The influx of visitors during certain periods is so significant that the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) issues official Gridlock Alert Days to warn travelers. During these times, you’ll likely encounter higher hotel prices, limited vacancies, extensive street closures, and significant delays throughout Manhattan.

“We strongly encourage New Yorkers and those in the region to travel by transit every day of the year—but it’s especially important during Gridlock Alert days,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez.

Some Gridlock Alert Days are predictable, like the pre-Christmas period when tourists flock to the city to see holiday lights and shop. Others, such as the ones that occur during the U.N. General Assembly meetings, might catch visitors off guard. According to NYC DOT traffic data, driving speeds in Midtown during U.N. General Assembly week are the slowest of the year, averaging less than four miles per hour, compared to the average speed of between four and six miles per hour. 

If you do visit during these periods, skip driving and opt for public transportation, biking, or walking instead. Or consider it an opportunity to explore the outer boroughs, as gridlock alerts only affect Manhattan.

2024 New York City Gridlock Alert Days

• Monday, September 23, 2024
• Tuesday, September 24, 2024
• Wednesday, September 25, 2024
• Thursday, September 26, 2024
• Friday, September 27, 2024
• Wednesday, November 20, 2024
• Thursday, November 21, 2024
• Friday, November 22, 2024
• Tuesday, November 26, 2024
• Tuesday, December 3, 2024
• Wednesday, December 4, 2024
• Thursday, December 5, 2024
• Friday, December 6, 2024
• Tuesday, December 10, 2024
• Wednesday, December 11, 2024
• Thursday, December 12, 2024
• Friday, December 13, 2024
• Tuesday, December 17, 2024
• Wednesday, December 18, 2024
• Thursday, December 19, 2024

The post The Worst Days to Visit NYC: Surprising Dates to Avoid appeared first on SmarterTravel.

These small changes to your driving habits, combined with free reward programs, can add up to big savings on gas.

Plan Ahead

Getting lost, backtracking when making multiple stops, and not planning your refueling spot ahead of time—these are all small mistakes that can add up to a big gas bill. Nicole Petersen, a spokesperson for GasBuddy, advises, “Long or unfamiliar trips are the most common time that people waste money on gas, stopping at stations simply for convenience. Things like waiting until the next city over or crossing state lines can save you a lot of money at the pump.”

At home, Ellen Edmonds, Public Relations Manager for the American Automobile Association (AAA) recommends combining errands and getting everything done in one spot or shopping plaza if possible, in order to save on mileage.  

Even if you think you know the way around, mapping out our trip ahead of time (especially if you’re making multiple stops) can help you maximize your fuel economy. 

Increase Your Fuel Efficiency

Going faster might save you time on the road, but it will cost you at the pump. “Fuel economy peaks at around 50 mph on most cars, then drops off as speeds increase, says Edmonds. 

Simply slowing down your highway speeds by 5 to 10 mph can help to increase your vehicle’s fuel economy by as much as 14 percent, according to AAA.  

Pay extra attention to your driving behavior as well. Petersen recommends avoiding “aggressive driving habits like speeding, hard braking and fast acceleration, as they waste gas and can decrease efficiency by up to 40 percent.”

Avoid Idling

At a standstill in traffic? Turn off your engine if it’s safe to do so (and if you’ll be stopped for longer than a minute.) “A car engine consumes one quarter to one-half gallon of fuel per hour when idling, but a warm engine only takes around 10 seconds worth of fuel to restart,” says Edmonds.

Skip Stops and Slowdowns

Some stops are unavoidable, but try to skip any unnecessary stops or slowdowns on the highway. According to AAA, this means:

• Using “fast pass” or “express toll lanes
• Avoiding rush hour when possible
• Monitoring traffic on your route ahead of time and during the trip, and rerouting to a more efficient way as needed

Pass on Premium Gas

Check what type of gas is recommended for our vehicle. If your car only requires regular fuel, splurging for premium will not improve fuel economy and will be a waste of money, warns AAA.

Shop Around for Gas

Plan ahead with your gas stops so you’re not forced to buy extra expensive fuel at the nearest gas station because you’re running on empty. Petersen says GasBuddy typically sees “14-30 cent ranges in gas prices even in small areas.”

There are a few ways you can find out gas prices without driving past stations and checking the signs.

• Search “gas stations” on Google Maps, which displays prices for some stations 
• Use the AAA Mobile App, which shows fuel stops nearby along with gas prices
• Download the GasBuddy app, which displays gas prices on a map

Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs & Gas Cards

Now might be the time to take advantage of those loyalty programs you’ve been avoiding the signs for every time you fill up. These are free programs that give members rewards and discounts on fuel. Some examples include:

• Fuel Rewards, an easy-to-use discount card valid at Shell stations
• GasBuddy, a payment card that can save up to 25 cents per gallon at a number of different gas stations
• BPme Rewards, which gives app users up to 5 cents off every gallon at BP stations
• Exxon Mobile Rewards, simply sign up and then use the app, credit card or just your phone number at the pump to save 3 cents per gallon

Rent a Hybrid Car 

Next time you book a rental car for your travels, choose a hybrid car. These vehicles are usually smaller and cheaper to rent. They also require significantly less gasoline than a regular vehicle, which can result in huge savings on a road trip.

