The Quest for Miles-Fueled Getaways
Imagine this: you’ve collected a substantial number of Emirates Skywards miles, perhaps from frequent flights or strategic credit card spending. The dream of a luxurious vacation looms, but you wonder if those hard-earned miles can extend beyond the cabin and into the realm of ground accommodation. Can you use Emirates miles to book hotels? This question often arises as travelers look to maximize the value of their loyalty points. For many, the allure of a 'free' hotel stay, funded entirely by miles, is a powerful incentive. It’s about unlocking experiences that might otherwise stretch the travel budget further than desired, transforming accumulated points into tangible comfort and adventure.
The journey from earning miles to redeeming them for a hotel room is an exploration of loyalty program intricacies. Emirates Skywards, much like other major airline programs, offers various avenues for redemption, and hotels are a significant part of that ecosystem. It’s not always a direct 1:1 conversion, but rather a gateway to a curated selection of accommodation options. The primary goal for many is to find value – ensuring that the miles redeemed for a hotel room offer a return that feels worthwhile compared to other redemption possibilities, like flights or upgrades.
This exploration delves into the practicalities of using Emirates Skywards miles for your hotel stays. We’ll navigate the official channels, explore partnership opportunities, and offer insights into how to approach these redemptions to ensure you're making the most of every mile. It’s about turning your collection of points into a comfortable bed, a scenic view, and unforgettable memories, bridging the gap between your flight and your final destination.
- Emirates Skywards miles can be used for hotel bookings through specific channels.
- Redemption value can vary, so understanding options is crucial.
- Partner programs and the Emirates travel portal are key access points.
- Maximize your miles by comparing redemption values.
Navigating Emirates' Official Hotel Booking Avenues
When you ask, 'Can I use Emirates miles to book hotels?', the most direct answer lies within Emirates' own loyalty program ecosystem. The primary official method involves leveraging the Emirates Skywards website, specifically its 'Book a Flight + Hotel' or dedicated 'Hotels' sections. This portal is designed to allow members to search for accommodation and then use a combination of miles and cash, or sometimes miles exclusively, to secure a booking. The system often presents prices in both cash and Skywards Miles, giving you a clear view of the redemption rate.
The Emirates website's hotel booking portal is a gateway to a vast inventory. You can search by destination, dates, and even star rating, much like any other major online travel agency. Once you select a hotel and room type, the platform will display the cost in both your local currency and the equivalent in Skywards Miles. This transparency is vital, as it allows you to perform a quick value assessment: how much is one Skywards Mile worth in this particular transaction? This figure can fluctuate significantly based on the hotel, location, season, and the specific deal available.
A key consideration when using this direct method is understanding the 'cash + miles' option. For many members, this provides flexibility. If you don't have enough miles for a full redemption, or if the cash price is exceptionally low, combining cash with miles can be a strategic way to use a portion of your balance while still saving money. The platform typically indicates how many miles you need to cover the entire cost, or what contribution your miles can make towards it. It's about finding that sweet spot where your miles achieve their maximum potential value, often when the 'miles price' is competitive compared to the cash price and the value you'd get from other redemptions.
When Cash and Miles Combine: A Strategic Approach
The 'cash + miles' option offered by Emirates for hotel bookings is more than just a convenience; it’s a strategic tool. Many travelers find themselves with a balance of miles that is insufficient for a high-value redemption, like a business class flight, but more than enough to cover a portion of a hotel stay. By using cash to supplement your miles, you can effectively 'buy' a hotel stay at a discounted rate. The trick is to monitor the effective value you are getting per mile. For instance, if a room costs $200 or 20,000 Skywards Miles, you're getting 1 cent per mile. If it costs $200 or 40,000 Skywards Miles, you're getting only 0.5 cents per mile, which might not be the best use of your miles.
This flexibility allows you to effectively 'sweeten' a cash booking with miles, or offset a significant portion of a hotel's cost. It’s particularly useful for shorter stays or in destinations where hotel prices are generally lower, making your miles stretch further. Always compare the 'miles price' against the cash price and consider how many miles you would earn on a cash booking, as well as what other redemptions might yield a higher return. Understanding these calculations ensures that your miles are deployed effectively, turning a good deal into a great one.
