Thursday, November 21

Tag: Travel Tips

These Credit Cards Offer You Free Checked Baggage | Credit Cards
8Nov By adminNo Comments
Money

These Credit Cards Offer You Free Checked Baggage | Credit Cards

Rewards credit cards often come with a slew of benefits, including travel perks. One such perk is getting free checked bags on certain airlines or statement credits for airline fees that include baggage. If you're a frequent flier, this benefit can equate to hundreds, maybe even thousands, of saved dollars per year.Learn more about the value of free checked bag perks, and which credit cards offer them.Why Free Checked Bags are a Great PerkFor consumers who travel often and prefer to check a bag, getting a rewards credit card that offers free checked bags can offer big savings, says Andrea Woroch, a consumer and money-saving expert. "The average fee for a checked bag is about $30 to $35 for the first bag," she says. "These charges really add up throughout the year when you consider paying ...
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The 3 Best Luggage Trackers of 2024
7Nov By adminNo Comments
Travel

The 3 Best Luggage Trackers of 2024

Luggage trackers have become a necessity for many travelers amid an increase in mishandled luggage and ongoing issues with flight cancellations. If you're considering one, know that the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) affirms baggage location tracking devices are permitted as long as they meet one of the following requirements: The luggage tracker lithium cannot exceed 0.3 grams. Lithium-ion batteries with a Watt-hour rating cannot exceed 2.7 Wh. While there are a variety of luggage tracking devices on the market, these options are the best for the money based on consumer ratings and reviews, as well as FAA regulations. Best Overall: Apple AirTag(Courtesy of Apple) Amazon rating 4.7/5 stars Best feature Lost Mode Technology Bluetooth ...
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Alaska Cruise Packing List: 36 Must-Have Items
12Oct By adminNo Comments
Travel

Alaska Cruise Packing List: 36 Must-Have Items

Alaska is one of the most stunning places to visit on Earth. The vast pristine wilderness, ever-changing landscapes and opportunity to view wildlife – including bear, moose, Dall sheep, caribou, wolves, and marine mammals such as orcas and humpback whales – are just a few of the reasons it's one of the most popular cruise destinations.An Alaska cruise, however, can be difficult to pack for with big swings in temperatures, rainy days in the forecast and even experiencing four seasons in one day ashore. You'll need a strategic plan to pack for your trip especially if you're cruising during the colder months of April and October at the tail ends of the Alaska cruising season. U.S. News has compiled a list of essential items and ones you'll be glad you brought to round out your cruise packing...
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How to Get Airport Wheelchair Assistance
29Sep By adminNo Comments
Travel

How to Get Airport Wheelchair Assistance

Traveling is an exciting endeavor – but if you're in need of wheelchair assistance, the airport process can be overwhelming. With advance planning and the right communication, flying with a wheelchair can go more smoothly. Depending on mobility and specific requirements, getting wheelchair assistance at the airport may suit a variety of needs and desired levels of assistance. To help you get started, the editors at U.S. News put together this guide of things to consider and helpful tips from wheelchair travel experts.Preparing for the trip(Getty Images)Plan aheadWhen you or a loved one is traveling in a wheelchair, advance planning is key for a smoother trip. If possible, look for nonstop flights, as changing planes will add additional transfer needs. Once you've selected the airline you'...
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14 Tips for First-Time Cruisers
23Aug By adminNo Comments
Travel

14 Tips for First-Time Cruisers

If you've decided to hit the high seas on vacation for the first time, there's a lot to consider before booking your trip. Beyond the seemingly endless itinerary options, you'll also need to select your ideal cruise line and ship size, research what's included with your cruise fare and learn what comes next after you've booked your trip. Figuring out all the moving parts of your first cruise getaway may seem daunting.To help make your debut voyage as seamless as possible, U.S. News compiled the following tips from industry specialists and avid cruisers. From booking your cruise to embarking on the ship to saying farewell at the end of your sailing, these tips will help ensure you have a vacation of a lifetime. (Note: Some sailings may be affected due to the coronavirus pandemic. Cruise li...
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Do You Need a Passport to Go on a Cruise?
3Aug By adminNo Comments
Travel

Do You Need a Passport to Go on a Cruise?