Almost all major rental car companies offer hybrid vehicles, however, most companies specify that the vehicle type “isn’t guaranteed” and you might wind up with a non-hybrid when you arrive.

If you want to guarantee a hybrid rental, try Turo, a car sharing site where you can pick the specific vehicle you want to rent.

The post How to Save Money on Gas: 8 Easy Tricks appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Focus on Safety First

One of the easiest and most important items on an overseas travel checklist is also arguably the most ignored. Travel insurance and State Department alerts can be incredibly important in emergencies abroad, but many tourists bet they won’t become part of the small percentage of travelers who require evacuation assistance or protection from hotel or flight cancellations.

Subscribing to the State Department’s STEP alerts for your destination can help you stay up to date on upcoming and current travel restrictions, strikes, and areas of political unrest. Any alerts you receive will let you know whether or not to plan for some unexpected obstacles in advance.

Travel insurance can cost as little as a few dollars per travel day and cover anything from lost luggage to emergency medical attention, potentially saving you hundreds, maybe even thousands of dollars.

Get Your Travel Documents and Credit Cards in Order

Make sure your passport and any necessary travel visas are up to date. Some countries require a passport to be valid for at least six months after your scheduled return, so make sure you won’t be turned away or delayed at customs because of an old passport. Not sure if you need a visa? Check the State Department’s travel page for your destination.

Keep physical and digital copies of your passport and all your paperwork in case anything is lost. Share copies of your passport, itinerary, and contact numbers with family and friends whom you can contact in case of an emergency.

Notify your bank and credit card companies about your travel dates so they don’t deny your purchases, and ask about international ATM fees so you can find out which ones won’t charge you. It’s always a good idea to bring multiple cards in case one stops working.

Don’t underestimate how helpful a cell phone photo of your passport can be. Whether you have to go to the consulate and report it lost, or are just filling out a customs card and need your passport number, it will likely come in handy. Email the image to yourself to have an extra digital copy in case your phone runs out of batteries or goes missing. You may also want to bring a spare copy of your passport photo on your trip; having it handy will speed the processing of a new document.

Get Vaccinated

It’s best to get the necessary vaccinations out of the way as soon as possible since it can take a few weeks to build full immunity. Some also require multiple doses, which may need to be administered over days, weeks, or even months. Talk to your doctor about getting the CDC-recommended shots, as the protocol for vaccines varies by country. For example, dozens of countries require proof of a yellow fever vaccination if you’ve been to at-risk areas. A travel clinic can help you sort out which vaccinations and medications you might need.

Keep your vaccination certificate in your carry-on in case customs requires you to present it when entering the country.

Study Up on Your Destination

Whether you’re a travel app connoisseur or more of a paperback guidebook person, having some source of knowledge about your destination is invaluable. Read about the region you’re traveling to in advance to gain insight into important information such as currency exchange rates, useful phrases, tipping norms, appropriate clothing, and cultural/legal customs. It’s best to be prepared so you don’t land yourself in a compromising situation.

Make Sure Your Home Is Cared For

There’s nothing worse than realizing once you’re six time zones away that you forgot to stop your mail delivery or ask someone to water your expertly cultivated house plants. Make sure your daily tasks are covered before you leave, or appoint a trusty friend to do them for you.

You can find a house or pet sitter to do your chores if you’re willing to list your home on TrustedHouseSitters.com. Plus, you could find lodging through the site for your trip abroad if you can do the same for someone else.

Stay Connected

Want to stay in touch while traveling abroad? If you haven’t taken your phone overseas before, call your mobile provider to ask about international phone plans that might be available. If your carrier’s plans are expensive, an international SIM card can be a good alternative.

Download the Necessities

Sometimes, the most important thing you’ll pack is in your smartphone rather than your suitcase. Offline maps are your best friend when traveling with limited data or battery. You can find Wi-Fi in many places, but downloading offline maps through Google Maps will allow you to follow your GPS without using up data.

Downloading in-flight entertainment could also save you if your TV malfunctions on a long-haul flight. Streaming won’t be available without consistent in-flight Wi-Fi (which you shouldn’t ever depend on) but you can pre-download movies and TV shows through most platforms.

Don’t forget a portable backup charger. Watching hours of your favorite TV show is sure to drain your battery life, and there’s nothing worse than finally finding a Wi-Fi spot only to have your phone die.

