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.

Amtrak Northeast Fall Flash Sale 2024

From now through October 5th, travelers willing to depart on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday can find ultra-low Coach and Acela Business class tickets on several popular Northeastern Amtrak routes. Sample fares from Boston to Providence are as low as $16 in Coach ($62 in Business), from Washington to Philadelphia as low as $28 in Coach ($77 in business), and from Washington D.C. to New York City as low as $42 in Coach ($107 in Business). This sale is valid for travel between October 7th and December 18th.

Although the sale fares fall on weekdays only, creative booking can save you big. Traveling during off-peak times on non-sale days can still score you a premium deal. For example, a preliminary search for upcoming travel showed you could:

• Book a leaf-peeping long weekend in Washington D.C. departing from New York City (October 15th through October 28th) for just $135 roundtrip by traveling on the 5:30am Friday train—only $74 in Coach—and returning at a much more reasonable 1:25pm on Monday for just $60.
• Catch the train bright and early at 5:00 am from Washington DC to Philadelphia for just $10 the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and return the following Sunday evening for $50—a $60 roundtrip.
• Book roundtrip holiday travel from New York City to Boston for just $66, departing NYC on December 18th for $30 and returning at 10am on the 26th for $36.

Fares are accurate as of time of publication.

The post Up to 25% Off Train Travel with Amtrak’s Fall Flash Sale appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Seat selection can make a huge difference in how comfortable you are in flight, especially on long international trips. I interviewed an expert to help identify the worst airplane seats and explain how you can land yourself a better spot on your next flight.

Where Are the Worst Seats on a Plane?

The worst seats are generally “in the last row of the aircraft,” says David Duff, former Content Specialist at SeatGuru. “The seats [there] more than likely have limited recline, [and] the proximity to the lavatory and galley are going to be bothersome since you are dealing with noises, smells, people queueing to use the lavatory, and the flight crew opening and closing storage compartments and chatting.”

Sounds terrible, but wait—there’s more. “Many times, the windows are missing at these seats as well,” Duff continues, “and to top it all off, you are going to feel turbulence a bit [more] toward the back of the plane.”

Being in the back also means you’re one of the last ones off the plane—not ideal if you’re trying to make a tight connection.

The back row is the worst place to sit on a plane, and you should try to avoid it if possible. However, many flyers know that the back is the least desirable row of the aircraft and will choose seats elsewhere. This means if you’re hoping to get a row all to yourself and don’t mind the other negatives, you’ll have a better chance of flying solo if you pick the back row.

There are some other seats you’ll want to avoid on a plane as well.

All middle seats are unpopular for obvious reasons, and the seats in front of an exit row aren’t ideal either. “These seats usually have limited recline in case the plane has to be evacuated,” Duff explains.

Even the desirable exit row seats, which typically have extra legroom, have a potential downside: “One of the major complaints we read about from [the SeatGuru] community is how the seat nearest to an exit door tends to be colder than surrounding seats,” says Duff. If you value the extra legroom the exit row typically offers, pack an oversized scarf or fleece to keep warm.

Finally, when considering a bulkhead seat, remember that you won’t have storage under the seat in front of you, which can be inconvenient if you like easy access to personal items like travel kits or over-the-counter medications. You should also be aware that bulkhead seats tend to be popular with babies and their parents, as they’re an ideal spot for bassinets.

How to Avoid the Worst Seats on a Plane

Consider making an airplane’s seat layout part of the decision-making process when you’re planning which flight to book. For example, if you have a choice between a flight on a plane with a 3-4-3 layout and one on an aircraft with a 2-4-2 layout, consider booking the latter if the fares aren’t too different—because that plane has a lot fewer middle seats you could possibly get stuck in. (Keep in mind, though, that the airline may change its aircraft at the last minute, so you might not want to pay too much extra for a preferred layout.)

Also, check whether the airlines you’re considering charge a fee to choose your seat. If it’s a long flight where comfort is important, opt for an airline that allows you to select your seat for free.

Once you’ve booked, don’t use your airline or booking site’s seat map as your only resource when choosing where to sit. SeatGuru’s detailed aircraft cabin plans flag seats with potential problems such as limited recline, proximity to galleys and/or lavatories, misaligned or missing windows, and reduced seat width. The site also highlights seats that are particularly desirable for one reason or another, such as extra legroom or storage space. As a bonus, you can read reviews and look at pictures from previous flyers who’ve had the seat you’re considering.

Unfortunately, SeatGuru stopped updating its website in 2020, so you won’t find information on newer aircraft, and some older reviews may be outdated.

SeatGuru alternatives include:

• AeroLopa
• SeatMaps

After you’ve figured out the seats you want—and the ones you don’t—it’s time to make your choice. You can usually select your seat when booking or when you check in, though you’ll have more options if you make your choice earlier in the process. If you’re unhappy with your options online, see a gate agent at the airport who may be able to move you.

Many airlines charge extra for the most in-demand seats (such as exit rows or seats with extra legroom), while others make you pay a fee for any seat selection at all. In these cases, the question becomes how much it’s worth to you to claim the seat you want.

“We understand that travelers want to save money on their flight and be comfortable at the same time, and sometimes that [means] you have to pay a bit extra for that comfort,” says Duff. “A lot of the flying experience is out of your control, so why not make sure that you are able to control one thing?”

Keep in mind that choosing your seat in advance is not an ironclad guarantee that you’ll get to sit there. Most airlines’ contracts of carriage permit them to change seat assignments if necessary, and maintenance issues or schedule disruptions could force the carrier to substitute a new plane with a different seat layout. If this happens and you’re unhappy with your new seat assignment, speak with a gate agent as soon as possible and politely ask which alternatives are available.

