Author ∣ Advocate ∣ Journalist
The Navigator is a weekly column that focuses on being a smarter and more informed traveler.
It appears every Sunday in the Washington Post and on this site. If you want to navigate your next trip, start with this story on the most common travel problems.
If you need help with your travel problem, please contact my advocacy team directly. Here’s how to reach us.
Here are the latest Navigator columns:
If you’re hoping to travel internationally later this year, take a look at your passport. If it’s close to expiring, you may already have a problem.
That is because countries and airlines have strict passport expiration rules. To be safe, your passport needs to be valid for at least six months after the start of your trip. It is something too many people don’t realize until it’s too late.
Read more “This passport expiration rule could really cost you”
If you’re traveling while unvaccinated this summer, mind the vaccine gap.
As the summer vacation season comes into focus and doses become widely available, people are grappling with their vaccine status could affect their next trip.
Read more “Traveling while unvaccinated: Here’s what could happen”
If you’re planning to travel abroad after the pandemic, you should expect a few surprises. Some customs have changed, and you’ll need to mind your manners more than ever.
“The hugs and warm handshakes are something of the past,” predicts John Niser, director of the International School of Hospitality, Sports and Tourism Management at Fairleigh Dickinson University. “You can expect to continue to wear masks, and social distancing will become more of a norm.”
Read more “Travel abroad after the pandemic: here’s what to expect”
One year ago, travel ended.
As COVID-19 consumed the planet, airlines mothballed their planes. Cruise lines docked their ships. Hotels closed their doors, some permanently. And under strict stay-at-home orders, millions of travelers canceled their vacations.
But on the pandemic anniversary, people are wondering: What did the virus do to travel? What will it still do?
Read more “Pandemic anniversary: Travel ended a year ago, but it’s back — sort of”
Traveler loyalty is dead. The pandemic killed it.
The mindless collection of points and miles is out; safety and customer service are in. And the change could be permanent.
At least that’s what Ian Cross will tell you. When he wanted to fly from Boston to Missoula, Mont., in December, he automatically checked fares on American Airlines first. As an elite-level frequent flier with American, he would have earned reward miles that he could have applied toward free flights later this year.
Read more “Travel loyalty is dead. The pandemic killed it.”