Exploring Emirates' Hotel Partners
Beyond Emirates' direct booking portal, a significant number of opportunities to use Skywards miles for hotels arise through its extensive network of hotel partners. These partnerships are crucial for expanding your options, as they often include major global hotel chains and boutique properties that might not be directly listed on Emirates' own platform. By linking your Skywards account with these partners, you can often redeem miles for stays, or in some cases, convert partner loyalty points into Skywards Miles to facilitate a hotel booking indirectly.
A prime example of this is Emirates' relationship with loyalty programs like Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and IHG One Rewards. While you typically can't book directly on the Emirates website using Skywards Miles for *any* hotel in these chains, you can often transfer your Skywards Miles to the respective hotel loyalty program. This conversion allows you to then book hotels within that partner's ecosystem using the miles you transferred. The key here is to check the transfer ratios and potential bonuses offered by Emirates or its partners, as these can significantly impact the value of your miles.
Another important facet is Emirates' own 'Choose Your Hotel' redemption option. This allows you to book any hotel available through their partner network, and then pay using a combination of miles and cash. The value proposition here is similar to the direct booking portal: you see the cost in miles and cash, allowing you to gauge the redemption rate. This approach offers immense freedom, as it’s not limited to specific chains but rather a broad selection of properties across various brands and independent hotels. The critical step is always to compare the redemption value per mile against other potential uses for your Skywards balance.
Key Partners and Redemption Strategies
Emirates Skywards partners with several major hotel groups, each offering distinct ways to leverage your miles. For instance, transferring miles to programs like Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors can be advantageous if you have elite status with those hotel chains or if there's a specific property within their portfolio that aligns with your travel plans. It’s crucial to understand the transfer rates, as they can vary; sometimes, a fixed number of Skywards Miles might convert into a different, often lower, number of hotel points. Always check the official Emirates Skywards partner page for the most current transfer ratios and any promotional offers, which can sometimes make these transfers more appealing.
Always compare the effective value you receive when transferring miles versus booking directly through Emirates. A 1:1 transfer ratio is ideal, but this is rare. Often, it’s closer to 1:0.5 or 1:0.75 (Skywards Miles to Hotel Points). However, if the hotel program offers lucrative redemption options or if you can achieve a high value per hotel point, it might still be a worthwhile endeavor. For example, if you can convert 10,000 Skywards Miles into 7,500 hotel points, and those 7,500 hotel points can book a night that would cost $300 cash or 30,000 Skywards Miles, then transferring might offer better value.
A Look at Other Redemption Possibilities
While the focus is on hotels, it’s worth briefly mentioning that Emirates Skywards miles can also be redeemed for a variety of other experiences, such as flight upgrades, upgrades on partner airlines, car rentals, and even shopping for select luxury goods or gift cards. This broad redemption landscape means that using your miles for hotels isn't the only option, and its value must be weighed against these alternatives. For instance, a significant flight upgrade might offer a higher perceived value than a hotel night, especially if you are flying in premium cabins.
This context is important because your decision on whether to use Emirates miles for hotels should be part of a larger strategy for managing your Skywards balance. If a particular hotel redemption offers a poor value (e.g., less than 0.5 cents per mile), it might be wiser to save those miles for a flight upgrade or for a future, more valuable hotel opportunity. The flexibility Emirates offers means you can tailor your redemptions to your immediate needs and long-term travel goals, making informed choices about where your miles will bring you the most satisfaction.
Evaluating the Value: Miles vs. Cash for Hotels
The core question for anyone considering using Emirates miles for hotels isn't just 'Can I?', but rather 'Should I?'. This hinges entirely on the value proposition. Airline miles, especially those from premium programs like Emirates Skywards, are often best redeemed for flights, particularly in business or first class, where the cash cost is high and the mile-to-dollar ratio can be exceptionally favorable. Therefore, using miles for hotels requires careful calculation to ensure you're not leaving significant value on the table.
To evaluate this, you need to understand the 'cents per mile' (CPM) calculation. When you see a hotel priced at, say, $200 or 20,000 Skywards Miles, the CPM is $200 / 20,000 miles = 1 cent per mile. If the same hotel costs $200 or 40,000 Skywards Miles, the CPM is $200 / 40,000 miles = 0.5 cents per mile. Your goal is to achieve a CPM that represents good value. For many travelers, a CPM of 1 cent or more is desirable for hotel redemptions, but this can vary widely.
