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1 week ago | 
smartertravel.com | Carol McPherson
Some trips sit on the bucket list for years, while others come along spur of the moment. While the spirit of spontaneity makes for a great travel story, upfront costs can put a damper on a last-minute trip, especially when it comes to airfare. However, with the right airlines and booking strategies, you can still find deals on airfare right down to the wire.
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2 weeks ago | 
oyster.com | Carol McPherson
This romantic A-frame in the wilderness of New York is tailor-made for couples looking for the ultimate privacy. Sultry touches abound throughout the property, from the ruby red Adirondack chairs and floral arrangements to the kiss mark decal on the cabin door. Things start to heat up indoors, where the tiny single room is decked out in black silks and cheeky furnishings. While the "half-bath" is closer to an outhouse, it's a small price to pay for some proper alone time.
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1 month ago | 
oyster.com | Carol McPherson
Any tipsy traveler worth their salt knows that the best tequila in Mexico gets its start in Jalisco, where blue agave thrives, and distilleries dot the landscape. From Guadalajara to the town of Tequila itself, there's a lot of ground to cover for mezcal connoisseurs looking to maximize tastings on their trip. Luckily, there are not one but two tequila express trains waiting to ferry passengers around the region. Looking for a day of drinking and discovery? Get your tickets ready.
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1 month ago | 
smartertravel.com | Carol McPherson
Savvy travelers know the value of a good airline loyalty program. With perks like airport lounge access, seat upgrades, and free or discounted travel, it pays to rack up those frequent flier miles. WalletHub recently released their annual study ranking the best frequent flier programs to help travelers decide which airline best meets their needs.
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2 months ago | 
smartertravel.com | Carol McPherson
Renting a car in a foreign country can be stressful, from navigating road signs in foreign languages to unfamiliar traffic laws. If you think the challenge only begins after you leave the lot with your rental, you may be missing a crucial step: acquiring an international driver’s license. What is an International Driver’s License?
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2 months ago | 
smartertravel.com | Carol McPherson
Have you ever arrived at the airport the recommended two hours before your flight, only to breeze through security and be left sitting around in an empty terminal? We’ve all been there, and while the alternative stress of rushing to catch a flight is not preferable, it can be a drag to kick off a much-awaited vacation with… more waiting. If you have hours to spare before boarding, keep yourself occupied with these tricks to kill time at the airport.
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2 months ago | 
smartertravel.com | Carol McPherson
Planning a trip is no easy task, and little errors can add up to significant expenses down the line. Avoid these twelve common and costly travel mistakes to maximize your vacation budget. The closer to the departure date, the more expensive airfare will be. Aim to book flights three months in advance for domestic trips and up to eight months for international travel. The strategy for hotels differs, with the absolute cheapest time to book being the week of travel, according to Skyscanner.
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2 months ago | 
smartertravel.com | Carol McPherson
The sandy shores and sunny weather of the Dominican Republic attract millions of vacationers each year, with roughly two-thirds of these travelers planning to hit the beach in Punta Cana. However, this island nation has far more to explore than the buzz and all-inclusives of its most popular region. Expand your horizons with these hidden gems and under-the-radar activities in the Dominican Republic.
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Feb 10, 2025 | 
smartertravel.com | Carol McPherson
From climbing to the top floor of the towering Taipei 101 skyscraper to catching a wave in Kenting National Park, the variety of attractions and experiences available to travelers in Taiwan will cause itineraries to fill up fast. With the trip from the northern capital of Taipei to the southernmost town of Hengchun taking just five hours by car, it’s possible to experience several sides of the island before heading home.
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Feb 4, 2025 | 
smartertravel.com | Carol McPherson
With checked bag fees on the rise, flying carry-on only has become the number one hack to keep travel costs low. Squeezing the essentials into an overhead-bin-approved suitcase saves you money, lets you skip the check-in desk, and avoids the crowds at baggage claim. Though it varies by airline, most carriers stick to a reasonable 22 x 14 x 9 inch maximum for carry-on bags, with some international carriers adding a weight limit.
