Flying can pose a number of challenges for those who need extra accommodations. Below are travel tips for disabled seniors to ensure the most hassle-free flight possible.
Oxygen tanks are not allowed by some airlines, but because other airlines allow them, they are generally allowed through security. However, they must be removed by the person using them and examined at the gate, so this must be possible.
Liquids and gels over 3 ounces and all aerosols are generally prohibited at the security gate. Necessary medications in these forms are allowed, provided they remain in their original container and are declared at the gate. To be on the safe side, one of the best travel tips for disabled seniors is to get a "fit to travel" letter before the day of the flight. If requested, the medicine may be examined by hand instead of x-rayed, as long as all medicine containers are in a clear pouch separate from other items.
The best travel tips for seniors involve planning ahead. Preparing for some hassle and knowing what to expect can make the process a lot less stressful.
Travel agents are nice, but they make money by volume. The more people they can book into a package deal the better. Finding the right deal for you is possible when using a travel agent, but the only true way to control how much money you spend is by doing it yourself. Going directly to the Delta Airlines website immediately eliminates direct ticketing charges and booking fees. Go to Delta's website, put in your dates of travel and see what the availability is. The trick is to try to book your flight on days and times that most people aren't traveling, like the middle of the day, week or weekend. The more flexible you are, the better deal you'll probably find. As with any airline, booking early will almost always guarantee a rate discount. Do keep in mind that when you book in advance there can be penalties if you cancel or change your itinerary, so be sure and ask what those are.
Signing up on the Delta website with your email also allows Delta to keep you updated on discount airfares and last minute reductions on specific routes. If you have time before your departure, this can be an excellent tool as it gives you specific choices and some additional ideas if you want to change your destination. Booking your Delta flight with an all-inclusive package is another way to score a Delta deal. Delta has an excellent vacation planner to help you put together your own travel planner.
Scouring other travel websites and searching under Delta airlines can bring up all sorts of discounts. Some sites will even email you when these changes occur. Popular search sites include Expedia, Orbit and Travelocity. Sometimes going 'Old School' and opening up your local newspaper will surprise you with the advertised travel deals by major airlines, including Delta.
Go to Delta's skymile section on its website and check out the huge list of travel mile partners. Chances are, using your credit card, debit card or gas card with a simple click of the mouse can start earning you miles. There's also a huge list of retailers offering skymiles, such as 1-800-Flowers, which gives you ten miles for every dollar spent when you mention the code displayed on Delta's site under 'Dining, Retail & Specialty'. Other sponsors are Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Harry and David and many rental car companies.
There are many airline partners that will accept Delta miles for tickets on their routes. Some of these include Aeromexico, Alitalia and Korean Air. There's also something called 'Medallion Qualification,' which are miles earned through flight activity based on purchased fare class and traveled distance. This program can put you into an elite status, offering you upgrades into different class seating or special Delta Airlines club entrance. For example, a discounted coach or economy seat can earn you 500 Medallion Qualification Miles.
]]>One of the most important family traveling tips is to know what the airline is willing to do for families to make their flights easier. This may include priority seating to get children situated before the plane is overcrowded, and assistance securing children into their booster seats or extension seatbelts.
Review what is and what is not allowed through the security gate in order to decrease the time spent getting through. Hold hands at all times or use toddler leashes with young children who might wander away in a busy airport.
Couples with and without children can make use of family travel tips in order to ensure the smoothest flight possible. Plan ahead and keep these tips in mind the next time you travel with your family.
Most major airlines in the United States now charge an extra fee for checked luggage, for those people traveling in economy class on domestic trips. The list of airlines includes Delta, Continental, United, Northwest and others. Travelers are allowed one carry-on bag that meets size regulations and one personal item, such as a handbag, briefcase or laptop, at no extra fee. Carry-on bags may weigh up to 40 or 50 pounds, depending on which carrier you're using.
The best deals on the amount of luggage that's permitted free of charge are found in the discount airlines, including Jet Blue, Southwest, Virgin America, Spirit and others since they dont charge extra for bags that are checked. The number of bags allowed without charge varies from airline to airline. Usually the maximum size of a checked-in bag is generally 62 inches (meaning the total inch count for the length, height and width of the bag) and may weigh up to 50 pounds.
A word about carry-on bags: if they have an odd shape, they might not be allowed because they may not fit in the overhead compartment. A traveler is supposed to be able to lift his or her carry-on and put it inside the overhead storage area, so don't make it too heavy. Make sure not to stuff the outer pockets, or the bag might exceed carry-on size restrictions.
