August 26, 2021

Good morning! After 12 days of fighting a COVID-19 breakthrough, my 92-year-old dad is finally out of the hospital! That's the good news. The bad news is that he's now in a rehab trying to get stronger since he was in bed for so long. Unfortunately, yesterday morning I thought it was going to be my dad's last day on earth. He looked and sounded awful. But it may have been from the medication because he looked much better in the evening. I update this post about his condition daily if you're interested in reading about his progression.

The Photo Above 
The photo above was taken yesterday at the beach. I was so upset about my dad, I needed to clear my mind. So I took my family to the beach for a few hours and had an impromptu picnic. It was just what the doctor ordered.

Scroll down for all of this week's stories, news and tips.

10 Reasons to Postpone Your Trip to Hawaii
On Sunday, I wrote a post entitled How To Check the Hospitalization Numbers of Your Destination and Why it Might Be Time to Cancel Your Trip to Hawaii. The post was well-received and parts of it were picked up by Honolulu's Star Advertiser. Unfortunately, things have gotten worse in Hawaii. Here are 10 reasons to postpone your trip to Hawaii. 

What is Southwest Airlines Thinking?
In light of everything I mention above, I'm left wondering: What is Southwest Airlines thinking? Read the story.

How to Prevent Items In Your Car From Getting Stolen
These days, thieves have access to high-tech ways of breaking into your car and stealing your belongings. I'm hearing more and more about it. Here's how to keep your stuff safe.

The Anti-Fog Wipes For Your Glasses That Actually Work
Last week, we featured a great anti-fog lens wipe for glasses to minimize the fogging up effect caused by face masks. 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 know, I know … most people don’t like to even start thinking about holiday shopping until they wake up from their turkey-induced Thanksgiving nap. But if there’s anything that 2020 and 2021 have taught us, it’s that we’re not living in typical times. 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.
 
Today's Travel Tip
9 Tips For Avoiding COVID-19 On Planes and In Airports 
I ran into a couple of friends the other day, who said they’re worried about taking their two young kids on a plane during COVID-19. They’re moving from Los Angeles to Seattle for work and asked if I had any tips. Of course I do so I created a post with 9 tips that should be helpful to everyone, not just parents. Click here to read it. 

There's still more so scroll down to get caught up. 

Good To Know!
Three exciting bonus ways to earn points this month include referrals to friends, new business card designs, and a new bonus that earns free hotel nights after card approval.

12 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today 
— Yesterday's TSA checkpoint numbers
— This Popular Airline Ceasing Operations October 14
— American Airlines says August revenue weaker than expected because of Covid
— Crews struggle to stop fire bearing down on Lake Tahoe
— South Dakota Covid cases quintuple after Sturgis motorcycle rally
— Qantas plans to restart international travel by Christmas 
— United removes its posh Boeing 767 from JFK, upends New York strategy
— Florida tourist shot dead while protecting his baby at Miami Beach restaurant
— Suspect killed by police, 2 victims hurt after shooting at Redondo Beach Pier
— Vaccinated California couple stuck in Italy after positive coronavirus test
— In Florida, pandemic is worse now than it has ever been 
— New York just surpassed San Francisco as the most expensive rental market in the U.S.
— Unfriendly skies: FAA releases PSA after thousands of unruly passengers reported
(Read it all here in today's travel news round-up as well as the 84 other top travel news stories from this past week!)

Travel Contests
-Win a safari getaway awarded as a $20,000 check (Aug 27)
-Win a trip for two to Italy (Aug 29)
-Win a relaxing vacation for two people in St. Croix (Aug 31) 
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

Always Pack This For Summer Travel
One thing I love about living in Southern California is that we don't have many mosquitoes here, unlike other parts of the country and world, including my home state of Connecticut, where I was last week visiting family. After being bitten by a mosquito, my cousin turned me on to a device that's all-natural and was one of the top products featured on Shark Tank (all five sharks wanted a piece of it). The best part is that it costs just $10 and is the perfect thing for throwing in your summer travel bag. Read the story here. 

Don't Leave Home Without ...
If you're planning to travel anytime soon, make sure you pack a comfortable sleep mask like this one, that blocks out all light and has fully adjustable and deep eye cups. It's also great for anyone who suffers from bad headaches and migraines.
 
Don't Fall For This Hotel Scam
One thing that irks me about staying in hotels is how they always seem to try and sucker you. First, it started with outrageously overpriced phone calls but then technology advanced and people were able to use their own cell phones. Then, it was the mini bar but even by charging $5 for a small pack of M&Ms, hotels couldn’t make money so they got rid of the those. On a recent hotel stay, I encountered another way that many hotels try to deceive, or at the very least confuse, guests. Don't fall for this hotel scam.
 
Don't Make This Cell Phone Mistake
When I received my cell phone bill this month, my eyes almost popped out of my head when I saw a charge for an $81 phone call. I thought it must have been an error but it turns out it wasn't. Here's how to avoid making the same mistake.

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