Note, too, that if you check in late or show up at your gate at the last minute, the airline might assume you’re not coming and give your seat away to someone else. To prevent this, check-in online up to 24 hours in advance and give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport. (For recommendations, see How Early Should I Get to the Airport?)

Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

The post The Worst Seats on a Plane (and How to Avoid Them) appeared first on SmarterTravel.

But these days, when everything flight-related has a price tag, you’ll pay $99 for an “upgrade” to the front section of coach, just for the right to get off the plane more quickly (although in some cases, it does also buy you an inch or two of extra legroom). Many factors have created the present “zero upgrade” environment—like the airlines’ love of fees and surcharges, computerized seat assignments (which make it much easier to know where everyone is well before flight time), very full flights, and increased competition for upgrades due to the degraded state of flying coach.

But you don’t necessarily have to give up just because your chances of getting an upgrade have gone down. Check out the tactics below to learn how to get upgraded to first class for free. But first, let’s realize that, for many domestic flights…

First Class Isn’t What It Used to Be

Don’t get me wrong—when I am filing past the first few rows of seats on my way to the back of the plane, those big leather seats with folks already drinking wine in them have a strong allure. But those seats come with a cost, whether in cash or in miles, and on shorter domestic flights you don’t get all that much more than the folks in coach—wider seats, a little more legroom, free drinks, and the chance to board a little earlier.

That said, some airlines have upped the ante in their first-class cabins on longer domestic routes. American Airlines offers lie-flat seats in first class on some transcontinental routes, while Hawaiian Airlines has lie-flat options on its first-class service to Hawaii. On these types of domestic flights, an upgrade is definitely worth trying for.

The same goes for longer international flights. Much more critically than better food and drinks, first- and business-class seats in most international aircraft convert into beds that are pretty darn comfortable. On a flight back from Tokyo in first class a few years ago, I was actually disappointed when we began our final descent; when is the last time that happened in coach?

Why It’s So Hard to Get a Free Upgrade

David Rowell, who writes The Travel Insider, notes that “it is enormously harder to get upgrades these days than it used to be. Well, correction, it is harder to get undeserved upgrades these days. The procedure for getting upgrades that one is entitled to has become almost 100 percent automatic and hands-off, and with all flights being full in both cabins, there isn’t much ‘wiggle room’ for people to exploit.”

And it is not just a combination of luck and automation that will shut you out of upgrades—at some airlines, it may be a matter of policy. “Most airlines state, in no uncertain terms, that their policies prohibit arbitrary upgrading, both at check-in and onboard,” says Randy Petersen of InsideFlyer. “It’s a firm rule, with no room for negotiation or interpretation.” Petersen agrees about the root cause: “This becomes understandable when you consider that upgrading is now often done electronically, rather than by queuing up at the check-in counter.”

These electronically issued upgrades are doled out by a number of metrics, whether to the highest-ranking elite flyer, or the person who purchased an upgrade-eligible coach fare, or the person who cashed in her miles.

We commonly think of just two to five main classes on airplanes, including first, business, and economy, plus the recent emergence of premium and basic economy. But the fact is that economy class can have numerous sub-classes, as outlined in this Points Guy article—and each of these class levels carries eligibility (or lack thereof) for various amenities, including upgrades. The very lowest levels of economy class will rarely be prompted to upgrade, or even eligible to upgrade.

That said, since stories and rumors of free upgrades persist, here are some tactics to get you into that privileged group that seems to snag upgrades—or at least says they do.

How to Get Upgraded to First Class: 14 Tactics to Try

These tricks and ground rules are worth keeping in mind as you try to land that elusive free upgrade.

Be a seriously loyal customer.

If you fly a lot on the same airline, your upgrade options soar. High-mile/point travelers are the first eligible and first chosen for most upgrades, so even though airline experts have been bemoaning the devaluing of airline miles for years, if you are a high-mileage and high-dollar flyer, you will see significantly increased upgrade offers, often at no cost. 

Elite status is the best way to get a seat upgrade, but that means flying (and spending) more. So, if you fly a lot, this is the best option for upgrades. 

Elite Statuses for Major US Airlines

Here’s a breakdown of the elite statuses offered by major US airlines with free upgrades:

American Airlines

• AAdvantage Platinum: Group 1 boarding, lounge access, and complimentary upgrades.
• AAdvantage Platinum Pro: Enhanced lounge access, free upgrades, and priority baggage handling.  
• AAdvantage Executive Platinum: Highest tier with even more perks, including international upgrades and Admirals Club membership.

Delta Air Lines

• Gold Medallion: Group 1 boarding, lounge access, and complimentary upgrades.
• Platinum Medallion: Enhanced lounge access, free upgrades, and priority baggage handling.
• Diamond Medallion: Highest tier with even more perks, including international upgrades and Delta Sky Club membership.  

United Airlines

• Premier Gold: Group 1 boarding, lounge access, and complimentary upgrades.
• Premier Platinum: Enhanced lounge access, free upgrades, and priority baggage handling.
• Premier 1K: Highest tier with even more perks, including international upgrades and United Club membership.  

Southwest Airlines

• A-List Preferred: Group 1 boarding, lounge access, and complimentary upgrades.

Alaska Airlines

• MVP Gold: Group 1 boarding, lounge access, and complimentary upgrades.
• MVP Gold 75K: Enhanced lounge access, free upgrades, and priority baggage handling.