Consider the cash price of the hotel. Is it a luxury property in a high-demand destination where cash prices are astronomical? In such cases, redeeming miles might offer excellent value, potentially yielding 1.5 to 2 cents per mile or even more, especially if you can find a 'sweet spot' redemption. Conversely, if you're looking at a standard hotel in a less expensive city, the cash price might be so low that using miles yields a very poor return. In these scenarios, paying cash and earning Skywards Miles (if the hotel is a partner or if you're booking through a portal that awards miles) might be a better strategy.
The 'Sweet Spot' Redemption Puzzle
Identifying 'sweet spots' is where savvy redemption strategies come into play. These are specific instances where a redemption offers disproportionately high value. For hotel bookings with Emirates Skywards, sweet spots might occur during peak travel seasons where cash rates skyrocket, or when booking through a partner hotel program that has a favorable redemption rate for specific properties. For example, a premium suite in Dubai might cost $1,000 per night or 80,000 Skywards Miles. This would give you 1.25 cents per mile, which is a strong redemption. Without careful research and comparison, you might miss these opportunities.
Always compare the cost in miles against the prevailing cash rate for the exact same room and dates. Don't just look at the miles cost; look at the entire picture. Are there resort fees or taxes that are included in the cash price but not in the miles redemption? Or vice-versa? Emirates' portal usually specifies what's included, but double-checking can save surprises. Aim for a redemption value that either matches or exceeds what you might get from other high-value redemptions, such as international business class flights, to ensure you're truly getting your money's worth.
When Miles Are Better Spent Elsewhere
There are distinct scenarios where using Emirates Skywards miles for hotels might not be the optimal choice. If your miles balance is relatively small, it might be better to save them for a flight upgrade or a future flight redemption rather than using them for a partial hotel booking that yields a low CPM. Furthermore, if Emirates Skywards partners with a hotel chain that has a notoriously poor transfer ratio, or if cash prices for hotels are consistently low in your preferred destinations, paying cash and earning miles instead of spending them is often the wiser move.
Consider the opportunity cost. If a redemption for a flight would yield 2 cents per mile, and a hotel redemption yields 0.8 cents per mile, you are essentially 'losing' 1.2 cents per mile by choosing the hotel. Over thousands of miles, this difference can be substantial. For many, the highest value for Skywards Miles is found in premium cabin flights. Therefore, before committing your miles to a hotel, always ask yourself if there’s a flight redemption that would offer a demonstrably better return on investment for your loyalty currency.
Harnessing Partner Loyalty Programs for Hotels
The landscape of travel loyalty programs is intricate, and understanding how different programs interact is key to maximizing your rewards. For Emirates Skywards members, this means looking beyond direct redemptions and exploring how miles can be channeled through partner hotel loyalty programs. This isn't always a straightforward 'book hotel with Emirates miles' scenario, but rather a strategic transfer and subsequent booking within a hotel chain's own reward system. The success of this strategy hinges on understanding transfer ratios, potential bonuses, and the redemption value within the partner program.
Emirates has partnerships with numerous hotel chains, including major global players like Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, IHG One Rewards, and others. The ability to convert Skywards Miles into points for these programs is a significant feature. For example, you might be able to transfer 1,000 Skywards Miles for 500 Marriott Bonvoy points. If you’re a frequent guest of Marriott properties, or if Marriott offers a particularly attractive award chart for a specific hotel you wish to book, this transfer can be highly beneficial. The crucial first step is always to consult the official Emirates Skywards partner page for the most up-to-date and accurate transfer information.
When considering this route, remember that hotel loyalty programs often have their own redemption charts, peak and off-peak pricing, and elite status benefits that can further enhance the value of your stay. If you hold elite status with a hotel chain (e.g., Hilton Diamond or IHG Platinum), transferring miles to that program might grant you benefits like room upgrades, late check-out, or complimentary breakfast, which could be worth more than the direct redemption value of the miles themselves. This multi-layered approach turns your Emirates miles into a flexible asset for diverse travel experiences.
