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Saturday, April 30, 2022

National Travel & Tourism Week

National Travel and Tourism Week starts tomorrow, so I wanted to kick it off by talking about some of my favorite budget travel tips and destinations, and then destinations I have on my short list. Then, hopefully, you all can tell me about the places you've loved and would love to go to in the comments.

My Faves

While we haven't been super world travelers, we have gone to some pretty great places. I love going to new destinations and learning about different people and cultures and history. Some of my favorite places have been:
  • London - Clearly, since we've visited 3 times now and will go back again.
  • Edinburgh - Everything there is gorgeous and I can't wait to go back and also travel around other parts of Scotland.
  • Ecuador - I'd narrow this down to just Quito, but the country is beautiful and the people are lovely and the food is delicious (and really cheap).
  • Williamsburg, VA - Growing up nearby probably helped, but this little town is quaint and historic, plus Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens are must-dos.
  • San Diego - I love California and have been to some amazing towns there. San Diego has it all: a big city with a small city vibe, walkability, green spaces, great food. You name it!
  • Victoria, BC - This beautiful town has a little bit of everything for everyone. It feels a bit European, but it's more accessible. 
  • Philadelphia - I could have spent a few more weeks in this city, exploring the waterfront and city art. 

My Short Wish List

We've been including an extra trip in our schedules to get away from the bleak winters that can seem to drag on. Last January we went to Tucson, AZ and we already have next year planned. Here are some of my next trip wishes:
  • Palm Springs, CA - We'll be visiting with my mom in January 2023.
  • Reykjavik, Iceland
  • Austin, TX - I think we may get there in January 2024.
  • Toronto
  • Sacramento - Yes, we've been there before, but we have family there and the city is super cute. We'd like to spend more time there.
  • Denver - I know there's more to see in the Mile High City, but we have been talking about going to visit the Meow Wolf installation there.
  • Albuquerque - There is the original Meow Wolf installation here, and we also have friends who have moved to Las Cruces to visit.

Some Budget-Friendly Travel Tips

I have a load of travel tips that can help you save money and time. Here are just a few:
  • Use Turo - Traditional rental car companies are great, but rates can also be crazy high, especially right now when they still don't have full fleets, and during the high season. If you can't find a good deal, try renting from an individual. I use the Turo app whenever I need to rent a car to see if I can support a person instead of a corporation.
  • Book attractions ahead of time - So, I'm a big proponent of having as much planned and taken care of before I leave for vacation, but booking ahead of time can actually save you a lot of money, since many places have online discounts.
  • Make lunch your main meal - You know I love eating. I keep snacks in my day bag. I plan whole days around where I want to dine. I always look for street food. I'm sure, like me, you like to go to nice restaurants when you travel. For these, I try to make lunch reservations for these places, because you get the same great food, but at lower prices.
  • Pack light - Carry-on packing is the only way I travel now. If I do check a bag, it's only for coming home from a trip with extra things I've purchased. I have perfected planning a small capsule wardrobe for each trip, which you can do, too, with a little practice. 
  • Travel in the off-season (or shoulder season) - High season is the most expensive time to travel and visit destinations. You'll also be looking at crowded attractions and activities. Look to travel outside of that timeframe and save money on airfare, accommodations, and even rental cars. You'll also save time, even if opening hours are shorter, because there will be shorter lines and fewer people everywhere. 
I hope you're excited about your next trips and doing them better, even on a budget. Tell me where you're going or where you enjoyed going in the past.

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Dinner In Vietnam At Home

Yes, we've started traveling again, but we enjoyed our Destination Date Nights so much, we've decided to continue doing them. This last week we had dinner in Hanoi, Vietnam. This week is the lead-up to Reunification Day. April 30th marks the day in 1975 when the two parts of Vietnam unified under the same government. 

Not only is Vietnam a great budget travel destination, it's also gorgeous and, exports some wonderful things (coffee, cashews, black pepper...), and is very proud of their culture, so you'll be able to easily immerse yourself when you visit.


