January 27, 2022

Good morning from beautiful L.A., which will be host to the Super Bowl in less than two and a half weeks! I was supposed to be coming to you from New York City today but I pulled out of a travel conference since I'm not comfortable being indoors with a lot of people from around the world right now.

Huge Winter Storm
It looks like it's a good thing I'm not in the Big Apple because not only is it freezing but there's a huge winter storm heading that way, which no doubt will disrupt travel across the country. Here’s my updated advice on what to do if your flight is severely delayed or canceled.

TSA Security Checkpoint Numbers
Every morning I look at the TSA's security checkpoint numbers to get a sense of the state of the travel industry. To put it mildly, I was shocked to see how low Tuesday's numbers were and I'm hoping they don't go even lower.

Crystal Cruises is Bankrupt
One of the big travel stories this week was a Crystal cruise ship diverting to the Bahamas instead of returning to Miami because a U.S. judge ordered the ship to essentially be arrested. That’s right, arrested over a fuel bill. It turns out that the luxurious Crystal brand is in serious financial trouble. Here's what future passengers should do.

Warning: Watch out for This Email Phishing Scam Pretending to be American Airlines
If you subscribe to my daily travel tip newsletter, then you know I received an email from American Airlines on Monday but something about it didn't seem right. But as far as phishing scams go, this one was good. Really good. It looked like a legitimate email, there were no glaring errors and they had the American Airlines colors and fonts down pat. But upon closer inspection, I realized it was a scam. Here's what you need to know if you get the same email.

Don't Fall for These QR Code Scams
Speaking of scams ... As if there's not enough to be cautious about these days, you might want to be more cautious when it comes to using QR codes. Some QR codes can be an easy way for thieves to get your personal information. Here are some tips the FBI recommends to protect yourself.

How to Get Free N95 Masks Which Are Key to Safe Travels 
By now, we all know that it's recommended to upgrade your cloth or surgical mask to something more effective like a KN95 or N95 mask. This week, pharmacies across the country are expected to start distributing free N95 masks as part of the government's Federal Retail Pharmacy Program. Here's what you need to know.

Related:
-How to Reuse your N95 and KN95 Masks
-Can The US Government’s Free COVID Tests Be Used for Travel?

The Sleep Hack Every Traveler Needs to Know
When it comes to travel, we all have our must-have items that we never leave home without (this is one of mine!) But all travelers should have some tricks up their sleeves, too, that help make their travels easier and smoother. This sleep hack, that's gone viral thanks to social media, might be the trick that helps you get a good night's sleep every night, whether you're at home or on the road. Read the story here.

Limited Time Deal: Apple AirPods Pro Are on Sale
Once again, Apple AirPods Pro are deeply discounted so if you are still thinking about getting a pair, you might want to take advantage of this limited time deal. Plus, if you already have a pair, you'll want to check out this travel hack that will let you use your wireless headphones to watch in-flight movies. 

ROAM Luggage up to 40% off This Week
If you're looking for new luggage and want to customize your colors, then check out ROAM Luggage (read our review here). They're having an end of season sale with up to 40% off.

Today's Travel Tip
All Your Passport and Visa Questions Answered by An Expert
Ever since the pandemic began, the number of questions and emails I received regarding passports and visas doubled. It’s always been stressful to get a last-minute passport or visa but the pandemic has made things even more challenging. That’s why I invited the veteran CEO of a passport and visa expediter on my podcast to answer all of my passport and visa questions. I learned a lot from our 24-minute conversation which you can watch on YouTube or listen where podcasts are available. 

12 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today
— Hawaii Governor not requiring boosters yet for Hawaii travels
— 21-year-old hiker falls to death while taking photo from Arizona Mountain Peak
— Man who jumped from plane at LAX sentenced to prison
— Italy to simplify Covid travel rules for EU arrivals 
— Out-of-control SpaceX rocket on collision course with moon
— CBP seizes 509 prohibited aquatic items from cruise ship Passenger
— Florida fisherman reels in dead body from lake
— Delta Air Lines to offer travelers hot meals on flights again
— Where to see the oldest living things on Earth
— California man shot after confronting catalytic converter thieves
— Florida woman suing airline for getting ejected over mask is ‘traumatized,’ lawyer says
— Yesterday's TSA checkpoint numbers
(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!)

