14 Marriott hotels you should really book before dynamic pricing begins

HOSTED BY: 1 AIR TRAVEL

Big changes are coming this month when Marriott switches over to dynamic pricing — or “flexible point redemption,” as the world’s largest hotel brand is calling it.

And while we’ve had a few months to brace for the changes, more information is finally coming to light, including an exact start date for the switch (March 29), and the fact that most hotels will stay within their current peak and off-peak pricing bands for the rest of the year.

What we should expect is for a lot of hotels’ nightly redemption rates to fluctuate within those bands to be more aligned with hotel rates and availability. In theory, hotels could charge maximum rates for the rest of the year, though a Marriott spokesperson told TPG that there are and will continue to be “established criteria run by the program that do/will determine redemption rates.”

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But the reality of the situation is that a lot of our favorite Marriott hotel and resort redemptions are about to be more expensive than ever before.

We already knew that 97% of hotels would remain in Marriott’s current pricing category with rates shifting dynamically within those ranges. But for the other 3% of those hotels, or about 200 properties, maximum and minimum pricing will increase between 5,000 and 30,000 points per night. Ultimately, around 30 Marriott properties could land at nightly rates over the Category 8 peak rates.

In fact, Marriott recently released a list of the properties that will be changing and we’re sad to see some of our favorite, most aspirational properties (the ones where you really get an amazing bang for your buck) on the roster.

Fortunately, there’s still a bit of time left to book those properties under Bonvoy’s current pricing structure. And that’s exactly what we’re doing.

Here, you’ll find a handful of the Marriott hotels and resorts you should strongly consider booking before the changes go into effect at the end of the month.

In This Post

Hotels increasing by 10,000 points

SpringHill Suites Springdale Zion National Park — Springdale, Utah

(Photo by Summer Hull/The Points Guy)

When TPG content director Summer Hull said this property might be the best SpringHill Suites location on Earth, she meant it.

And it’s easy to see why, considering its incredible location near Zion National Park, its comfortable suites, free breakfast and lack of resort fee. It may not be the Ritz, but it’s an incredible hotel to use as a base for a national park getaway. Clearly, Marriott sees that value — it’s about to get 10,000 points more expensive.

How to book right now: Free nights in a standard suite at this Category 6 Marriott property cost 40,000 to 60,000 Bonvoy points per night. This means some nights should be eligible to book with a Marriott 50,000-point award certificate.

The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun — Cancun, Mexico

The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun. (Photo by Zach Griff/The Points Guy)

Another hotel getting a 10,000-point bump, The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun, was in need of a facelift when we reviewed the property in 2019 — and, thankfully, since then it’s had some work done. There, you can expect the luxury brand’s high level of service along with newly renovated rooms, large pools and a beach area, tennis courts, a handful of restaurants, bars and more.

How to book right now: A Category 6 Marriott resort, nights here cost between 40,000 and 60,000 Bonvoy points.

W Fort Lauderdale — Fort Lauderdale

(Photo by Benji Stawski/The Points Guy)

It’s always a party in South Florida, and at Marriott’s W hotel brand, so it’s easy to see why folks love the W Fort Lauderdale. In fact, we gave the 517-room, beachfront resort our stamp of approval last year thanks to its stylish design, incredible location, fifth-floor pool deck with live DJs and its overall aesthetic. If you want to book somewhere to be seen, it’s time to cash in your points for a trip to this W before it gets a lot more expensive.

How to book right now: Award nights at this Category 6 Marriott resort cost between 40,000 and 60,000 Bonvoy points.

Hotels increasing by 20,000 points

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort — French Polynesia

(Photo by Zach Honig/The Points Guy)

A trip to Bora Bora is truly a trip to paradise, and one you should book soon before The St. Regis Bora Bora gets pricier.

While we know that finding award availability here can be tricky, it’s worth a search now to save some points. Guests at this St. Regis, which is located in a quiet area of the islands, will find beautiful beaches, stunning water and all of the luxuries you’d expect from a top-tier brand. The hardest part of visiting? Trying to decide how long you can stay before having to return to the real world.

How to book right now: Currently a Category 8 resort, award rates here will set you back between 70,000 and 100,000 points per night.

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands — the Maldives

(Photo by Chris Dong/The Points Guy)

It’s all in the details, said TPG reporter Chris Dong, who made the journey to the Maldives last year to check out the highly anticipated Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Island, a property that made our list of best new hotels for 2021. (Just remember your Marriott elite perks won’t go very far at the Ritz-Carlton brand.)

While it’s true that the property is about to get 20,000 points more expensive, book now for your chance at a more affordable stay of a lifetime. With a restrained and contemporary take on luxury, this resort has it all, including a private “butler” for every room, breathtaking overwater villas and service like you’ve never experienced before.

How to book right now: Award rates for this Category 8 resort are between 70,000 and 100,000 points per night.

