It's my job to help people enjoy being outside their comfort zones—and to be well armed with the latest information, restaurant picks, and hotel openings.
We've all felt like tourists before, "so-called strangers in a strange land," but with these travel tips, leaving the house is about to get a lot easier.
THE BEST DAY TO BOOK A FLIGHT
Travelers often swap theories on the right—and wrong—time to book a flight.
I've heard it all: You need to book at least two months before you fly. (No, you should look for a deal and fly at the last minute!) Some websites would even suggest when you should buy, or if you should wait—like we're all trading stocks in the stock market.
But a recent study by Expedia and Airlines Reporting Corporation reveals information about travel trends—and tricks we can use to get the best deal.
And the truth is, there is no secret time. You need to look four times a day—minimum—every day of the week, as far in advance as you can.
THE BEST TIME TO BUY AN AIRLINE TICKET
The same study is a little more definitive when it comes to how far out you should book flights to get the best rates. For Example, flights within North America, look to buy about 57 days before flying (for savings of about 10 percent); from North America to the Asia-Pacific region, book about 160 days out; and for North America to Europe, try to plan 176 days (or about six months) in advance.
We've all felt like tourists before, "so-called strangers in a strange land," but with these travel tips, leaving the house is about to get a lot easier.
THE BEST DAY TO BOOK A FLIGHT
Travelers often swap theories on the right—and wrong—time to book a flight.
I've heard it all: You need to book at least two months before you fly. (No, you should look for a deal and fly at the last minute!) Some websites would even suggest when you should buy, or if you should wait—like we're all trading stocks in the stock market.
But a recent study by Expedia and Airlines Reporting Corporation reveals information about travel trends—and tricks we can use to get the best deal.
And the truth is, there is no secret time. You need to look four times a day—minimum—every day of the week, as far in advance as you can.
THE BEST TIME TO BUY AN AIRLINE TICKET
The same study is a little more definitive when it comes to how far out you should book flights to get the best rates. For Example, flights within North America, look to buy about 57 days before flying (for savings of about 10 percent); from North America to the Asia-Pacific region, book about 160 days out; and for North America to Europe, try to plan 176 days (or about six months) in advance.
THE BEST TIME TO BOOK A CRUISE
A study by cruisewatch.com, a search engine for cruise deals, looked at 600,000 fares and found that prices were their lowest on Thursdays, and the priciest day to book was on Wednesday.
HOW TO GET THROUGH AIRPORT LINES QUICKLY
For Domestic flights, you may want to try on-line Check in, this will save you a lot of time, you will literally walk through to the waiting area.
For International Flight, Two words: Global Entry. Pre-Check is an $85, five-year "known traveler" membership that gets you expedited screening in U.S. airport security lines (though it may soon extend to European airlines).
This means your shoes stay on, laptop and toiletries stay in your carry-on, and dignity remains intact. And for $15 more, Global Entry gives you Pre-Check privileges and the ability to speed through U.S. customs in minutes. It's the better deal, in my humble opinion.
A study by cruisewatch.com, a search engine for cruise deals, looked at 600,000 fares and found that prices were their lowest on Thursdays, and the priciest day to book was on Wednesday.
HOW TO GET THROUGH AIRPORT LINES QUICKLY
For Domestic flights, you may want to try on-line Check in, this will save you a lot of time, you will literally walk through to the waiting area.
For International Flight, Two words: Global Entry. Pre-Check is an $85, five-year "known traveler" membership that gets you expedited screening in U.S. airport security lines (though it may soon extend to European airlines).
This means your shoes stay on, laptop and toiletries stay in your carry-on, and dignity remains intact. And for $15 more, Global Entry gives you Pre-Check privileges and the ability to speed through U.S. customs in minutes. It's the better deal, in my humble opinion.
HOW TO AVOID ROAMING CHARGES ABROAD
Start by finding out what kind of international plan your phone has. Verizon has one of the most comprehensive data plans abroad. Google's Project Fi means Android phones can also work abroad—in 135 countries—in much the same way as they would at home. When in doubt? Buy a portable Wi-Fi hotspot like Skyroam to keep in your purse or pocket. You can pay as little as $8 a day for unlimited data in about 100 countries.
EASIEST WAY TO GET AN UPGRADE TO FIRST CLASS
Sadly, there's no full-proof to get from economy to the front of the plane, despite the sweetness of your talk.
