Travel Tips & Travel Answers

With eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine expanding every day and the weather quickly improving, many Americans are starting to think seriously about booking a summer vacation. For some, it could be their first trip since the onset of the pandemic more than a year ago.

But if you’re one of those people, you may find that both availability and deals are exceedingly hard to come by.

In the last month, airfare search app Hopper saw domestic flight searches for this summer increase 58%, exceeding search interest in 2019.

As a result, Hopper is predicting that domestic airfare will rise in early May, increasing 12% leading into the summer travel season. 

So, if you’re looking for a deal — particularly to a popular, outdoor-focused destination such as Colorado, Montana, South Carolina, Mexico or the Caribbean — you may be surprised at not only how much prices have increased but also how little availability is left upon arrival.

That’s because Americans are finally flying again, but airline schedules were significantly reduced during the pandemic. As a result, the sudden surge in bookings is outstripping the airlines’ reduced supply.

Airlines are adding more flights, but haven’t been able to keep up with the accelerated bookings to popular leisure destinations. Flights all across Florida, for example, from the Panhandle to the Keys, are being booked to capacity, simultaneously forcing ticket prices upward.

The cheapest fares, Scott’s Cheap Flights pointed out, will likely sell out in the next few weeks. Many may already be gone. Travelers who wait until May to book their Memorial Day getaways or summer vacations will be far less likely to find an inexpensive ticket.

It’s not just expensive fares and limited flight availability travelers need to prepare for. As Americans rush to reclaim their summer vacations, the entire industry could see a groundswell.

GasBuddy, a travel and navigation app designed to help drivers save money when they fuel up, recently found that weekly gasoline demand had reached a new pandemic high at the end of March. And gas prices are rising commensurately, with the national average now at $2.872 per gallon — the highest it’s been since gas prices peaked in the summer of 2019.

And for travelers who are envisioning a relaxing road trip in a rental car, those dreams could be dashed by the “car rental apocalypse.”

Jonathan Weinberg, the CEO and cofounder of Autoslash (a company that helps travelers find rental car deals), told TPG earlier this month that a vehicle shortage caused by reduced inventory and increasing demand could make it next to impossible to rent a car in desirable tourist destinations, such as Hawaii, during peak summer travel dates.

Even if you can secure a car rental, you can expect to pay a premium for the privilege. Weinberg said Autoslash has seen a 300% increase in rental car pricing in destinations such as Arizona, Hawaii and Florida. Nationwide, Weinberg estimates that rental prices have risen by about 30%.

That’s not to say it’s impossible to find travel deals. Many hotels and resorts — particularly in urban areas — are still incentivizing travelers with value-added promotions and discounted stays.

Travelers will continue to find better deals on international flights, where ticket prices could be “historically low,” but even domestic airfares are still depressed when compared to 2019.

But depending on where you’re headed and how you’re planning to get there, many travelers may be surprised to find that the promise of pandemic-era deals and wide-open availability has evaporated faster than wet footprints around a swimming pool.

 According to a Johns Hopkins University study, just over 16% of the U.S. population has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are one of the fortunate Americans to be vaccinated, you likely received a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) card. This is the only way to confirm that someone has been vaccinated against COVID-19 in the United States right now.

It’s hard enough to simply get a COVID-19 vaccine in many states, so having to replace your vaccine card could pose a few problems.

But what happens if you do manage to lose your COVID-19 vaccine card? What are your options for getting a new card, especially when you might need it to travel or use a digital health passport?

Here’s what you need to know. 

Your COVID-19 vaccine card a small, unassuming piece of paper. If you aren’t careful, it’s possible that you could damage — or even lose — your card. 

If that happens, don’t panic. All COVID-19 vaccination providers are required to report data within 72 hours in their state’s immunization system, meaning there will likely be a backup record of your vaccination status. 

Although there is a record of your shot, you still may have to reach out to several sites to track it down.

The CDC says that you should first contact your vaccination provider — the location where you received the shot — to obtain your vaccination record if you have lost your vaccine card or didn’t receive one.

