Tag Archives: Travel

Everyone loves a flight upgrade, especially when embarking on a long flight. While you won’t get to your destination any faster, the extra seat space, legroom, and food can make flying a much more pleasant experience.

Unfortunately for travelers the gate attendants no longer have the same discretionary power they used to, and upgrading a traveler to business or first class, especially on long flights, costs the airline money even though you might not think so. The cost of business and first-class travel is actually higher than that of economy. The better food and drinks hit the bottom line while now in economy class food has become a revenue source as customers usually have to pay for a snack or meal.

Several ways to get that flight upgrade to first or business class

1. Loyalty Flight Upgrade

Loyalty is the best way and our most suggested way to earn a flight upgrade. Many airlines offer complimentary upgrades to their loyal customers who travel often throughout the year. Points can also be accumulated through their credit card and partner rewards programs and which help their loyal customers earn miles. These miles can be used to purchase upgrades.

If a flight is undersold, airlines sometimes upgrade passengers who are enrolled in their rewards programs for free if they’ve accumulated the required mileage during that year. If you haven’t yet, join the frequent flier programs for the airlines you fly on most.

2. Get an Airline Credit Card

Most airlines offer credit cards that reward you with points based on your purchases. Many also offer a bonus amount just for signing up for the card. Using this type of card helps you accumulate points that you can use for “free” upgrades to business or first class.

3. Pay for The Upgrade

When checking out directly on the airline’s website you will have the opportunity to upgrade to a premium coach seat or first class. You can also ask the gate agent before boarding what the upgrade cost would be. Ask your travel agent because they may have access to preferred seats that aren’t readily available on the airline’s website.

4. Timing

Oversold flights are a great opportunity to score an upgrade. When a flight is oversold, often, gate agents will announce if anyone would like to give up their seat in exchange for another flight. This is the perfect opportunity to ask for an upgrade on your next flight in exchange for giving up your seat. Early morning or flights during peak times are ideal for this situation.

5. Ask for the Upgrade

Always be honest and if it’s a special occasion like a honeymoon, anniversary, or an emergency, arrive early and let the ticket agent and gate agents know if they can they will help to make y our trip more comfortable. Also, if you’ve been inconvenienced by the airline due to delayed or canceled flights, ask for an upgrade as compensation. Lastly, don’t demand an upgrade or be angry with the people who are there to help you.

6. Dress as if You Always Fly First Class

As you know, first impressions count so put a little effort into your wardrobe choice if you think you’re going to ask for an upgrade While you don’t have to wear a suit and tie or suit and heels, you should be dressed as smart casual, that means no torn jeans, dirty flip flops, tank shirts or yoga pants or message T-shirts. Dressing as if you belong in first class gives you an overall more appealing appearance.

7. Arrive Early at the Gate

If there is an empty seat in economy plus, business, or first class still available it may just go to the first one who asks for it. Remember to be courteous and nice to the agent while asking.

Lastly, fly prepared in case you can’t get that last-minute upgrade. Pack a couple of flight comfort items such as your own flight pillow or compact blanket to keep the chill off. A few creature comforts will make your time in economy or coach more pleasant.

How Thieves Steal Frequent Flyer Points

Thieves just need access to your account to book flights or hotels with your points or to transfer the points out for cash, gift cards, or merchandise. So how do they get access to your online accounts? The answer is by phishing scams and password theft. Once they have your login credentials they are in your account and your valuable points are at risk. Your personal data is becoming increasingly easy for thieves to steal via data breaches as data breaches are occurring multiple times a day each and every day.

What Hackers Do with Stolen Frequent Flyer Miles

Your frequent flyer miles can actually be sold on the dark web for money. The dark web is a network of black market sites for the selling of personal data including various account information details, credit card numbers, and social security numbers. Typically, redeemed frequent flyer points are valued at one to two cents per point or mile. Consider that an account holding 100,000 miles is then worth between $1000 and $2000. Miles from popular airlines like Delta, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic were listed for sale from $1,000. For 100,000 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club miles, one dark web seller was asking for $884. Another listing offered 45,000 Delta SkyMiles for $884. So you can see frequent flyer miles are valuable to thieves and hackers. The purchaser can possibly transfer the miles to their account and they can definitely buy many different types of gift cards, which of course, can’t be traced.

How to Protect Your Miles From Hackers and Theft

Follow these actions to mitigate the risk of having your frequent flyer accounts hacked.