Travel Product of the Week
Travel Gadget: Universal Airplane In-Flight Phone Mount
I love a handy little travel gadget as much as the next person and this one is inexpensive and easily portable and can make a big difference to your life at home and on the road. Check out this cool phone mount here. 

The Travel Gadget Flight Attendants Never Leave Home Without (and some of my must-haves, too!)
Over the course of the pandemic, I've spent a lot of time watching travel videos on YouTube, many of them created by flight attendants and pilots (here are some of my favorites). I love finding out what travel essentials they never leave home without so here's a list of products you should always travel with. 



How To Use Your Wireless Headphones to Watch In-Flight Movies
If you love watching in-flight movies when you fly but prefer to use your AirPods or other wireless headphones, you'll love this extremely handy gadget. And it works not just on in-flight entertainment systems but on gym equipment, gaming devices, TVs and any 3.5mm audio jack as well. It's the perfect travel companion for wireless listening. Read more here.


Travel Quote of the Week
“To move, to breathe, to fly, to float. To gain all while you give. To roam the roads of lands remote: to travel is to live.” — Hans Christian Andersen
 

Travel Tweet of the Day
@BreakingWeather: Frigid air will plunge into the Sunshine State this weekend. Cities are far south as Miami could fall into the 30s F. 


Credit Card News/Offers for Travelers
3 Rewards Cards with Airport Lounge Access 
For many people, aspects of traveling can be a chore. But I figured out the ways to get rid of most of the hassles at an early age. This includes gaining elite status, not checking a bag, signing up for CLEAR and TSA PreCheck to zip through security lines, boarding early to get overhead space, and of course, getting the right credit cards to earn more miles and points, and gaining access to airline clubs. There you can avoid crowds, enjoy free food/snacks, wait out delays more comfortably and have access to the top reservation agents to help change tickets. Almost everything listed above can end up costing you next to nothing if you get the rights cards. Here's what I have in my wallet. 
 

Travel Contests
-JEOPARDY! and Lindblad Expeditions Announce EXPLORE ALASKA Sweepstakes (Jan 28)
-Win two tickets to Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles, California (Jan 31)
-Win a free vacation at a luxury resort (March 31)
-"Share Your Story" Writing Contest for Outdoor Adventurists (April 30)
See all contests here.


Sponsored Content

Sponsored: Cataract Treatments and Options: What You Should Know
When Johnson & Johnson Vision approached me about bringing awareness to cataracts and cataract surgery, it was a no-brainer. My dad has cataracts and so did my grandmother, so I know that they can be debilitating and have a real impact on your day-to-day life. But I also had a lot of questions about cataracts: What are they exactly? Are they hereditary? Do I have to worry about me and my children getting them? What are the treatments available for my dad and for me down the road if I develop them? Researching this article has been educational for me and hopefully will be for you as well.

In Case You Missed It
Air Travel Tips
-Why Travelers Will Want to Book Future Flights on Delta
-How to Get Free Upgrades and Points on American Airlines
-A Simple and Genius iPhone Hack to Track Flights.
-Here’s How You Can Really Get Upgraded to First Class
-Which Trusted Traveler Program Is Right For You?
-9 Tips For Avoiding COVID-19 On Planes and In Airports 
-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 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:
-DON'T Do This When You're Driving Because It's Just Not Worth It
-One of the Worst Decisions Travelers Can Make
-Two Great Things to Keep in the Car For Road Trips
-3 Ways To Save Money on Gas
-How to Prevent Road Trip Theft
-15 Tips For Renting A Car in 2022
-How To Prevent Car Rental Companies From Ripping You Off

International Travel
-A New Vaccination Requirement All International Travelers Must Consider
-The Must-Have App For Travel to Europe

Safety
-10 Things to Have in Case of an Emergency
-The Pocket Thermometer You Should Never Leave Home Without
-Life-Saving Car Emergency Tips 
-My Somewhat Freakish Travel Habit Might Just Save Your Life
-What I Keep In My Carry-On First Aid Kit
-The Most Dangerous Places to Be During a Lightning Storm
-Car Seat Tips For Keeping Your Children Safe
-Sadly, It's That Time Again: Where to Buy N95 and KN95 Masks