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Top Perks of The Platinum Card from American Express

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The Platinum Card® from American Express can be a valuable tool for any traveler who wants to take their excursions up a notch. This travel rewards card's strength lies not in its rewards structure, but in its perks. The benefits are plentiful and are enough to separate it from the pack. Here are some of the card's top perks.

The card does carry a very large annual fee of $695 . So you’ll want to make sure you can make the most of these credits and benefits in order to offset the annual fee.

Best benefits of The Platinum Card® from American Express

Travel credits.

The Platinum Card® from American Express includes a host of statement fee credits, including several travel-specific credits. These carry the most potential value, but can be a bit hard to unravel. Here are the main ones:

Up to $200 annual airline incidental fee credit. This covers flight costs like checked bags and in-flight meals on your specified airline, but does not cover the airfare itself. This is a great benefit, but can be hard to use in full.

$200 annual hotel credit with AmEx Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection. Another great benefit, but only applicable to certain high-end hotels booked through AmEx Travel. Also, stays at The Hotel Collection properties must be a minimum of two nights to qualify.

$189 annual credit for a Clear membership .

Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit. Cardholders also get a credit to use on the applications fees for either on Global Entry ($100 once every four years) or TSA PreCheck ($85 once every 4.5 years, though PreCheck now only costs $78 to apply and $70 to renew online ).

Terms apply.

If you'd max out these credits, the card nearly pays for itself. But note the restrictions on each credit, and determine for yourself whether you can take full advantage.

Non-travel credits

The Platinum Card® from American Express is positioning itself as more than just a travel lifestyle brand, and has expanded into several credits that benefit even homebodies:

Up to $20 monthly credit with certain digital entertainment services, including Peacock and Hulu.

$50 biannual Saks Fifth Avenue credit.

$15 monthly Uber credit . Yes, this is travel if used for Uber rides, but you can also use it for takeout through Uber Eats. Includes a $20 bonus credit in December ($200 total for the year).

Up to $300 per calendar year for the Equinox+ digital fitness app or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your card. Enrollment required.

A helping hand

Make things a bit easier on yourself by taking advantage of your very own helping hand. Cardholders get access to the AmEx Platinum Concierge . It's a phone service that can help you book an event or reserve a table at a restaurant. Call 800-525-3355, make your request and let AmEx staff handle the rest. Terms apply.

A bump up to elite status

The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with complimentary Gold elite status with the Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalty programs. Terms apply. That means whenever you stay at a Hilton or Marriott hotel, you'll enjoy perks like room upgrades when available, early check-in and late checkout, bonus points and more. If you stay in these hotels often, this is a perk that stands out.

Wide-ranging lounge access

This card opens the doors to more than 1,300 airport lounges across the globe. You get access to AmEx's Centurion Lounges , Delta Sky Clubs , Airspace Lounges and Priority Pass lounges . Enrollment required. Terms apply. Just be mindful that access rules vary. For example, while you and two guests can use a Centurion Lounge anytime, you can use a Delta Sky Club only three hours before your flight when you're flying Delta and extra guests come at a price. Not to mention, visits to the Delta Sky Club will be limited starting in 2025. Still, this perk is vital. Lounges and their amenities — from food to spa treatments — can make even the most frustrating day of travel feel less stressful.

If you're considering The Platinum Card® from American Express

The competition for premium travel cards is fierce, and The Platinum Card® from American Express makes its case by offering more benefits than others. It also expands these perks beyond travel, with credits for streaming services and even shopping.

Is it worth the $695 annual fee? Easily, if you diligently make use of all of these benefits. And that depends on your own preferences and commitment to tracking each benefit.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

On a similar note...

Life is an adventure; start living it now!

Hotels you can find on our exclusive Booking Platform

Create exciting memories while saving money!

Truvvi Lifestyle is a members-only subscription that offers exclusive travel benefits that used to be available only to privileged travelers. Now, top range services like 24/7 VIP concierge, expedited Fast-Pass Passport and visa processing services, as well as unlimited access to VIP Airport Lounges and Hospitality Venues across the globe can be yours thanks to our Platinum Membership.

Enjoy access to exclusive benefits via our Lifestyle Membership

Best price promise, hotel credits, truvvi coins, vip concierge service, personal travel agent.