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort — the Maldives

(Photo by Kathleen Porter Kristiansen/The Points Guy)

Considered one of the most sought-after properties in the entire Marriott portfolio, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is a “drop-dead gorgeous property” that gives incredible attention to the smallest details for travelers who make the journey to the Maldives. Understandably, it’s an expensive place to stay, so book now because you’ll definitely spend big bucks on food and beverages at this top-tier resort. But hey, it’s worth it to visit one of the most stunning places on the entire planet, right?

How to book right now: You’ll spend between 70,000 and 100,000 points per night at this Category 8 resort.

l Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa — Dubai

(Photo by Hsein Kazma/The Points Guy)

An ultraluxe resort in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Maha is a hugely popular stop for Marriott Bonvoy loyalists heading to the United Arab Emirates. In fact, one TPG writer even went as far as to say that the tranquil desert oasis where nearly every room has a plunge pool is the best-value Marriott award redemption — at least for now.

And considering it’s an all-inclusive property where you get your own villa and the activities you can book include riding camels at sunset or dune bashing (exactly what it sounds like), it makes sense why people are obsessed with the place.

How to book right now: At this Category 8 resort, award nights cost between 70,000 and 100,000 points.

The St. Regis Aspen Resort — Aspen, Colorado

(Photo by Becca Manheimer/The Points Guy)

Another top hotel pick for 2021, The St. Regis Aspen is probably the best points hotel in chic, celebrity-loved Aspen. Luxurious but not too pretentious, you can wine and dine on American mountain food, take a swim in a heated pool, sleep comfortably in 400-thread-count Frette linens and even play with Kitty Jacob Astor II, the hotel’s resident dog. It’s a great spot to stay in Aspen year-round, so you won’t regret snagging what bookings are available while you still can.

How to book right now: Award rates here are between 70,000 and 100,000 points per night at this Category 8 resort.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto — Kyoto, Japan

(Photo by Zach Honig/The Points Guy)

I know, I know, we still can’t visit Japan, but that might change relatively soon.

If you’re willing to risk it, book a room at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto before award rates go up. Kyoto is one of the world’s most incredible cities, with its stunning architecture, incredible food scene and old-meets-new Japanese lifestyle — and a stay rooted in luxury at this Ritz-Carlton property surely makes for the trip of a lifetime. Not convinced? Check out our full review of the property, which was one of our top recommended hotels in 2021, to get the full story.

How to book right now: This is a Category 8 resort, and award nights here are found between 70,000 and 100,000 points.

Hotels increasing by 30,000 points

The Bodrum Edition — Bodrum, Turkey

The Bodrum Edition hotel pool. (Photo by Chris Dong/The Points Guy)

One of my personal favorite hotels in the world, the Bodrum Edition is a sprawling resort in Turkey that offers beautiful views of the Aegean Coast, Edition’s signature scent wafting through every corner of the resort and delicious food and beverage options I still think about today.

The resort is only open for the summer and will reopen this year on April 22, so hopefully, you can snag a lower-priced award booking to experience the brand’s iconic, laid-back but chic design at one of the most beautiful resorts I’ve been to during my travels.

How to book right now: Award nights here will already set you back between 70,000 and 100,000 points.

The West Hollywood Edition — Los Angeles

(Photo by Nick Ellis/The Points Guy)

You don’t have to be famous to book a room at the West Hollywood Edition, but you might just run into a celebrity at this popular spot that blends together the best of West Hollywood and Beverly Hills. With 148 guest rooms, 48 suites and two penthouses, there’s a room type for everybody. Catch some California sunshine at the rooftop pool or hit the spa for a facial or treatment that leaves you ready for the red carpet.

How to book right now: For a stay at this Category 7 resort, award rates cost between 50,000 and 70,000 points per night.

JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort — Marco Island, Florida

Kane Tiki Bar & Grill. (Photo courtesy of JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort)

Luckily for us travelers, Florida has a ton of incredible hotels across its many, many miles of beaches.

One that we know and love is the JW Marriott Marco Island, a resort with a dozen restaurants, two golf courses, a spa and striking views of the Gulf of Mexico. It also has an adults-only section, meaning you can stay away from little ones on your vacation if that’s your vibe. It’s also close to a handful of popular natural destinations like Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge and Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, so there is a lot to experience without venturing too far from your luxurious hotel base.

How to book right now: Rates at this Category 7 resort are between 50,000 and 70,000 points per night.

The Cloudveil — Jackson, Wyoming

(Photo by Summer Hull/The Points Guy)

Another one that made our list of best hotels that opened in 2021, The Cloudveil is a chic property in the heart of Jackson, Wyoming, that we can’t get enough of. Located on the main town square, The Cloudveil is just steps away from all the action in town, but also quite close to some of the best skiing and national parks in the country, including Grand Teton National Park. Tie that together with a beautiful resort with fireplaces and freestanding bathtubs in select rooms, and you’ll quickly realize why the price of an award night here is increasing.