The rule of thumb is that more luggage is allowed when flying transatlantic from the United States. Most major carriers allow up to three pieces of luggage, with the weight and size varying according to what class the traveler is flying in. Passengers are allowed one personal item and one bag for carry-on, although those in first and business class may be allowed more according to the airline.
The same guidelines apply for the most part for flights to Asia and the South Pacific.
On international flights, carriers ask that travelers not lock their luggage, unless they plan on using an approved lock that can be opened with a skeleton key, should a Transportation Security Administration officer wish to open it. If the lock cannot be opened, the lock will be broken and the bag opened.
Another point about packing is to carry on medications, important papers and items that can't be easily replaced. Place toiletries, perfumes, jewelry and clothes in your checked luggage.
As for film, don't pack in it a checked bag, since it will be damaged by the screening devices. Bring it in a carry-on, and ask to have it checked by hand rather than going through screening.
]]>Go to travelregistration.state.gov. By putting in your info you will be contacted if there is a family emergency or if the region you're traveling to becomes unstable. This agency assures you via The Privacy Act that your personal information is safe.
Many people neglect to fill in the emergency information on their passport. It really can mean the difference between life or death, so take a moment and make sure yours is filled out or updated. Sign your passport so there is one less chance someone can use it if you lose it. Also, carry a photocopy of all your identification tucked away somewhere else for emergency reference. Preferably one copy at home and one in your carry on. Some countries require a passport to be valid for at least six months before its expiration date. Check with the U.S. Embassy or your airline for info on your destination.
Call your carrier and ask about out of country coverage. Check if an emergency evacuation is under the plan. If not, any travel agent can give you a list of temporary overseas insurance carriers.
Your cell phone carrier will tell you if you are equipped for overseas service. Depending on your plan it can be as easy as taking your phone along. However, some carriers require that you'll have to install an international chip or temporary upgrade, both for an additional fee. Some countries offer local temporary cell phone contracts. Sometimes this is a much more inexpensive and convenient choice, mainly for outgoing contact, as you will be assigned a number that no one will know. Alerting a contact of this number is recommended. Also call your hotel(s) and find out their policy/availability of Wi-Fi service.
Exchanging your money can be an expensive transaction, especially if the dollar is low. Experts suggest using an ATM as soon as you arrive at your destination. These rates are usually the best exchange option, but check with your bank before you depart to get their individual information regarding oversea fees. Using a credit card for purchases is a safe way to go, but keep in mind that there's a lag time in processing. This can cause you to possibly get hit with a higher rate than at the time of purchase, as the value of the dollar fluctuates daily in the global market. It's not recommended to withdraw money from your credit line, as these fees can be very high.
Banks usually have a fair exchange, as they abide by strict regulations keeping their fees in a reasonable range. If you can exchange half your money at your local bank before your departure, you will save time and aggravation. Try to avoid hotel or airport exchange kiosks, as these are private companies with exorbitant fees. Although traveler's checks are fading, they're still available, easily replaceable and accepted at most locations.
]]>As a member of Hyatt Awards, there are many options on how you can earn and spend your points. One of the first offered is the selection to earn points or miles, depending on your preference or which best suits you.
With points, you can earn free nights and accommodations at Hyatt hotels worldwide. With miles, however, you earn discounts and accommodations on future flights with more than 30 airlines.
If you stay in places for several nights at a time, points could benefit you more with your hotel stays. If you fly on several trips with short hotel stays, miles might be a better fit. If you change your mind, points can be converted to miles with no hassle.
Gold status can be achieved on your first hotel stay with Hyatt. With Gold membership, you receive five points per dollar spent, a points to miles conversion option and recently, free nights with no blackout dates.
As a Gold Member of Hyatt Gold Passport, you not only save on flights, car rentals and hotel stays, but you can also get exclusive offers. For example, you could receive an extra night free of charge during your hotel stay. Another example is the Hyatt business plan, which gives you exclusive amenities to help your business trip. With special offers, you may receive extra points, family rates or room upgrades.
After five stays or 15 nights, members become eligible for Platinum membership. With this level, more points and rewards can be earned. Compared to Gold status, you receive a 15% bonus for each hotel stay as a Platinum member, as well as special offers after every third hotel stay, including room upgrades and amenities.
In a recent addition, Platinum members receive complimentary Internet access, as well as the addition of guaranteed 72-hour room availability. As usual, Platinum members are offered the best available room at the level requested, including their requested bed type.
Once a member has reached 25 stays or 50 nights with the Hyatt Gold Passport Program, members reach Diamond status. Aside from Platinum benefits, Diamond members collect even more points, with 30% bonus points for each hotel stay, and complimentary breakfast and evening hors d'oeuvres. Upgrades for the best available room, including Regency Club and Grand Club, are also included. Members receive a 48-hour room guarantee.