Pack These Essentials

While the contents of your checked bag will largely depend on the climate you’re visiting, you’ll want most of your trip’s essentials easily accessible in your carry-on. Start with this international travel checklist of items to pack:

• Passport and visa
• Medications
• Insurance and ID cards
• Cash, debit cards, and credit cards
• Pen to fill out customs forms
• Portable charger
• Earplugs, eye mask, and sleeping pills
• Electrical converters and adapters specific to your destination
• Headphones
• Antibacterial wipes
• Sweater/scarf in case the plane is chilly
• Cell phone and charger

For more ideas, check out our ultimate packing list.

Consider taking photos of your packed suitcase (both inside and out) in case it gets lost. That way, airline employees will know what to look for, and you’ll know what was inside if you don’t get it back and need to file a claim.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2016. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

The post The Ultimate Checklist for Traveling Abroad appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Fortunately, if you know where to look, there are actually plenty of vacation packages under $500 available that include food, drinks, hotel, and even flights. Follow these tips to find an ultra-cheap vacation deal. 

Book Early (Or Last-Minute)

When it comes to booking an all-inclusive vacation package, you’ll find the best deals if you either book early or at the last-minute. Many resorts will offer early booking bonuses to entice vacationers into locking in plans. Flights will also be cheaper the earlier in advance you book.

At the other end of the spectrum, all-inclusive resorts will generally slash rates in an effort to fill unsold rooms the closer it gets to an arrival date. If you can be flexible, you can find some amazing last-minute deals a week or two before departure. 

The Best Sites for Finding All-Inclusive Vacation Packages With Airfare Under $500

There are a number of all-inclusive vacation websites that have sections showcasing deals under $500, making them a great place to start your search. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Expedia Vacations Under $500
• Cheap Caribbean Vacation Deals Under $599 (You can set your price range on this page to be under $500, and the site frequently offers promo codes for up to $199 off.)
• Orbitz Vacation Packages Under $499

Don’t forget to check out our round-up of the best all-inclusive vacation packages with airfare under $500 here as well. 

Check Discount Travel Sites

Sign up for emails from Groupon and Travelzoo (or just check their websites weekly), as both discount sites frequently feature all-inclusive vacation packages with airfare for under $500.

Groupon has an air-inclusive trips section on its site that, at the time of writing, promoted “a mystery vacation” to Europe, the Caribbean, Hawaii, or other destinations for $199.

Likewise, Travelzoo’s Top 20 weekly deals recently featured a $499 Punta Cana vacation deal that included meals, drinks, and flights.

Search in Popular All-Inclusive Destinations

Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America are usually the cheapest destinations for all-inclusive packages and a good starting point for your search.

These destinations usually have inexpensive airfare from the United States (especially if you live in the South) and reasonably priced all-inclusive resorts.

Sign Up for Emails From All-Inclusive Resorts

Most all-inclusive resort chains frequently run sales throughout the year. You’ll often see discounted vacation packages for under $500, or even deals which throw in the airfare for free. 

The best way to stay on top of these discounts is to sign up for emails—or follow the brands on social media—from the resort chains. 

Some of the best all-inclusive resort brands to start with are:

• Club Med
• Sandals
• Beaches
• Sunscape
• Zoetry
• Couples Resorts

Google Explore

Sometimes, putting together an all-inclusive vacation on your own can be cheaper than buying a package deal. Use Google Explore to find inexpensive flights from your home airport to anywhere in the world. You can filter by interests such as “beaches” or “museums” along with price, flight time, and number of stops.

Travel in the Off-Season

You’ll have the best luck finding all-inclusive vacation packages with airfare for under $500 if you can travel off-peak. This means avoiding the spring break period at all costs and traveling in May through November if you’re headed to popular destinations in Central America.

The post How to Find All-Inclusive Vacation Packages With Airfare for Under $500 appeared first on SmarterTravel.

John Denver may have called it “almost heaven,” but WalletHub disagrees, ranking West Virginia as the least fun state in the U.S.

To determine the least and most fun states in America, WalletHub compared the 50 states across two key categories: entertainment/recreation and nightlife. The entertainment/recreation ranking considered criteria such as the number of attractions, quality of weather, number of restaurants, skiing facilities, beach quality, and more. Nightlife evaluated factors such as the average cost of beer and wine, access to bars, time of last call, number of casinos, etc.

The 10 Least Fun States

1. West Virginia
2. Mississippi
3. Delaware
4. Rhode Island
5. Arkansas
6. Vermont
7. Connecticut
8. New Hampshire
9. Kentucky
10. North Dakota

On the flip side, Florida was named the most fun state in the U.S. “Florida is the most fun state in 2024, leading the country when it comes to the number of restaurants, amusement parks, arcades and music festivals per capita,” says Cassandra Happe, WalletHub Analyst. “Florida has the third-most attractions per capita, and the sixth-best variety of arts, entertainment and recreation establishments. Finally, Florida has the 12th-best weather overall, and the Florida government spends the eighth-most money per capita on parks and recreation.”