Can't get to Vietnam just right now? Throw yourself an epic staycation instead. Here's how:


I wanted our table to be very simple and rustic, so I used a linen-colored table topper. I found this great playing cat planter that was actually made in Vietnam at World Market. Since the weather in Vietnam is hot and humid, they have a lot of tropical plants and animals. I added the closest flower I could find to plumeria and leaves that resembled monstera. A Vietnam flag gave a little patriotic flair.



I have quite a few tropical birds for an upcoming event I'm planning, so I also put out a parrot to join us.


I also picked up these fun sun plates and coral rainbow napkins at World Market, and then found matching cups at Target. I completed the look with chopsticks and then we were ready to dine. Both the cups and plates are plastic, making them affordable and lightweight to store. 


We enjoyed a light show waterside with a view of Turtle Tower on the banks of the Hoan Kiem Lake (or Sword Lake). This tower is over a 150 years old and was a respite for the King on his fishing trips. It's a symbol of patriotism and unity for the Vietnamese people. I imagine it's a very peaceful place to visit in real life. 


We listened to some Vietnamese pop music while we talked about Reunification Day and what it means to the people of Vietnam, plus what they do to celebrate the day. This was all a great backdrop for our dinner, which we chose especially from a place across town for their traditional dishes and drinks. 


We both had Vietnamese iced coffee, which made with sweetened condensed milk. If you can't do dairy, you can make this vegan with coconut milk/cream. Then we split the following: Vietnamese-style chicken wings in a caramelized garlic and sweetened fish sauce, Bún Đặc Biệt - a combo platter of grilled beef, shrimp, noodles, spring roll, and a salad of bean sprouts, carrots, and cucumbers - and a chicken báhn mì with yellow curry sauce.


We both have an aversion to cilantro, so I did ask for things without it. All of the food was delicious and more than enough for two people, too. The wings were sweet and spicy, which was unexpected, but awesome. 


After dinner we spoke about Old Quarter Hanoi's Train Street, where the train takes up 80% of the space between buildings. I read an interesting article at the beginning of the pandemic about the struggling merchants along the street that relied on tourism and regular locals to stay in business. The quarantine was very hard on them, but I also learned a lot about the people who ran the small cafes and shops. 


We also had dessert: red bean paste sesame balls. This is one of the more easily obtained desserts of the many, shall we call them, unconventional dishes that you will probably find in the region. You'll find a lot of fruit, tapioca, and mostly-savory desserts. I love a good bean paste though and these were done really well.


The dog came out to enjoy a little bit of staycation goodness (Pippa hasn't gotten the hang of selfies yet) and then later we watched some walking tours of Hanoi on YouTube.  




Ready to take your own Vietnam staycation? Here are some ideas on where to start:
  • Get a backdrop (or two). I have been downloading full res photos from photographers on unsplash and getting them made into tapestries on Zazzle through artist Canadapromo. (<--use my referral code to get a big discount!) The less mainstream your destination, the more you will have to improvise.
  • Get a nice vase/planter made in Vietnam
  • Add some great dishes & napkins on a neutral table topper
  • A flag
  • A Vietnamese cookbook (if you plan to do an entire feast yourself)
  • Vietnamese pop music (you can stream it free on Amazon Music or YouTube)
  • A travel guide to plan your trip. Here are some I would choose:
  • A Vietnamese game for your family to play like Gourd Fish Shrimp Crab Dice
  • Flashcards/book to learn some easy Vietnamese words
  • Or a book full of Vietnamese fairy tales
  • You can also make a yourself a sightseeing day with virtual tours on YouTube

I hope these spark some ideas for you and you have a wonderful "trip" to Vietnam with your spouse and/or family. Immerse yourself in a new culture, food, and language. 

Have you ever been to Vietnam or the surrounding countries?


Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Any purchases you make through them may result in me being monetarily compensated. This allows me to keep this blog running, so thank you in advance.

Saturday, April 23, 2022

Travel "After" Covid

Covid isn't gone, but we're also all slowly getting back to normal, including traveling. That said, many of us having really traveled for 2 years, and now that we are, we're doing it differently than before the pandemic took hold. 

Now that Covid cases are ebbing and travel is bouncing back, people are getting back out there in new and different ways.