With Hyatt Gold Passport Program, there are plenty of options to use your points and miles earned. Look into Hyatt Awards for your future hotel stays as a business traveler.
]]>Frequent flyers are often seen behind the First Class curtain. It's not because they purchased their tickets First Class, but rather because of the free seat upgrades their elite memberships offer. Free flights are definitely attractive, but the benefits of having more leg room, wider seats and more compartment space can sometimes win you over. Depending on the airline, your upgrade can either be earned or complimentary. Your confirmation time can also vary on the elite tier. The lower-tiered elite members can only confirm upgrades 24 hours prior to the flight, and generally the highest level elite members can get First Class seats as early as 100 hours before the flight.
Achieving elite status will exempt you from all time-consuming lines, and put you in the express lane toward a more comfortable flight. Even if they hold a Coach ticket, elite members may be allowed to check-in at the Business Class or First Class counter. More often than not, baggage costs are waived as well. Not only do they get the benefit of free baggage check-in, they are also allowed to go over the weight limit. Elite members also enjoy the benefits of being the first ones to board, to ensure that overhead bins can still accommodate their carry-on bags. It also gives them leisure to settle in before the rest of the passengers begin jostling each other for more space. In some airlines, elite members who fly coach will have benefit seating - such as near the plane exits with more leg room.
The worst enemy of frequent flyers is blackout dates. This makes redemption of their accumulated miles for free flights a horrendous experience. Some dates, especially during high travel seasons, are closed for frequent flyers traveling for free. For elite members, this rule is waived and they're free to choose whichever travel date that's available.
Elite members often get the benefit of earning more miles than the average frequent flyer. The percentage is computed based on the number of miles flown, and is topped up over your already existing points. They may even count towards bumping up your elite status to a higher level.
These are only some of the general perks and advantages of achieving elite status with your preferred airline. It's best to do some online research first, to find the elite status package that is to your liking. Some airlines offer discounted or full club memberships with their elite members. There are others that partner with hotels to give you the best deals in terms of bookings and accommodation. Whichever you choose to go with, rest assured that you will get the bare minimum perks mentioned above.
]]>Most programs and airlines are now giving away miles upon registration. On top of the mileage you earn for purchasing your ticket, you get bonus miles on top of it. This stacks you up on points even before you start planning your second trip. The amount of bonus miles also depends on your booked ticket. Business and first-class booking normally earn double the bonus miles compared to coach class tickets. Make sure to do your research first before you sign up with a reward program, to guarantee that you get the best incentives for new frequent flyers.
For those who want to load up on free miles the fastest, you might want to consider signing up for a partner credit card. These creditcard companies often offer as much as 20,000 free miles upon registration alone, with more bonus miles for every extra person added to the account. Purchasing your ticket with the card also earns more bonus miles on top of the ones your ticket accrues.
New members may want to bring their friends, families and travel buddies into their frequent flyer programs as well. Some promotions allow for as much as 1,000 free miles for every member you refer. The new members you referred will get bonus miles themselves, so that's an added incentive for them to join your reward program. That's a step closer towards free flights, without even having to fly yourself. Existing members are often exempted from these deals and promotions, so new members should take advantage when such an offer comes up.
Why do you suppose new members achieve elite status faster than existing members? Airlines are making it very easy nowadays for people to become elite members, sometimes even going as far as giving away memberships for free. Some reward programs run promotions where they automatically upgrade new frequent flyers to elite status. In other cases, they would offer elite status to new members for a certain period of time, after which they would revert the membership back to ordinary status. This is to entice members to try and achieve elite membership.
Some airlines are offering bonus free miles for those who participate in their partner establishments. This is often exclusive to new frequent flyers in order to retain their loyalty. Sometimes, simply staying at a partner hotel will triple the miles you would've normally earned.
Most of these promotional offers are
exclusive to new members. Before signing up for a reward program, make
sure you do your research to get the best deals that you can get upon
sign-up.
There are a number of ways to effectively cash in on your mileage points without necessarily having to book a free ticket. Here are 5 of the best deals you can look into so your free miles don't go to waste:
Most airlines and reward programs actually offer goods in exchange for your free miles. Magazine and newspaper subscriptions are already common. The items for sale in a carrier's catalog can sometimes be purchased with your free miles. Use up those points on merchandise such as watches, perfume, jewelry, electronics and more.
