NEW Year… NEW Favorite Tips!

Hope that 2020 opens up some new and exciting travel horizons for you!

     I have a new favorite off-site parking company to recommend at JFK, as my other two former go-to’s have since closed. We now have been parking at SmartPark with great results!  Go to their website (smartparkparking.com) where you can see their rates, reserve your space (free) and join their loyalty club. Sometimes there are Groupons available, but if you book directly through their site, you receive a free day of parking for every seven you pay for.  Their coupons are right on the site too. Friendly attendants and frequent shuttles make this a stress-free way to begin your vacation at JFK.
     Hotels are always anxious for you to book your reservation directly on their website and they sweeten the deal by offering their, “Best Price Guarantee.” The major hotel chains will not only match a lower price if you track one down on another booking site, but also, will take off an additional 25% for finding the lower rate. All you have to do is locate the lower rate within 24 hours of making your reservation on the hotel site, and then fill out their easy on-line claim form. Make sure that when you compare rates they are the same type. If you had booked a refundable rate (usually more) and submit a nonrefundable (usually less) rate as the lower price, they won’t approve your claim. To view many rates at once, try kayak.com. They list over ten booking websites which makes comparing very easy.
     Buying travel insurance on a pre-paid trip such as a cruise, gives many travelers peace of mind in case the unexpected happens. However, before you spend extra on that expense, either go online or call the credit card company that you are charging the trip on. Some credit cards actually include travel insurance for free. There is usually a reimbursement limit and a specific list of situations that are covered, but for basic travel insurance, this could save you a lot of money. It’s worth the time inquiring about. 
    The big news is, that starting at the end of January 2020, Amex is adding trip cancellation and interruption insurance, trip delay insurance to the Amex Platinum, as well as a handful of other premium American Express cards. Check online at their site to see if your specific card is one of them. 

Happy 2020 and Happy Travels!

“Sometimes the road less traveled is less traveled for a reason.” – Jerry Seinfeld