Thursday, July 29, 2021

Good afternoon! A lot of changes are coming to travel this week. Some of the changes are good, like not having to quarantine in the UK for fully-vaccinated travelers from the USA and EU. and Delta extending elite status. But some aren't so good, like the Delta variant running rampant around the world and places going on lockdown and re-instituting mask policies. Scroll down to get caught up. 

Simone Biles, Mental Health and Travel
On a personal, and somewhat travel-related note, I find it unimaginable that anyone has the gall to criticize Simone Biles’ withdrawal from competition, especially when she cited her mental health as her reason. Things happens that no one else but that person knows or experiences. I remember when I was 17 years old ... Here's my story.

Travel Tips
If you get my daily travel tip (you can sign up here) then you've probably already seen the domino effect of this week's travel tips. Here they are, including a new one for today. 

The first travel tip, 3 Reasons to Always Get Two Hotel Room Keys, led to The Truth About Hotel Room Key Cards, which led to Why You Should Keep Your Airline Boarding Passes and What You Should Do With Them.

Then came Tuesday’s tip, This Simple Trick You’ve Probably Never Thought of Can Help to Keep You (And Your Stuff) Safe. And this led to yet another great bit of advice: Do This When Using a Rideshare, Taxi or Car Service.
 
This Gadget Will Keep Your Valuables Safe
Then a reader asked me how to keep their belongings safe at the beach. It’s easy when you’re with someone else, so you can take turns swimming, and one person can always keep an eye on the valuables. However, if you’re alone or if you want to swim together, this diaper trick will help, as will this tip I filmed while on Waikiki Beach.

But here’s a gadget that was just sent to me by some guys who were on Shark Tank. They invented a portable travel safe after getting robbed while swimming at a hotel in South Beach. Read the story here.

Good To Know!
Don't miss out on these 14 incredible 100k bonus offers, available right now, just in time for late summer or early fall.

12 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today 
— Yesterday's TSA checkpoint numbers
— Disney World mask policy: Masks required indoors again starting Friday
— Pilots near LAX warned to be on lookout after 'possible jet pack man' spotted in the area
— "This is a puzzler. Coronavirus cases are plummeting in Britain." 
— US reports highest number of new cases in the world
— Nevada will require masks in Las Vegas, much of state following new CDC mask guidelines
— United awards free flights for a year to winners of "Your Shot to Fly" sweepstakes
— Not all vaccines treated equal
— Flight attendant pays $1,071 to replace teeth of woman who cleans Charlotte Airport bathrooms
— United first U.S. airline to offer economy customers option to pre-order snacks and beverages
— Should you be wearing a mask again? Here’s a map of the Covid hot spots subject to the CDC’s new mask guidance
— Which dog breeds are you most likely to see when you travel internationally? 
— Airport pianist gets over $70k in tips after stranger posts video of him playing
— Flight Path Museum LAX Reopening August 7
(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!)

Fully Vaccinated Travelers From USA and EU Won't Have to Quarantine in England
Great news for vaccinated Americans and Europeans wanting to travel to England to see loved ones, sightsee or … wait in long airport queues. Read the story.

Great News For Delta Fliers
As a frequent flier, I thought what American Airlines did last month by making it easier to retain elite status was generous. But what Delta just did yesterday made that offer look pathetic. Sadly, the way I read into this is that Delta is expecting a very slow fall in terms of business and leisure travel. Here are the details and my take. 

Travel Contests
-Win a five-night getaway to Montego Bay, Jamaica
-Win a three-night getaway to Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
-Win a six-night getaway for two people to New Zealand
See all contests here

More
Canada To Open Border To Vaccinated Americans on August 9
Even better news is the fact Canada announced they're finally opening their border after 18 months of being closed on August 9. Here's what you need to know. Let's hope the USA will reciprocate. 

VIDEO: American Airlines Denies Boarding To Abusive Passenger
Chalk one up for the airlines. I have to tell you, I'm so sick and tired of reading about and seeing poorly mannered, entitled people travel that I'm happy to see the airlines sticking up for what's right. Here's the video and story.

Baby Gear Rental for Travelers 
This inventive company is a game-changer for traveling families.

The Money-Saving Trick Airline Executives Don’t Want You To Know About
If you’ve been a long-time subscriber to my newsletter, then you may know this trick that the airlines desperately don’t want their customers to know. Here it is and how it can save you money.

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 driving, like 91% of travelers will be this weekend (according to AAA), then be sure to follow these tips:
-3 Ways To Save Money on Gas This Summer
-How to Prevent Road Trip Theft
-15 Tips For Renting A Car in 2021
-How To Prevent Car Rental Companies From Ripping You Off

Big American Airlines News
Great news for American elites! Just when I gave up on retaining my Executive Platinum status, American Airlines dangled a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie in front of me and I'm biting. Read the story here.

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