It is hard to believe, but we are already living the first days of 2022. And with a new year comes a whole list of resolutions.
From hitting the gym more to eating less sugar to reading more, the New Year is the perfect time to restart.
As we all know, these resolutions can be broken, but the sentiment behind making them in the first place is solid, a way of taking a look at aspects of life and deciding to make a change for the better.
The same principle applies to travel, and is perhaps even more relevant heading into 2022, given the turmoil and change the industry has experienced in the past two years.
Whether you're a beginner or a professional traveler, it's a great idea to "take inventory" of all of our individual travel strategies and perspectives and make changes to make travel in 2022, and beyond, more seamless and rewarding than ever. .
Even if you're not ready to go out again, there are some resolutions you can make in anticipation of the next few years.
Here's a look at some of our top recommendations for instantly enhancing the travel experience in the new year and beyond.
Audit your loyalty
It is paramount that any traveler, from infrequent vacationers to full-blown road warriors, is enrolled in the loyalty programs of the airlines, hotels, car rental companies and more that they can use.
For less frequent flyers, simply signing up for a free loyalty program ensures that you can earn points for free travel in the future.
And for those who practically live on the road, they will be able to achieve elite status and all the advantages that come with it.
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The beginning of a new year is a good time to check any accounts you have with airlines, hotel chains, car rental companies, and more to make sure you have active accounts and any points or benefits you have are not in danger of expiring.
Each loyalty program will have its own rules and regulations regarding the expiration of points.
For example, American Airlines AAdvantage miles expire after 18 months of no account activity.
Meanwhile, Delta SkyMiles never expires.
Ultimately, it pays to be aware of the expiration of your miles so they are never wasted.
Accelerate the airport experience with CLEAR
One of the most frustrating aspects of travel is getting around the airport. Long lines and large crowds can add unnecessary stress and travel time and can start any trip off on the wrong foot.
However, there are steps you can take to mitigate these inconveniences and stressors, and first and foremost is signing up for CLEAR. It is an expedited airport security service that uses biometrics to verify your identity and allows you to "bypass" the security line.
CLEAR is one of our favorite services, and if you travel frequently through any of the airports it serves, it's a service you'll want to add to your travel arsenal.
This time-saving tool typically costs $ 179 per year, but there are numerous ways to get membership at a discount, or even completely free.
Sign up for Global Entry to make immigration a breeze
There are few travel situations more frustrating than landing back home after a long international flight and walking straight in a long line to the customs and immigration counter.
This can add a significant amount of time, and frustration, to any day of travel, especially when getting home is the number one priority.
Fortunately, there is a way to avoid this nightmare scenario entirely: enroll in Global Entry.
This program, facilitated by the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP), allows expedited entry to the United States for certain travelers who have met the criteria for participation.
Once you are approved, you can forget to fill out the paperwork or wait in long lines to speak with an immigration officer.
Simply visit a dedicated Global Entry kiosk, follow the instructions on the screen, and you will receive a printed receipt to give to an officer upon exiting the arrivals hall, that's it.
If you are even a semi-frequent international traveler, Global Entry has a fee of USD $ 100, which gives you five years of membership, as well as enrollment in the TSA PreCheck program, which is a separate accelerated airport security program that you Allows you to go through security without removing your shoes, electronics, liquids, and more.
Many premium travel credit cards, including the American Express Platinum Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve, provide a statement credit that covers the cost of signing up for Global Entry.
You pay the application fee with your eligible card and the fee will be credited to your statement, earning you free Global Entry
and
TSA PreCheck memberships for five years.
Safe access to the airport's VIP lounges
Another tried and true method to make any trip to the airport more enjoyable is to visit a VIP lounge. Rather than fighting for a hard chair in a crowded and noisy gate area, spend your time before the flight relaxing in style with a complimentary drink and food to enjoy.
Today, travelers have many options when it comes to airport lounges. There are branded and airline-operated lounges, of course, but recently, there has been a proliferation of airport lounges branded by the card issuer. The best known of these are the Centurion Lounges from American Express, although rival Capital One has recently entered the competition and Chase plans to do so in 2022. Finally, there are VIP lounges operated by third-party groups that can be accessed through from lounges membership programs like Priority Pass.
There are numerous ways to gain access to airport lounges, but the easiest way is by holding the correct credit card.
Many premium travel cards offer free access as a bonus of having the card.
For example, the Amex Platinum card grants cardholders access to the Salones Centurión issuer's expanding portfolio, as well as Delta's Sky Clubs when flying with the airline.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve, on the other hand, provides cardholders with a free membership to the Priority Pass network, which has more than 1,300 lounges worldwide.
Take the environment into account
We live in a time of unprecedented change in our climate, and as travelers, we have the responsibility to take care of the places we visit and impact through our tourism.
There are many ways to reduce our carbon footprint when we travel, from choosing airlines that use sustainable biofuels to power their planes, to taking high-speed trains instead of planes when possible, and staying in hotels and resorts that have sustainability at the core. of your mission.
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You can also strive to produce as little plastic waste as possible, conserve water, and choose activities that have minimal impact on the environment, such as hiking or biking.
Even with small ecological changes in our travel habits, we can begin to make a difference in the fight against climate change on our planet.
Go to a new place
There is nothing like discovering a new place for the first time.
The thrill of experiencing new sights, sounds, and smells for the first time is a feeling that is not easily replicated, and traveling to new places opens our eyes and hearts to new cultures, new people, and perhaps even a whole new way of seeing the world. .
Traveling expands our view of the world and enriches us as humans, and as we continue to slowly emerge from the global pandemic, it is a perfect time to dust off your travel list and choose a place you haven't been yet.
Please note that travel restrictions are constantly changing.
If you are comfortable booking a vacation to a new destination, be sure to follow the restrictions in the run-up to your trip, keeping in mind that borders may close and restrictions may change at any time.
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