Check your account balances regularly so you know how many points you have. Once a month is a good rule of thumb. if you notice any changes not authorized by you report them.
Rip up or shred boarding passes immediately after your flight as they can have your account number plus your name printed on them.
Use a strong and complex username and password, remember you’re guarding valuable points.
If your login suddenly doesn’t work, contact the airline or credit card points, program administrator.
Set up email auto alerts that are sent went points are withdrawn. Look under the “settings” tab to set up auto alerts or contact the site customer service team for advice on how to do so.
Use a points manager program where you consolidate and track all your points and miles. A good one is Awardwallet.com as they will notify you of any withdrawals.
Don’t use free public WiFi to access your frequent flier account.
Don’t put your frequent flier account number on your bag tag.

Where Photography is Forbidden Other Countries

Photography restrictions in foreign countries often include taking photographs of certain government buildings. It appears that most of the problems arise when the destination you are visiting is having an internal security issue. If you are caught taking photographs/videos of certain locations you could be detained, fined, and have your camera equipment and film confiscated.

General Areas to Avoid Taking Photos in Foreign Countries

Some of the locations travelers have run into trouble taking photos and/or videos are listed below. It’s sound advice to simply skip these locations, do you really the photo that badly to risk having trouble with the police or foreign federal agencies?

Border areas
Scene of a civil disorder or other public disturbance
Police and or military personnel or installations
Industrial structures including harbor, rail, airport facilities

Taking Photos in These Foreign Countries Can be Dangerous

Always check with the consulate and other sources about the protocol of taking pictures in your destination country. Do your homework and understand where photography is forbidden and what is allowed and is culturally customary in the countries you plan on visiting. If unsure, pass on the photo op.

Algeria-Photos of government infrastructure, including airports, military installations, and police, are not allowed.
Netherlands- Amsterdam – The Red Light District has zero-tolerance of photos taken there. Especially any photos that include the windows of a brothel. This zero-tolerance includes photos you may take with your phone. Be forewarned and responsible and don’t take any photos there. Those who have been beaten or had their camera confiscated.

South Korea – Culturally shooting strangers without permission is considered rude. If the photographer does not have the express permission of those who appear in the picture, these photographed individuals can contact authorities or press charges against the photographer under the pretense that their right to privacy is being violated particularly if the photo is going to be posted publicly.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) –Taking photos of military areas, palaces, courts, and government buildings is banned. Typically you need permission before taking pictures of others. Visitors taking forbidden pictures have been jailed and fined about $1350 for illegal photography.

Japan – Some temples and Shinto shrines have banned photography and it appears more are doing so each year. Before you take a picture it is best to ask if it is allowed. Temples are places of worship and some tourists who have forgotten that and have ruined grounds and disturbed those who are there to contemplate or worship in pursuit of the perfect photo.

India – Taj Mahal Photography of the exterior of the most famous building in India is allowed. However, the interior is a tomb and it is disrespectful to shoot photos in there.

China, Nanjing – Located here is the Jiangsu National Security Education Museum. Only Chinese citizens are allowed to enter this spy museum. The museum housed spying devices and papers from 1927. The items are considered too sensitive for foreigners to see. Even Chinese citizens must follow the rule that photography is forbidden and can’t photograph the contents.

England, London – The crown jewels are housed in the Tower of London. All photography of the jewels is strictly forbidden. They are protected by bombproof glass, security guards and over 100 security cameras.

Photography Tips for Foreign Countries

Equipment transportation – What do you need to do to protect your camera and equipment?
Customs consideration – It may be helpful to register your equipment with U.S. Customs before leaving the country. You will receive a receipt verifying that you owned the equipment before departing. Ask at the check-in counter at the airport.
Batteries – Do you have spare batteries? Will you need a power converter for your battery charger? Do you have the correct type of plug for the electrical supply?
Security – What special consideration must you give regarding the security of your equipment?
Cultural Differences – How will the people in the country react to being videotaped? Will you need to ask permission or “pay” to shoot video? Are certain items restricted from being videotaped?
Language – Do you know the basic language to communicate with people when you want to videotape?

IMPORTANT POST 9/11 FILM INFORMATION

One thing you definitely need to take into consideration is the inspection process of at airports post-September 11. Hand-inspection — which averts the risks X-rays pose – may not be available at some airports.