I have to say, that I love the contactless systems in place. Even though travel has gotten more complicated in some respects, it's also gotten much easier in others. I'm excited to see what kind of travel experiences are in store for us in the future. Here are what most people are looking forward to for their next trips. It's not all adventure travel either. 


Business travel is bouncing back in a big way, but more business travelers are taking extra days to make that travel more meaningful. Life is too short to fly in, do a meeting, and fly out again. More often they are choosing to add days to those trips to actually make them trips. 

I see more people wanting to spend quality time away from home with their family and/or friends. 

I also think more people are going to choose trips more carefully than before. As much as I enjoy visiting Vegas multiple times a year (it's never boring), I also find myself craving more, new-to-me destinations. While I've always wanted to see new places, between not being able to travel that much over the last 24 months and our Destination Date Nights, I want to go more places than ever and have mentally updated my current when-to-go list.

We'll be going somewhere new each January to get a little bit of sun during the bleak winter months (this year was Tucson, next year it'll be Palm Springs), we may be doing more short road trips, and we're going to be visiting destinations in the fall that we've always talked about going to and haven't actually gone t0. On the short list: Toronto, Chicago, Iceland, Austin. I want us to get the most out of our passports, Global Entry, and Pre✔ as possible.

How has travel changed (or not changed) for you since Covid hit?

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

How To Plan Your 2022 Summer Trip

Travel is back, but this summer trips are probably going to cost you a lot more than usual, especially with sky-high gas prices and airfare. While you can't change those two things, you can do some others in order to make that trip a little more affordable. 

Travel is back, but this summer trips are probably going to cost you a lot more than usual, especially with sky-high gas prices and airfare.

While I generally warn against traveling in the summer if you can, we often spend a week in Las Vegas to attend the NBA Summer League games. We have been so many times, we know where to eat and what to do to make up for the money we spend on game tickets. This year it's looking kind of bleak in terms of purchasing airfare. Not only have mask mandates been dropped on most airlines (we'll still be wearing ours), but routes were cut back at the beginning of the pandemic and have not been returned, yet demand is high. Cheap flights may be hard to come by due to both supply and demand. 

Budget Summer Travel ebook

If you haven't purchased my summer travel ebook yet, this is the perfect time to do it. Inside, you'll find ways to save hundreds of dollars on every aspect of your trip. You might even have money left over to take another vacation later this year. 

Are you hoping to take a summer trip this year? If so, where?

Monday, April 18, 2022

The Best Outdoor Adventures You Can Have in Utah

Utah is a beautiful state. Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Utah is its sizable Mormon community, but there's a lot more to consider if you're thinking about whether to visit. It's a particularly exciting place to go if you love the outdoors and you're looking for opportunities for adventure.


Utah is a beautiful state. It's a particularly exciting place to go if you love the outdoors.
Photo by Angelica Reyn from Pexels

The naturally diverse state is home to the Rocky Mountains, the Great Basin, and the Colorado Plateau, all of which make it a wonderful place for outdoor enthusiasts and thrill seekers. If you're thinking about planning a visit to the "beehive state", you can find some fantastic outdoor adventures.


Take a look at these ideas to start planning your trip to Utah.


Rafting

Utah has several awe-inspiring rivers that are just great for whitewater rafting. It's a thrilling activity that gives you a fun way to explore the lay of the land and visit some pretty remote places too. If you want to go whitewater rafting in Utah, you can find some fantastic opportunities on the Colorado River, Green River, and San Juan River, where some of the most popular runs can be found. However, if you're looking for something calmer, there are also flatwater rafting opportunities. You can drift lazily, rather than feel like you're paddling for your life.


Hiking

Hiking is one of the best ways to get to know any area. It's perfect for people who love slow travel and really want to take everything in. Of course, that doesn't mean that you have to dawdle or drag your feet. Utah has hikes for all fitness and skill levels, from gentle strolls to more challenging options. Utah has thousands of miles of hiking trails, including five national parks. More than 70 percent of Utah is public land, so you're really spoilt for choice if you want to go hiking. If you're not sure where to start, pick one of the parks to give you some ideas.