Members Only Discounted Travel Rates

VIP Airport Lounge

Fast Pass Passport and Visa

Exclusive booking service 24/7, truvvi tours.

The best Cruise and Hotel Prices in the travel industry!

We invite you to compare. We bet you won’t find a better deal anywhere else on the web. If our members find a lower price on another website for the same hotel, cruise, for the same itinerary and under the same conditions, our Booking Platform Provider will refund 110% of the booking difference.

With Truvvi Lifestyle, for every dollar you spend on your membership subscription, you earn the equivalent of 1 Hotel Credit that you can use to reduce the booking price of your hotel.

Truvvi Lifestyle is all about giving you the best travel experience at the best available price! When you combine our exclusive Booking Platform with our Best Price Promise and our Hotel Credits, you will have the experience of a lifetime! 

T&Cs apply. Hotel Credits can be used to reduce the price on eligible hotel bookings. Click here to view full terms of service.

When you book a cruise through the Truvvi Lifestyle travel platform, you will receive 10% back on the total cost of your booking (minus port taxes and fees) in the form of Truvvi Coins.

These Truvvi Coins will build up in your personal “Truvvi Wallet” which will be visible on your member dashboard. The Truvvi Coins can be used to book a hotel room, vacation rental, rent a car or a new Cruise!

Your team of professional and courteous personal assistants will answer any questions about any topic or perform any task 24 / 7 - all just a phone call, email, text or click away.

Whether you're looking for dinner reservations, front-row concert tickets, two dozen roses, or a truly out-of-the-ordinary request, we do whatever it takes to satisfy our members. We deliver locally relevant results, informed recommendations and personal service in a way that makes you the star. This service is accessible via chat, email, phone or a dedicated App.

Work with a trained professional to book and manage your entire itinerary.

Your Personal Travel Agent will help you find and book the perfect travel plan for your next adventure, tailored just for YOU!  We are 100% dedicated to providing Truvvi Lifestyle Members with outstanding personalized service and ultimately changing your travel and vacation experiences forever! 

Members-Only unpublished Rates

Your next travel adventure starts from the moment you book it!

Through our exclusive Booking Platform, you can book hotel, car rentals, cruises and activities available exclusively to our Truvvi Lifestyle Members at non-public prices. Travelling is all about fun and pleasure. Why wait until you board your flight? Sign up today, check our exclusive rates and book your next adventure! 

VIP Airport Lounge & Hospitality Venue Access

Truvvi Lifestyle Members have the opportunity to escape into a place that's perfect for both business and vacations. Airport lounges are quiet, connected spaces to relax or work in, with pre-flight bites, drinks, and other added perks that allow Truvvi Lifestyle Members the opportunity to refresh and revive.

With a fantastic variety of airport lounges around the world, we help our members make the most of their membership. With over 1400 airport lounges and premium experiences in over 600 cities and 148 countries, plus more lounges being added every month, we look forward to helping Truvvi Lifestyle Members get even more out of their membership.

For airport lounge availability, click here to view full terms of service.

The hero you need!

An invaluable service Truvvi Lifestyle Members will be happy to take part in. Providing better turnaround time on passports and visas and a central place to take care of fees and information offers real peace of mind. You can now enjoy special Members-only pricing like never before on international travel documentation services while cutting short the processing time. As a Truvvi Lifestyle Member, you can learn if a Visa is needed and get great discounts and expedited service to ensure you have zero hassle when getting the documentation you need.

T&Cs apply. click here to view full terms of service.

Book your next adventure at any time! As a Truvvi Lifestyle Member, you have access to an incredible variety of accommodation at our exclusive members-only prices.

If you need assistance booking your next trip, our dedicated Travel Support Team of experts is here to assist you 24/7!

You have the ability to compare and book any of the 15,000+ tours in one swift search, with the knowledge that you are getting the best value as well as the added benefit of extra assistance should you need it.

Truvvi Tours offers an extensive list of Styles you can pick from to help you choose the best tour for you and your family, for example: Active, Adventure, Budget, Camping, One Centre Based, Eco, Expeditions, Family, Luxury, etc ...

How does Truvvi Lifestyle work?

Become a member

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Truvvi Lifestyle is your gateway to exclusive travel experiences with a wide range of benefits available to our members everywhere and anytime!

