creating inclusive and flexible travel experiences. The new offering enhances its existing solo traveler-friendly policies by reducing the barriers that often discourage independent travelers. It also extends benefits to friends and family members traveling together who may wish to enjoy private accommodations after a full day of exploration.
The solo travel segment has become one of the fastest-growing markets in the travel industry, with forecasts predicting an increase of 14 percent over the next five years. This upward trend is driven largely by women over 50, who represent a strong and consistent segment of the solo travel population.
With the introduction of Solo Room Savings, Backroads positions itself as a frontrunner in addressing this demand. The company’s long-standing relationships with some of the world’s premier hotels and lodges provide a solid foundation for offering both affordability and comfort. By adapting its pricing structure, Backroads demonstrates its understanding of the evolving expectations of today’s travelers—those who seek independence while still valuing the community aspect of group adventures.
Solo travel has evolved from a niche pursuit into a mainstream travel preference. Many modern travelers seek experiences that allow them to enjoy personal freedom without feeling isolated. Backroads’ new program caters to that balance, providing solo guests with options that combine private space and group camaraderie.
Under this initiative, guests who prefer to have their own room can now access reduced single-room supplements on select trips. Meanwhile, the traditional roommate matching service remains available for those who prefer to share accommodations to minimize costs. This dual approach ensures that travelers have flexibility based on their comfort level and budget, making adventure travel more inclusive than ever.
The Solo Room Savings program applies to a diverse range of destinations worldwide, covering Europe, the United States, Canada, Latin America, South Asia, New Zealand, and Africa. Popular options include the French & Italian Alps Lodge-to-Lodge Hiking Tour, the Galápagos & Andes Multi-Adventure Tour, and the Vermont to Quebec Bike Tour. Each trip offers a distinctive blend of activity, scenery, and culture, catering to travelers with varied interests and fitness levels.
By expanding the availability of reduced-fee private rooms across so many destinations, Backroads ensures that solo travelers can explore new parts of the world without worrying about high accommodation costs. The initiative supports the company’s broader goal of promoting accessible, sustainable adventure travel that encourages participation from a wider audience.
The Solo Room Savings initiative reflects Backroads’ response to shifting travel preferences, where flexibility, comfort, and community are equally important. The program also aligns with broader industry trends emphasizing personalization and value-driven experiences. Travelers today are looking for curated adventures that allow for autonomy, comfort, and meaningful social interaction—all elements deeply embedded in Backroads’ approach.
Backroads’ extensive experience in organizing guided adventures provides a structure that appeals to solo travelers who may feel apprehensive about exploring unfamiliar regions alone. Each trip includes the logistical support, safety assurance, and community atmosphere that make group travel appealing, while now adding the advantage of reduced-cost private accommodations.
While the Solo Room Savings program primarily targets solo adventurers, its benefits extend beyond that demographic. Members of friends’ groups or family travelers may also choose to take advantage of the reduced private room rates. For example, multi-generational families traveling together—such as grandparents, parents, and adult children—can enjoy both group bonding and personal privacy.
This flexibility caters to the modern traveler’s preference for customizable experiences. Whether a guest wishes to unwind in solitude after an active day or spend time socializing with fellow travelers, the new pricing model allows them to do so comfortably and affordably.
The Solo Room Savings program is open to adult travelers aged 18 and above and to teens aged 16 to 17 when traveling on a Backroads Family Adventure with their parents. Travelers can browse the complete list of qualifying trips through the company’s Go Solo & Save platform. Options span from cycling tours through vineyards and mountain trails to multi-adventure trips that combine hiking, kayaking, and cultural exploration.
The inclusion of family travelers ensures that the benefits of the program reach a wider audience. It also reflects Backroads’ understanding of modern family dynamics, where individual comfort is often as important as shared experiences.
For decades, Backroads has built its reputation around guest satisfaction, operational excellence, and responsible tourism. The introduction of Solo Room Savings strengthens that commitment by addressing one of the most significant cost challenges faced by independent travelers. The program not only supports solo adventurers but also enhances the overall group experience by encouraging broader participation.
By combining affordability, comfort, and adventure, Backroads continues to lead the way in active travel innovation. The company’s initiative demonstrates how thoughtful planning and adaptability can create more inclusive opportunities for global travelers.
The launch of Solo Room Savings represents more than a pricing adjustment—it symbolizes a shift toward inclusivity within the adventure travel industry. As the number of solo travelers continues to rise, Backroads’ approach sets a precedent for how travel companies can adapt to changing consumer needs while maintaining quality and authenticity.
With reduced private room rates, expanded destinations, and flexible arrangements, Backroads ensures that solo travel remains both accessible and rewarding. This move underscores the company’s broader mission to make active travel an enriching experience for everyone, whether exploring with companions or venturing out independently.