Recently, a friend who got vaccinated in Brooklyn accidentally got her card wet before receiving a second Pfizer vaccine dose. Workers at the facility happily exchanged it with a new card. So, depending on where you are in the vaccination process, you may be able to quickly get a new card, too. 

Another option is to contact your state’s immunization information system (IIS) to see if it has the records. You can also try your state’s health department.

And also note that you have these options with all vaccines — not just the COVID-19 shots.

Finally, if you enrolled in the CDC’s v-safe or VaxText text notification system, you can access your vaccination information that way (however, don’t contact the CDC directly as they do not have a vaccination database). 

Destinations may soon require proof of a COVID-19 vaccination, and streamlining that process is something the travel industry has been working on in the form of digital vaccine passports. Your CDC COVID-19 vaccine card may become your ticket out of strict (and possibly expensive) testing and quarantine requirements.

A digital health passport will host verified test and vaccine information, and several have already had trial runs on a number of airlines. These health passes are expected to be optional but will be vital to the travel experience moving forward.

Digital health passports, such as IATA Travel Pass and Clear Health Pass, will host verified test and vaccine information. Several health passport providers have previously told TPG that getting your vaccine status or negative test results onto their apps will be easy.

“You would take a picture, which would, in this case, be a CDC vaccination card with your name on it,” Nick Careen, IATA’s senior vice president of airport, passenger, cargo and security, told TPG last month. 

And because there are real concerns that some people would fake negative coronavirus results or COVID-19 vaccine status, providers have indicated that they’re looking for ways to verify the information.

Health experts say you should treat your vaccine card like you would an important document, credit card or your driver’s license. 

It would be best if you stored it in a secure location like a safe or a desk drawer at all times. If you plan to keep it in a wallet, make sure it doesn’t get damp or bent. It’s unclear whether you should laminate your card (we’ve reached out to the CDC for clarification), but you could keep it in a clear name badge holder.

There will likely be a backup record of your vaccination status if you lose your card, but employing a few best practices when you get it could mitigate needing a new one down the line.

It can be hard enough to simply get vaccinated against COVID-19, so you’ll want to safeguard your vaccine card as soon as you get inoculated.

It is possible some travelers may inadvertently lose or damage their cards. Take preventative measures in case this happens to you: Snap a photo of your vaccine card, make a note of the facility you got vaccinated at and register with the CDC text notification systems so you’ll be prepared to reach out to the correct sources in case your card gets damaged or lost.

 The chances of a plane crashing are about one in 5.4 million, according to statistics from The Economist, and actually dying from a plane crash is one in 11 million. To put this into perspective, you have more chance of being struck by lightning or being attacked and killed by a shark.

Nevertheless, there are still many people who are terrified of flying and dread traveling anywhere by plane in case of turbulence, wheels squeaking, being in a crowded space or skidding on landing — and of course, crashing.

A fear of flying is also known as aviophobia and usually manifests itself in symptoms like panic, breathlessness, shallow breathing and a racing mind. It’s possible that aviophobia can develop from a bad experience but it can also be borne without a known cause.

Aside from going to the doctor to get some medication support or a referral to a psychological service, there are some simple things you can try to combat your fear of flying. Below are nutrition and lifestyle tips to help you conquer that panicked feeling as the plane pushes back.

Salmon contains vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids which may help regulate the chemical messengers — neurotransmitters — our brain releases which can calm and relax the mind. Omega-3 has also been researched to help the brain adapt to changes so may support anxiety symptoms.

This can be good for reducing anxiety because of its anti-inflammatory effects and antioxidant content, meaning it helps fight damage in the body and protects cells.

The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin which is known to support brain health and relieve anxiety. You can buy the spice and use in curries or stir-frys but it’s also available as a supplement.

While this is a mild stimulant, dark chocolate contains antioxidants that support brain function and is also rich in magnesium which is a key nutrient for the nervous system — so helps you relax. Eating dark chocolate is shown to increase serotonin (the happy hormone) and improve levels of stress hormones.

The live bacteria in yogurt can promote mental health and reduce anxiety by supporting levels of healthy bacteria in the gut.

This contains L-theanine which is known to support brain health and anxiety. It’s also rich in antioxidants which can play a role in calming the brain. Both can support levels of GABA, a calming neurotransmitter in the brain.