Understanding Transfer Ratios and Bonuses
The devil, as always, is in the details. Transfer ratios between airline miles and hotel points are rarely 1:1. Emirates Skywards to Marriott Bonvoy, for instance, might be a 2:1 ratio (2 Skywards Miles for 1 Bonvoy Point), or sometimes even less favorable. This means that 10,000 Skywards Miles would only yield 5,000 Bonvoy Points. This is a significant devaluation if not compensated by a high redemption value in the Bonvoy program for your intended stay. It’s vital to calculate the effective value of your Skywards Miles *after* the transfer.
Always verify the current transfer ratio on the Emirates Skywards website before initiating a transfer. Additionally, keep an eye out for limited-time transfer bonuses. Occasionally, Emirates or its hotel partners might offer a bonus, such as an extra 10-20% of points when you transfer miles. These bonuses can dramatically improve the value proposition, making a seemingly unfavorable transfer ratio much more appealing. Without a bonus, a transfer might not be worthwhile if the cash price of the hotel is reasonable or if other Skywards Mile redemptions offer better value.
When Direct Redemption Outshines Partner Transfers
While partner transfers offer flexibility, they are not always the superior option. Direct redemptions through the Emirates website or its 'Choose Your Hotel' feature may offer better value if the Skywards Mile cost is significantly lower than the cash price, or if the redemption rate yields a higher CPM than you could achieve through a hotel partner. This is particularly true if the hotel you want to book is not part of a major chain or if its points are not easily acquired or redeemed at a high value. In such cases, keeping your miles within the Emirates Skywards program for direct hotel booking might be the most straightforward and rewarding path.
Furthermore, remember the goal: maximizing the value of your Skywards Miles. If a direct redemption on Emirates for a hotel stay yields 1.5 cents per mile, but transferring to a hotel partner would require you to redeem at a rate of 0.7 cents per mile (even with a bonus), the direct redemption is clearly superior. It's a constant exercise in comparison, checking both Emirates' portal and the partner hotel program's award charts for your desired dates and destinations to make the most informed decision about where your miles will go the furthest.
The 'Flight + Hotel' Combo Package
Emirates offers a 'Flight + Hotel' package option, which is a distinct way to leverage your Skywards miles. This bundled approach allows members to book both their air travel and accommodation simultaneously, often with the convenience of a single transaction. The appeal lies in simplifying travel planning and potentially unlocking additional value or benefits not available when booking components separately. For members looking to book an entire trip, this can be an attractive proposition.
When searching for these packages on the Emirates website, you’ll typically find options that allow you to use Skywards Miles, cash, or a combination of both. The pricing for these packages is dynamic, influenced by factors such as flight availability, class of service, the chosen hotel, its star rating, location, and the duration of your stay. The system will present you with the cost in both cash and miles, enabling you to make an informed decision about the best way to pay for your trip. This integrated booking system aims to streamline the planning process for your entire holiday.
A key advantage of booking a 'Flight + Hotel' package is the potential for cost savings. Airlines and travel providers often offer discounted rates when services are bundled, and this can extend to mileage redemptions. The miles required for a package might be lower than the sum of miles needed for a separate flight and hotel booking. This is because loyalty programs often engineer these packages to be a more appealing redemption option. However, as with any redemption, it's critical to compare the package's 'miles cost' against the aggregate cash cost of booking the flight and hotel independently to ensure you are indeed getting a good deal.
Is the Package Deal Always a Bargain?
The 'Flight + Hotel' package is designed for convenience, but whether it represents the absolute best value for your Skywards Miles depends on your specific travel needs and priorities. While bundling can sometimes lead to savings, it's not a universal truth. You must perform due diligence. If your flight needs are very specific, or if you have found a particularly attractive hotel deal through a different channel, the flexibility of booking components separately might yield better overall value or allow you to use your miles more strategically for one aspect of the trip.
Compare the total miles cost of the package against the sum of individual flight and hotel redemptions, if both options are available and priced in miles. For instance, if a flight costs 50,000 miles and a hotel costs 30,000 miles separately, totaling 80,000 miles, but the package is priced at 90,000 miles, then booking separately is better. Conversely, if the package is 70,000 miles, you've found a significant saving. Always look at the cash prices too, as this provides a crucial benchmark for assessing the overall value of the mileage redemption.
