Tag: Travel

How to book a fail-proof holiday in COVID times | Travel

How to book a fail-proof holiday in COVID times | Travel

The world has drastically changed in the past 24 months. The pandemic has impacted every avenue of our life, but perhaps nothing is more affected than how we plan our holidays. And here I speak with a little bit of experience. Let me take you 

Bring a burner to the Olympics, and other mobile device travel safety tips

Bring a burner to the Olympics, and other mobile device travel safety tips

You’ve almost certainly read some of the usually circulated advisories for athletes traveling to the 2022 Winter season Olympics in Beijing this 12 months: Carry a burner telephone and really do not log into any personalized accounts. Which is fantastic assistance for athletes and non 

Dog-Friendly Chicago, Year-Round Travel Guide

Dog-Friendly Chicago, Year-Round Travel Guide

Our pets are like family members—we like and treatment for them and want them to be in the vicinity of us, even when we’re checking out a major city like Chicago. Savvy tourists and Windy Metropolis locals realize that just since a area permits canines, it doesn’t essentially necessarily mean that puppies are particularly welcome or that the locale is canine-pleasant.

This manual will clue you in to the most effective places to go close to the metropolis, with your furry pal in tow, from neighborhood parks wherever Fido can run off leash and socialize with other canines to top sights and points of interest in the Windy Metropolis.

Romp Close to Chicago’s General public Dog Parks

From Roger’s Park up north to South Chicago together the Indiana border, and almost everywhere in in between, many Chicago Park District Doggy Helpful Areas welcome animals calendar year-spherical and allow for them to run off leash inside the protection of a fenced-in region. Your thoroughly vaccinated pet will will need a allow and tag to enter ($10) and you’ll have to decide up just after your pet dog (of system). Some of these parks have specific regions for smaller canines or shy canines, pet consuming fountains, rubbish receptacles, and extra doggie luggage. Underneath are a few standout places:

  • Belmont Harbor Pet dog Seaside: Situated at Belmont and Lake Shore Travel, within just Lincoln (Abraham) Park, this canine park, situated in a fantastic region inside of going for walks length to the Lakefront Path, is small but clean. In the warmer months your doggy can swim and chase balls.  
  • Puptown Dog Park: This spot, located in Chicago’s Margate Park, is perfectly-favored by locals. If you pay a visit to below typically, strategy on volunteering to help sustain the park—folks meet up every single other Saturday morning to rake the pea gravel, refill poop bag dispensers, and cleanse the park. Puptown is a sweet spot for your pet to operate all-around and be a part of the local community.
  • Montrose Dog Seashore: This wonderful park, also termed Mon Canine, is open up every single day of the 12 months. In the warmer months, specially, this celebrated pet seashore is enjoyable to stop by. You are going to check out your wooly pet bounce in and out of the water, roll in the sand, and make new good friends.
  • Wicker Doggy Park: Situated inside of Wicker Park on North Damen Avenue, this park is tidy and comparatively substantial. There’s a consuming fountain for your pups and benches to sit on. The park can be quite the social affair, for human beings and canine alike.
  • Bronzeville Pet Park: The Bronzeville Affiliation for Recreation with Canines (BARC) labored with the Chicago Park District to set up a few pet dog parks. Perfectly-managed and supported with volunteers from the local community, these parks are great for pets who require a very little new air, sunshine, and exercising.

Great to Know:  Chicago’s temperature can often be temperamental every single year. Rain, snow, wind, ice—we have it all. Approach to dress for the occasion and outfit your canine with Kurgo’s Halifax Rain Shell, which comes in white or yellow, or their colorful Loft Canine Jacket. Equally possibilities will give an additional layer of security and warmth, best for the city’s unpredictable temperature patterns.

Examine Chicago’s Lakefront Path

The Lakefront Path is an 18-mile-long pedestrian and bike route that runs from Ardmore Avenue on the north facet of the town to 71st Road on the south aspect. From a person finish to the other, you will be in a position to discover a range of neighborhoods like Edgewater, Uptown, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, South Loop, Bronzeville, and Hyde Park. Leashed pet dogs can walk with their handlers on the footpath.

Fantastic to Know: If you come to a decision to burn up of your dog’s seemingly unlimited strength by means of an further-extended wander, you will probable want to be arms-free even though out and about. The Tumalo Hydration Pack from Mazama is the perfect dimensions for hitting the city’s Lakefront Path. The insulated reservoir compartment will hold your h2o from freezing in the winter season and from finding as well warm in the summer time. Things the pack’s pockets with extra squander bags and treats for you pooch and you are going to be on your way.