Fishing

Like hiking, fishing can often be as slow and relaxing or as fast and exciting as you would like. There are over 1,000 fishable lakes in Utah, as well as many fishing streams. If you're thinking about a fishing trip, some of the top places to base your stay include Boulder, Heber Valley, Ogden and Park City. However, you do need to have a fishing license if you want to fish in Utah, so make sure you get one from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. It's important to check any regulations for the areas where you're planning to fish too.


Cycling and Biking

Getting on two wheels and pedaling away is a great way to get around and explore Utah. If you want to try out road cycling, it can be an alternative to doing a road trip in a motor vehicle. There are some excellent trails and paths for you to follow, such as the 20-mile Alpine Loop or the 50-mile Parowan Gap Loop. For those looking for something different, there's also the option of mountain biking in Utah. Moab is a popular destination for mountain biking trails, but you can find plenty of other trails around the state.


Photo by Elizabeth Iris from Pexels

Slot Canyons

Slot canyons are narrow gorges in soft rocks, which are fantastic for exploring. Although named for their narrow widths, they vary in appearance. You can stroll right through some of them, while others are excellent for canyoneering. Slot canyons can be found all over, with Utah possibly having the highest concentration of them in the world. Some of the top slot canyons include Antelope Canyon, Buckskin Gulch, Burr Trails Singing Canyon, and Willis Creek Narrows. You can explore these canyons with a guide to ensure you do it safely and get the most out of your adventures.


Skiing

The adventures you can have in Utah certainly aren't all warm-weather activities. Skiing is also a popular pastime for both residents and visitors. There are several resorts that are excellent for downhill skiing, including Park City and Alta. In fact, there are 15 resorts in total. Utah is also an excellent place for cross-country skiing, with hundreds of roads and trails for you to try out. There are groomed trails or you can head into the backcountry for more of a challenge. You can head out on your own or you can look for guided tours with an expert to show you the way.


Utah is an incredible state with so many things for adventurers to do. You're sure to find something that you love doing.


Saturday, April 16, 2022

Mother's Day Travel Gift List

Can you believe it's already halfway through April? That means next month is Mother's Day, and if your mother (or grandmother, sister, daughter, friend) is a traveler, you might want to get them a little something fun for when they get back on the plane, or on the road. I've included some of my favorite items for any budget you may have. 

If your mother is a traveler, you might want to get them a little something fun for when they get back on the plane or road.

My mom loves to travel and we take trips together at least once or twice a year, and she also goes on her own trips with friends, so she can always use new travel items. Now, normally I split these sections into price ranges, but I thought this time I'd try splitting them into categories. You can let me know if you like this better or not in the comments.



Handbags

Ladies need something to carry around their things wherever they go and some bags are better than others. Surely, one of these will match your mom's personality and style.

I have this bag in the micro, which can be worn as a crossbody. It's perfect for everyday and great for just the essentials. The Mini is bigger and has room for all those extras you need, like snacks, battery backups, a camera or your phone accessories. Whatever your mom needs to take along, it will fit in this cool bag.
Travelon Anti-Theft Essentials Convertible Backpack/Tote $94.99 on Amazon | $100 on Travelon (take 20% off with my code SHEREENTRAVELS20%)
I am a lover of Travelon, and I have other bags in the Essentials line. This bag is perfect for the lady who wants to use a bag as a personal item on the plane and then take that same bag with them wherever you go. It goes from tote to backpack, and with the anti-theft clips mean they never have to worry about always keeping an eye on their bag while on the go.
Lewis N Clark makes awesome bags that are chic and full of innovations. They also have anti-theft features. If your mom prefers a smaller bag that is also secure, this little commuter bag is perfect and comes in classic black as well. While I don't have this bag, I have the Convertipack and the Satchel. Both have come on trips with me and I've only had good things to say about them.
Travelon Anti-Theft Boho Clutch $35.60 on Amazon | $55 on Travelon (take 20% off with my code SHEREENTRAVELS20%)
Does your mom like a little more pizzazz when it comes to colors and patterns? The little Boho clutch is quilted, fun, and versatile. It can go from an all-day crossbody to a night-out clutch/wrist bag. It's basically, two bags in one. 