It’s exciting to plan a trip to somewhere you’ve never visited before. However, it can be also a little bit scary and overwhelming if you haven’t flown in a very long time. Times change and so do airports and TSA screening regulations. Read further for a few tips on how to negotiate the airport experience more calmly and easier. Here are ten useful tips that will guarantee you a smooth trip on your way to your next destination!

Preparing for Your Trip

If you’re traveling alone, it’s ideal to pick the seat on the aisle. Sure it’s nice to be seated by the window, but you can skip that whole awkward getting up to go to the bathroom encounter with the passenger next to you if you’re already sitting on the aisle seat.
Experts say the safest seating on-board is the exit aisle in the back of the airplane. It’s the farthest from impact and explosive fuel. (Just in case you were wondering.)
Airlines typically send out check-in reminders 24 hours before your flight departs. It’s important to confirm as soon as possible so that you may get priority in boarding or be put in one of the first passenger boarding groups. This will help to store your carry-on bag closer to your seat. The benefit here is you keep an eye on your belongings and it will be easier to grab your bag when you deplane.
Before traveling email yourself your important bank and credit card contact information. In case you lose your wallet or have your items stolen, you have the bank contact numbers handy.
Make a checklist ahead of time of all the items you need to pack in your carry-on and checked bag. Emphasis on the little things like a portable charger, earphones, and glasses, etc. These are the convenience things you’ll use daily and don’t want to be without. (You’d be surprised how many people forget these small items at home.)
Check the TSA website for regulations regarding what can be carried onboard in your carry-on bag. Do you know the 3-1-1 rule for liquids? And what about shoes and belts? You may have to remove them to go through screening so choose your travel wardrobe wisely like shoes you can slip off and on quickly, pack your lace-ups. So step one check the TSA website for the latest rules before you pack.

At the Airport

Research your destination airport, especially if you’ve never been there. Airports like Dallas, LAX, or JFK can be confusing, and if you’re in a rush to get to a connecting flight, you might be able to get on a Skylink (bus or rail) to your next gate quicker.
No matter what you do make sure you get to the airport at least one hour before your departure time for domestic flights. You never know what kind of delays (like long TSA lines) there could be, so it’s better to be early than late and miss your flight. Contact the airline for their recommendation on what time to arrive.
If you are running late, don’t bother using a kiosk or seeing a check-in agent to get a boarding pass use your smartphone! Check your check-in emails for a scanner code. You can easily show your phone with the scan code and use it as a boarding pass. If you have an iPhone, you can save your boarding pass information into the Passbook/Wallet. If you have an Android, you can save your boarding pass as a photo.
***However it is highly recommended to always have a backup print out of all your travel documents and keep them together in a travel document organizer. What if you lose your phone, or have a dead battery?
When putting your carry-on baggage on the x-ray belt, put your laptop last so that it comes out behind your other items, and with luck, about the same time you walk through the metal detector to pick it. Better yet, have a travel companion clear security first then put your valuables on the belt, and they can keep an eye on your laptop until you have cleared security.
If taking a connecting flight, alert the flight attendant. Long delays can occur in-between flights, and they will usually give passengers with connecting flights priority to get off the plane. This is especially valuable if your seat is towards the back of the plane.

Bonus Tip

*** Most airlines offer a wifi plan! You can research and buy credit before boarding the plane so that you may catch up on emails or entertain yourself during your flight!

Thefts at beaches and pools increase during the busy vacation season when tourists and locals flock to the water. Most beachgoers leave their wallets, cell phones, cameras or other valuables while they go for a swim or walk along the shore hoping that they’ll be there when they return. Most think they don’t have an alternative but to leave their property unattended or guarded. Some are clever enough to “hide” their valuables under a towel, but in a blink of an eye, their property can be picked up and gone. The quick and low-cost solution is to pack and use a waterproof waist pack or waterproof neck pouch you wear while swimming to protect and keep your gear near.

If you have a lounge chair then a packable and portable beach safe or locking beach tote like the anti-theft Coolbag Tote you can tether to the lounge chair are great solutions because you can use them in other locations such as your hotel room to secure valuables too.

Thefts at beaches – also called beach blanket thefts, happen all around the world. The more crowded the beach, the higher the rate of theft. The problem tends to be more pronounced outside of the US at beaches which attract many people. One example is in Rio de Janeiro, where in years past it was not unusual to see gangs of young people suddenly sweep over the beach, snatching up phones, bags, and valuables and then scattering in all directions with their loot making it difficult for authorities to capture them.