But Traveler contributing editor Mark Ellwood has long preached the good word of loyalty programs: By flying regularly with one airline, you rack up miles and status that can get you upgrades on routes that aren't business-heavy.
You can also use miles to upgrade a paid ticket, though you may have a cash co-pay.
Start by finding out what kind of international plan your phone has. Verizon has one of the most comprehensive data plans abroad. Google's Project Fi means Android phones can also work abroad—in 135 countries—in much the same way as they would at home. When in doubt? Buy a portable Wi-Fi hotspot like Skyroam to keep in your purse or pocket. You can pay as little as $8 a day for unlimited data in about 100 countries.
EASIEST WAY TO GET AN UPGRADE TO FIRST CLASS
Sadly, there's no full-proof to get from economy to the front of the plane, despite the sweetness of your talk.
But Traveler contributing editor Mark Ellwood has long preached the good word of loyalty programs: By flying regularly with one airline, you rack up miles and status that can get you upgrades on routes that aren't business-heavy.
You can also use miles to upgrade a paid ticket, though you may have a cash co-pay.
BEST CREDIT CARDS FOR TRAVELERS
Travel credit cards can be great for racking up miles, but their rules can also be incredibly confusing to follow. Here are the best travel credit cards of 2016.
a) AMERICAN EXPRESS CENTURION, BUSINESS PLATINUM, AND PLATINUM
If you love airport lounges (and their Wi-Fi), American Express may be the card for you. In 2015, American Express expanded its Centurion Lounges to more major airports while also maintaining premium complimentary amenities (hot meal buffets, full bars, shower rooms, children's playrooms, designer furniture, and even mini-spas in some lounges). A traveler holding any AmEx may purchase a $50 one-day pass for entry to a Centurion Lounge, but those with the Centurion, Platinum, or Business Platinum AmEx are granted free entry. Centurion Lounges are now open at Dallas (DFW), Miami (MIA), New York LaGuardia (LGA), Las Vegas (LAS), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), Sydney (SYD), Buenos Aires (EZE), Sao Paulo (GRU), Mexico City (MEX), Mumbai (BOM), and New Delhi (DEL). Come early 2016, Houston (IAH) will be home to the newest of the bunch.
b) CITI/AADVANTAGE EXECUTIVE WORLD ELITE MASTERCARD
This credit card, which is best for American Airlines fliers, recently added a very valuable and rare perk: Admirals Club membership. The membership, which normally costs between $400-$500, is balanced out by the card's $450 annual fee. American has more than 50 Admirals Club locations worldwide, all with free Wi-Fi and comfortable, quiet places to rest before and after your flight. Other perks of the credit card include 2 AAdvantage miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases, 10,000 AA Elite Qualifying Miles after $40,000 spent in purchases (in a calendar year), reimbursement for Global Entry and TSA Pre-Check fees, first checked bag free, and no foreign transaction fees.
Travel credit cards can be great for racking up miles, but their rules can also be incredibly confusing to follow. Here are the best travel credit cards of 2016.
a) AMERICAN EXPRESS CENTURION, BUSINESS PLATINUM, AND PLATINUM
If you love airport lounges (and their Wi-Fi), American Express may be the card for you. In 2015, American Express expanded its Centurion Lounges to more major airports while also maintaining premium complimentary amenities (hot meal buffets, full bars, shower rooms, children's playrooms, designer furniture, and even mini-spas in some lounges). A traveler holding any AmEx may purchase a $50 one-day pass for entry to a Centurion Lounge, but those with the Centurion, Platinum, or Business Platinum AmEx are granted free entry. Centurion Lounges are now open at Dallas (DFW), Miami (MIA), New York LaGuardia (LGA), Las Vegas (LAS), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), Sydney (SYD), Buenos Aires (EZE), Sao Paulo (GRU), Mexico City (MEX), Mumbai (BOM), and New Delhi (DEL). Come early 2016, Houston (IAH) will be home to the newest of the bunch.
b) CITI/AADVANTAGE EXECUTIVE WORLD ELITE MASTERCARD
This credit card, which is best for American Airlines fliers, recently added a very valuable and rare perk: Admirals Club membership. The membership, which normally costs between $400-$500, is balanced out by the card's $450 annual fee. American has more than 50 Admirals Club locations worldwide, all with free Wi-Fi and comfortable, quiet places to rest before and after your flight. Other perks of the credit card include 2 AAdvantage miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases, 10,000 AA Elite Qualifying Miles after $40,000 spent in purchases (in a calendar year), reimbursement for Global Entry and TSA Pre-Check fees, first checked bag free, and no foreign transaction fees.
c) JETBLUE AMERICAN EXPRESS
As announced earlier this year, JetBlue and American Express have/will end their 16-year credit card partnership in 2016, with JetBlue moving to a new card with BarclayCard/Mastercard. Although the specifics haven’t yet been released, it is safe to expect that the new JetBlue Mastercard will continue to earn bonus points on JetBlue purchases and include some guarantee of complimentary checked baggage.