Masks

Keep your mom safe and stylish with some great masks for her travels. Not only will she need them on the plane (and other transportation), but many destinations still require them indoors. If she's gotta wear one, she should at least look cool in it.

MaskC Floral KN95  $36 for 10
When in crowded spaces, like the plane, I always choose a KN95 mask. Their form is not only more breathable, but it's also more comfortable with the extra room in front. You may opt for black or colorful ones, but I also really love these floral masks.
Yes, I have a lot of different masks in my house. As much as I think disposable masks have a place for travels, I also love a great reusable mask, because you can wash and reuse them while on a long trip. They enable you to pack a little lighter and show your style a bit more. I have several Vida masks, including the sport masks and the artist prints. The all come with filters and are really comfortable.
The Barrier Method Neckie $35 & Winged Mask $45
I love the Winged Mask, but the Just the Mask and Neckie are more suitable for many destinations. They are lightweight, but still anti-bacterial and have built-in UPF, so you don't get sunburned on your face and neck, especially when sitting in the window seat where the sun's rays can be much worse. There is a mask for everyone. You may recall that I started wearing my Winged Mask before masks were even required. You can see my review here.


Accessories

Oftentimes, accessories can help make your trip a lot more convenient and awesome. I always bring things that are going to allow me to pack lighter, save money, and be healthier. 

Every flight attendant will tell you how gross the seatback pocket on the plane is. They get cleaned out, but never cleaned, so you're putting your headphones in the same pocket that may have just had a dirty diaper in it a few hours earlier. Airplane Pockets fit over your tray table, making it antibacterial, and give you four pockets - one large one and three smaller ones - to fit everything you need for a flight. After you land, slip it off, fold it up, and toss it in your bag.
Conair makes some of my favorite hair appliances. I take my travel flat iron with me whenever I travel and it actually works better than other full-size ones I've used and own. It heats up quickly and cools down fast enough for me to use it in the morning, finish packing up, and putting it in my bag before we check-out. 
When you're out all day snapping pics, using your GPS to get around, and posting jealousy-inducing photos to social media, your phone battery can drain pretty quickly. Having a decent sized battery backup like this one can make sure you can always charge up your phone. In fact, we carry two similar ones and each allows us to charge up fully at least twice during the day (we play a lot of games as well).
Packing light can be a challenge, but strategic packing items can help you get a little more in your bag. Packing cubes are kind of a necessity, and even if your mom has some, if she doesn't have compression cubes, it's time to upgrade her. Get 30% more in your bag, or save that extra room for other necessities, like your toiletry bag and shoes. You pack these like normal, then zip them to compress your clothes just a bit more. 
Several years ago I backed Pivo on kickstarter, because it looked exactly like a thing I could use for taking outfit photos and more. Cut to now where I've been using the original with ease and have just upgraded to the Pivo Lite to get more features and have a funky new color that I can keep in my travel bag. Pivo allows you to use your phone as a whole photo and video studio + you can use it take group pictures without asking a stranger to help.
The AeroPress Portable is as great as the original, but everything is compact enough to fit inside it's own coffee cup, which is pretty amazing. As a person who travels quite a lot and tends to stay in places that have terrible coffee makers or none at all, being able to get a good cup of coffee is very important to me. If you have a similar coffee lover on your list, this is a must. You can see my review on it here.


Luggage

If you've been following me for a while, you know I love luggage of all kinds. With so many people who haven't traveled for the last couple of years finally getting back out there, they might need new a new carry-on. A new bag can make you even more excited to travel. 