Choose your plan

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$ 377.99 /1 year

Platinum Yearly

$ 755.99 /1 year

Gold Monthly

$ 34.99 /1 month

Platinum Monthly

$ 69.99 /1 month

Are you ready for your next adventure?

Our Truvvi app gives you the freedom to book your next adventure anytime, anywhere.

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Your Lifestyle, Your Way

Great offers | big brands, dream. explore. make memories.

Dream bigger, explore further and make more memories with Lifestyle by Wyndham - an exclusive offers and benefits program. Lifestyle has been designed to assist you LIVE by saving you money on everyday expenses, STAY with accommodation benefits and offers, and PLAY with options to enhance your holiday experiences. Lifestyle will take your holidays and day-to-day living to the next level.

Club Wyndham South Pacific owners also have the opportunity to advance through the Lifestyle tiers – Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and 100 Club - and discover more carefully curated benefits.

YOUR LIFESTYLE BENEFITS

As well as access to Lifestyle’s range of special offers, with Lifestyle Qualified Vacation Credits, Club Wyndham South Pacific owners can take your ownership further with benefits available through Lifestyle’s five tiers – Bronze, Gold, Silver, Platinum and 100 Club.

Lifestyle Bronze and above can exchange your Lifestyle Qualified Credits to visit hotels and resorts around the world, book cruises or hire a motorhome. Enjoy VIP treatment with every interaction with reservation reminders and priority service, and enjoy complimentary offerings that will make your resort stays even more special.

SPECIAL OFFERS FOR MEMBERS

All Club Wyndham South Pacific owners, Discovery by Wyndham members and employees of Wyndham Destinations Asia Pacific and its subsidiaries can access and enjoy Lifestyle’s wide range of special offers. Browse exclusive deals from more than 4,500 leading partners to start saving money and enjoying more experiences today.

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Please note that we have made security improvements to our payment platform. This platform now operates with 3D Secure - an extra layer of protection to the payment process which requires authentication of the cardholder using the phone number registered with the card issuer/bank for additional fraud protection. If you suspect any unusual activity on your Lifestyle account please contact the Lifestyle team on Australia 1800 603 686 / New Zealand 0800 442 484.

Lifestyle benefits

Full terms and conditions of each benefit are set out in this Program Guide - see the Rule number indicated above for full details.

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Whether it’s helping to plan a once-in-a-lifetime trip or booking a business-as-usual flight, you’ll curate meaningful itineraries and craft personalized experiences for customers from start to finish – and you can grow your skills and build your expertise through ongoing coaching and industry-leading training. With roles like Travel Counselor, Membership Executive, and more, you’ll be empowered to set a world-class standard of service.

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Meet our Travel & Lifestyle Customer Service Colleagues, delivering exceptional experiences every day

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7 Travel Experts Share Their Favorite All-inclusive Resorts Around the World

For an all-inclusive vacation, these resorts do it best — from a safari lodge in Tanzania to a romantic getaway in the Caribbean.

Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey.

Courtesy of Jabali Ridge

Who wants to worry about constantly pulling out their credit card while on vacation? At these expert-recommended resorts, an all-inclusive stay means knowing your meals, accommodations, and (some) activities are all covered in a flat fee. For a trip that's low-stress, cost-effective, and oftentimes great for families and groups (although we have one stellar couples retreat), our A-List travel advisors recommend some of their favorite luxurious all-inclusive resorts. 

Hermitage Bay Antigua

" Hermitage Bay Antigua is a perfect resort for those with a busy lifestyle who need to escape once a year for true serenity. It's nestled on a hillside with suites overlooking the ocean, and guests can relax in private plunge pools." — Jessica Griscavage, Runway Travel Company

Courtesy of Hermitage Bay

Jabali Ridge, Tanzania

"In Tanzania's Ruaha National Park, Jabali Ridge ’s eight suites are hidden among the rocky boulders that cocoon the property. An infinity pool, a spa, and plenty of places to relax ensure that time in camp is as memorable as time out in the bush, and the reason why many of our guests return time and again. Expert guides lead walking safaris , game drives, and night drives. Although it’s one of the largest national parks in the country and rich in wildlife, Ruaha is one of the least busy places to visit in Tanzania, so safaris here feel remote and exclusive."  — Susan Neva, Alluring Africa

