Travel Talk: The Best Airlines to Avoid Winter Travel Delays, Top Places to Travel on a Budget in 2019, and more!

Featured Story of the Week: Travel with These Airlines to Avoid Winter Travel Delays

It should come at no surprise to you that some airlines are just more dependable than others. The article presents recent data collected by air travel intelligence company OAG on which airlines you should trust for your winter travel this year. The article names 20 airlines with stellar on-time rates, including Alaska Airlines, with an on-time rate of 84.1 percent. Even Delta Air Lines, one of the few American carriers that OAG recognized, made the list. In addition the rankings, the article also presents helpful other facts about these top on-time airlines. For instance, did you know that Alaska Airlines will raise their checked bag fees come December?

Source: https://www.travelpulse.com/gallery/airlines/travel-with-these-airlines-to-avoid-winter-travel-delays.html

 

The Best Places to Travel in 2019 if You’re on a Budget

Lonely Planet just released their top recommendations for places to visit that won’t break the bank. They compiled their expert opinions to decide on top travel trends, values, and overall destinations to consider for the upcoming year. Read the full article for an in-depth look at their recs, including Slovenia, where you can experience Alpine traveling without the standard high price tag, and Houston, with its famous Houston Museum District. Even the Maldives made the list!

Source: https://www.thisisinsider.com/best-budget-travel-destinations-lonely-planet-2019-2018-10

 

The First Underwater Hotel Residence Opens in the Maldives

The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island just opened the world’s first-ever underwater hotel residence! Book a stay here and you’ll be getting more than just a room or a suite! The residence, named “Muraka”, is a two-story villa set more than 16 feet below the Indian Ocean. Luxury is the name of the game at the Muraka, where you’ll find a private gym, infinity pool, butler’s quarters, and even an underwater five-star restaurant. It’s definitely not cheap – the Muraka is only available with a four-night minimum which comes with a price tag of $200,000. The luxury package includes a personal chef and a private boat.

Source: https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/conrad-maldives-rangali-island-underwater-hotel-residence/index.html

 

10 International Destinations for Novice Travelers

For novice travelers, the destinations you choose to visit matter a great deal! Some stress is unavoidable, but some destinations will provide a more gentle intro to international travel. Places like Namibia made the list – probably because it is known as “Africa for beginners”, with a low crime rate, well-kept roads, and small cities to explore. Melbourne, Australia made the list as well. Melbourne is easy to get around, with user-friendly public transit and a low crime rate. It’s not just an easy city to visit, it also consistently ranks as one of the world’s most livable cities as well!

Source: https://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/eco-tourism/photos/international-destinations-novice-travelers/gentle-introduction-world-travel

 

The Genius Items that Travel Agents Always Pack

Top travel advisors from around the US divulge their favorite travel products in this helpful article. Before you pack for your winter travel getaway, you must read this list! For instance, you can keep your fanny pack at home with one travel agent’s favorite item – a scarf with a hidden pocket! A scarf will keep you warm on the plane, and this one does double duty by holding your boarding pass and wallet. Another item I want in my carry-on is a self-filtering water bottle. Jonny Bealby of Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel got his on Amazon for $30. It cuts down on single-use plastic and means you can always have filtered water no matter where you are. And yes, you can even drink river or lake water out of it!

Source: http://time.com/money/5443630/travel-agents-always-pack/

 

Travel Fraud Trends You Need to Know

Fraud rates for online travel agencies have increased in the last year by 37%. That’s three times above average! Of course, your chances of encountering fraud can happen year-round, but fluctuations often occur around big travel dates, like the upcoming holiday season. This article will help you with what to look for, common travel fraud techniques, and what this means for any upcoming winter travel you have planned.

Source: https://www.phocuswire.com/Forter-online-fraud-2018

 

Call us today to book your next getaway at 402-281-3022. 

Airline upgrade regulations and fees have become increasingly more complex over the years. With so many choices (economy plus, premium economy, business, or first class), its difficult to discern the actual value of your upgrade. General perks include extra legroom, more privacy, more comfortable seats, and priority boarding, in addition to roomier overhead bin space and more direct bathroom access. Read our helpful guide below for everything you need to know about airline upgrades in 2018.

 

 

The Bid-to-Upgrade Process

Certain routes on specific airlines offer an option known as the “bid-to-upgrade” option. This allows ticket holders to decide how much they are willing to pay in order to move up one cabin class to premium economy or business class. This option is great because bidding often starts at a price that is just a fraction of the price you would normally pay for an airline upgrade to that seat. Check your airline’s website for exact rules & regulations on their bid-to-upgrade option.

 

Using Miles to Purchase an Upgrade

According to George Hobica, who founded the website AirfareWatchdog, one of the best ways to use the miles earned through credit card purchases is by purchasing an airline upgrade. He recommends spending your miles on a high-value seat or upgrade. Rather than a low-value ticket, a seat upgrade utilizes your miles’ value more effectively. However, Hobica also advises that you must be careful when purchasing an upgrade with miles because the airlines control the value of your miles and they can also change their own rules whenever and however they see fit.

 

When is it Worth It?

The answer to whether an upgrade is worth it is different for every person. The Points Guy asked TPG Lounge magazine readers for real life examples for why their upgrade was worth the splurge. In addition, what was it that convinced them it was worth it? Of course the most popular responses mentioned that the length of the trip made their upgrade price worth it. For example, for a 20 hour flight from New York to New Zealand, one reader said it was 100% worth it. Another reader purchased a United Airlines Econ+ seat on a flight from LAX to Hawaii – also worth it, in their opinion.

 

More Tips for Airline Upgrades

Still not sure whether you should splurge for a seat upgrade on your next flight? According to Travel + Leisure, there is a way to calculate your upgrade’s worth. Divide total costs including your upgrade by the number of hours you will spend in the air. Is this hourly rate worth it to you? Also keep in mind: you can upgrade your seat on just 1 leg of a flight. This is subjective, but if you want some extra sleep for a vacation, consider upgrading just your departure. Then fly back economy on the return. Contrarily, if you expect to be physically exhausted after a trip, upgrade your return leg. Ultimately, a specific upgrade’s worth lies in the eye of the beholder. If it’s worth it to you, then do it!

 

Call us today to book your next getaway at 402-281-3022.