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Flights prices are down: Here’s how to stay flexible

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 14:56:32 GMT

We’re starting 2021 with a clean slate – and travelers are feeling the same. The good news is, prices on flights around the US are 17% cheaper now than they were a year ago. But our data shows that’s not going to last long (in fact, we predict prices will jump at least 25% once people start traveling again).

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That means, right now is the perfect time to book a flight. Why? Because most airlines and travel providers are also offering super flexible cancellation policies – so if you change your mind later, you have an easy out.

Use our flexible options filter to find travel with free cancellation and book that summer vacation, that spring break solo trip, or that end-of-school family escape. But whether you’re going now or later, it’s still important that we all practice safe travel. So that when it comes time to fly, you won’t have to exercise that free cancellation option (though it’s good to know it’s there).

For those who want to get something on the books to look forward to in 2021, we rounded up this year’s top trending destinations.

While flight searches are still down year over year, these are the places where searches are recovering fastest:

St. Thomas, USVI (searches down 23%)
Key West, FL (searches down 24%)
Cancun, MX (searches down 33%)
Oranjestad, AW (searches down 33%)
Anchorage, AK (searches down 33%)
Honolulu, HI (searches down 36%)
Miami, FL (searches down 38%)
Atlanta, GA (searches down 38%)
Kahului, HI (searches down 41%)
Santo Domingo, DR (searches down 43%)

And the cities seeing the biggest price drops include:

Cancun, MX – prices down 32% (average price $294 round trip)
San Juan, PR – prices down 31% (average price $179 round trip)
Mexico City, MX – prices down 30% (average price $246 round trip)
Fort Lauderdale, FL – prices down 29% (average price $154 round trip)
Miami, FL – prices down 26% (average price $188 round trip)
San Jose del Cabo, MX – prices down 25% (average price $368 round trip)
Saint Thomas Island, VI – prices down 24% (average price $360 round trip)
Denver, CO – prices down 24% (average price $151 round trip)
Orlando, FL – prices down 24% (average price $153 round trip)
San Jose, CR – prices down 22% (average price $342 round trip)

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Looking for more information on how to travel safely as we navigate this pandemic? Our guide has everything you need to know.

Methodology

KAYAK considered all flight searches from 12/8/20 to 12/14/20 for any travel dates and originating from the United States. Year over Year is in comparison to the same time period 1 year prior. Highlighted destinations are among the top 100 largest search destinations with the largest average price decreases.

The post Flights prices are down: Here’s how to stay flexible appeared first on Travel Hacker Blog.

An insider’s guide to becoming a digital nomad

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 15:38:22 GMT

For many, living the life of a digital nomad (someone who can travel around while working virtually) is a dream. You can experience exciting places, change your zip code every month, all while staying connected. And in a year as strange as 2020 (has anyone checked on the murder hornets, by the way??), it’s nice to think that work-from-home has given some travelers the opportunity to change their scenery.

If you’re considering that digital nomad life, here are tips from KAYAK employees who are hitting the open road within the US.

What you need to do to get started

Check with HR. If you’re currently working remotely full-time, check in with your company’s HR department and detail your plans. For some companies, there may be tax implications or work registration needed before they can give you the A-OK to work from the road.
Stay up to date on travel restrictions. Use KAYAK’s Travel Restrictions map as a starting point and research requirements of each destination on your list. Be prepared to pivot if restrictions change by booking flexible travel options. Pro tip: Use flexible travel filters when you search on KAYAK.
Make a plan. Whether you want to roam, settle down in one place or something in between – do your best to write out your itinerary. Include the towns or states you plan to travel to, the best way to reach you at each stop, and approximately how long you’ll be staying. If you’re working for a company, you’ll need to share this with your manager and/or HR department to ensure they can keep your file up to date.
Budget, budget, budget. Use your rent and utilities as a budget guideline for accommodation and don’t forget to include storage in expenses. KAYAK Trips can be a great way to save and organize your options before you book, while calculating total expenses.
Rent a car. Roadtripping between destinations? Renting a car can save you money – here’s why.

Choosing where to stay

Choose a place that feels like home. Home rentals and unique stays (castles, cabins and chalets, oh my!) may provide private access to outdoor features, which can be a sanity saver if lockdowns move forward again. KAYAK has over 450,000 properties in the US to search from.
Embrace spontaneity. Book your lodging closer to when you go and be spontaneous. With things changing so quickly, it’s easier to plan closer to your trip. And hotel rates can sometimes decrease if you book last minute as well.
Unlock those deals. Check for discounts on long-term stays. Sometimes adding in another night or two could actually save you a ton (especially on rentals!).
Check out self-check-in. Many rentals have self check-in options or are willing to be flexible. Don’t be afraid to call in advance and see if there’s a way you can arrange for one even if it’s not advertised.
Put safety first. If you’re staying in a rental, these tips may make you more comfortable in your home away from home.

Working on the road

Set your hours. Take advantage of time differences. Staying on an East Coast schedule while working on the West Coast can free up your afternoon to explore or relax, and vice versa if you’d rather get your hike in before work.
Plan out your downtime. If you do plan on getting out of your apartment to explore, try to do so during off times. Working while traveling gives you the flexibility to stay longer, so rather than trying to cram things into one weekend, spread things out. Checking out that popular hike after work on Tuesday can make it a lot easier to social distance and explore safely, than hitting it on the weekend.
Buy a hotspot (or see if your IT department has one to lend out). If you’re planning on working from destinations that are heavy on the nature scene but light on WiFi, invest in a portable hotspot that can give you a few hours of connectivity, wherever you go. But before buying one yourself – reach out to your IT person to see if the company has one to spare.

Things to bring

Get a cooler. Road snacks are a must. Find a well-made cooler that’ll fit easily in your trunk and is also easy to transport. Store perishables (like pre-made sandwiches, breakfast foods and easy meals) that you can take from town to town. The less you have to go grocery shopping – and the less you have to stop on your travels – the better.
Stock up on water bottles. If you’re green-conscious, you don’t want to buy plastic bottles if you need a refill – but you’re also probably not super comfortable filling your water bottle up at a fountain due to COVID-19. And, as an added complication, for sanitary reasons many companies that would usually be happy to refill a reusable container are no longer willing to do so. So, make sure you take multiple full bottles for travel days, or buy a larger (we’re talking gallon+) with a dispenser that you can use to fill up as you go.

Sold on digital nomading but not sure where to start your trip? We rounded up some of the top trending spots for longer stays according to our data. See our Top digital nomad destinations for inspiration and resources. And, wherever you’re headed, be sure to put safety first and practice safe travel.

The post An insider’s guide to becoming a digital nomad appeared first on Travel Hacker Blog.

Breastfeeding and travel: Everything you need to know

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 21:59:15 GMT

Breastfeeding while you travel requires an extra layer of planning for your getaway – whether you’re bringing your baby or leaving them at home. Here’s a helpful guide to get you ready and on your way with minimal effort.

How to plan your trip

As soon as you have a baby, you realize that the best-laid plans are just that, plans. Still, setting yourself up for success should help you start your trip confidently.

Check state travel guidelines

Breastfeeding or not, these “unprecedented” COVID-19-era times require additional travel research. Know your state’s travel and quarantine rules—and those of the places you’re going. Use KAYAK’s Travel Restrictions map and CDC’s travel information to plan your route and breaks.

Know the best spots to pump or nurse along the way

Mamava’s (free) locator app helps you plan your trip by showing you what lactation spaces are available where you’re going and along the way. See reviews and photos shared by other traveling moms of thousands of spaces across the country, so you’ll know ahead of time what to expect. The app also works like a magic key for Mamava pods, unlocking them with a click of a button. Plus, you can check a pod’s occupancy status, opt into vacancy alerts, and listen to sounds for letdown to help with milk flow on the go.

Understand TSA guidelines for breast milk (if you’re flying)

When it comes to traveling with breast milk (and pumping paraphernalia!), the TSA guidelines can be confusing. Here’s what you need to know:

Breast milk is exempt from the “limited quantity rule” of 3.4 ounces.
Ice or gel packs to keep your breast milk cold need to be frozen solid. Partially melted packs may be subjected to additional screening.
Breast milk does not need to be X-rayed or opened. If thawed, TSA may opt to test it for explosives, but you have the right to say no. You also can ask the TSA agent to put on a fresh pair of gloves if they handle your bottles or bags of milk. Read more about how to advocate for yourself when flying with breast milk.
Traveling abroad? Check the laws for international travel. When in doubt, contact the American consulate in your destination country for the most up-to-date regulations.

Consider investing in little conveniences

TSA PreCheck®. This program can reduce your wait time in security lines (as of December 2020, the price is $85).
Milk Stork. If you’ll be pumping a lot during your trip, and would rather not travel with your milk, Milk Stork will ship it home for you.

Refresh yourself on COVID-19-safety guides

Follow the CDC’s guidelines for helping to help prevent the spread of COVID-19: Wash your hands—or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer—both before and after nursing or pumping and wipe down surfaces with sanitizing spray or wipes. Wear a mask. Keep a 6-foot distance from people who don’t live with you, especially in crowded spaces.

Tips for traveling by plane

With COVID-19 restrictions, standard amenities of air travel may be a bit different than what you’re used to. These tips will serve you well from takeoff to touchdown.

Pack light to avoid checking your bag.

A great backpack can double as a diaper/pump bag and personal bag. That said, according to the FDA a breast pump is a medical device and, as such, shouldn’t count as a carry-on. But each airline treats breast pumps differently, so it’s best to check directly with them before you travel.

Let TSA agents know you’re traveling with breast milk.

Separate your pump and bottles (empty or full) from other liquids for screening.

Time nursing sessions strategically.

Takeoff and landing tend to be toughest for babies—air pressure changes are hard on tiny ears. Nursing can help.

Play it safe.

