How to Prepare for Flight Delays

July 14, 2017 No Comments

Flight delays rank up at the top of traveler’s worst nightmares. Delays claim the sanity of victims worldwide on a daily basis, but they needn’t be the bane of your existence. While you can’t control weather patterns or the airline’s tardiness, you can be a savvy traveler and avoid the fear, turmoil, and uncertainty of flight schedules with just a few tips and some preparedness. Read this list of ways to prepare for flight delays before your next trip and you’ll be cool as a cucumber if you get a delay announcement! 

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1. Before your trip

Nobody likes the stress of last-minute changes so try to be as proactive as possible before your trip to minimize chaos. Just in case you have delays or your flight is canceled, have your airline and hotel’s customer service numbers handy. Depending on the delay, you may need to move your hotel and/or car rental reservations, especially if you’re traveling across time zones and will be missing the check-in time. You won’t want to lose a whole week’s worth of reservations for a no-show. As well as having phone numbers loaded on your phone, try to get a few helpful apps downloaded. In addition to downloading some time-killing apps such as fun games, you should also download Hopper, a last-minute flight app that will help you if your flight happens to get canceled. You can usually book another flight quickly and significantly cheaper than if you were to deal with the airline directly.

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New Screening Technologies and Procedures at Airports

June 30, 2017 No Comments

Airlines are acutely aware of the fact that most people find flying (and the whole airport process) to be a hassle at very best. In their attempt to make the security process faster, more efficient and dare I say even safer, many airlines are turning to new technologies to alleviate their customer’s frustrations and concerns. If you’re an avid flyer and you’re curious as to what’s coming soon to an airport near you, take a look at these 5 new screening technologies and procedures.

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1. 3D checkpoint scanning

With the use of specialized CT scanning machines, TSA officers will be able to get a three-dimensional, detailed and rotatable viewing of passenger’s bags for more thorough screenings. This will help keep everyone onboard safer; weapons and other illegal items will be detected with more accuracy thanks to the three-dimensional imagery. On top of keeping fliers safe, this is also great news for those that were impacted by the recent laptop ban. Once 3D scanning is implemented nation-wide, passengers will be able to safely pack their laptops and even carry liquids on-board again since security officers will be able to get a clearer view of your packed items. This exciting technology is being tested in a handful of airports right now with plans to roll out more of these smart machines in the coming months. 

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The Worst Types of Airline Passengers

June 15, 2017 5 Comments

Every year, Expedia compiles its famous “Annual Airplane Etiquette Study” where they poll frequent flyers in an attempt to find the worst airline passenger grievances. We would never want our readers to be unruly fellow passengers, so we’re highlighting some of the worst offenders (in no particular order). We also include tips so you won’t have to worry about being one of the most hated people on your next flight.

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1.) The Rear Seat Kicker

Crowned as the number one most annoying type of passenger for the third year in a row, rear seat kickers can quickly derail a normal flight and reduce it to a flight from hell. Nothing is worse than trying to catch some shut-eye and continually getting jostled by an inconsiderate passenger behind you. Scathing looks and muttered comments have no effect on this selfish flier. With that said, when you board your next flight, be considerate of others: keep your feet firmly planted on the floor and avoid hitting the seat in front of you if you’d like to avoid the hatred of the passenger in front of you.

 

2.) Chatty Cathy

Some people love making connections with fellow passengers and cite it as one of the reasons they love to travel. And then there are others who wish to talk as little as possible to complete strangers. If you’re one who likes to chat, that’s fine if you find a fellow conversationalist. But learn to read the room. If a person has their headphones on and is facing the other direction, take a hint and keep the small-talk to a minimum.

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When Do I Need a Visa to Travel?

June 2, 2017 No Comments

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International travel can often seem tricky to those who don’t country-hop frequently. Between passports, visas, birth certificates and the varying rules from country to country, it might seem easier to just stay home than to plan a foreign trip. But we’re here to set the record straight and alleviate your traveling stress with a breakdown of Visas so you’ll know exactly what you need for your next vacation!

 

1. Traveling Without a Visa

If you’d like to travel with just your passport and not have to go through the hassle of applying for an international visa, you have plenty of options including the entirety of Europe. But be aware that there are restrictions. You can only stay in certain countries for a set period of time without obtaining a visa. If you’re vacationing or heading out on a business trip for less than a month, your options are vast. There are many countries that allow US Passport holders to stay for up to 30 days, like Aruba, Jamaica, Thailand or the Dominican Republic. Some countries let you stay for up to 90 days without a visa such as Sweden, Iceland, Italy, Germany, Bermuda, France, Greece and New Zealand. If you’re looking to travel for up to 6 months, you can gain entry to Mexico, The Bahamas, United Kingdom or Canada with just your passport.

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Top Ten Movies to Inspire Travel

May 22, 2017 No Comments

When you want to incite some wanderlust, there’s no better way to get travel inspiration than to watch a great movie that takes place in a far-off land. If you’ve got the travel itch and need to scratch it, we’ve got the best list for you! These 10 travel movies will incite travel fever and get you from couch-surfing to body-surfing in no time!

 

1. Lost In Translation

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This under-appreciated movie is a city-lovers dream film. Taking place in the middle of energetic Tokyo, the film chronicles the ennui experienced by two random Americans sharing the same hotel. This beautiful film is brimming with city lights, unique culture and plenty of humor.

 

2. Into the Wild

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Inspired by real events, “Into the Wild” follows the travels of a wanderer who cuts ties with his family and sets out for adventure across the USA, eventually ending up in Alaska. Moments of interaction between the locals are the highlight of this film, but it’ll still inspire those who’ve always desired an iconic American road trip.

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