Whilst you may think drinking is a good idea to calm your nerves, alcohol can in fact depress the nervous system, ultimately making anxiety worse. Alcohol changes the levels of the chemical messengers in the brain making you more anxious when it wears off.

It’s bad news for coffee lovers who have anxiety. Caffeine is a stimulate and stimulates the same fight or flight response that the fear of a plane crashing does. If you overdo caffeine before a flight it can trigger a panic attack so either switch to decaf or avoid for a few days before your flight.

Like alcohol, smoking may give you the immediate feeling of calm but this is temporary as the underlying issue isn’t solved. Additionally, the effect of smoking before you check in to calm your nerves will wear off by the time you board. You’ll then have to deal with the cravings and withdrawal symptoms as well as your fear of flying.

Practice meditation for 10 minutes per day every week before your flight and in the morning before

.

Try your best to get your sleep hygiene right as this may play a role in your mood and anxiety. Try going to bed at the same time every night, sleep in a dark room and limit screen use before bed.

Regular exercise can alleviate chronic anxiety and may also reduce panic attacks before your flight. Try to get 20 to 30 minutes of exercise daily, especially in the morning before your flight.

Breathing helps regulate the body’s stress response and calm the mind. Breathe in for a count of four, hold for three and breathe out for a count of six. You can also try alternate nostril breathing — breathing in and out of one nostril at a time —  to help calm the nervous system.

Find a playlist that calms you or makes you feel good and listen to it as you take your seat, even if you are feeling calm at that moment.

Don’t drink caffeine or eat sugar before your flight — coffee, energy drinks and sugar are all stimulants and will make your anxiety worse.

Anxiety can be treated with medication and psychology support but and some foods and lifestyle interventions may support brain health and support anxiety symptoms when flying. But remember, it’s important to understand the root cause of anxiety rather than just living with the condition.

 Not many travelers are aware of the affect that flying long-haul can have on your body. In fact, many seem to think is that flying is associated just with feelings of jet lag at your destination. But, you don’t need to become a health expert to hack flying. There are a few simple steps you can take to support your health when traveling to make you feel fresher, less bloated and have more energy when you land.

TPG has outlined the things you can do before, during and after flying to get back on track with feeling fresh and healthy again.

It’s no secret that airplane food can be a bit ‘touch and go’ when it comes to nutrition. There are rarely healthy options, and even the BA M & S buy on board menu items are high in sugar, and the shortcake comes in as one of the healthiest options on the menu. If you can, try to bring some healthy snacks with you for your journey. Examples include:

• Protein bars, which will help you keep your energy balanced until your destination. They do good for helping to satisfy the sweet tooth as well. Look for a bar containing at least 10g protein per bar and one that is low in sugar (5g per 100g of carbohydrate of which are sugars).
• Oatcakes with some slices of meat and cheese prepared and stored in a container. The balance of protein and slow-releasing carbohydrates will help fuel your body for a trip.
• Nuts and seeds contain protein and fat but also contain nutrients that can support the immune system during a flight.
• Beef jerky is easy to carry, as you can buy it in a health store and is also a super healthy snack to have with you in times of hunger. Make sure you get a brand that does not have any added sugar, honey or maple syrup.

Your flight hydration begins at home. Start your morning with a big glass of water and you should try to get 1-2 liters of water in before you board the plane. Herbal teas count toward this, but regular tea and coffee do not count as water intake. If you can’t manage this, then start slowly in the days before the flight adding in an extra glass of water each day.

Try to get a meal in before your flight that is rich in color, as it will be loaded with antioxidants, which can support your body and immune system during travel. Most people do not eat many fruit and vegetables when they’re on a plane, so having a meal with a high vegetable content before the flight is advised.

You’re going to spend a number of hours sedentary in a confined space, so it’s a good idea to get moving before you fly. A yoga class or swimming class is ideal, as those activities stretches the whole body. Don’t have time to workout before you fly? Then try do some light stretching at the boarding gate or in the lounge.