International flights are a bit trickier regarding upgrades, but some international airlines do offer them, especially if they are part of an alliance with a domestic airline. 

For instance, British Airways is part of OneWorld (same as American), but many perks may be unavailable on the BA flight if you book through American. While there may not be a British Airways flight upgrade trick that will magically get you an upgrade, there are things you can do, similar to the major US airlines we mentioned. Avios, their points program, may get you an upgrade, as will their executive club. 

Other international airlines that have rewards programs that can snag you an upgrade are: 
Emirates Skywards– Known for its luxurious cabins and excellent service, Skywards offers upgrade options.
Etihad Guest: Offers upgrade options, including using Etihad Guest Miles.
ANA Mileage Club: Offers upgrade options, including using Mileage Club miles.

Get an airline credit card.

Using an airline credit card allows you to rack up miles, including sign-up bonuses, to apply toward upgrades.
Credit cards with upgrades include:

United MileagePlus Explorer Card– Offers bonus miles earning rate on United purchases and can be used to earn MileagePlus miles for upgrades.

British Airways Visa Signature Credit Card– Offers a bonus miles earning rate on British Airways purchases and can be used to earn Avios points for upgrades.

American Airlines AAdvantage Aviator Red Card- Offers a bonus miles earning rate on American Airlines purchases and can be used to earn AAdvantage miles for upgrades.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card– Offers a bonus miles earning rate on Delta purchases and can be used to earn SkyMiles for upgrades.

Emirates Skywards Credit Card– Offers bonus miles earning rate on Emirates purchases and can be used to earn Skywards miles for upgrades.

Dress neatly.

Dressing well is not the ticket to ride some hope it is, but even so, you are not getting an escort to the front of the plane if you are wearing cargo shorts, a tank top, and flip-flops. Most people don’t even want to sit next to you in this case, let alone upgrade you.

Check in online at the earliest possible time.

Online check-in is available beginning 24 hours before your flight, and the early bird has the best chance of nabbing an upgrade—though you’ll usually have to pay for it. As the minutes pass and more travelers check in, some of those folks will be looking and paying for upgrades, and once those seats are gone, they’re gone.

Be on time, and have good timing.

Showing up late to request an upgrade when an agent is just trying to get everyone in the air isn’t going to work. Do agents the courtesy of making your request with plenty of time to spare before the flight, and when no one else is competing for their attention.

Ask politely and directly.

Randy Petersen recommends something as simple as “If you are upgrading passengers on this flight, I would like to be considered.” Inserting the word “please” won’t hurt you either.

Be reasonable.

Being overly demanding or demeaning just inspires agents to pick someone else to upgrade if the opportunity arises. And don’t waste everyone’s time and goodwill if you know you are a poor candidate. If you are traveling with your whole family, have a pet lobster in a cage as your carry-on, or purchased an extremely low-fare ticket, you probably don’t want to spend your energy demanding upgrades.

If the flight is relatively empty, your chances are slim.

Even though seats in business class may also be empty, the airlines don’t usually upgrade people for no reason. If the flight is full, your chances are better. Airlines carefully plan how much they oversell flights, and their inventory departments are not upset if people need to be upgraded to accommodate everybody on the flight. Therefore, airlines are sometimes forced to upgrade people on a full flight. In this scenario, if you have a good story, you may be lucky—solo travelers who are willing to be reseated to accommodate families have the best odds. Remember, of course, that business or first class may already be full from pre-booked elite-level upgrades.  

Granted, the rule always has exceptions, and this is no different. It may also be that if you are on a flight with few people, you can easily get an upgrade. One lucky passenger was alone on a transatlantic flight and could sit anywhere but first class. 

Volunteer to give up your seat if the flight is oversold.

Whenever airlines overbook flights and need folks to give up a seat, you have the most leverage for getting concessions and upgrades from the airline. Most of us have been in airports listening to increasingly urgent announcements looking for volunteers to give up their seats; in that situation, you can go up to the gate, set your conditions and then let the airline decide if it can meet those conditions.

You might say, “I can volunteer to give up my seat for X hundred dollars in flight credit or an upgrade on my replacement flight, as long as I still get there by Y o’clock.” This may not work on the first round of volunteer requests, but when the gate agents come up on departure time and still need empty seats, they can often deliver quite a bit.

If you have been inconvenienced by the airline, don’t hesitate to ask for an upgrade.

Again, airlines don’t generally upgrade people for no reason, but if they have caused you a problem, that may be reason enough.

If your itinerary is botched or implodes for some reason, particularly if it affects only you and no one else (such that the airline is not trying to accommodate lots of folks in the same situation), your case for an upgrade on a subsequent flight becomes more compelling. The airline is not obligated to upgrade you, but if this happens, pleasantly but firmly let the gate agents know that if an upgraded seat is available on your rebooked flight, you would greatly appreciate getting that seat.

If you have been extremely inconvenienced—maybe you were sent back to your hotel a couple of times, or you slept on the airport floor all night—let the gate folks know, as they may have some sympathy for you.

Ask your travel agent.

My travel agent has a relationship with certain airlines that lets her book her customers into preferred seats that are not released to everyone (usually toward the front of the plane, in exit rows, and the like). She can also see upgrade availability fairly quickly, and many agents can add comments to your reservation that increase your chances of being chosen for an upgrade. Ask about these the next time you talk to your travel agent.

Watch for business-class sales.