Cruises are a fantastic way to travel and see the world. Most itineraries are jam-packed with adventures, activities, amenities and relaxation. But with many cruises including stops in a foreign country, the first question on everyone's mind is: Do I need a passport to cruise?The short answer? It depends on your itinerary. There are two types of cruises: closed-loop and open-loop (also known as open-jaw). While U.S. ships are not unheard of, most cruise ships sail under a foreign flag. Since U.S. maritime law states that non-U.S. flagged ships must make at least one stop at a foreign port, both closed-loop and open-loop cruises typically include stops in foreign cruise ports. Despite these international stops, only open-loop sailing requires a passport for all travelers.For U.S. citizens,...
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Top Rewards Programs Grant Travelers Easy Path to Free Nights and Flights, Range of Perks | Travel
25Jul By adminNo Comments
Travel

Top Rewards Programs Grant Travelers Easy Path to Free Nights and Flights, Range of Perks | Travel

Airfare and hotel prices may never return to pre-pandemic levels, which means earning a free flight or hotel stay is more important than ever. That's where travel rewards programs can help.Some travelers make a full-time job out of maximizing points and perks from their purchases, but for those who don't have that kind of time (or a big travel budget), U.S. News has ranked the best travel rewards programs for everyday travelers.Travel rewards programs that make it easy and affordable for members to book a free night or flight excel in our rankings. But the best programs also provide meaningful elite status benefits with minimal spend (think: free checked luggage for airlines and late checkout for hotels) and offer plenty of choice in terms of hotel and flight options and availability. To ...
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How to See the Northern Lights in Iceland in 2024
21Jul By adminNo Comments
Travel

How to See the Northern Lights in Iceland in 2024

While Iceland isn't the only place in the world to view the northern lights, the Nordic country's prime location near the Arctic Circle means the light show can be visible for more than 100 nights per year. And 2024 in particular will provide prime viewing opportunities."Interestingly, the sun is reaching its solar maximum (increased activity that's conducive for northern lights) over the next few years, so 2024, 2025 and 2026 are prime years for getting a great light show," explains Ryan Connolly, co-founder of Hidden Iceland.While you're never guaranteed to see the northern lights in Iceland, a little planning and forethought can pay off. Read on to discover the best time of year to visit, the most scenic places to go, unique tour options and more.The best time to see the northern light...
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When & Where to Go in 2023
6Jul By adminNo Comments
Travel

When & Where to Go in 2023

New England is a popular destination for fall getaways, with its crisp, cool weather; the pick-your-own produce and fresh-pressed cider at family-owned farms; some of the country's best harvest festivals; and – the main attraction – stunning foliage.Perhaps the only challenge of visiting New England (or any destination known for its fall foliage) this time of year is figuring out exactly when to go for prime leaf peeping. Visit too soon and the fall colors may not have peaked; visit too late and the trees may be bare. So when (and where) should you go?The Best Time to Visit New England in the Fall(Getty Images)For peak (or close to peak) fall foliage in 2023, plan to visit New England the first week of October."With El Niño possibly impacting our autumn, I think we may see a little bit of...
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The Best Way to Renew a Passport in 2023
5Jul By adminNo Comments
Travel

The Best Way to Renew a Passport in 2023

In late 2022, the U.S. Department of State began a pilot program in which volunteers could apply to renew their passport online. More than 500,000 passport holders participated in the trial before it was paused in March 2023. The state department is currently working on system improvements based on user feedback and expects online passport renewals to become available nationwide later this year.In the meantime, it's best to renew your passport by mail – though there are some instances where you may have no choice but to renew in person. Read on to learn what you need and what to expect when renewing your passport by mail or in person, along with answers to some of the most common questions around passport renewals.How to renew your passport by mailIf you have an expired or expiring passpo...
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