A video recently went viral of Naomi Campbell wet-wiping her first-class seat, remote and “anything you can touch” before she sat down so she could minimize the risk getting sick. If you don’t want to take it to that extreme, it may be a good idea to take vitamin C during the flight, as it can support your immune system and play a role in supporting your body if you drink on the plane.

Whilst you may not want to do this, a solid recommendation to arrive feeling your best is to limit the amount of food you eat during the flight. Stay away from the heavy carbohydrate-laden foods and try to get a light meal of protein and salad. Traveling in economy? Try ordering a gluten free meal, which often comes with a fresh fruit plate for desert. Eating light can mean you get to your destination feeling less bloated and increases your chance of arriving free of jet lag.

This cannot be stressed enough. It’s so important to drink 2-3 liters in the air, as you are more likely to be dehydrated and therefore suffer with low energy, headaches, dizziness and lethargy. Try to get some water from a member of the cabin crew each time you go for a comfort break. It’s also a good idea to bring a moisturizer with you on the flight, as skin can feel dry during travel.

Right up there with hydration, moving around is just as important when traveling. Lack of movement can increase your risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), which can be life threatening.

Whilst there can be a number of supplements that can be good for air travel, Magnesium is one of the best to help the post-travel yucky feeling. It’s great at supporting the nervous system and calming the body, helps balance electrolytes and can also help relax the bowel for those who feel a bit constipated or bloated. The best type of Magnesium for travelers is Magnesium Glycinate in a pill, but you can also get a Magnesium spray, which is good for cramps and general feeling of stiffness after traveling.

If your flight arrives at a decent hour, then try and get to the hotel gym and get a workout in. It can wake up your body and stretch your muscles, which haven’t been used for a long time. If you arrive late at night, at least do some stretching before bed. I recommend the downward dog yoga pose to release the tension in the whole body.

Try not to gorge on sugar and drink a lot of alcohol on the first night away. Your body is still recovering from the flight. Try to get a meal that is rich in protein and vegetables, and go easy on the carbohydrates. This combination will help you sleep and support your flight recovery and minimize jet lag risk.

There are many herbal teas designed to support the body for sleeping. The ingredients of these usually are camomile, lavender and valerian. Sample a few different brands at your health shop and see which one works the best for you. If it helps you sleep better when adjusting to a new time zone, then be sure to pack it with you.

 There are few worse feelings than losing your wallet — except, perhaps, noticing it’s missing right after arriving at the airport to depart for a trip.

For a recent flight, I stepped out of a cab at Newark Liberty International (EWR) and realized, almost instantly, that I didn’t have my wallet. I couldn’t find it during my desperate curbside search through my carry-on, but I did locate my Global Entry identification card in a separate paper card sleeve.

Between that, mobile payment apps such as Apple Pay and the generosity of my travel companions, I was able to get through the entire trip without a problem.

But if I hadn’t been keeping a couple of cards in a separate holder (or if I’d been traveling alone), it could have been a very different story.

It’s true that there are ways to get through airport security without an ID. A Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agent may be able to confirm your identity with credit cards or, depending on the situation, something as unexpected as a work badge, diving certification card or a Costco membership card.

Clear members can get through security with their biometrics, though depending on the airport and flight, you may not have access to a Clear checkpoint. And, when all else fails, you may be asked to fill out paperwork, go through additional screening or verify your identity using public databases.

But this can be a time-consuming process that could jeopardize your chances of making your flight. And, I think we can all agree, it’s easier to travel with a valid form of ID and a credit card or two.

That’s why the next time I hit the road, I’ll carry two wallets instead of just one and keep them in separate locations for the duration of my trip. I’ll keep a small card holder with a flexible credit card such as the Chase Freedom Unlimited, a debit card, a nonessential ID and a little cash on me at all times, and I’ll pack a full-size wallet with my driver’s license, a second bank card and my other credit cards in my carry-on and store it in a hotel room safe.

In addition to having a backup in the event that one wallet gets lost or stolen, it can also be helpful to keep a decoy wallet in the event of an unpleasant encounter with a mugger.

Traveling with two wallets has other benefits, too. Some travelers choose to bring a second travel wallet so they can only carry the necessities while sightseeing — something slim and small enough to stow away in a pocket or cross-body bag. It keeps things light, easy and also serves to minimize the risk of losing all the contents of your wallet. 