The post Backroads Launches Solo Room Savings to Make Active Travel More Affordable for Independent Adventurers in France, Italy, United States, Canada, New Zealand, Ecuador and South Africa appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Morgan Stanley is raising alarm bells around SK Hynix's rapidly depleting DRAM inventory, which is now at effective "sold-out" levels as the AI-driven demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) - a type of DRAM - continues to corner an ever greater proportion of the global memory wafer capacity. SK Hynix: "DRAM (DDR5) inventory is down to about two weeks, effectively at a 'produce-and-ship' level" Morgan Stanley is sounding the proverbial gong today as SK Hynix's DRAM inventory levels continue to sink to the bottom-of-the-barrel levels. Before going further, do note that SK Hynix disclosed its earnings for the third quarter of […]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/sk-hynix-ddr5-inventory-down-to-just-2-weeks/

Crypto treasury firms lose shine as mNAVs sink, buybacks fail, and regulators move to curb risky token-hoarding strategies.
The post Digital asset treasuries find hype is easy, endurance is hard appeared first on CoinGeek.

Malaysia Airlines is set to overhaul its Enrich Travel Loyalty Program starting in 2026, bringing significant updates designed to provide greater rewards and recognition for its loyal members. The revamped program will offer more generous Enrich Points accrual, with higher earnings for frequent flyers, especially those traveling in premium cabins. The changes aim to align the program with modern travel patterns, offering new ways to accumulate points and easier access to Elite Status. With these updates, Malaysia Airlines seeks to enhance the overall member experience, making loyalty even more rewarding for its most dedicated travelers.
Starting January 1, 2026, Malaysia Airlines’ Enrich loyalty program is set to unveil a significant transformation, bringing with it a revamped structure designed to elevate the rewards and recognition given to its most loyal members. With this overhaul, Enrich will not only refine the way points are earned but will also introduce new Elite Status requirements to better align with modern travel patterns.
The redesigned program will make it easier for frequent flyers to enjoy richer rewards, with a more structured and rewarding approach to earning both Enrich and Elite Points. The goal of these updates is clear: provide a more meaningful, rewarding experience for Malaysia Airlines’ loyal customers and reward them for their continued loyalty in a way that resonates with today’s travel habits.
Enhanced Earning Opportunities Across Tiers
One of the most exciting changes will be the increase in Enrich Points earned per Malaysian Ringgit (RM) spent. Platinum members will see an increase to 2.5 Enrich Points per RM1 spent on Malaysia Airlines and Firefly flights, which is a notable enhancement designed to recognize high-frequency travellers. Gold members will also see an increase, earning 2.2 points per RM1 spent, while Silver members will earn 1.8 points per RM1. This points system overhaul ensures that members who fly more often will benefit from greater rewards, encouraging loyalty and higher engagement with the airline’s services.
In addition to this, the way Elite Points are accumulated is also being significantly revamped. Members will now have the chance to earn considerably more Elite Points when travelling in premium cabins, such as Business Suite and Business Class. Not only will this apply to flights operated by Malaysia Airlines and Firefly, but it will also extend to oneworld member airlines, which are part of the global airline alliance. This change promises to make it easier and faster for frequent flyers to earn Elite Status, rewarding them for choosing premium services that reflect their loyalty.
Simplified Path to Elite Status
The program’s new structure makes it much easier for members to achieve and maintain Elite Status, with more ways to accumulate Elite Points. While flights will still be the primary method of earning points, the updated rules will allow members to earn points through a wider range of activities. This includes Points + Cash redemptions, seat upgrades, and stays booked through Enrich Hotels. These additional earning options ensure that members can accrue points in more diverse and flexible ways, making the journey to higher Elite Status smoother and more achievable.
To further streamline the experience, the updated Elite Status requirements have been adjusted to better reflect current travel trends. The revised thresholds for achieving or maintaining higher tiers will be more accessible to members who engage regularly with the airline’s partners and services. Whether through flight bookings, hotel stays, or premium services, members will have more opportunities to earn the Elite Points needed to unlock valuable benefits.
Fast-Track Your Status with AmBank Enrich Visa Credit Card
For Malaysian residents looking to fast-track their path to Elite Status, Malaysia Airlines is offering a helpful option in the form of the AmBank Enrich Visa Credit Card. This card will provide a faster route to maintaining or upgrading status, allowing cardholders to accumulate additional points in their daily spending. This collaboration further enhances the value of the loyalty program, particularly for those who are looking to earn more quickly and maximize their travel experience with Malaysia Airlines.
New Perks for Silver Members
In line with the program’s broader updates, Silver members will see several exciting new benefits designed to enhance their travel experience. One of the major perks is an additional 10kg of baggage allowance, ensuring that Silver members have more flexibility when it comes to packing for their trips. In addition to this, Silver members will also enjoy priority baggage handling, giving them a faster and more convenient experience at the airport. These updates demonstrate Malaysia Airlines’ commitment to ensuring that even members at lower Elite tiers feel valued and recognized for their loyalty.
