Travel

While there is an easy way to pack a hat in your suitcase, sometimes you need to carry it and may not want to walk through the airport wearing your floppy beach hat in winter.

Klipsta makes a hat clip with one end that fastens to the handle of a suitcase, car headrest, stroller or chair and the other with a strong magnet that can hold your hat in place. Klipsta hat clips come in 12 colors for $24.95.

Other Klipsta products include Bag Hooks that clip to a table to hold your handbag, and SPEX Glasses Clips for securing eyeglasses.

– Staff report, The Travel 100

This post may contain affiliate links that earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products or places we love or think readers will enjoy.

1. Expiration date. People have had their trips ruined because they didn’t know about the six-month rule. Many countries require your passport to have six months validity past your dates of travel. Other countries, including many in Europe, require three.

2. Damage. If your passport is torn or has water damage, especially on the personal date page, it may be declared invalid.

3. If you have enough blank pages left. Some countries require two blank pages for entry and exit stamps, while others require four blank pages for visas.

Be sure to check the requirements of every country where you plan to visit.

– Staff report, The Travel 100

Putting an Airtag in your luggage can help track your bag. But thousands of passengers have been frustrated when they lost their luggage and could tell the airlines exactly where their bag was using Share My Location and it didn’t help.

Now, several airlines have announced they will work with customers with iPhones and Airtags to find their luggage using a link generated in the Find My app.

United, Air Canada and Aer Lingus are already supporting Share My Location with close to 20 more coming on board soon. These include Delta, KLM, Lufthansa, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Qantas.

– Staff report, The Travel 100

Over the years airline seats seem to be getting smaller. What if you could get more legroom without paying for an upgrade?

A TikTok boarding hack called “Check-in Chicken” really works, but it is a gamble. You have to wait until the last minute to check in, when only the best seats are available, forcing the airline’s hand.

According to Travel Republic experts, “Many airlines release the final seating chart as boarding time approaches. Using the airline’s app or website, you can often see which seats are still available and closer to an empty row.” Just don’t wait too long.

– Vikki Locke, C2 Communications, The SWFL 100

Your flight got cancelled and you want your money back. It used to be every airline had a different standard for what kinds of flights warranted a refund and passengers had to jump through several hoops to get refunded.

Thanks to the DOT, those days are over. Passengers will receive automatic refunds within seven business days under several circumstances.

Plus, you will be refunded if your luggage doesn’t show up and is not delivered within 12 hours for a domestic flight or 15-30 for international and if you paid for Wi-Fi, a seat selection or inflight entertainment you didn’t receive.

– Staff report, The Travel 100

There’s a lot to love about the collection of totes, wallets, backpacks, crossbody bags and accessories from Arden Cove. The company was founded by Karin and Carmin Yuen, two sisters in San Francisco.

Made of vegan leather, the items in the collection are water-resistant, slash-resistant and come with loads of interior pockets to keep your smaller items accessible and organized. Other anti-theft features include RFID-blocking and locking clasps.

The best thing, however, is how pretty they are. Available in a variety of styles and colors, the bags are ones you’ll use every day, not just when you’re on the road.

– Staff report, The Travel 100

I know there’s a way to take public transportation from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan, but I’ve never wanted to figure it out and deal with my luggage on subways and buses.

Now I’ll be able to save money on that portion of my next trip to New York City. Uber now has a shuttle from LaGuardia to three locations: Port Authority Terminal, Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station.

You can book the shuttle up to seven days in advance, or even as late as five minutes before departure. One personal item and a suitcase up to 50 pounds is allowed.

– Jan Schroder, The Travel 100

Autumn has just arrived and if you are thinking of traveling over the holidays, it’s time to book your trip now if you want to save.

The best day to reserve you flight is on a Tuesday, according to studies. Domestic travel, book 1-3 months in advance. International, think 2-8 months.

And if you need a car rental, check out car membership sites like AAA, frequent flyer programs or opt for a vehicle with manual transmission. Knowing how to drive a stick can save you money. And be flexible.

Learn about more travel hacks here for a stress-free travel season.

– Vikki Locke, C2 Communications, The SWFL 100

I thought it was strange when I couldn’t check in online for my flight from Calgary to Atlanta. At the airport I got my boarding pass and saw the dreaded four letters – SSSS.

Those letters stand for Secondary Security Screening Selection and means I was randomly chosen for extra levels of security. Agents took everything, including my phone and passport, and went through every item in my suitcase, handling all of my toiletry items. The process took an extra 30 minutes.

Fortunately, I had plenty of time and made my flight. Just another reason to get to the airport early.

– Jan Schroder, Editor-in-chief, The Travel 100

You don’t want to know the items flight attendants have found in seat pockets. What you should know is to never use them. Here are two safer options:

• The Airplane Pocket from Amazon slips over your tray table for a clean eating and working surface. It has four expandable pockets to store your phone, water and other small items. It folds up and is machine washable.

• If you have a sling bag, take it with you and loop it around the tray table. Away has a great sling bag; to get a $20 off code, email Jan with The Travel 100.

