Experts offer these tips for traveling this summer and fall:
- If you see a deal you like, take it. It may not last.
- Whether you’re traveling inside the United States or beyond, be prepared for delays. Keep your toothbrush, all medications and a change of essentials in your carry-on luggage. Get to the airport early, and avoid checking luggage if possible.
- Pay attention to emails from your airline. Some alert you to flight cancellations or changes; others advise how to upload vaccination documents in advance to cut your time in the airport line.
- Got extra time? Check the deals for giving up your seat. Miami lawyer Michelle Niemeyer snagged $950 in airline credit by trading her seat on a recent flight from Boston to Miami for one on a flight 90 minutes later.
- If you’re traveling abroad, be aware that many countries require vaccination; check details at travel.state.gov. Foreign citizens who are not U.S. residents are still required to be vaccinated and to test prior to entering the U.S.
- Use airfare tracking sites (such as farecompare.com, smartertravel.com, skyscanner.com or airfarewatchdog.com) to stay up to date with fares on your favorite routes.
- If you have a preferred cruise line, sign up for its email blasts. If not, ask a cruise agent to find you a bargain that will suit your needs.
- All travelers on U.S. cruises are required to be vaccinated; most lines also require a negative COVID test 48 hours in advance of sailing.
- Consider using a travel agent or booking a tour. If you get delayed or into a jam, the agent or operator is there to help.
- If you’re booking a cruise, tour or making substantial payments up front, think about travel insurance that covers delays, disruption, medical costs and evacuation. Now-common airline delays can upend plans. A medical evacuation can cost more than $100,000. Medicare does not cover U.S. citizens traveling overseas. Be sure you use a highly rated independent insurance company — not a division of your travel supplier. Talking with a qualified agent before you buy your policy is highly advised as policies and benefits vary widely; be sure to pay attention to preexisting medical exclusions. Two good places to start: insuremytrip.com and squaremouth.com.
- Hotels and flights typically are least expensive for midweek travel. The exception is in business-oriented cities, where hotels may offer weekend deals.
- The cheapest day to buy airfares is now Thursday, according to media.hopper.com.
- Before you book your flight, check for additional fees for seat assignments, carry-on bags and check luggage to determine the full price. Travel advocate Christopher Elliot recommends foregoing offers to purchase checked bags in advance and instead just take them to the airport; often the airline will offer to check for free.
- If you travel more than a few times a year, it may be worth enrolling in the Trusted Traveler program or Global Entry ($100). Both provide TSA Pre service, which has dedicated security lanes at major airports that allow you to leave computers in your bag and keep your shoes on.
