Whether you’re a frequent traveler, moderate traveler or even just an occasional traveler, I’m sure you’re aware of many of travel related items, services, credit cards and more that are available to you. While there are a lot of things that are probably a waste money, there are a few travel related items that are well worth the price. Here are 4 that I recommend.
TSA Pre-Check
If most of your travel is done domestically, I highly recommend signing up for TSA Pre-Check. TSA Pre-Check allows you to skip the regular security lines at the airport and go through a designated “TSA Pre-Check” security line where the lines are always significant shorter and quicker. In addition to shorter and quicker security lines, TSA Pre-Check members have the luxury of keeping their shoes on, not having to remove laptops and other items from their bag and keeping jackets on while going through security. Essentially it is a way to make airport security less of a hassle. The cost is $85 and worth every penny.
Global Entry
Global Entry allows for expedited entry back into the United States. If you travel out of the country often, this is worth the cost of $100. Anyone who has traveled out of the US and comes back knows that Customs can be a pain due to higher levels of security in the US, so to have this process expedited even a little is a wonderful thing. Since TSA Pre-Check is included with your Global Entry membership, if you are planning to travel out of the country even once in the next 5 years, you might as well spend the additional $15.
Travel Credit Cards
There are several different travel credit cards out there offering varying perks. At a minimum, it’s a good idea to get a travel credit card that offers bonus points for at least airfare and hotel. My personal favorite credit card in the travel category, though, is the Chase Sapphire Reserve. The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers cardholders 3% on all travel categories (airfare, hotel, trains, taxis, Uber, etc.) as well as 1.5 times bonus points when you book travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. In addition, the card includes a complementary Priority Pass for every cardholder. The cost is $450 annually, but you receive a $300 travel credit that is applied directly to your bill as your purchase travel-related items on your credit card.
Priority Pass offers access to various lounges through the world, as well as discounts at some airport restaurants. For example, at JFK airport members receive a $26 credit against their bill at Bobby’s Van’s Steakhouse. Airport food is expensive, so these discounts are really a great benefit.
Good Luggage
A set of good luggage can make all the difference when traveling. The first thing I recommend is a suitcase and carry-on with 4 spinner wheels. These are the one that can roll in the upright position and the wheels automatically adjust to whatever way you are wheeling the bag. This makes walking through the airport a breeze.
The second thing I recommend when it comes to luggage is a hard shell. Some people may not think this makes a difference and honestly, oftentimes it may not. However, I’ve been on a flight before that landed while it was raining and all the luggage got wet during the process of taking it off the plane and bringing it inside. While people’s items most likely were not ruined from the rain, I prefer not to risk getting the items in my suitcase damp, especially clean clothes.
Good luggage does not need to be crazy expensive, but it won’t be the cheapest luggage you can find either.
