As of October 28, 2024, the U.S. Department of Transportation has a new policy in effect that requires airlines to automatically issue refunds within 7 business days to travelers in certain situations. Previously, air travelers often had to request refunds through...
Tips During Travel
Planning to take a long-haul flight? Stay healthy and comfortable with these tips.
As much as we look forward to our vacation, long flights can be physically and mentally demanding. Planes are usually full, and especially if you’re in the economy section, 8-10 hours in the air can seem daunting. This week we offer some tips to combat some of the...
Summer flying tips for in-the-know travelers
Summertime is a busy travel period, especially with schools on break and folks wanting to take advantage of the long days and sunshine. Busy airports and hot weather can also cause travel headaches, though, especially this year with the early heat wave paired with...
A Successful Plan to Beat Jet Lag
As someone who loves to travel, I’ve experienced my fair share of jet lag. The fatigue, insomnia, and general feeling of being out of sync can really put a damper on a trip. So when my son and I planned a trip from Toronto to Perth, involving three different flights,...
It’s hot outside! How to travel safely during a heat wave
There has been a lot of news coverage recently about the extreme temperatures in much of the northern hemisphere. Traveling in the summer has its perks – generally it’s peak time for tourism so everything is open and running, but you do need to be weather-aware....
Unwritten rules for flying: Travel etiquette to make everyone’s experience better (Part 2)
With summer travel just around the corner and air travel demand expected to come back in a big way, a few small steps can make the experience better for everyone. We’ve all heard of folks making some really bad decisions while flying which can result in jail time and...
Unwritten rules for flying: Travel etiquette to make everyone’s experience better (Part 1)
Air travel is increasingly stressful, but being aware of some simple etiquette tips can avoid meltdowns and make everyone’s experience just a little bit better.
TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Clear – Are they worth the time and money?
Airports are busier than ever and with that comes the potential for long wait times at security and U.S. customs. Fortunately, there are several programs that allow faster access through the lines - TSA PreCheck, Global Entry (which includes TSA PreCheck), and Clear,...
New DOT Dashboard Explains Air Passengers’ Rights
On 9/1/2022, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) unveiled a new dashboard that explains the services each airline provides to passengers in the event of a controllable cancellation or delay. This provides one location where travelers can quickly and easily...
Did the airline lose your luggage? What to do when it happens and how to reduce your risk
It’s a tough reality of travel that your luggage doesn’t always get to the same destination that you do. With the surge of folks getting back out there paired with employee shortages, lost luggage is becoming unfortunately more frequent. While still pretty unlikely,...
My flight was cancelled, help! Denise explains your passenger rights
The Christmas and New Year’s holidays were stressful for airline passengers, with thousands of flights cancelled or significantly delayed. It was the perfect combination of bad weather, strong customer demand, staffing shortages, and a lack of operating aircraft....
Long flight? Here are 5 stretches to help you through aches and pains
Reference: Cleveland Clinic If you’ve ever set off for a faraway destination, you probably know the feeling of “snap, crackle, pop!” as you get off the plane. Being confined to a small space can be difficult on the body, possibly causing pain and stress, both of which...
Best ways to help prevent identify theft on your next vacation
Getting your identity stolen while on vacation may not be on your top list of worries, but we’re here to place it on your radar. Nearly a half million items are pickpocketed every year, much of which includes valuable documents and IDs that can cause major headaches...
Is bad weather threatening your flight? Here’s what to do and what to avoid
The holiday travel rush is behind us for another year, but there’s still a lingering nuisance that can really cause some air travel headaches: bad weather. Winter and springtime are particularly apt for snow, ice, and thunderstorms that can cancel hundreds of...
Why can’t I bring it back with me?
Even the most seasoned traveler will scratch their head when it comes to bringing food products back into the U.S., and it seems the rules are always changing. It’s confusing and frustrating to have food or a souvenir taken away by a customs agent! The reason for...
About Denise
My goal is to simplify travel-planning through an equal exchange process where I acquire your ideas and expectations for your trip relieving you of the worry, hassle, stress and time that accompanies Do-It-Yourself planning. Recent Posts
Choosing an All-Inclusive Resort: Our Top Tips
If you’re looking for a stress-free getaway that your whole group will enjoy, an all-inclusive resort may be a perfect fit. With beautifully manicured properties and a set rate for meals, drinks, and activities, you can relinquish the worry of planning to truly relax...
Europe Travel is a Bargain in 2025. Here’s Why.
Even with its consistent popularity, Europe is a bargain right now for U.S. travelers. This is because the Euro has weakened against the dollar, meaning trips in 2025 are more wallet friendly. Fifteen years ago, the exchange rate was around $1.50 USD for 1 Euro. Now...
Do your homework before you leave: These international laws may surprise you
One of the joys of travel is stepping outside your comfort zone and experiencing all the sights and sounds of a new culture. Anytime you leave the U.S., though, you’re likely to encounter different laws, some of which may seem trivial to you but are taken seriously....
Traveling During Hurricane Season: What NOT To Do
Hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th each year, and in 2024 there were a total of 11 hurricanes that impacted the Caribbean and U.S. Besides the untold loss of property and life that hurricanes cause to residents, this time of year can create...
DOT Unveils New Refund Requirements for Airlines: Here’s What to Know
As of October 28, 2024, the U.S. Department of Transportation has a new policy in effect that requires airlines to automatically issue refunds within 7 business days to travelers in certain situations. Previously, air travelers often had to request refunds through...