Carriers often partner with establishments, hotels and car rental services. Simply study the partnership deals your rewards program has with other institutions. In some cases, you can use your miles to get free hotel stays, car rentals and resort accommodations. You may also cash in on your miles by reserving function rooms in partner hotels and restaurants. Credit card partners offer good deals that are worthwhile to look into.
Airlines offer this option to their frequent flyers. Donating your miles is a good way to empower those who direly need those travel rewards, such as the American Red Cross and Make-A-Wish Foundation. If you want to donate it to a charitable institution not listed with your rewards program, you can check third-party sites such as MileDonor.com.
Some airlines offer unique auction services and items that customers can bid for, using their miles. These include front-row tickets to major cultural and sporting events, resort accommodations, tickets to VIP functions and more. These are just some of the unique and creative ways you can use up your miles for once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.
There are plenty of reward points middlemen and third-party services that offer you more for your miles. There is also an existing grey market that enables you to trade your miles for cash, though this practice is illegal in some states, and highly frowned upon in the industry.
For middlemen services such as Points.com, frequent flyers can choose from a wide array of goods and services to exchange their rewards points for. There are a good number of merchants that will offer you gift certificates, such as Amazon.com. You may also participate in their ongoing auctions and bid for items using your miles. Be prepared to receive less than what it would've cost to fly for free. For those who need to expedite the redemption of their points, these third-party services may be a good option.
]]>The Six Continents Priority Club, which is today more accurately known simply as Priority Club Rewards, is one of the longest-running travel and hotel rewards programs in the world. Since there is no cost to join at the entry level, frequent and casual travelers alike should not miss out on this program.
Free membership in the Six Continents Priority Club makes joining the club a wise choice for any traveler, particularly the business or frequent traveler. Even purchasing additional points can save a traveler money in the long run, as those points can be put toward hotel stay discounts, merchandise, flight tickets and more.
The Six Continents Club is the longest-running hotel rewards program for travelers in the world. For more than 40 years, membership in this club, which is also known today as the InterContinental Ambassador, has afforded frequent travelers discounts and benefits in nearly 100 countries.
Joining what was once known as the Six Continents Club is a smart idea for the frequent flyer who likes to get the most out of his or her money. InterContinental Ambassadors receive first-class treatment for a modest fee, which is quickly earned back in benefits and rewards.
That's what your miles are primarily for: free flights. The most popular way to use up those miles is still to book free airline tickets. You may encounter some hurdles towards getting free flights, such as limited seat availability and some blackout dates. However, you can still use your miles to get huge discounts on airline tickets.
If you don't get to fly for free, at least you get to fly in style. Most airlines allow the use of miles in order to upgrade seats. Instead of flying coach, you can enjoy the benefits of First Class. Make sure to check if bumping up your seat will incur some hidden costs.
While it's not possible to directly convert your airline miles to free hotel bookings, you can find deals that allow you to exchange your miles for hotel loyalty points and awards. With your hotel points or trip vouchers, you can secure perks for your accommodations such as free reservations and room upgrades.
Most airlines are also affiliated with leading car rental agencies in order to provide more incentives to customers. You can redeem your free miles for car rental vouchers to get huge discounts, and even get a couple of rental days free.
Though it's not possible to redeem your free miles for cash, airlines are often affiliated with products and services that allow you to claim vouchers. You can exchange your miles for store certificates and discounts, magazine subscriptions, free restaurant visits, and more. There are also some websites that have a marketplace for points exchange and trading. You can trade your miles for some other reward points here.
If you have no intention of using your miles, it's best to give them away to someone who can benefit from them. You can transfer your miles to another account, and give it as a gift to friends or family. If you're feeling particularly generous, airlines allow you to donate your miles. You can give your reward points to charity organizations such as the Red Cross and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. These institutions use the free miles for their travel needs.
There are many other ways out there to use up your free miles. Whether you're on the lookout for free tickets, or hoping to get a hefty discount on some services, you know you've found the best use for your miles when you feel you have finally come across a really good deal.
]]>Most major airlines have agreements with hotels throughout the world
that benefit the business traveler and others. Here's how it works: You
earn points for booking your stay with a "partner" hotel, and you earn
more mileage points the longer you stay. For example, you can earn "x"
amount of miles for every dollar you spend. The terms will differ among
the airlines and the hotels.
You can earn mileage points with many airlines just for using the services of participating cell phone providers. That may be a great opportunity to get more miles if you're switching plans or planning on getting a cell phone anyway. Major cell phone companies offer competitive rates, so the air miles might make the difference in deciding which to choose. Check the websites of both the cell phone companies and airlines, to see which would give you the best deal on combining mileage points with cell phone use.