Especially because you’re breastfeeding (handling food!), you’ll want to take precautions to keep things clean. Hand sanitizer and disposable wipes (like these pump and accessory wipes) can offer some protection and peace of mind.

Tips for road trips

Driving gives you control over when and where you stop—which is great for traveling with a baby and great for traveling during a pandemic. Here’s how to get your show on the road and make it a happy (and stress-free) one.

Resist the urge to overpack.

When you stick to the essentials (and forgo the might-needs and nice-to-haves), you’ll spend less time sorting through bags, trying to find what you need.

Bring food and water.

Snacks are critical for road trips. Include healthy snacks (e.g., granola bars, nuts) and road trip pleasures. Bring a couple of gallons of water so you can easily refill your water bottle in the car.

Time feedings or pumping with other pit stops.

Use that time to rest and replenish. Settle into an out-of-the-way booth at the food court or, if the weather is mild, claim some space outside. You can also use Mamava’s app to find lactation spaces along the way.

Give yourself more time.

You might arrive at your destination a little later, but you’ll feel better (and be less stressed).

What to pack

If deciding what to pack for a trip has always been a “thing,” breastfeeding considerations may actually decrease your time-intensive decision-making. Use this checklist—fit for a weekend away so scale up accordingly—to gather up just-right essentials in no time.

To wear:

Gather versatile garments in a single, neutral palette for easy mixing and matching. Include the following:

1-2 nursing bras and/or a hands-free pumping bra
A nursing tank or two (for layering and bedtime)
1 sweater or long-sleeved top (one that wears well in casual or dressier settings)
A pair of jeans
Black tights or pants
A big scarf shawl (can double as a nursing cover at layovers or rest stops if you’d like

Toiletries:

To breastfeed like a boss:

Breast pump + all parts
Milk storage bags (+ extra bags)
Batteries (plus extra batteries)
Soft insulated cooler and ice-packs
Power adaptor (for the car)
A manual pump (just in case)
Pump sanitizing materials
Breast pads
Nipple cream

For the journey:

Hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol)
Disposable pump and accessory wipes
Easy healthy snacks (granola bars, nuts, fruit)
Refillable water bottle (breastfeeding moms need to stay hydrated)
Masks (Bring extras and wear them properly—mouth and nose covered)
Hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes

In partnership with Mamava.

Mamava designs solutions to empower breastfeeding on the go: freestanding lactation pods, Mamava’s free lactation space locator app, and other helpful resources for breastfeeding people (and those who want to support them).

The post Breastfeeding and travel: Everything you need to know appeared first on Travel Hacker Blog.

New Feature Alert: Introducing car sharing on KAYAK

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 14:59:46 GMT

When you search cars on KAYAK, you’re comparing options from a wide range of travel providers and car rental agencies so you can find exactly what you’re looking for. And, now, KAYAK’s car search is getting even more comprehensive.

We’re excited to announce a new partnership with leading car-sharing brand, Turo. Like a home share, car sharing gives you access to a wide selection of options shared by local hosts. Convertible for the weekend, anyone?

With flexible cancellation (a full refund up to 24 hours before your trip) and convenient pick-up (avoid long lines at rental car companies, or even have the car delivered to you), Turo has a lot to offer travelers looking for a ride in locations across the US, Canada and the UK.

Turo will be the first peer-to-peer car-sharing platform to appear in KAYAK search results in the US, giving travelers more choice when it comes to finding the perfect car.

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The post New Feature Alert: Introducing car sharing on KAYAK appeared first on Travel Hacker Blog.

KAYAK partners with Lonely Planet on their Best in Travel 2021

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 14:43:25 GMT

For 15 years Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel awards have highlighted the top ten regions, cities and countries to travel to in the world. The popular travel brand’s curated recommendations recognize the best of the best.

Since 2020 hasn’t quite turned out the way anyone predicted, Lonely Planet has reimagined its 2021 awards to reflect the new world of travel. This year, they’re recognizing the people, places and businesses making a difference with their focus on sustainability, community and diversity.

KAYAK is joining forces with Lonely Planet for the campaign on a shared mission to champion those who make travel a force for good – something both organizations think is vital in a year when COVID-19 has deprioritized and disrupted travel like never before. We are excited to collaborate with Lonely Planet in identifying how travel can be transformative when it is rooted in sustainability, community and diversity.

Sustainability is the ultimate goal of all of us who believe in the power of travel to change the world. Every traveler can make a difference and, this year, Lonely Planet champions businesses, storytellers and places who make sustainability their top priority.

More than ever, travelers are looking for ways to travel more sustainably. And KAYAK’s eco-friendly filter allows you to filter your flight search for more eco-friendly options. Or do the legwork on your own when you search and choose newer, more fuel-efficient airplane models, book an economy seat to make your carbon footprint a bit smaller, or fly direct to limit the amount of fuel used per flight.

Community puts the focus firmly on giving back to people and places. According to KAYAK data, those traveling during COVID-19 are looking to longer trips and slower travel experiences. Whether it be to visit loved ones they’ve been apart from during quarantine or to take advantage of a digital nomad lifestyle while they’re able to work from home. These longer trips provide plenty of opportunities to experience a local community and culture.

KAYAK and Lonely Planet believe in sharing authentic experiences that give back to local communities and benefit both the people who live there and the visitor. After all, preserving local culture is essential when traveling and what better way than by hearing from locals themselves.

Diversity is central to the purpose of both KAYAK and Lonely Planet with the goal of opening up the world for everyone, elevating underrepresented voices and making the entire travel experience more inclusive. Travel is for everyone and, at its core, is about connecting us all and introducing us to new ideas, perspectives and cultures. That’s why we are working to ensure our travel experiences are inclusive to all.

With this year’s Best in Travel, Lonely Planet is celebrating the unique perspectives of travelers. From sharing diverse voices in travel to highlighting accessible, inclusive and under-explored experiences, Lonely Planet is excited to showcase the people, businesses and places making a difference.

Want to check it out for yourself? Learn more and see the full Best in Travel list on Lonely Planet. While you’re at it, download Lonely Planet’s Guides app for even more inspiring content.

The post KAYAK partners with Lonely Planet on their Best in Travel 2021 appeared first on Travel Hacker Blog.

KAYAK Scentcation Sweepstakes: Terms & Conditions

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 20:32:44 GMT

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE OR PAYMENT WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.

SPONSOR: The KAYAK Scentcation Sweepstakes (“Sweepstakes”) is sponsored by KAYAK Software Corporation (“KAYAK” or “Sponsor”), located at 7 Market Street, Stamford, CT 06905.
These official rules are the terms and conditions of the Sweepstakes (“Rules”). By entering the Sweepstakes, you agree to be bound by these Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor (and its authorized representatives) which are final and binding. If you do not agree with any of the Rules, then do not enter the Sweepstakes.

Eligibility: You are eligible to enter the Sweepstakes if you are a resident of the United States and if you are at least 21 years of age. Employees of KAYAK, Booking Holdings, Inc. (“Booking Holdings”) or its affiliates and anyone else professionally connected with this Sweepstakes, and members of their respective immediate families (to include, parent, sibling, spouse and child) are not eligible to enter or to win the Prize(s) (as defined below). Any such entries will be invalid. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

SWEEPSTAKES PERIOD: The Sweepstakes begins on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at 12:00 pm EST and will end on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at 11:59 PM EST (“Submission Period”) followed by the selection of and informing the Winners on or about Monday, November 30, 2020 (“Drawing Date”). All times relating to the Sweepstakes are Eastern Standard Time unless otherwise stated. Sponsor’s server for the Sweepstakes shall be the official time keeping device. ENTRANTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR DETERMINING THE CORRESPONDING TIME ZONE IN THEIR RESPECTIVE JURISDICTIONS.
The Sweepstakes consists of two periods as set forth below:

Submission Period
Wed, Nov. 18, 2020 (12:00 pm EST) – Tues., Nov. 24, 2020 (11:59 pm EST)
Drawing Date
Monday, Nov. 30, 2020 – Monday, Nov. 30, 2020

SUBMISSION PERIOD & HOW TO ENTER: To enter the Sweepstakes during the Submission Period, Entrants must either (“Entry Method”):

Comment on KAYAK’s Instagram post promoting the Sweepstakes and tag a friend. Must follow @KAYAK on Instagram.
Comment on KAYAK’s Twitter post promoting the Sweepstakes and tag a friend. Must follow @KAYAK on Twitter.

During the Entry Period, you may enter the Sweepstakes via the Entry Method described above. Limit one (1) entry per Submission Period per social media account per platform, Twitter and Instagram. Proof of submission will not be considered proof of receipt or eligibility. Any suspected use of cheating, fraud, deception, artifice, multiple identities, devices or IP addresses, or robotic, automatic, bots, programmed or similar or dissimilar methods will void all such entries by such methods and any entrant suspected of using/benefitting from the same will be immediately disqualified. Sponsor reserves the right, but without obligation, to request additional or clarifying information from any entrant, in its sole and absolute discretion. You must have an Instagram or Twitter account in order to enter via the respective platforms. Both are free to join. Your social account in which you submit your Sweepstakes entry must be public. You must abide by the terms and conditions of any social media platform through which you enter the Sweepstakes.

WINNER SELECTION: At the close of the Submission Period, the winner(s) (“Winner(s)”) will be determined by a random drawing on the Drawing Date from among all eligible entries received during the Submission Period. Sponsor’s decision is final and binding in all matters relating to the Sweepstakes. Twenty (20) potential winners will be selected for the Submission Period in a random drawing, on or about the Drawing Date specified in the chart above from among all eligible entries on both Instagram and Twitter received throughout the Submission Period. Additionally, all winners will be submitted into a Grand Prize drawing to win a $500 gift card towards their next real vacation. All non-winning entries received for the Submission Period drawing will not carry over to be considered in subsequent contests or drawings. Odds of winning a prize depend on the number of eligible entries received during the Submission Period, subject to the terms of this Agreement. Please note that an entrant cannot win more than once.