Does your mom like cruising or live in a home with limited excess space? The Rollink bag packs down flat and then pops open into a full-size carry-on. It does all the work of a regular bag and then can slide under the bed or in the closet  while on your trip or once you've returned home. 
Lojel makes amazing bags. They may be expensive, but they are made very well and will last for decades. I have two other of their roller carry-ons and I swear by them. If your mom likes to jetset to places like Europe, where there's a lot of cobbles that you need to roll over to get to the hotel or Airbnb from the train.
This is a fun little hardside carry-on in cool colors. It's comparable to other, more expensive luggage, with all the same functionality, space, and style.
Travelon Anti-Theft Metro Carryall $85 on Amazon | $95 on Travelon (take 20% off with my code SHEREENTRAVELS20%)
Maybe your mom takes a lot of overnight or weekend trips. If so, then this carryall is ideal for a few outfits, a pair of shoes, and still have some room leftover for small purchases. When she's on longer trips, she can use this as an underseater for all her entertainment and snacks.
My mom actually purchased this bag before our last trip and found it had enough room for 4 day's worth of clothing, toiletries, and shoes. It rolls easily down the plane aisle and fits right under the seat, so nobody has to lift it into the overhead. 

I hope you've found something awesome for the mom on your list, or maybe for yourself if you're a mom or just need something fun for no reason. 

What has been your favorite travel gift to give or receive? 


Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links that may result in monetary compensation, which helps me to keep running this blog for you. Thanks in advance for anything you buy.


Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Do You Need a Real ID?

Travel restrictions are easing and disappearing in a lot of places, meaning people are traveling the world again. If you want to be one of them and not sure if you have the correct identification, you're not alone. Many states have already switched over to Real ID, which is going to be necessary to fly domestically soon. If your state hasn't switched and you still want to travel, there are ways to get in compliance with this new rule going into effect. 

If you want to be one of the travelers out there and not sure if you have the correct identification, you're not alone. Learn about Real ID.

Oregon is one of those states that makes you apply for a Real ID, but we both have valid passports and have Global Entry ID cards as well, so we don't have to figure out how to make time to go to the DMV. 

Are you prepared for travel after this new rule goes into effect?


Saturday, April 9, 2022

How To Pack For A Cruise

With travel bouncing back and cruising becoming safer than before, you might be planning a cruise trip. While there are lots of ways to save on a cruise, what about packing for a cruise? Just because there are so many different things to do on the ship, it doesn’t mean you need to bring your whole closet. In fact, you can still pack light and have everything you need for your cruise.

While there are lots of ways to save on a cruise, what about packing for a cruise?
Photo by Adam Gonzales on Unsplash

  • Bring multi-purpose items, like a top that you can dress up or down depending on the situation. A plain black tank top can work for a formal night when paired with a statement necklace and a light wrap.
  • If you want to really dress up for those formal nights, invest in a bag like a Skyroll, that incorporates a garment bag in the design. You can pack all your regular stuff and then the garment bag wraps around it. Both are carry-on size, so you don't have to check them and *hope* they make it to your cruise. Another option is this 2-in-1 garment duffel.  I would still opt for a few pieces that can be reworn in different ways, even if it's just a little black dress or great pair of pants.
  • A nice pair of sandals can also be worn for formal nights, so you don’t have to pack a pair of heels that you’ll only wear a few hours the whole time you’re cruising.
  • Men can bring a lightweight sport coat and a few ties to dress up any outfit…and not have the same look twice if there’s more than one formal night on your ship.
  • Aside from these things, bring what you normally do: 5 tops, 3 bottoms, a pair of really good walking/running shoes, a rain jacket, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. If you need more help packing light, here’s a post for you.
  • Stage, roll and stuff. To avoid overpacking, set up a staging area where you can lay out everything you are packing. Make two piles: one with essentials and one of things you might need. Roll and pack your essentials first, then see how much room you have left for "maybes". Stuff shoes with socks, belts and other small items. Think of your bag like a game of Tetris and fill in all the available space of each layer. This will eliminate shifting and wrinkles as much as possible. You don't have to stuff your bag to the point of having to sit on it to close it though, because remember that you might want to buy some things at your ports of call. 
  • Don't forget your passport if you aren't going to a closed-loop U.S. port.
  • If you "check" your bag at the port authority, it may be an entire day before you get it delivered to your stateroom, so make sure you either don't check your bags (you can wander the ship with them, which you might find annoying) or have a smaller carry-on or tote bag with necessities like your bathing suit, extra clothing, sunscreen, camera, etc. I always have a packable tote in my bag just in case. This is a great way to use it.
  • Take along a pop-up mesh laundry hamper. Not only does this keep your clean and dirty clothes separate, but it gives you something to carry your dirty clothes to the laundry room. You aren't going to be doing something 24 hours a day on your cruise, but having to do a bit of laundry will remind you to slow down and take a breather. Plus, you can always start your load and hit the buffet while you wait.
I think you're ready to head out on the open seas now, with an excellent mix-and-match wardrobe that doesn't weigh you down too much.