How to book right now: This Category 7 resort will set you back between 50,000 and 70,000 points per night.

Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui — Wailea, Maui

Wailea Beach Resort. (Photo courtesy of Marriott)

For many folks, Hawaii is a dream destination for a dream vacation. At Wailea Beach Resort, you can have a little bit of it all, including five pools, two different beach areas and tons of activities for the entire family to enjoy.

The rooms themselves aren’t the absolute best on Maui, as we found back in 2018, but what the rooms lack in design is totally made up for with the stunning views and location of the resort. While there are a handful of Marriott properties on the island, this is a great one to book now before its rates climb a whopping 30,000 points.

How to book right now: Award rates at this Category 7 resort cost between 50,000 and 70,000 points per night.

Featured photo of the Bodrum Edition by Nick Ellis/The Points Guy.

By: Tanner Saunders
Title: 14 Marriott hotels you should really book before dynamic pricing begins
Sourced From: thepointsguy.com/news/marriott-hotels-to-book-now-dynamic-pricing/
Published Date: Tue, 01 Mar 2022 17:00:08 +0000

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23 Beginner Camping Tips for Families With Kids

TODAY'S ADVENTURE

23 Beginner Camping Tips for Families With Kids

When you plan to camp with your kids, gone are the days of throwing the tent and sleeping bags in the car and hitting the road ten minutes later. When planning to camp with kids, it is best to be prepared. There are a variety of ways to do this, and you will be glad that you planned ahead. Check out these camping tips for families with kids.

While you may have an intense love of the outdoors and travel to your favorite camping destinations, many kids today find it difficult to view the outdoors as an exciting alternative to their movies, video games, and cell phones. However, traveling and developing a positive relationship with the world around them gives kids and teenagers the chance to grow in ways they otherwise wouldn’t.

So to help get your teens outside and enjoy the great outdoors with you, here are some beginner camping tips for helping your kids get out of your house community and into a camping setting without dealing with teenage sulking. Some of the top things that you can do the next, you want to go family camping with teenagers and kids. In this post, you will learn about family camping.

Tips for Camping with Kids

Plan Ahead

Rule number one of family camping: always let somebody know where you are. There have been too many incidents in which overzealous and even experienced campers go out into the wilderness with high ideas and little preparedness. Tell a few people where you are and where to find your destination on the map. Meals and their ingredients should be itemized, or at least taken note of. This determines how much you’ll be packing.

This becomes incredibly important if you’re packing food on your back and carrying it throughout the trip. Plan out what you’ll be wearing as well. It’s tempting to always have on your cool new gear. Check the weather and always bring extra socks (in a plastic bag, at that).

Let Them Do The Planning

When the right weekend comes around for a camping trip, a great way to get your older children or teenagers excited about the prospect of spending some time outdoors, according to Tanushree Bubna, a contributor to CampingRoadtrip.com, is to give them the job of planning some or all of the weekend. If you tell them where you’re going when you’re leaving, and each activity they’re going to have to do while away, you’re likely to get at least a little backlash. But if you allow your teen the freedom to choose what area to camp in, what meals to prepare, or what activities or games to do, you may find that they get a lot more excited about traveling to a campsite with their family.

Stay Organized

Camping with kids can be a hectic endeavor. You’ll have to bring a lot more than you ever had when you were just camping with your spouse. To make sure the trip runs smoothly, have a plan to stay organized.

Write a list of everything you need to bring camping and check things off as you pack them.

Using clear, plastic bins is a great way to pack for your trip. You can keep things together in the same container, and you’ll be able to see what’s in it without having to open it up and rummage through.

You may also want to bring a designated bag for all the dirty clothes to avoid them getting thrown into the suitcase (or bin) with all the clean clothes.

Test It Out First

Kids and camping don’t always go together well. If you’re not sure how your child would react to being out in the woods for an extended period, the best thing you can do is give it a test run.

You may try to camp in the backyard or send your kids to a summer camp, like Camp Hobbit Hill, to see how they react to the outdoors. A day camp that focuses on outdoor skills can be a great option to ease them in!

Develop a Camping Checklist

A camping checklist is helpful in general, but when camping with your kids it is imperative. Camping requires bringing a lot of different things, and while it may be possible for you as an adult to do without a forgotten item, it will not necessarily be the case for your kids. Put together a list of things you need for camping and go through it while you pack. Particularly if you are camping in a remote location, it may not be easy to replace the missing item.

Plan a Menu

Food is important, and it is hard to have a good attitude for a new experience when hungry. While it may not be a big deal for adults, it will be a big deal for the kids. Make sure you have meals planned that you are comfortable they will eat. And make sure that you have all the required ingredients.