Video of Beach Thefts in Rio de Janeiro

The no-cost solution for protecting your gear water-side is to head to the beach with at least another person so someone can always keep watch of valuables while the other is in the water, but this is not always the most fun or practical way to enjoy the water.

100% Waterproof Invisible Travel Waist Pouch

Waterproof Waist Pack Keeps Valuables Dry

Water-Proof Body Pouches
Do you think the best way to protect your valuables while swimming, snorkeling, or jogging along the shoreline is to have them on you? The newest styles of waterproof gear are extremely reliable and rated for water-fastness. No soggy passports or ruined phones! And with so many styles to choose from you’re bound to find one just the right style of waterproof pouch to make your next water adventure worry-free.

Travel Advisories are always being updated by the U.S. State Department. It’s important to know which destinations are on the DO NOT TRAVEL list for your safety and security. The U.S. State Department updates destinations regularly with a Travel Advisory Level.

TRAVEL ADVISORY LEVEL DETAILS

Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions: This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. There is some risk in any international travel. Conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States and may change at any time.

Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution: Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.

Level 3 – Reconsider Travel: Avoid travel due to serious risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.

Level 4 – Do Not Travel: This is the highest advisory level due to the greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. During an emergency, the U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance. The Department of State advises that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or leave as soon as it is safe to do so. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.

It’s critical when planning any trip abroad to check the Travel Advisories for your intended destination. The World-at-a-Glance map is color-coded to further help travelers. If you’re traveling to a certain location, you can find the locations of the Embassies and Consulates as well.

If you’re a first-time traveler, it’s especially important to be informed on the safety of your destination.

In February 2018, the current list shows the following countries on the Do Not Travel list:

Afghanistan

Central African Republic

TRAVEL ADVISORY LEVELS

The Travel Advisories also provide clear reasons for the level assigned, using established risk indicators, and offer specific advice to U.S. citizens who choose to travel there:

C – Crime: Widespread violent or organized crime is present in areas of the country. Local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.

T – Terrorism: Terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist.

U – Civil Unrest: Political, economic, religious, and/or ethnic instability exists and may cause violence, major disruptions, and/or safety risks.

H – Health: Health risks, including current disease outbreaks or a crisis that disrupts a country’s medical infrastructure, are present. The issuance of a Centers for Disease Control Travel Notice may be a factor.

N – Natural Disaster: A natural disaster, or its aftermath, poses danger.

E – Time-limited Event: A short-term event, such as an election, sporting event, or another incident that may pose a safety risk.

O – Other: There are potential risks not covered by previous risk indicators. Read the country’s Travel Advisory for details.

The Travel Advisories for each country replace previous Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts.

Be prepared with the best anti-theft travel gear for your next trip by visiting Corporate Travel Safety.

Shop Travelon Classic Backpack

There are two primary things you must do to avoid theft and protect your valuables when visiting tourist locations or encountering large crowds. One, you need to be alert to your surroundings. Be alert to people trying to distract with questions or performances. Children and women are equally as skillful as men are when it comes to distraction and thievery. Distracted tourists looking at sights or talking to “friendly” strangers are easy and lucrative targets. They know travelers have cash, valuables, a phone, and potentially even a laptop in a backpack. Second, you need to protect your valuables so that thieves can’t access them when they do target you. Thwart their efforts with pickpocket proof travel gear. The bonus is you are a little more relaxed knowing your gear is safe.

AVOID THEFT IN CROWD DISTURBANCES

Travelon Heritage Backpack

A disturbance in a large crowd is oftentimes a way for thieves to bump into targets to steal valuables. It can take only a second or two to steal your wallet from your pocket, a handbag, or a backpack. To eliminate the opportunity from becoming a victim, both men and women need to be smart about the approach of strangers. When a disturbance or disagreement breaks out, hold onto your valuables, handbag, and wallet until the disturbance is completely over and you are away from the crowd. The same thing goes for if you’re watching street performers, enjoy the show, but know where and how you’re protecting your valuables first.

PROTECT YOUR VALUABLES TO AVOID THEFT

These are a few simple tips to keep your items out of the hands of thieves while you’re in a crowd.

Wear pants with buttoned or zippered pockets to prevent pickpockets from stealing items from those pockets. Turn regular pockets into theft proof pockets by having velcro sewn inside the very top of the pocket.
Only keep a small amount of money, one credit card, and one ID in your wallet.
Never publicly check your valuables because a thief may be watching you and will them know which pocket to target.
A smooth leather wallet is the easiest to slide out from a pocket and steal so use an anti-theft wallet.