You can get the same deal with car rentals as with your hotel stays. You'll either earn mileage points on a per dollar dollar basis, or a flat number of points for renting. Every company is different, so you should shop around and choose the best option. Compare your options carefully, and be sure to include any special offers or discounts. You can find an eligible list of rental car companies on the airline's website.
The same applies to a number of restaurants in major cities. You can earn mileage points for every dollar you spend eating out if you're eating at a participating restaurant. Not only will you get to count your dining expenses as a business expense (if it meets the criteria), but you can also earn additional travel miles for your next flight. You can even earn mileage points on the sales taxes you pay on the meals. Before your next trip, get a list of any participating restaurants at your destination. There may even be participating restaurants right where you live. Your meal doesn't have to be business related in order to earn mileage points. You just have to spend money at a participating restaurant.
You can earn mileage points for shopping at participating online stores. For example, if you buy supplies from Staples, you may be able to earn miles for every dollar you spend. If you're not sure which stores qualify, check out the websites of your favorite airlines for a complete list. It's important to get the best deal possible for whatever you buy though, because the miles you earn may not be worth the higher price on a single item.
These are just a few strategies you can use to save money on air travel, and therefore cut down on business expenses. Be sure to check with the airlines you use the most, to discover all the options available.
]]>Redeeming your points for merchandise in lieu of airline tickets or other travel benefits can seem puzzling to the frequent flyer in a travel rewards program. However, there many instances where using points for merchandise makes a lot of sense.
Redeeming your points for merchandise can be a smart idea no matter your circumstances. Be sure to weigh fees, standby status and your own travel habits in your decision.
The best rewards program for the frequent flyer depends largely on the individual's preferences. Here are a few tips that can help you make the right decision.
Travelers in search of the best rewards program need to examine what the programs offer and decide based on their own brand preferences and annual mileage. If they want to get the most out of their miles, travelers should not join more than a few programs.
A bulkhead seat is located directly behind the aircraft's section dividers. These dividers most commonly separate First Class from Economy Class, but may also divide the kitchen or bathroom areas from the seating rows. The partitions may be semi-permanent hard walls or just curtains. The location and characteristics of bulkhead seats vary from aircraft to aircraft, and even from airline to airline.
Because of the partition, bulkhead seats do not have seats in front of them. Therefore, no one can recline into a bulkhead seat. It can be easier to use a laptop, watch a DVD or get out of the seat and into the aisle in a bulkhead seat. Depending upon the partition, some bulkhead seats have extra leg room, while others do not. Unlike the policies for exit rows, there is no added passenger responsibility to sit in a bulkhead seat, so any passenger is allowed to sit there.
Some of the benefits of bulkhead seats are also downsides. For example, because there is no added passenger responsibility, people traveling with small children or bassinets may sit here. Because there are no seats in front of them, the tray tables and personal televisions are built into the bulkhead seats themselves and can be cumbersome. On some aircraft, the section's movies may be projected on the bulkhead partition directly in front of the seats. There is no under-seat storage for carry-on bags; all bags must be stored in the overhead compartments during takeoff and landing.
Before booking a flight, research the aircraft seating to determine whether or not there are bulkhead seats and to uncover any details about the seats. The airline seating chart might indicate which seats are bulkhead seats, but will likely not provide any additional information. Because bulkhead seats can vary widely, a little research may go a long way.
If any of the following situations apply to your needs and to your flight, then a bulkhead seat might be beneficial:
Of course, last-minute aircraft changes pose problems for any advance planning. Consult a third-party site for information about bulkhead seats on the new aircraft, or ask at the check-in counter.
]]>Enrolling in the Wyndham Rewards Program is free to all hotel guests. In addition to registering at a participating hotel, you can register online and get access to benefits immediately. You can earn free hotel rooms if you have enough points, and unlike other hotel chains, there are no blackout dates for this hotel reward program.
The Wyndham Rewards Program offers the opportunity to take advantage of special offers that run both online and at hotels for a limited amount of time. Special offers will present themselves throughout the year. If you are a Wyndham Rewards member you can earn 25% off car rentals from companies such as Enterprise, Alamo and National. You can earn 6,000 additional points if you update your membership to a Wyndham credit card.
The Wish List Program is unique to Wyndham Rewards, and allows you to constantly monitor your status with respect to earning points and free hotel rooms. The Wish List acts as a search engine which sorts all of the possible deals you could partake in, and selects the ones that you're closest to. This makes it easy for you to figure out which bonuses and rewards you can take advantage of. The Wish list also makes it easy to find out what trips are in your general price range and which ones sync up with the type of traveling lifestyle you are used to.