Bring Your Camping Food

Making food on-site may be enjoyable but may take a long time to prepare. Bringing ready-made foods such as peanut butter, canned beans, and granola bars are great alternatives for quick food and kids love them. They are light, have prolonged expiry dates, and are simple to pack. You can grab and eat them without needing to set up a fire.

Campers also need to bring an empty bottle of drinking water. Make sure to replenish your body with plenty of water when doing extreme outdoor activities.

Remember that you will be outdoors and the kids will likely be more active than usual. They will get hungry, and snacks will help with that AND help them keep their energy up. High protein snacks like nuts are great for camping and hiking.

Make Sure They Know the Camping Safety Rules

One of the most important tips for camping with kids is to tell them about camping safety rules.

There are a lot of things that could go wrong when camping, so set some ground rules a few days before the trip and go over them on the drive over. Some of your rules may include, “don’t wander away,” “don’t go near the river without a parent,” and “don’t approach wild animals.”

Don’t Forget the First Aid Kit

The first aid kit is important even when camping without kids. But when camping with your kids, you will definitely want it easily accessible. There will be those very minor “injuries” like a scratch and the only thing that will calm your child down is a band-aid. No need to argue; by all means, here is your band-aid.

Even if you go over the rules, again and again, your children may get hurt. Maybe they tripped or scraped their arm on a branch – accidents happen!

But when camping with children, you’ll want to be prepared. So, bring a first aid kit stocked with all the essentials, such as first aid cream, tweezers, and bandages.

Bring what will make things Easier

This can range from a few toys to a Pack and Play. For my kids, it was a big deal for them to have their own flashlight. This gave them something useful and something that was “theirs”. A great payoff for what amounted to a minimal amount of money. Pack and Plays are really helpful for smaller kids for times that you know you will need to turn your head. You know you will need to set up the tent, for example, and it will be hard to focus on your two-year-old while you do so.

Set Reasonable Expectations and be Flexible

Remember that your trip will not go perfectly. Try not to expect that things will go a certain way, particularly with young kids who have little to no experience camping. Staying flexible will be helpful to keep from getting frustrated when things are not working out as planned.

Pitch Perfect

It’s a really good idea to practice pitching your tent before doing so in less-controlled conditions, especially if it’s your first time. Depending on which tent you purchase, there may be features and add-ons that don’t make a whole lot of sense on the two-dimensional drawing provided. Plus, if the wind picks up unexpectedly, your job just got ten times harder. Be sure to practice a few times and time yourself so you know what you’re dealing with when you get out there.

For example, you can go on a practice camping trip in your backyard. Show your child how you set up the tent and let them get comfortable with the idea of sleeping in it. Much better for them to get over any initial fears within throwing distance of your house. Their reaction will also give you an idea of what to expect when you camp away from home.

Talk about What to Expect

Talk to the kids about what it will be like camping. While camping in your yard is great practice, there are things that will be different than when camping elsewhere. Talk with your child in an age-appropriate way about those things so that they know what to expect and can ask questions.

Find Ways They Can Help Set-Up the Campsite

When you arrive at your campsite, the first step is to get everything set up. When deciding how to camp with kids, you may not have thought about what your kids will do while you’re getting everything ready.

Find simple tasks they can do to help them get excited and feel involved. They may help you set up the tent or pick up sticks for firewood.

Give Them Their Own Space

If your family has gone camping since your children were small, they are probably used to the way you do things. But if that way used to consist of everyone sharing a tent, you may want to consider giving your teen their own space to help make them feel more comfortable. While purchasing additional tents can be expensive, Gav Grayston, a contributor to Get Out With The Kids, suggests purchasing just a small popup tent rather than a full-sized family camping tent. By doing this, your teen will have an area to relax on their own and have their own space to sleep away from parents. A popup tent can also be used for other activities, spreading the small cost over multiple purposes.

Follow Your Routine

It can be hard to keep your routine intact when going on vacation, but it’s one of the best tips for camping with kids.

Do your children always get an afternoon nap or have a strict 8:00 p.m. bedtime? If you skip the nap or let them stay up late, you may end up with some tired and grumpy kids.

Make sure you have snacks packed too! If your kids are used to an afternoon snack, they’ll be hungry for one while on vacation too.

Plan the Right Activities

Do you think that one campground is the same as the next? Well, you’d be surprised at just how much they can differ. Some may have rivers or lakes on-site and others may have nearby activities, like horseback riding. So, make sure you choose the best camping location for your family.

You’ll want to plan the right activities to keep your kids occupied. Some good camping ideas for families include horseback riding, wilderness animal bingo, fishing, hiking, and a campsite scavenger hunt.

Bring the Right Toys

While it’s important to plan enough activities to keep your kids occupied, they’ll still need some downtime to play how they want.

For this reason, you should consider bringing some outdoor toys, like squirt guns, jump rope, or bubbles. Just be sure to leave all the technology at home! If you bring a tablet, they may spend all their time in the tent watching videos.

