Cousins,
Happy New Year to you all! It is again, another January but with Covid, COVID and even more COVID! However, folks are traveling and others are looking at where to begin to get their travel juices flowing. Welp, look no further because I have 10 ways to get you ready for travel this year. Don’t forget to comment, share and subscribe when you’re done reading folks!
1. Update Those Passports
Folks, blow the dust off those suckers and update your passports if needed! If you got married, hell even divorced, now is a good time to consider getting your passport renewed.
2. Use Those Credits/Vouchers
Before you book another trip, make sure you have used all of your existing vouchers, credits, companion passes, offers etc! Guys, I hate to see you let travel funds go down the drain because you simply forgot about them. 
Many of them have due dates, so go ahead and log into all of our travel accounts and see what is available to use ASAP. Especially you AMEX card holders! Log into your app and check out those offers!
3. & 4. What Are The Country’s Entry Requirements
Folks, hear me when I scream this out loud! You have to be sure you verify the entry requirements of the country you are visiting. Were you aware that some countries require you to have three blank passport pages in your passport book? Some African destinations need at least 3 blank pages, such as Botswana, Mozambique, and Zambia.
In addition, with Covid being extremely fluid things can change in an instant. So it is very wise to check out your country’s tourism website for any updated information to include is the night life the same, are bars closing early, are masks required indoors? Click here to check out Italy’s current requirements.
5. Is Your Luggage Falling Apart
Alright folks, lets be real with ourselves shall we? We all know we love your current luggage, it’s been with you through thick and thin. However, those wheels are not wheeling like they use to! Those zippers are super sketchy and your straps on the inside have not clamped in months. What does this mean? It’s time to look for some new travel luggage folks. With many brands pushing out old inventory and making room for the new new, take the time to invest in some luggage while they are on sale. Here are some of my favorites.
6. Rack Up Those Miles/Points
We all know loyalty is everything, so if you’re a frequent flyer why don’t you have a travel credit card? Whether domestic or international, I strongly believe travelers should have at least one travel credit card. They come with some pretty cool points such as complimentary upgrades, free checked baggage, travel protection of some kind and others go as far as extended warranties for your everyday purchases when purchased with YOUR travel credit card. My two recommendations are Southwest and Delta Reserve. The Southwest is my go to for flights home, and the Delta Reserve is a beast for travel luxuries especially when heading abroad. For lodging, my favorite for domestic is the Hilton and for international it’s definitely the Marriot Bonvoy Card . Many of these cards have built in offers for everyday spending as well, such as cash back for shopping at many businesses across the globe. Again, why don’t you have a travel card?
7 & 8 . Are They Planning Construction During Your Stay?
I tell travelers this all of the time. Before spending money at their place of lodging, do yourself a favor and call ahead to see if they are planning any construction/repairs during that time. Construction during your vacation is just an absolute no no and could lead to anything from loud noises all throughout the day, low water pressure if they have to turn off the water and or treat it, lots and lots of dust, disturbing the creepy crawlies, and limiting upgrade availability. Often times when you’re a loyalty member of the brand, you can score a complementary upgrade. But if construction is going on in particular parts of the resort you may not be able to get an upgraded room for free. Hilton pulled a fast one on me in 2018, stating there was going to be no construction during my stay at Hilton Playa Del Carmen. Welp when we arrived, what did we see? The big white and blue tarp right at the entrance of the resort and everywhere else! I was livid, after expressing my frustration to the customer service representative when we returned to the states, the refunded me all of my 168,000 Hilton points back that I spent on that trip. So I only paid for taxes and for a bottle of Grey Goose for my entire trip!
(I told you it pays to be a loyalty member, so grab that Hilton card asap.)
Now on the flip side, if they are doing construction still ask for something for your inconvenience. I don’t care if it is four nights of free room service, free laundry service, free champagne or whatever. Ask for something, as a matter of fact DEMAND IT!!
9. Upgrade Your Travel Gadgets
Just like I mentioned with upgrading your luggage. It maybe time to upgrade your travel gadgets! Take the time to check out your items and see if you can upgrade your gadgets for a discounted price. Many companies are pushing out old inventory for killer prices to make room for the new stuff. So take advantage!
10. TRAVEL INSURANCE
My very last tip is a hella important one. Covid put the world on it’s ass and many people WISH that they had travel insurance. So many people were stranded and simply could not afford to get home. So please take this time to PROTECT YOUR TRAVEL INVESTMENT and secure travel insurance. Now, let me be clear. Many travel credit cards actually have some sort of travel protection or travel interruption built into their cards. So please take the time to investigate as much as needed,. Especially when it comes between the difference of the terms travel PROTECTION and travel INSURANCE.
Guys, I hope all of this was helpful for you to bring in this years travel with ease! If you have found this useful, please be sure to comment, share and subscribe! Also if you’re looking to join a group of dope travelers to the Caribbean this Summer and Fall, be sure to head to my travel company’s website and secure your spot on our Jamaica Escape, or our Girlfriends Escape going down in Aruba this November!