WINNER NOTIFICATION: The potential winners will be notified by direct message on their social account approximately five (5) business days following the Drawing Date. The Winners may also be publicly announced on Twitter/Instagram and you agree to such publication of your name by entering the Sweepstakes. Potential prize Winners may be required to execute and return an affidavit of eligibility, a liability release and, where lawful, a publicity release within five (5) days of the date of issuance. If such documents are not returned within the specified time period, prize or prize notification is returned as undeliverable, or a potential Winner is not in compliance with these Official Rules, prize will be forfeited and, at Sponsor’s discretion, a runner-up may be notified for the applicable Entry Period. Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to conduct a background check on a potential Winner and disqualify any individual who has been charged or convicted of a crime or, if Sponsor determines in its sole discretion that awarding a prize to such individual may reflect unfavorably on the Sweepstakes or Sponsor.

PRIZE / APPROXIMATE RETAIL VALUE (“ARV”): There will be a total of twenty (20) Winners: one (1) Grand Prize Winner, and nineteen (19) Non-Grand Prize Winners. The one (1) Grand Prize Winner will receive two (2) KAYAK branded face masks and two (2) scented face mask filters (ARV: $15.00 USD) and one (1) $500.00 AMEX gift card (ARV: $500.00 USD), combined a total retail value of $515.00 USD. The nineteen (19) Non-Grand Prize Winners will each receive two (2) KAYAK branded face masks and two (2) scented face mask filters (ARV: $15.00 USD). All prizes will be awarded to the individual and not to a business entity. No cash equivalent, prize substitution of equal or greater value, or alternative prize will be given except by Sponsor in its sole discretion. The Winner(s) will not receive the difference between actual and approximate retail value. All prizes are non-transferable, non-assignable and non-exchangeable, except in the Sponsor’s sole discretion. All prizes are awarded “as is” with no warranty or guarantee, either express or implied. All taxes and other expenses, costs, or fees associated with the acceptance and/or use of any prize are the sole responsibility of the Winners. Sponsor will not be responsible for any loss, liability or damage arising out of any Winners’ acceptance, use or misuse or failure to use any Prize, or element thereof. Returned, undelivered, unclaimed, or un-awarded prizes, or any element thereof will not be (re)awarded. Sponsor shall have the right, where necessary, to undertake all action and/or require further information as is reasonable to protect itself, or any of the other promotion partners against fraudulent or invalid claims, potential public scandal, ridicule, or disrepute in awarding any prize to any winner.

WINNERS LIST: To receive a list of Winners for the Sweepstakes, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to KAYAK Software Corp, Attn: Marketing Department — Scent-cation Sweepstakes, 7 Market Street, Stamford, CT 06905. Requests for results must be received by Friday, December 11, 2020.

CONDITIONS: By entering the Sweepstakes, you hereby warrant that all the information submitted by you is true, current and complete. The Sponsor reserves the right to ask for, among other things, proof of age and evidence to verify the identity of an entrant at any time, and may carry out checks of any details provided by or on behalf of any entrant.
All entries become the property of the Sponsor and will not be acknowledged or returned. By entering the Sweepstakes, entrants represent, warrant, and covenant as applicable (and agree to provide written evidence of such if requested) that: entrant has the permission of any person/venue that is identified or otherwise referred to in the entry; the entry was created by entrant specifically for this Sweepstakes and has neither been submitted for any other Sweepstakes or promotion, nor received any prize or monies; the entry is the original creation of the entrant and/or entrant has all title, rights, licenses, permissions and consents necessary to the entry and to submit it into this Sweepstakes and to grant all of the rights granted to the Sponsor in these Rules (and in any written Agreement signed by entrant), and the exercise thereof by the Sponsor and/or the use by it of the rights granted by entrant, in whole or in part, does not and will not give rise to any alleged or actual Liabilities including but not limited to those for disputes or payment of any kind, including without limitation infringement of intellectual property rights, royalties, residuals, attribution, credit, dues, approval or consultation rights, or any rights of participation, attribution, or intentional or negligent infliction of emotional distress, misappropriation, breach of contract, or any other fees, costs, or expenses, arising out of the submission, use, exhibition and/or any other use or exploitation of the entry, in whole and in part, its use by Sponsor, and the exercise by Sponsor of the rights granted in these Official Rules. By entering the Sweepstakes, entrants grant KAYAK and Booking Holdings the non-exclusive, royalty-free, and irrevocable rights to use, reproduce, copy, publish, display, distribute, perform, translate, adapt, modify, and otherwise exploit the entry, in whole or in part, and to incorporate the entry in other works in any and all markets and media worldwide in perpetuity whether known or hereinafter devised without additional compensation, notification, permission or approval, and entrant hereby waives any moral or other rights they may have in the entry that entrant submits in favor of the Sponsor. If any entry contains material that is offensive, violent, pornographic, obscene, illegal, inappropriate, harmful or racially or morally offensive or if any entry does not comply with these Rules or meet the Sponsor’s standards for any reason, as determined by the Sponsor in its sole discretion, such entry may be disqualified and ineligible for consideration. Entries must comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. The Sponsor shall have no obligation to copy, publish, display, or otherwise exploit the entry/entrant/Finalist.

In the event of any fault, mistake, misunderstanding or dispute concerning the validity of the information supplied by the entrant, or the operation of any part of the Sweepstakes, the decision of the Sponsor shall be final and no correspondence will be entered into.

LIABILITY AND RELEASE: The Sponsor does not accept responsibility for any fault, malfunction, damage, loss or disappointment suffered by any entrant howsoever arising from participating in the Sweepstakes, or from accepting any prize whether due to any error, omission or other cause by the Sponsor, its employees, agents or others to the fullest extent permitted by law.

By entering the Sweepstakes, each entrant agrees for entrant and for entrant’s heirs, executors, and administrators (a) to release and hold harmless the Sponsor and its promotional partners, and their respective subsidiaries, parent, affiliates, directors, officers, employees and agents, and Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (collectively, “Released Parties”) from any threatened or actual claims, actions, liability, illness, injury, death, loss, litigation, costs, fees or damages (“Liability”) that may occur, directly or indirectly at any time, whether caused by negligence or not, from such entrant’s participation in the Sweepstakes and/or his/her acceptance, possession, use, or misuse of any prize or any portion thereof, and/or participation in any prize related activities; (b) to indemnify Released Parties from any and all Liability resulting or arising from the Sweepstakes and to hereby acknowledge that Released Parties have neither made nor are in any manner responsible or liable for any warranty, representation, or guarantee, express or implied, in fact or in law, relative to the Sweepstakes, a Project, or any prize or element thereof; (c) if selected as a Winner, to the posting of such winner’s name and/or blog user name/handle on the Sponsor’s websites and the use by Released Parties of such winner’s name, voice, image, and/or likeness for publicity, promotional, and advertising purposes in any and all media now or hereafter known, throughout the world in perpetuity, without additional compensation, notification, permission, or approval, and, upon request, to the giving of consent, in writing, to such use; and (d) to be bound by these Rules and to waive any right to claim any ambiguity or error therein or in the Sweepstakes itself, and to be bound by all decisions of the Sponsor, which are binding and final. Failure to comply with any provision in these Rules will result in disqualification from the Sweepstakes at the Sponsor’s sole discretion. Further, to the maximum extent permitted by law, and without limiting the foregoing, entrants and winners agrees to release the Released Parties from and against any and all threatened or actual disputes arising at any time directly or indirectly from any dispute brought by any persons or entities (who may be other than a party to the Rules) arising from or related to an entry, participation and/or involvement in any other respect with the Sweepstakes. To the maximum extent permitted by law, and without limiting the foregoing, entrants and winners covenant not to sue any Released Party or cause them to be sued regarding any matter released above; and further covenant not to disaffirm, limit or rescind this release. A waiver by one or more of the Sponsor of any term in these Official Rules does not constitute a waiver of any other provision.

USE OF DATA: The Sponsor may collect personal data about entrants in accordance with its privacy policy. Please review the Sponsor’s privacy policy here. By participating in the Sweepstakes, entrants hereby agree to the Sponsor’s collection and usage of their personal information and acknowledge that they have read and accepted the Sponsor’s privacy policy.

NON-AFFILIATION: This Sweepstakes is in no way organized, sponsored, endorsed, or associated with Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

GOVERNING LAW: For residents of the United States, the Sweepstakes and these rules shall be governed by and interpreted under the laws of the State of Connecticut, U.S.A. without regard to its conflicts of law provisions.

ARBITRATION: BY ENTERING THE SWEEPSTAKES, ENTRANTS AND POTENTIAL WINNERS AGREE THAT EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION FOR ANY AND ALL DISPUTES OF WHATSOEVER KIND OR NATURE ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED IN ANY WAY TO THE SWEEPSTAKES, ALL PARTICIPATION THEREIN AND/OR THESE RULES, SHALL BE SUBMITTED TO BINDING FOR BINDING ARBITRATION IN STAMFORD, CT, BEFORE ONE NEUTRAL ARBITRATOR TO BE MUTUALLY AGREED UPON BY BOTH PARTIES. THE PARTIES AGREE TO SHARE EQUALLY IN THE ARBITRATION COSTS INCURRED. TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE RIGHTS TO LITIGATE, SEEK INJUNCTIVE RELIEF, OR MAKE ANY OTHER RECOURSE TO JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS IN CASE OF DISPUTES OR CLAIMS RESULTING FROM OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS SWEEPSTAKES ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED, AND ALL PARTICIPANTS EXPRESSLY WAIVE ANY AND ALL SUCH RIGHTS.

ADDITIONAL TERMS: The Sponsor reserves the right to permanently disqualify from any Sweepstakes or any other promotion any person they believe has intentionally violated these Rules. Any attempt to deliberately damage the Sweepstakes or the operation thereof is unlawful and subject to legal action by the Sponsor, who may seek damages to the fullest extent permitted by law.