The Rewards Wyndow desktop widget is a unique bit of technology, that allows you to organize everything from travel plans to travel photos in one place. The widget also gives you access to all of the Wyndham and Ramada hotel offers you can find online. It's easy to download and can be found directly on the Wyndham Rewards official website. The widget allows you to manage your personal rewards account, and organizes all of your past travel plans into one small section of your desktop.
]]>If you decide to become a member of the Radisson Gold Rewards program, you will be able to earn 20 points for every US dollar or Euro you spend at any Regent Hotels, Resorts and Edwardian Hotels. If you are staying at a Country Inn, you will earn 15 points for every dollar or Euro spent. If you decide to book your trip online, you will earn 500 points towards any future trip.
In addition to being a prominent US hotel chain, Radisson Gold Rewards will serve you well while traveling internationally. You can redeem your points at more than 1,000 hotels in 70 countries worldwide. In addition, you can exchange some of these reward points for airline miles on participating airlines. You can also redeem points for express rewards, which include room upgrades and credits towards any dining facility located on a hotel premise.
If you plan on staying at one of Radisson's more modest hotels, it's possible to get a free room for as little as 15,000 points. There are also exclusive membership offers that are only available online to Radisson Gold Rewards members. Exclusive offers are usually region specific, and vary from the US to Asia. Other member benefits include $75 nights and 25 percent off rooms.
The Radisson Gold Rewards program offers everything from Silver Elites to Gold Elites memberships. If you're a Silver Elite, it's possible to get a 25% bonus on points, late checkout and even free room upgrades. If you upgrade your membership to Gold Elite status, you will be rewarded with a 50% bonus and early check in, late check out, free room upgrades and a variety of other services.
Points and Cash is a unique program that is only offered through the Radisson Gold Rewards program. Points and Cash allows you to book hotel rooms combining both physical money and points from previous stays. Many hotel rewards programs like to keep money and points exclusive, but the Radisson allows you to combine them. If you upgrade your room or stay for an extra night at a Radisson hotel, the Points and Cash option makes it easy to pay via credit card, either online or at the front desk.
You can redeem points from the Radisson Gold Rewards program at a variety of different hotel locations. There are also some alternative methods of redeeming points. These include everything from free movies, to offsetting carbon emissions and improving the environment. You can also make a donation to the World Childhood foundation or even submit your points for prepaid credit cards from participating credit card companies, such as Visa and Mastercard.
]]>Many frequent guest programs allow people to convert points into miles, but Hilton's double dip program is the only one that allows you to earn points and miles at the same time. This feature is available to all members and allows you to earn 10 Hilton points and 1 mile for every US dollar. You can also earn points for money spent on room service, in-room phones and any other hotel related expense.
If you are a member of the Hilton HHonors Worldwide program, you will be treated to amenities and luxuries that can be broken down into 7 unique categories. Each category requires more points per stay, and as a result, offers more amenities, upgrades and services. The lowest category is called the "opportunity category" and costs 7,500 points for one night. If you are planning on using a category 6 stay, it costs 40,000 points for a one night stay.
As an added bonus, Hilton HHonors Worldwide offers you the chance to "stretch" out the points you use towards a room. Although the point stretcher is not available for all dates and hotel rooms, it does offer you the opportunity to use fewer points for a higher quality room. For example, a category 6 hotel room might cost only 24,000 points and save you points that you can then use on your next vacation.
Hilton offers 5 different membership levels. The Blue Membership offers 20% weekend discounts, free saunas and lower prices at hotel gift shops. To qualify as a blue member, you simply have to fill out a form, either online or when you arrive at the hotel. The next level is the Silver VIP membership, and requires a minimum of four unique stays or 10 separate nights to gain access to it. Once you're a Silver VIP member, you get access to all of the health clubs at all qualifying hotels, 15% more base points and VIP-only rewards that can be redeemed during any stay.
The Gold VIP Membership and Diamond Elite Membership are the two highest membership levels the Hilton Hhonors worldwide program has to offer. Gold membership requires a minimum of 16 stays or 36 separate nights to qualify. To qualify for Diamond Elite status, you must stay at a Hilton hotel for either 60 nights or 28 qualifying stays. Diamond Elite status gives you everything from guaranteed reservations to a 50% increase on base points. Gold membership offers guests no blackout dates, a 25% bonus on base points and upgraded amenities and accommodations.