What are your favorite cruise tips?


Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which may compensate me monetarily if you make a purchase through them. Your purchases enable me to run this blog, so thanks in advance.

Wednesday, April 6, 2022

Know Your Travel Rights

We've all been there. You get to the airport and sit down to wait for your flight and then wham! Flight Delayed! Or worse, your flight is totally cancelled. What the??? Now what? 

What to do when you get to the airport and your flight is delayed or, even worse, canceled.

With staff shortages and fewer routes due to Covid, delays and cancelations are becoming more normal. Airlines are still trying their best, even if they are also still overbooking. 



If your flight is cancelled
In this worst-case scenario, the airline will rebook you on the next available flight. If there's another flight on another airline that leaves earlier, you might be able to talk them into transfer you over, at their expense.

If your flight is delayed or you get bumped
Yeah, this sucks, but not as much as your flight being totally cancelled. Most airlines overbook flights, meaning if everyone checks in, someone's not making it on the plane, because there aren't enough seats. If you don't mind waiting, you can volunteer to get on the next available flight and make someone's day. (Sometimes you are made aware of overbookings on the airline's app. The last time I flew, I got a push notification asking if I wanted to leave on a later flight for a voucher.) Even if you don't want to and are the unfortunate one to get stuck at the airport, it's not the worst thing ever. Here's what you can do though:
  • Next time, get to the airport earlier. Like 2 hours before your flight. 3 hours if you're flying internationally. Or, just check in as soon as you can and hope you make it to the airport before the flight starts boarding.
  • If you get bumped, make sure you're comped. 
    • For flights that arrive one to two hours later than your scheduled arrival time, you're entitled to the one-way fare of your ticket up to $400.
    • If you're delayed two to four hours from your original scheduled arrival time, you're entitled to 200% of the one-way fare, up to $700.
    • If you arrive more than four hours later than your scheduled arrival time you're entitled to 400% of the one-way fare, up to $1400. If this requires an overnight stay in a hotel, the airline will almost always pay for it and also give you vouchers for meals.
    • Ask for cash, instead of vouchers. Cash works just as well and has no black-out dates or other stipulations. Plus, you can use it on another airline if you find a better deal, or blow it all on your trip when you finally get on it.
    • If your flight arrives an hour or less than your original arrival time, you aren't entitled to anything, but that doesn't mean you can't maybe ask for miles, a free drink or something similar. Be nice about it though, because that's really the only way the gate crew are going to want to do a little extra for you.
  • Unfortunately, flight delay rules only apply to delays that result from a foreseen circumstance like a plane change. If the delay is weather-related, the airlines aren't required to comp you at all. Anything they give you is up to the representative's discretion.


If your flight has been changed
This always sucks, but it rarely happens that flight times change more than a few minutes either way. In even more rare cases, you may be informed that your flight departure destination has been changed. Um, what? If either of these things happen and have made your travel inconvenient for you, the airline is only obligated to refund your purchase price and send you on your way. 

Of course, some airlines are more generous than others, and better at customer service. We had to wait on the tarmac on one flight for about an hour and when I got home from my trip I had an email giving us both $50 flight vouchers for our troubles, which I didn't even feel was that big a deal. It was nice though and one of the many reasons Alaska is my preferred airline.

Always check each airline's terms and conditions when it comes to delays and cancelations. And if you end up getting stuck in the position where one of these things happen to you, don't just settle for standing in line to talk to a gate representative. While you're in line, get on the phone with the airline (or use their text-back system) or get on their social media to see if you can get helped sooner than the line moves.

I hope your future trips are all awesome, but if they aren't, you are, at least, armed with knowledge. Carry snacks in your bag, just in case, and some non-digital entertainment. 

What's your worst flight delay or cancelation story? 
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