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Travel?

What you can bring, when to show up, and which line to pay for. 24 questions and counting.

Is there really a cheapest day to book flights?The Tuesday-booking trick is dead; fares reprice constantly by algorithm. What works: book domestic 1 to 3 months out…
What liquids can you bring on a plane?Carry-on liquids follow 3-1-1: containers of 3.4 ounces or less, all fitting in one quart bag. Exceptions exist for…
Do I need a REAL ID to fly?Yes, for domestic flights: enforcement began May 7, 2025. Your license needs the star marking, or you can fly with a…
How early should you get to the airport?Two hours before domestic flights, three before international. Yes, even with PreCheck, because the variable is not just…
Is travel insurance worth it?Worth it for expensive, non-refundable, or international trips, mostly for the medical coverage, since US health insurance…
What can you actually bring through TSA?Liquids in carry-on follow 3-1-1: containers of 3.4 ounces or less, in one quart-sized bag, one bag per traveler. Food is…
What are you owed if your flight is cancelled?In the US, a cancelled flight entitles you to a cash refund if you choose not to travel, even on a nonrefundable ticket…
What do you do if the airline loses your luggage?File a report before leaving the airport, since claims get harder afterward. US carriers owe up to roughly 4,700 dollars per…
When is the cheapest time to book a flight?Roughly one to three months ahead for domestic, two to eight for international. The famous Tuesday at 1pm trick is dead…
Do you need a passport to go to Canada or Mexico?Flying, yes, always. Driving or arriving by sea, US citizens can use a passport card, enhanced driver's license, or trusted…
What is the difference between TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR?PreCheck speeds domestic security screening. Global Entry adds expedited customs on international arrival and includes…
Do you need a passport for a cruise?Not always, but bring one anyway. Closed-loop cruises from a US port back to the same port often accept a birth certificate…
Do you need an international driving permit?It depends on the country, and it is not a license, it is a translation of yours. Many countries require or expect one…
How do you avoid foreign transaction fees?Carry a card with no foreign transaction fee, and always choose to be charged in the local currency. When a terminal offers…
How do you avoid getting sick while traveling?Water discipline and hand hygiene do most of the work. Travelers' diarrhea is the most common travel illness and is usually…
How much should you tip when traveling?Budget a few dollars per bag for porters and per night for housekeeping, and check the destination before assuming American…
How do you actually beat jet lag?Light is the lever: get morning light after flying east, evening light after flying west, and shift your sleep an hour a day…
Is the water on an airplane safe to drink?Stick to bottled. EPA testing has repeatedly found coliform bacteria in aircraft water systems, and the tanks are hard to…
How do you know if the tap water is safe to drink abroad?Check the CDC's country page before you go rather than guessing. Where water is not safe, the risk extends to ice, salads…
What is the passport six-month rule?Many countries require your passport to stay valid six months beyond your trip, and airlines enforce it at check-in. A…
TSA PreCheck or Global Entry: which should you get?Global Entry costs $120 for five years and includes PreCheck, which alone costs about $78. If you will leave the country…
What is the difference between a layover and a stopover?A layover is under 24 hours on domestic itineraries, or under 24 on international; a stopover is longer and is often a…
What is the difference between a visa and a passport?A passport is issued by your own country and proves who you are; a visa is issued by a country you want to enter and grants…
What is the best way to pack a suitcase?Roll soft clothes, fold structured ones, and put heavy items near the wheels. Packing cubes help more with finding things…