Most leisure travelers ignore advertised business-class fare sales entirely. I have occasionally seen transatlantic business-class sale fares for around $1,100 at a time when it costs that much to fly coach. This will take some persistence and sleuthing, but you can sometimes fly in the front of the plane for less than the folks crammed into the back of the plane.

Look for two-for-one sales.

If you are traveling with family or a companion, a two-for-one sale on first- or business-class fares could cut the cost of upgrading in two. At current coach prices, these could result in a wash concerning price, if certainly not concerning pleasure.

Buy an extra seat.

One interesting tactic to find yourself some breathing room offered by Petersen might appeal to folks traveling on very cheap sale fares: buy two coach tickets. Say you find one of these $100 round-trip fares to Florida or the like; the airlines that offer these usually make up the difference in fees for checked bags, movies, food, and other extras. However, if you don’t need headphones or to check a second bag, you can skip all those charges and get yourself a heap of legroom for $50—less than the cost of most premium seats.

If you use this tactic, it will be vital for you to check in your second seat, as well as present the boarding pass at the gate—otherwise, your seat could be given to a standby passenger.

In all honesty, your chance of falling into one of these free upgrades is slimmer all the time—even Rowell has stopped trying entirely. That doesn’t mean you have to; if you have had a recent experience with surprise or unpaid upgrades, let us know in the comments below.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

The post First Class for Free: How to Get an Airline Upgrade appeared first on SmarterTravel.

What To Do In an Emergency on Vacation

Being caught away from home during a disaster can be stressful. Here are some steps to take no matter what type of emergency occurs:

1. Prioritize Safety

The first thing you should do is get somewhere safe. 

Follow evacuation orders: If there is an evacuation order, follow the instructions of local authorities. If you are somewhere you aren’t familiar with the language, get a good translation app and try to find someone who speaks your first language that can help. 

Stay informed: Monitor news reports and official emergency alerts for updates. At the start of the situation, you may not have to evacuate, but that could change. 

Seek shelter: Depending on the emergency, finding shelter is likely a key component for your safety. If you can’t evacuate, find a safe place to shelter, such as a sturdy building or a designated shelter. 

Don’t stay to get the footage: In this day and age, with everyone wanting to get the viral social media post, it can be tempting to hang around and take a video of what is happening. Please don’t do this for your own safety and that of everyone around you. 

2. Communicate with Loved Ones

Let others know you’re safe: Once you’re in a safe location, contact family and friends to let them know you’re okay.

Have a plan: Before you leave, agree on a designated person or place to contact in an emergency. Choose someone with the contact information of others you want to keep informed of the situation so they can communicate. 

3. Prepare for Disruptions:

Have a disaster kit: Carry a basic emergency kit with essentials like food, water, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, and a battery-powered radio. This may be harder if you are far from home, but travel-sized options are available, and it can’t hurt to throw them in your carry-on. This small battery radio, first aid kit, and flashlight will take up no room at all in your backpack, along with typical travel essentials like a sweatshirt, portable charger, protein bars, and a water bottle. 

Be mindful of your surroundings: Pay attention to potential hazards, such as downed power lines or flooding.

Be prepared for power outages: Have a backup power source for your phone and other devices.

4. Seek Assistance

Contact emergency services: If you need immediate help, call emergency services. Be sure to have the local emergency number in your phone before you leave for your trip. 

Reach out to local organizations: Many communities have disaster relief organizations that can assist, and these will typically be listed online once disaster strikes. 

If Abroad, Contact The U.S. Embassy or Consulate: The embassy will be able to help you figure out an escape plan and may even send assistance if you need it. 

5. Plan for Your Return

Check on your home: Once the immediate danger has passed, check on your accommodations to assess any damage and see if you need to secure an alternate place to stay.  If your accommodation is unavailable, seek shelter elsewhere or consider heading to the airport to get home. 

Follow local guidelines: Adhere to any restrictions or guidelines issued by authorities until you can get home. The most important thing is to stay safe and follow the instructions of local authorities.

6. Remain Calm

While it may seem like a no-brainer, remaining calm is essential to your safety and the safety of your family. Panicking may be your first instinct, but we often can’t adhere to protocol when we panic. Try to keep a clear head to get yourself out of the situation and to safety quickly. 

In most emergencies, you can follow these steps to ensure your safety. Still, each type of emergency (natural disaster, man-made emergency, or medical emergency) may have additional or different steps you should take. 

Natural Disasters

While modern technology has helped us determine the impending arrival of some natural disasters (e.g., if a hurricane is predicted to arrive the day after you land, you may want to consider rebooking your trip), there are still many natural disasters that can’t be predicted, like earthquakes, tsunamis, and tornados. 

Disasters that Require Immediate Action

Disasters that require immediate action to stay safe, like an earthquake, tornado, volcano eruption, or tsunami 

Floods – According to the World Health Organization, floods are the most common natural disaster.  According to Ready.gov, if you suddenly find yourself in a flood, evacuate immediately if told to, find shelter immediately, do not swim or walk through the waters, get to the highest level possible, and stay where you are. 

Earthquakes – immediately seek shelter, then follow the above steps. 

Hurricanes and typhoons—If a hurricane or typhoon is forecast to be a direct hit, you may consider leaving your destination early (or not going at all if it is forecast before your trip). These storms can bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding, and you could end up stranded. 

Tornadoes – Tornadoes can occur suddenly, but meteorologists can typically alert the public when conditions could produce one. Sign up for alerts for the area you are visiting so you are able to take shelter if a tornado should occur. In any thunderstorm, you should seek shelter, and for a tornado, get to the lowest floor possible indoors. 

