to a t travel

To a T Travel

Everyone calls me T; it’s been said I do everything "To a T!" I enjoy traveling and seeing the world, and I absolutely LOVE helping others do the same! I aim high in every way to get you the best possible rates. From Destination Weddings~Corporate Group trips~Bachelor/Bachelorette parties~All-inclusive Resorts~Church groups~Kayaking Adventures~and Cruises; to Theme Parks~Shows~Birthdays~Events~and much more! Travel smarter, not harder, and let me do the hard part so that you can enjoy the best part! So many places, so little time... don't let time pass you by; book your travel with me today! I promise to be here for you before, during, and after!

to a t travel

So much to do...so little time! Don't let time pass you by... call me today to book your next dream vacation!

to a t travel

Everyone calls me Tee; It's been said I do everything 'To a T'

to a t travel

Brody is my lil' sidekick!

Instagram

Key travel tips you need to know — whether you’re a first-time or frequent traveler

Clint Henderson

The holiday travel season is fully upon us. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen a record number of passengers this Christmas, and the TSA already broke a daily record. They screened a whopping 2.9 million travelers on Nov. 26, 2023, alone ... the most passengers ever screened in a single day.

As millions of travelers take trips by plane , cruise ship or road , we've gathered some essential travel tips on how best to book and enjoy your journeys.

Whether you're an occasional road-tripper or a frequent globe-trotter, these TPG-backed top travel tips can help you avoid unnecessary headaches when you spend time away from home.

How to find travel deals

to a t travel

Flexibility is key when it comes to finding cheap airfare any time of year.

Changing your arrival or departure date by a single day can save you hundreds of dollars on airfare. If you don't mind altering your family's plans slightly, consider booking travel directly on major holidays like the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving and Christmas for cheaper prices and thinner airport crowds.

One of our favorite tools at TPG for finding deals is Google Flights . You can use the search field to find the cheapest (or best) flights. Google will also give you a historical view of how prices have ranged and will even send you email alerts if fares jump or drop on specific routes you've selected.

It also has some fun tools you can use to find a cheap destination. By clicking the "Explore" button on the sidebar and putting your departure airport, Google will give you a map or list view of the most wallet-friendly destinations.

to a t travel

However, Google isn't the only place to find deals: TPG publishes regular deal alerts. You can sign up for Twitter alerts and subscribe to our daily newsletter for the latest deals news.

Don't sleep on mileage awards, either. If you've been hoarding miles during the pandemic, it's time to spend them. Cash prices are high, so it can be a good time to burn those miles.

No matter how much you think you know about redeeming miles for flights , there are always new tips and tricks for turning those earnings into dream trips. Turn to TPG for guidance on sweet spots for redemptions. Sites like ExpertFlyer (part of Red Ventures, like TPG) supply additional redemption ideas or even business class upgrade inventory.

You may even want to consult a travel agent to get access to special deals that aren't available anywhere else. Travel agents can sometimes get you extra perks at hotels or even cheaper business-class airfare to your dream destination.

Be your own best advocate

Since there are still air traffic controller shortages and little room for error in the system these days, travelers have to be their own best advocates.

There are ways to get ahead of any possible travel nightmares.

First, be smart when booking. Try to find a nonstop flight rather than one with connections, even if it costs a little more. You'll eliminate the risk of missing connections and lessen the chance of having your luggage go in a different direction than you during a transfer.

You could also take one of the first flights of the day, as those are least likely to face afternoon thunderstorms and most likely to depart on time. Read our article 5 reasons to book the first flight of the day for all the data.

Related: Your flight is canceled or delayed – here's what you should do next

Download your airline's mobile app to keep track of potential flight delays in real time. The airline app is a secret weapon in case things go wrong. Not only will you know when boarding starts, but you'll also learn of any delays first. Some airlines allow you to even rebook yourself in the app.

If your flight is canceled, you'll want to beat everyone else on your flight who is also looking to get rebooked.

We recommend heading for the customer service desk (or lounge desk if you have access). You could also get on the phone with the airline or contact them via social media if there's a delay . Sometimes, an airline's Twitter representative will help you faster than a phone or in-person agent can. You have to use every tool at your disposal when things go south.

Many airlines also now have live chat capabilities to help navigate delays and cancellations.

I always have an alternate plan (or two) in the back of my mind in case a flight gets canceled or delayed. I also look to see what other airlines are flying the route I'm booked in case something goes awry. This way, I'll know what to ask for if I need to be rebooked.

Also, save all the receipts for the expenses you incur during delays or cancellations. You'll want excellent documentation in the case of meltdowns like the one Southwest passengers experienced during the holidays .

If you're stuck at an airport for an extended period, seek out your airport's secret quiet spaces for a brief escape from the travel chaos.

Get Global Entry and/or TSA PreCheck

to a t travel

One of our favorite ways to speed through the airport and avoid those summertime mega lines is via Trusted Traveler programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry .

Essentially, the government pre-screens you for security and thus you save a bit of time during your travels. You'll need to apply ahead of time and pay a fee. The great news, however, is that many credit cards will give you a statement credit for these fees. TSA PreCheck is a $78 application fee for five years, and Global Entry is $100.

Related: 7 ways to get Global Entry, TSA PreCheck and/or Clear for free

TSA PreCheck allows you to speed through airport security without removing your shoes, laptops or liquids. With Global Entry , you can breeze through customs when you return from an international trip.

If you have the time, going for Global Entry rather than simply TSA PreCheck makes sense. Global Entry requires an interview with Customs and Border Patrol ahead of time, but once you're approved, TSA PreCheck will be included.

Get Clear for the ultimate security trifecta

to a t travel

The other security tool we recommend you have in your travel toolbelt is Clear .

Related: Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear

The expedited security program allows you to bypass long security lines by using a separate lane at many airports. You'll approach a kiosk where your identity is confirmed via an iris scan or fingerprint. A Clear employee will then escort you to the front of the security screening line.

A Clear membership combined with TSA PreCheck will enable you to go to even shorter lines at some airports with designated Clear/PreCheck lines. Clear isn't perfect at all airports where it's so popular, and there are now long lines (cough, Atlanta). However, it will still generally lead to shorter lines overall.

Related: Guide to using the Amex Platinum Clear benefit

Make copies of your important documents

Make digital and hard copies of all your important travel-related documents. Start by photographing your driver's license, your state ID and/or your passport.

You should have copies of your IDs in your phone's library in case you get separated from the actual document. Sometimes, it also helps in a pinch if you are asked for ID, and you didn't bring the hard copy. For example, I was recently asked for my ID to enter One Vanderbilt to have dinner at the new American Express Centurion Lounge in New York. The receptionist would have accepted a photograph of the ID if I didn't have the physical document.

TPG also recommends having an actual photocopy in a separate place. Editor Kristy Tolley says she stores a hard copy in a separate place from where she keeps her passport in case she loses a bag. "I also leave a copy of it at home if I'm traveling alone," she said.

Check expiration dates

to a t travel

If you aren't 100% certain of the expiration date of your passport and other travel documents, go check them now. Renewing passports takes time, and some countries require six months of future passport validity to allow entry. Remember that child passports expire every five years, which can sneak up on you.

Related: How and when to renew your passport

Double-checking the expiration dates for your driver's licenses and state IDs is also a good idea. Remember that TSA checks the expiration dates on your documents when they screen you for security. Don't forget to check the expiration dates for your Trusted Traveler programs like Global Entry, Clear and TSA PreCheck, too. It can take a while to get a Global Entry interview appointment if you need one to renew.

Few things are worse than getting to the front of the security line and realizing the PreCheck mark is gone from your boarding pass.

Finally, check the entry requirements if you are traveling internationally. Some countries require visas that you must acquire before arrival.

Consider travel protection

When booking your travel, try to use a credit card that offers some built-in travel protection . Many credit cards, including TPG favorites like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or The Platinum Card® from American Express , offer this when you use those cards to purchase your airfare and similar.

Related: Best credit cards for trip delays and cancellations

If the coverage offered by your credit card isn't enough, you might also want to purchase travel insurance . These policies can sometimes go beyond trip cancellations to cover things like medical evacuations. Warning: Read the fine print on any extra policies very carefully to ensure it covers the situations that matter the most to you.

Those who frequently travel abroad may want to consider purchasing an annual travel insurance policy instead of buying one on a trip-by-trip basis. Some TPG staffers purchase annual policies because of the cost savings for multiple trips. Some will find having an annual policy is easier than juggling separate policies or various credit card coverage terms and conditions.

Tips for your luggage

to a t travel

TPG has a ton of tips when it comes to luggage.

First and foremost, try to be on "team carry-on" whenever possible. If you don't check baggage, you are much less likely to become separated from it. Many of us at TPG refuse to check luggage except under extreme circumstances.

Of course, other folks with families or those embarking on long journeys may still want to check bags. If that's the case for you, you can still do many things to lessen the chance you get separated from your stuff. For example, make sure your luggage is in good working order, your contact info is attached, the bag is within the weight limits, you get to the airport early (but not too early) to check it and confirm your luggage is tagged to the right destination or connection.

Related: 7 tips to keep the airline from losing your luggage

After last year's baggage delays and luggage disasters , we strongly suggest you put Apple AirTags (or the Android equivalent ) into your luggage so you can track your items if they go missing .

If you check a bag, keep extra medicine or medical supplies in your carry-on bag in case your luggage goes missing or gets delayed. "As a diabetic, I keep a tiny emergency kit in my backpack with enough supplies to keep me going in an emergency," TPG writer Tanner Saunders said.

Former TPG credit card writer Ryan Smith also offered words of advice regarding luggage. "The last items you pack in your carry-on will be most accessible, so use this for your passport, ID, ticket, headphones or whatever else you need during the trip," he said. By making sure those items you'll use most are easiest to reach, you'll save yourself the hassle of having to dig around (or partially unpack) your bag to grab what you need.

Finally, be sure and get compensated if your bags are late or lost. Many airlines will give you points or even cash for delayed bags, and the government has rules on compensation if your bags are lost.

Staying safe on your journeys

to a t travel

From potentially getting robbed while on the road to experiencing bad weather or natural disasters while traveling, there are many scenarios that could arise when you're away from home.

To mitigate those risks, pay attention to U.S. Department of State warnings about a destination you plan to visit and check local sources for the latest news from that country or region for additional context. Although the State Department tends to err on the side of caution with its warnings, it's still best to be aware of what you may face during your trip.

Also, know the local number in case of emergencies. In many places, including Mexico and much of Europe, if you dial 9-1-1 on your cellphone, you will be connected to emergency services just like in the U.S. However, you should know the local emergency numbers of whichever country you visit.

Let people at home know your itinerary and stay in touch with them throughout your trip. If something goes amiss, at least someone will know where you're supposed to be or the last place you visited.

If you're arriving at night, contact your hotel or home-share host to ask about the best way to get there at the time you're arriving and the safest ways to travel at night in that area.