29|2 Aurland, Norway

"The 29|2 Aurland eco lodge is a gem in the heart of Norway's fjord landscape — perfect for an active stay in a UNESCO Heritage protected site." —  Torunn Tronsvang, Up Norway

Courtesy of 292 Aurland eco lodge

Curtain Bluff, Antigua

"I just returned from Curtain Bluff in Antigua — it's fantastic for families, especially given the all-inclusive value, and they work with a great foundation called Old Road Fund, which aids Antiguan and Barbudan communities, improving access to education and healthcare." — Kimberly Wilson Wetty, Valerie Wilson Travel

Courtesy of Curtain Bluff

Pimalai Resort and Spa, Thailand

"I love Pimalai Resort and Spa in Thailand's Ko Lanta island district. It has a strong sense of place, including the design of the buildings, with steep Thai roofs and local materials. While it's a bit back from the beachfront, this lets you drink in the views out over the Andaman Sea. And it has so much to offer guests in terms of activities and spa options. It's a wonderful break as you travel around Thailand or the rest of Southeast Asia." —  Grant Ekelund, Inside Asia

Courtesy of Pimalai

Jade Mountain, Saint Lucia

" Jade Mountain , while not typically all-inclusive, offers a 'total romance package' that includes everything but a swimsuit. This resort fills every honeymoon wish list, with views of St. Lucia's Piton mountains. Whether a couple wants to lounge at the spa all day or partake in activities like a sunset sail, hiking, or a chocolate-making class, they can find it all here." —  Kara Bebell and Harlan deBell, The Travel Siblings

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, British Columbia

"I recommend Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge , close to Tofino, British Columbia . The epic setting of the lush temperate rain forest with the views of the dramatic Pacific Ocean and local waterways is unforgettable. The region is filled with black bears, whales, and other wildlife species. Adventures and excursions in the area are exhilarating, and the food program... is second to none." —  Marc Télio, Entrée Destinations

Courtesy of Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge

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https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/travel/best-worst-airports-2023-rankings-96d6b945

The Best and Worst U.S. Airports of 2023

The journal’s ranking of the 50 largest u.s. airports finds fliers in the west have lots to brag about, while new yorkers settle for ‘works in progress’.

PHOENIX—Searing heat. Erratic sports teams. An unending influx of Californians.

Residents of this desert city have plenty of gripes. One thing you’ll hear few complaints about: the airport. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a breeze to get to. It offers a solid lineup of airlines and flights. And travelers rarely fret about flight delays and cancellations given the never-have-to-look-at-the-forecast weather.

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Copyright © 2023 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Best Black Friday and Cyber Monday travel deals 2023: Save at iconic Arizona destinations

The gift of an Arizona vacation is among the many things you can find deals on for Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2023 along with the TV and video game discounts.

The offers we've rounded up include savings for travelers planning a visit to Sedona, Grand Canyon and metro Phoenix in 2024, whether it’s a gift for a friend, family or to themselves.

Just as The Arizona Republic found in its assessment of 2022’s best Black Friday hotel deals , most of the best deals are for Grand Canyon stays. Be sure to read the fine print of any deal before you buy. Some offers require pament in advance; others are nonrefundable.

Here are some of the best 2023 Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals in favorite Arizona destinations.

Love is in the air: This Arizona city was named one of America's most romantic small towns

L'Auberge de Sedona

The deal: The luxury resort on Oak Creek in Sedona was named the No. 1 hotel in the Southwest and West in Conde Nast Traveler's 2023 Readers' Choice Awards. L'Auberge de Sedona's Black Friday deal offers 30% off best available rates, plus a $50 daily resort credit.

Fine print: Book Nov. 20-29 for stays from Nov. 20, 2023, to Nov. 29, 2024.

Details: www.lauberge.com. The link will go live on Nov. 20.

Great Wolf Lodge

The deals: The chain of family-friendly resorts is offering a deal on Black Friday (Nov. 24) with rooms starting at $24 per person at its 18 locations nationwide, including Great Wolf Lodge Arizona on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Reservation near Scottsdale. A minimum of four guests per room are required, so this offer starts at $96 per night.