The 10 Most Fun States

1. Florida
2. California
3. Nevada
4. New York
5. Colorado
6. Illinois
7. Texas
8. Washington
9. Minnesota
10. Louisiana

Of course, the definition of “fun” varies from person to person, so don’t take this list too seriously. If you’re all about hiking, rafting, and climbing, West Virginia (home to America’s newest national park) could be an excellent destination for you.

The post The Least Fun States in the U.S. appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The prize includes:

• Three nights at the JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort & Spa
• Breakfast for two
• Two air credits of $600 each
• $360 spa credit

Set along the pristine shores of Dawn Beach, the JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort and Spa offers a serene retreat from the everyday world. This hidden gem, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, provides a perfect backdrop for a relaxing vacation.

The resort is home to the largest infinity pool in St. Maarten—so the toughest decision you’ll have to make during your entire trip will be whether you should swim there or in the beautiful ocean right outside the hotel. 

How to Enter

Visit our sweepstakes page here to enter before the giveaway ends on September 10, 2024.

Entering is easy—all you have to do is sign up for SmarterTravel and Oyster’s newsletters. If you’re already a subscriber, simply enter your email address on the sweepstakes page to verify your account (you won’t be signed up twice.)

You can gain bonus entries by completing one or more of the following tasks to increase your chance of winning. You’ll receive one additional entry per task.

1. Follow us on X (Twitter).
2. Repost our giveaway post on X (Twitter).
3. View our Instagram post.
4. Visit our Pinterest profile. 
5. Visit our Facebook profile. 
6. Share the sweepstakes with a friend.

To see the full terms and conditions for the giveaway, visit the sweepstakes page here.

The post Win a Trip to St. Maarten appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado

You probably already know about otherwordly American national park landscapes like the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone’s geysers, but what about sand mountains akin to the ones on Mars? The giant desert peaks of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve include Star Dune, which stands 750 feet tall. Located in Colorado, Great Sand Dune is a hiking or horseback-riding challenge that’s also home to kid-friendly offerings like sand boarding and Medano Creek’s swimming hole.

Where to Stay: Rustic Rook Resort Great Sand Dunes Glampground

Vieques, Puerto Rico

Tropical American beauty in the Caribbean is on full display in Vieques, a small island in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. Accessible via plane from San Juan on the mainland, Vieques is a well-preserved island with few waterfront hotels where you can hike to hidden beaches like Vieques National Wildlife Refuge’s Pata Prieta. The island is also home to friendly wild horses that roam protected areas and sometimes wander into more tourist-frequented spots. Vieques also has one of the world’s few bioluminescent bays, Mosquito Bay.

Where to Stay: El Blok Hotel

Bar Harbor, Maine

Whether you’re more at home in the 47,000-acre Acadia National Park or its cozy coastal town of Bar Harbor, Acadia’s signature New England beauty combines evergreen-capped mountains with sandy beaches and rocky coastlines. Its peaks include one of the first places to see the sunrise in the United States—Cadillac Mountain. If you’re more of a beachgoer than a hiker, though, there’s plenty to choose from as well, including Jordan Pond and Sand Beach Park.

Where to Stay: West Street Hotel

Devil’s Bridge Trailhead, Arizona

Arizona’s Grand Canyon aside, one of the most beautiful places in America is the adrenaline-spiking hike in Sedona that includes the natural wonder of Devil’s Bridge. The hike itself is 1.8 miles round-trip and given a moderate difficulty rating. Roughly three-quarters of a mile from the parking lot, hikers are given the option of two forking paths to continue their trek, one of which will take them across the titular Devil’s Bridge.

Where to Stay: Ambiente Sedona

Nā Pali Coast, Kauai

Hawaii is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places in America, thanks to its unique topography and isolated location in the Pacific. But one stretch of island in particular stands out: Kauai’s Nā Pali Coast. Running 15 miles along the northwest coast of Kauai, the Nā Pali Coast offers sea caves, waterfalls, and cliffs as high as 4,000 feet above sea level. See the landscape from above at the lookouts at Kokee State Park, or book a helicopter tour for a true aerial view.

Where to Stay: Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection

Lost River Cave, Kentucky

You’ve probably heard of Mammoth Cave National Park, the largest underground cave system in the world, but what about Lost River Cave, also in Kentucky? An underground river in Bowling Green, the Lost River Caves are a natural wonder with intriguing history: The caves are where fugitive Jesse James hid out on his run from the law, and are believed to have also functioned as shelter to Native American tribes. Explore the cave by boat or book a zipline tour through the surrounding wilderness.

Where to Stay: Fairfield Inn & Suites Bowling Green

The Florida Barrier Reef

The only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States is Florida’s, which stretches from the Florida Keys to the Marquesa Keys, making it the third-largest coral barrier reef system in the world. But it’s a natural wonder in danger: Florida Keys officials have banned non-biodegradable sunscreens in an effort to save the reef from damage caused by both climate change and toxic chemicals in our oceans.