Also, be strategic about how you check into a hotel. Some solo travelers request two keycards to imply someone else is on the trip. Giving thought to the hotel room's security swing bar can also make sense, with some taking steps like placing a hand towel over it to make it harder to dislodge from the outside.

Some final tips

to a t travel

  • For cruisers, TPG principal cruise writer Gene Sloan suggests arriving in port at least a day in advance (if not several days ahead of time). This will eliminate the risk of missing your ship's departure time and help you get acclimated to the local time zone.
  • When taking road trips to out-of-the-way destinations, go old school and bring paper maps with you or download offline maps from Google. Using a paper map or an offline version means you always have a way to navigate around your chosen destination, even if you lose cellular service.
  • One other note, you should reserve airport parking ahead of time during peak travel times. Some airport parking areas fill up fast around holidays, so reserving your spot ahead of time will save you from wasting time looking for a space when you need to catch a flight. You can also sometimes save by booking online in advance, too.

Bottom line

to a t travel

Whether you're fresh to the world of traveling or a seasoned expert, you can always learn new tips to maximize your time away from home. The more research and preparation you do before your trip, the better your experience will be — especially if things go wrong, as they sometimes do.

Some of our favorite tools are deal alerts, Google Flights , sign-up bonuses and credit card rewards . Learn those tools and use them for better travel every time.

Remember that these days when things go wrong, you have to be your own best advocate. For more travel tips and tricks, read the stories below.

Related reading:

  • Your flight is delayed or canceled: Here's what to do next
  • The best travel credit cards
  • The 18 best places to travel in 2023
  • 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
  • 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
  • Here's how to get through airport security faster
  • Credit cards
  • View all credit cards
  • Banking guide
  • Loans guide
  • Insurance guide
  • Personal finance
  • View all personal finance
  • Small business
  • Small business guide
  • View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

How to Travel on a Budget for Beginners

Carissa Rawson

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Wondering how to travel on a budget? While it may seem like traveling is exclusive to those with cash to spare, you don’t have to overspend in order to get out of town. There are plenty of ways to travel on a budget — including using reward points or miles and traveling during ideal times— that can end up saving you a lot of money. Here's travel guide for beginners on a budget.

Start planning early

If this is your first big trip, odds are you’ve already started planning. That’s good — the sooner you start, the more time you have to save money . Travel prices rise and fall with demand, and the cycle fluctuates as your travel dates get closer.

Beginning your planning early gives you the best chance of finding discounted hotel rooms, cheaper flights and other less-expensive activities. Although you won’t find the cheapest prices far out in advance (as we mentioned, it’s a cycle) keeping an eye on rates will allow you to jump on them and book when they drop.

» Learn more: How to account for inflation in your travel budget

Book at the right time

This bears repeating. Why? Because when you book and when you travel can make a huge difference in the price of your vacation. This applies to flights and hotels.

Confused about when the "right time" to book will be? There are multiple free tools available online to help you.

One of the easiest to use is the price tracking tool available via Google Flights. This service lets you know how the fare you’re looking at purchasing compares with past pricing. It also lets you know if rates are high or low compared with average costs.

to a t travel

If the flight you’re considering does appear to be expensive, Google Flights also features a price tracker alert system that will email you when fares drop. You can toggle this feature on within the search bar.

to a t travel

According to Expedia, the best day of the week to buy your airline ticket is on Sunday.

Skip overpriced tours

There’s nothing like getting out into a new city to explore. But how much of that exploring can you do on your own? With the information available online, it’s simple and easy to conduct your own tour for free rather than paying for a guide.

If this doesn’t sound appealing to you, consider instead one of the many free tours that many major cities offer. These walking tours will give you tons of information about the area completely free of charge, though gratuities are welcomed.

Otherwise, apps such as Spotted By Locals , Tripadvisor and Rick Steves offer comprehensive information for many large cities. Often this is free, but sometimes you’ll need to pay a nominal fee.

Use reward points

One of our favorite ways to save money includes redeeming reward points for travel. Some of your biggest expenses, such as hotels and flights, can be wiped away by using reward points during your trip.

This type of travel takes planning; you’ll need to accrue enough points to make a travel redemption. Much of the time, this is accomplished through welcome bonuses earned when you open a travel credit card .

For example, a round-trip flight from Los Angeles to Paris costs $1,255 at the beginning of November 2022.

to a t travel

This same flight can be booked using 45,000 American Airlines miles .

to a t travel

While 45,000 miles may seem like a lot, you can earn this amount of miles with ease. For example, you can earn more than enough miles needed for this flight with the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles after making your first purchase and paying the $99 annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days. The first purchase could be a stick of gum or a cup of coffee — it doesn’t matter.

Many co-branded airline credit cards also offer perks like free checked bags and priority boarding, saving you time and money.

The same can be said of hotel credit cards . Most major hotel chains have co-branded credit cards, including Hilton , Marriott , IHG , Hyatt , Choice and Wyndham . These credit cards — and their sign-up bonuses — can go a long way toward cutting costs on your vacation.

Even better, many of these credit cards offer complimentary elite status . Elite status can grant you perks such as free breakfast, room upgrades, free WiFi and late checkout.

It’s a good idea to consider booking hotel rooms using points, especially for budget family travel. Sometimes hotels charge more for additional people in your room, but these costs won’t translate to reward redemptions. You’ll generally pay the same standard price as long as you can all safely occupy the room.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Travel in the off-season

Along with using reward points, taking your trip during the offseason is another excellent way to save money. Each destination has a peak period of demand during which prices will be inflated.

This will include flights, hotels, tours and even dining, making traveling on a budget difficult. In Europe, the high season is in the summer, when most people come to visit.

During this time, flights will be at their most expensive. Remember the above example featuring that flight to Paris for $1,255? A similar flight during peak season will cost $2,070 round trip.

to a t travel

As you can see, even if you’re paying cash for your flights you’ll be saving over $800 by taking your trip when demand is lower.

» Learn more: Why "shoulder season" is the best time to travel

If you want to travel on a budget

Vacations don’t have to be expensive. Whether you’re a vacation veteran or a travel newbie, it’s easy to save on trips by starting planning early and keeping an eye on prices.

More importantly, taking advantage of reward points can significantly cut down on flight and hotel costs. Otherwise, traveling during the offseason can help drop expenses and allow you to travel on a budget.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

to a t travel

  • KAYAK for Business NEW

Compare flights from 100s of sites.

Save money on airfare by searching for cheap flight tickets on KAYAK. KAYAK searches for flight deals on hundreds of airline tickets sites to help you find the cheapest flights. Whether you are looking for a last minute flight or a cheap plane ticket for a later date, you can find the best deals faster at KAYAK.

New York Flights

  • Flight Chicago - New York (ORD - LGA) $46+
  • Flight Miami - New York (MIA - LGA) $48+
  • Flight Miami - Newark (MIA - EWR) $51+
  • Flight Fort Lauderdale - New York (FLL - LGA) $52+
  • Flight Fort Lauderdale - Newark (FLL - EWR) $56+
  • Flight Atlanta - New York (ATL - LGA) $62+
  • Flight Atlanta - Newark (ATL - EWR) $77+
  • Flight Dallas - New York (DFW - LGA) $82+
  • Flight Orlando - Newark (MCO - EWR) $88+
  • Flight Dallas - Newark (DFW - EWR) $96+
  • Flight Chicago - Newark (ORD - EWR) $107+
  • Flight Chicago - New York (ORD - JFK) $139+
  • Flight Los Angeles - New York (LAX - LGA) $145+
  • Flight Miami - New York (MIA - JFK) $147+
  • Flight San Francisco - New York (SFO - LGA) $170+
  • Flight Los Angeles - Newark (LAX - EWR) $174+
  • Flight Atlanta - New York (ATL - JFK) $177+
  • Flight San Francisco - Newark (SFO - EWR) $186+
  • Flight Dallas - New York (DFW - JFK) $197+
  • Flight Fort Lauderdale - New York (FLL - JFK) $201+
  • Flight Seattle - Newark (SEA - EWR) $222+
  • Flight Seattle - New York (SEA - JFK) $251+
  • Flight Los Angeles - New York (LAX - JFK) $262+
  • Flight San Francisco - New York (SFO - JFK) $267+

Orlando Flights

  • Flight Atlanta - Orlando (ATL - MCO) $39+
  • Flight Boston - Orlando (BOS - MCO) $52+
  • Flight Chicago - Orlando (ORD - MCO) $53+
  • Flight Philadelphia - Orlando (PHL - MCO) $54+
  • Flight Baltimore - Orlando (BWI - MCO) $55+
  • Flight Cincinnati - Orlando (CVG - MCO) $58+
  • Flight Dallas - Orlando (DFW - MCO) $68+

London Flights

  • Flight New York - London (JFK - LGW) $347+
  • Flight San Francisco - London (SFO - LHR) $362+
  • Flight Boston - London (BOS - LHR) $377+
  • Flight New Windsor - London (SWF - STN) $388+
  • Flight New York - London (JFK - LHR) $425+
  • Flight New York - London (LGA - LGW) $431+
  • Flight Newark - London (EWR - LHR) $432+
  • Flight Boston - London (BOS - LCY) $434+
  • Flight Newark - London (EWR - LGW) $452+

Fort Lauderdale Flights

  • Flight Atlanta - Fort Lauderdale (ATL - FLL) $40+
  • Flight Philadelphia - Fort Lauderdale (PHL - FLL) $48+
  • Flight Raleigh - Fort Lauderdale (RDU - FLL) $49+
  • Flight Cleveland - Fort Lauderdale (CLE - FLL) $53+
  • Flight Dallas - Fort Lauderdale (DFW - FLL) $53+
  • Flight Newark - Fort Lauderdale (EWR - FLL) $53+
  • Flight Charlotte - Fort Lauderdale (CLT - FLL) $56+

Boston Flights

  • Flight Charlotte - Boston (CLT - BOS) $47+
  • Flight Orlando - Boston (MCO - BOS) $57+
  • Flight Miami - Boston (MIA - BOS) $70+
  • Flight Philadelphia - Boston (PHL - BOS) $76+
  • Flight Baltimore - Boston (BWI - BOS) $81+
  • Flight Fort Lauderdale - Boston (FLL - BOS) $90+
  • Flight Atlanta - Boston (ATL - BOS) $92+

India Flights

  • Flight New York - Mumbai (JFK - BOM) $558+
  • Flight New York - New Delhi (JFK - DEL) $576+
  • Flight San Francisco - New Delhi (SFO - DEL) $595+
  • Flight New York - Ahmedabad (JFK - AMD) $638+
  • Flight Washington, D.C. - Hyderabad (IAD - HYD) $658+
  • Flight San Francisco - Bengaluru (SFO - BLR) $680+
  • Flight San Francisco - Mumbai (SFO - BOM) $709+