Volcanic eruptions—If you are going somewhere near an active volcano, prepare yourself for a potential eruption. Be aware of areas for shelter and pack long sleeves, a face mask, and goggles for protection from the ash and gases. 

Wildfires – If you vacation somewhere and a wildfire breaks out, obey all evacuation orders. 

Tsunamis: These giant waves can be caused by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, and areas will typically have a warning ahead of time. Get to higher ground as soon as any warning is made. If there is no warning, try to reach higher ground as fast as possible, and stay away from windows and other objects that could break. Make a plan with your family for a meeting spot after the Tsunami if you get separated. 

Man-made Disasters and Emergencies

Several emergencies can arise due to people causing them- like protests, attacks, or explosions. Most man-made disasters require following the steps mentioned before, but others require additional steps and advice. 

Civil unrest – If there is a sudden, unexpected bout of civil unrest where you are visiting, the steps mentioned above still pertain: find somewhere safe and adhere to any curfews or road closures. Avoid confrontations with protestors or law enforcement, and get inside as soon as possible. If it seems like it is going to escalate and is not a one-time thing, make plans to leave as soon as possible. 

Terrorist attacks- Staying safe is your priority, if you find yourself in the middle of an attack, protect yourself. Get back to your accommodations as quickly as possible, and follow the emergency procedures. 

Medical Emergencies

According to Allianz Travel, the most common medical emergencies while traveling are fractures from falls, cardiovascular problems, trauma and pulmonary/respiratory problems. Illness, injuries, or accidents can require immediate medical attention, and do not hesitate to seek care. Head to the nearest hospital, or in a more serious situation, call an ambulance. 

Medical Emergencies While Abroad

There are a few things that differ when you have an emergency while abroad. 

Travel Health Insurance – If you are abroad, contact your travel insurance company to see if any of your care is covered- as well as your health insurance provider. Please note: Medicare and Medicaid does not cover any health care costs abroad, so purchasing travel medical insurance is important, especially if you have an underlying condition. I was once in an ATV accident while in Canada, I went to the ER to get looked at, and despite having no injuries, was left with a hefty bill. My health insurance covered some of it, but not all, and the process to get reimbursed was a lenghty one. If I had travel health insurance, the process would have been a lot easier and cheaper. 

Contact the local embassy or consulate – they can provide assistance, information, and potentially find you english speaking doctors to ease the situation. 

Get medical evacuation insurance – If you have an underlying condition and are concerned about something happening, before you leave for vacation, purchase medical evacuation insurance, which can help you get back home with medical care. Be prepared – Again, if you have an underlying condition, you should also be sure to learn basic medical terms in the language of the country you are visiting, and carry a card with basic information in the language about your medical condition and any medications you are taking.

The post What to Do If You’re Caught in an Emergency Situation Abroad appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Purposely missing a flight is more complicated than it may seem at first glance—here’s what happens if you don’t get on your connecting flight. 

Why Would You Skip a Connecting Flight?

Skiplagging, also known as “hidden city ticketing,” is a travel strategy where:

• You book a flight with a layover in your actual destination.
• The ticket includes a connection to a further city, but you don’t intend to take that last leg.
• When you reach your desired city during the layover, you exit the airport instead of continuing to the final destination on your ticket.

Popularized by the airfare site Skiplagged, this hack can save you a lot of money compared to booking a ticket directly to your destination. But is it legal to do?

What Happens if You Don’t Get on Your Connecting Flight?

Hidden city ticketing isn’t illegal, but most major U.S. airlines explicitly prohibit it in their contract of carriage statements. 

If the airline realizes that you are not planning on completing your entire itinerary, it can prevent you from boarding or even ban you from the airline for future flights. For example, a teenage passenger tried this trick using a ticket he bought on Skiplagged, was detained by American Airlines, and was denied boarding.

In general, if you miss or cancel any portion of a plane ticket, the airline can cancel all flights remaining on that ticket’s itinerary. When you miss that first flight, whether or not you cancel or no-show, the entire ticket becomes void.

This rule also applies to connecting flights. If you’re ticketed from City A to City C through a connection in City B, but skip the connecting flight from City B to City C, you can’t use your connecting flight ticket later, even with a change fee. And if it’s a round-trip ticket, the return trips are also toast.

This is why it’s essential to notify the airline if you accidentally miss any portion of your flight—as long as you let the airline know (and rebook the missed leg), you should still be able to fly the rest of your planned itinerary. 

Why is Skipping a Flight Cheaper?

Why would a longer flight be cheaper than a shorter, direct one? For some destinations, there is not a lot of competition for a direct flight between two cities, making tickets expensive. However, there might be more competition on a different route with a layover in the city you want to fly to—so a longer flight going somewhere else (but connecting through your destination) could be cheaper.

Why You Shouldn’t Skip Your Connecting Flight

There are a lot of risks associated with buying a hidden city ticket. 

1. You can’t check a bag, as your bag will be tagged to the final destination on your itinerary.
2. Even if you fly carry-on only, there is the risk that there won’t be space on the plane for your bag, and it will get checked through to the destination you’re not planning on flying to.
3. You can’t buy a round-trip ticket, as the return fare will automatically be canceled as soon as you don’t make your connecting flight.
4. The airline can deny you boarding and refuse to refund you if they figure out what you’re doing.
5. There could be a schedule change that reroutes your flight through a different connecting airport. 
6. The airline could ban you from flying with it in the future.

When Is It Okay to Skip a Flight?

There are only two cases where you could potentially get away with skipping an onward flight. However, keep in mind that you could still get in trouble with the airline, and the airline could pursue legal action against you or ban you from future flights. 