– Staff report, The Travel 100

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links that earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products or places we love or think readers will enjoy.

I’ve made all the packing mistakes – forgetting necessary items (underwear five times, taking way too much, packing the wrong clothes for the weather). Colorado in the summer can be cold, y’all!

But I’ve improved my skills and packed for six weeks in a carry-on. My secret power is using compression packing cubes. The discovery that my hard-sided suitcase held more than my soft-sided ones helped as well and it’s the only suitcase I use now.

I don’t strictly adhere to the 5-4-3-2-1 packing method, but it’s a good guide. And I just remember less stuff = more fun on the trip.

Read all the tips and see the products in our story.

– Jan Schroder, The Travel 100

This post may contain affiliate links that earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products or places we love or think readers will enjoy.

There’s a new beta release of an online passport renewal system to test the system prior to a full launch of the updated system.

There are limitations, however. They are only accepting a limited number of applications each day and it takes just as much processing time as if you apply by mail.

To us, the biggest limitation is that you can’t be traveling internationally within eight weeks from the day you submit your application as your current passport is then cancelled. We’re hoping they get all the kinks worked out soon to lessen the stress of renewing a passport.

– Staff report, The Travel 100

Take a one-of-a-kind ride on the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad this summer. You’ll travel back in time to 1880 as you hop on a famous train that’ll take you to see the mountain splendor of Colorado where cars cannot reach.

Summer is one of the best times to hop on board. Throughout the summer, you can take the Cascade Canyon Express, a five-hour trip through the Rocky Mountains and along the Animas River, or the Scenic Round-Trip Silverton Train, which provides you with just as stunning views and a two-hour stop in the historic mining town of Silverton.

– Jacqueline Gualtieri, The Colorado 100

Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport was once again named the busiest airport in the world. In 2023 it served 104.6 million travelers, an increase of 11.7% in traffic from the year before.

All Clear Travel Insurance analyzed 1,800 airports and named John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City as the most luxurious. Features that helped it achieve that ranking include its 22 lounges and 16 luxury stores.

And the smallest airport? The winner of that category is in Glendive, Montana, at Dawson Community Airport. Cape Air operates two daily flights to Billings Logan International Airport on its two runways.

– Staff report, The Travel 100

Sit back, relax and travel 240 miles in just 90 minutes. That’ll be the reality for people commuting between Houston and Dallas when the Texas High-Speed Train is completed.

The 400-passenger all-electric trains will run on dedicated lines, depart every 30 minutes and are capable of traveling more than 200 mph.

The North Texas passenger station will be in the Cedars neighborhood of Dallas south of downtown and the Houston station will be near the interchange of US 290 and 610 in northwest Houston. Both stations will include restaurants and retail.

The project is expected to break ground this summer.

– Staff report, The Travel 100

If you have ever happily skipped long lines at customs with Global Entry, you know it’s worth the cost of membership. That price is just about to increase, however.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced that as of Oct. 1, the fee will increase from $100 to $120 for a five-year membership.

However, with the price hike comes good news for families. Children under 18 still have to go through an approval process to qualify for Global Entry; however, if their parent or legal guardian is a member, there is no longer an additional fee for the child.

– Staff report, The Travel 100

Lucky for jet setters, AI provides ultra personalization when it comes to creating custom travel experiences. The general consensus is that, with time, it will only get better.

Use ChatGPT to glean recommendations tailored to your needs and interests – from themed restaurants and kid-friendly activities to best neighborhood bodegas and microbreweries.

Rely on AI to assist hotel staff in knowing your preferences – from the type of room and duration of your stay to favorite local shops and evening destinations.

Embrace facial recognition for everything from boarding a plane sans passport to checking into a hotel without having to provide identification.

– Hannah Van Sickle, The Arizona 100

Airlines rake in close to $7 billion annually from checked luggage fees. And they are poised to increase that revenue by raising fees. American announced it was raising its fee to $35 if paid online and $40 at the airport, an increase from $30. Other airlines are expected to raise theirs as well.

The first way to avoid the fee is the obvious one: Don’t check a bag. I’ve turned into a carry-on only girl from fear of lost luggage and take my Away carryon everywhere.

The second is to use a credit card that gives you a free checked bag.

– Jan Schroder, The Travel 100

Southwest unveiled a new interior design that includes noticeably thinner seats, claiming they provide “ultimate comfort while maximizing seat width and overall support.”

The seats are made by RECARO, known for designing seats for motorsports and gaming. While the upgrades have several skeptical flyers flocking to book flights on other airlines, we’re willing to give them a chance.

We love Southwest and our expectations for comfort while flying are exceeding low anyway.

Plus, we are excited about the new device holder that will allow us to watch our iPad while enjoying a beverage and a snack at the same time.

– Staff report, The Travel 100

Whether your family’s team Felix or Fido, traveling with a four-legged friend requires equal parts patience and planning. No matter your mode of transport, keep these things in mind when preparing for your next pet-inclusive vacation:

• Ensure your pet’s vaccines are up-to-date and get a health certificate that indicates as much.