Japan Flights

  • Flight Los Angeles - Tokyo (LAX - NRT) $625+
  • Flight San Francisco - Tokyo (SFO - NRT) $677+
  • Flight Los Angeles - Tokyo (LAX - HND) $754+
  • Flight San Francisco - Tokyo (SFO - HND) $756+
  • Flight Ontario - Tokyo (ONT - NRT) $849+
  • Flight Dallas - Tokyo (DFW - NRT) $864+
  • Flight Seattle - Tokyo (SEA - NRT) $882+

Phoenix Flights

  • Flight Ontario - Phoenix (ONT - PHX) $48+
  • Flight Salt Lake City - Phoenix (SLC - PHX) $58+
  • Flight Santa Ana - Phoenix (SNA - PHX) $58+
  • Flight Dallas - Phoenix (DFW - PHX) $62+
  • Flight Chicago - Phoenix (MDW - PHX) $68+
  • Flight Denver - Phoenix (DEN - PHX) $68+
  • Flight Los Angeles - Phoenix (LAX - PHX) $74+

Honolulu Flights

  • Flight Los Angeles - Honolulu (LAX - HNL) $217+
  • Flight San Francisco - Honolulu (SFO - HNL) $246+
  • Flight Oakland - Honolulu (OAK - HNL) $252+
  • Flight Ontario - Honolulu (ONT - HNL) $258+
  • Flight San Diego - Honolulu (SAN - HNL) $265+
  • Flight San Jose - Honolulu (SJC - HNL) $277+
  • Flight Las Vegas - Honolulu (LAS - HNL) $278+

Los Angeles Flights

  • Flight Salt Lake City - Los Angeles (SLC - LAX) $53+
  • Flight Oakland - Los Angeles (OAK - LAX) $61+
  • Flight San Francisco - Los Angeles (SFO - LAX) $70+
  • Flight Dallas - Los Angeles (DFW - LAX) $77+
  • Flight San Jose - Los Angeles (SJC - LAX) $78+
  • Flight Portland - Los Angeles (PDX - LAX) $82+
  • Flight Denver - Los Angeles (DEN - LAX) $83+
  • Flight Houston - Los Angeles (HOU - LAX) $101+
  • Flight Houston - Los Angeles (IAH - LAX) $101+

Chicago Flights

  • Flight Atlanta - Chicago (ATL - MDW) $52+
  • Flight New York - Chicago (LGA - ORD) $53+
  • Flight Orlando - Chicago (MCO - ORD) $53+
  • Flight Dallas - Chicago (DFW - ORD) $56+
  • Flight Houston - Chicago (HOU - ORD) $66+
  • Flight Tampa - Chicago (TPA - ORD) $71+
  • Flight Philadelphia - Chicago (PHL - ORD) $80+

Denver Flights

  • Flight Ontario - Denver (ONT - DEN) $38+
  • Flight Minneapolis - Denver (MSP - DEN) $57+
  • Flight Chicago - Denver (ORD - DEN) $63+
  • Flight Los Angeles - Denver (LAX - DEN) $82+
  • Flight Detroit - Denver (DTW - DEN) $88+
  • Flight Houston - Denver (HOU - DEN) $89+
  • Flight Houston - Denver (IAH - DEN) $89+

Washington, D.C. Flights

  • Flight Atlanta - Baltimore (ATL - BWI) $53+
  • Flight Fort Lauderdale - Baltimore (FLL - BWI) $63+
  • Flight Boston - Baltimore (BOS - BWI) $80+
  • Flight Dallas - Baltimore (DFW - BWI) $83+
  • Flight Chicago - Baltimore (ORD - BWI) $89+
  • Flight Minneapolis - Washington, D.C. (MSP - DCA) $103+
  • Flight Boston - Washington, D.C. (BOS - DCA) $113+
  • Flight San Francisco - Washington, D.C. (SFO - DCA) $119+
  • Flight Los Angeles - Baltimore (LAX - BWI) $123+
  • Flight Boston - Washington, D.C. (BOS - IAD) $133+
  • Flight Atlanta - Washington, D.C. (ATL - IAD) $137+
  • Flight Seattle - Washington, D.C. (SEA - DCA) $143+
  • Flight Los Angeles - Washington, D.C. (LAX - DCA) $147+
  • Flight Chicago - Washington, D.C. (ORD - DCA) $152+
  • Flight New York - Washington, D.C. (LGA - DCA) $164+
  • Flight Dallas - Washington, D.C. (DFW - DCA) $167+
  • Flight San Francisco - Baltimore (SFO - BWI) $172+
  • Flight Atlanta - Washington, D.C. (ATL - DCA) $178+
  • Flight Houston - Washington, D.C. (HOU - DCA) $181+
  • Flight Los Angeles - Washington, D.C. (LAX - IAD) $187+
  • Flight Seattle - Baltimore (SEA - BWI) $202+
  • Flight Dallas - Washington, D.C. (DFW - IAD) $216+
  • Flight Seattle - Washington, D.C. (SEA - IAD) $244+
  • Flight San Francisco - Washington, D.C. (SFO - IAD) $265+

Atlanta Flights

  • Flight Houston - Atlanta (HOU - ATL) $32+
  • Flight Houston - Atlanta (IAH - ATL) $32+
  • Flight Chicago - Atlanta (ORD - ATL) $39+
  • Flight Orlando - Atlanta (MCO - ATL) $39+
  • Flight Dallas - Atlanta (DFW - ATL) $40+
  • Flight Fort Lauderdale - Atlanta (FLL - ATL) $40+
  • Flight Miami - Atlanta (MIA - ATL) $44+

United States Flights

  • Flight Newark - Miami (EWR - MIA) $51+
  • Flight Newark - Fort Lauderdale (EWR - FLL) $52+
  • Flight New York - Miami (LGA - MIA) $54+
  • Flight New York - Fort Lauderdale (LGA - FLL) $58+
  • Flight Dallas - Las Vegas (DFW - LAS) $63+
  • Flight Newark - Orlando (EWR - MCO) $69+
  • Flight Newark - Atlanta (EWR - ATL) $74+

Hawaii Flights

  • Flight Los Angeles - Hawaii (LAX - USHI) $197+
  • Flight San Francisco - Hawaii (SFO - USHI) $199+
  • Flight Seattle - Hawaii (SEA - USHI) $252+
  • Flight Ontario - Hawaii (ONT - USHI) $258+
  • Flight San Diego - Hawaii (SAN - USHI) $265+
  • Flight San Jose - Hawaii (SJC - USHI) $277+
  • Flight Salt Lake City - Hawaii (SLC - USHI) $304+

Tampa Flights

  • Flight Atlanta - Tampa (ATL - TPA) $35+
  • Flight Baltimore - Tampa (BWI - TPA) $48+
  • Flight Dallas - Tampa (DFW - TPA) $54+
  • Flight Raleigh - Tampa (RDU - TPA) $54+
  • Flight Philadelphia - Tampa (PHL - TPA) $55+
  • Flight Cincinnati - Tampa (CVG - TPA) $58+
  • Flight Newark - Tampa (EWR - TPA) $68+

Houston Flights

  • Flight Atlanta - Houston (ATL - IAH) $39+
  • Flight Miami - Houston (MIA - IAH) $56+
  • Flight Fort Lauderdale - Houston (FLL - IAH) $59+
  • Flight Baltimore - Houston (BWI - IAH) $61+
  • Flight Philadelphia - Houston (PHL - IAH) $63+
  • Flight Chicago - Houston (ORD - IAH) $66+
  • Flight Dallas - Houston (DFW - IAH) $74+

Las Vegas Flights

  • Flight Los Angeles - Las Vegas (LAX - LAS) $20+
  • Flight Oakland - Las Vegas (OAK - LAS) $40+
  • Flight Santa Ana - Las Vegas (SNA - LAS) $40+
  • Flight Burbank - Las Vegas (BUR - LAS) $47+
  • Flight San Francisco - Las Vegas (SFO - LAS) $48+
  • Flight Dallas - Las Vegas (DFW - LAS) $55+
  • Flight Denver - Las Vegas (DEN - LAS) $58+
  • Flight Seattle - Las Vegas (SEA - LAS) $73+
  • Flight Houston - Las Vegas (HOU - LAS) $77+
  • Flight Houston - Las Vegas (IAH - LAS) $77+
  • Flight Fort Lauderdale - Las Vegas (FLL - LAS) $80+
  • Flight Minneapolis - Las Vegas (MSP - LAS) $93+
  • Flight Atlanta - Las Vegas (ATL - LAS) $97+
  • Flight Baltimore - Las Vegas (BWI - LAS) $98+

Miami Flights

  • Flight Atlanta - Miami (ATL - MIA) $46+
  • Flight Raleigh - Miami (RDU - MIA) $47+
  • Flight New York - Miami (LGA - MIA) $48+
  • Flight Philadelphia - Miami (PHL - MIA) $49+
  • Flight Charlotte - Miami (CLT - MIA) $50+
  • Flight Newark - Miami (EWR - MIA) $52+
  • Flight Chicago - Miami (ORD - MIA) $53+
  • Flight Houston - Miami (HOU - MIA) $56+
  • Flight Houston - Miami (IAH - MIA) $56+
  • Flight Dallas - Miami (DFW - MIA) $57+
  • Flight Baltimore - Miami (BWI - MIA) $60+
  • Flight Detroit - Miami (DTW - MIA) $62+
  • Flight Boston - Miami (BOS - MIA) $70+
  • Flight Cleveland - Miami (CLE - MIA) $93+
  • Flight Minneapolis - Miami (MSP - MIA) $98+
  • Flight Denver - Miami (DEN - MIA) $112+
  • Flight Los Angeles - Miami (LAX - MIA) $129+
  • Flight Ontario - Miami (ONT - MIA) $153+
  • Flight San Francisco - Miami (SFO - MIA) $155+
  • Flight New York - Miami (JFK - MIA) $162+
  • Flight Washington, D.C. - Miami (DCA - MIA) $168+
  • Flight Washington, D.C. - Miami (IAD - MIA) $177+

San Francisco Flights

  • Flight Ontario - San Francisco (ONT - SFO) $48+
  • Flight Los Angeles - San Francisco (LAX - SFO) $53+
  • Flight San Diego - San Francisco (SAN - SFO) $71+
  • Flight Chicago - San Francisco (MDW - SFO) $98+
  • Flight Dallas - San Francisco (DFW - SFO) $111+
  • Flight Denver - San Francisco (DEN - SFO) $116+
  • Flight Burbank - San Francisco (BUR - SFO) $117+
  • Flight Washington, D.C. - San Francisco (DCA - SFO) $119+
  • Flight Santa Ana - San Francisco (SNA - SFO) $125+
  • Flight Atlanta - San Francisco (ATL - SFO) $126+
  • Flight Austin - San Francisco (AUS - SFO) $129+
  • Flight Seattle - San Francisco (SEA - SFO) $130+
  • Flight Houston - San Francisco (HOU - SFO) $134+
  • Flight Minneapolis - San Francisco (MSP - SFO) $136+