1. If you skip a flight that’s the final leg on a multi-flight ticket, there’s no other ticket left for the airline to cancel.
2. If your round-trip itinerary is on two separately booked, one-way tickets, the return trip should still be valid if you skip the first trip.

The post Why You Should Never Skip an Onward Flight appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Experiencing new cultures and exploring new places is food for the soul, if not the elixir of youth. The good news: That soul food doesn’t have to eat up your entire nest egg, and deep travel discounts are not relegated solely to the hostel-hopping crowd. These six tips will get you out on the road for less green.

1. Ask and ye shall receive.

Never book anything without asking if there’s a special rate or price cut for seniors. These discounts are not always advertised well (if at all), but they do exist. Some are more generous than others, so do some research. For example, while many hotels offer only 5 to 10 percent off, Marriott properties promise savings of “at least 10%” for those age 62 or older.

One caveat: Don’t assume that the senior rate is the absolute lowest! Check any quoted discounts against other offerings (AAA, “best available,” early booking) that may be available to you.

2. Take advantage of AARP programs.

AARP members have access to savings and discounts on all types of travel, including cruises (Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises were two we spotted), car rentals (up to 35 percent off at Budget), vacation packages, and hotels. And don’t forget about activity and restaurant discounts. Many discounts, including special limited-time offers, are listed at discounts.aarp.org. Again, as above, double-check AARP rates against other special offers that could save you more money.

3. Travel off-peak.

Visiting destinations during their off-peak or shoulder season (fall or winter in Europe instead of summer, for example) presents many benefits to travelers—a smaller price tag, to be sure, but also cooler weather and fewer crowds. Seniors are well suited to take advantage of low-season discounts because they typically aren’t trying to plan trips around stringent work, school, or holiday schedules.

There are a few things to bear in mind, however, when traveling out of season. For one, be sure to pack appropriately for the weather and work some indoor activities into your plans in case you’re faced with chilling winds or rain. Also, check in advance on the operating hours of museums and other attractions you have your heart set on, as some scale back their hours—or shut down altogether—outside of the high tourist season.

4. Take your time.

The gift of time also makes alternate methods of travel more attractive for mature travelers. Train travel has long been popular overseas and is now making a comeback in the U.S. The many hassles of flying—from security checkpoints to the oft-uncomfortable flight itself—can be avoided by riding the rails. It’s also an increasingly cheaper alternative, even before factoring in senior discounts; on Amtrak, for example, travelers 65 years of age and over save 10 percent on most fares. And don’t forget to factor in baggage fees. You can bring two 50-pound bags on Amtrak trains for free, with the option to check up to two additional bags for $20 each—imagine trying that on an airline!

Renting a car is another option for self-guided and self-paced scenic travel, both as a way to get to a destination and a way to explore a destination once you’ve arrived. Just be sure to read the fine print of your rental agreement if you plan to rent a vehicle overseas, as some companies do impose maximum age restrictions.

5. Protect your investment.

It may seem odd that we’re recommending spending more money among our tips for paying less, but this expense could save you a bundle if anything goes wrong while planning or on your trip. Travel insurance is especially important for individuals who may get sick and need to cancel at the last minute or may encounter medical difficulties while traveling. Trip cancellation insurance covers you in case unforeseen events cause you to have to scrap a trip or come home midway through. Travel insurance can also provide replacement value on lost baggage and default coverage when travel suppliers go out of business, and supplemental health insurance can cover expenses Medicare or other providers might not, particularly outside your home country.

Tip: Purchase insurance from a trusted company, preferably a third party; ask your travel agent for advice if you aren’t sure where to start. Also, be sure to take the time to read the fine print, as some scenarios, such as pre-existing medical conditions, may not be covered.

6. Travel with friends or family.

Bringing along your children, grandchildren, or other travel pals can result in significant savings, particularly if you share a vacation rental in lieu of booking hotel rooms or can snag a discount from a travel company that offers group discounts. Traveling with friends and family members is also a fantastic opportunity for bonding and creating lasting memories together. And that’s priceless.

Melissa Paloti contributed to this story. This article was adapted from content originally published on Independent Traveler.

The post 6 Savings Secrets for Senior Travel appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Luggage shipping site MyBaggage.com analyzed data released by the U.S. Department of Transportation for the period of January 2021 to January 2024 to determine the best and worst airlines for luggage handling. 

American Airlines was deemed to be the worst airline for luggage handling, mishandling over two hundred million bags over the three-year period studied. 

If you must check a bag, try to fly on Spirit Airlines. This budget carrier was surprisingly the best airline for checked luggage. According to MyBaggage.com, Spirit Airlines mishandled around 4.93 pieces of luggage per every 1,000 pieces checked. 

The U.S. Airlines That Mishandle Luggage the Most

Tips for Preventing Lost Luggage

Reduce the chances of lost luggage by following these tips:

1. Pack an Apple Air Tag or other tracking device inside your luggage
2. Remove any old airline stickers or baggage tags before checking your bag
3. Clearly label your luggage with your current contact information
4. Avoid booking connecting flights

The post The Best and Worst US Airlines for Lost Luggage appeared first on SmarterTravel.

However, picking the wrong group tour company is the quickest way to ruin your trip. Make sure you choose a tour company that aligns with your goals and travel styles. Do you want an intimate group tour or do you prefer to make lots of new friends in a big group? Does the price line up with what you like (luxury vs. budget)? Is the itinerary going to all the places you want to see? 