Flexibility and Limitations of Packages
One of the main limitations of 'Flight + Hotel' packages is the reduced flexibility. Once booked, changes to either the flight or the hotel component can be difficult or expensive, and sometimes impossible without forfeiting part or all of your booking. This contrasts with booking components separately, where you might have more freedom to adjust dates or destinations, albeit with potentially higher costs. If your travel plans are subject to change, or if you prefer to mix and match different providers for maximum flexibility, a package deal might not be the ideal choice.
Furthermore, the hotel options within these packages might be curated, meaning you won't have access to the entire universe of hotels available through other Emirates redemption channels or direct booking. You'll be choosing from a select list of properties that have partnered with Emirates for these packages. If your heart is set on a specific boutique hotel or a particular chain that isn't featured, you'll need to explore alternative booking methods. The 'Flight + Hotel' package is best suited for travelers who value convenience and are comfortable with the available options and terms.
Practical Tips for Booking Hotels with Emirates Miles
Successfully using Emirates Skywards miles for hotel bookings involves more than just knowing it's possible; it requires a strategic approach to maximize value and avoid common pitfalls. As you navigate the options, whether through Emirates' direct booking portal, partner hotels, or flight+hotel packages, a few key practices can ensure a smoother and more rewarding experience. These tips are born from the experiences of countless loyalty program members and are designed to help you get the most out of your hard-earned miles.
Firstly, planning ahead is paramount. Award availability for flights and, often, for hotel redemptions can be limited, especially during peak travel seasons or for highly sought-after properties. The earlier you start searching and booking, the greater your chances of securing your preferred dates and accommodations at a reasonable mileage cost. If you discover a hotel you love that requires a significant number of miles, try to lock it in as soon as you see availability that offers good value.
Secondly, always perform a thorough value calculation. As discussed, the 'cents per mile' metric is your best friend. Before confirming any hotel redemption, compare the mileage cost against the cash price for the exact same room and dates. Factor in any additional fees or taxes that might be waived for mileage bookings but are applicable to cash bookings, or vice versa. This due diligence will prevent you from overspending your miles on a redemption that could have been achieved more cheaply with cash or a different redemption strategy.
Understanding Dynamic Pricing and Award Charts
Emirates Skywards, like many loyalty programs, employs dynamic pricing for many of its redemptions, including hotels. This means the number of miles required can fluctuate based on demand, seasonality, and specific promotions. Unlike traditional award charts that offer fixed mileage rates for different travel categories, dynamic pricing can lead to variability. This makes it essential to be flexible with your travel dates if possible, as shifting your stay by a day or two might significantly reduce the mileage requirement.
Always check the mileage cost on multiple dates if your travel schedule allows for flexibility. Sometimes, a mid-week stay might cost considerably fewer miles than a weekend stay, or a shoulder season booking could be much cheaper than peak season. While Emirates does have some fixed award charts for flights, hotel redemptions through their portal are often subject to dynamic pricing. This is why comparing the mileage cost against the cash price becomes even more critical, as there isn’t always a static benchmark of value to rely on.
When booking a hotel through Emirates' portal, use the 'Cash + Miles' option to your advantage for smaller mile balances. If the effective value you get per mile is still decent, even a small contribution of miles can reduce your cash outlay and help clear out low balances, rather than letting them sit unused or expire. Just ensure the CPM is still reasonable.
What About Hotel-Specific Programs?
While Emirates Skywards miles can be transferred to certain hotel programs, remember that these hotel programs have their own rules and redemption structures. For example, IHG One Rewards uses a dynamic pricing model similar to Emirates' flight + hotel packages. Hilton Honors offers a more fixed award chart for many properties but also has dynamic pricing. Marriott Bonvoy has a complex system with peak, standard, and off-peak award nights. Understanding these nuances within the partner programs is crucial. If you're transferring miles, ensure you've researched the redemption value within that specific hotel program first.
It's also worth noting that booking through a hotel's loyalty program directly, using points earned within that program, typically guarantees elite benefits if you hold status. Booking through a third party, even Emirates, may sometimes mean you don't earn points in the hotel's program, or you might not receive elite status perks. This is a trade-off between using airline miles and maximizing hotel loyalty benefits, and it’s a consideration that can influence your decision.
Beyond Hotels: Other Ways to Use Skywards Miles
While the focus of our inquiry is on booking hotels, it's wise for any Emirates Skywards member to have a broad understanding of all available redemption options. This knowledge ensures that you're always making the most strategic decision for your miles, especially when hotel redemptions might not offer the best value. Emirates Skywards is a comprehensive loyalty program, and its miles can unlock a variety of experiences far beyond just accommodation.
