5 Travel Hacks to Relieve Stress, Optimize Your Time and Save Cash
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 27: People wait for their flight reschedule inside of the Newark International Airport on June 27, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. Newark Liberty International Airport, reports crowds and long lines.
We Can All Agree
I know I’m not alone when I say that I can’t stand when it’s time to travel any other way than driving. I would rather drive 500 miles than fly or even take a train. The train isn’t that bad, but it’s the lack of control that’s stressful and annoying. The possibility of a rail or flight cancellation is stressful in and of itself.
So, we can all agree that traveling is stressful. The fact is, according to Expedia, Americans suffer the most stress when they need to fly. The research dictates that more than half or 55% of us say it creates more stress than when we file our taxes or have to visit the dentist.
Travel Season is Almost Here
The holiday travel season is inching closer so Expedia’s report may be helpful to ease the stress. Just in time comes their 2024 Air Travel Hacks Report.
Here are some of the things they recommend for a smoother and less nail-biting experience.
Best Day to Fly
Sunday is the best and cheapest day of the week to book flights. They claim that it will save you an average of 13% on international flights. You’ll also save on domestic travel with an average of 6% savings. Never book a flight on a Friday. While Friday is the best day of the work week for many things, it’s the most expensive day to book a flight.
Book Your Flight in Advance
If you book about a month in advance you can save as much as 24%. That’s compared to travelers who booked last minute. They got their ticket for three-quarters of the price of those who waited. It’s always best to book your flight as far out as possible to get the best deal possible.
Lower the Odds of Cancellation
The same goes when you want to have less of a chance of being canceled. It’s recommended that you book far in advance, but the time of day is also relevant. If you want to decrease the chance of cancellation or delay fly before 3 pm. The study shows that there’s a 50% higher probability of cancellation of earlier departures.
Best Day to Fly
If you want to save about 16%, the best day to leave the ground is Thursday. Conversely, do not leave on a Sunday if you can avoid it. Sunday was found to be the travel day that cost more than any other.
Recap:
Book on a Sunday.
Fly on a Thursday.
Fly before 3 p.m.
Don’t book on a Friday.
Don’t fly on a Sunday.
Have a great trip.
10 Most Beautiful Areas in America for Fall Colors
The fall season is a glorious time in America. From coast to coast, many different areas off beautiful fall colors in radiant reds, oranges and yellows. So, what are the most beautiful spots in America for fall colors?
Peak fall foliage season is different based on where you are located. Some areas of the U.S. see fall colors as early as September, while others peak later on, such as in October or even November. Generally speaking, areas with longer winters will have earlies fall colors, and areas with longer summers will have later fall colors. Most of America hits peak fall foliage season in the month of October. Of course, areas bordering Canada will be the first to see those colors.
If you’re wondering the science behind the fall colors, the color that the leaves become depends on a few factors. Those include the chlorophyll and weather conditions during the summer or fall. Chlorophyll is a pigment that aids in giving leaves their color. In general, big changes from the norm in precipitation, whether it’s getting way too much rain or not enough, can really impact the fall foliage season.
Also, I remember last year, the radiant colors in my area fell off the trees early. The reason was that we had a wind storm come through, so the leaves fell prematurely. I was pretty upset about it, because not only do I like to see beautiful fall colors, I also like to paint fall colors. So, my muse was gone.
That said, if you are in the mood to view fall colors this year, here are some great places to do it. Read on for 10 Beautiful spots in America for fall colors. What are your favorite areas to see fall foliage? Reach out to me on social media here and let me know.
Joel Katz is the Morning Show Personality, Assistant Program Director, Podcast Host, Voiceover artist, audio producer, and Digital Content Writer for Magic 98.3. Joel has been working in New Jersey radio since college and started at Magic in 2002 as the Morning Show Host, “I can’t think of another place where I’d fit more perfectly; it’s just a great company with awesome people.” Joel is married to Kathleen, his elementary school sweetheart (they were each other’s first dates at age 9), shares a birthday with his oldest son, Ty, and has twins, Kiera and Liam. Joel runs at least 3.1 miles every day and enjoys playing basketball, doing laundry, saving his turn signal for when he really needs it, kissing dogs through a fence, using coasters, making that cool noise by rubbing his fingers on balloons, and chasing after ping pong balls on a windy cruise ship.
