November 11, 2021

Good morning. First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to all those who have served in the US military on this Veterans Day. In honor of them and all of our current soldiers, I've updated some timely posts, including a story about the most emotional flight of my life.

-How Frequent Fliers Can Thank Soldiers for Their Service
-How an Airline Worker Honors Fallen Military Members and My Own Experience With a Fallen Soldier on My Flight
-The Most Emotional Flight of My Life

Flytographer Photo Shoot
On Tuesday, we had our annual family photos taken. My wife organized it via Flytographer, who gifted us the 60-minute shoot. Flytographer is an amazing company with local photographers around the world that travelers can hire to take incredible vacation photos. I've written about Flytographer many times because it's a brilliant idea and we've used them many times in Hawaii, London, California and Paris (see below for one of our Paris shots). They always deliver incredible photos and memories. My wife has a code, Natalie50, that you can use when you book a Flytographer shoot. FYI: Flytographer also has a Travel Shop with great gifts for the holidays (I love the airport code sweatshirts). Check it out here.


Book Holiday Flights
As I mentioned last week, if you haven't purchased your Thanksgiving or Christmas flights, you better get cracking. Airfares are rising 3-5% each day! 

12 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today
— United will stop flying to 11 US cities indefinitely — see the full list
— The FAA wants to fine a passenger $32,000 for punching husband and son, throwing trash at a flight attendant
— Thanksgiving travel expected to be nearly as busy as pre-pandemic, AAA predicts
— Uber accused of charging disabled passengers for taking too long to get into cars
— American Airlines launches an all-new 'Main Select' fare to lure business travelers with attractive perks
— CDC adds the Netherlands, Cayman Islands to travel warning list
— German Covid surge prompts warning of 100,000 deaths
— Minnesota COVID cases see 'truly alarming spike,' hospitalizations reach highest 2021 level
— After weeks of declines, U.S. Covid cases have stalled at a high level: 'The ERs are packed'
— Virgin Galactic wants to send tourists to space 3 times per month once its new spaceship is ready in 2023
— If infections stay low, Hawaii could drop mask mandate early in 2022 
— Opening act: Hard Rock Hotel New York eyes springtime debut
— 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 Quote of the Day
"Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and enjoy the journey." ~ Babs Hoffman
 
Credit Card News/Offers for Travelers
-For a limited time, American Express cardholders can get free Panera Bread coffee and tea with their cards. Here's how.
-Don't miss these limited-time bonuses that include 50% more points for this major hotel, 5x rewards for charitable donations, and more.

Travel Contests
-Win a GrandEscapes package, including a 6-day/5-night deluxe room for a family of four (Nov 11)
-Win a seven-night getaway to Riviera Maya, Mexico (Nov 15)
-Win a dream trip to Anguilla (November 30)
-Win an Orlando Vacation for 50 Friends and Family in Honor of the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort (November 29)
-Create a design for the hull of cruise ship MSC Euribia (Dec 19)
-Enter for a chance to win a Carnival cruise for 2 (Dec 31)
See all contests here.

Last Week's Travel Tips/News
-Warning to Travelers with Clear, TSA PreCheck and Elite Status
-Should You Cancel Your American or Southwest Airlines Holiday Tickets and Rebook on Another Carrier?
-Something Is Really Up at Southwest and American
-How to Get Free Upgrades and Points on American Airlines
-A Brilliant Trick to Save Huge on Airfares

In Case You Missed It  
Air Travel Tips
-A Simple and Genius iPhone Hack to Track Flights.
-Toronto Pearson Airport Warning 
-Sorry T+L, You Got This One Wrong – Here’s How You Can Really Get Upgraded to First Class
-Which Trusted Traveler Program Is Right For You?
-Why You May Want To Avoid This Major U.S. Airport
-The Most Unreliable Airline in North America?
-The Real Reason Flight Attendants Tell Passengers To Hold On To Their Phones During Takeoff and Landing
-The Quickest Way to Get In and Out of LAX 
-How To Make Sure the TSA PreCheck Checkmark is On Your Boarding Pass
-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 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:
-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 2021
-How To Prevent Car Rental Companies From Ripping You Off

International Travel
-A New Vaccination Requirement All International Travelers Must Consider
-To Spain and Back: The Do’s and Don’ts While Traveling During a Covid Surge
-The Must-Have App For Travel to Europe
-12 helpful pandemic travel tips for the EU and the UK

Lodging
-And The Best Hotel In The World Is ... 

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
-11 Tips for Traveling During Cold and Flu Season. 
-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