Stroll Navy Pier

Navy Pier is a doggy-welcoming locale, well-liked with vacationers and locals. View the skyline from the pier, as you wander along the South Dock. Rest on one of the benches at East End Plaza and check out the boats. Discover Polk Bros Park, positioned at the front entrance of the pier. Just take part in a public function or two, which include a myriad of absolutely free courses. Dine alfresco at Harry Caray’s Tavern. The pier has a lot of photo options and backgrounds for you and your pup: Centennial Wheel, Wave Wall, and the USS Chicago Anchor.

Fantastic to Know: Continue to keep your pet heat and modern with the Ellie Canine Jacket from Lolë . And, if you want to be match-y—match-y, you can get the packable multipurpose night blue Jwp Atmos Jacket from Jack Wolfskin. Investigate the Windy City’s prime sights and sights in design.

Cruise on Chicago River and Lake Michigan

Why not carry your pet on a pet-friendly Chicago cruise? Mercury Cruises, the most pet-helpful, operates a Canine Cruise on Chicago’s waterways, beginning in July. The lake and river cruise guides will educate you on not only Chicago historical past and architecture, but also, puppy-friendly factors of fascination.

Leashed puppies are welcome on any of Shoreline Sightseeing’s tours. Leaving suitable from Navy Pier, Seadog Cruises also presents a range of cruises suitable for leashed seafaring animals.

Very good to Know: You could want to convey together a blanket, like the We Wander Pet Throw from Eddie Bauer, for the cruise to continue to keep your pet at ease while they’re possibly sitting down in your lap or soothing on the floor of the boat. And, if you assume your pet will catch a chill, take into consideration the Mountain Pet Sweater for an excess layer.

Just take Your Pet dog Indoor Swimming

Doggie Paddle, situated in Wicker Park, is the greatest indoor health heart for canine. From working day treatment to swimming classes to spherical-vacation transportation, they do it all. If it’s chilly in Chicago and you really don’t want to go exterior, nonetheless your puppy wants exercise and socialization, then you may well want to sign-up for classes in this article.

Superior to Know: Likely you’ll be transporting your puppy to and from in a car or truck. Why not make a safe and sound and comfy space in your car with a moveable puppy bed. Smartwool’s 2nd Slice K-9 Camp Cushion, fashioned out of recycled socks, has a washable protect and multi-hued style and design. The handle tends to make it effortless to transportation the mattress from your auto to your household.

Travel rule changes for five holiday hotspots impacting every tourist this month

Travel rule changes for five holiday hotspots impacting every tourist this month

A number of holiday hotspots have changed their international travel rules. It means that many tourists heading abroad for some half-term sun could see their plans impacted. Several European counties have altered their vaccination requirements and Australia has also announced a major change that will 

The best spring break travel deals for cheap flights and hotels 2022

The best spring break travel deals for cheap flights and hotels 2022

CNN Underscored reviews financial products such as credit cards and bank accounts based on their overall value, but does not review all financial companies or all available financial offers. We may receive compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com, and this compensation may 

Expedia’s top travel hacks on flights and accommodation – See the best tips

Expedia’s top travel hacks on flights and accommodation – See the best tips

Expedia has shared its top tips and tricks to help you go on holiday for less in 2022.

As Half Term, Easter and the Summer holidays race towards us, more of us are starting to scour airlines and travel websites looking for a bargain break.

The online travel company has teamed up with Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) for the seventh year in a row to share their ultimate travel hacks guide.

“As travellers continue to plan their future trips, we want to help make the process as easy as possible, while helping them save a few extra pounds on the way,” Niamh Jenkinson, PR Manager for brand Expedia, said.

Central Fife Times: A plane flying across the sky. Credit: CanvaA plane flying across the sky. Credit: Canva

Ms Jenkinson added: “We know planning a holiday can be stressful at the best of times, though by being flexible and applying these handy hacks, we hope travellers will feel more confident and ready to travel again.”

Whether you’re planning on bringing the whole family with you or you want to do some exploring on your own, we’re here for you.

Here are some of Expedia’s top travel hacks on how to save on your flights and accommodation so you have more money to spend on your adventures.

Expedia’s top flight booking hacks

Flights have hit their lowest levels over December 2020 and January 2021, according to ARC data.

As travel confidence grows, they look set to shoot back up to pre-pandemic levels.

Lucky for you, you can be prepared for the increase with these flight hacks from Expedia.

Central Fife Times: Best days and months to travel and book graphic. Credit: ExpediaBest days and months to travel and book graphic. Credit: Expedia

1. Optimal Booking Window

Brits have started to book their domestic trips further out in advance.

Flights booked 9 and more weeks in advance increased from an average of 20{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a} in 2019 to an average of 25{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a} in 2021.