Great Wolf Lodge will also offer a sale on Cyber Monday (Nov. 27) of up to 50% off best available rates, with rooms starting at $99.99 per night.

Fine print: Each sale is good for stays through Feb. 29, 2024.

How to book: Book the Black Friday deal with the promo code FRIDAY. Book the Cyber Monday deal with the promo code CYBER. 

Details: www.greatwolf.com .

Squire Resort at the Grand Canyon

The deal: Squire Resort is along a strip of hotels, restaurants and gas stations in Tusayan, a small city a mile from the south entrance of Grand Canyon National Park. It’s where Joe Biden stayed when he visited the Grand Canyon last summer. For Black Friday, Squire Resort is offering 30% off best available rates for stays through August 2024.

Fine print: Book Nov. 24-27 for stays on select dates from Nov. 25 to Aug. 29, 2024. Promotion valid only when booking the Black Friday Special. Blackout dates and cancellation policies apply. Room type and rates are subject to availability. Not valid on bookings of more than five rooms.

Details: grandcanyonsquire.com .

Grand Canyon Railway and Lodge

The deal: Grand Canyon Railway and Lodge in Williams, known for its train rides to the South Rim and its Polar Express rides during the holidays , is offering a package called Thankful for Travel where guests can save 30% on round-trip train tickets when they book a package that includes two nights at the hotel.

Fine print: Book Nov. 21-Dec. 1 for select dates from Jan. 1 to March 7, 2024.

Details: thetrain.com .

The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon

The deal: This hotel, a AAA Three Diamond hotel in Tusayan near the Grand Canyon bills itself as “a sprawling three-story chalet” blending a rustic and modern feel. Guests can save 30% on best available rates during the Black Friday sale.

Fine print: Book Nov. 21-Dec. 1 for select dates from Dec. 2 to March 7, 2024.

Details: grandcanyongrandhotel.com .

Grand Canyon South Rim Lodges

The deal: Travelers can save on offseason visits to Grand Canyon National Park. Xanterra Travel Collection, which operates several lodges on the South Rim, is offering 30% off best available rates for stays at Maswik Lodge, Kachina Lodge and Bright Angel Lodge, plus 20% off stays at El Tovar Hotel. Like last year's Black Friday deal, Thunderbird Lodge is not included in the deal.

Details: xanterra.com .

Grand Canyon Skywalk: Everything to know before you visit

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5 big travel lessons and one ‘mistake’ from 50 years of Lonely Planet

Co-founder tony wheeler shares his best advice from decades of publishing guidebooks.

Tony Wheeler has spent half a century traversing the globe but still carries a guidebook. Naturally, it’s his own.

“Just a couple days ago in Brazil, I went to Iguazu Falls,” Wheeler, 76, said during a recent video call from a hotel guest room in New York City . “I went across to Argentina and had the Lonely Planet guidebook. It said to take the walk close to the river level because everybody heads to the top one. You know, the guidebook got it right.”

Wheeler and his wife, Maureen, founded Lonely Planet guidebooks 50 years ago. In 1972, the newly married couple bought a ratty old car in London and drove east, across Europe, and then farther east, to Turkey, Iran and Afghanistan, where they sold their vehicle. In Australia, their final stop, one adventure ended and another began.

Their first publication, “Across Asia on the Cheap,” spawned more than 150 million guidebooks covering 221 countries. It also heralded a new generation of travelers who were young, adventurous and scrappy. Like true rebels, they ventured where few parents had gone before.

“These were books for people in their 20s with no money,” he said. “If their parents had gone to Europe, they were going to Asia. If they were in Europe, they were going down to Spain and across to Morocco. Instead of escaping the States to Mexico, they’d go down to South America. Their horizons were getting larger, wider.”

In 2011, the Wheelers, who split their time between London and Melbourne, Australia, sold their publishing company. Red Ventures, which also owns the Points Guy , took over in 2020. Although they are no longer actively involved in the series and have upgraded their travel style, they still embody the spirit of the “ backpacker’s bible.”

The day after Tony returned from South America, he shared some of the lessons he has learned from his 50 spins around the Lonely Planet.

5 essentials for cool-weather camping this fall

Always carry on

Mishaps happen to even the most seasoned traveler, and you just have to roll with it.