Where to Stay: Courtyard by Marriott Key West Waterfront

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Yellowstone-adjacent Jackson Hole, known for its cowboy landscapes and snowy peaks, is one of the most beautiful places in the U.S. The forested valley is marked by Grand Teton National Park’s mountains, massive elk herds of the 25,000-acre National Elk Refuge, and rushing whitewater rapids on the Snake River that are perfect for rafting. In winter, Jackson Hole is also a favorite for skiing dramatic peaks like Corbet’s Couloir, one of the world’s most famous (and dangerous) ski runs.

Where to Stay: The Lodge at Jackson Hole

Multnomah Falls, Oregon

A list of the most beautiful places in America has to include the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area’s Multnomah Falls. Tourists flock to Benson Footbridge halfway up the misty falls to get close to the rushing water. Heading to the gorge early in the morning is best because it means you’ll get the perpetually crowded Multnomah Falls almost entirely to yourself.

Where to Stay: Columbia Cliff Villas Hotel

Denali National Park, Alaska

A favorite among National Parks Service rangers, Denali National Park is home to North America’s tallest peak. Its six million acres of Alaskan wilderness include tundra, forest, and glaciers. The park is as visited for its sprawling vistas as it is for its abundant Alaskan wildlife, from moose and grizzly bears to sheep, caribou, and 165 species of birds.

Where to Stay: Cabins at Denali

National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa

Don’t forget Samoa, a Pacific U.S. territory that’s home to a wealth of natural wonders ranging from volcanic peaks to aqua-blue swimming holes. American Samoa is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in America and stretches over five islands and two atolls.

Surround yourself with natural beauty on rainforest hikes, humpback whale-watching cruises, and coral reef snorkeling at the National Marine Sanctuary via Fagatele Bay.

Where to Stay: Tradewinds Hotel

The post 11 Hidden Natural Wonders in the United States appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) advises, “You are encouraged to contact your airline as times may vary depending on the airport and date of travel. In general, please allow time for parking/shuttle transportation, airline check-in, obtaining a boarding pass, and going through the security screening process, which includes screening of your carry-on bag.

The time you need to get to your gate will depend on the airport, the time of day, whether you have TSA PreCheck, and whether you’re flying domestically or internationally. Here’s how early you should get to the airport.

Boarding Time vs Departure Time

When calculating how early you should get to the airport, make sure to take into consideration two important numbers: your flight’s boarding time and the time the gate closes. 

Your boarding time will be printed on your boarding pass. This is the time your flight will begin boarding. You should always plan to be at the gate well before boarding starts. For long-haul international flights, the boarding time can be up to an hour before departure.

Your ticket will also have a “door closes” time printed on it. This is the time that the door to the jetbridge will close, and it will not reopen. It’s generally 15-20 minutes before the departure time. If you are not boarded before the “door closes” time, you will miss your flight, even if you’re at the gate before the departure time.

Domestic Flights: How Early Should I Get to the Airport?

Most airlines recommend arriving at the airport two hours before your domestic flight departs. This leaves time for parking, shuttle transportation, check-in, and getting through security. If you’re skipping any of those steps (for example, if you already checked in online) and are traveling through a quiet airport, consider shaving off a half hour. You can check the average security wait time for your departure airport by downloading the MyTSA app.

Two hours might seem like plenty of time to leave for a domestic flight, but you may want to add 30 minutes depending on the airport and the time of year. Massive air hubs like Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson (the busiest in the country) can take 45 minutes to navigate across, even on off-peak days. And during busy holiday travel days like those leading up to Thanksgiving, it’s wise to add an hour for airports in major cities.

If you’re flying early in the morning, check when security opens at your airport. Not all airports are open 24 hours a day, and there’s no reason to arrive earlier than security or check-in opens. 

If you have TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, you may be able to arrive at the airport as little as one hour before your domestic flight—just make sure you’re traveling through an airport that participates in the program. We recommend arriving at the airport one hour before boarding if you’re a member of an expedited screening program. This gives you some extra breathing room in case the TSA PreCheck lane isn’t open, the line is longer than anticipated, or you have to take a shuttle or walk far to your gate. 

International Flights: How Early Should I Get to the Airport?

Most airlines recommend arriving at the airport three hours before international flights. This is especially true for return trips to the U.S. since customs pre-screening and agriculture checks abroad can mean double the security checkpoints, adding lots of time to your journey to the gate, even in off-peak hours. Security and customs agents can’t be rushed, and there’s no guarantee that any agent will push you to the front of the line if you’re cutting it close to departure time. You’re also less likely to be able to check in online or get a mobile boarding pass in other countries than you are in the States.