Help Them Learn

If this is the first time your children are camping, there are a lot of things that will be new to them.

To help keep them entertained and expand their interest in the great outdoors, you’ll want to help them learn about camping and their environment.

You can teach them how to set up a tent, start a fire, or catch a fish. You may also teach them about the area (especially if you’re in a different state) and the animals that they don’t see at home.

Is It THAT Waterproof? 

I’m willing to bet you’ve loaded up on an array of waterproof products: waterproof matches, waterproof shoes, waterproof everything. More likely than not, they aren’t that waterproof. Items that are labeled as such can lose their effectiveness like anything else. Be wary of that. Place things like matches, lighters, electronics, and identification in a sealed plastic bag. Like the previous tip, it is better to be safe than sorry. Nothing ruins your plans of marshmallows and baked beans quite like wet fire-starting tools.

Gear Up Wisely

Based on the size of the space that you need and the number of camping days, bring only the necessary gear and leave out the “wish list.” Carrying what is required will ensure that your bag is not too heavy, especially if the group plans to hike to the campgrounds.

Campers should wear moisture-wicking clothes to keep the body dry and free from sweat. You can also pair up your clothing with a pair of wool or synthetic socks. Moreover, in case of rain or extreme heat, pack rain gear, a hat, and some sunscreen. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Prepare Proper Sleep Equipment

Make sure to bring comfortable sleeping gear such as a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent, and pillow. Pick a tent that can accommodate everyone without overcrowding. It’s also a good idea to choose weather-resistant tents in case unexpected weather changes occur.

A lightweight “three-season” tent is available for campers who enjoy camping in fall, summer, or spring. It’s made to keep campers dry during the rainy season or light snow, and it also has a bug-repellant feature.

Campers who are interested in camping during the winter season can choose a mountaineering tent that can tolerate harsher weather conditions.

Bring the Required Tools for Campfire

If you plan to set up a campfire or cook at the campsite, you have to bring along the necessary equipment and kitchenware, including charcoal, lighter, stove, utensils, and wood. Also, before starting a campfire, make sure that the public or private campsites allow setting campfires on the site. Prepare water or sand to put out the fire quickly.

Conclusion

With the right planning and attitude, camping can be just as fun for teens as it was when they were children. Use the tips mentioned above to help make this a great experience for everyone.

Keep these family camping tips in mind when planning a camping trip with your kids. A little time put in before the trip begins will help things go more smoothly. If you have taken your kids camping before, what preparation tips do you have? What did you wish you had done to prepare yourself and your kids before your trip?

There you have it! Remember, minor details and a little bit of prep separate an enjoyable experience in nature from a miserable one. These may be basic, but it will ensure that your time is one that can be told again and again around the next great campfire. Happy family camping!

Now that you know how to get ready, let me know. Where do you want to go Camping with Kids?

The post 23 Beginner Camping Tips for Families With Kids appeared first on Travel Experta - Travel, Lifestyle, Freedom.

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By: Marina Villatoro
Title: 23 Beginner Camping Tips for Families With Kids
Sourced From: travelexperta.com/family-camping-tips/
Published Date: Fri, 25 Feb 2022 18:36:26 +0000

Loyalty Points posting are incorrectly for some members, but don’t panic

HOSTED BY: 1 AIR TRAVEL

American Airlines’ new elite qualification system is here. Now, you’ll earn status based solely on how many Loyalty Points you earn.

The new currency officially launched on March 1, but as a part of a special double-dip period for this year only, American also awarded Loyalty Points for qualifying activities in January and February. The catch was that transactions didn’t initially appear on any frequent flyer accounts.

American has now completely revamped the AAdvantage interface and also begun posting Loyalty Points balances. Many TPG staffers and readers have seen their accounts updated over the last 24 hours.

Not all accounts have been updated yet, though. A number of AAdvantage members, including myself, still have a zero balance, despite having qualifying transactions.

Meanwhile, some accounts are showing incorrect balances. For example, TPG points and miles editor Andrew Kunesh has earned over 3,000 base miles this year, but only has 500 Loyalty Points reflected in his account.

If you find yourself in either of these scenarios, there’s no reason to be concerned yet.

Get the latest points, miles and travel news by signing up for TPG’s free daily newsletter.

While American’s goal is obviously to update account balances as quickly as possible, it’s a gradual rollout.

When you sign into the new interface, there’s a message that reads, “Loyalty Points and Loyalty Choice Rewards activity will post to your account between March 1 and March 5.” So, there’s no need to file any missing miles forms just yet.

(Screenshot from aa.com)

For members whose accounts have been updated, Loyalty Points-accruing activity from January and February was posted as one “promotion bonus.” This makes it harder to calculate how many points were awarded for each individual transaction. However, a number of members reported receiving fewer points than expected.

Again, these balances will likely continue to be updated through Saturday, March 5. However, if the number still seems off after that, double-check your recent activity and reach out to AAdvantage if there are any mistakes.