During his recent trip in Brazil, the airline repeatedly canceled his flight to New York. He spent four hours standing in line at the airport counter trying to sort it out. “You can fly across the Atlantic in the Concorde in that amount of time and have a meal, as well,” he said dryly.

Also this year, an incident in France forced the railway to shut down its entire line. Then a torrential rainstorm hit. “I was standing around on a platform with rain pouring down for four hours,” he said.

Wheeler gamely acknowledged that a traveler’s best material often comes from plans that go awry.

“People like to hear the bad stuff,” he said. “No one wants to hear that my flight left on time, my seat was the one I wanted, I liked the meal and my baggage turned up.”

Want to avoid those pesky carry-on fees? Be your own suitcase.

Speaking of lost luggage, he avoids it by limiting himself to carry-on . He said an opera singer friend would have significantly reduced her stress levels had she followed suit. On her flight from Munich to his London home, the airline lost her bags. Several days later, a delivery man drove up in a vehicle packed with hundreds of pieces of luggage waiting to be reunited with their owners.

Travel for the people, not the politics

Of all the travel guides, Wheeler said Burma caused them the most angst. At the time, people were urged to boycott the country to avoid indirectly aiding the brutal military regime. After several research trips, the couple decided to publish the book in 1979 but encouraged travelers to support local businesses and not government-owned ones.

“The locals really wanted the tourists, and it wasn’t just for the money,” Wheeler said. “It was for the communication with the outside world.”

State Department issues ‘worldwide caution’ alert to Americans overseas

Wheeler is similarly conflicted by Iran. “The government’s awful, but the people are wonderful,” he said. To illustrate this point, he described the heartwarming interactions he repeatedly experienced in restaurants. Diners would notice that he was eating alone and spoke English and would invite him to join them at their table.

“How often does that happen in a restaurant in England or America?” he said. “In Iran, that does happen, and I think it’s kind of amazing.”

The eighth edition of “Lonely Planet Iran” is scheduled for release in December 2024, an update to the 2017 version.

Trust your research and instincts

On the subject of crime, Wheeler has been fortunate: He has been a victim only once, when he was mugged in Bogotá, Colombia. He said travelers should thoroughly research a destination but also trust their instincts.

“Things are not always as unsafe as you fear they are,” he said. “Once you get to a place and are out in the streets, you will feel if it is okay or not.”

On a family trip in Guatemala City, the Wheelers set out at night in search of food. The streets were empty and unnerving. But the next morning, they discovered an entirely different city: vibrant, lively, safe.

Wheeler has ventured to more than 170 countries, including many that have faced conflict, such as Syria, Libya and Yemen. He does not take safety lightly. He is intrigued by Nigeria — “It’s the center for movies in Africa and has a lot of entrepreneurial activity ” — but is cautious about visiting Africa’s most populous nation because of safety concerns. Many foreign offices, including the U.S. State Department, advise travelers against visiting Nigeria.

“You start with the idea that it’s not going to be totally safe,” he said, “but I’d like to see it one day.”

Explore ‘two streets over’ from main drag

For countless travelers, Lonely Planet opened the door to unknown or undiscovered places, but some critics say the books worked too well and have led to overcrowding. Wheeler’s solution to overtourism is actually a Lonely Planet tenet. He recommends always going “two streets over” from the main drag for sightseeing as well as shopping, dining and lodging.

Far off the tourist track, Molise offers the best parts of Italy

“Everyone is in St. Mark’s Square,” he said of Venice. “There are other parts of the city you can go to and find churches that are not crowded with tourists.”

Another option: Skip the popular destination for a lesser-visited city, such as Ravenna, which he described as the opposite of Venice. “It almost felt like it was undertouristed,” he said.

Choose a train over a plane

This year, Wheeler has traveled by train in a dozen countries. He said his best train experience was on Amtrak ’s Coast Starlight from Seattle through the San Francisco Bay Area.

“It was a nice train, and there was quite a lot of conversation at the tables in the bar,” he said. “It was what train travel is supposed to be.”

Amtrak WiFi can be infuriating. Here’s how to make it work for you.

