Essential travel advice you should know—suitable for both first-timers and seasoned travelers

Travel demand is skyrocketing.

The Transportation Security Administration is anticipating a record number of passengers to be screened this summer. Remarkably, seven out of the ten busiest screening days occurred in the last month alone, according to the TSA.

As millions embark on journeys by airplane, cruise ship, or car, we've compiled key travel tips to help you book and enjoy your adventures effectively.

Whether you’re a casual road-tripper or a frequent traveler, these top TPG-endorsed tips can help you sidestep common travel pitfalls while you’re away from home.

Tips for discovering travel bargains

Being flexible is essential for scoring affordable airfare year-round. Adjusting your travel dates by just one day can lead to significant savings. If you can tweak your family's schedule a bit, consider traveling on major holidays like the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, or Christmas for lower fares and less crowded airports.

One of TPG's top recommendations for finding great deals is Google Flights. It allows you to search for the cheapest flights available and provides historical pricing data. Plus, it can send you alerts via email if there are any significant fare changes on your chosen routes.

Google Flights also offers fun features to help you find budget-friendly destinations. By selecting the 'Explore' option and entering your departure city, you can view a map or list of the most economical travel spots.

Yet, Google isn't your only option for finding deals; TPG offers frequent deal alerts. You can subscribe to alerts on X and sign up for our daily newsletter to stay updated on the latest deals.

Don’t overlook the value of mileage awards. If you've been saving miles since the pandemic began, now is a great time to use them. With cash prices soaring, it’s wise to redeem those miles.

Regardless of your knowledge about using miles for flights, there are always fresh strategies for maximizing your rewards into fantastic getaways. Rely on TPG for insights on optimal redemption opportunities. Additionally, platforms like ExpertFlyer (part of TPG's parent company, Red Ventures) offer more redemption suggestions and even business-class upgrade options.

Consider reaching out to a travel agent for exclusive deals that may not be advertised elsewhere. Travel agents often have access to added benefits at hotels or discounted business-class fares to your ideal destination.

Be your own strongest advocate

Due to ongoing air traffic controller shortages and the tight margins in the system, travelers must become their own best advocates.

There are strategies to stay ahead of potential travel disasters.

Firstly, choose wisely when booking your flights. Opt for a nonstop flight instead of one with layovers, even if it costs a bit more. This reduces the risk of missed connections and minimizes the chances of lost luggage during transfers.

Consider booking one of the earliest flights of the day, as they are less likely to be affected by afternoon thunderstorms and have a higher likelihood of departing on time. We've gathered five compelling reasons to choose the first flight based on the data.

Download your airline's mobile app to monitor potential flight delays in real time. This app serves as a crucial tool if things don’t go as planned. You’ll receive updates on boarding times and be among the first to know about any delays. Some airlines even let you rebook directly through the app.

In the event of a canceled flight, it's essential to act quickly to secure your rebooking ahead of other passengers.

We suggest heading to the customer service desk (or lounge desk if you're eligible). If there's a delay, try calling the airline or reaching out via social media. Sometimes, assistance from an airline representative on X can be faster than traditional methods. Make sure to utilize all resources available when issues arise.

Many airlines now offer live chat options to assist with delays and cancellations.

I always keep a backup plan (or two) ready in case a flight is canceled or delayed. I also check which other airlines operate the same route I’m booked on, so I know what options to explore if rebooking becomes necessary.

Make sure to keep all receipts for expenses incurred during delays or cancellations. Having thorough documentation is crucial, especially in scenarios like the chaos Southwest Airlines passengers faced during the 2022 holiday season.

If you find yourself stranded at an airport for a long time, look for hidden quiet spots in the airport to escape the hectic environment for a little while.

Consider enrolling in Global Entry and/or TSA PreCheck

One of our top recommendations for breezing through the airport and avoiding those summer crowds is to take advantage of Trusted Traveler programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.

In essence, the government pre-screens you for security, which can save you time during your travels. You’ll need to apply in advance and pay a fee. The good news is that many credit cards offer statement credits to cover these costs. TSA PreCheck has a $78 application fee valid for five years, while Global Entry costs $100.

With TSA PreCheck, you can glide through airport security without needing to take off your shoes, laptops, or liquids. Global Entry allows for a smooth customs experience upon returning from international trips.

If you have the opportunity, it’s beneficial to opt for Global Entry instead of just TSA PreCheck. While Global Entry does require a pre-approval interview with Customs and Border Patrol, once approved, you also gain TSA PreCheck access.

Another useful option is Mobile Passport. You don’t need pre-approval to use this service, and it can expedite your customs process at certain airports.

Consider enrolling in Clear for the ultimate security trifecta.

Another valuable security resource we suggest adding to your travel toolkit is Clear.

This expedited security program lets you skip long lines by using a dedicated lane at many airports. You'll visit a kiosk that verifies your identity through an iris scan or fingerprint. A Clear representative will then guide you to the front of the security screening queue.

Having a Clear membership along with TSA PreCheck allows you to access even shorter lines at certain airports that feature Clear/PreCheck lanes. While Clear isn't flawless at every airport—especially popular ones with long wait times (cough, Atlanta)—it still generally leads to reduced wait times overall.

Always make copies of your essential documents.

Create both digital and physical copies of all your essential travel documents. Begin by taking photos of your driver's license, state ID, and/or passport.