However, it’s always worth consulting your airline and the website of the airport you’re departing from to get a better idea of what time to arrive. Some small airports may only require you to arrive two hours ahead of time and may not have adequate facilities for a longer wait. 

Airport Arrival Calculator

To calculate how early you should arrive at the airport, follow this formula:

• Start with a base of 120 minutes before a domestic flight and 180 minutes before an international flight
• If you’ve checked in online, subtract 30 minutes
• If you don’t have luggage to check, subtract 15 minutes
• If you have TSA PreCheck or Clear, subtract 15 minutes
• Traveling through a busy airport or at a peak time? Add 30 minutes
• Want time to eat before your flight? Add 30 minutes
• Need extra time to get through security because you’re traveling with kids or special equipment? Add 30 minutes.

Peak Hours and Busy Airports

If you’re flying during peak hours (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.), on a weekend, or through a busy airport, err on the side of leaving too much time. Being early is always better than being late when it comes to air travel.

Budget extra time at the following airports. They’re all either among the world’s busiest or have U.S. Customs pre-screening abroad—which adds extra lines at your departure airport (but saves you time once you’ve landed).

• New York (JFK)
• Atlanta (ATL)
• Chicago (ORD)
• Los Angeles (LAX)
• Dallas (DFW)
• Paris (CDG)
• Aruba (AUA)
• St. George, Bermuda (BDA)
• Bahamas (NAS and FPO)
• London Heathrow (LHR)
• Abu Dhabi (AUH)
• Dublin, Ireland (DUB)
• Shannon, Ireland (SNN)
• Canada (YYC, YEG, YHZ, YUL, YOW, YYZ, YVR, YWG)
• Tokyo Haneda (HND)
• Dubai (DXB)
• Athens, Greece (ATH)

When to Leave for the Airport

When deciding when to leave your house or hotel for the airport, you should add a safety buffer to your travel time. Build in an extra 15-30 minutes to ensure a stress-free journey, even if unexpected delays occur. Consider these tips:

1. If using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, schedule your ride in advance to guarantee driver availability.
2. Use Google Maps’ time and date feature to check typical traffic patterns for your travel day and time.
3. For public transit, check the system’s website or app before departure to confirm everything is running on schedule.

By following these suggestions, you’ll reduce the risk of last-minute rushing and arrive at the airport with time to spare.

The post How Early Should I Get to the Airport? appeared first on SmarterTravel.

While Europe offers a wealth of unforgettable experiences, it also presents unique challenges for the unprepared traveler. From sweltering hotel rooms to unexpected closures and transportation hiccups, seemingly small oversights can snowball into major disruptions. Don’t let these common mistakes ruin your European vacation.

Booking a Hotel Without Air Conditioning in Summer

When you’re booking a hotel in the United States, you take for granted that it will have basic amenities, such as air conditioning. However, many older hotels in Europe don’t have air conditioning—which can be a huge problem as summers get hotter and heatwaves are a more common experience. 

After spending a day walking around in hot and humid weather, the last thing you’ll want to do is return to a stuffy, unairconditioned room to try to sleep. When choosing a hotel to book in Europe, make sure to filter your search by properties with air conditioning to ensure a comfortable stay. 

Getting Pickpocketed

Like in any major city, pickpocketing is always a risk when you travel to Europe. Pickpockets tend to target tourists in crowded areas and popular attractions, so follow these tips to avoid becoming a victim:

• Don’t carry around your passport
• Don’t carry a lot of cash
• Keep your money hidden in multiple locations
• Leave valuables in your hotel room
• Be aware of your belongings in crowds and on public transportation
• Don’t flash valuables such as cameras or smartphones

Not Buying Tickets to Popular Attractions in Advance

Planning on visiting bucket list sites like the Colosseum, Louvre Museum, or Basilica de la Sagrada Familia? So is everyone else. It’s best to plan in advance and buy tickets ahead of time for popular attractions in Europe, as many of them do sell out during peak season.

Even if tickets are still available, reserving in advance will generally let you skip the long lines that come with buying a walk-up entry. 

Forgetting to Carry Coins for Bathrooms

Public bathrooms in Europe can be tough to find, and when you do finally locate one, you’ll likely have to pay a small fee to enter. Many bathrooms are accessible via a turnstile, where you’ll need to insert coins to pass through, so it’s a good idea to carry a variety of small coins with you, as there’s usually not anyone stationed at the bathrooms to make change. 

If there is a bathroom attendant in a free public bathroom, you’re usually expected to leave a tip, so again, having a few coins can come in handy.

Remember to bring toilet paper or tissues with you as well, as it’s not always guaranteed that they will be available in public bathrooms. 

Not Reserving Seats on Trains

Just because you have a ticket on a European train doesn’t mean that you have a seat. Many train lines, including ones on the Eurail, allow travelers to make seat reservations to secure a spot to sit. If you don’t have a reservation, you could be left standing in the aisle for a long trip. 