Seattle Flights

  • Flight Phoenix - Seattle (PHX - SEA) $93+
  • Flight Denver - Seattle (DEN - SEA) $94+
  • Flight Chicago - Seattle (ORD - SEA) $117+
  • Flight Oakland - Seattle (OAK - SEA) $119+
  • Flight San Jose - Seattle (SJC - SEA) $122+
  • Flight Ontario - Seattle (ONT - SEA) $125+
  • Flight San Diego - Seattle (SAN - SEA) $128+

Paris Flights

  • Flight Miami - Paris (MIA - CDG) $256+
  • Flight Boston - Paris (BOS - CDG) $302+
  • Flight New Windsor - Paris (SWF - CDG) $311+
  • Flight Baltimore - Paris (BWI - CDG) $323+
  • Flight Atlanta - Paris (ATL - CDG) $350+
  • Flight Washington, D.C. - Paris (IAD - CDG) $353+
  • Flight Newark - Paris (EWR - ORY) $403+

Europe Flights

  • Flight New York - Rome (JFK - FCO) $375+
  • Flight New York - Barcelona (JFK - BCN) $381+
  • Flight New York - Paris (LGA - CDG) $410+

Florida Flights

  • Flight New York - Florida (LGA - USFL) $48+
  • Flight Philadelphia - Florida (PHL - USFL) $48+
  • Flight Newark - Florida (EWR - USFL) $52+
  • Flight Chicago - Florida (ORD - USFL) $53+
  • Flight Baltimore - Florida (BWI - USFL) $60+
  • Flight Boston - Florida (BOS - USFL) $70+
  • Flight Los Angeles - Florida (LAX - USFL) $111+

Dallas Flights

  • Flight Fort Lauderdale - Dallas (FLL - DFW) $51+
  • Flight Atlanta - Dallas (ATL - DFW) $52+
  • Flight Chicago - Dallas (ORD - DFW) $53+
  • Flight Denver - Dallas (DEN - DFW) $58+
  • Flight Minneapolis - Dallas (MSP - DFW) $66+
  • Flight Ontario - Dallas (ONT - DFW) $70+
  • Flight Charlotte - Dallas (CLT - DFW) $75+

San Diego Flights

  • Flight San Francisco - San Diego (SFO - SAN) $48+
  • Flight Denver - San Diego (DEN - SAN) $54+
  • Flight San Jose - San Diego (SJC - SAN) $58+
  • Flight Sacramento - San Diego (SMF - SAN) $66+
  • Flight Oakland - San Diego (OAK - SAN) $68+
  • Flight Phoenix - San Diego (PHX - SAN) $73+
  • Flight Dallas - San Diego (DFW - SAN) $75+

Frequently asked questions

What do i need to know before booking a flight.

There are various factors to consider when booking a flight including cost, fare classes, baggage policies, the complications of flying long haul, and complying with airport regulations. To make your booking journey smoother KAYAK has developed a comprehensive flight guide including insights on finding affordable flights, packing efficiently, and utilizing the best travel tools.

Which month of the year are flight prices lowest?

It’s well established that flights in the low season are generally cheaper than ticket prices during the high season. That means that knowing which month to find the lowest priced plane tickets will depend heavily on seasonality and your destination. While avoiding peak travel times can help you keep costs down, our data shows that the month with the lowest priced plane tickets for domestic flights based on all searches made on KAYAK in the last 12 months was January, while the most expensive was March. If you’re booking an international flight, then January is the cheapest month to fly and June the most expensive.

Can flying international flights with a layover save money on airfare?

For many long-haul international flights, flying non-stop is not possible and you will have to fly with a layover. Some routes will offer both and you could consider flying with a layover for a number of reasons. Firstly, breaking up what would otherwise be a long-haul flight, taking a rest and then completing the journey might make the flight more manageable. Secondly, prices can also be lower than non-stop flights, so while it might take longer for you to reach your destination, you could save money. We’ve looked at prices over the last 12 months for the 100 most popular international destinations for KAYAK users and on average, prices for non-stop flights were cheaper than flights with a layover.

How do I find the best flight deals on KAYAK?

A simple flight search at https://www.kayak.com/flights scans for prices on hundreds of travel sites in seconds. We gather flight deals from across the web and put them in one place. Then on the search results page you can use various filters to compare options for the same flight and easily choose the best flight deal from all of the deals coming straight from the travel sites to your screen, with no extra fee from KAYAK.

Does KAYAK query more flight providers than competitors?

Yes, KAYAK has access to more data and information than online travel agencies and consistently outperforms the competition in accuracy, globally.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you flights up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. That way, you can see if leaving a day or two earlier will find you a better deal. You can also select the flexible "weekend" or "month" search options to widen your search range and find the cheapest price that works for you.

What is the cheapest day of the week to book a flight?

The best day to book your flight depends on a number of factors, but there are general trends that you can follow to increase your chances of cheaper plane tickets. Based on an analysis of KAYAK data for all flights departing from inside United States over the last 12 months, the cheapest day to fly for domestic flights is Tuesday. For international flights, Thursday had the cheapest tickets on average.

When is the best time to buy plane tickets - Last minute or in advance?

Last minute flight deals are definitely up for grabs but when exactly to purchase your plane tickets will depend on where you’re traveling to and from. Based on all data for flight searches made on KAYAK over the last 12 months, prices for domestic flights remained below the average price up to 1 weeks before departure. For international flights, deals could still be had up to 1 weeks prior to the departure date, with prices remaining below average. If you’re flexible, KAYAK brings you both advance and last minute one-way and round-trip flight deals.

How does KAYAK find such low flight prices?

KAYAK processes over 2 billion flight queries annually and displays results from hundreds of airlines and third party sites, allowing it to find a variety of flight prices and options. It also displays results from 2M+ properties along with rental cars, vacation packages, activities and millions of verified reviews so users can see as many available travel options as possible.

How can Hacker Fares save me money?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets on different airlines when it can save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

Solo traveling basics: Expert advice for your first trip

to a t travel

Boarding the plane to head to another country alone is often an emotional experience – there’s the excitement, the anxiety, the anticipation.

It can also be totally nerve-wracking.

When Angie Orth made the bold choice to leave her job and embark on a solo year-long journey around the world in 2011, her friends and family cautioned her about safety concerns. “Everyone was horrified,” the Florida native told USA TODAY. “The fear was all I heard.”

The then New York City-based Orth kicked off her 12-country solo trip in Fiji before making her way to New Zealand, Australia, and Southeast Asia. Then she trekked through Europe, including Greece, Spain and England, and stopped in Turkey and Egypt before ending in Kenya and South Africa.

Stay safe while traveling: Here are 17 CIA tips, advice to think like a spy on vacation

Learn more: Best travel insurance

It wasn’t always smooth traveling. At times, Orth said she survived “by the skin of my teeth.” Orth was in Egypt during the Arab Spring , got unbelievably sick in Thailand, and had a bike accident in Bali. She was also robbed of 400 euros. “I was in Greece for a half an hour and had already been pickpocketed,” she said. 

Still, to Orth, the solo journey was invaluable. “It’s a confidence that I don't think there’s any other way to get that confidence than by solo travel,” she said, referring to the problem-solving that inherently comes with navigating travel on your own. Then there’s also the compassion you gain from meeting and experiencing other cultures. 

Now more than ever, more people are deciding to forgo travel companions and embark on their trips alone. Solo vacation packages searches on Google shot up by more than 200% over the past 90 days as of Feb. 2.

Increased connectivity on our phones makes it easier to feel secure and social media shows more people – especially women – traveling the world alone. 

“Women are not waiting for permission or their 401(k) to mature. If my husband doesn’t want to go, fine. Women are having more confidence,” said Orth, who is also the author of the upcoming book “Flirting with Disaster,” which chronicles her year-long solo trip. 

Here’s everything you need to know about solo travel. 

How to safely travel alone

Safety is always top of mind when traveling, and it’s especially important for solo travelers who have to look out for themselves. 

'It's like your local bestie': This startup helps make solo travel as a woman feel safer

“Isn’t it fun to meet a person in a hostel and say yes, let’s go hiking right now? That’s fun, but it’s risky,” Orth said. “It’s about balancing it out and researching ridiculously.” 

▶ Start your research by heading to the State Department website to see if there are any travel advisories for the destination you’re interested in. These advisories are based on changing conditions and also inform you about the specific region you’re visiting.

For the most direct updates, enroll in the agency’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service that sends you the most up-to-date information on the destination. It can also help connect you to the nearest U.S. embassy and consulate if traveling and something were to happen.

▶ One thing Orth always searches for is “the destination plus scams” to see what she has to look out for when in that place. Many European cities are notorious for petty theft, like pickpocketing in popular tourist hotspots like the Trevi Fountain or public transportation.  

When doing research, it may feel like an information overload. "There is so much information now, you could read 1,000 reviews and get so many sources of conflicting information," Orth added. "It’s hard to wade through all that and find trusted sources."

▶ To help sift through everything, Orth recommends reaching out to others who have traveled to your ideal destination. She also recommended cleaning out your feed and only following travel content creators who “give you the good and the bad.”

“You don’t want the glossy, glossy, oh, it’s so magical because travel isn’t always so magical,” she said. 

▶ At your destination, you’ll also need at least a basic understanding of the language used there. “Translation plays a big role in safety, just being aware of your surroundings,” said Craig Ewer, Google Communications Manager for Search. 

Besides direct translation between 133 languages, the Google Translate app offers pronunciation help – “such a lifesaver,” according to Rose Yao, Vice President of Product Management at Google. You can also snap a picture of a menu and have it translated in real time. 

The Google app also has a feature called Lens that allows users to search using a picture of something like a sign. “You’d be surprised at what you can Lens: menus, what is that building or what is that statue,” Yao said. You can also capture a screenshot of your social media feed and then search for it on Google to incorporate it into your travel plans.

Staying healthy on your travels

▶ To safeguard yourself and others against preventable illnesses while exploring new places, look up any recommended vaccinations for the countries you plan on visiting. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website is a good starting point, with in-depth travel health notices and recommended vaccines and medicines posted all in one place. 

The CDC website also offers travel advice on managing non-preventable illnesses, like preventing bug bites to reduce the risk of contracting diseases such as dengue or Zika.

▶ Typically, you’d want to give yourself at least a month before departing on your trip to get everything you need from your doctor. And if you don’t know who to go to, the CDC can help you find a clinic as well. 

Orth recommends having a doctor help you put together a medical kit with you with some necessities and medications, like for food poisoning. “It’s helpful to have some things on hand so you’re not scrambling on a remote island and no one knows what you’re talking about,” she said. 

▶ As you’re making the big purchases for your trip, don’t forget about travel insurance for the unexpected. Orth said she never travels without this layer of protection. Travel insurance not only helped with her medical costs from her bike collision but also replaced her camera, which was smashed in the accident. She also recommends a service called  MedJet , which offers worldwide security crisis and medical transportation assistance for its members.

What are the most popular solo travel destinations?