We’ve done the research and found the very best group travel tour companies for 2024 for every type of traveler.

Best Overall Group Travel: Exodus Adventure Travels

With trips on every continent, Exodus Adventure Travels covers anywhere on this planet that you could possibly want to go, from popular destinations like the Amalfi Coast to well off-the-beaten-path adventures like Tajikistan. This award-winning group travel company boasts thousands of repeat customers who sign up for trips year after year (97% of past participants would recommend Exodus Adventure Travels to a friend). 

These small group tours operate with only around 8-16 people and always feature experienced local leaders who can give you a unique insight into your destination. Exodus Adventure Travels caters to any type of travel style, including trips broken down by type of activity (think walking, cycling, multi-adventure, winter, or cultural) as well as type of traveler (family, age group, etc.). There are curated collections (coastal, “away from it all”, European wilderness, and trips of a lifetime) to inspire you, as well as self-guided options for when you want all the benefits of a group tour planner without the actual group. Looking for that special safari? Exodus Aventure Travels just partners with the African Wildlife Foundation to create carefully curated luxury adventures that go above and beyond the standard safari. 

Exodus Adventure Travels tours work for almost any budget, with options that range from affordable to premium. 

Top Trip: Explore under-the-radar Europe by foot on Exodus Adventure Travels’ Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia walking tour.

Best Adventure Group Travel: World Expeditions

World Expeditions has been taking adventurous travelers to remote locations all over the world ever since its first group trek through Nepal in 1975. Today, World Expeditions offers active itineraries on every continent. Intrepid travelers can opt for trips themed around mountaineering, rafting, cycling, hiking, and more. 

World Expeditions aims to leave communities and places where they operate tours better than they found them. Trips are created using the company’s Thoughtful Travel Charter as a guideline, which emphasizes respect for the environment, sustainability, having a positive impact on local communities, protecting wildlife, and more. 

World Expeditions’ trips are capped at just 16 people to provide a good experience for participants, and there are no single supplements for solo travelers willing to share a room with someone of the same gender. 

Top Trip: Summit Africa’s tallest mountain on a fully-supported trek up Kilimanjaro on World Expeditions’ eight day trip up the beautiful Lemosho Route. 

Best Budget Group Travel: G Adventures 

For travelers on a budget, G Adventures offers cheap group tours that make dream destinations accessible to nearly anyone. (Think: sailing the Galapagos for just $1,014, criss-crossing India’s Golden Triangle for $799, or spending 8 days in Bali for less than $749.)

G Adventures is one of the best tour companies for solo travelers as well, as most trips don’t have a single-supplement. You can choose to share a room with another G Adventures solo traveler, or pay extra to have your own space.

G Adventures keeps costs down by opting for cheaper hotels and local meals, and making certain activities optional (for an additional cost). Pick your travel style—options range from “basic” to more luxe tours run in partnership with National Geographic. Family tours, local living tours (featuring homestays), and wellness-focused tours are also available. 

Top Trip: G Adventures’ China Express trip is a great way to see the highlights of China if you’re short on both time and budget. 

Best Educational Group Tours: EF Go Ahead Tours

When you really want to learn about a destination, consider a group trip with EF Go Ahead Tours. EF is the world’s largest private education company, and the Go Ahead Tours arm capitalizes on the company’s relationships with local educators, historians, and tour guides to create group trips that take you deep into a destination. 

These small group tours generally cap at 38 travelers, and feature unique educational experiences. For a bucket list trip, EF Go Ahead Tour’s special event tours are particularly enticing, as they offer behind-the-scenes access to tough-to-plan trips like Oktoberfest in Munich or Cherry Blossom season in Japan. 

Intimidated by solo travel? EF Go Ahead Tours is a great option for solo travelers, since it offers designated trips for solo travelers, where everyone is traveling alone, making it less intimidating.  

Top Trip: Bring the tastes of Italy home with you on EF Go Ahead Tours’ Food & Wine: Piedmont & Tuscany tour (operated in partnership with America’s Test Kitchen), where you’ll learn how to make local dishes. 

Best Responsible Group Travel: Intrepid Travel

Looking for a responsible group travel operator that focuses on bettering the communities and destinations they visit? Intrepid Travel is the world’s largest travel B Corporation, a certification for companies doing good. 

Intrepid Travel’s tours focus on sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and sustaining communities. The company has its own charity, The Intrepid Foundation, which has donated over 10 million dollars to over 160 community organizations. 

Intrepid Travel’s small group tours attract a wide range of travelers, but they are especially great for younger travelers, as they have a large number of trips designed for people aged 18-35. (Other trips, including family-focused trips, are geared toward any age.)

Top Trip: Experience foodie trip of a lifetime Intrepid Travel’s South Korea Real Food Adventure, which includes time in three cities and an overnight temple stay.

Best Private Group Travel: Kensington Tours

Whether your group consists of just two people or involves taking the entire extended family, Kensington Tours will take all the hassle of planning out of the equation. This private group operator creates personalized trips and itineraries tailored to your preferences, while their experts handle all the logistics and bookings. 

Plans are entirely flexible, and can even be changed while on the trip on a whim. Need some inspiration? Browse Kensington Tours’ travel ideas, to get some ideas for your next adventure. 

Top Trip: Sail around the stunning shores of Croatia and the Dalmation Islands on a private luxury catamaran on Kensington Tours’ fully customizable tour. 