]]>The Best Western Gold Crown Club International is affiliated with 17 international Airlines that offer you the chance to convert Gold Club points into airline miles. Each participating airline has a unique earning structure. For example, if you want to convert your points to Air Miles, you'd get 20 reward miles per stay. Most other participating airlines will give you 250 miles per stay. Although 250 tends to be the minimum number of miles for each stay, it is possible to earn more, depending on room upgrades and money spent on in-room amenities.
The Best Western Gold Crown Club International offers a variety of rewards that are available depending on your spending preferences and the amount of points you have accumulated. Reward points can be spent on things such as:
Free nights at Best Western Hotels are offered at a variety of different point ranges. Free hotel rooms range from 8,000 to 24,000 points. It depends on what kind of amenities and room upgrades you're looking for. To upgrade your hotel room, it will cost you an additional 4,000 points a night.
The Best Western Travel Card makes it easy to keep track of all of your Best Western Gold Crown Club International points in one place. Travel Cards never expire and can be used at every Best Western. Your card can also be converted into actual US dollars. For a $25 Best Western Travel Card, you will need to have earned 6000 points.
The Best Western Gold Crown Club International offers you the opportunity to convert your points into dining rewards cards. Participating restaurants include:
For a $25 dining rewards gift card, you must have 6500 points.
In addition to using your Crown Club points for domestic hotel rooms, it's possible to earn free hotel nights at Best Westerns throughout the world. Offering hotels everywhere from Egypt to Canada, you can use hotel rewards on nearly every international vacation you might plan.
The Best Western Gold Crown Club International offers guests 10 reward points for every 1 US dollar spent at a hotel. This includes in-room amenities, movie purchases and a variety of other expenses. There are three different Elite membership levels. The lowest level is Gold Elite, which offers a 10% point bonus as well as exclusive Elite-only offers. The next levels up are Platinum and Diamond Elite.
]]>Natural disasters are always an unforeseen event. Cancellation of flights is not even the worst case scenario. Consider vacationing in sunny Mexico, and all of a sudden having to be evacuated due to a Level 5 hurricane. Any property that's lost or damaged due to the calamity will be covered by your travel insurance. Bad weather is also the main culprit for cancelled flights. If you find yourself without a flight out of a country, you can at least book yourself into a hotel through your insurance. This saves you from having to spend nights and days waiting in the airport.
It's no exaggeration that travel insurance can save your life. Most medical insurance policies don't cover costs outside of the country. In these cases, travel insurance becomes a must. Accidents are inevitable, and sometimes a traveler may find himself sustaining injuries, or needing immediate medical attention. Without the proper insurance, you might find yourself in a decrepit clinic with no chance of flying out. Travel insurance can cover your expenses for ambulance services, medical costs, tests, doctors and even to fly in a family member to look after you.
Frequent travelers know that things don't always go according to plan. There are scenarios where flights are missed or cancelled due to a change of plans. In these cases, it's highly likely that you will not see your airfare deposit again. Travel insurance policies can cover the costs for flight re-bookings and trip cancellations. In case you find yourself without land transport, your insurance can even cover the cost of emergency car rental services.
You finally arrive at your destination, but your luggage doesn't. This is one of the most frustrating scenarios for a traveler. If you have travel insurance, you need not worry about the items you've lost. You'll be compensated for the monetary value of the contents in your luggage. If you simply have to wait a couple of days for the airline to finally get your bags in order, you can use your travel insurance policy to purchase necessary items in the meantime, such as clothes and toiletries.
You might get robbed, or even have your passport and important documents stolen. It would be a big headache to find yourself in a strange country with no money and no passport. If you have travel insurance, the policy will take care of reimbursing your loss and covering expenses for your lost documents.
]]>International travelers must go through a lot of evaluation and bureaucratic red tape to get to their destination. Whether a first time tourist to another country or a businessperson who makes frequent flights overseas, travelers heading outside of the country should review all of the required documents before the day of the flight, to ensure as smooth a trip as possible.
While optional, it is a smart idea for international travelers to purchase travel insurance that covers any unexpected flight delays and the accommodation costs associated with a delay. Travel insurance can also cover emergency hospital stays, and lost, damaged or stolen property. Proof of travel insurance should be carried at all times during the trip. International travelers may also consider registering their trips with the U.S. State Department, which will make government help during emergencies easier.
The international traveler can expect to complete a lot of paperwork and wait in a lot of lines while traveling abroad, but the prepared traveler will experience the least hassle during the process.
]]>Several companies have realized the need for centralized management, including Yodlee, Pageonce and MileageManager. Prior to researching and selecting a customer loyalty program manager, however, consider the following questions:
Once you select a site, you will need to find all of your customer loyalty program account numbers and passwords. All of the third-party sites require entering account log-in information.