According to Google, the top-searched destinations for American solo travelers are: 

  • Puerto Rico

Tips for solo travelers

  • The Google app’s generative AI search allows you to “ask really detailed questions like you would ask a friend,” Yao said. “Ask what’s off the beaten path, what’s not crowded. What’s a great time to visit the Louvre that’s not super crowded?” 
  • For your first trip alone, it’s okay to start small and dip your toes in the solo travel pool. “Start in an easier destination, something more familiar where you speak the language or you dont have to fly far away,” Orth said. “A lot of folks see ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ and travel content creators trekking in Borneo for it to count but it doesn’t.” 
  • It won’t always be rainbows and butterflies, despite what you see on social media. Expect decision fatigue from having to make many micro-decisions, like if this taxi driver seems safe. “I think this probably hits women a lot harder than it hits men because we are never not thinking about our safety, and that’s if we’re going to Target in our hometown or hopping on a plane to a remote island,” Orth said. 
  • Make an itinerary for yourself with at least one thing planned everyday, so you don’t feel aimless but still have space for flexibility, said Madison Pietrowski, U.S. brand director at GetYourGuide, a marketplace for travel experiences, where each company listed is thoroughly vetted. It can be as casual as wanting to eat at a certain restaurant for dinner or more intensive like a whole-day tour. (On that note, make sure to read the fine print and are aware of cancellation policies for your excursions.)  

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

Flight search

  • Adults Remove adult 1 Add adult
  • Children Aged 2-11 Aged 2 to 11 Remove child 0 Add child
  • Infants In seat Remove infant in seat 0 Add infant in seat
  • Infants On lap Remove infant on lap 0 Add infant on lap
  • Premium economy

Popular destinations

  • Group Travel Specialist
  • Destinations

to a t travel

  • 407-735-6006
  • info@tattravelagency.com

to a t travel

As normalcy begins to timidly permeate the daily goings-on of Baghdad, the ravaged Iraqi capital, it seems too soon still…

to a t travel

While visitors to Albania must still prepare to walk some seriously uncharted paths, to dismiss a country that brags a…

to a t travel

Infinite horizons of wild savannahs and crater lakes at breathtaking heights: Kenya is home to over fifty national parks, all…

to a t travel

The Seychelles is an enchanted archipelago off the East African coast, with 115 islands surrounded by turquoise waters of the…

to a t travel

A combination of spellbinding natural wonders, big city comforts, perfect weather and a laid-back approach to life make Australia one…

Featured Cruises

Featured tours, certification.

In order to provide you with the best possible travel recommendation we have completed advanced training and are certified as:

to a t travel

Travel News

  • A Walk in the Park Around the World
  • Turkey – tea with the locals
  • Discovering Mexico’s Most Enchanting Magic Towns
  • Unveiling Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills

Send To A Friend

{{offertitle}}.

  • Your Name *
  • Your Friends' Name *
  • Your Email *
  • Your Friends' Email *
  • Personal Message *
  • Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Request A Quote

{{SupplierName}} | Starting {{LowAmount}} | Book From {{BookingDates}}

  • Name * First Last
  • Contact me by Both - Phone/Email Email Only Phone Only
  • Best Contact Time Morning Afternoon Evening
  • Desired Departure Date Date Format: MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • Trip Length Number of nights
  • Departure City
  • Number of Adults
  • Number of Children Under 18 years of age
  • Comments or Requests
  • Please add me to your email list to receive promotions and travel news

U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

TSA is prepared for a busy spring break travel season, expects travel volumes at nearly 6% above 2023

WASHINGTON – As spring break travelers prepare for their vacation getaways, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is up for the challenge and is offering practical tips to help them plan for a smooth journey as they go through the security checkpoint and take to the skies. The busy peak spring break travel season begins around March 7 and continues through March 25.

“TSA screened a record number of passengers in 2023, and we expect that trend to continue this year,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “So far in 2024, travel volumes are trending at nearly 6% above the same period in 2023. We always work closely with our airline and airport partners to plan for and meet the increasing travel demand while doing our best to maintain our wait times of 30 minutes or less in standard lanes and 10 minutes or less in TSA PreCheck ® lanes.”

TSA knows travelers put a lot of time and effort into planning the perfect spring break getaway, so we are providing the following tips and tricks to help make sure your special trip gets off to a great start:

Pack smart and remember the 3-1-1 rule. Make sure to start with an empty bag to avoid packing any prohibited items. If you’re heading to the beach, you may wonder how to pack your sunscreen. Any liquids, sunscreen containers and alcohol over 3.4 ounces must be packed in a checked bag. Liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes are allowed in carry-on bags as long as each item is 3.4 ounces or less and placed in one quart-sized bag. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes.

Unloaded firearms must be packed in a locked, hard-sided case in checked baggage only and must be declared to the airline. Travelers who bring firearms or other weapons to the security checkpoint face consequences . To avoid delays, passengers should search TSA’s “ What Can I Bring? ” webpage.

Be checkpoint ready and bring a valid ID. Arrive at the checkpoint with a mobile or printed boarding pass and readily available valid ID . Listen closely to and follow instructions from TSA officers for guidance through the screening process. At many checkpoints, you may be asked to insert your physical ID into one of our Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) units, where a boarding pass is not needed. Nearly 30 airports have a second generation of CAT, called CAT-2, which adds a camera with optional facial recognition technology and smartphone reader. This technology better detects fraudulent IDs. Passengers who do not want their photos taken may ask the TSA officer for a manual ID check without losing their place in line. For more information on how TSA is using facial recognition technology, see our TSA Facial Recognition Technology Fact Sheet . Starting May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older must have a REAL ID -compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States. 2024 is a good time to get your REAL ID. Contact your state DMV for more information.

Enroll in TSA PreCheck ® . Enjoy the benefits of faster checkpoint screening with a TSA PreCheck membership. Traveling with kids? Teenagers aged 17 and under may accompany TSA PreCheck-enrolled parents or guardians through TSA PreCheck screening lanes when traveling on the same reservation and when the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the teen’s boarding pass. Children 12 and under may still accompany an enrolled parent or guardian through the TSA PreCheck lanes any time, without restriction. Most new enrollees receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) within five days, and membership lasts for five years. TSA PreCheck starts at $78 for a five-year membership. That’s about $15.60 per year. Online renewals are $70. Don’t delay. Enroll in TSA PreCheck today.

Arrive early and please be patient. Spring break travelers should give themselves plenty of time to account for traffic, parking, rental car returns, airline check-in, security screening and making any airport purchases before boarding a flight. The airport environment can be stressful. Remain patient, and remember everyone around you is also on their own journey. Passengers who engage in unruly behavior at the checkpoint, the gate area or inflight may face substantial penalties and possible prosecution on criminal charges.

Call ahead to request passenger support. Travelers or families of passengers with disabilities and/or medical conditions may call the TSA Cares helpline toll-free at 855-787-2227 with any questions about screening procedures and to find out what to expect at the security checkpoint. If you call at least 72 hours prior to travel, TSA Cares also arranges assistance at the checkpoint for travelers with specific needs. For more information, visit the TSA Cares website .

Ask TSA before you travel. Contact TSA over social media by sending a message to @AskTSA on X or Facebook Messenger. Passengers may also send a text directly to 275-872 (“AskTSA”) on any mobile device. An automated virtual assistant is available 24/7 to answer commonly asked questions, and AskTSA staff are available 365 days a year from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET for more complicated questions. Travelers may also reach the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET on weekends/holidays. An automated service is available 24/7.

TSA encourages all passengers to remain vigilant. If You See Something. Say Something ® . Those traveling abroad for spring break should check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Know Before You Go page to learn about required documentation.

For more information on airport security screening, visit tsa.gov .

  • Search Please fill out this field.
  • Manage Your Subscription
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Sweepstakes
  • Travel Products
  • Travel Accessories

I'm a Travel Writer Who Just Downsized My Gear — but These Are the 12 Items I Refuse to Get Rid Of

There's always room for these must-haves that keep me comfortable, stylish, and safe on the go.

to a t travel

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Tyler Roeland

I don’t know what it is about spring, but as soon as the first long, sunny day hits, I immediately feel called to begin organizing and downsizing my closet, travel gear, and everything in between. Each year, following this grand purge, I bring bags and bags' worth of clothes and accessories to my local donation center and what remains are my foolproof, tried-and-true travel essentials that I refuse to venture without. 

Following this year's spring cleaning, the items that made it past the fateful clearance include Bluetooth trackers to keep an eye on my personal belongings and a pair of comfortable travel shoes that strike the perfect balance between comfort and style. If you're also someone who travels with comfort, style, and safety in mind, then you’re going to want to keep scrolling to see the other favorite accessories that I’ll be traveling with this season. And even better, items start at just $6.

New Balance Unisex 9060 Sneakers

New Balance

If I could only wear one pair of sneakers for the rest of my life, it would be these incredibly stylish and supportive sneakers from New Balance. They effortlessly check all of my boxes as they are fashionable enough to wear with jeans, comfortable enough to sport on a hike without worrying about blisters, and durable enough to withstand the wears and tears of the many travel seasons ahead. I can’t recommend these sneakers enough, and if you’re in the market for a new pair, be sure to snag them while they’re still in stock. 

Need a backup pair because they're all sold out? The brand's Fresh Foam Roav V1 Sneakers have won over more than 23,000 Amazon shoppers with their versatile, comfy, and well-cushioned design, and they're on sale for $75.

Vera Bradley Hardside Rolling Carry-On

To accompany all of my spring flings, I’m holding onto this stunning Vera Bradley suitcase that's adorned with beautiful flower illustrations. Aside from its incredibly spacious build, four directional spinning wheels, and handy TSA lock, its eye-catching design means that I’ll always know which suitcase is mine at baggage claim. At 22 inches, the carry-on is the perfect size for a week-long trip, but one Amazon shopper said that they were able to fit up to two weeks' worth of clothes — similar to the 20-inch Rockland London Carry-On Luggage , which is extremely spacious and on sale for $64.

Cabeau the Neck Evolution S3 Travel Pillow

As a travel writer, I’ve tried more neck pillows than I can count. And while there are plenty of excellent models on the market, the one that I keep going back to and refuse to part with is this one from Cabeau. Made with ultra-soft memory foam to deliver 360-degree support, it’s the only pillow that I’ve managed to sleep six-plus hours with on a flight. It is also incredibly compact and packable, and comes with its own carry bag that’s spacious enough to fit my eye mask and other in-flight essentials, too. 

Apple AirTag

If there’s one item that I refuse to travel without, it’s an Apple AirTag. It sets up within minutes, and helps me travel with the peace of mind that my personal belongings are accounted for. As someone who has had their luggage misplaced and my bag snatched on international trips, I know firsthand that you can never be too safe. Attach one to your suitcase or throw one in your wallet to keep a closer eye on your valuables. Trust me, you won’t regret it. 

