Are you really saving money when flying on low-cost airlines like Frontier and Spirit?

 During the last decade ultra-low-cost airlines Frontier, Allegiant and Spirit have expanded rapidly and more than doubled in size. Many people flock to them as they promote $49-$99 airfares. The business model that these airlines use is what we call unbundled pricing. This means that everything such as checked luggage, carry-on, seat assignment, etc. costs extra. Although if may not seem like much, when you add it all together that $99 airfare can end up costing $300 or more with all the extra fees to find your true price. If you are like me, I don’t like surprises when it comes to costs. And I don’t like all the hassle of worrying if they will call my carry-on extra luggage that I have to pay a gate fee to carry-on. The reality is that you get what you pay for. In most cases I have found that the price flying on a legacy airlines such as American, Delta, and United is often about the same price you pay for on a low-cost airline when you add up all the extra fees. CLICK HERE to read more.

New strains of COVID remind us that travel insurance is a must for protecting your travel investment  – In the last month I have had 6 people that I know tell me they have COVID. It appears that some new strains of COVID are circling the globe again. Once again, I am reminded that if you are planning a tour to Europe or even a cruise you need to purchase travel insurance to protect your investment. When you are investing $5,000 to $10,000 on the vacation of a lifetime you need to make sure you protect that investment by purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance can add 10% to 20% (based on age) to the cost of your dream vacation, but it might be the best thing you have ever done to protect your investment, especially in the age of COVID.

You can renew your passport in as little as one day using an expedited service – As you have probably heard, the backlog of passport renewals can take as much as 12 weeks to get your passport renewed. We work with a company that can expedite that process and turn around your passport renewal in as little as one day in some cases. There of course is a fee for this service but when you are just days from traveling and you discover your passport expires within 6 months which will prevent you from traveling, having an expedited service can save the day. CLICK HERE to find out more. 

China is finally starting to open up for U.S. airlines – Starting this fall Delta, American and United will all start or expand service to China as the Chinese government has agreed to allow more flights after shutting down from COVID. Most of the new airline service is centered on Shanghai and Beijing. It has been over three years since flights from the U.S. to China have been available. CLICK HERE to read more.

Should you consider traveling to Maui since the devastating fire in Lahaina? – Everyone was horrified to read about the devastating fires in West Maui where at least 111 lives were lost. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people and families that lost everything from lives to possessions and even their livelihoods from the fire. Some people have asked if they should consider traveling to other parts of Maui now that the fire is over. Local and state governments say they welcome visitors as other towns in Maui like Wailea, Kihei and Kahului are open for business. If you have a reservation already for those areas and aren’t allowed to change I think that is understandable. For me personally, I would feel awkward traveling there when the locals are still grieving their loss. I think sometimes as Americans we forget there is a difference in what we can do and what we should do. CLICK HERE to read the perspective from a local Hawaiian citizen.

Women of the Midwest – Check out the New 2024 Destinations – The most exciting travel concept is here to stay; our “Women of the Midwest – Travel Solo Together” tours are taking off with the speed of light. Small groups, a maximum of twenty like-minded women, a tour ambassador alongside the professional tour guides, a Pair-and-Share program if you wish to share a room with a fellow traveler …this is how Solo Travel should taste! Check out some of the new 2024 destinations: Cuba, Spain, Ecuador, Galapagos & the Amazon Rainforest, Croatia, Scandinavia, England’s castles and gardens, Historic South-, Cape Codder-, and Columbia & Snake Rivers cruises …2024 offers thirty-eight women-only tours! Check them out here. Contact our friendly Women of the Midwest team and group department at 402.395.4882 / GroupDepartment@executivetravel.com to learn more.