• Pack the essentials, including extra food, treats and prescription medications in case of unexpected delays.

• Practice getting your pet acclimated to how (and where) they will be traveling.

Remember: A little planning can go a long way toward ensuring the trip is calm and enjoyable – for all of you.

– Hannah Van Sickle, The Arizona 100

Imagine staying in a home in Amsterdam, Dublin, Madrid or Rome for a small fee. That’s the business model of Kindred, a new home exchange platform that has more than 10,000 homes in 50 cities.

While there is no membership fee, all members must be verified and accept guests in their own home. You will meet potential guests over video before approving them.

You can book five nights before you have to host and receive credits every time you host. There is a cleaning fee that varies by home and a service fee of no more than $35 a night.

– Staff report, The Travel 100

If you’re looking to book a cruise, now is a good time of year to get a good deal. The first few months of the year are considered “wave season,” concluding at the end of March.

We’re not sure if the name comes from a wave of deals, but we prefer to think of it as a way to get out on the waves. Or wave goodbye to paying full price.

The cruise ship companies offer deals so they can book their sailings for the year. And with some companies, you can go ahead and book two years in advance.

– Staff report, The Travel 100

Someday, we may be able to get through TSA with less human interaction. A program started last month at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas lets PreCheck passengers complete screening on their own with little assistance.

Passengers will go to a self-service kiosk to perform some of the screening process, then finish at their own pace. Apparently, the goal is to reduce wait times, pat downs and bag inspections so TSA agents can perform other tasks.

We’re all for that, but the slowest part of the process is screening the bags. We’re waiting for them to speed that up.

– Staff report, The Travel 100

If you’ve upgraded your iPhone to 17.2, you’ve got a new app called Journal. You can use this app to add notes and if you have the settings turned on for journaling suggestions, you’ll get prompts to add a location and music, photos, podcasts and even workouts from your iPhone.

You may also get suggestions on what to write about. For example, today my prompt was, “What’s the best or most awe-inspiring thing that happened to you recently?”

You can also add notes on conversations or about things you want to remember.

It’s end-to-end encrypted to keep your information secure.

– Staff report, The Travel 100

I love gathering travel tips and sharing them with our readers. Since we launched The Travel 100 five years ago, we’ve shared hundreds of our best tips in 100-word stories and in our story Top Travel Tips.

These include the best time to visit every national park, how to save money on flights and gas, what you’re entitled to if a flight is delayed or cancelled, best apps for road trips and how to find free walking tours.

If you’re heading to Portugal, (lucky you!) be sure to check out our 101 tips that include everything from currency to community.

– Staff report, The Travel 100

A travel trend for 2024 is visiting “destination dupes,” alternative destinations for popular places. These five places with a European feel are easily accessible and more affordable than traveling across the pond:

• New Orleans for France – The Big Easy maintains its French heritage with its cuisine and Creole culture.

• Colorado for Switzerland – Visitors come for the snow-capped mountains and skiing.

• Boston for Great Britain – The city boasts urban parks and London-influenced design.

• St. Augustine for Spain – Spanish-influenced cuisine and architecture from Spain’s 200-year rule.

• Orange County in Virginia for Italy – Dozens of excellent wineries nestled in the Blue Ridge foothills.

– Staff report, The Travel 100

As air travel hits an all-time record, imagine an airport with shorter TSA wait times. A self-service checkpoint could be coming to an airport near you.

“Like self-ordering kiosks at fast food and sit-down restaurants, self-service screening allows passengers in the Trusted Traveler Program to complete the security screening process on their own,” said Screening at Speed Program Manager Dr. John Fortune.

“Travelers will use passenger and carry-on screening systems at individual consoles or screening lanes themselves, reducing the number of pat downs and bag inspections.”

This service starts in January in Las Vegas at the Harry Reid International Airport.

– Vikki Locke, C2 Communications, The SWFL 100

Planning a holiday trip will undoubtedly cost you a lot of money, and packing your things can be time-consuming. A mom from Kansas City saw an opportunity to deal with these two common traveling challenges by creating a suitcase disguised as a neck pillow.

Zipplicity is a packable travel neck pillow that will help you save around $100 on baggage fees, skip long baggage lines and have peace of mind knowing that your valuables are just on your person. It can hold up to five pounds of travel essentials and personal items.

This is a must-have on your next trip.

– Marie Patasin, C2 Communications, The SWFL 100

I’m not scared of heights but that didn’t mean I was entirely comfortable crossing Canada’s longest suspension bridge. It’s the length of two football fields and dangles 150 feet above a canyon near Thunder Bay.

I walked slowly, trying not to gasp as it began to sway. I can do this, I told myself, as I do in similar type events, ranging from giving a speech to eating a piece of Nashville hot chicken.

I inched across the bridge but never once did I let go. Or look down into the canyon. Okay, make that two things I didn’t do.

– Jan Schroder, The Travel 100