Veken Packing Cube Set

It’s no shocker that these Veken packing cubes have managed to make it past my annual spring cleaning because they’re the epitome of travel essentials. I particularly love the sheer versatility of this set, which comes with compression cubes for clothes, a designated shoe bag, laundry bag, and even a toiletry bag to ensure that everything has an easy-to-find place in your suitcase. With how streamlined they make packing and unpacking, these cubes are going to be on your "keep" list for life after you’ve tried them for yourself. 

Vacation Super Spritz SPF 50

Sunscreen is a year-round must, but as the warm weather comes creeping back in, it becomes even more imperative to keep your skin protected. As much as I love gel- and lotion-based SPF, nothing can beat the convenience of a spray; it can be applied as your base SPF and easily reapplied throughout the day for protection on the go. I’m keeping bottles of my go-to Vacation Super Spritz SPF packed for all of my upcoming beach, lake, and hiking days, and you should do the same. Oh, and as an added bonus, it smells absolutely divine. 

Jack&Chris Leather Passport Wallet Holder

It’s important to safeguard your most important documents, so that’s why I keep mine secured in this travel wallet that holds my passport, ID, credit cards, and other essentials. My grandpa actually recommended this wallet to me, and I can see why; it's sleek, slim, and one of the best $20 purchases that I’ve made in a long time. 

Ai-dee Colorful Luggage Tag Set 

This simple, no-frills luggage tag set is the $6 purchase that you won’t regret making this season. It may seem like a no-brainer, but beyond attaching it to your suitcase to identify your luggage, it’s also helpful to clip one onto your backpack and other items in the case you misplace it. Plus, its durable, waterproof, PVC silicone construction and secure-fastening loop ensure that it'll be an easy, one-time purchase that’ll last you a lifetime. 

Blume SuperBelly Lemon Ginger

Travel always tends to dehydrate me and wreak havoc on my gut, and as much as I love to indulge myself on a trip, I still try to maintain some semblance of my healthy routine while on vacation. In the past, I’ve found that Pedialyte is hard to pack (and a bit inconvenient to use on the go) and haven’t personally loved other hydration powder sticks until I tried Blume. I packed these single-serving powder packets on a recent trip and will always keep a few in my bag for future adventures. It’s delicious, easy-to-pack, and made with plenty of vitamins and minerals so I don’t have to worry about packing supplements. Plus, the ginger comes in clutch for soothing any turbulent travel tummies.

Abercrombie YPB Women’s NeoKNIT Joggers

Abercrombie & Fitch

I tried these joggers a few months ago and am absolutely in love with their buttery-soft feel and relaxed fit. They are the first thing that I pack for any and all kinds of travel, and while they’ve kept me incredibly cozy during all of my winter trips, they are breathable enough to bring along on all my spring travel plans, too. I’m also considering adding a few more to my collection so I'll have plenty of comfy travel outfits at my disposal come spring.

Patagonia Women’s All Season Hemp Canvas Bib Overalls

My outdoor expert and professional gear outfitter friend Alice Bennett first recommended these heavy duty overalls to me back in the fall, and now I basically live in them. Beyond their durable material and comfortable fit (which may I add, are both phenomenal), these overalls are fixed with plenty of spacious pockets that I love to keep my phone and other personal belongings in. Speaking of, they’re actually the ideal pair of gardening overalls, and I’ve been known to stick a few freshly-harvested carrots in the side pockets. 

JBL Bluetooth GO3 Speaker

Catch me at the park, by the lake, on a stroll, and really doing any outdoor activity this season with this portable speaker that packs a punch audio-wise. This is truly the bring-everywhere travel accessory that you didn’t even know you needed. Between its waterproof build and top-notch sound quality, it makes an excellent travel companion, and I won’t be caught anywhere this without it. Even better, it comes with a built-in clip so I can keep it securely fixed to my backpack when I'm on the move. 

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week. 

See More T+L Shopping Deals

to a t travel

  • Anniston/Gadsden

U.S. travel alert: Do not travel to this Caribbean nation, popular spot for cruise ship stops

  • Updated: Mar. 11, 2024, 11:28 p.m. |
  • Published: Mar. 11, 2024, 8:39 a.m.

Haiti jailbreak

A demonstrator holds up a Haitian flag during protests demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Friday, March 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Odelyn Joseph) AP

The State Department is warning travelers not to go to the Caribbean nation of Haiti even as American military forces are being brought in to shore up security at the U.S. Embassy in Port-Au-Prince.

The Travel Advisory for Haiti remains at level four, meaning all travel to the country is discouraged. Other level 4 countries include Russia, Syria and Burkina Faso.

“The current security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous. We are aware that there are few or non-commercial options to depart Haiti safely at this time. As they become available, we urge U.S. citizens to take advantage of them,” the US Embassy said in a statement issued this week.

Travelers who are in Haiti are advised to avoid crowds and being outside after dark, keep a low profile and be aware of their surroundings.

Haiti is located on the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic sharing the island to the east. The Dominican Republic is under a level 2 advisory with visitors urged to exercise increased caution.

READ MORE: US issues travel warning for mega-popular spring break tourist spots

The U.S. military presence will protect the embassy and allow non-essential American personnel to leave the area, which has been taken over by violent street gangs, the AP reported.

A do-not-travel alert for Haiti was issued in July 2023 for what the State Department described as “kidnapping, crime, civil unrest and poor health care infrastructure.” Later that month, the U.S. ordered all family members of U.S. government employees and non-emergency personnel to leave the country. American government personnel have been limited to only confined areas around the Embassy and are not allowed to walk in Port-au-Prince, use any public transportation, visit banks or ATMs, drive at night or travel between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.

Despite the security issues, which included a mass prison break last week, cruise ship lines continue to stop in the country.

Royal Caribbean ships continue to call on Labadee, the cruise company’s property located on a peninsula about six hours drive away from Port-au-Prince, CNN reported. The area is only available to ship guests and visitors do not leave the resort. No security issues have been reported at the resort.

The company said it is monitoring the situation in Haiti.

“The safety of our guests and crew is our top priority. Our global security teams are closely monitoring the situation in the area. At all times, we remind guests to remain aware of their surroundings while ashore and follow all State Department guidelines. Should any changes be required, guests will be notified directly,” a Royal Caribbean spokesperson told CNN.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

  • Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

U.S. Warns Spring Breakers Headed to Mexico, Jamaica or the Bahamas

In recent weeks, American travelers to some of the busiest international destinations during spring vacation have been urged by the State Department to exercise extra caution.

A sunset over a calm harbor turns the water and the ski into hues of dark blue and black.

By Vjosa Isai

Don’t wander off the resort after dark. Keep the flashy clothing and jewelry to a minimum. Stay aware of your surroundings. Those are some of the travel rules that Ginger Moore, a retired logistics analyst from Panama City, Fla., adheres to on her solo trips throughout the Caribbean.

Ms. Moore, 75, has always felt safe during her stays in Jamaica, where she’s returning for the fourth time on Wednesday. But this year, while she’s still happy to take a trip, a travel advisory for Jamaica, reissued in January by the U.S. State Department, has elevated her concerns.

“I’m sure there are parts, just like the United States, that you can go into that are not recommended,” said Ms. Moore. Nonetheless, she has taken new precautions for her upcoming trip, like packing additional health supplies and purchasing a security bar for the sliding balcony door of her hotel room.

In recent weeks, the State Department and U.S. Embassies have issued new and updated advisories urging travelers to Mexico, Jamaica and the Bahamas — some of the busiest international spring break destinations — to exercise extra caution after recent violent events, some in tourist areas. Security experts suggest that the advice is largely consistent with advisories of previous years.

Caroline Hammer, a global security analyst at the risk intelligence company RANE , said tourists should interpret the advisories as warnings to exercise caution and avoid specific hot spots for crime, but not as a blanket rule to restrict their travel anywhere in the region.

What do the travel warnings say?

Warnings about spring break travel to certain parts of Mexico came in recent days, while the security alerts and updated travel advisories for Jamaica and the Bahamas were issued in late January.

The State Department has classified Jamaica at Level 3 since 2022, recommending visitors “ reconsider travel ” because of episodes of violent crime. The agency reissued the travel advisory in January to also alert tourists about access to medical services, and warned that “sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts.”

Kamina Johnson Smith, Jamaica’s foreign affairs and foreign trade minister, said in a statement published two days later that the country made “serious improvements” in responding to crime and in its health care infrastructure and disagreed with the scope of the advisory.

“The government of Jamaica is disappointed that the language used does not reflect our country’s significant progress,” she said.

Data from the Jamaican national police force shows that as of March 1, several crime categories, including murders, break-ins and rapes, had declined compared with the same period in 2023, though shootings and assault had risen.

In the Bahamas, gang violence and a number of murders prompted U.S. officials to urge tourists to “ exercise increased caution ,” especially in the cities of Nassau and Freeport. Recreational boat tours, jet ski rentals and other water activities are unevenly regulated, the advisory additionally notes, and have led to injuries and deaths.

In early February, two female travelers said their drinks had been spiked during a cruise stop in the Bahamas and accused resort staff of sexually assaulting them .

Last week, in a statement specifically discussing spring break travel, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico reiterated precautions outlined in a State Department travel advisory, last updated over the summer, issued because of crime and kidnappings. It reminded tourists to be cautious when visiting the downtown areas of Cancún, Playa del Carmen and Tulum, all in Quintana Roo State.

The advisory also recommends travel by toll road in daytime hours, and to remain near major cities, which have a heightened police presence and other emergency services.

What’s behind the warning in Mexico?

Organized crime groups in Mexico have largely kept violent activity outside resorts to avoid hurting the tourism industry, said Ms. Hammer, of RANE. The cartels, she said, depend on tourists themselves, by selling drugs to visitors and extorting local businesses, and it would generate a heightened response from the Mexican government.

In 2023, tourists spent close to $3.1 billion in Mexico, up 10 percent over 2022, according to data from the tourism ministry, with many travelers Cancún-bound.

A handful of violent episodes last year included the kidnappings of two Americans who had crossed the border near Brownsville, Texas, and were found dead, as well as heated disputes between rival taxi and Uber drivers in Cancún. The violence came on the heels of a number of gunfights and assassinations in late 2021 and early 2022 that rattled tourists along the Riviera Maya .

“The good news is that those incidents that have been reported inside of resorts are extremely, extremely rare,” Ms. Hammer said.

In its latest advisory, the State Department warns that shootings by rival gangs, “while not directed at tourists,” have caught some in the crossfire, even on resorts. Last month, an American woman was killed during a drug-related shooting in a beach club in Tulum. Prosecutors in Quintana Roo said she was a bystander.

Despite these incidents, the security picture in Mexico has generally remained unchanged, said Zachary Rabinor, the founder and president of Journey Mexico , a luxury travel company.

“A lot of this is kind of general, stereotypical fears,” he said, adding that tourists shouldn’t interpret violent episodes as sweeping events, especially in resort destinations most popular with visitors.

“There are definitely still areas that are troublesome, but in general, they are not where tourists are going,” Mr. Rabinor said.

What’s behind the warning for the Bahamas?