Relying on Taxis

Public transportation in most major European cities is first-class and will get you to where you need to go significantly cheaper (and faster) than taking a taxi. Before traveling, download maps of the local public transportation system and compare prices for buying multi-day passes to see if it’s worth it. 

By taking public transportation, you’ll save time and money and experience the city more like a local would. 

Not Bringing the Right Clothes

Although European summers can be brutally hot, you’ll want to pack more than shorts and tank tops for your travel wardrobe. Most cathedrals and historic religious sites have strict dress codes that require shoulders and knees to be covered. Pack lightweight shirts or coverups that you can keep in your bag to be prepared. 

Additionally, don’t make the mistake of packing only stylish footwear or new shoes that you haven’t broken in yet—you’ll usually end up walking far more in Europe than you would in other destinations (those streets are just so charming), and comfortable shoes are key. 

Mixing up Airports

Many European cities have multiple airports, so booking a connecting flight that departs from the wrong airport can be an easy (but trip-ruining) mistake. For example, in London, six major airports serve the city. 

If you plan on flying into London on one airline and then booking a connecting flight onwards on a budget airline on a separate ticket, it’s quite likely that you could arrive at Heathrow and then have your next flight out of Stansted, which is more than an hour’s drive away.

Carefully check your airport codes before committing to any flight, and consider transportation costs and travel time into the city when deciding which airport to fly to.

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To qualify for consideration for our cheapest Caribbean islands list, the destination must also be ranked in the top half of the Price of Travel’s index of the cheapest Caribbean islands. This index measures the relative affordability of Caribbean islands by comparing hotel rates and airfare in high season.

These are the nine cheapest Caribbean islands to visit.

Cozumel

This small island off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is known for its white sand beaches, colorful marine life, and the Mayan ruins of San Gervasio. While you can fly directly to Cozumel from numerous U.S. airports, including Houston, Denver, Chicago, and New York, you can often save hundreds of dollars by flying to Cancún instead and then taking a ferry to Cozumel from nearby Playa del Carmen. The ferry ride takes approximately 45 minutes and costs around $28 for a round-trip ticket.

Flights to Cancún from most major U.S. airports can be found in the $300-$400 range regularly throughout the year, with many fares falling below the $300 mark.

You’ll likely find cheaper hotel nightly rates between August and November. (Note that this falls within Caribbean hurricane season.)

Where to Stay: The Westin Cozumel, a four-star luxury hotel with a prime beachfront location, has all-inclusive rates in ocean-view rooms starting at $280 per person.  

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Jamaica

Eco-adventurers will find plenty to do in Jamaica, from swimming in waterfalls to zip-lining through the rainforest. Only-in-Jamaica spots to visit include the Bob Marley Museum and the Rastafari Indigenous Village. And, of course, there are plenty of beaches to relax on between excursions.

With three main tourist areas—Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Negril—you can price-shop for the best rates for your Caribbean vacation. Again, travel between May and October may offer lower rates because of hurricane season.

Many US hubs, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Miami, New York, and Philadelphia, offer direct flights to Jamaica. Keep an eye out for good deals, as you can often find cheap flights to Jamaica for $300 or less.
Where to Stay: For an affordable adults-only Caribbean escape, check out the Ocean Eden Bay, which offers all-inclusive rates starting at around $319 per night.

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Puerto Rico

In Puerto Rico, you can split your vacation between the lush El Yunque Rainforest, the island’s wide sandy beaches, and the vibrant streets of Old San Juan. A boat trip into one of the island’s bioluminescent bays is another must-do.

Fares from major East Coast airports to San Juan are consistently low, with many round-trip options costing less than $200. Fares from departure airports further west remain reasonable, with options below $300. Budget airline Fronteir serves San Juan and often has sales offering tickets for as low as $100 round-trip.

It’s easy to budget for expenses in Puerto Rico, as the local currency is the U.S. dollar. Bonus: You don’t need to pay for a passport to get there. And with a variety of hotel options all over the island, it’s not hard to find one in your price range.

Where to Stay: The four-star Abitta Boutique Hotel is conveniently located across from the ferry terminal and offers rates under $200 per night.

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Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is probably the cheapest Caribbean island to visit if you’re looking for affordable, all-inclusive deals. You’ll find dozens of packages in Punta Cana on CheapCaribbean.com, with prices as low as $640 per person for air and three nights’ accommodations. Activities in the area include snorkeling, zip-lining, and off-road ATV tours through the jungle. 

There are plenty of popular resort areas in the Dominican Republic where you can focus your hotel search, including La Romana, Puerto Plata, and Samana.

Where to Stay: If you prefer to explore the island and skip the all-inclusive, the four-star Dominican Fiesta Hotel has room rates starting at $84 per night.