Related: American Airlines Loyalty Points are now posting

(Screenshot from aa.com)

As a reminder, Loyalty Points are only earned on the base AAdvantage miles that you accumulate. Sign-up bonuses, bonus miles earned from special promotions, as well as miles that were purchased, gifted or transferred between accounts or from partners are not eligible.

For a detailed guide on what types of activities do and do not count toward earning Loyalty Points, see this guide.

Featured photo by Benji Stawski/The Points Guy.

By: Benji Stawski
Title: Loyalty Points posting are incorrectly for some members, but don’t panic
Sourced From: thepointsguy.com/news/aa-loyalty-points-posting/
Published Date: Wed, 02 Mar 2022 16:50:52 +0000

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How to Choose Perfect Car for your Next Road Trip?

TODAY'S ADVENTURE

How to Choose Perfect Car for your Next Road Trip?

Getting on the road with your family for a long road trip is the ideal way of holidaying. It is so much fun to stop where you want on the wide-open road and create beautiful memories. There are so many road trips to pick from and plenty of great options for your own adventures. There could be nothing better than planning a great road trip with your family. It is seen that the majority of family vacations are road trips. Having the perfect car for your needs is essential for a relaxed road trip, this can reduce the stress of checking if your car is ready for a road trip.

Not long ago, my husband and I decided that we required a new car. The one we had was a bit old but still working fine. However, there were times when we both needed to use it, and you know how these things go! Four steps to take before you buy your next family car. Take a look at this shortlist of tips for choosing a car for getting the perfect car.

Doing this, we realized that there were tons of things that we had to take into account. It wasn’t just about picking a cool-looking one. It became a long process that even got a bit challenging. But it can be narrowed down into four main steps.

Related Read: The best-used car for a road trip

However, long trips mean long hours on the road heading through jungles or towards the mountains for days of adventure. You need to be sure that the car you pick is the right one and in excellent condition.

The perfect road trip vehicle

1. Research

This one is by far the most important part of the process. It is much more than finding out the model and average price of the car you want to buy. It is about reading information that has to do with performance and how much gas it consumes. I have found that Cars.com is a great resource to learn about your potential purchase and find reviews. Their Videos & Reviews feature is very useful.

2. Check out at least 3 dealers

Once you finally decided on the type of car that you think might work for you it is time to go out and actually check it out at a few different dealers. This is important because even though you might think a price is fair and there are a few options, it doesn’t mean that these are the best in your area. Because of this, visiting other dealers and researching similar cars is highly advisable, especially if you are looking into buying a used car.

3. Take your time

Sometimes it has happened to me that I find something I like and rush into buying it. Then a couple of days later I find the same thing for a better price. It is annoying when it happens with something that doesn’t cost too much, but with a car, it can be painful. So take your time.

4. Think about the future

If this is going to be your family car, it is also a wise thing to consider that your kids will grow and need more space every time. I won’t be having any more kids, but if it is in the cards for you, consider that too. Also, inquire about how your car seat will work in your new car and make some tests.

5. Comfortable and Well-equipped

The vehicle you pick for your road trip should be comfortable and well-equipped with all the safety features. You would not want your family to stay for hours in uncomfortable seats with poor AC. Thus, it needs careful consideration to pick the right vehicle for your travel needs. Read on to know what all you need to check out.

Look for comfort to ensure that the drive is all the more pleasurable. It is essential to have well-cushioned seats that are comfortable. There should be plenty of leg space to stretch out.Ensure that the air conditioning is working, especially if you have to drive for long hours on summer days.Safety is the top priority when on a road trip, so select one vehicle with the top safety features that allow you to drive in peace.A car with Bluetooth capability allows the driver to answer the phone and keep his hands free. One can play music or answer any phone calls without removing their hands from the steering wheel.If traveling with pets and babies, make sure to go for a vehicle that has extra space for bedding, supplies, and pets.Ensure that the vehicle you pick is in good condition. Check the tires and go for an oil change. Check the seat belts for passenger’s safety.One should know what kind of gas mileage the car offers. After all, the gas mileage can vary when you drive in rush hour traffic or climb mountains.

The development of highways in the United States has encouraged automobile travel and road trips. Today, there are many reliable vehicles that make long-distance road trips easier for families. When surveying the car market, there is some favorite when it comes to long road trips with your family or friends. Some provide range, utility, features while some are sporty. One can easily move cross-country in those classic automotive icons and SUVs.

Some top favorites include Lamborghini. SUV, Jeep Cherokee, Ferrari, Mazda, Honda, and more. Each of those cars packs a lot more than you’d expect and are simply ideal for long road trips. They boast of beginning more comfortable, offer decent fuel economy, and are the safest on the roads. Look for a car that balances performance, convenience, and comfort.

The post How to Choose Perfect Car for your Next Road Trip? appeared first on Travel Experta - Travel, Lifestyle, Freedom.