In January, the Bahamian prime minister, Philip Davis, shared his government’s plan to tamp down criminal activity after a spate of murders, mostly gang-related.

“If you choose crime, you will face the full weight and might of the law,” Mr. Davis said during a national address on Jan. 24. The admonishing tone was a sharp turn from a celebratory moment just a month earlier, when the Bahamian tourism ministry announced the country had hit a record of eight million travelers in 2023.

While the police grapple with crime off resorts, the Bahamian foreign affairs ministry said, in a statement published shortly after the U.S. Embassy alert, that the country does not believe that tourists are under any new “elevated or increased security risk.”

What can you do to stay safe?

Effective safety measures can be as simple as remaining vigilant, and planning ahead by purchasing travel insurance and updating emergency contact lists. Other general steps recommended in the advisories include avoiding walking or driving off the resort areas at night, avoiding public transit and heeding local laws.

High traveler volumes around spring break may make tourism police forces, in places where they have them, slower to respond to emergency calls, Ms. Hammer of RANE Network warned.

Arranging transportation through a travel company or a resort for excursions or trips to the airport is highly recommended, said Scott Stewart, the vice president for intelligence at the security firm TorchStone Global.

“A lot of times, there’s not a lot of a gap between criminals and taxi drivers in many countries, so using a trusted transportation provider is huge,” said Mr. Stewart.

He also recommends “traveling gray,” a term used in security circles for keeping a low profile, such as by not displaying luxury items that might draw the attention of criminals.

The State Department’s reissued warning raised concerns for Ms. Moore, the traveler heading to Jamaica, but it hasn’t deterred her from making the trip.

“In the tourist areas, I just feel very comfortable,” she said. “I’ve just never had any bad experiences, knock on wood, and I love Jamaica. That’s why I keep going back.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

An earlier version of this article misstated the title of Philip Davis. He is the prime minister of the Bahamas, not its president.

How we handle corrections

Vjosa Isai is a reporter and researcher for The Times based in Toronto, where she covers news from across Canada. More about Vjosa Isai

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

Italy :  Spend 36 hours in Florence , seeking out its lesser-known pockets.

Southern California :  Skip the freeways to explore the back roads between Los Angeles and Los Olivos , a 100-mile route that meanders through mountains, canyons and star-studded enclaves.

Mongolia : Some young people, searching for less curated travel experiences, are flocking to the open spaces of this East Asian nation .

Romania :  Timisoara  may be the most noteworthy city you’ve probably never heard of , offering just enough for visitors to fill two or three days.

India: A writer fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Darjeeling, in the Himalayan foothills , taking in the tea gardens and riding a train through the hills.

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

We've detected unusual activity from your computer network

To continue, please click the box below to let us know you're not a robot.

Why did this happen?

Please make sure your browser supports JavaScript and cookies and that you are not blocking them from loading. For more information you can review our Terms of Service and Cookie Policy .

For inquiries related to this message please contact our support team and provide the reference ID below.

Princess makeovers and $18K dinners: How to spend a fortune at Disney

For a cool $500,000, you too can have an ultra luxury disney honeymoon, complete with a custom gown and carriage.

to a t travel

For some Disney fans, waiting in ride lines and dining with the masses at the theme parks just won’t do.

Those seeking a lifestyles-of-the-rich-and-famous experience can be ushered through lines by a dedicated guide for as much as $900 an hour; watch fireworks from a private boat for $450; or spend three hours sampling food and wine in the kitchen of a fine-dining restaurant for $635 a person. Not pricey enough? There’s always the $18,000 private dinner experience.

Plenty of people are paying for these experiences; in some cases, demand is so high that there’s a waiting list.

“There are a number of people out there where money is no object,” said Greg Antonelle, co-owner of the travel agency MickeyTravels . “I’m a little jealous.”

He said a five-day trip with VIP access, fancy food and luxury accommodations could easily add up to $30,000 to $40,000.

The Walt Disney Company has made headlines for exorbitant prices, including the now-closed $5,000 Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel and role-playing experience and $115,000 private jet excursion to every global Disney park. Even entry-level visitors complain about ticket prices, food costs and the relatively new expense of skipping lines .

The company offers more budget-friendly options, with the cheapest ticket priced at $104 or $109 in California and Florida respectively. In low season, a value-priced hotel room at Disney World runs for about $155 a night.

“Like other vacation destinations, we give our guests lots of options to customize their Disney experience,” Disney spokesperson Avery Maehrer said in a statement.

Still, some fans complain that a Disney vacation has become so costly that it’s out of reach for the middle class, even without luxury upgrades. Between tickets, hotel, food and souvenirs, even a penny-pinching trip can set a family of four back more than $3,000.

For those who have never pinched a penny in their lives — or just saved for a special-occasion splurge — Disney provides a host of options . The extras range from pricey add-ons to truly aspirational indulgence.

$450-an-hour VIP tour

Consider some of the most annoying aspects of a Disney trip — parking, hiking to the gate, queuing to get in, then standing in, line for rides all day. Now imagine avoiding all of that. That’s the promise of a VIP guide who will pick you up, sweep you through backstage entrances and usher you onto rides with minimal or no waits.

The convenience doesn’t come cheap. At Walt Disney World, the tour costs between $450 and $900 an hour, depending on the time of year, with a minimum of seven hours and maximum of 10. Ten people can be part of the group. Park admission is not included — and neither is a tip.

Antonelle said his company has clients who will book 10 days at Disney World and opt for VIP tours for seven of those days. He said it’s not uncommon to see a plaid-wearing VIP tour guide carry a family’s food trays at restaurants or push strollers with the group.

Cara Goldsbury, president and founder of the luxury Disney travel agency Glass Slipper Concierge , said the guides also share stories, trivia and history, and provide access to special viewing areas for parades and nighttime shows.

“That’s the only way to do it as far as most of our clients are concerned,” she said.

$185 photo package

Photographers are stationed all over Disney World parks to take photos of guests, but those snapshots aren’t free. To get downloads of all the pictures from an entire trip, including from rides, the “Memory Maker” package costs $185 if purchased in advance, or $210 during the vacation.

For those who want more time with a photographer, or don’t want to wait for six other families to get that shot in front of the castle, Disney offers private 20-minute photo sessions for $99.

Staci Kimball, a travel adviser and vice president of GSC World Travel , a sister company to Glass Slipper Concierge, said clients care more about memories and experiences than merchandise.

“We really do always recommend either a private photo session or certainly buying the Memory Maker photo package so they can capture all of those memories,” she said.

$250 custom lightsaber

Mickey Mouse ears, popcorn buckets and bubble wands are always in demand, but some travelers want to have a role in making their souvenirs.

Kimball said she helps clients book the Savi’s Workshop experience, where Star Wars-loving visitors can custom-build their own lightsaber. It costs about $250 at Hollywood Studio s in Florida and $220 at Disneyland in California .

“That is a really popular, popular activity,” she said. “That can also be hard to get.”

Another in-demand interactive gadget: a build-your-own droid for about $120 in Florida and $100 in California .

$449 fireworks cruise

Don’t want to brave crowds for fireworks? There are a number of ways to get a better view — including from the water.

Starting at $449, a private fireworks cruise at Disney World can seat up to 10 people and includes snacks and drinks. Chartered boats set sail from several hotels to view the fireworks show at Epcot and Magic Kingdom.

“What we’ve learned is people that are spending exorbitant amounts of money on their vacation, they don’t like waiting in lines, number one, and they don’t like being 20 rows of people back for fireworks,” Antonelle said. Sure, fireworks are overhead, but who really wants to camp out for a good spot and look at hundreds of other necks craning if they can avoid it?

$450 princess makeover

Kids who dream of being royalty, or just looking like the product of a fairy godmother’s magic wand, can visit Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Magic Kingdom or Disneyland Park .

Packages start at $99.95 for the princess treatment in both locations or $19.95 for a knight’s look in Florida and $49.95 in California. The most expensive option, starting at $450, includes a “signature Disney Princess gown,” crystal tiara, garment bag, hairstyling, makeup, sash, face gem and nail polish.

“I just did Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique with my 5-year-old granddaughter,” said Goldsbury, who wrote “ The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World Resort .” “It was the most darling experience.”

$7,900-plus a night hotel

Goldsbury said her company prefers to book clients at Disney World’s priciest, most conveniently located — or “deluxe” — resorts, especially those connected by monorail to the Magic Kingdom. Some rooms have “club level” designation with lounges and free food, she said.

A search of available inventory shows a club-level two-bedroom suite at the Grand Floridian for $3,597 a night in early April of 2025. The Polynesian’s King Kamehameha suite is listed for $3,320 in late August of 2025, a typical slow season.

In California, the two-bedroom Mickey Mouse suite at the Disneyland Hotel is going for about $5,025 in June of this year, and the two-bedroom Mount Whitney suite at the Grand Californian is listed for a whopping $7,984 a night in June.

For some travelers, deluxe hotel prices pose zero problems. Antonelle said he books a “royal family from overseas” at a Disney World deluxe resort.

“They’ll book out literally dozens of rooms because they’re bringing their nannies, they’re bringing their security,” he said.

$18,000 private dining experience

Disney parks are full of budget-stretching drinking and dining options. But three-course dinner inspired by “Beauty and the Beast?” Get ready to shell out $70 per adult. A tequila tasting with a “certified Tequila Ambassador” costs $180 per person. The Chef’s Table at Victoria & Albert’s, a restaurant at the Grand Floridian Resort, is a hot ticket at $635 a person for wine and food.

21 Royal, a private dining experience situated atop Pirates of the Caribbean in California, may take the cake. It costs $18,000 for a group as large as 12 and promises transportation, a reception, opportunity to explore the apartment-type surroundings, a meal on gold-plated dinnerware and balcony dessert with a view of evening entertainment.

AJ Wolfe, owner of the Disney Food Blog , has eaten at 21 Royal twice.

“It was luxurious for sure — the food was wonderful, and I felt like a VIP,” she wrote in an email. “Also, for a Disney history nerd it’s amazing because you know that Walt was integral in thinking about that space — maybe not the decor necessarily, but the layout.”

$95,000 top-floor hotel buyout

The Four Seasons Resort Orlando, near the theme parks, allows guests to rent out its entire 16th floor , which includes balconies with a view of fireworks at Epcot and Magic Kingdom. While the hotel isn’t operated by Disney, advisers say it’s a good fit for luxury travelers who are used to five-star service.

According to the resort, the cost for the top floor is $95,000 a night, plus tax. On a smaller but still extremely expensive scale, prices for the Presidential Suite start at $19,000 a night and $22,000 a night for the Royal Suite.

$500,000 honeymoon

Jennifer Kozlow, a travel adviser and vice president of Glass Slipper Concierge, said she had clients who spent their five-week honeymoon at Disney World. The trip included transportation to a special event in a carriage, a custom gown, private dining as the characters from “Beauty and the Beast” danced, a special fireworks viewing and VIP tours every other day for the five-week stretch. The couple stayed in presidential suites at four different hotels.