Having copies of your IDs stored in your phone's library can be crucial if you get separated from the actual document. This can also be helpful in situations where you're asked for ID but don’t have the physical copy. For instance, I was recently asked for my ID to enter One Vanderbilt for dinner at the new American Express Centurion Lounge in New York. The receptionist would have accepted a photo of my ID if I hadn't had the actual document with me.

TPG suggests keeping a physical photocopy stored in a different location. TPG editor Kristy Tolley mentioned that she keeps a hard copy separate from her passport in case her bag is lost. "I also leave a copy at home when I’m traveling alone," she added.

Always check expiration dates

If you're not completely sure about the expiration date of your passport and other travel documents, check them now. Renewing passports can take time, and some countries require six months of validity remaining on your passport for entry. Keep in mind that children's passports expire every five years, which can catch you off guard.

It's also wise to verify the expiration dates on your driver's license and state IDs. Remember that TSA checks these dates during security screenings. Don’t overlook the expiration dates for your Trusted Traveler programs like Global Entry, Clear, and TSA PreCheck; securing a Global Entry interview appointment can take some time if you need to renew.

No one wants to reach the front of the security line only to find that the PreCheck designation is missing from their boarding pass.

Lastly, review the entry requirements for international travel. Some countries require visas that you must obtain prior to arrival.

Consider investing in travel protection

When planning your travel, consider using a credit card that provides built-in travel protection. Many cards, including TPG favorites like The Platinum Card® from American Express, offer this benefit when you book your airfare and similar travel expenses.

If your credit card's coverage isn’t sufficient, you may want to buy travel insurance. These policies often extend beyond just trip cancellations to include things like medical evacuations. Be sure to thoroughly read the fine print of any additional policy to confirm it covers the situations that are most important to you.

Frequent travelers might consider investing in an annual travel insurance policy rather than purchasing one for each trip. Some TPG team members opt for annual plans due to cost savings across multiple journeys, while others find it more convenient than managing separate policies or varying credit card coverage terms.

Tips for managing your luggage

TPG offers a wealth of advice regarding luggage.

First and foremost, aim to be on Team Carry-On whenever possible. By not checking bags, you significantly reduce the chances of losing them. Many at TPG opt not to check luggage unless absolutely necessary.

However, for families or those on extended trips, checking bags might be unavoidable. If that's the case for you, there are still steps you can take to minimize the risk of losing your belongings. Ensure your luggage is in good condition, attach your contact information, and stay within weight limits. Arriving at the airport early (but not excessively early) is also wise to confirm your bags are tagged correctly for their destination or connections.

In light of recent baggage delays and luggage mishaps, we highly recommend placing Apple AirTags (or an Android equivalent) in your luggage to track your belongings in case they go missing.

If you check a bag, make sure to pack extra medication or medical supplies in your carry-on in case your luggage is delayed or lost. "As a diabetic, I keep a small emergency kit in my backpack with enough supplies to last me in case of an emergency," said TPG writer Tanner Saunders.

Former TPG credit card writer Ryan Smith shared some useful tips about packing. "The last items you place in your carry-on will be the easiest to access, so use that space for your passport, ID, ticket, headphones, or anything else you'll need during your trip," he advised. By ensuring that your most-used items are readily available, you'll avoid the hassle of rummaging through your bag or partially unpacking to find what you need.

Lastly, make sure to seek compensation if your bags are delayed or lost. Many airlines offer points or even cash for late luggage, and there are regulations regarding compensation for lost bags.

Staying safe during your travels

From the risk of being robbed while traveling to encountering severe weather or natural disasters, a variety of situations can occur while you’re away from home.

To reduce potential risks, pay attention to U.S. Department of State warnings regarding your travel destination. It's also wise to consult local news outlets for the latest information from that area. While the State Department often takes a cautious approach, being informed about what you might encounter during your trip is essential.

Be sure to familiarize yourself with the local emergency number for your destination. In many regions, including Mexico and much of Europe, dialing 9-1-1 on your mobile will connect you to emergency services as it does in the U.S. However, it's crucial to know the specific emergency numbers for the country you are visiting.

Keep friends and family updated about your itinerary and maintain regular contact throughout your travels. If something goes wrong, someone will know your expected whereabouts or your last location.

If you’re arriving at night, reach out to your hotel or home-share host for guidance on the safest way to get there and travel during the evening in that area.

Be intentional when checking into a hotel. Solo travelers might ask for two keycards to suggest the presence of another person. Additionally, consider the security of your hotel room by using a hand towel over the swing bar to make it more difficult to dislodge from the outside.

A Few Final Tips

• For cruisers, TPG's principal cruise writer Gene Sloan advises arriving in port at least a day early (or even several days in advance). This ensures you won't miss your ship's departure and allows time to adjust to the local time zone.
• When embarking on road trips to remote locations, consider going old school by bringing paper maps or downloading offline maps from Google. These options ensure you can navigate even without cellular service.
• Be sure to reserve airport parking ahead of time during busy travel periods. Many airport lots fill quickly around holidays, so booking your spot in advance can save you the hassle of searching for parking before your flight. Additionally, you may find online booking offers savings as well.

In Conclusion

Whether you're new to traveling or an experienced globetrotter, there's always something new to learn to enhance your trips. The more you prepare and research before you set off, the smoother your journey will be—especially when unexpected issues arise.

Some of our top resources include deal alerts, Google Flights, sign-up bonuses, and credit card rewards. Familiarize yourself with these tools to enhance your travel experience each time.

Keep in mind that nowadays, when challenges arise, you need to advocate for yourself. For additional travel tips and insights, explore the articles below.