Greetings, Travel Tip-Seekers!

Here are this week’s tips curated for you from our reliable sources in the travel industry and from general interest newsletters, websites, and publications.

I’m coming to you from Oaxaca, where I’m with a lovely group of travelers, enjoying the mole and the buzz of this vibrant city.

Fortunately, I had no problem with my flights on the way here from Austin—but in this busy travel season a lot of people aren’t so lucky. This is crazy time at airports and I wish you smooth skies and on-time boarding.

So, your flight is canceled. And they can’t get you on another flight for 3 days. By that time you’ll miss the wedding/meeting/cruise/half your vacation/most of your sanity. This happens way too often, especially during the busy, stormy summer season.

Once, one of our travelers was rebooked to get to Paris two days after our trip started, but she did a work around—flying into another city and taking a train. Read more about solutions like this to this maddeningly common problem. (First step? Good trip protection insurance!!)

Something I’ve never thought about: It’s not smart to put your suitcase on your bed. It’s dirty and according to a U.K. study, the wheels on your bag can have nearly 58 times more bacteria than a public toilet seat. Ugh. I like to pack on the bed since it’s the perfect height (no need to stoop, as when you pack on the floor) but I’m told to either clean the bag (and wheels) first, put a towel underneath or use a luggage rack. Dang, packing just got more complicated.

When the New York Times Wirecutter staff were polled on the thing that grosses them out most when they travel, the near unanimous answer was, “When people take their shoes off on the plane.” Keep those dogs covered and in their proper place, please. More advice from these noted advice givers here.

“Every time I get on a plane they invent a new boarding group so far back that is for only me.”

“The airport is a lawless place. 7am? Drink a beer. Tired? Sleep on the floor. Hungry? Chips now cost $17.”

These are just two of the lines people in airport distress have tweeted recently. Bookmark this article and bring it up next time you’re stalled on a steamy tarmac and you hear the pilot come on the PA with a “Well folks…” You are not alone. Boy, are you ever not alone.

When you wake up at 3 a.m. on travel day and ask yourself, “Why did I book such an early flight?", here are the answers—from less turbulence to cleaner planes. It may not feel like it at that early morning hour, but it’s really a smart move.

When you’re taking a round-trip flight, it’s only logical to search for a round-trip ticket. Duh.

But no, not always—especially now with dynamic ticket pricing. You could actually save money or maximize points or miles by booking two one-way tickets. And it’s almost always better to book two one-ways when redeeming points. Award fares are generally priced per segment, travelers can mix and match airlines without incurring extra costs. Outsmarting the airlines—even a little bit—sure feels good.

We get it. Space is limited on the metal tubes we soar in on our way across the globe. But the crackdown on carry-ons is getting absurd. A budget carrier in Australia has dared to charge for access to the overhead bin and the worry is that the new policy could set a precedent that U.S. airlines will follow. The nickle-and-diming of travel continues.

Thanks for reading. Happy trails!

Jeannie Edmunds

Chief Operating Officer

From one of our travelers: “One of the most meaningful NextTribe trips I’ve ever taken was the to Day of the Dead festival in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. I had been having a hard time knowing how to grieve for my daughter and my mother. Seeing and experiencing the way the people in Mexico celebrate the lives of their dearly departed loved ones was profoundly moving to me.”

All the details here.

Have questions or need more information? Join our Trip Preview for answers and a peek into what’s in store for you.

Wed. Aug. 25th 6:30 pm ET

RSVP here

Barcelona and Andalusia move at two different speeds. Barcelona runs on ambition — Gaudí's spires, a medieval quarter thick with stories, a food scene fiercely proud of its Catalan roots. What rarely gets told: women shaped its art, politics, and culture. This trip puts those stories front and center.

Head south and the tempo drops. Seville is sun, orange trees, and courtyards wrapped in tile. Córdoba holds three civilizations in its stone and rewards travelers who slow down. Together, they're a Spain that goes far past the postcard.

All the details here.

Have questions or need more information? Join our Trip Preview for answers and a peek into what’s in store for you.

Wed. Sept. 2nd 2 pm

RSVP here

At each Trip Preview Zoom call, someone will win a $500 discount through a random drawing. Must be present to win.

Wed. Aug. 26th. 6:30 pm ET. San Miguel de Allende, Dia de los Muertos RSVP here

Wed. Sept. 2nd. 2 pm ET. Spain: Barcelona, Seville and Cordoba RSVP here

Click on a square to see our trip listing.

REMEMBER: We offer interest-free monthly payments