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By: Marina Villatoro
Title: How to Choose Perfect Car for your Next Road Trip?
Sourced From: travelexperta.com/choose-perfect-car-next-road-trip/
Published Date: Fri, 25 Feb 2022 16:48:00 +0000

Capital One Adds Virgin Red As Mileage Transfer Partner

HOSTED BY: 1 AIR TRAVEL

The Capital One mileage program has just announced its newest transfer partner, as the program continues to get even more compelling.

Transfer Capital One miles to Virgin at a 1:1 ratio

In the coming weeks, the Capital One mileage program will add Virgin Red as its newest transfer partner. Yes, Capital One will partner with Virgin Red, the overall loyalty program for the Virgin brand, rather than Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. This makes Capital One the first US credit card company to partner directly with Virgin Red.

Mileage transfers will be at a 1:1 ratio, and this will mean Capital One will have a total of 16 transfer partners at a 1:1 ratio. Capital One has really upped its game with mileage transfer partners in the past year. In April 2021, Capital One announced huge improvements to its mileage transfer program, with the most significant improvement being that a vast majority of partner transfers are at a 1:1 ratio.

Keep in mind that many Capital One cards, like the the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (review) and Capital One Spark Miles for Business (review), earn 2x Venture miles per dollar spent, so you could be earning more than one Virgin point per dollar spent.

Virgin is being added as a Capital One transfer partner

Is transferring Capital One miles to Virgin worth it?

Virgin Red is the new rewards currency for the overall Virgin brand. While rewards can be redeemed for all kinds of experiences, in our space the best use of these points is probably the ability to use them as Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points, and redeem them for premium travel experiences.

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is already transfer partners with all other major transferable points currencies, so really this is Capital One catching up. I wouldn’t read too much into the distinction between Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and Virgin Red, since points can be transfered between the programs.

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points are useful for redemptions on Virgin Atlantic, though the catch is that fuel surcharges are steep. Virgin also has some fantastic niche partner redemptions. My favorite of these is being able to redeem for travel on All Nippon Airways in first class & business class at a very reasonable cost.

Of course that’s of limited use at the moment, given that Japan’s borders are overwhelmingly closed to foreigners, and there’s no timeline for that changing.

Redeem Virgin points on All Nippon Airways

Bottom line

In the coming weeks, Capital One’s mileage program will be adding Virgin Red is its newest transfer partner, which is a great option for redeeming points. While Virgin Red is separate from Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, it is possible to transfer points between the programs at a 1:1 ratio.

All other major transferable points currencies partner with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, so it’s nice to see a similar option with Capital One miles.

Could you see yourself transferring Capital One miles to Virgin Red? Any great uses of points that I’m missing?

By: Ben Schlappig
Title: Capital One Adds Virgin Red As Mileage Transfer Partner
Sourced From: onemileatatime.com/news/capital-one-virgin-red/
Published Date: Tue, 01 Mar 2022 15:47:00 +0000

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How to Plan a Family Road Trip With Kids (A Lot of Fun!!)

TODAY'S ADVENTURE

How to Plan a Family Road Trip With Kids (A Lot of Fun!!)

Summer is the perfect time to take your family on a little vacation. While you might have dreams of going somewhere foreign and exotic, many families find that it’s simply easier to load up the car and take the kids on a summer road trip rather than flying to some far-off destination.

However, road trips can come with their own set of issues. So to help ensure that you and your little ones have a great time on the road, here are some tips for planning the perfect family road trip

It’s been chronicled by Jack Kerouac and talked about often in every college dorm throughout the nation. Road trips are adventures on the highways. How you plan your trip, however, determines whether you have an unforgettable or mostly miserable time. Here’s how to do it right, so there are no road bumps along the way. 11 things to do to improve your next family road trip while planning it. Check out this article to learn all about perfect road trip details.

Table of Contents

11 Tips For Planning The Perfect Family Road Trip> Pick The Right Destination Be Smart When Packing Plan For Fun Stops Along The Way Access the Helpful Apps Don’t Blow the Budget Pack Food in the Trunk Prepare Your Engine Keep the Kids Occupied Don’t Drive When Drowsy Find All-Inclusive Deals Use Friends and Family

Related Read: A Few Quick Notes To Help Create a Pre Road Trip Checklist

11 Tips For Planning The Perfect Family Road Trip

Pick The Right Destination

Part of the fun of road trips is the excitement and anticipation of getting to your final destination. When you have kids, your family’s ideal destination is likely different from where you might find yourself wanting to go. But with the right planning, you can find a road trip destination that everyone will love.

To help you find the perfect destination for your family, Jessica Leigh Mattern, a contributor to Country Living, recommends a long list of places that are great to visit for the entire family. With destinations all over the continental US, you’re bound to find a place that your kids will enjoy without having to spend multiple days in the car just to get there.