Yodlee developed a one-stop account access geared towards customers of banks and financial institutions. Its product is used by Bank of America, Wachovia, HSBC, Fidelity and others. Each Yodlee-based site is similar in concept and practice: customers provide log-in information for each bank account, investment account, credit card, rewards program or even insurance plans, and the balances appear consolidated in one view. It allows unlimited accounts per family, but it does not track expiration dates. It's a free service provided by many institutions to customers, but people who are not customers may enroll for free directly with Yodlee.
Pageonce promotes itself as a personal productivity assistant. Its primary feature is account tracking via mobile application. It supports iPhone, Blackberry, Android and Windows mobile. Pageonce provides tracking of travel itineraries, Netflix queues and mobile minutes. Pageonce has free and premium accounts. The premium account provides, among other things, unlimited accounts and no advertisements for $9.99 a month.
MileageManager is run by the publishers of InsideFlyer magazine. The website includes alerts for expiring miles and upcoming status milestones. The website also supports award travel searches. The cost is $14.95 per year, and the site allows a 30-day free trial. Managing additional family members' accounts will require additional memberships.
AwardWallet offers free and pay-what-you-want level accounts. Both let you track award programs for multiple users, share travel itineraries and customize your views. The paid account allows the tracking of expiration dates for unlimited programs, whereas the free account lets you track expiration dates for only three programs.
Both sites are run by USAToday. MilePort is web-based, and MileTracker is desktop-based. These free sites allow for multiple accounts and track expiration dates for participating loyalty programs.
Points.com is another free option for tracking reward program points. It also offers swapping and sharing of miles, as well as redeeming miles for gift cards.
]]>When an airline cancels a flight, the travelers are entitled to compensation for their travel inconvenience, but the airline won't always freely offer the maximum compensation to which a traveler could be entitled. Travelers who prepare for the worst and study their rights will be entitled to the most compensation.
Airlines often offer compensation to travelers who have fulfilled their responsibilities when a flight is canceled. Common compensation includes booking on a later flight with the same airline, meal vouchers should the next booking be a few hours away and lodging vouchers near the airport, should the later flight be the following day. The traveler who is not offered these as a compensation should inspect the fine print in the airline's policy and demand compensation, in a formal letter after the fact if need be.
A traveler may even be able to invoke "Rule 240," a term for the obligation of an airline to purchase a ticket on another airline for the traveler, should it be found that another airline can get the traveler to his or her destination more quickly. The airline is unlikely to offer this without the traveler demanding it.
Travelers who plan ahead and do their research can acquire maximum compensation when an airline cancels a flight. Nevertheless, it is not too late for a traveler who did not have travel insurance to demand the maximum airline compensation, even after the cancelled flight.
]]>The Starwood Preferred Guest Program allows you to earn points for every dollar you spend. Whether you're a frequent business traveler or a casual vacationer, Starwood allows you to earn points that will go towards free rooms and a variety of other perks. It allows you to earn two points for every dollar spent at select hotels.
Another hotel reward that Starwood offers is the ability to transfer your points into frequent flyer miles. Nearly every major airline participates in this exchange, which makes it easy for you to transfer your Starwood points to the airline of your choice. The transfer ratio for frequent flyer miles to Starwood points. This is a good deal because Starwood points transfer 2 to 1 for dollars spent, which means you're doubling the amount of potential miles you can earn.
The Starwood Preferred Guest Program applies to the following hotels:
If you plann on redeeming your Starwood Preferred Guest points for a free hotel room, you must acquire 2,000 points for every free weekday night, and 3,000 points for every weekend night. Each hotel is ranked between 3 and 6 stars. Most points will transfer to any of the various hotels, as long as you have enough points.
If you're just starting out with Starwood's Preferred Guest Program, you'll most likely be considered a Preferred guest. Preferred guests get basic perks which include no blackout dates, point transfers and several other features.
The next level is Gold Preferred guest. Gold status is acquired when you have stayed at a Starwood hotel 10 different times or 25 total nights in a year. Gold members get benefits which include a morning newspaper, late check out (4pm when available) and the ability to cash checks of up to $300. There is a unique Gold Member phone number that you will be given access to, that will assist you with bookings and various other Starwood related tasks.
The Platinum Preferred guest is the highest level in the Starwood Preferred Guest Program. To qualify as a Platinum member, you must stay at a Starwood hotel 25 different times or 50 nights in a calendar year. Privileges that are unique to the platinum membership include upgrades to the best available hotel rooms, access to every executive club and gym at the hotel and many free gifts and meals.