When possible, he chooses more eco-friendly modes of travel. For a return trip from Lugano, Switzerland, he took the slower but greener route home: train from Zurich to Paris, then Eurostar to London. In Uruguay and Paraguay, he relied on trains and buses, which have vastly improved since his last overland adventures.

“My bus travel years in South America was a long time ago,” he said. “It felt dangerous all the time, the buses were uncomfortable, and the bus stations were not good places to be.”

This time around, the bus station in Montevideo, Uruguay, was modern and had a great breakfast spot. The buses were comfortable and safe. The seats came with belts that people actually wore. There was an onboard toilet.

“It was definitely a real change from 40 years ago,” he said.

‘A 50-year mistake’

The company’s name did not stem from a romantic notion about connecting travelers or making the world a less forlorn place, but instead from a 1971 documentary film called “Mad Dogs & Englishmen.”

Over too much red wine at a Chilean restaurant in Sydney, the Wheelers discussed the film’s song “Space Captain” and the opening lines sung by Joe Cocker: “Once I was traveling across the sky/ This lovely planet caught my eye.”

Smitten with the lyrics, Tony suggested calling the series “Lonely Planet.” Maureen agreed, but pointed out the misheard word. “It’s been a 50-year mistake,” he said.

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2023 holiday travel season will be 'busiest ever,' TSA anticipates

Tsa has already recorded its busiest travel day ever this year, on june 30.

Lyft CEO reveals plan to make holiday travel less stressful

Lyft CEO David Risher says the company will credit the requester if a driver is late for airport pickup on 'The Claman Countdown.'

The Transportation Security Administration announced Monday that it is expecting the upcoming holiday travel season to be "the busiest ever." 

The declaration comes after the TSA recorded seven of its ten highest volume travel days in its history so far in 2023, with the 2,884,783 passengers on June 30 being the most on record. 

"We expect this holiday season to be our busiest ever," TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in a statement. "We are ready for the anticipated volumes and are working closely with our airline and airport partners to make sure we are prepared for this busy holiday travel season." 

The TSA says the holiday season begins with a Thanksgiving travel period between this upcoming Friday, Nov. 17 and ending on Tuesday, Nov. 28. 

US AIRLINES BOOST WINTER SCHEDULES TO MEET SURGE IN DEMAND  

A TSA dog is seen with his handler at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on June 30, 2023, in Atlanta. That day was the busiest in TSA history. (Elijah Nouvelage/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)

"During the 12-day period, TSA expects to screen 30 million passengers. Historically, the three busiest travel days are the Tuesday and Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving and the Sunday afterward," it added. "TSA is projecting to screen 2.6 million passengers on Tuesday, Nov. 21; 2.7 million passengers on Wednesday, Nov. 22 and 2.9 million passengers on Sunday, Nov. 26, which will likely be the busiest travel day." 

Pekoske said the agency will do its best to "maintain wait time standards of under 10 minutes for TSA PreCheck lanes and under 30 minutes for standard screening lanes." 

FAA CREATES COMMITTEE TO ADDRESS PILOT MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES  

Travelers are seen lining up at a Transportation Security Administration security checkpoint at Denver International Airport in Colorado on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023. (Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Prior to this year’s record on June 30, the last time the TSA processed more than 2.88 million passengers in a single day was in December 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic . 

The most recent highest volume day was on Oct. 15 when 2,797,326 passengers were processed – amounting to the fifth highest all-time, according to TSA data. 

AAA also said Monday that it is projecting 55.4 million people will travel 50 miles or more over a Thanksgiving travel period between Wednesday, Nov. 22 and Sunday, Nov. 26.

"The travel volume this year reflects an increase of 2.3 percent over last and marks the third-highest Thanksgiving travel since AAA began tracking in 2000," it said.

To help travelers get through security and to where they need to be, the TSA recommends to "pack smart" and start with empty bags to decrease the likelihood of bringing a prohibited item through the checkpoint. 

Brake lights shine red as northbound 405 traffic backs up on Nov. 23, 2022 in the Encino area of Los Angeles, California. The AAA is expecting its third busiest Thanksgiving travel period on record this year. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images / Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS   

It also said to have your identification ready as you enter the screening lane and arrive two hours prior to your plane’s departure for adequate time to be processed by agents. 

FOX Business’ Jake Gibson, Marc Smith and Stephen Sorace contributed to this report. 

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