Travel Tips

Map and notebooks to start travel planning

Now is the time to plan your next summer vacation! Summer is traditionally the peak travel season, with children out of school and work schedules often more flexible. It's the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends while enjoying a change of scenery. 

Naturally, we receive many questions during this busy travel period. To assist with your planning, here are some of the most frequently asked questions to help make your next getaway smooth and stress-free!


Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to buy airline tickets? 

Generally, booking flights 2 months in advance for domestic trips and 3-4 months for international trips can yield the best prices. 

Is the rumor true that flights are less expensive to purchase on Tuesdays? 

No, there are no less expensive days to buy flights. But you can always look into morning flights for a better value. 

How far in advance do I need to start planning my next trip? 

  • Beach getaways: 3-4 months prior

  • Special occasions: 4-6 months prior 

  • Spring break and holidays: 8-10 months prior 

  • Bucket list destinations: 11-12 months prior 

How can I avoid foreign transaction fees? 

Use credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, withdraw cash from ATMs in local currency, and avoid exchanging money at airports.

Is it best to pay in local currency or US$? 

It's always best to pay in local currency when checking out, as your credit cards likely have better conversion rates than the merchants.  

What are the minimum stays during the holidays? 

For the holidays, vacations to cities are your best bet to avoid minimum stays. Larger resorts in Mexico and the Dominican Republic often instill a 5-night minimum. However, most island resorts typically require a 7-night minimum and specific check-in and check-out dates. Villas can have even longer minimums, ranging from 10 to 14 days.

Do I really need travel insurance? 

Travel insurance is highly recommended to cover unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage. We can help you find the best plan! 

What are some must-have travel apps? 

Apps like Flight Aware flight tracker, WhatsApp to connect with the hotel concierge, Google Maps, XE Currency Converter, and LoungeBuddy for airport lounges are all popular. Of course, always having your airline app handy is a great way to stay on top of delays and gate changes. 


Hope this answers some of your questions! Feel free to reach out with any more!

Liz Squillante, Luxury Travel Advisor

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Escape the Chill - Caribbean Getaways