The Sponsor shall have no responsibility or liability for cancellations, delays, or any other change by any company or person providing any element of prize due to reasons beyond the Sponsor’s control, and is not responsible or liable for any expenses incurred as a consequence thereof.

The failure of the Sponsor to comply with any provision of these Rules due to an act of God, hurricane, war, fire, riot, earthquake, terrorism, act of public enemies, actions of governmental authorities outside of the control of the Sponsor (excepting compliance with applicable codes and regulations), or other “force majeure” event will not be considered a breach of these Rules.

Released Parties are not responsible for telecommunications, network, electronic, technical, or computer failures of any kind; for inaccurate transcription of entry information or failure to collect or store any such information; for errors in any promotional or marketing materials, in which case these Rules shall govern; for any human or electronic error; or for entries that are stolen, misdirected, garbled, delayed, lost, late, damaged, or returned. The Sponsor reserves the right to cancel, modify, or suspend the Sweepstakes or any element thereof (including, without limitation, these Rules) without notice in any manner and for any reason (including, without limitation, in the event of any unanticipated occurrence that is not fully addressed in these Rules). If for any reason the Sweepstakes is not capable of running as planned, including infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, cheating, technical or other failures, a force majeure event, or any other causes similar or dissimilar which corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity, or proper conduct of the Sweepstakes, or any element thereof, Sponsor reserves the right at its sole discretion to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Sweepstakes and, in its sole discretion may select winners from all non-suspect entries received prior to the action taken, but only if commercially practicable, fair and feasible to do so as determined by Sponsor in its sole and absolute discretion. Notice of such cancellation, modification, or suspension will be posted on the Sponsor’s website. The Sponsor may prohibit any entrant or potential entrant from participating in the Sweepstakes, if such entrant or potential entrant shows a disregard for these Rules; is suspected of acting with an intent to annoy, abuse, threaten, or harass any other entrant, the Sponsor, or Sponsor’s agents or representatives; or behaves in any other disruptive manner (as determined by the Sponsor in their sole discretion). If any item or provision contained in these Official Rules or any part thereof is declared or becomes unenforceable, invalid or illegal for any reason, all other terms and provisions of these Official Rules shall remain in full force and effect as if these Official Rules had been executed without the offending provision appearing therein.

Sponsor reserves the right to cancel, modify, or suspend the Sweepstakes or any element thereof (including, without limitation, these Rules) without notice in any manner and for any reason (including, without limitation, in the event of any unanticipated occurrence that is not fully addressed in these Rules). In the event of cancellation, modification, or suspension, Sponsor reserves the right to select winners in a random drawing from among all eligible, non-suspect entries received prior to the time of the event warranting such cancellation, modification, or suspension. Notice of such cancellation, modification, or suspension will be posted on Sponsor’s website. Sponsor may prohibit any entrant or potential entrant from participating in the Sweepstakes, if such entrant or potential entrant shows a disregard for these Rules; acts with an intent to annoy, abuse, threaten, or harass any other entrant, Sponsor, or Sponsor’s agents or representatives; or behaves in any other disruptive manner (as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion). The Sponsor reserves the right to modify these Rules for clarification purposes without materially affecting the terms and conditions of the Sweepstakes and in such event will post revised Rules on the website, which will continue to govern all aspects of the Sweepstakes.

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A guide to holiday travel in 2020

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 18:43:32 GMT

The holidays are approaching and before you know it, it’ll be decision time on whether or not you’re staying home or going away. Practicing travel safety is our #1 concern in 2020, and our data is telling us that many travelers will be making a game-time decision when it comes to their holiday plans. Even though overall travel searches are down this year – if the summer holidays are any indication, many travelers won’t be staying home. Here’s where real travelers are searching this holiday season.

This year, our Holiday Travel Hacker Guide looks a little different because *gestures vaguely.* We dug into our data to find the destinations sparking interest for real travelers as some international restrictions loosen, as well as the top spots for longer stays (some inspo for aspiring digital nomads). We’re also sharing real-time holiday flight trends, as well as resources on practicing safe travel (because, regardless if you’re going now or later, the most important thing is to do it safely).

Trending holiday destinations

While everyone has to make decisions that are right for them, some travelers are taking advantage of the international destinations opening up to American travelers this holiday season. And we get it. Because, as travelers ourselves, the desire to experience the world hasn’t been stopped by 2020. These destinations are all seeing an increase in searches, when compared to last year, for the holiday season on our site and app – and are all currently open to American visitors (as of 11/16).

See the list

Destinations for digital nomads

Home for the holidays has a whole new meaning this year. Especially for those who’ve decided that in 2020, “home” can be anywhere. We’ve found the top destinations that are seeing an increase in searches, when compared to last year, for stays longer than 7 days. So you can live that digital nomad life in style.

See the list

Holiday season trends dashboard

We’ve updated our flight trends dashboard to include real-time flight search data for the holiday season. Find out which spots are seeing the most traveler interest this year so you can be better informed as you think about your own travel plans – either now or in the future.

In addition to our destinations lists, we’ve also included key resources on practicing safe travel and a round-up of resources that can help you every step of the way, as well as a deep dive into holiday travel trends. So that whatever you decide the holidays will look like for you, you can be sure you have the information you need to navigate them the right way: safely and responsibly.

See the trends

Note: It may go without saying, but as travel restrictions are frequently changing – be sure to double-check current advisories and local laws about travel to a certain city, state or country before you book.

Go to the guide

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Tips for babyproofing your vacation rental

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 15:31:56 GMT

Congratulations! You’re traveling with a baby. While you’ve likely made every preparation to babyproof your home – from cabinet locks to outlet covers to baby gates – we’re guessing you’re not exactly sure what the protocol is for bringing that level of safety to someone else’s vacation home. Like, do you pack all your bumpers and knob covers, or will taping a few cabinets shut suffice? Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of things you’ll need when staying in a vacation rental – and we’ve organized it room-by-room.

Babyproofing the kitchen

Having a kitchen is one of the main benefits of booking a vacation rental and the kitchen will definitely need babyproofing.

Cabinets: While you won’t want to install cabinet locks that will damage the property, you’ll want an extra layer of safety in the kitchen. Consider bringing along some magnetic locks or, if you know the cabinets have handles, you can use easily removable locks or zip ties, or even rig it with a few rubber bands.
Cleaning products: If your host has left cleaning products for you, they are likely in a convenient cupboard, cabinet or under the kitchen sink. Move all of the items to a high shelf or cabinet that is completely out of baby’s reach.
Sharp objects: Make sure knives, glasses, ceramic dishware and other breakable items are out of reach. Stash them in upper cabinets (safely, so they don’t fall) or even move to a closet if you don’t plan to use them.
Appliances: Many vacation rentals have a good selection of kitchen appliances for your convenience. Move toasters, coffee makers and other items out of reach. You’ll also want to unplug them while they are not in use.
High chairs: A high chair can keep your baby occupied and entertained while you are cooking dinner or making breakfast. If your host doesn’t supply a high chair, consider renting one from a baby gear rental company like BabyQuip.

Babyproofing the living room

This is the room where you should get down on your hands and knees and look at things from your baby’s perspective. It looks much different down there and babyproofing is essential. Bring or rent a play yard if you think you’ll need to keep baby contained for periods of time without the threat of them getting into something dangerous.

Outlets: Locate all of the electrical outlets and put covers on them. They are cheap, small and easy to pack in your suitcase.
Cords: There will likely be televisions, DVD players, lamps, etc., which all have cords that need to be tucked away where baby can’t get to them. If they are out in the open without the option to hide them, try to rearrange furniture to block them off.
Television: You might have your own television secured to the wall so it can’t tip over, however, your vacation rental host may not have done this. If you know your baby is apt to knock it over, consider your options before you arrive. If you have questions about this or anything else you can’t discern from the rental’s photos, ask before you book.
Blinds and curtains: If the blinds or curtains have cords, wrap them up on the curtain rods where baby can’t get to them.
Coffee and end tables: These items tend to have sharp corners and can cause some serious crying and bruises if baby bumps into them. Either move these to a different location or put inexpensive corner bumpers/guards on them. If neither of those is an option, cover them with thick fluffy blankets that your host is sure to have somewhere in the house.
Knickknacks and breakables: Does your host proudly display local ornate shells on a glass shelf? This is obvious, but move the breakables out of reach.

Babyproofing the bedroom

Figure out where the baby will be sleeping and take care of all of the babyproofing actions already mentioned along with the following. You’ll want this to be baby’s favorite room in the house so they feel secure and comfortable enough to sleep
soundly.

Tall dressers or wardrobes: If there are tall pieces of furniture, make sure baby can’t climb them and tip them over.
Windows: If the bedroom is located on a second level, check the windows to make sure they are locked and move furniture away from them.
Cribs: Many vacation rental hosts have cribs available for babies and they are important items to consider when babyproofing. If the host has provided bumpers, pillows or any other soft items, remove them from the crib. Babies should never sleep with soft items to prevent suffocation. If the rental doesn’t have a crib on-premise, you can easily rent one from BabyQuip.
Tall baskets or hampers: While it’s unlikely that your host has a clothes hamper in the bedroom, they may have a tall basket or two. Babies and toddlers can easily fall into baskets head first and not be able to get themselves out.
Toy boxes: Some hosts offer random toys at their vacation rentals. If they store them inside a toy box, remove the lid and place it in the closet. If the lid is not removable, just remove the toys from the box altogether. It’s possible for babies and small children to get trapped inside a toy box.

Babyproofing the bathroom

This is an easy room when it comes to babyproofing. There isn’t a ton to do here and it’s easy to shut the door if you don’t want your child to get in, but keep the following in mind.

Water temperature: Since you don’t know how the water heater is set at your vacation rental, test the water. Bring a bath thermometer and make sure to feel the water before letting your child play in the sink or the tub.
Bathtub grippers: Throw some tub grippers in a baggie and bring them to your vacation rental just in case the tub isn’t already equipped.
Cleaning products: This was mentioned previously, but it’s worth mentioning again. While your host isn’t likely storing prescription medications in the medicine cabinet, they might have cleaning products under the bathroom sink or in the linen closet. Move them out of reach.

