10 Ways to Travel Smarter.
For many, autumn is a time to nest. Summer vacation has ended. School has begun. And with it, our weekends are spent (mostly) at home. Even if you’re not traveling over the next couple of months, there are several things you can actively do to ensure that you travel smarter on your next voyage. Read on for our top ten tips.
1. Assess your passport
As a general rule, your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond your date of travel. Even if you don’t have any international travel currently on the books, double check the validity of your passport. If you need to renew, give yourself plenty of leeway and familiarize yourself with the renewal process. Routine processing currently takes approximately 7-10 weeks and expedited processing run about 4-6 weeks. For information on the State Department’s new pilot program for online passport renewals, check out our recent Travel Smarter advice column.
2. ARCHIVE YOUR DOCUMENTS
Use this time to make electronic copies of all of your important documents, and store them in place where you can utilize them while traveling if necessary. For example, I store electronic versions of the following essential documents on my iCloud storage, which I can access through either my cell phone or laptop:
Airline and Hotel Loyalty Program Cards
Auto Insurance Card(s)
Birth Certificate
Credit Card(s)
Debit Card(s)
Driver’s License
Health Insurance Card(s)
Marriage License
Passport(s)
Vaccination Card
3. vaccination status CHECK
Regardless of whether you’re planning a trip abroad, it’s smart to ensure you are up to date on all of your routine vaccines. You can check out the CDC’s complete list here, but the short list includes COVID-19; Hepatitis A and B; Influenza; Measles, Mumps, Rubella (“MMR”); Polio; Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (“TDP”); and Varicella (Chickenpox). Consult your primary care doctor to learn whether you are eligible for an accelerated vaccine dose or booster. Your physician can also provide advice on ideal timing for you to receive seasonal vaccines such as the flu shot.
4. INVENTORY your luggage
Remember that whole nesting talk? I can’t tell you how many people I’ve spoken with in the last few weeks who are cleaning out their closets. The same mentality should apply to your luggage. Pull it all out, inventory what you’ve got in stock, and assess the condition.
Got broken zippers? Worn down wheels? A torn mesh pocket? Check to see if you’re eligible for any complimentary repairs under a warranty. If not, and the parts cannot be inexpensively repaired, consider making a wishlist of luggage you would like to replace. Then keep an eye on sales so you can scoop up exactly what you need at a discounted price. (P.S. Don’t forget that Amazon Prime Day is coming up next week on October 11-12!)
5. LOYALTY STATUS check
If you travel often, chances are high that you’re a member of several airline and hotel loyalty programs such as United MileagePlus or Marriott Bonvoy. Keep a running list of which programs you belong to, the member number and the username and password for online access to your account.
Refresh yourself on your status within each program, and take note of your mileage or point amounts as well as any complimentary upgrades and/or perks along with their expiration date(s). You’ve earned those benefits so make sure to notate the use-by date(s) in your calendar so they don’t go unused!
6. EVALUATE your credit cards
Selecting a credit card is a highly personal choice, but if you’re a frequent traveler in the market for a new card, here are some options with excellent travel benefits to consider:
7. refine your bucket list
Just heard about a friend’s summer biking trip along the coast of Croatia? A neighbor’s private sail around the Greek Islands? Or a colleague’s life changing experience on an African safari? Get the details and add them to your bucket list.
Want to take your travel list to the next level? Start sorting out the experiences by type (adventure / beach / ski / spa / etc.) and do a little research on the best times of year to travel to the places on your list. The next time you talk to travel advisor about spring break, for example, you’ll have a short list of places or ideas you’re considering that are best suited to March/April.
8. set google FLIGHT alerts
If you’re wondering whether to book flights now for your next vacation, considering setting a flight alert on Google Flights. Follow our advice on how to book a flight using Google, but then instead of purchasing the ticket, use the “Flight Alert” feature to track the price of the route or flight you are considering. Google will send you alert notifications by email any time that the price goes up or down, so you can keep an eye on the movement to determine the best time to purchase the lowest fare.
9. Apply for GLOBAL ENTRY
Not everyone travels internationally, but if you do even at least once a year, I strongly recommend applying for Global Entry with TSA PreCheck®, which costs $100 and last five (5) years. Even if you only travel abroad occasionally, it’s worth the extra $15 (that’s only $3 per year!) to get Global Entry in addition to TSA PreCheck®, which costs $85 on its own.
What’s the difference between these two programs?
In short, TSA PreCheck® offers travelers expedited security screening benefits for flights departing from the United States. Members have a dedicated security line at most airports and are not required to remove their shoes, belt or jackets or even take out laptops or liquids from their carry-on bags.
Global Entry, on the other hand, provides travelers with expedited customs screening when entering the U.S. after traveling abroad. Travelers do not have to complete any paperwork and can breeze through customs with self-service kiosks that utilize facial recognition software.
Applicants who are conditionally approved for Global Entry will need to complete a very brief in-person interview, and wait times for those interview appointments have been several months long (or completely unavailable) during the pandemic. If you’ve received conditional approval, are unable to find an available appointment near you, and are traveling internationally within the next few months, consider completing your Global Entry enrollment upon your arrival at a designated Enrollment on Arrival location.
10. CONSIDER clear membership
Frequent flyer? Have young children? CLEAR is a game changer. Members benefit from a dedicated security line where you scan your boarding pass and verify your identity with a touchless eye scan and then a CLEAR ambassador escorts you to the front of the TSA line for physical screening.
A membership costs $189 per year and the application process is simple; it can be completed online or in-person at any CLEAR airport location. Children under 18 do not need their own CLEAR membership and you can add up to three individuals, such as your spouse or older children, for only $60 per year.
Although CLEAR is expensive, especially for non-frequent flyers, check out the discounted membership rates for American Express cardholders as well as United MileagePlus and Delta SkyMiles members.