There are, of course, other things you can do to prepare for a worst-case scenario, like keeping photocopies of your passport or ID in a safe or separate bag. Having pictures of a credit card, including the security number, can also be helpful. But there’s nothing better than the peace of mind of knowing that you won’t ever be without a form of ID, at least one credit card and access to emergency cash during your travels.

 Many seasoned travelers find planning the perfect flights and hotels just as thrilling as the trip itself. Chasing elite status is an addicting sport, whether you’re booking a mattress run to earn Hyatt Globalist status or scoring bonus perks by status matching from another brand.

But less experienced travelers may find the world of points and miles overwhelming, and infrequent travelers may just need a decent place to rest their heads at night.

If you typically spend fewer than 10 nights a year in hotel rooms, it doesn’t always make sense for you to chase status with most major hotel chains. Marriott, Hyatt and Hilton all require 10 nights per year to earn entry-level elite status. (Hyatt and Hilton have reduced status-earning requirements to five nights for entry-level status in 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.)

A number of hotel cobranded credit cards offer complimentary elite status, such as the Hilton Honors credit cards from American Express. But if you’re an infrequent traveler, those perks may not benefit you much if you only stay a handful of nights each year or if you primarily visit destinations that don’t have many hotels within that brand.

If you just want an easy way to earn rewards without going down the loyalty rabbit hole, this guide is for you.

Here at TPG, we typically recommend that travelers book directly with hotels instead of third-party booking platforms like Expedia for a number of important reasons. Change and cancellation policies are less forgiving, the discounts aren’t always worth the hassle, customer service can be a joke and getting a refund when needed can be well-nigh impossible.

All of those considerations are entirely valid, and travelers should consider online travel agencies at their own risk. That being said, there are many times when the benefits outweigh the concerns. And not all OTAs are created equal: Many of the major players, such as Hotels.com, are quite reputable, at least for third-party sites.

If you’re willing to consider booking through an OTA for perks, you aren’t limited to programs focused on hotels. Booking.com, Expedia and Trip.com all offer unique benefits for travelers as well, from opportunities for free breakfast and upgrades to rewards that can be redeemed for a wide variety of travel.

These are some of the best OTAs for hotel bookings:

• Hotels.com offers one free night for every 10 nights stayed, plus additional benefits for repeat customers.
• Rocketmiles allows travelers to earn airline miles or gift cards instead of hotel points.
• OpenTable, in partnership with Kayak, lets frequent diners spend their OpenTable points toward hotel nights.
• Dosh is a rewards app with a hotel booking platform that offers cash back on qualified stays.
• HotelTonight offers discounted rates on last-minute (and some longer-timeline) bookings.
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The following types of travelers may find the most value in booking with OTAs:

Infrequent travelers have the most opportunity to earn usable rewards when booking through sites like Hotels.com or Rocketmiles. These companies cater to people who don’t really care about elite status or brand loyalty but still want to earn rewards.

“Most (casual) travelers won’t stay enough to earn status or enough points for a free night,” said TPG points and miles editor Ariana Arghandewal. Instead, she recommends programs like Hotels.com Rewards to save money and earn free nights based on a limited number of stays.

Since tools like Hotels.com simply serve as the middleman between hotels and guests, travelers can easily compare properties from multiple chains — as well as independent and alternative housing options — on a single platform.

“Hotels.com is actually my top pick for occasional travelers who aren’t brand-loyal,” said Caroline Lupini, travel analyst at Forbes Advisor. “It’s an easy way for travelers to benefit from their hotel stays, especially if they don’t really travel enough to benefit from hotel loyalty perks for any of the big brands.”

Every so often, you might just need a last-minute place to crash for the night. Perhaps you’re getting sleepy on the road during a long road trip or need a cheap place near the airport to sneak a nap before a red-eye flight. In situations like these, you aren’t looking for special treatment like early check-in or turndown service; you just want the best deal that’s available now.

App-based OTA HotelTonight is perfect in these types of situations. The tool is specifically designed to connect spontaneous travelers with hotels looking to sell last-minute vacancies on short notice. As a result, travelers can often score significantly discounted rooms on same-day or near-future bookings at prices that aren’t available elsewhere, either on the hotel’s website or through other third-party companies.