General babyproofing to keep in mind

There are several things you want to consider for baby’s (and the entire family’s) safety. Think about these things when booking your vacation rental. They may or may not already be provided.

Carbon monoxide detector: Find out before you book if there is a CO2 detector in the home and consider other options (like bringing your own plug-in one) should installation not be possible before your arrival.
Fire extinguisher: Is there a fire extinguisher? If so, is it in a handy place and do you know how to use it? Also, check to make sure it’s not expired.
Smoke detectors: It’s the law to have smoke detectors in every rental property, however, you might want to ask the property host or manager to test them or check the batteries (if they aren’t hardwired) before you arrive.
Doorknob covers: For successful babyproofing, it’s a great idea to pack a few doorknob covers in your suitcase for the rooms you really don’t want your child to get into. Maybe there is a door leading down a flight of stairs to the basement or into a room you just don’t want your child going in.
Baby gates: If there’s a specific room that seems too daunting for babyproofing, find out if your vacation rental host has a baby gate you can use to block off an entire room. Problem solved.

We get that you want peace of mind during your stay, and if that means a well baby-proofed rental, then have at it. Be sure to consider each room and what you need to ask, bring, buy or rent to ensure you and baby feel safe and secure.

In partnership with BabyQuip.

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5 things to pack for your next family road trip

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 16:36:28 GMT

Family road trips are a great way to spend time and connect with your loved ones while traveling, but they also come with their own set of challenges. Let’s be honest, traveling with kids is not always easy – and road trips can be even more complex.

Alongside the hard work that goes into your typical family vacation, you’ll also need to prep for keeping kids safe, happy and entertained during long stretches of driving.

Before setting off on what’s sure to be an unforgettable trip, don’t leave home without adding these 5 must-haves to your packing list. So you can spend less time stressing and more time enjoying the ride.

The right car seat

If you’re renting a car for your trip, you may be asking yourself if you should rent a car seat from the rental agency or bring your own. While rental car companies often have car seats and boosters on offer, the price can be high (if you’re taking a week-long trip, it may set up back between $6-$100). And, while rental car companies have upped their sanitation policies in response to COVID-19, you may feel more comfortable bringing your own seat.

That said, bringing your own comes with its own set of challenges. Lugging around a car seat or bulky booster can be problematic (especially if any part of your trip involves flying). Instead, consider a compact and portable option, like the mifold grab-and-go booster seat. While meeting safety regulations FMVSS 213, the mifold booster is comfortable, small and simple to use. It also easily fits into your carry-on or tote and takes up minimal space in the back of your car.

Packing cubes

Unlike vacations where you’re going directly from point A to point B, road trips are about the journey. But this also means there will be more stops in different locations and digging into suitcases to find what you need at each one can be time consuming and disorganized. Packing cubes can help you create some order. Use separate cubes for different destinations or legs of the trip, or assign different colors to each child to help make it even easier for everyone.

An assortment of snacks

Every parent knows that no matter what, five mins into any car journey, you will hear the words, I’m hungry! When road tripping, your best bet will be mess-free items like pretzels and fruit – especially if you’re renting a car. You can also pack a small cooler to keep drinks cold, but limiting liquid consumption can be wise, especially when driving through areas without many rest stops.

Games and activity books

It is not easy to keep kids entertained, whether it is in the car or on a plane. While some kids may have access to a tablet to keep them occupied, it’s also important to engage them in other ways. What about interactive road trip games the whole family can play? Always bring something you know they like and perhaps one new item that will get them excited. Think about games that are not too big and definitely not ones that are going to make a mess. If your kids like art, pack coloring books and crayons, but skip markers or anything that will be difficult to remove from your car’s interior. Or, to avoid any potential messes completely, use Krayon – digital coloring books available right in the KAYAK app (on iOS devices).

Masks, hand sanitizer and cleansing wipes

Now more than ever, concern for germs is a top priority. Pack an in-car kit of all the items you’ll need to ensure safety and sanitation after every rest stop. Make sure you have enough face coverings for the whole family. A box of disposable masks can be kept in your car, or reusable ones are a great choice – just make sure you bring back-ups for when they need to be washed. Also pack hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes to quickly wash down high-touch surfaces in restaurants and restrooms.

In partnership with mifold.
Written by Rachel Gerstler, mother of 3, Child Passenger Safety Technician and Brand Manager at mifold.

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Practice Safe Travel

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 13:33:18 GMT

Holiday travel will look different this year. We won’t see airports as packed as we have in years past, but our search data shows that many will not stay home. Whether it’s for a special occasion (the holidays are fast approaching) or you just need to get away, if you’re going to do it, do it safely.

Our new, provocative PSA-style ads aim to grab travelers’ attention and make sure safety is top of mind when traveling. You’ll be seeing them in several major airports to ensure travelers who are en route to their next destinations are reminded of the importance of practicing these precautions in real-time. You’ll also see them on social media, where we know many of our followers are considering future travel. All in all, our hope is that this tongue-in-cheek, creative approach to illustrating the CDC’s guidelines will not only grab your attention – but also will give travelers the reminder they need to put safety first.

Not to mention, we’re doing this alongside our existing tools and resources aimed at helping users navigate health and safety policies and recommendations. Because we want to ensure you’re equipped with the information you need to travel as safely as possible.

3 things to remember before heading to the airport:

Wear a mask. Currently, all US airports and airlines require masks be worn by everyone over the age of two. If you’re traveling with a child, it can help to practice keeping a mask on ahead of time. If you’re an adult and don’t want to wear one, reconsider your plans until regulations change so that you are in compliance with the rules.

Bring hand sanitizer. While liquids typically need to be less than 3.4oz to carry on, hand sanitizer can currently be up to 12oz – but check requirements before you go for any changes. Also, keep in mind, if it’s over 3.4oz, it will require extra screening.

Social distance. Whenever possible, stay at least 6 feet away from other travelers. Follow instructions from airport personnel and pay attention to posted signs as you navigate more crowded areas like check-in or airport security.

For more tips and tools for traveling safely, we’ve put together a safe travel guide to take you from take-off to landing and everything in between.

Safe travel guide

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Holiday travel trends: Longer trips, cheaper flights and last-minute travel plans

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 14:20:38 GMT

The holiday season, like everything else, will look different in 2020.

That’s especially true for travel. Despite KAYAK’s data showing that lower prices and flexible travel options are more accessible now than ever, travel interest for the winter holidays is still seeing drastic declines. Domestic flight searches are down 81% and hotel searches are down 74%, compared to the same holiday period last year.

But if we look at 2020 travel trends to know what to expect in an unexpected year, this may not be the full story. Ahead of the 2020 summer holidays (Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day), KAYAK saw travel interest pick up about 40 days ahead of the respective holidays and peak one day prior. So if summer travel behavior is any indication, it seems like travelers are waiting longer to book.

According to a recent survey of 1,116 Americans, 45% revealed they haven’t yet made plans to travel this holiday season. So while some travelers will be staying home for the holidays, it looks like others may just be slacking on their holiday plans.

We dug into our data and find some key insights to help you prepare for your own plans. Read on for the travel trends popping this holiday season.

Extended stays are the new short getaways.

With the majority of colleges wrapping up the semester mid-November and many offices continuing to offer flexible work from home policies, holiday travel can start sooner and end later. KAYAK’s data shows a substantial increase in searches for trip durations of seven to 20 days for both flights and hotels compared to the prior year for the same time period. In fact, flight searches for trips between 14-20 days are up 26% compared to last year. And searches for hotel stays for 14-20 days are up 43% compared to last year. So, if you’ve been considering giving that digital nomad life a try, you’re not alone.

Spontaneous trips gain momentum.

It’s hard to plan ahead with so much uncertainty around COVID-19. So it makes sense that last-minute travel continues to trend. According to KAYAK data, hotel searches within two days of travel have increased significantly year over year (from 28% in 2019 to 36% in 2020). Flight searches follow a similar trend with searches for less than two weeks up from 29% in 2019 to 41% in 2020. But with most airlines all but doing away with change fees, travelers may want to consider taking advantage of that great flight price and making a call closer to their travel dates.

Alternative accommodations are on the rise.

Travelers are getting creative with their travel plans. In addition to booking last-minute and planning longer trips, they’re also in the market for alternative accommodations, such as cabins, chalets, cottages or RVs. These rentals and unique accommodations account for 50% of holiday clicks compared to 38% in 2019. Staying in a rental may offer more privacy, fewer interactions with staff and other guests and – for travelers staying longer, especially – a feeling of being at home (but the benefit of it being not your home). If you’re considering alternative accommodations during the holidays, here are our tips.

KAYAK has access to more than 450,000 rentals and unique accommodations in the United States alone. Find rentals alongside hotels in your search results, or filter to find exactly what you’re looking for. From castles to cabins, here’s what you might find when you search rentals and unique accommodations on KAYAK.

Destinations with outdoor activities motivate winter travelers.

Major cities that typically lure US travelers with over-the-top holiday cheer are being replaced with warm weather destinations and ski towns. New York, Los Angeles and Las Vegas are seeing drops in interest with searches down between 80% and 85% year over year, while Denver, Salt Lake City, Cancun and Honolulu are among the top trending destinations when compared to 2019.

For those willing to travel, Florida leads with the biggest domestic flight deals.

Domestic flight prices are down nearly 16% year over year for the holidays. More specifically, it’s cities in Florida seeing some of the biggest price drops including Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Orlando – all of which are seeing price drops between 29% and 34% compared to the prior year for the same time period. But it’s always important to stay up-to-date on travel advisories and restrictions as you start planning. We’ve put together a guide of resources to help you get started – from an interactive travel restrictions map to tips for every part of your trip.