Best Polar Group Travel: Chimu Adventures

Whether you’re headed north to the Artic or south to Antarctica, Chimu Adventures has the perfect polar group trip for you. Chimu Adventures has some of the most variety for polar trips, with options to fly, cruise, or a combination of both to get to your destination. For an ultra-unique Antarctica trip, Chimu Adventures offers cruises departing from Australia or New Zealand (most Antarctica trips depart from Argentina).

Chimu Adventures is one of the cheapest group trips to Antarctica, with rates starting under $6,000.

Top Trip: If you’re pressed for time (or simply don’t have the stomach for the Drake Passage), Chimu Adventures’ Antarctica Fly Cruise will get you to the ends of the earth quickly and smoothly.

Best Group Tours for Solo Travelers: For the Love of Travel

Group tours can be a great way to meet new people, but they can sometimes skew on the older age range. If you’re between 25-39 and a solo traveler looking to meet new people, you’ll love For the Love of Travel. All participants on the trips are between 25-39, and according to the company, 80 percent are solo travelers—so you’ll make friends fast. Hoping to meet someone who will be more than just a friend on your next trip? Trips include a balanced number of “gal and guy spots” to ensure an even balance of genders within groups (and of course, non-binary genders are always welcome). 

For the Love of Travel offers weeklong (or longer) international trips as well as shorter weekender trips to closer destinations like Mexico or Costa Rica—perfect for people without a lot of vacation time.

Top Trip: Sleep in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights, go sledding with huskies, and warm up in traditional saunas on For the Love of Travel’s Lapland tour, already booking dates for 2024.

Best Biking Tours Group Travel: DuVine Cycling

Biking through the rolling hills of Italy or across the mountain roads of Chile sounds like a dream, but the logistics seem daunting (especially if you don’t want to haul all your own stuff from point-to-point). Enter: DuVine Cycling, a luxury small group tour company that specializes in bike trips. 

With trips across Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the United States, DuVine Cycling is a cyclist’s dream. Choose from all-biking trips or mix things up with a cycle and sail bike tour or a multi-sport adventure—no matter what, everything is included, from luxury boutique accommodations to top-quality name brand bikes. 

Top Trip: DuVine’s Holland Bike Tour promises “tulips, windmills, beer, and cheese”—what more could you need?

Best Luxury Group Travel: Abercrombie & Kent

Abercrombie & Kent has been delighting discerning travelers since 1962. Today, they take travelers on unforgettable adventures across over 100 different countries and all seven continents. Although Abercrombie & Kent’s trips are pricey, they encompass once-in-a-lifetime experiences like private jet tours around the world or luxury chartered cruises.

There are trips designed for solo travelers and families, and the small group journeys max out at around 14-18 guests.

Top Trip: Swim with whale sharks in the Philippines, feed proboscis monkeys in Malaysia, and photograph wild tigers in India on Abercrombie & Kent’s Wildlife & Nature: Around the World by Private Jet trip, already booking dates into 2024.

The post The 10 Best Group Travel Tour Companies for 2024 appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Bedbugs can be found in hotels and vacation rentals worldwide, plaguing both luxury hotels and budget motels, regardless of cleanliness. But where are bedbugs most likely to be found in the United States? 

Pest control company Orkin has released its annual list of the worst cities in America for bedbugs. Orkin ranked the cities based on where the company performed the most bedbug treatments from December 1, 2022 through November 30, 2023. 

When booking a hotel in any of these cities (or anywhere, really) you might want to search the Bedbug Registry first to see if the place you’re considering has been reported for bedbugs. Also, consider searching TripAdvisor and other hotel review sites for the words “bedbugs” and “bites.”

To avoid bedbugs when traveling, place your luggage on a tile surface (such as inside the bathtub) as soon as you check into a hotel room or vacation rental. Then, thoroughly inspect the mattress, box spring, and headboard of your bed for signs of bedbug infestations, such as actual bugs or spots of blood. Read our full guide to spotting bedbugs in your hotel here.

If you spot evidence of bedbugs, immediately alert the front desk and ask to be moved to a room on another floor. When you return home, isolate your luggage outside or in a sealed bag, and wash and dry all your clothing at hot temperatures to eliminate any potential stowaways. 

The Worst Cities in America for Bedbugs 

According to Orkin, these are the cities with the most bed bugs.

1. Chicago, IL
2. New York, NY
3. Philadelphia, PA
4. Cleveland-Akron, OH
5. Los Angeles, CA
6. Detroit, MI
7. Washington, D.C.
8. Indianapolis, IN
9. Charlotte, NC
10. Champaign, IL
11. Columbus, OH
12. Cincinnati, OH
13. Atlanta, GA
14. Grand Rapids, MI
15. Denver, CO
16. Baltimore, MD
17. Richmond, VA 
18. Greensboro, NC
19. St. Louis, MO
20. Youngstown, OH
21. Pittsburgh, PA
22. Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX
23. Flint, MI
24. Raleigh-Durham, NC
25. Milwaukee, WI
26. Charleston, WV
27. Greenville, SC
28. Norfolk, VA
29. Davenport, IA
30. Nashville, TN
31. Tampa, FL
32. Toledo, OH
33. Dayton, OH
34. Knoxville, TN
35. Las Vegas, NV
36. Omaha, NE
37. South Bend, IN
38. Houston, TX
39. Cedar Rapids, IA
40. Ft. Wayne, IN
41. San Francisco, CA
42. Buffalo, NY 
43. Harrisburg, PA
44. Seattle, WA
45. Miami, FL
46. Orlando, FL
47. Minneapolis, MN
48. Oklahoma City, OK
49. Louisville, KY
50. Lexington, KY 

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