A Program Built for Today’s Travelers
These enhancements to the Enrich loyalty program are all aimed at meeting the needs of today’s modern travellers. By providing more rewarding opportunities for frequent flyers and introducing new ways to earn points, Malaysia Airlines is ensuring that the Enrich program continues to offer a valuable and meaningful experience. Whether it’s through increased points accumulation, new earning channels, or a better range of benefits across Elite tiers, the program’s updates will strengthen member loyalty and satisfaction.
As the airline adapts to changing travel trends and seeks to improve its offerings for loyal customers, these changes reflect a broader commitment to keeping the Enrich program fresh, relevant, and deeply rewarding. From high-flyers in Business Suite to everyday travellers looking for a little extra, the revamped program will offer something for every member, making it easier to access more benefits and experience the luxury of premium travel.
As Malaysia Airlines continues to innovate its loyalty offerings, the introduction of these changes represents a major step forward. By enhancing Enrich Points accrual, introducing more ways to earn Elite Points, and offering additional perks for members, Malaysia Airlines is positioning itself as a leader in the loyalty space. The new structure is not just about rewarding frequent travellers—it’s about creating a stronger, more connected relationship between the airline and its most dedicated customers.
Malaysia Airlines’ Enrich Travel Loyalty Program is set for a major overhaul in 2026 to offer more meaningful rewards and easier pathways to Elite Status. The changes aim to better reflect modern travel habits by increasing points accrual and expanding earning opportunities.
Whether you’re a long-time frequent flyer or just starting your journey with Malaysia Airlines, the updated Enrich program ensures that every step of your travel experience will be more rewarding than ever.
The post Malaysia Airlines Revamps Enrich Travel Program For 2026, Offering More Points And Better Recognition For Loyal Travelers appeared first on Travel And Tour World.As AI-driven demand for high bandwidth memory (HBM) shows no sign of abating, the market forces are now exercising their influence to correct this imbalance, and smartphone-critical LPDDR5X prices are set to explode as a result. TrendForce has raised its general DRAM price forecast for Q4, which affects smartphone-critical LPDDR5X as well We noted recently that the soaring demand for HBM within datacenter servers was tightening available wafer capacity, especially as the die size for HBM is between 35 percent and 45 percent larger than that for a comparable DRAM. Well, as per a new TrendForce report, this paradigm is now […]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/you-can-blame-lpddr5x-for-smartphone-price-increases-in-2026/

Apple might equip the entire iPhone 18 lineup with 18GB of RAM. This year’s Pro and Pro Max models have upgraded their RAM capacity to 12GB, which is expected to expand to the Base and Plus/Air models next year.
TheBell reports that Apple informed Samsung of an increased requirement for LPDDR5X memory for the iPhone 18 series. Samsung is the only vendor producing 12GB and 16GB LPDDR5X RAMs, so the shift is highly likely.
An upgraded 12GB RAM on the iPhone 18 will help Apple Intelligence run more effectively. It will also provide a crucial boost to on-device AI processing. For this crucial shift, Apple is reportedly seeking the help of Samsung.
Apple’s base and Plus/Air models compete with Samsung’s Galaxy S and Plus/Edge flagships. Samsung has the Galaxy S Ultra to rival Apple’s iPhone Pro and Pro Max versions with the most premium-tier hardware and features.
Samsung upgraded the Galaxy S lineup’s RAM in 2025, taking it to 12GB across models. Apple will catch up to Samsung in the memory segment with its next-gen iPhones.
12GB won’t sound like a decent upgrade in 2026 iPhones, as there are plenty of devices available with even more, 16GB or 24GB RAM. However, the software optimization plays a key role here as just hardware can’t deliver alone.
Another major shift in the pipeline is a new strategic launch timeline. The base iPhones might launch in the first quarter, starting in 2026, while the Pro and Pro Max would be introduced in the third quarter, as usual.
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The post Apple reportedly upgrading iPhone 18 RAM with Samsung’s help appeared first on Sammy Fans.
AI-related demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) is now producing tangible aftershocks across the global semiconductor industry. This is tightening wafer foundry capacity and squeezing out the supply of DRAMs often used in smartphones' SoCs, such as the DDR5. And, MediaTek is likely to be the first major SoC manufacturer to be affected. LPDDR5x delivery period is now stretching out to between 26 and 39 weeks, which means orders placed right now won't be delivered until the middle of 2026 As per a report by Taiwan's Commercial Times, the high demand for HBM is now affecting the smartphone SoC manufacturers in […]
Read full article at https://wccftech.com/ai-related-hbm-demand-squeezing-out-ddr5-capacity-and-tightening-wafer-supply-mediatek-in-the-eye-of-the-storm/