For international flights, travellers booking their tickets 9 and more weeks in advance increased from an average of 40{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a} in 2019 to an average of 45{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a} in 2020 and 50{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a} in 2021.

2. Ideal day of the week to book

Expedia has revealed that the ideal day to book a domestic flight is Sunday, and not Friday, where travellers can save around 20{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a}.

For those flying internationally, they can save 15{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a} by booking on a Sunday instead.

3. Ideal day of the week to travel

The ideal day to travel domestically is Friday and not Tuesday, and it could save you 20{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a}.

By starting your international trip on Friday, and not a Wednesday, you could save 10{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a} on your booking.

4. Best month to travel

The best month to travel varies whether you’re jetting off domestically or internationally. 

For domestic flights, the best month to depart is November, you can save up to 45{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a} compared to travelling in March.

For international flights, September is the ideal month, where you can save almost 40{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a}, compared to travelling in December.

5. Splurge and go premium

Expedia says that tickets in premium economy have never been cheaper and have become more affordable over the last couple of years.

In 2021, premium tickets were only 250{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a} more expensive than economy tickets, whereas in 2020 premium tickets cost 275{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a} more than economy tickets.  

Looking at pre-pandemic levels, premium tickets in 2019 cost 380{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a} more than economy tickets.

                                                                                                              

READ MORE: Best hotels in Paris for a Valentine’s Day break from Expedia – How to book

READ MORE: 2022 travel predictions: The most in-demand UK staycation spots

READ MORE: 10 best hotels for a Valentine’s day break from Tripadvisor

                                                                                                              

Expedia’s top accommodation hacks

Central Fife Times: Expedia's top accommodation hacks. Credit: ExpediaExpedia’s top accommodation hacks. Credit: Expedia

Now that you’re all set to save on your airfares, let’s turn our attention to how we can secure a bargain on our staycation and international stays.

1. Ideal day of the week to book

Book your domestic holiday on a Friday since this is when the lowest average daily rate (ADR) for accommodation tends to be. 

Travellers could save 5{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a} compared to booking on the most expensive day, which is a Sunday.

Looking internationally, book on a Wednesday, not on a Saturday, to save 5{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a}.

2. Ideal day of the week to stay

The ideal day to start your staycation is a Monday, you could save 20{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a} compared to the most expensive day – a Saturday.

For international trips, starting your holiday on a Monday can save you 10{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a} compared to starting on a Saturday.

3. Down-star accommodation to save

Expedia recommends down-starring on your hotel to save a few extra pounds.

You can save almost 50{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a}, on average, by simply opting for a 4-star property over a 5-star.

And if you book a 3-star hotel instead of a 4-star, you could save around 30{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a}.

4. Car Rental

The travel website has also noted a trend of even more people opting for road trips since the beginning of the pandemic.

Expedia has looked at its data to help you book a car rental for less.

If you’re booking a car for staycation exploration, it recommends you book it on a Monday.

For international holidays, you should book a hire car on a Saturday to save you a bit of cash.

The website also suggests that the cheapest day for domestic car rental is a Tuesday, while a Sunday is the best day for international trips. 

5. Bundle and save

On Expedia, travellers can unlock deeper discounts by simply booking their flight and hotel together, rather than booking separately.

On average, Brits can save up to 10{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a} by bundling their flight and hotel together in one transaction, that’s money that can go towards other experiences.

                                                                                                              

READ MORE: Tripadvisor reveals best destinations for 2022 – See the full list of winners

READ MORE: Best staycation spots for Half Term from Vrbo – How to book

READ MORE: 10 bucket list experiences for 2022 according to TripAdvisor reviews

                                                                                                                 

Sign up to Expedia

Central Fife Times: A woman carrying her suitcase, ticket and passport. Credit: CanvaA woman carrying her suitcase, ticket and passport. Credit: Canva

When it comes to booking travel, it pays to be loyal.

Travellers can benefit from a loyalty programme for future trips, as they book their current one.

By signing up to Expedia, travellers will receive benefits as soon as they join, including access to member-only prices and earn Expedia points on every trip.

Silver and Gold members who book Expedia VIP Access hotels can also score extra perks such as room upgrades or spa credits, where available.

Additionally, if you sign up to the Expedia App, you will not only have the ultimate travel companion at arm’s reach but can also unlock up to 10{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a} savings with mobile-exclusive hotel deals, as well as earn double Expedia Rewards points on every App booking. 

You can even make the most of helpful alerts on their travel itinerary as an Expedia member.

Expedia also reminds customers to stay up to date with the latest government and travel advisories.

For the latest information, Expedia’s new COVID-19 Travel Advisory tool helps travellers search for travel advisories around the world, including regulations for destinations, and safety and health guidelines, or visit Expedia’s COVID-19 Travel Guide.