The Sunday Round-Up | May 15, 2022

Happy Sunday! It's been another busy week in the travel industry, including at security checkpoints in the U.S. According to the TSA, officers screened 1,979,713 people nationwide yesterday. A week ago on same day: 1,869,222. Three years ago on the same day (pre-pandemic): 2,091,116.

As you can see, travel is back but unfortunately many airlines and airports around the world, not just in the good ol' USA, just aren't ready. There are countless stories of long lines at both security (ahem, Amsterdam) and immigration (ahem, Toronto’s YYZ) and pilot shortages. You can't do anything about the latter but you can get CLEAR (it goes up $10 in a few days), TSA PreCheck to help with security lines in the U.S. and Global Entry to cut immigration times when returning home from international travels.

Today's Travel Tip
The Service That Makes Covid-19 Testing So Much Easier For Travelers
Speaking of returning home, the Biden administration still requires every traveler to the U.S.A., regardless of vaccination status or citizenship (yes, vaccinated Americans are required, too), to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test “no more than 1 day before you travel by air into the United States”. If you don't want to worry about scrambling the last day of your trip, testing sites possibly being shut down (due to a national holiday or similar) or overpaying, then I highly recommend getting proctored tests before leaving the country. Here's the service I use.

Travel Product of the Week

This Portable 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.

Travel Tips/Stories from This Week

 

New on my Podcast

An American in Germany: What it’s Like to Travel Around Europe and More
My buddy Adam Parken lives and works in Berlin for Blacklane. He travels around Europe with his three kids and has great tips and incredible stories including being a batboy for the Texas Rangers and for the visiting team playing the Boston Red Sox. You can watch the interview below or stream the podcast.


Miles & Points
-It's never a bad idea to start earning rewards for a trip abroad. Here are some of the best cards for international travel (that also earn rewards when staying close to home).  
-The Best Premium Credit Cards in 2022
-Best Credit Cards for Dining, Restaurants, Takeout, & More 2022