May 18, 2022 Greetings! Memorial Day is fast approaching and it's going to be a busy one. According to AAA: "39.2 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home this Memorial Day weekend. This is an increase of 8.3% over 2021, bringing travel volumes almost in line with those in 2017. Air travel continues to rebound, up 25% over last year, the second-largest increase since 2010.”
This summer is not only going to get busier but prices have nowhere to go but up. To give you an idea, I reserved a rental car for my trip next week and I just repriced it to see if the rate had gone down (as it often does) and it's now DOUBLE! Yikes. I'm so thankful I followed my own advice and booked in advance. Here are some more of my car rental tips.
If you haven't bought your summer flights yet, here are my tips on how to save on airfare.
You Can Now Order Your Third Round of Free Covid Tests
The U.S. government is offering a third round of free Covid-19 tests. Just like the previous times, it takes just 30 seconds to order them. Here's how to order them.
GOOD TO KNOW: These tests won't work for travel purposes so if you're traveling and need to show a negative test to re-enter the United States, here's the easy service I recommend.
Speaking of COVID tests ... The CDC has just updated its guidance again for traveling within the US. They recommend that all domestic travelers: "Consider getting tested for current infection with a viral test as close to the time of departure as possible (no more than 3 days) before travel." I don't think that’s going to happen but it's wishful thinking. Sadly, many people will fly when they are COVID positive, which is why you need to protect yourself and wear a solid mask.
L.A. Zoo Fundraiser
FYI: Last week I mentioned that we hadn’t gone anywhere because my kids and I were sick. Well, we've all recovered and our highlight this week was attending a media preview for the L.A. Zoo's Beastly Ball. Here's more on the event.
Today's Travel Tip
12 Ways to Save Money on Baggage Fees
No one likes to get nickeled and dimed and the airlines, especially low fare carriers, have made quite a business doing it. Savvy travelers know how to avoid those pesky baggage fees altogether. Here’s how.
More of my Travel Tips from this Week
How to Get Airline Travel Credits Extended
One of the best things that came out of the pandemic for travelers was the elimination of ticket change fees. If you have to change your plans, airlines will issue a travel credit for future use. But those credits have an expiry date and maybe you're not able to travel before then. I know you don't want to lose that money. So, here's how to get JetBlue and other airlines to extend your travel credits.
Travel Product of the Week
This Device Might Just Save Your Life and the Lives of Those You Love
It may not be something you think about often but carbon monoxide poisoning can happen, both at home and when you travel. Taking precautions and being prepared can save your life and the lives of those you love. As you may have read, three American tourists were found dead at a Sandals resort in the Bahamas and another has been hospitalized. The cause of their mysterious deaths has not yet been confirmed, although autopsies are currently underway. However, forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden thinks that the cause may have been carbon monoxide poisoning. Regardless, here's how to protect yourself. | 