Be Smart When Packing

Packing up your entire family for a road trip can be a tough task. Depending on the size of your car and the size of your family, things might get pretty tight.

To help with this, Cheryl Rodewig, a contributor to Fodors.com, recommends packing your car from the bottom up. Try to keep the heavy items that you won’t need much access to while on the road at the bottom. Not only will this make it easier for you to stay organized up top, but it will also be safer in the event that you get in a car accident along the way.

Plan For Fun Stops Along The Way

While your final destination might be the highlight of your trip, you’ve still got to take some pit stops along the way.

With kids, you’re going to want your stops to be more than just a quick break to get gas and hit the bathroom. Being stuck in the car for hours can be very hard on kids. Because of this, it’s important that you plan for some fun stops along the way. Also, you should plan some games that are suitable for kids and long road trips!

According to KidsUnplugged.org, you should do some research about your route before you take off. Try to find fun places along your way where you can stop and let the kids play and run around for a bit. Even if it’s just a park that’s right off your route, this can help them get some energy out and be ready for the next few hours when they’ll be stuck in the car again.

ccess the Helpful Apps

As you know, “There’s an app for that.” Traveling is no exception, there are a TON of travel apps, especially for those taking a road tour. Apps like Roadtrippers and OntheWay help navigate well-traveled or desolate paths. OntheWay points out gas stations, cheap lodging, and places to eat. It’s also handy for those unfamiliar with an area yet interested in checking out local museums, tourist attractions, etc.

Don’t Blow the Budget

Unless you have a treasure chest, you’re using hard-earned funds to fuel your road trips, so you need to configure out what you are willing to spend. Do your best to budget before you put the key in the ignition. Take note of upcoming road-related events and costs. Each day, check that you’re aligned with initial estimations. Otherwise, you may have to make too many detours or cut your adventure short. Use a free tool like Google Drive to make a spreadsheet of events and related costs. Access the sheet on the road from your smartphone or mobile device.

Pack Food in the Trunk

Imagine the road trip as an extended tailgating ritual. Before football games, you see fans planted beside cars with hibachis, beverages, and an assortment of foods. Packing food is a lot cheaper than buying inside the stadium. It’s similar for road warriors; the more food you pack, the less you have to take out of your pocket. Food is a necessity, and you don’t want to eat less to save money. That will make you irritable and less likely to enjoy time on the road. Alternatively, invest in a quality cooler and pack it with plenty of perishable and nonperishable foods and beverages.

Prepare Your Engine

Your vehicle is your golden ticket to adventures on the road. Your trip goes as far as your car takes you, so be sure it has fresh oil, updated brakes, and working mechanical and electrical systems before taking off. Bring your vehicle in for a check-up about one week before going on the road. Provide the mechanic with the logistics of your journey – where you’re going, how long, and daily driving distance. Of course, your choice in a vehicle matters. You could experience the road in safety and style behind the wheel of a Peugeot 2008 or another vehicle of your preferred choice.

Keep the Kids Occupied

Kids are adorable, but they can get rambunctious in confined spaces, especially when needed to sit still for long periods of time. Modern devices, such as iPads, keep kids occupied, but they are only useful when they are charged. Buy extra chargers in case one break or gets misplaced. If music is their thing, consider getting the kids a month’s subscription to Spotify or another music streaming service. The last thing you want to hear is, “Are we there yet?” so fill their senses with multimedia options.

Don’t Drive When Drowsy

Driving when drowsy is a major mistake that some unfortunate parties make. If you plan ahead and create a day-to-day itinerary, leaving some cushion time, there should be no reason to push ahead when feeling drowsy. Use an app to find a safe place to pull over, energize, and get back on the road once rested. Schedule stops along the way to stretch, refresh, and double-check directions.

Find All-Inclusive Deals

Some hotels offer free breakfast, dry cleaning, and other luxuries. Particular bed and breakfast inns provide rides downtown and to nearby airports. Find all-inclusive deals whenever you can. That means scouting for immediate deals on your phone and planning ahead as suggested via an itinerary. Get road trip ideas online or chart a course based on main destinations.

Use Friends and Family

What are friends and family for if not to help when you’re in need? Chart destinations with locales of friends and family members in mind. You might be able to stay in their home or apartment or get suggestions related to cheapest rates and tastiest eats in town. Pick friends who live in preferred destinations and see if they would be willing to swap homes with you for a limited time. It’s a creative way to save money on accommodations aside from camping out, leveraging AirBnb, etc.

The post How to Plan a Family Road Trip With Kids (A Lot of Fun!!) appeared first on Travel Experta - Travel, Lifestyle, Freedom.

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By: Marina Villatoro
Title: How to Plan a Family Road Trip With Kids (A Lot of Fun!!)
Sourced From: travelexperta.com/how-to-plan-family-road-trip/
Published Date: Fri, 25 Feb 2022 15:57:00 +0000