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Curaçao

You can’t go wrong with a visit to the “C” of the ABC Islands, especially during the spring or fall shoulder season, when you’ll find even more savings. And since Curaçao falls outside the hurricane belt, you can book a trip here without worrying too much about the weather. Whether you visit for the numerous festivals or the pleasant beach weather year-round, on a Caribbean visit to Curaçao you’ll fall in love with the local food trucks, colorful Dutch architecture, unparalleled snorkel spots, and secret beaches.

With nonstop flight options from major U.S. cities like Newark, New York’s JFK, and Miami, Curaçao is highly accessible from the East Coast.

Where to stay: The island has plenty of hotel inventory with competitive nightly rates. Check out ACOYA Curaçao Resort, Villas, & Spa in downtown Willemstad, which starts around $114 per night.

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Or try The Rif at Mangrove Beach, which has all-inclusive rates for under $300 per night.

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Martinique

This French overseas region attracts a sophisticated crowd, particularly travelers from Canada and Europe looking for a cosmopolitan Caribbean experience.

If you’re not the type of traveler who likes to lounge on the beach for your whole vacation, Martinique is the right island for you, as the mountainous landscape offers plenty of hiking opportunities. Culinary enthusiasts will delight in the island’s gastronomic scene, which fuses French techniques with Caribbean flavors and local ingredients.

The island’s international appeal is evident in its air connections, with direct flights from North American cities like Miami, Montreal, and Toronto, as well as European hubs such as Paris, Frankfurt, and Rome. 

If you’re willing to be flexible with your dates, you can often find flights from the US for around $400-$500.
Where to stay: There are plenty of small, rustic bed and breakfasts in Martinique that offer rooms for under $100 per night, but if you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, Hotel Diamant Les Bains is a highly-rated four-star hotel with affordable nightly rates of around $170.

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Grenada

Grenada’s nickname, “The Spice Island,” is well-earned. The air is perfumed with the subtle aroma of nutmeg, a testament to the island’s rich agricultural heritage. But spices are just the beginning—Grenada’s appeal lies in its unspoiled nature, secluded beaches, and relaxed pace. 

Accommodations range from comfortable mid-range resorts to exclusive luxury retreats catering to various budgets and preferences. You can find direct flights to Grenada from Miami, New York City, and Charlotte, but expect to pay a premium for the convenience. If you’re willing to have a layover, you can find great airfare deals for as low as $300. 

Where to stay: The Radisson Grenada overlooks the world-famous Grand Anse Beach and has two beautiful outdoor swimming pools. You can find rooms at this four-star resort for under $200 per night. 

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Barbados

JetBlue and American Airlines have recently expanded their service to Barbados to meet increased travel demand, which has helped drive down the airfare prices to this eastern Caribbean gem. If you’re willing to travel in the off-season, you can find flights for as low as $200 round-trip.

The island draws scuba divers and snorkelers because of its reputation as a great diving destination. But Barbados is far more than just its stunning coastline. While the beaches rightfully claim fame with their powdery sands and crystal-clear waters, the island is also home to Bridgetown, a Unesco World Heritage-listed capital city.

Where to stay: There’s a wide range of accommodations in Barbados, where you’ll find $104 per night properties right next door to $2,000 per night resorts. Crystal Cove occupies an excellent middle ground, with all-inclusive rates for as low as $350 per night. 

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Antigua

Known for its breathtaking beauty, Antigua boasts an impressive 365 beaches—one for every day of the year. These pristine stretches of sand, lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters, range from secluded coves to lively party beaches. 

Surprisingly affordable flights make Antigua one of the more budget-friendly options among the smaller Caribbean islands. If you want to spend those airfare savings on a hotel, there are plenty of splurge-worthy luxury resorts that will cater to your every whim and desire. However, you can stick to a budget here as well, with four-star resorts available for as low as $99 per night. 

Where to stay: If you’re in the mood for a romantic all-inclusive vacation, Cocos Hotel is an adults-only resort that caters to couples. Rates start at around $450 per night.

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For a cheaper hotel option, the Antigua Yacht Club Marina & Resort has rooms for as low as $99 per night.

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Tips for Saving Money on Caribbean Trips

No matter which Caribbean island paradise you choose, following a few simple tips can help you save money on your vacation.

• Be flexible with your dates—most airlines do not operate daily flights to the Caribbean, so you can find better schedules and deals by being open to traveling on any day of the week
• Travel during the Caribbean’s off-season, June through November. However, be aware that this is hurricane season, and purchase travel insurance to protect your trip.
• Sign up for airfare alerts on our sister site, Airfarewatchdog, which will let you know when ticket prices fall.
• Search for flight and package deals at all-inclusive resorts. Cheap Caribbean, JetBlue Vacations, and Travelzoo are all good places to look.
• Sign up for emails from resorts you’re interested in, as they often send out promotions or sales.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2019. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. Sarah Schlichter contributed to this story.

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