Methodology

For flight and hotel decreases, KAYAK considered flight and hotel searches for July 1 through August 31, 2020 for travel between November 15, 2020 to January 4, 2021 compared to the year prior.
YouGov Survey Methodology: This survey has been conducted using an online interview administered to members of the YouGov Plc panel of individuals who have agreed to take part in surveys. Emails are sent to panelists selected at random from the base sample. The e-mail invites them to take part in a survey and provides a generic survey link. Total sample size was 1,116 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between September 26th – 28th, 2020. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all US adults (aged 18+).
Top trending destinations are based on YoY search trends from July 1 through August 31, 2020 for travel between November 15, 2020 to January 4, 2021 compared to the year prior.
Destinations with the biggest deals are based on YoY price change from July 1 through August 31, 2020 for travel between November 15, 2020 to January 4, 2021 compared to the year prior.
To determine the nearly 16 percent decrease in flight price, we looked at all domestic flights with search dates of 7/1 – 8/31 and travel dates of 11/15 – 1/4.
Data on extended stays is based on searches within the U.S. from July 1 through August 31, 2020 for travel between November 15, 2020 to January 4, 2021 compared to the year prior.
Last minute travel methodology: Data on last minute travel is based on US hotel clicks for search dates between 7/1 – 8/31 compared to same dates the year prior.
- Hotel Clicks (Travel within 2 days) – 2019: 27% of clicks, 2020: 40% of clicks
- Hotel Searches (Travel within 2 days)- 2019: 28% of searches, 2020: 36% of searches
- Flight Clicks (Travel within 14 days)- 2019: 29% of clicks, 2020: 44% of clicks
- Flight Searches (Travel within 14 days)-2019: 29% of searches, 2020: 41% of searches
To determine the increase in alternative accommodations, we looked at hotel vs non hotel searches from July 1 through August 31, 2020 for travel between November 15, 2020 to January 4, 2021 compared to the year prior.

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Search vacation rentals and unique accommodations alongside hotels

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 13:14:07 GMT

What’s better than finding the right hotel for your next trip? Being able to see all of your accommodation options in one search. Lucky for you, when you search on KAYAK, that’s exactly what you’ll get – an all-encompassing search that combines all our accommodation options in one place. Cabins, cottages and villas, oh my.

In addition to hotels, KAYAK has access to more than 450,000 rentals and unique accommodations in the United States alone. Plus, we search some of your favorite booking sites – like Vrbo – to help you find the vacation rental of your dreams.

Looking for alternative accommodations? You’re not alone. Interest in rentals and unique properties is up for the holiday season – learn more on our 2020 holiday trends forecast.

And if you’re in the market for a hotel, we have those too. Our filters make it easy to see only the types of accommodation you’re looking for.

Easily filter your search results to show only hotels. Or only rentals. Or leave it open and search by price to see all of the options in your price range. Our powerful filters make it simple to drill down until you find an accommodation that meets your needs. Maybe you didn’t realize that mountain cabin was the same price as the hotel room you were leaning towards. With KAYAK, you won’t make that mistake twice.

Did you know you could stay in a castle? There are more than 30 of them in the US ready for you to book. Wondering what else you may find when you search? Here are some of the highlights from around the US.

Search accommodations

Methodology: Statistics on the number of properties available on KAYAK is based on internal reporting of active listings in the United States.

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Rediscover NYC with Neighborhood Getaways from NYC Go

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 16:05:08 GMT

The NYC of fall 2020 may look a bit different than at the beginning of the year. Things are quieter, restaurants are outdoors, faces are masked. But this is a testament to New York’s ability to swiftly adapt while not losing its magic. In fact, New Yorkers are still all-in on NYC, and travelers should be too.

From iconic restaurants to cultural experiences to authentic hospitality – everything you love about a weekend well-spent can be found in New York. To celebrate their favorite city, our friends at NYC & Company have teamed up with Mastercard to launch NYC Go: Neighborhood Getaways. With a fantastic list of activities, sights, and places to stay and eat, find everything you need to plan the perfect NYC getaway – whether you live in or out of the city.

And as an added bonus, those with a Mastercard can get up to $100 back* when you use your card on select offers at NYC hotels, restaurants, tours and more.

Wondering where to start? We’ve put together a weekend itinerary for anyone who wants to discover – or rediscover – what makes this city one of the best in the world.

Find a restaurant

Friday night

Change out of your day sweats and hit the town. Start with some culture – enjoy ‘pay what you wish” admission at both the American Museum of Natural History and Whitney Museum of Art. Then, make your dollars do some good: dine at Tarallucci e Vino locations (like their Union Square one) and 5% of your bill will be donated to help frontline workers. End your night at a hotel that packs in the perks: Bristol Plaza is offering complimentary room upgrades, Walker Hotel in Greenwich Village is giving guests a bottle of wine to “Wine Down,” while others like AC Hotels are offering late checkouts.

Saturday

Make today your day to see the city from new angles. After grabbing a classic NYC coffee-and-a-bagel, start your day with an oh so touristy but actually amazing Big Bus Tour of the city. Lean into the tour director’s cheesy jokes and enjoy the views. Then, take a bird’s eye view from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck (offering 20% off admission) or – for the adventurous – by boarding a helicopter with HeliNY (offering $40 off their tours). By midday, you might be ready for a break. Instead of trekking back to your hotel, opt for a nap in one of the pristine pods of The Rest Room (offering 50% off cabin and pod rentals).

After your snooze, swap land for sea with a discounted ride on Adirondack Sailing Excursions for a sunset sail. Finish the night with a glass of (free) bubbly and meal from Crosby Bar and Terrace.

Sunday

Enjoy a lazy Sunday strolling through some of NYC’s pristine gardens. The Queens Botanical Garden is offering a buy one, get one deal on admission, while the New York Botanical Garden is giving 20% off its Garden Pass tickets. Before you call it a day, head to City Vineyard at Pier 26 to enjoy their $35 prix fixe menu, and a glass of something to warm you up.

Whether a hotel stay, night out or weekend acting like a tourist is in the cards, let NYC Go’s Neighborhood Getaways get you reacquainted with the city that has your heart.

*Terms apply, see rules here.

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Tips for flying during COVID-19

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 14:28:03 GMT

Whether you’re missing long-distance loved ones or are just considering your options for travel now or in the future, flying may be on your mind. While there are always risks to traveling during COVID-19, flying may be a lower-risk option than you thought.

Read on for what to know about flying during COVID-19 and get our tips for making the experience as safe as possible.

Filtered air is actually your friend.

Sure, planes have a tendency to dry out your skin, but that same air that used to be a cause of dermatological woes is actually on your side during COVID-19. According to the CDC, “most viruses and other germs do not spread easily on flights because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes.” According to WHO, ventilation systems on modern aircraft provide a total change of cabin air 20-30 times per hour. And the recirculated air is typically passed through HEPA (that’s high-efficiency particulate air filtration if you’re ever on Jeopardy) filters, which remove more than 99% of airborne particles. Ultimately, according to IATA, between these HEPA filters, cleanliness protocol and additional procedures, “the current likelihood of contracting the virus while on flights is extremely low.” That said, it’s also on you to follow safety protocol, including wearing a mask in flight.

Choose your destination wisely.

Travel restrictions can change quickly, with more states and countries reopening and others potentially pausing their reopening plans. Because rules can vary by destination and often be further dependent on where you’re coming from, it’s important to stay up to date before you book. Use our Travel Restrictions maps (both international and domestic) as a starting point to see current restrictions, COVID-19 numbers by destination and to set alerts so you’ll be in the know when restrictions change for any selected destinations.

If you still haven’t chosen a destination, we’ve added a COVID-19 filter to our Explore map, so you can see the number of active cases in each destination while you’re planning, alongside flight prices. While both of these resources are great starting points, it’s always best to check with applicable government authorities once you’ve selected your destination.

Book flights with peace of mind.

Even with the most careful of planning, it’s impossible to fully know what the future holds. Most airlines have recently all but done away with change fees, so you can be comfortable booking that great flight price now and canceling later for any reason if needed. Again, it’s always best to check with your airline provider to confirm their flight change and cancellation policies.

Know the protocols of the airline you’re flying before you book.

Different airlines have added different safety and sanitation policies to make flying safer and more comfortable for travelers. From how often planes are cleaned to whether middle seats will be left empty. One airline is even implementing rapid COVID-19 testing on one route (San Francisco to Hawaii). But it’s especially important to pay attention to the dates of these policies. For example, while many airlines are leaving middle seats empty for a time, if this is important to you, you’ll want to ensure this is still the case for your future travel dates.

KAYAK also shows flights with added safety and sanitation protocol right in your search results. To compare what different airlines are doing, we’ve rounded up some of the health and safety policies.

Follow the rules.

Know the rules going into your trip and be prepared to follow them. Masks are currently mandatory for all flights. If you’re traveling with children over two years old, they’ll likely be required to wear a mask for the duration of the flight. Preparing them for this and practicing ahead of time can make the experience easier.

Consider more than just your time in the air.

Because of the way air circulates and is filtered, your time spent in the air may actually bear you less risk of exposure to COVID-19 than everything that happens before and after. From getting to the airport to navigating security to waiting to board, it’s important to limit your contact with others as much as possible, avoid high-touch surfaces and sanitize your hands often. Opt for taxi or ride-share over public transportation. If you do the latter, avoid pooled rides.

Check-in online and print your boarding pass at home.

Limiting unnecessary contact is the name of the game. By checking in online and printing your boarding pass at home, you’ll be able to avoid interacting with airline personnel to check-in, as well as avoiding touching the high-touch surfaces of airport kiosks. You can also opt for a mobile boarding pass, but be sure to pack wipes and remember to disinfect your phone once you’re through the checkpoint. Pro tip: Use KAYAK Trips to keep all of your information organized.

Opt for a carry-on over a checked bag.