Another client managed to spend the same amount of money in a much shorter stretch: four days. Kozlow said the group — a family of 37 — bought out the top floor of the Four Seasons to celebrate the matriarch’s 80th birthday. The family had private meals delivered to their suites so relatives could come and go. The group did daily VIP tours using four guides.

“They flew in on a private plane just to see the resort,” Kozlow said.

There is one thing money can’t buy, she said.

“People do ask: Can they get a character to come to their suite? That you definitely can’t do,” Kozlow said. “They don’t tuck you in at night.”

More about Disney

Outsiders banned: Disney theme park trips cost a lot — more every year — and take heaps of planning to pull off. But the company has recently banned some independent tour guides from helping visitors navigate the parks, citing “unauthorized commercial activities.”

Next-level fandom: For some Disney fans, donning a pair of Mickey ears isn’t enough. In a practice called “ Disneybounding ,” they create entire character-inspired outfits that don’t run afoul of rules that ban costumes for adults. Disney food fans had a reason to celebrate when a beloved snack, Dole Whip , came to grocery stores. How does it stack up to the parks version?

Political crossfire: The most magical place on earth has gotten political , thanks to a battle with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R). While several observers have suggested Disney World move out of the Sunshine State, experts say it’s a goofy proposition. Fan sites have been forced to add coverage of lawsuits to their standard lineup about rides, churros and characters.

to a t travel

U.S. travel alert: Don’t go to this Caribbean nation, popular with cruise ships

  • Updated: Mar. 13, 2024, 10:22 a.m. |
  • Published: Mar. 11, 2024, 4:26 p.m.
  • Ryan Mancini | [email protected]

Update: Haiti’s acting Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced on Tuesday that he intends to resign from his position once a transitional presidential council is formed, according to the AP .

In a warning to travelers, the State Department urges people to not visit the Caribbean nation of Haiti, leaving the Travel Advisory at level four to discourage travel.

“Do not travel to Haiti,” the Port-au-Prince U.S. Embassy said in a press release issued Sunday. “The current security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous. We are aware that there are few or no commercial options to depart Haiti safely at this time. As they become available, we urge U.S. citizens to take advantage of them.”

Along with Haiti, other level four countries where Americans are discouraged from traveling to are North Korea, Russia, Venezuela, Ukraine, Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria, according to the State Department . To the east of Haiti is the Dominican Republic, which shares the same island. The Dominican Republic is under a level two advisory, which has urged travelers to take increased caution since June 23, 2023.

American travelers in Haiti are advised to avoid crowds, avoid being outside after dark, prepare to shelter in place, keep a low profile and be aware of their surroundings, the U.S. Embassy said.

Warring gangs have coordinated attacks on Haiti’s government, including political buildings and police departments, ABC News reported on Monday. One of the more prominent gang leaders, Jimmy Chérizier, aka “Barbecue,” even told Haiti’s acting Prime Minister Ariel Henry to step down for the violence to temporarily pause.

  • In wake of student racism incidents, Southwick leader proposes town DEI policy
  • Springfield begins budget hearings with plans to tighten spending
  • Randolph man goes to prison after 2022 shootout with Boston police
  • Mass. Environmental Police poised to issue report on Springfield raccoon killing
  • Worcester’s Beechwood Hotel receives four diamond ranking from AAA

“The first step is to overthrow Ariel Henry and then we will start the real fight against the current system, the system of corrupt oligarchs and corrupt traditional politicians,” Chérizier told the news network in a video call. “Not only are we fighting against Ariel Henry, but we are also fighting against everyone who has some complicity.”

Henry took power in the wake of President Jovenel Moïse’s assassination in 2021, ABC reported. In the years since, Henry has wanted to introduce proper elections but paused due to security concerns before landing on August 2025 to hold elections.

Amidst this violent political struggle, Royal Caribbean ships continue to call into Ladabee, about a six-hour drive away from Port-au-Prince, CNN reported. Despite Ladabee’s continued use, the company also monitors the situation on the ground while visitors do not leave the resort.

“The safety of our guests and crew is our top priority. Our global security teams are closely monitoring the situation in the area. At all times, we remind guests to remain aware of their surroundings while ashore and follow all State Department guidelines. Should any changes be required, guests will be notified directly,” a Royal Caribbean spokesperson told CNN.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

COMMENTS

  1. toattravel

    Travel smarter, not harder, and let me do the hard part so that you can enjoy the best part! So many places, so little time... don't let time pass you by; book your travel with me today! I promise to be here for you before, during, and after! So much to do...so little time! Don't let time pass you by... call me today to book your next dream ...

  2. To a T Travel (@tmcfadden2023)

    135. Contact me! T @ To a T Travel for all your vacation needs! #ToaTTravel #entrapanuer #focusedonmygoals #gogetter #hayyattravel #GoodVibes #beautifuldestinations #tourism #travel #traveladdict. 41. Call me today to book this (432) 703-7135. 42.

  3. 50 World's Best Places to Travel in 2022

    Here are the best places to travel right now and in 2022 for summer, spring, winter, or fall vacations. Our list of best vacation spots includes destinations in Hawaii, California, Italy, the UK ...

  4. Find Your Adventure

    I'd like to travel to: Earliest. Latest. Search Filter by: Showing 1 - 10 of 108 | Items per Page: 5 10 20 All. Next » O.A.T. Adventure by Land Ultimate Africa: Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe Safari FROM $5995 PER DAY $353 DAYS 17 Including International Airfare ...

  5. Travel

    Plan your trip with Google. Find flights, hotels, vacation rentals, things to do, and more.

  6. T-Mobile Travel Benefits: Customer Discounts, Deals & Perks

    T-Mobile TRAVEL with Priceline is a site with travel deals exclusively for T-Mobile, Sprint, and Metro by T-Mobile customers. Save up to 40% on hotels or Pay Now rental cars, book flights and more. Save up to 40% on hotels or Pay Now rental cars, book flights and more.

  7. TPG's top tips for travelers, from beginners to experts

    Make copies of your important documents. Make digital and hard copies of all your important travel-related documents. Start by photographing your driver's license, your state ID and/or your passport. You should have copies of your IDs in your phone's library in case you get separated from the actual document.

  8. 50 Best Travel Tips: Advice From A Professional Traveler

    44: Make Friends With Locals. Make it a point to avoid other travelers from time to time and start conversations with local people. One of my best travel tips is to make eye contact and smile more. Maybe stop to ask for directions. This is a fast way to make new friends.

  9. Adventure Travel with O.A.T.

    Check out our most popular adventures and learn what sets O.A.T. apart. ... View or Request a Catalog The Leader in Solo Travel. Discover why more than 42,000 travelers are joining us solo through 2023. Learn More . Grand Circle Foundation. Learn how we're giving back to the world we travel. Discover More . Celebrating the life of Alan Lewis

  10. How to Travel on a Budget for Beginners

    Much of the time, this is accomplished through welcome bonuses earned when you open a travel credit card. For example, a round-trip flight from Los Angeles to Paris costs $1,255 at the beginning ...

  11. Cheap Flights, Airline Tickets & Airfare Deals

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you flights up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. That way, you can see if leaving a day or two earlier will find you a better deal. You can also select the flexible "weekend" or "month" search options to widen ...

  12. Solo travel tips: How to get started traveling alone

    Now more than ever, more people are deciding to forgo travel companions and embark on their trips alone. Solo vacation packages searches on Google shot up by more than 200% over the past 90 days ...

  13. 50 Travel Tips T+L Editors Swear By

    My biggest travel tip would be to never check a bag if you can help it. Packing lighter, i.e. in a carry-on suitcase, is helpful enough on its own: when you pare down your wardrobe and essentials ...

  14. Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint

    Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint. Adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant. If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID ...

  15. Google Flights

    Use Google Flights to explore cheap flights to anywhere. Search destinations and track prices to find and book your next flight.

  16. Planning a Trip? Tips and Tricks for Working With a Travel Adviser

    Decades ago, your vacation most likely began with a visit to a travel agent, who relied on a combination of expertise and connections to find the best deals on plane tickets, hotels, tours and ...

  17. T-A-T Travel Agency

    T-A-T Travel Agency 407-735-6006 • [email protected] An Independent Affiliate of A. S. A. P. Cruises Inc., Florida Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST15578 - CST 2090937-50 - Washington UBID No. 603189022

  18. To a T Travel

    To a T Travel, Odessa, Texas. 43 likes · 3 talking about this. I aim to get you the BEST possible rates! I promise to be there for you before, during, AND after!

  19. TSA is prepared for a busy spring break travel season, expects travel

    The busy peak spring break travel season begins around March 7 and continues through March 25. "TSA screened a record number of passengers in 2023, and we expect that trend to continue this year," said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. "So far in 2024, travel volumes are trending at nearly 6% above the same period in 2023.

  20. A Travel Writer's 12 Spring Travel Essentials

    Buy on Amazon $23 $20. It's no shocker that these Veken packing cubes have managed to make it past my annual spring cleaning because they're the epitome of travel essentials. I particularly ...

  21. U.S. travel alert: Do not travel to this Caribbean nation, popular spot

    The State Department is warning travelers not to go to the Caribbean nation of Haiti even as American military forces are being brought in to shore up security at the U.S. Embassy in Port-Au ...

  22. Self-Service for Airport Security? It's Happening in Las Vegas

    At security lanes at Harry Reid International Airport, travelers with PreCheck clearance can test a new self-service screening process with remote T.S.A. agents and video monitors.

  23. Spring Break Travel Advisories Reissued for Mexico, Jamaica and the

    Don't wander off the resort after dark. Keep the flashy clothing and jewelry to a minimum. Stay aware of your surroundings. Those are some of the travel rules that Ginger Moore, a retired ...

  24. Is It Safe to Travel to Egypt? The Data—and Travelers—Say Yes

    Egypt's minister of tourism and antiquities, Ahmed Issa, says tourist arrivals were up 6% in the first seven weeks of 2024. That's below the ministry's projected 20% growth for the year ...

  25. The most luxury experiences at Disney

    March 12, 2024 at 3:08 p.m. EDT. (Illustration by Kaitlin Brito for The Washington Post) $450-an-hour VIP tour. $185 photo package. $250 custom lightsaber. $449 fireworks cruise. $450 princess ...

  26. The 9 best travel products to buy with your Amex Saks credit

    Courant Mag:1 Essentials Magnetic Charger. Saks Fifth Avenue. This is a perfect charger for travelers: It's small, it charges anything that's wireless charging -capable, and it comes with its ...

  27. U.S. travel alert: Don't go to this Caribbean nation, popular with

    In a warning to travelers, the State Department urges people to not visit the Caribbean nation of Haiti, leaving the Travel Advisory at level four to discourage travel. "Do not travel to Haiti ...

  28. Titanic II: Australian billionaire Clive Palmer relaunches dream to

    For more than a decade, Australian billionaire Clive Palmer has been the driving force behind plans to build Titanic II - a replica of the ill-fated ship that sank in 1912 with more than 2,220 ...