The Art of a Last-Minute Getaway

LAST-MINUTE GETAWAY The Art of a State Farm Presented by Got 48 hours? How about 24? With these last-minute travel tips, you'll be able to turn your getaway dreams into a reality fast – without breaking the bank! WHERE TO GO & WHEN • Domestic or international? • Is your passport in order? YES NO Take an Jump in the car or on a train, or a bus. international trip • Need a passport fast? • Passport processing speed is directly related to how much you're willing to pay. For super-fast mailing options, add about You will get expedited processing for an extra $30 $60 New passports cost around $110 4-6 Routine processing weeks 3 Expedited weeks The quickest way is to go through expedited processing at a passport facility. Expedited at a passport processing There are 28 passport agencies around the country that can provide expedited service, but most require proof of travel within two weeks for an appointment. agency days Flying? • Looking to get out of town fast? You could end up paying extra for last-minute tickets. However, if you have flexibility with your destination, you can save cash by looking for "off-season" deals. It's always off-season somewhere! CANADA EUROPE Summer high season means pricier flights. Good thing Canada is a great winter destination! Check out Vancouver's famous Capilano Suspension Bridge Park for an unforgettable winter adventure! Flights are cheapest in winter and peak in price during the summer...so bundle up! MEXICO SOUTH AMERICA AUSTRALIA AND OCEANIA January through April is generally more expensive. Ditch the beach and hit up the sights of the city! Check out Mexico City's revived cultural scene, with world-class dining and the most museums of any city in the world! It's a safe, comfortable and beautiful metropolis where you can soak up colorful sights, food, culture and friendly vibes. Fares are lowest in winter (June through October). Bolivia is an exotic, safe and adventurous trip for those looking to get to know the Andes! From May to October is the best time to travel to avoid the monsoon June through August (when it's winter Down Under) usually serves the lowest fares. rains. Check out the otherworldly Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt lakes, with their rugged moonscape beauty. Staying in the States? • GOT KIDS? Train trips are a great way to travel with kids, and the trip itself is exciting and fun. Check out Amtrak's half-price deals for kids. DRIVING? Instead of renting a car, carpool services can help save you money: you'll avoid rental fees, hefty parking charges and high gas prices. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO To always be aware of the best deals out there, sign up for email updates from the below sites for Follow up with your insurance agency. It's important to be informed about purchase it, you which items are If your ticket price drops after you last-minute offers: • Your local airport • Your favorite airlines • Flight retail companies like SkyScanner, Flight Centre and STA (if you're under 26). Before you bid or buy, use Kayak's historical charts to see which way fares are trending. can use Yapta for airline partial refunds. covered during your trip, whether you bring them along or leave them at home. • Booking your trip• DON'T BUY IN TO TRAVEL MYTHS "There's no magic day to buy a fare. Buying on Tuesday at 3 p.m. is a total lie." SEARCH FOR "SECRET HOTELS" Hotels.com, Travelocity.com, and LastMinute.com offer hotel George Hobica, Airfarewatchdog.com USE AN "INCOGNITO WINDOW" Do this when searching for flights and hotels. Some companies will boost prices just because you've been scouring the Web for airfares! stays for up to 50 percent off through their "Secret Hotels" option. You won't know the name or exact location of your hotel pre-booking, but you'll score a sweet deal Lastminatetrip.com a OTuesday 3 p.m. Trom Departre Jathal Check ovt our SECRET HOTELS Adults Children SEARCH BOOK DIRECTLY THROUGH AIRLINE WEBSITES Some airlines offer cheaper fares to those who book through their own website. They may also have "deal of the week" offers. USE FLIGHT TONIGHT This last-minute flight booking app finds the best prices to a variety of destinations. WHAT TO BRING Be ready to run out the door once you find that perfect ticket! KEEP ALL YOUR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND ESSENTIAL ITEMS Insurance IN ONE PLACE WRINKLE-FREE OUTFITS • Passport • Insurance information • Emergency contact Buy several wrinkle-free outfits. Keep them rolled up, packed and ready to go. Include a pair of comfortable travel shoes numbers • Extra medicine, medical instruction or prescriptions • Extra chargers (and power adapters, if you're going abroad) • If needed: custody agreements or notarized travel permission letters for traveling with kids you can slip on and off easily going through airport security. PASSPORT DON'T FORGET Have a reliable house/pet/plant/good neighbor on call to cover for you when you're away. SUPER-MINIMAL PACKING Check out Travel Fashion Girl's ultralight packing lists at travelfashiongirl.com so you can take off with just a carry-on (or less)! BON VOYAGE! THE HUFFINGTON POST visual.ly SOURCES http://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/finance/money-nerd/traveling/flight-booking-hacks-score-plane-tickets-cheap http://travel.state.gov/ http://www.amtrak.com/family-vacations-by-train http://thetravelhack.com/travel-tips/20-tips-find-cheap-flights/#sthash.02WYBGCW.dpuf http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/travel-hackers-secrets-booking-minute-summer-getaways/story?id%3D24368185 http://s /stylecaster.com/travel-tips-book-flights-packing/#ixzz3JeLhBjfB https://itunes. apple.com/us/app/flight-tonight-travel-booking/id895474816?mt=8 http://www.yogatraveltree.com/article/tips-last-minute-travel/?utm_source=ReviveOldPost This material is for general informational purposes only. State Farm does not endorse, nor is State Farm affiliated with the websites and brands mentioned. u -----.