Avoid unnecessary interactions and multiple additional people handling your luggage by traveling with only a carry-on if you can. While there’s still a chance your bag will need to be inspected at airport security, packing light will make this easier. And this will still result in less hands on your baggage than if you were to check it.

Be a savvy flyer.

While being a prepared traveler was always appreciated, it’s even more important during COVID-19. The goal is to spend as little time in crowds as possible, which means getting through airport security quickly. Here are some tips to consider:

Wear slip-on shoes (but don’t forget socks).
Avoid accessories and unnecessary layers. If you’d have to remove it to get through security, don’t wear it to the airport.
Have your boarding pass and ID easily accessible.
Be extra mindful of liquids in your luggage. (Don’t forget to pack a hand sanitizer that’s 3oz or less!).
Keep your electronics in easy-to-find places.

Consider applying for a travel program to get you through security faster.

Programs that allow you to breeze through security faster, with less time spent in line and less direct contact, are extra beneficial right now. With programs like TSA Precheck™ or CLEAR, you’ll often be in a separate (shorter) line, which likely means a quicker experience. Plus, you’ll get to leave jackets, shoes and belts on, as well as keep your laptop and liquids in your carry-on bag. According to the official website, 99% of TSA PreCheck™ users waited less than five minutes in August 2020.

Do your part when you return home.

Once you return from your trip, follow the rules required for re-entry. You may be required to quarantine for two weeks or take a COVID-19 test. And, even if it’s not required, taking one of these two steps can give you peace of mind and the assurance that you’re doing your part to slow the spread.

Start planning

Thinking about accommodation? Compare hotels and vacation rentals side-by-side in our comprehensive accommodation search. And once you’ve decided, here are our tips for staying in a hotel and tips for staying in a rental during COVID-19.

The post Tips for flying during COVID-19 appeared first on Travel Hacker Blog.

Tips for long road trips with kids

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 19:54:17 GMT

Who’s got an epic road trip playlist, a cooler full of snacks and enough sunscreen to coat your kids 30x over? That’s right, you do. But even the most prepared parent/guardian/fun aunt can check all the boxes on how to prepare for long road trips with kids, and still be left at mile 354 with a now-empty cooler and a backseat seething with boredom. Have no fear, with these tips and tricks you’ll never have to hear the nagging question… ‘are we there yet?’ again!

Before you hit the road

Organize your itinerary and packing list. There’s a lot to check before you get on the highway (or low-way). We put together our top tips and checklists to ensure you have what you need before you go. We also recommend that if you’re road-tripping with young kids, pack a few barf bags. Car-sickness in children is real. To teach your kids about why car sickness happens (and give them some skills on how to prevent it), check out this video.

Prepare for the inevitable messes. Small children can create some serious messes and oopsies are bound to happen. If you’re prepared, you can clean up quickly and go about your way. Keep a bag within arms reach (not in the trunk under your suitcase) packed with extra clothes and diapers along with wipes, paper towels, sanitizer and large resealable plastic bags for smelly or wet messes.
Don’t forget the essentials. We also recommend making a list of the soothing and comforting items your baby or child absolutely needs and checking it twice before you head out on long road trips with kids. Does your child have a favorite stuffed animal or blanket that they can’t fall asleep without? Check and double-check that these things are in the car before you pull out of the driveway.
But only pack what you need. Some of the stress of traveling with babies and small kids is thinking about everything you need to bring to keep them content and happy at your destination. You’ll likely want a stroller, a high chair, a pack ‘n play, maybe a bouncy seat and a swing, but unless you are renting a moving truck, you’ll likely never get everything packed in your car comfortably. Did you know you can rent everything at your destination instead? Baby gear rental companies like BabyQuip will deliver everything you need right to your destination. How’s that for a road trip win?

Pack a cooler… then pack it some more. When it comes to road trip snacks, always pack a bit more than you think you need. Traffic jams, “closed for lunch” signs and other hazards of the road can push mealtimes back and amplify those hangry mumbles. Mess-free snacks are best for long road trips with kids (especially if you rented a car!) but we forgive you if you pack large bags of cheddar puffs and boxes of sticky fruit snacks. You’ll just want to get your kid’s car seats cleaned when you get home!

Curate the playlist. We get that you’ve been dreaming about introducing your kids to the music you listened to in 8th grade, but when it comes to road trips – relinquish control over the tunes. Let the kids pick out a few bops they’d like to hear while on the road so your list is truly family-friendly. Hit shuffle play and bet on whose tune will show up next. In-car dance contests are highly encouraged (unless you’re the driver, of course).

Plan, plan, plan… bathroom breaks. For anyone who’s been 20 minutes into a ride when the “I have to go to the bathrooooooom” starts, this is for you. Before you go, have several spots picked out along the way that’ll make for decent stops. Pack disinfecting wipes, spray and a roll of toilet paper, just in case. And get comfortable with nature pees.

Manage expectations. Decide before you get on the highway what the ride will look like for your kids, and communicate it to them. Everything from naps to screentime to stops along the way, If your kids get antsy (and car seats aren’t an issue), have them switch places every so often to get a different “view.” You can even put together a fun itinerary (with pictures for pre-readers) that helps them visualize what will happen next.

Tools of the trade

New toys for the ride. It goes without saying that you’re going to need several toys to keep your child engaged on a long road trip. But, you may want to consider a new toy (or two). New doesn’t have to mean expensive, just the novelty of something new may capture your child’s attention for a bit longer. Perhaps pack a few small, inexpensive wrapped toys that you can share at intervals during long, uneventful stretches of the drive. Congrats, you just won yourself some car ride peace and quiet!

A paper map. Employ this handy tool to a) use if your GPS/phone loses WiFi and b) so your kids can follow along on the journey (and learn some geography on the way). Bring some paper and pens and have them draw their own maps, based on the journey you’re taking – you can even bring an extra map and encourage them to draw on that. Ask them to imagine how far you’re traveling or what kind of landscape you’re going through.

A few fun apps.

Krayon – Keep the kiddos creative without the mess of markers jeopardizing the interior of your rental car with Krayon in the KAYAK app. Kids can choose from tons of travel pictures and color digitally from their smartphone or tablet.
Star Walk – No doubt you’ll be driving at night or have to make an overnight stop somewhere. The Star Walk app lets you point your phone at the sky and discover which stars, planets, and constellations are above you. It’s fun and education all in one.
Roadside America – Like to get a little weird? The Roadside America app enhances your road trip by mapping out all of the kitsch, bizarre, and one-of-a-kind points of interest along the route. You can also use our Road Trips Nearby tool to see points of interest within a short driving distance.

On the road

Do boring portions of the ride at night. If you can time it right, tackling some of the long stretches of highway with nothing to see while the kids are sleeping can help alleviate some of the stress of traveling with small children. Just get the rest you need before you head out.
Road games. These can be old-school car games or modern ones that get your kids looking around and out the windows. in other words, something that will get them off their devices.

Road Sign ABCs – Look for road signs, billboards, bumper stickers and license plates and search for the letters of the alphabet starting at A and ending at Z. If your children are young, play along to keep them engaged and give them hints at where the letters are.
I Spy – This is always a fun road trip activity and is easy for everyone. The first person says, “I spy…” then describes something inside the car. Typically with a color or a basic shape. Then everyone guesses. This game can easily chew up an entire hour of the ride.
Silly Storytelling – This is a game even your littlest talking traveler can participate in. This is simple and silly storytelling at its finest. Each passenger makes up the silliest story they can think of and tells everyone else. The smiles and laughter will make great road trip memories.

Pull over. While truck stops are convenient for quick bathroom breaks, you may want to consider looking for some other fun opportunities to stretch your legs along the way.

Playgrounds – Letting your kids climb on play equipment for 20 minutes or kick around a soccer ball can do wonders for the body and mind on a long road trip. Download an app like Playground Buddy before your trip so you can find playgrounds along your route.
Roadside attractions – Those brown “Attractions” signs and boastful roadside markers promising the “World’s largest whatever” – heed them well. Look for farm stands, oddities and antique barn sales. Don’t get so committed to making your next marker that you forget that the whole fun of driving is being in control of the journey.

Relax your position on screentime. If you’re not keen on letting your kids go wild on Roblox or watch Peppa Pig for five hours, think about setting them up with an educational app like ABC Mouse or an educational movie. Pro tip: Don’t forget to pack headphones or earbuds for your kids so you don’t have to listen in.

Enforce quiet time. Especially on long trips, make sure you have mandated quiet. Radio off, talking stopped… silence. With nappers, it’s easy to time this during regular naptime. For older kids, this might prove a bit more difficult. But if you can eek in even 20 minutes of silence, looking out the windows, it’ll help reset everyone’s energy for the rest of the trip.

Final note

Listen, long road trips with kids aren’t about making great time, having a perfectly quiet ride, or speeding through places so you’re in the hotel dining room by 6. They’re meant for lingering a little longer, enjoying that second ice cream cone to calm everyone down, and pulling over to look out across the mountains. So relish in these moments together. We hope this helps you make your road trippin’ adventure with small children easier and more fun! So, get out there and see the world, what are you waiting for?

In partnership with BabyQuip

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Discover, plan and share with KAYAK Road Trip Guides

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 15:03:28 GMT

With many travelers choosing drivable destinations and staying closer to home, road trips are having a moment. Plus, they allow for plenty of outdoor experiences and ample social distancing. After months inside, it’s a win/win.

We added KAYAK Guides to our travel toolkit last year, giving travelers the ability to create and share their own tried-and-true travel itineraries with friends, family and followers. Now, with the popularity of road trips, we’ve added a new feature to the mix – allowing for custom road trip routes. Create a Road Trip Guide and plot all the places to stop along the way.

Getting started

Log in to your KAYAK account to find your guides and create new ones. When you create a new Guide, you can choose to make it a Road Trip, set your starting point and start adding points of interest along your route.