For example, a same-day booking at the South Congress Hotel in Austin, Texas, would cost $280 before taxes and fees through the hotel website, which conveniently shows a price comparison to major OTAs in the bottom right corner.

Platforms like Hotels.com include bed-and-breakfasts as well as home and apartment rentals, which may feel safer for travelers concerned about social distancing.

Vacation home rental sites like Airbnb also offer private homes for short-term rent, but travelers looking for simplicity may prefer comparing hotels and private homes in a single platform.

Travelers who want housing options beyond the major chains may find unique hotel options through sites like Hotels.com.

“Hotels.com Rewards is great for stays at boutique and independent properties,” said TPG senior writer Andrew Kunesh, who updates The Points Guy’s valuation guide on loyalty programs each month.  “Earning a free night every 10 nights keeps your options open, since you’re not linked to a single hotel chain. (Hotels.com) may not get you aspirational award nights, but it’s a surefire way to get a solid return on paid stays.”

TPG senior points and miles writer Katie Genter has a pro tip for travelers interested in boutique and independent hotels.

“It can be beneficial to get a mid-tier hotel credit card and then focus on that brand even if you travel infrequently,” said Genter, who spent three years on the road as a digital nomad before the coronavirus pandemic.

Genter also recommends the American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts program or Chase’s Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection for travelers who hold premium travel rewards cards such as The Platinum Card® from American Express or the Chase Sapphire Reserve. Hotels that participate in these programs offer cardholders elite-like perks such as breakfast, upgrades and late checkout.

Some of these properties may not cost as much as you’d think: “You can sometimes snag inexpensive stays in these programs,” Genter told TPG. “I once stayed at the Loews Chicago Hotel using Amex’s Fine Hotels & Resorts program and got $160 of food and drink included on a $153 stay.”

Of course, we would be remiss to leave out additional ways to boost your earning potential on OTA hotel bookings.

Since you aren’t tied to a cobranded hotel credit card, you’ll do best to use your favorite travel card for bonus points per dollar spent. Here are some of our top picks for travel purchases:

• The Platinum Card from American Express: Best for welcome offer.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for earning miles.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Best travel credit card for beginners.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve: Best for travel credits.
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: Best for no annual fee.
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Each of these cards offers more than one point per dollar you spend and many include additional benefits such as trip protection. In some cases, as TPG’s Katie Genter noted above, you can even score bonus perks such as free breakfast.

Leveraging an online shopping portal is one of the easiest ways to score extra rewards. Using a cash-back or rewards portal allows you to “triple dip” on hotel bookings: You earn returns through the website you book with, you earn points on your credit card and you earn bonus nights or free perks through your OTA of choice.

You can learn more about how to use shopping portals to your advantage here.

You can purchase gift cards for major OTAs such as Hotels.com in many supermarkets, office supply stores and online. Not only does this form of payment make it easy to gift travel to yourself or others, but it can also help you reach spending requirements for sign-up bonuses more quickly.

Each program has its own limitations. For example, your free night credits with Hotels.com are only worth the average of the 10 nights you paid for. If you spent $100 a night for 10 paid nights, you won’t get a $200-a-night room for free. Instead, you’ll get a $100 discount on the $200 room. Hotels.com also has several other important caveats: No free night credits for incomplete stays, award nights and rooms booked at promotional rates.

And of course, we would be remiss not to mention the biggest, most important caveat of booking through OTAs once again: In case of emergency, you’ll often have far more trouble getting the help you need, especially if you need to make any changes or cancellations on your third-party reservation.

Of course, travel insurance through a premium credit card can help protect you when booking OTA hotel stays. Not only do travel credit cards pay bonus points per dollar on travel purchases, but they can also help you get your money back under qualifying circumstances.

You’ll want to read the fine print very carefully when it comes to credit card trip protection, especially where OTAs are involved. The minutia can make all the difference as to whether you can get support or your money back. If you’re concerned about your OTA hotel purchase, consider purchasing an independent travel insurance plan for additional protection.