smarter traveling, driving and spending
Save money on your travel plans with daily getaway deals from major travel brands. It’s the annual Daily Getaway promotion by the U.S. Travel Association, with a different deal every day through August 12. Offers include discounts up to 50 percent off loyalty points, theme park tickets, vacation packages and hotel stays from such well-known
Read more
New York City is back on top of the tourism map, which means a lot of visitors are traveling between LaGuardia, JFK and Newark Liberty airports and Manhattan, and to NYC’s other boroughs, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx and Staten Island. As a native and lifelong New Yorker, these are my recommendations for the most reliable and
Read more
At least 14,000 domestic flights were cancelled or delayed over the recent Father’s Day-Juneteenth holiday weekend, and at least as many pieces of checked baggage were misdirected, delayed or lost. Staff shortages and bad weather are making a mess of summer airline travel, making it more important than ever to protect yourself with travel insurance.
Read more
Thank you for your service. May is Military Appreciation Month, but these discounts are available year-round to active and retired military, and some deals include family members, reservists and Gold Star families. Military discounts include food, clothing, travel, technology and even engagement rings. Discounts are not always posted in stores, and sometimes they are even
Read more
Unlike some airlines which are cutting back their loyalty programs, JetBlue is making its TrueBlue program more rewarding with new perks. The upgrades are available for flights during 2022, including seat upgrades and new ground transportation perks. Even more appealing – because of its new partnership with American Airlines, the benefits are transferable, as long
Read more
The parent company of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts is offering unprecedented vacation assurance – or insurance – if you have to postpone, cancel or quarantine because of Covid-19 issues before or during vacation. It includes airfare credit and a no-penalty reservation change policy. Sandals Resorts International, parent company of the luxury all-inclusive resort brands,
Read more
It’s possible to double the daily rate of your rental car with add-ons such as a second driver, navigation system, toll road pass, car seat, ski rack or bike rack. If you haven’t rented a vehicle in a while, it’s worth reviewing the rental do an don’trules to save money, even legal grief.
Since you might not have traveled in a while, consider this a quick refresher course for how to stretch your travel dollars before, during and after a trip, whether you are going solo or with the entire family.
When in doubt, a gift card is a great idea. Again in 2020, national restaurant chains and retailers are offering bonuses with gift card purchases. Give the card, keep the bonus for yourself and your family to use. You can also support a favorite local small business by buying one of their gift cards. The
Read more
On top of everything we have to worry about these uncertain days, if you stayed at a Marriott brand hotel or resort recently, you should be worrying about identity theft and other personal security issues. There’s been a massive breach – since I stayed at one recently, I am personally at risk. Maybe you, too.
Read more