September 1, 2021

Good morning! I'm sending this newsletter a day early since I know many are heading out to celebrate the long holiday weekend. I was planning to be in Connecticut to surprise my dad who is still recovering from COVID-19 but I canceled my trip at the last minute for a variety of reasons. I'm so glad I did because you will never guess what happened at his rehab center. The reason (which I'm sure you've already guessed) is near the bottom of his COVID-19 update).

Do you find it shocking that today is the first day of September? I do, but for the first time since I can remember, I'm excited for fall because having two little kids really makes Halloween and Christmas something to look forward to. 

There's been a ton of travel news this week including:
-EU takes the US off its safe travel list
-Honolulu has new COVID requirements for locals and visitors
-US adds this surprising country to Level 3 "Reconsider Travel" advisory list for a bizarre reason

Johnny Jet on CBS Los Angeles
Last night I was on CBS Los Angeles talking travel. Here's a short clip of the segment giving advice for holiday travel. I also talked about why you should postpone your trip to Hawaii and was asked about the EU and travel insurance.

Travel Insurance and COVID-19: Allianz's New Epidemic Coverage Endorsement Explained
The last question I was asked on CBS was if travelers should get travel insurance and if COVID is covered. It just so happened that I'd written a sponsored post for Allianz on the subject yesterday so it was perfect timing. Here's what you need to know.

What to Do: Weather Delays and Flight Cancellations
If you're traveling today to, from or through the Mid-Atlantic or Northeast, be prepared for some delays and cancelations since the Tropical Storm formerly known as Hurricane Ida just made her way up from Louisiana. Newark Airport has already canceled 76 flights and Washington Dulles has canceled 33. FYI: New Orleans Airport is leading the way with 102 cancelations. If you are traveling, here's my advice for delays and cancelations. 

TSA Checkpoint Numbers Plummet 
TSA officers screened just 1,345,064 individuals at airport checkpoints nationwide yesterday. This is the lowest number since May 11. Same day in 2019: 2,037,750. 

Scroll down to see all the headlines.  

12 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today
— Yesterday's Low TSA checkpoint numbers
— Italy tightens restrictions for U.S. travelers
— CDC adds 7 destinations to 'very high' Covid-19 travel risk list
— After banning cruise ships, Venice puts a cap on day trippers
— Hawaii health officials warn of medical oxygen shortage amid COVID wave 
— Man breaks through gate at LAX Airport, boards plane
— Airlines grappling with a record number of unruly passengers
— CDC advises unvaccinated people against travel over Labor Day weekend
— Anguilla has lifted all quarantine requirements
— Bellboy shocked after British tourist leaves him a 'fortune' in will
— Why Uber and Lyft rides are so expensive now
— United invites MileagePlus Members to donate miles to help Afghanistan evacuee aid efforts
(Read it all here in today's travel news round-up as well as the 84 other top travel news stories from the past seven days!)

Today's Travel Tip
The Ultimate Guide to Protecting Your CDC Vaccination Card Physically and Digitally
There are multiple ways to protect your CDC vaccination card, both physically and digitally. Here's your ultimate guide to protecting yours. Read the story. Plus, read the story below for a handy product you'll appreciate when you travel

Yesterday's Travel Tip
Brilliant New Travel Essential
A passport is one of your most valuable travel documents but in today’s COVID world, your vaccination card is going to prove equally as important, especially as more and more countries begin to require vaccination for entry. Here's a brilliant solution to keep them both safe. 
 
Credit Card Offers For Travelers
Several exciting credit card offers are available for September, including the 100,000 point offer on the Chase Sapphire Preferred, the best offer ever for the popular travel card. You can also earn up to 180,000 points at major hotels or 100,000 points with these top travel credit cards, perfect for a relaxing getaway close to home or maybe a little further away at a luxury resort. Plus, you'll find that many of these cards earn points/miles on everyday spending, making it easier to earn rewards. 

Posts in this newsletter contain references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page. 

More Tips
-A New Vaccination Requirement All Travelers Must Consider
-How To Make Sure the TSA PreCheck Checkmark is On Your Boarding Pass
-9 Tips For Avoiding COVID-19 On Planes and In Airports 

Good To Know
How Much are 40,000 Miles Worth? Here’s Where You Can Go With 40k Miles.
 
Scroll down for all of this week's stories, news and tips.
  
The Anti-Fog Wipes For Your Glasses That Actually Work
I've received multiple emails and comments thanking me for the recommendation because the wipes actually work! Just be sure to buy the anti-fog wipes. Find the links here.

Too Soon To Start Holiday Shopping? Maybe Not
I've read multiple reports that finding toys this year might be like trying to get toilet paper and Clorox wipes in 2020. If you want to save some time, money and aggravation, consider this your official warning. Here's what you need to know as well as some of our top toy picks.


Travel Contests
–Win $5,000 in free fuel with the Summer is a Go Road Trip Giveaway. 
–Win a week-long cruise for two people on board The 2021 Country Music Cruise 
–Win a five-night getaway to Montego Bay, Jamaica 
See all contests here

More
How to Never Miss A Wake-Up Call Again
When you're staying at a hotel and don't want to miss a flight or important meeting, use this trick to make sure you never miss an important wake-up call. 

This Travel Tip Will Save You a Ton of Money and Aggravation
This tip will save you a ton of money and aggravation if you just do one simple thing. Here's the tip.

Sadly, It's That Time Again: Where to Buy N95 and KN95 Masks
This is something I hoped I would never have to recommend again, but unfortunately, I do. And as we head into the fall, now is the time to get them before they get expensive and difficult to find. Read the story here.

The Trick to Getting Out of LAX and Other Airports Quicker During Rideshare Shortage
Here's the trick to getting out of the airport quicker.

Always Travel With This To Save You Time, Money and Embarrassment
Read the story here.

Never Forget Your Room Number or Parking Spot Again
Here's the simple way to never forget your hotel room number or parking spot again.

Don't Get Suckered By Hotel and House Rental Marketers
Read the story here.

In Case You Missed It  
Air Travel Tips
-8 Ways to Make Sure an Airline Doesn't Lose Your Bag ... And That You Don't Get Robbed or Stalked
-How to Speed Through Airport Security
-How To Find Out If The TSA PreCheck Lane Will Be Open
-How To Reach an Airline's Reservations Agent Without Waiting
-My Number 1 and 2 Travel Tips

Road Trip Tips
If you're planning a road trip, then be sure to follow these tips:
-3 Ways To Save Money on Gas
-How to Prevent Road Trip Theft
-15 Tips For Renting A Car in 2021
-How To Prevent Car Rental Companies From Ripping You Off

10 Air Travel Pet Peeves and What You Can Do About Them
After my flights last month, I was reminded of some of my top pet peeves while flying. Here they are, plus what you can do about them. What are yours? Leave a comment and let me know!

Safety
-10 Things to Have in Case of an Emergency
-How To Always Have Clean Water
-The Pocket Thermometer You Should Never Leave Home Without
-Life-Saving Car Emergency Tips 
-5 Places an Infectious Diseases Doctor Begs You Not to Go
-My Somewhat Freakish Travel Habit Might Just Save Your Life