The most prominent and often highest-value redemption for Emirates Skywards Miles is for flights. This includes upgrades on Emirates' own flights, from Economy to Business Class, or Business to First Class, which can offer a dramatic increase in comfort and luxury for a fraction of the cash price of a premium ticket. You can also redeem miles for entirely new flight tickets on Emirates, though the value proposition for Economy class can sometimes be less compelling compared to upgrades. Furthermore, Emirates has a vast network of partner airlines, and you can redeem your Skywards Miles for flights on many of these carriers as well, extending your reach globally.
Beyond flights, Emirates Skywards offers redemption opportunities for car rentals through its partners. Similar to hotels, you can often book car rentals using a combination of miles and cash, or miles exclusively. The value here also fluctuates, so comparing the mileage cost against cash rental prices is essential. For shorter trips or specific destinations where car rental is a necessity, this can be a convenient way to utilize your miles. It’s another avenue to explore if your primary travel goal is not just getting from point A to point B, but enjoying the journey and the destination.
The Ultimate Goal: Maximizing Value
Ultimately, the decision of where to spend your Skywards Miles should be guided by the principle of maximizing their value. While using miles for hotels is a valid and often attractive option, it’s crucial to benchmark it against other redemption possibilities. For many enthusiasts, the highest value is consistently found in premium cabin flight upgrades on Emirates. A well-timed upgrade can transform a long-haul flight into an exceptionally comfortable experience, and the mileage cost can represent a redemption rate of 2 cents per mile or even more, significantly higher than what is typically achieved with hotel bookings.
Always ask yourself if a particular hotel redemption offers better value than a flight upgrade or a new flight ticket. If you can get 1.5 cents per mile for a hotel, but 3 cents per mile for a flight upgrade on a route you plan to take, it’s usually wiser to prioritize the flight. This doesn't mean hotel redemptions are never worth it; it means they need to stand up to scrutiny against all other available options. The beauty of the Skywards program is its versatility, allowing you to choose the redemption that best suits your travel aspirations and provides the greatest return on your collected miles.
When Miles Should Remain Miles
There are times when the best strategy is not to redeem your miles at all, at least not immediately. If your current balance is insufficient for any high-value redemption, or if you are saving up for a particularly aspirational trip (like a round-the-world business class ticket or a luxury suite stay), it might be prudent to hold onto your miles. Furthermore, if Emirates Skywards miles have an expiry policy (which members should always verify, as policies can change), ensure your redemptions are strategically timed to use miles before they lapse, but not so early that you miss out on a better future opportunity.
It’s also worth considering how quickly you can earn more miles. If you are a frequent flyer with Emirates or a strategic credit card user, you might be able to accumulate miles relatively quickly. In such cases, a less optimal redemption for a hotel might be acceptable to free up cash for other travel expenses. However, for most members, preserving the value of their miles for their highest-impact use should be the overarching goal. This means diligently comparing options and choosing the path that offers the greatest perceived benefit for your travel dreams.
Conclusion: Your Miles, Your Stay
In essence, the answer to 'Can I use Emirates miles to book hotels?' is a resounding yes. Emirates Skywards provides multiple pathways for its members to convert accumulated miles into comfortable and convenient hotel stays. Whether you choose to book directly through the Emirates travel portal, leverage partnerships with major hotel chains, or opt for a bundled 'Flight + Hotel' package, the opportunity is there.
The critical element in this process is not just the act of redemption, but the strategic evaluation of value. Airline miles are a valuable currency, and their worth can vary significantly depending on how they are used. By diligently comparing the 'cents per mile' for hotel redemptions against other available options like flight upgrades or new tickets, you ensure that your miles are working as hard as possible for you. This mindful approach transforms loyalty points from mere numbers into tangible travel experiences that enrich your journeys.
Embrace the flexibility that the Emirates Skywards program offers. Plan ahead, understand the redemption mechanisms, and always perform your due diligence by comparing costs and benefits. With a little planning and a clear understanding of the value proposition, you can indeed use your Emirates miles to book hotels, adding another layer of luxury and affordability to your travel adventures, and turning those collected points into memorable stays around the globe.