It has been a challenging winter for Alaskans. Long stretches of below-zero temperatures and lots of snow. With spring break right around the corner, now is the time to take or plan that dream trip.
Our travel experts share what you need to know about traveling out of state and out of the country and what trips you should consider right here in Alaska.
1: Know your airline customer support options
Delays are inevitable, especially now that TSA workers are going without pay again due to the partial government shutdown. USA Today reported passengers waiting for hours to get through security at certain airports as spring break began this week.
So it’s a good idea to get to the airport a little earlier than you usually would. And our experts recommend knowing the multiple ways to reach your airline's customer service representatives.
“One of my hot tips is to make sure you know the textable number for the airline that you're traveling with, because those customer service representatives can text you back really quickly rather than stand in line or wait on hold,” Mandy Garcia, owner of Salmonberry Travel and Tours based out of Anchorage, said.
Garcia, who usually flies Alaska Airlines, for example, will go to the website to find a chat option that connects her to a representative instantly. There is also a number to call, but Garcia finds the chat feature to be more efficient.
Another pro tip? Get the app for your airline.
“I do everything in the app. It's so much easier. You're going right to the airline. I can't stress that enough. If you have a travel delay, emergency, whatever, that airline can help you,” Garcia said.
2: Time to get travel insurance
Travel safety has been a concern, especially in Mexico where recent cartel-related violence has broken out in parts of the country, prompting travelers to stay in their hotels.
“If I was planning a trip to Mexico, I'd certainly want to tune in and find out what's going on,” Scott McMurren, owner of Alaska Travelgram said.
McMurren said purchasing an annual travel insurance policy could make sense, especially if you’re planning multiple trips this year.
And keeping up with international travel advisories is key to understanding whether your next trip is safe.
McMurren recommends state.gov as an official resource for travel advisories, in addition to the British Home Office and the CDC.
3: Book directly - if you can
When it comes to booking your trip, discount booking options like Expedia can look enticing, but you may be giving up reliable customer service.
“And when you do hit one of those bumps in the road and your travel plans change, it's so much simpler to fix it if you've booked directly,” said Jack Bonney, vice president of communications for Visit Anchorage. “So it's not to say you haven't saved money the other way, but it can take a long time to untangle those things, whether it be hotels or flights.”
For local tourist excursions, Garcia recommends booking local.
“Booking direct, not just airlines, but finding a local company to show you a community is so much more valuable and worth maybe a few extra dollars and peace of mind to support a community and support local.”
For Bonney, you might even find that booking directly can save you a little money too.
“If you're on an Airbnb or a VRBO, and you find a place that you like, there's oftentimes a separate management company or a direct booking option for that same property. And in some cases, you can save a little bit of money that way, because you're not going through that extra layer of people who are trying to make a buck,” Bonney said.
4: Think lodging first
When it comes to actually planning the trip versus booking, the timelines are vast, Garcia said. Travelers often start planning trips far in advance but sometimes wait until only a few weeks before to book accommodations and excursions.
Garcia suggests booking well in advance to secure lodging and the adventures you have your heart set on. Otherwise, you might not secure a spot.
“If you're traveling with a multigenerational family, and you've got greater than six people, I'd plan now. Plan early, plan often,” Garcia said.
5: Don’t miss out on adventures in your own backyard
It can be easy to get caught up in the daily grind, Bonney said, and forget that the place you call home is the “trip of a lifetime” for someone who doesn’t live here.
“I always just start with the question of, like, ‘What haven't I done yet that I've just been pushing off and pushing off? And how do I make one of those things happen in the year ahead?’,” Bonney said.
And when you consider a staycation, stay the extra day to make it a long weekend, Garcia said. For families taking a day trip, you could miss out on sights you may have seen if you took the time.
Host: Lori Townsend
Guests:
- Scott McMurren, Owner of Alaska Travelgram
- Mandy Garcia, Owner of Salmon Berry Travel and Tours
- Jack Bonney, VP of Communications for Visit Anchorage