Current holders of the JetBlue AmEx card will likely be switched over to a standard American Express, a common move when a card partnership ends.
Regardless of your airline preference or frequent flyer status (or lack thereof), a traveler today should use credit cards that cover these specific bases: no foreign transaction fees, chip-enabled (important for security, and becoming mandatory in many countries, especially in Europe), and at least double bonus points on airline or travel purchases. If your card doesn't tick these three boxes, then it's time to re-evaluate and get a fresh credit card or two.
As announced earlier this year, JetBlue and American Express have/will end their 16-year credit card partnership in 2016, with JetBlue moving to a new card with BarclayCard/Mastercard. Although the specifics haven’t yet been released, it is safe to expect that the new JetBlue Mastercard will continue to earn bonus points on JetBlue purchases and include some guarantee of complimentary checked baggage.
Current holders of the JetBlue AmEx card will likely be switched over to a standard American Express, a common move when a card partnership ends.
Regardless of your airline preference or frequent flyer status (or lack thereof), a traveler today should use credit cards that cover these specific bases: no foreign transaction fees, chip-enabled (important for security, and becoming mandatory in many countries, especially in Europe), and at least double bonus points on airline or travel purchases. If your card doesn't tick these three boxes, then it's time to re-evaluate and get a fresh credit card or two.
And Lastly, APPS TO DOWNLOAD NOW!!!
Whether it’s accessing an easy transit guide anywhere in the world, reading a pop up notification about security lines, or mastering the airport wait, sure enough, these apps certainly will come in handy.
GATEGURU
Security Wait Estimator, Gate Change and Delay Notifier, and General Airport Guide
For those who want to master air travel with ease, this is your one stop app. When in transit, you'll get up to the minute notifications about security wait times, flight delays, gate changes, amenities and more. Aside from keeping you in the know, the app will give you a simple, easy guide to all the shops and restaurants in your terminal, with reviews too.
ROME2RIO
Point To Point Guide To Get Anywhere and Compare Prices
Whether you're in Rome, Rio or any other city around the world, this brilliant app will get you navigating like a pro and probably save you some money at the same time. This free resource allows you to type in any starting point and destination, showing you exactly how to get from Point A to Point B as quickly and economically as possible—train, plane, bus, bike, it's all there.
TRIPIT
Trip Organizer With Up to the Minute Notifications
Most trips involve booking a few separate pieces and no one wants to be the one holding up the line looking through emails to find a confirmation number. Fortunately, TripIt organizes all your itineraries and confirmations in one beautiful dashboard. All you have to do is forward your information to a TripIt email address. Not only will everything be there, you'll get notifications about where your gate is and directions to things like the rental car area. Pretty Cool.
LOUNGEBUDDY
Instant Access to Airport VIP Lounges for Everyone
Raise your hand if you love long layovers and delays? Thought so. Using this exciting app, you can turn delay chaos into a relaxing visit to a swanky airport lounge instantly, even when flying economy. The app will organize your elite status and credit cards to see which lounges you already have access to and which you can get into for a one-time fee. Then, trade in the crowded terminal for some complimentary drinks, food, Wi-Fi, comfy seating areas, and in some instances, even a shower.
GOOGLE TRANSLATE
Speak To Anyone
Never fear getting lost in translation again wherever you are, thanks to Google Translate. The app has been helping travelers interact in just about every language for years, just by speaking into your phone and instantly having it translated to a foreign language. Now, Google Translate is "offline" allowing you to use it even without phone service or roaming charges. très bien!
These apps will definitely get you through every stage of your trip, from planning to flying (comfortably) to twirling cacio e pepe at a cafe down a Roman side street.
HIGHLIGHT
Traveling for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s doesn't need you to break the bank for you to make it for the Holidays!