AVOID THEFT BY PICKPOCKETS

Do not carry your wallet in an open handbag or tote bag without a zipper. Use the zipper to keep your bag closed, and never place it on the ground. If you must, straddle it with both feet and squeeze it tight until you are ready to pick it up.
Use a handbag with anti-theft features, that is more difficult to open than a regular bag.
A crossbody purse, where the straps lay diagonally across your body, is a visual deterrent to thieves.

Never leave your handbag unattended in a tourist spot, crowded concert, grocery store, or streetside flea market. The point is not to tempt anyone either.

BE PREPARED IN CASE YOU BECOME A VICTIM OF THEFT

Keep a copy of your ID, passport, credit cards, and airline tickets in the safe of your room or accessible via the internet in a password-protected document or file.
Consider leaving expensive jewelry at home or reducing the amount of jewelry you wear.
Carry your cash in a money belt. Newer style underclothing money belts fit passports and have built-in anti-theft features too.

This is a traditional Travel Money Belt that is Airport Security-Friendly Won’t Set off Alarm & Hides Bills

Use an RFID blocking protection backpack, handbag, or wallet to protect your identity from e-thieves.
If using a rental car and you can’t carry your valuables with you, hide them inside the trunk or in a locked glove compartment and always lock your car.

Taking just a few precautions to protect your valuables will give you peace of mind on your next trip.

Simple Safety and Security Advice When Making Hotel Reservations

After you pick the location for your next hotel stay, savvy travelers recommend you do two things when making hotel reservations to ensure a more relaxing stay.

First, you need to give security some thought, even if you’re staying at a top resort. Next, you should make your personal requests known in advance. Here’s why.

Security Priorities

Request a hotel room in the “safest room zone”
That’s defined as a room on the second floor or higher, but below the 6^th in case there is a fire and the fire department needs to reach you. A room on the ground floor that has doors or windows that open to the outside is riskier especially in the case of motels, rooms off parking lots, or if you like to sleep with an open window.

Who else can access your room?
Pack a portable travel door lock. You never know if there are extra keys, key cards or pass keys out there that can open your hotel room while you are inside. You’ll sleep more soundly knowing your room is truly locked.

Identity theft happens most frequently in hotels
According to Experian, identity theft crimes took place most commonly in hotels (24 percent), restaurants (18 percent) and followed by airports (12 percent). Guard your credit cards, ID, and passport when you travel. Do not give out your credit card number to someone calling your room, even if they say they are calling from the front desk. Do not use the open WiFi connection or business center computers to conduct personal business or anything requiring a password protecting personal data.

How safe is the room safe?
A common place you leave items with your personal information while you are away from the room is the room safe. All hotel safes have a bypass code or way to open them in case a guest forgets their passcode or if the safe’s electronics fail. Theft from a room safe is virtually unprovable. Consider a safe lock that works to discourage and stop would be thieves. There’s a lot of peace of mind right there.

Personal Request for Comfort and Convenience

Room location
Do you want to be close to the pool, lobby or an elevator? Have the hotel reservations agent mark your preference in your reservation at the time of booking (try to get that room between the 2nd and 6th floor.)

Room amenities
Do you want more pillows or special hypo-allergenic pillows? Ask for them at the time of booking so that housekeeping can place them in your room before your arrival or as soon as you arrive. The same goes for extra towels or a bathrobe. Make sure your preferences are noted in your booking record and then confirm at the check-in desk even before going to your room. This prevents you from having to open the door to someone else.

Be hands-free and worry-free at the pool or gym

If you plan on lounging by the hotel pool or beach, bring a portable pool or beach safe to secure valuables you leave behind when swimming or walking around. Knowing your valuables are close and secure will let you enjoy your activities more without carrying your phone, room key, etc. with you or taking turns guarding the “stuff.”

Most importantly, confirm that your security and comfort preferences are noted in your hotel reservation 24 hours before you arrive by speaking to someone at the front desk, not the reservation center. While asking for special accommodations does not guarantee that you’ll always get them, but by speaking to a person on the property does up your chances. If they do accommodate you be sure to thank them in person for their effort, and they may continue to help you out throughout your stay.

Personal safety practices once you’re at the hotel

Read the below article Must Read Hotel Safety Tips on personal security practices once you arrive at a hotel. It’s worth the read