10 Strategies for Stress-Free Trip Planning

Is there a more perplexing time to plan a getaway? With soaring flight costs and varied mask regulations, it’s no wonder things feel overwhelming. We’re here to equip you with the essentials to organize an incredible trip without the anxiety, allowing you to savor the joy of travel once more.

Discover 10 ways to be more prepared for your travels in 2022.

1. Schedule your trip at least two to three months ahead (more for international travel).

Experts recommend booking your flight at least four weeks in advance—preferably six to eight weeks prior to departure—to secure the best prices, which could save travelers up to 51 percent, according to Dinogo's aviation expert Barbara Peterson. Utilize the calendar features on booking platforms like Google Flights to view fare trends and select the most economical dates. Adjusting your travel by a day can often yield cheaper fares, advises Naomi Hahn, vice president of strategy at Skyscanner.

The surge in outdoor travel demand, paired with more adaptable work schedules, has nearly eradicated shoulder and off-seasons in several popular destinations, reports Bailey Berg from Dinogo. "Leading locations are witnessing a double-digit rise in hotel demand compared to pre-pandemic times—spring shoulder season may no longer exist in some areas," states Nancy Lien, a public relations manager at Expedia Group, noting that this trend is likely to continue into the fall. Once you decide on your destination, it’s wise to book your stay. Cancellation policies remain quite flexible.

2. Manage your expectations: Flights are currently pricey, but bargains are available.

Have you noticed $800 round-trip fares from New York to Orlando lately? You’re not alone: Due to rising fuel costs and increased travel demand, the booking app Hopper anticipates domestic airfares will average $360 round-trip by May, up from $235 at the start of 2022. International fares are expected to reach around $940 in June, up from $650 in January, according to Hopper. Furthermore, jet fuel prices, the airlines’ second-largest expense after labor, are likely to remain elevated due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict's effect on energy supplies, reports Peterson.

Don’t let this discourage you. We recently outlined all the strategies for snagging a great flight deal in 2022. If you’re open to trying a new low-cost airline like Breeze or Avelo, they often provide lower fares that beat major U.S. carriers. Just be prepared to pay extra for bags, seat selection, and more. Pro tip: JetBlue boasts the largest economy seats among domestic airlines, while La Compagnie offers business class at half the price for flights between Newark and France.

3. Consider using a travel agent

Now is the perfect time to find and work with a reliable travel advisor. With constantly changing pandemic travel rules, potential last-minute changes and cancellations, and the fact that many of us have somewhat forgotten how to travel efficiently, a travel advisor can be your greatest ally.

Where should you begin? How do you find a reputable travel advisor? We may be a bit partial, but we believe the travel experts within Dinogo’s Travel Advisory Council are among the best in the industry. We regularly consult them for their insights, and there’s no reason you shouldn’t, too. Another excellent resource is Virtuoso, a network of luxury travel advisors that can connect you with consultants specializing in your destination or trip type, whether it’s a family getaway, wellness retreat, a trip to Europe, or an adventure in Africa.

4. Secure your national park/museum/dinner reservations as soon as possible.

We currently live in a world dominated by Type A planners. If there are activities you wouldn’t want to miss—be it a museum visit, dinner reservation, theme park entry, or a show—book them immediately after confirming your flight. Timed or restricted entry started in popular locations like Barcelona and Venice before the pandemic, and it has since become a method to control guest numbers at a safe and comfortable level, including at some of the country’s most visited national parks.

Keep in mind that some spontaneity isn’t completely gone. You might still snag a same-day pass due to last-minute cancellations, if you're willing to take a chance.

5. Bring a COVID test—or several—and have a plan for what to do if you contract COVID while traveling abroad.

Traveling abroad carries the risk of being stuck there for up to two weeks if you test positive for COVID. (As of April 21, the U.S. still mandates a negative COVID test within one day before re-entry.) Instead of worrying, devise a contingency plan. Be aware of where you would stay should an unfortunate positive result occur during your trip.

Regarding testing protocols, there are plenty of options to obtain COVID tests for international travel. Many hotels, particularly in popular tourist spots like Mexico, may offer complimentary COVID tests for guests, and certain domestic and international airports (including locations in Costa Rica and Germany) provide on-site COVID testing.

We suggest packing at least two CDC-approved COVID self-tests for each person in case you can’t find a testing site when you need one.

6. Verify your passport's expiration date (and ensure you have a vaccine passport, as well).

Keep in mind that you need at least six months of validity on your passport to enter or exit most countries. Fortunately, if you require a passport renewal, wait times have significantly decreased from last year. We’ve put together a helpful guide on how to expedite your passport application if you're in a hurry. If you need a new passport, the silver lining is that you might receive a stylish new “Next Generation Passport” upon renewal.

When traveling, you may be required to present proof of vaccination at any moment. Ensure you have a physical copy of your vaccine certificate, a photo stored on your mobile device, and a digital version as a backup. Additionally, stay informed about the latest vaccine requirements, as some destinations mandate travelers to receive a booster if their initial one- or two-dose series was completed over nine months ago.

7. Purchase travel insurance.

There are numerous reasons your trip could be interrupted these days, and travel insurance can help mitigate the extra costs of alterations and cancellations. Moreover, some countries require visitors to obtain travel insurance prior to arrival. Certain travel credit cards may also provide trip cancellation or rental car coverage—check out our guide to the cards with the best insurance. For the ultimate in COVID-era protection, Covac Global offers evacuation and repatriation services for those who test positive for COVID and exhibit at least one symptom. We’ve also explained how “Cancel for Any Reason” travel insurance can benefit you while traveling. For many, the extra cost may be well worth it.

8. Bring extra patience: staffing shortages are still a concern.

Labor shortages persist in hotels, resorts, restaurants, and airlines around the globe. For travelers, this means it’s crucial to remain respectful and patient, as the remaining staff are working hard to manage overwhelming demand. Expect longer lines at airports and possible delays. Take a moment to breathe and appreciate the opportunity to travel. Remember, hospitality is reciprocal: if you want staff to provide excellent service, strive to be a gracious guest as well.

9. Enroll in TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or Clear.

Staffing shortages also affect airports and TSA—especially during busy travel seasons like spring break. No airport is exempt; we’ve experienced security wait times of up to 60 minutes at locations ranging from Newark Liberty International to Denver and New Orleans. It’s highly advisable to arrive at the airport earlier than usual (if your usual is two hours before your flight, well done!). Another smart move is to apply for one of three levels of security “fast pass”:

• TSA PreCheck: $85 for five years. Ideal for those who primarily travel within the United States. Children aged 12 and under can accompany a guardian with PreCheck.
• Global Entry: $100 for five years. A great investment if you intend to travel internationally at least once a year. This includes PreCheck, shortens your Customs wait time, and is easy to renew online. Note that all traveling children will also need Global Entry.
• Clear: $179 per year. This gets you through security even faster than PreCheck. If your home airport supports Clear and you travel frequently, it’s worth signing up alongside Global Entry and TSA PreCheck.

Keep reading to discover the key differences between TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR.

10. If you’re anxious about the changing mask mandates, it’s best to play it safe and wear a mask.

If you’re uncertain, reach for that N95 or KN95 mask. We’ve put together the top face masks for travel. A little peace of mind can make a big difference.