As you add places, watch them populate on the map and trace your route. After your guide is complete, we’ll calculate how many miles you’ll be covering and how long it will take you to complete the drive so you can confidently plan your trip.

Customize your guide

Create different sections. Break up your guide by different parts of your trip by creating different sections. Split it out by destination or by day or any other method that makes sense for your trip.

Add custom place names. Adding places, but want to change the name of a location to be more descriptive? Edit the point-of-interest name directly in the Guide.

Change your cover photo. Looking to set the tone with your cover image? Choose from a selection of images to make your guide your own.

Save and share

When you’re done with your guide, publish it and easily share the short link with friends, family and social media followers alike. You’ll also be able to find your guides when you log in to KAYAK – a great way to remember your travels or prep for upcoming trips.

Get inspired

Looking for inspiration before you create your own Road Trip Guide? We’ve put together four cross-country trips perfect for fall. Tackle our routes or use them as jumping-off points as you start planning your own trips. You can even customize these guides to tailor them to your needs – removing places you’d rather skip or adding additional points of interest.

The Ultimate Fall Foliage Road Trip

With peak season varying across the US, there are plenty of chances to catch stunning fall colors. And there’s no better way to experience the changing foliage than a road trip.

Cross-Country Educational Road Trip

Making learning exciting by visiting historical locations across the country. From history to wildlife and fascinating museums, we’ve got it all. Grab the family, jump in the car and start exploring.

The Ultimate Spooky US Road Trip

Halloween may look different this year but just because haunted houses are out, doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself to a good scare. This cross-country road trip has thrills and chills to spare.

The Great American Road Trip

Is there anything quite like a quintessential US road trip that takes you from coast to coast? Here’s how to experience this iconic road trip for yourself.

Ready to plan your own road trip? Start creating your own guides now.

Create a guide

The post Discover, plan and share with KAYAK Road Trip Guides appeared first on Travel Hacker Blog.

Extend your summer with vacation rentals across the country

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 13:27:03 GMT

Why does summer have to end after Labor Day? It’s 2020, time is irrelevant. So put on your best white pants and turn fall into summer 2.0. From backyard camping to hitting the open road, people are embracing all types of travel, and there’s no reason not to get out there and enjoy the sunshine (safely, of course).

According to KAYAK data, travelers are getting creative with their fall travel plans. In fact, alternative accommodations (think cabins, cottages and RVs) account for 44% of accommodation clicks for stays this September.

So this fall, why not savor summer a bit longer? With social distancing a top priority, we’re featuring rentals in destinations across the country with appealing vacancy rates in September – which means more options and fewer crowds – so you can make the most of this extended season.

Whatever you’re in the mood for – a mountain villa in Breckenridge, Colorado, a beach house in Folly Beach, South Carolina, a luxe cabin in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, a waterfront condo in Ocean City, Maryland, a private pool in Scottsdale, Arizona, or a cozy cottage in the Hamptons, New York – we have you covered.

To get you started, we’ve highlighted a few properties in each city, but there are plenty more where those came from. Search all available properties for your travel dates to find the one that’s just right for you.

Since travel looks a little (OK, a lot) different this year, it’s also important to stay informed. Which is why we’ve compiled a hub of resources to make planning travel during COVID-19 a little bit easier – from a guide to travel provider health and safety policies to tips on planning travel (including finding flexible options should you need to cancel).

So, get out there. The weather is still nice and time is a construct. Summer 2.0 is just beginning.

Reboot your summer

Methodology: KAYAK alternative accommodations data is based on US non-hotel accommodation clicks between 7/1/20 – 8/25/20, for travel between 9/1/20 – 9/30/20, comparing the percentage of non-hotel accommodations to last year. Destinations featured are based on Vrbo locations with lower occupancy rates for September 2020.

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Tips for staying in a vacation rental during COVID-19

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 13:13:12 GMT

After months cooped up, travelers are looking for creative ways to get some distance. And vacation rentals have a lot of appeal. According to our data, many travelers are considering rental options for their fall travel plans. Alternative accommodations (think cabins, cottages and RVs) account for 44% of accommodation clicks for stays this September. And we get it: with more privacy, many rentals offer that social distancing sweet spot. Plus, you can reap all the benefits of having your own personal space, with the added bonus that it’s not your house.

If you’re part of that 44% (or aspire to be), you may still have some questions and concerns about short- or long-term stays during COVID. Here are some tips that’ll help.

Research your destination.

Travel restrictions are changing quickly as more and more states and countries reopen to travelers. But quarantine policies and rules of entry can vary by destination, so it’s important to do some research before planning and also closer to your travel dates. Use our Travel Restrictions maps (both international and domestic) to stay up to date on restrictions, see current COVID-19 numbers by destination and set alerts so that you’ll be in the know when restrictions for any selected destinations change.

If you still haven’t chosen a destination, we’ve added a COVID-19 filter to our Explore map, so you can see the number of active cases in each destination while you’re planning. While both of these resources are great starting points, once you’ve selected your destination, it’s always a good idea to check with applicable government authorities, as well.

Stay flexible.

Even with the most careful of planning, travel plans can change – especially now. Airlines have recently all but done away with change fees, so you can rest easy booking now and canceling later if necessary. When it comes to rentals, you’ll likely want to take advantage of properties with free cancellation. Use the filter (under “Freebies”) when you search to find only properties that are waiving cancellation fees and see these options right in your search results.

Consider the property type.

When you think rental, you may immediately think about a secluded house with plenty of privacy (and many do offer just that), but rentals can also include apartments, condos or homes within larger complexes. The latter may include shared facilities or common areas similar to hotels, but with KAYAK, it’s easy to nix these from your search. If you’re looking at rentals for the privacy they may provide (when compared with hotels), tailor your search and filter by property type. KAYAK allows you to easily omit apartments and condos from your search, or take it a step further and find a unique property that you might not have expected by (from villas to houseboats to castles, you never know what you might find).

Know the property’s safety and sanitation policies.

Read the details on your rental carefully to see exactly what the property is doing to ensure proper sanitation. And if you have further questions, reach out and ask for more information. Regardless of protocols in place, DIY cleaning can offer peace of mind. Even with many properties upping their sanitation efforts, it can’t hurt to bring along a few cleaning supplies (or grabbing them in your destination) and doing a quick wipe down of high-touch surfaces. Pay special attention to light switches and remote controls. If you’re flying, you can even pack some cleaning products in 3oz bottles or bring along disinfecting wipes (which have the carry-on OK from TSA).

Ready to start considering your options. Search rentals now to see what’s available.

Search rentals

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Tips for planning a fall foliage road trip

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 19:29:37 GMT

Fall may bring shorter days and cooler temperatures, but it also ushers in colorful leaves, Halloween and pumpkin spice everything. Plus, it’s actually the perfect time for a road trip. With the edge gone from the summer heat, it’s more comfortable to get outside and explore. And is there a more aesthetic backdrop for outdoor adventure than seasonal foliage?

If you’re considering a fall foliage road trip, you won’t want to miss peeping our tips.

Timing is everything.

Timing can change from year to year, but the most colorful leaves typically become most visible at some point between mid-September to early November. When exactly this peak season falls will vary by location and depend on a few things – altitude, temperature, decreasing daylight hours and soil conditions. Pro tip: Higher altitudes usually hit peak season first. And the brightest color changes occur when dry, sunny days are followed by cool, dry nights.

Do some research.

There are a few ways to track foliage. Get a quick overview of probable dates for 2020 peak colors across the country with predictions from the Farmer’s Almanac. You can also keep an eye on The United States Forest Service webcam footage. Tourist boards in each state also typically share local foliage information throughout the season, which can be helpful as your trip gets closer.

Hop in the car.

Since it can be hard to predict exactly where the leaves will be changing during your trip, a road trip makes it easy to go where you’ll get the best views. Your best bet may be to choose a general area and watch the forecasts. That way, you can easily pivot from a scenic drive through the mountains to exploring the hills and valleys of lower altitudes, depending on where the best colors are peaking. While you can take your own vehicle, renting a car for your road trip has its perks, especially on longer drives. Check out our tips to help you decide.

Search rental cars

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No more change fees: how to find these flights on KAYAK.

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 21:17:56 GMT

2020 has been quite a year for travelers. And while we’re all still longing for a return to “normal”, for now, we’re excited about the other ways in which the pandemic has actually made travel planning a bit better. Yeah we said it, better. Think: hotels listening to patrons and updating their check out and cleaning policies, vacation rental providers offering long-term stays and, now, major US airlines eliminating change fees entirely.

These adjustments are all in favor of you, the traveler. Now, you can book a trip without the worry that, should something change, you have to shell out beaucoup $$$ in order to reschedule that flight. And this isn’t just a temporary, “until things are normal” change. This is a permanent fix – making travel better in the long term.

So to help you navigate the changing landscape of travel, and to support you in your search for the right flight – we’ve made it even easier to find those travel options that offer you the most flexibility.

Change fees apply whether booked via airline or other travel sites – so compare your options.

When you search for flights on KAYAK, we’re scouring the internet to find you as many potential options as possible. And because we look at both airline sites and third-party travel websites – you don’t have to worry about “which one will let me change” so much as “which one is offering me the flight I want at the best price for me.”

Use our Flexible options filter to find flights with no change fees.

We launched our Flexible options filter shortly after the travel restrictions started in March. Since then, as airline policies have evolved, we’ve continued making sure we’re tagging or highlighting those options that give you the greatest flexibility.

Set preferred airlines for the ones offering no change fees.

If you want to take an additional step in customizing your KAYAK experience, head to your account preferences to indicate which airlines you prefer (and any to avoid). We’ll make sure these surface in your results under our “Recommended” listing.

Now, perhaps more than ever, you are in control. So be bold: book that flight, make some plans and set your sights on a getaway now. And if things change? Have the peace of mind knowing you can easily reschedule, no strings attached.

The post No more change fees: how to find these flights on KAYAK. appeared first on Travel Hacker Blog.